1
|
Li Q, Han Z, Tian Y, Xiao H, Yang M. Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in Farmlands and Crops Near Pb-Zn Mine Tailing Ponds in Niujiaotang, China. TOXICS 2023; 11:106. [PMID: 36850980 PMCID: PMC9960355 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To accurately evaluate the pollution and risk of heavy metals in crops and farmlands near mines, we determined the contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in 10 farmland soil sampling sites and six crops (pak choi, rice, spring onion, radish, Chinese cabbage, Chrysanthemum coronarium) in an area near the Niujiaotang Pb-Zn mine in Duyun City, China. Four evaluation methods were compared, including the potential ecological hazard index, Nemeiro comprehensive pollution assessment, risk assessment code, and the ratio of secondary phase to primary phase methods. The average concentration of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn exceeded the soil environmental background levels in Niujiaotang and Guizhou Province. Cd exceeded the standard substantially, and Zn pollution accumulation was the most evident. Heavy metal contamination of crops was in the order pak choi > Chinese cabbage > spring onion > paddy > radish > Chrysanthemum coronarium, whereas heavy metal concentration in crops were in the order Zn > As > Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb. The levels of all heavy metals except Cu exceeded Chinese food hygiene standards. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic chemicals in crops present significant risks to adults and children. Risk evaluation considering the morphological contents of heavy metals rather than their total concentration was more accurate for environmental quality assessment of agricultural soils. Samples should be collected at different times to study the spatial and temporal distribution, and further studies on the migration transformation of heavy metals between the tailings pond-soil-crop should be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinyuan Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhiwei Han
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yutong Tian
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Han Xiao
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Miao Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Assessment of Physicochemical Groundwater Quality and Hydrogeochemical Processes in an Area near a Municipal Landfill Site: A Case Study of the Toluca Valley. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111195. [PMID: 34769713 PMCID: PMC8582930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sanitary landfills are considered one of the main sources of contamination of water resources due to the generation of leachate with a high content of dissolved organic matter (DOM), inorganic material, and toxic elements. This study aimed to determine the influence of leachate on the physicochemical quality and hydrogeochemical processes which determine the chemical composition of groundwater in an area near a municipal sanitary landfill site. In situ parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ORP), physicochemical parameters (HCO3−, PO43−, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), and dissolved organic matter were analyzed. The content of dissolved organic matter (DOM) was determined by 3D fluorescence microscopy. The presence of Cl−, NO3−, NH4+, PO43−, BOD, and COD indicated the presence of contamination. The significant correlation between NO3− and PO43− ions (r = 0.940) and DOM of anthropogenic origin in the 3D fluorescence spectra confirm that its presence in the water is associated with the municipal landfill site in question. The type of water in the area is Mg-HCO3, with a tendency to Na-HCO3 and Na-SO+-Cl. The water-rock interaction process predominates in the chemical composition of water; however, significant correlations between Na+ and Ca2+ (r = 0.876), and between K+ and Mg2+ (r = 0.980) showed that an ion exchange process had taken place. Likewise, there is enrichment by HCO3− and SO42− ions due to the mineralization of the organic matter from the leachate. The groundwater quality that supplies the study area is being affected by leachate infiltration from the sanitary landfill.
Collapse
|
3
|
Spatiotemporal Variations in Water Flow and Quality in the Sanyang Wetland, China: Implications for Environmental Restoration. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13094637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal modeling of wetland environments’ hydrodynamics and water quality characteristics is key to understanding and managing these ecologically important areas’ physical and environmental properties. We developed a two-dimensional numerical model based on the MIKE 21 module to analyze flow and pollution dynamics in the island-dominated Sanyang wetland of eastern China. Three simulation periods representing annual precipitation cycles were used to model freshwater discharge and water quality in the wetland. The results showed that the flow velocity in the study area had hydrodynamic characteristics typical of such a setting, with an average monthly flow velocity ranging from 0.01 to 0.04 m/s, contributing to an increased risk of serious eutrophication. The water quality problems (represented by ammonia nitrogen, NH3-N, and total phosphorus, TP, levels) peaked during the early summer peak rain season, followed by a gradual decline during a later flood period and the lowest values during the fall/winter dry period. Moreover, the spatial distribution of NH3-N and TP levels decreased from northwest to east, reflecting the influence of a highly polluted source. Our results provide a useful context for restoration efforts in the Sanyang wetland and other similar areas.
