Distribution of Trace Metals in Channel Sediment: a Case Study in South Atlantic Coast of Spain

Recently, Sancti Petri channel on the southwestern (SW) part of Iberian Peninsula has been experiencing urban, industrial, and vehicular expansion. Until recently, there have been only few published reports documenting the pattern of metal accumulation in this estuarine sediment. In the present study, trace metals such as Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Pb, Co, Cd, As, and Hg concentrations were analyzed from 69 sediment samples collected from 23 sampling sites of the Santi Petri channel. The magnitude of trace metal accumulation found as the following trend: Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > As > Cd > Hg. Spatial distribution pattern demonstrated overall decreasing trend of trace metal from Cadiz Bay mouth to the open ocean mouth, clearly correlative to the presence of anthropogenic inputs. Results of the principle component analysis (PCA) revealed that sediment metal chemistry of Sancti Petri channel is mainly regulated by the concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni; possible sources of those were from vehicular-related emissions. Pollution load index (PLI) and geo-accumulation index (I _geo ) indicated overall low values. The study will stimulate improvement of our understanding regarding the pattern of accumulation of metals in the coastal sediments, and the recorded values of metals in the present study can be used as suitable reference for future studies.     

Seasonal Variations of Ten Metals in Highway Runoff and their Partition between Dissolved and Particulate Matter

Knowledge of differentiation of pollutants in urban runoff between dissolved and particulate matter is of great concern for a successful design of a water treatment process. Seasonal variations in pollutant load are of equal importance. Ten metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn), as dissolved and particulate bound, was studied in the runoff from a major urban highway during a winter season and its following summer. Studded tyres and winter salting were expected to have an impact on the runoff water quality. The dissolved part of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn and Ni was significantly higher in winter in comparison with summer (p?<?0.01). For Fe, however, the dissolved part was lower during winter. No significant difference was found for Cu, Pb and Zn between the two seasons. The mass concentration (mg kg^?1) for all metals was significantly higher over the summer except for Al and Co, which showed a higher mass concentration during the winter. The concentration of selected metals vs. total suspended solids (TSS) showed a linear relationship (r ²?>?0.95) during winter runoff events except for Cd. A good correlation (r ²?>?0.90) was also found for the summer period for Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. It is suggested that the metal pollutant load during winter could be assessed indirectly by measurement of TSS.     

Modelling trace metal extractability and solubility in French forest soils by using soil properties

Soil/solution partitioning of trace metals (TM: Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sb, Pb and Zn) has been investigated in six French forest sites that have been subjected to TM atmospheric inputs. Soil profiles have been sampled and analysed for major soil properties, and CaCl₂‐extractable and total metal content. Metal concentrations (expressed on a molar basis) in soil (total), in CaCl₂ extracts and soil solution collected monthly from fresh soil by centrifugation, were in the order: Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Sb > Cd , Zn > Cu > Pb = Ni > Co > Cd > Cr and Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cr > Cd > Sb , respectively. Metal extractability and solubility were predicted by using soil properties. Soil pH was the most significant property in predicting metal partitioning, but TM behaviour differed between acid and non‐acid soils. TM extractability was predicted significantly by soil pH for pH < 6, and by soil pH and Fe content for all soil conditions. Total metal concentration in soil solution was predicted well by soil pH and organic carbon content for Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Zn, by Fe content for Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Sb and total soil metal content for Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Sb, with a better prediction for acidic conditions (pH < 6). At more alkaline pH conditions, solute concentrations of Cu, Cr, Sb and Pb were larger than predicted by the pH relationship, as a consequence of association with Fe colloids and complexing with dissolved organic carbon. Metal speciation in soil solutions determined by WHAM‐VI indicated that free metal ion (FMI) concentration was significantly related to soil pH for all pH conditions. The FMI concentrations of Cu and Zn were well predicted by pH alone, Pb by pH and Fe content and Cd, Co and Ni by soil pH and organic carbon content. Differences between soluble total metal and FMI concentrations were particularly large for pH < 6. This should be taken into account for risk and critical load assessment in the case of terrestrial ecosystems.     

