A geochemical assessment of the middle and lower Mvoti river system,KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

This paper presents one of the first investigations into the geochemical enrichment of the middle and lower Mvoti river system. Chemical elements are naturally present in aquatic sediments, but their concentrations tend to rise to potentially toxic levels via both natural and anthropogenic processes. This study evaluated the concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, boron, barium, cadmium, calcium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorous, selenium, silicon, strontium, titanium, vanadium and zinc, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The levels of elements present were used to assess their spatial distribution within the river and to determine the contamination factors and enrichment factors for each element. The pollution load index (PLi) is another contributing parameter that was calculated to determine the degree of pollution at each site. The results indicate that the sediments of the Mvoti are low to moderately polluted and deteriorating with time (average PLi value of 5.19), and that a major contributing factor to this contamination is natural sources.     

甘肃嘉峪关市表层土壤重金属空间分布与评价

为研究嘉峪关市重金属分布对环境的影响,分析了嘉峪关市表层土壤重金属分布和含量变化,并评价其富集程度,判断其来源和影响因素。采用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪（ICP-MS）测量嘉峪关市134个表层土壤样品中六种重金属元素（Cr、Cd、Cu、Pb、Ni、Zn）的含量,其平均含量分别为281.6 mg/kg、0.35 mg/kg、60.68 mg/kg、51.39 mg/kg、108.65 mg/kg、161.0 mg/kg。在土壤重金属含量空间分布的基础上,用内梅罗指数法和地累积指数法对研究区土壤重金属富集程度进行了评价,六种元素地累积指数排序依次为: Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni,各功能区重金属元素整体富集程度依次为工业区 > 戈壁 > 生活区 > 农业区。戈壁采样点重金属元素含量（除Ni外）高于农业区,除工业因素外,地表植被的缺失加剧了戈壁地区重金属元素的富集。结合主成分分析,重金属元素空间展布,及内梅罗指数评价和地累积指数评价,分析了各元素可能的来源,认为Cr、Zn主要来自以钢铁生产加工为主的工业源,Cd、Cu、Pb来自于交通源,Ni可能与钢铁生产或当地背景值有关。通过分析嘉峪关市土壤重金属分布情况,以期为改善当地土壤质量提供科学依据,为我国西北地区土壤重金属的研究提供参考。     

Characterization of total suspended particles around a power station in an urban coastal area in eastern Spain

The incidence of power station emissions in the composition of the atmospheric aerosols in an urban-industrial area is presented in this study. The Iberdrola (Spanish electrical company) thermoelectric power station is located at Castellon's industrial estate along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Due to the fact that there are other polluting industries in this region, the present study is also helpful to investigate potential tracers to discriminate the origin and source of particular pollution events. The analysis of air particulate samples, collected on cellulose membrane filters, was carried out by means of the following instrumentation: (1) mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), (2) morphological study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), and (3) chemical analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), to carry out quantitative chemical analyses of both major and trace elements. This analysis has allowed the authors to find marker elements, V and Zn, for the power station emissions.     

Distribution and speciation of four heavy metals (Cd,Cr, Mn and Ni) in the surficial sediments from estuary in daliao river and yingkou bay

Heavy metal pollution in the surficial sediments derived from estuary in Daliao River and Yingkou Bay is investigated in the present work in order to assess environmental quality and pollution levels. Physicochemical parameters of surficial sediments (sediment type and TOC) and the overlying water (temperature, EC, pH and dissolved oxygen) are also studied. The total concentrations of Cd, Cr, Mn and Ni in the samples are determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The result indicates the comparatively low concentrations of the four metals (the max. of 0.67 mg/kg of Cd, 85.80 mg/kg of Cr, 1073.00 mg/kg of Mn and 38.62 mg/kg of Ni), the distribution rule of four metals in different regions of the studying area and the sources of the pollution. The methods of index of geoaccumulation, potential ecological risk index and pollution load index are used to assess the degree of contamination, distribution character and the sequence of pollution level in different regions which reflect the overall low values and low pollution level. The six-step sequential extraction method is used to determine the chemical forms of the four metals in order to evaluate their possible mobility, bioavailability and toxicity in surficial sediments. Cd and Mn are mostly concentrated in the CARB fraction, while Ni and Cr are mostly concentrated in the RES fraction. The mobility of the metals has the following order (average value): Cd > Mn > Ni > Cr.     

