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Six heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb) were measured in all 15 sediment samples collected from three drains south of Manzala Lake (Egypt). The possible environmental risks of heavy metals in the sediment of the three drains were investigated using soil indices and risk assessment. Results showed that heavy metal contamination was found at the studied sites along the three drains, and pollution levels varied depending on metals and sites. The mean concentration (mgkg-1) ranked in the order of Fe (3950) ˃ Cd (22.36) ˃ Cr (21.15) ˃ Co (19.01) ˃ Pb (14.16) ˃ Ni (10.40) for Faraskour drain, Fe (5068) ˃ Cd (30.29) ˃ Co (18.97) ˃ Cr (16.90) ˃ Ni (15.03) ˃ Pb (12.16) for Al-Etaiwy drain and Fe (56.12) ˃ Cd (19.60) ˃ Co (17.15) ˃ Ni (14.88) ˃ Cr (10.10) ˃ Pb (10.03) for Ramsis drain. The mean ranges of enrichment factor for Cd, Co, Pb, Ni and Cr were 167.5-3858, 6.11-51.78, 4.38-31.20, 1.07-11.84 and 0.61-7.43, respectively. The average degree of contamination revealed that the majority of the sites had reached very high levels of pollution, with the exception of site 1, which had reached a moderate level of contamination. The ecological risk of heavy metals can be ranked as follows: Cd > Co > Pb > Ni > Cr, and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) were 931.0, 1173 and 818.5 in the Faraskour, Al-Etaiwy and Ramsis drains, respectively. To decrease pollution in these drains, it was determined that more effective restrictions on Cd and Co were needed. In general, the mean levels of Cr, Ni, and Pb in sediments from the three drains are within the European Union (EU) and Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines (CSQGD), Cd higher than EU and CSQGD, and Co higher than EU but lower than CSQGD. KEY WORDS: Heavy metals, Pollution indices, Environmental risk assessment, Drains, Nile Delta Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(2), 315-327. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i2.6 &nbsp

The present research was carried out to examine the health and environmental impacts associated with coal mining activities in the Makarwal coal mining area in Pakistan. To achieve the objectives, 41 soil samples were collected from the coalmine-affected areas and analyzed for major and toxic trace elements (TTEs) using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Most of the soil samples have extremely high concentrations of toxic metals such as Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb. The positive correlations and high concentration of trace elements in the Makarwal coalmine-affected region suggest an analogous origin of soil contamination. The factor analysis (FA) showed two components, i.e., F1 (53.4%) and F (74.21%), of total variability for soil. The F2 was loaded with Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cr, which was similar to cluster 2, while the F1 was loaded with Cu and Cr, having a similar pattern to cluster 1. This proves that the contamination in the surrounding area is mostly associated with geological ore strata existing in the Makarwal coalfield. Based on geoaccumulation (Igeo), the elemental concentration in the studied soil sample could be categorized as follows: (1) Pb, Ni, and Zn are moderate to severely polluted and (2) Cr and Cu are in the moderately polluted category. The ecological risk indices (ERIs) of the single trace element contamination index highlighted that Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr pose a high risk to humans and the ecosystem. Based on different statistical tools performed for the source identification and distribution of metal contamination, it seems that the exposed sedimentary rocks, including limestone, dolomite, sandstone, and coal, are responsible for the toxic metal contamination in the study area.

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements, but they are regarded as significant environmental pollutants due to their high density and high toxicity even at low concentrations. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of the pollution level of heavy metals in the river and riverbank sediments, as well as the estimation of their origin and spatial differences along the course of the Vrbas River through Banja Luka. The concentrations of metals have been assessed using the Inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry and Advanced mercury analyzer for mercury determination. The anthropogenic impact on heavy metal concentration in sediments was estimated by the calculating of pollution indices: geoaccumulation index (Igeo ), contamination factor (Cf ), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (Er). Obtained results indicate that there is no statistically significant spatial difference in metal concentration, indicating that heavy metals in sediments have a constant source. The anthropogenic impact expressed by the values of pollution indices showed that sites are generally uncontaminated by Co, Cr and V and moderately contaminated by Zn, Cu and Ni. On the contrary, lead, mercury and cadmium pose the highest ecological risk. The anthropogenic source of Pb, Hg and Cd is industry, municipal waste and the combustion of fossil fuels. The obtained results demonstrate the high ecological risk and the need for environmental monitoring, with the aim to support an efficient strategy to reduce local pollution and contamination of the investigated system. Тешки метали су елементи природног порекла, али се сматрају значајним полутантима животне средине због велике густине и токсичности, чак и при малим концентрацијама. Циљ овог рада је процена нивоа загађености речних и приобалних седимената тешким металима, као и процена њиховог порекла и просторне расподеле дуж тока реке Врбас кроз Бањалуку. Концентрације тешких метала одређиване су помоћу индуктивно спрегнуте плазме – оптичке емисионе спектрометрије и наменског живиног анализатора. Антропогени утицај на концентрацију тешких метала у седиментима процењен је израчунавањем различитих индекса загађења: индекса геоакумулације (Igeo),фактора контаминације (Cf), индекса оптерећења загађењем (PLI) и индекса потенцијалног еколошког ризика (Er). Добијени резултати указују да не постоје статистички значајне просторне разлике у концентрацији метала, што указује на то да тешки метали у испитиваним седиментима имају константан извор. Антропогени утицај изражен у вредностима индекса загађења показао је да су локације генерално незагађене кобалтом, хромом и ванадијумом, а умерено загађене цинком, бакром и никлом. С друге стране, кадмијум, жива и олово представљају највећи еколошки ризик. Антропогени извори ових метала су индустрија, комунални отпад и сагоревање фосилних горива. Добијени резултати показују висок еколошки ризик и потребу за мониторингом животне средине, подржавајући развој ефикасне стратегије за смањење локалног загађења и загађења испитиваног подручја.

Background: Anthropogenic activities have clearly affected the environment, with irreversible and destructive consequences. Mining activities have a significant negative impact, primarily on soil, and then on human health. The negative impact of the first mining activities is represented even today in the soils of those localities. Research shows that, for different types of mines, the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are high, especially in antimony, multi-metal and lead–zinc mines, which have adverse effects on the environment and then on human health and the economy. A large flood in 2014 in Western Serbia resulted in the breaking of the dam of the processed antimony ore dump of the former antimony mine, causing toxic tailings to spill and pollute the downstream area. Due to this accident, tailings material flooded the area downstream of the dump, and severely affected the local agriculture and population. Methods: Potentially toxic elements content, pollution indices and health indices were determined in soil samples from the flooded area, using referenced methodologies. The sources and routes of pollutants and risks were determined and quantified using statistical principal component analysis, positive matrix factorisation, and a Monte Carlo simulation. Results: The main source of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sb and Zn in the upper part of the study area was the tailing material. Based on the pollution indices, about 72% of the studied samples show a high risk of contamination and are mainly distributed immediately downstream of the tailings dump that was spilled due to heavy rainfall. Conclusions: Although the content of the PTEs is high, there is no non-carcinogenic risk for any PTEs except As, for which a threshold risk was determined. There is no carcinogenic risk in the study area.

In Poland’s largest mining district, the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, there is a growing interest in resource development by small operators. Some concession areas are not yet directly affected by the mining industry. The objects of this research are two such areas and the goal is to determine a load of heavy metals (HM) in soils prior to mining projects and to assess the extent of their contamination at this stage. The metals studied were Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, while HM contamination was assessed using the Contamination Factor (CF), Contamination Degree (CD), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). The Ecological Risk Potential Index (ER) and Comprehensive Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) were also employed. The pre-mining areas are close to an area where mining was terminated before 2000. For this area, we performed the same set of analyses as for the pre-mining areas studied. HM concentration levels and pollution indices in post-mining areas are significantly higher than in pre-mining areas. The results obtained in the post-mining area give an idea of the expected type and scale of potential threat to soils from mining and can form the basis for monitoring environmental contamination in subsequent investment and operation phases, as well as help develop and implement timely methods to prevent the increase in heavy metal immission to soils during mining activities. We believe that the presented approach of assessing the condition of soils starting at the pre-mining stage can support the sustainable management of energy resources in the cases studied and elsewhere.

The current study investigated the concentrations, possible sources, toxicity, and ecological risk of eight heavy metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) and sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments in the port of Prahovo (Danube, Serbia). Among the examined HMs, the most abundant was Cu (38.3 mg/kg), followed by Zn. The Σ16PAHs concentrations ranged from 25 to 112.5 µg/kg, with 4-ring PAHs (17.3 µg/kg) being the most dominant in the study area. The mean and maximum values of HMs and PAHs obtained in this study were below the national regulatory limits and within environmental criteria. Particularly significant correlations between As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, 5-, 6-ring PAHs, as well as between Pb and Hg, indicated their similar anthropogenic sources, pathways, and adsorption mechanisms. These findings were confirmed by cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Diagnostic ratios demonstrated that contamination in inner port stations was characterized by pyrogenic sources, while PAHs of petrogenic origin prevailed in samples near the port entrance. The mean ERM quotient (mERMq), toxic risk index (TRI), and toxic equivalent quotient (TEQ) were also calculated to assess the toxicity of the investigated HMs and PAHs in sediments. Positive matrix factorization suggested four potential sources as the main components of sediment contamination, whereas the risk assessment indicated a low or relatively insignificant risk of adverse biological effects from the combined toxicity of HMs and PAHs for the entire study area.

