Simultaneous Use of Trace Metals, 210Pb and 137Cs in Floodplain Sediments of a Lowland River as Indicators of Anthropogenic Impacts

This study focuses on the distribution of selected trace metals, ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb, in floodplain deposits of the lowland Warta River (southern Poland) downstream of Cz?stochowa, a large city with an iron smelter. The depth profiles of trace metal (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd and Mn), ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs contents in floodplain sediments were used to derive deposition rates on the floodplain for the twentieth century. The applicability of particular chronometric tools is considered within the context of their mutual relationships and confirmed by the consistency of the results. Deposition rate estimates for the past 50 years based on the vertical patterns of trace metal concentrations, which were correlated with particular events in the development of the smelter, range from 0.4 cm·year^?1 in profiles situated in backswamps far from the channel to over 1.1 cm·year^?1 in profiles of the natural levee adjacent to the river. Deposition rates based on ²¹⁰Pb inventories in the profiles range from 0.08 to 0.66 g·cm^?2·year^?1, which corresponds to linear sedimentation rates of 0.10 to 0.91 cm·year^?1, respectively. Dating of characteristic levels associated with peak fallout of ¹³⁷Cs gives sediment accretion rates resembling those obtained from trace metals and ²¹⁰Pb. The period of the highest sediment accumulation rate could be related to the highest loads of effluent from the iron smelter and city of Cz?stochowa, which were substantially reduced after the construction of effluent treatment plant.     

Sediment and Phosphorous Fluxes Analysis in Aquia Creek,a Sub-watershed of the Chesapeake Bay Basin,VA, USA

Decline in global surface water quality around the world is closely linked to excess sediment and nutrient inputs. This study examined sediment and phosphorus fluxes in Aquia Creek, a fourth-order sub-watershed of the Chesapeake Bay located in Stafford, Virginia. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), sediment delivery ratio (SDR), field sediment traps, bank erosion pins, and LIDAR data, combined with historical aerial images, were used in quantifying rill and inter-rill erosion from the basin, as well as internally generated sediments. Stream water and stream bank soils were analyzed for phosphorus. RUSLE/SDR modeling estimates a basin total sediment flux of 25,247 tons year^?1. The greatest calculated soil losses were in deciduous forests and cropland areas, whereas medium and high-intensity developed areas had the least soil loss. Cut-bank erosion ranged from 0.2 to 27.4 cm year^?1, and annual bank sediment fluxes were estimated at 1444 Mg, with a corresponding annual mass of phosphorous of 13,760 kg year^?1. The highest bank loss estimates were incurred along reaches draining urban areas. Stream water total phosphorous levels ranged from 0.054 μg g^?1 during low flows to 134.94 μg g^?1 during high discharge periods in autumn and spring. These results show that stormwater management practices in urban areas are limiting runoff water and soil contact, reducing surficial soil loss. However, the runoff acceleration due to expansion of impervious surfaces is progressively increasing the significance of intrinsic sediment and phosphorous sources by exacerbating stream bank erosion and resuspension of internally stored sediments.     

Dry and Wet Deposition of Nitrogen Emitted in Buenos Aires City to Waters of de la Plata River

Dry and wet deposition of atmospheric nitrogen species (NO₂ and HNO₃) coming from nitrogen oxides emissions in Buenos Aires city to surface waters of de la Plata River were estimated. Atmospheric dispersion models DAUMOD-RD (v.2) and CALPUFF were applied to area and point sources, respectively. These models were run considering 1 year of hourly meteorological data. Emission information included a typical diurnal variation of area source emissions. Annual atmospheric nitrogen (N–NO₂?+?N–HNO₃) deposition to 1,763 km² of the river was 35,600 kg-N year^?1. Dry deposition processes accounted for 89% of this value. The small contribution of wet deposition was a consequence of the very few cases (5%) of rain events during offshore wind conditions. Monthly dry deposition to 1,763 km² of the river varied from 1,628 kg-N month^?1 in February to 3,799 kg-N month^?1 in December, following the monthly occurrence of offshore winds. Monthly wet deposition varied from 1 kg-N month^?1 in June to 1,162 kg-N month^?1 in February. These results came from the combination of favorable conditions for formation of HNO₃ and the occurrence of precipitation during offshore wind situations. Spatial distribution of annual atmospheric N deposition showed a strong coastal gradient. Deposition values reached a maximum of 137.1 kg-N km^?2 year^?1 near the shoreline, which was reduced to the half at 4 km from the coast.     

