A new index for assessing heavy metals contamination in sediments: A case study

In this study, heavy metals contamination in surface sediments of northwest Persian Gulf was investigated and a new index was formulated for assessing severity of heavy metal pollution in aquatic environments. The surface sediment samples were collected from 45 stations. The concentrations of 8 metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd and V) were analyzed. According to the results of potential ecological risk index (RI), pollution load index (PLI) and modified degree of contamination (mCD), based on the average shale, considerable and intense pollution of heavy metals in sediments of study area was not observed. Based on the sediments quality guidelines the concentration of Ni at whole study area has frequently adverse biological effect on aquatic organisms. The mean effects range-median quotient indicated that surface sediments in the vicinity of petrochemical zone and Bahrekan pier with 49% probability of toxicity can be risky for the biota. The Consequence of the cluster analysis and principal component analysis/factor analysis indicated that Fe, Cu, Zn and Cr are mainly originated from natural sources and Ni, Pb, Cd and V are mostly derived from anthropogenic sources. Results of introduced index in this research (Contamination Severity Index) demonstrated that pollution of heavy metals in sediments at several sites is very intense. Assessment of results illustrated that proposed index is more reliable and logical compared with other investigated indices for evaluating heavy metals pollution in sediments of aquatic environments.     

Dissemination of heavy-metal contamination in surface sediments of the Uzunçayır Dam Lake,Tunceli, Turkey

The objective of this study was to determine the heavy-metal concentrations (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, As, Cd, Cr, and Hg), evaluate the pollution levels, and determine the concentration of chlorophyll-a and organic carbon in the surface sediments of the Uzunçay?r Dam Lake, Tunceli, Turkey, between 2015 and 2016. In order to evaluate the effect of the pollution level in the study area, the contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor, potential ecological risk index, and pollution load index were used. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals were ordered as follows: Fe > Mn > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > As > Cd > Hg. The highest CF value was found for the Ni element among the studied heavy metals in the Dam Lake. Moreover, the highest CF mean value was found for the As contamination level. According to the toxicity analyses in the study area, the potential toxic effect of sediments was not at a very serious level.     

成都平原北部水稻土重金属含量状况及其潜在生态风险评价

为了解成都平原水稻土重金属含量状况和潜在的生态风险,选取成都平原北部水稻土典型区域为研究对象,采集了158个表层土壤样品,分析了土壤中pH值和Cd、Cu、As、Hg、Pb、Cr、Ni 7种重金属元素含量,以20世纪80年代测定的成都平原土壤重金属元素背景值为评价标准,采用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对研究区域的重金属潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果表明:研究区域水稻土Cd、Hg、Ni、Cu、Pb、Cr和As平均含量分别为0.709、0.187、32.08、34.12、31.52、82.13 mg/kg和7.25 mg/kg;Cd、Ni、Cu和Hg 4种重金属超过《土壤环境质量标准》(GB15618-1995) Ⅱ级标准值样本比例分别为87.34%、8.23%、3.80%和3.80%,Cd含量超标严重。7种重金属元素变异系数幅度为18.35%-49.03%,由大到小依次为Cd、Hg、Cu、As、Ni、Cr、Pb。75.32%的样本达到中度或较强重金属潜在生态风险,区域整体表现为中度潜在生态风险(RI平均值为198.65),Cd和Hg为高生态风险元素,对潜在生态风险贡献率分别为62.27%和20.78%,As、Pb、Cu、Ni、Cr为低生态风险元素;风险概率图显示城区周边和绵远河沿线的潜在生态风险等级较高。因此,成都平原水稻土农业生产中应采取一定的措施防控农产品Cd和Hg污染。     

Distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in river surface sediments of middle reach of Xijiang River basin,China

