Metal concentrations in a shallow groundwater aquifer underneath petrochemical complex

Duplicate groundwater samples were collected from 104 monitoring wells (piezometers) from shallow aquifers underneath an industrial city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and pH were determined in these samples. Analysis of variance showed significantly (p < 0.05) wide variations in the concentrations of the above parameters. The contour maps of metal concentrations indicated that these variations were related to important landmarks in the study area. The results of correlation analyses suggest that geographical as well as chemical factors may influence metal distribution in the groundwater samples. To investigate the geographical effects, the analytical data were normalized (element/Cl ratios were calculated) for chemical variability. As expected, contour mapping of the ratio data of element/Cl of Na, Ca, Mg, K, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and Sr vary in a relatively small range and did not show a particular geographical trend. The groundwater sample from the industrial-dust area contained higher ratios between concentrations of Cl and Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn. These observations clearly suggest an extraneous contamination source, probably industrial dust, in the area. Another geographical area where metal (As, Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Ti,and V)/Cl ratios were found to be large was in the vicinity of an oil-refinery. Groundwater samples collected from the vicinity of a fertilizer plant and green-belt area contained relatively higher ratios of Al, Cd, Cr, Co, and Ni. The results of this study suggest that leachate from the industrial dust, leakage from the oil refinery and fertilizer plant, and drainage of irrigation water are some of the important pollution sources in the industrial city.     

Elemental chemistry of four lichen species from the Apostle Islands,Wisconsin, 1987, 1995 and 2001

Four lichen species sampled three times over a 15-year time span at four of the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin were analyzed for 16 chemical elements in order to determine time trends and spatial patterns. Factor analyses of the data revealed that elements associated with soils (Al, Cr, Fe, Na, Ni and S) have increased over the study period, while nutrient and pollutant elements (Cu, K, P, Pb and Zn) have decreased. Four other elements (Ca, Cd, Mg and Mn) were unchanged over time. Cladina rangiferina, a terricolous species, contained the lowest concentrations of all elements, while the corticolous species Evernia mesomorpha was highest in soil elements, Hypogymnia physodes was highest in Ca, Cd, Mg and Mn, and Parmelia sulcata was highest in the nutritional elements. Lichens on islands within 3-4 km of the mainland were highest in soil elements, which decreased with distance from the mainland. Elements that were 18-43% greater on the nearest islands were significantly different between near and far islands. Eight elements (Al, Ca, Cd, K, Mg, Mn, P and S) exceeded enrichment levels for Hypogymnia physodes, suggesting possible contamination problems for this species. Although Pb has decreased significantly over the time period, other elements have increased in the lichens while decreasing in the atmosphere, suggesting that accumulation in the environment is continuing.     

Determination of 14 elements in Taiwanese bones

The objective of this study was to measure the concentration of 14 elements in human bone and investigate the affecting factors. This study aims to establish a database of elements in Taiwanese bone. Seventy-seven bone samples were taken from 70 subjects who were undertaking various bone surgeries from a medical center in central Taiwan. Bone samples were pretreated using microwave digestion and then, after determining the optimal conditions for analysis, fourteen elements were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Results showed that Ca had the highest concentration, followed by Mg and Zn. The lowest concentrations were of Mn, followed by Cd and Co. There was a positive correlation between the frequency of seafood intake and presence of all the 14 elements in human bone. There were several elements that had positive inter-correlation: As with Co; Al, Ag and Ca; Ni with Co, Mn and Al; Co with Al, Ag and Ca; Mn with Cr and Cu; Cr with Cu; Mg with Ca; Al with Ag and Ca; Ag with Ca; and also Zn with Mg. There were no significant differences found between concentrations of elements and etiology of bone disease and age. The authors suggest that further studies be conducted to establish a normal value of elements in human bone in Taiwan. This will greatly benefit the understanding of the relationship between disease pattern and elements in human bone.     

