The effect of sewage‐sludge on the heavy metal content of soils and plant tissue

Abstract

Domestic sewage sludge applied to farm fields at a rate of 44.9 kg/ha in a mixture with lime and sawdust was found to increase the soil levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and zinc. The average levels in sludge treated soil were: 0.11, 0.56, 3.59, 2.72, 0.068, 1.49 and 2.57 ppm, respectively. The increases were small and the overall loading factors were well below recommended maximums. The uptake of these heavy metals by grass and legume plants was variable with cadmium, copper and zinc levels being higher in those plants growing in the sludge treated soils but only copper was significantly higher. The heavy metal contents found were all within the levels normally found in grass and legume plants. The higher mean concentration in plants growing on the sludge treated soils were cadmium 0.495; chromium 1.22; copper 12.3; lead 1.54; mercury 0.022; nickel 4.08 and zinc 28.4 ppm.     

Examining the Effects of the Destroying Ammunition,Mines, and Explosive Devices on the Presence of Heavy Metals in Soil of Open Detonation Pit: Part 1—Pseudo-total Concentration

This paper presents the results of determining the pseudo-total concentration of five heavy metals in the soil on which the destruction of ammunition, mines, and explosive devices is carried out by the method of open detonation. In the analyzed area, the concentrations of cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, and zinc were determined, while from the physical properties of the soil were determined the granulometric composition and the pH. The aim of the study is to determine the origin and total load on heavy metals and, based on that, to assess the dangers and impact of the site in terms of the soil pollution by heavy metals. In accordance with the regulations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the results of the soil testing showed a significant load of copper (up to seven times) and cadmium (up to six times), and exceeding the allowed values for nickel and zinc in some places. Lead was the only metal whose concentration was within the maximum allowed and according to that the soil was classified as unpolluted. A sample of soil from the edge of the pit is the only sample in which all heavy metals, except Ni, were within the maximum allowable concentration. In regard to the concentration of the examined metals, the soil of the pit is classified as medium polluted from the aspect of copper, cadmium, and nickel and highly contaminated with zinc. The concentrations of copper and zinc in the examination area correspond to contaminated soil that represents ecological risk, which requires soil remediation.     

林芝河谷地区典型农田土壤主要性质及重金属状况初探

选择西藏林芝河谷地区代表性麦田及蔬菜大棚土壤,对其主要土壤肥力指标、重金属浓度及相应小麦及蔬菜样的重金属浓度进行了测定。结果发现:该区耕地土壤有机质、全氮、碱解氮处于中等及较缺乏水平,全磷、全钾、有效锌处于缺乏水平,速效磷、钾及有效铜处于较丰富水平;研究区土壤及作物铜、锌、镉浓度均未超出我国土壤环境质量标准,但农业生产活动造成了表层土壤铜、锌、镉的富集。研究区耕地应注重有机肥、化肥及微量元素的合理施用,同时注意农业生产活动造成的土壤酸化、重金属富集问题并加以监控,以促进该区农业的可持续发展。     

粤西黄铁矿区铊-铅污染土壤的环境质量研究

以云浮硫铁矿开采场和尾渣堆放区为研究对象,采用HNO3-H2O2-HClO4-HF混酸-微波消解处理土壤样品,运用电感耦合等离子体质谱（ICP-MS）测定土壤样品中重金属的含量,研究了开采场附近土壤表层、尾渣堆放区土壤剖面的铊、铅、镍、铜、锌、镉等毒害重金属的含量。结果表明,云浮硫铁矿开采活动给矿区土壤环境带来了严重的危害。与中国土壤环境背景值相比,土壤中重金属含量最高可为背景值的35倍。运用Muller地积指数对土壤重金属污染现状进行了系统的环境风险评估,证实目前云浮矿区土壤中存在不同程度的铊、铅、铜、锌、镉等毒害重金属污染,其中,铊、铅的污染最为严重,镉、锌等达到中度污染至强污染,且污染已经渗透至土壤深层,特别是毒害性极强的重金属铊,生态环境受到严重危害。     

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Gray Calcareous Soils of Baiyin Region,Gansu Province,P.R. China

