Toward generalizable sediment fingerprinting with tracers that are conservative and nonconservative over sediment routing timescales

Purpose

The science of sediment fingerprinting has been evolving rapidly over the past decade and is well poised to improve our understanding, not only of sediment sources, but also the routing of sediment through watersheds. Here, we discuss channel–floodplain processes that may convolute or modify the sediment fingerprinting signature of alluvial bank/floodplain sources and explore the use of nonconservative tracers for differentiating sediment derived from surface soil erosion from that of near-channel fluvial erosion.

Materials and methods

We use a mathematical model to demonstrate the theoretical effects of channel–floodplain exchange on conservative and nonconservative tracers. Then, we present flow, sediment gauging data, and geochemical measurements of long- (meteoric beryllium-10, ¹⁰Be) and short-lived (excess lead-210 and cesium-137, ²¹⁰Pb_ex and ¹³⁷Cs, respectively) radionuclide tracers from two study locations: one above, and the other below, a rapidly incising knick zone within the Maple River watershed, southern Minnesota.

Results and discussion

We demonstrate that measurements of ¹⁰Be, ²¹⁰Pb_ex, and ¹³⁷Cs associated with suspended sediment can be used to distinguish between the three primary sediment sources (agricultural uplands, bluffs, and banks) and estimate channel–floodplain exchange. We observe how the sediment sources systematically vary by location and change over the course of a single storm hydrograph. While sediment dynamics for any given event are not necessarily indicative of longer-term trends, the results are consistent with our geomorphic understanding of the system and longer-term observations of sediment dynamics. We advocate for future sediment fingerprinting studies to develop a geomorphic rationale to explain the distribution of the fingerprinting properties for any given study area, with the intent of developing a more generalizable, process-based fingerprinting approach.

Conclusions

We show that measurements of conservative and nonconservative tracers (e.g., long- and short-lived radionuclides) can provide spatially integrated, yet temporally discrete, insights to constrain sediment sources and channel–floodplain exchange at the river network-scale. Fingerprinting that utilizes nonconservative tracers requires that the nonconservative behavior is predictable and verifiable.     

The effect of waste water treatment on river metal concentrations: removal or enrichment?

Purpose

Discharge of untreated domestic and industrial waste in many European rivers resulted in low oxygen concentrations and contamination with trace metals, often concentrated in sediments. Under these anoxic conditions, the formation of insoluble metal sulfides is known to reduce metal availability. Nowadays, implementation of waste water treatment plants results in increasing surface water oxygen concentrations. Under these conditions, sediments can be turned from a trace metal sink into a trace metal source.

Materials and methods

In an ex situ experiment with metal contaminated sediment, we investigated the effect of surface water aeration on sediment metal sulfide (acid volatile sulfides (AVS)) concentrations and sediment metal release to the surface water. These results were compared with long-term field data, where surface water oxygen and metal concentrations, before and after the implementation of a waste water treatment plant, were compared.

Results and discussion

Aeration of surface water in the experimental setup resulted in a decrease of sediment AVS concentrations due to sulfide oxidation. Metals, known to precipitate with these sulfides, became more mobile and increasing dissolved metal (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu)) concentrations in the surface water were observed. Contrary to As, Cd, or Cu, manganese (Mn) surface water concentrations decreased in the aerated treatment. Mn ions will precipitate and accumulate in the sediment as Mn oxides under the oxic conditions. Field data, however, demonstrated a decrease of all total metal surface water concentrations with increasing oxygen concentrations following the implementation of the waste water treatment plant.

Conclusions

The gradual decrease in surface water metal concentrations in the river before the treatment started and the removal of metals in the waste water treatment process could not be countered by an increase in metal flux from the sediment as observed in the experiment.     

Trace metal pollution in freshwater sediments of the world’s largest mercury mining district: sources,spatial distribution,and environmental implications

Purpose

The Almadén mining district has suffered long-term extraction activity, and this has left significant areas of decommissioned mining liabilities. Nowadays, the uncontrolled runoff and related erosion and transport of trace metal-enriched soils and sediments affect the whole freshwater ecosystem. The goal of this study was to distinguish geogenic from mining-related sources of trace metals in freshwater sediments, to understand their dispersion in the watershed, and, finally, to evaluate the potential environmental implications for future corrective plans.

Materials and methods

Freshwater surface sediment samples were collected from ten points along the main streams of the watershed (nine inside the mining district and one control point outside the district). Sediments were air dried and analyzed by different standard methods for pH, total major and trace element concentrations, total organic carbon, and grain size. In addition to the determination of the enrichment factor, a multi-statistical approach was applied involving discriminant analysis, Student’s t test, and Mann-Whitney U analysis.

