Search Results (14)

This study evaluates the impact of phosphogypsum stacks on the chemical composition of rainwater in the Huelva metropolitan area, a metal-polluted area with high cancer and heart disease mortality rates. A total of 612 rainwater samples were collected using 17 rain gauges located around the study area between January 2021 and December 2022. The pH, conductivity, major ions, and trace metals were detected in the soluble fraction of rainwater. The results revealed spatial variability in the rainwater quality. The highest values of As, Ca²⁺, Cr, F⁻, NH₄⁺, Ni, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, Sr, and V were detected in rain-gauges near phosphogypsum stacks, exceeding the levels of pH, F⁻, and Ni according to the guideline values for drinking water quality from the WHO. Additionally, other pollution sources also contributed: a regional source (marine factors: Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺) and a local source (chemical complexes emissions: Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn). A downward trend of most toxic metal(loid) concentrations in wet depositions was detected as the distance to the affected area increased. The findings revealed that phosphogypsum stacks are a relevant source of metal(loid)s with potentially adverse environmental and public health effects that, if replicated, could be relevant for environmental monitoring and policy making. Full article

Extraction activities can have a significant impact on the environment due to the mobilization of trace elements. These elements can pose a risk to soils, biota, water, and human health when incorporated into nearby ecosystems. To evaluate the transfer of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn from mine areas to the marine environment, a study was conducted in the Cartagena-La Union mining district (SE Spain). The study area included the mouth of a stream affected by waste materials from tailing ponds. In addition, a maritime area without mining influence was selected as a control site. Sediment samples were collected (three transects with nine sampling points and three depths) at the El Gorguel shoreline, and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total metal(loid)s content, water-soluble anions, and metal(loid)s in chemical fraction distribution. Water and biota samples (Paracentrotus lividus, Patella vulgata, Hexaplex trunculus, Anemonia viridis, and Trachinotus ovatus) were also collected for metal(loid) content analysis. The results showed that the metal(loid)s concentration in the sediment increased compared to the control site, which was not influenced by mining activities. The chemical composition of metal(loid)s in the sediments revealed that Cd is the most hazardous element due to its high concentration in the labile fractions (20%), suggesting easy transfer to the marine environment. However, transfer mechanisms should be studied in various scenarios with different climatic, wave, and tidal conditions. Marine biota metal(loid)s concentrations showed an increase in specimens collected under the influence of mining activities but without exceeding limits that would affect incorporation into the trophic chain. Consequently, bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes must be considered in a future biomonitoring program. Full article

Trace metals from natural and anthropogenic sources impact the atmospheric environment and enter the soil through dry and wet atmospheric deposition, ultimately affecting human health. In this study, we established an emission inventory of Pb, As, Cr, and Cd in East Asia (80° E–140° E, 15° N–50° N) for the year 2017, including dust and anthropogenic sources from both land and marine. We modified the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to provide gridded data on concentrations, as well as dry and wet atmospheric deposition fluxes of metals, with a focus on mainland China. The emissions of Pb, As, Cr, and Cd in East Asia were 19,253, 3415, 3332, and 9379 tons, respectively, in 2017, with 55%, 69%, 25%, and 58% distributed in the fine mode. The spatial distribution of atmospheric concentrations and dry deposition of trace metals was similar to that of emissions, while the spatial distribution of precipitation-related wet deposition was further east and greater in the south than in the north. In mainland China, the average bulk-deposition fluxes of Pb, As, Cr, and Cd were 1036.5, 170.3, 465.9, and 185.0 μg·m⁻²·year⁻¹, respectively. Our study provides gridded data on trace metals in mainland China, which can be used for assessing air quality, human exposure risks, and metal inputs to soils. Full article

