Heavy Metals Pollution Research Papers (original) (raw)

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The aim of this study was to assess and monitor the seasonal variations of physicochemical parameters (temperature, EC, TS, TDS, TSS, pH, DO, BOD, COD, CO R 3 R , HCO R 3 R El-Menoufia Governorate, Egypt from summer 2012 to spring 2013.... more

The aim of this study was to assess and monitor the seasonal variations of physicochemical parameters (temperature, EC, TS, TDS, TSS, pH, DO, BOD, COD, CO R 3 R , HCO R 3 R El-Menoufia Governorate, Egypt from summer 2012 to spring 2013. Physicochemical characteristics of water varied significantly season to season and the most parameters values were significantly higher during summer at station I. All physicochemical parameters were below the permissible limits except TDS, BOD, COD and NH3 were higher in summer season at all stations. In case of heavy metals, As, Cd, Co, Sb, Se, Sn and V were not detectable (below the detection limits with ICP -OES Cu>Al> Zn>Ni>Pb>Cr>Ba and the highest concentrations of heavy metals were recorded in summer at Station I. The water of El-Bahr El-Pharaony drain is partially polluted with heavy metals so, it is recommended that strict vigilance and constant monitoring are needed to maintain water quality of the drain, which considered ...

The present study deals with quantification of accumulated toxic heavy metals in sediments of Mithi River of Mumbai. The study was performed at three different sampling locations along the flow of Mithi River for two years from 2009-12.... more

The present study deals with quantification of accumulated toxic heavy metals in sediments of Mithi River of Mumbai. The study was performed at three different sampling locations along the flow of Mithi River for two years from 2009-12. The different heavy metals studied were Al, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr and Mn. The results of our study indicate that the concentration level of these toxic heavy metals for the two assessment years increases by the factor of 1.2-5.8 µg/g. The result is a clear indication of day by day increasing pollution level of the Mithi River, which is creating negative environmental impact on biological life of the river. The results emphasises the need of regular scientific monitoring of different pollutants adversely affecting the environment and to reframe the pollution control strategies already in existence.

The removal of heavy metals from contaminated water was investigated using three types of ordered mesoporous silica (KIT-6, SBA-15 and SBA-16). The materials were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxy-silane and... more

The removal of heavy metals from contaminated water was investigated using three types of ordered mesoporous silica (KIT-6, SBA-15 and SBA-16). The materials were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxy-silane and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) via two steps post grafting methods. Then the modified adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen (N2) adsorption-desorption analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis. The ordering of the supports was not affected after modification. KIT-6 and SBA-15 were found to be more efficient than SBA-16 due to their structural characteristics. The adsorption experiments were then conducted under different experimental conditions, such as pH, contact time and initial metals concentrations. The kinetic adsorption data obtained for the divalent metals followed the pseudo-second-order model indicating chmisorption. The exchange velocity (k_w) of each metallic ion is the main factor controlling both the adsorption rate and the selectivity which were higher for Cu2+ and Pb2+ than for Ni2+ and Cd2+. The maximum adsorption capacities were calculated by Langmuir model and were highly dependent on the amount of immobilized EDTA.

The area of study selected in the present investigation was Kasardi River which receives heavy discharge of waste effluent from the nearby Taloja industrial belt which is one of the fastest developing industrial belt of Mumbai. The study... more

The area of study selected in the present investigation was Kasardi River which receives heavy discharge of waste effluent from the nearby Taloja industrial belt which is one of the fastest developing industrial belt of Mumbai. The study was performed to investigate the concentration of toxic heavy metals like chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and iron (Fe) in river. It was observed that concentration of most of these heavy metals were much higher than the maximum permissible limits. These heavy metals have created threat to the aquatic life and through biomagnifications may enter the food chain thereby affecting the human beings as well. The research work was extended further to study the physico-chemical properties like temperature, pH, solid content, chloride, oil / grease content, BOD and COD values of the river water. The authors point out that as India moves towards stricter regulation of industrial effluents to control water pollution, there is a need to implement common objectives, compatible policies and programmes for improvement in the industrial waste water treatment methods.

Dombivli city is one of the most industrialized cities situated near Mumbai. The increase in industries, has led to increase in the discharge of industrial waste effluents from the industrial belt into the Ulhas River, due to improper... more

Dombivli city is one of the most industrialized cities situated near Mumbai. The increase in industries, has led to increase in the discharge of industrial waste effluents from the industrial belt into the Ulhas River, due to improper environmental planning. This day by day increasing tremendous pollution load has prompted us to carry the systematic and detailed study on the heavy metal content in water of Ulhas River. The study was conducted over a period of two years i.e. in 2012 and 2013. The study was carried out along the banks of Ulhas River, near the discharge of effluents from Dombivli Industrial belt Phase I and Phase II. The sampling points were identified accordingly. The analysis for the majority of the toxic heavy metals like Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) in water samples was done. The results of our study indicated that there is a need to conduct systematic and regular monitoring of pollution level along the Ulhas River with an intention to obtain the scientific data on heavy metal content in the river water. Such data will be useful to improve the industrial waste treatment technology adopted along the Dombivli industrial belt.

The wetland of Thane Creek, located at Thane, Mumbai, India, has attracted much attention of environmental biologists over the last few decades, as this creek has been subjected to a lot of pollution from the Asia's biggest Thane–Belapur... more

The wetland of Thane Creek, located at Thane, Mumbai, India, has attracted much attention of environmental biologists over the last few decades, as this creek has been subjected to a lot of pollution from the Asia's biggest Thane–Belapur industrial complex located at the south of Mumbai harbour along the west coast of India. This paper advocates ecological studies with special reference to the pollution due to heavy metals in the sediments along the Thane Creek area. The sediment samples were analysed for their heavy metal contents. These heavy metals have a marked effect on the aquatic flora and fauna which through biomagnification enter the food chain and ultimately affect the human beings as well. The experimental data on heavy metal content in sediment samples collected from Thane Creek points out to the need of regular monitoring of water resources and further improvement in the industrial waste treatment methods.

This study was aimed to isolate and characterize actinomycetes having antagonist activity to Dickeya sp., the pathogen of pineapple soft rot. Soil samples were collected from four different pineapple plantation in Lampung. Samples were... more

This study was aimed to isolate and characterize actinomycetes having antagonist activity to Dickeya sp., the pathogen of pineapple soft rot. Soil samples were collected from four different pineapple plantation in Lampung. Samples were air-dried, serially diluted, and plated on actinomycetes isolation agar media; and potential colonies were selected and purified in malt agar medium. Isolates were grouped in different color series based on their aerial-mycelia color, and then morphologically characterized. Antagonist activity of the actinomycetes isolates on Dickeya sp. were evaluated using the same medium. From totally 51 actinomycetes isolates, only 34 isolates that grew well, then screened and tested for antagonistic activity. There were 35 tested isolates (including the control) exhibited a clear zone around the colonies indicating antagonistic activity; only 14 isolates showed clear zone higher than that of the positive control (chloramphenicol). From the smallholder pineapple p...