Collapse
|
4
|
Shao S, Liu H, Tai X, Zheng F, Li J, Li Y. Speciation and migration of heavy metals in sediment cores of urban wetland: bioavailability and risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:23914-23925. [PMID: 32297118 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08719-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To examine the status and risk of heavy metal pollution in an urban wetland in China, the distribution and speciation of chromium (Cr) and other metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were examined. We investigated the impact of three major land uses (residential and industrial (RI), orange plantation (OP), and mixed OP and RI (OPRI)) on the heavy metal characteristics using sediment cores (0-60 cm below water/sediment interface) collected in Sanyang Wetland, China. It was found that all the metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) had lower concentrations in the top layers but higher contents in the bottom layers of sediments. Species of metals in sediments were dominated by their secondary phase (i.e., exchangeable and carbonate bound, Fe-Mn bound and organic bound) with relatively low contents of primary phase (i.e., residual form), except for Cr in RI affected river sediments that had a relatively high content of primary phase (20.97-36.07%). The ratio of secondary phase to primary phase (RSP) and risk assessment code (RAC) methods were applied to assess environmental risk. The results implied that the metal mobility and bioavailability could significantly cause urban wetland environmental quality decline, and thus enhanced strategies should be required to target the capture and removal of metals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shao
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University (WZU), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- Hefei Investigation Institute LLc, Hefei, 230041, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Liu
- WZU-UNBC Joint Research Institute of Ecology and Environment, Wenzhou University (WZU), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia (UBC), Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Xiuquan Tai
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University (WZU), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Zheng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University (WZU), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
- Luqiao Sewage Treatment Co., Ltd, Taizhou, 318053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianbing Li
- WZU-UNBC Joint Research Institute of Ecology and Environment, Wenzhou University (WZU), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- Environmental Engineering Program, University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), 3333 University Way, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N 4Z9, Canada.
| | - Yubao Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University (WZU), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
- WZU-UNBC Joint Research Institute of Ecology and Environment, Wenzhou University (WZU), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou J, Zhang M, Ji M, Wang Z, Hou H, Zhang J, Huang X, Hursthouse A, Qian G. Evaluation of heavy metals stability and phosphate mobility in the remediation of sediment by calcium nitrate. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2020; 92:1017-1026. [PMID: 31975564 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The injection of oxidants is one of the useful remediation technologies for eliminating hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) and ammonia (NH3 / NH 4 + ) in aquatic sediments. In the current work, the impact of calcium nitrate injection on the release of heavy metals associated with phosphate was evaluated in a column test of sediment with overlying water at a volume ratio of 1:1 for 131 days. Sulfide was significantly oxidized by calcium nitrate, as its amount was reduced substantially by 85% from the 20th to the 30th day, with a decrease in the oxidation-reduction potential to -68 mV and a simultaneous increase in pH to 9.83. Over 50% of the mobile Zn, Pb, and Cu were reprecipitated in the sediment when the phosphate was partially released. It is proposed that the heavy metal immobilization was related to the phosphate content in the pore water due to the precipitation of heavy metals and phosphorus on the surface of Fe hydroxide particles after oxidation. This is supported by chemical fraction analysis of the heavy metals in the sediment, which indicated increased residual fractions of heavy metals. Our results provide an insight into the remediation of sediment by oxidation with a self-stabilization of heavy metals and phosphate. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Effective removal of sulfide after calcium nitrate injection was achieved. Metal immobilization was related to the phosphate content in pore water. Over 50% of mobile Zn, Pb, and Cu might be reprecipitated in sediment. Oxidizable fraction of heavy metal predominantly transformed to its residual fraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jizhi Zhou
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Economics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingqi Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiting Ji
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghua Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Resource Exploitation, Hunan University of Science &Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Hao Hou
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrew Hursthouse
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Resource Exploitation, Hunan University of Science &Technology, Xiangtan, China
- School of Science & Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Guangren Qian
