scholarly journals Sources, Mobility, Reactivity, and Remediation of Heavy Metal(loid) Pollution: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Remedios Martínez- Guijarro ◽  
◽  
María Paches ◽  
Inmaculada Romero ◽  
Daniel Aguado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Trophic Chain ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Air Interface ◽  
Agriculture Industry

Heavy metal(loid)s are a group of elements present commonly in the environment, including Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, and As elements, among others. While these elements could have their origins in natural sources, anthropogenic activities, such as mining, agriculture, industry, etc., are also responsible for enhancing the concentration of these elements in the ecosystems up to undesirable levels. A few of these metal(loid)s serve as necessary micronutrients for life, while the others are extremely harmful and might affect the entire trophic chain upon entering the natural ecosystems due to their mobility and toxicity characteristics. Most of these heavy metal(loid) pollutants are already recognized for their harmful effects; nevertheless, their environmental control encounters obstruction due to various factors. In this context, the present report details the key points regarding the anthropogenic sources of heavy metal(loid) pollution, which are increasing rapidly with time due to the emerging industry practices and processes, the elements causing this kind of pollution, and the physicochemical processes of these elements occurring in the environment–air interface, soil, and water-air interface. These elements exert a severe impact on the environment, which could be mitigated through the development and application of various remediation techniques. Therefore, the present report concludes with a final discussion on the various remediation treatments currently available for reducing the heavy metal(loid) contamination level in both water and soil.

scholarly journals The Assessment Of Sediment Contamination Level In The Lampung Bay, Indonesia: Heavy Metal Perspective

Jurnal Segara ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fitri Budiyanto ◽  
Lestari
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Concentration ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Heavy Metal Concentration ◽  
Sampling Location ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Hazardous Chemical ◽  
Sediment Fraction

The potency and utilization of Lampung Bay has been recognized for their socio-economical and ecological values. However, heavy use of this Bay may alter the abundance of hazardous chemical like heavy metals. The aims of this study were to determine the concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the sediment and to assess Lampung Bay water condition. The observation of heavy metal content in sediment of Lampung Bay was conducted at 13 stations in March 2008. Analysis of heavy metals in sediment was conducted using three kinds of acid: HNO3, HCl and H2O2 while measurement was carried out by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The result indicated a variation of heavy metal concentration in sediment and that concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in sediment were 0.08 mg/kg dry weight, 22.99 mg/kg dry weight, 24.75 mg/kg dry weight and 118.48 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Factors influenced heavy metal concentration in sediment in this study including the distance between sampling location and anthropogenic activities and the sediment fraction  SQG-Q index indicated that 7 stations have SQG-Q ≤ 0.1 whereas other 6 stations have 0.1≤ SQG-Q <1, meaning that more than half sampling stations are in uncontaminated state.  

scholarly journals Feathers of Bulbulcus ibis (L.) as a non-destructive biomonitoring tool for assessment of lead pollution: A case study from various severely contaminated wetland habitats

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 5085-5090 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Sampling Location ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Cattle Egret ◽  
Biomonitoring Tool ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Wetland Habitats

Present study aims to determine the lead (Pb) concentrations in the feather samples of cattle egret (Bulbulcus ibis) found in different contaminated wetland habitats present in the state Odisha, India. This study also focused on the heavy metal concentrations of top layer soil and on the level of metal accumulation in prey samples (i.e. small fishes) preferred by cattle egrets for explaining the level of amplification of Pb in different polluted wetland habitats. Moreover, reasons behind the variations of Pb concentrations within the sampled wetland habitats are explained. Feathers, Prey samples and sediments from their foraging habitats were collected from eight different heronries. Determination of Pb concentrations in samples has undergone acid digestion followed by elemental analysis (i.e. Pb) in Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results indicated that Pb concentration was varied significantly in soil (15.13-56.26µg/g), Prey (0.21-55.76µg/g) and feathers (5.6-49.86µg/g) in different sites. The highest concentration was found at Hirakud in soil and prey. However, feather samples showed the highest concentrations of lead in Talcher may be due to the mining activities in and around the sampling location. Present study found the positive correlation (p<0.05) between soil, prey and feather samples of cattle egret among the eight sampling locations may be due to many of the mining, industrial and anthropogenic sources. The processes like geophagy and biomagnification may contribute to the positive correlation among the sampling habitats. Concluding this work, it might be confirmed that avian feathers can be used as non-destructive biomonitoring tool for assessment of the heavy metal contamination level in various segments of different ecosystems. Hence, based on the results of the study, the environmental management plan could be suggested and implemented for better conservation of the avian fauna.

