Health risk assessment of heavy metals and their source apportionment in drinking water of Kohistan region, northern Pakistan

The present study was conducted to investigate heavy metal (Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cd) concentrations of drinking water (surface water and groundwater) samples in Kohistan region, northern Pakistan. Furthermore, the study aimed to ascertain potential health risk of heavy metal (HM) concentrations to local population. HM concentrations were analyzed by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, AAS-PEA-700) and were compared with permissible limits set by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO). Based on HM concentrations the health risk assessment like chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated. The values for CDI were found in the order of Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co and the values of HQ were < 1 for all HM in drinking water samples indicating no health risk. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis like one-way ANOVA, inter-metal correlation, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that geogenic and anthropogenic activities were major sources of water contamination in Kohistan region.     

Metals in water and surface sediments from Henan reaches of the Yellow River,China

The concentrations of Cd,Cr,Cu,Ni,Pb and Zn were determined in the water and surface sediments from the Henan reaches of the Yellow River.Twenty-three sampling sites along the Yellow River and its tributaries were selected.Generally,metal concentrations were found to decrease in sequences of Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>Ni>Cd in water and Zn>Cr>Pb>Ni>Cu>Cd in sediments.High levels of metal concentration were determined at a few stations of the river and its tributaries,such as Yiluo River,Si River and Qin River.The pollutio...     

Study of traffic pollution by metals in Seville (Spain) by physical and chemical speciation methods

Eighty-three samples of atmospheric particles were collected at a representative traffic site in the Mediterranean city of Seville during a period of one year. Urban particles were collected on quartz filters with a high-volume sampler coupled with a cascade impactor which separates particles into six size ranges: >10, 10–4.9, 4.9–2.7, 2.7–1.3, 1.3–0.6, and <0.6 m. The total metal content, its distribution by size (physical speciation), and the concentrations of different chemical forms (chemical speciation) in particles less than 0.6 m were determined. The chemical speciation scheme furnished four fractions: soluble and exchangeable metals; carbonates, oxides, and reducible metals; oxidisable and sulfidic metals bound to organic matter; and residual metals. The samples were analysed by ICP–OES for Pb, Ni, Cd, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ba, Mn, and V. Gaseous pollutants, traffic intensities, and primary meteorological data provided by the atmospheric and traffic networks were statistically related to the analytical data. Analytical and statistical results from physical and chemical speciation singled out Ba as a valid tracer of vehicular traffic, instead of Pb, in cities with high traffic density. Another important relationship was found between Pb and Cu. Physical speciation of lead showed that the major risk for health was from fine particles less than 2.7 m, because particles between 2.7 and 0.6 m were the size fractions of the total suspended particles with the major mass abundance of lead (mainly particles between 2.7 and 1.3 m) and because particles less than 0.6 m were the fraction of airborne particles most abundant in the urban air. Chemical speciation results showed that special attention must be taken with Ni and Cd concentrations, because of their high potential bioavailability, mainly a result of the high solubility of the chemical forms of Ni in the finest particles.     

Trace elements in sediments and bioaccumulation in European silver eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) from a Mediterranean lagoon (SE Italy)

Samples of surface sediments and tissues (liver and muscle) of commercially available European silver eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) collected from Varano lagoon (Italy) were analysed to determine trace element contents. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to highlight both the differences between sampling sites and the influence of channel discharges. Atomic ratios indices for sediment data and biological enrichment factors (BEF) for eel tissues were calculated in order to evaluate the enrichment factor due to human activities. The highest levels of As (11.9?µg?g^?1) and Zn (14.1?µg?g^?1) were observed in the south-eastern zone of the lagoon, which is influenced by urban and agricultural discharges. The low levels of Hg observed in this study (0.04?µg?g^?1) led us to exclude both natural and human local sources of this element. Trace element concentrations of all elements were lower in muscle than in liver tissue. Significant enrichment of Cu and Zn was found in livers.     

