Development of an Environmentally Friendly Adsorbent for the Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution

An effective adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals was manufactured by immobilization of jujube powder. The adsorptions of Cd, Zn and Cu from aqueous solutions by jujube complex beads (Type 1 and Type 2) were studied in a batch adsorption system. The adsorption data were fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm models. The adsorption capacities (β) for Cd, Zn and Cu were 4.23, 2.93 and 3.64 mg/g in Type 1 and 1.24, 0.70 and 1.35 mg/g in Type 2 beads. The removal efficiencies of the Type 2 beads, with a larger unit surface area, were lower than those of the Type 1 due to part of the casein or cyclic AMP being destroyed during the drying process of the Type 1. These values for Type 1 beads were higher than those of all other adsorbents for each heavy metal. A comparison of the kinetic models on the overall adsorption rate showed that the adsorption system was best described by pseudo-first-order kinetics. The removal efficiencies of Cd, Zn and Cu exhibited similar tendencies to those observed in the equilibrium tests. This indicates that the jujube complex beads developed in this study can be used as promising adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.     

Competitive Removal of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solutions by Montmorillonitic and Calcareous Clays

A batch sorption method was used to study the removal of few toxic metals onto the Late Cretaceous clays of Aleg formation (Coniacian–Lower Campanian system), Tunisia, in single, binary and multi-component systems. The collected clay samples were used as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions. Results show that the natural clay samples were mainly composed of silica, alumina, iron and magnesium oxides. N₂-adsorption measurements indicated mesoporous materials with modest specific surface area of <71 m²/g. Carbonate minerals were the most influencing parameters for heavy metal removal by natural clays in both single and multi-element systems. The affinity sequence was Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Zn(II)>Cd(II) due to the variable physical properties of the studied metals. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 131.58 mg/g in single systems, but decreased to <50.10 mg/g in mixed systems. In single, binary and muti-element systems, the studied clay samples removed substantial amounts of heavy metals, showing better effectiveness than the relevant previous studies. These results suggest that the studied clay samples of the Late Cretaceous clays from Tunisia can be effectively used as natural adsorbents for the removal of toxic heavy metals in aqueous systems.     

土壤重金属复合污染的化学固定修复研究

本文研究糠醛渣、磷矿粉、风化煤3 种修复剂对重金属复合污染土壤的化学固定修复效果.结果表明:糠醛渣、磷矿粉、风化煤3 种修复剂都可一定程度地降低复合污染土壤中的Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd含量,其中以风化煤降低土壤有效态Zn、Cu的效果较好,在风化煤添加量为80 g/kg时土壤有效态Zn的含量降低了37.22%,土壤有效态Cu的含量降低了31.22%;磷矿粉处理修复Pb的效果比糠醛渣、风化煤好,在磷矿粉添加量为80 g/kg时,土壤有效态Pb的含量降低了23.79%;3 种修复剂都能显著降低土壤有效态Cd,在磷矿粉添加量为40 g/kg时,土壤有效态Cd的含量降低最显著,较对照降低了83.09%.在本试验条件下,3 种修复剂对4 种重金属复合污染土壤的修复效果,以Cd 较好,其次是Zn,对Pb的修复效果较差.     

Retention of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by Wood Ash, Lime and Fume Dust

Heavy metals are of interest due to their deleterious impacts on both human and ecosystem health. This study investigated the effectiveness of wood ash in immobilizing the heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn from aqueous solutions. The effects of initial metal concentrations, solution pH, ash dose and reaction time on metal sorption, as well as the metal sorption mechanisms were studied. To investigate the effect of initial metal concentrations, solutions containing Cd, Zn (25, 50, 75, 100 or 125 mg L^?1), Cu (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 or 175 mg L^?1) or Pb (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, or 1500 mg L^?1) were reacted with 10 g L^?1 ash for two hours. For the effect of pH, solutions containing 100 mg L^?1 of Cd, Cu or Zn or 1500 mg L^?1 of Pb were reacted with 15 g L^?1 ash over a pH range of 4 to 7. The wood ash was effective in immobilizing the four metals with a sorption range of 41–100 %. The amounts of metals retained by the ash followed the order of Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn. As expected, absolute metal retention increased with increasing initial metal concentrations, solution pH and ash dose. Metal retention by the ash exhibited a two-phase step: an initial rapid uptake of the metal followed by a period of relatively slow removal of metal from solution. Metal retention by the ash could be described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, with the latter providing a better fit for the data. Dissolution of calcite /gypsum minerals and precipitation of metal carbonate/sulfate like minerals were probably responsible for metal immobilization by the ash in addition to adsorption.     

