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Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 23261

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Said Muhammad

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Guest Editor

National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan
Interests: food chain contamination and health risk of heavy metal(loids)/trace elements; remediation of contaminated soil and water; pesticide bioaccessibility and bioaccumulation and pollution bioassay; environmental biotechnology

Special Issue Information

Heavy metals have frequently been detected in various segments of the environment due to their widespread use and non-degradable, persistent and bioaccumulative nature; although commonly found in low concentrations, their presence is thought to pose a threat to living organisms, including humans. The occurrence, pathways, sources and potential risks of pollutants in the environment remain largely unknown, and research into developing an understanding regarding this subject is of utmost importance, with a scarcity of information in regards to the monitoring, transport, and accumulation of heavy metals in the environment. Special attention should be paid to pollutants in water, soil, air, dust, plants and food, given that they may threaten human health.

We invite research and review papers regarding, but not limited to, the following research areas:

Detection methods for pollutants in drinking water, soil, air, dust, plants and food;
Statistical/mathematical modeling for the health and ecological effects of heavy metals;
Health and ecological risk assessments of water, soil, air, dust, plants and food contaminated with pollutants;
Remediation strategies for these pollutants from water, soil, air, dust, etc.;
Transportation, pathways and sources of pollutants in water, soil, air, dust, plants and food.

This Special Issue will include research from around the world, facing the challenges associated with pollutants in water, soil and dust, as well as the related risks.

Dr. Said Muhammad
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

heavy metals
water, soil, air, dust, plants and food
ecological risk
human health risk
transportation
pathways
elimination and remediation
ecological safety

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 15064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sequestration of Lead Ion in Aqueous Solution onto Chemically Pretreated Pycnanthus angolensis Seed Husk: Implications for Wastewater Treatment

by Arinze Longinus Ezugwu, Hillary Onyeka Abugu, Ifeanyi Adolphus Ucheana, Samson Ifeanyi Eze, Johnbosco C. Egbueri, Victor Sunday Aigbodion and Kovo Godfrey Akpomie

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15446; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115446 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 811

Abstract

This novel study investigated and proposes the use of Pycnanthus angolensis seed husk for the sequestration of Pb(II) from contaminated solutions, with the aim of contributing to the urgent need for accessibility to quality water, sustainable management of water and the environment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activated Pycnanthus angolensis seed husk was developed by modifying the pure sample (P-PA) with ethylene-glycol (E-PA) and Iso-butanol (I-PA). Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were used to characterize the adsorbents before and after adsorption. The batch adsorption studies carried out revealed the highest adsorption of Pb(II) at pH 6 and 180 min for all the adsorbents. The functional groups, as well as the shifts in peaks after modification, were confirmed using FTIR analysis. In addition, SEM images show a heterogeneous, rough surface with sufficient cavities of the adsorbent after modification. The physiochemical characteristics indicated that BET pore volume and pore diameter increased for E-PA and I-PA compared to P-PA. The experimental data obtained indicated that Langmuir and pseudo-first-order (PFO) best described the isotherm and kinetic models, respectively. The adsorption mechanism revealed that the adsorption of Pb(II) was controlled mainly by pore filling, while electrostatic interaction, surface complexation, and ionic exchange also occurred minimally. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH° and ΔG°, suggest an endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process, respectively. The findings in this study indicate that Pycnanthus angolensis seed husks offer cost-effective and sustainable solutions that are readily accessible for wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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19 pages, 593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioaccumulation and Mobility of Heavy Metals in the Soil-Plant System and Health Risk Assessment of Vegetables Irrigated by Wastewater

by Muhammad Tansar Abbas, Mohammad Ahmad Wadaan, Hidayat Ullah, Muhammad Farooq, Fozia Fozia, Ijaz Ahmad, Muhammad Farooq Khan, Almohannad Baabbad and Zia Ullah

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15321; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115321 - 26 Oct 2023

