Accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and plants from fly ash contaminated area

The present investigation deals with the accumulation of heavy metals in fields contaminated with fly ash from a thermal power plant and subsequent uptake in different parts of naturally grown plants. Results revealed that in the contaminated site, the mean level of all the metals (Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn and Fe) in soil and different parts (root and shoots) of plant species were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher than the uncontaminated site. The enrichment factor (EF) of these metals in contaminated soil was found to be in the sequence of Cd (2.33) > Fe (1.88) > Ni (1.58) > Pb (1.42) > Zn (1.31) > Mn (1.27) > Cr (1.11) > Cu (1.10). Whereas, enrichment factor of metals in root and shoot parts, were found to be in the order of Cd (7.56) > Fe (4.75) > Zn (2.79) > Ni (2.22) > Cu (1.69) > Mn (1.53) > Pb (1.31) > Cr (1.02) and Cd (6.06) approximately equal Fe (6.06) > Zn (2.65) > Ni (2.57) > Mn (2.19) > Cu (1.58) > Pb (1.37) > Cr (1.01) respectively. In contaminated site, translocation factor (TF) of metals from root to shoot was found to be in the order of Mn (1.38) > Fe (1.27) > Pb (1.03) > Ni (0.94) > Zn (0.85) > Cd (0.82) > Cr (0.73) and that of the metals Cd with Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe; Cr with Pb, Mn, Fe and Pb with Fe were found to be significantly correlated. The present findings provide us a clue for the selection of plant species, which show natural resistance against toxic metals and are efficient metal accumulators.     

Effects of industrial waste water on heavy metal accumulation, growth and biochemical responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

The waste water showed high values of total solid (TS), hardness and chloride with slightly alkaline pH along with high concentrations of Cr (2.03 mg l(-1)), Ni (1.59 mg l(-1)) and Zn (0.46 mg l(-1)). The concentration of Cu (0.21 mg l(-1)) and Zn in industrial waste water was low than Ni and Cr. The diluted (25 and 50%), undiluted (100%) waste water was used to irrigate the lettuce plants grown in alluvial soils. Plants accumulated heavy metals in their shoot (Ni, 13.65; Cr, 19.73; Zn, 21.6 and Cu 14.76 microg g(-1) dry weight) and root (Ni, 41.4; Cr, 31.6; Zn, 30.2 and Cu 15.85 microg g(-1) dry weight) in high concentrations after irrigation with undiluted industrial waste water. Maximum accumulation of heavy metals was found in the root than the shoot (13.65-21.60 microg g(-1) dry weight). Dry matter yield and biomolecules (Chlorophyll a, b and sugar contents) was found to increase with increase in concentration of waste water up to 50%, which declined at the exposure of undiluted waste water. Catalase activity was found to increase with increase in waste water concentrations up to 100%, while carotenoids content increased in plants only up to the 50% waste water irrigation. Use of industrial waste water in such form, on agricultural lands is not found suitable without proper treatment. It could be injurious to plants growth and may be a potential threat to food web.     

Heavy metal accumulation and changes in metabolic parameters in Cajanas cajan grown in mine spoil

The extent of accumulation of some heavy metals in root and aerial plant parts, total chlorophyll, protein and yield of C. cajan exposed to mine spoil were investigated. Chlorophyll and protein level on the control site increased from the basal level to 1.49 fold and 1.92 fold respectively on 150 d and attained a plateau within 210 d. The maximum decline in leaf protein and yield in selected mine spoil has been observed 37% (18.46 mg g(-1) fresh wt) and 76% at 150 d and maintained a slight decline when duration was extended up to 210 d as compared to control. Whereas in case of photo pigment content (Chlorophyll a and b) the maximum reduction was almost 42% (0.786 mg g(-1) fresh wt) during 210 d from its basal level. Plant tissues have accumulated maximum level of selected cations in control and mine spoil in the order (Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd). Metal accumulation in different plant parts was observed in the decreasing order roots > shoots > leaves > seeds. Invariably high accumulation of such cations in roots overshoots indicated accumulation, retention or restricted translocation from root to shoot. The metal share of seed varied from 1.3-39.5 fold as compared to their respective controls but their amount was quite below the toxic range. Thus the present work explores the metal accumulation in the plant tissues.     

