Copper and Cadmium Biosorption by Dried Seaweed Sargassum sinicola in Saline Wastewater

Rates of biosorption of cadmium and copper ions by nonliving biomass of the brown macroalga Sargassum sinicola under saline conditions were studied. Batch experiments show that the ability to remove cadmium is significantly diminished (from 81.8% to 5.8%), while the ability to remove copper remains high (from 89% to 80%) at a range of salinity from 0 to 40 psu. Maximum capacity of biosorption at 35 psu was 3.44 mg g^?1 for cadmium and 116 mg g^?1 for copper. The presence of salt did not significantly affect the rate of biosorption, which was about 90% of saturation in 60 min for both metals. There is an antagonistic effect on biosorption when both metals are present in the solution.     

Competitive Effect of Copper,Zinc, Cadmium and Nickel on Ion Adsorption and Desorption by Soil Clays

This study evaluated the effect of competing copper, zinc, cadmium and nickel ions in 0.01 M Ca(NO₃)₂ on heavy metal sorption and desorption by soil clay fractions. Initial Cu addition levels varied from 99 mg kg^-1 to 900 mg kg^-1 and Zn, Cd and Ni levels were 94, 131 and 99 mg kg^-1, respectively. Sorption of Cu conformed to a Freundlich equation. The amounts of metals not displaced by successive 48 h desorption cycles with 0.01 M Ca(NO₃)₂ were considered ‘specifically adsorbed’. Total sorption of Zn and Cd generally decreased in the order: Vertisol > Gleyic Acrisol > Planosol clay. More than 70% of the copper was specifically sorbed. Specific sorption of Zn was depressed by competition with Cu in the three clays investigated. At surface coverages higher than 200 mg Cu per kg of soil clay, zinc sorption in the Planosol and Gleyic Acrisol clays took place at low affinity sites. The exchangeable component of sorbed cadmium accounted for >:60% of the sorption in the Vertisol clay, >70% in the Gleyic Acrisol clay and was almost 100% in the Planosol clay. Nickel was not retained by the Planosol and Gleyic Acrisol clays and was ionexchangeably adsorbed by the Vertisol clay. At the conditions studied, Ni and Cd remain a ready source of pollution hazard.     

Accumulations of Cadmium,Zinc, and Copper by Rice Plants Grown on Soils Amended with Composted Pig Manure

A pot experiment, in which composted pig manure was applied to soils at rates of 0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 5.0% (W/W) to simulate additions of different amounts of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) to soil, was conducted to assess accumulation of metals by rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants from soils treated with manure. Results indicated that Cd concentrations in rice grains were more than the limit of 0.2 mg kg^?1 when 0.14 mg kg^?1 or more Cd was loaded to Ferralsols by manure application, but it was not more than the limit in Calcaric Cambisols. Zinc contents in polished rice grains did not exceed the permissible limit of 50 mg kg^?1 in two soils. Copper concentrations in rice grain were slightly more than the limit of 10 mg kg^?1 in Ferralsols but not in Calcaric Cambisols. Results suggested greater risk of heavy‐metal contamination from manure to paddy rice in Ferralsols than in Calcaric Cambisols.     

Interactive Effects of Cadmium and Zinc on Carrots: Growth and Biomass Accumulation

ABSTRACT

An experiment was carried out to assess the single and combined effects of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on growth and component wise biomass accumulation in carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants, grown under natural field conditions. Carrot plants were raised in field and treated with 10 and 100 μ g mL^{? 1} of Cd, 100 and 300 μ g mL^{? 1} of Zn singly, and in combination through soil drench. A control was also kept without any treatments of Cd and Zn. The impacts of different treatments of Cd and Zn on carrots were evaluated in terms of number of leaves, leaf area, plant length, and component wise biomass accumulation at different plant ages. Growth indices were also calculated to assess the biomass allocation patterns in carrots. The results showed that the above parameters were significantly affected in carrots treated with Cd and Zn singly and in combination as compared to the control as well as plants treated with 100 μ g mL^{? 1} of Zn. The results also showed that treatments of Cd and Zn have significant effects on biomass allocation pattern. This study concludes that growth and biomass accumulation in carrots were significantly influenced by the concentration ratios of Cd and Zn in soil/root/stem/ leaves. It is clear from this study that combined treatments of Cd and Zn have more negative impacts on above parameters as compared to their individual treatments.     