Historical sedimentary trends of mercury and other trace elements from two saltmarshes of the Marano and Grado lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea)

Purpose

Previous research conducted in the Marano and Grado lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea) has shown that this environment has been affected by trace metal contamination, especially by mercury (Hg), from both industrial (the chlor-alkali plant) and mining activities (Idrija mine, Slovenia). Sediment cores were collected from two different saltmarshes of this lagoon environment to evaluate the degree of the anthropogenic enrichments and the geochronology of Hg accumulation.

Materials and methods

Core subsampling was performed by cutting 1-cm thick slices at discrete intervals. Mercury determination was done differently from the other parameters in that the two long cores were subsampled at 1-cm intervals to obtain continuous concentration profiles. Samples were completely decomposed, using a mixture of mineral acids in a closed microwave system before being analysed for trace metal content using ICP-OES. Total Hg content in the solid phase was determined by DMA-80. ¹³⁷Cs was measured via gamma spectrometry. ²¹⁰Pb activity was measured via alpha-counting of its daughter, ²¹⁰Po, assuming secular equilibrium between the two isotopes.

Results and discussion

In saltmarsh sediments, Fe, Co, Li, Sc and V show no enrichment at both sites thus suggesting that they are essentially lithogenic elements. Conversely, enrichments are minimal (EF = <2) for As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn and moderate (EF = 2–5) for Cu and Mn and also for Pb and Zn but only in some levels of the sedimentary sequences. An exception is Hg, as expected due to the long-term input proceeding from the historical mining activity which has especially affected the eastern sector of the lagoon.

Conclusions

The core collected from the saltmarsh in the eastern lagoon (Grado) displays a better time resolution during the last century although the Hg background level has not been reached. Conversely, the core collected in the western sector (Marano) has recorded a longer and more complete history of Hg contamination, from the beginning of the peak of Hg extraction activity at the Idrija mine (1850). Both saltmarshes still receive Hg inputs and the sediment accumulation rates in the upper section appear to have increased over the last 10–20 years (from 0.30 to 0.45 cm year^?1 at Marano and from 0.30 to 0.74 cm year^?1 at Grado). Many of these morphological structures suffer erosive processes thus representing a potential source of contaminants associated with sediments, in particular Hg. Conservation and monitoring of saltmarshes should be taken into consideration also from this environmental point of view.

     

Contents and chemical forms of heavy metals in school and roadside topsoils and road-surface dust of Beijing

Purpose

The concentration of human activities in urban systems generally leads to urban environmental contamination. Beijing is one of ancient and biggest cities on the world. However, information is limited on Beijing’s soil contamination, especially for roadside and campus soils. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate the contents and chemical forms of toxic heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the road-surface dust, roadside soils, and school campus soils of Beijing. In addition, enrichment and spatial variation of these toxic heavy metals in the soils and dust were assessed.

Materials and methods

Topsoil samples were collected from the schools and roadside adjacent to main ring roads, and dust samples were collected from the surface of the main ring roads of Beijing. These samples were analyzed for total contents and chemical forms of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sc, Zn, Al, and Fe. Enrichment factors (EFs, relative to the background content) were calculated to evaluate the effect of human activities on the toxic heavy metals in soils.

Results and discussion

Heavy metal contents in the road dust ranged from 0.16 to 0.80, 52.2 to 180.7, 18.4 to 182.8, 11.9 to 47.4, 23.0 to 268.3, and 85.7 to 980.9 mg kg^?1 for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, respectively. In the roadside soil and school soil, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents ranged from 0.13 to 0.42, 46.1 to 82.4, 22.7 to 71.6, 20.7 to 29.2, 23.2 to 180.7, and 64.5 to 217.3 mg kg^?1, respectively. The average EF values of these metals were significantly higher in the dust than in the soils. In addition, the average EF values of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soils near second ring road were significantly higher than those near third, fourth, and fifth ring roads. Anthropogenic Cd, Pb, and Zn were mainly bound to the carbonates and soil organic matter, while anthropogenic Cu was mainly bound to oxides. The mobility and bioavailability of these metals in the urban soils of Beijing generally decreased in the following order: Cd?>?Zn?>?Pb?>?Cu?>?Ni?>?Cr; while in the dust, they decreased in the following order: Zn, Cu, and Cd?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cr.

