Search

Industrial activities have led to serious air pollution and the potentially toxic elements in atmospheric particles can cause various health problems to humans. In this study, inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) were collected from four typical sites in Baotou, an industrial city in northern China. We investigated both the mass concentrations of particulate matter and the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn) in the collected samples. We assessed the public health risks associated with atmospheric heavy metal exposure. The results showed that the mass concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 as well as these heavy metal concentrations varied notably influenced by the prevailing wind directions. Among the studied metals, Zn, Mn, Pb, and Cr were the main metal pollutants in both PM10 and PM2.5. The results of the health assessment showed that the eight heavy metals studied pose significant non-carcinogenic risks and Cr, Cd, and Co pose lifetime lung cancer risks to local residents, especially to children.

Mercury (Hg) has always been a research hot spot because of its high toxicity. This study conducted in farmland near rare earth mining area and traffic facilities, which considered multiple pollution sources innovatively. It not only analyzed Hg spatial characteristics using inverse distance weighting and self-organizing map (SOM), but also assessed its pollution risk by potential ecological risk index (Er) as well as geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and identified the pollution sources with positive matrix factorization. The results showed that there was no heavy Hg pollution in most farmland, while a few sampling sites with Hg pollution were close to highway, railway station and petrol station in Xinfeng or in the farmland of Anyuan, which were divided into the cluster with highest Hg concentration in SOM. The vehicle exhaust emission and pesticide as well as fertilizer additions significantly contributed to the local Hg pollution. Besides, there was moderate pollution and high ecological risk in Anyuan assessed by Igeo and Er, respectively. In contrast, Xinfeng had the moderate and considerable ecological risks in a larger scale. The enriched Hg might harmed not only the nearby ecological environment, but also the human health when it entered human body through food chain. The three factors that contributed to mercury concentration in this area according to positive matrix factorization were natural source, traffic source and agricultural source, respectively. This study about Hg pollution in the typical area would provide scientific evidence for the particular treatment of Hg pollution from various pollution sources like traffic source, agricultural source, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of land use type on the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soils of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and the associated ecological and human health risks has drawn great attention. Consequently, in this study, top- and subsurface soil samples were collected from areas with four different land uses (i.e., cropland, forest, grassland, and developed area) and the total contents of Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined. Geostatistical analysis, self-organizing map (SOM), and positive matrix factorization (PMF), ecological risk assessment (ERA) and human health risk assessment (HRA) were applied and used to classify and identify the contamination sources and assess the potential risk. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was applied to clarify the relationship of land use with PTE contents and risk. The PTE contents in all topsoil samples surpassed the respective background concentrations of China and corresponding subsurface concentrations. However, the ecological risk of all soil samples remained at a moderate or considerable level across the four land use types. Developed area and cropland showed a higher ecological risk than the other two land use types. Industrial discharges (32.8%), agricultural inputs (22.6%), natural sources (23.7%), and traffic emissions (20.9%) were the primary PTE sources in the tested soils, which indicate that anthropogenic activities have significantly affected soil PTE contents to a greater extent than other sources. Industrial discharge was the most prominent source of non-carcinogenic health risk, contributing 37.7% for adults and 35.2% for children of the total risk. The results of PLS-PM revealed that land use change associated with intensive human activities such as industrial activities and agricultural practices distinctly affected the PTE contents in soils of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [Display omitted] • Most samples from developed area and cropland posed a moderate ecological risk. •Industrial discharge was the prominent source of non-carcinogenic health risk. •Intensive human activities affected PTE contents in soils of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Capsule : The land use change associated with intensive human disturbance affected the soil PTEs accumulation, ecological risk and human health risk in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qarhan Salt Lake is the largest brine lake on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), which contains some potentially toxic elements (PTEs) due to the increase of human activities. This study endeavor encompassed the collection of 62 sediment samples from eight rivers that recharge the Qarhan Salt Lake, and the measurement of seven PTEs' concentrations (As, Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn). Results indicated that the concentrations of most PTEs were lower than their local soil background values, except for Hg and Cd, which surpassed the background contents by 6.8 and 1.1 times, respectively. The I geo and PLI outcomes demonstrated a relatively low level of Hg contamination. Hg was the most hazardous elements with the mean ecological risk factor of 273.88. The Hazard Index (HI) values for PTEs were computed at 0.20 and 0.46 for adults and children, respectively, indicating that neither group was at a non-carcinogenic risk. Through the utilization of source identification methods, this study identified three predominant sources responsible for PTEs in the area: natural geogenic sources, anthropogenic sources and atmospheric deposition inputs. The findings of this study provide a robust scientific foundation for the management of the ecological environment security of rivers in the QTP. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace elements contamination in estuarine and bay ecosystems has become a serious problem, especially in bays with frequent aquaculture activities. To explore the pollution risk, sources and trends of pollution trace elements in Dongshan Bay, a typical aquaculture bay in China, the concentration and spatial distribution of seven trace elements in surface sediments were investigated. In this study, Zn was the element with the highest content in surface sediments, followed by Pb and Cr, while Cd was the lowest, but the average concentrations of Cd and Hg exceeded the regional background values. High levels of trace elements were distributed in estuaries and aquaculture areas, which were illustrated also by the SOM model. An evaluation of the pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (I geo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) demonstrated that Cd and Hg were the principal pollution elements and ecological risk factors in the surface sediments of the Bay. A positive matrix factorization model (PMF) revealed that the main sources of trace elements were natural sources, petrochemical industry and fossil fuel combination emissions, use of agricultural fertilizer, and industrial and agricultural sewage discharge. Comparative analysis found that since 2008, the mean content of Cu, Pb, Zn, and As have decreased significantly, while the content of Cd, Hg, and Cr have increased significantly. This information will help marine management efforts in taking effective measures to prevent environmental risks caused by trace elements pollution, especially related to aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in seawater and sediments may be amplified along the aquatic food chain, posing a health threat to humans. This study comprehensively analyzed the concentrations, distribution, potential sources, and health risk of 7 PTEs in multimedia (seawater, sediment and organism) in typical subtropical bays in southern China. The results indicated that Zn was the most abundant element in seawater, and the average concentration of Cd in sediment was 3.93 times higher than the background value. Except for As, the seasonal differences in surface seawater were not significant. The content of Zn in fishes, crustacea, and shellfish was the highest, while the contents of Hg and Cd were relatively low. Bioaccumulation factor indicated that Zn was a strongly bioaccumulated element in seawater, while Cd was more highly enriched by aquatic organisms in sediment. According to principal component analysis (PCA), and positive matrix factorization (PMF), the main sources of PTEs in Quanzhou Bay were of natural derivation, industrial sewage discharge, and agricultural inputs, each contributing 40.4 %, 24.2 %, and 35.4 %, respectively. This study provides fundamental and significant information for the prevention of PTEs contamination in subtropical bays, the promotion of ecological safety, and the assessment of human health risk from PTEs in seafood. [Display omitted] • Potentially toxic elements in the seawater, sediment and organism were monitored. • Sediment was moderately polluted by PTEs, especially for Cd. • Most abundant element in marine organisms is Zn, and highest excess rate was As. • The sources of PTEs were natural sources, industrial and agricultural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal burning may enhance human exposure to the natural radionuclides that occur around coal-fired power plants (CFPP). In this study, the spatial distribution and hazard assessment of radionuclides found in soils around a CFPP were investigated using statistics, geostatistics, and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in soils range from 12.54 to 40.18, 38.02 to 72.55, and 498.02 to 1126.98Bqkg−1, respectively. Ordinary kriging was carried out to map the spatial patterns of radionuclides, and disjunctive kriging was used to quantify the probability of radium equivalent activity (Raeq) higher than the threshold. The maps show that the spatial variability of the natural radionuclide concentrations in soils was apparent. The results of this study could provide valuable information for risk