Viewed by 924

Abstract

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and vegetables is presently a challenging environmental concern worldwide. The present study was designed to elucidate heavy metals contamination of vegetables irrigated with domestic wastewater and associated health risks. The study area comprises three zones: Kot Addu, Alipur, and Muzaffargarh. A total of 153 samples of wastewater, topsoil, and vegetables were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and concentration levels of eight metal elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr) determined through analytical procedures. The outcome of the present investigation reveals that heavy metal concentrations in wastewater, soil, and vegetables irrigated with wastewater were slightly higher than the WHO-suggested limit. The heavy metals concentration observed in vegetables irrigated with wastewater can be ranked in order of Ni > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Fe > Zn > Cd. Transfer factor (TF), daily ingestion of metals (DIM), and health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Spinach exhibited higher values of transfer factor than cabbage, cauliflower, and radish, which were followed by tinda and carrot. Minimum values of HRI were observed for Cr (0.0109) in almost all of the vegetables ingested by adults and children. Cabbage exhibited higher values of HRI for Pb (4.0656) in adults, followed by cadmium (HRI = 2.993). Minimum values of HRI were calculated for Cd (0.0115; child). Cauliflower exhibited higher values of HRI (5.2768) for Pb in children. Pb, HRI values (4.5902) were observed in adults living in Kot Addu. The results exhibited similar trends of HRI in adults and children living in Muzaffargarh and Alipur. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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14 pages, 2491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trace Element (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Se, U) Concentrations and Health Hazards from Drinking Water and Market Rice across Lahore City, Pakistan

by Wania Imran and Justin B. Richardson

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813463 - 8 Sep 2023

Viewed by 997

Abstract

Exposure to toxic concentrations of trace elements in rice and drinking water is a serious issue for millions of South Asians, due to rice serving as a large portion of their diets and the geochemical enrichment of trace elements in groundwaters. The overall goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the hazards posed from toxic trace elements through the consumption of commercially available basmati rice and public drinking water sources across Lahore, Pakistan. Drinking water samples (n = 36) were collected from publicly accessible drinking taps from eight administrative towns and the cantonment. Rice samples were obtained from 11 markets (n = 33) across Lahore between December and February 2022–2023. Market rice concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) limits and the Total Hazard Quotient (THQ) values exceeded 1.0 for As, Cu, and Pb, thus indicating multielement contamination. Market rice trace element concentrations and price were not correlated. As, Se, and U concentrations in drinking water were above the WHO’s drinking water guidelines and had THQ values exceeding 1.0, showing multielement contamination. Cr, Se, and U concentrations in drinking water were greater for impoverished administrative towns compared to middle and wealthy administrative towns, highlighting socioeconomic inequities in exposure to hazardous concentrations. We conclude that the citizens of Lahore are exposed to rice and drinking water that are hazardous to human health, including As and other lesser studied trace elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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20 pages, 2569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multivariate Statistical Methods and GIS-Based Evaluation of Potable Water in Urban Children’s Parks Due to Potentially Toxic Elements Contamination: A Children’s Health Risk Assessment Study in a Developing Country

by Junaid Ghani, Javed Nawab, Zahid Ullah, Naseem Rafiq, Shah Zaib Hasan, Sardar Khan, Muddaser Shah and Mikhlid H. Almutairi

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13177; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713177 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 940