As greenhouse horticulture continues to increase in South Korea, the effects of metal(loid)s from wastewater discharges on stream sediments were analyzed. A total of 106 samples were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), boron (B), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). The coefficient of variation (CV) of the metal(loid)s components was 96.58% for Mn, 93.40 for Zn, 62.47 for B, 58.90 for Pb, and 58.14 for Cd, suggesting anthropogenic sources. Correlation analysis suggested a cumulative source for Cd-Zn and B, and cluster analysis suggested an anthropogenic source for Cu, Pb, B, and Mn. The contamination factor (CF) suggested the need to trace the source of contamination to Pb (3.21 ± 1.89) and B (1.33 ± 0.83) and EF to Pb (3.30 ± 1.81) and B (1.44 ± 0.94). The analytical results identify anthropogenic sources of Pb, B, and Cd. The high contamination of Cd suggests the influence of mining areas, and Pb suggests the influence of traffic, fertilizers, pesticides, and fossil fuels in greenhouses, in addition to the influence of mines. B confirmed the impact of the facility’s vegetable wastewater and suggested the need to further examine the cumulative impact of Mn, Fe, etc. By utilizing the facility horticulture wastewater for ecological restoration and other agricultural uses, we aim to prevent stream sediment pollution and realize a sustainable agricultural environment. Full article

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water supply in most urban environments around the world. The content of potentially toxic elements is increasing in many groundwater systems owing to inadequate groundwater recharge, aquifer overexploitation, natural source release, or various anthropogenic activities that lead to groundwater quality degradation. The ingestion of groundwater contaminated with potentially toxic elements has been reported to have harmful health effects. This study aimed to assess the presence of several potentially toxic elements (Al, As, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in groundwater of the Monterrey metropolitan area in Northern Mexico and the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic human health risks associated with exposure. Multivariate statistics and geospatial analysis were applied to identify the causative determinants that modify the groundwater quality along the metropolitan area. Mean concentrations of trace metals remained below drinking water standards and World Health Organization guidelines. The risk of harmful effects on human health due to ingestion of all eight metal(loid)s in groundwater was assessed as 2.52 × 10⁻² for adults and 2.16 × 10⁻² for children, which can be considered as negligible chronic risk and a very low cancer risk. However, the risks of oral consumption of Cr being carcinogenic to children and adults were 7.9 × 10⁻³ and 9.2 × 10⁻⁴, respectively. As these values exceeded the target risk of 1 × 10⁻⁴, it can thus be considered “unacceptable”. Full article

The regional environmental–geochemical surveying of the long-term impacts of mining and ore processing on a large part of the Zambian Copperbelt mining district was carried out by the Czech Research Group with cooperation of the Geology Department, University of Zambia, and the Geological Survey of Zambia in the period 2002–2018. This included the characterization of various sources of contamination, the extent of contamination of soils and crops, and the degree of contamination of river water and sediments. Solid speciation studies of potentially harmful chemical elements (PHEs), plant and human bioaccessibility studies, and a range of mineralogical techniques were used to assess the pathways of PHE cycling in terrestrial and aqueous systems and their impacts on human health. Ores of the Zambian Copperbelt mining district are mined for Cu and Co, but a number of other trace elements (Pb, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn) gradually accumulated in soils and stream sediments. It was concluded that the most important problems related to ore mining and processing are the contamination of soil and crops due to dust fall out from tailing facilities and emissions from smelters. Moreover, leakages of solutions from tailing dams, insufficient technological control of their stability and breakdowns on pipelines transporting slurry from treatment plants to tailing impoundments cause contamination of water courses and deposition of metal(loids) in stream sediments. However, the contamination of the Kafue River water is relatively limited due to its high neutralization capacity. In contrast, in some Kafue River tributaries, especially those close to big mining centers, the concentrations of dissolved Cu and Co are high (up to 14,752 μg/L and 1917 μg/L) and exceed Zambian effluent limits. We also recommend measures that could contribute to minimizing the impact of ore mining and processing on the environment and the health of the local population. Full article

