Trace element concentration and arsenic speciation in the well water of a Taiwan area with endemic Blackfoot disease

Blackfoot disease is a peripheral vascular disease resulting in gangrene of the lower extremities. Although extensive epidemiological study has implicated high arsenic content in artesian well water in the endemic area, there is more to learn about the etiology of the disease. In this study, effort is paid on multielement determination and arsenic speciation in order to find out whether the trace element concentration pattern in well water in the Blackfoot disease endemic area is different from those of two control areas. Experimental results indicate that the concentrations of Fe, P, Na, and Ba in well water in the Blackfoot disease endemic area are found to be significantly higher than those of the controls, but they are still below the drinking water standard. The total arsenic in well water in the endemic area (671±149 ppb) is much higher than that of one normal control area of Hsin-Chu (<0.7 ppb), but is a similar level as that of other control areas of I-Lan (653±71 ppb) where no Blackfoot disease has ever been found. It was also found that the insoluble arsenic in the endemic area (21.9 ppb) is much higher than that in two control areas (≤1.8 ppb), and the concentration ratio between As(III) and As(V) species in the endemic area (2.6) is much lower than that in one of the control areas, where the total arsenic is also high (14.7). The possible connection of Blackfoot disease with trace elements, arsenic species, and possibly other as yet undefined environmental factors in the artesian well water, is discussed.     

Chemical Speciation and Mobility of Some Trace Elements in Vermicomposted Fly Ash

Fly ash, a by-product of power plants, is currently being used extensively in India for soil amendment. However, the toxic elements sorbed in the fly ash might pose a serious threat to the environment, causing soil and water contamination. Vermicomposting of fly ash is expected to reduce the contamination of toxic trace metal and could improve the mobility of essential trace element. The current study is focused on characterizing different species of trace metals and their bio-availability in the vermicomposted fly ash (VCFA)-treated lateritic soil. As a fertilizer, different doses (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) of VCFA were applied to the soil and sequential extraction was carried out to analyze trace elements. In the different fractions, Cr < Mn < Pb < Fe were found to be sorbed more to Fe-Mn oxide-bound fractions, whereas Cd, Cu, and Zn were bound more to organic-matter-bound fractions; Cr and Ni were mostly bound to residual fraction. The Fe-Mn oxides and organic-matter-bound fractions may be bio-available with the appropriate environmental condition, whereas chromium and nickel mostly associated with residual fraction are very difficult to release into the environment. The mobility factor index showed the midlevel substitution (i.e., 10% to 30% of VCFA to lateritic soil) to be beneficial as these doses increased the bio-availability of some essential trace elements and restricted the availability toxic trace metals in the soil. At higher doses, the toxic trace metals were found to be released in the bio-available form, which could be hazardous to the environment.     

Speciation of trace element compounds in samples of biota from marine ecosystems

Abstract

The toxicity, mobility, bioavailability and bioaccumulation of metals are dependent on the particular physico-chemical form in which the element occurs in the environment. Special attention has been paid to metals which are essential for the proper functioning of organisms if present in appropriate amounts but are toxic if in excess (i.e. Se, Cr), and also to non-essential elements (i.e. Hg, Pb, Cd, Sn and As). To assess the potential hazard to the health of marine organisms, qualitative and quantitative analyses of metal species accumulating along the food chain needs to be carried out. This paper reviews the available information on the speciation of trace elements in the food chain in marine ecosystems and the analytical tools used for acquiring reliable information in this field. Advantages and limitations of commonly used techniques indicate that all metal species in different samples need diverse extraction, separation and detection conditions. Although not recommending which procedure is the most suitable to determine a given compound, speciation analysis has the potential to be a powerful tool for the identification of trace element species in biological samples.     

The water quality of the two Maarsseveen Lakes in relation to their hydrodynamics

The hydrodynamics of the two Maarsseveen Lakes are the main cause of the difference in water quality. The meso-oligotrophic Lake I is mainly supplied by groundwater and rainwater while the eutrophic Lake II is fed by water from the River Vecht. Both lakes, however, have a relative high concentration of Zn and Cd in their water system and sediment. The mean concentrations of Zn and Cd in the water system are even higher than in the River Vecht. Measurements of atmospheric deposition (dry and wet) illustrated high levels of Zn, Cd and Cu transported to this area. There are indications that three metallurgical industries located in this region are responsible for the high deposition of these metals in the lakes (PULLES, 1986).     

