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3 pages, 182 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue “Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment”

by Ana Romero-Freire and Hao Qiu

Minerals 2022, 12(3), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12030338 - 9 Mar 2022

Viewed by 1829

Abstract

Certain elements are essential to the growth and health of living organisms with specific biochemical functions in their metabolic processes [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Authigenic Minerals of the Derbent and South Caspian Basins (Caspian Sea): Features of Forms, Distribution and Genesis under Conditions of Hydrogen Sulfide Contamination

by Nina Kozina, Liudmila Reykhard and Olga Dara

Minerals 2022, 12(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12010087 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2297

Abstract

This paper presents the results of complex lithological, mineralogical, and geochemical studies of bottom sediments of deep-water basins of the Caspian Sea (Derbent and South Caspian Basins) in areas contaminated by hydrogen sulfide. In the course of complex studies, numerous manifestations of authigenic [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of complex lithological, mineralogical, and geochemical studies of bottom sediments of deep-water basins of the Caspian Sea (Derbent and South Caspian Basins) in areas contaminated by hydrogen sulfide. In the course of complex studies, numerous manifestations of authigenic mineral formation associated with the stage of early diagenesis have been established. Authigenic minerals belonging to the groups of sulfates (gypsum, barite), chlorides (halite), carbonates (calcite, low Mg-calcite; kutnohorite), and sulfides (framboidal pyrite), as well as their forms and composition, have been identified by a complex of analytical methods (X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS); atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS); coulometric titration (CT)); the nature of their distribution in bottom sediments has been assessed. Carbonates and sulfates are predominant authigenic minerals in the deep-water basins of the Caspian Sea. As a part of the study, differences have been established in the composition and distribution of associations of authigenic minerals in the bottom sediments in the deep-water basins. These are mineral associations characteristic of the uppermost part of the sediments (interval 0–3 cm) and underlying sediments. In the Derbent Basin, in sediments of the interval 3–46 cm, an authigenic association is formed from gypsum, calcite, magnesian calcite, siderite, and framboidal pyrite. An association of such authigenic minerals as gypsum and calcite is formed in sediments of the 0–3 cm interval. In the South Caspian Basin, in sediments of the interval 3–35 cm, an association of such authigenic minerals as gypsum, halite, calcite, magnesian calcite, and framboidal pyrite is formed. The association of such authigenic minerals as gypsum, halite, calcite, magnesian calcite, kutnohorite, and framboidal pyrite is characteristic of sediments of the 0–3 cm interval. We consider the aridity of the climate in the South Caspian region to be the main factor that determines the appearance of such differences in the uppermost layer of sediments of the basins. Judging by the change in the composition of authigenic associations, the aridity of the South Caspian increased sharply by the time of the accumulation of the upper layer of sediments (interval 0–3 cm). Taking into account lithological, mineralogical and geochemical data, the features of the processes of authigenic mineral formation in the deep-water basins of the Caspian Sea under conditions of hydrogen sulfide contamination have been determined. Analysis of the results obtained and published data on the conditions of sedimentation in the Caspian Sea showed that hydrogen sulfide contamination recorded in the bottom layer of the water column of the deep-water basins of the Caspian Sea may affect the formation of authigenic sulfides (framboidal pyrite), sulfates (gypsum), and carbonates (calcite and kutnohorite) associated with the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria in reducing conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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12 pages, 2627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elemental Concentrations of Major and Trace Elements in the Spring Waters of the Arctic Region of Russia

by Andrey I. Novikov, Anna A. Shirokaya and Marina V. Slukovskaya

Minerals 2022, 12(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12010008 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4035

Abstract

The Arctic region of Russia is rich with natural water resources. Some residents of this area prefer to use water from spring sources instead of tap water. However, the elemental composition for most of the springs is unknown, making it very important to [...] Read more.

