scholarly journals Concentration, Spatial Distribution and Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in Stream Sediments of the Misiones Province, Argentina

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1112
Author(s):  
Dongjie Zhao ◽  
Yuming Chen ◽  
Weibo Zhang ◽  
Xifeng Chen ◽  
Xiufa Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Stream Sediments ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Misiones Province

One hundred and twenty-eight stream sediment samples were collected in the Misiones province of Argentina by the low-density geochemical mapping project of the China Geological Survey. The analyzed data were used to study the concentration, spatial distribution, local pollution level and potential ecological risk of eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) by factor analysis, geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) and the Hakanson’s potential ecological risk index (Eir and RI) methods. Results showed that the background values (median) of those elements were 2.97 ppm, 0.13 ppm, 212.60 ppm, 322.53 ppm, 0.013 ppm, 64.42 ppm, 12.58 ppm, and 198.85 ppm, respectively. Except for Hg, the contents of other elements were higher than the abundance of continental crust. The spatial distribution of Cu and Zn in stream sediments were consistent, while that of other elements were different. The factor analysis results implied that Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were mainly affected by geological background and inherited the characteristics of regional parent rocks. Furthermore, Pb was not only controlled by natural conditions but also related to human activities, while As and Hg represented the anthropogenic sources, and their concentrations were affected by human activities. The results of Igeo and EF told us that Cu was heavily polluted in stream sediments; Pb and Zn were largely mildly polluted; As, Cr, Cd, Ni and Hg were mostly nonpolluted. The ecological risks were ordered as As > Cu > Cd > Pb > Hg > Cr > Ni > Zn. In general, the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the Misiones province was low, but As and Cu also have a high ecological risk at some sampling points, which should be considered.

scholarly journals Accumulation and Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of Rivers System in Beijing-Tianjin Area

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengguang Yuan ◽  
wenqiang zhang ◽  
Wenye Li ◽  
Zhenhan Li ◽  
Minshan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Toxicity Assessment ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Sampling Points

Abstract Human activities cause heavy metals to enter the water body and consequently deposit in sediment with slow flow velocity, however little studies have explored the spatial distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments. The risk, spatial distribution and toxicity of heavy metals in sediment were investigated along the North Canal in the Beijing-Tianjin area. The study revealed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments exhibited a descending order of Zn > Cr > As > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd. The average geoaccumulation index (Igeo) value of Cd was highest and ranged from 0.2 to 2.91. Moreover, the greatest contamination of Cd (the Igeo values > 2) was observed in three sampling sites around the Tianjin City. The pollution load index (PLI) of all sampling points were greater than 1, which indicated the inflow of heavy metals originated from anthropogenic sources. The risk index (RI) values of three sampling points were greater than 300, which demonstreated high potential ecological risk. With regards to the toxicity assessment of combined heavy metals, there were two probable effect concentration (PEC) quotient (Qm-PEC) values greater than 0.5 which suggested potential toxicity to certain sediment-dwelling organisms. Identification of the possible sources and factors contributing to the content and spatial distribution of heavy metals could assist in improvement of the water quality, as well as support efficient management strategies to restoration of the environment.

scholarly journals Trace element contamination in the mine-affected stream sediments of Oued Rarai in north-western Tunisia: a river basin scale assessment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamel Ayari ◽  
Maurizio Barbieri ◽  
Yannick Agnan ◽  
Ahmed Sellami ◽  
Ahmed Braham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Stream Sediments ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
North East ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
North Western

AbstractHigh-quality and accurate environmental investigations are essential for the evaluation of contamination and subsequent decision-making processes. A combination of environmental geochemical indices, multivariate analyses and geographic information system approach was successfully used to assess contamination status and source apportionment of trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) in surface stream sediments from the Oued Rarai basin in north-western Tunisia, containing various metal and metalloid ores. The contamination level reported in this study indicates a non-negligible potential ecological risk, mainly related to sediment transport along the river. Antimony (concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 297 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), arsenic (from 0.5 to 1490 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), lead (from 2.9 to 5150 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) mercury (from 0.05 to 54.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) and silver (from 0.05 to 9.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) showed the most crucial contamination. Besides, potential ecological risk index values were maximum for arsenic with a median of 302, indicating a very high to serious ecological risk (> 160). Results from correlation analysis and principal component analysis revealed three main geochemical associations related to lithologic, tectonic and anthropogenic sources. V, Cr and Cu mainly originated from natural bedrock and soil. Ag and Cd were more controlled by both natural and mining enrichments. Mercury and Pb were mostly influenced by the ancient ore-related activities at the Oued Rarai site and north-east–south-west trending faults. Finally, Sb, As, Ni and Zn were largely controlled by the siliciclastic continental Neogene sequences. Finally, the physical and chemical dynamics of the watershed system, lithological properties, mineralisation, tectonic settings and mobilisation of subsurface sediments largely controlled both concentrations and spatial patterns of trace elements in the study basin. These results need to be considered in the strategies of suitable environmental management at former and current mining sites in north-western Tunisia.