Xijiang River is the main surface water source in Guangxi province, South China. This study was carried out to investigate the distribution and potential ecological risks of seven heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Ni, and Cr) in surface sediments in Xijiang River basin. The results illustrated that the average concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, As, Ni, and Cr were 483.9, 207.5, 13.35, 23.50, 312.1, 28.75, and 50.62 mg/kg, respectively. Among them, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As were the major heave metals with concentration exceeding Class 3 threshold value of Chinese national standard. The result also showed samples with high ecological risk were mainly located in the upstream of Xijiang River basin as Diaojiang River, Hongshui River, Jincheng River, and Dahuan River. Based on the pollution risk assessment, the area manifested composite pollution of heavy metals in the sediments, signifying As, Pb, and Cd as the dominant heavy metals, and there were high ecological risk in sediments for these metals. According to correlation matrix and factor analysis (FA), the seven heavy metals were divided into three types/classes, Cd, as and Zn attributed by anthropogenic sources, natural sources corresponds for Ni and Cr while both natural and anthropogenic sources were attributed to Cu.     

Source identification and risk assessment of heavy metals in road dust of steel industrial city (Anshan), Liaoning,Northeast China

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to acquire the source and evaluate the risk posed by heavy metals in road dust of steel industrial city (Anshan), Liaoning, Northeast China. Potential ecological risk index (RI), pollution index (PI) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were applied to evaluate the heavy metal pollution level, and the carcinogenic risk (RI) and hazard index (HI) were calculated to estimate the human health risk. The geographic information system maps clearly reveal the hot spots of heavy metal spatial distribution. Principle component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) classified heavy metals into three groups. The metal Zn and Pb originate from the traffic emission, while Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Sb primarily come from industrial activities. These two pathways were the major source of heavy metals pollution by positive matrix factorization (PMF). The Igeo and PI values of heavy metals were decreased in the following order: Cd?>?Sb?>?Zn?>?Fe?>?Pb?>?Cu?>?Cr?>?Sn?>?Mn?>?Ni. The RI index showed the heavy metals were moderate to very high potential ecological risk. The HI values for children and adults presented a decreasing order of Cr?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cu?>?Cd?>?Zn. The HI also predicted a possibility of non-carcinogenic risk for children living in urban areas in comparison with adults.     

惠州市3座供水水库沉积物重金属污染特征

为了解惠州市供水水库沉积物重金属(Cr、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb和Hg)污染状况和垂直分布特征,于2008年5月在惠州市3座具代表性的水库湖泊区采集柱状沉积物样品,运用ICPMS法检测沉积物中重金属含量,并采用地积累指数法(Igen)和潜在生态风险指数法(RI)进行污染评价,同时运用主成分分析(PCA)对沉积物中重金属的可能来源进行分析.结果表明:3座水库沉积物重金属含量随沉积深度的变化差异明显,一些重金属含量的垂直变化不明显,而另一些垂直变化明显(降低或升高),但各种重金属在不同水库沉积物中呈现特有的垂直分布特征.根据地积累指数可知,3座水库中沉积物主要以Zn和Pb污染最为严重,达到轻度至强度污染(含量分别为Zn:49.98 ～ 640.29 mg·kg-1;Pb:21.94～300.66 mg· kg-1),同时沉积物中部或底部受到轻度的Cu污染(含量为16.85 ～45.46 mg·kg-1),基本未受Cr、Cd和Hg污染.据6种重金属潜在生态风险系数[Er(i)]及潜在生态风险指数(RI)可知,3座水库沉积物的重金属潜在风险均处于较低水平.据PCA分析和相关资料可知,矿山开采与冶炼、城市化和农林业快速发展等人类活动影响了3座水库沉积物重金属的分布特征和污染.其中,Zn主要来源于矿产开采与冶炼;除矿产开采与冶炼导致沙田水库Pb污染外,机动车尾气排放和生活垃圾等是3座水库沉积物Pb污染的主要途径;Cu污染主要来源于农业和林业污染.     