Drinking water quality and arsenic health risk assessment in Sistan and Baluchestan,Southeastern Province,Iran

Access to drinking water is one of the most important indicators determined by the World Health Organization (WHO). This investigation surveyed the concentration of various pollutants in drinking water and its health risk attribute to Arsenic in Sistan and Baluchistan province, Iran. Water samples were collected from ground water and analyzed for physical parameters, anions, and heavy metals using the standard procedures. The concentrations of sulfate (269 ± 127 mg/l) in five sites exceeded the permissible limit (250 mg/l), while chlorine concentrations (223 ± 100 mg/l) in four sites exceeded the permissible limit (250 mg/l) set by WHO. Similarly, the concentrations of Mg (30 ± 11 mg/l) in four sites exceeded the permissible limit (30 mg/l), while Na concentrations (222 ± 99 mg/l) in five sites exceeded the permissible limit (200 mg/l) set by Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). In addition, arsenic was in acceptable levels recommended by WHO and local regulations. Based on the calculated indices of hazard qutient (HR) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), the in-use drinking water has no adverse effects on the consumer's health. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, unsuitable sewerage systems, and inappropriate sludge and solid waste disposal in this province can lead to drinking water pollution. Also, excessive pumping of ground water should be managed as an effective method for supply of safe drinking water.     

青龙河底栖无脊椎动物群落结构及其水质评价

本文论述了青龙河底栖生物种类、数量、分布和结构等特点及其与环境因子间的关系。应用Beck、Gleason、Shannon、Simpson等生物指数对水质状况进行评价。结果表明青龙河除个别断面受污染外,大部分河段属尚清洁水。     

The need for biological assessment of water quality: Australian perspective

Abstract Biological assessment of water quality in Australia is entering a stage of rapid development largely because of the inclusion of biological indicators in water quality guidelines and growing concern for ecological values. Approaches to water quality assessment include toxicity testing, use of biomarkers and several methods using community structure. For assessment diverse organisms such as fish, algae and (the most commonly used) macro-invertebrates are used. Interaction of data analysis with methods of data collection requires co-ordinated research on both fronts. Recent developments in the use of multivariate statistics to produce models for predicting water quality are likely to be useful in Australia. Much innovative work is still needed in Australia on the use of algae and fish, defining tolerance categories and establishing monitoring programmes performed in time-frames equivalent to those in use for physical and chemical methods.     

Usefulness of the hydrogen sulfide test for assessment of water quality in Bangladesh

Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of the hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) test for assessing water quality in Bangladesh. Methods and Results: We tested 382 water samples from a variety of sources using locally produced H₂S test kits and laboratory‐based membrane filtration for the detection of Escherichia coli. Compared with membrane filtration, H₂S tests, when incubated for 24 h, had both a sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of <40% when analysis was restricted to water samples with E. coli levels below 100 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 ml. In contrast, for E. coli levels from 1000 to 9999 CFU per 100 ml, sensitivity was 94% and PPV 88%; specificity was 97% and negative predictive value was 99%. Conclusions: The hydrogen sulfide test, when incubated at 24 h, is a promising alternative for assessing water quality where E. coli levels may be high. An improved understanding of the incremental impact of contamination level on health is needed to better determine its usefulness. Significance and Impact of the Study: The hydrogen sulfide test is inexpensive, easy to use and portable. Its use may allow rapid assessment of water quality in situations where cost or logistics prevent use of other testing methods, such as in remote areas or during floods and other natural disasters.     

Bioassay testing for Australia as part of water quality assessment programmes

Abstract Bioassay testing includes both toxicity (one or more effects is measured) and bioaccumulation (the phenomenon of tissue accumulation is measured) tests. Both types of bioassay tests have an important place in water quality assessment programmes, ideally beginning with initial screening and as part of tiered testing that includes contaminant analyses and field studies. Both have advantages (e. g. measure bioavailability, provide quantitative data, experimental manipulations can address cause-effect relationships) and disadvantages (e. g. laboratory exposures do not necessarily reflect field conditions, not all organisms can be tested). Both provide essential, but not all, information necessary for holistic water quality assessments. This paper provides a review of the use of bioassays including definitions, applications, advantages and disadvantages, utility and relevance. The utility of bioassays in monitoring programmes is illustrated by two case studies. The first case study, involving novel toxicity studies conducted in the high Arctic, illustrates the versatility of bioassays such that testing conducted in a tent on the ice resulted in new knowledge and a change in industrial discharge limits. The second case study further illustrates the importance of bioassays in decision making. In this case, a decision not to immediately spend hundreds of millions of dollars for sewage treatment, but rather to concentrate on source control, was made based in large part on bioassay testing conducted as part of an integrated environmental assessment.     