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fonseca-Montes de Oca RMG, Ramos-Leal JA, Morán-Ramírez J, Esquivel-Martínez JM, Álvarez-Bastida C, Fuentes-Rivas RM. Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Assessment of Contamination by Inorganic and Organic Matter in the Groundwater of a Volcano-Sedimentary Aquifer. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 104:520-531. [PMID: 32161999 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The chemical composition of groundwater is a product of the evolution and transformation of major ions, which come from natural hydrogeochemical processes or from anthropogenic interference. The objective of this study was to identify the hydrogeochemical processes and the influence of anthropogenic activity on the variation of chemical composition in Toluca Valley groundwater. The type of water in the zone is fundamentally Mg-Ca-HCO3. Three groups with different evolutionary tendencies were identified: one within a local recharge zone and two others in an intermediate region with anthropic activity. The latter, which show contamination by inorganic matter (fertilizers) and organic matter (urban or industrial wastewater). The content of N-NO3- (0.024-0.219 mEq L-1), N-NH4+ (0-0.022 mEq L-1), Porg (0.03-1.02 mEq L-1) and PO43- (0.0-0.28 mEq L-1) indicated contamination coming from inorganic and organic matter. These chemical compounds were identified by way of a 3D fluorescence technique. The results of this study demonstrate that the main processes that affect and control the chemical composition of the water in the Toluca Valley aquifer are weathering of silicates, the ion exchange and a mixture process generated by a source of anthropic contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyna María Guadalupe Fonseca-Montes de Oca
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Unidad San Cayetano, Km.14.5 carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P. 50200, Toluca, Estado de México, México
| | - José Alfredo Ramos-Leal
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, Camino a la Presa San José 2055. Col. Lomas 4ª sección, C.P.78216, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Janete Morán-Ramírez
- CONACYT, UNAM, Instituto de Geofísica, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, 04150, Coyoacán, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Esquivel-Martínez
- CONACYT, Unidad Académica de Ciencias de La Tierra, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Exhacienda San Juan Bautista s/n, CP. 40323, Taxco el viejo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Carolina Álvarez-Bastida
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Cerro de Coatepec s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 50110, Toluca, Estado de México, México
| | - Rosa María Fuentes-Rivas
- Facultad de Geografía, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Cerro de Coatepec s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 50110, Toluca, Estado de México, México.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fonseca-Montes de Oca RMG, Martínez-Miranda V, Solache-Ríos MJ, Ramos-Leal JA, Álvarez-Bastida C, Fuentes-Rivas RM. Chemical activity relation of phosphorus and nitrogen presence in trace elements incorporation into underground water. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:93. [PMID: 30671684 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities can deteriorate the quality of groundwater destined for human use and consumption due to the fact that human activities cause changes in groundwater chemistry. The changes are induced by chemical species coming from industrial waste, which interacts with rocks and minerals. These trigger agents (phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients) which can incorporate trace elements (As, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn). The main objective of the present work was to study the phosphate ions' and nitrogenous species' effects on the incorporation of trace elements into groundwater used for human consumption and to determine the physicochemical processes that participate in the incorporation of trace elements. The physicochemical analysis and elemental analysis by ICP of the groundwater that supplies the study area showed that the phosphorus (P) activity contributes in the incorporation of trace elements into the water. Significant correlations between the activities of P and Fe (0.516), Mn (0.553), Pb (0.756), and As (- 0.747) as well as the correlation of NH4+ with As indicate that the presence of chemical species such as PO43- (2.50-32.20 mg L-1), NO3- (0.89-30.80 mg L-1), and NH4+ (0.2-12.70 mg L-1) are triggering agents that favor the dissolution and mobility of As (0.014-0.020 mg L-1), Fe (0.020-1.14 mg L-1), Mn (0.007-0.254 mg L-1), Ni (0.002-0.0141 mg L-1), Zn (0.009-0.459 mg L-1), and Pb (0.009-0.0170 mg L-1), species with adverse health effects because they are considered carcinogenic. Adequate control of the nitrogenous and phosphated material prevents the dissolution and mobility of trace elements into the water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyna María Guadalupe Fonseca-Montes de Oca
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Unidad San Cayetano, Km.14.5 Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P. 50200, Toluca, Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Verónica Martínez-Miranda
- Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua (IITCA), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Unidad San Cayetano, Km.14.5 Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, C.P. 50200, Toluca, Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Marcos José Solache-Ríos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carretera México Toluca-La Marquesa s/n, C.P. 52750, Ocoyoacac, Mexico State, Mexico
| | - José Alfredo Ramos-Leal
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, Camino a la Presa San José 2055. Col. Lomas 4 Sección, C.P. 78216, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Carolina Álvarez-Bastida
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón esq. Paseo Tollocan, C.P. 50120, Toluca, Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Fuentes-Rivas