Conclusions

Both EF and chemical forms documented that Cr and Ni in the soils and dust mainly originated from native sources, while Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn partially originated from anthropogenic sources. In overall, Beijing’s road dust was significantly contaminated by Cd and Cu and moderately contaminated by Cr, Pb, and Zn, while Beijing’s roadside soil and school soil were moderately contaminated by Cd and Pb. However, the maximal hazard quotients (HQs) for individual Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and comprehensive hazard index (HI) of these metals in the dust and soil were less than 1, indicating that the heavy metals in the dust and soil generally do not pose potential health effects to children, sensitive population.     

Heavy‐Metal Contamination of Soil and Vegetables in Wastewater‐Irrigated Agricultural Soil in a Suburban Area of Hanoi,Vietnam

The To Lich and Kim Nguu Rivers, laden with untreated waste from industrial sources, serve as sources of water for irrigating vegetable farms. The purposes of this study were to identify the impact of wastewater irrigation on the level of heavy metals in the soils and vegetables and to predict their potential mobility and bioavailability. Soil samples were collected from different distances from the canal. The average concentrations of the heavy metals in the soil were in the order zinc (Zn; 204 mg kg^?1) > copper (Cu; 196 mg kg^?1) > chromium (Cr; 175 mg kg^?1) > lead (Pb; 131 mg kg^?1) > nickel (Ni; 60 mg kg^?1) > cadmium (Cd; 4 mg kg^?1). The concentrations of all heavy metals in the study site were much greater than the background level in that area and exceeded the permissible levels of the Vietnamese standards for Cd, Cu, and Pb. The concentrations of Zn, Ni, and Pb in the surface soil decreased with distance from the canal. The results of selective sequential extraction indicated that dominant fractions were oxide, organic, and residual for Ni, Pb, and Zn; organic and oxide for Cr; oxide for Cd; and organic for Cu. Leaching tests for water and acid indicated that the ratio of leached metal concentration to total metal concentration in the soil decreased in the order of Cd > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn and in the order of Cd > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb for the ethylenediaminetetraaceitc acid (EDTA) treatment. The EDTA treatment gave greater leachability than other treatments for most metal types. By leaching with water and acid, all heavy metals were fully released from the exchangeable fraction, and some heavy metals were fully released from carbonate and oxide fractions. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the vegetables exceeded the Vietnamese standards. The transfer coefficients for the metals were in the order of Zn > Ni > Cu > Cd = Cr > Pb.     

Anthropogenic environmental impact in the Mediterranean coastal area of Koper/Capodistria,Slovenia

Purpose

Heavy metal content in soils could be a consequence of geogenic and different anthropogenic sources. In ancient times, soils in the Mediterranean region were affected by agriculture and viticulture, whereas more recently, industry and traffic might contribute more to their pollution. The aim of the study is to determine the extent of multisource heavy metal pollution in soils within the Koper area.

Materials and methods

Along the northern Adriatic Sea coast, around the port city of Koper/Capodistria, 24 topsoil samples were collected; sets of six samples representing four possible pollution sources: intensive agriculture, viticulture, port activities and industry. The parent material of the soil is mainly derived from the Eocene flysch weathered marls and calcarenites and the soil types are eutric. The chemical composition of the samples was determined by ICP-ES for oxides and several minor elements and by ICP-MS for heavy metals. The mineral composition of the selected samples was checked using X-ray powder diffraction. Different statistical analyses were performed on the normally distributed data.

Results and discussion

The mean concentrations of all samples are: Cr 215 mg kg^?1, Ni 81 mg kg^?1, Zn 67 mg kg^?1, Cu 44 mg kg^?1 and Pb and Co 18 mg kg^?1. The ANOVA showed significant differences only in CaO, C/TOT, P₂O₅, Co and Pb between those locations within reach of the different contamination sources. The observed average values of heavy metals are well below Slovenia’s Directive limit for Cu, Pb and Zn, close to but not above it for Co and above the action value for Cr and Ni. According to Igeo, soils from all the sampling locations are uncontaminated with Co, Ni and Pb, and uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Cu and Zn at one port location, and with Cr at all locations.