The Arctic region of Russia is rich with natural water resources. Some residents of this area prefer to use water from spring sources instead of tap water. However, the elemental composition for most of the springs is unknown, making it very important to regularly update water quality data. In this paper, the chemical composition of 24 natural springs near large cities of the Murmansk region were identified via titration, potentiometry, and mass spectrometry analysis with the low detection limits. The concentrations of a considerable number of micro-components have been determined for the first time. Concentrations of some hazardous pollutants have been found in spring water that exceed Russian hygienic limits by 2.5 times. In terms of chemical indicators, it was shown that in accordance with European and national water standards, only half of the tested natural water sources in the Murmansk region can be used for drinking water. The preferential spring was recommended near each major city in the region according to a set of chemical parameters. The results of chemical composition of the spring waters were disseminated publicly by placing the tags with QR codes with the link to the cloud storage near each studied spring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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14 pages, 3638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reactive, Sparingly Soluble Calcined Magnesia, Tailor-Made as the Reactive Material for Heavy Metal Removal from Contaminated Groundwater Using Permeable Reactive Barrier

by Alena Fedoročková, Pavel Raschman, Gabriel Sučik, Mária Švandová and Agnesa Doráková

Minerals 2021, 11(11), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11111153 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2235

Abstract

A laboratory method was designed and verified that allows for the testing of alkaline, magnesite-based reactive materials for permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remove heavy metals from contaminated groundwater. It was found that caustic calcined magnesia (CCM) with high reactivity and low solubility [...] Read more.

A laboratory method was designed and verified that allows for the testing of alkaline, magnesite-based reactive materials for permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to remove heavy metals from contaminated groundwater. It was found that caustic calcined magnesia (CCM) with high reactivity and low solubility to remove Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Mn²⁺ cations from mixed aqueous solutions can be prepared by calcination at a suitable temperature and residence time. Regarding the solubility of both the reactive material itself and the precipitates formed, the CCM should contain just a limited content of lime. One way is the calcination of a ferroan magnesite at temperatures above 1000 °C. However, the decrease in pH is accompanied by lower efficiency, attributed to the solid-phase reactions of free lime. A different way is the calcination of magnesite under the conditions when CaCO₃ is not thermally decomposed. The virtually complete removal of the heavy metals from the model solution was achieved using the CCM characterised by the fraction of carbonates decomposed of approximately 80% and with the highest specific surface area. CCM calcined at higher temperatures could also be used, but this would be associated with higher consumption of crude magnesite. Under the conditions considered in the present work, the product obtained by the calcination at 750 °C for 3 h appeared to be optimal. The full heavy metal removal was observed in this case using less magnesite, and, moreover, at a lower temperature (resulting, therefore, in a lower consumption of energy for the calcination and material handling). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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18 pages, 4444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sequential Extraction and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in River Sediments

by Dithobolong L. Matabane, Taddese W. Godeto, Richard M. Mampa and Abayneh A. Ambushe

Minerals 2021, 11(8), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11080874 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3750

Abstract

In this study, the sequential extraction method was applied to extract selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in river sediments collected from the Blood River situated in Seshego area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study aimed [...] Read more.

In this study, the sequential extraction method was applied to extract selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in river sediments collected from the Blood River situated in Seshego area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study aimed to assess a possible trend of mobilisation of these elements from sediment to water. The accuracy of the sequential extraction method was confirmed by analysing sediment-certified reference material, and quantitative percentage recoveries ranging from 86 to 119%, 81 to 111% and 77 to 119% were achieved for exchangeable, reducible and oxidisable fractions, respectively. The potential risk of the PTEs in sediments was evaluated. The calculated values of contamination factor (CF) as well as risk assessment code (RAC) for Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb revealed the mobility of these elements. The PTEs in river sediments are at a high toxicity-risk level and could therefore cause a threat to organisms dwelling in sediments and humans via consumption of crops irrigated with the polluted river water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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21 pages, 4049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concentrations of Major and Trace Elements within the Snowpack of Tyumen, Russia

by Dmitriy Moskovchenko, Roman Pozhitkov, Aleksandr Zakharchenko and Aleksandr Tigeev

Minerals 2021, 11(7), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070709 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2806

Abstract

A study on the composition of snow allowed for a quantitative determination of pollutants deposited from the atmosphere. Concentrations of dissolved (<0.45 μm) and particulate fractions of 62 chemical elements were determined by ICP–MS and ICP–AES in 41 samples of snow from Tyumen [...] Read more.