Relationships of Heavy Metals in Natural Lake Waters with Physico-chemical Characteristics of Waters and Different Chemical Fractions of Metals in Sediments

The relationships between heavy metal concentrations and physico-chemical properties of natural lake waters and also with chemical fractions of these metals in lake sediments were investigated in seven natural lakes of Kumaun region of Uttarakhand Province of India during 2003–2004 and 2004–2005. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in waters of different lakes ranged from 0.29–2.39, 10.3–38.3, 431–1407, 1.0–6.6, 5.3–12.1, 12.6–166.3, 0.7–2.7 and 3.9–27.1 μg l^?1 and in sediments 14.3–21.5, 90.1–197.5, 5,265–6,428, 17.7–45.9, 13.4–32.0, 40.0–149.2, 11.1–14.6 and 88.9–167.4 μg g^?1, respectively. The concentrations of all metals except Fe in waters were found well below the notified toxic limits. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were positively correlated with pH, electrical conductivity, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and alkalinity of waters, but negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb in waters were positively correlated with water soluble + exchangeable fraction of these metals in lake sediments. The concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb in waters were positively correlated with carbonate bound fraction of these metals in lake sediments. Except for Ni, Zn and Cd, the concentrations of rest of the heavy metals in waters were positively correlated with organically bound fraction of these metals in lake sediments. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu and Zn in waters were positively correlated with reducible fraction of these metals in lake sediments. Except for Cd, the concentrations of rest of the metals in waters were positively correlated with residual fraction and total content of these heavy metals in lake sediments.     

Transport and distribution of heavy metals in Cauvery river

Heavy metal transport in Cauvery river chiefly takes place in the particulate form. Tributaries Hemevathi and Kabini draining highly mineralized areas contribute significantly to the heavy metal load of the Cauvery river. Particulate metal transport is influenced by the presence of major dams built across the river. Factor analysis of the elemental data identifies two major group of heavy metals, (a) Fe, Mn, Cr, V and Ti and (b) Cu, Pb and Zn in the suspended sediments of Cauvery river. Heavy metals in surface sediments show wide variations in their concentrations due to the non-uniform grain size distribution of the sediments. The elements Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co and As are dominantly present in the <20 μm fraction of the river sediments. Speciation studies show that Fe-Mn oxide phase held the largest share of heavy metals in the sediments. The depth variation of heavy metals in the core sediments suggest their similar mobility during diagenesis. Geoaccumulation indices calculated suggest that Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni are enriched in sediments several times over background values.     

滇池内湖滨带重金属污染及其生态风险评价

水体沉积物是重金属元素的重要载体,其含量高低能反映水环境质量现状。采集滇池内湖滨带沉积物样品,分析了滇池内湖滨带表层沉积物中Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn、Cr、Ni、Fe、Mn 8种重金属元素含量特征,并用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法评价其生态危害,旨在为合理预防和治理滇池内湖滨带的重金属污染以及内湖滨带生态系统的修复提供基础资料。结果表明,与“全国土壤环境质量标准”对比,表层沉积物中主要是Cd、Cu、Zn超标,重金属污染强度总体上是草海＞外海。不同重金属间的相关性分析结果表明,Cu-Cd之间呈极显著相关,说明这两种元素污染源可能相同,几种污染重金属与胶体矿物元素Fe、Mn间的相关性不大,说明在所调查沉积物中,Fe/Mn氧化物或氢氧化物共沉淀或吸附Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn、Cr、Ni元素量较少。由潜在生态风险评价结果可知,滇池内湖滨带表层沉积物已具极强生态危害,各重金属对滇池内湖滨带生态风险影响程度由高到低依次为：Cd〉Cu〉Pb〉Ni〉Zn≈Cr。     

Increasing the Knowledge of Heavy Metal Contents and Sources in Agricultural Soils of the European Mediterranean Region

