Metal Speciation and Contamination in Dredged Harbor Sediments from Kaohsiung Harbor,Taiwan

The status of metal speciation and contamination of sediments in Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan, was evaluated by a five-step sequential extraction procedure (exchangeable, carbonate, Fe–Mn oxides, organic matter, and residual). Eleven dredged sediment samples from various locations in the harbor were characterized in terms of heavy metals, grain size, and total organic carbons. Results showed that Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Mn had different species composition patterns. The degree of sediment contamination was determined for an individual contamination factor (ICF) and a global contamination factor (GCF); results showed that Kaohsiung Harbor had a high potential risk for Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu. Based on GCF values, the results showed that those stations, located in the vicinity of the river mouth, fish port, and industrial sites, contributed high potential risk to Kaohsiung Harbor. The potential risk of heavy metals to the environment was assessed for risk using the risk assessment code (RAC) and results showed that Pb, Cd, Zn, and Mn generally created a medium to high risk, and Hg, Cr, Cu, and Ni generally created a low to medium risk.     

Heavy metals in water,sediments, fish and plants of river Hindon,U.P., India

We analysed the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the water, sediments, fish and plants of the River Hindon, U.P., India, at seven sampling stations, in the year 1982. Considerable variation in concentration between water, sediments, fish and plants were noted. The concentration in the water was in the order Fe > Zn > Cr > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd, in the sediments, Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > - Co > Cu > Pb > Cd; in a fish (Heteropnuestes fossilis) Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cu > Cd > Cr, and in a plant (Eicchornia crassipes) Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > Cd.     

Distribution of heavy metals and their chemical speciation in sediments from the Abelardo L. Rodríguez Dam,Sonora, México

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of total and bioavailable metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in sediments of the Abelardo L. Rodríguez (ALR) dam located in the eastern part of the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Seventy two sediment samples were collected in 2009 during four sampling campaigns in February (spring), May (summer), September (end of summer) and December (winter) in five different areas within the dam surface (Zones I, II, III, IV and V), including the Gate Station. Determination of heavy metals was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). The results indicate high levels of total heavy metals in the following order: Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd. This is indicative of the impact of human activities located in areas surrounding the reservoir, specifically urban and industrial. The distribution and state of accumulation of trace metals in the sediment is largely dominated by the residual and Fe/Mn oxides geochemical phases. Fraction I (exchangeable) also presented high concentrations of metals (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn). From enrichment factor analysis, the study area is prevalently enriched in Cd, Cu and Pb in Zones I, II, III, IV and Gate Station. This indicates that the sediments are impacted by anthropogenic activities such as downloads, domestic and industrial wastewater. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicates that Zones I, II, III, IV and V (including Gate Station) do not show contamination by Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn. However, there is a moderate to heavy contamination by Cd, Cu and Pb (Igeo: 2–4) in all areas of study. The comparison between the results obtained with the sediment quality criteria (LEL and SEL), indicate that Zones I, II, III, IV, V and Gate Station, are contaminated with Cd, Cu and Pb, and severely contaminated by Fe.

The elevated levels of heavy metals detected in the sediment of the ALR Dam require special attention, since in the exchangeable fraction, the metals are specifically adsorbed on the sediment and can be released when the ionic composition of water changes. However, additional studies are required in this reservoir on the chemistry and toxicology of metals for a full assessment of potential risks posed to biota and man.     

Geochemical associations,risk assessment,and source identification of selected metals in sediments from the Suez Gulf,Egypt

Sequential extraction procedure has been carried out to scrutinize the geochemical association of Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), and Manganese (Mn) with the main sedimentary phases (exchangeable, carbonate, Fe-Mn oxides, organic, and residual fraction) at 10 marine sediment samples collected from the Suez Gulf. Global contamination factor was used to identify the pollution hotspots, which indicated the existence of intensive metal contamination at stations close to the northern part of the Gulf, especially for Cd, Cu, and Pb. The potential ecological risk indices: Potential ecological risk index, risk assessment code, and modified risk assessment code revealed that there are potential hazards to marine biota caused by Cd, Cu, and Pb due to the increased levels of these metals in the labile fractions, which are vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions. This work is a good basis for further studies about metal fractionation in the Suez Gulf. It is also very helpful for government decisions about the development of the Gulf.     