Contamination of soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is receiving great attention worldwide due to its apparent toxicity and hazards to local residents. The assessments of soil PTE distribution, sources, and environmental risks are, therefore, the first steps of high-efficiency pollutant degradation and sustainable utilization. The current study used a variety of contamination indicators and multivariate methods to evaluate the environmental risk of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Al-Ahsa soils in eastern Saudi Arabia. For analysis, 30 surface soil samples were collected from palm fields irrigated with groundwater and treated sewage water. Landsat images of Al-Ahsa indicated an increase in the total vegetative area and the residential area, and a decrease in the bare land area from 1985 to 2021. The average concentrations of PTEs (mg/kg−1) were lower than the maximum admissible concentrations and had the following decreasing order: Zn (54.43) > Cr (28.67) > Ni (14.53) > Cu (10.83) > Pb (5.23) > As (2.27) > Hg (0.35) > Cd (0.26). The enrichment factor (EF) findings confirmed that the Al-Ahsa soil is significantly enriched with Hg, moderately to severely enriched with As, and moderately enriched with Cd. The potential ecological risk index (RI) demonstrates a moderate ecological risk, with only certain parts presenting a high risk. The different PTE levels in agricultural soils may be caused partly by the various qualities of groundwater that originate from various aquifers and sewage-treated water. The results of a multivariate analysis showed that most of the anthropogenic sources of Hg, As, and Cd may come from using a lot of fertilizers and insecticides. Levels of the remaining PTEs indicated natural sources from earth crust materials.

Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-30cm within two steel markets and a control site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria to assess the level of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As) in the environment. Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer was used to analyze the samples for heavy metals. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in the steel rods markets exceeded that of the control. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in the sites were in the order; Mile III > Kala > RSU. The average levels of contamination of heavy metals recorded followed the order Fe > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cd in Mile III, Fe > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in Kala and Fe > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in RSU (control). Mean concentrations obtained for heavy metals within the months of investigation were; 1420.931±9.155, 7.753±0.184, 8.730±0.050, 2.843±0.124, 9.428±0.122, 7.433±0.047 and 3.732±0.047 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively at the mile III station, while the mean concentrations of heavy metals observed at the Kala station were; 1161.173±1.823, 9.425±0.054, 7.596±0.027, 1.425±0.020, 6.507±0.006, 5.455±0.033 and 1.901±0.010 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. The mean values of heavy metals concentrations observed at the RSU station within the period were; 892.064±1.025,5.603±0.007, 5.841±0.051, 0.173±0.005, 3.389±0.009, 2.309±0.010 and 0.706±0.006 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. Pollution assessment models used for assessing the anthropogenic input on the quality of the soil in the area using the control site as the basis of judgment were: contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), contamination degree (CD), modified contamination degree (mCD), potential ecological risk coefficient (Eir), potential ecological risk index (RI), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and anthropogenicity. These indices revealed that the steel markets were contaminated and polluted and poses ecological risks by heavy metals, even though the values obtained were still below the WHO acceptable limits. The steel rods markets need to be adequately monitored and regulated to avoid further soil contamination by heavy metals to a degree that will be dangerous to human health.

Heavy metal concentrations were assessed in sediment samples collected from three lakes of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The aim of the present investigation was to compare the lakes for season wise addition of pollution load. The assessment of heavy metals was done using Contamination factor (CF), Geo accumulation index (Igeo) and Pollution load index (PLI). In summer CF varied from 0.01 to 7.43 i.e low to very high but in winter season all three lakes represented high CF factor. Likewise Igeo index in the sediments for summer ranged between 0.41 to 14.48 mg/kg i.e uncontaminated to moderate to heavy to extreme levels in sediments of lakes and trends were of the order Mn>Zn>Pb>Ni>Cu>Cd. In winter Igeo index ranged between 1.34 to 19.3 mg/kg which is uncontaminated to extreme contamination in bottom sediments and trends were of the order Mn>Zn>Pb>Ni>Cu>Cd. Pollution load index in winter season represented high value i.e more than 1 in both Dudh Talai and Udai Sagar Lake. The proposed study suggested that heavy metal accumulation in sediments during winter was higher than summer season. This has a very significant relevance where the contaminated sediments have one of the most challenging pollution issues owning to the toxicity persistence and bioaccumulation issues of food web., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, Vol. 46 (2021)

Mercury is a metal present in the Earth’s crust, but due to human contribution, its concentration can increase, causing environmental impacts to aquatic ecosystems, among others. The Reis Magos River Hydrographic Basin represents economic and socio-environmental importance for the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. However, there are not many publications regarding the quality of water and sediments, so no data is reported concerning the total concentration of Hg. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the distribution of total Hg in water and sediments along this hydrographic basin. For a better inference, physicochemical parameters of the water were determined (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and salinity), and in the sediments, the contents of matter organic matter, pH, carbonates and granulometry. Mercury determination was performed by Thermodecomposition and Amalgamation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (TDA AAS) with a DMA-80 spectrometer. The Hg determined in the water was lower than the limit of quantification, 0.14 µg∙L−1, which is lower than the maximum limits recommended by world reference environmental agencies. In the sediment samples, the Hg found were below 170 µg∙kg−1, values below which there is less possibility of an adverse effect on the biota. However, when the degree of anthropic contribution was evaluated using the Geoaccumulation index (IGeo), the contamination factor (CF), and the ecological risk potential index (EF), there was evidence of moderate pollution. Thus, this highlighted the need for monitoring the region since climatic variations and physical-chemical parameters influence the redistribution of Hg between the water/sediment interface.

Combining hydrogeochemical characterization and a hyperspectral reflectance measurement can provide knowledge for groundwater security under different conditions. In this study, comprehensive examinations of 173 groundwater samples were carried out in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters, water quality indices (WQIs), and spectral reflectance indices (SRIs) were combined to investigate water quality and controlling factors using multivariate modeling techniques, such as partial least-square regression (PLSR) and principal component regression (PCR). To measure water quality status, the drinking water quality index (DWQI), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal index (HPI), contamination degree (Cd), and pollution index (PI) were calculated. Standard analytical methods were used to assess nineteen physicochemical parameters. The typical values of ions and metals were as follows: Na2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > NO3− > CO32−; and Cu > Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Ni, respectively. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the examined groundwater samples revealed that Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4, and Na-Ca-HCO3 were the main mechanisms governing groundwater chemistry and quality under the load of seawater intrusion, weathering, and water-rock interaction. According to the WQIs results, the DWQI values revealed that 2.5% of groundwater samples were categorized as excellent, 18.0% as good, 28.0% as poor, 21.5% as extremely poor, and 30.0% as unfit for drinking. The HPI and Cd values revealed that all groundwater samples had a low degree of contamination and better quality. Furthermore, the PI values showed that the groundwater resources were not affected by metals but were slightly affected by Mn in Wadi Fatimah due to rock–water interaction. Linear regression models demonstrated the significant relationships for the majority of SRIs paired with DWQI (R varied from −0.40 to 0. 75), and with TDS (R varied from 0.46 to 0.74) for the studied wadies. In general, the PLSR and PCR models provide better estimations for DWQI and TDS than the individual SRI. In conclusion, the grouping of WQIs, SRIs, PLSR, PCR, and GIS tools provides a clear image of groundwater suitability for drinking and its controlling elements.

Environmental pollution has particular implications for the whole geosystem and increases the global risk to human and ecological health. In this regard, investigations were carried out on soil samples to perform the quality status assessment by determining: pH, texture, structure and metal concentration, as well as carrying out an assessment of anthropogenic activity by determining pollution indices: Cf (contamination factor), Cd (degree of contamination), PLI (pollution load index), Er (ecological risk index) and PERI (potential ecological risk index). Analyses on soil samples showed high concentrations of metals (Cu: 113–2996 mg kg−1; Pb: 665–5466 mg kg−1; Cr: 40–187 mg kg−1; Ni: 221–1708 mg kg−1). The metal extraction experiments were carried out by bioleaching using Thiobacillusferrooxidans, microorganisms at different amounts of bioleaching solution (20 mL and 40 mL 9K medium) and a stirring time of up to 12 h. The results on the degree of contamination, pollution loading index PLI (2.03–57.23) and potential ecological risk index PERI (165–2298) indicate that the soils in the studied area have a very high degree of pollution. The decontamination procedure by bioleaching showed a decrease, but at the end of the test (12 h), the followed indices indicate high values, suggesting that bioleaching should continue. The depollution yield after 12 h of treatment is, however, encouraging: Cu 29–76%, Pb: 10–32%, Cr: 39–72% and Ni 44–68%. The use of yield–time correlation equations allows the identification of the optimal exposure time on the bioleaching extraction process to obtain optimal results. The aim of the research is to determine the soil quality, soil environmental risk, extraction of metals from polluted soils by bioleaching and to identify influencing factors in achieving high remediation yields.

