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Insects are the largest and most diverse group of organisms which are typically the overwhelming dominant invertebrate faunal group extensively used in biomonitoring and bioassessment. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the heavy metals levels in insect species collected from Enyigba Community with mining activities in Southeast Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. In this study, three sites namely: Upper Inyia-(SA), Lower Inyia (SB) and the Control Site (SC) were selected and insect specimens were collected and evaluated from July 2022 to February, 2023. The insect groups used were Reticulitermes flavipes (termite), Zonocerus elegans (grasshopper), Acraea acrita (butterfly) and Cremtogaster sp. (Ant). The selected insects' samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed heavy metal accumulations on the selected insects particularly the toxic metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Mercury (Hg). Insects examined were Reticulitermes flavipes, Zonocerus elegans, Acraea acrita, and Crematogaster sp. collected from Enyigba mines. High concentrations of Cd was recorded in Zonocerus elegans at SA (0.13±0.042) and SB (0.17±0.007) which is far above WHO/FAO permissible limit. The result further revealed that there was also high Cd concentration (0.21±0.011) in Reticulitermes flavipes, which is also far above WHO/FAO permissible limit. Grasshopper, termites and butterfly had the highest accumulation of heavy metals among the studied insect groups, highlighting the challenges of mining on agriculture and food security in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare how vulnerable informal and formal households are to disaster risks in Bekkersdal mining area in the Rand West City municipality, using a mixed method. A qualitative approach was used to construct a situational analysis of the community, while a questionnaire was used to collect descriptive data. Findings showed both household types (formal and informal) experienced disaster-related risks as their coping resources are limited. Disaster risks such as mining-related incidents (dust, earth tremors and windstorms) are more significant in the informal areas than in formal areas because of their geographical locations. The latter are located in high density areas, with limited access to basic services. Resulting in among others, construction of illegal informal areas and use of illegal electricity connections. These disaster incidents occur against the backdrop of an already vulnerable dolomitic environment that tends to form sinkholes. Thus, the negative impact of mining is the highest disaster risk factor in the area, yet households seem tolerant and distant as they perceive mining as a job opportunity. The study recommended the municipality to include disaster risks in their integrated development plans to ensure that sustainable mining practices are in place to minimise the negative effects in the area. The rehabilitation of mines, measures to prevent informal construction or illegal occupation, and educational awareness on mitigation and adaptation measures are necessary. Contribution: The study adds to the body of knowledge by revising some old techniques of addressing disaster risk measures, especially in surrounding mining communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater reservoirs are essential owing because of their ecological, economic, and social importance. They are particularly vulnerable to contamination, as of metal and metalloids, derived from anthropogenic activities like mining. The temporal variations in trace element concentrations (arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)), enrichment, fluxes, and possible sources were evaluated by studying two sediment cores from the La Angostura (ANG) Reservoir (northwest Mexico), using 210Pb geochronology. The enrichment factors showed from null to minor enrichment for most elements, but moderate to severe enrichment of mercury (Hg). Most trace element concentrations had a detrital origin, and notable Hg concentration increases since the past decade were associated with severe drought periods, likely resulting from wildfires. The observed sediment concentrations of As and Hg can cause adverse effects on biota in the ecosystem since they are above the probable effect level (PEL). Development of strategies for metal attenuation in this reservoir is recommended and metals should be controlled until specific ecotoxicological studies are performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury, a persistent, mobile, and toxic pollutant, often contaminates soils due to mining activities. This study investigates the use of thiol-modified biochar derived from olive stones to immobilize mercury in a tailings-contaminated soil sample from the National University of Engineering, Peru. The soil, characterized by high heavy metal concentration, acidic pH, and sandy composition, underwent a 10-week incubation with varying biochar amounts, leading to a 53-73% immobilization of the available mercury. The primary immobilization mechanism could be attributed to complexation between biochar functional groups and soil mercury. Results confirmed biochar addition progressively