Determination of heavy metal in drinking waters by X-ray spectroscopy

Concentrations of trace elements in some drinking waters were determined using the X-ray emission spectroscopy. Water samples were collected near Rijeka, the most industrialized centre in the northern part of the Yugoslav coast, to find out if concentration of heavy metals in water are within permitted limits. Since concentrations of heavy metals in natural water are quite low, it was necessary to preconcentrate the water before the analysis. Two techniques of water samples preparation were used depending on the elements to be analyzed: precipitation by the APDC (amonium-pyrrolydine-dithiocarbamate) (for Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb and Hg). complexation with the APDC followed by the adsorption on activated carbon (for U).     

Elemental characterization of coal ash and its leachates using sequential extraction techniques

Over 50 million tons of coal ash are produced annually in North America. Technological improvements in air pollution control have decreased stack emissions but have also increased contaminant concentrations in the ash of coal-fired boiler applications. The leaching of heavy metals and other elements during regulatory tests may cause coal ash ro be classified as hazardous waste, complicating land disposal. The hazardous nature of coal ash remains unclear because current toxicity tests fail to effectively characterize the elemental distribution and chemical solubility of trace metals in the landfill environment. Leaching characteristics of ash samples can be investigated with various laboratory extraction procedures in association with multi-elemental analytical techniques (e.g., neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy). Such methods provide more thorough analyses of coal ash leaching dynamics than the regulatory assessments can demonstrate. Regulatory elements including Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se were shown to remain in largely insoluble forms while elements such as B and S leached at higher levels. Experimental results may assist operators of coal-fired boiler industries in selecting coal types and disposal options to curtail the leaching of potentially toxic inorganic contaminants.     

湖北典型地区茶叶-土壤重金属相关性研究

本文旨在分析湖北典型地区茶叶以及土壤中各种元素的含量,采用原子荧光法(AFS)和电感耦合等离子体质谱法(ICP-MS)等方法对135对茶叶及土壤样品进行测定,并探讨各种元素之间的相互关系和影响。研究结果表明,土壤中元素的分布对茶叶中元素含量分布有一定意义,典型区土壤养分有效磷和碱解氮较丰富,有机质和速效钾较缺乏。典型区茶叶作物表层土壤 Cd、Pb、Cu、Cr、As 均存在不同程度的超标。土壤 Cd 和 Hg 的污染指数高,潜在生态风险强。典型区茶叶可食部分重金属含量均值依次为 Cu>Pb>Cd>Hg>As>Cr,重金属元素在茶叶中含量均为中等变异性。 茶叶对 Cu、Pb 的富集系数明显高于 Hg、As、Cd、Cr,不同茶叶对同一元素的富集能力存在差异。土壤重金属含量与土壤 pH 值、CEC、有效磷、总氮等理化指标关系密切。茶叶重金属含量与土壤重金属含量水平相关性较弱,但与茶叶对重金属的富集能力均呈显著正相关关系。     

芝罘湾表层沉积物中重金属的分布特征及潜在生态危害评价

为了解芝罘湾沉积物中重金属的污染状况,于2009年7月采集了黄海芝罘湾16个站位的表层沉积物并测定了其中的重金属含量.芝罘湾的重金属污染程度较低,所有测定值均低于国家海洋沉积物Ⅰ类质量标准.Hg、Cu、Pb、Cd、Zn、Ni、Co、Mn 8种重金属的平均含量分别为0.02、12.3、8.67、0.13、32.8、11....     

Toxic and essential metals determination in commercial seafood: Paracentrotus lividus by ICP-MS

Toxic and essential metals content was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in commercial sea urchins samples from the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Results show that Chilean samples have the highest values of Cd, As, Ni, Cr and V; Spanish samples have the maximum Hg content while Sicilian samples have the lowest content of toxic metals. The toxic metal traces were compared with the limits of European Community (EC) No. 1881/2006 for bivalve molluscs. All samples exceed Pb and Cd limit levels; regarding Hg levels, only Sicilian and Sardinian samples have Hg content below the EC limits. The dietary intake of toxic and essential elements was evaluated for an adult. Furthermore, our study highlights a correlation between the toxic elements content and the marine environmental conditions of the places of origin even though only the generic FAO fishing area is specified.     