scholarly journals Heavy Metals Distribution, Sources, and Ecological Risk Assessment in Huixian Wetland, South China

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 431
Author(s):  
Liangliang Huang ◽  
Saeed Rad ◽  
Li Xu ◽  
Liangying Gui ◽  
Xiaohong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
South China ◽  
Ecological Risk Assessment ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources

This research has focused on the source identification, concentration, and ecological risk assessment of eight heavy metals in the largest karst wetland (Huixian) of south China. Numerous samples from superficial soil and sediment within ten representative landuse types were collected and examined, and the results were analyzed using multiple methods. Single pollution index (Pi) results were underpinned by the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) method, in which Cd was observed as the priority pollutant with the highest contamination degree in this area. As for the most polluted landuse type, via applying Nemerow’s synthetical contamination index (PN) and Potential ecological risk index (RI), the river and rape field posed the highest ecological risks, while moderate for the rest. To quantify the drivers of the contaminants, a principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out and weathering of the watershed’s parent carbonate rocks was found to be the main possible origin, followed by anthropogenic sources induced by agricultural fertilizer. Considering the impacts of these potentially toxic elements on public health, the results of this study are essential to take preventive actions for environmental protection and sustainable development in the region.

scholarly journals Source Identification, Ecological Risk and Spatial Analysis of Heavy Metals Contamination in Agricultural Soils of Tanjaro Area, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Hayder Issa ◽  
Azad Alshatteri
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Emission Spectrometry ◽  
Kurdistan Region ◽  
Ecological Risk Index

The current work accomplished a comprehensive evaluation of heavy metals pollution in soil of agricultural areas from Tanjaro sub-district, Sulaimaniyah province, Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq. Ninety soil samples were collected from thirty different locations. Concentrations of 16 heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry ICP-OES. The pollution index (PI), potential ecological risk index (Er), enrichment factor (EF), and ecological risk index (RI) were used to assess the pollution in soil samples. High levels of Li and Ni, and moderate Ba, Cd, Hg, and Pb according to the results of concentration analysis, pollution index (PI), and potential ecological risk (ERI). High levels of Cd and Hg according to the results of Er. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that heavy metals were generated from different natural and anthropogenic sources like natural weathering, fertilizer application, and transportation. Origins of Hg, Cd, Ni, and Pb are probably from activities like overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, whereas Pb could be exhausted from vehicle exhausts as well. Furthermore, spatial distributions revealed nonpoint source pollution for the studied heavy metals. The obtained results help in the remediation techniques of contaminated soils such as dilution with decontaminated soil or extraction or separation of heavy metals.

scholarly journals Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution and Potential Ecological Risk in Sewage Sludge from Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Located in the Most Industrialized Region in Poland—Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malwina Tytła
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Chemical Forms

This study aimed to assess the pollution and potential ecological risk of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the sewage sludge collected from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), located in the most industrialized region of Poland (Silesian Voivodeship). The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP-OES) and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). The chemical forms (chemical speciation) of heavy metals were determined using the three-step chemical sequential extraction procedure, developed by the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR). To assess the pollution level and potential ecological risk, the following indices were used: Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk Factor (ER), Individual Contamination Factor (ICF), Risk Assessment Code (RAC), and Ecological Risk Factor (ERF)—the author’s index. Sludge samples were collected at successive stages of processing. The results revealed that the activated sludge process and sludge thickening have a significant impact on heavy metal distribution, while anaerobic digestion and dehydration decrease their mobility. The most dominant metals in the sludge samples were Zn and Cu. However, the content of heavy metals in sewage sludge did not exceed the permissible standards for agricultural purposes. The concentrations of heavy metals bound to the immobile fractions exhibited higher concentrations, compared to those bound to mobile fractions (except Zn). The values of the total indices indicated that sludge samples were moderately to highly contaminated with Zn, Hg, Cd, Cu, and Pb, of which only Hg, Cd, and Cu posed a potential ecological risk, while according to the speciation indices, sludge samples were moderately to very highly polluted with Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, and Ni, of which Zn, Ni, and Cd were environmentally hazardous. The obtained results proved that assessment of the pollution level and potential ecological risk of heavy metals in sewage sludge requires knowledge on both their total concentrations and their chemical forms. Such an approach will help prevent secondary pollution of soils with heavy metals, which may influence the reduction of health risks associated with the consumption of plants characterized by a high metal content.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollutants From Plateau Mines in Wetland Surface Deposits