Sex- and age-related variation in elemental concentrations of contemporary Japanese ribs

Twenty elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, C and N) in 42 Japanese ribs (forensic medical autopsy cases) were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and carbon and nitrogen analysis to examine sex- and age-related variation in the concentrations of these elements. Bone Fe and Pb concentrations were significantly higher, while P concentrations were lower in males. Elements which showed age-related variation were Ca, P, Al, Fe, Mg, Na, Pb and Zn. Of these, Al, Fe, Pb and Zn linearly accumulate in bone with advancing age. The elements Na and Mg showed the lowest and highest concentrations in the youngest age group (0-19 years), respectively, and reached plateau levels in older age groups. The Ca and P concentrations were highest in the 20-39-year age group, gradually decreasing throughout older age groups, indicating that osteoporotic bone loss occurs in the older subjects. In addition, the results of correlation analysis indicated that the organic matter content of the bone, represented by C or N concentration, was a factor which contributed to the elemental variation of the bone.     

ICP-MS法测定不同品种黑莓果实中矿质元素含量

采用微波消解,ICP-MS法分析美洲黑莓、高大黑莓、无刺黑莓、葡萄叶莓、榆叶黑莓、裂叶黑莓、沙黑莓、甜黑莓、扬基莓、罗甘莓等10种不同品种黑莓果实中18种矿质元素Al、Ba、Ca、Co、Cr、Cu、Fe、K、Li、Mg、Mn、Mo、Na、Ni、P、Pb、S和Zn的含量,并应用聚类分析方法对测定结果进行分析。结果表明:该方法的相对标准偏差在1. 2%～4. 9%(n=3)之间,加标回收率在96. 1%～101. 7%之间。不同品种的黑莓中K、P、S、Ca、Mg,Na含量较高; Fe、Mn、Zn含量次之;有潜在生理毒性的元素Al、Cr、Pb的含量较低。从聚类树状图上可知,10种黑莓可聚类为2类。裂叶黑莓和扬基莓、葡萄叶莓和沙黑莓、甜黑莓和罗甘莓均表现出较高的相似性,都可聚为一类,这显示其品质的稳定性。此结果为实现黑莓的合理营养施肥和优质高效生产提供理论依据和技术支持。     

Effects of acid mine drainage on groundwater quality: a case study from an open-pit copper mine in eastern Turkey

This study was undertaken to determine the variation in groundwater quality of an open-pit copper mine in Maden (eastern Turkey) which has been in operation since 2000 BC, and with modern methods since 1939. Physical and chemical parameters (including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO₃, SO₄, NO₃, Fe, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, Cd, and Pb) of the groundwater and spring water samples from the study area were measured on a seasonal basis between October 2009 and July 2010. The groundwater quality was hydrochemically assessed in order to determine its suitability for human consumption and agricultural use. The measured and analyzed parameters in all the water samples were below the maximum admissible concentrations set out in international and national standards, guidelines, directives, and regulations for human consumption and for agricultural purposes. In addition, the results of previous studies on the possible effects of the mine site on soil, stream sediment, plants, and surface water in the same area are discussed.     

Comparison of the element composition in several plant species and their substrate from a 1500000-km2 area in Northern Europe.

Leaves of 9 different plant species (terrestrial moss represented by: Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi; and 7 species of vascular plants: blueberry, Vaccinium myrtillus; cowberry, Vaccinium titis-idaea; crowberry, Empetrum nigrum; birch, Betula pubescens; willow, Salix spp.; pine, Pinus sylvestris and spruce, Picea abies) have been collected from up to 9 catchments (size 14-50 km2) spread over a 1500000 km2 area in Northern Europe. Soil samples were taken of the O-horizon and of the C-horizon at each plant sample site. All samples were analysed for 38 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Th, Tl, U, V, Y, Zn and Zr) by ICP-MS, ICP-AES or CV-AAS (for Hg-analysis) techniques. The concentrations of some elements vary significantly between different plants (e.g. Cd, V, Co, Pb, Ba and Y). Other elements show surprisingly similar levels in all plants (e.g. Rb, S, Cu, K, Ca, P and Mg). Each group of plants (moss, shrubs, deciduous and conifers) shows a common behaviour for some elements. Each plant accumulates or excludes some selected elements. Compared to the C-horizon, a number of elements (S, K, B, Ca, P and Mn) are clearly enriched in plants. Elements showing very low plant/C-horizon ratios (e.g. Zr, Th, U, Y, Fe, Li and Al) can be used as an indicator of minerogenic dust. The plant/O-horizon and O-horizon/C-horizon ratios show that some elements are accumulated in the O-horizon (e.g. Pb, Bi, As, Ag, Sb). Airborne organic material attached to the leaves can thus, result in high values of these elements without any pollution source.     