A study on the composition of snow allowed for a quantitative determination of pollutants deposited from the atmosphere. Concentrations of dissolved (<0.45 μm) and particulate fractions of 62 chemical elements were determined by ICP–MS and ICP–AES in 41 samples of snow from Tyumen (Russia). The background sites were characterized by a predominance of the dissolved phase of elements, except for Al, Sn, Cr, Co and Zr. The increased concentrations of dissolved Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, As and Mo can be explained by a long-range atmospheric transport from the sources located in the Urals. The urban sites showed multiple increases in particulate depositions and a predominance of the particulate phase, with a high degree of enrichment in many heavy metals. Sources of trace elements were determined according to the enrichment factor (EF). Highly enriched elements (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ag, Mo, As, Zn and Cu) with an EF > 100 were emitted from anthropogenic sources. According to the potential ecological risk index (RI), the worst ecological conditions were identified in Tyumen’s historical center, industrial zone and along roads with the heaviest traffic. The data obtained in the present study allowed us to identify the most polluted parts of the city, which are located in the center and along the roads with the most intensive traffic. This research could offer a reference for the atmospheric pollution prevention and control in Tyumen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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22 pages, 5764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Complex Soil Ecological Approach in a Sustainable Urban Environment: Soil Properties and Soil Biological Quality

by Adrienn Horváth, Péter Csáki, Renáta Szita, Péter Kalicz, Zoltán Gribovszki, András Bidló, Bernadett Bolodár-Varga, Pál Balázs and Dániel Winkler

Minerals 2021, 11(7), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070704 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2683

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to monitor actual contamination levels and execute a comparative assessment of results in a mid-sized Hungarian city for two different years. The first citywide soil investigations were completed in 2011. In 2018, the most prominent [...] Read more.

The main purpose of the present study was to monitor actual contamination levels and execute a comparative assessment of results in a mid-sized Hungarian city for two different years. The first citywide soil investigations were completed in 2011. In 2018, the most prominent properties (pH, CaCO₃, texture, and trace metals Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were reanalyzed and were supplemented with mesofauna on selected sites. The available trace metal elements of urban soils showed the following tendency in 2011: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Cr = Ni = Co. In 2018, the previous order changed to Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd = Ni = Co. Cd and Pb enrichments were found, especially near the M7 motorway. The comparison between 2011 and 2018 revealed soil contamination was, on average, higher in 2011. Soil microarthropod communities were sampled and assessed using abundance data and diversity measurements. Soil biological quality was evaluated with the help of the Soil Biological Quality (QBS-ar) index. Acari and Collembola appeared to be the most abundant, ubiquitous taxa in the samples. Simultaneously, important groups like Symphyla, Protura, and Chilopoda were completely absent from the most polluted sites. For the most part, lower taxa richness, diversity, and QBS-ar index were observed with higher available Cu Zn, and Pb concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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16 pages, 1629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Risk Assessment of Cadmium in Karst Lake Sediments Based on Daphnia pulex Ecotoxicology

by Faustino Dinis, Hongyan Liu, Qingdong Liu, Xuewen Wang and Meng Xu

Minerals 2021, 11(6), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11060650 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3290

Abstract

The background value of cadmium (Cd) in soil and water sediments in the karst area is 0.31 mg kg⁻¹, with a typical high background of cadmium geochemistry. It is well-known that Cd is classified as a highly toxic metal. Therefore, at [...] Read more.

The background value of cadmium (Cd) in soil and water sediments in the karst area is 0.31 mg kg⁻¹, with a typical high background of cadmium geochemistry. It is well-known that Cd is classified as a highly toxic metal. Therefore, at the Yelang reservoir in Guizhou province, eco-toxicological tests were carried out using Daphnia pulex. The Geo-Accumulation Index and Potential Ecological Risk Index were used to assess the environmental risk of Cd in sediments. The Cd contents in the sediments of Yelang reservoir ranged from 2.51 to 5.23 mg kg⁻¹, while the LC₅₀ values of the acute toxicity test of Daphnia pulex and Cd at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were 1.17, 0.50, 0.24, and 0.12 mg L⁻¹, respectively, giving a Safe Concentration threshold of Cd of 1.20 × 10⁻³ mg L⁻¹ in the water body. Based on curve fitting the solid–liquid two-phase distribution model of cadmium in Yelang reservoir was Y = 7.59 × 10⁻⁹ × X^2.58 (R² = 0.9995). The safety threshold sediment Cd concentration was 103 mg kg⁻¹, and was much higher than the Cd content in the sediment of the Yelang reservoir. The Geo-Accumulation Index (I_geo 2.432–3.491) results show that the sediments had reached medium-strong or strong risk levels. The Potential Ecological Risk Index (

