Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Balanagar industrial area,Hyderabad, India

The concentration of heavy metals such as Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn, Zr were studied in soils of Balanagar industrial area, Hyderabad to understand heavy metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization. This area is affected by the industrial activities like steel, petrochemicals, automobiles, refineries, and battery manufacturing generating hazardous wastes. The assessment of the contamination of the soils was based on the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor, and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from Balanagar industrial area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. The samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for heavy metals. The data revealed that the soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Cr (82.2–2,264 mg/kg), Cu (31.3–1,040 mg/kg), Ni (34.3–289.4 mg/kg), Pb (57.5–1,274 mg/kg), Zn (67.5–5819.5 mg/kg), Co (8.6–54.8 mg/kg), and V (66.6–297 mg/kg). The concentration of above-mentioned other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust pointed to metal depletion in the soil as the EF was <1. Some heavy metals showed high EF in the soil samples indicating that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may results in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

Direct versus indirect determination of suspended sediment associated metals in a mining-influenced watershed

The differentiation between the concentration of metals associated with suspended sediments and those in the dissolved phase is often of importance in aquatic ecosystems, for such reasons as toxicity evaluation, total maximum daily load calculations, and a better understanding of metal transport. Often, published water quality data include only concentrations of total and dissolved metals, with particulate concentrations assumed equal to the difference between the two. The validity of this assumption for mining-influenced waters is addressed in this paper by comparing data determined from the subtraction of total (acid-soluble) and dissolved (operationally defined as less than 0.45-μm) metal concentrations (difference method) with data obtained from acid-digestion of the particles retained on the filters used for filtering the dissolved fraction (digestion method). Greater than fifty water samples containing suspended sediment were collected from each of three sites in the Clear Creek Watershed in Colorado during a two and one-half year study on the fate and transport of metals in the watershed. Volumes of water filtered ranged from 50 to 250 ml, representative of typical volumes used for the determination of dissolved metal concentrations. The particulate-associated concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn determined from the difference method compared well with the concentrations determined by the digestion method. Statistical analyses indicated that there is not a statistically significant difference between the two methods at the 95% confidence level, with p-values of 0.65, 0.88, 0.39, 0.67, and 0.75, for Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, respectively, over the three sites.     

Distribution and speciation of heavy metals in surface sediments from the Yangtze estuary and coastal areas

The concentrations and speciation of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the sediments of the nearshore area, river channel and coastal zones of the Yangtze estuary, China, were systematically investigated in this study. The concentrations of all heavy metals except Ni in the sediments of the nearshore area were higher than those of the river channel and coastal zones. In the nearshore area, the concentrations of most heavy metals except Hg in the sediments of the southern branch were higher than those of the northern branch because of the import of pollutants from the urban and industrial activities around. When compared with the threshold effect level (TEL) and geochemical background levels, Cr, Ni and As accumulated and posed potential adverse biological effects. The speciation analysis suggested that Cd, Pb and Zn in the sediments of the three zones showed higher bioavailability than the other heavy metals, and thus posed ecological risk. Significant correlations were observed among Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn (r > 0.77) in the nearshore area, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb (r > 0.85) in the river channel and Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn (r > 0.75) in the coastal zone. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the discharge of unban and industrial sewage, shipping pollution and the properties of the sediments (contents of Fe, Mn, Al, TOC, clay and silt) dominated the distribution of heavy metal in the nearshore area, river channel and coastal zones of the Yangtze estuary.     

Estimation of potential pollution from mine tailings in the San Pedro River (1993–2005), Mexico–US border

