Evaluating the Contribution of Long-Range Transport of Heavy Metals from the Asian Continent to Their Concentrations in Sediment Cores from Lake Shinji,Western Japan

The historical trend of heavy metal pollution recorded in sediment cores from Lake Shinji, western Japan, was investigated to evaluate the contribution of increasing long-range transport of heavy metals from the Asian continent in recent years. The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn and lead isotope ratios were determined for sediment cores collected at two sites in the lake. Among the metals, Cd, Sb, and Zn showed markedly high concentrations since the 1970s. Moreover, a high Pb concentration and less radiogenic lead isotope ratios have been observed since the 1980s in the core from a site close to the mouth of a major river. Air masses from the Asian continent, including China, Russia, and South Korea, have less radiogenic lead isotope ratios than those from Japan. This suggests that the recent increase in Pb concentration in the sediment core is primarily due to the long-range transport of heavy metals from the Asian continent, followed by their deposition in the catchment area of the river. The concentration ratios of Pb/Cd, Pb/Sb, and Pb/Zn of the sediment around 2000 were calculated on the basis of the metal concentrations in excess of those before 1940. They were then compared with the volume-weighted annual average concentration ratios of Pb/Cd, Pb/Sb, and Pb/Zn of rain samples collected on the shore of the lake for 1999–2001. The result showed that the ratios of the former to the latter are 1.0 for Cd, 0.69 for Sb, and 0.31 for Zn. Thus, it is likely that the long-range transport of Cd and Sb from the Asian continent also contributes significantly to the recent increase in the concentrations of these metals in the sediment core from Lake Shinji. For Zn, however, the contribution from the Asian continent was evaluated to be small, suggesting the importance of local sources such as effluent discharges.     

抚仙湖重金属污染强度、历史及来源的沉积记录

This study focused on the concentration change of heavy metals of sediment cores in heavily polluted north area and less polluted middle area of Fuxian Lake in Southwest China.On the basis of the analysis of Cu,Ni,Ti,V,Pb,Cd,and Zn concentration-depth profiles,the pollution history of heavy metals was studied using ¹³⁷cesium (¹³⁷Cs) dating.The sources of heavy metals were distinguished by normalization of their profiles to aluminum and analysis of heavy metal concentrations of potential source materials.Geoaccumulation index (I_geo) was used to quantify their contamination intensity.The results showed that all the heavy metals found in the Fuxian Lake sediments originated naturally before 1980s.Cu,Ni,Ti,and V were still mainly natural in the north lake after 1980s,Cu,Ni,Ti,V,and Pb were mainly natural in the middle lake at all time,but the concentrations of Pb and Zn in the north lake were influenced by industrial wastes from the phosphorus fertilizer factory and cement plants.In all the lake,the contaminations of Cd and Zn were the results of agricultural cultivation using a large amount of fertilizers and the atmospheric fallouts of dusts from cement plants.At present,the geoaccumulation indices showed that the Fuxian Lake sediments were moderately to strongly polluted by Cd in the middle lake,and unpolluted to moderately polluted by Pb and Zn and strongly polluted by Cd in the north lake.Moreover,the pollution intensities of Cd,Zn,and Pb have been increased since 1980s.     

Chronology of anthropogenic trace element input to four Utah lakes reconstructed using sediment cores

Trace element deposition chronologies are presented for radionuclide dated sediment cores collected from four Utah lakes. A core collected from Mirror Lake, a remote lake located in northern Utah, records a century long period of atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and Sn. Trace element concentration profiles in a core collected from Panguitch Lake, a remote lake located in southern Utah, give no indication of enhanced atmospheric deposition of trace elements in that part of the state. Sediment cores collected from Echo Reservoir and Deer Creek Reservoir, located near Salt Lake City, record releases of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, As, Sb, and Tl rich mine wastes into watershed streams from the now defunct Park City mining complex.     

