The Source of Anthropogenic Heavy Metals in Fluvial Sediments of a Rural Catchment: Coxs River,Australia

A serious health scare involving thesupply of drinking water to Sydney, Australia hasrecently focussed attention on the environmentalstatus of river catchments of the main reservoir, LakeBurragorang. Although the Coxs River – a majorcatchment of Lake Burragorang – comprises mainlyforests and grazing land, it supports a moderate sizedtown, power stations and coal mines. The heavy metal content of stream-bed sedimentscharacterises environmental impact in this ruralcatchment and sources of contamination. Sediment in acreek flowing through a country town (population 12 000) is markedly enriched in Cr, Pb and Zn (3×, 18×and 52×, respectively) over background, probably dueto a long history of metal-based industry. The highestCu, Pb and Zn concentrations (204, 332 and2460 μg g^-1, respectively) in fluvialsediment in the town are, however associated withdischarges from a sewage treatment plant. Twocoal-based power stations in the catchment contributeconsiderable Cu and Ni (maximum concentrations 562 and157 μg g^-1, respectively) to ambient fluvialsediments, possibly from cooling towers and coalstorage areas. The highest Co and Cr concentrations(113 and 490 μg g^-1) in fluvial sediments ofthis catchment are associated with coal-miningactivities. Selective extraction indicates that about50% of the anthropogenic fraction may bebioavailable, whereas sequential extraction proceduressuggest that <25% is associated with the easilyexchangeable/adsorbed phase.Two dams restrict the migration of heavy metals downthe Coxs River and sediment discharging into LakeBurragorang is low in metals.     

The Historical Record of Metals in Sediments from Six Lakes in the Fraser River Basin,British Columbia

Sediment cores were collected from six lakes (Moose, Stuart, Chilko, Kamloops, Nicola and Harrison Lakes) distributed throughout the Fraser River Basin, British Columbia. The cores were dated primarily from ²¹⁰Pb profiles and dating was corroborated by counting laminae and by using ¹³⁷Cs as a discrete time marker. The cores were analyzed for a suite of metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) and organic carbon. The data were evaluated in the context of post-1900 contamination by metals in the Fraser River basin. Overall, lake sediments from the Fraser Basin remain relatively pristine in terms of metal contamination, exhibiting only minor metal enrichments in layers dating from industrial times (post-1900). Stuart Lake, which received Hg contamination from a mine on Pinchi Lake, shows a clear contaminant Hg signal. Pb exhibits ubiquitous contamination in five of the six lakes studied. The Pb enrichments are minor (ranging from 8.4 to 30.9 μg g^-1) and consistent with local automotive emissions from the use of leaded gasoline possibly augmented by long-range transport from industrial and municipal centers along the west coast. The largest Pb fluxes were observed in Kamloops, Moose and Harrison Lakes, each of which has either a highway or a large urban centre as a local source of Pb. This watershed-scale evaluation offers a unique opportunity to compare the relative importance of local and regional sources of contamination.     

Heavy metals in tropical Lake Kariba,Zimbabwe

Metal mining is carried out in the drainage basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. In an attempt to assess the distribution of heavy metals in the lake ecosystem, the concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) were analysed in the following ecosystem components at different locations in the lake; water, sediment, aquatic macrophytes, mussels, and carnivorous and herbivorous fish. Concentrations were generally in the same range as in other temperate and tropical aquatic ecosystems, except for Pb and Cd, which were higher in marcrophytes and fish from the lake. Apart from Cd, there were no signs of biomagnification and the highest levels of metals were found in the macrophytes and sediments. While metal contamination in fish is probably a combination of uptake from the food and an equilibrium with the surrounding water, the levels in macrophytes appear to be determined mainly by uptake from the sediment through the roots.     

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.     