reduced mercury concentration. Despite thiol addition reducing the biochar's specific surface area due to pore clogging, the surface functionalization was successful, evident from chemical analysis. However, decreased fixed and elemental carbon content likely resulted from the initial feedstock content and pyrolysis conditions. Our findings suggest thiol-modified olive stone biochar as a promising, cost-effective solution for mercury immobilization in contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities have increasingly become an important source of heavy metals (HMs) pollution, yet research on coexistence patterns and interactive mechanisms of microorganisms, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and metal resistance genes (MRGs) under long-term HMs pollution is limited. This study combined heavy metal analysis and molecular biology techniques to comprehensively evaluate the impact of HMs accumulation on resistance genes and microbial community structure along Wenyu River flowing through the Jindui molybdenum mine in Shaanxi Province. The results showed that the sediments of the Wenyu River were heavily polluted by Cd, Cu, and Zn, with average concentrations 14.8, 11.8, and 4.1 times higher than the background values of HMs in Qinling metallogenic belt, respectively. The abundances of ARGs were significantly correlated (R = 0.638 −0.806, p < 0.05) with the concentrations of HMs. Moreover, heavy metal pollution led to changes in microbial diversities in the river sediments that were gradually dominated by higher HM-tolerance microbial species (e.g., Aquabacterium and Novosphingobium). Network and Procrustes analyses showed that multiple resistance of host bacteria was widely present, and significant correlation (M2 = 0.5942, p < 0.05) was observed between the compositions of sediment microbial communities and ARGs, indicating that the composition of microbial community in Wenyu River may potentially be the driving force for ARG transmission. The research outcomes provide a basis for exploring the adaptative mechanism of microorganisms in aquatic environments during the long-term pollution of multiple heavy metals. [Display omitted] • Microbial community, ARGs and MRGs under long-term HMs pollution have been investigated. • The surface sediments of the Wenyu River were heavily polluted by Cd, Cu, and Zn • There is significant impact of HMs on the ARG transfer in surrounding watershed. • Heavy metal pollution led to changes in microbial diversities in the Wenyu River • Bacterial community structure significantly impacted the composition of resistant genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crucial role of the fluorescent components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in controlling antimony (Sb) mobilization in groundwater has been confirmed. However, the molecular signatures contributing to Sb enrichment in DOM remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the origins and molecular compositions of DOM in different high-Sb aquifers (Sb-mining and no-Sb-mining aquifer), as well as compare different molecular signatures of DOM and mechanisms for Sb migration. The findings showed that Sb concentrations in Sb-mining aquifer exhibited a positive correlation with lignin- and tannin-like molecules characterized by high O/C and low H/C ratios, indicating an increased abundance of aromatic components with higher Humification Index and SUV-absorbance at 254 nm, compared to no-Sb-mining aquifer. Correspondingly, the complexation and competitive adsorption were considered as the predominate formation mechanisms on Sb enrichment in Sb-mining aquifer. In addition, high abundances of bioreactivity DOM may facilitated the migration of Sb via electron transfer and competitive adsorption in native no-Sb-mining aquifer. The outcomes of this investigation offer novel insights into the mechanism on Sb enrichment influenced by DOM at the molecule level. • Dissolved organic matter affected by mining activities exhibits higher aromaticity. • high O/C molecule substances arise in Sb-mining aquifer DOM. • Complexation and competitive adsorption effect were enhanced by mining activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscience and technology have enabled better insights into the environmental and health impacts arising from the mining, production and use of fossil and mineral fuels. Here we provide an overview of the nanoscience-based applications and discoveries concerning coal and mineral fuel (i.e., uranium-containing minerals) mining, refining/production, use, and disposal of wastes. These processes result in massive nanoparticle release and secondary nanoparticle generation which have highly significant environmental implications and human health consequences on local, regional, and even global levels. Until recently, very little was known about nanoparticle fractions. Recent advancements and sophistications enable us to detect, collect and study these materials which are roughly 1 nm (0.001 μm) up to several tens of nanometers in size. These materials are known to behave differently (chemically, electrically, and mechanically), relative to their macroscopic equivalents. This is what makes nanoscience fascinating and difficult to predict, underscoring the importance