Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Minerals Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 6668

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yinxian Song

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Land Resource Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan Province, China
Interests: geochemical models; soil minerals; source apportionment; bioaccessiblility; health risk assessment; minerals weathering; speciation of heavy metals

Dr. Yubo Wen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Geographical Science, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
Interests: geochemical background; source identification; migration and transformation; bioavailability

Prof. Dr. Ming Ma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
Interests: heavy metals; plant restoration; migration and transformation; pollution remediation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil and water are among the most important and critical components in the critical zone, determining biodiversity and human life, which are influenced by natural and anthropogenic processes. Heavy metal (HM) pollution in soil and water ecosystem was first recognized in the 1960s. As the main inorganic pollutant, HMs are easily immobilized in soil by different components, such as organic matter, clay minerals and iron oxides, making their removal rather difficult. However, some fractions of HMs could be transported into other environmental media, food chain and human body by water. Due to differences in the initial status of natural weathering and anthropogenic pollution in soil and water ecosystems, it is challenging to clearly identify the sources, speciation changes and geochemical behaviors of HMs.

Rare earth elements (REEs) usually penetrate into soil and water under the cover of HMs. In addition to high-tech manufacturing sectors and waste dumping, rock weathering or metallurgical process also cause HM and REE pollution. Similar to HMs, REEs can be activated in soil and water, thereby altering different conditions such as temperature, pH, and redox changes. Moreover, REEs could have specific characteristics under natural redox condition changes and absorption fractionation by minerals, and during municipal and mining waste discharge. Therefore, their synergic response to pollution sources and geochemical processes in soil and water could provide new insights into inorganic pollution and environmental loads in soil and water.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions related to HM and REE distribution and speciation, pollution monitoring, source identification, health risk assessment, management and mitigations, aimed at preventing HM and REE pollution in water and soil.

Dr. Yinxian Song
Dr. Yubo Wen
Prof. Dr. Ming Ma
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

HM and REE pollution
soil and water ecosystem
health risk assessment
environmental loads
speciation distribution
modelling of pollutant transportation
geochemical background
weathering and soil-water interaction
municipal and mining waste
remediation technique

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 3749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Source Analysis and Bioavailability of Soil Cadmium in Poyang Lake Plain of China Based on Principal Component Analysis and Positive Definite Matrix Factor

by Bangyong Wen, Hongyu Jiang, Yuan Gao, Qiangqiang Zhou and Haiman Qie

Minerals 2024, 14(5), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050514 - 15 May 2024

Viewed by 131

Abstract

In order to identify the source and bioavailability of soil Cd in the alluvial geological high background area, 3799 topsoil samples and 140 root soil samples were collected from the Jiulong area on the south bank of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province. The results confidently indicate that the range of topsoil Cd content is 0.02~8.12 ppm, with an exceedance rate of 14.6%. It is noteworthy that exceedance points were mostly distributed in quaternary sediments. The geostatistical analysis clearly shows that the spatial distribution characteristic of topsoil Cd is higher in the north and lower in the south. The area with extremely high values (>90% quantile) is predominantly located in the tidal flat and low-lying areas of the mainstream of the Xinjiang River. The PCA analysis confirms that the main source of topsoil Cd is man-made activities related to industry and mining. Soil Cd is primarily derived from upstream industrial and mining discharge (58.5%), as revealed by the PMF model analysis. The active Cd content in root soil is 77 ppb, with higher levels observed in the north and lower levels in the south. These findings suggest a significant risk of Cd diffusion along the upstream stream and deposition in the low-lying parts of the north. It is worth noting that Cd’s bioavailability and active forms in paddy fields are the highest, which can have a detrimental effect on food security. The correlation analysis suggests that genetic sources primarily control the bioavailability of soil Cd, followed by soil physicochemical properties such as SOC, Fe-Al oxides, and soil texture. Preventing source pollution and cutting off water system transmission are effective methods for preventing and controlling soil Cd pollution. These methods ensure the safety of cultivated land in the lakeside area of Poyang Lake Plain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Source and Migration Pathways of Heavy Metals in Soils from an Iron Mine in Baotou City, China

by Changyu Wang, Danhong Xu, Yongli Li, Wenhui Zhou, Peng Bian and Siyuan Zhang

Minerals 2024, 14(5), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050506 - 12 May 2024

Viewed by 380

Abstract

The exploitation of iron ore could cause heavy metals pollution in the soils, which threatens the ecosystem and human health. In this study, soil, stream sediment, tailings, rock, and atmospheric deposition samples were collected from an iron mine in Baotou City. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, Al₂O₃, CaO, K₂O, MgO, Na₂O, SiO₂, and Fe₂O₃, as well as the mineral composition and heavy metal speciation of the samples, were analyzed for pollution assessment and source identification of heavy metals. The results reveal that the concentration of Cu in the soils was significantly higher than the background value, and an unpolluted to moderately polluted state was the main pollution level. By analyzing the relationship between Cu/Al₂O₃ and CaO in different samples, as well as the characteristics of the chemical index of alteration (CIA), mineral composition, and the chemical speciation of Cu in soils and profiles, the results suggest that tailings were the source of Cu pollution in soils. The distribution characteristics of Cu and CaO in stream sediments indicated that hydraulic transport may be one of the main migration pathways. In addition, wind transport may also be a pathway of migration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influencing Factors, Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Purple Soil in the Eastern Region of Guang’an City, Sichuan Province, China

by Yuxiang Shao, Wenbin Chen, Jian Li, Buqing Yan, Haiyun He and Yunshan Zhang

Minerals 2024, 14(5), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050495 - 7 May 2024