Evaluation of Cadmium,Copper, Lead,and Zinc Levels in Soil Samples near Locust Pods

The genus Prosopis is a tree or shrub in the leguminosae family, subfamily fabaceae (mimosaceae). Many plants of the genus Prosopis are known to have medicinal properties. Only one species of Prosopis is found in Jordan, Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F. Macbr. The local name is Yanbout, and the English name is locust pods.

The aim of this study was to investigate some selected heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in Prosopis farcta, an unexplored Jordanian species of the Prosopis genus, because no data are available about these levels in this medicinal plant. These metals were tested in different parts of Prosopis farcta including root, aerial, and fruit as ethanolic extract plant and dry plant. Moreover, these metals were investigated in soil samples collected from the same area in which Prosopis farcta was grown. Results revealed that there was a significant difference between root and fruit for all test elements (P < 0.05). Roots were found to contain high average concentrations of Pb (2.14 µg g^?1), Cu (18.56 µg g^?1), and Zn (13.74 µg g^?1). Copper and Zn concentrations in Prosopis farcta were within the permissible limits, whereas Pb concentration exceeded the permissible limit. Moreover, soil samples were analyzed for the metals. Results revealed that there was a positive correlation between the levels of Cu and Zn in medicinal plants and soils, whereas there was a negative correlation for Pb.

Two certified reference materials (tea leaves, NCSDC 73351; soil, GBW 07406) were analyzed to authenticate the accuracy of the method, and the precision was expressed by relative standard deviation.     

Zn对大麦Cd、Cu毒性的影响及其联合毒性效应

通过模拟土壤溶液进行水培试验,研究了锌（Zn）对大麦（Hordeum Vulgate）镉（Cd）、铜（Cu）毒性的影响,以及Zn-Cd和Zn-Cu的联合毒性效应。结果表明：Zn、Cd和Cu单独作用于大麦时,EC。分别为78．01、2．98、0．64μmol·L^-1,Zn的毒性远远小于Cd和Cu。在Zn-Cd混合体系中,当Zn浓度低于5μmol·L^-1时,随着溶液中Zn浓度的增加,EC50（Cd）呈显著的线性增加,表明低浓度Zn对大麦Cd毒性具有抑制作用;利用毒性单位（TU）模型计算了Zn-Cd混合体系的TUmix值,结果显示TUtax≥1TU,且Tu。随Zn浓度的升高而增加,表明Zn、Cd联合作用于大麦时主要表现为拮抗作用,且这种作用和混合体系中Zn的比例有关。在Zn-Cu混合体系中,随着Zn浓度的增加,大麦相对根长（RE）明显减小,EC50（Cu）逐渐降低,表明Zn增强了大麦Cu的毒性;Zn-Cu的Tumix。均小于1TU,Zn、Cu联合作用于大麦时表现为协同毒性作用。     

Copper Biosorption by Biomass of Marine Alga: Study of Equilibrium and Kinetics in Batch System and Adsorption/Desorption Cycles in Fixed Bed Column

Copper biosorption onto chemically modified biomass of marine alga Sargassum filipendula was investigated in a batch reactor and a fixed bed column. Experiments were carried out in the batch reactor to obtain kinetic and equilibrium data and to assess the copper desorption efficiency of different eluent solutions. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Langmuir kinetic models were used to correlate kinetic data. The experimental data fitted well to the pseudo first order and Langmuir kinetic models. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the equilibrium data obtained at a fixed temperature of 30°C and at pH values of 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0. The maximum capacities of copper biosorption onto the algal biomass were 1.43, 1.59, 2.40, and 2.36 mequiv./g at pH 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0, respectively. The efficiencies of two eluent solutions (calcium chloride and hydrochloric acid) for copper removal from the biomass were evaluated at different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mol/L). The efficiencies of the calcium chloride solutions varied from 1% to 14%, while efficiencies varying from 95% to 99% were obtained when hydrochloric acid solutions were applied. Three adsorption/desorption cycles were carried out in a fixed bed column using 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid as eluent solution. The results showed that an increase in the number of cycles led to a reduction in the adsorption capacity of the alga. The desorbed copper fraction presented no significant variation, remaining around 63% in the three adsorption/desorption cycles.     