Contaminated sediments as a potential source of Zn, Pb, and Cd for a river system in the historical metalliferous ore mining and smelting industry area of South Poland

Background, aim, and scope  Elevated levels of heavy metals in the aquatic and soil systems can be caused by the weathering of mineralized rocks. This enrichment is often considerably enlarged by historical and current mining and smelting activities. In Poland, the most contaminated river systems are those in the Silesia region. The metalliferous ore mining and smelting industries have been the main sources of heavy metal pollutions over the last 100–170 years. The previous and present studies have shown very high concentrations of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Mala Panew River, the most polluted tributary of the Oder River. The main objective of this work was to study temporary changes of selected metal (Zn, Pb, and Cd) concentrations in upper layer of bottom sediments at the measuring point near the outlet of the Mala Panew River into the Oder River, and to determine the vertical distribution of the metals in the sediment cores from the most polluted middle part of this river. The mobility of the metals and their potential bioavailability were assessed based on metal partitioning in the sediments and metal concentrations in pore waters. The presented data were compared with metal concentrations in aquatic sediments from similar historical mining and smelting sites in Poland and other countries. Methods  The upper layer of bottom sediment samples from the same Mala Panew River measuring point were collected six times in the period 1997–2005, while five sediment cores were collected once from the middle course of Mala Panew River in 2006. Abiotic parameters such as pH and Eh have been determined in situ. Metal contents were determined in the <20 and <63 μm size fractions of sediments after digestion in a microwave oven with aqua regia or concentrated nitric acid. Metal mobility was assessed in the selected sediment cores by the chemical forms of metals (sequential extraction method) and their concentrations in pore waters were investigated. Results  The concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn in the upper layer of sediments varied, depending on both the season and the year of sampling. Their mean concentrations (from six samplings) are [mg/kg]: Zn 1,846, Pb 229 and Cd 73. The metal concentrations in the sediment cores varied with the depth in the range of [mg/kg]: 0.18–559 for Cd, 26.2–3,309 for Pb and 126–11,153 for Zn, although the highest accumulations generally could be observed in the deeper layers. The most mobile metal fractions, i.e., exchangeable, carbonate and easily reducible fractions, are typical of Zn and Cd. Cadmium was found to be the most mobile metal and its relative contribution ranges from 84 to 96%, while in the case of Zn it ranged from 45 to 94%. Lead is mainly associated with the moderately reducible fraction (30–60%). Relative contributions of metal chemical forms slightly vary with the depth in the sediment profile. The results obtained for the pore water samples show very high concentrations of the metals studied, especially in the case of Cd (31–960 μg/dm³) and Zn (300–4,400 μg/dm³). Discussion  Accumulation of Cd, Pb, and Zn in the upper layer of the bottom sediments and in the sediment core samples from the Mala Panew River is very high, considerably exceeding the local geochemical background. High contributions of mobile Cd and Zn and the toxicity of cadmium can cause environmental risk. Our measurements also suggest that mobile metals can migrate into groundwater, whereas the groundwater itself can leach some chemicals from river sediments, because of a relatively high water table in the study area, especially during rainfall periods. Comparison of the results obtained with the literature data from the last decade shows that the concentrations of Cd and Zn in the sediments from the Mala Panew River are the highest among other submersed sediments in Poland and other regions (e.g., the Mulde River, Germany). Conclusions  The Mala Panew River is one of the most polluted rivers when compared with similar historical mining and smelting areas in Poland and elsewhere. The sediments studied are strongly polluted with the metals analyzed. In the upper layer of the bottom sediments there has been no reduction of Zn and Cd amounts over the last decade, which could suggests a long-term migration and a secondary contamination. Considerably higher accumulations of metals in overbank sediment cores and in the deeper core section could result from strong contamination in previous decades and translocation of Cd and Zn (secondary pollutants). The relatively high concentrations of the two metals in pore waters support these findings. Cadmium is crucial in the environmental risk assessment because of its high mobility and toxicity. These data are important for water/sediment management in the transboundary Oder River catchment, situated in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. Recommendations and perspectives  It is important to assess mobility phase and pore water in the contaminated historical aquatic sediments. Such studies may help explain the changes, which take place in the sediment layers as well as at the water–sediment interface. Obtained results should be used for the risk assessment of the historical contaminated sediments at the local river-basin scale. The treatment of contaminated sediments, e.g., dragging activity, should be considered as very important in management strategies in order to avoid remobilization of metals.     