Conclusions

The very high Cr and Ni levels could still be geogenic because soils developed on Eocene flysch rocks are enriched in both metals. Cr and Ni are not correlated because of their different levels of sorption and retention in carbonate soils. Cr was retained and concentrated in the sand fraction but Ni has been mobilised in solution. The only serious threat to the environment seems to be an illegal waste dumping area near the port.     

Geochemical monitoring of organic and inorganic pollutants in the sediment of the Eastern Posavina (Serbia)

Purpose

The aim of this study was to obtain a complete picture of the geochemical character of the sediment in the eastern Posavina region, Serbia, an area which has thus far not been systematically investigated. Geological mapping and impact assessment were thus carried out for this area.

Materials and methods

Sediments were sampled (from 0 to 0.5 m depth) in four locations in eastern Posavina between 2002 and 2014. Eight heavy metals (Ni, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, As and Hg) and a wide variety of organic parameters (16 EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mineral oils, selected pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) were monitored. Metals were analysed by flame and graphite atomic absorption spectrometry, and gas chromatography with mass detection was used for the PAH analyses. The origins of the monitored substances were classified using geoaccumulation index (I _geo), ecological risk index (RI) and principal component analysis (PCA/FA).

Results and discussion

The sediments all contained higher heavy metals concentrations than the upper continental crust (UCC), suggesting dynamic natural and anthropogenic processes in this unique region. Significant variations (RSD values from 13 to 190) were observed for Cd (0.001–80.00 mg kg^?1), Hg (0.01–5.40 mg kg^?1), mineral oil (2.00–1851 mg kg^?1) and the sum of 16 EPA PAHs (0.003–5.57 mg kg^?1). The I _geo index classified the pollution risk due to Cr as strong, Cd, Zn and Hg as moderate to strong and Ni as moderate. Based on PCA/FA analysis, the parameters were grouped somewhat differently, with anthropogenic activity found to be responsible for much of the Hg, Cd and Cr pollution present in the sediments.

Conclusions

The analysis revealed eight heavy metals (Ni, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, As and Hg), the sum of 16 EPA PAHs and mineral oil as parameters of great interest for this unique region. These parameters must be the focus of future monitoring programs, in support of appropriate remediation techniques and/or dredging activities, which are required in order to comply with the new Serbian regulations and the relevant EU recommendations.

     

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.     

Manganese Biogeochemistry in a Central Czech Republic Catchment

Mn biogeochemistry was studied from 1994 to 2003 in a small forested catchment in the central Czech Republic using the watershed mass balance approach together with measurements of internal stores and fluxes. Mn inputs in bulk deposition were relatively constant during a period of sharply decreasing acidic deposition, suggesting that the Mn source was terrestrial, and not from fossil fuel combustion. Mn inputs in bulk deposition and Mn supplied by weathering each averaged 13 mg m^?2 year^?1 (26 mg m^?2 year^?1 total input), whereas Mn export in streamwater and groundwater averaged 43 mg m^?2 year^?1. Thus an additional Mn source is needed to account for 17 mg m^?2 year^?1. Internal fluxes and pools of Mn were significantly greater than annual inputs and outputs. Throughfall Mn flux was 70 mg m^?2 year^?1, litterfall Mn flux was 103 mg m^?2 year^?1, and Mn net uptake by vegetation was 62 mg m^?2 year^?1. Large pools of labile or potentially labile Mn were present in biomass and surficial soil horizons. Small leakages from these large pools likely supply the additional Mn needed to close the watershed mass balance. This leakage may reflect an adjustment of the ecosystem to recent changes in atmospheric acidity.     

Accumulation of Metals in the Sediment and Reed Biomass of a Combined Constructed Wetland Treating Domestic Wastewater

This study assessed the accumulation of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the sediment and biomass of P. australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. in a combined constructed wetland (CW) designed for the treatment of domestic wastewater of 750 population equivalents. The CW consists of two vertical subsurface flow (VSSF) reed beds followed by two horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) reed beds. The sediment in the VSSF reed bed was contaminated with Cu (201 ?±? 27 mg kg^?1 DM) and Zn (662 ?±? 94 mg kg^?1 DM) after 4 years of operation. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the sediment generally decreased along the treatment path of the CW. On the contrary, higher Al, Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni concentrations were observed in the sediment of the inlet area of the HSSF reed bed. Redox conditions were presumably responsible for this observed trend. Metal concentrations in the reed biomass did not show excessive values. Accumulation in the aboveground reed biomass accounted for only 0.5 and 1.4% of, respectively, the Cu and Zn mass load in the influent. The sediment was the main pool for metal accumulation in the CW.     