The spatial distribution,contamination, and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals of farmland soils in Karashahar–Baghrash oasis,northwest China

The issue of heavy metal pollution is of high concern due to its potential health risks and detrimental effects on human beings, animals, and plants. In this study, farmland soil samples from 79 sampling sites were collected in Karashahar–Baghrash oasis, northwest China, and the contents of eight heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by standard methods. The spatial distribution, pollution, and ecological risks of heavy metals were analyzed based on Geographical Information System (GIS) technology, contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI). Results indicated that: (1) The average contents of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn exceeded the background values of irrigation soils of Xinjiang by 54.0, 1.34, 1.39, 3.44, and 5.01 times, respectively. The average contents of Cd exceeded the national standard of China by 10.80 times; (2) The pollution order of CF was ranked as Cd > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > As > Mn, and the ecological risk order of E_rⁱ was ranked as Cd > Ni > As > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Zn. The average PLI of the study area showed heavy pollution level, and the average RI of the study area fell into considerable risk; (3) The moderately polluted areas with moderate potential ecological risks distributed in the northern parts, whereas heavily polluted areas with considerable potential ecological risks distributed in the southern parts of the study area; (4) Cr, Cu, and Mn of farmland soils were mainly originated from natural factors. Cd, Ni, and Pb were mainly originated from anthropogenic factors. As and Zn may be associated with both natural and anthropogenic factors. Cd contributed most to the PLI and RI of the farmland soils in the study area.     

青山水库表层沉积物重金属污染特征及生态风险评价

在位于浙江省临安市的青山水库采集了具有代表性的8个样点的表层沉积物样品,分析比较了样品中As、Cr、Cu、Ni、Mn、Pb、Zn等7种重金属总量的差异,采用BCR连续提取法对重金属不同形态(酸提取态、可还原态、可氧化态、残渣态)进行分析.采用地积累指数法(I_geo)和Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法,对青山水库不同采样点表层沉积物中重金属的污染程度和潜在毒性与生态风险进行评价.结果表明: 青山水库表层沉积物重金属污染程度存在明显的空间差异,流经城区和工业园区的青山水库支流入库河口附近的表层沉积物重金属含量明显高于其他采样点.青山水库表层沉积物7种重金属中,Mn主要以酸提取态存在;Cu和Pb主要以可还原态形式存在;As主要以残渣态形式存在.流经城区的支流入库河口附近表层沉积物还原态和酸提取态重金属比例较高,对水生生物有一定的毒性风险.8个样点的表层沉积物7种重金属中,以As污染程度最高,潜在生态风险最大,其次是Cu、Ni、Mn、Pb和Zn,均处于轻度污染状态,而Cr处于清洁水平,潜在生态风险较低.不同采样点比较发现,分别流经城区的锦溪和工业园区的横溪入库河口附近表层沉积物重金属污染程度和潜在生态风险明显高于其他采样点.     

调水调沙工程黄河口近岸沉积物重金属和砷含量的空间分布及其生态风险评估

为了明确调水调沙工程长期影响下黄河口近岸沉积物中重金属含量的分布特征及其生态风险,基于2012年黄河口近岸27个站位的表层沉积物样品,通过ICP-MS测定重金属(Zn、Cr、Ni、Pb、Cu、Cd)和砷(As)含量,并运用潜在生态风险指数法(RI)对其进行生态风险评估。结果表明:近岸沉积物中重金属和As的平均含量表现为AsZnCrNiPbCuCd。Cr、Ni、Cu和Pb四种元素的分布规律较为一致,整体呈现出近岸和近黄河口高而远离河口和岸线低的空间分异特征。Ni、Cu、Pb、Zn与粘土均呈极显著或显著正相关(P0.01或P0.05),而Cd、Cr和As与其相关性均未达到显著水平(P0.05)。近岸沉积物中6种重金属和As的平均单项潜在生态风险指数大小顺序整体表现为CdAsNiPbCuCrZn。就潜在生态风险(RI)而言,研究区域18.52%的站位属轻微生态危害,70.07%的站位属中等生态危害,7.41%的站位属强生态危害,Cd和As是造成危害的两种主要元素。近岸沉积物中重金属和As的来源复杂且多样,主要是由于农业化肥使用、海上石油开采和泄漏、化石燃料燃烧以及河口污染物输入所致。对比研究发现,随着调水调沙工程的长期实施,除Cd和As外沉积物中其他重金属含量均呈下降趋势,说明二者的生态风险将会随调水调沙的长期实施呈增加趋势,而其他重金属的生态风险将呈降低趋势,故未来应重点关注近岸沉积物中Cd和As的生态毒理风险。     