- Facultad de Geografía, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Cerro de Coatepec s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 50110, Toluca, Mexico State, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xia F, Qu L, Wang T, Luo L, Chen H, Dahlgren RA, Zhang M, Mei K, Huang H. Distribution and source analysis of heavy metal pollutants in sediments of a rapid developing urban river system. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 207:218-228. [PMID: 29800822 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.05.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution of aquatic environments in rapidly developing industrial regions is of considerable global concern due to its potential to cause serious harm to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study assessed heavy metal contamination of sediments in a highly industrialized urban watershed of eastern China containing several historically unregulated manufacturing enterprises. Total concentrations and solid-phase fractionation of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cd were investigated for 39 river sediments using multivariate statistical analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR) methods to quantitatively examine the relationship between land use and heavy metal pollution at the watershed scale. Results showed distinct spatial patterns of heavy metal contamination within the watershed, such as higher concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd in the southwest and higher Cu concentration in the east, indicating links to specific pollution sources within the watershed. Correlation and PCA analyses revealed that Zn, Pb and Cd were dominantly contributed by anthropogenic activities; Cu originated from both industrial and agricultural sources; and Cr has been altered by recent pollution control strategies. The GWR model indicated that several heavy metal fractions were strongly correlated with industrial land proportion and this correlation varied with the level of industrialization as demonstrated by variations in local GWR R2 values. This study provides important information for assessing heavy metal contaminated areas, identifying heavy metal pollutant sources, and developing regional-scale remediation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xia
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Liyin Qu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Lili Luo
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Han Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Randy A Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Kun Mei
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Hong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qu L, Huang H, Xia F, Liu Y, Dahlgren RA, Zhang M, Mei K. Risk analysis of heavy metal concentration in surface waters across the rural-urban interface of the Wen-Rui Tang River, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018. [PMID: 29525630 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is a major concern in China because of its serious effects on human health. To assess potential human health and ecological risks of heavy metal pollution, concentration data for seven heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn) from 14 sites spanning the rural-urban interface of the Wen-Rui Tang River watershed in southeast China were collected from 2000 to 2010. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) metrics were used to assess potential heavy metal risks. Further, we evaluated the uncertainty associated with the risk assessment indices using Monte Carlo analysis. Results indicated that all HPI values were lower than the critical level of 100 suggesting that heavy metal levels posed acceptable ecological risks; however, one site having an industrial point-source input reached levels of 80-97 on several occasions. Heavy metal concentrations fluctuated over time, and the decrease after 2007 is due to increased wastewater collection. The HI suggested low non-carcinogenic risk throughout the study period (HI < 1); however, nine sites showed CR values above the acceptable level of 10-4 for potential cancer risk from arsenic in the early 2000s. Uncertainty analysis revealed an exposure risk for As at all sites because some CR values exceeded the 10-4 level of concern; levels of Cd near an old industrial area also exceeded the Cd exposure standard (2.6% of CR values > 10-4). While most metrics for human health risk did not exceed critical values for heavy metals, there is still a potential human health risk from chronic exposure to low heavy metal concentrations due to long-term exposure and potential metal interactions. Results of this study inform water pollution remediation and management efforts designed to protect public health in polluted urban area waterways common in rapidly developing regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyin Qu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Fang Xia
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Randy A Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China; Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China; Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, USA.
| | - Kun Mei
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Environmental Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute (iWATER), Wenzhou Medical University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Panagiotoulias I, Botsou F, Kaberi H, Karageorgis AP, Scoullos M. Can we document if regulation and Best Available Techniques (BAT) have any positive impact on the marine environment? A case based on a steel mill in Greece. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:598. [PMID: 29090389 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In order to document the impact of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and implementation of regulation on the improvement of the coastal marine environment state, we examined the case of a representative steel mill located at the Gulf of Elefsis (Greece). The evaluation of metal pollution was based on the analysis of major and trace elements, organic carbon, magnetic properties, and sediment accumulation rates, in sediment cores obtained from the vicinity of the plant. The analytical data are discussed in relation to steel production, changes of production routes, and adoption of BAT introduced in order to fulfill EU and national legislation. The results show that the input of pollutants to sediments and the degree of contamination were reduced by approximately 40-70% in the decade 2003-2015 in comparison to the periods of high discharges (1963-2002), whereas the toxicity risks from "high-to-extremely high" were reduced to "medium-to-high."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Panagiotoulias
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 157 84, Athens, Greece.
| | - F Botsou
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 157 84, Athens, Greece
| | - H Kaberi
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Avenue, 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - A P Karageorgis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Avenue, 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - M Scoullos
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 157 84, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|