Results and discussion

Sediments inside the district contained high levels of major and trace elements with respect to the control point. The predominance of fine fractions in these sediment samples appears to be one of the most important factors that affects trace metal concentrations. Among the trace elements, not only Hg but also As, Pb, and Zn are discriminative geochemical markers, thus allowing the identification of the different mining sources and their individual or combined impact throughout the district. Furthermore, the high enrichment factors obtained for As, Hg, Pb, and Zn with respect to the local background values highlight the persistent and severe impact from the decommissioned mines on the freshwater surficial sediments and their potential geoavailable risk for aquatic organisms.

Conclusions

The geochemistry of freshwater sediments alone demonstrates that different contamination sources are recognizable within the mining district and these can be related to the specific decommissioned mines. In addition, the discrete sources can be clearly distinguished on the basis of the statistical analysis of the geochemical data. Despite the closure of the mines, stream sediments are still the main repository of trace metals within the district, and they are therefore a potential threat to the freshwater ecosystem.

     

Trace metals in sediments and aquatic plants from the Xiangjiang River, China

Purpose

The metal concentrations and Pb isotopic composition in sediments and plants from the Xiangjiang River, China, were investigated to understand the contamination and potential toxicity of metals in sediments; to determine the accumulation and distribution of metals in plant tissues; and to trace the possible pollution source of Pb in sediments and plants.

Materials and methods

Sediments and plants were collected from 43 sampling sites in the study region. After sediments were air-dried and passed through a 63-??m sieve, they were acid-digested and DTPA-extracted for determination of total and bioavailable metals. The plants were separated into roots, leaves, and stems; dried; cut into pieces; and digested with HNO₃?CH₂O₂. Metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and Pb isotopic composition were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Results and discussion

Maximum As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in sediments were 47.18, 55.81, 129.5, 161.6, 160.4, 430.7, and 1,098.8?mg?kg^?1, respectively. The bioavailable fractions of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn had significant linear relationship with their corresponding total contents in sediments while no significant relationship was observed between bioavailable and total contents of Cr and Ni. In general, plant tissues showed higher As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations and lower Cr and Ni concentrations compared with sediments. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios decreased in the order of total > bioavailable > stems ?? leaves > roots. A strong linear correlation was observed between the ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios of the plant tissues, sediments, and the possible pollution sources of Pb in the Xiangjiang River.

Conclusions

As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn demonstrated higher contamination levels in sediments and plants compared with Cr and Ni. Cd had highest potential ecological risk. The Pb from anthropogenic sources with low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios was preferentially associated with the bioavailable fractions in sediments and accumulated in roots. The Pb in plant tissues is mainly derived from the Pb in sediment and is taken up through the sediment-to-root pathway.     

Identification of the sources of metals and arsenic in river sediments by multivariate analysis and geochemical approaches

Purpose

Frequent mining activities and higher background values in soil have led to the contamination of the sediments of some rivers in southwest China by several metals and arsenic (As). This study combined multivariate analysis with geochemical approaches to differentiate mining activity from other sources, which may aid to evaluate the effectiveness of reducing mining release.

Materials and methods

Sixteen sediment samples were collected along the Yuan River, China. The total concentrations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and As were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). The Pb isotopic composition was measured using a thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMES). Both geochemical approaches and multivariate statistical analysis were used to identify the sources of these metals. The fractionation of Pb was determined through a Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure to aid the identification of the sources.

Results and discussion

The concentrations and enrichment factors (EFs) of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and As in the middle reach of the river were higher than those at the other sites, indicating anthropogenic sources. The factor analysis (FA) extracted “mining and smelting,” “mixture of anthropogenic and natural,” and “natural” factors. The Pb isotope composition of metal ores was similar (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb?<?1.190 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb?>?2.023) to that found in the sediments in the middle reach, indicating anthropogenic sources of mining activities. Compared with the narrow ranges of the δ³⁴S ratios in the bedrock (+8.5 to +9.3?‰) and the metal ores (?1.4 to +1.9?‰), the sediment samples presented a relatively wide range of δ³⁴S ratios from ?2.6 to +9.2?‰ with a mean of +2.6?‰, which suggests a mixed composition. The BCR sequential extraction procedure revealed that the proportion of the extractable fraction in the sediments in the middle reach was higher than that in other sites, suggesting anthropogenic sources as the cause of contamination in the study area.

Conclusions

Lead, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As are mainly derived from natural materials in the upstream region. In the middle reach, these elements are the result of anthropogenic activities, particularly activities associated with the mining industry. In the downstream region, the origin of these elements is considered to be a mixture of anthropogenic and natural sources. In addition to geochemical approaches and multivariate statistical analysis, the BCR sequential extraction method is an effective procedure for the identification of the anthropogenic sources of sediment-associated metals.     