The Al-Najaf sea is a natural groundwater depending depression reservoir. The increase in uncontrolled dumping of solid waste in nearby areas and the use of sewage and animal manure as agricultural enhancing agents raise the fear of threatening the natural life in this lake by increasing metal concentrations in sediments. Forty-eight samples of sediments were collected, and the concentrations of eight metals (Fe, Zn, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Cd, and Ni) were measured in each sample. Five pollution indices (contamination factor, degree of contamination, pollution load index, enrichment factor and geo - accumulation index) were calculated. Spatial distributions with the pollution indices were studied to detect the specific metals that may contaminate the sediments and their probable source from the pattern of their distribution. The study revealed that, for most metals, concentrations at the lake shore were higher than those in the interior of the lake. Moreover, all the pollution indices were higher than the critical value on shores and slightly less than the critical level inside the lake, which means that the use of spatial distribution of metals in combination with pollution indices are beneficial in the detection of metal polluted sediments and their possible sources from their transmission patterns.

This study aims at providing bee products and derivatives of medicinal plant consumers with a multifaceted perspective on mineral elements occurring in the soils of two forest zones in the vicinity of North Dobrogea (Romania) by (1) analyzing the pollution levels of the soils at three sites (denoted by DS, PH, and ST) in the study region, using different indicators; (2) providing the results of the transfer of metals from the soil to Sambucus nigra L. (SnL), Hypericum perforatum (Hp), and Tilia tomentosa (Tt). The statistical analysis of the series collected at these locations shows no difference between the elements’ concentrations (as a whole). Still, the values of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) classify the soils as being soils that are moderately to highly contaminated with Cd (and not contaminated with Cu, Mn, or Zn) with respect to the European background values. The cumulative indices—the degree of contamination (DC), the pollution load index (PLI), the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated the highest contamination in DS (which is a tourist area). To assess the accumulation of different metals in plants, the enrichment factors (EF) were computed. In over 75% of cases, EF was above 1, indicating a high degree of enrichment with different metals. The highest values were those for Cu (41.10 in DS for SnL), and Cd (12.85 in DS for Tt). The results showed that there were different degrees of accumulation between microelements and trace elements in the plants. Tt acted as a bioaccumulator for almost all of the studied elements (K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cd).

The present study was carried out to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal contents in roadside soil samples collected during 2 sampling periods (September 2018 and April 2019) from 8 different roadside sites lying parallel to the Buddha Nullah, an old rivulet, flowing through Ludhiana, (Punjab) India. The contents (mg/kg) of seven metals (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and zinc) were estimated using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Among the metals analyzed, the contents of Cd, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn were found above the permissible limits. The results of the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (Cdeg), modified contamination degree (mCdeg), the Nemerow pollution index (PI) and pollution load index (PLI) indicate a moderate to high heavy metal contamination of the analyzed soil samples. The results of the potential ecological risk factor (ERi) and potential ecological risk index (RI) indicate a low to moderate risk of heavy metals in the studied soil samples. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that most of the variables exhibited a statistically significant correlation with one or more variables during the two samplings. Multivariate analysis demonstrates that contents of heavy metals in the study area are influenced by anthropogenic and geogenic factors.

Solid waste management constitutes a major concern and unresolved problem in most parts of the world, particularly in developing countries where solid waste is disposed in unregulated dumpsites in the public spaces. This practice can lead to contamination of environmental compartments such as soil, surface and groundwater which could negatively impact human health. In this study, surface soil samples were collected from 15 selected solid waste dumpsites in Kinshasa City (Democratic Republic of the Congo) to examine the heavy metal content and potential environmental risks. The results highlighted a high concentration of metals in soil samples compared to local background values and international threshold. The average concentration of metals in all soil samples followed generally the order: Zn>Pb > Cu >Cr> Co> Cd> As> Hg. The calculated pollution indexes including Geo-accumulation, Enrichment Factor, Contamination degree and Potential Ecological Risk, revealed polymetallic contamination dominated by several of these metals in which Zn, Cu, Pb and Hg were of greatest concern indicating high environmental risks. This work showed that illegal wild landfills represent a real danger for the environment and human health. Due to the toxicity of heavy metals, the measures to establish a monitoring program that address uncontrolled landfills and solid waste management and disposal are recommended to reduce the load of contaminants in soils which can reach surface and groundwater. On the other hand, the use of manures from these dumpsites for agricultural purposes should be discouraged because they may be easily absorbed at alarming levels by vegetables.

In the present study, the concentration levels of heavy metals such as Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb in sediment samples collected from 16 sampling locations in the Middle and Eastern Black Sea regions, Turkey was measured using energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). Various pollution parameters and methods, such as the enrichment factor (EF), geo–accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk index (RI), and geo–spatial distribution patterns were used to assess in detail the pollution status, ecological risks and sources of metals in sediment. The mean concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb were found to be 565.38, 46,000, 34.38, 104.06, 109.88, 87.31, and 32.31 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb exceeded the crustal shale value, with the exception of Mn, Fe, Ni and Cr. According to the calculated pollution parameters, although minimal or moderate pollution was detected in the area investigated, it was determined that there was a very low ecological risk. Multivariate statistical analysis results showed that Cu, Zn, and Pb levels in the investigated region were slightly influenced by anthropogenic inputs such as mining and agricultural practices. In addition, the geo–spatial distributions of Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb were found to be higher in this region due to the mining activities carried out in the Eastern Black Sea region.

Arctic soils may hold potentially toxic elements (PTE); PTE can provide evidence of past or recent pollution. In this study, five soil profiles located on Oscar II Land (Kaffiøyra) were studied to (i) evaluate the ecological status of Kaffiøyra’s soils based on the determination of the possible accumulation of PTE using pollution indices; and (ii) determine the possible origin of PTE enrichment (local factors vs. long-range sources) depending on the distance from the sea. The soils were tested with standard soil science methods. The contamination of five soils was assessed by a wide spectrum of pollution soil indices: Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk (RI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Probability of Toxicity (MERMQ). EF values calculated based on Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn content indicated an anthropogenic origin of the pollution. Values of Igeo showed the highest pollution with Cd, while CSI and MERMQ values indicated the highest Cd and Pb levels, but only in the soils located closest to the coast. RI values suggested that soils were under a strong or very strong potential ecological risk, whereas PLI confirmed the high probability of soil quality reduction. Enrichment with PTE has been conditioned by both local (natural) and long-distance (anthropogenic) factors. Among the local factors, parent material was highly relevant. The effect of long-distance anthropogenic factors, especially from European, large industrial centres, was manifested by the high content of PTE in soils located closest to the coastlines, delivered by a wet deposition and sea aerosols. The monitoring and assessment of arctic soil quality are useful practices for the verification of the sources of PTE pollution and the development of methods that can contribute to the protection and maintenance of these vulnerable ecosystems.

This work investigates the level of metallic trace elements (MTEs) and organic matter (OM) vertical contamination in the sediments of the Safi fishing port (Atlantic coast of Morocco). The choice of the site, never dredged since its construction and operation, constitutes a first scientific study on a national scale. Two sampling campaigns were carried out on 40 cm deep columns of sediment. The particle size profile of the sediment was studied and the organic matter and MTEs (Cd, Cu and Zn) contents were quantified. The results showed a homogeneous sediment profile over the entire depth with a dominance of medium and fine fractions. The average contents of MTEs revealed a significant state of contamination as well as a non-uniform distribution along the column. The recorded values are several times higher than the standards established by the legislation in force for the dredging operation. In addition, the eco-toxicological risk at the port, estimated through the calculation of various pollution and ecological risk indices, seems obvious. The correlations between MTEs and OM pointed out to probably similar origin for Cd and Zn, which is different from that of Cu. On the other hand, these analyses conclude that these metals are likely to bind to ligands other than OM. In addition, and according to the HCA analysis, the high organometallic concentrations recorded the sediment column could possibly be the result of four episodes of contamination emanating from human activities inherent in the activity of the entire port since its creation. The sediments of the fishing port therefore constitute a real threat to the marine environment, as various pollutants are likely to be released during a potentially future dredging operation., Moroccan Journal of Chemistry, Vol 10, No 1 (2022): in progress

This study focuses on risk assessment of Cr, V, Ni, Co, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the Mefou River sediments located at Yaoundé, West-Africa. Sediment samples were collected from five stations in the downstream of the Mefou River, which drains the urban area of Yaoundé between latitudes 3°30′ and 3°58′ North and longitudes 11°20′ and 11°40′ East. The geochemistry data were analyzed statistically and the pollution indices were calculated in order to identify and estimate the sources of metal contamination in the Mefou River sediments. The results obtained show that the average concentrations of trace metals are almost higher than those of the upper continental crust (UCC) and the metal average in the Simbock Lake cores. However, the concentrations of Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn in sediments located in most urbanized sites are lower than those of the UCC and the average of Simbock Lake sediments. The pollution indices such as enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and pollution load index (PLI) showed that trace metals were mainly influenced by human sources, except for Pb, Cu, and Zn, which stemmed from natural sources. The sediments of the Mefou River would therefore be affected with low to moderate pollution levels. The low values of potential ecological risk (RI: 22.36–41.53) suggest a low potential ecological risk effect. The multivariate statistical analysis indicates that Ni, Cu, Pb, Co, and Zn have been derived mainly from natural sources, while V and Cr would partially derive from human activities. The results of this research can be a reference for trace metal pollution along an African urbanized river corridor. This can be considered as an act of prevention of urban watercourses in Cameroon and in other parts of the world, especially in major African urban metropolis., Mefou River; African metropolis; Pollution; Trace metal; Pollution indices.