Abstract

Contamination of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has received widespread attention in urban children’s parks (UCPs) worldwide in the past few decades. However, the risk assessment of PTEs in drinking water sources of UCPs is still unknown particularly in developing countries. Hence, the present study investigated the spatial distribution, sources for PTEs (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cu), and health risk assessment in drinking water sources of UCPs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Among PTEs, Cd, Cr, and Pb had low to high concentrations and exceeded the safe limits of WHO and PAK-EPA in most UCPs. PCA results showed high anthropogenic and low natural sources, contributing to the release of PTEs in all UCPs. Heavy-metal pollution index (PTE-PI) results showed low to high pollution levels for all UCPs, with the highest values of 113 and 116 for Sardaryab Park Charsadda (SPC) and Zoo Park Peshawar (ZPP), respectively. Heavy-metal evaluation index (PTE-EI) results also showed low to high pollution levels for all UCPs. UCPs samples (50%) showed low pollution levels in PTE-PI results. To the contrary, UCPs samples (50%) exhibited high pollution levels in PTE-EI results. The non-carcinogenic risk of HQ and HI values of all PTEs were below the permissible limit (<1) for adults and children via ingestion and dermal contact. CR and TCR results showed that PTEs (Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ni) had the highest carcinogenic risk (>1.00 × 10⁻⁴) for both adults and children in all UCPs, except Cd and Ni for adults via the ingestion route, while Cr values (>1.00 × 10⁻⁴) were exceeded for children in some of the UCPs via the dermal route. Consequently, long-term exposure to toxic PTEs could pose a carcinogenic risk to the local population. Thus, the present study suggests that the government should implement enforcement with firm protocols and monitoring guidelines of environmental regulations to mitigate PTEs originating from anthropogenic sources in order to reduce health risks and improve public health safety in urban areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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18 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Domestic Sewage on the Photosynthesis and Chromium Migration of Coix lacryma-jobi L. in Chromium-Contaminated Constructed Wetlands

by Yu Nong, Xinyi Liu, Zi Peng, Liangxiang Li, Xiran Cheng, Xueli Wang, Zhengwen Li, Zhigang Li and Suli Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10250; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310250 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 771

Abstract

To investigate the effects of domestic sewage on the photosynthesis and chromium migration of plants in chromium-contaminated constructed wetlands, small vertical flow constructed wetlands of Coix lacryma-jobi L. were set up. These wetlands were used to treat wastewater containing 0, 20, and 40 mg/L of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)), prepared with domestic sewage (DS), 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solution (NS), and 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solution prepared with domestic wastewater (DN), respectively. The aim was to investigate the effects of domestic sewage on indicators, such as plant growth and chromium accumulation. The results were as follows: (1) Plant heights were significantly inhibited under 20 mg/L and 40 mg/L Cr (VI) treatments, and stem diameters were not significantly affected. The use of domestic sewage in treatment alleviated the inhibition of Cr (VI) on the growth of Coix lacryma-jobi L. (2) Indicators such as root activity, photosynthetic gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence properties significantly decreased with the increase in Cr (VI) concentration. The values of these photosynthetic gas exchange parameters under the DN treatment were the greatest, followed by NS and DS. On the 70th day of Cr (VI) treatment, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) under the DN treatment was significantly higher than that under NS and DS treatments. (3) Glutathione (GSH) content in roots, stems, and leaves of Coix lacryma-jobi L. significantly increased with the increase in Cr concentration, and it increased more significantly under the DN and DS treatments than under the NS treatment. (4) With the same Cr treatment, the Cr content in roots, stems, and leaves of Coix lacryma-jobi L. under the NS treatment was the highest, followed by DS and DN. The total Cr content in the substrate under the DN treatment was the highest, followed by DS and NS. (5) The addition of domestic sewage reduced the Cr (VI) content in the water sample and increased the organic matter content. The Cr (VI) content in the water sample under the NS treatment was the highest, followed by DS and DN. The addition of domestic sewage increased the accumulation of chromium in the substrate, decreased the absorption of chromium by plants, increased GSH content in roots, stems, and leaves, alleviated the damage of Cr (VI) to plants, and thus benefited the growth of Coix lacryma-jobi L. in the constructed wetlands and ensured the sustainable and stable operation of the wetlands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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16 pages, 2701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trace Metals in Rice Grains and Their Associated Health Risks from Conventional and Non-Conventional Rice Growing Areas in Punjab-Pakistan

by Nukshab Zeeshan, Zia Ur Rahman Farooqi, Iftikhar Ahmad, Ghulam Murtaza, Aftab Jamal, Saifullah, Ayesha Abdul Qadir and Emanuele Radicetti

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097259 - 27 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1380