Traffic activities release large amounts of trace metal(loid)s in urban environments. However, the impact of vehicle operation-associated emissions on trace metal(loid) enrichment in road dust and the potential migration of these trace metal(loid)s to the surrounding environment remain unclear. We evaluated the contamination, sequential fraction, and bioaccessibility of trace metal(loid)s in urban environments by assessing their presence in road dust, garden vegetables, and tree tissues, including bark and aerial roots, at a traffic-training venue impacted by vehicle operation emissions and, finally, calculated the bioaccessibility-based health risk. The results indicated a significant accumulation of trace metal(loid)s in road dust, with the highest lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and antimony (Sb) concentrations in the garage entrance area due to higher vehicle volumes, frequent vehicle starts and stops, and lower speeds. Aerial roots exposed to hill start conditions exhibited the highest Pb, Zn, and Sb levels, potentially caused by high road dust resuspension, confirming that this tree tissue is an appropriate bioindicator. Sequential extraction revealed high percentages of carbonate-, Fe/Mn oxide-, and organic/sulphide-associated fractions of Pb, copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in road dust, while most Cd, Cr, Ni, and Sb occurred as residual fractions. According to the potential mobilizable fractions in sequential extraction, the in vitro gastrointestinal method could be more suitable than the physiologically based extraction test to evaluate the bioaccessibility-related risk of traffic-impacted road dust. The bioaccessibility-based health risk assessment of the road dust or soil confirmed no concern about noncarcinogenic risk, while the major risk originated from Pb although leaded gasoline was prohibited before the venue establishment. Furthermore, the cancer risks (CRs) analysis showed the probable occurrence of carcinogenic health effects from Cd and Ni to adults and from Cd, Cr, and Ni to children. Furthermore, the Cd and Pb concentrations in the edible leaves of cabbage and radish growing in gardens were higher than the recommended maximum value. This study focused on the health risks of road dust directly impacted by vehicle emissions and provides accurate predictions of trace metal(loid) contamination sources in the urban environment. Full article

Plant adaptive strategies have been shaped during evolutionary development in the constant interaction with a plethora of environmental factors, including the presence of metals/metalloids in the environment. Among adaptive reactions against either the excess of trace elements or toxic doses of non-essential elements, their complexation with molecular endogenous ligands, including phenolics, has received increasing attention. Currently, the complexation of phenolics with metal(loid)s is a topic of intensive studies in different scientific fields. In spite of the numerous studies on their chelating capacity, the systemic analysis of phenolics as plant ligands has not been performed yet. Such a systematizing can be performed based on the modern approach of metallomics as an integral biometal science, which in turn has been differentiated into subgroups according to the nature of the bioligands. In this regard, the present review summarizes phenolics–metal(loid)s’ interactions using the metallomic approach. Experimental results on the chelating activity of representative compounds from different phenolic subgroups in vitro and in vivo are systematized. General properties of phenolic ligands and specific properties of anthocyanins are revealed. The novel concept of metallophenolomics is proposed, as a ligand-oriented subgroup of metallomics, which is an integrated approach to study phenolics–metal(loid)s’ complexations. The research subjects of metallophenolomics are outlined according to the methodology of metallomic studies, including mission-oriented biometal sciences (environmental sciences, food sciences and nutrition, medicine, cosmetology, coloration technologies, chemical sciences, material sciences, solar cell sciences). Metallophenolomics opens new prospects to unite multidisciplinary investigations of phenolic–metal(loid) interactions. Full article