This paper contributes to increase the knowledge of the contents and sources of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) to agricultural soils in Castellón province (Spain), a representative area of the European Mediterranean region. The surface horizons of 77 agricultural soils under vegetable crops were sampled and heavy metals were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after microwave extraction using the USEPA 3051A method. Mean heavy metal contents were similar to those obtained in other areas of this region. However, heavy metal contents (e.g. Cr, Pb) in some soils were above the maximum limit set in the 86/278/CEE Directive. Multivariate analysis (correlation analysis and principal component analysis – PCA) was performed so as to identify the sources of heavy metals to soils. Co, Fe and Ni were highly correlated amongst them (r?>?0.800; p?<?0.01), whereas Cr and Mn were less correlated with Co, Fe and Ni (r?>?0.500; p?<?0.01). Other relationships among heavy metals (i.e. Cu, Pb and Zn) were also identified, although correlation coefficients were not so high as those among Co, Fe and Ni (r?<?0.500; p?<?0.01). Contents of Co, Fe, Mn and Ni were interpreted to be mainly associated with parent rocks corresponding to the first principal component (PC1). On the other hand, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were interpreted to be mainly related to anthropogenic activities and comprised the second (Pb and Zn) and the third (Cd and Cu) principal components (PC2 and PC3, respectively), designated as anthropogenic components. Remarkably, Cr appears to be related in the study area to both the lithogenic and the anthropogenic components. Lithogenic elements were highly correlated with soil properties. Positive relationships with CEC (r?>?0.200; p?<?0.05) and clay (r?>?0.400; p?<?0.01), and negative relationships with carbonates (r?>??0.400; p?<?0.01) and sand (r?>??0.300; p?<?0.01) were observed. Anthropogenic elements were less correlated with soils properties, since these elements are generally more mobile because they form more soluble chemical species associated to anthropogenic sources. Particularly, no correlation was found between Cd and Zn and soil properties. These findings extend results achieved in other parts of the region, highlighting the need to set soil quality standards in order to declare soils affected by anthropogenic pollution, particularly in the case of anthropogenic metals such as Cd, Cu and Pb, and also Cr and Zn in some areas. Further knowledge from other areas in this region would improve the basis for proposing such standards at regional level, which is a priority objective in Europe according to the European Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection.     

Heavy Metal Fractionation and Extractability in Dredged Sediment Derived Surface Soils

The objective of this study was to characterise pollution with heavy metals in surface soils sampled at various dredged sediment disposal sites in the Flemish region (Belgium). The sites selected varied in the period since sediment disposal ceased and in current vegetation and land use. Total metal contents (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the surface soils varied widely. For some disposal sites Cd and Zn concentrations greatly exceeded reference values for clean soil. The distribution of the metals as determined by sequential extraction differed between elements, but was simular for all the soils. This suggested that metals in these sediment derived surface soils were accumulated and transformed in a similar way. Residual fractions were low compared to total contents (2 – 4% for Cd, 25% – 35% for Co, 7 – 18% for Mn, 4 – 22% for Zn, 12 – 41% for Ni, 11 – 42% for Pb, 20 – 45% for Cu, < 10% for Zn). High metal concentrations in the acid-extractable and reducible fractions may indicate pollution from anthropogenic sources. DTPA-extractable metals, which may be considered indicative of plant-available contents, were relatively high compared to the total contents. The relative extractability, expressed as the ratio of DTPA-extractable to total contents, decreased in the order Cd (38%) > Cu (28%) = Zn (26%) > Pb (13%) > Ni (10%) > Co (3%). Most of the sites studied would be of concern if they were used for agricultural activities. No trends in metal availability in the period following disposal were apparent from the data.     

Background Contents of Heavy Metals in Soils and Bottom Sediments in the North of Western Siberia

Eurasian Soil Science - Background concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Hg, Cd, Ba, Sr, and Sc) in soils and bottom sediments were determined for the background and...     