The present investigation deals with the assessment of pollution status along the wetland of Thane Creek, which has been subjected to a lot of pollution from the Asia’s biggest Thane—Belapur Industrial Complex located at the south of... more

The present investigation deals with the assessment of pollution status along the wetland of Thane Creek, which has been subjected to a lot of pollution from the Asia’s biggest Thane—Belapur Industrial Complex located at the south of Mumbai harbor along the west coast of India. This paper advocates habitat conservation and ecological studies with special reference to the physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal pollution in the soil along the creek area. In the present investigation, the pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, alkalinity and chlorinity values recorded were observed to be high during dry seasons and low during rainy season. The soil samples were also analyzed for their heavy metal contents like nickel, zinc, cadmium, copper, iron, arsenic and mercury. It was observed that, the concentra-tion of these heavy metals increases gradually in dry seasons, followed by sharp decrease during rainy season. These heavy metals have a marked effect on the aquatic flora ...

Landfills are a potential threat to human health and the environment, especially from the detrimental and toxic heavy metals. This study focuses on the assessment of heavy metals contamination in leachate and surface soils from different... more

Landfills are a potential threat to human health and the environment, especially from the detrimental and toxic heavy metals. This study focuses on the assessment of heavy metals contamination in leachate and surface soils from different landfills in Malaysia. Maximum quality rating scale (QRS) values of As (787) and Cr (552) denotes progressive deterioration of leachate contamination in landfill. The impacted soils showed high heavy metal concentrations especially at non-sanitary unlined landfills, as compared to background values, and natural soil nearby the landfills. In addition, to examine the environmental impacts of the landfill area (soil) in more detail, specific indexes; geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI) and integrated pollution index (IPI) were determined. Maximum As (3.122) and Cd (2.633) for Igeo and As (34.037) and Cd (20.881) for PI revealed that the soil samples in non-sanitary landfills were moderate to strongly polluted. The difference in range of IPI values for sanitary (0.294 - 0.322) and non-sanitary landfill soils (1.263e1.956) confirmed advanced decline of the soil quality in non-sanitary landfills. Arsenic concentrations were found to be statistically significant (ANOVA) for leachate and impacted soil in landfills investigated. It is also important to realize that rise in metal contents in landfill environments were not only caused by anthropogenic sources such as from the waste
disposed, but also some other factors such as redox conditions, anoxic environments, pH, oxidation state of metals and microbial activities. Those conditions will actively promotes leaching of metals from waste and also natural soils in the landfill.

The coastal sediments of Port Klang in Malaysia were monitored from November 2009 to October 2010 to evaluate the spatial distribution of heavy metals As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Pb, Mn, Al and Fe. Sediment samples were collected from 21... more

The coastal sediments of Port Klang in Malaysia were monitored from November 2009 to October 2010 to evaluate the spatial distribution of heavy metals As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Pb, Mn, Al and Fe. Sediment samples were collected from 21 stations, covering three subsidiary ports, namely West Port, North Port and South Port, at three-month intervals. The geo-accumulation index and the enrichment factor were estimated to assess contamination status based on background values. Additionally, the sediment quality guide was applied to evaluate the adverse biological effects of heavy metals. These results show that the concentrations of some metals, such as As, Cd and Pb were comparatively higher than the background values. This is considered a critical environmental issue for this region. Furthermore, the toxicity estimation indicates that living organisms have a high risk of As exposure. Spatial distribution maps of heavy metals would aid in the identification of pollution sources and vulnerable sites.

The paper deals with monitoring of pollution arising due to textile based industries located along the Dombivali industrial belt of Mumbai, India. The study was carried for the period of one year from June, 2012 to May, 2013 to study the... more

The paper deals with monitoring of pollution arising due to textile based industries located along the Dombivali industrial belt of Mumbai, India. The study was carried for the period of one year from June, 2012 to May, 2013 to study the level of toxic heavy metals and the physico-chemical properties of waste water effluents discharged from the above industries. The concentration level of majority of toxic heavy metals like Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were reported to be maximum of 45.58, 2.00, 2.06 and 9.20 ppm respectively in the month of April, while Cr and Fe concentration levels were found to be 2.50 and 55.30 ppm in the month of March. The effluent samples collected in the month of July was reported to show high BOD content of 564 ppm, while COD content was maximum of 2436 ppm in the month of October. The effluent samples collected in the month of January was having very low DO content of 3.21 ppm and high cyanide content of 0.09 ppm. The alkalinity, hardness and chloride content were maximum of 2158, 198 and 2765 ppm respectively in the effluent samples collected in the month of February. The effluents were having high total solid content of 8269 ppm during the month of April, while the salinity and phosphate contents were reported high of 5.64 and 125.70 ppm during the month of May. It was observed that the concentration level of majority of toxic heavy metals and the values of various physico-chemical parameters were above the tolerable limit set for inland surface water. The present experimental data on environmental risk assessment studies due to textile industries may be regarded as an aid towards a better understanding of the problem arising due to such industries. There is a need to convey the message that prevention of adverse health effects and promotion of health are profitable investments for employers and employees as a support to a sustainable development of economics.

Heavy metals in tomato and okro vegetables from the vicinity of kaolin milling plant in Alkaleri, Bauchi state were determined. Simple random sampling method was used in sample collection. Sample collection was done three times in... more

Heavy metals in tomato and okro vegetables from the vicinity of kaolin milling plant in Alkaleri, Bauchi state were determined. Simple random sampling method was used in sample collection. Sample collection was done three times in interval of one month. Samples were then air dried and digested using hot HCl, H2SO4 and HNO3 in the ration of 1:5:1. Elemental analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The result of this study showed that the average concentration of zinc detected ranged from 9.33 to 13.20ppm in Tomato and 2.76 to 5.30ppm in Okro while cadmium varied from 1.11 to 3.17ppm and 0.59 to 1.58 in tomato and okro respectively. Chromium ranged from 0.96 to 1.48ppm (Tomato) and 1.42 to 1.98ppm (Okro), Lead detected ranged from 0.91 to 2.21ppm (Tomato) and 1.24 to 1.85ppm (Okro), Iron ranged from 33.61 to 40.0ppm(Tomato) and 12.71 to 14.99ppm (Okro) and Cobalt ranged between 3.06 to 6.46ppm (Tomato) and 1.55 to 4.42ppm (Okro). The result showed that the concentration of heavy metals varied in order of Fe> Zn> Co> Cd > Pb > Cr. All but the level of Zn and Fe were above the safe limits established by FAO and WHO.