of this emerging new field. For example, nanoparticles associated with coal and mineral fuel influence the release, uptake, and transportation of hazardous elements associated with mining, processing, and waste storage in the surrounding areas. This includes long distance transport down streams, rivers, and eventually to oceans such as from coal and uranium mine drainages. In terms of human health, in all phases of mining, production/refining, use, and waste disposal, the associated nanoparticles can be acquired through oral ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Inhalation has been shown to be particularly damaging, where lung, heart, kidney, and brain diseases are prevalent. Relative to all other fields of science and engineering associated with coal and mineral fuel mining, production, use, and clean-up efforts, nanoscience, although a much newer field then the rest by comparison, is still greatly under-represented and under-utilized. There is also a continuing gap between what we so far know about the behavior of nanoparticles, and what remains to be discovered. Unlabelled Image • Anthropogenic and natural nanoparticles in coal and uranium mines • The environmental and human health effects of nanoparticles • Hazardous ultra-fine particles such as TiO 2 , cadmium, lead, and nickel • This review is complemented with field measurements and geochemical modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biota Neotropica (Edicao em Iingles) is the property of Biota Neotropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik is the property of Faculty of Mining, Geology & Petroleum Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The mining industry contributes to a particular extent to the pollution of environmental factors, both through the large quantities of pollutants it produces and the diversity of the environment. The negative impact of mining activities on the environment is a direct one, which is strictly related to the actual extraction activity of mineral deposits useful and indirect, related to the mining activity processing and use. Usually these activities are concentrated in certain geographic perimeters, the same area being influenced by the mining activity, both directly and indirectly. This paper presents the present study on noise pollution by the mining operation ROŞIUŢA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination was investigated in the vicinity of Zarshouran gold mine through determination of total concentrations and chemical speciation of As, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. Forty-six surface soil samples at depth of 0-15 cm were collected and analyzed from the mining district. The average concentrations (reported as mg/kg) of As 155.88, Pb 184.22, Cd 8.66, Zn 129.92, Cu 65.06, in the soil samples are much higher than the world average, while Ni and Fe are less than the world average. Examination of the single element distribution plots revealed that enhanced levels of heavy metals are associated with known mineralization zones and depended on the distance from the mine site except for Ni. Geo-accumulation indices and Enrichment Factors performed on the data imply that the collected soils have been significantly influenced by the Au-mining activities. The calculated geoaccumulation values for the soil samples indicated that the surface soils are virtually unpolluted with respect to Fe, and Ni but highly polluted with As and Cd. Enrichment level of Cu and Zn was considerable, while Pb showed very high to extremely high enrichment. The results obtained from the sequential extraction analysis of the metals from all the fine fraction of the soil samples revealed that heavy metals were largely associated with the residual fraction. However, the amounts of metals bound to Fe-Mn oxides and organic matter were relatively higher than those bound to carbonates or those in exchangeable forms. The average speciation percent and risk assessment code (RAC) results revealed that Cd and Pb were mobile in exchangeable phase while As, Pb, Zn and Ni bound to Fe-Mn oxides with a medium risk to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at assessing the effects of increased air temperature and reduced soil moisture content on the multi-generation toxicity of a soil polluted by metal/metalloid mining wastes. Enchytraeus crypticus was exposed to dilution series of the polluted soil in Lufa 2.2 soil under different combinations of air temperature (20 °C and 25 °C) and soil moisture content (50% and 30% of the soil water holding capacity, WHC) over three generations standardized on physiological time. Generation time was shorter with increasing air temperature and/or soil moisture content. Adult survival was only affected at 30% WHC (∼30% reduction at the highest percentages of polluted soil). Reproduction decreased with increasing percentage of polluted soil in a dose-related manner and over generations. Toxicity increased at 30% WHC (>50% reduction in EC 50 in F0 and F1 generations) and over generations in the treatments at 20 °C (40–60% reduction in EC 50 in F2 generation). At 25 °C, toxicity did not change when combined with 30% WHC and only slightly increased with 50% WHC. So, higher air temperature and/or reduced soil moisture content does affect