Flüssebilanzen und aktuelle Änderungsraten der Schwermetall-Vorräte in Wald-Ökosystemen des Soiling

Flux balances and current rates of change of heavy metal stores in forest ecosystems of the Soiling The inventory of the heavy metals Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb is calculated for a beech and a spruce forest ecosystem in the Soiling mountains on the basis of measured concentrations in the vegetation and soil compartments and their dry mass per hectare. The inventory is compared with measured heavy metal fluxes coupled with precipitation above and below the canopy, with seepage water fluxes below the rooting zone (50 cm depth), with litterfall, and with the current increment to biomass. The ratios between heavy metal stores in the forest floor layers (table 3) and the annual flux with litterfall (table 4) show decreasing tendency for liberation of the elements by decomposition of organic matter (OM) in the following order: Mn>OM>Ni>Cd>Cu>Cr ≈? Zn>Co ≈? Fe ≈? Pb Manganese is set free faster than total organic matter. The flux balances for the total ecosystems (table 4) show input > output in the case of Cr, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb; input ≈? output for Ni and Zn; input < output for Mn and Co. Heavy metal stores in mineral soil are decreasing by percolation losses and increment to biomass (mainly wood) in the case of all elements investigated, except Zn (under beech), Cd and Pb (table 4). The concentrations of Cu and Pb in the forest floor layers have reached levels at which deleterious effects on microorganisms and litter decomposition are to be expected.     

Annual and Seasonal Variations of Trace Metals in Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter in Islamabad, Pakistan

Total Suspended particulate matter (TSP) in urban atmosphere of Islamabad was collected using a high volume sampling technique for a period of one year. The nitric acid–perchloric acid extraction method was used and the metal contents were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The highest mean concentration was found for Ca at 4.531 µg/m³, followed by Na (3.905 µg/m³), Fe (2.464 µg/m³), Zn (2.311 µg/m³), K (2.086 µg/m³), Mg (0.962 µg/m³), Cu (0.306 µg/m³), Sb (0.157 µg/m³), Pb (0.144 µg/m³) and Sr (0.101 µg/m³). On an average basis, the decreasing metal concentration trend was: Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > K > Mg > Cu > Sb > Pb > Sr > Mn > Co > Ni > Cr > Li > Cd ≈ Ag. The TSP levels varied from a minimum of 41.8 to a maximum of 977 µg/m³, with a mean value of 164 µg/m³, which was found to be higher than WHO primary and secondary standards. The correlation study revealed very strong correlations (r?>?0.71) between Fe–Mn, Sb–Co, Na–K, Mn–Mg, Pb–Cd and Sb–Sr. Among the meteorological parameters, temperature, wind speed and pan evaporation were found to be positively correlated with TSP, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Ag, whereas, they exhibited negative relationships with relative humidity. On the other hand, Pb, Sb, Zn, Co, Cd and Li revealed significant positive correlations with relative humidity and negative with temperature, wind speed and pan evaporation. The major sources of airborne trace metals identified with the help of principle component analysis and cluster analysis were industrial emissions, automobile exhaust, biomass burning, oil combustion, fugitive emissions, resuspended soil dust and earth crust. The TSP and selected metals were also studied for seasonal variations, which showed that Na, K, Zn, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sr, Co and Cd peaked during the winter and remained lowest during the summer, while Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn were recorded highest during the spring.     

Pollutant Exchange at the Water/Sediment Interface in the Venice Canals

The space-time distribution of some pollutants (Cu, Ph, Zn, Cd, Fe, Mn, V, Ni, Cr) in the sludge of the canals of Venice was studied. The contamination levels were comparable to, or higher, than those measured in the most polluted sediments of the Lagoon of Venice Sediments were collected by two different sampling techniques I ) collection of sediment cores (upper 5 cm) by a syringe-type corer, 2) collection by traps, placed on the bottom of the canal Traps pennitted the sampling of sediments essentially resuspended by overlying water turbulence This sediment fraction is subjected to variations of its physicochemical parameters (principally change of redox conditions) and therefore to pollutant exchange at the water/sediment interface The metals principally exchanged during sediment resuspension were Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu These metals have principally an anthropogenic origin and are bound to the most labile geochemical phases of the sediment (such as sulphides), which can be oxidised during sediment resuspension, releasing metals into the water Fe, Cr and Ni were only partially exchanged, while Mn and V were generally not exchanged, a significant fraction of these metals is of natural origin and is bound to the most refractory phases of the sediment.     