The San Pedro River (SPR) is located in northern Sonora (Mexico) and southeastern Arizona (USA). SPR is a transboundary river that develops along the Sonora (Mexico) and Arizona (USA) border, and is considered the main source of water for a variety of users (human settlements, agriculture, livestock, and industry). The SPR originates in the historic Cananea mining area, which hosts some of the most important copper mineralizations in Mexico. Acid mine drainage derived from mine tailings is currently reaching a tributary of the SPR near Cananea City, resulting in the contamination of the SPR with heavy metals and sulfates in water and sediments. This study documents the accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in surface water along a segment of the SPR from 1993 to 2005. Total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in surface waters are above maximum permissible levels in sampling sites near mine tailing deposits. Nevertheless, a significant decrease in the Fe and SO₄ ²⁻ in surface water (SO₄ ²⁻: 7,180–460.39 mg/L; Fe: 1,600–9.51 mg/L) as well as a gradual decrease in the heavy and transition metal content were observed during the period from 1994 to 2005. Approximately 2.3 km downstream of the mine tailings, the heavy metal content of the water drops quickly following an increase in pH values due to the discharging of wastewater into the river. The attenuation of the heavy metal content in surface waters is related to stream sediment precipitation (accompanied by metal coprecipitation and sorption) and water dilution. Determining the heavy metal concentration led to the conclusion that the Cananea mining area and the San Pedro River are ecosystems that are impacted by the mining industry and by untreated wastewater discharges arising from the city of Cananea (Sonora, Mexico).     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Manali industrial area, Chennai, Southern India

The concentrations of heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mo, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization around Manali industrial area in Chennai, Southern India. This area is affected by the industrial activity and saturated by industries like petrochemicals, refineries, and fertilizers generating hazardous wastes. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from the industrial area of Manali from the top 10-cm-layer of the soil. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Philips MagiX PRO-2440 Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The data revealed elevated concentrations of Chromium (149.8–418.0 mg/kg), Copper (22.4–372.0 mg/kg), Nickel (11.8–78.8 mg/kg), Zinc (63.5–213.6 mg/kg) and Molybdenum (2.3–15.3 mg/kg). The concentrations of other elements were similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high-EFs for some heavy metals obtained in the soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. Contamination sites pose 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. In this perspective there is need for a safe dumping of waste disposal in order to minimize environmental pollution.     

Distribution and immobilization of heavy metals in Pliocene aquifer sediments in Wadi El Natrun depression, Western Desert

The Pliocene aquifer receives inflow of Miocene and Pleistocene aquifer waters in Wadi El Natrun depression. The aquifer also receives inflow from the agricultural activity and septic tanks. Nine sediment samples were collected from the Pliocene aquifer in Wadi E1 Natrun. Heavy metal (Cu, Sr, Zn, Mn, Fe, Al, Ba, Cr, Ni, V, Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb) concentrations of Pliocene aquifer sediments were investigated in bulk, sand, and mud fractions. The determination of extractable trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Pb) in Pliocene aquifer sediments using sequential extraction procedure (four steps) has been performed in order to study environmental pathways (e.g., mobility of metals, bounding states). These employ a series of successively stronger chemical leaching reagents which nominally target the different compositional fractions. By analyzing the liquid leachates and the residual solid components, it is possible to determine not only the type and concentration of metals retained in each phase but also their potential ecological significance. Cu, Sr, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Al concentrations are higher in finer sediments than in coarser sediments, while Ba, Cr, Ni, V, Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb are enriched in the coarser fraction. The differences in relative concentrations are attributed to intense anthropogenic inputs from different sources. Heavy metal concentrations are higher than global average concentrations in sandstone, USEPA guidelines, and other local and international aquifer sediments. The order of trace elements in the bulk Pliocene aquifer sediments, from high to low concentrations, is Fe?>?Al?>?Mn?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Ni?>?V?>?Sr?>?Ba?>?Pb?>?Mo?>?Cd?>?Co. The Pliocene aquifer sediments are highly contaminated for most toxic metals, except Pb and Co which have moderate contamination. The active soluble (F0) and exchangeable (F1) phases are represented by high concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn and relatively higher concentrations of Pb and Cd. This may be due to the increase of silt and clay fractions (mud) in sediments, which act as an adsorbent, retaining metals through ion exchange and other processes. The order of mobility of heavy metals in this phase is found to be Pb?>?Cd?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Fe?>?Mn. The values of the active phase of most heavy metals are relatively high, indicating that Pliocene sediments are potentially a major sink for heavy metals characterized by high mobility and bioavailability. Fe–Mn oxyhydroxide phase is the most important fraction among labile fractions and represents 22% for Cd, 20% for Fe, 11% for Zn, 8% for Cu, 5% for Pb, and 3% for Mn. The organic matter-bound fraction contains 80% of Mn, 72% of Cu, 68% of Zn, 60% of Fe, 35% of Pb, and 30% of Cd (as mean). Summarizing the sequential extraction, a very good immobilization of the heavy metals by the organic matter-bound fraction is followed by the carbonate-exchangeable-bound fraction. The mobility of the Cd metal in the active and Fe–Mn oxyhydroxide phases is the highest, while the Mn metal had the lowest mobility.     