城市污水污泥与固体垃圾混烧过程中重金属迁移特性的研究

通过城市污水污泥与固体垃圾合成样品在小型管式焚烧炉内的混烧实验,采集灰渣样品进行XRF化学成分分析和浸出毒性鉴别测试,结合污水污泥焚烧过程中热力学平衡计算,定量表征了污水污泥中Cu、Pb、Zn、 Mn、Ni在焚烧过程中向底灰、飞灰和烟气迁移的特性及对灰渣的毒性影响。研究结果表明,污水污泥混烧显著提高了飞灰和底灰中重金属含量,其中Zn和Pb增加量最大,而Ni、Mn、Cu依次减少;随着有机氯的加入,飞灰中重金属含量呈现递增趋势,其中Zn表现最明显。毒性测试结果显示,污水污泥的混烧也导致了垃圾焚烧飞灰中Zn和Pb的浸出浓度超过中国对危险废物浸出的控制标准值。同时,重金属迁移的热力学平衡模型预测结果与实验结果差距较大。这表明热力学平衡计算方法还需进一步考虑影响重金属氯化物形成的其他因素,如在焚烧过程中反应动力学、焚烧室内氧气含量变化、与其他元素间的化学反应等。     

西南山地煤矿区耕地土壤-农作物重金属富集及健康风险评价

为了解西南某典型山地煤矿区周边农田土壤、农作物重金属的富集情况及对当地人群健康的影响程度,采集矿区周边农田土壤样品和对应的农作物样品,测定重金属Cr、Mn、Zn、As、Pb的含量。运用Nemero指数法、潜在风险指数法对土壤重金属的污染程度进行评价;采用靶标危害系数法(THQ)评价农作物重金属对人体的健康风险。结果显示,Cr、Mn、Zn、As、Pb分别是背景值的1.81、1.90、2.89、1.30、0.86倍,处于轻度污染级别,轻微危害程度。农作物重金属Cr、Pb和As含量的超标情况较严重,Zn的含量超标相对较小。各农作物富集的重金属对人体的健康风险大小为：高粱>玉米>白菜>葱>辣椒。农作物重金属对儿童健康的危害均达到了慢性中毒;对成人健康的影响,高粱处于慢性中毒,其它农作物重金属处于产生较大影响的危害程度。农作物重金属与土壤重金属的相关性分析表明,农作物重金属的含量与土壤重金属全量并无线性关系;各重金属在农作物中的转移能力不同;Pb,As在农作物中的转移能力较大,而Cr相对较小。鉴于矿区重金属的富集情况,应尽快采取修复治理措施,为保证当地人群健康,建议当地居民不再食用和种植富集重金属严重的高粱、玉米农作物。     

测定土壤中重金属元素时前处理方法的改进

建立了一种微波消解前处理技术的半消解法消解样品,采用原子吸收光谱法和原子荧光光谱法同时测定土壤中主要重金属元素铜、锌、镉、砷、汞的方法,检测土壤标准物质GSS-3、GSS-5、GSS-20,结果显示测定均值在标准差允许范围内,相对标准偏差小于8.5%(n=4),是土壤重金属元素快速检测的可选方法。     

Multi-Elemental Analysis of Wine Samples in Relation to Their Type,Origin, and Grape Variety

Wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the control of the elemental composition is necessary throughout the entire production process from the grapes to the final product. The content of some elements in wine is very important from the organoleptic and nutritional points of view. Nowadays, wine studies have also been undertaken in order to perform wine categorization and/or to verify the authenticity of products. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the chosen factors (type of wine, producer, origin) on the levels of 28 elements in 180 wine samples. The concentration of studied elements was determined by ICP-MS (Ag, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Te, Tl, U, Zn), ICP-OES (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Ti), and CVAAS (Hg) techniques in 79 red, 75 white, and 26 rose wine samples. In general, red wines contained higher values of mean and median of B, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Sr and Zn in contrast to other wine types (white and rose). In white wines (when compared to red and rose wines) higher levels of elements such as Ag, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Li, K and Ti were determined. In contrast, rose wines were characterized by a higher concentration of Fe and U. The study also revealed that in the case of 18 samples, the maximum levels of some metals (Cd—8 samples, Pb—9 samples, Cu—1 sample) were slightly exceeded according to the OIV standards, while for Zn and Ti in any wine sample the measured concentrations of these metals were above the permissible levels. Thus, it can be stated that the studied wines contained, in general, lower levels of heavy metals, suggesting that they should have no effect on the safety of consumption. The results also showed higher pH level for red wines as a consequence of the second fermentation process which is typically carried out for this type of wine (malolactic fermentation). The highest median value of pH was reported for Merlot-based wines, while the lowest was for Riesling. It is assumed that dry Riesling has a higher content of tartaric and malic acid than dry Chardonnay grown in the same climate. From all of the studied countries, wines from Poland seemed to present one of the most characteristic elemental fingerprints since for many elements relatively low levels were recorded. Moreover, this study revealed that also wine samples from USA and Australia can be potentially discriminated from the rest of studied wines. For USA the most characteristic metal for positive identification of the country of origin seems to be uranium, whereases for Australia – strontium and manganese. Based on the highly reduced set of samples, it was not possible to differentiate the studied wine products according to the grape variety other than Syrah, and partially Chardonnay. Since all the Syrah-based samples originated from the same country (Australia) thus, the observed grouping should be more related with the country of origin than the grape variety.     

Contents of heavy metals in lotus seed from REEs mining area

At rare earth mining area, the pollution of heavy metals has been paid little attention. In lotus seeds and soil samples sampled from a typical rare earth elements mining area were detected the contents of eight kinds of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb) to investigate the pollution from rare earth elements mining by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). The results showed that the contents of the heavy metals Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb in lotus seeds were 0.25, 86.94, 8.32, 19.76, 0.13, 0.08, 0.01, and 0.20 μg/g in lotus seeds, respectively, and corresponding contents in soil were 27.68, 168.71, 20.23, 47.16, 1.83, 0.13, 0.04, and 23.15 μg/g. These data showed that the contents of heavy metals in lotus seeds from REEs mining area are no higher than reference area and meet national food safety standards of China.     

Elemental concentrations of some Ayurvedic drugs using energy dispersive XRF

Summary Elemental concentration of nineteen Ayurvedic drugs have been measured using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. Concentrations of nineteen elements: Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr and Hg have been determined using emission transmission method with Mo target. K, Ca and Fe were detected in all samples and their concentrations ranged from 0.35-2.88%, 0.346-8.65% and 0.007-36.7%, respectively. Maximum concentration measured in other elements ranged from 0.006% to 40.7%. The multi element and non-destructive nature of the method offers a simple way to establish the quality of the drugs that contain heavy metals in considerable concentration.     

佛山市蔬菜中若干重金属元素含量调查与分析

对广东佛山市蔬菜中重金属含量进行了调查与分析。结果表明,蔬菜中重金属元素含量取决于蔬菜种类和土壤环境,佛山市蔬菜中重金属元素含量基本上是正常的,仅个别样点土壤受污染,蔬菜重金属元素含量异常。蔬菜中重金属元素含量由高到低顺序大体上是:叶菜类,瓜果类蔬菜,根菜类蔬菜。蔬菜必需元素锌、铜含量比汞、镉、铅、铬、镍等非必需元素含量高。     

Field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as rapid measurement tool for landfill mining operations: comparison of field data vs. laboratory analysis

