A Preliminary Investigation on Metal Bioaccumulation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perenniporia fraxinea</Emphasis>

The lignicolous macrofungus Perenniporia fraxinea has drawn increased attention due to its role as a pathogen of ornamentals in urban sites. The present study investigated the bioaccumulation of heavy metals by P. fraxinea. Sporophores were collected from urban and suburban areas in Pavia (Northern Italy) and analyzed for metals content (Cd, Hg, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, after microwave acidic digestion. On the basis of the obtained results the potential bioaccumulation capability of P. fraxinea was investigated. The isolates were grown in a culture medium enriched with different concentrations of Cd and Hg, chosen as probes of environmental pollution, and Cu for comparison. As P. fraxinea grows in the presence of Cd, Hg and Cu, it seems to be a potential tool in environmental monitoring.     

Uptake and Distribution of Trace Elements in Dominant Mangrove Plants of the Indian Sundarban Wetland

Absorption, accumulation and translocation of 12 trace elements in nine dominant mangrove plants in the Indian Sundarban Wetland revealed both organ-specific and site-specific characteristics. An overall enrichment of elements was recorded in rhizosediment, exceeding the prescribed effects range-low (ER-L) of consensus based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) for Cu and Pb. Avicennia officinalis, A. alba, Ceriops decandra and Excoecaria agallocha exhibited unique potential for accumulating Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn and Zn and could be considered efficient accumulators. Maximum element accumulation in trunk bark (As 6.16, Cr 49.9, Co 2.67, Cu 91.00 and Zn 85.5 mg kg^?1) and root/pneumatophore (Al 1000 and Fe 2430 mg kg^?1) was recorded. Maximum bioconcentration factor (6.23) in A. officinalis and translocation factor (17.5 for Mn) in C. decandra distinguished their phytoremediation capacity. These halophytes could be used for trace element phytoremediation in stressed sites of Sundarban.     

Appraisal of Heavy Metals in Groundwater in Chennai City Using a HPI Model

Heavy metal contamination in Chennai city was evaluated using a heavy metal pollution index (HPI) model in conjunction with the spatial distribution maps. Metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the groundwater were determined using standard methods and the resultant data was utilized in the development of a HPI model. The metal concentrations showed a dominance in the order of Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd respectively. About 14.3 % of the samples (n = 2), exhibited high HPI (>38) and the highest value, HPI = 97.55, has been recorded from Thiruvanmiyur area. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between metals such as Cd and Cr (r = 0.606), Cd and Cu (r = 0.601), Cr and Cu (r = 0.464) and Pb and Zn (r = 0.416), suggested their common origin. The spatial distribution maps of heavy metals and the HPI suggested that the SW region, especially Adyar and Thiruvanmiyur regions are highly contaminated with the metals. Industrialisation and improper waste dumping were identified as the major cause for the accumulation of metals in the groundwater of Chennai city.     

Assessment of Cr,Ni and Pb Pollution in Rural Agricultural Soils of Tonalite–Trondjhemite Series in Central India

Chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) contamination was investigated in wheat cultivated rain-fed and irrigated rural agricultural soils (n?=?31) of Tonalite–Trondjhemite Series in Central India. The soil sampling was carried out by using stratified random sampling method. The mean concentrations of Cr, Ni and Pb were 54.8, 38.1 and 68.9 mg/kg, respectively. The average values of enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (I _geo ) and contamination factor (CF) followed the order as: Pb?>?Ni?>?Cr. Distribution patterns of soil parent material and weathering processes govern mineral enrichments, irrespective of rainfed or irrigated agricultural practices. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed strong loading of Cr and Ni (PC1) and Pb and clay (PC3). The strong loading on Cr and Ni indicates soils are originating from basic and volcanic rocks in the study area. The strong loading of Pb and clay indicates Pb is strongly adsorbed on clay minerals and Fe-oxides. The cancer risk (CR) index showed negligible carcinogenic risk to the residing population. However, hazard index (HI) values for children exceed the safe limit (HI?>?1) for Cr and Pb. Spatial distribution of pollution load index suggest highest pollution in the northeastern part of the district. The study revealed that geogenically enriched soils of the area are suitable for agricultural activities under present conditions.     