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated and consumed worldwide, but the contamination of rice grains with trace metals (TMs) could cause adverse impacts on human health. The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of TMs in different rice varieties available for sale in local markets and to determine whether consumers are likely to be at risk via the consumption of these rice cultivars. For this purpose, samples of rice grains were collected from 12 rice growing districts (administrative units) in Punjab, Pakistan. These districts were further classified based on rice growing methods due to specific soil type. In conventional districts, the puddling method was used, while direct seeding was used for rice cultivation in non-conventional districts. The samples were collected and analyzed for the determination of essential (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) and non-essential (Cd, Ni, and Pb) TMs using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the maximum respective concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb (0.54, 0.05, 1.10 mg kg⁻¹) were found in rice grains in conventional areas, whereas values of 0.47, 0.20, and 1.20 mg kg⁻¹ were found in non-conventional rice growing areas. The maximum concentrations of essential TMs (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were 4.54, 66.01, 4.82, and 21.51 mg kg⁻¹ in conventional areas and 3.76, 74.11, 5.66, 19.63 mg kg⁻¹ in non-conventional areas. In the conventional rice growing areas, Fe and Zn concentrations exceeded the permissible limits in the 27 and 7% samples, respectively. In the non-conventional rice areas, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn exceeded the permissible limits in the 15, 26, and 3% samples, respectively, while its Zn concentration was found within the permissible limits. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) and maximum tolerable dietary intake (MTDI) values for all studied metals were found within the permissible values set by WHO, except for Fe, in both sampled areas. It was concluded that no health risks were associated by utilizing the rice grains. However, the mean values of TMs were found considerably higher in collected rice samples from non-conventional areas than the conventional areas. Therefore, the concentrations of TMs should be monitored properly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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18 pages, 2258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Efficient Adsorption of Toxic Heavy Metals (Chromium, Lead, Cadmium) from Aquatic Environment Using Orange Peel Cellulose as Adsorbent

by Aminur Rahman, Kazuhiro Yoshida, Mohammed Monirul Islam and Genta Kobayashi

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054470 - 2 Mar 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

Heavy metals in the environment cause adverse effects on living organisms. Agro-wastes have the potential to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions. In this study, the orange peel cellulose (OPC) beads were utilized as adsorbents to remove metals from wastewater. The surface of the adsorbent was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The concentrations of the metals before and after adsorption were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The removal of the metal ions (i.e., Cr⁶⁺, Cd²⁺, and Pb²⁺) using the OPC was investigated by varying the pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosages parameters. The maximum removal efficiency obtained for the metal ions occurred at pHs 4–8. The use of the Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich isotherm models demonstrated the statistical significance of the heavy metal adsorption processes (R² > 0.96). At a neutral pH, the OPC adsorption order was Pb²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Cr⁶⁺ with % removal values of 98.33, 93.91, and 33.50, respectively. The adsorption equilibrium for Cr⁶⁺ was reached after 36 h. For Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, equilibrium was reached after 8 and 12 h, respectively. The FT-IR and SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of many functional groups and elements on the adsorbent. The adsorption of heavy metals using the OPC is a low-cost, eco-friendly, and innovative method for the removal of metals in aquatic environments. The findings of this study will be highly significant for the public in the affected areas worldwide that have credible health concerns due to water contamination with heavy metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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35 pages, 23739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pollution and Risk Evaluation of Toxic Metals and Metalloid in Water Resources of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

by Delia B. Senoro, Kevin Lawrence M. De Jesus and Cris Edward F. Monjardin

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3667; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043667 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4980