The present study performed to understand the toxicity level of heavy metals like Zn+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, Cr+6, Fe+3, which are present in the industrial effluents released from fine chemical industries situated at Gove industrial belt,... more

The present study performed to understand the toxicity level of heavy metals like Zn+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, Cr+6, Fe+3, which are present in the industrial effluents released from fine chemical industries situated at Gove industrial belt, Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The concentration level of Zn2+ in the present study was found to be 26.35 ppm which was above the limits of 5.0 ppm set by CPCB in industrial waste water discharge. Such high Zn2+ level may result in stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. The average concentration of Pb2+ (0.99 ppm) in the present study was above the CPCB limits of 0.10 ppm. Such high level of Pb2+ might result in threat to young children and pregnant women resulting in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight. The average concentration of Ni2+ (7.24 ppm) was very much above the maximum tolerable CPCB limits of 3.00 ppm, which might result in contact dermatitis among the local peoples. The concentration of Cu2+ (3.55 ppm) as reported in the present study was marginally above the limits of 3.00 ppm set by CPCB for the safe discharge of industrial effluents. It is feared that short term exposure Cu2+ may result in gastrointestinal distress, while the long term exposure may result in liver or kidney damage. From the results of the present study, it is feared that high level of toxic heavy metals in industrial waste water coupled with high level of various physico-chemical parameter like pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chemical of Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness, PO42-, and Ca2+ may possess threat to the human health among the local populations. From the results it can be concluded that due to rapid industrialization at Gove industrial area, there is rapid increase in the water pollution and the efforts are required to be taken to control the discharge of the pollutants into the aquatic ecosystems.

Three sets of experiments (Laboratory, diallel and stability) were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, during the winter successive growing seasons 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 to generate informations... more

Three sets of experiments (Laboratory, diallel and stability)
were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig
University, during the winter successive growing seasons
2012/2013 and 2013/2014 to generate informations about the
impact of heavy metals (Zn, Pb and Cd) on seed germination,
seedling growth, performance, heterosis, combining ability,
genetic behavior and stability of some bread wheat genotypes.

Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental problem, especially around highways with high traffic density. This study investigates the levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in roadside soils of Wukari section of the Wukari-Jalingo highway,... more

Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental problem, especially around highways with high traffic density.
This study investigates the levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in roadside soils of Wukari section of the Wukari-Jalingo
highway, Taraba state, Nigeria. Samples were randomly collected and analyzed using standard methods. The
mean concentrations (μg/g) of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu from all sample sites ranged: 89.6-247.0, 0.15-5.3, 26.8-163.0
and 7.1-61.2 respectively. The extent of the heavy metals contamination was assessed, as analytical data were
subjected to pollution calculation methods. The contamination factors (CF) reveal extreme contamination of the
sites and an increasing trend in the heavy metals concentrations was observed in sites with more human
activities. The pollution load index (PLI) showed that the sites are severely polluted as the PLI of the metals from
each sample site exceeded the PLI of the background (control) sample (0.7). Spearman’s rank correlation
analysis showed clear correlations (p<0.001) amongst the metals suggesting a common source. It can be
concluded that the study sites pollution is mostly due to automobile emissions. This study provides awareness
for residents to avoid activities such as farming, trading etc very close to the highway due to exposures to these
toxic metals.

To gain an understanding of the characteristics of nitrate, sulfate and ammonium in the urban atmosphere of Beijing, an experiment was conducted in October 2004, using a method involving the rapid collection of particles and analysis... more

To gain an understanding of the characteristics of nitrate, sulfate and ammonium in the urban atmosphere of Beijing, an experiment was conducted in October 2004, using a method involving the rapid collection of particles and analysis using an ion chromatography system. The study shows that the mean concentration of water soluble ions (WSI) increased during heavily polluted weather, and this change in the concentration of pollutants was related to the meteorological background. The concentration of nitrate, sulfate and ammonium increased 7.9, 4.1 and 5.4 times, respectively, during heavily polluted periods. The concentration of nitrate increased most among the WSI in PM 10 . The diurnal variations of nitrate, sulfate and ammonium in more polluted periods were different from those in less polluted periods. The highest concentration of nitrate (NO 3 − ), sulfate (SO 4 2− ), and ammonium (NH 4 + ) appeared at 19:00 during more polluted periods. In contrast, the highest concentrations of these compounds occurred at noon during less polluted periods. A correlation analysis showed that NO 3 − , SO 4 2− , NH 4 + , nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) had significant positive correlations in more polluted periods. The transformation ratio from SO 2 and NO x to SO 4 2− and NO 3 − was higher in more polluted than that in less polluted periods.

The present study highlight the toxicity levels of different heavy metals in aquatic environment of one of the most polluted river of Mumbai-the Mithi River. Although the river has attracted tremendous attention after 26/7 flood in... more

The present study highlight the toxicity levels of different heavy metals in aquatic environment of one of the most polluted river of Mumbai-the Mithi River. Although the river has attracted tremendous attention after 26/7 flood in Mumbai, the pollution level of the river has remained neglected issue. The present study was performed for two assessment years 2009-10 and 2010-11 at three different sampling stations namely Airport, CST Kalina and BKC Taximen's Colony along the flow of Mithi River. The results of present investigation indicates that the concentration levels of most of the heavy metals like Al, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr and Mn obtained during the assessment year 2010-11 was higher than that obtained during 2009-10 by the factor of 1.4 to 5.7 µg/L. The environmental impact of these toxic heavy metals is discussed. The results point out the need of rational planning of pollution control strategies, so as to keep check on release of toxic heavy metals in the river. It is expected that the present study will be useful for rational planning of pollution control strategies and their prioritisation; to evaluate effectiveness of pollution control measures already is existence and to assess the nature and extent of pollution control needed.

The granulometric characteristics, the bio-available heavy metals and the natural radionuclide activities in the surface sediments were investigated semi-annually in Timsah Lake at the middle district of the Suez Canal, Egypt. The average... more

The granulometric characteristics, the bio-available heavy metals and the natural radionuclide activities in the surface sediments were investigated semi-annually in Timsah Lake at the middle district of the Suez Canal, Egypt. The average percentages of mud and fine grained sediments recorded in summer were (4.17% and 33.89%) much higher than in winter (1.43% and 22.70%) attributed to the relatively high dispersing of the fine sediment fractions in winter by wave action and the fine sediments drifting towards Suez Canal. The average carbonate percentage was 19.72% in summer increased to 22.71% in winter, inversely, the average total organic matter (TOM) in summer was 7.52% decreased to 6.32% in winter. The highest averages of the bio-available heavy metals; Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Co, Ni and Fe were; 65.51, 18.06, 27.76, 0.78, 260.64, 4.10, 17.16 and 2087.71μg/g were recorded summer and the highest average activities of 238U, 232Th and 40K were 23.79, 23.72and 221.35Bqkg-1 were recorded in winter. The recoded heavy metals and radionuclides were attributed to multi anthropogenic sources; untreated wastewater drains, agriculture drains, industrial runoff and shipyards. The high values of TOM and bioavailable heavy metals in summer are related to the highest fine sediment percentages, while the radionuclides may tend to associate with the coarse sediments. The significant positive correlations of TOM and Fe with heavy metals and radionuclides indicated to two essential metal phases, one with organic matter in the highly reducing conditions and the other associated and/or adsorbed by Fe-oxides and hydroxide particles in addition to the other independent metal phases. The recorded bioavailable metals are lower than the excepted because of suspended matters and water drift toward Suez Canal dilute the metal accumulation in the lake sediments.