The present study was carried out to describe the characteristic features of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in the soil of industrial city, Kolchugino–Vladimir Region–Russia. The mass fractions in mg/kg of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd were measured by atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Multivariate statistical analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were performed. The obtained results of the potentially toxic elements were mapped using ArcGIS. A total of four pollution indices were calculated to identify the areas with significant pollution associations. The data analysis showed that locations 14 (urban area) and 16 (non-ferrous metallurgy plant) contribute significantly to pollution. Maximum likelihood method was used to classify the land-use and land-cover (LULC). The analysis shows that locations 14 and 16 are belonging to the industrial area on LULC. Great attention should be paid to the control and regulation of waste disposal into the environment, which in turn, has an adversely impact on human health. By using the data, it could help to identify areas where waste control measures need to be implemented, such as increasing recycling or introducing more waste control legislation. It could also help to identify areas where waste control efforts have been successful. Data can be used by government, policymakers, and stakeholders for future planning and R&D activities.

Lubumbashi (DR Congo)—the capital of copper mining—has been considered as one of the richest mining regions of the world for more than a decade. These riches have brought along multiple mining companies responsible for soil, river water and vegetable pollution, as in many African cities. The aim of the present study was to quantify and evaluate the pollution levels and the potential sources of soil, irrigation water and vegetable contamination by the metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Co and Zn in the urban gardens of Lubumbashi (DR Congo). The contamination, pollution and enrichment levels of the gardens were determined based on different indices in order to rank the soils. The results show that soils, waters and vegetables present contamination levels that represent a serious concern for human health. All soils presented contamination indices ranging from low (72% of the soils) to very high (3.4% of the soils) metal (copper, lead, zinc) contamination. The Cu and Cd contents varied between 1355 mg/kg et 236 mg/kg, much higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) thresholds (100 mg/kg for Cu and 2 mg/kg for Cd). Moreover, the water used for crop and garden irrigation presented high Pb (57% of the waters), Fe (52%), Cu (19%) and Cd (10%) contamination levels, above the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) U4441 toxicity thresholds (2 mg/kg for Cu; 0.1 mg/kg for Fe and 0.01 mg/kg for Pb) for crop irrigation. Finally, the vegetables produced in these gardens and sold in the local markets had very high metal content (47% contained Cu; 100% contained copper and cobalt) above the WHO standard (10 mg/kg for Cu, 2 mg/kg for Cd and 1 mg/kg for Co) for human consumption. In the face of these issues, it would be preferable to consider cheaper, more sustainable techniques that reduce soil-to-plant metal transfer.

The aim of this study is to analyze the recent sedimentation rate in the center of the Limoncocha lagoon, a Ramsar site in the Ecuadorian Amazon, using the 210Pb dating method and identifying the potentially toxic elements along a 50 cm sediment core. A strategy based on the application of three single and four integrated indices is used to evaluate trace element contamination with depth. Single indices show mainly As and Mo, and Cu, Ba, Cd, Ni, and Pb to a lesser extent, as responsible elements of a minor enrichment between −10 and −40 cm. The multielement slight pollution shows a mixture of potential contamination sources, probably due to agricultural, oil activities, and urban wastewater discharges. However, integrated indices applied, classify the complete core as without potential risk. The 210Pbexcess profile shows three differentiated sections. A surface section where new materials with lower concentrations have been found, probably due to the underground currents that connect the lagoon and the nearby Napo River; a central section where CF-CS model and mass accumulation rate calculations provide a sediment accumulation rate of 0.56 ± 0.03 cm y−1; finally, a deeper section with a constant 210Pbexces profile, showing sediment reworking probably due to local flooding’s.

The present study was conducted at a coal mining affected forest and a non-affected forest to analyze the seasonal changes in soil physico-chemical properties, incorporate additive and weighted soil quality index (SQI) to determine the soil quality and check the affected forest soil pollution status. Comparative SQI shows that the non-affected forest presented higher SQI in all the seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). However, in both the forest the seasonal additive and weighted SQI was categorised as autumn > summer > spring > winter and the overall SQI of the soil depth was ranked as 0–10 > 10–20 > 20–30 cm. The Single pollution index (PI) points out that cadmium (Cd) was the main potential contributor to soil pollution while the Pollution load index (PLI) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) revealed moderate soil pollution status. The result summarized that coal mining activities can elevate soil deterioration rate, such as loss in soil organic carbon, reduction in nutrient availability, and slowing down the rejuvenating process of forest soil.