Viewed by 385

Abstract

Soil heavy metal contamination poses a significant threat to both environmental health and ecological safety. To investigate the influencing factors, ecological hazards, and sources analysis of heavy metals in purple soil, 27 sets of soil samples were collected from varying genetic horizons within Guang’an City, and the contents of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn were analyzed. The results indicated higher concentrations of heavy metals in soil A horizon, compared to that of C horizon. The relevance analysis indicated that the soil’s heavy metals were strongly correlated with the soil’s physicochemical properties. The enrichment factor, pollution load index, and potential risk index highlighted slightly to severely polluted levels of soil Cd and Hg, which significantly contribute to the ecological hazards posed by soil heavy metals. The potential source of heavy metals analyzed using the APCS-MLR model identified both anthropogenic inputs and natural sources as primary contributors to heavy metal presence in soils. The Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents in the samples from different genetic horizons were chiefly influenced by natural sources, such as soil matrix erosion and weathering, while the concentrations of Cd and Hg were largely affected by anthropogenic activities, specifically coal combustion and agriculture. Conversely, the As content was found to be influenced by a combination of both factors. Anthropogenic activities greatly impacted soil heavy metals at various depths within the study area, thereby underscoring the importance of monitoring these heavy metals. The findings gained from this research can give a scientific basis for the potential utilization of purple soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potentially Harmful Elements (As, Sb, Cd, Pb) in Soil Polluted by Historical Smelting Operation in the Upper Silesian Area (Southern Poland)

by Weronika Nadłonek, Jerzy Cabała and Krzysztof Szopa

Minerals 2024, 14(5), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050475 - 29 Apr 2024

Viewed by 388

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the concentration and possibility of migration of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in soils and mining and metallurgical waste in the Silesian-Cracow region. Our research was carried out in selected locations of Ruda Śląska, Świętochłowice, Bytom, and in the Olkusz region (Bukowno) in southern Poland. The concentrations of metals (e.g., Ag, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn), metalloids (As, Sb), and sulphur were determined in 33 soil samples (with a depth range of 0.0–0.3 m) and 12 slag samples. These studies show an increased concentration of metals, metalloids, and sulphur, exceeding the level of regional geochemical background. The research results indicate that the degree of the chemical transformation of soils in the analysed regions of Ruda Śląska, Bytom, and Bukowno is advanced. This highlights the high concentrations of most metals, i.e., arsenic, antimony, and sulphur, in the surface layer of soils (topsoil) due to historic Zn-Pb ore mining and Zn and Fe metallurgy. The presence of both primary and secondary metal sulphides, sulphates, carbonates, oxides/hydroxides, silicates, and aluminosilicates was found in the mineral composition of soils and slags. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 4349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enrichment Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in a Farmland System with High Geochemical Background in the Black Shale Region of Zhejiang, China

by Chao Wu, Binbin Sun, Mi Tian, Xiaomeng Cheng, Dong Liu and Yining Zhou

Minerals 2024, 14(4), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040375 - 2 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 731

Abstract

Soils derived from black shale enriched in heavy metals pose risks to the environment and human health. Eighty sets of soil–rice samples were collected in northwest Zhejiang, China. The results showed significant enrichment of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the studied soil. Sequential extraction data indicated that Cd had relatively high bioavailability. Thirty-four percent of the rice samples exceeded the heavy metal pollution thresholds of national food safety standards. A comprehensive evaluation of soil heavy metals using the potential ecological risk index (RI) revealed low-to-moderate-grade risk. Risk assessment code (RAC) levels decreased as follows: Cd > Ni > Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > As > Hg. The RAC of Cd was high and very high risk, whereas those of others were no or low risk. Cd was the major contributor to the environmental risk based on the total heavy metal concentration, toxicity, and chemical fractions. The health risk to the local populace was assessed using the method recommended by the USEPA. Local people may experience both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, and children face greater health risks than adults. As, Cd, and Pb are the most significant contributors to non-carcinogenic health risks, and Cd is the main carcinogenic risk. In conclusion, special attention should be given to heavy metal pollution in black shale-derived soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 8426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Source Analysis and Contribution Estimation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Agricultural Soils in an Industrial Town in the Yangtze River Delta, China

by Chao Qi, Mingzuan Xu, Jiandong Liu, Chuang Li, Binbin Yang, Zhipeng Jin, Shengyue Liang and Bingyue Guo

Minerals 2024, 14(3), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030279 - 7 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 934