Elemental Speciation and Distribution in Sediments of a Eutrophied Subtropical Freshwater Reservoir Using Postextraction Normalisation

The speciation and distribution of trace and major elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Zn) in the sediments of Emigrant Creek Dam (ECD), New South Wales Australia were investigated using sequential extraction, postextraction normalisation and spatial mapping to indicate source and dispersion patterns. Subsurface coring provided an estimate of elemental enrichment and showed that As 1.9?>?P 1.7?>?N 1.5????Cd 1.5?>?Mn 1.3 were enriched. Moreover, a high proportion of the enriched elements (mean 57, 34, 47 and 87?% for As, P, Cd and Mn, respectively) were assessed as being bioavailable. Comparisons with ISQGs found that sediments from sites in proximity to Emigrant Creek inflows had the highest accumulations of metals and the greatest potential for causing biological harm. Spatially, contaminants accumulate in ECD sediments adjacent to anthropogenic sources including a cattle dip site, dredged sediment and macrophyte dump areas, and agricultural/residential runoff. Moreover, the integrated technique and postextraction normalisation allow assessment of texturally diverse and difficult sediments.     

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Sediments of the River Pra and Its Tributaries

An investigative study was conducted to determine the heavy metal pollution in the sediment in the Pra Basin of Ghana from 27 sampling points during the dry and wet seasons using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and pollution load index (PLI). Sediments were acid digested and analyzed for the following selected metals: arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), total chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe) using the dual atomizer and hydride generator atomic absorption spectrophotometer (model ASC-7000 No A309654, Shimadzu, Japan). The metal concentrations (mg kg^?1) in the sediments were as follows: As (0.175)?<?Cd (3.206)?<?Ni (79.927)?<?Zn (118.323)?<?Cr (216.708)?<?Mn (234.742)?<?Pb (335.381)?<?Fe (1354.513) in the dry season and As (0.002)?<?Cd (7.279)?<?Ni (72.663)?<?Zn (35.622)?<?Pb (135.863)?<?Cr (167.604)?<?Mn (183.904)?<?Fe (1138.551) for the wet season. The EF which is an indication of whether metal concentrations are due to anthropogenic activities shows enrichment at all site for the metals Cr, Pb, and Cd in the wet seasons. However, only 4 out of the 27 sites showed Ni enrichment in the wet season. Contrary to the wet season, only Pb and Cr recorded enrichment at all sites during the dry season. Fifteen out of the 27 sites recorded Cd enrichment and 24 out of the 27 sites recorded Ni enriched during the dry season. None of the sites were enriched with Fe, As, Zn, and Mn in either the dry or wet seasons. For both dry and wet seasons, the pollution load index for all the sites except one was at the background levels which is a sign of non-deterioration of the sites studied. In the wet season, the calculated Igeo reveals that the study area is not contaminated with respect to As, Zn, Fe, and Mn; uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Cd; moderately contaminated with Cr; uncontaminated to moderately to heavily contaminated with Ni; and moderately to heavily contaminated with Pb. The dry season Igeo results reveal non-contamination of the study area with respect to As, Fe, and Mn; uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Zn; moderately contaminated with Cr; uncontaminated to heavily contaminated with Cd; uncontaminated to extremely contaminated with Ni; and moderately to extremely contaminated with Pb. The high levels of Cd, Pb, and Cr in all the sites are due to unregulated illegal mining activities occurring in and around the study area. It is hoped that this study will prompt the basin management board to improve their management strategies in controlling unregulated illegal mining in the basin sediments.     