Synthesis of tapioca cellulose-based poly(hydroxamic acid) ligand for heavy metals removal from water

A graft copolymerization was performed using free radical initiating process to prepare the poly(methyl acrylate) grafted copolymer from the tapioca cellulose. The desired material is poly(hydroxamic acid) ligand, which is synthesized from poly(methyl acrylate) grafted cellulose using hydroximation reaction. The tapioca cellulose, grafted cellulose and poly(hydroxamic acid) ligand were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. The adsorption capacity with copper was found to be good, 210 mg g^?1 with a faster adsorption rate (t_1/2 = 10.5 min). The adsorption capacities for other heavy metal ions were also found to be strong such as Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, Co³⁺ and Ni²⁺ were 191, 182, 202 and 173 mg g^?1, respectively at pH 6. To predict the adsorption behavior, the heavy metal ions sorption onto ligand were well-fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model (R² > 0.99), which suggest that the cellulose-based adsorbent i.e., poly(hydroxamic acid) ligand surface is homogenous and monolayer. The reusability was checked by the sorption/desorption process for six cycles and the sorption and extraction efficiency in each cycle was determined. This new adsorbent can be reused in many cycles without any significant loss in its original removal performances.     

Accumulation of PCBs,PAHs, plasticizers and inorganic elements in Hexanchus griseus from the strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean sea)

Abstract

This study investigates the inorganic elements and the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulated in liver of a sexually mature Hexanchus griseus living in the Mediterranean Sea. The casual finding of a specimen in the Strait of Messina (April 2018) allowed us to carefully analyse its liver which can be considered a very important biological indicator. The determination of inorganic elements was carried out by ICP-MS technique. Quantitative determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and poly-chloro-biphenyl compounds (PCB), distinguished in dioxine-like (DL) and not-dioxine-like (NDL) derivates, has been carried out by HRGC/MS and HRGC-MS/MS respectively. Worrying levels of PCB-DL (TEQ?=?Σ(PCB-DL)*TEF?=?5.96?ng g^?1), PCB-NDL (Σ(PCB-NDL)?=?1390.4?ng g^?1) together with the presence of pesticides and plasticizers were found in the shark liver oil. The levels of heavy metals were below the legal limits.     

Evaluation of radon concentration and heavy metals in drinking water and their health implications to the population of Quetta,Balochistan, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to estimate the concentrations of radon and heavy metals in drinking water and assess their health implications to the population of Quetta, Pakistan. The concentration of radon and heavy metals was measured in drinking water collected from tube wells of different depths of the Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, using RAD7 detector and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, respectively. The results show that the concentration of radon ranged from 3.56 ± 0.98 to 8.56 ± 1.32Bq/L with an average of 5.67 ± 1.34Bq/L. The average value of contribution of radon in water to indoor air was found 2.02 ± 0.47mBq/L. In addition to concentration of radon in drinking water, physiochemical parameters like pH and electrical conductivity (EC), and annual effective doses for different age groups were also estimated. Positive correlation of (R² = 0.8471) was observed between depth of well and concentration of radon, however no such relations were found among pH and EC with concentration of radon. Average values of annual effective doses due to intake of radon for age groups 0–1 years (infants), 2–16 years (Children) and ≥17 years (adults) were found (3.00 ± 0.71)×10^?2, (1.1 ± 0.26)×10^?2 and (1.45 ± 0.34)×10^?2 mSv/y, respectively. Average values of heavy metals concentrations were found 1.85 ± 0.64, 3.21 ± 0.75, 5.06 ± 1.19, and 2.47 ± 0.77 and 5.58 ± 1.23 µg/L for As, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb, respectively. The values of radon concentration and heavy metals in drinking water were found below the USEPA permissible limits, Thus we conclude that, the investigated waters are safe.     

黔产市售鱼腥草中重金属含量分析及膳食风险评估

为研究黔产市售鱼腥草中铅、镉、铬、砷4种重金属的含量水平及其膳食健康风险水平。以贵州贵阳(GY)、遵义(ZY)、铜仁(TR)、安顺(AS)、毕节(BJ)、六盘水(LPS)、黔东南(QDN)、黔西南(QXN)、黔南(QN)等9个市(州)市售鱼腥草为研究对象,利用微波消解处理样品,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)法同时测定样品中的4种重金属含量,利用单因子污染指数法、内梅罗综合污染指数法对重金属的污染程度进行评价,利用目标危害系数法进行膳食风险评估。结果显示,鱼腥草中Pb含量为0.084～0.12 mg/kg, Cd含量为0.041～0.068 mg/kg, Cr含量为0.076～0.43 mg/kg, As含量为0.074～0.14 mg/kg。TR、QDN、ZY市售鱼腥草Pb的单项污染指数均大于1,9个市(州)市售鱼腥草Cd、Cr、As的单项污染指数均小于1。不同市(州)市售鱼腥草的内梅罗综合污染指数大小次序为1>TR>QDN>ZY>AS>GY>BJ>QXN>0.7≥QN>LPS。单一重金属的膳食健康风险指数(THQ)总体上...     