Influence of Anthropogenic Pressures on Groundwater Quality from a Rural Area

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 1744-1748
Author(s):  
Catalina Stoica ◽  
Gabriela Geanina Vasile ◽  
Alina Banciu ◽  
Daniela Niculescu ◽  
Irina Lucaciu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Physico Chemical

During the past few decades, the anthropogenic activities induced worldwide changes in the ecological systems, including the aquatic systems. This work analysed the contamination level of groundwater resources from a rural agglomeration (Central-Western part of Prahova County) by biological and physico-chemical approaches. The study was performed during the autumn of 2016 on several sampling sites (four drilling wells, depth higher than 100 m supplying three villages; two wells lower than 10 m depth and one spring). The water quality was evaluated by comparison with the limit values of the drinking water quality legislation (Law no.458/2002) and the Order 621/2014 (applicable to all groundwater bodies of Romania). The results showed that phenols and metals (iron and manganese) exceeded the threshold values in all sampling sites. Moreover, the anthropogenic factors including agriculture, use of fertilizers, manures, animal husbandry led to an increase of the bacterial load, particularly at wells sites.

scholarly journals Transfer of Cobalt Nanoparticles in a Simplified Food Web: From Algae to Zooplankton to Fish

Applied Nano ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-205
Author(s):  
Nanxuan Mei ◽  
Jonas Hedberg ◽  
Mikael T. Ekvall ◽  
Egle Kelpsiene ◽  
Lars-Anders Hansson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Crucian Carp ◽  
Environmental Fate ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Fish Feeding ◽  
Aquatic Food ◽  
Significant Uptake ◽  
Co Nanoparticles ◽  
Crucian Carp Carassius Carassius

Cobalt (Co) nanoparticles (NPs) may be diffusely dispersed into natural ecosystems from various anthropogenic sources such as traffic settings and eventually end up in aquatic systems. As environmentally dispersed Co NPs may be transferred through an aquatic food web, this study investigated this transfer from algae (Scendesmus sp.) to zooplankton (Daphnia magna) to fish (Crucian carp, Carassius carassius). Effects of interactions between naturally excreted biomolecules from D. magna and Co NPs were investigated from an environmental fate perspective. ATR-FTIR measurements showed the adsorption of both algae constituents and excreted biomolecules onto the Co NPs. Less than 5% of the Co NPs formed heteroagglomerates with algae, partly an effect of both agglomeration and settling of the Co NPs. The presence of excreted biomolecules in the solution did not affect the extent of heteroagglomeration. Despite the low extent of heteroagglomeration between Co NPs and algae, the Co NPs were transferred to the next trophic level (D. magna). The Co uptake in D. magna was 300 times larger than the control samples (without Co NP), which were not influenced by the addition of excreted biomolecules to the solution. Significant uptake of Co was observed in the intestine of the fish feeding on D. magna containing Co NPs. No bioaccumulation of Co was observed in the fish. Moreover, 10–20% of the transferred Co NP mass was dissolved after 24 h in the simulated gut solution of the zooplankton (pH 7), and 50–60% was dissolved in the simulated gut solution of the fish (pH 4). The results elucidate that Co NPs gain different properties upon trophic transfer in the food web. Risk assessments should hence be conducted on transformed and weathered NPs rather than on pristine particles.

scholarly journals Preparation and Characterization of Novel Magnesium Composite/Walnut Shells-Derived Biochar for As and P Sorption from Aqueous Solutions