Differential Sorption Behavior of Cadmium,Lead, Zinc,and Copper in Some Tropical Soils and Their Environmental Implications

This study evaluated cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) sorption characteristics of three tropical soils. Data obtained conformed to Freundlich sorption model and the S-shaped isotherm curve. Sorption efficiency of Zn and Pb were highest in alkaline soil while slightly acid soil had the highest Cd and Cu sorption efficiency for monometal sorption. In competitive sorption, metals were more sorbed in slightly acid soil while the least efficiency was recorded in acid soil. Distribution coefficient; K_d (average across soil types) in monometal sorption followed the order: Pb > Zn > Cd > Cu. For competitive sorption, the order was Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. When in competition, Cd was preferentially sorbed in slightly acid and alkaline soils and Zn for acid soil. Conclusively, lead is more in equilibrium solution when in competition with Cd, Zn and Cu making it potential agent of soil and groundwater pollution.     

Distribution of the Metals Lead,Cadmium, Copper,and Zinc in the Top Soil of Cartagena,Spain

This article presents the results of the analysis of the metals lead, cadmium, copper, zinc and aluminum, conducted on a total of 112 soil samples arising from 57 sampling points, distributedthroughout the Cartagena area in southeastern Spain. Both, totalmetal content and soluble fraction (1 M nitric acid medium, exchangeable fraction) were analyzed. Soil samples were taken on the surface of the terrain and at a depth of 35 cm from eachsampling point. For the purposes of this study, sampling points were classified in three groups based on the results of previous research on air pollution in the region: clean areas,contaminated areas and vacant industrial areas. The statisticalanalyses of the results show no significant differences betweenthe surface samples and the 35 cm deep samples from all three areas. Lead, zinc and copper (soluble and total fractions) aresignificantly higher, and pH significantly lower, in the samples coming from the contaminated and vacant industrial areasthan in samples coming from the clean area. Total lead and cadmium are significantly higher in the vacant industrial areas(150 g kg^-1 Pb and 9.3 g kg^-1 Cd) than in the contaminated areas (5.2 g kg^-1 Pb and 2.1 g kg^-1 Cd).Iso-concentration maps have been prepared in order to correlatethe presence of metals with the industrial and mining activities in the region under study. These maps show a clear relationship between human activities and metal concentrationgradients, with peaks corresponding to both active and abandoned industrial and mining facilities.     

Interactive Effects of Copper, Cadmium and Lead on Zinc Accumulation in the Gastropod Mollusc Littorina Saxatilis

The effects of copper, cadmium and lead on the bioaccumulation of zinc were studied in populations of the gastropod mollusc Littorina saxatilis from sites in the Isle of Man subjected to varying degrees of mine-related metal contamination. Exposures to 2 mg/L Zn alone and in combinations with 0.01 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L of the respective metals were conducted at ～10 ^°C in semi-static assays. Copper had a significant antagonistic effect on Zn accumulation at 1 mg/L Cu, but was not antagonistic at 0.01 and 0.1 mg/L Cu. Prior exposure to metals in the field did not appear to affect the interactive effect of copper as all populations showed similar patterns. Combinations of Zn with Cd or Pb at the above concentrations did not show any significant effects on Zn accumulation. On the other hand, Zn had an antagonistic effect on Cd and Pb accumulation but showed inconsistent effects on Cu accumulation. Interactions of Cu and Zn in particular may have repercussions for interpretation of biomonitoring data in L. saxatilis.     