Pb/Ca in Thailand Coral Determined by LA-ICP-MS: Anthropogenic Pb Input of River Run-off into a Coral Reef from Urbanised Areas

In order to monitor lead pollution from urban areas to coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand, linear and two-dimensional distributions of Pb in corals from Khang Khao Island, Thailand and Rukan-sho, Okinawa, were analysed with high resolution. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied to measure Pb content in coral skeletons using synthetic Pb standards in a CaCO₃ matrix as calibration materials. Linear and two-dimensional ablation schemes were applied to determine the Pb content in corals collected from Khang Khao Island, Thailand and Rukan-sho, Okinawa. The coral skeleton was ablated by Nd:YAG laser (wavelength of 266 nm, beam diameter of 155 µm, scanning speed of 10 µm s^?1 and frequency of 10 Hz) along the growth axis, and ion counts for ²⁰⁸Pb were normalised to ⁴²Ca. Lead content in the corals was determined using a calibration curve obtained from the synthetic Pb standards (0–141 µg g^?1). The linear ablation track of the sample from Khang Khao showed over 30 peaks of Pb with an average value of 3.55 µg g^?1, while Pb content in the coral from Rukan-sho showed relatively small variation with an average value of 0.132 µg g^?1. Two-dimensional imaging of Pb in the coral skeletons was also carried out for an area of 7?×?20 mm on the sample from Khang Khao. The distribution patterns of Pb and Ba in the Thailand coral co-varied. These observations from the linear and imaging analyses suggest discontinuous inputs of anthropogenic Pb from rivers to the Gulf of Thailand.     

Biogeochemical Cycle of Mercury and Methylmercury in Two Highly Contaminated Areas of Tagus Estuary (Portugal)

Mercury (Hg) dynamics was evaluated in contaminated sediments and overlying waters from Tagus estuary, in two sites with different Hg anthropogenic sources: Cala Norte (CNOR) and Barreiro (BRR). Environmental factors affecting methylmercury (MMHg) production and Hg and MMHg fluxes across sediment/water interface were reported. [THg] and [MMHg] in solids (0.31–125 μg g^?1 and 0.76–201 ng g^?1, respectively) showed high variability with higher values in BRR. Porewater [MMHg] (0.1–63 ng L^?1, 0.5–86% of THg) varied local and seasonally; higher contents were observed in the summer campaign, thus increasing sediment toxicity affecting the sediment/water Hg (and MMHg) fluxes. In CNOR and BRR sediments, Hg availability and organic carbon were the main factors controlling MMHg production. Noteworthy, an upward MMHg diffusive flux was observed in winter that was inverted in summer. Although MMHg production increases in warmer month, the MMHg concentrations in overlying water increase in a higher proportion compared to the levels in porewaters. This opposite trend could be explained by different extension of MMHg demethylation in the water column. The high concentrations of Hg and MMHg and their dynamics in sediments are of major concern since they can cause an exportation of Hg from the contaminated areas up to ca. 14,600 mg year^?1 and an MMHg deposition of up to ca. 6000 mg year^?1. The results suggest that sediments from contaminated areas of Tagus estuary should be considered as a primary source of Hg for the water column and a sink of MMHg to the sedimentary column.     

Anthropogenic Heavy Metal Pollution in the Surficial Sediments of the Keratsini Harbor, Saronikos Gulf, Greece

The contents of ten elements [Cd, Pb, W, Zn, Mn, As, Se, Cr, Cu, and organic carbon (C_org)] have been determined in the surficial sediments of Keratsini harbor, Saronikos Gulf, Greece. The contamination of the sediments was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index and to corresponding sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) effects range low/effects range median. The results revealed highly elevated Cd, Pb, W, Zn, As, Se, Cr, Cu, and C_org values (Cd, 190–1,763 mg kg^?1; Pb, 521–1,263 mg kg^?1; W, 38–100 mg kg^?1; Zn, 409–6,725 mg kg^?1; Mn, 95–1,101 mg kg^?1; As, not detectable–1,813 mg kg^?1; Se, not detectable–58 mg kg^?1; Cr, 264–860 mg kg^?1; Cu, 195–518 mg kg^?1; and C_org, 0.69–4.41%). The enrichment of metals in the sediments results from the contribution of the central Athens sewage outfall through which the waste of the Attica basin ends up in Keratsini harbor as well as from industrial and ship contaminants.     