珍稀濒危植物矮牡丹体内矿质元素的研究

采用原子吸收分光光度法测定了矮牡丹体内的10种矿质元素,即K、Mg、Mn、Fe、Ni、Zn、Cu、Cd、Cr、Pb。分析了矿质元素在矮牡丹体内的分布规律及矮牡丹对各种元素的富集能力。结果表明:在不同器官中的矿质元素含量有显著差异, K、Mg、Mn、Ni、Cd、Cr、Pb以叶中为高, Fe、Zn、Cu分别以根、茎、叶柄中含量最高;大多数元素在叶柄中含量最低。矮牡丹对K、Mg、Mn、Fe、Zn有较强的吸收富集能力,一般叶的富集系数较其它器官为高。元素间相关分析表明:Zn、Cd、Cr、Pb、Mn、Fe、Ni、Cu之间有显著的相关性, K、Mg之间的相关性显著。此外,土壤与植物体内元素含量表现出显著的相关性。     

The trace element contents in tissues of Dolly Varden <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus malma</Emphasis> Walbaum, 1792 sympatric morphs from Lake Kronotskoe (Kamchatka)

The liver, gonads, gills, and muscles of five trophically distant charr morphs from Lake Kronotskoe, as well as silty sediments of the lake, were tested for trace-element contents. Concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, As, and Se were detectable in the fish tissues, while the xenobiotics Hg, Cd, and Pb were not determined. The current data indicate a strong correlation between trace-element content and the ecology of each morph and no relationship to the fish length. In the majority, the Ni, Cu, and Zn levels were strongly dependent on trophic biology. The contents of Rb, Mn, and Se were dependent on the distribution of the charr morphs along the depth gradient and correlated with the accumulation of these elements in the bottom sediments.     

Heavy metal accumulation in aquatic animals around the gold mine area of Loei province,Thailand

This research was conducted to assess the water quality and the contamination of heavy metals in water, sediment, fish, and frogs, as well as bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) in fish and frogs around the gold mine area. The water samples were analyzed for water quality (temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen). The samples were analyzed for heavy metals by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The water quality was within the standard. The concentrations of heavy metals, including As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu, in water and sediment samples were measured. Three species of fish were collected: Rasbora tornieri, Brachydanio albolineata, and Systomus rubripinnis. The mean heavy metal concentrations of fish were as follows: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cr>Ni>Cu>As>Pb>Cd. The As, Cr, and Pb concentrations in all the fish species exceeded the standard levels. Five species of frogs were collected: Kaloula pulchra, Microhyla heymonsi, Fejervarya limnocharis, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, and Microhyla pulchra. The mean heavy metal concentrations of frog were as follows: Fe>Cu>Mn>Zn>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd>As. The Cr, Cd, and Cu concentrations exceeded the standard levels. The BAFs in fish were in order of Cr>Zn>Ni>Cu>Pb>Fe>Cd>As. The BAFs in frogs were Cr>Zn>Ni>Cu>Fe>Pb>Cd>As. The accumulation of heavy metals was higher in the sediment than in the water. Many aquatic organisms take up heavy metals directly from the environment around the gold mine.     

Biomonitoring with the BuzzardButeo buteo in the Netherlands: Heavy metals and sources of variation

The feasibility of using Buzzards found dead as indicators of environmental contamination was tested. Liver, kidney, and tibia specimens were examined for the presence of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Fe, which were used as markers. All buzzards submitted to the Veterinary Institute in 1992 were examined for cause of death and condition. Results showed that more than half had been poisoned or shot. As the condition of the birds worsened, fat reserves were depleted before protein reserves. Concentrations of the heavy metals rose in liver and kidney as nutrient reserves fell. Since the content of heavy metal per organ was not related to body condition, content was considered a better measure for biomonitoring. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, or Fe measured in buzzards were not toxic. In several places buzzards had recently ingested relatively large amounts Cd and/or Pb. Buzzards with high contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Mn were found in areas having more than average contamination. The North-South gradient in aerosol deposition and soil content of heavy metals (especially Cd & Pb) was reflected in the Buzzard. We concluded that the Buzzard is a suitable and cost-effective biomonitor, to investigate the bioavailability of ecocontaminants in large areas, to signal gross changes in food webs, and to monitor raptor persecution.     

Geochemical and Statistical Evaluation of Heavy Metal Status in the Region around Jinxi River,China

China's rapid industrialization and mining activities have led to rigorous deterioration in the quality of soil and water. This study aimed at evaluating the environmental impacts of industrial activities around the Jinxi River using geochemical and statistical methods. To attain this aim, water and sediment samples were collected from 14 sites along the Jinxi River and around Lake Qingshan, and analyzed for their concentrations of heavy metals using ICP-mass. The results show that the concentrations of studied heavy metals didn't exceed the maximum permissible limits (MPL) in water, except for Fe and Cu. For sediment analysis, according to sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the studied sediment samples varied from non-polluted to heavy rate for Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Mn, Zn, and Fe and non-polluted for Cd and Pb. In addition, the sites adjacent to Lina’n City were significantly enriched with Cr, Cu, Cd, and Zn and extremely enriched with As and Se. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analyses revealed that an anthropogenic source was the main source for heavy metals in the river system. We concluded that geochemical and statistical analyses can provide useful information for water quality assessment. Furthermore, the Chinese government should formulate strict laws to prevent the water streams from contamination.     