Environmental contamination of trace elements in the vicinity of Okpara coal mine, Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria

Water, sediment, and mine spoil samples were collected within the vicinity of the Okpara coal mine in Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria, and analyzed for trace elements using ICP-MS to assess the level of environmental contamination by these elements. The results obtained show that the mine spoils and sediments are relatively enriched in Fe, with mean values of 1,307.8(mg/kg) for mine spoils and 94.15% for sediments. As, Cd, Cr, Mn,Ni, Pb, and Zn in the sediments were found to be enriched relative to the mean values obtained from the study area, showing contamination by these elements. The mean values of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Cr in the mine spoils and mean values of Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Mn in sediments, respectively, are above the background values obtained from coal and shale in the study area, indicating enrichment with these elements. The water and sediments are moderately acidic, with mean pH values of 4.22?±?1.06 and 4.66?±?1.35, respectively. With the exception of Fe, Mn, and Ni, all other elements are within the Nigerian water quality standard and WHO limits for drinking water and other domestic purposes. The strong to moderate positive correlation between Fe and Cu (r?=?0.72), Fe and Zn (r?=?0.88), and Fe and As (r?=?0.60) at p?<?0.05 as obtained for the sediments depict the scavenging effect of Fe on these mobile elements. As also shows a strong positive correlation with Mn (r?=?≥ 0.70, p?<?0.05), indicating that Mn plays a major role in scavenging elements that are not co-precipitated with Fe. In water, the strong positive correlation observed between Cr and Cd (r?=?1.00), Cu and Ni (r?=?0.94), Pb and Cu (r?=?0.87) and Zn and Cu (r?=?0.99); Ni and Pb (r?=?0.83) and Zn and Ni (r?=?0.97); and between Pb and Zn (0.84) at p?<?0.05 may indicate similar element–water reaction control on the system due to similarities in chemical properties as well as a common source. Elevated levels of heavy metals in sediments relative to surface water probably imply that sorption and co-precipitation on Al and Fe oxides are more effective in the mobilization and attenuation of heavy metals in the mine area than acid-induced dissolution. The level of concentration of trace elements for the mine spoils will serve as baseline data for future reference in the study area.     

Heavy metal distribution in surface sediments of the Tirumalairajan river estuary and the surrounding coastal area, east coast of India

Surface sediments collected at the Tirumalairajan river estuary and their surrounding coastal areas were analyzed for the bulk metal concentration. The sediments were collected from post- and premonsoon seasons. Dominances of heavy metals are in the following order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu in both seasons from estuary and coastal area. The results reveal that Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Zn demonstrated an increased pattern from the estuary when compared to the coastal area. The heavy metal pattern of the sediments of the Tirumalairajan river estuary and its surrounding coastal area offered strong evidence that the coastal area was a major source of heavy metals to the estuarine region. For various metals, the contamination factor and geoaccumulation index (I _geo) have been calculated to assess the degree of pollution in sediments. The contamination factor and geoaccumulation index show that Zn, Pb, and Cu unpolluted to moderately pollute the sediments in estuarine part. This study shows the major sources of metal contamination in catchment and anthropogenic ones, such as agriculture runoff, discharge of industrial wastewater, and municipal sewage through the estuary and adjoining coastal area.     

Characteristics and Influence of Phosphorus Accumulated in the Bed Sediments of a Stream Located in an Agricultural Watershed

We investigated the accumulation and influence of bioavailable P (BAP) in sediments of a stream located in an agricultural area of the Lake Mendota watershed in Wisconsin, USA. During hydrologic events, the stream carried high concentrations of suspended sediment (up to 250 mg/l) and BAP (up to 2.5 mg/l). Bed sediments were highly enriched in BAP, as inventories of BAP in the top 10 cm of sediment ranged from 143 to 14,500 μg P/cm². Space variations in BAP inventories were related to site-specific hydrodynamics and geochemical factors, including iron (Fe; r ² = 0.71) and aluminum (Al; r ² = 0.54) concentrations. Most sites behaved as potential sinks for dissolved reactive phosphate during hydrologic events and potential sources during base-flow periods. Through the combination of site-specific factors and geochemical controls, Dorn Creek modifies the amount, timing, and composition of P delivered from the watershed to downstream sites and water bodies.     

