Search

Rapid urbanization and industrialization can lead to the accumulation of toxic halogenated organic pollutants (HOPs) in soil environments, which poses a risk to the wider eco‐environment. In this study, we explored the occurrence and health risks of halogenated organic pollutants by analysing surface soil samples (n = 209) collected from various E‐waste dismantling, industrialized and urban areas, rural areas and remote areas in Zhejiang Province, China. The mean average concentrations (d.w.) and range (min–max) of the HOPs were Dechlorane plus (DP) = 0.14 ng/g (below detection limit ( industrialized and urban areas > rural areas > remote areas. Nevertheless, we observed high detection ratios in rural and remote areas, indicating scattered industrialization led to ubiquitous HOP soil pollution in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] OCP accumulation was measured in seafoods from four counties of Zhejiang Province. [•] OCP concentrations in 13 types of seafoods ranged from 258.3 to 3459.6ngg−1 (lw). [•] HCHs and DDTs were the most abundant OCPs in seafoods from the tested environments. [•] Total OCP content in seafoods varied regionally and was highest in Shengsi and Putuo. [•] OCPs in seafoods of Shengsi may be from dicofol products used in Yangtze Estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals can be introduced into urban soils at the same time. Therefore, their selective retention and competitive adsorption by the soils become of major importance in determining their availability and movement throughout the soil. In this study, the availability and mobility of six heavy metals in eight urban soils collected from different cities of Zhejiang Province, southeastern China were assessed using distribution coefficients (Kd) and retardation factor (Rf). The results showed that there were great differences in the Kd and Rf among the tested soils. The adsorption sequences were Cr>Pb>Cu>Cd>Zn>Ni, and the Kd decreased with increasing levels of metal addition. Ni generally has the lowest Rf values followed closely by Cd, and Zn whereas Cr and Pb reached the highest values. The results suggest that Ni and Zn have the highest mobility associated to the lowest adsorption, Cr and Pb present the opposite behavior. Correlation analysis indicates that soil pH, CaCO_3 content, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) are key factors controlling the solubility and mobility of the metals in the urban soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]