基于回归克里格方法和sentinel 2B遥感数据的澴河流域土壤总磷空间分布信息提取

土壤总磷空间分布是准确掌握流域农业面源污染状况的关键,而遥感技术因其便利性在土壤面源污染调查中的潜力亟待探索。本文以澴河流域土壤总磷分布为例,分析了土壤总磷的光谱特性,发现总磷含量与土壤光谱反射率呈负相关,其中红外光谱（700~1800nm）表现更加明显;并以土壤总磷光谱计算数据作为环境辅助因子,取样点数据作为主要因素,运用回归克里格地统计方法成功提取了澴河流域土壤总磷空间分布信息,将结果与实测数据对比,其ME值为0.08,MAE值为0.48,RMSE值为0.69,预测精度较协同克里格和反距离权重法有明显提高。本方法既保留了地统计分析方法的精度,又具备处理高密度样本的能力,为土壤属性的空间插值提供了一种可行的获取方法。     

Investigation of potential accumulation and spatial distribution of heavy metals in topsoil surrounding the cement plant of Meftah (southeastern Algiers region,Algeria)

Cement’s dust particles contamination on soil has received a good amount of attention due to toxicity persistence in the environment. It must be noted that cement dust falls are enriched in toxic heavy metals, which can spread throughout a large area by wind and rain then accumulate on plants, animals, and soils, thus ultimately affecting human health. For this purpose, a study was achieved to evaluate the potential accumulation and spatial distribution of heavy metals in topsoils surrounding the Meftah cement factory, situated at the southeastern of Algiers region. Sixty six soil samples were collected following six directions (east, northeast, north, northwest, west, and southwest) from cement factory on a radius of 3.5 km approximately. The physicochemical parameters, such as the pH, the conductivity, and the organic matter of these samples were determined. The concentration of the Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn elements, in soil samples, were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) method and the data generated were analyzed statistically. Thus, the enrichment factor (EF), pollution index (PI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to the dataset in order to calculate and estimate the enrichment of metal concentrations in soils. Moreover, mapping of the spatial distribution of heavy metals was carried out using geographic information system (GIS), to determine more polluted areas and accomplish the objectives of the study. The results of our analysis indicate that soils were polluted most significantly by metals such as lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium. It is thus important to keep systematic and continuous monitoring of the bag filter to reduce the cement dust emission. As possible, remediation activities be carried out on the soil of heavy metals and their derivatives to manage and suppress such pollution.     

Assessment of trace element contamination in soils around Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India

Concentrations of trace elements such as As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to agriculture and geogenic activities in Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India. This area is affected by the geogenic fluoride contamination. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Forty-four soil samples were collected from the agricultural field from the study area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. Soil samples were analyzed for trace elements using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Data revealed that soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Ba (370–1,710 mg/kg), Cr (8.7–543 mg/kg), Cu (7.7–96.6 mg/kg), Ni (5.4–168 mg/kg), Rb (29.6–223 mg/kg), Sr (134–438 mg/kg), Zr (141.2–8,232 mg/kg) and Zn (29–478 mg/kg). The concentration of other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high EFs for some trace elements obtained in soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides used for agricultural or may be due to natural geogenic processes in the area. Comparative study has been made with other soil-polluted heavy metal areas and its mobility in soil and groundwater has been discussed. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may result in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

A comprehensive analysis of the content of heavy rare-earth elements and platinum in snow samples to assess the ecological hazard of air pollution in urban areas

Snow samples from the territory of the Setun River Valley Wildlife Sanctuary are analyzed for the content of rare-earth elements, heavy metals, and other hazardous elements by the inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry method. The changes in the concentrations of rare-earth elements, Pt, Pd, and indicator ratios of elements in the solid fractions of snow are revealed. A trend toward a decrease in the content of several elements northeastward of the Moscow Ring Road (MRR) is established. The level of seasonal atmospheric contamination of the area under study is assessed, and a possible source is identified.     