the toxicity of soils polluted by metal/metalloid mining wastes to E. crypticus and this effect may exacerbate over generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at assessing the effects of global warming (increasing air temperature and decreasing soil moisture content) on the bioaccumulation kinetics of As, Cd and Zn in the earthworm Eisenia andrei in two polluted soils (mine tailing and watercourse soil). Earthworms were exposed for up to 21 d under four climate conditions: 20 °C + 50% soil water holding capacity (WHC) (standard conditions), 20 °C + 30% WHC, 25 °C + 50% WHC and 25 °C + 30% WHC. Porewater metal/metalloid availability did not change in the mine tailing soil after the incubation period under the different climate conditions tested. However, in the watercourse soil, porewater Cd concentrations decreased from ∼63 to ∼32–41 μg L −1 after 21 d and Zn concentrations from ∼3761 to ∼1613–2170 μg L −1 , especially at 20 °C and 50% WHC. In both soils, As and Zn showed similar bioaccumulation patterns in the earthworms, without major differences among climate conditions. Earthworm concentrations peaked after 1–3 d of exposure (in μg g −1 dry weight: As∼32.5–108, Zn∼704–1172) and then remained constant (typical pattern of essential elements even for As). For Cd the bioaccumulation pattern changed when changing the climate conditions. Under standard conditions, earthworm Cd concentrations increased to ∼12.6–18.5 μg g −1 dry weight without reaching equilibrium (typical pattern of non-essential elements). However when increasing temperature and/or decreasing soil moisture content the bioaccumulation pattern changed towards that more typical of essential elements due to increased Cd elimination rates (from ∼0.11 to ∼0.24–1.27 d −1 in the mine tailing soil, from ∼0.07 to ∼0.11–0.35 d −1 in the watercourse soil) and faster achievement of a steady state. This study shows that metal/metalloid bioaccumulation pattern in earthworms may change dependent on climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning and constructing improvements around former mined areas may be challenging as many building codes are silent toward geotechnical concerns. Typical engineering practices have to be suitably modified to take into account the local conditions, geology, type of mining activities, as well as characteristics of the proposed development. In many States, regulations in effect during mining activities did not consider long-term effects occurring after cessation of such activities, resulting in future subsidence, flooding, and serviceability issues. A discussion and background of the primary mechanisms caused by subsidence are discussed herein, including a recent case history by the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Altun National Nature Reserve (ANNR) on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) of China plays a key role in protecting the endemic, endangered Chiru ( Pantholops hodgsonii ). However, increasing mining activities in the ANNR pose a threat its habitats and migration corridors. This study aims to clearly understand potential effects of mining activities on habitats and migration corridors of Chiru. Using a linkage mapper corridor simulation tool in combination with the planned mining zones and roads distribution, we estimated the potential effects of these activities on migration corridors in eight scenarios (I: no mining activities; II: eastern mining zones exploited; III: central zones exploited; IV: western zones exploited; V: western and central zones exploited; VI: eastern and central zones exploited; VII: western and eastern zones exploited; VIII: all zones exploited). The results indicated that locations and length of potential Chiru migration corridors were different in 8 scenarios, thereby influencing the distribution and migration of Chiru in the ANNR; the protection importance value index (NIVI) of each core habitat changed in 8 scenarios. The western and central mining activities (in scenario V) would affect the Chiru migration most strongly, as the total length of all corridors was the longest with a length of 991.1 km and the total number of corridors was 25 which was the highest among the 8 scenarios. In scenario V, all migration corridors were greatly altered and the corridor length sharply increased. Also, the total length (942.8 km) of migration corridor was the second longest in scenario VI, and the third in scenario III. The central mining activities will significantly affect the seasonal migration routes for Chiru. Our results suggested that exploration of the central mining zones should be forbidden and central zones need to be strictly protected. Also, the northwestern region of the ANNR where most of migration corridors are located should also be strictly protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the serious environmental concern around the world is heavy metals contamination. They can enter to the environment through human activities such as mining, farming, and factory activities. Soil contamination by heavy metals can affect crops, enter the food chain and threat human health. Therefore, clearance of the soil from these heavy metals is one of the most important environmental issues. Up to now, different strategies are introduced