E_{r}^{i}

242.8–505.9) reached a very high or extremely high-risk level. However, due to high concentrations of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, and the pH being in the neutral–alkaline range of water body in karst areas, the Daphnia ecotoxicology evaluation method showed slight ecological risk, quite different from other assessment results, thus this method could be considered to use in such areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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22 pages, 11409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehending the Causes of Presence of Copper and Common Heavy Metals in Sediments of Irrigation Canals in Taiwan

by Shih-Han Huang, Tien-Chin Chang, Hui-Chen Chien, Zih-Sin Wang, Yen-Chen Chang, Ying-Lin Wang and Hsing-Cheng Hsi

Minerals 2021, 11(4), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11040416 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3480

Abstract

In 2019, Taiwan completed its first thorough heavy metal investigation of irrigation canal sediments by this study with the support of Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Box-and-whisker plots were used to analyze the sediment distribution and to define metal concentrations. Possible metal pollution sources, [...] Read more.

In 2019, Taiwan completed its first thorough heavy metal investigation of irrigation canal sediments by this study with the support of Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Box-and-whisker plots were used to analyze the sediment distribution and to define metal concentrations. Possible metal pollution sources, the polluted agricultural land, irrigation area, and water sources were also evaluated using spatial analysis to understand the possible causes of sediment pollution. Results showed that the main heavy metal in agricultural land was Cu, found in 77% of contaminated agricultural land sites. Most sites with Cu pollution in sediments were in Taoyuan City and Changhua County. The heavy metals present in the sediment pollution sites in Taoyuan were consistent with those of possible pollution sources upstream, namely, Cr, Cu, and Pb. The main heavy metals in sediment pollution sites in Changhua were Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, whereas those for the polluted agricultural land sites were Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn, without Pb. The main irrigation water sources in Changhua include drainages and rivers, with some receiving most wastewater pollution mass of release of Changhua, and functions as an irrigation water source with a high release mass in Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. These findings indicate that the sites of sediment pollution, sites of polluted agricultural land, and the sources of pollution share corresponding heavy metal characteristics. Therefore, in Changhua, the sediments were polluted mainly because (1) the irrigation canals received the highest masses of pollutant releases into drainage wastewater of the county; and (2) the return flow from irrigation and the illegal discharge of wastewater. The preliminary assessment results for sediment pollution in Taoyuan also suggest that the main causes may be irrigation by polluted rivers or drainages and return flows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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18 pages, 1322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Describing Phosphorus Sorption Processes on Volcanic Soil in the Presence of Copper or Silver Engineered Nanoparticles

by Jonathan Suazo-Hernández, Erwin Klumpp, Nicolás Arancibia-Miranda, Patricia Poblete-Grant, Alejandra Jara, Roland Bol and María de La Luz Mora

Minerals 2021, 11(4), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11040373 - 1 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2495

Abstract

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) present in consumer products are being released into the agricultural systems. There is little information about the direct effect of ENPs on phosphorus (P) availability, which is an essential nutrient for crop growth naturally occurring in agricultural soils. The present [...] Read more.

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) present in consumer products are being released into the agricultural systems. There is little information about the direct effect of ENPs on phosphorus (P) availability, which is an essential nutrient for crop growth naturally occurring in agricultural soils. The present study examined the effect of 1, 3, and 5% doses of Cu⁰ or Ag⁰ ENPs stabilized with L-ascorbic acid (suspension pH 2–3) on P ad- and desorption in an agricultural Andisol with total organic matter (T-OM) and with partial removal of organic matter (R-OM) by performing batch experiments. Our results showed that the adsorption kinetics data of H₂PO₄⁻ on T-OM and R-OM soil samples with and without ENPs were adequately described by the pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Elovich models. The adsorption isotherm data of H₂PO₄⁻ from T-OM and R-OM soil samples following ENPs addition were better fitted by the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model. When the Cu⁰ or Ag⁰ ENPs doses were increased, the pH value decreased and H₂PO₄⁻ adsorption increased on T-OM and R-OM. The H₂PO₄⁻ desorption (%) was lower with Cu⁰ ENPs than Ag⁰ ENPs. Overall, the incorporation of ENPs into Andisols generated an increase in P retention, which may affect agricultural crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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19 pages, 1252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Long-Term Application of Sewage Sludge to A Calcareous Soil on Its Total and Bioavailable Content in Trace Elements, and Their Transfer to the Crop

by Armelle Zaragüeta, Alberto Enrique, Iñigo Virto, Rodrigo Antón, Henar Urmeneta and Luis Orcaray