Biosorption of Bromophenol Blue from Aqueous Solutions by Rhizopus Stolonifer Biomass

The removal of bromophenol blue dye (BPB), from aqueous solutions, by biosorption on a non-living biomass of Rhizopus stolonifer was investigated in a batch system. Pretreatment of the biomass with NaOH was found to be the most effective means to enhance the biosorption of BPB. The fungal biomass exhibited the highest dye sorption capacity at pH 2 and the uptake process followed the pseudo-second order reaction model. The equilibrium sorption capacity of the biomass increased as the initial dye concentration increased, and the maximum uptake value was estimated at 1111 mg/g according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorbed dye was easily desorbed from a fungal biomass with 0.1 M NaOH solution and the regenerated biomass could be reused for other biosorption essays with similar performances.     

贝类产品镉铜铅锌的含量特征与风险分析

根据2007年和2009年对广东、广西沿海部分海域近江牡蛎（Crassostrea rivularis）、太平洋牡蛎（Crassostrea gigas）、翡翠贻贝（Perna viridis）、菲律宾蛤仔（Ruditapes Philippinarum）和文蛤（Meretrix meretrix）的监测资料,分析了贝类产品中镉（Cd）、铜（Cu）、铅（Pb）、锌（Zn）的含量特征及其季节差异,并采用点估计方法对贝类产品中的Cd、Cu、Zn、Pb进行了风险分析。结果表明,贝类品种的差异决定了其体内Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn含量的差异,近江牡蛎样品中Cd、Cu、Zn的含量远远高于另外4种贝类,文蛤样品中Cd、Cu、Pb的含量明显低于其他4种贝类。贝类产品中Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn的含量存在一定的季节差异,这可能与海水的温度、盐度、溶解氧等因子的季节变化有关。与《无公害食品水产品中有毒有害物质限量》标准的限量值相比,贝类产品中Cd、Cu、Pb的合格率分别为65%、67.7%和100%。与其他海域贝类产品的调查结果相比,此次贝类样品Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn的含量处于正常的波动范围内;与世界卫生组织/联合国粮农组织的食品添加剂联合专家委员会推荐的暂定每周耐受摄入量相比,太平洋牡蛎、翡翠贻贝、菲律宾蛤仔和文蛤的Pb、Cd的膳食暴露量处于安全范围内,而近江牡蛎的Cd膳食暴露量可能存在风险。     

Estimation of Reference Values for Cadmium,Cobalt, Chromium,Copper, Nickel,Lead, and Zinc in Brazilian Soils

Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to recommend reference values (RVs) and tolerance limits (TLs) for representative Brazilian soils and 2) to propose a model to calculate natural contents of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in a soil from the silt, clay, manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) values. A set of 256 soil samples was classified by similarity in seven groups, and the concentrations corresponding to the upper quarter of data collected were then calculated. These concentrations are proposed as RVs for Brazilian soils. Additionally, TLs were obtained for each group from the antilog expression (m+2s), where m=mean value and s=standard deviation of data transformed in log₁₀. The classification functions of discriminant analysis proved to be suitable to allocate new samples in the established groups. Thus, it is possible to evaluate soils under anthropic activity and, by comparison with reference values, to be aware of pollution risks in a given area.     

Heavy Metal Biosorption by Plant Biomass of the Macrophyte Ludwigia Stolonifera

Ludwigia stolonifera biomass of roots, floating roots and leaves were tested for their performance as heavy metal biofilters. Cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) (50 ppm) solutions were filtered through 0.5–1.5 g packed columns with each biomaterial, to determine their metal removal efficiency. Root column was more efficient in removing Ni (as low as 6 ppb in the effluent) than of Cd (as low as to 22 ppb in the effluent). This tendency was also observed upon treatment of a mixed solution of both metals. Floating roots column reduced Cd content to the same level as the root column, but its metal binding capacity was higher; 93 mg Cd g^-1 DW in floating roots in comparison to 43 mg Cd g^-1DW in the roots biofilter. Leaf biomass column demonstrated the best metal binding capacity; 128 mg Cd g^-1 DW, and Cd concentration in the effluent was 17 ppb. Pectin content was 5, 8 and 10% W/W in roots, leaves and floating roots biofilters, respectively. It seems that ion exchange is the major mechanism by which the metal is biosorbed. Evidence for the exchange of the bound heavy metal ions against the discharge of light metal ions such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) was provided.     