Abstract

Clean and safe drinking water is an integral part of daily living and is considered as a basic human need. Hence, this study investigated the suitability of the domestic water (DW) and groundwater (GW) samples with respect to the presence of metals and metalloid (MMs) in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. The MMs analyzed in the area of study for DW and GW were Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn). The results revealed that Pb has the mean highest concentration for DW, while Fe is in GW resources in the area. Quality evaluation of DW and GW was performed using Metal Pollution Index (MPI), Nemerow’s Pollution Index (NPI), and Ecological Risk Index (ERI). The mean NPI value calculated for DW was 135 times greater than the upper limit of the unpolluted location category. The highest NPI observed was 1080 times higher than the upper limit of the unpolluted site category. That of the ERI observed in the area was 23.8 times higher than the upper limit for a “low” ERI category. Furthermore, the health risk assessment (HRA) of the GW and DW of the study area revealed non-carcinogenic health risks of the MMs analyzed in GW samples, and potential carcinogenic health risks from As, Cr, Pb, and Ni in DW. The use of machine learning geostatistical interpolation (MLGI) mapping to illustrate the PI and health risk (HR) in the area was an efficient and dependable evaluation tool for assessing and identifying probable MMs pollution hotspots. The data, tools, and the process could be utilized in carrying out water assessment, the evaluation leading to a comprehensive water management program in the area and neighboring regions of similar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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18 pages, 2221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Appraisal of Heavy Metals Accumulation, Physiological Response, and Human Health Risks of Five Crop Species Grown at Various Distances from Traffic Highway

by Shakeel Ahmad, Fazal Hadi, Amin Ullah Jan, Raza Ullah, Bedur Faleh A. Albalawi and Allah Ditta

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16263; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316263 - 6 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1733

Abstract

Road surfaces and vehicular traffic contribute to heavy metals (HM) contamination of soil and plants, which poses various health risks to humans by entering the food chain. It is imperative to evaluate the status of contamination with HM and associated health risks in soils and plants, especially food crops. In this regard, five crop species, i.e., strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), were evaluated at 0–10, 10–50, and 50–100 m distance from the highway near the urban area (Takht Bhai) of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) accumulation, phenolics, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and proline contents in plant parts were assessed. Pb and Cd in plants decreased with an increase in distance. Pb was above the critical limit in all plants except wheat, Cd exceeded the permissible level of the World Health Organization in all plants except wheat and tomato. Pb and Cd were higher in strawberries. Tomato and strawberry fruits, tobacco leaves, and sugarcane stems showed higher Pb contents at a 0–10 m distance. Phenolic contents in leaves were higher than in roots. The target hazard quotient (THQ) in edible parts of most crops has been greater than one, which presents a threat to human health upon consumption. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first holistic approach to assess metal contamination in the selected area, its accumulation in field-grown edible crops, and associated health risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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20 pages, 4289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessments of Mercury in Jiutai, a County Region Thriving on Coal Mining in Northeastern China

by Yuliang Xiao, Gang Zhang, Jiaxu Guo, Zhe Zhang, Hongyi Wang, Yang Wang, Zhaojun Wang, Hailong Yuan and Dan Cui

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10366; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610366 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1396

Abstract

Among human activities, coal mining and the combustion of fossil fuels are important sources of mercury in the environment. Research on mercury pollution in coal mining areas and surrounding cities, especially in densely populated areas, has always been at the forefront of this research field. In order to study the characteristics of environmental mercury pollution in small and medium-sized coal mining areas and surrounding towns in China, this study selected the main urban area of Jiutai District, a typical mining town in the Changchun City circle industrial base in northeast China, as the research object. In this study, the geo-accumulation index (I_geo) was used to study the soil mercury pollution degree in Jiutai District, the potential ecological risk index (Er) was used to evaluate the potential ecological risk of soil mercury in the study area, and the human exposure risk assessment model was used to evaluate the non-carcinogenic risk of soil mercury to the human body. The results showed that 32% of the soil samples in the study area had a higher mercury content than the regional soil background value of Jilin Province (0.04 mg·kg⁻¹). According to the I_geo, 19% of the sample sites in the study area were polluted (index > 0). In general, the soil mercury pollution level in Jiutai District is low, and the polluted areas are mainly concentrated in the northeast of the study area. The Er of the soil mercury in the study area ranged from 7.2 to 522.0, with 32% of the sampling sites having a moderate or above potential ecological risk (Er > 40), and the potential ecological risk level of the soil mercury was higher in the northeast of the study area. The non-carcinogenic risk index (HQ) and total non-carcinogenic risk value (HI) of the soil mercury were all far less than 1, indicating that soil mercury pollution in the study area did not harm the health of local adults. The oral ingestion of soil mercury is the main form of human exposure to mercury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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14 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Heavy Metal-Tolerant Microorganisms on the Growth of “Narra” Seedlings