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 714
Author(s):  
Vladimír Frišták ◽  
Martin Pipíška ◽  
Vladimír Turčan ◽  
Stephen M. Bell ◽  
Haywood Dail Laughinghouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solutions ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Walnut Shell ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
P Sorption ◽  
Sorption Efficiency ◽  
Walnut Shells ◽  
Potential Capacity ◽  
Sorption From Aqueous Solutions

Elevated or unnatural levels of arsenic (As) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in soils and waterbodies from anthropogenic sources can present significant hazards for both natural ecosystems and human food production. Effective, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive materials, such as biochar, are needed to reduce mobility and bioavailability of As and P. While biochar features several physicochemical properties that make it an ideal contaminant sorbent, certain modifications such as mineral-impregnation can improve sorption efficiencies for targeted compounds. Here, we conducted sorption experiments to investigate and quantify the potential utility of magnesium (Mg) for improving biochar sorption efficiency of P and As. We synthesized a Mg-modified walnut shells-derived biochar and characterized its ability to remove As and P from aqueous solutions, thereby mitigating losses of valuable P when needed while, at the same time, immobilizing hazardous As in ecosystems. SEM-EDX, FTIR and elemental analysis showed morphological and functional changes of biochar and the formation of new Mg-based composites (MgO, MgOHCl) responsible for improved sorption potential capacity by 10 times for As and 20 times for P. Sorption efficiency was attributed to improved AEC, higher SSA, chemical forms of sorbates and new sorption site formations. Synthetized Mg-composite/walnut shell-derived biochar also removed >90% of P from real samples of wastewater, indicating its potential suitability for contaminated waterbody remediation.

scholarly journals Environmental Risk Assessment of Petroleum Activities in Surface Sediments, Suez Gulf, Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 473
Author(s):  
Magda M. Abou El-Safa ◽  
Mohamed Gad ◽  
Ebrahem M. Eid ◽  
Ashwaq M. Alnemari ◽  
Mohammed H. Almarshadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Surface Sediment ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Surf Zone ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Suez Gulf

The present study focuses on the risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems by evaluating the current situation of heavy metals in seven locations (North Amer El Bahry, Amer, Bakr, Ras Gharib, July Water Floud, Ras Shokeir, and El Marageen) along the Suez Gulf coast that are well-known representative sites for petroleum activities in Egypt. One hundred and forty-six samples of surface sediments were carefully collected from twenty-seven profiles in the intertidal and surf zone. The hydrochemical parameters, such as pH and salinity (S‰), were measured during sample collection. The mineralogy study was carried out by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and the concentrations of Al, Mn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Co, Zn, Cd, and Pb were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectra (ICP-MS). The ecological risks of heavy metals were assessed by applying the contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The mineralogical composition mainly comprised quartz, dolomites, calcite, and feldspars. The average concentrations of the detected heavy metals, in descending order, were Al > Fe > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Cd. A non-significant or negative relationship between the heavy metal concentration in the samples and their textural grain size characteristics was observed. The coastal surface sediment samples of the Suez Gulf contained lower concentrations of heavy metals than those published for other regions in the world with petroleum activities, except for Al, Mn, and Cr. The results for the CF, EF, and Igeo showed that Cd and Pb have severe enrichment in surface sediment and are derived from anthropogenic sources, while Al, Mn, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn originate from natural sources. By comparison, the PLI and RI results indicate that the North Amer El Bahry and July Water Floud are considered polluted areas due to their petroleum activities. The continuous monitoring and assessment of pollutants in the Suez Gulf will aid in the protection of the environment and the sustainability of resources.

scholarly journals Trace element contamination in the mine-affected stream sediments of Oued Rarai in north-western Tunisia: a river basin scale assessment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamel Ayari ◽  
Maurizio Barbieri ◽  
Yannick Agnan ◽  
Ahmed Sellami ◽  
Ahmed Braham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Stream Sediments ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
North East ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
North Western