Geochemistry of sediments in three sectors of Trincomalee Bay,Sri Lanka: provenance,modifying factors and present environmental status

Purpose

The geochemical compositions of sediments from three sectors in Trincomalee Bay (Koddiyar Bay, Thambalagam Bay and the Inner Harbour) in Sri Lanka were examined to determine fluvial and marine contributions and the effects of sorting and heavy mineral concentration. The present environmental status of the bay was also assessed.

Materials and methods

Forty-nine sediment samples were collected from Trincomalee Bay and analysed by X-ray fluorescence, yielding data for the major elements and 17 trace elements. Mean grain size and sorting were also measured. Data were compared with the compositions of sediments from the lower Mahaweli River, which supplies most of the clastic detritus to Trincomalee Bay.

Results and discussion

Sediments in the three sectors differ significantly in chemical composition, according to position relative to the Mahaweli River delta source, depositional environment, heavy mineral concentration and marine influences. According to accepted sediment quality guidelines, some As contamination may have occurred in the Inner Harbour and Thambalagam Bay and Cr contamination in all three sectors.

Conclusions

Proximal Koddiyar Bay sediments compare closely with Mahaweli River bedload. Although the clastic component in the more distal Thambalagam Bay and the Inner Harbour is also derived from the Mahaweli River, compositions are modified significantly by marine contributions. High concentrations of elements including Ti, Zr, Ce, Nb and Y in NW Koddiyar Bay are consistent with heavy mineral concentration by winnowing in high-energy zones. Some decoupling of Fe–Ti- and Zr-bearing heavy mineral assemblages may occur within the bay. Al-normalized metal enrichment factors and contour maps show that apparent contamination by As and Cr is spurious and is caused by locally high background levels from Mahaweli River detritus. This illustrates the importance of establishing local background levels of elements during environmental studies.     

Quantification of seasonal sediment and phosphorus transport dynamics in an agricultural watershed using radiometric fingerprinting techniques

Purpose

Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient for most US Midwestern aquatic systems and, therefore, increases of P, through point or non-point sources (NPS) of pollution such as agriculture, causes eutrophication. Identifying specific NPS contributions (e.g., upland vs. stream channels) for sediments and P is difficult due to the distributed nature of the pollution. Therefore, studies which link the spatial and temporal aspects of sediment and P transport in these systems can help better characterize the extent of NPS pollution.

Materials and methods

Our study used fingerprinting techniques to determine sources of sediments in an agricultural watershed (the North Fork of the Pheasant Branch watershed; 12.4 km² area) in Wisconsin, USA, during the spring, summer, and fall seasons of 2009. The primary sources considered were uplands (cultivated fields), stream bank, and streambed. The model used fallout radionuclides, ¹³⁷Cs, and ²¹⁰Pb_xs, along with total P to determine primary sediment sources. A shorter-lived fallout radioisotope, ⁷Be, was used to determine the sediment age and percent new sediments in streambed and suspended sediment samples (via the ⁷Be/²¹⁰Pb_xs ratio).

Results and discussion

Upland areas were the primary source of suspended sediments in the stream channels followed by stream banks. The sediment age and percent new sediment for the streambed and suspended sediments showed that the channel contained and transported newer (or more recently tagged with ⁷Be) sediments in the spring season (9–131 days sediment age), while relatively old sediments (165–318 days) were moving through the channel system during the fall season.

Conclusions

Upland areas are the major contributors to in-stream suspended sediments in this watershed. Sediment resuspension in stream channels could play an important role during the later part of the year. Best management practices should be targeted in the upland areas to reduce the export of sediments and sediment-bound P from agricultural watersheds.     

Spatial patterns and temporal changes of heavy metal distributions in river sediments in a region with multiple pollution sources

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal and regional variability of contamination by heavy metals (HMs) in river sediments using their enrichment factors (EFs) and benchmarking according to sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The Zlin region in the Czech Republic (Morava and Drevnice River basins) represents a model area where several regionally specific ecological risk assessment studies have recently been conducted with a focus on organic pollution, eco-toxicity, geological, and geochemical characteristics.

Materials and methods

Four consecutive sediment sampling campaigns were undertaken in spring and autumn 2005–2006. Aqua-regia leachable content of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn in surface sediments from 14 sites was analyzed using ICP-MS, and Hg content was analyzed using AMA-254 analyzer. EFs were calculated to identify the human impact on pollution in the area. Comparisons to SGQs were conducted to identify the areas and HMs of greatest risk.

Results and discussion

Calculation of EFs contributed to the effective clustering of HMs. Median EFs of Co, Ni, and V ranged from 0.9 to 1.4 at all sites indicating concentrations very close to natural geological background levels. There was greater enrichment at locally polluted sites, the highest in the cases of Cd, Sb, Hg, and Cr. Widespread influence of diffuse HM sources (traffic, agriculture, and urban wastes) was apparent from elevated concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn at all sites. EF values also helped to identify the greatest temporal changes and shifts in HMs contamination between adjacent sites caused by 50-year recurrence interval floods in early spring 2006. The impact was most apparent in downstream sites; namely directly below the confluence of the two major rivers.