Površinski morski sediment uzorkovan u decembru 2019. godine na dvanaest lokacija u Bokokotorskom zalivu, analiziran je primenom različitih instrumentalnih metoda u cilju postizanja hemijske, teksturalne i radiološke karakterizacije sedimenta. Određen je sadržaj deset oksida i dvadeset šest elemenata (Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, MgO, MnO, Na2O, P2O5, SiO2, TiO2, i As, Ba, Br, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, La, Mo, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Th, U, V, Y, Zn, Zr), dodatnih teških metala (Cd, Hg), radionuklida (40K, 226Ra, 232Th, 238U, 137Cs) i njihova prostorna raspodela u zalivu. Pre instrumentalnih analiza, određene su fizičko-hemijske katakteristike sedimenta, poput granulometrijskog sastava, sadržaja organske materije i karbonata. U okviru doktorske disertacije, jedan deo istraživanja odnosio se na procenu ekološkog i radiološkog rizika za period 2019. godine. Za procenu ekološkog statusa sedimenta primenjeni su individualni indeksi, poput faktora obogaćenja (EF), geoakumulacionog indeksa (Igeo), faktora kontaminacije (Cf), zatim i kompleksni indeks, kao što je indeks opterećenja zagađenjem (PLI); koji su se zasnivali na vrednostima potencijalno toksičnih elemenata (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, Co, U). Primenom individualnih indeksa zagađenja (EF, Cf, Igeo), okriveno je umereno i umereno-do-jako zagađenje u Tivatskom zalivu za većinu teških metala (Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, As i Pb), što je ukazalo na očigledan uticaj antropogenih aktivnosti koji je doprineo kontaminaciji sedimenta. Primenom PLI, utvrđen je ukupan obim opterećenja teških metala za svaku lokaciju, čime je ukazano na visok nivo zagađenja na lokaciji Bijela brodogradilište. Metode multivarijacione statističke analize istakle su sličnosti odnosno razlike u distribuciji pojedinih ispitivanih elemenata u skladu sa njihovm poreklom. Da bi se obezbedila radiološka procena rizika morskih sedimenata u 2019. godini, najpre je izvršena analiza sadržaja prirodnih radionuklida (40K, 226Ra, 232Th, 238U) i tehnogenog cezijuma (137Cs). Primenjeno je nekoliko dobro utvrđenih parametara (doza zračenja i indeksa), i to spoljašnjih hazard indeksa: ekvivalent aktivnosti radijuma (Raeq), ukupna apsorbovana doza (D), eksterni hazard indeks (Hex), rizik od nastanka kancera tokom života (ELCR); i unutrašnjih hazard indeksa: interni hazard indeks (Hin), godišnja efektivna doza (AEDE), godišnji ekvivalent gonadne doze (AGDE), i indeks iskorišćenja aktivnosti (AUI). Rezultati dobijenih indeksa ukazuju na to da je rizik usled gama zračenja u ispitivanom području u okviru prihvatljivog nivoa. Mape prostorne raspodele radionuklida upućivale su na izraženiju primordijalnu radioaktivnost u unutrašnjem delu zaliva. Korelaciona i klasterska analiza otkrile su snažnu povezanost između primordijalnih radionuklida i većine makroelemenata i napravile jasnu razliku između 226Ra, 232Th, 238U i 137Cs. Drugi deo ovog istraživanja predstavljao je sveobuhvatnu procenu statusa kvaliteta sedimenta, odnosno procenu potencijalne kontaminacije sedimenta. Evaluacija sedimenta izvršena je uporednom analizom vrednosti razmatranih pokazatelja ekološkog rizika i indeksa zagađenja, praćenih na četrdeset lokacija u Bokokotorskom zalivu u različitim sezonama u periodu od 2005. do 2019. godine. U cilju procene potencijalnog ekološkog rizika, ekotoksičnosti sedimenta, identifikacije nivoa toksičnosti i ukupnog opterećenja kontaminacije razmatranih teških metala (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe), primenjeni su indeksi poput indeksa opterećenja zagađenjem (PLI), indeksa potencijalnog ekološkog rizika (RI), prosečnog ERM kvocijenta (MERMQ), indeksa toksičnog rizika (TRI) i indeksa jačine kontaminacije (CSI). Nekoliko žarišta u zalivu vizuelno su predstavljena prostornom distribucijom ovih indeksa zagađenja, ukazujući da je sediment u Tivatskom zalivu bio najzagađeniji u okviru ispitivanog područja. Utvrđen je prosečni doprinos pojedinih metala u ukupnom riziku, predstavljen sledećim redosledom: Cd > Hg > As > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cr > Zn. S obzirom na najveći doprinos ukupnom riziku, prisustvo Cd predstavlja prioritet usled toksičnosti koji izaziva veliku zabrinutost u okviru ekosistema zaliva. Na osnovu rezultata, postoji opadajući trend vrednosti sadržaja Hg zabeležen u periodu od 2005. do 2019. godine. Na osnovu rezultata dobijenih indeksima zagađenja ukazano je na Tivatski zaliv kao najzagađeniji deo ispitivanog područja, kako za 2019. godinu, tako i za istraživani period od 2005. do 2019., što je potvrđeno i metodama multivarijacione analize. Multivarijacione statističke metode podržale su primenu smanjenog broja kompleksnih indeksa, s obzirom da je većina njih upućivala na relativno slične zaključke u proceni rizika. Marine surface sediment sampled in December 2019 at twelve locations in the Boka Kotorska Bay was analyzed using different instrumental methods to achieve chemical, textural and radiological characterization of sediment. The content was determined for ten oxides and twenty-six elements (Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, MgO, MnO, Na2O, P2O5, SiO2, TiO2, As, Ba, Br, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, La, Mo, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Th, U, V, Y, Zn, Zr), heavy metals (Cd, Hg), radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, 232Th, 238U, 137Cs) was determined, as well as their spatial distribution in the Bay. Before instrumental analysis, physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment were determined, such as granulometric composition, organic matter content and carbonate content. Within the doctoral dissertation, one part of the research referred to the assessment of environmental and radiological risk for the period 2019. Individual indices, such as enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf); and complex index, such as pollution load index (PLI), were applied to assess the ecological status of the sediment, which were based on the values of potentially toxic elements (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, Co, U). Moderate and moderate-to-strong pollution has been identified in the Tivat Bay for most heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, As and Pb) using the individual pollution indices EF, Cf and Igeo, which indicated the obvious impact of anthropogenic activities that contributed to sediment contamination. Combining the number of analyzed heavy metals, PLI determined the total heavy metal load for each site, indicating a high level of pollution at the site Bijela shipyard. The multivariate statistical analysis highlighted the similarities and differences in the distribution of individual examined elements in the Bay by their origin. To provide a radiological risk assessment of marine sediments in 2019, the sediment has been first analyzed for the content of natural, primordial radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, 232Th, 238U) and technogenic cesium (137Cs). Several well-established parameters (radiation doses and indices) were applied, such as, external hazard indices: radium equivalent activities (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (D), external hazard index (Hex), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR); and internal hazard indices: internal hazard index (Hin), annual effective dose rate (AEDE), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), activity utilization index (AUI). The results of the obtained indices suggest that the risk due to gamma radiation in the investigated area is within an acceptable level. Spatial distribution maps of radionuclides indicated that primordial radioactivity was more concentrated in the inner part of the Bay. Correlation and cluster analysis revealed a strong association between primordial radionuclides and most macroelements and a clear difference between 226Ra, 232Th, 238U and 137Cs. The second part of this research was a comprehensive assessment of the sediment quality status, that is, an assessment of potential sediment contamination. The sediment evaluation was performed by a comparative analysis of the values of the considered environmental risk indicators and pollution indices, monitored at forty locations in the Boka Kotorska Bay in different seasons in the period from 2005 to 2019. To assess the potential environmental risk, sediment ecotoxicity, identification of toxicity levels and total contamination load of the considered heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe), indices such as Pollution Load Index (PLI), Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), Mean ERM Quotient (MERMQ), Toxic Risk Index (TRI), and Pollution Contamination Index (CSI) were applied. Several hotspots in the Bay were visually represented by the spatial distribution of these pollution indices, indicating that the sediment in Tivat Bay was the most polluted within the study area. The average contribution of individual metals in the total risk was determined, presented in the following order: Cd > Hg > As > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cr > Zn. Considering the highest contribution to the overall risk, the presence of Cd is a priority due to the toxicity that causes great concern within the ecosystem of the Bay. Based on the results, there is a declining trend of Hg content observed in the period from 2005 to 2019. Based on the results obtained by pollution indices, the bay of Tivat was the most polluted part of the investigated area, both in 2019 and in the period from 2005 to 2019, which was confirmed by the methods of multivariate analysis. Multivariate statistical methods supported the application of a reduced number of complex indices, as most of them pointed to relatively similar conclusions in the risk assessment.

Urban roadside dust samples from Dhaka City in Bangladesh were collected from a planned residential area (PRA), spontaneous residential area (SRA), commercial area (CA), and urban green area (UGA) in winter and summer to study how season and different urban land-use categories influence the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb) and different pollution indices. The dust samples were fractionated into &lt, 32 μm particles, extracted by acid digestion followed by estimation of heavy metals, using ICP-MS. Pollution indices were calculated from the metal concentrations, using standard protocols. The concentrations of heavy metals in roadside dust varied significantly (all p &lt, 0.05), due to sampling seasons and the land-use category. Higher concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) were found in the dust sampled during the winter season than in the summer season, except for As and Co. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated that the commercial area was heavily contaminated with Cu and Zn during the winter season. The contamination factor (CF) was higher for Cu and Zn in the CA, PRA, and SRA of Dhaka City in winter than in the summer season. The enrichment factor (EF) suggested that Mn and Co were the least enriched metals, and significant enrichment was seen for Cu and Zn for all land-use categories, both in summer and winter. A moderate potential ecological risk for Cu was estimated in CA and PRA in the winter season.

Background Aswan and Luxor Governorates are characterized by multifaceted activities such as cement, chemicals, fertilizers, detergents, nitrogen fertilizer factory at Aswan, the sugar and diary factory at Kom Ombo, and several other factories such as the sugar, pulp, paper, ferrosilicon, and phosphate factories at Edfu, urbanization and agriculture. In addition, there is a main sewage station which is used for irrigation of many crops. Assessing the pollution of soil and sediment with some heavy metals in these areas is the main aim of the current work. Results The average heavy metals content in the studied cultivated soils and Nile sediments are above the acceptable levels. Generally, Nile sediments and cultivated soils at Aswan and Luxor were unpolluted to moderately polluted with heavy metals. Pollution indices indicated that the studied Nile sediments were at considerably ecological risk from Cd (Er = 138.89) and Zn (Er = 140.52). In contrast, the cultivated soil was at very high ecological risk from Cd (Er = 295.24). Conclusions The current research revealed that the soil and sediments in the Upper Egypt are less polluted than Lower Egypt. Thus, the concentrations of toxic elements are increased from south to north direction in Egypt along the Nile River. The sources of the toxic metals may possibly be natural or anthropogenic in the studied area. The anthropogenic source is resulting from paper, pulp, ferrosilicon factories, and phosphate mining at Edfu. In addition, there are some polluting industries such as sand quarry, shale mining, and the nitrogen fertilizer factory at Aswan. On the other hand, the natural sources of toxic waste are the drains during the seasonal flash floods.

Mining activities are potentially a significant source of metals contamination in the environment. The purpose of this research is to investigate the environmental impacts of mining activities in the vicinity of Meiduk copper mine. In this study, we use the pollution indices such as contamination factor, enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index for evaluating the metal contaminants, including Pb, Ni, Se, Mo and Zn. The fieldwork consisted of 60 surface soil samples drawn at the depth of 0-30 cm. The samples were, then, analyzed for metals using ICP-MS method. Principal component analysis of compositional data (PCA) was also applied as a multivariate method to find relationships among metals. In the first component (PC1), with 51% of the total variance, strong and positive loadings related to Pb, Se, Mo and Zn were evident. The second component (PC2), with 34 % of the total variance, reflected a positive weighting factor of Ni metal. The obtained results showed that heavy metals levels and distribution were found higher at sites which were in the vicinity of mine pits and waste dumps and were probable sources of metal pollution. As an application of the method proposed in this research, project management will be capable of programming timely and suitable response to these risks by identifying risk factors and their contamination level.

