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Trimmel S, Spörl P, Haluza D, Lashin N, Meisel TC, Pitha U, Prohaska T, Puschenreiter M, Rückert E, Spangl B, Wiedenhofer D, Irrgeher J. Green and blue infrastructure as model system for emissions of technology-critical elements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173364. [PMID: 38777068 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Over the recent decades, technological advancements have led to a rise in the use of so-called technology-critical elements (TCEs). Environmental monitoring of TCEs forms the base to assess whether this leads to increased anthropogenic release and to public health implications. This study employs an exploratory approach to investigate the distribution of the TCEs Li, Be, V, Ga, Ge, Nb, Sb, Te, Ta, Tl, Bi and the REYs (rare-earth elements including yttrium) in urban aerosol in the city of Vienna, Austria. Leaf samples (n = 292) from 8 plant species and two green facades and water samples (n = 18) from the Wienfluss river were examined using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). Surface dust contributions were assessed by washing one replicate of each leaf sample and analysing the washing water (n = 146). The impacts of sampling month, plant species and storey level on elemental distribution were assessed by statistical tools and generative deep neural network modelling. Higher TCE levels, including Li, V, Ga, Ge, Tl, Bi, and the REYs, were found in the winter months, likely due to the use of de-icing materials and fossil fuel combustion. A. millefolium and S. heufleriana displayed the highest levels of Li and Ge, respectively. In addition, increased elemental accumulation at lower storeys was observed, including Be, Sb, Bi and the REYs, indicating greater atmospheric dust deposition and recirculation closer to ground level. The results suggest a broad association of TCE levels with urban dust. This study enhances the current understanding of TCE distribution in urban settings and underscores the importance of their inclusion in pollution monitoring. It highlights the complex interplay of human activities, urban infrastructure, and environmental factors, offering valuable insights for managing urban environmental health risks and underlining the need for comprehensive urban ecosystem studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Trimmel
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Department General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Austria
| | - Philipp Spörl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Civil Engineering and Natural Hazards, Institute of Soil Bioengineering and Landscape Construction (IBLB), Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Haluza
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Austria
| | - Nagi Lashin
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Department General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Austria
| | - Thomas C Meisel
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Department General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Austria
| | - Ulrike Pitha
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Civil Engineering and Natural Hazards, Institute of Soil Bioengineering and Landscape Construction (IBLB), Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Prohaska
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Department General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Austria
| | - Markus Puschenreiter
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences, Institute of Soil Research (IBF), Austria
| | - Elmar Rückert
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Department Product Engineering, Austria
| | - Bernhard Spangl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences, Institute of Statistics (STAT), Austria
| | - Dominik Wiedenhofer
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Irrgeher
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Department General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Austria.
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Neves O, Moreno F, Pinheiro D, Pinto MC, Inácio M. Soil low-density geochemical mapping of technology-critical elements (TCEs) and its environmental implications: The case of lithium in Portugal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173207. [PMID: 38750747 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Increased use of technology-critical elements (TCEs) like lithium (Li), and their socio-environmental impacts, make it an issue of national and global importance. In Portugal, new Li exploration/exploitation projects are a very likely scenario. Thus, it is essential to establish geochemical backgrounds/thresholds for Li in soil, which can have several applications. Here, Li contents were determined and mapped from a previous low-density geochemical survey that covered the entire continental area of Portugal, following UNESCO's IGCP 259 project recommendations. The sampling sites were chosen in undisturbed/uncultivated land to ensure a reliable representation of "natural" soils. A total of 152 samples (0-20 cm; <2 mm) were taken for this study. Soil Li analysis was carried out by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) after aqua regia (AR) extraction (geoavailable Li), while a subset of 55 samples underwent further digestion with a strong acid mixture to measure total Li (FAAS). This was done to ascertain the relationship between the two Li fractions and its environmental significance. Soil Li spatial distribution was produced with GIS software. Median values of 14 mg/kg for geoavailable Li and 60 mg/kg for total Li were estimated from these datasets. The first value is comparable to the median Li (11 mg/kg) from an AR-extraction for agricultural/grazing soils in Europe (GEMAS project). Based on spatial analysis, Cambisols overlying granitoids in northern/central Portugal contain the highest AR-extractable Li (40 mg/kg). Such areas are recognized for hard-rock Li mineralizations, mainly associated with aplite-pegmatites. Principal Component Analysis identified an important Li-Al relationship, linked to Cambisols and Leptosols overlying granitoids/metamorphic rocks. The geoavailable/total Li ratios revealed that >60 % of the samples have a relatively high proportion (>45 %) of Li that can be mobilized/dispersed in the surface environment. These findings are intended to support the management of potential concerns regarding Li mining in mainland Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orquídia Neves
- CERENA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Moreno
- Instituto Dom Luiz (IDL), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Manuela Inácio
- GeoBiotec, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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3