Conclusions

The overall contamination of HMs in the region was classified as low-to-moderate with significantly contaminated sub-areas. The study showed relatively stable spatial distributions of HMs, indicating potential sources of pollution. Cu was identified as the HM of greatest risk. The study emphasizes the necessity of considering both environmental circumstances and background HM occurrence to prevent misinterpretation of the pollution situation. The use of EFs which include grain size proxy normalization and HM background levels, along with the comparison of the detected concentrations to SQGs, proved an efficient way to identify hazardous contamination from anthropogenic sources.     

The hydrological role of ‘sunken lanes’ with respect to sediment mobilization and delivery to watercourses with particular reference to West Sussex, southern England

Purpose

Roads in general and sunken lanes (SLs) in particular play an important hydrological role in connecting areas of runoff and sediment generation with valley floors and therefore with habitation and watercourses. These connections lead to damage and pollution. The role of SLs has been neglected as an important source of runoff and sediment and in hydrological and geomorphological discussion in the literature on connectivity.

Materials and methods

Published data on the role of roads and specifically SLs are reviewed. Fluxes of runoff and sediment have been mapped in a study area during a period of serious erosion (2006–2007). Routes to watercourses and entry points to a vulnerable river are recorded.

Results and discussion

SLs are historic features often hundreds of years old. Unmetalled SLs continue to incise whereas metalled ones generally act as routes for runoff and sediment with inputs from many sources. These include field gateways, other SLs, tracks and trails (some metalled, some unmetalled), bank gullies and mass movements on SL banks, burrows and pipes in banks, and erosion of roadside verges. The proportion of sediments from these sources is unknown and area specific. Impacts and costs include muddy flooding of villages, road clearance and ecological damage to rivers due to pollution and sedimentation.

Conclusions

The location of SLs is influenced by two factors: long-term human occupation of the landscape and soft, easily eroded geology. They are an important element in the connectivity between hillslopes and valley bottoms. They play a role in the muddy flooding of villages and increased sedimentation in rivers in areas such as Flanders, the Polish Carpathians and the study area in southern England.     

Long-term dispersal of heavy metals in a catchment affected by historic lead and zinc mining

Purpose

The Matylda catchment, in southern Poland, was polluted by the discharge of mine waters from a lead and zinc mine that inundated parts of a valley floor and caused the accumulation of metal-polluted sediments. After a partial reclamation of the mine site in the early 1980s, polluted sediments continue to accumulate on downstream floodplains and in fishponds. The aim of this study was to reconstruct the changes in metal dispersal during 100?years of mining and during the 40-year post-mining period and to propose a strategy for pollution mitigation in the area.

Materials and methods

Analyses of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg and Fe concentrations, speciation of heavy metals and mineralogical analyses were undertaken on overbank sediment cores and in stream sediments. Concentrations of the same elements and macro-ions soluble in stream waters were also determined.

Results and discussion

Concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb in the sediment profiles vary between 40,000 and 55,000, 300 and 600 and 30,000 and 50,000?mg?kg^-1, respectively. Changes of metal concentrations and the stratigraphy of sediments from the floodplains, stream channels and fishponds suggest rapid changes of metal loads migrating downstream during both the mining and post-mining periods. Since the time of mine closure, fine-grained, mine-derived sediments (ca. 12?cm thick) have been the main source of pollution of post-mining sediments and surface waters. Closure of the mine was followed by a relatively short period of rapid redistribution of sediment-associated heavy metals in the stream channel. Since the 1980s, the floodplain and fishponds have received a constant supply of metals. It contrasts with the slow sediment accretion rate and a rapid decrease of metal concentrations in floodplain pools due to dilution by decomposed leaf litter. A fivefold increase of Cd content in waters over the 4.6?km reach of the Matylda stream indicates continuous leaching of this element from the contaminated valley floor.

Conclusions

Unsuccessful mine site rehabilitation is due to leaching of mine-originated sediments dispersed over the valley bottom. However, the rate of metal remobilization over the last 40?years is low because of the small thickness and widespread anoxic conditions that prevail within both recent and mine-originated sediments and the alkaline pH of stream water, which reduces metal mobility. Distribution of the contaminated layer over a large area of the valley bottom precludes cost-efficient catchment rehabilitation.     