Spatially Explicit Integrated Risk Assessment of Present Soil Concentrations of Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Zinc in The Netherlands

Historic and current agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in accumulation of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in soil. To estimate potential risks for ecosystems, agriculture and water quality, an integrated risk assessment was performed for The Netherlands. Risks of metal contamination were assessed on a national scale by comparing present soil concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn with critical concentrations of those metals in view of agricultural impacts, ecological impacts and impacts on the quality of groundwater and surface waters. Results show that present soil metal concentrations cause few risks for agriculture or ecosystems; for less than 2% of the surface area present metal levels exceed critical limits. Critical limits for groundwater are only significantly exceeded for Pb (17% of the area), but critical limits for surface water are exceeded throughout the country for Cu and Zn. Taking critical limits used in The Netherlands, the area where exceedances take place is nearly negligible for Cd and low for Pb (less than 3%), but much larger (between 40% and 50%) for both Cu and Zn. Results from this study suggest that accumulation of heavy metals in Dutch soils at present primarily affects the quality of surface waters. This stresses the need for harmonization of soil and water policy. Measures to reduce the load in surface waters to meet target levels, under conditions like those prevailing in The Netherlands, are bound to have an impact on land management.     

施污土壤与污泥中Cu、Pb、Cd、Zn的形态分布

污泥中的重金属元素是限制其大规模农田利用的重要因素。施污土壤和污泥中重金属的形态研究可以用来评价土壤中重金属的生物有效性以及它们在土壤中的移动性。用修正BCR三步连续提取法进行分步提取研究了污水污泥和施污后的西红柿地土壤中Cu、Pb、Cd、Zn的形态分布状况。施用污泥堆肥10t hm-2后的土壤中Cu、Pb、Cd、Zn的全量与各种形态含量无明显增加,Cu、Pb、Zn含量远低于国家土壤环境质量标准。土壤中Cu的各种形态分布关系是:残渣态>可还原态=可氧化态>可交换态和弱酸溶解态,Cu在土壤中的存在是以最稳定的残渣态为主。堆肥污泥与干化污泥相比,残渣态Cu的比例明显增加。土壤中Pb的各种形态分布关系是以残渣态和可还原态为主,但可氧化态的分布比例最小。土壤中Cd的可交换态、可还原态和残渣态各占据相等的含量,但可氧化态Cd的含量几乎为零。Zn在土壤中的各种形态分布关系是:可交换态和弱酸溶解态>可氧化态>可还原态>残渣态,Zn在土壤中的存在是以最易迁移的可交换态和弱酸溶解态为主。这些金属元素在土壤中的相对稳定性顺序为:Cu>Pb>Cd>Zn。Zn在土壤中的移动性要远高于Cu。     

The Effect of Temperature on the Accumulation of Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, and Lead by Scirpus acutus and Typha latifolia: A Comparative Analysis

Wetland plants have a capacity for metal sequestration and have been used to remediate such environmental contaminants. How this capacity will be affected by a warming environment is not well-known. Our objective was to identify the effect of small environmentally realistic increases in temperature on metal (cadmium, zinc, lead, and copper) accumulation in Typha latifolia as compared with Scirpus acutus. These common wetland plant species were grown in metal-contaminated sediments at 13??C, 16??C, and 18??C for 3?months to determine the effect of environmentally realistic temperatures on metal accumulation. Cd¹⁰⁹ was used as a radiotracer to study the effect of temperature on uptake kinetics. Growth of the two wetland plants differed markedly; S. acutus displayed linear growth reaching a maximum height of ca. 100?cm; by contrast, T. latifolia grew to ca. 40?cm by day?60 with no further growth occurring over the remainder of the 105-day growth period. S. acutus accumulated more cadmium, lead, and zinc from contaminated sediments than T. latifolia, but only within roots and rhizomes. Although not significant, uptake of cadmium, lead, and zinc by both plants was enhanced under warmer conditions and was most pronounced in S. acutus. This was supported by the radiotracer studies which indicated that under the higher temperatures, there was increased rates of Cd¹⁰⁹ uptake by shoots of S. acutus. By contrast, temperature did not affect Cd¹⁰⁹ uptake rate constants in T. latifolia. S. acutus appears to be more effective at sequestering metals from contaminated sediments; this species as compared to T. latifolia may also be more affected by a warming climate. In the design of wetlands for metal remediation, differences in how these two plants sequester metals from their environment should be considered.     