Solid-phase extraction using multiwalled carbon nanotubes and quinalizarin for preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of some heavy metals in food,water and environmental samples

A solid phase extraction procedure has been developed using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a solid sorbent and quinalizarin [1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxyanthracene-9,10-dione] as a chelating agent for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of some heavy metal ions, Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) before their determination by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The influences of the analytical parameters, including pH, amounts of quinalizarin and adsorbent, sample volume, elution conditions such as volume and concentration of eluent, flow rates of solution and matrix ions, were investigated for the optimum recoveries of the analyte ions. No interference effects were observed from the foreign metal ions. The preconcentration factor was 100. The detection limit (LOD) for the investigated metals at the optimal conditions were observed in the range of 0.30–0.65 μg L^?1. The relative standard deviation (RSDs), and the recoveries of standard addition for this method were lower than 5.0% and 96–102%, respectively. The new procedure was successfully applied to the determination of analytes in food, water and environmental samples with satisfactory results.     

Polyphenols contents,heavy metals analysis and in vitro antibacterial activity of extracts from Cladanthus arabicus and Bubonium imbricatum of Moroccan Origin

Abstract

Aim of this study was to evaluate polyphenols and major and trace elements of Cladanthus arabicus and Bubonium imbricatum, along with their in vitro antibacterial activity against six multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli S33/16, E. coli S34/16, Proteus mirabilis S32/16, Klebsiella pneumoniae S12/16, Enterobacter cloacae S5/16, and Salmonella sp S12/14). UV spectrophotometry, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to evaluate total polyphenol content, quali-quantitative profile of single polyphenols and inorganic elements of the extract. The antibacterial activity was investigated by standard methods. Twelve polyphenols were identified in both plants and these were more concentrated in B. imbricatum than C. arabicus extracts. High levels of minerals, essential trace elements and tolerable levels of heavy metals (Cd, As and Pb) were found. Furthermore, the extracts showed also a strong in vitro antibacterial activity, particularly versus E. coli S33/16 (MIC, 0.125?mg ml^?1).     

Designing of Zn (II)-based novel coordination polymer (CP): Synthesis,characterization, and heavy metal removal from water

A new coordination polymer, Zn-(OC-AMAM-CO) CP, has been synthesized from Zn (II) as ionic node and 2,2′-((1,2-phenylenebis [azanediyl])bis (carbonyl))dibenzoic acid, (OC-AMAM-CO), as a new linker, where (OC-AMAM-CO) has been synthesized as an amide product through condensation reaction of phthalic acid and o-phenylenediamine. The amide product (OC-AMAM-CO) and Zn-(OC-AMAM-CO) CP were characterized via FTIR and PXRD analyses, and Zn-(OC-AMAM-CO) CP was further characterized via SEM/EDX and XPS analyses. Moreover, DFT study was performed to shed light on the both structures of (OC-AMAM-CO) and Zn-(OC-AMAM-CO). PXRD analysis revealed the successful syntheses of the new linker (OC-AMAM-CO) and Zn-(OC-AMAM-CO) CP where the new CP is crystalline. DFT study revealed that the 3D topological structure assembled through coordination, π–π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. Zn-(OC-AMAM-CO) CP was applied as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) from water as it has abundant chelating groups that serve as adsorptive coordinating sites. Isotherm study revealed the obedience of Cu (II)/Zn-(OC-AMAM-CO) CP adsorption system to Langmuir modeling with adsorption capacity of about 55 mg/g. A kinetic study showed that the rate of adsorption was a pseudo-first-order type. Further, adsorption process was found to be strongly diffusion dependent.     

Levels, risk assessment and sources of PM10 fraction heavy metals in four types dust from a coal-based city

The concentrations of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb in PM₁₀ fraction of four types of dust in a coal-based city, Fushun were detected by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Results showed that most of the average concentrations for 11 metals in dust were higher than Chinese soil background values, especially for Cu, Zn, Hg, Cd and Pb with higher pollution index values. The re-suspended dust from residential and school building surfaces showed middle and high level of pollution by geoaccumulation index assessment which should raise attention as their potential health risk to local residenter and students. Six hotspots were found from spatial distribution analysis, locating at the northeast corner, central area close to mines, southwest area adjacent to an expressway, northeast area close to power plants, the city center and the industrial district reflecting the influence of agricultural activities, mining activities, vehicle emission, coal combustion and industrial activities. Correlation and principal component analysis showed accordant results indicating that vehicle emission, industrial activities, coal combustion and crustal materials were the main sources for heavy metals in PM₁₀ fraction of fugitive dust in Fushun.     