Removal of Two High Molecular Weight PAHs from Soils with Different Water Content

Trace element concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Al, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) were measured in the liver of black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) adults (n?=?10) and nestlings (n?=?10) collected at Chilsando Island, Jellanam-do, Korea, in June 2011. Adults gulls, when compared to nestlings, accumulated higher concentrations of all trace elements; Cd, 0.53 and 0.04 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively, Pb, 0.47 and 0.21 µg/g dw, Cr, 0.08 and 0.05 µg/g dw, Al, 6.56 and 3.94 µg/g dw, Cu, 5.57 and 3.88 µg/g dw, Mn, 3.71 and 1.99 µg/g dw, Zn, 34.1 and 22.9 µg/g dw and Fe, 279 and 171 µg/g dw. No individuals of either adults or nestlings exceeded the threshold level for toxic effects for Cd (>3.0 µg/g dw), Pb (>6.0 µg/g dw) and Cr (>4.0 µg/g dw). Cd, Pb and Cr concentrations were comparable or lower than reported in other gull studies worldwide. None of the other elements present in the liver of black-tailed gull adults and nestlings were at toxic levels.     

Contamination scale of atmospheric deposition for assessing air quality in Albania evaluated from most toxic heavy metal and moss biomonitoring

Pollution characterization on atmospheric deposition is assessed through the concentration level of most toxic trace metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and metalloids (As) in moss samples to evaluate air quality of Albania. Moss biomonitoring method (Hypnum cupressiforme and Pseudoschleropodium purum collected from 44 sampling sites), followed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP/AES) and epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA), is used in this study for trace metal analysis. Screening ecological risk of trace metals is performed to atmospheric deposition referred to the methodology given by different authors and by using moss species as bioindicator. Model used for risk assessment was based on contamination factors (CF), pollution loads index (PLI), and the potential ecological index (RI). The CF and PLI values were both indicated a moderate to high pollution scale to the whole territory under investigation. RI values indicate the presence of a high ecological risk and the risk of human exposure to trace metals, particularly in the areas with the highest element concentrations. Box-Cox transformation was applied to the concentration matrix data before Pearson’s linear correlation and factor analysis (FA). The most significant factors affecting the association of the elements and their probable sources of origin were extracted from FA. Three dominant factors were extracted that represent the association of Cr, Ni, and Co with mineral particle dust, industrial local emission sources, and the use of pesticides and herbicides in agriculture particularly in the south part of the country.     

Trace Element Concentrations in European Pond Turtles (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Emys orbicularis</Emphasis>) from Brenne Natural Park,France

We assessed trace elements concentration in European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) from Brenne Natural Park (France). We sampled road-killed turtles (N?=?46) to measure the concentrations of 4 non-essential (Ag, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and 10 essential (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn) elements in muscle, skin, liver and claws. Body size or sex did not influence the concentrations of most elements; except for Hg (liver, skin and claws) and Zn (muscle) which increased with body size. We found relatively high concentrations of Hg and Zn, possibly linked to fish farming. This result deserves future investigations to evaluate possible ecotoxicological effects on E. orbicularis.     

Heavy Metal Contamination in the Cultivated Oyster <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crassostrea rivularis</Emphasis> and Associated Health Risks from a Typical Mariculture Zone in the South China Sea

With the rapid development of mariculture in potentially contaminated regions in China and the world, food safety, is a growing concern. To evaluate heavy metals and their associated health risks in the cultivated oyster Crassostrea rivularis, the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn) in oysters and water/sediment were examined in a typical mariculture environment (Kaozhou Bay, South China Sea). Trends in the seasonal dynamics of heavy metals in oysters revealed a potential synergistic effects among the concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Zn; trends associated with Pb were less clear, although the ability of oysters to bioaccumulate and depurate Pb was excellent. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) indicated that C. rivularis has a strong ability to accumulate heavy metals, and the BCF was the highest for Zn (2.32?×?10⁵), followed by Cd (6.84?×?10⁴), Pb (2.77?×?10⁴) and Cr (1.23?×?10³) through the four seasons. Results showed that Cd concentrations in oysters could pose a risk to human health (HQ?>?1). This study, therefore, suggests that there are potential human health risks due to heavy metal exposure through the consumption of C. rivularis from mariculture zones in South China Sea.     