Pollution,source, and ecological risk assessment of trace elements in surface sediments of Lake Aktaş, NE Turkey

This study applies ecological indices to determine the anthropogenic-based metal enrichment and potential ecological and ecotoxicological risks posed by each metal in the sediments of Lake Akta?, NE Turkey. Sediment samples were collected from nine stations (St1–St9) within the Turkish boundary of Lake Akta? and the heavy metal, total organic carbon %, CaCO₃%, chlorophyll degradation products (chlorophyll-α), total sulfur %, and total phosphate % contents in the sediment samples were determined. Enrichment factor (EF), pollution load and potential ecological risk (PER) indices were calculated to shed light on the ecological effects of heavy metals. The metal content was ranked in descending order of Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > As > Cd > Hg. The EF values ranged 0.87–1.0 for Cu, 1.04–1.14 for Pb, 1–1.08 for Zn, 0.88–0.95 for Ni, 0.99–1.24 for Mn, 0.89–0.93 for Fe, 0.82–1.01 for As, 0.96–1.19 for Cd, 0.94–1.0 for Cr, and 1.42–1.90 for Hg. Minimal contamination was found for Hg. Pollution load, PER, and toxic risk indices indicated no ecological risk currently. However, considering the PER index for metals individually, a moderate potential risk was detected for Hg. The data obtained from multivariate statistical analyses indicate that Hg and Mn originate from the atmosphere, while other elements have lithogenic sources.     

Concentration and ecological risk of heavy metal in street dusts of Eslamshahr,Iran

This study was done to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in street dust samples, to compare measured concentrations in samples to background concentrations in order to make evaluations for pollution indices, and to describe the quality of street dust in the studied area in relation to pollution. A total of 30 cumulative samples were collected from the streets of Eslamshahr City. Concentrations of heavy metals were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results determined mean concentrations (mg/kg) of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in collected samples of street dust as 0.34, 35.1, 239, 42.4, 71.3, and 573, respectively. I_geo values for Cd and Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn showed level of moderately polluted, unpolluted, moderately to strongly polluted, unpolluted, moderately polluted and moderately to strongly polluted, respectively. The pattern of total metal concentrations in the studied area was ranked as follows: Zn and Cu>Pb>Cd>Ni>Cr. The highest values for the monomial potential ecological risk (E_r) were observed for Cd (114). The mean level of RI for the studied soil samples was 192 (91.3–244), which is classed as presenting a strong potential ecological risk.     

粤东沿海典型供水水库沉积物重金属污染特征

通过测定广东省东部沿海地区4座典型供水水库柱状沉积物主要重金属(Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd和Hg)含量,揭示了这4座水库沉积物重金属的污染特征及历史,并运用地积累指数及潜在生态危害指数法分别对表层沉积物重金属污染状态进行评价,最后分析了重金属可能来源。结果表明,除Cr外,Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd和Hg的含量均高于中国土壤环境质量标准Ⅰ类土标准值和工业化前全球沉积物重金属最高背景值,且4座水库间含量变异较大,表明4座水库沉积物均存在不同程度的重金属污染。据地积累指数评价,各重金属污染程度顺序为:Pb>Zn>Cd>Cu>Cr>Hg。潜在生态危害评价表明,河溪、汤溪及公平水库的生态危害程度要低于赤沙水库,各重金属污染程度顺序为:Cd>Hg>Pb>Cu>Zn>Cr,其中Cd和Hg对综合生态危害指数的贡献最大。4座水库沉积物重金属含量与人类活动强度表现出了较强的相互关系,流域内人类活动较强的公平、赤沙水库污染程度要明显高于人类活动较少的河溪和汤溪水库。     