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.     

Lability and sorption of heavy metals as related to chemical,physical, and mineralogical characteristics of highly weathered soils

Purpose  

Heavy metal lability, probably, is the most important isolated factor to cause toxicity in plants and organisms in soils. Sorption of heavy metals, in turn, affects directly the amount of their labile forms in soils. Therefore, to assess sorption and quantify labile forms of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, adsorption and incubation studies were carried out.     

肥料重金属含量状况及施肥对土壤和作物重金属富集的影响

本文对肥料中重金属的含量状况以及施肥对土壤和农作物重金属累积影响的研究进展进行了系统分析和总结。过磷酸钙中锌（Zn）、 铜（Cu）、 镉（Cd）、 铅（Pb）含量高于氮肥、 钾肥和三元复合肥,有机-无机复混肥料中的Pb含量高于其他化肥。有机肥如畜禽粪便、 污泥及其堆肥中的重金属含量高于化肥,猪粪中的Cu、 Zn、 砷（As）、 Cd含量明显高于其他有机废弃物,鸡粪中铬（Cr）含量高;污泥和垃圾堆肥中Pb或汞（Hg）含量高。商品有机肥Zn、 Pb和镍（Ni）含量高于堆肥,Hg含量高于畜禽粪便。多数研究表明,氮磷钾配施与不施肥相比土壤Cd和Pb含量增加,施用有机肥比不施肥提高土壤Cu、 Zn、 Pb、 Cd含量。施用化肥对农作物重金属富集的影响不明确,而施用有机肥可提高作物可食部位Cu、 Zn、 Cd、 Pb 的含量,影响大小与有机肥种类、 用量、 土壤类型和pH以及作物种类等有很大关系。在今后的研究中应着重以下几个方面, 1）典型种植体系下土壤重金属的投入/产出平衡; 2）不同种植体系下长期不同施肥措施对土壤重金属含量、 有效性影响的动态趋势; 3）典型种植体系和施肥措施下土壤对重金属的最高承载年限; 4）现有施肥措施下肥料中重金属的最高限量标准。     

Simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) in citrus essential oils by derivative potentiometric stripping analysis

Citrus essential oils are widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, so the determination of heavy metals content is of great importance to guarantee their quality. The present work deals with the quantification of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) in different varieties of citrus essential oils, using derivative potentiometric stripping analysis. Two different metals extraction procedures, involving concentrated hydrochloric acid treatment and acid-alcoholic dissolution, are tested on lemon, mandarin, sweet orange, and bergamot essential oils, and they give very similar results. Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) recovery tests spanned from 95 to 100.50%, providing evidence that metals quantification remained unaffected by the cleanup steps of the two procedures. The repeatability of the hydrochloric acid extraction method, applied on different varieties of essential oils, is >95.00% for Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II), whereas the repeatability of the acid-alcoholic dissolution method is >93.00% for Cu and Cd only in lemon oil. Detection limits obtained for the four analytes, using both procedures, ranged from 0.10 to 0.98 ng g(-)(1) in lemon, mandarin, sweet orange, and bergamot essential oils.     

Soil properties and metal accumulation by earthworms in the Siena urban area (Italy)

This paper reports the results of a study focused on the metal (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, U and Zn) distribution in soils and uptake and accumulation by earthworms Nicodrilus caliginosus (Savigny) from urban, peri-urban, green-urban and non-urban zones of Siena municipality (central Italy). The main goal was to define the influence of soil properties and metal soil contents on the uptake of these contaminants by earthworms. Data indicated that Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn soil contents increased in the following order: non-urban < green-urban < peri-urban < urban soils, suggesting that vehicular traffic affects the distribution of these metals. Pb and Sb were the main soil contaminants and their highest enrichments were found in urban sites where stop-and-go traffic occurs. Concentrations of these traffic-related metals in earthworms showed a distribution pattern similar to that in soil, suggesting that soil contamination influenced the uptake of Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn by N. caliginosus. There were significant positive correlations between Cd, Pb and Sb earthworm concentrations and their soil contents. The lack of correlation for Cu and Zn could be due to the physiological regulation of these elements by earthworms. Statistical analysis pointed out that the uptake and accumulation of Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn by earthworms were affected by some soil physicochemical properties such as the organic carbon and carbonate contents that are able to rule the bioavailability of metals in soils.     