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

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

Coastal Pollution and Potential Biomonitors of Metals in Mauritius

Contaminant metals are potentially toxic, accumulate in the sediment, are bioconcentrated by organisms and may cause health problems to humans via the food chain. Discharge of industrial wastewaters and untreated sewage pose a particularly serious threat to the coastal environment of Mauritius, but very little information exists on contaminant metals. This study aimed principally to assess such contamination by (i) reviewing available data, (ii) examining the results of metal (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn) analysis in (a) seawater, sediment and biota from an island-wide survey of 20 sites in 1999–2000, (b) seawater from a water quality survey (high tide and low tide) in 2003 of a 10 km stretch of sewage-impacted coast. UNEP reference methods were used for sample collection and processing, and metal analysis was perfomed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Results were compared with established guidelines and data reported from elsewhere, and examined for suitable plant and animal species as biomonitors. The pioneering study by SOGETI (1995) provided indications of high marine sediment contamination in Mauritius compared to data reported from elsewhere. The 1999–2000 islandwide survey indicated even higher sediment contamination, namely at hotspots, requiring the use of sediment quality guidelines (SQG) for monitoring and assessment. Maximum metal concentrations from these two studies were as follows: 736 μgg^?1 Zn, 329 μgg^?1 Mn, 98.1 μgg^?1 Pb, 93.38 μgg^?1 Cu, 91.39 μgg^?1 Cr, 65.53 μgg^?1 Sn and 55.01 μgg^?1 Cd. Seawater contamination corresponded closely to the pattern of sediment contamination, both showing a downstream and away-from-the-outfall gradient. Applicable guidelines for seawater were exceeded at more than 50% of the sites around Mauritius with maximum concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd as follows: 0.41, 0.352, 0.312, 0.247 and 0.232 mgl^?1, respectively. Maximum concentrations of Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb and Cr along the sewage-impacted shoreline occurred during low tide as follows: 0.454, 0.329, 0.259, 0.138 and 0.123 mgl^?1, respectively. The recommended limits for Cu, Cd and Zn were exceeded in all the samples. High tissue accumulation by marine biota corresponded to high levels of seawater and sediment contamination at hotspots. Species showing the highest potential as biomonitors (namely Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha ramulosa, Crassostrea cuculatta, Isognomon isognomon and Echinometra mathaei) were identified based on their common occurrence, high bioconcentration potential and successful utilization in studies elsewhere. Enhanced levels of contaminant metals were recorded and suitable biomonitors were identified. It is advocated that a rigorous use of the suite of biomonitors proposed in this study and others later will allow identification of the different metal sources as well as provide an improved assessment of the magnitude of metal contamination in the coastal marine environment of Mauritius.     

Road-deposited sediment, soil and precipitation (RDS) in Bratislava, Slovakia: compositional and spatial assessment of contamination

Background, aim and scope  The urban environment in Bratislava is, in association with rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, significantly influenced by several potential sources of pollution, including automobile exhaust and industry emmissions. Urban road-deposited sediments contain many potentially toxic elements such as Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn and also Fe at concentrations much higher than in soil. In this study, the chemical composition and spatial variability of road-deposited sediments in urban area of Bratislava were assessed for the elements As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Fe and Mn. Additional evaluation of archive data for soil, snow and atmospheric dust was undertaken to provide an integrated view on urban environment contamination. Materials and methods  Urban road-deposited sediments (RDS) were collected during summer 2003 and 2004 mainly from major city crossroads. RDS samples were analysed for total metal content, pseudo-total metal content (HNO₃ digestion) and by a sequential extraction method, grain fraction composition and mineralogical composition (X-ray analysis). Metal concentrations in soil and snow samples from urban and non urban city area were compared. Results and discussion  The highest concentrations for all metals were found in the finest RDS fraction (<0.125 mm). Whilst in the fraction <1 mm mean concentrations of Cr, Cu and Pb reached 55.2, 143.8 and 34.4 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, for the fraction <0.125 mm, markedly higher contents of these elements were documented at the level of 86.8, 218.4 and 63.1 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The soil contents of potentially toxic risk elements in the urban area including As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were higher than in the non-urban area (except for Cd with similar contents). This distribution pattern of evaluated chemicals in urban and non-urban area is more evident in the case of winter precipitation (snow). The snow concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in the urban area were two tot five times higher than in non-urban area. Conclusions and recommendations  Monitoring of road-deposited sediments, dust, soil and precipitation has confirmed the significant contamination of the urban environment in Bratislava with potentially toxic elements that can pose a threat for the health of its residents. Future works should be based on analyses of temporal variability of RDS and analyses of organic matter content.     