The assessment of some trace metals in soils around a municipal solid waste dumpsite in Gombe, Nigeria was conducted. Pollution indices and health risk parameters were determined in order to evaluate the ecological and health risk to the local environment. The soil samples were collected in dry and rainy seasons and analysed for (Fe, Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni) using atomic absorption spectrometry. The content of trace metals (mg kg-1) at the dumpsite in dry season were: Pb (8.78), Zn (151.00), Ni (11.80), Cr (4.55), Cd (12.12) and Mn (92.05), while in rainy season, content of trace metals were Pb (8.80), Zn (148.00), Ni (11.63), Cr (4.20), Cd (10.03) and Mn (91.03). In both seasons, there was a significant increase (p

In this study, variations in physicochemical parameters and heavy metal contamination in water–sediments of a natural stream in the Durgapur industrial zone have been investigated. pH, COD, Cl−, CN− and heavy metals, viz. Pb, Hg and Fe concentrations in channel water, are higher than Indian standards. Metal concentrations in sediments are many folds higher than background value, where Pb, Cd, Hg and Cr contents exceed the sediment quality guidelines. Contamination factor (C f) value of channel water follows the order of Hg > Pb > Fe > Cr > Cd > Cu > Ni, whereas enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index (I geo) values in channel sediments are in the order of Hg > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Fe > Cu. The assessment of contamination index (C d), modified contamination index (mCd) and pollution load index indicates that channel water and sediment samples in the study area are strongly contaminated by heavy metals. Sediment samples based on PELQ and ERMQ are highly toxic, with high degree of potential ecological risk at all the monitored stations. Multivariate analysis infers that heavy metals in channel water and sediments are majorly sourced from industrial discharge.

The assessment of toxic metals pollution in road dust in Mymensingh city, Bangladesh and its impact on the health risk of human exposure to toxic metals, is inadequate. A comprehensive investigation was conducted in different land use areas, i.e., commercial areas (CA), medically facilitated areas (MFA), residential areas (RA), and park areas (PA), to determine levels of Cr (chromium), Mn (manganese), Ni (nickel), Co (cobalt), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), As (arsenic), Cd (cadmium), and Pb (lead) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). We planned to use different pollution indices, such as the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cdeg), ecological risk (Er), pollution load index (PLI), and enrichment factor (EF), to measure the level of contamination in the road dust of Mymensingh City. The average concentration (mg/kg) ranges of toxic metals in the road dust at different land use areas of Mymensingh City were: Cr (40.8–85.5), Mn (370.7–589.2), Co (6.2–8.7), Ni (22.7–34.2), Cu (29.5–72.2), Zn (236.2–467.1), As (4.9–6.29), Cd (0.32–1.07), and Pb (27.4–81.7), respectively. The CF and PLI results showed that the road dust in these zones was contaminated with toxic metals. The indicator Igeo revealed that CA was found to be ‘moderately to heavily contaminated’ ranked with Zn and Cd. Calculation of EF indicated that Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were highly enriched, while others were moderately enriched. According to the Cdeg findings, CA, MFA, and RA have very high degrees of contamination (Cdeg ≥ 24), while PA was classified as having a considerable degree of contamination (12 ≤ Cdeg < 24). The Er index showed that only Cd posed a ‘medium potential ecological risk’ to a ‘high ecological potential risk’ in road dust. The most common route of exposure was ingestion. The study indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) in CA, MFA, RA, and PA were less than one for children and adults, which were at a noncarcinogenic risk. The only exception was for children exposed to manganese (HI > 1) in all land use areas. In the research area, no significant carcinogenic health risk was observed for Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb.

Water quality has deteriorated in recent years as a result of rising population and unplanned development, impacting ecosystem health. The water quality parameters of Qaroun Lake are contaminated to varying degrees, particularly for aquatic life consumption. For that, the objective of this work is to improve the assessments of surface water quality and to determine the different geo-environmental parameters affecting the lake environmental system in Qaroun Lake utilizing the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WAWQI) and four pollution indices (heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), contamination index (Cd), and pollution index (PI), that are enhanced by multivariate analyses as cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and support vector machine regression (SVMR). Surface water samples were collected at 16 different locations from the lake during years 2018 and 2019. Thirteen physiochemical parameters were measured and used to calculate water quality indices (WQIs). The WQIs of Qaroun Lake such WAWQI, HPI, MI, Cd, PI revealed a different degree of contamination, with respect to aquatic life utilization. The WQIs result revealed that surface water in the lake is unsuitable, high polluted, and seriously affected by pollution for an aquatic environment. The PI findings revealed that surface water samples of Qaroun Lake were significantly impacted by Al, moderately affected by Cd and Cu, and while slightly affected by Zn due to uncontrolled releases of domestic and industrial wastewater. Furthermore, increasing salinity accelerates the deterioration of the lake aquatic environment. Therefore, sewage and drainage wastewater should be treated before discharging into the lake. The SVMR models based on physiochemical parameters presented the highest performance as an alternative method to predict the WQIs. For example, the calibration (Val.) and the validation (Val.) models performed best in assessing the WQIs with R2 (0.99) and with R2 (0.97–0.99), respectively. Finally, a combination of WQIs, CA, PCA, and SVMR approaches could be employed to assess surface water quality in Qaroun Lake.

This study aims to investigate the quality and vulnerability of surface water (Aries River catchment) in order to identify the impact of past mining activities. For this purpose, the pollution and water quality indices, Piper and Durov plots, as well vulnerability modeling maps were used. The obtained results indicate that the water samples were contaminated with As, Fe, Mn, Pb and have relatively high concentrations of SO42−, HCO3−, TDS, Ca, K, Mg and high values for the electrical conductivity. Possible sources of the high content of chemicals could be the natural processes or the inputs of the mine drainage. Generally, according to the pollution indices, which were correlated to high concentrations of heavy metals, especially with Pb, Fe and Mn, the water samples were characterized by heavy metals pollution. The water quality index classified the studied water samples into five different classes of quality, namely: unsuitable for drinking, poor, medium, good and excellent quality. Similarly, medium, high and very high vulnerability classes were observed. The Durov and Piper plots classified the waters into Mg-HCO3− and Ca-Cl− types. The past and present mining activities clearly change the water chemistry and alter the quality of the Aries River, with the water requiring specific treatments before use.

The aim of this study was twofold. Firstly, we performed a land capability class determination of the agricultural soils from the Abu Dhabi Emirate, the United Arab Emirates, based on the concentrations of 17 chemical elements determined in the soil samples collected from 84 locations. Secondly, we assess the soil pollution with different metals, using several pollution indices. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows that four principal components (PCs) are responsible for describing the total metals concentrations’ variance, the highest contribution on PC1 being that of Mn, and Cr, on PC2 that of Fe, on PC3 that of Cu, and on PC4 that of Al. After determining the optimal number of clusters, we classified the sites into three clusters, while the studied metals were grouped function on their concentrations. Then, we used five indices to assess the pollution level of the soil at the study sites and in the clusters. The geo—accumulation index (Igeo) indicates uncontamination/moderately contamination with Cu in cluster 1, uncontaminated/moderately contaminate soils with Cd, Cu, and Ni in cluster 2, and uncontaminated/moderately contaminated soil with Cu and moderately contaminated with Pb, Zn, and Ni in cluster 3. By comparison, the enrichment factors overestimate the pollution of the studied sites. The pollution load index (PLI) indicates a baseline level of pollution at 14 sites and the deterioration of the soil quality at four sites. The Nemerow pollution index provides similar results as PLI.

In this work, a comprehensive assessment has been performed to understand impact of wastewater discharge from Kalar city on water quality parameters of Diyala-Sirwan river, Iraq. Levels of physicochemical parameters of Ca, K, Na, Mg, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, turbidity, biological oxygen demand, and total hardness, and heavy metals of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, Al, Ba, Se, and As have been determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and other devices. Pollution indices, health risk assessment, and multivariate analysis have been applied to evaluate pollution intensity originated from wastewater discharge on river water quality at different locations, before and after the impact point. Pollution levels of slight to moderate have been identified using different indices for the river water at all sampling locations after the wastewater discharge point. Cluster and correlation analyses showed that the impact of wastewater discharge on the river water quality was occurring along the river within the study area. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment for heavy metals in the river, indicating a potential risk, might on people's health, especially after discharge point. Furthermore, a significant effect of carcinogenic risk by heavy metals of As and Hg was recognized in the same area. This study thus helps to understand clearly the alteration that happened in the water quality of Diyala-Sirwan river due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from Kalar city.