for heavy metals remediation of soil and some of them were briefly reviewed, here. We were mainly focus on the soil remediation from heavy metals which has the highest percentage of abundance in the contaminated soil, namely arsenic, lead, cadmium, nickel, mercury, iron, copper, and zinc by plants (phytoremediation). On the other hand, different kinds of plants, including trees, flowers, grasses, vegetables, and ferns that can help clean these metals from the soil, are introduced. Growth conditions of these plants, such as light and water, were also studied, and it was found that 48% plants require partial sunlight, and 50% of plants grew in moist soil. They were also classified based on their biological ages, and it was found 68% of plants were perennials and had more than two years of lifespan. Among these plants, some of them are capable of capturing several heavy metals simultaneously, and they are called as Valuable Phytoremediation Plants and they are more useful for soil remediation from heavy metals. It seems that present study can help environmental officials and governments to find a sustainable solution to get rid of heavy metals hazardous on mines ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Soil contamination by heavy metals can affect crops, enter the food chain and threat human health. • Different strategies are introduced for heavy metals remediation of soil. • Phytoremediation is considered as an efficient approach to reduce the concentration of heavy metals in soil. • There are some plants capable of capturing several heavy metals simultaneously, and they are called as Valuable Phytoremediation Plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities depend significantly on water resources availability as it consists a major tool of the extraction, processing and the post closure mining operations. Especially, groundwater is the major water source in most mining areas. However, overexploitation, competition from the communities and climate change effects have caused significant stress on the groundwater resources in many areas of the Mediterranean basin. The sustainability of mining operations is threatened as well as the uninterrupted supply of raw materials to the industry. In this work spatial estimation and analysis of groundwater stress at hydrological basin-scale in the European part of the Mediterranean region is applied using local and global datasets. Aquifer productivity index and groundwater use information at monitoring sites are extracted from the River Basin Management Plans of the European Environment Agency, while groundwater recharge is considered from the World-wide Hydrogeological Mapping and Assessment Program (WHYMAP) after validation. The processing of these data using the Self Organized Maps technique and their integration within a novel function, provide the groundwater stress index. The output of this work can be used for governance and management decisions that will improve groundwater resources availability in vulnerable areas ensuring the sustainable use from the communities and the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mine water poses severe threats to the quality of the water supply and ecological environment of the Shendong mining areas owing to its excessive fluoride (F-) content. However, the geochemical behaviours and enrichment mechanisms responsible for F⁻ enrichment during mining activities are not fully understood. In total, 18 Yanan groundwater and 45 mine water samples were collected to analyse the spatial distribution, hydrogeochemical behaviours, and formation mechanisms related to elevated F- levels by analysing the stable isotopes and water-rock interactions. In this study, F- concentrations in mine water samples varied from 0.16 to 12.75 mg/L, with a mean value of 6.10 mg/L, and 77.78% of the mine water samples had a concentration that exceeded China's national standards (1.00 mg/L) for drinking water. The F- concentration was markedly high in the mine water samples, with the mean F- concentration being 1.58 times of that in the Yanan groundwater samples. The results of stable isotopes (18O H2O , D, 34S SO4 , and 18O SO4) and water-rock interaction analyses suggested that cation exchange and competitive effects were the dominant factors responsible for elevated F- concentration in mine water during mining activities. Thus, the weathering of F-bearing minerals, agriculture, and domestic activities do not play a significant role in the secondary enrichment of F- concentration. • The abundance and spatial distribution of F- in the mine water of the Shendong mining area were determined. • The hydrogeochemical behaviours and formation mechanisms that further elevate F- levels in mine water during mining activities were evaluated. • The hydrogeochemical processes of mine water at high F- concentration using stable isotopes (34S SO4 , 18O SO4 ,18O H2O , and D) analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the sorption of heavy metals (Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+) from simulated metallurgical wastewater by sepiolite under different dosage, pH, adsorption time and temperature conditions was investigated. The results showed that adsorption increased with the increase of adsorbent dosage until the adsorption