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper(Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and nickel(Ni) were measured in cultivated gray calcareous soilscollected in the two basins of Baiyin urban area. Thevalues revealed fluctuating and enriched Cd, Pb, Cuand Zn concentrations in the cultivated soils,suggesting recent inputs from anthropogenic sources.There also existed differences between these twodrainage areas, indicating the characteristics ofpollution sources differed. Concentrations of Cd, Pband to a lesser extent Cu and Zn were higher in thisregion as compared with the micrometal backgroundvalues in gray calcareous soil, which may beattributed to the proximity of these soil sites tocontaminated streams, or to the utilization offarmyard manure or fertilizers. Comparison of obtainedmetal concentration levels with other areas in theworld revealed elevated values for Cd and Pb, showinga considerable amount of pollution in the area.Continuous monitoring and further studies of the areaare recommended to ascertain long-term effect that mayhave not yet been reached and to prevent pollution offarmland from worsening.     

Short- and long-term effects of heavy metals on urease activity in soils

Summary The inhibitory effects of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc on urease activity of five different soils during two different periods were investigated, in order to obtain information on the change in heavy metal toxicity with time. The results are presented graphically as logistic dose-response curves. When the ecological dose range was used as a measure of toxicity this value decreased significantly only for copper in the sandy soil. Considering toxicity as the ecological dose-50% (ED50) value, toxicity tended to increase over 1 1/2 years for cadmium, copper and zinc. For nickel and lead, however, the toxicity stabilized in all soils, except in sand and clay. The average ED 50 value of zinc varied between 100 and 300 mg kg^–1 and its toxicity was highest. It is emphasized that these data may help to set limits for the heavy-metal pollution of soils.     

Mercury content of soils in Western Britain with special reference to contamination from base metal mining

Mercury was determined in 51 soil samples from historic base metal mining areas of England and Wales, together with cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, pH and organic content. Background mercury was calculated as 0.093 ppm whence 51% of the samples were judged to be contaminated. A very strong statistical correlation between mercury and lead and weaker but significant correlations between mercury and copper and zinc were found. Highest levels of mercury (maximum, 1.78 ppm Hg) and other metals occurred in soils derived from the floodplain of a river which was at one time badly polluted by mine waste. In a profile pit near a lead mine in the west of England both mercury and lead were enriched in surface horizons. It is concluded that land contaminated by heavy metals, especially lead, in the historic metal mining areas of England and Wales is also likely to be contaminated by mercury.     

广东省典型区域蔬菜重金属含量特征与污染评价

以广东省典型区域湛江市、中山市、珠海市、东莞市、惠州市和佛山市顺德区为研究对象,通过对其大型蔬菜基地生产中5类22种蔬菜171个样品中8种重金属元素进行检测,用国家蔬菜卫生标准计算污染指数并进行评价。结果表明:蔬菜中Cu、Zn、Ni、Cr、Pb、Cd、As和Hg的平均含量分别为0.6718、3.7431、0.1928、0.1451、0.0776、0.0205、0.0825和0.0022mgkg-1,其中有13.45%的蔬菜样品受到不同程度的重金属污染,Cd和Pb是蔬菜中主要污染元素;叶菜类蔬菜中重金属含量和综合污染指数都高于豆类、块根类、瓜类和茄果类等类型蔬菜;蔬菜中的重金属含量存在着复合污染关系。     

赫章土法炼锌区水-沉积物重金属污染的时空变化特征

对赫章土法炼锌区河流水体和沉积物重金属污染状况及时空变化特征进行了研究。结果表明,水体和沉积物受到多种重金属污染：地表水体中Pb、Zn、Cd的均值分别为137.19×10-3、1 919.38×10-3、14.21×10-3 mg.L-1,分别是地表水环境质量标准Ⅲ类水质标准的2.74、1.91、2.84倍;沉积物中Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd的均值分别为702.79、3 242.8、5 427.6、32.19 mg.kg-1,分别是土壤环境质量标准三级标准的1.76、6.49、10.86、32倍。水体和沉积物中Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd沿河流总体呈无规律性的变化,受炼锌废渣堆和铅锌选矿厂影响的地点,水体和沉积物重金属含量均较高,污染严重。近10年来,炼锌区河流水体和沉积物重金属污染仍然很严重,水体重金属污染呈加重特征,沉积物中Pb、Zn污染呈减轻趋势,Cd和Cu污染则加重。     

Sediment Quality in Burlington Harbor,Lake Champlain,U.S.A.