Wet Deposition of Trace Metals in Singapore

The concentrations of 12 trace metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe,Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V, and Ti) in wet depositions are reported. Eighty four rainwater samples were collected using an automated wet-only sampler in Singapore for one year (2000) and subjected to chemical analysis using ICP-MS. Based on the volume-weighted meanconcentrations measured, the trace metals were classified into three groups: Al and Fe with an average concentration of largerthan 15 μg L^-1, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V, and Ti withconcentrations between 1 and 10 μg L^-1, and finally Co and Cd with concentrations lower than 1 μg L^-1. Elementenrichment factors were calculated to distinguish between naturaland anthropogenic sources. The calculation of crustal enrichmentfactors with Al as the reference element indicated that while Ti,Fe and Mn originated from crustal sources, the remaining trace metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and V) were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources. The removal of the trace metals from the atmosphere by precipitation was influenced by the rainfall amount as well as pH. The magnitude of the measured average annual wet deposition fluxes of Al, Fe, and combustion-generatedelements such as V, Ni, and Cu is higher than that reportedfor other sites outside Singapore, owing to abundant rainfallthroughout the year in this region.     

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.     

Characterization of Heavy Metals and Sulphur Isotope in Water and Sediments of a Mine-Tailing Area Rich in Carbonate

Mine tailings can provide a long-term source of environmental contamination. Lead-zinc mine tailings can represent a source of toxic elements-Pb and Zn through mobilization into surface water, and then into downstream rivers. Previous studies have shown that migration of heavy metals can be mitigated by carbonate rock. This research investigates the characterization of heavy metals and sulphur isotope in a downstream river of the Shanshulin Pb-Zn mine, which is located in Guizhou province in China, a typical carbonate area in the world. A slight alkalinity (pH > 8) of the river water is maintained owing to the carbonate rich country rocks. The results of this study show that heavy metals in water can be strongly adsorbed by suspended solids and therefore decrease more quickly than in sediments. Pb and Zn contents in water close to the waste pile are 6780 μg L^-1 and 324 μg L^-1 (Pb and Zn in water not affected by mine waste piles are only 3.71 μg L^-1 and 11.6 μg L^-1), respectively, meaning that the water is severely contaminated by the pile. Thirty kilometers downstream Pb and Zn contents in water drop quickly to 3.15 μg L^-1 and 16.4 μg L^-1. In contrast, Pb and Zn contents in sediment close to the waste pile are 4553 mg kg^-1 and 7971 mg kg^-1, respectively, and are still high 30 km downstream with measurements of 3334 mg kg^-1 and 7268 mg kg^-1 , respectively (Pb and Zn contents in sediment not affected by mine waste piles are only 20 mg kg^-1 and 120 mg kg^-1). This indicates that the impact of tailings on the sediment can be much further than on water. In sediment, Pb exists mostly as carbonate and oxide fractions, Zn mostly as sulfide+organic fraction, and Cu mostly as sulfide+organic, residual and carbonate fractions. Sulphur characteristics indicate that sulphur in sediment originates from mine tailing, soil and suspended solids in other tributaries, whereas sulphur in water originates from mine tailing dissolution, spring water, rain water and dissolution of gypsum. In conclusion, the environmental impact of mine tailing can be indicated by heavy metals content, sulphur content and sulphur isotope of sediment. On the other hand, heavy metal content, sulphur content or sulphur isotope of water are possibly not good indicators for mine impact due to mitigation of carbonate rocks, sorption of heavy metals, as well as interference of gypsum layers.     

滇池内湖滨带重金属污染及其生态风险评价

水体沉积物是重金属元素的重要载体,其含量高低能反映水环境质量现状。采集滇池内湖滨带沉积物样品,分析了滇池内湖滨带表层沉积物中Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn、Cr、Ni、Fe、Mn 8种重金属元素含量特征,并用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法评价其生态危害,旨在为合理预防和治理滇池内湖滨带的重金属污染以及内湖滨带生态系统的修复提供基础资料。结果表明,与“全国土壤环境质量标准”对比,表层沉积物中主要是Cd、Cu、Zn超标,重金属污染强度总体上是草海＞外海。不同重金属间的相关性分析结果表明,Cu-Cd之间呈极显著相关,说明这两种元素污染源可能相同,几种污染重金属与胶体矿物元素Fe、Mn间的相关性不大,说明在所调查沉积物中,Fe/Mn氧化物或氢氧化物共沉淀或吸附Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn、Cr、Ni元素量较少。由潜在生态风险评价结果可知,滇池内湖滨带表层沉积物已具极强生态危害,各重金属对滇池内湖滨带生态风险影响程度由高到低依次为：Cd〉Cu〉Pb〉Ni〉Zn≈Cr。     