Urban sediment particle size and pollutants in Southern Brazil

Background, aim and scope

Studies of particulate-associated pollutants, or PAPs, in urban areas have become necessary due to their potentially deleterious effects on the environment. However, it is not just the sediments themselves which are problematic but also their particle size composition, which has a great influence on their capacity to adsorb and transport pollutants. This paper presents the particle size distributions and concentrations of five metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) of urban sediments collected from paved streets and gully pots from 20 cities in southern Brazil. The cities have different characteristics and hence sources of PAPs associated with differing geologies, soil types and type of urbanisation. Studies of this nature enable elucidation of the relationship between diffuse sources such as streets and gully pots and the likelihood of PAPs to subsequently pollute the urban aquatic environment.

Materials and methods

Sediment samples were taken at random from paved streets and gully pots in 20 cities in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil by means of a portable vacuum cleaner to avoid loss of finer particles. The particle sizes of the samples were measured using a Cilas® 1180 laser particle analyzer, and the concentrations of five metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined by wet acid digestion (HCl–HF–HClO₄–HNO₃) followed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy on the <63-µm fraction.

Results

It was found that in comparison to sediments collected from the streets, gully pot sediments were more heterogeneous in terms of particle size and also that sediment samples from the gully pots were predominantly coarser than those originating on the streets. From the gully pot results, analysis of the modal particle diameter enabled the cities to be divided into three categories. The concentrations of metals in the street sediments were similar across all 20 cities, with all concentrations above background values.

Discussion

The fact that concentrations of metals in the street sediments were above statutory guideline values and that the coarser material was deposited in the gully pots suggests that the finer, more polluted sediment is not retained in the gully pots but is transported to the nearest local receiving watercourse. This finding has implications for management strategies for reducing pollution in urban environments.

Conclusions

High concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the <63-µm fraction of street sediments, in combination with coarse material retained in the gully pots, indicate that metals could be transferred quite rapidly from the diffuse source of pollutants, on impermeable street surfaces, to receiving watercourses.

Recommendations and perspectives

Studies of urban sediment particle size and geochemistry enable predictions to be made of sediment behaviour in urban environments. This will inform management strategies such as the possibility of including sustainable urban drainage systems in future management plans, in which it is useful to know how efficient the drainage system is from the point of view of sediment deposition in the urban aquatic environment and the potential for pollution of receiving waters.     

Effects of iron-ore mining and processing on metal bioavailability in a tropical coastal lagoon

Background, aim, and scope

In water systems, water quality and geochemical properties of sediments determine the speciation of trace metals, metal transport, and sediment–water exchange, influencing metal availability and its potential effects on biota. Studies from temperate climates have shown that iron-ore mining and tailing wastewaters, besides being a source of trace metals, usually show high levels of dissolved ions and particulate suspended matter, thus having the potential of indirectly changing metal bioavailability. For the first time in the tropics, we identified the effects of iron-ore mining and processing on metal bioavailability in a coastal lagoon. With an extensive sampling scheme, we investigated the potential sources of metals; the links among metal levels in water, sediments, and invertebrates; and the contrasting effects on metal speciation and bioavailability.

Methodology

The metals Fe, Mn, Al, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As were measured in water, sediments (surface and profiles), and invertebrates from Mãe-Bá Lagoon and in the sites directly influenced by the mining operations (tailing dams and nearby rivers). In addition, samples from two other lagoons, considered pristine, were analyzed. The study area is located in the southeast of Brazil (Iron Quadrangle Region and a coastal area of Espírito Santo State). General water characteristics included pH, dissolved organic carbon, alkalinity, and anion composition. Water metal speciation was assessed by a speciation model (Chemical Equilibria in Aquatic Systems). Grain-size distribution, organic carbon, carbonate, and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) were determined in sediments. Statistical methods included comparison of means by Mann–Whitney test, ordination and correlation analyses, and analysis of regression for geochemical normalization of metals with grain size.

Results and discussion

The dissolved metal concentrations, the total metal levels in sediments, and the normalization based on the fine sediment fraction showed that the mining operations constitute potential sources of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, and Hg to Mãe-Bá Lagoon. However, trace metal availability was reduced because of increased pH, hardness, and sulfide content (356 μmol/g) in the sites influenced by the mining. The lagoon showed similar water chemistry as in the mining sites, with metal bioavailability further decreased by the presence of dissolved organic carbon and chloride. Although AVS levels in the lagoon were low (0.48–56 μmol/g), metal bioavailability was reduced because of the presence of organic matter. Metal levels in invertebrates confirmed the predicted low metal bioavailability in Mãe-Bá Lagoon. The lagoon was considered moderately contaminated only by Hg and As.

Conclusions

The iron-ore mining and processing studied here constitute potential sources of metal pollution into the tropical lagoon. Contrary to expectations, however, it also contributes to reducing the overall metal bioavailability in the lagoon.

Recommendations and perspectives

These findings are believed to be useful for evaluating metal exposure in a more integrated way, identifying not only the sources of pollution but also how they can affect the components involved in metal speciation and bioavailability in water systems, leading to new insights.     