厦门杏林湾表层沉积物重金属污染特征及潜在生态风险评价

论文对杏林湾表层沉积物重金属、有机碳和硫化物含量进行了检测,对数据作了相关性分析和因子分析,并应用潜在生态危害指数法对重金属的潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果表明:重金属之间有显著的相关性,Cu与Ni、Pb与Ni、Pb与Cr以及Cr与Hg之间的相关系数分别为0.786(P﹤0.05)、0.783(P﹤0.05)、0.937(P﹤0.01)和0.770(P﹤0.05)。重金属与有机碳及硫化物的相关性较差,表明该地区重金属污染来源与硫化物和有机碳并不相同。既有人为输入,又有自然的沉积过程。因子分析进一步解释了该水域重金属污染的主要来源。根据E_rⁱ均值大小,Hg的危害风险最大,Cr最小。6种重金属潜在生物毒性风险大小依次为:Hg > Pb > Cu > Cd > Ni > Cr。重金属的生态危害程度均较小,尚属轻微生态危害。     

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals (Zn,Cr, Pb,As and Cu) in sediments of Dohezar River,North of Iran,Tonekabon city

Sediments of the Dohezar River in Tonekabon contain high levels of heavy metals and therefore, they were chemically analyzed to determine concentrations of these elements. In fact, this research intended to evaluate the ecological risks of the heavy metals As, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Cu in the river sediments. Contamination indices such as enrichment factor and contamination factor, potential ecological risk index for each heavy metal (Ei), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were evaluated. Considering the average concentrations of the heavy metals at all of the Stations, the maximum average for the elements was zinc and the minimum was copper. Therefore, the averages of changes in the concentrations of the elements are Zn > Cr > Pb > As > Cu. Considering calculation of the enrichment factors for the heavy metals according to the EF classification table, the maximum number of Stations (43.02%) with respect to contamination with As were in class 4(moderately severe enrichment). With respect to enrichment of Pb, Zn, Cr, and copper, the rest of the stations with 83.72, 77.91, 86.05, and 69.77%, respectively, were in class 2 (minor enrichment). Considering the high concentrations of the studied elements in the sediments of the region compared to the background value, and based on calculations related to contamination factor, arsenic with the average of 11.9 exceeded the most from the standard limit. It was followed by Pb with 2.2, zinc with 2, Cr with 1.8, and Cu with1.6 (copper exceeding the least from the standard limit). With respect to Ei (the potential ecological risk index for each heavy metal), arsenic was the element with the highest environmental risk. Moreover, with respect to RI (potential ecological risk index), most Stations were in the low-grade range (low environmental risk). This research used statistical studies on correlation coefficients and cluster analysis to find the origin of the heavy metals in the sediments of the region. The low correlation between the heavy metals in the soil can indicate they probably did not have the same source. Moreover, these elements have different geochemical behaviors due to their low correlation. Finally, the kriging method was employed to extract interpolation maps of the spatial distribution for each of the heavy metals.     

深圳市不同功能区土壤表层重金属污染及其综合生态风险评价

在综合考虑深圳市城市功能区分异特征的基础上,进行全市表层土壤系统采样,全面监测土壤表层8种重金属元素污染状况,分析不同重金属元素含量的统计学特征,探讨不同城市功能区对土壤表层重金属污染的影响,采用内梅罗指数和潜在生态危害指数评估不同重金属元素和不同城市功能区的生态风险水平,分别进行基于两种方法的全市重金属污染生态风险分区。结果表明: 1)深圳市土壤表层的Mn、Ni、Cr和Pb 4种元素受人为活动的影响程度较低,Cd、Zn、Cu和As 4类元素受人为活动影响较大。地表环境约束因素背景下的高强度城市化和工业化过程,是各种重金属污染区域分异和功能区分异的决定性因素。2)深圳市土壤重金属污染风险较高的重金属元素为Cd、Zn、Cu和Pb,特别是Pb污染问题尤为突出,必须加强管控工作。深圳市总体土壤表层重金属污染风险水平高于国内相关城市,需要引起足够重视。3)内梅罗指数法和潜在生态危害指数法的侧重点不同,在单一重金属元素风险判断、不同城市功能区生态风险的总体评价,以及市域土壤重金属污染生态风险分级评价方面结果差异较大,组合使用效果更好。     