Dissolved Organic Carbon in Association with Water Soluble Nutrients and Metals in Soils from Lake Okeechobee Watershed, South Florida

Water quality of Lake Okeechobee has been a major environmental concern for many years. Transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in runoff water from watershed is critical to the increased inputs of nutrients (N and P) and metals (Cu and Zn). In this study, 124 soil samples were collected with varying soil types, land uses, and soil depths in Lake Okeechobee watershed and analyzed for water-extractable C, N, P, and metals to examine the relationship between dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and water soluble nutrients (N and P) and metals in the soils. DOC in the soils was in 27.64?C400 mg kg^?1 (69.30 mg kg^?1 in average) and varied with soil types, land uses, and soil depth. The highest water-extractable DOC was found in soils collected in sugar cane and field crops (277 and 244 mg kg^?1 in average, respectively). Water soluble concentrations of N and P were in the range of 6.46?C129 and 0.02?C60.79 mg kg^?1, respectively. The ratios of water-extractable C/N and C/P in soils were in 0.68?C12.52 (3.23 in average) and 3.19?C2,329 (216 in average), and varied with land uses. The lowest water-extractable C/N was observed in the soils from dairy (1.66), resident (1.79), and coniferous forest (4.49), whereas the lowest water-extractable C/P was with the land uses of dairy (13.1) and citrus (33.7). Therefore, N and P in the soils under these land uses may have high availability and leaching potential. The concentrations of water soluble Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were in the ranges of?<?method detection limit (MDL)?C0.33, <MDL?C0.53, 0.04?C2.42, <MDL?C0.71, and 0.09?C1.13 mg kg^?1, with corresponding mean values of 0.02, 0.01, 0.50, 0.07, and 0.37 mg kg^?1, respectively. The highest water soluble Co (0.10 mg kg^?1), Cr (0.26 mg kg^?1), Ni (0.31 mg kg^?1), and Zn (0.80 mg kg^?1) were observed in soils under the land use of sugar cane, whereas the highest Cu (1.50 mg kg^?1) was with field crop. The concentration of DOC was positively correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) (P <0.01), water soluble N (P <0.01), electrical conductivity (EC, P <0.01), and water soluble Co, Cr, Ni, and Zn (P <0.01), and Cu (P <0.05), whereas water soluble N was positively correlated with water soluble P, Cu, and Zn (P <0.01) in soils. These results indicate that the transport of DOC from land to water bodies may correlate with the loss of macro-nutrients (N, P), micro-nutrients (Cu, Zn, and Ni), and contaminants (Cr and Co) as well.     

Vertical Distribution and Fate of Trace Metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Sediments of the Seine and Marne Rivers (France)

Trace metals: Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn and persistent organicpollutants: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in a fraction ofsediments characterized by a granulometry < 200 μm. Coresfrom 17 to 54 cm depth, were collected at two sites of theSeine river upstream (Port à l'Anglais) and downstream (Saint-Cloud) from Paris and at one site of the Marne river (Saint-Maurice). Marne river sediments displayed higher Cu andPb levels than those of the Seine river. Except for Cd and Cr,contents did not vary notably in the Seine river sediments.Metal contents, except Pb, were significantly correlated withthe sediment fraction which granulometry is < 50 μm,particularly at Port à l'Anglais (p < 0.001). Correlationcoefficients between Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn contents and clayfractions of the cores ranged from 0.85 to 0.99 at both sitesof the Seine river. PCB levels varied widely, ranging from 27to 689 μg kg^-1 and were highly correlated with bothsediment fraction < 50μm and particulate organic carbon(POC) ratio. PAH levels ranged from 2.30 to 41.3 μg g^-1 and displayed the highest values close to dams; theyshowed no correlations with sediment fraction < 50 μm and POC.     

Transport and distribution of heavy metals in Cauvery river

Heavy metal transport in Cauvery river chiefly takes place in the particulate form. Tributaries Hemevathi and Kabini draining highly mineralized areas contribute significantly to the heavy metal load of the Cauvery river. Particulate metal transport is influenced by the presence of major dams built across the river. Factor analysis of the elemental data identifies two major group of heavy metals, (a) Fe, Mn, Cr, V and Ti and (b) Cu, Pb and Zn in the suspended sediments of Cauvery river. Heavy metals in surface sediments show wide variations in their concentrations due to the non-uniform grain size distribution of the sediments. The elements Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co and As are dominantly present in the <20 μm fraction of the river sediments. Speciation studies show that Fe-Mn oxide phase held the largest share of heavy metals in the sediments. The depth variation of heavy metals in the core sediments suggest their similar mobility during diagenesis. Geoaccumulation indices calculated suggest that Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni are enriched in sediments several times over background values.     