Variability in different antimony,arsenic and chromium species in waters and bottom sediments of three water reservoirs in Upper Silesia (Poland): a comparative study

Migration of metals/metalloids and their inorganic forms from bottom sediments into waters and from waters into bottom sediments is a complex process. Understanding this mechanism is essential for recognising transformations that occur in water reservoir ecosystems. The following research was conducted in 2012–2014. The aim was to define the time and spatial correlations in the changes of total and ionic antimony, arsenic and chromium concentrations in waters and bottom sediments of three water reservoirs located in Upper Silesia (Poland), i.e. P?awniowice, Rybnik and Gocza?kowice. The ionic form contents were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). The research was carried out to verify whether the bottom sediments deposited in the discussed reservoirs could have posed an environmental threat due to the possible release of toxic ionic forms (i.e. As(III), Sb(III) and Cr(VI)) into the pelagic zone. The comparison of the research results obtained for three reservoirs (being under different anthropopressure influence) enabled the researchers to describe the bioavailability of specific elements and their species. It also helped to discern the existing environmental threats for such water reservoirs and their users.     

Metal content in mosses from the Metropolitan Area of the Toluca Valley: a comparative study between inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF)

The comparison between inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) for simultaneous determination of metal content (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in mosses from the Metropolitan Area of the Toluca Valley was performed. Epiphytic mosses (Fabriona ciliaris and Leskea angustata) were collected in two sampling campaigns and were digested with HNO₃, HCl and HF for ICP-OES method and HNO₃ and HCl for TXRF method. The certified reference material (IAEA-336, Lichen) and the Standard Reference Material (SRM-1573, tomato leaves) were used for the quality control and to evaluate trueness and precision. Linearity, detection and quantification limits were also determined. Results show an ICP-OES and TXRF trueness mean of 101 ± 5% and 97 ± 9%, respectively; the relative standard deviation (RSD percent) was less than 17% in both methods. The moss samples exhibit a satisfactory precision (RSD ≤ 20%), because the RSD percent for ICP-OES, from 2% to 15%, and that for TXRF, from 1% to 17%, were obtained. One factor experimental design and simple regression analysis (α = 0.05) were used to compare the ICP-OES and TXRF metal concentrations. The statistical results do not show significantly different values for Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in both the sample campaigns. In addition, the average results for Cr in the first sample campaign (30.3 ± 11.4 mg/kg for ICP-OES and 18.6 ± 9.8 mg/kg for TXRF) and Fe values in the second sample campaign (10,810 ± 2980 mg/kg for ICP-OES and 8380 ± 2350 mg/kg for TXRF) were significantly different in both methods. These differences are attributed to an incomplete sample digestion in the TXRF sample preparation. The results of the simple regression analyses show p-value less than 0.05, which indicates an equivalent and significant relation between ICP-OES and TXRF.     

Layer double hydroxides (LDHs)- based electrochemical and optical sensing assessments for quantification and identification of heavy metals in water and environment samples: A review of status and prospects

One of the most severe environmental problems is heavy metal contamination, putting the world's sustainability at risk. Much effort has been put into developing sensors that can be taken anywhere to detect the environmental effects of heavy metals. Sensitivity, selectivity, multiplexed detection ability, and mobility enhance significantly when nanoparticles and nanostructures are incorporated into sensors. LDHs (layered double hydroxides) have gotten much attention in analytical chemistry in recent years because of their benefits, including their large specific surface area, ease of synthesis, low cost, and high catalytic efficiency and biocompatibility. LDHs are often manufactured as nanomaterial composites or created with specialized three-dimensional structures depending on the application. However, in these settings, LDHs (as color indicators, extracting sorbents, and electrochemical sensing) are usually restricted. Upcoming signs of progress and development possibilities of LDHs in analytical chemistry are reviewed in this paper to assist overcome these problems. Furthermore, the approaches used in the design of LDHs, including structural aspects, are defined and assessed in preparation for future analytical applications. The latest advances in optical and electrochemical sensors to detect heavy metals are described in this review. The sorts and characteristics of LDHs will be explored first. We will then go into microelectrode (or nanoelectrode) arrays, nanoparticle-modified electrodes, and microfluidic optical and electrochemical sensing assays in detail. This paper also discusses design strategies for LDH-based nanostructured sensors and the advantages of using nanomaterials and nanostructures.     