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Ebeling A, Wippermann D, Zimmermann T, Klein O, Kirchgeorg T, Weinberg I, Hasenbein S, Plaß A, Pröfrock D. Investigation of potential metal emissions from galvanic anodes in offshore wind farms into North Sea sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115396. [PMID: 37582306 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate potential metal emissions from offshore wind farms (OWFs), 215 surface sediment samples from different German North Sea OWFs taken between 2016 and 2022 were analyzed for their mass fractions of metals and their isotopic composition of Sr. For the first time, this study provides large-scale elemental data from OWFs of the previously proposed galvanic anode tracers Cd, Pb, Zn, Ga and In. Results show that mass fractions of the legacy pollutants Cd, Pb and Zn were mostly within the known variability of North Sea sediments. At the current stage the analyzed Ga and In mass fractions as well as Ga/In ratios do not point towards an accumulation in sediments caused by galvanic anodes used in OWFs. However, further investigations are advisable to evaluate long-term effects over the expected lifetime of OWFs, especially with regard to the current intensification of offshore wind energy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ebeling
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Wippermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ole Klein
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Torben Kirchgeorg
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Weinberg
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Hasenbein
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Plaß
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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4
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Belkouteb N, Schroeder H, Arndt J, Wiederhold JG, Ternes TA, Duester L. Quantification of 68 elements in river water monitoring samples in single-run measurements. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:138053. [PMID: 36746248 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138053] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ-MS) is a unique analytical technique which is, next to speciation analyses, applied for the determination of total element concentrations in several matrices. Due to its wide linear range, short analysis times, and the collision-reaction gas technology, it is capable of addressing a high number of analytes in a single run with sufficient low limits of quantification for river water monitoring. Over the last decades, the focus of the environmental monitoring changed from "traditional" and regulated analytes to elements of possibly rising concern from new applications such as the so-called technology-critical elements (TCE). By widening the analytical window of this method for applications in networks of future river water monitoring, a better understanding of natural transport processes and global biogeochemical element cycles will be established and the total number of methods can be reduced. During method development and validation, certified reference materials, calibration check solutions, and spiked river water samples from 12 major German rivers covering different catchment areas were measured and evaluated with the three cell gases He, H2 and O2. The method delivers a best as possible undisturbed simultaneous determination for 68 out of 71 target analytes with recoveries in an accepted range of 80-120% for river water samples (dissolved fraction; <0.45 μm). After comprehensive evaluation, we offer a novel best-practice multi-element method for river water monitoring with the goal of fostering the exchange and discussion between practitioners in long-term river monitoring. It enables the readers to create their own methods based on the scientific needs to monitor elemental "fingerprints" of rivers and their catchments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Belkouteb
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department G - Qualitative Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Henning Schroeder
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department G - Qualitative Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Julia Arndt
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department G - Qualitative Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Jan G Wiederhold
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department G - Qualitative Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Thomas A Ternes
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department G - Qualitative Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Lars Duester
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department G - Qualitative Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany.
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Fliedner A, Rüdel H, Göckener B, Krehenwinkel H, Paulus M, Koschorreck J. Environmental specimen banks and the European Green Deal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158430. [PMID: 36055484 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158430] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The study highlights the potential of Environmental Specimen Banks (ESBs) for implementing the Zero Pollution Ambition and the Biodiversity Strategy of the European Green Deal. By drawing on recent monitoring studies of European ESBs, we illustrate the role ESBs already play in assessing the state of ecosystems in Europe and how they help to make developments over time visible. The studies reveal the ubiquitous presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, halogenated flame retardants, chlorinated paraffins, plasticizers, cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes, UV-filters, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics in the European environment. Temporal trends demonstrate the effectiveness of European regulations on perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, pentabrominated diphenylethers and diethylhexyl phthalate, but also point to the rise of substitutes such as non-phthalate plasticizers and short-chain perfluoroalkyl substances. Other studies are wake-up calls indicating the emergence of currently unregulated compounds such as long-chain chlorinated paraffins. Ecological studies show temporal trends in biometric parameters and stable isotope signatures that suggest long-term changes in environmental conditions. Studies on biodiversity of ecosystems using environmental DNA are still in their beginnings, but here too there is evidence of shifts in community composition that can be linked to changing environmental conditions. This review demonstrates the value of ESBs (a) for describing the status of the environment, (b) for monitoring temporal changes in environmental pollution and the ecologic condition of ecosystems and thereby (c) for supporting regulators in prioritizing their actions towards the objectives of the Green Deal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Fliedner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany.
