Seasonal variability of platinum, palladium and rhodium (PGE) levels in road dusts and roadside soils, perth, western australia

The emission of Platinum–group elements (PGE) from automobile catalytic converters has led to rapid increases in Pt, Pd and Rh concentrations in roadside media. This paper examines the temporal variability of PGE levels in road dusts and roadside soils on a seasonal basis over a 12 month period. Road dust and roadside soil samples were analysed by ICP–MS following microwave digestion and cation exchange. Concentrations of PGE in all road dust and roadside soil samples are elevated above local background concentrations with maximum levels of Pt?440 ng g^?1, Rh?91 ng g^?1 and Pd?440 ng g^?1. Systematic seasonal variations in PGE levels are observed in both sample types and the temporal distribution of PGE levels is affected by a number of factors including surface morphology and rainfall. PGE ratios in road dusts and soils are consistent with known catalytic converter composition throughout the sampling period indicating the PGE remain associated during mobilisation and transport.     

Survey of the Distribution and Time-Dependent Increase of Platinum-Group Element Accumulation Along Urban Roads in Ioannina (NW Greece)

The emission of platinum group elements (PGEs) from automobile catalytic converters has led to rapid increases in Pt, Pd, and Rh concentrations in roadside media. This article represents the first systematic study in Greece to assess PGE levels in road dust and roadside soil and their temporal variation on a seasonal basis over a 12-month period. Road dust and roadside soil samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry following microwave digestion. Concentrations of PGE in all samples were above the average upper crust values and local background levels, with maximum values of 306.4 ng/g Pt, 18.2 ng/g Pd, and 64.6 ng/g Rh in road dust and 225 ng/g Pt, 14.0 ng/g Pd, and 49.5 ng/g Rh in roadside soil. PGE ratios were not consistent with known catalytic converter composition throughout the sampling period reflecting the high emission of Rh from new catalytic converters. Spatial variations were influenced by various factors like driving style, matrix composition, diurnal change in traffic volume, and climatic conditions. With regard to seasonal variations, systematic changes in the temporal distribution of PGE levels were observed and followed a similar pattern between the two matrices. Except PGEs, Pb levels were determined, since it has been a typical indicator of vehicle-derived environmental lead pollution. The data indicate that despite the use of unleaded gasoline, traffic-related sources of Pb that induce levels above the local background have not been eliminated.

     

First Study of Anthropogenic Platinum Group Elements in Roadside Top-Soils in Athens, Greece

Concentrations of Pt and Pd in roadside top-soil samples, collected in May 2003, at four types of sites (urban, suburban, rural and highway) in the greater Athens area as well as concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe and Ca, were determined. Our results show high concentrations of “classic” (Pb, Cu, Zn) and “new” (Pt, Pd) traffic related elements in top-soils on a highway and a representative urban street in Athens. In the highway samples, the average concentrations of Pt and Pd were 141.1 and 125.9 ng/g respectively, while in the urban street samples they were 35% lower. In the samples of the rural and suburban roads the Pt and Pd levels were very low 2.0 and 1.4 ng/g respectively. These data show an increased accumulation of Pt and Pd in top-soils during the last decade as a result of the gradual increase in the use of vehicles with catalytic converters. The Pt:Pd ratios (average: 1.2) were consistent with known catalytic converters composition (1–2.5), suggesting that the common source of these metals is catalytic converters. The levels of the traffic related elements in suburban and rural roads were very low, suggesting the negligible impact from emission sources. Principal component, biplot and cluster analysis discriminated the traffic related metals from Fe, Mn and Ca, which are abundant in soils, related mainly to the soil parent materials.     

Soil respiratory activity in relation to motor vehicle pollution

Soil respiratory activity was measured at various distances from two busy roadsides in South East England. Wide variation in the level of respiration between sites was observed. Soil respiration showed a reduction in soils collected from sites located 0.5 m from A40 compared with levels of respiration measured at a control site away from the direct influence of motor vehicle pollution. At the M3 site, a depression in soil respiration was observed up to 100 m from the motorway compared to the control site for the area. Measurements of soil levels of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn were made at the same sites as those used for respiratory activity experiments. Subsequent regression analysis on these data and soil respiration failed to show any consistent relationship between the level of soil pollution and soil respiration for both sites. The findings indicated that soil type is the dominant factor influencing the general level of soil microbiological activity at these two roadsides. The evidence implicating soil heavy metal levels as agents initiating a reduction in microbiological activity was inconclusive.     

