scholarly journals Evaluation of the Anthropogenic Metal Pollution at Osisko Lake: Sediments Characterization for Reclamation Purposes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2298
Author(s):  
Louise Darricau ◽  
Abdellatif Elghali ◽  
Patrick Martel ◽  
Mostafa Benzaazoua

The anthropogenic pollution of lake ecosystems by human activities (e.g., mining industries) is recognized as a serious issue. The Osisko urban lake located in Rouyn-Noranda (Quebec, Canada) was used partially as a waste disposal facility for many decades, causing a heavy pollution. The main undertakings of this study are (i) assessing the mineralogical and geochemical properties of lake Osisko sediments, and (ii) studying the pollution that occurred within lake water due to the sediments’ reactivity. Water and sediments across the lake were collected in different sensitive locations. Within the sediment samples, two parts were distinguished: a small layer of black vase over grey sediments. The black vase resembled organic matter while the gray sediment seemed close to clean lake sediments. The collected samples were characterized for their physical (particle size distribution, specific gravity and specific surface area), chemical (minor and major elements as well as total sulfur and carbon) and mineralogical (X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope) properties. Additionally, the reactivity of sediments was studied using weathering cells to quantify chemical species leaching and their releasing rates. The results showed that the vase was the only contaminated part with high concentrations of sulfur and metals such as copper, zinc and iron. Geochemical data showed that the composite sample and the vase potentially cause contaminated acid drainage if they are exposed to atmospheric conditions. Indeed, the pH values of the leachates from both samples were between 4 and 6, while those corresponding to sediments remained around circumneutral values. Quantitatively, the contaminant release from the tested samples was variable. Indeed, the Fe cumulative concentrations were around 200, 80 and 20 mg/kg for the vase, composite and sediment samples, respectively. Similarly, the Zn cumulative concentrations were around 4500, 4200, and below the detection limit for vase, composite and sediment samples, respectively. The same tendency was observed for Cu, S, and Fe. Thus, sediments within Osisko lake present a risk for water contamination if they are resuspended or dredged out of the lake. Consequently, they should be stabilized before their disposal. The samples’ high Cu contents also offer the possibility of their reprocessing.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
Saber Hussein ◽  
Hasan Arman ◽  
Dalal Al Shamsi ◽  
Ahmed Murad ◽  
Ala Aldahan

This study concerns the occurrence of pollutants in Zakher Lake, Al Ain, UAE, which are relevant to the water supply and impact on ecosystem. Lake water and sediment samples were collected from the lake and were analyzed for different chemical and physical properties. In-situ measurements of temperature, pH, EC and TDS and Rn-222 activity were carried out using a WTW-COND-330I and RAD7 instrument with errors of < 5%. The analyses of trace and major elements were performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) Varian 715 with errors < 5%. The results reveal high concentrations of Na, K, Mg and Ca, Fe, Mn, Al, Sr, Ba and Pb in water samples of the lake, which are higher than permissible limits for drinking and irrigation. Variable concentrations of these elements were found in the sediment samples. In addition, radon isotope (Rn-222) data in the lake water indicate activity values below the detection limit of the instrument. The high concentrations of major and trace elements support the idea that the water is polluted. The sources of water to the lake are considered mainly anthropogenic due to the relatively high activity of Rn-222 in surrounding groundwater wells that is not detected in the lake water. Consequently, the lake water is not suitable for drinking, domestic or irrigation purposes and may be considered as a source of environmental hazard in the area.


1984 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alena Mudroch

Abstract Surface sediment samples obtained at the offshore and nearshore area of Lake Erie were separated into eight different size fractions ranging from &lt;2 µm to 250 µm. The concentration of major elements (Si, Al, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn and P), metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, V, Co and Pb) and organic matter was determined together with the mineralogical composition and morphology of the particles in each size fraction. The distribution of the metals in the offshore sediment was bimodal with the majority of the metals divided between the 63 to 250 um size fraction which also contained the highest concentration of organic matter (about 20%) and the &lt;4 µm fraction containing up to 60% of clay minerals. However, the metals in the nearshore sediment were associated mainly with the clay minerals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidia I. Tobón Velázquez ◽  
Mario Rebolledo Vieyra ◽  
Adina Paytan ◽  
Kyle H. Broach ◽  
Laura M. Hernández Terrones