In the present paper the effectiveness of biochar-aided phytostabilization of metal/metalloid-contaminated soil under freezing–thawing conditions and using the metal tolerating test plant Lolium perenne L. is comprehensively studied. The vegetative experiment consisted of plants cultivated for over 52 days with no exposure to freezing–thawing in a glass greenhouse, followed by 64 days under freezing–thawing in a temperature-controlled apparatus and was carried out in initial soil derived from a post-industrial urban area, characterized by the higher total content of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, As and Hg than the limit values included in the classification provided by the Regulation of the Polish Ministry of Environment. According to the substance priority list published by the Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Agency, As, Pb, and Hg are also indicated as being among the top three most hazardous substances. The initial soil was modified by biochar obtained from willow chips. The freeze–thaw effect on the total content of metals/metalloids (metal(-loid)s) in plant materials (roots and above-ground parts) and in phytostabilized soils (non- and biochar-amended) as well as on metal(-loid) concentration distribution/redistribution between four BCR (community bureau of reference) fractions extracted from phytostabilized soils was determined. Based on metal(-loid)s redistribution in phytostabilized soils, their stability was evaluated using the reduced partition index (Ir). Special attention was paid to investigating soil microbial composition. In both cases, before and after freezing–thawing, biochar increased plant biomass, soil pH value, and metal(-loid)s accumulation in roots, and decreased metal(-loid)s accumulation in stems and total content in the soil, respectively, as compared to the corresponding non-amended series (before and after freezing–thawing, respectively). In particular, in the phytostabilized biochar-amended series after freezing–thawing, the recorded total content of Zn, Cu, Pb, and As in roots substantially increased as well as the Hg, Cu, Cr, and Zn in the soil was significantly reduced as compared to the corresponding non-amended series after freezing–thawing. Moreover, exposure to freezing–thawing itself caused redistribution of examined metal(-loid)s from mobile and/or potentially mobile into the most stable fraction, but this transformation was favored by biochar presence, especially for Cu, Pb, Cr, and Hg. While freezing–thawing greatly affected soil microbiome composition, biochar reduced the freeze–thaw adverse effect on bacterial diversity and helped preserve bacterial groups important for efficient soil nutrient conversion. In biochar-amended soil exposed to freezing–thawing, psychrotolerant and trace element-resistant genera such as Rhodococcus sp. or Williamsia sp. were most abundant. Full article

The objective of the present study was to investigate metal(loid)s in soils, in the trunk xylem sap and in the leaves of the Dipteryx alata plant located near the highway with high vehicle traffic in agricultural regions and near landfills, and to assess the transfer of metal(loid)s from soil to plant and possible health risk assessment. Trunk xylem sap, leaves and soil samples were collected at three sites near the highway. The analysis of trace elements was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). In the three soil sampling sites far from the highway edge, 15 elements were quantified. The concentrations of elements in the soil presented in greater proportions in the distance of 5 m in relation to 20 and 35 m. The metal(loid)s content in the study soil was higher than in other countries. The concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Se and Zn in the xylem sap were much higher than the leaves. The values of transfer factor of P, Mg and Mn from soil to the xylem sap and transfer factor of P from soil to leaf were greater than 1, indicating that the specie have a significant phytoremediation and phytoextraction potential. This plant has a tendency to accumulate As, Cd and Cr in its leaf tissues. The chronic hazard index (HI) values recorded in this study were above 1 for adults and adolescents. It is concluded that the soil, the trunk xylem sap and leaves of this plant are contaminated by heavy metals. Ingestion of the trunk xylem sap of this plant can cause toxicity in humans if ingested in large quantities and in the long term; therefore, its consumption should be avoided. Full article

Snow plays an important role in air quality and winter geochemical monitoring in the South Ural region. This study deals with the air pollution monitoring of particle-bound metal(loid) concentrations using snow cover around the deepest coal mine in Eurasia, the Korkinsky coal mine. We studied the concentrations and ratios of suspended and dissolved forms of metal(loid)s (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, and Zn) in snow samples. We examined 56 snow cover samples, collected at 12 sites located north, south, east and west of the Korkinsky coal mine. All snow samples were taken in January 2020. The spectral reflectance curves, cluster analysis, and spatial distribution maps were used to evaluate the potential sources of PM-bound metal(loid)s and the potential relationship among them. The highest concentrations (μg/L) were reported for Fe, Al, and Zn. In addition to the mine influence, burning coal for residential heating was identified as the major anthropogenic metal(loid) source. It was shown that elevated concentrations of some trace metals in snow samples were associated with southerly winds and the location of spoil heaps. Full article