assessment of environmental pollution and decision support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Contamination, hazard level and source of 10 widely concerned potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) Co, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Ba, and V in fine dust with particle size below 63 μm (FD63) were investigated to assess the environmental quality of college campuses and influencing factors. PTMs sources were qualitatively analyzed using statistical methods and quantitatively apportioned using positive matrix factorization. Probabilistic contamination degrees of PTMs were evaluated using enrichment factor and Nemerow integrated enrichment factor. Eco–health risk levels of content–oriented and source–oriented for PTMs were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. Mean levels of Zn (643.8 mg kg−1), Pb (146.0 mg kg−1), Cr (145.9 mg kg−1), Cu (95.5 mg kg−1), and Ba (804.2 mg kg−1) in FD63 were significantly larger than soil background values. The possible sources of the concerned PTMs in FD63 were traffic non–exhaust emissions, natural source, mixed source (auto repair waste, paints and pigments) and traffic exhaust emissions, which accounted for 45.7%, 25.4%, 14.5% and 14.4% of total PTMs contents, respectively. Comprehensive contamination levels of PTMs were very high, mainly caused by Zn pollution and non–exhaust emissions. Combined ecological risk levels of PTMs were low and moderate, chiefly caused by Pb and traffic exhaust emissions. The non–cancer risks of the PTMs in FD63 to college students fell within safety level, while the carcinogenic PTMs in FD63 had a certain cancer risks to college students. The results of source–specific health risk assessment indicated that Cr and As were the priority PTMs, and the mixed source was the priority pollution source of PTMs in FD63 from college campuses, which should be paid attention to by the local government. • Elevated Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ba were found in fine dust from college campuses. • Potentially toxic metal(loid)s had a certain cancer risks to college students. • Vehicle-related sources were the main anthropogenic sources of elevated metals. • Mixed source was the priority pollution source. • Cr and As were the priority pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in road dust of large industrial cities is extremely serious. Determining the priority risk control factors of PTE contamination in road dust is critical to enhance the environmental quality of such cities and mitigate the risk of PTE pollution. The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method and geographical models were employed to assess the probabilistic pollution levels and eco-health risks of PTEs originating from different sources in fine road dust (FRD) of large industrial cities, and to identify key factors affecting the spatial variability of priority control sources and target PTEs. It was observed that in FRD of Shijiazhuang, a typical large industrial city in China, more than 97% of the samples had an INI > 1 (INI mean = 1.8), indicating moderately contaminated with PTEs. The eco-risk was at least considerable (NCRI >160) with more than 98% of the samples, mainly caused by Hg (E i (mean) = 367.3). The coal-related industrial source (NCRI (mean) = 235.1) contributed 70.9% to the overall eco-risk (NCRI (mean) = 295.5) of source-oriented risks. The non-carcinogenic risk of children and adults are of less importance, but the carcinogenic risk deserves attention. The coal-related industry is a priority control pollution source for human health protection, with As corresponding to the target PTE. The major factors affecting the spatial changes of target PTEs (Hg and As) and coal-related industrial sources were plant distribution, population density, and gross domestic product. The hot spots of coal-related industrial sources in different regions were strongly interfered by various human activities. Our results illustrate spatial changes and key-influencing factors of priority source and target PTEs in Shijiazhuang FRD, which are helpful for environmental protection and control of environmental risks by PTEs. [Display omitted] • Fine road dust has serious potentially toxic element pollution and eco-risks. • Hg is the main contributor of eco-risk of potentially toxic elements in fine dust. • The cancer risk mainly caused by As needs attention. • Identified coal-related industrial sources as a priority control factor. • Spatial aggregation reveals correlations of pollution source and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the spatial distribution, pollution degree, ecological toxicity and possible sources of seven potentially toxic elements (PTEs) collected from the surface sediments of Quanzhou Bay (QZB) were analyzed by obtaining concentration measurements. The results indicated that the areas with high Cu, Pb, Zn and Hg concentrations were mainly located in the Luoyang River estuary, while the areas with high contents of Cd and As appeared in the Luoyang River estuary area and in the southern part of QZB, respectively. The contamination indices showed that the Cd pollution degree was slight to serious, while other elements were slightly enriched. The calculation results of the potential ecological risk index (RI) and toxic risk index (TRI) indicated that Cd was the main element posing