equilibrium was reached. When the pH is 6, adsorption of heavy metal ions by sepiolite was in the order of Cu2+ >Zn2+ >Pb2+ >Cd2+ and removal rates of the metal ion were 91%, 90%, 91%, 84%, respectively. The effect of adsorption time on adsorption was not significant. At room temperature, with the adsorption time 45min, the adsorption of metal ions is almost saturated, adsorption of Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ was 13.05mg/g, 85.47mg/g, 62.36mg/g and 15.67mg/g, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mining activity, practices in Baia Mare for over 100 years, has led to pollution and economic sealing of large areas of land; it has adversely affected the environment and now poses a significant risk to human health. The actual sources of pollution, current or historical, in Baia Mare Depression are SC Romplumb SA, SC Cuprom SA and CNMPN Remin SA. The mining activities left over wide areas ponds, mine waste dumps and the underground waters that come across the existing mine galleries spring out contaminated and sometimes in an uncontrolled manner. Heavy metals are present in the environmental factors from this area and significantly affect local ecosystems and human health. The paper presents details on soil pollution with heavy metals, problem that has gradually found a solution in the environmental rehabilitation projects, activities that requiring investment of time and specialists in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biota Neotropica is the property of Biota Neotropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The concentrations of nine elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) were measured in the oyster Isognomon isognomon and the edible clam Gafrarium tumidum from different sites along the SW New Caledonian coast which is subjected to important chemical inputs due to intense land-based mining activities (New Caledonia is the third world producer of nickel). Results indicate that concentrations in the two organisms mirrored the geographical differences in contamination levels as established through element analyses in sediment. On the basis of organism analyses, two out of the seven investigated stations can be considered as relative “reference” sites, except for As, for which very high levels were detected in clam and oyster tissues (up to 441μgg−1 drywt for clams). Overall, our results indicate that both tropical organisms investigated could be used as valuable bioindicator species for surveying metal contamination in the coastal waters of New Caledonia with reasonable perspectives of wider application to other coral reef environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Metal mining activities often lead to plant and soil contamination in the surrounding environment. This article characterises the contaminated site and the effects of acidification and heavy metal pollution on two plant species: European birch and Norway spruce. The research was conducted in the surroundings of a former polymetalic mine near the town of Zlate Hory, Czech Republic. A by-product of the ore flotation technique was 6.8 million tonnes of metalliferous tailings. The adjacent forest area is contaminated by wind blown pyritic dust particles. The experimental transect was located in a spruce monoculture down wind of the tailings. Samples of soils, Norway spruce branches and European birch seedlings were taken at 50 m intervals. Spruce shoot axes and needles, and birch roots, stems and leaves were analysed separately. Samples were analysed using AAS to obtain Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Al and Fe concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study a mine tailing located near La Union town (SE Spain) was investigated in order to establish lines for further phytostabilization works. A plot sampling design was carried out in order to characterize the soil properties and natural occurring vegetation. The tailing is strongly eroded and vegetation on its surface is scarce. Total heavy metal concentrations were 1800 mg kg-1 for Pb and Zn, and 180 mg kg-1 for Cu. The pH was less than 4 and consequently, water extractable metals (14% of the total Zn) and electrical conductivity (>15 dS m-1) were high. Nutrient properties were poor (<0.4 % organic carbon; <0.030 % total nitrogen). Natural occurring vegetation (mainly chamaerophyte and terophyte species) was composed by low number of plant species and their annual cycle was affected by the scarcity of rains. All these factors make this tailing a hostile environment for plant establishment. Revegetation would require the addition of lime and/or organic matter to facilitate plant growth and increase the diversity of plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the interdisciplinary projects carried out during the last 25 years in eastern Liguria (NW Italy). These have brought together archaeologists, geographers, palaeobotanists and historians in a series of research exercises based upon many different types of evidence: archaeological excavation and survey, ecological analysis of existing landscapes, geoarchaeological, anthracological and palynological analyses. Taken together, the results of this research provide a rich source of material for developing an understanding