有色金属矿区土壤重金属污染调查与修复研究进展

有色金属矿区是土壤重金属污染的主要地区之一,本文主要基于土壤重金属元素基准值、土壤理化特征、土壤重金属元素空间分布特征、土壤重金属元素形态特征、土壤重金属污染源同位素示踪等方面调查,为生物修复,物理、化学和联合修复的不同修复方法选择及土壤重金属污染监测提供科学依据。     

Metal contamination of urban soils in the vicinity of a municipal waste incinerator: one source among many

Concern from local residents about possible contamination with metals and PCDD/F (dioxins and furans) from fugitive and stack emissions from the Byker municipal solid waste incinerator in Newcastle upon Tyne led the City Council to initiate a study of the concentration of these pollutants in soils. We report here the results for the metals and arsenic. Soils were sampled at distances up to 2.25 km from the incinerator stack. The intensity of sampling in concentric zones was four times greater in the northeast (down-wind) direction, and twice as great in the northwest and southeast directions, compared to the southwest (up-wind) direction. In total 163 samples were collected and analyzed for total As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Concentrations were generally elevated above background levels, but were typical of those found in other urban areas. For As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn, contamination hotspots were identified. These were spread throughout the sampling area, and there was no evidence of greater concentrations down-wind of the incinerator compared to other directions, nor of any trend in concentration at increasing distance from the incinerator. We concluded that metal contamination resulting from the incinerator could not be detected in an environment with generally elevated concentrations. Potential sources for many of the hotspots of contamination were identified in a survey of historic land use based on maps of the locality dating back to 1856. Detailed investigations of particular areas with serious contamination will now be undertaken by the local authorities using the CLEA (Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment) model.     

Geochemical and microfaunal proxies to assess environmental quality conditions during the recovery process of a heavily polluted estuary: the Bilbao estuary case (N. Spain)

This study explores the eventual environmental improvement of the Bilbao estuary (northern Spain), from 1997 to 2006, in order to assess current estuarine restoration being undertaken as part of a Revitalization Strategic Plan. The monitoring programme is based on spatial and temporal variation in the distributions of both benthic foraminiferal assemblages and heavy metals contained in surficial sediments from the polluted intertidal flats. The overall pattern shows a decreasing metal concentration; however, reversals to this trend are noticed in the middle estuary. From 2000 to 2003, a significant decrease in heavy metal concentration was observed which is most likely related to the implementation in 2001-2002 of the biological treatment at a central wastewater treatment plant. Although the metal concentration decreased by 85% for some elements, these values still remain considerably high. No significant change occurred between 2003 and 2006 in metal concentrations. During the monitoring period the estuary channel presented environmental conditions close to azoic in 3/4 of its watercourse. Only in the year 2006, the two lowermost estuarine samples exhibited an increase in microfaunal densities. These samples were dominated by pollution-resistant estuarine species. The fact that estuarine sediments quality is recovering very slowly seems to be caused mainly by the resuspension of accumulated contaminants in the sediments due to dredging and working activities in the estuary. Thus, local authorities should consider also the clean up of the pollutants stored in the sediments, not seeking only the achievement of the water quality standards, as these polluted sediments can act as source of contamination.     

Identifying contemporary and historic sources of soil polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in an industrial urban setting