Assessment of water quality and health risks for toxic trace elements in urban Phewa and remote Gosainkunda lakes,Nepal

The concentration of 13 metals (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) and their associated health risk assessment was performed for two Himalayan lakes, urban Phewa and remote Gosainkunda, from Nepal. Water Quality Index (WQI), Metal Index (MI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index, and Cancer Risk were calculated in order to evaluate the water quality of these lakes. Correlation analysis revealed that Mn and Fe were derived from natural geological weathering processes and Pb, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd might have originated from anthropogenic sources. The results revealed that WQI of the remote lake fell into excellent water quality and urban lake fell into poor water quality, which is also supported by the MI calculation. Moreover, the HQ of Mn in urban lake showed values greater than unity suggesting its health risk to the local inhabitants. The cancer index values indicated “high” risk due to Cr, whereas Cd possesses “very low” cancer risk on local population residing nearby areas. This study provides the useful database and suggests for the regular assessment and policy formulation for safeguarding the natural water bodies in the region.     

The evaluation of inorganic phosphate species in salt water lake sediments

Abstract

Surface sediments drawn from 10 shallow bays have been subjected to selective extraction in order to sub-divide the total P content into sub-categories such as water soluble P, Ca-P, Al-P and Fe-P. The reagents selected were similar to systems used in soil analysis, but evaluation of the procedures showed that the species values varied with time of extraction, weight of sediment taken, volume of extradant and chemical nature of the sediment. In water extractions, the P levels appeared to be determined by saturation with a sparingly soluble salt, while in acidic media P extract levels peaked (using different experimental conditions) due to loss of extracted P as a new phase (e.g. CaHPO₄) or through re-adsorption on other components.

The optimum conditions for P speciation in sediments must be determined from a series of preliminary studies because each of the five sediments studied in detail displayed individual characteristic behaviour.     

Distribution of iron, cobalt, zinc and selenium in macrofungi

Samples of wild growing ectomycorrhizal and terrestrial saprobic macrofungi (mushrooms) were collected from unpolluted areas and analyzed for their iron, cobalt, zinc and selenium content. Trace elements were determined using long-term instrumental neutron activation analysis. In total, 217 samples, including 87 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi and 43 species of terrestrial saprobes, were examined. Distribution of trace element contents in ectomycorrhizal and saprobic macrofungi was investigated; results are thoroughly compared with previously published data. Doubtful literature data and ability of macrofungi to accumulate/concentrate investigated elements are discussed. Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca was found to concentrate Fe and Russula atropurpurea was confirmed as an effective Zn-accumulating species. Distribution of Se in ectomycorrhizal species was obviously different from that in saprobic species; selenium contents were higher in saprobic species (mostly above 2 ppm).     

Evaluation of copper speciation and water quality factors that affect aqueous copper tasting response

This study determined taste thresholds for copper as its speciation was varied among free cupric ion, complexed cupric ion, and precipitated cupric particles. The impact of copper chemistry on taste is important as copper is added to many beverages and can be present in drinking water as a natural mineral or due to corrosion of copper plumbing. A one-of-five test was used to define thresholds with solutions containing 0.025-8 mg/l Cu (from copper sulfate) in distilled or mineralized water of varying pH. The mineralized water was designed to mimic the composition of a typical tap water. Group thresholds for copper in either distilled-deionized water or mineralized water were not significantly different and ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 mg/l Cu. A difference from control test was used to assess the impact of soluble and particulate copper on taste. Soluble copper species, including free cupric ion and complexed copper species, were readily tasted, while particulate copper was poorly tasted.     

The use of diatoms to assess past and present water quality

Abstract Diatoms possess a number of attributes which contribute to their suitability as biological indicators. They are highly sensitive to water chemistry changes, abundant in aquatic environments, largely cosmopolitan in distribution, less habitat dependent than macroinverte-brates and have a well-studied taxonomy and ecology. Furthermore, the preservation of diatom valves in lake sediments means that they can provide otherwise unavailable baseline data which can be used to assess and contextualize human impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The value of diatoms as bioindicators in contemporary and palaeolimnological studies has been well established overseas. Despite this, they have been under-utilized in Australia. This paper outlines some of the applications and potential for the use of diatoms as biological indicators in Australia.     