of how humans in eastern Liguria have interacted with the landscape through time. The influence of human activity on the vegetation of Liguria, in the Late Neolithic, Copper Age (Chalcolithic) and Bronze Age, is part of a complex system of agricultural activity mainly involving transhumant pastoralism. Several peat sites and buried soils have supplied the palaeoecological data that indicate the considerable effect of this economic activity on the landscape: a reduction in fir woodland, a decrease in arboreal species and an increase in the diversity of light demanding herbaceous and fern taxa. The environmental and economic changes during the 4th and 3rd millennia BC in eastern Liguria are also testified to by the starting of quarrying and mining activities to obtain both red jasper and copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Asia is one of many regions worldwide that face severe water shortages; nevertheless, water pollution in this region exacerbates the existing water stress and increases the risk of regional water conflicts. In this study, we perform an extensive literature review, and the data show that water pollution in Central Asia is closely linked to human activities. Within the Asian Gold Belt, water pollution is influenced mainly by mining, and the predominant pollutants are heavy metals and radionuclides. However, in the irrigated areas along the middle and lower reaches of inland rivers (e.g., the Amu Darya and Syr Darya), water pollution is strongly associated with agriculture. Hence, irrigated areas are characterized by high concentrations of ammonia, nitrogen, and phosphorus. In addition, the salinities of rivers and groundwater in the middle and lower reaches of inland rivers generally increase along the flow path due to high rates of evaporation. Soil salinization and frequent salt dust storms in the Aral Sea basin further increase the pollution of surface water bodies. Ultimately, the pollution of surface water and groundwater poses risks to human health and deteriorates the ecological environment. To prevent further water pollution, joint monitoring of the surface water and groundwater quantity and quality throughout Central Asia must be implemented immediately. • Agriculture and mining activities are the two main causes of water pollution in Central Asia. • Water pollution with nitrogen and phosphorus as pollutants is mainly distributed in irrigated areas of the middle and lower Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers. • Water pollution with heavy metals and radionuclides as typical pollutants is mainly distributed in the "Asian Gold Belt". • Water pollution poses a great threat to human health and fragile dry-land ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compound system involving three matrices (water, sediment, and paddy soil) was conceived to determine the potential sources of metal(loid)s (Ti, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and U) and synthetically evaluate their pollution levels in the Le'an River basin. The result indicated that the established background values (BVs) of paddy soil and sediment in the compound system were obviously higher than those of the upper continental crust (UCC) and soils from Jiangxi Province, a difference which was especially marked for sediment. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, As, Cd in the system had high coefficients of variation (CVs), and metal(loid)s in sediment showed higher levels than those in paddy soil, except for Pb. Cd and Cu in the system had the highest Ef levels, which probably pose a high risk to organisms and the health of local residents. There were significantly linear relationships between the site rank index (SRI) for water and that for sediment or paddy soil, revealing that matrices in the system interacted with each other. Principal component analysis (PCA) and absolute principal component scores and multiple linear regression model (APCS-MLR) results demonstrated that Cu, Zn, As, Cu, Pb, and U enrichments in the system were mainly affected by mining activities and were predominately deposited in sediment. Point pollution sources rather than non-point pollution sources such as mining activities, contributed most of the anthropogenic metal(loid)s to sediment. Both SRI and Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) results visually showed that S5, S8, S9, S10, S11, and S12 severe pollution grouped together and scattered through areas with extensive mining activities, while other sites with moderate pollution were spread along the main stream of the Le'an River. Image 1 • The compound system involving water, sediment and paddy soil was established. • There were latent interactions of metal(loid) among matrices in the compound system. • Cd and Cu enrichment in the compound system likely posed high risk to the organism and human health. • Sediment was the main sink of anthropogenic metal(loid)s mainly contributed by point pollution sources. • Sampling sites in the area with violent mining activities suffered severe pollution. Main finding: Establishing the compound system is an effective way to evaluate the pollution level in a specific basin. Efs indicate the migration of anthropogenic pollutants in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]