Landfill mining applied in reclamation at the territories of old dump sites and landfills is a known approach tended to global economic and environmental benefits as recovery of metals and energy is an important challenge. The aim of this study was to analyse the concentration of several metallic elements (Ca, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Pb, Zn) in the fine fraction of waste derived in the landfill and to compare the results of measurements obtained by field-portable equipment with the data gained by advanced analytical tools. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used for the quantitative detection of metallic elements at the laboratory; whereas field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FPXRF) was applied for rapid sample characterisation in the field (on-site). Wet digestion of samples (fine fraction of waste at landfill) was done prior analytical procedures at the laboratory conditions, but FPXRF analysis was performed using raw solid samples of waste fine fraction derived in the Kudjape Landfill in Estonia. Although the use of AAS and ICP-MS for the measurements of metals achieves more precise results, it was concluded that precision and accuracy of the measurements obtained by FPXRF is acceptable for fast approximate evaluation of quantities of metallic elements in fine fraction samples excavated from the waste at landfills. Precision and accuracy of the results provided by express method is acceptable for quick analysis or screening of the concentration of major and trace metallic elements in field projects; however, data correction can be applied by calculating moisture and organic matter content dependent on sample matrix as well as special attention must be paid on sample selection and homogenisation and number of analysed samples.     

Comparison between Total Determination and Extractable Heavy Metals from River Sediments using Conventional and Microwave Accelerated Leaching Tests

Abstract

In the present study the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn) in sediments collected from different sampling stations of the Leça river (Portugal) was determined, using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. In order to estimate the potential mobility of metals in these samples, the results of the total digestion were compared with those obtained by single extractions using EDTA and acetic acid as extractant solutions; in all samples studied, Cu and Zn were found to be the most mobile elements; Ni and Pb showed a smaller mobility in presence of either acidic medium and complexing ligands; Cr was found the least mobilizable element, given that the low extractability obtained with the two extractants tested in this work. In the single extraction tests, microwave energy was also employed to replace the conventional treatment and only in the case of the EDTA the results obtained were similar to those of the conventional procedure (recoveries between 90.16 and 98.76%); the precision (RSD, n=3) of the proposed microwave procedure for EDTA extractions was comparable to those of the conventional method with values always lower than 8% for all metals.     

Content of micronutrients,mineral and trace elements in some Mediterranean spontaneous edible herbs

Background

The analysis of mineral elements composition was determined in three wild edible herbs (Cichorium intybus L., Sonchus asper L. and Borago officinalis) collected in seven different sampling sites which were characterized by different pollution grade. The detection of mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg and Na), micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Li, Mn and Zn) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb) was performed.

Results

The results obtained show that in most cases a direct relationship appeared between the amount of elements and the sampling sites. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in samples grown in polluted soils. These evaluations showed that contaminants in plants may reflect the environmental state in which they develop.

Conclusion

The examined species are a good source of mineral elements and micronutrients, making them particularly adapt to integrate a well-balanced diet. The accumulation of heavy metals showed that contaminants in plants may reflect the environmental state in which they develop. Results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in samples taken in locations characterized by high human activity and in some samples from the local market, of which no one knows the collection area.

     

黑苦荞保健茶中重金属的分析评价

采用原子吸收光谱法和原子荧光光度法测定了四川省凉山州某几个品牌黑苦荞保健茶中的重金属铅、镉、铬、无机砷和汞的含量,并以NY/T 1510-2007标准绿色食品麦类制品为依据,对黑苦荞保健茶重金属污染状况进行了分析评价。结果表明,黑苦荞保健茶受重金属元素污染的程度由高到低表现为铅、铬、镉、无机砷和汞,但含量均未超过国家标准规定;黑苦荞叶芽茶和全株茶的重金属污染较为严重,全胚茶未受重金属污染。     

Elution behaviour and environmental impact of heavy metals and rare-earth elements from volcanic ashes of Mt. Oyama,Miyake Island