by Erny Yuniarti, Ida F. Dalmacio, Virginia C. Cuevas, Asuncion K. Raymundo, Erlinda S. Paterno, Nina M. Cadiz, Dwi N. Susilowati, Karden Mulya, Surono, Ikhwani, Heni Purwaningsih, Arif Anshori, Kristamtini and Nani Radiastuti

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159665 - 5 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2074

Abstract

The effectiveness of heavy metal-tolerant microorganisms for supporting plant growth needs to be understood before it can be used as a soil bioremediation agent. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of heavy metal tolerant microorganisms on the growth of “Narra” seedling (Pterocarpus indicus Wild). Three heavy metals-resistant (Pb, Cd, and Cu) rhizobacteria from a copper (Cu) mined-out site in Marinduque, Philippines showed plant growth promotion in vitro. A treatment combination of formula inoculant A (CuNFbM 4.1, MGR 333), B (CuNFbM 4.1, MGR 333, PbSM 2.1), and O (Uninoculated); compost (0%, 4%); and lime + inorganic fertilizer {without or with lime and inorganic fertilizer (LF0; LF1)} were applied to Narra seedlings planted on 445 mg/kg Cu-contaminated soil. Lime (2 mg/ha) and the recommended dose of soybean inorganic fertilizer were used as positive controls to evaluate the ability of inoculations and composts to promote the growth and used as positive controls to evaluate the ability of inoculants and composts to promote the growth and copper accumulation of narra in greenhouse experiments. All treatment combinations resulted in significant differences in plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, shoot and root dry weight, as well as, shoot, root Cu content, and plant Cu uptake of 13-week-old “Narra”. Inoculated “Narra” could thrive better in mine-degraded soil containing 445 ppm Cu with 4% compost. Inoculant B demonstrated the best plant performance while Pseudomonas synxantha (PbSM 2.1) probably increases the plant’s growth due to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase it produces. Accumulation of Cu was higher in the root compared other plant parts. More research is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of plant growth promotion and heavy metal re mediation by P. synxantha. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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Review

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16 pages, 1117 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potentially Toxic Elements in Pharmaceutical Industrial Effluents: A Review on Risk Assessment, Treatment, and Management for Human Health

by Hussein K. Okoro, Muyiwa M. Orosun, Faith A. Oriade, Tawakalit M. Momoh-Salami, Clement O. Ogunkunle, Adewale G. Adeniyi, Caliphs Zvinowanda and Jane C. Ngila

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086974 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2276

Abstract

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are metallic chemicals with densities that are higher than that of water. Water pollution by PTEs due to the discharge of untreated pharmaceutical industrial effluents is a risk to human health and ecological integrity. The present review paper provides an overview of the threats to human health due to water contamination by PTEs such as lead, cobalt, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic originating from pharmaceutical industrial wastewater. This review reveals the associated advantages and shortcomings of the outmoded and the modern methods and the challenges involved in addressing the shortcomings. Additionally, due to the increasing amount of uncontrollable pharmaceutical effluents entering the ecosystem, this paper reviewed the management approach supported by the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency. Studies revealed that PTEs find their way into human bodies through different pathways, which include drinking water, edibles, and dermal vulnerability at intervals. This paper focuses on how pharmaceutical effluents can be handled and how regulations and strategies can be reinforced step by step. To preserve public health and the environment, a comprehensive study on the environmental evaluation of carcinogenic substances, particularly toxic elements and metalloids, should be supported and advocated. To protect living organisms and the welfare of consumers, efforts should be made to reduce the presence of potentially hazardous elements on land and water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution)

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