Concentrations of Trace Metals in Dominant Aquatic Plants of the Lake Provala (Vojvodina, Yugoslavia)

The trace metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Sr, and Cr) contents in the most common submerged and floating aquatic plants Ceratophyllum demersum L., Myriophyllum spicatum L., and Nymphoides flava Hill. of Provala Lake were evaluated. Considerable higher contents of iron, manganese, zinc, nickel, lead and strontium were found in submerged species than in the floating ones. The presence of cadmium and lead in plant tissues points to a certain degree of lake water pollution.     

The exposure level of heavy metals at four different locations near Gan-Ning-Meng reaches of the Yellow River,China

Hair, water, and sediment samples (n = 69, 27, and 24, respectively) were collected at four locations (P1–P4) along the Yellow River Gan-Ning-Meng (GNM) reaches, China. Total elemental contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to investigate their distribution and exposure levels in the different media. Results showed that trace metals had widely spatial variability in water and hair samples. There were the highest levels of mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn (geometric mean, GM = 0.22, 17, 65, 3.0, 4.9, and 170 μg/g, respectively) in residents' hairs living at P2. Most of the hair donors in this study showed high concentrations of Cr when compared with the literature. Differences could be distinguished for Mn (p = 0.001) and Fe (p = 0.001) with gender, and for Cr (p = 0.021), Zn (p = 0.003), and Pb (p = 0.035) with age, respectively. The pollution assessments revealed an unpolluted degree in filtered water and a moderately polluted degree for Cd in sediments at P1–P4. Correlation analysis showed significant correlations between hair and sediment samples for Cr and Mn. This paper provides basic and useful information in facing public and environmental health challenges in the GNM sections of the Yellow River.     

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.     

Analysis of trace metals in the Antarctic host-parasite system Notothenia coriiceps and Aspersentis megarhynchus (Acanthocephala) caught at King George Island,South Shetland Islands

Concentrations of the elements Al, Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sr were analysed by high-performance quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS) in the acanthocephalan Aspersentis megarhynchus and in different tissues of its final host, Notothenia coriiceps. Infected fish were sampled at King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Most of the elements were found at significantly higher concentrations in the acanthocephalan than in muscle, liver and intestine of its host. Only Fe was concentrated in fish liver to a significantly higher level than in the parasite. Compared with the host tissues, the highest accumulation rates in A. megarhynchus were found for Pb, Cd, Ag, Ni and Cu. The acanthocephalans showed very high Ag and Pb levels, whereas the concentrations in the fish tissues were close to the detection limit. This study is the first proof that the enormous heavy-metal accumulation capacity reported for acanthocephalans from freshwater fish also occurs in acanthocephalans parasitizing marine fish. Consequently, acanthocephalans can be used to assess the occurrence and availability of even the lowest metal concentrations in all kinds of aquatic habitats, including remote areas such as the Antarctic.     

Accumulation of Minerals by Leccinum scabrum from Two Large Forested Areas in Central Europe: Notecka Wilderness and Tuchola Forest (Pinewoods)

Leccinum scabrum sporocarps and associated topsoils from two areas in Poland have been characterized for contents and bioconcentration potential of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn. Topsoil and fruitbody element composition varied between the two study sites, most likely as a result of local soil geochemistry. Element content of the labile fraction in topsoil from both sites followed the ‘pseudo‐total’ fraction and median values (mg kg^?1 dry matter) were: K 380 and 340, Mg 760 and 840, P 1100 and 920, Al 3800 and 8100, Ag 0.31 and 0.28, Ba 28 and 37, Ca 920 and 790, Cd 0.23 and 0.23, Co 2.0 and 1.7, Cu 3.2 and 3.6, Fe 2800 and 6300, Mn 280 and 180, Na 99 and 110, Ni 7.8 and 8.8, Pb 12 and 18, Rb 1.3 and 2.1, Sr 4.8 and 4.0 and Zn 22 and 19, respectively. Only for some elements such as K, Mg, Al, Ag, Ca, Co, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr and Zn we found concentration differences between the two study sites for the caps of sporocarps. With the exception of Al, Mn, Na and Pb, stipes showed a similar tendency. Caps had a higher concentration of K, Rb, P, Mg, Al, Ag, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni compared to stipes, while Na, Ba and Sr contents were higher in stipes. The comparison of soil and fruitbody concentrations indicates that L. scabrum bioconcentrate some elements while others are bioexcluded.     