Abstract

Farmland soil quality is a crucial determinant for agricultural productivity, food safety, and human well-being. Among the various contaminants, heavy metals have emerged as pervasive factors significantly impacting farmland quality, attracting widespread societal concern. In this study, we systematically applied multivariate statistical analysis, geostatistical methods, and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) source apportionment technique to elucidate the sources and contributions of eight heavy metals (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni) in farmland soils within an industrialized town. Our findings reveal that Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn exhibit pollution or enrichment in farmland soils compared to natural background levels, with Hg and Cd surpassing 164.3% and 50.2%, respectively. Notably, Zn demonstrates discernible point-source pollution. Source apportionment results highlight industrial point sources, coal combustion, and agriculture as the primary anthropogenic contributors to heavy metal contamination, with zinc-plating enterprises being the predominant industrial point sources. Addressing the specific issue of point-source pollution from Zn in industrial activities, further analysis establishes a correlation between soil Zn content and the distance from zinc-plating enterprises. Utilizing an atmospheric transport model, we observe that the impact of industrial activities on soil Zn is limited when the distance exceeds 1.5 km, emphasizing the importance of monitoring Zn pollution within areas less than 1.5 km. This study pioneers a progressive source apportionment approach, considering the origins of different heavy metals, pollution levels, distance factors, and the cost-effectiveness of environmental measures. The insights gained provide scientifically sound strategies for future decision making in environmental protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid) Pollution and Human Health Risks Associated with a Mineral (Zn, Cu, and Sn Ores) Processing Plant in Yunnan, Southwest China

by Wenping Luo, Yan Zhang, Pingtang Wei and Chengshuai Sun

Minerals 2024, 14(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030253 - 28 Feb 2024

Viewed by 772

Abstract

Understanding the contamination and sources of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) at historical sites is vital for safeguarding human health and the ecological environment. This study focused on As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in the residual soil, groundwater, and surface water around a mineral processing plant. The sources of these elements and the human health risks posed by them were evaluated using various indexes. Soil HM concentrations exceeded background values for Yunnan Province, ranked as As > Pb > Cd > Cu > Hg > Ni. The river water met China’s Class II waterbody standard; however, Cd, Cu, Pb, and pH exceeded the maximum permissible sewage discharge concentrations in the accumulated water. The groundwater showed severe HM pollution, meeting China’s Class III water quality standard. The average value of the Nemerow pollution index was consistent with that of the single-factor pollution index in the following order: As > Pb > Cd > Ni > Cu > Hg. Children face heightened risk through the oral ingestion of As, Cd, and Pb, particularly in high-value sampling points in the residue deposit area. The main sources of these pollutants are anthropogenic activities and the soil formation matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of a Tropical Mangrove Wetlands in Hainan, China, and Their Biological Effectiveness

by Gucheng Zhang, Shenghong Chen, Ruiling Long, Bo Ma, Yu Chang and Changping Mao

Minerals 2023, 13(12), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13121476 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 829

Abstract

The distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments were studied through the systematic collection and analysis of mangrove wetland sediments in Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan. The main insights obtained were as follows: (1) The distribution characteristics and influencing factors of heavy metals in wetland sediments were analyzed by using the inverse-distance weight interpolation method. In terms of spatial distribution, the contents of heavy metals As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, and Zn in the western part of the wetland were significantly higher than in the eastern part. The contents of heavy metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Ti near the anthropogenic area were significantly higher than at other points. (2) The pollution sources and ecological risks of heavy metals in wetland sediments were explored by using correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and potential ecological risk index analysis. The results showed that As, Ba, Pb, and Sr mainly originated from natural processes; Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Ti, and Zn mainly originated from industry; and agricultural heavy metals mainly originated from Cd and Hg. The ecological risk analysis showed that there were obvious ecological risks of heavy metals in the western and southeastern corners of the wetland, which were both located in the vicinity of land far away from the coastline and near the human activities, and featured mangrove forests with dense vegetation characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1020 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on the Removal of Heavy Metals from Water by Phosphorus-Enriched Biochar

by Yang Zeng, Yuhan Lin, Ming Ma and Hong Chen

Minerals 2024, 14(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14010061 - 4 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1333

Abstract

In recent years, the utilization of phosphorus-enriched biochar (PBC) has attracted significant attention due to its exceptional stability and surface reactivity. This review systematically summarizes the advancements in research related to the application of PBC as an adsorbent for remediating water contaminated with heavy metals. Initially, the precursors utilized in the production of PBC, encompassing biomass and phosphorus sources, are introduced. Subsequently, the distinct physicochemical properties and adsorption characteristics resulting from phosphorus doping on the biochar surface through various carbonization processes and parameters are elucidated. Additionally, the diverse adsorption mechanisms employed by PBC in removing heavy metals from water are analyzed. Lastly, future research prospects and associated challenges concerning PBC are presented. This paper aims to furnish comprehensive background information for the practical implementation of PBC in the purification of heavy metal-contaminated water environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Rare Earth Element Pollution in Soil and Water: Sources, Geochemical Behaviors and Ecological Effects)

► Show Figures