Freshwater Mussel,Lamellidens Marginalis (Lamarck) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionidae) As an Indicator of River Pollution

Abstract

Analyses were made of heavy metals, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc and lead in water samples and soft body, shell and different tissues (gills, digestive glands, mantle and viscera) of the Unionid mussel, Lamellidens marginalis collected from two tributaries of the Cauvery river. Water samples from Station I contained higher concentrations of the metals than those from Station II. the concentration of metals in water at both stations were in the descending order: Mn > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cu. However, the concentrations of metals in the soft body were in the descending order: Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cu at both stations in all size groups of mussels tested. the concentration of zinc maintained a linear relationship with the size of the mussels, but manganese showed a reverse trend. Small size (4-5 cm) mussels accumulated more manganese (105.5 μg.g^?1 dry wt.) than larger ones (7-8 cm; 6.5 μg.g^?1 dry wt.). Both young and old is accumulate the same level of lead, copper and nickel in the soft body. the order of concentrations of metals (Mn, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cu) in the shell of mussels from both stations coincided with the order of concentrations of background water except for lead. the accumulation of lead was higher in shell (30.4-36.2 μg.g^?1 dry wt.) than in soft body (6.4-12.0 μg.g^?1 dry wt.). the pattern of concentration of metals in the various tissues reveal that the digestive glands have greater ability than other tissues to concentrate most metals under study. the concentration factors for soft body, shell and different tissues are presented. the advantages in using the common mussel for biomonitoring of contaminants in water is also discussed.     

我国典型土壤上重金属污染对番茄根伸长的抑制毒性效应

采用盆栽试验观测了我国3种典型土壤——黄泥土、褐土、红壤上不同重金属(铜、锌、铅)作用下敏感植物番茄的根伸长,其中黄泥土和褐土上重金属添加量范围为Cu(0～2000mg·kg-1)、Zn(0～4000mg·kg-1)和Pb(0～5000mg·kg-1),红壤上为Cu(0～400mg·kg-1)、Zn(0～750mg·kg-1)和Pb(0～2000mg·kg-1).对不同土壤上Cu、Zn、Pb对番茄的根伸长抑制率进行了比较,以阐明不同土壤上重金属种类及用量对蔬菜根生长的抑制及毒性效应.结果表明,相同Cu、Zn、Pb污染水平(添加量)下,土壤中重金属对番茄的根伸长抑制率大小顺序基本表现为:红壤>黄泥土>褐土.番茄对红壤中的重金属最敏感,其次是黄泥土,再次是褐土.番茄对不同重金属的毒性响应不同,对Cu最敏感,Zn和Pb次之.土壤中有效态重金属含量与番茄根伸长呈显著(p<0.05)或极显著(p<0.01)负相关,表明有效态重金属含量是影响蔬菜根伸长的重要因素.     

Introducing a new metal accumulator plant and the evaluation of its ability in removing heavy metals

A field study was conducted in a dried waste pool of a lead (Pb) mine in Arak (Iran) to find the accumulator plant(s) and to evaluate the amount of metal bioaccumulation in the root and shoot portion of the naturally growing vegetation. Concentrations of heavy metals were determined both in the soil and the plants that were grown in the dried waste pool. The concentrations of total Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni in the waste pool were found to be higher than the natural soil and the toxic levels. The results showed that six dominant vegetations, namely, Centaurea virgata, Eleagnum angustifolia, Euphorbia macroclada, Gundelia tournefortii, Reseda lutea, and Scariola orientalis accumulated heavy metals. Based on the results, it was concluded that E. macroclada belonging to Euphorbiaceae is the best Pb accumulator and also a good accumulator for Zn, Cu, and Ni. The bioaccumulation ability of E. macroclada was evaluated in experimental pots. The study showed that the amount of heavy metals in polluted soils decreased several times during two years of phytoremediation. The accumulation of metal in the root, leaves, and shoot portions of E. macroclada varied significantly, but all the concentrations were within the toxic limits. Based on the obtained data, E. macroclada is an effective accumulator plant for soil detoxification and phytoremediation in critical conditions.     