Status of anthropogenically induced metal pollution in the Kanpur-Unnao industrial region of the Ganga Plain, India

 The Ganga Plain is one of the most densely populated regions and one of the largest groundwater repositories of the Earth. For several decades, the drainage basin of the Ganga Plain has been used for the disposal of domestic and industrial wastes which has adversely affected the quality of water, sediments and agricultural soils of the plain. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn and organic carbon were determined in river sediments and soils of the Ganga Plain in the Kanpur-Unnao industrial region in 1994 and 1995 (pre-monsoon period of April–May). High contents (maximum values) of C-org (12.0 wt. %), Cr (3.40 wt. %), Sn (1.92 wt. %), Zn (4000 mg/kg), Pb (646 mg/kg), Cu (408 mg/kg), Ni (502 mg/kg) and Cd (9.8 mg/kg) in sediments (<20 μm fraction); and C-org (5.9 wt. %), Cr (2.16 wt. %), Sn (1.21 wt %), Zn (975 mg/kg) and Ni (482 mg/kg) in soils (<20 μm) in the pre-monsoon period of 1994 were found. From 1994 to 1995 the contents of Fe and Sn in sediments increase whereas those of C-org, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn decrease. Considering the analytical errors, Al, Co, Cr, Mn and Pb do not show any change in their concentrations. In soils, the contents of Cd, Fe and Sn increase whereas those of Ni decrease from 1994 to 1995. Aluminium, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn do not show any change in their concentrations from 1994 to 1995. About 90% of the contents of Cd, Cr and Sn; 50–75% of C-org, Cu and Zn; and 25% of Co, Ni and Pb in sediments are derived from the anthropogenic input in relation to the natural background values, whereas in soils this is the case for about 90% of Cr and Sn; about 75% of Cd; and about 25% of C-org, Cu, Ni and Zn. The sediments of the study area show enrichment factors of 23.6 for Cr, 14.7 for Cd, 12.2 for Sn, 3.6 for C-org, 3.2 for Zn, 2.6 for Cu and 1.6 for Ni. The soils are enriched with factors of 10.7 for Cr, 9.0 for Sn, 3.6 for Cd, 1.8 for Ni and 1.5 for Cu and Zn, respectively. Received: 3 March 1998 · Accepted: 15 June 1998     

Grain size and geochemical partitioning of heavy metals in sediments of the Damodar River – a tributary of the lower Ganga, India

 The distribution of Si, Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr in different grain-size fractions and geochemical association of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn with <63-μm size fraction of bed sediments of Damodar River has been studied. In general, concentrations of heavy metals tend to increase as the size fractions get finer. However at two sites, near mining areas, the coarser particles show similar or even higher heavy metal concentrations than finer ones. The higher residence time and/or presence of coarser particles from mining wastes are possibly responsible for higher metal content in the coarser size fractions. The chemical fractionation study shows that lithogenic is the major chemical phase for heavy metals. Fe and Mn are the major elements of the lithogenic lattice, constituting 34–63% and 22–59%, respectively, of total concentrations. Fe-Mn oxide and organic bound fractions are significant phases in the non-lithogenic fraction. The carbonate fraction is less significant for heavy metal scavenging in the present environment and shows the following order of abundance Zn>Cu>Mn>Fe. The exchangeable fraction of the Damodar sediments contains very low amounts of heavy metals suggesting poor bioavailability of metals. Received: 18 August 1998 · Accepted: 1 December 1998     

Influence of the Yangtze River and grain size on the spatial variations of heavy metals and organic carbon in the East China Sea continental shelf sediments