Connectivity of sediment transport in a semiarid environment: a synthesis for the Upper Jaguaribe Basin,Brazil

Purpose

Hydrosedimentological studies conducted in the semiarid Upper Jaguaribe Basin, Brazil, enabled the identification of the key processes controlling sediment connectivity at different spatial scales (10⁰–10⁴ km²).

Materials and methods

Water and sediment fluxes were assessed from discharge, sediment concentrations and reservoir siltation measurements. Additionally, mathematical modelling (WASA-SED model) was used to quantify water and sediment transfer within the watershed.

Results and discussion

Rainfall erosivity in the study area was moderate (4600 MJ mm ha^?1 h^?1 year^?1), whereas runoff depths (16–60 mm year^?1), and therefore the sediment transport capacity, were low. Consequently, ～60 % of the eroded sediment was deposited along the landscape, regardless of the spatial scale. The existing high-density reservoir network (contributing area of 6 km² per reservoir) also limits sediment propagation, retaining up to 47 % of the sediment at the large basin scale. The sediment delivery ratio (SDR) decreased with the spatial scale; on average, 41 % of the eroded sediment was yielded from the hillslopes, while for the whole 24,600-km² basin, the SDR was reduced to 1 % downstream of a large reservoir (1940-hm³ capacity).

Conclusions

Hydrological behaviour in the Upper Jaguaribe Basin represents a constraint on sediment propagation; low runoff depth is the main feature breaking sediment connectivity, which limits sediment transference from the hillslopes to the drainage system. Surface reservoirs are also important barriers, but their relative importance to sediment retention increases with scale, since larger contributing areas are more suitable for the construction of dams due to higher hydrological potential.     

Impact of man's activities on the chemical composition of the sediments of lakes superior and Huron

The concentrations of organic matter, major elements and trace elements were determined at 15 core locations in Lake Superior and Huron. The chemical compositions of the cores are related to sediment particle size, Eh, pH, chronology and location. Concentrations of Si, Al, Ca, Mg, K, Na, and Ti, which represent the major mineral species in the sediments, are generally uniform in each core. Surface enrichments of Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cd, Cr, Be, V, As, Org-C, and N at many of the locations are attributed to anthropogenic inputs of these elements in recent years. Concentration profiles of Fe, Mn, P, and S are influenced by migration of these elements in the pore waters. High anthropogenic Cu loadings in Lake Superior were related to Cu mining activities in the lake basin, while high anthropogenic inputs of Ni to the Lake Huron sediments were related to Ni contamination from the Sudbury area. Sediment loading calculations show that the anthropogenic inputs of trace and nutrient elements are related to the sedimentation rate, that the inputs are dispersed over wide areas of the lakes and that inputs to Lake Superior have increased significantly since 1955. Evidence is presented that atmospheric inputs are an important source of contaminants.     

Processes Controlling Trace-Metal Transport in Surface Water Contaminated by Acid-Mine Drainage in the Ducktown Mining District, Tennessee

Former mining activities lasting 140 years in the Ducktown Mining District, Tennessee, USA, has contaminated the streams draining the district with acid-mine drainage (AMD). North Potato Creek and its major tributary, Burra Burra Creek, are two of the most heavily AMD-impacted streams in the district. The removal of dissolved metals from the water in these creeks is largely attributable to the sorption of Cu, Zn, Co, Al, and Mn on suspended hydroxide precipitates of Fe. The fraction of trace metals remaining in solution decreases with increasing pH in the sequence Pb?<?Cu?<?Zn?<?Co. The concentration of Fe in solution also decreases with increasing pH due to the formation of ferric hydroxide precipitates which accounted for up to 81.4% by weight of the total suspended sediment. The concentration of suspended sediment substantially decreases as the water of North Potato Creek flows through a large settling basin, where 1.3 (±0.3)?×?10⁶ kg/year of trace-metal-laden suspended sediment would be annually deposited. In spite of this attempt to purify it, the water discharged into the river is acidic (pH 3.6) and still contains high concentrations of dissolved trace metals, which would resorb on to suspended sediment and be ultimately transported to a downstream reservoir, Ocoee No. 3 Lake.     