Partitioning of cadmium,copper, lead and zinc amongst above-ground parts of seed and grain crops grown in selected locations in the USA

The distribution of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in above-ground parts of corn, small grains and pulse crops was investigated. Sampled parts included grain or seed, leaves, stems, silk and husks of corn-ears, rachilla and chaff of small grains and pods of bean plants. The distribution of these elements was variable and reflected, primarily, their relative mobility between plant parts including transfer into the grain. Generally, Zn and Cu were preferentially transferred into the seed or grain, while Cd and Pb were selectively excluded from these organs. For example, the distribution pattern in ears of corn was: for Cd, husks > silk > grain; for Zn, silk > grain > husks. The selective transfer of Zn and Cu into seed or grain, in contrast to the restricted movement of Cd and Pb into these organs, may be the result of selective absorption of Zn and Cu over Cd and Pb by vascular transfer cells within the plant's reproductive tissues. The effect of soil type on Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn levels in cereal grain or pulse seed was small compared to the differences found in the concentrations of these elements between different plant organs. Thus, grain and seed crops serve as natural barriers to the movement of the potentially toxic heavy metals, Cd and Pb, into the animal/human food chain, minimising their transfer from soils while conserving Zn and Cu levels in edible portions of these crops.Soil Scientist, USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Retired.     

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus and plant growth promoting rhizomicroorganisms (PGPR's) on medicinal plant Solanum viarum seedlings

A green house nursery study was conducted to assess the interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Glomus aggregatum and some plant growth promoting rhizomicrooganisms (PGPR's), Bacillus coagulans and Trichoderma harzianum, in soil and their consequent effect on growth, nutrition and content of secondary metabolities of Solanum viarum seedlings. Triple inoculation of G. aggregatum+B. coagulans+T. harzainum with Solanum viarum in a green house nursery study resulted in maximum plant biomass (plant height 105 cm and plant dry weight 12.17 g), P, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn and secondary metabolities [total phenols (129.6 microg g(-1) f.wt.), orthodihydroxy phenols (90.6 microg g(-1) f.wt.), flavonoids (3.94 microg g(-1) f.wt.), alkaloids (5.05 microg g(-1) f.wt.), saponins (5.05 microg g(-1) f.wt.) and tannins (0.324 microg g(-1) f.wt.)] of S. viarum seedlings. The mycorrhizal root colonization and spore numbers in the root zone soil of the inoculated plants increased. The enzyme activity namely acid phosphatase (53.44 microg PNP g(-1) soil), alkaline phosphatase (40.95 microg PNP g(-1) soil) and dehydrogenase (475.5 microg PNP g(-1) soil) and total population of B. coagulans (12.5x10(4) g(-1)) and T. harzianum (12.4 x 10(4) g(-1)), in the root zone soil was found high in the triple inoculation with G. aggregatum+B. coagulans+T. harzianum that proved to be the best microbial consortium.     

Influence of lead on growth and nutrient accumulation in canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is commonly used as a hyper-accumulator for phytoextraction of heavy metals from soil and water. Like many other heavy metals, lead (Pb) contaminates soil, water and air and thus it is a great problem. This study was conducted to investigate toxic effects of Pb on growth and nutrient uptake in four canola cultivars. Each of four cultivars of canola (Con-II, Con-III, Legend and Shiralee) was subjected to four levels of Pb (0, 30, 60 and 90 mg Pb kg(-1) of soil) from lead chloride [PbCl2]. Due to Pb toxicity, plant growth was adversely affected and relatively a severe reduction in root biomass (45.7%) was recorded. The Pb accumulation increased both in shoot and root, the highest being in root. The uptake of different nutrients, i.e., N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn was reduced (38.4, 32.8, 33.1, 49.6, 7.78, 52.0, 42.6 and 45.9%, respectively) in the shoots and that of N, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the roots (48.5, 33.2, 24.3 and 44.8%, respectively) of all canola cultivars. The root K, P, Zn and Mn and shoot P, Mg and Fe contents were less affected, the concentration of Pb, Ca and Mg in roots of all cultivars. Among canola cultivars Con-II and Con-III performed better than Legend and Shiralee in terms of growth (26.03%) and nutrient accumulation. Overall, plant growth and nutrient accumulation in the canola cultivars was hampered due to the presence of Pb.     

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and paddy crop (Oryza sativa), irrigated with water of Ramgarh Lake,Gorakhpur, UP,India

Heavy metals, a highly polluting group of constituents known to exert adverse effects, tend to accumulate in living organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and in paddy crop irrigated with lake water compared to soil and paddy crop irrigated with bore-well water. The quantities of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg) were determined in different parts of rice plants (Oryza sativa). Results revealed that the mean levels of soil Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg in experimental soil and in different parts of rice plant (root, straw, and grain) were higher than the control except for Cu. The content of eight toxic metals was significantly higher in root than in aerial parts of the rice (straw and grains). Rice roots were enriched in Cd, As, Hg, and Pb from the soil, while Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn were hardly taken by the roots. Bioaccumulation factor for Hg was significantly higher than other heavy metals. Metal transfer factors from soil to rice plants were significant for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg. The concentrations of metals in lake water were found to be within the permissible limit of Indian standard prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (2000), except for Hg and As, which were higher than the limit of Indian standard. However, the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and rice grains were still below the maximal levels, as stipulated by Indian Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA, 1954) and World Health Organization (WHO, 1993) guidelines.     