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Göckener
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 06813 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
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6
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Klein O, Zimmermann T, Hildebrandt L, Pröfrock D. Technology-critical elements in Rhine sediments - A case study on occurrence and spatial distribution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158464. [PMID: 36057312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite their presence in almost every technical device, little is known about the occurrence, distribution, and fate of technology-critical elements (TCEs) within the environment. Due to high economic demands and short product lifespans as well as low recycling rates, many TCEs appear to become emerging contaminants. Within the scope of this work, 57 sediment samples from the German part of the Rhine river, as well as various tributaries, were collected to study the occurrence and distribution of TCEs. This specific catchment area has consistently been subjected to strong anthropogenic influences over the last century. Hierarchical cluster analysis, as well as principal component analysis were used to gain first insights into the spatial distribution and possible sources of TCEs along the Rhine. Obtained mass fractions in conjunction with corresponding geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) provide first indications of a possible enrichment along the Rhine for the TCEs of interest (Ga, Ge, Nb, In, Te, rare earth elements, and Ta). Especially the mass fractions of Zn, Ge, In, La, Sm, and Gd exhibit significant anthropogenic inputs. For stations characterized by high Ge and In mass fractions, element fingerprints imply possible atmospheric deposition stemming from e.g. combustion processes. Distinct anomalies of La and Sm most likely originate from discharges located at the city of Worms into the Upper Rhine. Statistical analysis of all analyzed 55 elemental mass fractions revealed similar behavior of TCEs compared to classical heavy metals. Diffuse as well as point sources of TCEs are likely. As a result, this study provides further insight into the role of TCEs as potential emerging contaminants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Klein
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Lars Hildebrandt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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Jabłońska-Czapla M, Grygoyć K. Selected technology-critical elements as indicators of anthropogenic contamination of surface water and suspended solids on the example of the Biała Przemsza River (Poland). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135801. [PMID: 35932918 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of surface waters from anthropogenic activities is a global problem, affecting natural ecosystems, having a large impact on the life and health of living organisms. The development of mining and metallurgic industries of Pb and Zn ores in the Biała Przemsza cachment area has had a strong influence on the surface waters and suspended solids. This paper proposes the use of selected critical elements such as Tl, Te, Ga, Ge and In as indicators of anthropogenic pollution of surface waters and suspended solids on the example of the Biała Przemsza River. The impact of strongly anthropogenic urban-industrial catchment on the temporal and spatial distribution of the selected TCEs content in the water and suspension of the Biała Przemsza River depending on the oxygen, pH and Eh conditions is presented. Research has shown that selected critical elements such as Te, Ge, and In can be indicators of anthropogenic pollution of surface waters. In the case of the Biała Przemsza River, elements such as Ga and Tl cannot be indicators of anthropogenic pollution due to their presence in the zinc and lead ore deposits occurring in the river basin. Correlation matrices showed significant relationships between the selected TCEs and other water parameters. The calculated water pollution indices confirmed that the Biała Przemsza River is the most polluted in the last three sampling points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Jabłońska-Czapla
- Institute of Environmental Engineering of Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 34 St., 41-819, Zabrze, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Grygoyć
- Institute of Environmental Engineering of Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 34 St., 41-819, Zabrze, Poland.