Magnetic and ground probing radar measurements for soil pollution mapping in the industrial area of Val Basento (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy): a case study

The joint application of electromagnetic techniques for near-surface exploration is a useful tool for soil pollution monitoring and can also contribute towards describing the spatial distribution of pollutants. The results of a geophysical field survey that was carried out for characterizing the heavy metal and waste disposal soil pollution phenomena in the industrial area of Val Basento (Basilicata region, Southern Italy) are presented here. First, topsoil magnetic susceptibility measurements have been carried out for defining the spatial distribution of superficial pollution phenomena in the investigated area. Second, detailed and integrated measurements based on a high-resolution magnetic mapping and ground probing radar (GPR) profiling have been applied to investigate the subsurface in two industrial areas located in more polluted sites that were identified during the first phase. Our monitoring strategy discloses the way to rapidly define the zone characterized by high pollution levels deriving from chemical industries and traffic emissions and to obtain the way information about the presence of local buried sources of contamination.     

Lead isotope distribution and enrichment factors in soil profiles around an abandoned Pb-smelter plant

Todos os Santos (all Saints) Bay area on Brazil’s east coast is known for one of the most significant cases of lead contamination in the country owing to the past activities of a Pb-smelter plant. This work was carried out to assess the concentration and sources of Pb based on Pb isotopes and enrichment factor of soil profiles surrounding Todos os Santos Bay in order to understand the expansion of contamination and to help the establishment of Pb regulatory standards for the region. Forty-four samples were collected from soil genetic horizons of six pedons that represent the range of dominant soil properties and geologic materials in the region. Concentrations of Pb and the isotopes ²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁶Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb were determined on an inductively coupled plasma (quadrupole) mass spectrometry. The soil enrichment factor was calculated using Al and Fe as conservative index elements. Average Pb concentration (15.87 mg kg^?1) in uppermost horizons (from all six pedons) is slightly higher than soil background concentrations commonly reported in Brazil. Samples feature a wide range of Pb isotope ratios, ranging from 36.71 to 47.38 for ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.00 to 15.65 for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 16.86 to 20.59 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and 1.10 to 1.31 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb. For the enrichment factor calculations, only Fe demonstrated a good agreement with Pb isotopic ratios. Both Pb isotopic composition and enrichment factor were useful tools to distinguishing natural and anthropogenic influence on the Pb soil concentrations.     

内江市双桥乡土壤重金属含量及风险评价

以四川省内江市双桥乡为研究区域,调查分析各类土壤中重金属（Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、As、Hg、Ni）含量情况。采用单因子污染指数、内梅罗综合污染指数和富集因子评价方法,对土壤重金属污染状况进行评价。研究结果表明,该地区Cd、Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn元素平均含量高于成都经济区、四川省、中国土壤背景值,有一定程度的Cd、Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn富集,Hg元素有个别样点含量偏高,并且单因子重金属的污染程度依次为：Cd〉Ni〉Zn〉Cu〉Cr〉Pb〉As〉Hg,Cd在绝大部份区域存在轻微污染,由内梅罗污染指数和富集因子评价得出区域综合污染程度为轻度。     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around chromite mining areas, Nuggihalli, Karnataka, India

Toxic heavy metals represent one of the possible environmental hazards from mine lands, which affect many countries having historic mining industries. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the degree of soil pollution occurring near chromite mines, and make a systematic evaluation of soil contamination based on geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor and pollution index. This paper presents the pollution load of toxic heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn and Zr) in 57 soil samples collected around three different active (Tagdur), abandoned (Jambur) chromite mining sites as well residential zone around Chikkondanahalli of the Nuggihalli Schist Belt, Karnataka, India. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results indicated that elevated concentrations of Cr, Ni and Co in soils of the study area exceed the Soil Quality Guideline limits (SQGL). The high enrichment factor for Cr, Ni Co obtained in the soil samples show that there is a steady increase of toxic heavy metals risk in this area, which could be correlated with the past mining activity and post abandoned mining in the area. The data was also treated to study the geoaccumulation index, pollution index and spatial distribution of toxic elements. Emphasis need to be put on control measures of pollution and remediation techniques in the study area.     