Dietary exposure to heavy metals, namely Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic(As), has been identified as a risk to human health through the consumption of some major food substances. This study was designed to... more

Dietary exposure to heavy metals, namely Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic(As), has been identified as a risk to human health through the consumption of some major food substances. This study was designed to investigate five (5) heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb) in ten (10) imported rice (Oryza sativa) samples consumed in the Northern parts of Nigeria. The study areas were Kubwa in Abuja (FCT), Jos town in Plateau state, Wukari in Taraba state, Jaba in Kano and Central market in Kaduna town, Kaduna state. The result showed the average mean lead concentration in some imported rice samples to be 0.152mg/kg with variations in different areas which when compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) of heavy metals set by WHO/FAO at 25μ/kg (0.025mg/kg) body weight far exceed the permissible limit for human health. All the rice samples had lead concentrations above the permissible limit except for “Par Excellence Premium Long Grain rice” (0.014mg/kg) produced in USA which is below the permissible limit. “Royal stallion” produced in Thailand had the highest lead concentration of 0.383mg/kg which also when compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) far exceeded the permissible limit. Other heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cr, Hg was undetectable at 0.001mg/kg. Hence, imported rice consumed in the Northern parts of Nigeria may contain toxic levels of heavy metals which should be monitored as it may be deleterious to health. *

method for profiling a wide range of structurally different sulfoconjugated compounds in urine and its application to the characterization of biomarkers for heavy metal toxicity in rat urine. Sulfoconjugates were first isolated by... more

method for profiling a wide range of structurally different sulfoconjugated compounds in urine and its application to the characterization of biomarkers for heavy metal toxicity in rat urine. Sulfoconjugates were first isolated by solid-phase extraction and the LC separation was performed on a reversed-phase column.

Paper B9 daVid P. Sahara, Sri WidiyaNToro, aNdri d. Nugraha, raChmaT Sule & birger g. luehr: Understanding the mechanism effect of the subduction process to the surface seismicity and volcanic activity in Central Java, Indonesia by using... more

Paper B9 daVid P. Sahara, Sri WidiyaNToro, aNdri d. Nugraha, raChmaT Sule & birger g. luehr: Understanding the mechanism effect of the subduction process to the surface seismicity and volcanic activity in Central Java, Indonesia by using high resolution tomography .

A study of water pollution was conducted at Halabja-Sulaimani. Water samples were collected from five different locations in a radial manner around and within Halabja town. Water sources included artesian wells, drilled wells and... more

A study of water pollution was conducted at Halabja-Sulaimani. Water samples were collected from five different locations in a radial manner around and within Halabja town. Water sources included artesian wells, drilled wells and Kahreezes. Before the chlorination and disinfection process, water samples were collected and then chemical and bacteriological analyses were conducted. The field works commenced according to a regular schedule twice per month, starting in June and ending in November 2007. The chemical evaluation of the well waters in the present study based on standards given for drinking water by the World Health Organization guidelines, can be assessed as good-quality; ranging from moderately hard to hard. Saturated by oxygen and healthy with regard to biological oxygen demand. The maximum and minimum of reactive phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite and chloride were 0.05-4.29 mg at P-PO4 l-1, 0.83-8.40 N-NO3 l-1 and 1.42-25.16 mgl-1, respectively. All water samples during the investigation period revealed pollution by nickel, lead, molybedinum and chromium. In all investigated sites, cations were dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium in order of decreasing concentrations.

Cadmium, lead and mercury and trace elements chromium, copper, nickel and zinc were tested in the muscle tissue of four commercial edible lethrinids fish species from different region of Mauritius. Skyemperor (Lethrinus mahsena) was... more

Cadmium, lead and mercury and trace elements chromium, copper, nickel and zinc were tested in the muscle tissue of four commercial edible lethrinids fish species from different region of Mauritius. Skyemperor (Lethrinus mahsena) was collected from coastal regions as well as offshore regions (banks) for this study. Blackspot emperor (Lethrinus harak) and spangled
emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) were also studied for their popularity in the fish market. Condition factor was calculated for each fish and the highest value obtained
was in Lethrinus mahsena collected from offshore regions (2.598 cm/g). Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyse copper, nickel and zinc while, graphite furnace technique was used for
cadmium, chromium and lead. Mercury levels were evaluated with the cold vapour technique and arsenic with the thermal hydride cell. The level of lead, mercury,
copper, nickel and zinc ranged from 0.0011- 0.0024 mg/L, 0.0016-0.0036 mg/L, 0.080- 0.389 mg/L, 0.566-1.192 mg/L and 0.219- 0.422 respectively in wet weight. Interspecies variations in levels of heavy metals and trace elements were observed for nickel and no ignificant variations occurred for mercury, lead and zinc. Concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements were all within the permissible level except for nickel. As per this study, the Food Act 1998 of Mauritius must be reviewed in order to incorporate the Maximum Permissible Level for nickel.

Oil spills are one of major pollution concerns in coastal and marine environment. The most important sources are from human activities including coastal facilities, shipping activities, and offshore exploration and production. This study... more

Oil spills are one of major pollution concerns in coastal and marine environment. The most important sources are from human activities including coastal facilities, shipping activities, and offshore exploration and production. This study aims to evaluate risk of oil spills from shipping activities and provide strategies for oil spill management in Thailand. To investigate causes of oil spills, information related to oil spill incidents and shipping activities have been collected and modify for 23 coastal provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. The Principal Component Analysis is used to explore the data and identify main sources of oil spill incidents. To classify risk levels for each province, monthly oil spill impact to marine resources are predicted by OILMAP model. Afterward, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis is used to assess risk areas. The result shows that main sources of oil spill incidents in Thailand are ports and international ships. The high risk areas for oil spill effects are in the east of the Upper Gulf of Thailand and the south of Andaman Sea especially in June and July. The strategy of oil pollution management is proposed according to critical oil spill sources and priority risk areas.