Heavy metal accumulation is observed in urban soils, sometimes due to anthropological effects and sometimes due to natural geological units. In order to determine the heavy metal content of the Upper MioceneLower Pliocene Selmo Formation, which is observed in the whole study area and consists of conglomerate, sandstone and silt stone, soil and river sediment samples were taken. Within the scope of pollution assessment, geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) and pollution index (PI) calculations of Batman urban soil samples were made and different degrees of pollution values were determined. High pollution values were obtained for As, Mo and Sb elements in all pollution indices calculated. The pollution levels of the three elements were determined as strongly to extremely contaminated according to Igeo values, the others except As (very severe enrichment) according to EF values were determined as severe enrichment, and according to PI, all three were determined as strong polluted. Pollution and element distribution maps were created with a geographical information system software. According to the results of correlation analysis and cluster analysis, the elements found to be contaminated are divided into two groups, whose locations and sources of contamination are different. The first group (Sn, Zn and Pb) is observed in the approximate centre of the study area and developed due to traffic emissions. The elements belonging to the second group (especially As, Mo and Sb) show high pollution values in the south-southeast of the study area. These pollutions are thought to be caused by the inadequate storage of mineral oils and batteries that are changed in the industrial site and from leaks in the oil production, storage, refining and transmission phase in TPAO, TÜPRAŞ and BOTAŞ. The analysed samples were compared with the Soil Pollution Control Regulation and WHO standards, and Co, Ni and As element values were found to exceed the permissible values for health

The Liwa area is a primary food production area in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has intensively been used for agriculture. This study investigates the pollution levels with heavy metals in agricultural soils from the Liwa area. Thirty-two soil samples were analyzed for Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, and As. Results revealed that heavy metal levels varied in the ranges 220.02–311.21, 42.39–66.92, 43.43–71.55, 32.86–52.12, 10.29–21.70, 2.83–8.84, 0.46–0.69, 0.03–0.37 mg/kg for Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, and As, respectively. All samples presented low As concentrations with an average of 0.01 mg/kg. The variations in bulk metal contents in the soil samples were related to multiple sources, including agrochemicals, atmospheric dust containing heavy metals, and traffic-related metals. Enrichment factor analysis indicates that Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cr were highly enriched in soils, and they could originate from non-crustal sources. Based on the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the soil samples appeared uncontaminated with Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Co, As, Cu, uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Ni and moderately contaminated with Cd. The contamination factors suggest low contamination, except for Ni, which showed moderate contamination. The average pollution load index (PLI) revealed unpolluted to low pollution of all soil samples. The ecological risk assessment (PERI) showed that all heavy metals posed a low risk, except for Cd which exhibited a high ecological risk.

Research highlights: this article refers to the deep storage of trace elements as a result of the podzolization process under different types of vegetation cover. This is also an attempt to trace differentiation in the distribution of trace elements in mountain soils under the podzolization process. Background and objectives: we focused on estimating whether the podzolization process of soils under various vegetation covers led to the deep storage of trace elements in the subsoil. Furthermore, the potential contamination of studied soils with trace elements using pollution indices was assessed. Materials and methods: in thirteen soil profiles under three different vegetation types, chosen chemical–physical properties, e.g., organically bonded and active forms of Al and Fe, podzolization indices, and trace element content (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni) were analyzed. Additionally, pollution indices, such as Geoaccumulation Index, Potential Ecological Risk, Pollution Load Index, and Contamination Security Index, were calculated. Results: the distribution of Al and Fe varied among the soil profiles, suggesting different rates of podzolization processes that were partially dependent on the type of vegetation. Exceptionally high values of Alo and Feo were noted in profiles P1 and P2 (1.53% and 2.52% for Alo, and 2.13% and 1.46% for Feo, respectively) in horizons Bs and BsC under Plagiothecio-Piceetum taricum. Some of the soils showed the expected distribution of trace elements as the result of the podzolization process revealed their accumulation in the spodic horizon. Moreover, four different patterns of trace element distribution were recognized. Often, the accumulation of trace elements occurred in Bs/BsC horizons, e.g., in case of Zn soils P8, P9, and P10, which reached 65.8, 68.0, and 72.30 mg∙kg−1, respectively. However, there were no large differences in trace element content in soils independent of the vegetation type. The pollution indices in most samples confirmed lack of contamination with trace elements. Only several soil horizons were moderately polluted and showed deterioration of soil quality or very low severity. Conclusions: in the majority of studied soils, the podzolization process resulted in the deep storage of trace elements, i.e., the accumulation of spodic horizon, however, in certain cases, it might have been related only to the different lithology, and appeared as anomalies not related to the dominant soil-forming process. Anomalies were characterized by a much higher content of trace elements in the BsC horizon compared to the upper O horizons. Obtained data of trace elements, as well as values of pollution indices, did not indicate pollution. This lack of pollution was related to localization of soils within a topographic barrier that protected them from the deposition of potential trace element–rich pollution.

For the second time, the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to evaluate the deposition of potentially toxic elements in the Republic of Moldova. The study was performed in the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. samples were collected in May 2020 from 41 sampling sites distributed over the entire territory of the country. The mass fractions of 35 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Se, Rb, Sr, Sb, Cs, Ba, Cd, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Hf, Ta, Th, Pb, and U) were determined using neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Comparing with 2015/2016 moss survey data, significant differences in the mass fractions of Cr, As, Se, Br, Sr, Sb, Cd, Pb, and Cu were found. Main air pollution sources (natural processes, transport, industry, agriculture, mining) were identified and characterized using factor and correlation analyses. GIS maps were built to point out the zones with the highest element mass fractions and to relate this to the known sources of contamination. Contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index were calculated to assess the air pollution levels in the country. According to the calculated values, Moldova can be characterized as unpolluted to moderately polluted, with low potential ecological risk related to the degree of atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements. The cities of Chisinau and Balti were determined to experience particular environmental stress and are considered moderately polluted.

The purpose of this paper is to use multivariate statistical methods with asymmetric distributions approach, chemical analysis, and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) device. We investigate data of heavy metal content from Akcay Riverwater to the Mediterranean involving Finike sea coast at Turkey. We determine the chemical content, origin of heavy metals of the surface water in Akcay River, which flows into the Mediterranean realted to the above-mentioned region by multivariate statistical analysis, pollution indices, and density maps involving numerical comments by numbers. With the help of special numbers represented by special chemical components and simmetric statistical methods given above, in this paper, we obtain many new relations and results. Furhermore, we give some comments, observations, and remarks about the results of this paper. These results have a high potential to be used not only in engineering fields and health sciences, but also in applied mathematics, statistics, and other fields.

Sediment, soil and fish samples collected from the Songor Wetland were assessed for the spatial distributions of metal (Al, Fe, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, Cd and Hg) levels and contamination loads, using pollution indices and multivariate analysis. The samples were processed through microwave digestions (Soil and Sediment: [HNO3, HCl, HF, H2O2]; Fish: [HNO3, H2O2]), followed by the analysis of extracts using ICP-MS. The results displayed patchiness of metal levels in the sediment and soil samples, and in some cases, defying the established trend that levels of metals in sediments are generally higher than in soils. The differences in the results were ascribed to geological dominance and anthropogenic impacts. The finfish species displayed relatively higher bioaccumulation patterns of the metal levels than crustaceans. Aluminium (Al) and Zn levels were moderately enriched in sediment and soil samples. Overall enrichment factors ([EF {Al} and EF {Fe}]) suggested low to minimal enrichment except in a few cases. Pollution Load Index (PLI) based on Contamination Factor (CF) suggested that metal loads were less than baseline levels. On the other hand, Pearson Correlation Coefficient demonstrated that the metals present in the wetland were more lithogenic with remarkable inputs of biogenic and anthropogenic components. Principal Component Analysis revealed an association of Zn to the western section of the wetland, Cd, and Hg to the eastern part while the remaining metals were concentrated at the mid-section of the wetland. Lead (Pb) levels (1.10 ± 0.70 mg/kg) in finfishes exceeded the EU Regulation 1881/2006/EU (0.05 mg/kg) for fish tissues and could pose public health concerns.

Control of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in soil-polluted areas is needed to address the potential risk that pollution poses to public health and the environment. This study describes an innovative holistic methodology to assess the distribution of PTEs. It is based on the application of multi-variate statistical and geostatistical algorithms, soil pollution indices and geochemical & geomorphological/climate variables (element concentration, watercourses, winds, slope, orientation and visibility). The methodology proposed is exemplified through a comprehensive soil sampling in an area surrounding a former As-Hg mine that presents several sources of pollutants (abandoned mining spoil heaps, metallurgical waste, old chimneys, etc.). Factor analysis identified four main pollutants of concern: Hg, As, Pb and Sb. The mobility of the most abundant PTEs, especially As, and, to a minor extent, Hg, showed a clear influence of climatic/geomorphological variables. Moreover, the pollution indices confirmed that although the soils in the areas around the spoil heaps contain higher concentrations of the pollutants, the influence of the chimneys is present in the whole study area and depends on factors such as orientation and visibility. In contrast, the fingerprint of the spoil heaps showed a PTE distribution more associated with the slope factor and the presence of watercourses eroding the heaps. All things considered, the methodology proposed revealed PTE sources and distribution in a highly complex site and may therefore find application in similar scenarios of contamination., Boente, C., Baragaño, D., García-González, N., Forján, R., Colina, A., & Gallego, J. R. (2022). A holistic methodology to study geochemical and geomorphological control of the distribution of potentially toxic elements in soil. In CATENA (Vol. 208, p. 105730). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2021.105730

Background The environment is always subjected to exposure from different natural and anthropogenic sources of trace elements. The excessive intake of these trace elements may become toxic and cause health disorders to the people when the concentration exceeds certain threshold limits. The measurement of trace elements concentration in general and toxic trace elements concentration in particular is important for the assessment and prediction of risk to the environment and public. Distribution of trace elements in various environmental matrices depends on the nature of the element itself and the site-specific characteristics such as type of the matrices and its physicochemical parameters. In view of these aspects, an attempt is made to assess the concentration of trace elements and pollution indices in the sediment samples collected from the coastal belt of Kerala and possible conclusions were drawn. Results The results of pollution indices clearly indicate the moderate level of trace elements contamination in the coastal belts of Kerala. Significant correlations were observed between the concentration of trace elements and physicochemical parameters of the sediments. Conclusion Most of the trace elements enrichment in the coastal belt is due the crustal materials or natural weathering process and atmospheric deposition. The investigation revealed the sources of most of the elements present in the coastal belt of Kerala are lithogenic such as weathering and atmospheric deposition.