Surface samples and cores were collected in 1993 fromthe Burlington Harbor region of Lake Champlain. Sediment samples were analyzed for trace metals(cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, silver and zinc),simultaneously extracted metal/acid volatile sulfide(SEM-AVS), grain size, nutrients (carbon and nitrogen)and organic contaminants (polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs)). The concentrations of cadmium, copper,silver and zinc from the partial sediment digestion ofthe surface samples correlated well with each other(r ²>0.60) indicating that either a commonprocess, or group of processes determined the sedimentconcentrations of these metals. In an analysis of thespatial distribution of the trace metals and PAHs,high surficial concentrations were present in thesouthern portion of the Harbor. The trace metal trendwas strengthened when the concentrations werenormalized by grain size. A sewage treatment plantoutfall discharge was present in the southeasternportion of the Harbor at the time of this study and isthe major source of trace metal and PAH contamination. Evaluation of sediment cores provides a proxy recordof historical trace metal and organic inputs. Thepeak accumulation rate for copper, cadmium, lead, andzinc was in the late 1960s and the peak silveraccumulation rate was later. The greatestaccumulation of trace metals occurred in the late1960s after discharges from the STP began. Subsequentdeclines in trace metal concentrations may beattributed to increased water and air regulations. The potential toxicity of trace metals and organiccontaminants was predicted by comparing contaminantconcentrations to benchmark concentrations andpotential trace metal bioavailability was predictedwith SEM-AVS results. Surface sample results indicate lead,silver, ΣPAHs and ΣPCBs are potentially toxicand/or bioavailable. These predictions were supportedby studies of biota in the Burlington Harborwatershed. There is a clear trend of decreasing PAHand trace metal contaminant concentrations withdistance from the STP outfall.     

Comparison of Analytical Methods for Quantifying the Levels of Lead,Cadmium, Chromium,and Nickel in Mineral Fertilizers and Industrial By-products

The control of contaminants in fertilizers and industrial by-products is fundamental to safe food production, and it requires low-cost, reliable test methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the USEPA 3051a and alternative analytical methods [concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl), 10 percent HCl, 10 percent sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and 50 mmol L^?1 diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)] for quantifying the levels of lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel in zinc and/or copper sources. The sample digestions with concentrated HCl, H₂SO₄, and nitric acid (HNO₃) (USEPA 3051a) were heated. Extraction without heating and stirring was employed in 10 percent HCl and 50 mmol L^?1 DTPA methods. The Graybill’s modified F-test, t-test for mean error, and the linear correlation coefficient analysis were used to compare test method performance. Equivalent results to USEPA 3051a were found with the following methods: DTPA for the extraction of lead in zinc sources and concentrated HCl and H₂SO₄ for the extraction of cadmium and chromium in copper sources. However, the absolute values of cadmium, chromium, and nickel recovered by the use of H₂SO₄ were greater regardless of the source. The greater extraction of contaminants in the evaluated methods suggests that there is need to review the official method if the aim is to quantify the total levels of these elements in raw materials and mineral fertilizers.     

Heavy metals (copper,lead, nickel,and cadmium) in the organic part of gray forest soils in the Buryat Republic

The levels of the accumulation of copper, lead, nickel, and cadmium in the parent material-soil-plants-soil organic matter system are given for gray forest soils in the Buryat Republic. The concentrations of copper, lead, and nickel in the parent materials do not exceed the corresponding clarkes, and cadmium is present in trace amounts. The concentrations of copper and nickel in the humus horizon are lower than those in the parent material; an opposite situation is observed for lead. The concentrations of copper, lead, and nickel in the soil organic matter and in the herbaceous plants correspond to their contents in the soil and do not exceed the background (clarke) values. Cadmium was not detected in the aboveground part of the plants, though it was found in the root mass and in the organic soil horizon. In the humus of gray forest soils, these heavy metals are mainly present in the acid filtrate remaining after the precipitation of humic acids.     