ecological risk among the PTEs of sediments in QZB, followed by Hg. Moreover, in approximately 30% of the surveyed sites, PTEs exhibited low toxicity to aquatic ecosystems. Finally, the self-organizing map (SOM) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model were used to determine the PTEs sources. Natural sources, industrial emissions, and the combustion of fossil fuels were three main sources for PTEs in the surface sediments of QZB. This study provides a reference for assessing sediment pollution and managing marine pollution in QZB. • Spatial distribution, pollution degree, ecological toxicity and sources of PTEs were analyzed. • Cd was the main element posing ecological risk among the sediments in QZB. • PTEs exhibited low toxicity to aquatic ecosystems in approximately 30% of the surveyed sites. • Natural sources, industrial emissions, and the combustion of fossil fuels were three main PTEs sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finer road dust has attracted considerable attention due to its more serious environmental detriment and ecological–health risk than coarser road dust. In this study, the concentrations of nine potentially toxic elements (PTEs, i.e. As, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were analyzed in finer road dust with particle size <63 μm (FRD) collected from Shijiazhuang, a typical megacity in north China. Based on this investigation, the contamination levels, ecological–health risks, and sources of PTEs in FRD were comprehensively analyzed and the main pollution factors and areas of the high risks were identified. The results revealed that the average contents of As, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn were significantly greater than the local soil background values. As a whole, the PTEs analyzed in Shijiazhuang FRD exhibited different contamination levels, viz. Hg was moderate to strong contamination; Zn was moderate contamination; Co, Cu and Pb were no-contamination to moderate contamination; As was no–contamination and no–contamination to moderate contamination; Cr, Mn and Ni were uncontaminated. The comprehensive ecological risks of PTEs in most sites were very high. The health risks of PTEs to the local inhabitants fell within safety limits. The pollution source analysis of PTEs showed that As and Hg were primarily derived from coal–related industrial source, which accounted for 27.5% of the total PTEs contents. Cu, Co, Pb, and Zn were mainly associated with traffic sources, which accounted for 26.5%. Mn, Ni, and Cr were principally generated by natural source, which accounted for 46.0%. It is worth noting that the coal–related industrial discharges and traffic emissions are the focus of anthropogenic sources control, which should be concerned. [Display omitted] • Accumulation of Hg, As, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in finer road dust. • Hg exhibited moderate to strong contamination and significantly ecological risk. • The overall ecological risk of potentially toxic elements was high. • The health risks of potentially toxic elements in finer road dust is acceptable. • Coal–related industrial and traffic activities are main anthropogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Average levels of Zn, As, Pb, Cu, Co, and Hg exceeded the background values of local soil. • The overall ecological risk of potentially toxic metals was high, driven by Hg. • The potentially toxic metals in dust posed no health risks to local residents currently. • Traffic and coal-related industrial activities are the main anthropogenic sources. The levels of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) As, Cu, Co, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in resuspended street dust (<100 μm particles) from a megacity in north China were determined. The sources of PTMs in resuspended street dust were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis and positive matrix factorization methods that combined the spatial distributions of PTMs. Average levels of Zn, As, Pb, Cu, Co, and Hg exceeded those found in local soil samples, while those of Cr, Mn, and Ni were less than their background levels found in local soil. The overall contamination of PTMs in resuspended street dust was characterized as moderately contaminated and as uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. The ecological risk associated with Hg was very high, while the ecological risks associated with Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were low. The overall ecological risk of PTMs was defined as high, driven by Hg. The non–carcinogenic risks of PTMs to inhabitants fell within safety limits, and the carcinogenic risks of As, Co, Cr, and Ni were below receivable values. A comprehensive analysis of PTMs sources revealed that Co, Zn, Cu, and Pb were principally associated with traffic emissions, which accounted for about 38.3% of these PTMs' contents. Mn, Ni, and Cr were mainly generated by natural source, which contributed to about 41.5% of these PTMs' concentrations. Hg and As were primarily derived from coal–related industrial source, which accounted for 77.9% of Hg and 62.9% of As in resuspended street dust. This study demonstrates that coal–related industrial discharges and traffic emissions are the main anthropogenic sources of PTMs contamination in resuspended street dust in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]