Determination of <Superscript>226</Superscript>Ra Contamination Depth Around Phosphogypsum Pit Using In-Situ Gamma Spectrometer

The feasibility of applying multiple photopeak method (MPM) and peak to valley ratio (PVRM) method to determine Radium-226 contamination depth (²²⁶Ra h_c) has been investigated. Gamma spectra in eight positions around phosphogypsum disposal pit has been measured using portable NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer. MPM was investigated by calculating the ratio \(\left( {\mathop R\nolimits_{{609,352}} } \right)\) of 609 keV gamma line net counts to the corresponding value of 352 keV. PVRM was investigated by calculating the ratio \(\left( {\mathop Q\nolimits_{{609}} } \right)\) of net counts of 609 keV gamma line to the corresponding valley counts. ²²⁶Ra h_c in the positions has been determined using traditional soil coring. It was found that, \(\mathop R\nolimits_{{609,352}}\) and \(\mathop Q\nolimits_{{609}}\) have good linear correlations with ²²⁶Ra h_cTherefore, ²²⁶Ra h_c can be determined by MPM and PVRM. These methods save a lot of time, costs and efforts in comparison with the traditional one.     

Heavy Metal Concentration in Largehead Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichiurus lepturus</Emphasis> Linneaus, 1758) and Savalai Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepturacanthus savala</Emphasis> (Cuvier, 1829)) Obtained from Karachi Fish Harbour,Pakistan

In this study, muscle samples gathered from Largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus Linneaus, 1758) and Savali hairtail [Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829)] from the Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan were analyzed to determine heavy metal concentrations (iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], manganese [Mn], lead [Pb] and cadmium [Cd]) between January and December 2016. All samples were analyzed using the AAnalyst 700 Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was observed that the average measured level of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd in muscle were 77.72?±?47.84 µg/g, 20.34?±?8.49 µg/g, 2.23?±?1.16 µg/g, 0.57?±?0.36 µg/g, 0.20?±?0.16 µg/g and 0.42?±?0.19 µg/g for T. lepturus, respectively. Besides, the average level of the same metal concentrations in muscle for L. savala were 85.11?±?57.64 µg/g, 16.63?±?9.25 µg/g, 2.53?±?1.90 µg/g, 0.47?±?0.27 µg/g, 0.23?±?0.18 µg/g and 0.47?±?0.20 µg/g, respectively. The correlation between size groups and metal accumulation in muscle tissues were investigated for both fish. In terms of public risk assessment, the provisional tolerable weekly intake’s of various heavy metals were compared with the consumption of both fish. As a result of the analysis, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd accumulations in muscle tissues of T. lepturus and L. savala collected from Karachi Fish Harbour Pakistan did not exceed limit values.     

Elemental Composition of Plant Species from an Abandoned Tungsten Mining Area: Are They Useful for Biogeochemical Exploration and/or Phytoremediation Purposes?

We aimed to evaluate the elemental (W, Mo, Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, Bi, Mn, Cd, Cr, As) composition of some plant species spread around the abandoned tungsten mining area of Uluda? Mountain. The plant species tested were Anthemis cretica and Trisetum flavescens which are grown in this area and they are pioneer species on these contaminated sites. W levels in soils were found up to 1378.6 ± 672.3 mg/kg dry weight in contaminated areas. The leaf W contents of the selected plant species were found 41.1 ± 24.4 and 31.1 ± 15.5 mg/kg dry weight for A. cretica and T. flavescens, respectively. Our results indicate that the elemental composition of species changed by the increased tungsten and some element concentrations in soil without detrimental effect. So, these species can be useful tungsten removal and some elements from contaminated sites.     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Favor the Initial Growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mangium,Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Urochloa brizantha</Emphasis> in Soil Contaminated with Zn,Cu, Pb,and Cd

This study evaluated the effect of inoculation with a mixture of spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus macrocarpum, Paraglomus occultum, and Glomus sp.) on the initial establishment of Acacia mangium, Sorghum bicolor, and Urochloa brizantha in soil contaminated with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in plastic pots containing 1.8 kg of soil, which presented 7200, 1140, 480, and 72 mg of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively. The chlorophyll content (SPAD index) of inoculated plants of A. mangium and U. brizantha was higher than those of non-inoculated plants (p?<?0.05). No differences were detected for the concentration of heavy metals in plant shoots, whether the plant was inoculated or not. However, inoculated plants had greater root length (S. bicolor and U. brizantha) (p?<?0.05) and greater plant height (A. mangium) (p?<?0.05). The present results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of AMF on plant growth and the alleviation of contaminants are imperative factors for the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.     