Determination of urinary beryllium,arsenic, and selenium in steel production workers

Some of the most pernicious dangers of pollution arise from the presence of traces of toxic elements in the environment. In this work, we report on the determination of beryllium, arsenic, and selenium in the urine of steel production and steel quality control (QC) workers, in comparison to healthy control subjects. The urine samples were digested by a microwave system. Graphite furnace and hydride atomic absorption was used for the quantitative measurements of Be and As and Se, respectively. A quality control method for these procedures was established with concurrent analysis of Standard Trace Metals 7879 Level II and NIST SRM 2670 (Toxic Elements in Freeze Dried Urine). The results show that the urinary levels of these elements in steel production (As, 38.1±28.7 μg/L; Be, 1.58±0.46 μg/L, and Se, 69.2±28.8μg/L) and in quality control workers (As, 23.9±18.1 μg/L; Be, 1.58±0.46 μg/L, and Se, 54.8±25.1 μg/L) are significantly higher than in the controls (As, 10.3±8.7 μg/L; Be, 0.83±0.46 μg/L; and Se, 32.3±13.5 μg/L). The possible connection of these elements with the etiology of disease and the possible role of selenium as a protective agent against the oncogenic and teratogenic action of other substances is discussed. We suggest the need for improvement of environmental conditions in the workplace through better ventilation and industrial hygiene practices.     

Determination of urinary arsenic, mercury, and selenium in steel production workers

The fumes and dust of trace elements and their compounds are very toxic and have been related to an increase in the incidence of diseases. Occupational exposure to toxic metals and metalloids can be determined by means of workplace air measurements and biological monitoring. The aim of our investigation was to determine the concentrations of As, Hg, and Se in urine samples under routine clinical laboratory conditions. To assess the reliability of these methods, critical factors such as detection limit(s), calibration range(s), cost, accuracy, and precision were studied. The method was employed for the quantitative determination of arsenic, mercury, and selenium in urine samples from steel production and quality control workers and healthy unexposed controls. After pretreatment with acids, the samples were digested by means of a microwave oven. Arsenic was determined by hydride atomic absorption spectrometry and mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas selenium was determined by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicate those urinary arsenic, mercury, and selenium levels of the exposed workers are significantly higher than those of the controls. The possibility that these elements are involved in the etiology of diseases is discussed and recommendations are made to improve workplace ventilation and industrial hygiene practices.     

Copper,zinc, and selenium in whole blood and thyroid tissue of people with various thyroid diseases

We investigated the possible differences among the concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium, and their mutual relations in the whole blood and thyroid tissue of patients with various thyroid disorders. Trace elements were determined by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence. The mean levels of these metals in blood as well as the mean Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se ratios in the patients with thyroid cancer were significantly higher that in other patients and the control groups. However, the mean Zn and Se concentrations in the thyroid cancer tissue were significantly lower than in the thyroid tissue of other patients. In addition, the mean Cu/Zn and Cu/Se ratios in the thyroid cancer tissue were significantly higher than in the patients with other thyroid diseases. We confirm that the highest levels of copper and zinc as well as the Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se ratios in the whole blood of the patients with thyroid cancer may suggest the progression of the proliferation process in the thyroid gland. We suggest that the low concentrations of zinc and selenium in the thyroid tissue confirm their participation in the carcinogenic process.     

Aquatic plant bioassays used in the assessment of water quality in German rivers

A novel aquatic bioassay with Lemna minor (duckweed), a representative of higher plants, was applied to pore waters (interstitial waters) from river sediments. The results have been used for the ecotoxicological assessment of sediments in several German rivers. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the usefulness of a macrophyte bioassay, as a supplement to the standardised algae bioassays, with regard to the ecotoxicological assessment of aquatic systems. Results relating to the development of a sediment contact test (using the whole sediment) with Lemna minor are also presented.     

Ecological aspects of water quality regulation in England and Wales

The paper describes the regulatory functions of a new body set up in England and Wales for the management of water pollution, the National Rivers Authority. It outlines proposals for a new water quality classification scheme incorporating biological monitoring as an integral part, and describes other areas of pollution control where biology could be used with advantage. The derivation of statutory water quality objectives as a new concept in the management of natural waters is described, together with an indication of some of the legal mechanisms available to the NRA to ensure that the objectives are met.