Comparative Evaluation of Trace Metal Distribution and Correlation in Human Malignant and Benign Breast Tissues

Selected trace metals were analyzed in human malignant and nonmalignant (benign) breast tissue samples by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. In malignant tissues, dominant mean concentrations were revealed by Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Al at 927, 552, 231, 61.7, 36.5, 18.3, and 8.94 microg/g, respectively, while the mean metal levels in benign tissues were 903, 435, 183, 63.3, 24.7, 14.5, and 10.1 microg/g, respectively. Average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, K, Ca, and Zn were noted to be significantly higher in the malignant tissues compared with the benign tissues. Significantly strong correlations (r > 0.50) in malignant tissues were observed between Mn and Co, Mn and Cd, Cd and Cr, Fe and Mn, Cd and Co, Fe and Co, Mg and Pb, Cd and Fe, Mg and Ni, Pb and Ni, Ni and Sr, and Fe and Pb, whereas, Cd and Co, Cd and Mn, Co and Mg, Co and Mn, Cu and Mn, Co and Ni, Mg and Ni, Cd and Cu, Cd and Ni, Ca and Mg, Mn and Pb, Cu and Ni, Fe and Ni, Cd and Mg, Co and Cu, Cr and Na, and Cd and Cr revealed strong and significant relationships in benign tissues at p < 0.001. Principal component analysis of the metals data yielded six principal components for malignant tissues and five principal components for benign tissues, with considerably different loadings, duly supported by cluster analysis. The study revealed a considerably different pattern of distribution and mutual correlations of trace metals in the breast tissues of benign and cancerous patients.     

Trace Element Level in Different Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus frisii kutum</Emphasis> Collected from Tajan River,Iran

Tajan River is among the most significant rivers of the Caspian Sea water basin. In this study, the concentration of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn were determined in brain, heart, liver, gill, bile, and muscle of Rutilus frisii kutum which has great economic value in the Mazandaran state. Trace element levels in fish samples were analyzed by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. Nearly all non-essential metals levels (Ni, Pb, Cd) detected in tissues were higher than limits for fish proposed by FAO/WHO, EU, and TFC. Generally, non-essential metals (Ni, Pb) were so much higher in muscle than the essential metals (Cu, Zn, and Mn) except Fe, which was higher than other metals in nearly all parts, except in gills. Fe distribution pattern in tissues was in order of heart > brain > liver > muscle > bile > gill. Distribution patterns of metal concentrations in the muscle of fish as a main edible part followed the sequence: Fe > Pb > Ni > Cu > Mn > Zn > Cd.     

Assessment of Anthropogenic Influence on Heavy Metals Contamination in the Aquatic Ecosystem Components: Water,Sediment, and Fish

Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, and As) concentration was investigated in the industrial effluents, water, sediment, and fish samples collected around the Dhaka Export Processing Zone, Savar, Bangladesh, to evaluate the level of contamination. The metals concentration in the industrial effluents of DEPZ and in the water samples of Dhalaibeel (lowland cum lake) and Bangshi River were significantly higher compared to the guideline values for industrial effluents and for drinking water (WHO and USEPA), respectively. The sedimentary metal concentrations were found to be lower than the respective probable effect concentrations (PECs) following the sediment quality guidelines. Furthermore, in comparison with the fish standards, the studied fish species were not found to be contaminated by heavy metals. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis demonstrated that the wastewater from the numerous industries and the domestic sewages around the DEPZ might have a possible impact on heavy metals contamination in the study area. The Pearson correlation analysis showed significant correlations (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) between most of the metals in the samples of effluents, water, sediments, and fish muscles. The percentage enrichment factor (EF%) and geo-accumulation index () were followed to evaluate metal contamination in the sediment samples. Dhalaibeel sediment was maximally enriched for Cr (53.55%) and Bangshi River sediment for Zn (54.37%). The geo-accumulation index values for the sediment samples were less than zero, indicating that the sediment samples were free from contamination. This study could be used as a model study to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on heavy metals contamination in aquatic ecosystems.     