Assessment of drain water receiving effluent from tanneries and its impact on soil and plants with particular emphasis on bioaccumulation of heavy metals

In the present study, impact of tannery and other industrial effluents on the physico-chemical characteristics of loamy drain water and their consequent impact on soil and plants irrigated with effluent have been studied. The study reveals most of the parameter pH, BOD5 and COD at sampling station I was higher than station II. Waste water quality at both Stations I and II exceeded prescribed limits (BIS) for safe disposal of effluents into the surface water Samples of soil and vegetables from the land irrigated with loamy drain water has been collected and analyzed for Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr Pb and Cd. The different metals showed different enrichment factor for loamy drain water irrigated soil and are as follows: Cd 30% (max), Pb 26%, Zn 18%, Cr 5%, Cu 5%, Ni 2% (min). For plant samples collected at polluted sites are Ni 46% spinach (whole plant) (max), Zn 42% spinach (whole plant), Cr 39% spinach (whole plant), Cu 33% spinach (whole plant), Pb 20% potato tuber, Cd 20% potato tuber (min). The levels of Zn 145, Cu 5.25, and Ni 39.25 microg/ g in spinach, Pb 29.25, Cr 38. 25 and Cd 3.2 microg/g in potato tuber grown on polluted soil irrigated with contaminated drain water were found more than the reference value, which may create chronic health hazard problem to human and cattle through food chain in long run. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals may be build up in the agriculturally productive land where it is treated with contaminated effluent enrich with metals in turn bio-concentrated in the edible fodder/plants.     

Impact of mining activities on soils in a semi-arid environment: Sierra Almagrera district, SE Spain

Field and laboratory-column studies were undertaken in order to investigate soil contamination derived from past mining activity in the Sierra Almagrera (SA) district in southeast Spain. The tailings, soil and sediment samples that were collected showed high concentrations of Ag, As, Ba, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn when analyzed. The mean concentrations of these elements in the tailings were 29.8, 285.4, 54000, 57.7, 2687.5, 179.0 and 2269.0 ppm, respectively. In the soil samples these decreased to 14.3, 96.9, 24700, 37.5, 1859.1, 168.5 and 815.7 ppm, respectively. Geochemical analyses demonstrated high levels of As, Pb and Zn which were above the intervention values set forth in the Andalusian Regulations for Contaminated Soils for As (>50 ppm), Pb (>500 ppm) and Zn (>2000 ppm). Column experiments and mineralogical studies suggest that the dissolution of sulfates and other secondary phases, accumulated in soils and waste-sites during the dry season, acts to control the mobility of metals. The elution curves obtained from column experiments showed a mobilization of Ba, Cu, Pb and Zn, while a low mobility was seen for Ag, As and Sb.     

Impact of mining activities on soils in a semi-arid environment: Sierra Almagrera district, SE Spain

Field and laboratory-column studies were undertaken in order to investigate soil contamination derived from past mining activity in the Sierra Almagrera (SA) district in southeast Spain. The tailings, soil and sediment samples that were collected showed high concentrations of Ag, As, Ba, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn when analyzed. The mean concentrations of these elements in the tailings were 29.8, 285.4, 54000, 57.7, 2687.5, 179.0 and 2269.0 ppm, respectively. In the soil samples these decreased to 14.3, 96.9, 24700, 37.5, 1859.1, 168.5 and 815.7 ppm, respectively. Geochemical analyses demonstrated high levels of As, Pb and Zn which were above the intervention values set forth in the Andalusian Regulations for Contaminated Soils for As (>50 ppm), Pb (>500 ppm) and Zn (>2000 ppm). Column experiments and mineralogical studies suggest that the dissolution of sulfates and other secondary phases, accumulated in soils and waste-sites during the dry season, acts to control the mobility of metals. The elution curves obtained from column experiments showed a mobilization of Ba, Cu, Pb and Zn, while a low mobility was seen for Ag, As and Sb.     