Elemental composition of ancient Japanese bones

Excavated bones (rib) obtained from 50 sites in Japan were measured by ICP atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry for concentration of 19 elements, including Al, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn. One hundred and forty-one specimens were classified into five groups according to Japanese prehistoric and historic eras (Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun, Kamakura and Muromachi, and Edo). The elements, with concentrations which showed no significant change with era were Al, B and Cr. Average concentrations of Ca were in the range 2-2.5 X 10(-1) g g-1 and those of P ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 X 10(-1) g g-1, indicating a well-preserved bone mineral matrix. The Ca/P ratio (mol/mol) was lowest in the Edo group--1.48 as compared with 1.54-1.66 in the other groups. Among the elements which showed changes with era were Pb, Fe, Co and Mn, all of which showed remarkably elevated concentrations in the Edo group. In addition to this unique elemental composition of Edo bones, samples from the Kofun era showed a completely different composition from those of other periods, i.e. they had the highest concentrations of Cd, Zn and Mg, and the lowest concentrations of Cu, K, Ni and Sr. The cause of the elevated Pb concentration in Edo bones is discussed in relation to human activities which may have led to environmental Pb pollution.     

The performance of moss, grass, and 1- and 2-year old spruce needles as bioindicators of contamination: a comparative study at the scale of the Czech Republic

Moss (Pleurozium schreberi), grass (Avenella flexuosa), and 1- and 2-year old spruce (Picea abies) needles were collected over the territory of the Czech Republic at an average sample density of 1 site per 290 km². The samples were analysed for 39 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Th, Tl, U, V, Y and Zn) using ICP-MS and ICP-AES techniques (the major nutrients Ca, K, Mg and Na were not analysed in moss). Moss showed by far the highest element concentrations for most elements. Exceptions were Ba (spruce), Mn (spruce), Mo (grass), Ni (spruce), Rb (grass) and S (grass). Regional distribution maps and spatial trend analysis were used to study the suitability of the four materials as bioindicators of anthropogenic contamination. The highly industrialised areas in the north-west and the far east of the country and several more local contamination sources were indicated in the distribution maps of one or several sample materials. At the scale of the whole country moss was the best indicator of known contamination sources. However, on a more local scale, it appeared that spruce needles were especially well suited for detection of urban contamination.     

The influence of a city on element contents of a terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens)

Forty terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens) samples were collected along a 120-km-long south-north transect running through Norway's largest city Oslo. Concentrations of 29 chemical elements (Ag, Al, Au, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Pt, S, Sb, Sr, Th, Ti, and Zn) and values for loss on ignition (475 degrees C) are reported. Silver (Ag), Al, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Th, Ti, and Zn all show a characteristic Oslo peak when element concentrations are plotted against location of the sample site along the transect. Gold (Au) and Pt show the greatest relative enrichment of all elements in the city (ca. 10x "background"). Titanium (Ti), which is related to local minerogenic dust rather than anthropogenic emissions, shows a significant peak in Oslo. Loss on ignition, a measure of the amount of organic material in a sample, shows a negative peak in Oslo and at sites close to a known dust source. Input of fine dust thus appears to dominate many of the observed element concentrations in moss. The concentrations of Na are clearly influenced by the input of marine aerosols and show decreasing concentrations from south (near Oslo Fjord) to north (inland). The major plant nutrients Ca, K, Mg, P and S, as well as Hg, are the few elements displaying no spatial dependency along the transect. Element concentrations reach background variation levels at a distance of 20-40 km from the city centre.     