The distribution of heavy metals in sediments of Sörfjord,West Norway

The bottom sediments of Sörfjord, West Norway, contain unusually high concentrations of Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Cu, In, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn. The concentrations of Zn and Pb reach ～ 10% by weight in some sediments. The concentrations of most of the elements are positively correlated, those of Pb, Cd, and Cu with Zn being particularly well developed; correlations also exist between Sb and Zn, and Ag and Cu. The concentrations of the metals in the bottom sediments decrease southwards and northwards from a locality close to a source of industrial waste.     

Distribution, Seasonal Variations and Ecotoxicological Significance of Heavy Metals in Sediments of Cross River Estuary Mangrove Swamp

The concentrations and distribution of selected heavy metals in epipelic and benthic sediments of Cross River Estuary mangrove swamp were studied to determine the extent of anthropogenic inputs from industrial activities and to estimate the effects of seasonal variations on geochemical processes in this tropical estuarine ecosystem. The analysis shows that the mean concentrations (mg/kg, dw) of Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, V and Zn vary from 24.1–32.4, 19.9–27.4, 666.7–943.5, 15.2–30.3, 8.8–24.7, 2.2–6.9 and 140.1–188.9, respectively. An important observation is that, in general, lowest metal concentrations are found during the dry season, compared to wet season. Pollution load index (PLI) and index of geoaccumulation (I _geo) revealed overall low values but the enrichment factors (EFs) for Cr, Zn, and V were high, and this reflects the intensity of anthropogenic inputs related to industrial discharge into the estuary. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu and to some extent Ni exceeded the Effects Range—Low (ERL) and Threshold Effect Level (TEL) values in majority of the samples studied, indicating that there may be some ecotoxicological risk to organisms living in these sediments. The inter-element relationship revealed the identical source of elements in the sediments of the studied area. The concentration of heavy metals reported in this work will be useful as baselines for comparison in future sediment quality studies.     

Temporal and spatial trends in metal loads to sediments of Lake Simcoe,Ontario

Metal loads to sediments of Lake Simcoe were partitioned into three components, which were attributable to natural background, accelerated erosion, and point + atmospheric sources. These loads were calculated over time using metal concentration profiles together with pre-settlement sedimentation rates based on sonar and time-variable sedimentation rates based on ²¹⁰Po profiles in cores. Concentrations of metals significantly higher than pre-settlement concentrations were observed in all cores in the case of Pb, back to 80 yr BP on average, and in at least 75% of cores, back to 60 yr BP for Cd and Zn and 30 to 45 yr BP for Cu, Ni, and Cr. Total metal loads increased 3 × for Cu and Ni, 4 × for Zn and Cr, 11 × for Cd and nearly 20 × for Ph from pre-1800 to 0 to 10 yr BP. At present about 90% of the anthropogenic loads of Pb and Cd, and 60 to 70% of the anthropogenic Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cr, are from point + atmospheric sources, the balance being from increased erosion. The direct atmospheric input of Cd is relatively high, approximately 77% of point + atmospheric inputs, while inputs of Cr and Ni are low at 1% and 9%, and inputs of Cu, Zn, and Pb are intermediate at 20 to 40% of point + atmospheric inputs. Two significant findings on spatial distribution of metals were the large increases in metal loads to Cook Bay following the drainage of 33 km² of marshes for agricultural use and the widespread dispersal of Cr from point source(s) in Kempenfelt Bay.     