Ulhas river is highly polluted due to the addition of industrial wastes along Dombivli city located near Mumbai in Maharashtra state in India. Dombivli city has two industrial areas. MIDC Phase 1 and MIDC Phase 2. Industrial wastes from... more

Ulhas river is highly polluted due to the addition of industrial wastes along Dombivli city located near Mumbai in Maharashtra state in India. Dombivli city has two industrial areas. MIDC Phase 1 and MIDC Phase 2. Industrial wastes from both these phases are added to Ulhas river waters. Hence the area of Ulhas river along Dombivli city to study the load of pollution due to addition of toxic heavy metals in river water was selected for the study. Distribution ratio of heavy metals Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cr6+, Ni2+ and Fe2+ was studied for each season (Rainy, Winter and Summer) for the years 2012 and 2013. Results revealed that distribution ratio of heavy metals Pb2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Co2+ and Cr6+ increased in year 2013 as compared to the distribution ratio in year 2012. Distribution ratio of heavy metals Hg2+, Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ decreased in year 2013 as compared to the distribution ratio in year 2012. Distribution ratios were found to be maximum in Ni2+ in Year 2012 and 2013 and Minimum in Hg2+ in Year 2012 and 2013.

The present research work deals with the assessment of pollution due to toxic heavy metals in the industrial waste water effluents collected from Taloja industrial belt of Mumbai. The study reveals that dyes, paints, pharmaceutical and... more

The present research work deals with the assessment of pollution due to toxic heavy metals in the industrial waste water effluents collected from Taloja industrial belt of Mumbai. The study reveals that dyes, paints, pharmaceutical and textile industries are some of the major industries contributing to the heavy metal pollutants in the surrounding aquatic environment. It was observed that paint manufacturing industries are the major contributors of toxic Cr, Zn and Pb amounting to 35.2, 33.1, and 31.4 mg/L respectively. It was also observed that major contribution of Cu (33.3 mg/L) was from dyes manufacturing units, while maximum Fe concentration of 12.8 mg/L was found in effluent samples released from textile industries. The concentration of Cd and Ni was found maximum in effluent samples collected from pharmaceutical industries amounting to 35.8 and 33.6 mg/L respectively. The overall results point out high concentration of toxic heavy metals in the effluent samples collected from different industries. These industrial effluents will pollute the near by water bodies affecting the growth of vegetation and aquatic life. These toxic heavy metals when released in aquatic environment will enter the food chain through bio-magnification causing various health problems in humans. The results of the present investigation point out the need to implement common objectives, compatible policies and programmes for improvement in the industrial waste water treatment methods.

This study was conducted to assess the levels of toxic metals like arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in water and sediments of the Pasur River in Bangladesh. The ranges of Cr, As, Cd, Pb in water were 25.76-77.39,... more

This study was conducted to assess the levels of toxic metals like arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in water and sediments of the Pasur River in Bangladesh. The ranges of Cr, As, Cd, Pb in water were 25.76-77.39, 2.76-16.73, 0.42-2.98 and 12.69-42.67 μg/L and in sediments were 20.67-83.70, 3.15-19.97, 0.39-3.17 and 7.34-55.32 mg/kg. The level of studied metals in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water, indicating that water from this river is not safe for drinking and cooking. Certain indices, including pollution load index (PLI) and contamination factor (C) were used to assess the ecological risk. The PLI indicated progressive deterioration of sediments by the studied metals. Potential ecological risks of metals in sediment indicated low to considerable risk. However, the Cvalues of Cd ranged from 0.86 to 8.37 revealed that the examined sediments were strongly impacted by Cd. Considering the severity of potential ecological risk (PER) for s...

SAMPLES of ten vegetable plant species. namely; Abclmoschus esculentus (Okra), Bela vularis var. cicla. (Chard) Beta vulgaris L. (Carden), Apium geraveolens (Celery), Corchorus olitorius L. (Jews mallow), Lactuca sativa (Lettuce),... more

SAMPLES of ten vegetable plant species. namely; Abclmoschus
esculentus (Okra), Bela vularis var. cicla. (Chard) Beta vulgaris
L. (Carden), Apium geraveolens (Celery), Corchorus olitorius L.
(Jews mallow), Lactuca sativa (Lettuce), Allium cepa (Onion).
Raphans sativus (Radish), Eruca saliva mill (Rocket) and Spinacia
oleracea (Spinach); were collected from fields at Mostorod area
whereas its soils have been subjected to prolonged domestic and
industrial wastewater irrigation (about 35 years). Edibal plant samples were air dried, ground and wet digested then analyzed for its heavy metals ( Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd, Ni, and Pb) content using Ion Coupled Plasma (ICP) technique.
Results revealed that vegetable plants species varied in their affinity to. accumulate metals in their edible parts. Irrigation with different wastewater significantly increased the concentration of all tested metals in vegetable plants especially the leafy species. Spinach accumulated the highest Fe and Mn levels Rocket accumulated the highest levels of Zn.
Pb and Co. However, Jews mallow exhibited the highest levels or Cu. Ni and Cd. These upnormal levels exceed the permissible metals intake as suggested by world health organization (WHO).
It is clear that, the prolonged irrigation with heavy polluted
wastewater on the alluvial soils of Mostorod area combined with
intensive vegetable cultivation will cause adverse effects on the
environment as well as arises health hazard problems. To minimize
the environmental hazards: a) wastewater effluents should be treated at sites where toxic metals originate, b) vegetable plants should not be grown under such condition, c) levels of potentially toxic elements needs to be continuously monitored.

This study presents the concentrations and speciation of heavy metals (HMs) in six different composts of sewage sludges deriving from two wastewater treatment plants in China. After 56 days of sludge composting with rice straw at a low... more

This study presents the concentrations and speciation of heavy metals (HMs) in six different composts of sewage sludges deriving from two wastewater treatment plants in China. After 56 days of sludge composting with rice straw at a low C/N ratio (13:1), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were enriched in sludge composts, exhibiting concentrations that varied from 0.75 to 2.0, 416 to 458, 66 to 168 and 1356 to 1750 mg kg −1 dry weight (d.w.), respectively. The concentrations increased by 12-60% for Cd, 8-17% for Cu, 15-43% for Pb and 14-44% for Zn compared to those in sewage sludges. The total concentrations of individual or total elements in the final composts exceeded the maximum permissible limits proposed for compost or fertilizer. In all the final composts, more than 70% of total Cu was associated with organic matter-bound fraction, while Zn was mainly concentrated in exchangeable and Fe-Mn oxide-bound fractions which implied the high mobility and bioavailability. Continuously aerated composting treatment exhibited better compost quality and lower potential toxicity of HMs, whereas inoculant with microorganism and enzyme spiked during composting had no obvious advantage on humification of organic matter and on reducing HM mobility and bioavailability.

