Enchytraeid and earthworm communities along a pollution gradient near Olkusz (southern Poland)

The effect of heavy metal pollution on Oligochaeta (Enchytraeidae and Lumbricidae) populations was studied along a pollution gradient in vicinity of Olkusz (southern Poland). The study sites, which differed in metal concentrations in the humus layer, were established in mixed-pine forests 3.5 km, 2.5 km, 3.9 km, 7.9 km and 31.9 km (reference site) from the source of pollution (zinc smelter). Enchytraeid and earthworm population density and species composition were determined from soil sampled four times from the study sites. Enchytraeidae populations consisted of nine genera and 18 species. The dominating enchytraeid species in all study sites was Cognettia sphagnetorum (approx. 90%), except for the most polluted site, where Enchytraeus, Fridericia and Henlea were the most common species diversity and heterogeneity were the highest in the most polluted site. The highest mean densities were found in the reference site (16,333 individuals m^?2) and lowest in the most polluted site (3932 individuals m^?2). Earthworm populations consisted of three epigeic species, and the most abundant one was Dendrobaena octaedra. Earthworms densities in all sites sampled were low. The concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd in: humus layer, and in enchytraeids and earthworms, were the highest for the most polluted site and decreased with distance from pollution source. Density of Enchytraeidae and body loads of metals in Enchytraeidae and Lumbricidae can be employed for biomonitoring.     

Interaction between tolerance and 70 kDa stress protein (hsp70) induction in collembolan populations exposed to long-term metal pollution

Induction of the 70 kDa stress proteins (hsp70) as a marker for cellular stress response was investigated in two species of Collembola from a metal concentration gradient near a brass mill in the vicinity of Gusum, Sweden. In the field, populations of Orchesella bifasciata (Nicolet 1841) in the middle of the gradient, which ranged from about 60 to 3800 mg of Zn+Cu per kg dry wt. litter, had 40% higher hsp70 levels than populations from the least and most contaminated sites, but differences were not significant. All but one of the populations, inhabiting a severely polluted area, approached lower hsp70 values when they were fed algae containing very high metal concentrations; the hsp70 level in specimens from the control site exposed to polluted algae was below the detection limit, most probably due to pathological cell damage. The hsp70 levels in specimens from contaminated sites with the highest in situ hsp70 levels could not be distinguished from those of control site individuals after they were reared on litter from the control site, and the hsp70 level of control site individuals increased by nearly 100% when they were reared on litter from one of the contaminated sites. Tomocerus flavescens (Tullberg 1871) had higher hsp70 levels than O. bifasciata at the contaminated sites but responded similarly to the experimental treatments. A model is presented to interpret the observations as the result of the dual role of hsp70 to maintain cellular protein homeostasis and to stabilise protein folding in metal tolerant specimens. Differences in tolerance between individuals and heterogeneous distribution of metals in the litter may account for the large intraspecific variability found in hsp70 levels.     

Microbial Biomass and Tolerance of Microbial Community on an Aged Heavy Metal Polluted Floodplain in Japan

The objective of the present study was to increase understanding of the effects of heavy metal pollution and soil properties on microorganisms in relation to the biomass and microbial functional community. Soil samples were collected from aged polluted and reference sites on a floodplain. The soil Cu, Zn and Pb total concentrations were much higher at the polluted sites (average 231.6–309.9 mg kg^?1, 195.7–233.0 mg kg^?1, and 72.4–86.0 mg kg^?1, respectively) than at the reference site (average 33.3–44.0 mg kg^?1, 76.7–98.0 mg kg^?1, and 30.8–41.6 mg kg^?1, respectively), while the available heavy metal concentrations in CaCl₂ extraction were similar in all sites. Small seasonal variations in the size of microbial biomass were observed. Ambient soil properties (e.g. total C, N, pH, moisture content, and CEC) affected the soil microbial biomass more than the heavy metal pollution. However, the aged pollution tended to impact on the composition of the microbial community. PICT (pollution-induced community tolerance) test using BIOLOG Ecoplates showed enhanced tolerance of the microbial community to Cu stress in the polluted site. In non polluted but low nutrient, low pH and low moisture soil, the microbial biomass was lower and the microbial community was more vulnerable to Cu stress. In spite of the low heavy metal availability due to ageing, the BIOLOG technique provided sensitive detection of microbial community level changes in PICT analysis.     