Distribution of Trace Elements in Sediments and Biota of Songkhla Lake, Southern Thailand

The concentrations of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Fe, Mn, and Al were determined in sediments and biota of Songkhla Lake, a shallow coastal lagoon located in southern Thailand. In June 2006, surface sediments were sampled in 44 stations in the three sections of the lake (inner-, middle-, and outer sections). Sediment cores were also sampled in 13 stations in three cross-sections of the lake. In surface sediments, trace and major elements, organic matter, sediment grain size analysis, and sulfides were determined, and in the sediment cores, redox profiles were made. Soil samples were also collected at garbage dumping sites in the vicinity of the lake. In addition, the metal accumulation in two catfish species (Arius maculatus and Osteogeneiosus militaris) and the crustacean (Apseudes sapensis) was also investigated. Trace element concentrations in sediments of Songkhla Lake show that, especially the Outer section of the lake, in particular the sediments at the mouths of the Phawong, U-Taphao, and Samrong Canals are significantly enriched with trace elements due to municipal, agricultural, and industrial discharges entering the lake through the canals. Aluminum-normalized enrichment factors throughout the lake vary from 0.4 to 1.7 for Ni, 0.3 to 3.3 for Cu, 0.2 to 7 for Zn, 0.1 to 14 for As, 1 to 24 for Cd, 0.7 to 6.8 for Pb, and 0.1 to 7.8 for Mn. Correlations between the elements and sediment characteristics show that Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are essentially associated with the sulfide fraction; that Ni and Co are predominantly bound to the clay minerals and iron oxy-hydroxides, and that As is principally bound to iron oxy-hydroxides. The accumulation of trace elements between muscle tissue and liver and eggs of A. maculatus and O. militaris is element-specific, but concentrations of trace elements in fish muscle tissue are well within the limits for human consumption.     

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.     

Mapping of trace metals in urban soils

Spatial distribution maps depicting the concentrations of antimony, lead, tin, copper and zinc, and the presence of land-use units were generated for Mühlburg, a district of the City of Karlsruhe, Germany. The influence of the spatial land-use structure on the distributions of the element concentrations is statistically evaluated and discussed. The variography for Mühlburg shows an average range of 200-400 m for the spatial correlations of Sb, Pb, Sn and Zn. The variograms of Pb and Zn are characterised by hole effects at 300 m distances, i.e. the result of repeated stronger spatial correlations for certain distances between the sample sites. Most probably, this is an effect of the typical urban structure of streets, buildings, green spaces, and industry. Kriging method was used for the interpolation of Sb, Pb, Sn and Zn concentrations. Only Cu does not show a spatial correlation. In this case, the interpolation was carried out with a smoothed triangulation routine. Pollution plumes of point sources such as lead works, a bell foundry and a coal-fired thermal power station superimpose the more diffuse pollution from traffic, household heating processes, waste material disposal, etc. The trace element concentrations in soils of housing areas increase with the age of the developed area. Industrial areas show the highest level of pollution, followed by housing areas developed before 1920, traffic areas, allotments, housing areas developed between 1920 and 1980, parks and sports areas, cemetery and housing areas developed after 1980. It is demonstrated that spatial distribution maps of element concentrations indicate potential emission sources of harmful substances, even if the emission itself or the direct surrounding soil have not been analysed. The analytical tools presented enable town planners to discern areas of higher soil pollution. Detailed investigations can be focussed on these areas to evaluate the possibilities of soil usage and transfer. These methods enable one to manage urban soil in an adequate manner. For these reasons, the methods demonstrated support an urban environmental impact assessment and are a part of a sustainable urban soil management.     

Determination of Thallium and Other Elements (As,Cd, Cu,Mn, Pb,Se, Sb,and Zn) in Water and Sediment Samples from the Vicinity of the Zinc-Lead Smelter in Poland (3 pp)

Background, Goal and Scope   The aim of this study was to check the concentration of some elements in water samples collected near Pb-Zn mining and smelting works and comparison of the obtained data with results achieved for sediment samples originated from the same reservoirs. Objective   Here, 8 water samples and 3 bottom sediments collected from water reservoirs in the vicinity of 3 big Polish Pb-Zn smelters were analysed.Methods   Water analysis was performed after filtration through a 0.45 &#181;m filter and pH adjustment to 2. For decomposition of dried sediment samples, microwave assisted digestion with total dissolution of silicate matrix was applied. The elements studied were determined using ICP-MS and ICP-OES methods. Results and Discussion   The concentrations of most studied elements in water samples were on the 0.X &#181;g/L level, while only the contents of Tl, As, Mn, Cd, Pb and Sb in two water reservoirs were above the limits established for drinking water. The content of studied metals in sediments was in a wide range from X mg/kg (Se and Sb) to X000 mg/kg (Pb and Zn).Conclusions  and Recommendation. The study indicates that the impact of Tl, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Se and Sb on bottom sediments is much more extensive than on the water in ponds located in the vicinity of a post-flotation waste heap. Monitoring of surface and underground waters, if limited only to the dissolved elements, can lead to faulty conclusions about environmental pollution. The bottom sediments mainly contain easily mobilised phases, and water-sediment equilibrium could be changed easily.     