云南个旧锡矿区大屯盆地土壤重金属污染与生态风险评价

土壤中的重金属直接影响农业安全生产,掌握不同耕地和土壤类型中重金属的污染程度可为削减生态风险提供依据。通过实地调查,对云南个旧锡矿区松树脚矿大屯盆地不同耕地和土壤类型的重金属含量,采用单因子指数法、内梅罗综合污染指数法进行污染评价,基于潜在生态危害指数法进行生态风险评价。结果表明,As、Cd、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb和Zn 七种元素中,As和Cd是大屯盆地农田土壤的主要污染因子,两者对污染程度的贡献率为97%,其中Cd的贡献率为68%;两者对生态风险的贡献率为87%。旱地重金属污染程度和生态风险大于水田,红壤中重金属的污染程度和生态风险大于红色石灰土。从空间来看,个旧大屯盆地重金属污染程度总体呈现从西南向东北逐渐降低的趋势。     

云南个旧锡矿区大屯盆地土壤重金属污染与生态风险评价

土壤中的重金属直接影响农业安全生产,掌握不同耕地和土壤类型中重金属的污染程度可为削减生态风险提供依据。通过实地调查,对云南个旧锡矿区松树脚矿大屯盆地不同耕地和土壤类型的重金属含量,采用单因子指数法、内梅罗综合污染指数法进行污染评价,基于潜在生态危害指数法进行生态风险评价。结果表明,As、Cd、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb和Zn七种元素中,As和Cd是大屯盆地农田土壤的主要污染因子,两者对污染程度的贡献率为97%,其中Cd的贡献率为68%;两者对生态风险的贡献率为87%。旱地重金属污染程度和生态风险大于水田,红壤中重金属的污染程度和生态风险大于红色石灰土。从空间来看,个旧大屯盆地重金属污染程度总体呈现从西南向东北逐渐降低的趋势。     

北京城区表层土壤多元素分布特征及重金属元素污染评价

采用地统计学和GIS相结合的方法,对北京城区表层土壤样品54项指标的地球化学背景值进行了详细研究,认为微量元素中Ni、Cr和As含量值存在极高值点,具有点源污染特征;Hg、Cd、Zn、Pb和Cu具有面状污染特点。对这5种重金属元素开展研究,统计北京城区五环内每个区域的数据并结合元素含量空间分布特征,指出元素含量平均值由市中心向周边地区逐渐降低。采用内梅罗指数法对表层土壤重金属元素污染进行评价,认为北京市城区表层土壤大部分已经被重金属元素所污染。分析了造成土壤重金属元素污染的可能影响因素,主要包括工业活动、化石燃料燃烧、建筑涂料、机动车尾气等,并提出了污染防控的建议。     

The spatial distribution of trace elements in topsoil from the northern slope of Qomolangma (Everest) in China

The environment of Mt. Qomolangma (Everest) area is of great significance to the global environmental background and environmental change research. However, there are few studies on the content and distribution of soil trace elements in the area. About 130 soil samples were collected nearby the Rongbuk valley at the northern slope of the Qomolangma from 4,400 to 6,600 m elevations. Nine soil trace elements, Cr, Zn, Sr, Pb, Ni, Co, Cd, Mn, Cu, were analyzed with ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atom emission spectrometry). The results showed that soil trace elements content increased with altitude; the content of the Cd in this area was very high, which was 5.8 times of the average content of Chinese soil. There was a noticeable change point for soil trace elements content at the altitude of 5,800 m, and the content of Cd increased abruptly above 5,800 m. This point was just located at the boundary of two types of rocks. The Late Precambrian-Neoproterozoic granite–gneiss and metacryst migmatized interbedded with marble located below 5,800 m; black-dark slate and marl of Cambrian located above 5,800 m (including 5,800 m), the geochemical characteristic of different rocks was the main factors controlling the soil trace elements content in the northern slope of Qomolangma Mountain.     