The aim of the study is to determine the distribution of trace and major elements in the water and in the sediments of the south part of the Bacalar Lagoon and to identify the sources of the trace elements and their changes over time. The western part of the lagoon water column is characterised by high concentrations of Ca2+, HCO3– and Sr2+, derived from groundwater input. In contrast, the eastern part of the lagoon is characterised by high concentrations of Mg2+, Na+ and Cl–. The lagoon is not affected by present-day seawater intrusion. Water column and sediment geochemical analyses performed in Bacalar Lagoon show clear spatial distribution of different parameters. The saturation index of the water column indicates three main groups: (1) a zone oversaturated with regard to aragonite, calcite and dolomite; (2) an undersaturated area where all three minerals are dissolving; and (3) an area with calcite equilibrium and undersaturation with regard to the other minerals. Herein we present the first measurements of trace element (Ba2+, Mn2+, K+, Ni2+, Zn2+) concentrations in carbonates obtained from sediments in Bacalar Lagoon. In order to evaluate whether the trace elements are derived from natural or anthropogenic sources, four pollution indices were calculated. The results confirmed that Bacalar Lagoon sediments are not contaminated with Ni2+, K+, Mn2+ and Ba2+, and that the Zn2+ seems to have a predominantly anthropogenic origin.


1980 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-253
Author(s):  
John Edward Callahan

Stream sediments from a 13 000 km2 previously glaciated area in central Labrador near Churchill Falls were examined for their heavy mineral content. The minus 0.25 mm (60 mesh) nonmagnetic heavy mineral fraction from 846 stream sediment samples consists mainly of magnetite, ilmenite. garnet, hornblende, epidote and minor clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene. kyanite. sillimanite, biotite. apatite, and zircon. Changes in the frequency distribution of epidote, hornblende, garnet, and sillimanite in the stream sediments correspond well with those reported in previously mapped underlying bedrock lithologies. The occurrence of kyanite and sillimanite, high concentrations of garnet and opaques (mainly ilmenite), and lower concentrations of hornblende and epidote were used to determine grades of regional metamorphism, resulting in revision of the geologic map of this area. Heavy minerals in glacial drift or fluvial deposits may be useful as an aid in mapping in glaciated areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-197
Author(s):  
E. S. Kolpakova ◽  
A. V. Velyamidova

The article presents the results of studies of the environmental properties of organochlorines which differ in properties and origin, in the lake ecosystems of the Bolshezemelskaya tundra (Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia). The purpose of this study was to evaluate and assess the levels, distribution characteristics and composition of organochlorines in the bottom sediments of small lakes located in the Adzva river basin in Pymvashor natural boundary (the northernmost location of the exit of thermal-mineral springs of the continental Europe) and in the adjacent area, outside this unique subarctic hydrothermal zone.In order to meet this goal, multi-method (hydrochemical, geochemical, etc.) research was carried out using standard generally approved laboratory practices with their adaptation to the study goals. The quantitative content and composition of the target individual organochlorines were determined by gas chromatographic method with electron-capture detection.The presence of chlorophenol compounds and polychlorinated benzenes (including persistent organic pollutants) was shown in the lakes sediments. The influence of specific microclimatic conditions of subarctic hydrothermal system on the composition and distribution of chlorophenol compounds in lake sediments was considered. In the small lake sediment core in Pymvashor natural boundary a reducing trend in the levels of organochlorines with depth has been recorded (conditioned among other things by the lithological features of bottom sediments). The chlorophenol compounds were found at highest concentrations (619.3–765.5 ng/g) in the sediment upper layers, rich in organic matter; chlorophenol composition was represented mainly by chlorinated phenols, most likely of biotic origin. A lower concentration (185.0 ng/g) of chlorophenol compounds of predominantly abiogenic origin was determined in the lake sediments outside hydrothermal system. The presence and levels of persistent organochlorine pollutants (pentachlorophenol 0.1–2.4 ng/g; hexa- and pentachlorobenzenes 0.4–3.6 ng/g) in the lake sediments were associated with long-range atmospheric transport from various origin sources in nearby regions and low-latitude territories.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 63-73
Author(s):  
C. I. Adamu ◽  
E.E. Okon ◽  
D.O. Inyang

Active stream sediments generally consist of broken-down fragments of pre-existing rocks by the action of river (stream) flow. This makes them target materials for routine geochemical surveys and provenance analysis. Fifteen (15) stream sediment samples were collected in some parts of Bula and its environs, northeastern Nigeria, in order to determine their textural characteristics, heavy mineral and elemental composition. The sediments were subjected to granulometric, heavy mineral and elemental analyses. The result of granulometric analysis show that the streamsediments are poorly to moderately well sorted, very platykurtic to leptokurtic, fine to medium grained and positively skewed. Zircon, rutile and tourmaline are the dominant heavy mineral species occurring in the sediments. The computed Zircon-Tourmaline-Rutile (ZTR) index values for the samples range from 59.18 - 83.53, indicating mineralogical maturity. The geochemical data of the stream sediment samples show that the mean contents of the trace elements [Ti (0.73 ± 0.74%), Fe (0.39±0.19%), Cr (816±639ppm), Ni (258±108ppm), Pb (48±12.37ppm) and Zn (502±126ppm)] were higher than their respective average crustal values except for Fe. Computed threshold values indicate possible mineralization containing Fe and Ti. The elements have variable spatial distribution. The study shows that the trace elements composition of the stream sediments is majorly lithogenic. Because mineralization in rocks and sediments are often characterized by considerable variation in their trace elements contents, the metal concentrations in these sediments are large enough for Ilmenite and Rutile mineralization to be suspected within the study area.