Transport of traffic-related aerosols in urban areas

This study was undertaken to assess the influence of traffic on particulate air pollution in an urban area, and to characterise the short-range transport of the aerosols generated by traffic. The study was conducted in Kraków, a city located in southern Poland with a population of approximately 800,000. Aerosol samples were collected using automatic sampling equipment at five sites located at different distances from the main road in Kraków, ranging from 5 to 1500 m. The sampling set-up allowed standardisation of the results due to continuous determination of the meteorological parameters (temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, rainfall and humidity). Aerosol particles were separated according to aerodynamic diameter into two size fractions: > 1.9 microm (coarse fraction); and 1.9-72 microm (fine fraction). The concentrations of 27 elements were measured in both size fractions (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, Pb). The multielement analyses were performed by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) spectrometry. Traffic contribution to particulate air pollution was determined on the basis of 13 elements which were present above the detection limit in all samples (Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb). It was found that the traffic contribution in the coarse size fraction was approximately 80% up to 150 m from the road; it dropped abruptly by a factor of 2 over a distance of 150-200 m and declined further to 20% at 1500 m from the road. Traffic contribution for the fine particle concentrations of individual elements was 50-70% in the close vicinity of the road (5 m); then there was a decrease, followed by an increase at a greater distance from the road. Possible explanations for this behaviour of the fine particles are given.     

Elemental contamination of Japanese women's hair from historical samples

Japanese women's hair, which had been cut in the past and preserved was examined for the presence of 12 elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Sr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb and P). Elevated levels of Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb and Hg (inorganic mercury) were conspicuous in the samples cut in the period 1880-1929 and used as hair pieces (kamoji). The effects of washing on element concentration depended on both the method of washing and the type of element. The least effective was washing with acetone and water, compared with two other methods involving anionic or non-ionic surface active agents. The most resistant elements to washing were Pb, Hg, Cu and Zn. From the intercorrelation of element content and factor analysis, by examining the diminution of contents by washing and by comparing the detected levels with the values measured on contemporary Japanese women's hair, the contribution of exogenous contamination to hair levels was found to be very strong for Fe, Mn, Cu, Hg (inorganic mercury), and Pb, moderate for Na and Zn, and negligible for Ca, Mg, Sr, K, Hg (organic mercury), and P.     

A pristine environment and water quality in perspective: Maliau Basin, Borneo's mysterious world

The chemical characteristics of the surface water of Eucalyptus River, in Maliau Basin, were studied based on its major ion chemistry and its suitability for drinking, domestic use and irrigation. Water samples from the river were collected and analysed for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, Cl, SO₄, Ca, Mg, Na and K. Besides major elements, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, Bi, Cd, Ba, Pb, As, Al, V, Se, Ag, Sr and Li were also determined in this study. The results show that the river water of the area reflects natural factors and is regarded as fresh water and suitable for drinking and domestic use. The calculated values of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Mg hazard and salinity hazard indicate that the river water is of high quality and suitable for agricultural and irrigation purposes. This study contributes baseline data for a pristine, forested environment for future reference.     

Kidney and liver levels of some major, minor and trace elements in two Ontario communities

The contents of Ag, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, Th, Ti and Zn in 143 autopsied liver and kidney specimens from two Ontario communities (Kingston and Ottawa) were determined using the techniques of inductively-coupled plasma--atomic emission spectrometry, and electrothermal atomization--atomic absorption spectrometry coupled with hydride evolution (As, Se), reduction--aeration (Hg), or solvent extraction (Pb). The majority of samples came from individuals older than 50 y. In general, the data for the various elements were independent of age or sex but showed some dependence on location for elements such as Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn. Despite these differences the elemental values of the liver and kidney samples from both the communities were within the normal range.     

Chemical quality of bottled waters from three cities in eastern Alabama

Twenty-five brands of bottled waters consisting of both purified and spring types collected randomly from three Alabama cities, USA were assessed for their suitability for human consumption. Water quality constituents analyzed include pH, conductivity, alkalinity, chloride, nitrate + nitrite, sulfate, phosphate, total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), total organic carbon (TOC), and 27 elements on the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results obtained were compared with US EPA drinking water standards and the European union (EU) drinking water directive. Ni was non-detectable in all the samples and Cu, Pb, Sb, Zn, Mn, Al, Cr, Mg, P, Ca, sulfate, chloride and nitrates + nitrites were all below their respective USEPA drinking water standards or EU maximum admissible concentrations (MAC). The conductivity, pH, As, Cd, Hg, Zn, Se and Tl values in some samples exceeded the EU and USEPA standards for drinking water. No sample had pH > 8.5, but seven bottled water brands analyzed were acidic (pH < 6.5). Most of the sampled brands had TOC concentrations exceeding 3 mg/l. The concentrations of most water quality constituents analyzed, in most cases, were higher in the spring water brands compared to the purified or distilled brands of bottled water. A one-way parametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on pH, conductivity, IC, TOC, Ca, Na, K, Mg, Se, sulfate, chloride and nitrate + nitrite values for 10 brands of bottled water to ascertain the homogeneity of variances within and between the brands, suggested significant differences in variances across the brands at a 95% confidence level except for selenium, sodium and calcium.     