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Yu ◽  
Shi Kaiyi ◽  
Yuan Jie ◽  
Kuang Qiyu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Artificial Wetlands ◽  
Mining Areas ◽  
Pollution Levels

The Liupanshui Minghu Wetland is a typical artificial urban wetland in a plateau mining region. It is important to identify the sources and potential ecological risks of heavy metal contaminants in its surface sediments to monitor the wetland and the downstream water quality and prevent pollution. In this study, we measured the concentrations of six toxic heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Cd) in the surface sediments collected from the Liupanshui Minghu Wetland. Further, the geological accumulation indices of heavy metals and their potential ecological risk indices, pollution levels, and associated ecological hazards were evaluated. The average levels of Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Cd in the superficial sediments were 197, 222, 79.0, 59.1, 68.6, 4.67 mg/kg, respectively. With the exception of Cr, the concentrations of the remaining metals were greater than the background levels in the region. The Statistical analysis indicated a strong correlation between Pb, Zn, Cr, and Cu (p < 0.01). The pollution in the wetland by these elements can be attributed to human activities such as transportation, industrial activity, and agricultural production. Ni and Cd pollution can be attributed to human activities, such as coal mining, and natural phenomena, such as the weathering of mountains and rocks. The geological accumulation indices of Zn, Ni, and Cu indicated low levels of accumulation and minimal contamination. Cd and Pb were moderately enriched, and the levels of Cd and Pb contamination ranged from moderate to high. The potential ecological risk to the Shiyuan region (S) was the highest among the three regions in the wetland park. It was followed by the Longtoutan (L) region, and the potential ecological risk was the lowest in the Erdaoba (E) region. Among the six heavy metals, Cd was the main contributor to pollution in the Minghu Wetland. This study also strives to provide theoretical basis and data support for the prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in artificial wetlands in Alpine mining areas.

scholarly journals Investigation of heavy metals concentration in soil around a Pb-Zn mine and ecological risk assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Hossein Baghaie ◽  
Forough Aghili
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Soil Pollution ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Ecological Risk Index ◽  
Accumulation Index

Background: Soil pollution with heavy metals seriously threatens soil quality, food safety, and humanhealth. This study was conducted to determine the soil pollution level and ecological risk assessmentof different heavy metals in agricultural soils around Nakhlak Pb-Zn mine, located in Anarak district,Nain county of Isfahan province.Methods: A total of 50 soil samples were collected from agricultural land around Nakhlak mine andanalyzed to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Mn. The geo-accumulation index(Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and potential ecological-risk index (Er) were used to assess the level ofsoil pollution with heavy metals.Results: The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Mn were 355, 2.72, 347, 26, 36, and505 mg/kg, respectively, which were higher than the background values of world soils. Based on theIgeo index, the study area was moderately to heavily contaminated with Pb and Zn, uncontaminated tomoderate contaminated with Cd and Cu, and uncontaminated with Mn and Ni. According to the EFvalues, the study soil was moderately contaminated with Mn, Ni, and Cu, significantly contaminatedwith Cd and Zn, and highly enriched with Pb. The RI values showed a moderate level of heavy metalscontamination in the study soil.Conclusion: According to the results, the ecological risk of heavy metals for ecosystem in agriculturallands around Nakhlak Pb-Zn mine is moderate. However, the contamination status should be consideredperiodically.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment of the Xiangjiang River Section Flowing through Changsha

2013 ◽  
Vol 368-370 ◽  
pp. 482-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Tong Wu ◽  
Hong Yu Zhu ◽  
Juan Guo ◽  
Yan Ni Lei
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
River Sediments ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Xiangjiang River ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Accumulation Index ◽  
Ecological Risk Evaluation ◽  
Heavy Metals Pollution

In order to assess polluting condition of heavy metals in sediment of the Xiangjiang River Changsha section, the spatial distribution of four heavy metals were determined in river sediments at six sampling stations. Geo-accumulation Index of heavy metals in superficial sediment of the Xiangjiang River Changsha section was in the decreasing order of Cd>Zn>Pb>Cu. On the whole, the pollution level was moderate-high, and the order of four heavy metals pollution lever was noted in the sequence of Liuyang River entrance of Xiangjiang> Juzizhou Bridge >Houzishi Bridge> the Second Xiangjiang River Bridge > Xiangjiang Super Bridge > Xiangjiang Sanchaji Bridge. The Potential Ecological Risk Evaluation showed that heavy metals ecological risk in sediment of the Xiangjiang River Changsha section was very high, Cd was the primary contribution element, followed by Pb.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document