Platinum-group and other traffic-related heavy metal contamination in road sediment, Guangzhou, China

Purpose

Human exposure to particulate matter emitted from on-road motor vehicles includes complex mixtures of heavy metals from tyres, brakes, part wear, and resuspended road sediment. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of 14 platinum-group and other traffic-related heavy metals in road sediment within the metropolitan area of Guangzhou, China, with a view to identifying their sources and assessing the extent of anthropogenic influence on heavy metal contamination of road sediment.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five samples of road sediment were collected. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, La, Ce, Mo, Cd, Pb, Ba, and Rh were measured by inductively coupled plasma?Cmass spectrometry. Pt and Pd were analyzed by isotopic dilution?Cinductively coupled plasma?Cmass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis and enrichment factor methods were employed to identify the sources of these heavy metals and to assess anthropogenic influences on their occurrence.

Results and discussion

The mean concentrations of Pt, Pd, Rh, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, La, Ce, Mo, Cd, Pb, and Ba in the road sediment samples were 68.24, 93.15, 23.85, 147.5, 712.3, 47.24, 177.5, 1254, 47.50, 96.62, 4.91, 3.00, 198.1, and 641.3?ng?g^?1, respectively. Very weak to significant linear positive correlations were found among the various heavy metals. The elemental composition of road sediment was dominated by five principal components. Three clusters were identified through cluster analysis, and enrichment factors were calculated relative to soils in China. The sources and degree of contamination of the heavy metals are discussed based on the results.

Conclusions

The mean concentrations of heavy metals are higher than background values, especially for Pt, Pd, Rh, Cd, and Zn. Four main sources are identified: (1) Pt, Pd, and Rh were derived from traffic sources; (2) La, Ce, Mn, and Ba were derived mainly from natural sources; (3) Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, and Pb showed mixed traffic-industry sources; and (4) Zn originated mainly from industrial sources. Enrichment factor analysis supported this source identification and further indicated that contamination of road sediment in Guangzhou is extremely high for Pt, Pd, and Rh; moderate to very high for Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Mo; and minimal for Cr, Ni, La, Ce, and Ba.     

Annual dynamics of persistent organic pollutants in various aquatic matrices: a case study in the Morava River in Zlín district,Czech Republic

Purpose

A multi-compartment monitoring study was performed to characterize the effect of environmental variables, such as temperature and water flow as well as sediment characteristics, on the distribution and transport of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in a dynamic river system during 1 year in an industrial region in central Europe.

Materials and methods

Waterborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were assessed over a period of 1 year at five sampling sites in the Morava River in the Czech Republic. Contaminants were measured monthly in riverbed sediments, freshly deposited sediments, water samples and passive samplers.

Results and discussion

Sediments are the main carrier of POPs in the river. Distinguishable patterns of PAHs, OCPs and PCBs in sediment indicate that their origin is from distinct sources and different transport pathways. The PAHs were identified as the dominant contaminant group of compounds with a mean concentration in sediment of 5,900 μg kg^?1. Such concentrations are up to 10 times higher than in the Danube River, into which Morava drains. In contrast, mean concentrations of PCBs, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its breakdown products (DDTs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) of 6.0, 0.4, 4.2 and 6.0 μg kg¹, respectively, are similar to those in the Danube. With some exceptions, no significant difference in composition of surficial riverbed sediments and those collected using sediment traps was observed. Despite the presence of potential local pollutant sources, the differences in contaminant concentrations between sites in the region were in most cases not significant. Variations in POP concentrations in sediments are mainly induced by high flow events, whereas seasonal variability was not observed.

Conclusions

The changes in contaminant concentrations in Morava River sediments are induced by episodic high flow events that cause erosion of contaminant-containing particles and their deposition at suitable downstream sites.     

Heavy metal and PCB spatial distribution pattern in sediments within an urban catchment—contribution of historical pollution sources

Purpose

This work analyzes polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and heavy metal contamination in fluvial sediments and soils in an urban catchment, according to the geo-accumulation index and to soil and sediment quality guidelines. The catchment is located in Coimbra, Portugal, being affected by frequent flooding, and its main stream is a tributary to one of the major rivers in Portugal (Mondego). Given the presence of industrial activities over time, some inputs of pollutants are expected, but so far, the legacy of historic pollution in this catchment has not yet been investigated.

Materials and methods

Twenty-five samples were collected from nine sampling sites at the depths of 0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm (to provide a historic perspective) along longitudinal profiles (streamlines) and in soils downstream of pollution sources. These samples were analyzed for six heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni), organic carbon, pH and ten PCBs (IUPAC numbers 28, 30, 52, 101, 138, 153, 166, 180, 204, 209).