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Klein O, Zimmermann T, Ebeling A, Kruse M, Kirchgeorg T, Pröfrock D. Occurrence and Temporal Variation of Technology-Critical Elements in North Sea Sediments-A Determination of Preliminary Reference Values. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 82:481-492. [PMID: 35474493 PMCID: PMC9079029 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-022-00929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
As interest in the investigation of possible sources and environmental sinks of technology-critical elements (TCEs) continues to grow, the demand for reliable background level information of these elements in environmental matrices increases. In this study, a time series of ten years of sediment samples from two different regions of the German North Sea were analyzed for their mass fractions of Ga, Ge, Nb, In, REEs, and Ta (grain size fraction < 20 µm). Possible regional differences were investigated in order to determine preliminary reference values for these regions. Throughout the investigated time period, only minor variations in the mass fractions were observed and both regions did not show significant differences. Calculated local enrichment factors ranging from 0.6 to 2.3 for all TCEs indicate no or little pollution in the investigated areas. Consequently, reference values were calculated using two different approaches (Median + 2 median absolute deviation (M2MAD) and Tukey inner fence (TIF)). Both approaches resulted in consistent threshold values for the respective regions ranging from 158 µg kg-1 for In to 114 mg kg-1 for Ce. As none of the threshold values exceed the observed natural variation of TCEs in marine and freshwater sediments, they may be considered baseline values of the German Bight for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Klein
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Anna Ebeling
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Madita Kruse
- Department Mechanical Engineering, HTWG Hochschule Konstanz, Alfred-Wachtel-Straße 8, 78462, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Torben Kirchgeorg
- Marine Sciences Department, Marine Chemistry Laboratory - Shipping and Environment, Marine Sediments Section, Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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Jeníková E, Nováková E, Hraníček J, Musil S. Ultra-sensitive speciation analysis of tellurium by manganese and iron assisted photochemical vapor generation coupled to ICP-MS/MS. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1201:339634. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Bačić N, Mikac N, Lučić M, Sondi I. Occurrence and Distribution of Technology-Critical Elements in Recent Freshwater and Marine Pristine Lake Sediments in Croatia: A Case Study. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:574-588. [PMID: 34100094 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00863-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and vertical distribution of ten technology critical elements (TCEs) (Li, Nb, Sc, Ga, Y, La, Sb, Ge, Te, and W) were studied in sediment cores collected from remote freshwater and marine lakes (Plitvice, Visovac and Mir Lakes) in three protected areas of Croatia. These environmental archives were used to assess natural TCE levels in lake sediments and temporal trends in historical anthropogenic atmospheric deposition. TCE was determined after complete sediment digestion using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS). The measured TCE concentrations spanned a wide range, which can be attributed to the varying input of terrigenous material into the studied lake systems. All obtained TCE concentrations were close to natural conditions and therefore could be used as a reference for other equivalent sediment systems in the coming years. The evaluation of anthropogenic influence on TCE concentrations showed a slight anthropogenic enrichment with Sb and Te in the upper sediment layers of some lakes (Plitvice and Mir Lakes), indicating a widespread atmospheric deposition, which, however, cannot be related to the recent increase in the use of TCE in modern technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bačić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - N Mikac
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - M Lučić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - I Sondi
- Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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11
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Lučić M, Vdović N, Bačić N, Mikac N. Geochemical Characteristics and Preliminary Assessment of Geochemical Threshold Values of Technology-Critical Elements in Soils Developed on Different Geological Substrata Along the Sava River Headwaters (Slovenia, Croatia). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:541-552. [PMID: 33211121 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00781-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The increased demand for technology-critical elements (TCEs) in emerging technologies brings about the need to determine their spatial distribution in the environment and establish regulatory guidelines. In this paper, concentrations of Li, Sc, Nb, W, Ga, Ge, and REY (rare earth elements, including yttrium) in soils collected from different parent materials in the upper catchment of the Sava River (Slovenia, Croatia) were analysed. Results of multivariate (principal component analysis) and univariate (threshold methods) statistical techniques were used to determine geochemical characteristics of studied soils to identify the background variations and to establish geochemical threshold values. The investigated area is characterized by great lithological diversity and substantial variation of TCE concentrations. Among methods for assessment of geochemical threshold, the TIF (Tukey inner fence) and 97.5th percentile delivered the most reasonable results. Some exceedances above the 97.5th percentile were natural in origin, caused by local geology. These findings can provide baseline data because little is known about TCE variation on different geological substrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mavro Lučić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Neda Vdović
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Niko Bačić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nevenka Mikac