A study of soil polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) concentrations was undertaken in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Newcastle upon Tyne as a result of concerns raised by local residents about potential contamination from fugitive and stack emissions. The study area was divided into four sectors (north-east (NE), south-east (SE), north-west (NW) and south-west (SW)) around the MSWI, and sampling sites were located up to a distance of 2.25 km. Based on air dispersion modelling, the sampling density was four times greater in the NE (downwind) sector compared to the SW (upwind) direction, and twice as great in the NW and SE sectors. PCDD/F concentrations found in soil samples ranged from 6 to 1911 ng I-TEQ/kg DW with a median of 32 ng I-TEQ/kg DW. There was no evidence of elevated concentrations downwind of the MSWI compared to other directions, nor of any trend in concentration at increasing distance from the MSWI. We concluded, therefore, that the MSWI fugitive and stack emissions were not a major source of PCDD/F contamination. Analysis of PCDD/F homologue profiles showed that samples exhibiting furan-dominated and OCDD-dominated profiles and a profile characteristic of the MSWI ash occurred in distinct clusters. Those samples showing the furan-dominated profile had the largest PCDD/F concentrations measured as I-TEQ, followed by samples with the incinerator profile, the deposition profile, and the OCDD-dominated profile. We identified some contamination hotspots located in the SW and SE sampling sectors (upwind of the MSWI), and potential sources for these hotspots were sought by using historic land use data from maps of the locality dating back to 1856. We concluded that the cluster of very high concentrations of PCDD/F in soils showing the furan homologue profile were most likely to have resulted from the disposal of graphite electrode sludges from brine electrolysis carried out at a chemical works between the 1890s and the 1930s.     

The use of town refuse ash in urban agriculture around Jos, Nigeria: health and environmental risks

This paper reports on a study that examines the health and environmental risks of using town refuse ash in urban vegetable production in Jos, Nigeria, in terms of heavy metal accumulation in the food chain. Soil and crop samples, collected from five study farms, and samples of the river water used for irrigation, were analysed for seven heavy metals Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Pb. On the basis of the field data the paper discusses: (1) the potential soil deficiencies and toxicities; (2) the probable links between soil heavy metal levels and fertilisation practices; (3) the heavy metal concentrations in crop tissue in relation to crop growth and human health. The findings suggest that soil concentrations of the seven metals fall within 'typical' soil levels, and that there should not be any problems of either toxicities or deficiencies for crop growth. There was evidence of slight accumulation of Zn, Cu and Cd on some of the farms with a history of town refuse ash use. However, in all farms lettuce crops contained very large concentrations of Fe, and Pb concentrations that were 20 to 40 times higher than the WHO/FAO maximum recommended level in leafy vegetables for human consumption. The Cd content of carrot tissue was 10 times higher than the WHO/FAO recommended limit. The relatively small number of soil and crop samples precluded any formal attempt at correlating the concentrations of heavy metals found in the vegetable crops with the farm levels. Nevertheless, the data suggested that these were not linked. The paper goes on to consider various potential sources of the metals found in the crops, including irrigation water, town refuse ash and air-borne dust, and discusses additional health and environmental risks pertaining to the use of town refuse ash. Undoubtedly, the heavy Pb and Cd contamination of certain crops indicates the urgent need for future studies to ascertain the precise source of these metals, and although the practice of using town refuse ash does not appear to have resulted in large-scale contamination of soil in the farming area, there are a number of unsafe practices associated with it that call for the identification of strategies for the safe utilisation of urban waste in Jos.     

Dispersion studies on a solid waste refuse incinerator

The dispersion of the emissions of a municipal solid waste incinerator in eastern Helsinki has been studied by analysing birch leaf (Betula pubescent) and grass (mainly couch‐grass, Elymys repens) samples collected from the neighbourhood of the incinerator. The elemental concentrations of 17 elements were analyzed by the PIXE method. The incinerator was closed down in March 1983 because of the then measured high emissions. In the birch leaf samples collected in September 1982 (before the shut‐down) elemental concentrations of 11 elements varied strongly as a function of distance from the incinerator. In the respective samples collected in September 1983 (after the shut‐down) no clear distance versus concentration dependence was obtained for any elements.     