Results and discussion

Total PCB concentrations ranged 0.47–5.3 ng g^?1 dry weight (dw), and levels increase from the bottom to the top layers, suggesting an increased input over the last 100 years. PCB congener distribution shows the dominance of hexachlorobiphenyls, especially PCB138, suggesting the existence of local sources. PCB levels did not exceed sediment quality levels, placing sediments/soil under class 1 (not contaminated) or class 2 (trace contamination) with respect to PCB. All six metals exceeded the lowest effect level for sediment quality criteria, and three (Cd, Pb and Zn) largely exceeded the clean levels for dredged materials, placing sediments in class 5 (heavily contaminated). Sampling site S1 presented the highest concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd, and historic vehicle traffic was identified as the most likely source, given the vertical and horizontal profiles.

Conclusions

High levels of Pb, Cd and Zn were found in fluvial sediments at some locations of the Loreto catchment, likely from historic traffic sources. This urban area is frequently affected by flooding events and is currently being subject to urban redevelopment. During these events/actions, historic pollutants in the sediments might surface and be redistributed, impacting the downstream ecosystem of the major Mondego River or increasing the risk of exposure of the urban population.

     

Assessing metal bioaccumulation from estuarine sediments: comparative experimental results for the polychaete Arenicola marina

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare three approaches for providing information on the bioaccumulation potential of metals from contaminated sediments to the deposit-feeding polychaete Arenicola marina.

Materials and methods

We present metal (Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) bioaccumulation results from field-collected sediments quantified through direct measurements of bioaccumulated concentrations in A. marina over a period of 30 days under controlled laboratory exposures and compare these results with bioaccumulated metal concentrations in field-collected organisms from the same sites of collection of the sediments used in the laboratory exposures. For the metals for which model parameters are available (Ag, As, Cd and Zn), we also compare these results with biodynamic model predictions. We considered three UK estuaries characterised by a well-reported history of trace metal contamination and bioavailability in addition to the (control) site of collection of the worms.

Results and discussion

The results from laboratory-exposed organisms showed that the standard 28-day exposure duration may be adequate to identify the potential for metal bioaccumulation in this polychaete at the sites considered here. However, the time course of bioaccumulated concentrations and the comparison with measured concentrations in field-collected worms show that a steady state has not been reached, confirming the need for extended exposure periods. The worms showed symptoms of stress in feeding and growth during the initial 10 days of exposure and subsequent partial recovery during the following 20 days, suggesting that stress was not always caused by sediment contamination but that it was likely associated with handling and acclimation. At this last stage of the exposure, a generalised biodynamic model was used to provide estimates of bioaccumulated metal concentrations and net accumulation rates in worms.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the number of factors that should be considered for the interpretation of bioaccumulated metal concentrations in A. marina under laboratory exposures for contaminated sediment assessment, factors that appear to be common to most deposit-feeding polychaetes. A general biodynamic model proved to be a cost-effective method for an initial estimation of the extent and pattern of metal bioaccumulation under specified exposure conditions.     

Metal contamination of soils, sediments and dusts in the vicinity of marine leisure boat maintenance facilities

Purpose

Metal contamination arising from boat maintenance is a growing environmental concern. In this study, metals currently or historically employed in boat paints (Ba, Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn) have been determined in geosolids sampled from within and in the vicinity of two leisure boat maintenance facilities in south west England.

Materials and methods

Samples of dusts, sediments and soils from two boatyards and from various urban control sites were fractionated through 63 μm before being digested in boiling aqua regia. Metal concentrations were determined in sample digests by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry.

Results and discussion

Metal concentrations were highly variable in each medium but were greatest in boatyard dusts which, pre-fractionation, often contained visible particles of paint. Metal concentrations in sediments and soils were higher than concentrations in respective control samples and, in many cases, exceeded environmental quality standards or predicted effect concentrations. Observations are attributed to the heterogeneous contamination of geosolids by fine particulates of antifouling paint generated during boat maintenance and repair; specifically, particulates contaminate sediment via boatyard runoff (with rainfall and washdown water), while soil is contaminated through the deposition of fine, airborne paint dusts.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that boat paint particles enriched in a variety of metals contaminate both coastal and terrestrial environments. Contamination arises from the removal and dispersion of dusts during boat maintenance. Stricter measures for the containment and disposal of wastes generated by boat repair and repainting are, therefore, recommended.     

Toxicity survey of Canadian Arctic marine sediments

Purpose

This paper reports a toxicity survey of Canadian Arctic marine sediments. During the Amundsen scientific cruise, eight sites distributed across the Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic regions were selected to highlight sensitive areas affected by either atmospheric deposition, ocean current, river drainage, or anthropogenic activities. As part of the Canadian-led ArcticNet research program, this study aims to monitor and to better understand potential changes likely to impact the Arctic.