大冶龙角山矿区几种植物的重金属吸收特征

通过调查采样和化学测试,对大冶龙角山矿区小麦、油菜、莴苣、白菜苔、豌豆等几种主要农作物中的重金属Cu、Pb、Cd及类金属As的质量分数进行分析。结果表明,供试农作物中,莴苣的重金属(包括As)质量分数显著高于其它作物的,其中以Cd质量分数最高,而豌豆的重金属质量分数最低,其它作物重金属质量分数由高到低的顺序为油菜、腌菜、白菜苔、小麦;小麦中的重金属质量分数依次是w(Cd) > w(As) > w(Pb) > w(Cu) > w(Cr),油菜中为w(Cd) > w(As) > w(Pb) > w(Cr) > w(Cu),莴苣中为w(Cd) > w(Cu) > w(Pb) > w(As)> w(Cr);随河流向下,作物中重金属含量变化规律与相应土壤中重金属累积量基本一致,如油菜含铜量在上游为0.61 g/g,在下游为0.37 g/g。     

Enrichment and solubility of trace metals associated with magnetic extracts in industrially derived contaminated soils

Magnetic fractions (MFs) in industrially derived contaminated soils were extracted with a magnetic separation procedure. Total, soluble, and bioaccessible Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the MFs and non-magnetic fractions (NMFs) were analyzed using aqua regia and extraction tests, such as deionized water, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), and gastric juice simulation (GJST) test. Compared with the non-magnetic fractions, soil MFs were enriched with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni. Extraction tests indicated that soil MFs contained higher water, TCLP, and GJST-extractable Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations than the soil NMFs. The TCLP-extractable Pb concentration in the MFs exceeded the USEPA hazardous waste criteria, suggesting that soil MFs have a potentially environmental pollution risk. Solubility of trace metals was variable in the different extraction tests, which has the order of GJST?>?TCLP?>?water. TCLP test showed Cu and Zn were more mobile than Cr and Pb while bioaccessibility of trace metal defined by GJST test showed the order of Cu?≈?Cr?≈?Zn?>?Pb. These findings suggested that the MFs in the industrially derived contaminated soils had higher possibility of polluting water bodies, and careful environmental impact assessment was necessary.     

EDTA and citric acid mediated phytoextraction of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd through marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Phytoextraction is an emerging cost-effective solution for remediation of contaminated soils which involves the removal of toxins, especially heavy metals and metalloids, by the roots of the plants with subsequent transport to aerial plant organs. The aim of the present investigation is to study the effects of EDTA and citric acid on accumulation potential of marigold (Tagetes erecta) to Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd and also to evaluate the impacts of these chelators (EDTA and citric acid) in combination with all the four heavy metals on the growth of marigold. The plants were grown in pots and treated with Zn (7.3 mg l(-1)), Cu (7.5 mg I(-1)), Pb (3.7 mg l(-1)) and Cd (0.2 mg l(-1)) alone and in combination with different doses of EDTA i.e., 10, 20 and 30 mg l(-1). All the three doses of EDTA i.e., 10, 20 and 30 mg l(-1) significantly increased the accumulation of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd by roots, stems and leaves as compared to control treatments. The 30 mg l(-1) concentration of citric acid showed reduced accumulation of these metals by root, stem and leaves as compared to lower doses i.e., 10 and 20 mg l(-1). Among the four heavy metals, Zn accumulated in the great amount (526.34 mg kg(-1) DW) followed by Cu (443.14 mg kg(-1) DW), Pb (393.16 mg kg(-1) DW) and Cd (333.62 mg kg(-1) DW) in leaves with 30 mg l(-1) EDTA treatment. The highest concentration of EDTA and citric acid (30 mg l(-1)) caused significant reduction in growth of marigold in terms of plant height, fresh weight of plant, total chlorophyll, carbohydrate content and protein content. Thus EDTA and citric acid efficiently increased the phytoextractability of marigold which can be used to remediate the soil contaminated with these metals.     