The paper deals with monitoring of pollution arising due to fine chemicals manufacturing industries located along the Dombivali industrial belt of Mumbai, India. The study was carried for the period of one year from June, 2012 to May,... more

The paper deals with monitoring of pollution arising due to fine chemicals manufacturing industries located along the Dombivali industrial belt of Mumbai, India. The study was carried for the period of one year from June, 2012 to May, 2013 to study the level of toxic heavy metals and the physico-chemical properties of waste water effluents discharged from the above industries. The concentration levels of heavy metals like Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Fe and Zn was found to be maximum of 45.94, 1.05, 7.50, 4.76, 145.87 and 21.96 ppm respectively in the effluents released during the months of February to April. The majority of physco-chemical parameters like alkalinity, salinity and chloride content were found to be maximum in the month of October having the concentration values of 1482, 4.91, 2710 ppm respectively, while the DO content in the effluents released in the same month was reported to be very much low having the value of 2.90 ppm. The effluents released during the month of June were reported to have high hardness, total solid (TS) content and COD values of 3713, 13638 and 6951 ppm respectively. The cyanide content (0.08 ppm), phosphate content (131.32 ppm) and BOD content (631 ppm) were found to be maximum in the months of December, February and May respectively. From the results it appears that as India moves towards stricter regulation of industrial effluents to control water pollution, greater efforts are required to reduce the risk to public health as toxic pollutants which are mainly colourless and odourless can be expected to be released into the ecosystems.

The mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals depends on the metal retention capacity of soil and also on the geochemical phases with which metals are associated. Laboratory batch experiments were carried out to study the sorption and... more

The mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals depends on the metal retention capacity of soil and also on the geochemical phases with which metals are associated. Laboratory batch experiments were carried out to study the sorption and distribution of Cd, Ni and Pb in 3 soils differing in their physicochemical properties from India: Oxyaquic Haplustalf (SL1), Typic Haplustalf (SL2) and Typic Haplustert (SL3). The heavy metal adsorption was studied by isotherms and the distribution coefficient (K D ) for each metal was obtained from the linear regressions of the concentration of metal remaining in equilibrium solution and the amount adsorbed. In general, the sorption capacity for all the metals decreased in the order: SL3 > SL2> SL1. Among metals, the sorption capacity in all the soils decreased in the order: Pb >> Ni > Cd. Distribution of sorbed metals at various equilibrating concentrations was studied by sequential extraction. Results showed significant differences in the distribution of metals in these soils. At higher additions (such as 200 mM l À1 ) most of the metals were extracted in their more mobile fractions, exchangeable and/or inorganic in contrast to their original partitioning in soils, where they were preferentially associated with the less mobile residual fraction. Largest percentages of metals extracted in the exchangeable fraction corresponded to those soil-metal systems with smaller K D values, e.g. Cd, Ni and Pb in SL1 and Cd and Ni in SL2. In neutral and alkaline soils (SL2, pH=7.1, and SL3, pH=8.6) Pb was predominantly extracted from the inorganic fractions and this corresponded to higher K D values for Pb in these soils. The predominance of metals associated with the exchangeable fraction together with low K D values indicates higher mobility of metals retained in the acidic soil (SL1, pH=5.2) compared with the others. #

Herbs are extensively consumed in the United Arab Emirates for their flavoring and medicinal properties. This study aimed at determining the concentration of heavy metals in selected traditional herbs consumed in the United Arab Emirates... more

Herbs are extensively consumed in the United Arab Emirates for their flavoring and medicinal properties. This study aimed at determining the concentration of heavy metals in selected traditional herbs consumed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 81 samples of seven herbs, parsley (Petroselinum crispum), basil (Ocimum basilicum), sage (Salvia officinalis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), mint (Mentha spicata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), were purchased from the local market in Dubai and analyzed for their cadmium, lead, copper, iron, and zinc contents. Microwave-assisted digestion was applied for the dissolution of the samples and heavy metals concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Metals were found to be present in varied concentrations in the herb samples. The concentration ranges were found as follows: less than 0.1-1.11 mg·kg(-1) for cadmium, less than 1.0-23.52 mg·kg(-1) for lead, 1.44-156.24 mg·kg(-1) f...

In the study described in this article, the authors examined the relationship between heavy metals in the drinking water and cancer densities in residential areas. The Turkish cities of Trabzon, Rize, and Giresun in the eastern Black Sea... more

In the study described in this article, the authors examined the relationship between heavy metals in the drinking water and cancer densities in residential areas. The Turkish cities of Trabzon, Rize, and Giresun in the eastern Black Sea region were chosen as the study areas. Cancer registry data, population information, heavy metal chemical analysis results for drinking water, and other spatial information for the region were collected in a database designed in GIS. Information on a total of 13,012 registered cancer cases from the years 2000-2007 was obtained from a cancer record center and depicted spatially on a map. The incidence values explaining cancer density in residential units were calculated. Chemical analyses were then conducted to determine the presence of 17 different heavy metals by collecting a total of 541 drinking water samples. It was determined that among the 17 analyzed heavy metals, beryllium, nickel, antimony, and molybdenum had a significant relationship with...

Eleocharis acicularis was exposed to different concentrations of In, Ag, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn in the laboratory to assess its capability in accumulating these metals. After 15days, 477mg/kg dry wt. of In was accumulated by the roots;... more

Eleocharis acicularis was exposed to different concentrations of In, Ag, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn in the laboratory to assess its capability in accumulating these metals. After 15days, 477mg/kg dry wt. of In was accumulated by the roots; concentrations of Ag, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn in the shoots were 326, 1120, 575, 195, and 213mg/kg dry wt., respectively. The

The present paper deals with ecological study with reference to the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in the fishes and vegetation collected along the Bhavan's College Lake of Andheri, Mumbai. It was observed that the yearly average... more

The present paper deals with ecological study with reference to the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in the fishes and vegetation collected along the Bhavan's College Lake of Andheri, Mumbai. It was observed that the yearly average concentration of Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Cu and Fe in vegetation samples were 0.08, 0.15, 0.006, 0.45, 7.73 and 52.4 ppm respectively, which was higher than 0.05, 0.05, 0.005, 0.3, 0.04, and 42.5 ppm respectively as found in fish samples. However, yearly average concentration of Hg, Cr, Ni and Ca in fish samples were found to be 0.04, 0.25, 0.19 and 86 ppm respectively which was higher than 0.03, 0.21, 0.09 and 71.3 ppm respectively as found in vegetation samples. It is expected that the present study will be useful to understand the bio-accumulation and biomagnifications of toxic heavy metals in aquatic life.