Materials and methods

Surface sediments were investigated with bioanalytical tests to assess sediment toxicity. Testing of sediment elutriates was undertaken with the ARTOXKIT M, Microtox liquid phase (MLPA), and ROTOXKIT M toxicity assays, while whole sediment testing was carried out with the Microtox solid phase assay (MSPA) toxicity test procedure. Sediment mercury (Hg) content was also determined in each sample since Hg transport and toxicity is specifically an important issue in the Arctic and is generally a key indicator of the pollution status in many aquatic ecosystems.

Results and discussion

Based on bioassay results and sediment granulometric criteria, these Arctic sediments must be considered nontoxic. However, based on MSPA half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) and/or MLPA threshold effect concentration (TEC) values, some degree of toxicity may be measureable particularly in the sediments located in southern and northeast Hudson Bay. The Hudson Bay watershed drains 30% of Canadian rivers and extends to northern USA. Despite the large Hg concern in the Arctic, the input of local or long-range Hg sources does not appear to be a contributing factor to sediment toxicity.

Conclusions

These initial results are valuable in that they set baseline quality levels for these sediments as of 2005. As such, future comparisons can be made to assess temporal and spatial trends. Human activity and climate change is expected to impact these regions in the future, resulting in further reduction of sea ice extent, access to new Arctic seaways, and drilling associated with the exploitation of natural resources.     

Spectral fingerprinting: characterizing suspended sediment sources by the use of VNIR-SWIR spectral information

Purpose

Knowledge of sediment sources is a prerequisite for sustainable management practices and may furthermore improve our understanding of water and sediment fluxes. Investigations have shown that a number of characteristic soil properties can be used as “fingerprints” to trace back the sources of river sediments. Spectral properties have recently been successfully used as such characteristics in fingerprinting studies. Despite being less labour-intensive than geochemical analyses, for example, spectroscopy allows measurements of small amounts of sediment material (>60 mg), thus enabling inexpensive analyses even of intra-event variability. The focus of this study is on the examination of spectral properties of fluvial sediment samples to detect changes in source contributions, both between and within individual flood events.

Materials and methods

Sediment samples from the following three different origins were collected in the Isábena catchment (445 km²) in the central Spanish Pyrenees: (1) soil samples from the main potential source areas, (2) stored fine sediment from the channel bed once each season in 2011 and (3) suspended sediment samples during four flood events in autumn 2011 and spring 2012 at the catchment outlet as well as at several subcatchment outlets. All samples were dried and measured for spectral properties in the laboratory using an ASD spectroradiometer. Colour parameters and physically based features (e.g. organic carbon, iron oxide and clay content) were calculated from the spectra. Principal component analyses (PCA) were applied to all three types of samples to determine natural clustering of samples, and a mixing model was applied to determine source contributions.

Results and discussion

We found that fine sediment stored in the river bed seems to be mainly influenced by grain size and seasonal variability, while sampling location—and thus the effect of individual tributaries or subcatchments—seem to be of minor importance. Suspended sediment sources were found to vary between, as well as within, flood events; although badlands were always the major source. Forests and grasslands contributed little (<10 %), and other sources (not further determinable) contributed up to 40 %. The analyses further suggested that sediment sources differ among the subcatchments and that subcatchments comprising relatively large proportions of badlands contributed most to the four flood events analyzed.

Conclusions

Spectral fingerprints provide a rapid and cost-efficient alternative to conventional fingerprint properties. However, a combination of spectral and conventional fingerprint properties could potentially permit discrimination of a larger number of source types.     

Bathymetric modeling of sediments and organic carbon of polluted rivers in southeastern China

Purpose

Rivers in low plains in the subtropical regions of China, where the population is dense and economies are active and well-developed, might be a large terrestrial carbon pool. This present study of the Sanyang wetlands in Wenzhou, southeastern China, aims to quantitatively estimate the volume of sediments in this region’s polluted river systems and their carbon storage.

Materials and methods

The bathymetry of river sections were surveyed using an echo sounder equipped with a differential GPS. An underwater digital elevation model (DEM) was then developed using the anisotropic ordinary Kriging method. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for carbon content and sediment properties. Carbon storage in sediments was calculated using bathymetric and sediment analysis data.

Results and discussion

The studied rivers have been receiving organic pollutants from local residences and industries for decades. Results from a river network of 1.2 km² revealed a total carbon storage of 46.7 million kg in the sediments which had a volume of 1.4 million m³, with the upper 20 cm depth of sediments contributing about one third of this carbon storage.

Conclusions

The present work demonstrated that GIS technologies can be used to create digital river sediment surfaces and assess sediment amounts as well as determine the spatial distribution of sediments and their components. This could provide further insight into river restoration planning and other options from a carbon-balance perspective.