Fractionation of Cu, Pb, Cr, and Zn in a Soil Column Amended with an Anaerobic Municipal Sewage Sludge

The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in the chemical partitioning of Cu, Pb, Cr and Zn within a column of soil incubated with an anaerobic sewage sludge (ANSS) for 2.5 months. The soil was irrigated during the incubation period. A sequential extraction method was used to fractionate these metals into exchangeable, weakly adsorbed, organic, Al oxide, Fe–Mn oxide, and residual, respectively. ANSS was applied at a loading rate of 69 Mg ha^?1. The soil is a Dystric Cambisol with low pH (<3.8), low CEC [<10 cmol(+) kg^?1 below the first 4 cm depth], and low base saturation (<7%). The addition of the ANSS caused a decrease in concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Cr in the A1 horizon, and an increase in the concentrations with depth. Below the A1 horizon, concentrations of Cu increased uniformly (~1 mg cm^?1), and the greatest increases were observed in the residual, Fe–Mn oxides, and weakly adsorbed fractions. Maximum increases in Pb occurred at 4–9 cm of depth (1.6 mg cm^?1), and mainly affected the weakly adsorbed fraction. Chromium essentially accumulated at the limit between the A2 and the Bw horizons (1.1–1.5 mg cm^?1) as residual and organic bound forms, probably through particulate transport. Zinc mainly accumulated in the A1 horizon (2.9 mg cm^?1) as exchangeable Zn. At depth, Zn increments were predominantly observed in the residual fraction. The results of this study thus demonstrate the redistribution of contaminants into different chemical pools and soil layers after sludge amendment.     

Seasonal Variations of Ten Metals in Highway Runoff and their Partition between Dissolved and Particulate Matter

Knowledge of differentiation of pollutants in urban runoff between dissolved and particulate matter is of great concern for a successful design of a water treatment process. Seasonal variations in pollutant load are of equal importance. Ten metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn), as dissolved and particulate bound, was studied in the runoff from a major urban highway during a winter season and its following summer. Studded tyres and winter salting were expected to have an impact on the runoff water quality. The dissolved part of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn and Ni was significantly higher in winter in comparison with summer (p?<?0.01). For Fe, however, the dissolved part was lower during winter. No significant difference was found for Cu, Pb and Zn between the two seasons. The mass concentration (mg kg^?1) for all metals was significantly higher over the summer except for Al and Co, which showed a higher mass concentration during the winter. The concentration of selected metals vs. total suspended solids (TSS) showed a linear relationship (r ²?>?0.95) during winter runoff events except for Cd. A good correlation (r ²?>?0.90) was also found for the summer period for Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. It is suggested that the metal pollutant load during winter could be assessed indirectly by measurement of TSS.     

Trace Metals in the Water Columns of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba,Egypt

Seawater samples were collected from the northern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba at different depths during February 1999 and analyzed for iron, zinc, manganese, nickel, copper, cadmium, cobalt and lead to determine the existing concentration of these metals, their distribution patterns and where contamination has occurred. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Co, Pb were scatteredin the ranges: (0.56–4.44; mean 1.67±0.9 μg L^-1), (0.13–1.17; mean 0.24±0.12 μg L^-1), (0.06–0.21; mean 0.13±0.03 μg L^-1), (0.05–0.52; mean 0.16±0.06 μg L^-1), (0.07–0.29; mean 0.14±0.06 μg L^-1), (0.02–0.78; mean 0.49±0.14 μg L^-1), (0.06–0.29; mean 0.15±0.04 μg L^-1), and (0.02–0.68; mean 0.31±0.13 μg L^-1), respectively. The results revealed a small range of variation and regional irregularities. It also indicated significant higher concentrations for Fe, Cd and Pb compared to other metals. Compared to the northern Red Sea, significant higher concentrations for Ni and Cd are measured at the Gulf of Aqaba. Other metals, i.e. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, and Pb are not significantly different in both areas indicating no distinct concentration gradients. Except for Pb, the distribution patterns indicated significantly lower concentrations at surface layer in both regions, then increasing to their maximum values at the sub-surface layers which followed by a decrease in deep water. The study indicated also that the mean concentrations of trace metals examined here are much lower than those reported for the Mediterranean Sea and typical of open ocean water.     