Biomonitoring of Trace Elements in Air and Soil Compartments Along the Major Motorway in France

The impact on the environment of Cd, Pb and Zn emissions from the A1 motorway, one of the busiest in France, was based on a simultaneous analysis of lichens, fungi and soil.The study was conducted in 12 rest areas located along a 55 kmstretch of the motorway. Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations in the top soil horizon (0–10 cm) largely exceeded their concentrations at the control site.The Cd-, Pb- and Zn levels in fruiting bodies of fungi Armillaria mellea, Coprinus comatus, Marasmius oreades and Paxillus involutus were highly variable between sites. The contamination degree of transplanted thalliof Parmelia caperata was well correlated to the cumulated traffic on the western side. On the eastern side, heavy metals originated from the traffic but also from neighbouring sources (urbanization and agricultural practices). Although lead levels are decreasing, leaded petrol is still on offer and lead remains an indicator of vehicle pollution.     

公路旁土壤中水分和重金属的迁移

Roads with very high traffic loads in regions where soils are low in both pH and sorption capacity might be a source of percolation water loaded with heavy metals. Looking at some ＂worst case＂ scenarios, this study focused on the input of traffic related pollutants and on Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr concentrations in the soil matrix and soil solution, respectively. The analysis also included pH and electrical conductivity and at some sites DOC. The investigations were carried out on sandy soils with more or less low pH values at four motorway sites in Germany. The average of daily traffic was about 50 000 up to 90 000 vehicles. Soil pore water was collected in two soil depths and at four distances from the road. The pH in general decreased with increasing distance from the roadside. The elevated pH near the roadside was presumably caused by deposition of dust and weathering residues of the road asphalt, as well as by infiltration of salt that was used during winter time. At these road sites, increased heavy metal concentrations in the soil matrix as well as in the soil solution were found. However, the concentrations seldom exceeded reference values of the German Soil Protection Act. The soil solution concentrations tended to increase from the road edge to 10 m distance, whereas the concentration in the soil matrix decreased. Elevated DOC concentrations corresponded with elevated Cu concentrations but did not substantially change this tendency. High soil water percolation rates were found near the roads. Thus, even low metal concentrations of percolation water could yield high metal loads in a narrow area beside the road.     

Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils of an Arid Urban Ecosystem

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental pollutants produced by incomplete combustion sources such as home heating, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions. PAH concentrations in soils are influenced by source inputs and environmental factors that control loss processes and soil retention. Many studies have found higher concentrations of these pollutants in soils within cities of temperate climates that have a centralized urban core. Less is known about the factors regulating PAH abundance in warm, arid urban ecosystems with low population densities but high traffic volumes. The relative importance of sources such as motor vehicle traffic load and aridland ecosystem characteristics, including temperature, silt, and soil organic matter (SOM) were explored as factors regulating PAH concentrations in soils near highways across the metropolitan area of Phoenix, AZ (USA). Highway traffic is high compared with other cities, with an average of 155,000 vehicles/day. Soils contained low but variable amounts of SOM (median 2.8?±?1.8% standard deviation). Across the city, median PAH concentrations in soil were low relative to other cities, 523?±?1,886 ??g/kg, ranging from 67 to 10,117 ??g/kg. Diagnostic ratio analyses confirmed that the source of PAHs is predominantly fuel combustion (i.e., vehicle emissions) rather than petrogenic, biogenic, or other combustion sources (coal, wood burning). However, in a multiple regression analysis including traffic characteristics and soil properties, SOM content was the variable most strongly related to PAH concentrations. Our research suggests that dryland soil characteristics play an important role in the retention of PAH compounds in soils of arid cities.     