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.     

Heavy Metals in Vertical Profiles of the Middle Odra River Overbank Sediments: Evidence For Pollution Changes

Heavy metal concentrations were investigatedin the overbank sediments in the middle reach of the regulatedOdra River, in south-west Poland. Samples of sediments weretaken in 20 vertical profiles to a depth of 70 cm at 1–20 cmintervals. Regulation and lateral stability of the riverchannel for over 150 years enabled to follow the decrease indepth of the Cu and Pb concentration peaks across thefloodplain. These peaks were recognised at different depth ofthe particular profiles: at about 40 cm in the inter-groininfills several meters from a river bank, at 25 cm in thelevee at the edge of the floodplain, at several cm in crevassesplays and depressions parallel to flood-protectionembankments. These peaks are correlated with maximum Cu and Pbemission and discharge of the mine effluents polluted withheavy metals in the Legnica Copper District at about 1980.Moreover, in profiles localised close to river banks, thereare two peaks of Zn concentrations. The upper peak was datedat about 1987 and seems to be associated with the changes inamount of effluents discharged to surface waters in the upperand middle Odra River catchment. The lower one was dated atthe first half of the 1940s and can be related to changes inindustrial potential and population density after World WarII. Dates of sediment layers in different vertical profilesshow that the highest rate of sediment accretion, 10–20mm yr^-1, has occurred in the inter-groin infills. Much lowerrate, 3–6 mm yr^-1, has typified the levee on the 3 m-highfloodplain and the lowest one, up to 1–2 mm yr^-1, is found increvasse splays on the flood plain.     

Origins of Sediment-Associated Contaminants to the Marais Vernier, the Seine Estuary, France

The Marais Vernier is the largest freshwater wetland in the Seine Estuary in northern France. It is in a heavily urbanized and industrialized region and could be affected by atmospheric deposition and by fluvial input of contaminants in water diverted from the Seine River. To evaluate contaminant histories in the wetland and the region, sediment cores were collected from two open-water ponds in the Marais Vernier: the Grand-Mare, which was connected to the Seine by a canal from 1950 to 1996, and the Petite Mare, which has a small rural watershed. Diversions from the Seine to the Grand-Mare increased sedimentation rates but mostly resulted in low contaminant concentrations and loading rates, indicating that the sediment from the Seine was predominantly brought upstream by tidal currents from the estuary and was not from the watershed. Atmospheric sources of metals dominate inputs to the Petite Mare; however, runoff of metals from vehicle-related sources in the watershed might contribute to the upward trends in concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Zn. Estimates of atmospheric deposition using the Petite Mare core are consistent with measured deposition in the region and are mixed (similar for Hg and Pb; larger for Cd, Cu, and Zn) compared with deposition estimated from sediment cores in the northeastern United States. A local source of PAHs in the watershed of the Petite Mare is indicated by higher concentrations, higher accumulation rates, and a different, more petrogenic, PAH assemblage than in the Grand-Mare. The study illustrates how diverse sources and transport pathways can affect wetlands in industrial regions and can be evaluated using sediment cores from the wetland ponds.     