Shallow Groundwater and Cultivated Soil Suitability Assessments with Respect to Heavy Metal Content in the Köprübaşı U Mineralization Area (Manisa, Turkey)

Shallow groundwater and cultivated soil samples were collected from the area within Köprüba?? U mineralization and analyzed to determine U and selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co and Ba). After this, the suitability of the shallow groundwater and soil samples were evaluated for irrigation, livestock watering and agricultural use, respectively. One groundwater sample (4) showed Mn-concentration of 112.6, exceeding the FAO (Ayers and Westcot 1985) livestock drinking limit (50 μg/l). Nevertheless, the amount of heavy metals including Fe, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Cr and Co in groundwater is not high for irrigation and livestock drinking water standards cited by the FAO (Ayers and Westcot 1985). On the other hand, all cultivated soil samples have higher uranium concentrations than the typical concentration of natural uranium in soil (ATSDR 1999). The majority of the cultivated soil samples showed higher concentrations than the values for heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ba) found in normal soils of the world (Connor and Shacklette 1975). However, according to G.L.C guidelines, these soils are classified as uncontaminated with Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr, slightly contaminated with Ba and As.     

Trace Metals Bioavailability Approach in Intertidal Estuarine Sediments and Bioaccumulation in Associated Nereidid Polychaetes

Polychaetes that inhabit the sediments of estuaries are important prey to many species all around the world. Laeonereis acuta is a deposit feeder living in estuaries along the Atlantic coast of South America. Ragworms accumulate metals from the sediment, and represent a means of entry of sediment contaminants into the trophic network. The concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Cd were determined in polychaetes and sediments (total and extractable) from six estuarine beaches of Río de la Plata. The associations between total and extractable concentrations in sediment and accumulated concentrations in L. acuta were analyzed. Sediments extracted by weak acid digestion appear to be a good proxy model of bioavailable metal fractions in the sediment. The association between metals in sediment and polychaetes denotes the role of L. acuta as an important link in metal trophic transfer from sediments to potential fish and bird predators of the worm.     

Influence of a Former Mining Area in the Heavy Metals Concentrations in Blood of Free-Living Mediterranean Pond Turtles (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mauremys leprosa</Emphasis>)

The objective of this study was to assess metal exposure in the Mediterranean Pond Turtle (Mauremys leprosa) inhabiting a watercourse in an ancient mining district polluted by different metals (“Rambla de Las Moreras”, southeastern Spain) and included in the Ramsar Convention. For this purpose, mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) were analysed in blood samples from 42 M. leprosa healthy adults (27 males and 13 females). The highest median concentrations were found for Zn, followed by Cu, Pb, Hg and Cd (366, 33, 9, 0.83 and 0.14 µg/dL, respectively). Although the literature regarding toxic metals in freshwater turtles is relatively scarce, Pb may cause deleterious effects in our population. In general, males presented higher levels than females, which could be due to maternal transfer during egg formation. The significant correlations between Cu–Cd and Cu–Hg suggest the implication of an efficient mechanism of detoxification involving metallothioneins.     

Concentrations of Cadmium,Copper, and Zinc in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> (Giant Freshwater Prawn) from Natural Environment

This study analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS), in the muscle tissues, exoskeletons, and gills from freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) (n?=?20) harvested from natural habitat in Kerang River, Malaysia on 25th November 2015. Significant increase of the metals level in muscle tissue and gill (r?>?0.70, p?<?0.05) were observed with increase in length except for Cu in gills. No relationship was found between metals level in exoskeleton and length. The concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in males (muscle tissues and exoskeleton) except for Cd in exoskeleton. In gills, only Cu was significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in female than male. All samples contained metals below the permissible limit for human consumption (i.e., Cd?<?2.00 mg/kg; Cu?<?30.00 mg/kg; Zn?<?150 mg/kg). Annual metals monitoring in prawn and environmental samples is recommended to evaluate changes of metals bioaccumulation and cycling in the system, which is useful for resources management.     