Assessing the Influence of Different Atmospheric and Soil Mercury Concentrations on Foliar Mercury Concentrations in a Controlled Environment

This study vividly presents results from a seasonal particulate matter measurement campaign conducted at world’s largest ship-breaking yard i.e., Alang-Sosiya (Gujarat, India) at six locations and a reference station at Gopnath which is 30 km south of this ship-breaking yard. The collected suspended particulate matter (SPM) 24-h samples were critically analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn). The average concentration of SPM within the ship-breaking yard during the investigation was 287.5 ± 20.4 μg m^?3 and at reference station it was 111.13 ± 5.81 μg m^?3. These values are found to be in excess of the permitted national standards. The levels of heavy metals at Alang-Sosiya are very high as compared to US EPA and WHO guidelines. The mean concentrations of all metals are in the order: Fe >>Zn >Cu > Mn > Cd >Pb > Co >Ni >Cr. The results on enrichment factors (EF) suggest that most of the metals in the ship-breaking yard exhibit EF values of near or above 100 which must have been comprehensively affected by ship-breaking activities. Metal data was used to evaluate the role of spatial factors on their distribution characteristics. Thereafter, factor analysis was carried out to identify the main components liable for the variance of the data set.     

Predicting sediment metal concentrations in lakes without point sources 1

Surficial sediments (0 to 2 cm) from 189 sites in 52 Quebec and Ontario lakes were analyzed for Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn by atomic adsorption spectrometry after extraction in dilute aqua regia. Empirical models using sediment texture (water content), site morphometry (depth) and geology (categorical variables) as predictors explain 82 to 87% of the between-site and between lake variation in sediment concentrations of Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn, and 52 to 68% of the variation of Al, Co, Fe, and Mn. Over a broad geologic range, geologic variables are only significant in models predicting Co, Cr, and Ni. These three elements are low in concentration in lakes with catchments on the Grenville shield, while Cr and Ni are enriched in catchments containing ophiolite geology. These models explain both between-site and between-lake variation in sediment metal concentrations, and due to the lack of geologic influence on most metals, may be valid for other regions. The models appear promising as a means to identify point source contamination without assumptions about the relevant sediment fractions or inter-element relationships.     

Metal Pools, Fluxes, and Budgets in an Acidified Forested Catchment on the Precambrian Shield, Central Ontario, Canada

Atmospheric emissions of metals have decreased in North America; yet, metals remain an environmental concern due to their environmental persistence and toxicity to biota. In this study, pools and mass budgets were calculated for 15 metals in an acidified forested catchment in Central Ontario. Metals that were enriched in bulk deposition over background average values (As, Cd, Pb, Zn) were generally enriched in the forest floor and upper lake sediment. While the metal pool in vegetation is small compared with the soil pool, internal cycling of metals via litterfall is comparable to atmospheric deposition, soil water, and stream fluxes. Partitioning coefficients calculated from metal concentrations in soil water and bulk soil suggest that Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn are the most mobile. The mineral soil and lake sediments were sinks for most metals, while the wetland was a source of metals during the study year, which was a drought year. Overall, lithogenic metals (Al, Ba, Co, Fe, Mn, Rb, Sr, Zn) primarily from a weathering source generally exhibited net export from the catchment, while metals contained in atmospheric pollution (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V) exhibited net retention. Despite the acidified nature of the catchment, it functions to retain many pollutant metals.     