运用地球化学调查数据研究银川盆地土壤环境污染程度

重金属元素及其他元素在土壤圈中长期积累到一定程度后会对环境造成影响并对食物链产生危害,对土壤进行元素的污染程度划分有助于及时掌握土壤环境现状。运用多目标区域地球化学调查数据,将Hg、Cd、As、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、Cr等8项重金属元素按照土壤环境质量一级标准值、F元素一级推荐值,分别采用尼梅罗公式计算其污染指数,绘制污染程度图。将银川盆地划分为清洁区、基本清洁区、初始污染区、轻度污染区、中度污染区和重度污染区,并分析总结了污染来源。     

Geochemical contamination in the mine affected soil of Raniganj Coalfield——A river basin scale assessment

The study aimed to assess the heavy metals(K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Sr, Zr) contamination in the soil of mine affected Singaran river basin and to analyse spatial variation in the contamination level considering 32 soil samples. Elemental analysis of soil samples has been performed through Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis(EDX) to quantify the elemental concentration(mg kgà1). Heavy metal concentrations have been assessed through geo-accumulation index(Igeo) and enrichment factor(EF).Indices showed soils have moderate accumulation of most of the metals with moderate enrichment of Sr,Zr, Zn, Cu and Ni. Soil contamination level assessment has been carried out using indices like Contamination Factor(CF), degree of contamination(C_(deg)), modified degree of contamination(m C_(deg)) and Pollution Load Index(PLI). CF shows moderate to considerable contamination by Sr, Zr, Ca, Cu, Mn, Zn and Ni. Mean indices values(m C_(deg)and PLI for the entire basin are 3.38 and 2.23 respectively) show low to moderate level of soil contamination. These indices result have been mapped and analysed in GIS platform to get spatial variation of pollution level. Opencast mines dominate middle catchment area and so is comparatively contaminated. Sample sites 11, 18 and 25 evidenced high values of all indices of pollution load. From the ecological standpoint Ecological Risk Factor(Er) and Potential Ecological Risk Index(RI) have been estimated to assess regional threat to native soil environment and it shows low ecological risk potential. Analysis shows that mine dominated soil of the entire Singaran basin is less contaminated in all respect but tends to the moderate contamination level at the mid-catchment area,especially by Sr, Zr, Zn, Cu and Ni.     

徐州大屯腐泥煤的煤岩煤质和微量元素特征

运用电感耦合等离子质谱（ICP-MS）、冷蒸汽原子吸收光谱（CV-AAS）、显微镜光度计和煤化学等方法,对江苏徐州大屯矿区张双楼12-1号钻孔腐泥煤（太原组17号煤层）和龙固煤矿腐植煤（太原组21号煤层）的煤岩煤质和微量元素特征进行研究。结果显示,徐州大屯矿区腐泥煤中藻类体含量很高,是典型的藻煤,其挥发份产率和氢含量是腐植煤的1.5倍;腐泥煤的Sr/Ba为1.43,腐植煤为0.48,揭示该腐泥煤是在比较开阔的海水中形成的;腐泥煤和腐植煤中的不相容元素在原始地幔标准化曲线上具有一致的Pb显著富集、Ti显著亏损的分布特征,其稀土元素丰度球粒陨石标准化曲线形态相似,均显示轻稀土富集、重稀土相对亏损的特征;腐泥煤中Ce和Eu元素未发生价态变化,腐植煤中Eu显示负异常。     

山东省小清河沿岸土壤重金属污染分布及迁移规律

通过对山东省小清河流域土壤重金属污染现状的调查研究,查明土壤重金属污染状况,元素来源和分布迁移规律,从而为该区土壤重金属污染的科学治理提供有效依据。研究发现,小清河沿岸地区的重金属污染主要表现为As、Cd、Cr、Ni等元素的污染;依据内梅罗污染指数评价方法发现研究区存在重金属污染的土壤总面积为880.5 km2,未受到重金属污染的土壤面积为1 822.1 km2,分别占全区总土壤面积的32.58%和67.42%,其中上游的济南市城区北园镇至华山镇区域的小清河两岸是重污染区。对小清河流域土壤重金属来源的探析表明,大气干湿沉降是土壤重金属污染的主要来源;土壤重金属的生物有效性评价显示重金属元素Cd的活动态比例高达56.17%,活化迁移能力强,是该区对生态环境危害性最大的污染因子。此外,As、Cd、Cr、Pb等重金属元素的活动态含量明显受pH值和Corg含量的制约,在低pH值、高Corg含量的土壤区应高度重视As和Cd的污染问题。