Uptake and bioaccumulation of heavy elements by two earthworm species from a smelter contaminated area in northern Kosovo

As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn concentrations were determined in two earthworm species (Allolobophora rosea and Nicodrilus caliginosus) from a mining and industrial area in northern Kosovo and compared with their contents in the bulk soil and the main soil fractions. Earthworm specimens were collected at fifteen sites located at different distances from a Pb–Zn smelter along a gradient of decreasing contamination. Individuals of A. rosea and N. caliginosus showed similar tissue levels of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn, suggesting that earthworm species belonging to the same eco-physiological group have a similar propensity to uptake and bioaccumulate heavy elements. Cd, Pb, Sb and Zn concentrations in both earthworm species were positively correlated with the respective total soil contents and generally decreased with distance from the smelter. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) revealed that Cd and Zn were the only elements bioaccumulated by earthworms. The rank order of BAF values for both species was as follows: Cd > > Zn > > Cu > As = Pb = Sb. The absorption of Cd, Pb, Sb and Zn by earthworms mostly depended on the extractable, reducible and oxidable soil fractions, suggesting that the intestine is likely the most important uptake route. The extractable soil fraction constantly influenced the uptake of these heavy elements, whereas the reducible fraction was important mainly for Pb and Zn. The water soluble fraction had an important role especially for the most mobile heavy elements such as Cd and Zn, suggesting that dermal uptake is not negligible. As a whole, the analytical data indicate that soil fractionation patterns influence the uptake of heavy elements by earthworms, and the extractable fraction is a good predictor of heavy element bioavailability to these invertebrates in soil.     

Zeitschrift für Pflanzenernährung und Bodenkunde: Schwermetallgehalt von Wurzel und Sproßorganen der Rebe (Vitis vinifera L.) nach Düngung mit Müll-Klärschlammkompost

Heavy metal content of roots and shoots of vines (Vitis vinifera L.) after fertilization with garbage-sewage-sludge-compost The enrichment of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, Ni and Cr from garbage-sewage-sludge-compost in vineyard soils, vines and must was studied in field-and pot-experiments. The following results were obtained: 1. In a field experiment, in which garbage-sewage-sludge-compost was applied, a marked soil enrichment of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr was found. It was most evident at the 0–20 cm depth but also obvious at the 40–60 cm depth thus indicating downward migration. The soil was not enriched with Co and Ni. The heavy metal content of leaves, berries and must of riesling vines did not increase on the plots treated with garbage-sewage-sludge-compost. 2. In a pot trial, using an acid and an alkaline soil each mixed with garbage-sewage-sludge-compost, it was observed that only the uptake of Zn and Cu increased into the leaves, tendrils and wood of the riesling cuttings. In relation to the content of the substrate, the heavy metals were detected in the roots percentually in the following order: Cu, Cd > Zn > > Pb, Co, Ni, Cr The root contents were mostly substantially higher than those of the shoot. The migration from root to shoot decreased in the following percentual order: Zn > Cu > Cd, Pb 3. The heavy metal content decreased considerably from the roots to the upper plant organs. This was reflected in low concentrations of heavy metals in the vine must.     

Comparison of Heavy Metal Adsorptions by Thai Kaolin and Ballclay

The adsorption characteristics of heavy metals: cadmium(II), chromium(III), copper(II), nickel(II), lead(II), and zinc(II) ions by kaolin (kaolinite) and ballclay (illite) from Thailand were studied. This research was focussed on the pH, adsorption isotherms of single-metal solutions at 30–60 °C by batch experiments, and on ion selectivityin mixed and binary combination solutions. It was found that, except Ni, metal adsorption increased with increased pH of the solutions and their adsorption followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Adsorption of metals in the mixture solutions by kaolin was: Cr > Zn > Cu ≈ Cd ≈ Ni > Pb, and for ballclay was: Cr > Zn > Cu > Cd ≈ Pb > Ni. The adsorption of metals was endothermic, with the exception of Cd, Pb and Zn for kaolin, Cu and Zn for ballclay. Kaolin and ballclay exhibited relatively hard Lewis base adsorption site. The presence of other metals may reduce or promote the adsorption of heavy metals. The presence of Cr³⁺ induced the greatest reduction of metal adsorptiononto kaolin, as did the presence of Cu²⁺ for ballclay.     