AbstractHigh-quality and accurate environmental investigations are essential for the evaluation of contamination and subsequent decision-making processes. A combination of environmental geochemical indices, multivariate analyses and geographic information system approach was successfully used to assess contamination status and source apportionment of trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) in surface stream sediments from the Oued Rarai basin in north-western Tunisia, containing various metal and metalloid ores. The contamination level reported in this study indicates a non-negligible potential ecological risk, mainly related to sediment transport along the river. Antimony (concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 297 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), arsenic (from 0.5 to 1490 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), lead (from 2.9 to 5150 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) mercury (from 0.05 to 54.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) and silver (from 0.05 to 9.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) showed the most crucial contamination. Besides, potential ecological risk index values were maximum for arsenic with a median of 302, indicating a very high to serious ecological risk (> 160). Results from correlation analysis and principal component analysis revealed three main geochemical associations related to lithologic, tectonic and anthropogenic sources. V, Cr and Cu mainly originated from natural bedrock and soil. Ag and Cd were more controlled by both natural and mining enrichments. Mercury and Pb were mostly influenced by the ancient ore-related activities at the Oued Rarai site and north-east–south-west trending faults. Finally, Sb, As, Ni and Zn were largely controlled by the siliciclastic continental Neogene sequences. Finally, the physical and chemical dynamics of the watershed system, lithological properties, mineralisation, tectonic settings and mobilisation of subsurface sediments largely controlled both concentrations and spatial patterns of trace elements in the study basin. These results need to be considered in the strategies of suitable environmental management at former and current mining sites in north-western Tunisia.

Unele aspecte metodologice de studiu a biodiversitatii si productivitatii fitocenozelor din cadrul ecosistemelor urbane

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantin Bulimaga ◽  
◽  
Anastasia Portarescu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Impact Action ◽  
Productive Potential ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Biodiversity Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City ◽  
Urban Activities

Anthropogenic activities cause damage to the natural ecosystems in the city in various ways, which contributes to the reduction of biodiversity. Considering that biodiversity is becoming more vulnerable to the impact action triggered by urban activities is necessary to monitor it in order to take urgent measures to protect and preserve it. The plant biodiversity study methodology includes methods that help determine phytocenosis parameters and assess biomass in order to estimate the productive potential of phytocenosis. Carrying out the research according to the proposed methodology will make it possible to assess the anthropogenic impact on the terrestrial and riparian vegetation.

scholarly journals Sediment Metal Contamination, Bioavailability, and Oxidative Stress Response in Mangrove Avicennia marina in Central Red Sea

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullahi Bala Alhassan ◽  
Mohammed Othman Aljahdali
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Enzyme ◽  
Red Sea ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Avicennia Marina ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Antioxidant Enzyme Activities ◽  
Metal Concentrations ◽  
Mangrove Ecosystems

Anthropogenic activities have been on the increase in the urban environment and have led to contamination of the environment with toxic metals. However, mangrove plants’ response to heavy metal stress due to anthropogenic activities explains the metal bioavailability and its potential ecotoxicological effect. We carried out a multi-approach study to investigate i) if the concentrations of metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb, Sr, and V) in mangroves at the central Red Sea are due to the anthropogenic influence and are above the sediment quality guidelines and ii) if an increase in metal concentration influences height and antioxidant enzyme (catalase, CAT; glutathione S-transferase, GST; and superoxide dismutase, SOD) activities in Avicennia marina. There were significant variations (p &lt; 0.05) in metal concentrations and antioxidants across the six mangrove ecosystems with higher concentrations at Al Lith (LT) and south Jeddah (SJ). Even though the concentrations of metals in mangrove leaves are slightly higher in LT than SJ, principal component analysis showed that higher concentrations of Cr, Co, Zn, Cd, and Pb in mangrove leaves from SJ influence higher antioxidant enzyme activities and the lowest average mangrove height (2.01 m). This suggests that higher metal concentrations be factors for the biggest stress in these mangrove ecosystems. However, among the 13 metals, Cr (82.07 mg/kg), Cu (41.29 mg/kg), and As (10.30 mg/kg) in sediments have values within the ERL range of probable effect, while Ni (53.09 mg/kg) was above the ERM threshold. Hence, there is need to focus on monitoring these metals in mangrove sediments and their anthropogenic sources.

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