Interactions between Essential Nutrients with Platinum Group Metals in Submerged Aquatic and Emergent Plants

Increasing environmental concentrations of platinum group metals (PGMs), in particular platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd), from catalytic converters has been reported worldwide. The impact of these three metals on the uptake and use of essential mineral nutrients was examined using two plant models: the submerged aquatic plant, Elodea canadensis, and the terrestrial emergent plant, Peltandra virginica. Plants were grown for 2 weeks in nutrient solutions with either Pt⁴⁺ at concentrations between 0.05 and 5 mg/L, or a 0.1 mg/L Pt⁴⁺, Rh³⁺, Pd²⁺ mixture. Some treatments received additional Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, or humic acid (with varying pH) to study how these conditions affected PGM uptake. Metal concentration analyses were conducted using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS) or an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP). Growth response was assessed through total chlorophyll content. There was significant Pt accumulation in plant tissues, from 55 to 326 times the concentration in nutrient solution. At pH 8, the addition of humic acid doubled Pt accumulation in comparison to the control. Additional exogenous minerals did not significantly affect PGM uptake, nor did the uptake of PGMs interfere with the uptake of Ca, Fe or Cu. Synthesis of chlorophyll in new shoots was not affected by Pt accumulation; however, visible chlorosis was observed in older shoots at 5 ppm Pt. Roadside Daucus carota samples from four heavy traffic locations in Dutchess County (New York) were also assessed for PGM content. Pt, Pd and Rh concentrations averaged 14.6, 10.2, and 0.7 μg/g, respectively.     

农业土壤中的氧化亚氮排放: 为减排综述时空变化

This short review deals with soils as an important source of the greenhouse gas N2O. The production and consumption of N2O in soils mainly involve biotic processes: the anaerobic process of denitrification and the aerobic process of nitrification. The factors that significantly influence agricultural N2O emissions mainly concern the agricultural practices (N application rate, crop type, fertilizer type) and soil conditions (soil moisture, soil organic C content, soil pH and texture). Large variability of N2O fluxes is known to occur both at different spatial and temporal scales. Currently new techniques could help to improve the capture of the spatial variability. Continuous measurement systems with automatic chambers could also help to capture temporal variability and consequently to improve quantification of N2O emissions by soils. Some attempts for mitigating soil N2O emissions, either by modifying agricultural practices or by managing soil microbial functioning taking into account the origin of the soil N2O emission variability, are reviewed.     

Evaluation of platinum distribution between different soil components

Purpose

More attention has been given to the determination of background levels of platinum group element (PGE) in an urban environment. But, few studies have been conducted for its environmental behaviour. The necessity to understand the PGE behaviour in environment increases due to the increase in platinum (Pt) emissions. The aim of the study is to evaluate the adsorption and the distribution of Pt within soil and sediment components. This study investigated the Pt adsorption on kaolinite, hematite and humic acid.

Materials and methods

A batch experiment was used to determine sorption of Pt. The experiments were carried out on the three solids and on two mixtures of iron oxide and kaolinite, with two ratios 25:75 and 75:25. An elemental distribution of Pt was determined on the mixtures iron oxide–kaolinite by micro-X-ray fluorescence.

Results and discussion

The highest concentrations of Pt were found on kaolinite, followed by hematite and humic acid. Kaolinite exhibited the highest adsorption capacity. The sorption capacity of both mixtures was lower than that of kaolinite and iron oxide. Moreover, the shape of isotherms, for both mixtures, tends towards that of kaolinite. The elemental distribution maps of mixtures showed, for both ratios, a high enrichment of kaolinite with Pt opposite to a slight enrichment of hematite.

Conclusions

The results showed that Pt is adsorbed mainly on kaolinite, which suggests that Pt was mainly associated with clay in soil. The results allowed the evaluation of the impact of the matrix of soil or sediment on the ability to retain or promote Pt dispersion in an urban environment.     

Platinum-Group Elements in Soils and Street Dust of the Southeastern Administrative District of Moscow

The contents of five platinum-group metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt) in soils and street dust of the Southeastern administrative district (SEAD) of Moscow have been determined. The contents of these elements in soils may considerably exceed their natural abundances in the lithosphere and are characterized by considerable variability and asymmetric frequency distribution. A close correlation between Rh, Pd, and Pt contents in soils and street dust has been shown. The data on the contents of the elements and the ratios between them suggest that motor vehicles are the major source of pollution of soils and street dust in the studied district.     