Coal mine spoil is widespread in US coal mining regions, and the potential long-term leaching of toxic metal(loid)s is a significant and underappreciated issue. This study aimed to determine the flux of contaminants from historic mine coal spoil at a field site located in Appalachian Ohio (USA) and link pore water composition and solid-phase composition to the weathering reaction stages within the soils. The overall mineralogical and microbial community composition indicates that despite very different soil formation pathways, soils developing on historic coal mine spoil and an undisturbed soil are currently dominated by similar mineral weathering reactions. Both soils contained pyrite coated with clays and secondary oxide minerals. However, mine spoil soil contained abundant residual coal, with abundant Fe- and Mn- (oxy)hydroxides. These secondary phases likely control and mitigate trace metal (Cu, Ni, and Zn) transport from the soils. While Mn was highly mobile in Mn-enriched soils, Fe and Al mobility may be more controlled by dissolved organic carbon dynamics than mineral abundance. There is also likely an underappreciated risk of Mn transport from coal mine spoil, and that mine spoil soils could become a major source of metals if local biogeochemical conditions change. Full article

To study the complex migration and transformation of trace metal(loid)s in a soil–wheat system, 225 pairs of surface soil and wheat samples were collected from the Taihang Mountains front plain, Hebei Province, northern China. The concentrations and pools (F1, water-soluble; F2, exchangeable; F3, carbonate-bound; F4, humic acid-bound; F5, Fe–Mn oxide-bound; F6, organic matter-bound; and F7, residual) of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Hg, and the soil properties of the samples were analyzed. The sum of the F1, F2, F3, and F4 proportions of Cd was higher than that of the other trace metal(loid)s, implying that Cd has greater mobility. We found a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between pools of trace metal(loid)s and the corresponding elements in wheat and a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between pools of trace metal(loid)s and pH, cation exchange capacity, clay, and total organic carbon. The results of principle component analysis (PCA)indicated that Cr, Ni and As mainly come from natural sources and Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd from mixed groups related to farming and industry, Hg come from the coal burning. In addition, the total target hazard quotients showed the presence of harmful levels of trace metal(loid)s in wheat. Full article

To investigate the impact of artisanal zinc smelting activities (AZSA) on the distribution and enrichment of trace metal(loid)s in street dust of a small city in Guizhou province, SW China, street dust samples were collected and analyzed for 10 trace metal(loid)s (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Hg). Meanwhile, the health risks of local resident exposed to street dust were assessed. The result showed that the average concentrations of 10 elements were Zn (1039 mg kg⁻¹), Pb (423 mg kg⁻¹), Cr (119 mg kg⁻¹), Cu (99 mg kg⁻¹), As (55 mg kg⁻¹), Ni (39 mg kg⁻¹), Co (18 mg kg⁻¹), Sb (7.6 mg kg⁻¹), Cd (2.6 mg kg⁻¹), and Hg (0.22 mg kg⁻¹). Except Ni, Co, and Cr, other elements in street dust were obviously elevated compared to the provincial soil background. Pb, Zn, Cd, Sb, and Cu were at heavy to moderate contamination status, especially Pb and Zn, with maximums of 1723 and 708 mg kg⁻¹, respectively; As and Hg were slightly contaminated; while Cr, Ni, and Co were at un-contaminated levels. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed AZSA contributed to the increase of Pb, Zn, Cd, Sb, As, and Hg, while, natural sources introduced Ni, Co, Cr, and Cu. The health risk assessment disclosed that children had higher non-carcinogenic risk than those found in adults, and As has hazardous index (HI) higher than 1 both for children and adults, while Pb and Cr only had HIs higher than 1 for children, other elements were relatively safe. For carcinogenic risks, the major concern was As, then a lesser concern for Cr. The study showed that although the scale of AZSA was small, the contamination of heavy metal(loid)s in street dust and associated health risks were severe. Full article