Determination and comparison of heavy metals in selected seafood, water, vegetation and sediments by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry from an industrialized and pristine waterway in Southwest Louisiana

Samples of crab, fish, sediments, vegetation and waters were collected from a pristine (Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge) and historically polluted (Bayou d'Inde) waterway in Southwest Louisiana. After sample preparation via microwave digestion to obtain a solution, cadmium, mercury, nickel and lead were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. A comparison of results showed that there was very little difference in concentrations for the four metals between the two areas, typically in the 10 μg/g range for crabs and fish, around 0.05 μg/mL or lower for waters, and somewhat higher for sediments and vegetation of around two to three times.     

Gas and liquid chromatography and enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay in pesticide monitoring of surface water from the western mediterranean (Comunidad Valenciana,Spain)

Summary A monitoring programme based on gas chromatography (NPD, ECD) using MSD for confirmatory purposes and coupled-column liquid chromatography was applied to the analysis of pesticide residues in surface water from a predominantly agricultural area of Spain (Comunidad Valenciana). Samples analysed by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay gave similar results to those obtained by GC (MSD) for the determination of total triazines. The test employed had the advantages of a simple test procedure, short analysis time and high confirmatory value. Nevertheless, the multiresidue character, accuracy and unequivocal identification of individual pesticide residues of GC (MSD) make this technique the most appropriate for environmental monitoring programmes. In this monitoring programme about 200 samples were analysed between 1993–1994. 27 different pesticides were detected in 91 of these samples. The pesticides more frequently detected were dimethoate, methidathion, endosulfan A and B, endosulfan sulphate and pirimicarb. The highest concentrations found were 39.9 g L^–1 of dimethoate, 10.6 of pirimicarb and 10.6 of methidathion.     

Assessment of heavy metals,fungicide quintozene and its hazardous impurity residues in medical Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H.Chen root

A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction approach and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with programmed temperature vaporization sampling technology were used to determine fungicide quintozene and its hazardous impurity hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in Panax notoginseng root, which is commonly used as a rare traditional Chinese medicine worldwide. The mean recoveries were in the ranges of 94–125 and 84–119% for quintozene and HCB with relative standard deviations of 6.2–16.1% at three concentrations: 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg kg^?1. Heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, copper and lead were simultaneously detected by an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry approach after digestion with nitric acid. The above methods were used to analyze 50 samples of P. notoginseng roots collected at markets and planting bases from the special local producing areas, namely, Honghe, Kunming and Wenshan in Yunnan province, China. Quintozene and HCB in root samples were determined at <0.0015–1.50 and <0.0015–0.125 mg kg^?1. In the 50 samples, 28, 16, 56, 6 and 2% exceeded the maximum permissible levels in medicinal plants (WM/T2‐2004) for quintozene, arsenic, cadmium, lead and copper. [Correction added on 28 January 2019, after first online publication: the percentages in the preceding sentence have been corrected]. The results showed that the method is robust and suitable for measuring quintozene, its hazardous impurity and heavy metals in P. notoginseng roots.     

Pine Needles (Pinus Sylvestris) as a Bioindicator of Sulphur and Heavy Metal Deposition in the Area Around a Pulp and Paper Mill Complex at Kemi,Northern Finland

Abstract

The determination of sulphur and heavy metals in plants is an integral part of many environmental studies. Pine needles (Pinus Sylvestris) have proved to be suitable air quality indicators for pollutants, especially for sulphur. This study was carried out in the vicinity of Kemi, a town situated on the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Finland. An industrial complex comprising two pulp and paper mills is located in the centre of the area. Scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris) needles were collected from 29 sampling sites. The samples were dried, homogenized and digested with nitric acid. The concentrations of the elements S, Fe, Zn, Ca, V, and Pb were determined by ICP-AES. According to our results pine needles (Pinus sylvestris) appear to be an ideal bioindicator and sampling material for identifying and assessing atmospheric sulphur pollution derived from pulp and paper mills and can complement the information provided by plant mapping studies around pulp and paper mills.