天山土壤微量(类)重金属的来源解析及潜在生态危害评估

从天山山地3个区段(巴里坤-伊吾、乌鲁木齐-阿克苏、昭苏-特克斯)采集土壤样品,测定了其中(类)重金属Pb、Ni、Cd、Co、Hg、Cu、Mn、Zn、Cr和As的含量.运用经典统计学与多元统计方法分析了这些(类)重金属的来源;同时采用污染指数法与潜在生态风险指数法,并结合天山及新疆土壤背景值、国家土壤质量标准开展了区域土壤微量(类)重金属生态风险的评价.结果表明： 所测10种(类)重金属的平均含量均高于天山或新疆土壤背景值.从变异系数来看,均为中等变异.总体上看,天山山地土壤中10种(类)重金属的含量均较低;主成分分析显示,10种元素可以辨识出 2 个主成分,主成分1(PC1,包括Cd、Pb、Hg、Mn和Zn)为人为源因子,主成分2(PC2,包括Cu、Ni、Cr、Co和As)为自然源因子.Mn 和As在PC1和PC2上均有较大载荷,主要受人为源和自然地质背景的共同控制;污染评价表明, 重金属Hg、Cd在天山中部的乌鲁木齐-阿克苏区段、As在天山西部的昭苏-特克斯区段的单因子污染指数(P_i)属于警戒等级,其他均属于安全等级和清洁水平.从综合污染(P_z)指数来看,天山中部乌鲁木齐 阿克苏区段土壤中10种(类)重金属元素的综合污染程度均属于轻度污染,其他两个区段均属于清洁水平;生态风险评估表明,重金属Hg、Cd在天山中部乌鲁木齐 阿克苏区段,As在天山西部昭苏 特克斯区段的潜在生态风险系数(E_i^r)和生态危害指数(RI)相对较高.     

新疆焉耆盆地辣椒地土壤重金属污染及生态风险预警

从新疆加工辣椒主产地(焉耆盆地)采集105个辣椒地典型土壤样品,测定其中As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Mn、Ni、Pb和Zn等8种重金属元素的含量。采用污染负荷指数(Pollution load index,PLI)、潜在生态风险指数(Potential ecological risk index,RI)和生态风险预警指数(Ecological risk warning index,I_(ER))对辣椒地土壤重金属污染及生态风险进行评价。结果表明:(1)焉耆盆地辣椒地土壤Cd、Cr、Ni、Pb和Zn含量的平均值分别超出新疆灌耕土背景值的1.65、1.40、1.32、3.21、6.42倍。辣椒地土壤Pb和Zn呈现重度污染,Cd、Cr和Ni轻度污染,As、Mn和Cu无污染。(2)土壤PLI平均值为1.40,呈现轻度污染。各重金属元素单项生态风险指数从大到小依次为:Cd、Ni、As、Cu、Pb、Cr、Zn。土壤RI平均值为18.40,属于轻微生态风险态势,IER平均值为-4.78,属于无警态势;博湖县辣椒地污染水平、潜在生态风险程度与生态风险预警等级最高,焉耆县污染水平、潜在生态风险程度与生态风险预警等级最低。(3)辣椒地土壤As、Cd、Pb与Zn主要受到人类活动的影响,Cr、Cu、Mn和Ni主要受到土壤地球化学作用的控制。Cd是焉耆盆地辣椒地生态风险等级最高的重金属元素,研究区农业生产过程中要防范Cd的污染风险。     

Heavy metal contamination in vegetables grown around peri-urban and urban-industrial clusters in Ghaziabad,India