包头南海子湿地三种鹭鸟羽毛与环境中重金属含量的关系

于2016年7至10月采用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法(ICP-OES),测定了内蒙古包头南海子湿地繁殖期过后的白琵鹭(Platalea leucorodia)、苍鹭(Ardea cinerea)和夜鹭(Nycticorax nycticorax)3种鹭鸟初级飞羽及环境因子(水、土壤、食物)中As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn、Fe、Mn、Hg 10种重金属的含量,采用单因素方差分析方法比较了不同鹭鸟种类羽毛重金属含量差异,并通过生物富集系数及Pearson相关性检验分析了羽毛与环境因子间重金属含量之间的关系,以揭示包头南海子湿地环境中重金属污染现状及生物富集特征。结果表明:(1)被检测的10种重金属中,As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn、Hg 7种元素在湿地环境中均已超标,尤其土壤中Fe、Zn、Cu已达到重度污染的程度。(2)不同重金属元素在鹭鸟羽毛中的含量存在差异,其中Fe元素在白琵鹭羽毛中的含量水平最高(388.77 mg/kg),Cd元素在夜鹭羽毛中的含量最低(0.12 mg/kg)。在鹭鸟羽毛中重金属含量由高至低的顺序分别为,白琵鹭Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu、Hg、Cr、Ni、Pb、As、Cd,苍鹭Zn、Fe、Cu、Cr、Ni、As、Mn、Hg、Pb、Cd,夜鹭Zn、Fe、Mn、Cu、Ni、Pb、Hg、Cr、As、Cd。除Pb和Cd元素外,其他8种元素含量在3种鹭鸟羽毛中的含量种间差异显著。(3)相关分析表明,鹭鸟羽毛中的重金属含量与环境因子中的重金属含量显著相关且呈现富集特征,为此可作为监测当地环境污染的指示性材料。     

Studies on the Characteristic of Element Contents in the Dominant Plant Species of the Three gorges Region in China

The characteristics of the contents of 20 elements (Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, K, S, Si, P, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ti, Ni, Sr, Mo, Na, B, Cr, V) in 16 plant species collected from the Three Gorges Region in China were investigated. The average contents of Ca, K and Mg were higher than 1 000 μg·g-1, that of Al, P, Si, Fe, S and Mn ranged between 100—1 000 μg·g-1 and Ti, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, Cd and V were less than 10 μg·g- 1. The level of Na content was less than that of the reported. The main character of the element contents was of the Ca> K type. The contents of P, S, Ca and K in different plant samples showed a normal distribution pattern, while Al and Mn showed a elements lognormal distribution pattern. Plant species differed greatly in the element contents. On analyzing the coefficient of variation (C. V., % ), Al, Mn, Mg, Ni, Sr and Fe had higher C.V., while the C.V. of K, S, P, Cr, Cd and Cu was less than 60%, and Cu had the lowest C.V. The correlations between Al and Fe, Al and Ti, Al and Cr, A1 and V, Cd and Sr, Cd and Mo, Fe and V, Zn and Cr, Ni and Sr, Mg and Ni, Mo and Sr, Ca and Sr, Cr and Mo, Na and Mg, Na and P, P and S were statistically significant in different plant species. The classification of the 16 plant species and 20 dements by two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) method may suggest the difference in dement contents of the different plant species.     

Trace element concentrations of oligochaetes and relations to sediment characteristics in the reservoir at Altenwörth/Austria

Summary The sediments of the River Danube in the Reservoir at Altenwörth/Lower Austria, are moderately polluted with Zn, Pb, and Cd, whereas concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu and Ni are typical of background values. Deposit-feeding oligochaetes living in these sediments were analyzed for their trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) to study pathways of recycling of sediment bound amounts to the food web. Compared with background values of benthic deposit feeders from the literature, Cu and As are low, whereas some samples were enhanced in Pb, Cd and Zn. Within the rather narrow concentration ranges, relations of tissue concentrations with chemical and mineralogical compositions of the sediment were hardly found. Increase of clay mineral contents went in parallel with increasing Cd, Zn, and Cu in the tissues, and As in the tissues with total As content. Pb in the tissues was closely related to Pb-concentrations in the pore water. By means of sequential leaching, some further relations between trace element contents in the tissues and solid phases were found. The organic detrital phase positively correlates with As-uptake, whereas hydroxylamine-reducible Mn/Fe-oxyhydroxides influence the Pb-level, and dithionite-reducible Fe/Mn influence the Cu-level. Exchangeable and weak-acid-mobile fractions of the respective metals, however, did not correlate with tissue-levels, nor did the oxalate-extractable Fe-hydroxide coatings, which carry a major part of the heavy metals at fine grain sizes in the Danube sediments investigated. Zn in the tissues was largely independent from all investigated parameters.