Forty-three surface sediment samples were collected in September 2019 from Tasaul Lake (Black Sea coast, Romania) to examine the metal distribution patterns, assess the level of metal contamination, and identify the pollutant sources. The determined mean metal concentrations were as follows: Al 49,772 mg/kg, Zn 84.40 mg/kg, Cr 83.70 mg/kg, V 76.45 mg/kg, Ni 42.53 mg/kg, Cu 34.27 mg/kg, Pb 26.30 mg/kg, As 12.49 mg/kg, and Hg 0.06 mg/kg. The metals in the surface sediments of Tasaul Lake displayed moderate spatial variation, with higher metal concentrations mainly occurring in the south and southeast (As, Pb, and Hg), southwest (Cu and Zn), and west of the lake (Cr, Ni, and V). Heavy metal contamination in sediments is assessed using pollution indices such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and pollution load index. The highest CFs and EFs were determined for As (moderate to high pollution), followed by Pb (low to moderate pollution). The Cu, Zn, and Hg pollution indices showed values corresponding to low pollution levels, while Ni, Cr, and V presented the lowest indices, suggesting unpolluted sediments. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the origin of the analyzed heavy metals. Cr was predominantly sourced from lithogenic components, Ni and V originated from both natural and anthropogenic sources, and As, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Hg showed mainly anthropogenic sources such as agricultural runoff, domestic and industrial wastewater discharges, and quarrying activities.

Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Fe measured at forty locations in the Boka Kotorska Bay were used to monitor the spatial and temporal quality of sediment and to assess surface sediment contamination over the last 15 years. This ecological geochemistry assessment was made using two classes of pollution indices: single indices concerning the investigated elements (contamination factor (Cf)) and integrated indices concerning the locations (pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (RI), mean effects range median quotient (MERMQ), toxic risk index (TRI), contamination severity index (CSI)). The distribution of all indices was geostatistically mapped and several hotspots were identified. Based on the indices applied in the risk assessment, the mean contribution of individual metal species to the total risk was determined and presented in the following order: Cd > Hg > As > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cr > Zn. This study revealed that Cd and Hg were at the top of the risk list among the examined elements. The temporal distribution of Hg has shown a decreasing trend during the period 2005–2019, while the presence of Cd in the Bay environment is of major concern. The results revealed that the most polluted part of the investigated area was Tivat bay within the Boka Kotorska Bay. Multivariate statistical analysis of pollution indices resulted in multicollinearity, which enabled the use of a reduced number of indices with an acceptable risk estimation.

This study aims to evaluate potential ecological risks and heavy metal pollution in sewage sludge. For these purposes, domestic sewage sludge samples were collected for a period of one year from a wastewater treatment plant in Bursa, Turkey and analyzed for heavy metals. The average heavy metal content of the sewage sludge was wherein decreasing order of Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Pb>As>Se>Cd. As a whole, the concentration of heavy metals was below the limit values indicated within the agricultural land application legal standards. Correlation analysis showed a very strong correlation observed between Ni and Cr. Determining to pollution degree and potential ecological risks, some indices such as Enrichment factor (EF), Single-factor pollution index (PI), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Nemerow synthetic pollution index (PN), Contamination factor (Cf), Integrated pollution degree (Cd), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Monominal potential ecological risk (ER), Potential ecological risk index (RI), and the Probability of toxicity (mERM-Q) were used in this study. Based on the pollution index calculations, Zn and Se posed the highest contamination while As and Cd posed the lowest contamination. The mERM-Q values indicated that the probability of toxicity varied from 21 to 49%, while ecological indices indicated that ER (2.0–23.7) and RI (67.3–106.2) values were lower than a threshold value for all samples.

The use of drainage water in the irrigation of agroecosystem is associated with environmental hazards, and can pose threats to human health. Nine heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb) along three main drains in the middle Nile Delta were measures in the sediments, roots and shoots of three common macrophytes (Echinochloa stagnina, Phragmites australis and Typha domingensis). The physicochemical characteristics, as well as the enrichment factor (Ef), contamination factor (Cf), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk factor (Er), degree of contamination (Dc) and potential ecological risk index (PERI), were determined for sediment. The metal bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were assessed for plants. Data revealed high contents of Cr, Zn and Cd in the upstream of the drains, while Mn, Cu and Ni were recorded in high concentrations in the downstream. Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni and Zn were recorded to be within EU (2002), CSQGD (2007) and US EPA (1999) limits, while Cd and Pb showed high a ecological risk index. This high concentration of pollutants could be attributed to unremitting industrial activities, which can bioaccumulate in the food chains and cause serious problems for humans. The root of P. australis showed the effective accumulation of most of the elements, while T. domingensis revealed the highest accumulation of Pb. However, the highest BAF shoot value was found in T. domingensis for most of the heavy metals, except for Fe and Zn in P. australis and Mn in E. stagnina. Thus, P. australis could be used as a potential phytoextractor of these hazardous metals, as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient method for remediation of the polluted drains. Further, T. domingensis could be integrated as a hyperaccumulator of Pb. Strict laws and regulations must be taken into consideration by the policymaker against unmanaged industrial activities, particularly near the water streams in the Nile Delta.

This paper quantified the level of heavy metals contamination, identified possible sources of pollution, and assessed the human health risks associated with drinking water resources in Ojoto Province, Nigeria. The study’s gross findings revealed that the suitability of some water sources for consumption purposes in this province is questionable. Based on water quality index, 57.14% of the total samples are within acceptable limits, while 42.86% are unsuitable for drinking. It was observed that the northwestern and southern parts of the study area have more of deteriorated water quality. The health hazard index revealed that 25% of the samples predispose their consumers (both adult and children populations) to high chronic health risks. Moreover, heavy metal pollution index, contamination index, and probability of cancer risk (CR) revealed that about 25% of the total samples were unsuitable and off the CR standard acceptable range of ≤ 1 × 10−6–1 × 10−4. Correlation and component factor analyses linked the origin of major ions to geogenic processes and that of the heavy metals to both natural and anthropogenic processes. Cluster analysis divided the samples into two equal classes (50% each): poor and excellent quality waters. This study indicated that Pb is the priority pollutant impacting the water quality. The various assessments revealed that waters from hand-dug wells and deeper boreholes are the least contaminated and hence best suited for drinking than waters from springs, streams, and shallow wells.

Industrial activities in the Baia Mare, Romania area have generated strong pollution, and the impact on soil quality in the neighboring areas of the city remains unclear. The aim of the research is to investigate samples of soil from Baia Mare in order to determine the quality of the soil and also the ecological risk of the soil. This study presents among the first studies using the ecological risk assessment methodology on the soil from the Baia Mare area and aims to serve as scientific support for future studies and research. Evaluation of the soil quality state was performed by determining the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil (pH, texture, structure, and concentration of metals). Evaluation of the anthropic activity from the studied areas was conducted by determining the pollution indices: Cf; Cd, PLI, Er, and PERI. The results of this study indicate that the surface soils have very high concentrations of metals (Cd: 3.5–14.4 mg kg−1; Cu: 9.4–361.5 mg kg−1; Pb: 29.7–1973 mg kg−1), with exceedances of the limit values established in the Romanian legislation. Results regarding the degree of contamination, the PLI pollution load index (1.3–14.9), and the PERI potential ecological risk index (733.9–4686) indicate that soils in the studied area have a very high degree of pollution.

Background and Objective: The establishment of pelletizing and steel industries in Ardakan suburbs has increased the pollutants such as heavy metals into the environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contamination of the area soil by heavy elements around these industries using the pollution index (PI), comprehensive pollution index (NIPI), accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment index (EF). Materials and Methods: 57 soil samples were prepared by systematic-random sampling from 0 to 5 cm depth and levels of As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were analyzed by ICP-OES. Results: The highest and lowest mean of Igeo (0.49 and 0.36) and PI (2.16 and 1.17), were related to nickel, and the highest EF was calculated for Zn at about 25.1 and the lowest were detected for molybdenum approximately that was 17.1. The EF index of lead, vanadium and zinc, which was 15.8%, 5.3% and 1.8%, respectively, classified the study area in a medium enrichment class. Hot spots of lead, vanadium, nickel and zinc was at the nearest distance to these industries and downstream of wind direction. Conclusion: Indicators of Igeo and EF showed a low level of soil pollution. The PI and NIPI indices in most stations were classified in medium pollution class, and the highest of these indicators was related to the surface soil of station 30, which was located near the steel industry. Therefore, it can be concluded that the activities of these industries had affected the soil contamination of the study area.