Survival of trees in a metal-contaminated environment

This study investigates the survival of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) trees at a metal contaminated site where populations of herbaceous flora are known to have evolved metal tolerance. The incidence of pollution at the site relates to a copper refinery, the existence of which is pre-dated by many trees in the area. High soil levels of Cu, Cd, Zn and Ph were recorded to depths of 40 to 90 cm. Tolerance tests on tree seedlings carried out in soils showed no evidence that the trees produce tolerant offspring. Cell culture growth experiments on explant material from shoot meristems of mature trees did show increased tolerance to Cu, compared with material originating from unpolluted sites. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to facultative adaptations providing trees with the resilience to withstand pollution impact.

     

朝天委陵菜的重金属耐性与吸收性研究

利用植物生长室水培试验和温室土培盆栽试验的方法,研究了朝天委陵菜在不同浓度Pb水培条件下和Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd复合污染土壤条件下的重金属耐性和吸收性,结果表明,水培条件下随着处理浓度的增加,朝天委陵菜均生长良好,虽高浓度Pb处理下出现植株矮小、叶渐黄、根系变黑等毒害症状,但植株并未死亡,表明在水培条件下朝天委陵菜对Pb具有极强的耐性;在最高浓度3 600μmol/L Pb处理下地上部和根中Pb浓度达到最大值,分别为947 mg/kg和71 053 mg/kg。在温室土培盆栽条件下,朝天委陵菜在外加Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd分别为200、1 000、1 000和5 mg/kg的土壤上较对照生长受到抑制,地上部Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd浓度分别达到741±164、18 248±2 222、1 543±483和29.4±5.2 mg/kg;外加重金属更高时则导致植株死亡。朝天委陵菜对Pb胁迫和Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd复合污染土壤具有较强的耐受性,可作为重金属尤其是Pb污染土壤的修复植物。     

电镀厂附近土壤重金属污染特征及其对微生物与酶活性的影响

通过野外调查和室内分析,对苏南某电镀厂附近旱地土壤重金属的时空变化特征及其对土壤微生物与酶活性的影响进行了研究。结果表明,研究区域土壤重金属Zn和Cu的全量与DTPA提取态含量形成明显以电镀厂为中心的扩散梯度分布,皆随距电镀厂距离的增加,浓度逐渐降低,其中Zn的全量由最高值1305mg.kg-1降至最低值273mg.kg-1。由于电镀厂重金属污染物的作用,研究样点表层土壤Zn的浓度逐年增加,土壤Zn含量明显高于前期研究结果,且都达到污染水平,最高超标4.2倍,表明近年来Zn向土壤的扩散速度较快。研究区域土壤过氧化氢酶活性与提取态Zn呈显著正相关（P=0.016）,表现为激活;土壤微生物群落功能多样性及脱氢酶的活性与土壤重金属Zn的相关性不显著。因此,在研究区域微生物群落功能多样性与脱氢酶的活性不能用来指示土壤Zn污染。     

云南个旧市郊农作物重金属污染现状及健康风险

通过现场采样及室内分析,对云南个旧市郊鸡街镇的土壤和农作物重金属污染现状进行野外调查,并进行健康风险评价。结果表明,土壤Pb、Zn、Cu和Cd含量均超出《土壤环境质量标准》（GB15618—1995）二级标准,Pb、Cu和Cd的二乙三胺五乙酸（DTPA）提取态与总量呈极显著正相关（P〈0.01）,Zn则呈显著正相关（P〈0.05）。农作物中除萝卜、甘蓝、花椰菜和甘蔗Pb含量未超出对应的食品安全限量标准外,其余作物均超标,Pb超标率达80%,其中薄荷Pb含量最高,平均值为3.28mg.kg-（1鲜重）,超标9.93倍;朝天椒、土豆、大米和玉米Cd含量均超标,Cd超标率为20%,其中大米Cd含量最高,平均值为0.446mg.kg-1,超标1.23倍;Cu和Zn在所采的农作物中均未超标。薄荷对Pb和Cu、莴苣对Zn和Cd的富集系数高于其他农作物。豌豆尖、蚕豆、甘蓝、花椰菜、葱、朝天椒、甘蔗、韭菜、厚皮菜、白菜、萝卜、青花菜、土豆和金丝菜对Pb、Zn、Cu和Cd吸收能力较低,适合在污染区继续种植;薄荷、莴苣和青菜对4种重金属吸收能力较高,不适合在污染区继续种植。根据单因子评价方法,农作物受Pb轻度、中度、重度污染分别占50%、10%和20%,受Cd轻度、中度污染各占10%。对于不同种类农作物,不同重金属的综合污染指数为Pb〉Cd〉Zn〉Cu。居民经食用蔬菜途径日摄入Pb、Zn、Cu和Cd量分别为0.204、2.336、0.376mg.d-1和0.028mg.d-1,分别占暂定每日耐受摄入量（PTDI）的101.78%、7.08%、5.79%和39.29%。因此,经蔬菜途径摄入Pb对当地居民健康构成潜在威胁。     