Bulk heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd), Al, organic carbon and carbonate concentrations, grain sizes, and δC¹³ of the organic carbon distributions were studied in sediments collected throughout the East China Sea continental shelf and the Yangtze River Delta. The results demonstrated that terrigenous sediments from the Yangtze River is a dominating factor controlling the spatial variations of heavy metals and organic carbon concentrations on the East China Sea continental shelf. In addition, grain size and recent anthropogenic influences are also major factors modifying the spatial and vertical variations of heavy metals.Large spatial variations with a band type distribution of heavy metals, grain size, organic carbon and carbonate were observed. Higher concentrations of heavy metal and light δC¹³ of the organic carbon were found primarily in the Deltaic and inner shelf sediments. The band type distribution generally followed the coastline with little variations in the north–south direction. Away from the Delta and inner shelf (west–east direction), most heavy metal concentrations decreased rapidly with the exception of Cd where high concentrations of Cd were also found in the carbonate-rich shelf break sediments. Coarse-grained relict sediments and biogenic carbonate are two primary diluting agents for the fine-grained aluminosilicate sediments from the Yangtze River with high concentrations of heavy metals.Unusually high concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Cd showed both spatially and vertically that more pollution prevention measures are needed in the Yangtze River drainage basin in order to prevent further heavy metal pollution of the East China Sea inner continental shelf.     

Heavy metal contamination and their distribution in different size fractions of the surficial sediment of Haihe River, China

Heavy metal contamination and their distribution in different size fractions of the surficial sediment in Haihe River, China have been investigated. These results reveal that the heavy metal contamination of Haihe River is closely related to the contaminating sources along the river and has the order: Cd > Cu > Pb > Cr. The contents of these heavy metals in the sediment of Haihe River are at least two times higher than their background values and the highest contaminating metal, Cd, is 15.5 times higher than its background value and determined in the urban area of Tianjin city. The surficial sediments of Haihe River, with 70% particles smaller than 20 μm, belong to sandy clay containing about 28% clay and 42% silt. Electron micrographs and x-ray analysis show that the concentrations of heavy metals depend on the particle size of sediments. The highest concentrations for most metals exist in fine-grained sediments, which are mainly composed of silicates, oxides, and hydroxides of Si, Fe, and Al. In contrast, lower levels of heavy metals are usually found in the coarse sandy sediments, which are composed of quartz, feldspar, and other rocky substances. Based on the results in the present study of the surficial sediments of Haihe River, the contents of Cr, Cu, Pd, and Cd in finer sediments are 2.4, 3.9, 2.8, and 3.6 times higher than those in coarse sandy sediments, respectively. Obviously, because of rapid industrial development in this area during the last few decades, the surficial sediments of Haihe River, especially those finer fractions, have been seriously contaminated by heavy metals.     

Metal fluxes to the sediments of the Moulay Bousselham lagoon,Morocco

The metal content in surface sediments (0–2 cm, 26 samples), in a sediment core (120, 1 cm slices), taken from Moulay Bousselham (Morocco) was investigated. Concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg were evaluated in surface and cored sediments of Moulay Bousselham lagoon. Significantly high concentrations in μg g⁻¹ dw of Pb (31.7–6.2), Zn (758.9–167), Cu (310.7–22), Ni (96–10.5), Cr (113–18.9), Cd (0.84–0.02), As (1–0.1), and Hg (0.61–0.02) were found in sediment samples from Moulay Bousselham lagoon. Calculated enrichment factors [EF_Me = (Me/Al)_sample/(Me/Al)_background], using Al as a normalizer, and correlation matrices showed that metal pollution in Merja Zerga of Moulay Bousselham lagoon was the product of anthropogenic sources, while the metal content in Merja Kehla was of natural origins. The results suggest that a major change in the sedimentary regime of the lagoon, associated with internal trapping and re-distribution of heavy metal, has been occurring in the past few decades. The cause would appear to be the construction of a Nador Canal at the lagoon. Probable effects concentrations (PEC) were often exceeded for heavy metals in the lagoon sediments, especially for Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr, and four stations, stations MZ-11, MZ-12, MZ-13, MZ-14, MZ-16, and MZ-17, had multiple metals at presumptively toxic levels. These comparisons suggest that sediment metal levels in the river are clearly high and probably pose an environmental risk at some stations. The levels of most of the metals were not greatly enriched, a consideration that is of the utmost importance when contamination issues are at stake. Metal concentrations found in Moulay Bousselham lagoon were comparable to aquatic systems classified as contaminated from other regions of the world.     