荣成天鹅湖沉积物中重金属的分布特征研究

通过对表层沉积物中重金属及粒度的分析,研究了荣成天鹅湖重金属的含量水平及分布特征,并对沉积物的环境质量进行了初步评价。结果表明,天鹅湖重金属的总体水平较低,Cd、Cr、Pb、Cu、Zn的平均含量均低于国家海洋沉积物I类质量标准,其中Cr和Pb存在轻度污染。Cd、Cr、Ni、Pb、Cu、Zn的含量范围分别为0～0.84、1.75～116.11、1.50～29.06、17.36～27.25、2.00～34.98mg.kg-1和11.48～92.61mg.kg-1,平均含量排序为Zn〉Cr〉Pb〉Cu、Ni〉Cd。天鹅湖重金属的富集状况与沉积物的粒度以及人类活动密切相关,大部分元素的高值区出现在颗粒较细的湖中央以及污染严重的西北部,东南部含量较低。相关分析表明,各重金属之间的相关性较好,其中Cd、Cu、Mn、Zn、Fe间呈高度的正相关,空间分布规律相似;重金属与有机质、粘粒含量呈极显著正相关,而与砂粒呈极显著负相关。根据加拿大制定的沉积物评价标准,天鹅湖沉积物中Cr具有较大的生态危害性。     

Accumulation and potential sources of heavy metals in soils of the Hetao area, Inner Mongolia, China

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a problem in agricultural irrigation systems.To assess the accumulation and sources of heavy metals in the Yongji irrigation district of the Hetao area,Inner Mongolia,China,195 soil samples from 39 sites(0–100 cm)were collected,and Zn,Cu,Pb,Cr,and Cd concentrations were analyzed.The mean concentrations were 107.17,32.48,12.31,53.53,and 0.22 mg kg-1,respectively,with no significant differences between soil depths(P>0.05).Concentrations of Zn,Cu,and Cd were higher than the background levels,with moderate accumulation;the contamination factor(CF)values were 1.9,1.7,and 1.9,respectively,and the geoaccumulation index(Igeo)was>0.Concentrations of Pb and Cr were lower than,or close to,the background levels(CF<1,Igeo<0),indicating that they originated from a natural source.The monomial potential ecological risk index(Eri)for Zn,Cu,Pb,and Cr was low;Eri for Cd was 55.73,implying a moderate risk.The grade of potential ecological risk index of the five heavy metals(RI)was low,declining from south to north.The studied soils were contaminated with Zn,Cu,and Cd;principal component(PC)analysis implicated the enrichment of Cd and partial Cu(high loading in PC 2)was related to agricultural activities;Zn and partial Cu,closely associated with PC 3,may have originated from irrigation water from the Yellow River.Future agricultural development should focus on fertilizer and pesticide application and the quality of irrigation water.     

Toxic Metal Removal from Polluted Soil by Acid Extraction

Sulfuric acid leaching is a promising technique to extract toxic metals from polluted soils. The objective of this study was to define the optimum sulfuric acid leaching conditions for decontamination of the fine particle fraction (<125???m) of an industrial soil polluted by Cd (16.8?mg?kg^?1), Cu (3,350?mg?kg^?1), Pb (631?mg?kg^?1) and Zn (3,010?mg?kg^?1). Batch leaching tests in Erlenmeyer shake flasks showed that a soil pulp pH between 1.5 and 2.0 using a solid concentration (SC) ranging from 5 to 20?% is adequate to efficiently solubilize toxic metals. Leaching tests performed at different temperatures (20, 40, 60 and 80?°C) also revealed that it is not beneficial to heat the soil suspension during the leaching treatment. The application in a 1-L stirred tank reactor of five consecutive 1-h leaching steps at 10?% SC and ambient temperature, followed by three water washings steps resulted in the following metal extraction yields: 30?% As, 90?% Cd, 43?% Co, 7?% Cr, 88?% Cu, 75?% Mn, 26?% Ni, 18?% Pb and 86?% Zn. The decontaminated soil conformed to Quebec norms for commercial and industrial use of soil.