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the lotus root of rural ponds in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River

Purpose

The subject of this study is the sediment and wild lotus plants in unmanaged ponds, near Yichang City, contaminated by heavy metals. The objective is to determine the extent and frequency of heavy metal accumulation by lotus root in the ponds of rural areas and its significance to food safety and human health.

Materials and methods

The study area is located in the middle reaches of Yangtze River. The 11 sampling sites selected (Z1–Z11) were unmanaged ponds, and the lotus root samples were from wild plants. The lotus root and soil samples were processed using wet digestion, according to the national standard method; we tested concentration of heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Cu, and Zn). Both a single-factor index and an integrated pollution index were used to assess the heavy metal pollution of soil and wild lotus root. Correlation was used to examine the relationship of lotus root concentration to sediment concentration for each heavy metal.

Results and discussion

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in both soil and pond sediment exceeded standards. The maximum single pollution index (SPI) for Cd and As was 1.16 and 1.15, respectively. The maximum integrated pollution index (IPI) for heavy metals was 2.17 for soil and 2.10 for sediment (moderate pollution). The heavy metal content in some samples of lotus root exceeded the national food standard and pose a health risk. The significant correlations of heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, and As) in pond sediment with those in the surrounding soil show that the ponds act as sinks for agricultural nonpoint source pollution (NPS). The heavy metal concentrations in the peel of the edible tuber were 1.3～9.0 times higher than those in the inner flesh.

Conclusions

While Cd, Pb, and As concentrations in the sediment did not violate soil standards, concentrations in the lotus root did violate food standards. This species could be proposed as a suitable heavy metal bioindicator for the early stages of pollution from agricultural NPS.

     

The Applicability of Peat and Needle Analysis in Heacy Metal Deposition Surveys

Peat and needle samples were collected from an old Cu, Zn and Ni ore-prospecting experiment at Alkkia, SW Finland. The element rates applied were 100–400 kg ha^-1 for Ni and 100–1000 kg ha^-1 for Cu and Zn. The heavy metal toxicity of Scots pine stand was estimated primarily on the basis of stand mortality during 28 yr. The tolerance limit values were applied to pine stands growing along a Cu-Ni deposition gradient (0.9–10 km) at Harjavalta copper smelter, SW Finland. Very high heavy metal concentrations in the pine needles and strong accumulation in the surface humus and uppermost peat layers were found. A Cu concentration of 840, Ni 180 and Zn 220 mg kg^-1 in peat 0–10 cm, and a Cu concentration of 50, Ni 30 and Zn 175 mg kg^-1 in the current needles of the uppermost whorl are proposed as toxicity limits for peatland forests at Harjavalta. According to the heavy metal amounts in peat 0–20 cm, the toxicity area for Cu extended to a distance of 2.0 km, for Ni about 1.0 km and for Zn 0.4 km to the west of the emission point source.     

南通市城市边缘带土壤重金属污染现状及评价

通过对不同土地利用方式下的7个样区进行系统的采样测定,对南通城市边缘带土壤重金属富集与污染状况进行了分析与评价。结果显示,研究区土壤未发生明显的重金属污染。但3个样区的土壤有轻度的重金属污染现象,Zn是发生富集最普遍的元素,约76%的样点土壤Zn富集指数>1,18%的样点土壤出现Zn的轻度污染。Cu、Pb等重金属元素导致的污染也在零星样点被发现。方差分析表明,土地利用方式不是导致研究区土壤重金属含量空间差异的主要因素,而土壤类型、样区空间环境与土壤重金属含量及富集、污染有相对密切的关系。     

Copper,Cadmium, and Zinc Concentrations in Juvenile Chinook Salmon and Selected Fish-Forage Organisms (Aquatic Insects) in the Upper Sacramento River,California