The present paper deals with quantification study of some toxic heavy metals in the sediment samples of Kasardi River flowing along the Taloja Industrial belt of Mumbai. The results indicates high level of pollution due to toxic heavy... more

The present paper deals with quantification study of some toxic heavy metals in the sediment samples of Kasardi River flowing along the Taloja Industrial belt of Mumbai. The results indicates high level of pollution due to toxic heavy metals like chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and iron (Fe). The concentration of all these heavy metals were found to be much above the acute toxicity level. It is feared that these metals may enter the food chain through bio-magnification there by creating threat to aquatic life and the surrounding population. The results of the present investigation point out the need to implement common objectives, compatible policies and programmes for improvement in the industrial waste water treatment methods. [R.S.Lokhande, P.U.Singare, D.S.Pimple. Quantification Study of Toxic Heavy Metals Pollutants in Sediment Samples Collected From Kasardi River Flowing Along the Taloja Industrial Area of Mumbai, India. New York Science Journal 2011;4(9):66-71]. (ISSN: 1554-0200). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork.

The authors assessed sachet water samples sold in Eastern Nigeria. Using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, they analyzed levels of lead, cadmium, copper, and nickel. They also analyzed other parameters, such as nitrates, sulfates,... more

The authors assessed sachet water samples sold in Eastern Nigeria. Using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, they analyzed levels of lead, cadmium, copper, and nickel. They also analyzed other parameters, such as nitrates, sulfates, chlorides, salinity, total hardness, biological oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, and pH level. Lead levels ranged from 0.002 to 0.036 mg/L in the samples; 5 samples (12.2%) had lead levels above the maximum contaminant level (MCL; 0.015 mg/L). Lead was not detectable in 20 samples (48.8%). Cadmium levels ranged from 0.002 to 0.036 mg/L and exceeded the MCL of 0.005 mg/L in 8 samples (19.5%); it was not detectable in 23 samples (56.1%). Copper was not detected in 2 (0.05%) of the samples. Its range was between 0.018 and 1.401 mg/L. Two samples (0.05%) had copper levels above the MCL (1.30 mg/L). Nickel levels ranged from 0.003 to 0.050 mg/l. The biological oxygen demand of the samples ranged from 3.20 to 36.80 mg/L. Other parameters were normal. The authors found that some of the sachet waters contain heavy metals, and consumers may be exposed to hazards.

In order to document the potential endocrine disrupting and toxic effect of the municipal wastewater effluents discharged into the Sfax coastal area (South of Tunisia), specimens of clam R. decussatus were collected from a reference site... more

In order to document the potential endocrine disrupting and toxic effect of the municipal wastewater effluents discharged into the Sfax coastal area (South of Tunisia), specimens of clam R. decussatus were collected from a reference site and were in vivo exposed to treated sewage effluent for 30 days. To this end, estrogenic and androgenic activities were measured in the gills to assess potential accumulation and regulation of active compounds. After effluent exposure androgenic activity in organic extracts increased up to fivefold compared to controls and remained elevated, while estrogenic activity was not significantly affected by exposure. As a consequence, remarkable disruptions in the gametogenesis activity, glycogen content, and Vitellogenin-like protein levels in male clams were observed. A parallel analysis of heavy metals in clam tissues was determined. A significant uptake of Ni, Zn, and Pb in soft tissues of exposed clams was observed. The significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as a function of exposure time implies that clams have been exposed to an oxidative stress probably due to the presence of high metal concentrations in sewage effluent. Correlation analysis has revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship between MDA levels and metal concentrations in clams' tissues. The acetylcholinesterase activity was not significantly affected by exposure. Altogether, these results showed that a short-term exposure to a mixture of chemical compounds released by the Sfax wastewater treatment plant induce adverse physiological and reproductive effects in R. decussatus. Further studies are underway in order to evaluate its long-term impacts on aquatic wildlife in the gulf of Gabes area.

Heavy metals can cause several genotoxic effects on cells, including oxidative stress, DNA sequence breakage and protein modification. Among the body organs, skin is certainly the most exposed to heavy metal stress and thus the most... more

Heavy metals can cause several genotoxic effects on cells, including oxidative stress, DNA sequence breakage and protein modification. Among the body organs, skin is certainly the most exposed to heavy metal stress and thus the most damaged by the toxic effects that these chemicals cause. Moreover, heavy metals, in particular nickel, can induce the over-expression of collagenases (enzymes responsible for collagen degradation), leading to weakening of the skin extracellular matrix. Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to protect their cells from heavy metal toxicity, including the synthesis of metal chelating proteins and peptides, such as metallothioneins and phytochelatins (PC), which capture the metals and prevent the damages on the cellular structures. To protect human skin cells from heavy metal toxicity, we developed a new cosmetic active ingredient from Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) cultured stem cells. This product, besides its high content of antioxidant compounds, contained PC, effective in the protection of skin cells towards heavy metal toxicity. We have demonstrated that this new product preserves nuclear DNA integrity from heavy metal damages, by inducing genes responsible for DNA repair and protection, and neutralizes the effect of heavy metals on collagen degradation, by inhibiting collagenase expression and inducing the synthesis of new collagen. Ré sumé Les métaux lourds sont capables de causer plusieurs effets génotoxiques sur les cellules, comme le stress oxydatif, la cassure de la séquence de l'ADN et les modifications des protéines. De tous les organes du corps, la peau est l'organe le plus exposé au stress des métaux lourds et par conséquent, l'organe le plus endommagé par les effets toxiques de ces produits chimiques. De plus, les métaux lourds, le nickel particulier, sont capables d'induire la surexpression de collagénases (enzymes responsables de la dégradation du collagène), conduisant à un affaiblissement de la matrice extracellulaire de la peau. Les plantes ont développé des mécanismes sophistiqués pour protéger leurs cellules de la toxicité des métaux lourds, incluant la synthèse de protéines et de peptides chélatants, tels que les métallothionéines et les phytochélatines, qui captent les métaux et préviennent les dommages sur les structures cellulaires. Afin de protéger les cellules de la peau humaine contre la toxicité des métaux lourds, nous avons développé un nouvel actif cosmétique issu des cellules souches en culture de Lycopersicon esculentum (tomate). Ce produit, en plus de sa haute teneur en antioxydants, il contient de phytochélatines, qui sont efficaces dans la protection des cellules cutanées contre la toxicité des métaux lourds. Nous avons démontré que ce nouveau produit préserve l'intégrité de l'ADN nucléaire des dommages dérivés des métaux lourds, par l'induction des gènes responsables de la réparation et de la protection de l'ADN; de plus, il neutralise les effets des métaux lourds sur la dégradation du collagène, en inhibant l'expression de la collagénase et en induisant la synthèse de nouveau collagène.