Bioaccumulation of Trace and Non-trace Elements in Blood and Fibers of Alpacas (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicugna pacos</Emphasis>) that Graze in Italian Pastures

The concentrations of trace and non-trace elements were determined in blood and fibers of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from a north Italian area, as well as in their pasture forages. This is the first investigation regarding this species in Italy, and the first considering alpaca’s fiber as bioindicator worldwide. Metal contents in blood were in the decreasing order: copper?>?zinc?>?aluminum?>?selenium?>?lead?>?nickel?>?manganese?>?chromium?>?arsenic and cadmium, while in fiber, metal levels were in the following order: aluminum?>?zinc?>?copper?>?manganese?>?chromium?>?nickel?>?selenium?>?lead?>?arsenic and cadmium. Antimony, beryllium, mercury, tin, and thallium were below the limit of quantification (0.010 mg kg^?1). The analysis of the alpacas’ forage confirmed the same trend found in fiber, suggesting that metal bioaccumulation was affected by diet. These preliminary results have shown that all the trace elements studied bioaccumulated to a greater extent in the fibers of the alpaca than in the blood. Accordingly, we may suggest that alpaca fibers could be used for monitoring exposure especially to non-essential metals like aluminum, cadmium, and lead, and could constitute a suitable non-invasive method for measuring trace and non-trace element exposure in camelids.     

Comparing the effects of pH on the sorption of metals by soil and by goethite, and on uptake by plants

The effects of soil pH on sorption of cadmium, zinc, nickel and cobalt were studied by changing the pH of a soil and measuring sorption. Results were compared with published results for effects of pH on sorption of cadmium, zinc and nickel by goethite. In a further experiment, the effects of pH on the uptake of zinc and cobalt by subterranean clover were measured. Effects of pH on sorption were described in terms of the concentration of metal ions required to produce equal sorption. Where the metal ions were incubated with the soil, unit increase in pH decreased the concentration of metal ions required about 10-fold for zinc, about 7-fold for nickel, about 6-fold for cobalt, and about 4-fold for cadmium. When the soil was mixed with a large volume of solution, the effects were similar for zinc and cadmium but slightly smaller for cobalt and slightly larger for nickel. In all cases, the magnitude of the effect varied somewhat with pH. Sorption was greater with a dilute background electroiyte than with a concentrated one and the effects of pH were greater. The effects for soil were smaller than effects of pH on sorption by iron oxides for which unit increase in pH can decrease the required concentration of Zinc 35-fold and cadmium 11-fold. These results are consistent with adsorption of divalent ions on a variable charge surface that is negatively charged. They are not consistent with the adsorption of monovalent metal ions on a variable charge surface. This mechanism requires at least a 10-fold effect of pH. They show that the change in electric potential with change in pH is smaller for reacting surfaces in soil than for goethite. The effects of changing pH on the amounts of zinc and cobalt fertilizer required for equal uptake by plants was even smaller with unit increase in pH, causing a 1.4-fold increase in the amount of fertilizer required, that is, a 1.4-fold decrease in fertilizer effectiveness.     

Toxic metals in amenity soil

Abstract. The soil of amenity areas is important in the urban landscape. Some is natural, some is man-made. Both contribute greatly to the environment of our cities through the grass, shrubs and trees which they support. Results of research from agriculture and urban gardens have been extrapolated in this review to consider the significance of toxic metals in amenity soil. The metals of most concern for plant growth are zinc, copper and nickel as they are phytotoxic, but additionally lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury are of concern due to their effects on human health. The currently acceptable threshold values for metals in the soil of public open spaces, playing fields and parks are presented, and consideration is given to the toxic metal content of an assortment of materials likely to be used in constructing amenity soil.     

Metals in Main Rivers of Azerbaijan: Influence of Transboundary Pollution

Silver, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, lead, and zinc were determined monthly during 2004–2008 at 11 sites in the Kura–Araks river system, Azerbaijan. Suspended fractions of the elements were studied at the five sites experiencing the highest load. Metal concentrations varied moderately at each site but differed substantially between sites. Sites near the borders with Armenia and Georgia were most polluted, both with respect to soluble concentrations and percentage transported in suspended form. Lower parts of the Kura river were shielded from metal contamination by an upstream reservoir acting as a metal trap. Corresponding removal was not evident in Araks, its main tributary, where particularly high concentrations of arsenic were observed. At the most contaminated sites, more than 60% of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc was transported in suspended form whereas arsenic and molybdenum occurred mainly in soluble form. Dynamics of metals in the Kura–Araks water/sediment system should be further studied to meet future problems.     