土壤亚硝酸气体(HONO)排放过程及其驱动机制

气态亚硝酸(HONO)是大气中氢氧自由基(OH·)的重要来源,直接影响到大气氧化能力和空气质量。通过比较外场测定和模型计算的HONO浓度,发现白天时存在未知的大气HONO来源。研究表明,土壤可以向大气中排放HONO。其机理可能是土壤亚硝态氮和氢离子的化学平衡作用;或土壤夜间吸附和白天解吸附的动态物理化学过程;或氨氧化细菌等微生物的直接排放;也可能是硝化过程中产生的羟胺,在土壤颗粒物等表面的化学反应。因此,土壤HONO排放通量与土壤亚硝态氮浓度、pH、氨氧化细菌丰度、土壤矿物、土壤湿度及C/N值等相关。目前对于土壤HONO排放的研究尚在起步阶段,国内亦少见相关成果报道。本文综述了土壤HONO排放的研究背景、探讨了土壤HONO排放的机理及影响因素,以期为减少氮素损失、提高氮肥利用率、评估氮肥的环境效应及城市空气质量等提供理论依据和科学指导。     

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.     

The Nature and Distribution of Metals in Soils of the Sydney Estuary Catchment, Australia

Total topsoil 50th percentile Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations (n?=?491) in the Sydney estuary catchment were 23 ??g?g^?1, 60 ??g?g^?1 and 108 ??g?g^?1, respectively. Nine percent, 6% and 25% of samples were above soil quality guidelines, respectively and mean enrichment was 14, 35 and 29 times above background, respectively. Soils in the south-eastern region of the catchment exhibited highest metal concentrations. The close relationship between soil metal and road network distributions and outcomes of vehicular emissions modelling, strongly suggested vehicular traffic was the primary source of metals to catchment soils. Catchment soil and road dust probably make an important contribution to contamination of the adjacent estuary. The concentration of soil metals followed the land use trend: industrial?>?urban?>?undeveloped areas. A high proportion (mean 45%, 62% and 42%, for Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively) of metals in the soils may be bioavailable.     

Acidic deposition and its effects in southwestern China

The emissions of SO₂ in China correspond at present to 8–10 TgSyr^?1. The rapid industrialization has caused a dramatic increase in the emissions in recent years and this increase is likely to continue. This paper describes studies of concentrations and effects of acidifying substances in parts of the Guizhou and the Sichuan provinces where the S-emissions are large. A small catchment about 10 km from Guiyang centre was equipped with instruments for studies of soils, soil water and streamwater chemistry. The molar ratio Al/(Ca+Mg) is > 0.8 in soil water in some places. Two small streams have median pH-values about 4.6 and 5.1. Laboratory studies with selected Chinese soils showed that the anion adsorption was low. These studies gave also important information on soil sensitivity. The studies confirm that acid deposition may affect soils in parts of south-western China, but the sensitivity varies dramatically and there is a strong need for more information.     

Reaction of sewage farm soils to different irrigation solutions in a column experiment 2. Heavy metals and their leaching

Heavy metal polluted soils from a recent and a former sewage farm were studied in a 2.5 years‐column experiment under various irrigation regimes and/or liming treatment. The copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the soil and the leaching of these elements were studied. The amounts of the metals leached differed markedly between both soils, however, the effect of various irrigation treatments was less pronounced. The heavy metal content in the soil solid phase depended on the organic carbon content, however these dependencies differed for both soils as well as for particular metals. In lower soil horizons, the amount of heavy metals bound by unit mass of organic carbon was constant. It was assumed that the same amount of the heavy metals can be bound by the unit mass of the DOC. Under this assumption the amount of the DOC in the former sewage farm soil was in general too small to carry all heavy metals leached. Therefore leaching of their cationic forms has been postulated. The amount of the DOC in the present sewage farm soil could carry more heavy metals than these being leached. Therefore, an undersaturation of the DOC in heavy metals could occur in this soil.<?show $6#>     

Urban soil pollution in Damascus,Syria: concentrations and patterns of heavy metals in the soils of the Damascus Ghouta