Airborne Trace Metal Contamination of Wetland Sediments at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

For more than 100 yr, the wetland sediments at theIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore (IDNL) and adjacentIndiana Dunes State Park have received atmosphericinput of trace metals from industrial sources locatedupwind and to the west. This study documents the tracemetal pollution of these sediments, both areally andwith depth, and identifies trends in metaldistribution and mobility. Twenty-five wetlandsediment cores were taken across IDNL, at varyingdistances from the principal industrial sources, andfrom environments with different disturbance histories(and thus different hydroperiods). Strong-acidextractable concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb,Se, and Zn were determined at intervals for each ofthe cores. Total metal extractions and a ²¹⁰Pbchronology also was determined for one of the cores.Metal concentrations in near-surface sediments arecomparable to those found in other soils and sedimentsin the region, and show surficial enrichment overbackground levels; including Zn concentrations as highas 1700 ppm, Pb as high as 280 ppm, and Mn as high as2700 ppm. Surficial sediment concentrations of Pb,Zn, Cr, and Cu are elevated at sites in closeproximity to anthropogenic sources, while the othermetals do not exhibit a trend in concentration withdistance from sources. Lead, Cr, and Cu appear to berelatively immobile after deposition, while Cd, Ni,and Se appear to have some mobility. The durationand/or frequency of flooding appear to be important indetermining the mobility of Zn and Mn. The findingsof this research provide important insight into theeffects of cumulated human impacts on wetland systems, and can serve as an aid in the planning of wetland restoration projects, several of which are currently underway at IDNL.     

Heavy Metals in Freshly Deposited Stream Sediments of Rivers Associated with Urbanisation of the Ganga Plain,India

Freshly deposited stream sediments from six urban centres of the Ganga Plain were collected and analysed for heavy metals to obtain a general scenery of sediment quality. The concentrations of heavy metals varied within a wide range for Cr (115–817), Mn (440–1 750), Fe (28 700–61 100), Co (11.7–29.0), Ni (35–538), Cu (33–1 204), Zn (90–1 974), Pb (14–856) and Cd (0.14–114.8) in mg kg^-1. Metal enrichment factors for the stream sediments were <1.5 for Mn, Fe and Co; 1.5–4.1 for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb; and 34 for Cd. The anthropogenic source in metals concentrations contributes to 59% Cr, 49% Cu, 52% Zn, 51% Pb and 77% Cd. High positive correlation between concentrations of Cr/Ni, Cr/Cu, Cr/Zn, Ni/Zn, Ni/Cu, Cu/Zn, Cu/Cd, Cu/Pb, Fe/Co, Mn/Co, Zn/Cd, Zn/Pb and Cd/Pb indicate either their common urban origin or their common sink in the stream sediments. The binding capacity of selected metals to sediment carbon and sulphur decreases in order of Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni and Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni, respectively. Stream sediments from Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi and Agra urban centres have been classified by the proposed Sediment Pollution Index as highly polluted to dangerous sediments. Heavy metal analysis in the <20-μm-fraction of stream sediments appears to be an adequate method for the environmental assessment of urbanisation activities on alluvial rivers. The present study reveals that urban centres act as sources of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd and cause metallic sediment pollution in rivers of the Ganga Plain.     

二百方子沼泽湿地沉积物重金属分布特征研究

选取霍林河下游二百方子沼泽湿地为研究对象 ,采用重力沉积芯采样钻钻孔采样与剖面切割采样相结合的方法 ,采集了 8个沉积柱芯及剖面 ,对沉积物重金属元素Cu、Zn、Cr、Ni、Co、Pb、Fe、Mn及pH、总有机碳 (TOC)、全氮 (TN)在剖面中的分布进行高分辨率研究。结果显示 ,剖面上部沉积物表层沉积序列内已明显富集了Fe、Mn、Zn等重金属 ,并与TOC含量呈显著相关。与此相反 ,大多数沉积柱芯下层的重金属含量相对较低并接近地球化学天然背景水平。研究表明 ,高分辨率取样易找出元素间相关性。越靠近河流 ,淹没频率越高 ,沼泽湿地表层沉积物中重金属元素含量越高。     

Risk assessment,spatial distribution,and source identification of heavy metal(loid)s in paddy soils along the Zijiang River basin,in Hunan Province,China

Purpose

This study aimed to reveal spatial distribution of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn in paddy soils in the Zijiang River basin and to evaluate its pollution status and potential ecological risks, and thus to provide basic information for rational utilization of paddy soils in the study area.