Heavy metal contamination in sediments of Balanagar industrial area,Hyderabad, Andra Pradesh,India

Environmental geochemical studies were carried out to find out the extent of contamination in sediments due to heavy metals in Balanagar industrial area, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The industrial area consisting of 350 small and large industries manufacturing battery, steel planting, pharmaceutical chemicals, metal plating, etc. The present study was undertaken on sediment contamination in Balanagar industrial area, to determine extent and distribution of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, As) and to delineate the source. There is no treatment plant in the industrial area, and many industries release the effluents into nearby nalas and lakes. Solid waste from the industries is also being dumped along the roads and near the open grounds due to which heavy metals migrate from solid waste to the groundwater. The sediments samples were collected from the study area in clean polythene covers and were analyzed for their heavy metals by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The concentration ranges of different heavy metals were Cr, 96.2–439.6 mg/kg; Cu, 95.7–810 mg/kg; Ni, 32.3–13,068.2 mg/kg; Pb, 59.2–512 mg/kg; Zn, 157.1–4,630.5 mg/kg; Co, 1.8–48.3 mg/kg; and V, 35.2–308.5 mg/kg. High concentration of heavy metals in sediments can be attributed to some pharmaceutical and metal industries in the study area. Based on the results obtained, suitable remedial measures can be adopted such as phytoremediation and bio-remediation for reduction of heavy metals in sediments.     

Heavy metal contamination in the vicinity of the Daduk Au–Ag–Pb–Zn mine in Korea

The heavy metal contamination and seasonal variation of the metals in soils, plants and waters in the vicinity of an abandoned metalliferous mine in Korea were studied. Elevated levels of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were found in tailings with averages of 8.57, 481, 4,450 and 753 mg/kg, respectively. These metals are continuously dispersed downstream and downslope from the tailings by clastic movement through wind and water. Thus, significant levels of the elements in waters and sediments were found up to 3.3 km downstream from the mining site, especially for Cd and Zn. Enriched concentrations of heavy metals were also found in various plants grown in the vicinity of the mining area, and the metal concentrations in plants increased with those in soils. In a study of seasonal variation on the heavy metals in paddy fields, relatively high concentrations of heavy metals were found in rice leaves and stalks grown under oxidizing conditions rather than a reducing environment (P<0.05).     

Copper, lead and cadmium concentrations in surface water, sediment and fish, C. Carpio, samples from Lake Naivasha: effect of recent anthropogenic activities

Following recent concerns of chemical pollution around Lake Naivasha, especially originating from recent agricultural activities in the catchment, samples of water, sediments, and fish Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were collected from the Hippo Point, Kasarani, Mouth of Malewa River, Mouth of Karati River, Crescent Island, Sher Karuturi Discharge outlet and Oserian Bay for analysis of Cu, Cd and Pb by FAAS. The mean heavy metal levels ranged from 5.12?C58.11 (Pb), 1.06?C1.73 (Cd), and <0.03?C2.29 (Cu) mg/kg wet weight in C. carpio muscle, <100?C179.83 (Pb), <10.00?C10.06 (Cd) and <30.00?C32.33 (Cu) ??g/L in surface water, and 17.11?C53.07 (Pb), 1.18?C5.58 (Cd) and 3.00?C8.48 (Cu) mg/kg dry weight in sediment and showed a wide variation within and between samples with relatively high concentrations in sediments and fish muscle tissues. The results indicate that Lake Naivasha, in some parts, is polluted with these heavy metals of which relatively higher concentrations are found at the discharge outlets near Sher Karuturi and Oserian Bay. This indicates possible contribution from surrounding horticultural/floricultural activities and the Mouths of the Rivers Malewa and Karati which flow from it??s upper catchment.     