Deposition of Heavy Metals to the Convention Waters of the Oslo and Paris Commissions

The deposition of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium,copper, chromium, nickel, lead and zinc) on the Convention Watersof the Oslo and Paris Commissions (OSPARCOM) were calculated usingan emission based modelling approach. Emissions were taken from theUN-ECE/OSPARCOM/HELCOM Emission Inventory of Heavy Metals andPersistent Organic Pollutants. The atmospheric transport modelEUTREND was used to calculate the transport and deposition of heavymetals on the convention waters. Results were obtained for theregions Greater North Sea, Celtic Sea, Bay of Biscay and IberianCoast and for parts of the regions Arctic Waters and Wider Atlantic.The contributions of five major source categories to the depositionwere calculated. The contribution of OSPARCOM countries to thedeposition on the Convention Waters as well as the contribution ofthe non-OSPARCOM countries as a whole were calculated. Measured airconcentrations were underestimated by the calculations by a factorof 2–4 for arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium and zinc. For lead andnickel the comparison was close to the 1:1 line. The underestimationis most likely due to an underestimation of the emissions. Acomparison between the input of heavy metals by atmosphericdeposition and riverine input around the North Sea as well as acomparison with other studies on the atmospheric input to the NorthSea estimated from measurements and modelling are presented.     

Zur Anreicherung von Schwermetallen in Böden und Kulturpflanzen durch praktische Klärschlammdüngung

The accumulation of heavy metals in soils and crops by practical sewage sludge application An accumulation of cadmium, lead, zinc and copper was found in some soils and crops after sewage sludge application as compared with same soils and plants not fertilized with sewage sludge. In the soils the heavy metals mainly were accumulated in the Ap-horizons. The displacement into subsoils was small, in spite of the good permeability of the sandy soils investigated. Relatively the mobility of zinc and cadmium in soils was most distinct. Within the plants the accumulation of the heavy metals was strongest in the roots, however also evident in the shoots of rye, barley and oats. Zinc and copper was concentrated in the grains, too. On the meadow-land an accumulation of the elements investigated was found in the blades of rye grass (Lolium perenne L.).     

The Occurrence of Metals in Composted Municipal Wastes and Their Removal

The organic fraction of municipal wastes has been composted on the laboratory scale. In the obtained compost the content of cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were determined, as well as the speciation i.e, the form of their occurrence, making use of Rudd's method of sequential extraction. The investigations also concerned the way of removing these metals from the compost by means of leaching with solutions of sulphuric and nitric acid, as well as by electrochemically separating the metals from the solution after the compost had been leached with sulphuric acid. It has been found that the application of the electrochemical method with varying pH values of the leaching solution within the range of 6.8–2.8 allows for the separation of 83.5% Cd, 55.0% Co, 65.4% Cu, 59.4% Mn, 70.3% Ni, 90.5% Pb and 56.2% Zn.     

Hydrocarbon and Toxic Metal Contamination from Tank Installations in a Northwest Greenlandic Village

Contamination from tank installations in the Arctic is an important issue, since tanks are a necessary feature of all communities, and may be a source of local pollution. Soil samples from below and around three tank installations and one reference site in the Northwest Greenlandic village of Tasiusaq were analysed for the total content of hydrocarbons (THC), lead, cadmium and organic content in the soil. Concentrations up to 77,000?mg/kg DW THC were found, mainly as weathered oil products. Elevated levels of lead and cadmium were also found in many of the samples, with concentrations up to 300 and 2?mg/kg DW, respectively. The tank installation areas were contaminated by THC, lead and cadmium compared to the reference site, and parts of the areas were highly contaminated, exceeding the Danish environmental quality criteria. The correlation between lead and cadmium concentrations was significant (p?<?0.01), while no correlation existed between THC and organic matter. Small spills from daily use of the tank installations are suggested to be the source of the THC contamination, whereas the lead and cadmium contamination is suggested to originate primarily from the plume of smoke from waste incineration.