Minerals 2021, 11(4), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11040356 - 30 Mar 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2375

Abstract

Sewage sludge (SS) can be used as an organic amendment in agricultural soils, provided they comply with the relevant legislation. This use can incorporate traces of metals into the soil, which can cause environmental or human health problems. In the study period between [...] Read more.

Sewage sludge (SS) can be used as an organic amendment in agricultural soils, provided they comply with the relevant legislation. This use can incorporate traces of metals into the soil, which can cause environmental or human health problems. In the study period between 1992 and 2018 (26 years), it was observed that the use of SS as an organic fertilizer significantly increased the total concentration of Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Hg of this study between 55.6% (Hg) and 7.0% (Ni). The concentration of Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni and Cd extracted with DTPA, also increased between 122.2% (Zn) and 11.3% (Cd). In contrast, the Mn concentrations extracted with Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA)were 6.5% higher in the treatments without SS. These changes in the soil had an impact on the crop, which showed a significant increase in the concentration of Zn, Cu and Cr in the grain, between 15.0% (Cr) and 4.4% (Cu), and a decrease in the concentration of Mn, Cr and Ni in the barley straw when SS was added to the soil between 32.2% (Mn) and 29.6% (Ni). However, the limits established by current legislation on soil protection and food were not exceeded. This limited transfer to the crop, is likely due to the high content of carbonates and organic matter in the soil, which limit the bioavailability of most of the trace metals (TM) in the soil. As a conclusion, we observe that the use of SS as an organic amendment increased the concentration of some TM in the soil, in its bioavailable forms, and in the crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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14 pages, 5525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pollution Characteristics, Distribution and Ecological Risk of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils from an Abandoned Coal Mine Area in Southwestern China

by Libo Pan, Xiao Guan, Bo Liu, Yanjun Chen, Ying Pei, Jun Pan, Yi Zhang and Zhenzhen Hao

Minerals 2021, 11(3), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11030330 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3570

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned coal mines can lead to serious environmental problems due to its low pH and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements. In this study, soil pH, sulfur (S) content, and arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), [...] Read more.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned coal mines can lead to serious environmental problems due to its low pH and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements. In this study, soil pH, sulfur (S) content, and arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in 27 surface soil samples from areas in which coal-mining activities ceased nine years previously in Youyu Catchment, Guizhou Province, China. The soil was acidic, with a mean pH of 5.28. Cadmium was the only element with a mean concentration higher than the national soil quality standard. As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Fe concentrations were all higher than the background values in Guizhou Province. This was especially true for the Cd, Cu, and Fe concentrations, which were 1.69, 1.95, and 12.18 times their respective background values. The geoaccumulation index of Cd and Fe was present at unpolluted to moderately polluted and heavily polluted levels, respectively, indicating higher pollution levels than for the other elements in the study area. Spatially, significantly high Fe and S concentrations, as well as extremely low pH values, were found in the soils of the AMD sites; however, sites where tributaries merged with the Youyu River (TM) had the highest Cd pollution level. Iron originated mainly from non-point sources (e.g., AMD and coal gangues), while AMD and agricultural activity were the predominant sources of Cd. The results of an eco-risk assessment indicated that Cd levels presented a moderate potential ecological risk, while the other elements all posed a low risk. For the TM sites, the highest eco-risk was for Cd, with levels that could be harmful for aquatic organisms in the wet season, and may endanger human health via the food chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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20 pages, 5897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Spatial Variability of River Bottom Sediment Pollution with Heavy Metals and Assessment of Potential Ecological Hazard for the Warta River, Poland

by Joanna Jaskuła, Mariusz Sojka, Michał Fiedler and Rafał Wróżyński

Minerals 2021, 11(3), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11030327 - 21 Mar 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5589

Abstract

Pollution of river bottom sediments with heavy metals (HMs) has emerged as a main environmental issue related to intensive anthropopressure on the water environment. In this context, the risk of harmful effects of the HMs presence in the bottom sediments of the Warta [...] Read more.