Trace metals in the soils of Water Conservation Area of Florida Everglades: Considerations for ecosystem restoration

Purpose

Inorganic contaminants present a major challenge for the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent of trace metal contamination and investigate the influence of different plant communities on trace metal accumulation in the soils of the Florida Everglades.

Materials and methods

Soil samples (n?=?117) were collected from 0 to 10-cm depth using a stainless steel coring device from sites with three dominant plant communities—cattail, sawgrass, and slough—of Water Conservation Area-2A (43,281 ha) of Florida Everglades.

Results and discussion

The mean pH in soils collected from three plant communities was 6.75–6.82, whereas electrical conductivity was slightly greater in the sawgrass (0.69 dS m^?1) than cattail (0.58 dS m^?1) and slough (0.40 dS m^?1). Mean reduction–oxidation potential was greatest in cattail (?113 mV) than sawgrass (?85.3 mV) and slough (?48.3 mV) soils. Among 11 trace metals (As, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Zn) found in soil samples, Na had the greatest contents and was greater in cattail (2070 mg kg^?1) and sawgrass (1735 mg kg^?1) than slough (1297 mg kg^?1). Four trace metals (B, Cu, Mo, Ni) were significantly greater in cattail than sawgrass and slough. Whereas, Mn was significantly lower in cattail (31 mg kg^?1) than both sawgrass (84 mg kg^?1) and slough (51 mg kg^?1). Cattail also had significantly lower Cr (1.97 mg kg^?1) and Pb (10 mg kg^?1) than sawgrass (Cr 2.5 mg kg^?1; Pb 20.8 mg kg^?1). As (<6.9 mg kg^?1), Co (<1.3 mg kg^?1), and Zn (<17.2 mg kg^?1) were not significantly different among soils collected from three plant community-dominant sites. Contents of Cd and Se were below the method detection limits (Cd 0.01 mg L^?1; Se 0.2 mg L^?1) and are not reported.

Conclusions

None of the trace metals in the soils exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency sediment toxicity thresholds. Results from this study provided baseline concentrations of trace metals, which can be used to measure the success of restoration efforts in Florida Everglades.

     

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.     

Influence of pH on the release and chemical fractionation of heavy metals in sediment from a suburban drainage stream in an arid mine-based oasis

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to explore the influences of pH on the release of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr in sediments derived from the upstream, middle, and downstream reaches of Dongdagou stream in Gansu Province, Northwest China, and to examine the fractionation changes of heavy metals in the sediments after reaching their release equilibrium under different pH conditions.

Materials and methods

Sediment samples were obtained using a stainless steel grab sampler to collect the uppermost 10 cm of sediment from the channel bed. The pH-dependent release experiment was conducted in the solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 at different pH values (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) at room temperature. The total Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in the sediments were digested using an acid digestion mixture (HNO₃ + HF + HClO₄) in an open system. Metal fractionation of selected sediments was obtained using the Tessier sequential extraction procedure. Heavy metal concentrations in the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results and discussion

The mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments decreased in the following order: Zn (1676.67 mg kg^?1) > Pb (528.65 mg kg^?1) > Cu (391.34 mg kg^?1) > Cr (53.48 mg kg^?1) > Ni (34.27 mg kg^?1) > Cd (11.53 mg kg^?1). Overall, the solubility of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni decreased with increasing pH, and they were strongly released at pH 2. Moreover, the solubility of Cr increased with increasing pH, and its release was highest at pH 12. After reaching the release equilibrium of heavy metals under different pH conditions, the percentages of organic Cu, Zn, Cd, and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide Pb decreased, compared to their initial fractions. The residual fractions of Ni and Cr were dominant, regardless of pH.

Conclusions

The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in sediments were highly elevated compared with the soil background values in Gansu Province, China. The results of this pH-dependent release experiment showed that the release behaviors of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr followed an asymmetric V-shaped pattern, whereas Cd and Ni followed an irregular L-shaped pattern. The changes in the release of heavy metals in sediments were related to their redistribution between chemical fractionations.