Wet Deposition of Trace Metals in Singapore

The concentrations of 12 trace metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe,Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V, and Ti) in wet depositions are reported. Eighty four rainwater samples were collected using an automated wet-only sampler in Singapore for one year (2000) and subjected to chemical analysis using ICP-MS. Based on the volume-weighted meanconcentrations measured, the trace metals were classified into three groups: Al and Fe with an average concentration of largerthan 15 μg L^-1, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V, and Ti withconcentrations between 1 and 10 μg L^-1, and finally Co and Cd with concentrations lower than 1 μg L^-1. Elementenrichment factors were calculated to distinguish between naturaland anthropogenic sources. The calculation of crustal enrichmentfactors with Al as the reference element indicated that while Ti,Fe and Mn originated from crustal sources, the remaining trace metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and V) were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources. The removal of the trace metals from the atmosphere by precipitation was influenced by the rainfall amount as well as pH. The magnitude of the measured average annual wet deposition fluxes of Al, Fe, and combustion-generatedelements such as V, Ni, and Cu is higher than that reportedfor other sites outside Singapore, owing to abundant rainfallthroughout the year in this region.     

Metal-metal interactions in biological systems. Part IV. Freshwater snail Bulinus globosus

The toxicity against title snails of all Al, Cd, Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe (III), Mg, Mn(II), Mo(VI), Ni(II), Pb(II), Se(VI), V(V) and Zn ions was checked in 96 h tests in the water of Kariba Lake. Based on the mortality — concentration relationship the toxicity order of the above ions against Bulinus globosus is Cu(II) > Ni(II) > Cd > Pb(II) > Zn > Al > V(V)> Cr(III)> Se(VI) > Fe(III) =Co(II)> Mn(II) > Mg > Mo(VI). Only Mg, Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd, Zn and Ni(II) ions are harmful to these snails as their mortality is observed at the naturally occuring concentrations. Other metal ions cause lethality at naturally unrealistic concentrations. The following pairs of metal ions were also checked for mutual interactions: Cd-Al, Cd-Co, Cd-Cr, Cd-Cu, Cd-Fe, Cd-Mg, Cd-Mn, Cd-Mo, Cd-Ni, Cd-Pb, Cd-Se, Cd-V, Cd-Zn, Cu-Al, Cu-Co, Cu-Cr, Cu-Fe, Cu-Mg, Cu-Mn, Cu-Mo, Cu-Ni, Cu-Pb, Cu-Se, Cu-V, Cu-Zn, Ni-Al, Ni-Co, Ni-Cr, Ni-Fe, Ni-Mg, Ni-Mn, Ni-Mo, Ni-Pb, Ni-Se, Ni-V, Ni-Zn, Pb-Al, Pb-Co, Pb-Cr, Pb-Fe, Pb-Mg, Pb-Mn, Pb-Mo, Pb-Se, Pb-V, Pb-Zn, Zn-Al, Zn-Co, Zn-Cr, Zn-Fe, Zn-Mg, Zn-Mn, Zn-Mo, Zn-Se, Zn-V. Synergism and antagonism were several times observed in various combinations of ions. The effect of metal-metal interactions on an accumulation of those metals in the flesh and shells of snails was also observed and measured.     

Trace metal composition and speciation in street sediment: Sault Ste. Marie,Canada

Street sediment collected in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario was examined for trace element composition (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn) and the metal partitioning to various sediment properties was determined by sequential extraction. Total Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb concentrations exceeded the lowest effect levels specified in the Ontario Provincial Sediment Quality Guidelines for Metals (Environment Ontario, 1992) and derived from bioassay studies. According to these Guidelines, the disposal of such sediment has to be guided by environmental considerations. A significant fraction of these metals was extractable in 0.5 N HCl over a 12-hour period and considered as potentially bioavailable. The major accumulative phases of toxic metals in this sediment are exchangeable, carbonate, Fe/Mn oxides and organic matter but the relative importance of each phase varied for individual metals. Approximately 20% of the total extractable Cd is found in each of these four fractions. Pb, Zn and Mn are predominantly bound to carbonates, Fe/Mn oxides and organic matter. Cu shows a high affinity for organic matter and to a lesser extent for carbonates. Elevated levels of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cr in the exchangeable and/or soluble phase suggest that sediment associated metals, mobilised from streets in Sault Ste. Marie during runoff and snowmelt, would adversely impact water quality in the receiving waters. However, large fractions of the total metal load are associated with coarser particles which are unlikely to be transported through the drainage system into receiving waters.