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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12
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Gustin MS, Hou D, Tack FMG. The term "heavy metal(s)": History, current debate, and future use. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 789:147951. [PMID: 34052481 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Deyi Hou
- Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Amiel N, Dror I, Zurieli A, Livshitz Y, Reshef G, Berkowitz B. Selected technology-critical elements as indicators of anthropogenic groundwater contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117156. [PMID: 33895571 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117156] [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: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater contamination originating from anthropogenic industrial activities is a global concern, adversely impacting health of living organisms and affecting natural ecosystems. Monitoring contamination in a complex groundwater system is often limited by sparse data and poor hydrogeological delineation, so that numerous indicators (organic, inorganic, isotopic) are frequently used simultaneously to reduce uncertainty. We suggest that selected Technology-Critical Elements (TCEs), which are usually found in very low concentrations in the groundwater environment, might serve as contamination indicators that can be monitored through aquifer systems. Here, we demonstrate the use of selected TCEs (in particular, Y, Rh, Tl, Ga, and Ge) as indicators for monitoring anthropogenic groundwater contamination in two different groundwater systems, near the Dead Sea, Israel. Using these TCEs, we show that the sources of local groundwater contamination are phosphogypsum ponds located adjacent to fertilizer plants in two industrial areas. In addition, we monitored the spatial distribution of the contaminant plume to determine the extent of well and spring contamination in the region. Results show significant contamination of the groundwater beneath both fertilizer plants, leading to contamination of a series of wells and two natural springs. The water in these springs contains elevated concentrations of toxic metals; U and Tl levels, among others, are above the maximum concentration limits for drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitai Amiel
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Ishai Dror
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Arik Zurieli
- Israel Hydrological Service, Israel Water Authority, Jerusalem, 9195024, Israel
| | - Yakov Livshitz
- Israel Hydrological Service, Israel Water Authority, Jerusalem, 9195024, Israel
| | - Guy Reshef
- Israel Hydrological Service, Israel Water Authority, Jerusalem, 9195024, Israel
| | - Brian Berkowitz
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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García-Figueroa A, Filella M, Matoušek T. Speciation of germanium in environmental water reference materials by hydride generation and cryotrapping in combination with ICP-MS/MS. Talanta 2021; 225:121972. [PMID: 33592806 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A method for the speciation analysis of the three main species of germanium in environmental waters, namely inorganic germanium (iGe), monomethyl germanium (MMGe) and dimethyl germanium (DMGe), has been developed. Germanium species were volatilized by hydride generation (HG) prior to their preconcentration/separation in a semi-automated cryogenic trap (cryotrapping, CT) and detection by ICP-MS/MS. A procedure to minimize the iGe blanks from the chemicals and water is reported. One mL of water can be analyzed without any pretreatment. After application of this procedure, and the careful optimization of all experimental variables, limits of detection (LOD) of 0.015, 0.005 and 0.003 ng L-1 have been obtained for iGe, MMGe and DMGe, respectively. Standard addition experiments did not show any significant matrix effect, and, therefore, external calibration was used for sample analysis. In the Tris-HCl + L-Cysteine reaction media, additional experiments did not reveal any significant demethylation of MMGe to iGe in the process of HG-CT, which could affect the accuracy of the analysis in seawater. The method has been applied to the analysis of iGe, MMGe and DMGe in certified reference materials of unspiked natural waters: CASS-4, CASS-5 and CASS-6 (nearshore seawater); NASS-5 and NASS-7 (seawater); SLRS-4, SLRS-5 and SLRS-6 (river water).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián García-Figueroa
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Montserrat Filella
- Department F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tomáš Matoušek
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
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15
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Souza IDC, Morozesk M, Mansano AS, Mendes VAS, Azevedo VC, Matsumoto ST, Elliott M, Monferrán MV, Wunderlin DA, Fernandes MN. Atmospheric particulate matter from an industrial area as a source of metal nanoparticle contamination in aquatic ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:141976. [PMID: 32889320 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution legislation and control worldwide is based on the size of particulate matter (PM) to evaluate the effects on environmental and human health, in which the small diameter particles are considered more dangerous than larger sizes. This study investigates the composition, stability, size and dispersion of atmospheric settleable particulate matter (SePM) in an aqueous system. We aimed to interrogate the changes in the physical properties and characteristics that can contribute to increased metal uptake by aquatic biota. Samples collected in an area influenced by the steel and iron industry were separated into 8 fractions (425 to ≤10 μm) and analysed physically and chemically. Results from ICP-MS and X-ray showed that the PM composition was mainly hematite with 80% of Fe, followed by Al, Mn and Ti. Among 27 elements analysed we found 19 metals, showing emerging metallic contaminants such as Y, Zr, Sn, La, Ba and Bi. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that SePM fractions are formed by an agglomeration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) demonstrated that SPM were dissociated in water, forming nanoparticles smaller than 200 nm, which can also contribute to water pollution. This study highlights that SePM contamination may be substantially higher than expected under that allowed in atmospheric regulatory frameworks, thereby extending their negative effect to water bodies upon settling, which is an underexplored area of our knowledge. We therefore provide important insights for future investigations on safety regulations involving SePM in the environment, indicating the need to revise the role of SePM, not solely associated with air pollution but also considering their deleterious effects on water resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara da C Souza