This study assessed the downstream extent andseverity of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn)contamination from acid mine drainage on juvenile chinook salmon(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and aquatic insects over aroughly 270-km reach of the Sacramento River below KeswickReservoir. During April–May 1998, salmon were collected fromfour sites in the river and from a fish hatchery that receiveswater from Battle Creek. Salmon from river sites were examinedfor gut contents to document their consumption of variousinvertebrate taxa, whereas salmon from river sites and thehatchery were used for metal determinations. Midge(Chironomidae) and caddisfly (Trichoptera) larvae and mayfly(Ephemeroptera) nymphs were collected for metal determinationsduring April–June from river sites and from Battle and Buttecreeks. The fish hatchery and Battle and Butte creeks served asreference sites because they had no history of receiving minedrainage. Salmon consumed mostly midge larvae and pupae (44.0%,damp-dry biomass), caddisfly larvae (18.9%), Cladocera (5.8%),and mayfly nymphs (5.7%). These results demonstrated thatinsects selected for metal determinations were important as fishforage. Dry-weight concentrations of Cu, Cd, and Zn weregenerally far higher in salmon and insects from the river thanfrom reference sites. Within the river, high metalconcentrations persisted as far downstream as South Meridian (thelowermost sampling site). Maximum concentrations of Cd (30.7 μg g^-1) and Zn (1230 μg g^-1),but not Cu (87.4 μg g^-1), in insects exceeded amounts that other investigators reported as toxic when fed for prolonged periods to juvenile salmonids.     

Relative impact of soil, metal source and metal concentration on bacterial community structure and community tolerance

In a study to assess the sustainable use of sewage sludge application to land, the long-term effect of Zn and Cu contaminated sludge additions on the structure of the bacterial communities (using T-RFLP analysis) and their tolerance to additional metal exposure through pollution-induced community tolerance (PICT) assays was assessed. This used two soils that received metal-rich sludge cake (SC), liquid sludge (LS) or metal salts (MS) additions more than 10 years previously. Soil type had the predominant influence on bacterial community structure and PICT. The source of the metal contamination also had a large influence on community structure and PICT, greater than the effects due to metal concentrations. Nevertheless, in both Zn and Cu contaminated soils, PICT was observed and decreased in the order MS > LS > SC. Within a metal source and site, there was evidence of increased PICT with increasing Zn or Cu contamination, however few differences were significant as a result of high variability between sample replicates. These results highlight the importance of considering soil physico-chemical properties and the source of metal contamination as well as total metal concentrations when considering the long-term effects of metals on soil microbial communities. Further, the matrix that a metal is associated with prior to addition may play an important factor in determining levels of toxicity. This could have consequences for the interpretation and use of data from metal spiking experiments when considering metal limits for sludge application to land.     

河北清苑县及周边农田土壤及农作物中重金属污染状况与分析评价

在河北省地质调查院1：250000多目标区域地球化学调查的研究基础上,对河北省清苑县及周边的农田土壤及玉米子实进行了采样分析,分析该地区农田土壤重金属的富集程度,并采用富集因子法和单因子土壤污染指数法进行污染状况评价。结果表明,该研究区土壤以重金属Zn、Cu、Cr、Pb、Cd污染最为严重,其中Cd污染已达显著富集程度;通过对子实重金属含量的描述统计显示,其农产品也受到一定程度的重金属污染,其中玉米子实中的重金属Ni和Pb存在超标现象。通过地统计学方法分析揭示了清苑县土壤重金属中污染严重的Zn、Cu、Cr、Pb的空间分布特征,并探索其主要成因。     

Influence of Airborne Pollution on Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Al Accumulation and Physiological Parameters of Plant Leaves in Antakya (Turkey)

In this study, the effects of industrial and urban pollution on Pb, Al, Cd, Cu, and Zn accumulation, peroxidase activity, and pigment and protein contents were investigated in shrub and tree leaves in Antakya, Turkey. We determined that industrial and traffic activities produce the most plant-incorporated air pollutants in Antakya City. Cu and Al amounts were high in plants in the urban street location and Cd, Pb, and Zn amounts where high for all plants in the industrial site. Acer negundo L. showed maximum Pb and Zn accumulation at the industrial site and Al accumulation for the urban street site. Higher Cd and Cu amounts were detected in Platanus orientalis L. and Nerium oleander L. in the industrial and urban street sites, respectively. Compared to the control site, decreases in pigment and total soluble protein contents and increases in peroxidase enzyme activity were more evident in industrial and urban street sites. Our results indicated that industry and urban air pollution is high in Antakya City and Pb pollution was at an especially alarming level for vegetation and human health.     