The objective of the study was to assess the extent and severity of heavy metal contamination of arable soils of the Damascus Ghouta, an area with intensive agricultural production. We examined the present degree and spatial distribution of heavy metal concentrations in 51 soil profiles and in 22 topsoil samples in the Damascus Ghouta. The soils were digested with aqua regia for heavy metal analysis. Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations in the topsoils exhibited anthropogenic increased values. The major sources for the heavy metal contamination in Damascus city are most possibly emissions from vehicles. These emissions transported by air and sewage water together with household and industrial sewage effluents have been considered to be responsible for the increased heavy metal concentrations found in the soils of the central Barada area. However, the values were in most cases below tolerable values of soil for agricultural use. Cr concentrations up to 1800 mg kg⁻¹ were found near a tannery industrial estate. Concerning the health risk of the population bioavailability and mobility of heavy metals seems to be of minor importance, based on the soil properties found in the study area. However, direct ingestion of soil, e.g., by children and inhalation of dust may contribute largely to the accumulation of heavy metal in human and livestock.     

Impact of an Urban Environment on Trace Element Concentrations in Domestically Produced Lettuce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactuca sativa L.</Emphasis>)

Urban horticulture is gaining more and more attention in the context of sustainable food supply. Yet, cities are exposed to (former) industrial activities and traffic, responsible for emission of contaminants. Trace elements were monitored in soils located in the urban environment of Ghent (Belgium) and 84 samples of Lactuca satica L. lettuce grown on it. The effects of cultivation in soil versus trays, neighbouring traffic and washing of the lettuce before consumption were studied. The 0–30 cm top layer of soils appeared heterogenic in composition and enriched in Co, Cd, Ni and Pb within 10 m from the nearest road. Yet, no similar elevated concentrations could be found in the crops, except for As. Besides uptake from the roots, the presence of trace elements in the plants is also caused by the atmospheric deposition of airborne particulate matter on the leaf surface. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that this latter transport pathway might particularly be the case for Pt, Pd and Rh. Concentrations of Cd did not exceed the 0.2 mg kg^?1 (fresh weight) threshold for Cd in leafy vegetables set by the European Commission. Measurements to reduce the health risks include the washing of lettuce, which effectively reduced the number of samples trespassing the maximum Pb level of 0.3 mg kg^?1 (fresh weight). Also, cultivation in trays resulted in a lower As content in the plants. Taking into account a vigilance on crop selection, cultivation substrate and proper washing before consumption are considered essential steps for safe domestic horticulture in urban environments.     

盐碱地土壤：氧化亚氮和二氧化碳排放的潜在来源？

Increasing salt-affected agricultural land due to low precipitation,high surface evaporation,irrigation with saline water,and poor cultural practices has triggered the interest to understand the influence of salt on nitrous oxide(N_2O) and carbon dioxide(CO_2)emissions from soil.Three soils with varying electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract(EC_e)(0.44-7.20 dS m~(-1)) and sodium adsorption ratio of saturated paste extract(SARe)(1.0-27.7),two saline-sodic soils(S2 and S3) and a non-saline,non-sodic soil(S1),were incubated at moisture levels of 40%,60%,and 80%water-filled pore space(WFPS) for 30 d,with or without nitrogen(N)fertilizer addition(urea at 525 μg g~(-1) soil).Evolving CO_2 and N2 O were estimated by analyzing the collected gas samples during the incubation period.Across all moisture and N levels,the cumulative N_2O emissions increased significantly by 39.8%and 42.4%in S2 and S3,respectively,compared to S1.The cumulative CO_2 emission from the three soils did not differ significantly as a result of the complex interactions of salinity and sodicity.Moisture had no significant effect on N_2O emissions,but cumulative CO_2 emissions increased significantly with an increase in moisture.Addition of N significantly increased cumulative N_2O and CO_2 emissions.These showed that saline-sodic soils can be a significant contributor of N_2O to the environment compared to non-saline,non-sodic soils.The application of N fertilizer,irrigation,and precipitation may potentially increase greenhouse gas(N2O and CO_2) releases from saline-sodic soils.