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (DCF/UFSCar), Ave. Washington Luiz, Km 235, 13565-905 São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Morozesk
- Instituto de Ciências Puras e Aplicadas, Universidade Federal de Itajubá (ICPA/UNIFEI), Irmã Ivone Drumond St., 200, Distrito Industrial II, 35903-087 Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adrislaine S Mansano
- Nanomedicine and Nanotoxicology Group, Physics Institute of São Carlos (IFSC), University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitor A S Mendes
- Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (DEMa/UFSCar), Ave. Washington Luiz, Km 235, 13565-905 São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinicius C Azevedo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Silvia T Matsumoto
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (DBV/UFES), Ave. Fernando Ferrari, 514, 29075-910 Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Michael Elliott
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK; International Estuarine & Coastal Specialists Ltd., Leven HU17 5LQ, UK
| | - Magdalena V Monferrán
- ICYTAC: Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba, CONICET and Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cdad. Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Daniel A Wunderlin
- ICYTAC: Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba, CONICET and Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cdad. Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marisa N Fernandes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (DCF/UFSCar), Ave. Washington Luiz, Km 235, 13565-905 São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
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16
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Filella M. TCEs and environmental research: is the TCEs concept scientifically fruitful? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:20565-20570. [PMID: 32279253 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08621-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
TCEs stands for technology-critical elements, a group of chemical elements for which imbalances between supply and demand exist or are deemed probable. This article challenges the scientific usefulness of such a classification when dealing with environmental and toxicological issues. Criticality is an economic conceptualization that is not well suited to guiding environmental chemistry research efforts. The classification is even counterproductive because it does not foster collaborative research with the countries directly touched by the environmental problems which are directly linked to the production of the elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Filella
- Department F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Nuss P, Blengini GA. Towards better monitoring of technology critical elements in Europe: Coupling of natural and anthropogenic cycles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 613-614:569-578. [PMID: 28926811 PMCID: PMC5681708 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of elemental cycles has a rich history in biogeochemistry. Well known examples include the global carbon cycle, or the cycles of the 'grand nutrients' nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. More recently, efforts have increased to better understand the natural cycling of technology critical elements (TCEs), i.e. elements with a high supply risk and economic importance in the EU. On the other hand, tools such as material-flow analysis (MFA) can help to understand how substances and goods are transported and accumulated in man-made technological systems ('anthroposphere'). However, to date both biogeochemical cycles and MFA studies suffer from narrow system boundaries, failing to fully illustrate relative anthropogenic and natural flow magnitude and the degree to which human activity has perturbed the natural cycling of elements. We discuss important interconnections between natural and anthropogenic cycles and relevant EU raw material dossiers. Increased integration of both cycles could help to better capture the transport and fate of elements in nature including their environmental/human health impacts, highlight potential future material stocks in the anthroposphere (in-use stocks) and in nature (e.g., in soils, tailings, or mining wastes), and estimate anticipated emissions of TCEs to nature in the future (based on dynamic stock modeling). A preliminary assessment of natural versus anthropogenic element fluxes indicates that anthropogenic fluxes induced by the EU-28 of palladium, platinum, and antimony (as a result of materials uses) might be greater than the respective global natural fluxes. Increased combination of MFA and natural cycle data at EU level could help to derive more complete material cycles and initiate a discussion between the research communities of biogeochemists and material flow analysts to more holistically address the issues of sustainable resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Nuss
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Ispra 21027, Italy.
| | - Gian Andrea Blengini
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Ispra 21027, Italy; Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
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Germanium and solid sample digestion with aqua regia: the nescience of chemistry basics and its sequels. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00706-017-2131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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