Distribution and speciation of heavy metals and their sources in Kumho River sediment,Korea

The interaction between heavy metals and river sediment is very important because river sediment is the sink for heavy metals introduced into a river and it can be a potential source of pollutants when environmental conditions change. The Kumho River, the main tributaries of the Nakdong River in Korea, can be one of the interesting research targets in this respect, because it runs through different geologic terrains with different land use characteristics in spite of its short length. Various approaches were used, including mineralogical, geochemical, and statistical analyses to investigate the distribution and behavior of heavy metals in the sediments and their sources. The effect of geological factor on the distribution of these metals was also studied. No noticeable changes in the species or relative amounts of minerals were observed by quantitative X-ray diffraction in the sediments at different stations along the river. Only illite showed a significant correlation with concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments. Based on an average heavy metal concentration (the average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 1.67, 20.9, 99.7, 125, 97.6, 149, 298 ppm, respectively), the sediments of the Kumho River were classified as heavily polluted according to EPA guidelines. The concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments were as follows: Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr > Co > Cd. In contrast, contamination levels based on the average I _geo (index of geoaccumulation) values were as follows: Pb > Cd > Zn > Cu > Co = Cr > Ni. The concentrations of heavy metals increased downstream (with the exception of Cd and Pb) and were highest near the industrial area, indicating that industrial activity is the main factor in increasing the concentrations of most heavy metals at downstream stations. Sequential extraction results, which showed increased heavy metal fractions bound to Fe/Mn oxides at the downstream stations, confirmed anthropogenic pollution. The toxicity of heavy metals such as Ni, Cu, and Zn, represented by the exchangeable fraction and the fraction bound to carbonate, also increased at the downstream stations near the industrial complexes. Statistical analysis showed that Pb and Cd, the concentrations of which were relatively high at upstream stations, were not correlated with other heavy metals, indicating other possible sources such as mining activity.     

Heavy metal contamination of coastal lagoon sediments by anthropogenic activities: the case of Nador (East Morocco)

Nador lagoon sediments (East Morocco) are contaminated by industrial iron mine tailings, urban dumps and untreated wastewaters from surrounding cities. The lagoon is an ecosystem of biological, scientific and socio-economic interests but its balance is threatened by pollution already marked by biodiversity changes and a modification of foraminifera and ostracods shell structures. The aim of the study is to assess the heavy metal contamination level and mobility by identifying the trapping phases. The study includes analyses by ICP-AES and ICP-MS, of, respectively, major (Si, Al, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Ti, Na, K, P) and trace elements (Sr, Ba, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, As, Pb, Cd) in sediments and suspended matter, heavy metals enrichment factors calculations and sequential extractions. Results show that sediments contain Zn, Cu, Pb, V, Cr, Co, As, Ni with minimum and maximum concentrations, respectively, of 4–1190 μg/g, 4–466 μg/g, 11–297 μg/g, 11–194 μg/g, 9–139 μg/g, 1–120 μg/g, 4–76 μg/g, 2–62 μg/g. High concentrations in Zn are also present in suspended matter. The enrichment factors show contamination in Zn, Pb and As firstly induced by the mining industry and secondly by unauthorized dumps and untreated wastewaters. Cr and Ni are bound to clays, whereas V, Co, Cu and Zn are related to oxides. Thus, the risk in metal mobility is for the latter elements and lies in the oxidation–reduction-changing conditions of sediments.     

Evolution of heavy-metal profiles in river Weser Estuary sediments,Germany

Studies of heavy metal concentrations in porewaters and in sediments from the Weser Estuary, Germany, indicate that the depth distribution of Mn, Cd, and Cu in the solid phase is predominantly influenced by the subsurface redox regime, while Ni shows only moderate alteration. Based on solid-phase heavy metal data from eight locations in the study area, linear regressions of Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Cd on Al allowed differences between the initial metal concentration and the concentration preserved in the sediments to be predicted. We calculate that, due to early diagenetic processes, Mn is enriched to 145 percent, while Cu and Cd are depleted to 71 percent and 46 percent, respectively, of the initial metal concentration in the near-surface sediment. Maximum depletion of Cd (84 percent), Cu (68 percent), Mn (54 percent), and Ni (24 percent) concentrations in the sediment, observed at a restricted area downcore, indicate the importance of post-depositional processes to metal preservation in the sediment. Without knowledge of the quantitative effects of diagenetic reactions on the preservation of metal concentrations in sediments, the depth distribution of metals in sediment cores may be misinterpreted as the effect of human activities.