Author(s):  
T.A. Smaglichenko

The assumed seismic model of the area around fields having high concentrations of CH4 and CO2, CH4 and H2 dissolved in hydrothermal vents is first introduced. The model of so-called natural barrier to retention of gases accumulation has been revealed using outcomes of 3D seismic tomography method, which has been developed by the author and utilizing geochemical data that were earlier obtained by other researchers in scientific cruises and university laboratories. The built model is in agreement with a distribution of seismicity (M 2.5–4.5) that occurred during last 5 years. A comparison of diffusion parameters of methane for thermal reservoirs and rocks, and corresponding comparison of geological structures permits to suppose that the presented model can be used to find appropriated area for underground storage of gases mentioned above.


1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Haag

Sediment samples were collected in May 1980 from 11 stations at five sites in Lake Wabamun. Emergence of seedlings was recorded in a greenhouse at 19 °C for 120 days. The sediments were then chilled at 4 °C for 120 days and reexposed to greenhouse conditions for a further 90 days. Total seedling densities varied from 0 to 2335 m−2. Depth and sediment texture each accounted for 20% of the variance in seedling numbers. Discharge of thermal effluent from the Wabamun generating station also caused substantial variation in seedling number; seedling numbers at the shallowest Wabamun Outlet station were over four times those at any other site. Chilling of the sediment samples in the laboratory caused further emergence of seedlings from the four sites with the highest seedling densities in the initial treatment. Total numbers were up to 50% of those for seedlings that emerged during the initial exposure to greenhouse conditions. Potamogeton pectinatus and P. pusillus were most common among the seedlings of six species. Two of the three most common macrophytes in the lake were rare as seedlings, while no seedlings were recorded for the most common angiosperm, Myriophyllum exalbescens. Reproduction by seed makes a secondary contribution to the dynamics of the vegetation of Lake Wabamun.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Ferrari ◽  
Agata Gallipoli ◽  
Matteo Balderacchi ◽  
Maria M. Ulaszewska ◽  
Ettore Capri ◽  
...  

This study give a preliminary survey of pharmaceutical contamination and accumulation in surface waters and sediments along the river Po basin (74,000 km2, the largest in Italy), a strategic region for the Italian economy: it collects sewage from a vast industrialized area of Italy (Autorità di Baciono del fiume Po, 2006, 2009). 10 pharmaceuticals (atenolol, propanolol, metoprolol, nimesulide, furosemide, carbamazepine, ranitidine, metronidazole, paracetamol, and atorvastatin) from several therapeutic classes were searched in 54 sampling points along the river Po from the source to the delta, and at the mouth of its major effluents. In water samples were found pharmaceuticals in the range of 0.38–0.001 μg/L, except for furosemide (max conc. 0.605 μg/L), paracetamol (max conc. 3.59 μg/L), metoprolol (never detected) and for atenolol (not analysed). In sediment samples, only paracetamol was not detected, while the others were generally found in the range of 0.4–0.02 μg/kgwwwith high concentrations for atenolol (max conc. 284μg/kgww) and furosemide (max conc. 98.4μg/kgww). The findings confirm also STPs as point sources of contamination. Despite of the much evidence for the adverse effects of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment, the observed low levels cannot be considered to pose a serious risk to human health; further studies are necessary for a comprehensive risk assessment.


1986 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 1442-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Conley ◽  
Claire L. Schelske ◽  
Brian G. Dempsey ◽  
Charles D. Campbell ◽  
Teresa L. Newberry

The spatial distribution of biogenic silica (BSi) in the surficial sediments of Lake Michigan is described from Shipek grab samples collected in 1975 and gravity cores obtained in 1983. Significantly smaller surficial BSi concentrations in the 1975 samples were attributed primarily to the inability of a Shipek grab to collect intact surficial sediment samples. Lower concentrations o.f BSi were found in nondepositional and transitional areas of sediment accumulation than in depositional basins. Therefore, BSi accumulation is restricted primarily to the 40% of the lake bottom where sediments are presently accumulating. High concentrations found in Green Bay surficial sediments are related to high productivity in the bay coupled with inputs of new silica from the Fox River. In the open lake, BSi concentrations of surficial sediments in depositional basins appeared to vary inversely with sedimentation rate in that lower BSi concentrations were found in areas with higher sedimentation rates.


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