Batch Chromium(VI), Cadmium(II) and Lead(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Horticultural Peat

The selectivity and uptake capacity of horticultural peat available in Romania was evaluated with respect to the removal of Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution. The kinetics, sorption capacities, selectivity and pH dependence of sorption were determined. The influence of metal concentration in solution is discussed in the terms of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm and constants. Sorption capacities increased with increasing metal concentration in solution. For solutions containing 300 mg/l of metal, the observed uptake capacities were 20 mg Cd(II)/g peat, 15 mg Cr(VI)/g peat and 30 mg Pb(II)/g peat. The study proved that horticultural peat is a suitable material for the removal of the studied heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions, achieving removal efficiencies higher than 90%, and could be considered as a potential material for treating effluent polluted with Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions.     

长期用生活污水处理厂排放的废水浇灌影响了糙米和土壤中重金属的含量

A pot experiment was conducted in a plastic film house to evaluate the translocation and uptake of heavy metals(Pb,Cd,Cu,and Zn) into brown rice(Oryza sativa L.) and the heavy metals residues in soils which had previously been irrigated with domestic wastewater for a long time(3 years).The range of Pb,Cd,Cu,and Zn was 5.10 ± 0.01,0.105 ± 0.017,5.76 ± 0.42,and 23.56 ± 1.40 mg kg-1,respectively in the domestic wastewater-irrigated soil,and 0.370 ± 0.006,0.011 ± 0.001,0.340 ± 0.04,and 2.05 ± 0.18 mg kg-1,respectively,in the domestic wastewater-irrigated brown rice.The results indicated that application of domestic wastewater to arable land slightly increased the levels of Pb,Cd,Cu,and Zn in soil and brown rice(P < 0.01).The concentrations of heavy metals in brown rice were lower than the recommended tolerable levels proposed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.However,the continuous monitoring and pollution control of hazardous materials from domestic wastewater are needed in order to prevent excessive build-up of heavy metals in the food chain.     

膨润土对重金属离子的竞争性吸附研究

通过间歇震荡平衡法研究了膨润土对4种重金属离子Cd2+、Zn2+、Cu2+、Pb2+的竞争性吸附特性及其机制。研究结果表明:与单一离子体系比较,膨润土在竞争体系中对Cd2+、Zn2+、Cu2+、Pb2+4种重金属离子的吸附量均呈下降趋势。竞争体系下,其它重金属离子的存在显著抑制了膨润土对Cd2+的吸附,降幅为19.20%~37.50%,而对Pb2+的吸附能力几乎没有影响,降幅仅为0.41%~2.83%。膨润土对4种重金属离子的富集系数,其大小顺序依次为Pb2+>Cu2+>Zn2+>Cd2+。该选择性吸附顺序与重金属离子的一级水解常数密切相关。     

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.     

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。     

Multivariate geostatistical analysis of heavy metals in topsoils from Beijing,China

Background  Regional soil environmental quality is a hotspot and difficulty in the environmental sciences for the spatial variability of pollutants and the relationship between them. Beijing, the capital of China, has been undergoing a rapid economical development during the past three decades, and thus might encounter the same issues as the developed countries. However, there is little information about the soil environmental quality of Beijing, especially at the regional scale. The real soil environmental situation of heavy metals remains unknown, even less the sources of possible pollutants. Objectives  The main objectives were to identify the spatial variability and main sources of heavy metals in Beijing soils by conducting multivariate statistical analyses, including geostatistical analysis assisted with GIS tools. These results will contribute to the establishment of the soil quality baseline and the management of regional environment. Materials and Methods  Seven hundred and seventy-three samples of topsoils (0–20 cm) were collected from all over Beijing, China. The samples were digested with HNO₃ and H₂O₂. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were analyzed with a FL-AAS and those of Cd with a GF-AAS. The concentrations of As were determined with AFS-2202. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial correlation analysis (CA) were used and geostatistics was conducted for the data processing. Results  Concentrations of topsoil As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the Beijing area were measured and contour maps were constructed to describe the metals’ spatial distribution. Except for the background effect of the soils, anthropogenic factors made the soil heavy metal concentrations increase, especially in the center of the city. Combined with the PCA results, it was found that vehicle exhaust and smelters were the main sources of soil heavy metals. Pedogenic factors were also controlling the spatial features of metals. Discussion  Combined with the results of PCA, 7 heavy metals could be divided into 4 factors. F1 was the metals, i.e., Cu, Pb, Zn, mainly controlled by the human activities. Cr and Ni was in F2, Cd in F3 and As in F4. These 3 factors might be controlled by the soil parent materials. Concentrations of 7 heavy metals were comparable with the first level of environmental quality standard for soils of China and much lower than the second level of national standard for soils. Conclusion  The heavy metal concentrations in the topsoil of Beijing are mostly comparable with the background values, especially for As, Cr and Ni. In the city center of Beijing, Cu, Pb and Zn had a high concentration of distribution. The spatial features of As, Cr and Ni are mainly controlled by pedogenic factors, whereas Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn are controlled by anthropogenic and parent factors. Traffic and smelting contribute greatly to the increase of Pb, Zn and Cu in the soil, especially in the center of the city. Landfill may have also affected the soil quality around it. Recommendation  Different factors were controlled by parent materials, which might be related to the different soil minerals. Further research should be conducted in Beijing to elucidate the relationship between heavy metals and soil minerals. ESS-Submission Editor: Chengron Chen, PhD (c.chen@griffith.edu.au)     