兰州某铝厂旧址周围土壤重金属污染及分布特征

研究了兰州某铝厂旧址周围土壤重金属形态特征,找出了该土壤中重金属元素的形态分布及变化规律,分析了引起7种重金属元素形态变化的主要因子。结果表明,该铝厂周围土壤重金属Cu、Mn、Ni、Pb、Zn、Cr、Cd污染严重。各重金属元素的含量随样品采集半径的增加而减少,7种重金属的形态分析结果表明,重金属污染主要以残渣态为主,Cd、Mn和Cr的弱酸态占有较大的比例,其中Cd的生态风险性最高。同时对重金属的环境效应和生态风险作出一定的评价,为治理和改善该地区土壤环境质量积累科学数据。     

Synthesizing bioaccumulation data from the German metals in mosses surveys and relating them to ecoregions

The European Heavy Metals in Mosses Surveys measure and map environmental concentrations of metals at more than 7000 sites in Europe. In Germany, moss samples were taken at 592 sites in 1990, at 1026 sites in 1995, and at 1028 sites in 2000, where up to 40 metals were measured each time. This article is about how to calculate multi-metal indices from the site- and metal-specific monitoring data and how to link them with the natural regions (ecoregions) of Germany. The ecoregions were calculated with surface data on natural vegetation, elevation, soil texture and climate by means of Classification and Regression Trees (CART). The ecoregions were mapped by GIS and superimposed on a map of multi-metal bioaccumulation indices calculated by means of geostatistics and percentile statistics from the monitoring data. These indices integrate the concentrations of 8 metals measured in 1990, 1995, and 2000 or 12 metals from the 1995 and 2000 surveys, respectively, and the ecoregionalisation enables their geostatistical estimates to be grouped into 21 ecological land categories. This two-step aggregation revealed that, from 1990 to 2000, the multi-metal metal accumulation declined up to 80%, varying with the ecoregions. Based on the multi-metal accumulation index hot spots, the metal accumulation was mapped, ecoregionalised, and suggested for further ecotoxicological assessment. Thus, the approach helps to assess the metal bioaccumulation within ecoregions in a comprehensive and holistic manner over time, space, and metals. This data aggregation is of importance for the environmental reporting in Germany and within the framework of the international environmental information systems. Furthermore, ecoregions may help to plan and optimize monitoring networks. Because monitoring should measure and estimate not only the environmental concentrations of substances but also their impacts on ecoregions, the number of monitoring sites should be proportional to the areas covered by the ecoregions and located according to their spatial variation.     

水泥固化稳定重金属污染土的工程性质试验研究

随着社会的快速发展,因工业生产以及人类活动引起的地基土重金属污染现象越来越严重。地基土受到重金属污染后,其工程性质会发生改变。固化稳定法是处理重金属污染土地基的常用方法之一。以人工制备的铅或锌重金属污染土为研究对象,通过系统的室内试验,着重研究水泥固化稳定重金属污染土的工程性质。试验结果表明,土体受到污染后,其强度降低;掺入水泥固化稳定的重金属污染土的强度随水泥掺入量以及养护龄期的增加显著增大。通过试验还发现,较低浓度重金属离子的存在可以促进水泥固化土抗剪强度的提高。     

Metal content of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves in relation to soil contamination and airborne particulate matter.

The global distribution of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber, sensu lato; Asteraceae), along with its ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, make this 'species' a particularly attractive candidate to evaluate for its value as a biological monitor of environmental metal contamination. To examine the metal content of dandelion leaves in relation to environmental metal levels, the concentrations of eight metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed in leaf and soil samples collected at 29 sites in the mid-western United States differentially impacted by pollution. Sites were chosen primarily to cover a range of annual mean 24-h airborne particulate matter < or = 10 microm (hereafter, PM10) exposure, with PM10 levels varying from those found in isolated rural areas to levels typical of the most industrialized urban locations in the mid-western United States. A positive. significant correlation was detected between soil concentrations of each metal and measures of PM10 at a site, signifying that airborne particulate matter is a good indicator of soil metal contamination. Leaf concentrations of four of the eight metals (Cr, Mn, Pb and Zn) examined were found to increase significantly as the soil levels of these metals increased, but the percentage of the total variation explained by the relationship in these cases was generally low. This latter finding, along with the lack of a significant relationship between leaf and soil concentrations for the four other metals, indicate that the factors affecting metal absorption from the soil by dandelions are complex and that, aside from soil metal concentrations, other soil, plant and/or other environmental factors affect metal uptake. There was also no evidence that leaf metal concentrations were positively correlated with PM10. In addition, the concentrations of some metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) were significantly higher in leaves collected in the fall compared to those collected at the same sites in the spring. These findings suggest that dandelions may not be a particularly effective tool for quantifying levels of environmental metal contamination, at least on the scale of pollution typifying industrialized urban areas of the mid-western United States.     