To obtain information on the environmental impact of materials eluted from volcanic ashes of Mt. Oyama, Miyake Island, which erupted in July 2000, the dissolution behaviours of heavy metals and rare-earth elements from the volcanic ashes were examined. The most important characteristic of the Mt. Oyama eruption is that sulphur dioxide (SO₂) gas has been continuously released, and all persons living on Miyake Island have been required to evacuate. To estimate in terms of the volcanic eruption using SO₂ gas, the ash nature in Mt. Usu, Hokkaido, was also examined and compared with that in Mt. Oyama. When rain water mixed the ashes, the water from the ashes of Mt. Oyama became acidic because of the sulphuric acid. Therefore, SO₂ gas in Mt. Oyama can accelerate the dissolution of protons and heavy metals in the ashes, whereas the rain water in Mt. Usu was not acidic and the dissolution of the heavy metals was not so evident compared with that in the case of Mt. Oyama. With this sulphuric acid, heavy metals such as As, Cd, Pb and Hg in the ashes in Mt. Oyama easily dissolved owing to the low pH. The ashes in Mt. Oyama had been released for eight years and the amount of fallen ashes was estimated to be 33 billion tons. The weights of the harmful heavy metals in the volcanic ashes, such as As, Cd, Pb and Hg, were estimated to be 3.8?×?10², 1.3?×?10³, 1.1?×?10³ and 29?kg, respectively, and these heavy metals were dissolved and diluted in seawater. Therefore, the concentration and species (chemical form) of these metals should be carefully monitored in the future. Moreover, SO₂ gas, which has a direct effect on human health and has been monitored continuously, causes other effects, such as facilitation of metal ion elution and rock aeration.     

Occurrence of Volatile Metal and Metalloid Species in Landfill and Sewage Gases

Abstract

Speciation of volatile metals and metalloids in the environment is extensively described in literature. In order to investigate unstable volatile organometallics, on-line coupling of GC with ICP-MS was used. Preliminary results for gases of sewage sludge fermentation at thermophilic and mesophilic conditions are compared with the metal and metalloid speciation in landfill gases. In each case 20 L gas were sampled by cryogenic trapping. The species were identified by element-specific detection either by retention time of standards or by calculation of the boiling point correlation. Characteristic of the separation is the linear correlation of boiling point (bp/°C) versus retention time (rt/min) (bp = 6.39?rt -109.2, r² = 0.9926). The amounts of total volatile elements are estimated by semi-quantification. Cd, Sn. Hg, Pb (sewage gas) and Se, Te, Hg, Pb (landfill gas) were determined in the range of ng m^?3 level; As, Sb, Te and Bi (sewage gas) and As, Sn, Sb and Bi (landfill gas) in the μg m^?3 level range.     

某冶炼厂周边土壤重金属污染评价分析及源解析研究

有色金属矿产资源采选冶活动造成的土壤重金属污染已成为严重的环境问题。采用电感耦合等离子体质谱法和光谱法测定某冶炼厂周边不同区域内土壤中重金属Cu、Pb、Zn、As、Ni、Cr、Cd、Hg元素含量,采用Kriging空间插值方法对重金属空间分布特征进行分析,采用内梅罗指数法对其污染状况进行评价,采用多元统计分析对重金属元素的污染源进行分析。结果表明,研究区土壤采样点80%处于污染状态,且以重度污染为主,污染比较严重的区域受风向影响在冶炼厂的西部和南部方向,污染严重的重金属元素为Cu、Pb、Cd、Zn和As,土壤中各重金属元素的污染源除来自于冶炼厂外,Zn-Cd-PbCu-As、Ni-Cr、Hg分别还受到机动车辆排放、自然因素、燃煤及农药使用的影响。     

Flotation of traces of heavy metals coprecipitated with aluminum hydroxide from water and sea water

Microgram quantities of heavy metals in 1-l samples of water and sea water are quantitatively coprecipitated with aluminum hydroxide at pH 9.5. The precipitate is floated with the aid of sodium oleate and small nitrogen bubbles, separated and dissolved in 2 M nitric acid, and the heavy metals are determined by atomic-absorption spectrometry. The method is rapid and applicable to 9 heavy metals at the low p.p.b. level.