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils resulting from rapid industrialization and urbanization is of great concern because of potential health risk due to dietary intake of contaminated vegetables. The present study aims to evaluate the status of heavy metals contamination of agricultural soils and food crops around an urban-industrial region in India. Transfer factor values of Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Ni from soil to vegetable was estimated. The mean heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in agricultural soils (Cu: 17.8, Cr: 27.3, Pb: 29.8, Cd: 0.43, Zn: 87, Mn: 306.6, Fe: 16984, and Ni: 53.8) were within allowable concentrations for Indian agricultural soil. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Ni in crops/vegetables exceeded the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization safe limits. Relative orders of transfer of metals from soil to edible parts of the crops/vegetables were Cd > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cr. The enrichment factors of heavy metals in soil indicated minor to moderately severe enrichment for Pb, Cd, and Ni; minor to moderate enrichment for Zn; no enrichment to minor enrichment for Mn; and no enrichment to moderate enrichment for Cu at different sites. Ecological risk index of soil showed considerable contamination in one of the wastewater irrigated sites.     

Total nitrogen and pH-controlled chemical speciation,bioavailability and ecological risk from Cd,Cr, Cu,Pb and Zn in the water level-fluctuating zone sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir

We investigated the distribution and chemical speciation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the water level-fluctuating (WLF) zone of the main stream (MS) and tributaries (ZX and MX) of the Three Gorges Reservoir. We evaluated the ecological risk and pollution level from heavy metals based on the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), Risk Assessment Code (RAC), and Ratio of Secondary Phase and Primary Phase (RSP). Our results indicated that the total and bio-available heavy metal contents were higher in the tributaries than in the MS. Moderate pollution from Cd and light pollution from Pb were observed both at the MS and ZX sites, whereas the MX site exhibited a pattern of heavy Cd pollution and light Cr and Pb pollution. In our study area, the results indicated that Cd exhibited a higher ecological risk than did the other heavy metals. Finally, the pH and nitrogen content of sediments may play a key role in controlling the amount of heavy metal bioavailability, further inducing a higher potential ecological risk.     

Assessment of the Distribution,Sources and Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in the Dry Surface Sediment of Aibi Lake in Northwest China

The distribution, sources and potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the sediment of lakes in eastern China and other areas of the world that have undergone rapid economic development have been widely researched by scholars. However, this is not true for heavy metals in the sediment of rump lakes in the arid regions of China and world-wide. Because of this, we chose Aibi Lake to serve as a typical rump lake in an oasis in an arid area in northwest China for our study. Sediment samples were collected from the lake and then the quantities of the heavy metals Pb, Ni, Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg and Cr were measured. Then using a variety of statistical methods, we analyzed the distribution, sources, pollution status and the potential ecological risk of these metals. The results show that: (1) The amounts of the seven heavy metals all fell within the Second Soil National Standard, but the average and maximum values were all higher than the background values of Xinjiang in northwest China. (2) Multivariate statistical analysis determined that the Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn in the sediment were mainly derived from man-sources, and Cu, Ni, and Cr were mainly from the natural geological background. (3) Enrichment factor analysis and the geo-accumulation index evaluation method show that Cd, Hg and Pb in the surface sediment of the Aibi Lake were at low and partial pollution levels, while Zn, Cr, Ni and Cu were at no and low pollution levels. (4) Calculation of the potential ecological hazards index found that, among the seven tested heavy metals, Cd, Hg and Pb were the main potential ecological risk factors, and the contribution of each was 42.6%, 28.6%, and 24.0%, respectively. Cd is the main potential ecological risk factor, followed by Hg and Pb. This work revealed that recent economic development of the Aibi Lake Basin has negatively influenced the accumulation of heavy metals in the sediments of the lake, and, therefore, we should pay increasing attention to this problem and take effective measures to protect the ecology of the Aibi Lake Basin. This work can provide a scientific basis for an early warning of heavy metal pollution and for protection of the environment. Furthermore, it can serve as a reference when creating policies for the economic development in Aibi Lake Basin and environmental protection of rump lakes in arid regions of northwest China and other areas of the world.