Plant Availability and Uptake of Lead, Zinc, and Cadmium in Soils Contaminated with Anti-corrosion Paint from Pylons in Comparison to Heavy Metal Contaminated Urban Soils

Red lead (Pb₃O₄) has been used extensively in the past as an anti-corrosion paint for the protection of steel constructions. Prominent examples being some of the 200,000 high-voltage pylons in Germany which have been treated with red lead anti-corrosion paints until about 1970. Through weathering and maintenance work, paint compounds and particles are deposited on the soils beneath these constructions. In the present study, six such “pylon soils” were investigated in order to characterize the plant availability and plant uptake of Pb, Cd, and Zn. For comparison, three urban soils with similar levels of heavy metal contamination were included. One phase extractions with 1 M NH₄NO₃, sequential extractions (seven steps), and extractions at different soil pH were used to evaluate the heavy metal binding forms in the soil and availability to plants. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine heavy metal uptake by Lolium multiflorum and Lactuca sativa var. crispa in untreated and limed red lead paint contaminated soils. Concentrations of Pb and Zn in the pylon soils were elevated with maximum values of 783 mg Pb kg⁻¹ and 635 Zn mg kg⁻¹ while the soil Cd content was similar to nearby reference soils. The pylon soils were characterized by exceptionally high proportions of NH₄NO₃-extractable Pb reaching up to 17% of total Pb. Even if the relatively low pH of the soils is considered (pH 4.3–4.9), this appears to be a specific feature of the red lead contamination since similarly contaminated urban soils have to be acidified to pH 2.5 to achieve a similarly high Pb extractability. The Pb content in L. multiflorum shoots reached maximum values of 73 mg kg⁻¹ after a cultivation time of 4 weeks in pylon soil. Lime amendment reduced the plant uptake of Pb and Zn significantly by up to 91%. But L. sativa var. crispa cultivated on soils limed to neutral pH still contained critical Pb concentrations (up to 0.6 mg kg⁻¹ fresh weight). Possible mechanisms for the exceptionally high plant availability of soil Pb derived from red lead paint are discussed.     

Review of impact of heavy metals on stream invertebrates with special emphasis on acid conditions

Studies of the accumulation and toxicity of Cd, Zn, Fe, Pb and Cu under acid conditions to stream invertebrates are reviewed. The influence of pH on metal speciation decreases in the following order: Cu > Pb > Cd > Zn. The free metal ion is one of the most toxic species and is generally taken up directly from the water by organisms. The role of food in the uptake of metals depends mainly on feeding habits of the species, body size, life span and duration of the exposure. Surface adsorption can be regarded as a form of metal ‘uptake’ which increases at high pH. Biomagnification of metals along aquatic trophic food chains has not been proved for many metals. Toxicity of Cd, Fe, Zn and Pb increases at low pH, however not for all invertebrates. More knowledge is needed concerning sublethal effects of metals on invertebrates at different pH values and uptake, bioconcentration and biomagnification of metals at different pH values. Future studies should include experiments in artificial streams or in the field instead of short term tests and simple recording of field data.