Materials and methods

The heavy metal(loid) concentrations in one hundred and thirty-five paddy soil samples (these samples were collected from the top 0–20 cm layer) were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The spatial distribution characteristics of the heavy metal(loid)s were depicted by the Ordinary Kriging interpolation analysis. The contamination degree and potential ecological risks of the heavy metal(loid)s in paddy soils were assessed by Nemerow’s comprehensive index, geoaccumulation index, potential ecological risk factor, and potential ecological risk index. The potential sources of the heavy metal(loid)s were deduced by Pearson’s correlation analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and principal component analysis.

Results and discussion

The mean concentrations of the heavy metal(loid)s decreased in the order of Mn?>?V?≈?Zn?>?Cr?>?Ni?≈?Pb?>?Cu?≈?Sb?>?As?>?Cd. Except for Cd and Sb, the mean concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were close to the background reference values. The concentration of Cd in 94.8% of samples exceeded the soil quality standard value (grade II, 5.5?<?pH?<?6.5, GB 15618–1995). According to the assessments of pollution and potential ecological risks for the heavy metal(loid)s, 45.2% and 46.7% of samples were severely polluted and moderately polluted, respectively. The potential sources analysis indicated that Cd, Sb, and Zn mainly originated from agricultural, mining, and smelting activities; As, Cu, and Pb mainly originated from agricultural activities, while coal combustion by-products was another major source of these heavy metal(loid)s in paddy soils near the thermal power plant in the southwest corner of the study area; Cr, V, Mn, and Ni mainly originated from natural source.

Conclusions

Cadmium and Sb are the main contaminants in paddy soils in the study area, and there are hot-spot pollution areas.

     

Spatial and temporal variation of heavy metals in sediment cores from the calcasieu river/lake complex

Sediment cores were obtained from several locations in the Calcasieu River/Lake Complex (Lousiana), including Calcasieu Lake, Calcasieu River, two bayou tributaries, and Lake Charles, during the period from November 1983 to November 1985. The cores were analyzed for Cu, Zn, Cr, and Pb. The approximate sedimentation rate and a core chronology were determined by the use of ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb. The increase in metal concentrations after 1933, particularly along Bayou d'Inde where most industries are located, points to anthropogenic input of these metals to the system. The fact that metal concentrations tend to merge to a common value prior to 1940 throughout the system suggests that geological factors do not contribute to the observed variations in metal concentrations of heavy metals found in this area. The background concentrations of heavy metals found in this study for the Calcasieu River/Lake Complex were: Cu (10 mg kg^?1), Cr (25 mg kg^?1), Pb (8 mg kg^?1), and Zn (40 mg kg^?1), The main emphasis of the study focused along Bayou d'Inde due to the enhanced levels of heavy metals found.     

Pollution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soils in Yanqi County,Xinjiang, Northwest China

A total of 50 farmland soil samples were collected from the Yanqi County, Xinjiang, China, and the concentrations of eight heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined by standard methods. The spatial distribution, pollution level and ecological risk status of heavy metals were analyzed based on GIS technology, the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI). Results indicated that: (1) The average contents of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn of farmland soils exceeded the background values of irrigation soils in Xinjiang by 1.5, 1.40, 1.33, 2.63, and 4.92 times, respectively. Cd showed a no-pollution level, Zn showed a partially moderate pollution level, Pb showed a slight pollution level, and Cr, Cu, As, Mn, and Ni showed no-pollution level, compared to the classification standard. The PLI values of heavy metal elements of farmland soils varied from 0.83 to 1.89, with an average value of 1.29, at the moderate pollution level. (2) The Individual Potential Ecological Risk Index for heavy metals in the study area was ranked in the order of: As > Ni > Cu > Cd > Pb > Cr> Zn. The RI values of heavy metals of farmland soils varied from 3.45 to 11.34, with an average value of 6.13, at the low ecological risk level. (3) Cu and Mn of farmland soils were mainly originated from the soil parent material and topography of the study area. As, Cd, Ni and Pb were mainly originated from human activities, and Cr and Zn may originated from both natural and anthropogenic factors in the study area.