沈哈高速公路两侧土壤重金属污染特征及评价

为探讨高速公路对农田土壤重金属污染的影响,对沈哈高速公路两侧农田60个土壤样品Ph、Cu、Zn、Cd分布状况进行了分析。结果表明,高速公路两侧在距路肩0—320m范围内,Cu、Pb和Zn全量和有效态含量总体上呈现随距离增加而降低的趋势,Cd的变化规律不明显。高速公路两侧的土壤已不同程度出现重金属富集现象,其中Pb属轻度污染且主要集中在东侧距路肩20m处,Cd属重度污染。受研究地点主导风向的影响,高速公路东侧农田土壤的Ph含量明显高于西侧。高速公路旁土壤重金属以Ph、Cd污染为主,污染物主要来源于汽车尾气。     

Heavy metal contamination and risk assessment of human exposure near an e-waste processing site

Environmental pollution due to uncontrolled e-waste recycling activities has been reported in a number of locations in China. In this study, heavy metal pollution from primitive e-waste processing facilities was investigated. The pollution is due to high concentrations of metals present in the surrounding soils and vegetables. The highest enrichment factor values due to e-waste wastewater and waste discharges were found at Anqiaotou Village and Beian Village. Vegetables from the vicinity of the e-waste processing sites were found to have higher heavy metal pollution index values in comparison with those from the background site. The bioaccessibilities of heavy metals were decreased in the order of Cd?>?Pb?>?Sn?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Cr. The e-waste processing site was badly polluted by Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr, with its pollution level decreased in the following order: Cd?>?Pb?>?Cr?>?Ni?>?Zn?>?Sn. Additionally, the greatest risk among six metals in the e-waste processing areas is caused by Cd and Pb. The risks associated with the consumption of contaminated vegetables grown in e-waste processing regions may be a potential health concern.     

苏州市不同区域水稻籽粒重金属积累特征与健康风险评价

以苏州市7个县市的水稻籽粒为研究对象,在2006年采集的449份水稻籽粒样品的基础上,分析了稻米中Cu、Pb、Cd、Cr和Zn的积累特征,并评价了样品的健康风险。结果显示,苏州市水稻籽粒重金属积累平均含量均不超标,但水稻籽粒Pb存在29．49％的样点超标率,Cu、Cd和Cr的超标样点一般在4个以下。单因子污染指数评价结果显示,水稻籽粒重金属元素污染指数高低顺序为Pb＞Cr＞Cu、Zn＞Cd,其中昆山和吴江水稻籽粒受到Pb的轻度污染。综合污染指数评价表明,水稻籽粒重金属污染处于警戒线级别,且水稻籽粒的污染是由于Pb的积累量较高引起的,其中太仓和张家港两市水稻籽粒属于安全等级,昆山、吴中、相城和常熟处于警戒线等级,吴江风险较高。暴露风险评价结果显示,研究区存在水稻籽粒Cr暴露风险,而水稻籽粒Pb仅在个别县市暴露风险高,整体风险并不高。     

Heavy metal pollution of the world largest antimony mine-affected agricultural soils in Hunan province (China)

Purpose  

The present work concerns the distribution of ten heavy metals (Sb, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the surrounding agricultural soils of the world largest antimony (Sb) mine in China. The objective is to explore the degree and spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution of the Sb mine-affected agricultural soils. The presented data were compared with metal concentrations in soils from mining and smelting sites in China and other countries.     

Responses of Riverine Macroinvertebrates to Zinc in Natural Streams: Implications for the Japanese Water Quality Standard

We conducted a field survey in Japanese streams and rivers to generate useful information about whether the Japanese water quality standard for zinc (Zn) in the freshwater environment (30 μg/L) is over- or underprotective of the populations and communities of lotic benthic macroinvertebrates. Many macroinvertebrate populations were reduced and community characteristics were altered at two polluted sites with Zn concentrations above 1,000 μg/L as compared with control sites with Zn concentrations below 30 μg/L. In contrast, at least one site among three polluted sites with Zn concentrations of 80–126 μg/L experienced noncritical effects (i.e., no significant difference was observed between the sample mean at a polluted site and that at the control sites, and the sample mean was within the minimum–maximum range of those at the control sites) for most of the ten community metrics for diversity and abundance. In addition, the abundances of 95% of the dominant taxa were not always significantly lower at more than one polluted site (Zn concentrations, ≥80 μg/L). Our results suggest that Zn concentrations below approximately 100 μg/L are likely to protect most aspects of richness and abundance of the riverine macroinvertebrate communities in the study areas. This study shows a case that the Japanese Zn standard is likely overprotective of the macroinvertebrate populations and communities.