Coregionalization analysis of heavy metals in the surface soil of Inner Mongolia

Due to potential problems associated with their deficiencies or toxicities, heavy metals in soils are of great environmental concern. To evaluate heavy metal contents and their relationships in the surface soil of Inner Mongolia, soil samples were collected from 344 sites and contents of copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, nickel, chromium, mercury, cobalt, vanadium and manganese were determined. In this article, coregionalization of these ten heavy metals is investigated using factorial kriging. Vegetation type, parent material type and soil pH, with respective characteristic ranges of 200, 400 and over 1000 km, are identified as the primary factors that control the spatial distribution of soil heavy metals. At the scale of 200 km, heavy metal relationships mainly reflect the result of biocycling. Their relationships at the intermediate scale (400 km) are thought to be derived from the atomic substitution of metals in the parent materials. Effects of soil pH on the adsorption of heavy metals by soil organic materials could explain their relationships at the large spatial scale (over 1000 km).     

北京平谷西部矿集区附近土壤重金属特征

文章以平谷西部金属矿山及矿集区为研究区,采集土壤样品169个,开展区域土壤的重金属污染研究。采用X荧光光谱法、等离子原子发射光谱法等现代测试技术,分析了土壤中重金属(As、Hg、Cd、Cr、Zn、Cu、Pb、Ni)的含量;采用ArcGIS反距离权重插值数学模型和SPSS多元统计方法对土壤重金属空间分布及污染特征进行综合研究;运用潜在生态危害指数法进行生态风险评价。结果表明,研究区域土壤中重金属含量与背景值倍数大小依次是CdPbAsZnCuHgNiCr;重金属危害程度由大到小依次为CdAsPbHgCuNiZnCr;8种重金属潜在生态危害指数RI值在52.11～32 875.38之间。综上所述,研究区域的土壤重金属存在不同程度的风险。     

Spatial distribution and temporal variation of metals in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator after a modernization of the flue gas cleaning systems of the facility

In June 1994 and 1997, the concentrations of a number of elements were determined in soil and herbage samples collected in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) (Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain). In August 1997, an adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the stack was carried out to the incinerator. In June 1999, soil and herbage samples were collected again at the same sampling points and the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) were measured by ICP-MS or AAS with graphite furnace. The results are compared with those obtained in the 1994 and 1997 surveys. In the period 1997-1999, the only significant changes in soil levels corresponded to Cd and Pb, with decreases of 21.0% and 53.5%, respectively. In vegetation, only Mn levels showed a significant reduction, which contrasts with the notable increases found in the concentrations of As, Hg and Ni. According to the results of this survey, it seems evident that other metal emission sources in the same area of study are masking the environmental improvements carried out in the MSWI.     

Acid solubilization of sewage sludge and ash constituents for possible recovery

Many of the trace elements and phosphorus in digested sewage sludges can be solubilized with acid at an average acid cost of $41 and $77 per ton of dry solids for H₂SO₄ and HCl, respectively ($46 and $86/metric ton). But an economic gain accrued by the recovery of metals and phosphates would be minimal since processing of the large volumes of dilute acid leachate would be expensive. Based on acid costs alone, sludge detoxification does not seem to be economically feasible, so the elimination of metal discharges at source seems to be the only practicable solution to reducing heavy metal levels in digested sludges.