Biosolids application affects the competitive sorption and lability of cadmium,copper, nickel,lead, and zinc in fluvial and calcareous soils

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of biosolids on the competitive sorption and lability of the sorbed Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in fluvial and calcareous soils. Competitive sorption isotherms were developed, and the lability of these metals was estimated by DTPA extraction following their sorption. Sorption of all metals was higher in the fluvial than in the calcareous soil. Sorption of Cu and Pb was stronger than that of Cd, Ni, and Zn in all soils. Biosolids application (2.5%) reduced the sorption of all metals especially Cu and Pb (28–43%) in both soils (especially the calcareous soil) at the lower added metal concentrations (50 and 100 mg L^?1). However, it increased the sorption of all metals especially Pb and Cu in both soils (especially the calcareous soil; 15.5-fold for Cu) at the higher added concentrations (250 and 300 mg L^?1). Nickel showed the highest lability followed by Cd, Zn, and Pb in both soils. Biosolids increased the lability of the sorbed Ni in the fluvial soils at all added concentrations and the lability of Cd, Pb, and Zn at 50 mg L^?1, but decreased the lability of Cd, Pb, and Zn at 250 and 300 mg L^?1 in both soils. We conclude that at low loading rate (e.g., 50 mg L^?1) biosolids treatment might increase the lability and environmental risk of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. However, at high loading rate (e.g., 300 mg L^?1) biosolids may be used as an immobilizing agent for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and mobilizing agent for Ni.     

4种草对铅锌尾矿污染土壤重金属的抗性与吸收特性

盆栽试验的结果表明,高羊毛、早熟禾、黑麦草、紫花苜蓿在纯尾矿污染土壤或经处理的尾矿污染土壤上都能生长,但在处理的土壤上生长的植物长势明显优于对照,其中紫花苜蓿的生物量所受影响比其他几种草坪草更大,说明其重金属抗性低于其他几种植物。单位面积上 4 种植物体内重金属质量分数高低均为 w(Zn)>w(Pb)>w(Cu)>w(Cd),但每种植物对 Cd、Pb、Zn 和 Cu 的吸收质量分数和分布均不相同,一般为根系质量分数大于茎叶。加入改良剂(CaCO3)和有机肥(菜枯)使生长在铅锌尾矿污染土壤上的 4 种草坪草生物量显著增加,植物体中的 Cd、Pb、Zn 质量分数下降,但 Cu 质量分数反而上升,结果单位面积上草坪草吸收各重金属元素的量均有所增加,可见利用改良措施与草坪草相结合的方法来修复重金属污染土壤具有可行性。     

Assessment of metal contamination in soil banks of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria)

Levels of six trace metals were assessed in bank soils of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria) and their association with soil properties was investigated. Samples were collected at 10 sites. The soils are neutral to moderately alkaline, have high contents of carbonate, and are low in organic carbon and clay. Mean metal concentrations are 1.1 (Cd), 63 (Cr), 20 (Cu), 26 (Ni), 31 (Pb), and 98 (Zn) mg kg^?1. The Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents in soil from sites closest to Constantine City were higher than in uncontaminated soils worldwide, indicating accumulation due to human activities (residential, industrial, and agricultural). Statistical analyses (correlation and principal component analysis) demonstrated that Cd, Pb, and Zn are of anthropogenic origin in the urban areas, whereas Cr and Cu enrichment in some situations is caused by industrial activities, while Ni was geogenic.     

Trends in sediment metal concentrations in the River Avoca, South-East Ireland

Variation in sediment metal concentrations in the River Avoca, which is severely polluted by acid mine drainage (AMD) discharged from the abandoned sulphur and copper mines in Avoca, is reported. A survey of surface and subsurface sediments was repeated after seven years during exceptionally low flow conditions in 2001. The present study found that the reference (up-stream) site used in the original 1994 study was itself impacted by AMD, showing sediment metal enrichment by AMD to be greater than originally thought. The new reference site contained elevated Pb (570 microg g(-1)) in the subsurface sediment due to abandoned Pb-Zn mines 25 km further upstream. Concentrations of Cu (43 microg g(-1)), Zn (349 microg g(-1)) and Fe (4.0%) were normal for uncontaminated rivers. All the downstream sites showed sediment metal enrichment arising from the AMD (Cu and Zn p < 0.001; Fe p < 0.01). Subsurface concentrations of metals immediately below the mixing zone were Cu 904 microg g-1 (sd 335), Zn 723 microg g-1 (sd 93), Fe 6.3% (sd 1.5) and Pb 463 microg g(-1) (sd 279). Monthly variation in metal concentrations at sites was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Although surface sediment metal concentrations were more variable, they followed similar trends to subsurface sediment. There were no significant differences in the subsurface sediment concentrations for either Cu or Zn over the period 1994 and 2001 immediately below the mines, although at the lowest site Zn had decreased by 35% over the period (p < 0.01). However there was a significant (p < 0.01) decrease over the period in the Fe concentration at all the impacted sites. This corresponds to a reduction in Fe concentration in the AMD and indicates that some remediation has occurred in the river since 1994.