Macroinvertebrate species traits, such as physiological sensitivity, have successfully been introduced in trait-based bioassessment approaches and are important predictors of species sensitivity in the field. The authors ranked... more

Macroinvertebrate species traits, such as physiological sensitivity, have successfully been introduced in trait-based bioassessment approaches and are important predictors of species sensitivity in the field. The authors ranked macroinvertebrate species according to their physiological sensitivity to heavy metals using toxicity data from acute laboratory assays. Rankings for each of the heavy metals, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg, were standardized based on all available species data. Rankings for different heavy metals on the species level showed no significant difference between compounds and were reasonably well correlated pairwise (0.50 < r < 0.73). Thus, an aggregated heavy metal ranking was developed, which assigns a single physiological sensitivity value (S metal) to macroinvertebrate taxa. Considering the high variation, especially for higher taxonomic levels, that is, in the order level, it is recommended to use S values of the genus or species level for meaningful analyses. In terms of taxonomic ranking, crustaceans were overall the most sensitive taxonomic group, whereas insects were generally the most tolerant group. Species in the order of Cladocera were three orders of magnitude more sensitive than insects of the order of Trichoptera. By contrast, mollusks covered a wide range of sensitivities, with bivalves being on average one order of magnitude more sensitive than gastropods. The authors concluded that physiological sensitivity represents a promising trait for trait-based risk assessment that together with other demographic and recolonization traits may help to identify the effects of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Environ. Toxicol. Chem.

The long biological half lives, non-biodegradable nature and accumulative properties of trace and toxic heavy metals in aquatic environment has attracted great attention of environmental scientists and ecologist in recent years.... more

The long biological half lives, non-biodegradable nature and accumulative properties of trace and toxic heavy metals in aquatic environment has attracted great attention of environmental scientists and ecologist in recent years. Therefore, in the present investigation, we have selected Kalwa Bridge and Balkum sites along the Thane Creek to investigate pollution load due to trace and toxic heavy metals in aquatic environment. The distribution coefficient (K d) values of metals were calculated for soil and sediment samples. It was observed that the K d values were higher for sediment as compared to that obtained for soil samples. Also the K d values of metals for soil and sediments were found to be lower in rainy and maximum in summer seasons.

Estuarine environment is complex and receives different contaminants from numerous sources that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. The distribution, source, contamination and ecological risk status of heavy metals in sediment of... more

Estuarine environment is complex and receives different contaminants from numerous sources that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. The distribution, source, contamination and ecological risk status of heavy metals in sediment of Brisbane River, Australia were investigated. Sediment samples were analysed for major and minor elements using LA-ICP-MS. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis identified three main sources of metals in the samples: marine sand intrusion, mixed lithogenic and sand intrusion as well as transport related. To overcome inherent deficiencies in using a single index, a range of sediment quality indices, including contamination factor, enrichment factor, index of geo-accumulation, modified degree of contamination, pollution index and modified pollution index were utilised to ascertain the sediment quality. Generally, the sediment is deemed to be "slightly" to "heavily" polluted. A further comparison with the Australian Sedime...

A survey based study was conducted in 2015 at Dhapa, a well known city waste dumpsite of Kolkata. GPS based random stratified soil sampling was carried out to collect soil (0-0.15, 0.15-0.30, 0.30-0.45 m depth), water and plant sample... more

A survey based study was conducted in 2015 at Dhapa, a well known city waste dumpsite of Kolkata. GPS based random stratified soil sampling was carried out to collect soil (0-0.15, 0.15-0.30, 0.30-0.45 m depth), water and plant sample from the whole Dhapa area comprising dumpsites, several water bodies, a wastewater canal and agricultural fields. Soils and water samples are analyzed for important physico-chemical parameters and available as well as total heavy metal contents (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni). Plant samples are analyzed also for estimating total heavy metal uptake. Several soil pollution parameters i.e. Soil pollution Index (SEPI), Combined pollution Index (CPI), Soil Enrichment factors (EF), Transfer coefficient (TC) of metal in plants are quantified using recommended formulas for each element. Mean concentration of all the metals present in surface soil is as follows Fe (20152.2 ppm) >Zn (326.59 ppm) > Mn (276.7 ppm) > Pb (211.8 ppm) > Cu (69.71 ppm)>Ni (35.51 ppm) >Cd (4.68 ppm). Among all the heavy metals highest mean concentration was found in case of Pb (67.79, 62.10, 55.48 ppm) in three depths respectively, followed by Fe > Cu > Mn and least concentration found in case of Ni (1.13, 0.82, 0.58 ppm) and Cd (1.09, 0.85, 0.64 ppm) in three depths respectively. The highest SEPI value in the soils was found for Pb and Zn which ranged from 0.35 to 19.93 and 1.15 to 8.09, respectively. The value of CPI ranged from 1.17 to 5.41 with an average of 2.40 for surface soils of all the sites indicated that metal concentrations were above the hazard criteria and exhibits multi element contamination by city waste dumping. Enrichment factor indicated that the soils of the study area were highly enriched with metals and was found in the following order: Cd>Pb>Zn>Cu>Ni. The extent of accumulation of heavy metal uptake by vegetables was found in this order except for Radish and Spinach: Fe>Pb>Zn>Mn>Cu>Ni>Cd. For Radish and Spinach, it was Fe>Pb>Mn>Zn>Cu>Cd>Ni.

The paper deals with monitoring of pollution arising due to dyeing industries located along the Dombivali industrial belt of Mumbai, India. The study was carried for the period of one year from June, 2012 to May, 2013 to study the level... more

The paper deals with monitoring of pollution arising due to dyeing industries located along the Dombivali industrial belt of Mumbai, India. The study was carried for the period of one year from June, 2012 to May, 2013 to study the level of toxic heavy metals and the physico-chemical properties of waste water effluents discharged from the above industries. The concentrations of Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Fe and Zn were found to be maximum of 44.78, 2.50, 1.75, 1.45, 64.22 and 13.22 ppm respectively in the industrial waste water effluent.It was observed that the pH value was maximum of 12.30 in the month of June while the conductivity was found to be maximum of 48000 µmhos/cm in the month of February. The majority of physco-chemical parameters like alkalinity, salinity and total solid content (TS) were observed to be maximum in the month of February having values of 3578, 44.08 and 40450 ppm respectively. The high cyanide (0.18 ppm) and phosphate (112.90 ppm) levels were reported in the effluents released during the month of March. The industrial effluent released in the month of June was reported to have high hardness, chloride and COD content having the values of 743, 2381, 8957 ppm respectively; while the DO content was found to be very low of 2.77 ppm. The BOD content in the effluents was found to be maximum of 603 ppm in the month of October. The results of present study indicates that the existing situation if mishandled can cause irreparable ecological harm in the long term well masked by short term economic prosperity due to extensive industrial growth.