Sulfuric acid can be used to non-selectively solubilize metals and phosphates from sludge incinerator ash for about $21 per ton of ash treated ($24/metric ton). In most instances, separation and recovery of the constituents in the leachate would be too costly to make profitable recycle possible. Optimization of incineration parameters such as temperature can be used to minimize the environmental impact of landfilling sludge incinerator ash.     

Heavy metal and pesticide content in commonly prescribed individual raw Chinese Herbal Medicines

Heavy metal and pesticide contamination has previously been reported in Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs), in some cases at potentially toxic levels. This study was conducted to determine general patterns and toxicological significance of heavy metal and pesticide contamination in a broad sample of raw CHMs. Three-hundred-thirty-four samples representing 126 species of CHMs were collected throughout China and examined for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. Of the total, 294 samples representing 112 species were also tested for 162 pesticides. At least 1 metal was detected in all 334 samples (100%) and 115 samples (34%) had detectable levels of all metals. Forty-two different pesticides were detected in 108 samples (36.7%), with 1 to 9 pesticides per sample. Contaminant levels were compared to toxicological reference values in the context of different exposure scenarios. According to a likely scenario of CHM consumption, only 3 samples (1%) with heavy metals and 14 samples (5%) with pesticides were found with concentrations that could contribute to elevated background levels of contaminant exposure. According to the most conservative scenario of CHM consumption, 231 samples (69%) with heavy metals and 81 samples (28%) with pesticides had contaminants that could contribute to elevated levels of exposure. Wild collected plants had higher contaminant levels than cultivated samples. Cadmium, chromium, lead, and chlorpyrifos contamination showed weak correlations with geographic location. Based on our assumptions of the likely mode of consumption of raw CHMs, the vast majority (95%) of the 334 samples in this study contained levels of heavy metals or pesticides that would be of negligible concern. However, given the number of samples with detectable contaminants and the range between the more likely and more conservative scenarios of contaminant exposure, more research and monitoring of heavy metals (especially cadmium and chromium) and pesticide residues (especially chlorpyrifos) in raw CHMs are advised.     

Mammalian hair as an accumulative bioindicator of metal bioavailability in Australian terrestrial environments

The current study represents the first investigation of the suitability of marsupial and eutherian mammalian hair as indicator tissue for metal exposure and accumulation within contaminated Australian terrestrial ecosystems. A soil metal contamination gradient was established across 22 sites at increasing distances from a decommissioned Lead/Zinc smelter in NSW, Australia. Within each site, soil and small mammal populations were sampled. An Australian native marsupial, the insectivorous Brown Antechinus, Antechinus stuartii: Dasyuridae, and introduced rodents, the omnivorous Brown or Norway Rat, Rattus norvegicus: Muridae and the Black Rat, Rattus rattus: Muridae were assessed for hair concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn). Metals in soil were most elevated at sites within close proximity to the smelter, with soil metal concentrations decreasing with distance from the smelter. The non-essential metals Pb and Cd were accumulated in hair, both metals exhibiting positive linear relationships with environmental exposure (soil metal concentrations). When the variables of weight and snout-vent length were considered, no further contribution in terms of explaining the variability in hair Cd or Pb was observed for all species examined. The essential metals Cu and Zn were regulated in hair, remaining similar across the metal contamination gradient. A significant negative correlation between snout-vent length and hair Cu concentration was found for the Brown Rat; greater hair Cu concentrations were found in smaller individuals of this species. Accumulation of Pb to hair was similar among species while concentrations of Cd in Brown Rat hair were higher than both Black Rat and Brown Antechinus hair. As each of the three aforementioned species exhibit similar bioaccumulation relationships for Pb, we suggest that sampling hair from introduced rodents (pest species) may provide a suitable proxy for the assessment of Pb bioavailability for a range of small mammals within Australian urban remnants.     