Assessment of groundwater quality and its suitability for agricultural usage in and around Rangampeta area,Andhra Pradesh,south India

The aim of this study is to assess the groundwater quality of Rangampeta area for irrigation and domestic purposes. The groundwater samples were analyzed for distribution of chemical elements Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si, HCO₃, CO₃, Cl and SO₄. It also includes pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, non carbonate hardness and total alkalinity. The parameters like sodium absorption ratio, adjusted sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, potential salinity, permeability index and residual sodium carbonate were calculated. The dominant hydrochemical facies of groundwater are Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl Water Types. The Gibbs’s diagram plots suggest that the chemical weathering of rock forming minerals is the major driving force controlling water chemistry in this area. The positive chloro-alkaline indices revealed that the groundwater has suffered ion exchange between Na and K of water with Ca and Mg of soil during its flow.     

The elemental composition and sources of house dust and street dust

The elemental compositions of house dust, street dust and soil have been determined for 26 elements on material collected in Christchurch, New Zealand. The elements Hf, Th, Sc, Sm, Ce, La, Mn, Na, K, V, Al and Fe may be considered to be soil-based and contribute about 45–50% to house dust and 87% to street dust. The elements which are enriched (>3 times) in the dusts relative to the levels found in local soils, are Br, Cu, Cl, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ca, Co, As and Sb in house dust, and Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb in street dust.     

Removal of Mn2+ ions from drinking water by using Clinoptilolite and a Clinoptilolite-Fe oxide system

Clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, was used for the synthesis of a high surface area Clinoptilolite-Iron oxide system, in order to be used for the removal of Mn2+ ions from drinking water samples. The new system was obtained by adding natural clinoptilolite in an iron nitrate solution under strongly basic conditions. The Clin-Fe system has specific surface area equal to 151.0 m2/g and is fully iron exchanged (Fe/Al = 1.23). Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to determine the effectiveness of the Clin and the Clin-Fe system in removal of manganese from drinking water. Adsorption experiments were conducted by mixing 1.00 g of each of the substrates with certain volume of water samples contaminated with 10 different Mn concentrations (from 3.64 x 10(-6) to 1.82 x 10(-2) M or from 0.2 to 1000 ppm). For the present experimental conditions, the Mn adsorption capacity of Clin was 7.69 mg/g, whereas, of Clin-Fe system was 27.12 mg/g. The main factors that contribute to difference adsorption capacity of the two solids are due to new surface species and negative charge of Clin-Fe system. In addition, the release of counterbalanced ions (i.e., Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+) was examined as well as the dissolution of framework Si and Al. It was found that for the most of the samples the Clin-Fe system releases lower concentrations of Ca, Mg and Na and higher concentrations of K than Clin, while the dissolution of Si/Al was limited. Changes in the composition of water samples as well as in their pH and conductivities values were reported and explained.     

Determination of mineral and trace elements in some medicinal herbs and their infusions consumed in Turkey

Fourteen mineral and trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) were determined in the herbs and their infusions consumed for medical purposes in Turkey such as chamomile (Matricaria chammomile L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), linden (Tilia vulgaris), nettle (Urtica dioical), rosehip (Fr.Rosa caninae), sage (Salvia officinalis) and senna tea (Cassia anqustifolia). Microwave digestion procedure was applied under optimized conditions for dissolution of medicinal herbs. Element concentrations in the medicinal herbs and their infusions were determined by FAAS and ICP-AES. The accuracy and precision were verified against a GBW 07605 Poplar leaves and Tea certified reference material. The mineral and trace element content of medicinal herbs and their infusions showed a wide variability. However, distribution of the elements in the infusions is not high and it is nil especially for Cd, Co, Cr and Pb.