6种固化剂对土壤Pb Cd Cu Zn的固化效果

通过在重金属污染土壤中分别施加沸石、石灰石、硅藻土、羟基磷灰石、膨润土和海泡石6种固化剂,研究了这6种固化剂对土壤中Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn的固化效果,筛选出几种效果较好的固化剂。实验结果表明：沸石、石灰石和羟基磷灰石均能够有效地降低土壤中交换态Pb、Cd的含量,并且明显减少了土壤中Pb、Cd的毒性浸出量,其中沸石最多降低土壤中交换态Pb、Cd含量分别达到48.7%和56.2%,减少土壤中Pb、Cd的毒性浸出量达到37.1%和30.1%;沸石、石灰石均能够有效降低土壤中交换态Cu的含量,降低量分别高达68.1%和85.2%,膨润土能有效减少土壤中Cu的毒性浸出量,减少量最高达到66.51%;石灰石对土壤中Zn有着良好的固化效果。     

Accumulation of Cadmium,Chromium, and Zinc by the Moss Sphagnum Papillosum Lindle

In a series of laboratory experiments employing radiotracer methodology, the uptake of Cd,Cr, and Zn by Sphagnum papillosum Lindle moss from solutions of deionized water and bogwater was investigated. Bioaccumulation of the metals was a passive process, since living anddead moss accumulated metal equally. No significant differences were found in metal uptake ratesfrom single metal solutions and mixed metal solutions, suggesting insignificant competitionbetween the metals occurred at the low concentration range used (10-10 to 10-7 M). Metaluptake conformed with Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Concentration factors of metals inSphagnum papillosum in bog water (103 for Cd and Zn, 102 for Cr) were lower than in deionizedwater (104 for Cd and Zn, 103 for Cr), possibly due to metal complexation by dissolved organicmatter, competition by other major cations present in the bog water (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) orcomplexation by chlorides in the bog water. While earlier studies have demonstrated the potentialof using sphagnum mosses for monitoring environmental metal contamination, these experimentsare the first to assess metal uptake in moss using low, environmentally realistic metalconcentrations. The results confirm that mosses would be very effective bioindicators ofenvironmental metal concentrations because the concentration of metal in the moss rapidly anddirectly reflects the metal concentrations in the ambient water.     

Relationships between Levels of Lead,Cadmium, Zinc,and Copper in Soil and Settleable Particulate Matter in Cartagena (Spain)

In this article we report the relationships between heavy metals(Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu) in soil and settleable particulate matter usingdata from 6 yr at six different sampling points withinCartagena, a Spanish Mediterranean city. The use of enrichmentfactors and factor analysis allowed us to predict the majorsources of these metals. Soils were classified as one of threetypes: soils from polluted zone L, soils from polluted zone Z,and non-polluted soils. Settleable particulate matter was alsoclassified in the following three groups: Industrial zone, Urbanzone, and Intermediate zone. Enrichment factors showed that soilsfrom polluted zone L are enriched in Pb and Cd when compared with soils from polluted zone Z, and soils from polluted zone Zare enriched in Zn and Cu when compared with soils from pollutedzone L. In this context, soils from polluted zones L and Z areidentified as specific sources of metals in the settleableparticulate matter samples. We also suggest the importance ofanthopogenic contribution of metals to soil-enrichment fromancient times up to the present. This process was most severeduring the XIX century, when our city suffered an importantindustrial development. The concentration of these heavy metalsare also affected by regional meteorological conditions, whichinclude scarce rainfalls and a significant wind dispersion ofsoil aerosols.