Levels of PM<Subscript>10</Subscript>-bound species in Belgrade,Serbia: spatio-temporal distributions and related human health risk estimation

The aim of this study was to identify levels of population health risk caused by the inhalation of PM₁₀-bound species in an urban area. A combination of multiple location measurements, several analytical tools, and cancer and non-cancer health risk assessment was used to evaluate influences of proximate anthropogenic activities and air pollution transport. The concentrations of PM₁₀, six trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb) and benzo[a]pyrene were measured at 15 air quality monitoring stations during the period 2011–2015 in a wide area of Belgrade (Serbia). Significant population health risk was estimated as a result of exposure to particulate air pollution. The concentrations of PM₁₀, As, Ni and benzo[a]pyrene exceeded the EU Directive limit and target values. Of all the analysed species, Cr was the major contributor to carcinogenic health risk. Besides strong local sources related to traffic and industry, the influence of transported pollution is estimated in the range 8.95–36.07 %, with potentially the most important sources being located in East and West Europe.     

Heavy Metals in the Blue Crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Callinectes sapidus</Emphasis>) in Mersin Bay,Turkey

The concentrations of four metals (copper, cadmium, zinc and lead) were quantified in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) tissues collected in January, April, June and September at two stations in Mersin Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea, using ICP-MS. The metal concentrations in crabs from the two stations differed significantly. The hepatopancreas was the major organ accumulating metals, followed by gill and muscle tissues. Except for lead, the highest concentrations of metals were measured in the hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreas had higher concentrations of all heavy metals (Cu 321.1?±?4.30; Zn 182.2?±?3.40; Cd 48.2?±?2.00) compared to gill (Cu 90.2?±?1.35; Zn 104.3?±?2.30; Cd 22.3?±?3.40) and muscle (Cu 19.1?±?1.10; Zn 55.1?±?3.25; Cd 2.5?±?0.20). Among the metals analyzed, Cu, Zn and Pb were the most abundant in the different tissues while Cd was the least abundant in C. sapidus. Seasonality in the levels of the four metals was determined.The highest concentrations of all metals were observed in the June (Zn 55.1?±?3.25; Cu 19.1?±?1.10; Cd 2.5?±?0.20; Pb 5.1?±?0.18) compared to all other months (Zn 34.1?±?3.23; Cu 11.1?±?1.15; Cd 0.9?±?0.20; Pb 3.1?±?0.21).     

Influences of inorganic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the sources of PM2.5 in the Southeast Asian urban sites

PM_2.5 released from urban sources and regional biomass fire is of great concern due to the deleterious effect on human health. This study was conducted to determine the chemical compositions andsource apportionment of PM_2.5. Twenty-four-hour PM_2.5 samples were collected at two urban monitoring sites in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 12 November 2013 to 15 January 2014 using a high volume air sampler (HVS). The source apportionment of PM_2.5 was determined using positive matrix factorization (PMF) version 5.0. Overall, the PM_2.5 mean concentrations ranged from 16 to 55 μg m^?3 with a mean of 23 ± 9 μg m^?3. The results of enrichment factor (EF) analysis showed that Zn, Pb, As, Cu, Cr, V, Ni, and Cs mainly originated from non-crustal sources. The dominant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F), benzo[ghi]perylene (B[ghi]P), indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (I[cd]P), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and benzo[k]fluoranthene (B[k]F). PMF 5.0 results showed that the secondary aerosol coupled with biomass burning was the largest contributor followed by combustion of fuel oil and road dust, soil dust source and sea salt and nitrate aerosol, accounting for 34, 25, 24 and 17% of PM_2.5 mass, respectively. On the other hand, biomass and wood burning (42%) was the predominant source of PAHs followed by combustion of fossil fuel (36%) and natural gas and coal burning (22%). The broad overview of the PM_2.5 sources will help to adopt adequate mitigation measures in the management of future urban air quality in this region.     

Transplanted Moss <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hylocomium splendens</Emphasis> as a Bioaccumulator of Trace Elements from Different Categories of Sampling Sites in the Upper Silesia Area (SW Poland): Bulk and Dry Deposition Impact

Concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, K, Fe, Mn, Pb, V and Zn in transplants of Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. were compared with bulk deposition and dust samples from three different categories of sites: industrial, residential and their surroundings and rural (15 in total). Mosses were transplanted for 90 days to severely polluted areas of Upper Silesia, and samples of precipitation and dust were collected during the same period. Most of the significant correlations between element concentrations in mosses and bulk deposition (Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn) were found for industrial sites. In this study dry deposition carried higher element concentrations than bulk deposition, which may result in the higher passive capture of particulate matter by mosses.