The cadmium and lead content of suspended particulate matter emitted from a U.K. refuse incinerator

Suspended particulate matter (SPM), sampled from the stack of a large refuse incinerator in the U.K., contained markedly elevated levels of Cd (approximately 1600 micrograms g-1) and Pb (approximately 3%). These values were similar to those previously reported for several other incinerators in Europe, but the Pb concentrations were lower than in the SPM from three American incinerators. Calculation of the metal concentration ratio SPM/fly ash for the U.K. incinerator revealed a three-fold enrichment of the two metals on the SPM. Similar ratios were obtained for several other European incinerators; this correspondence in metal partitioning was linked to the use of electrostatic precipitators in these facilities. The SPM metal data obtained in this study were used to estimate atmospheric emissions of 0.5 t Cd year-1 and 11 t Pb year-1 from the incinerator. Extrapolation of the Cd and Pb emission factors derived from this study to the quantity of refuse incinerated in the U.K. results in atmospheric discharges of 6 t Cd year-1 and 115 t Pb year-1. These estimates are in good agreement with those previously reported by an emissions inventory which identified incineration as the single largest source of airborne Cd in the U.K.     

Deposition of airborne elements from Sembule steel mill surveyed by moss analysis

The local contamination of airborne elements caused by the Sembule steel works was studied by the analysis of Mg, Ca, Fe, Ni, Pb and Cd accumulated in transplanted moss. The concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd) and other elements (Mg, Ca) were determined in soil, moss and water collected in the vicinity of Sembule steel mill. Comparison of elemental ratios indicate that there is contamination by heavy metals around this area. Accumulation coefficients have been applied to moss, soil and water data in an attempt to work out the contribution of these elements to water via soil and air. In evaluating Fe, Ni, Pb and Cd contents of river water and soil, a distinction was made between the amounts which are taken up from soil and those reaching the water as air depositions (as measured by use of moss). The calculations indicate that soil contributes 79.4, 96.3, 23.3, 0.50, 14.6 and 30.6 percent of Mg, Ca, Cd, Pb, Ni and Fe, respectively, whereas air deposition contributes 20.6, 3.73, 76.7, 99.5, 85.4 and 69.4 percent, respectively.     

Contamination assessment of heavy metals in the soils of an abandoned copper mine in Lasail,Northern Oman

ABSTRACT

Abandoned mine areas exhibit heavy metal contamination. This severely reduces the soil quality. This paper concerns the assessment of soils near an abandoned copper mine in Lasail, northern Oman. Seventy-two soil samples were collected and analysed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The extent of heavy metal pollution was evaluated based on the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and pollution index (PI). According to these indices, Copper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As) and Iron (Fe) are impacting the soils. Of these, Cu and Hg concentrations are 50 and 300 times more than the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). There is an urgent need for the remediation and restoration of the soils in this area and a proposal is presented here.     

某金矿尾矿库土壤重金属污染特征及来源分析

尾矿中含有的重金属通过介质向环境缓慢释放,重金属进入土壤后,会对周围土壤、生态环境造成影响,危害人类身体健康和安全。本文以某金矿尾矿库为研究对象,对尾矿库流域内土壤重金属进行取样调查,确定尾矿库及周边土壤重金属污染现状,分析重金属来源及污染特征。对尾矿库及周边的土壤进行pH、氰化物、锑、砷、镉、铜、铅、锌、汞等元素含量测试,采用单项污染指数与内梅罗指数法进行重金属污染程度分析与评价;同时运用主成分分析法,探究尾矿库及周边区域土壤重金属形成原因和污染特征。研究结果表明：尾矿库流域内地表土样处于重污染状态,污染区主要集中在尾矿库东北侧,污染范围较大;氰化物、锑、镉、铜、铅、锌存在着不同程度的相关性,表明研究区内存在这6种元素不同程度的复合污染或这些元素具有同源性,重金属污染主要来源为矿石开采和工业活动等人为来源;土壤中砷的吸附、迁移与土壤pH值关系密切。调查和分析尾矿库土壤污染情况,查明尾矿库污染形成原因和污染特征,对尾矿库的综合治理具有重要意义。