Pollution of river bottom sediments with heavy metals (HMs) has emerged as a main environmental issue related to intensive anthropopressure on the water environment. In this context, the risk of harmful effects of the HMs presence in the bottom sediments of the Warta River, the third longest river in Poland, has been assessed. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the river bottom sediments collected at 24 sample collection stations along the whole river length have been measured and analyzed. Moreover, in the GIS environment, a method predicting variation of HMs concentrations along the whole river length, not at particular sites, has been proposed. Analysis of the Warta River bottom sediment pollution with heavy metals in terms of the indices: the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Metal Pollution Index (MPI), has proved that, in 2016, the pollution was heavier than in 2017. Assessment of the potential toxic effects of HMs accumulated in bottom sediments, made on the basis of Threshold Effect Concentration (TEC), Midpoint Effect Concentration (MEC), and Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) values, and the Toxic Risk Index (TRI), has shown that the ecological hazard in 2017 was much lower. Cluster analysis revealed two main groups of sample collection stations at which bottom sediments showed similar chemical properties. Changes in classification of particular sample collection stations into the two groups analyzed over a period of two subsequent years indicated that the main impact on the concentrations of HMs could have their point sources in urbanized areas and river fluvial process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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21 pages, 5462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural and Anthropogenic Origin of Metals in Lacustrine Sediments; Assessment and Consequences—A Case Study of Wigry Lake (Poland)

by Anna Kostka and Andrzej Leśniak

Minerals 2021, 11(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11020158 - 3 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5846

Abstract

The contamination of aquatic sediments by metals is a worldwide phenomenon and its assessment is a fairly complex issue, as numerous factors affect the distribution of particular contaminants in the environment, as well as their bioavailability. Wigry Lake, as the object of this [...] Read more.

The contamination of aquatic sediments by metals is a worldwide phenomenon and its assessment is a fairly complex issue, as numerous factors affect the distribution of particular contaminants in the environment, as well as their bioavailability. Wigry Lake, as the object of this study, is almost a perfect water body for such considerations. It has been well investigated and densely sampled (up to 459 sediment samples). The quantities of seven metals were determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS methods, following previous extraction in a microwave oven. The levels of concentration of the examined elements were as follows (min–max (mg·kg⁻¹)): Cd—0.003–3.060; Cr—0.20–22.61; Cu—0.02–59.70; Fe—80–32,857; Mn—18–1698; Pb—7.0–107.5; Zn—3.1–632.1. Significant differences were also registered in terms of particular metal concentrations in different sediment types found at the lake bottom. Five different geochemical backgrounds and sediment quality guidelines implemented in the study enabled a very scrupulous contamination assessment of the lake sediments’ condition, as well as the evaluation of the natural and anthropogenic contribution to the enrichment of examined sediments in metals. Although Wigry Lake is situated in a pristine region, it is still subject to anthropopressure, which seems to be the lowest in respect to Cr and Mn, while the highest in the case of Pb. The chemoecological state of the lake was ultimately assessed as good. The study highlighted the necessity of an integrated approach to the assessment of contamination or pollution in the course of an environmental research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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10 pages, 513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of a Chemical Washing Method for Treating Soil Enriched with Fluorine Derived from Mica

by Dong-Jun Baek, Ye-Eun Kim, Moon-Young Jung, Hye-On Yoon and Jinsung An

Minerals 2021, 11(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11020134 - 29 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

High levels of fluorine in soil may pose health risks and require remediation. In this study, the feasibility of using a practical chemical washing method for the removal of fluorine from an enriched soil was evaluated. The chemical washing procedures were optimized through [...] Read more.

High levels of fluorine in soil may pose health risks and require remediation. In this study, the feasibility of using a practical chemical washing method for the removal of fluorine from an enriched soil was evaluated. The chemical washing procedures were optimized through experimental analyses of various washing solutions and washing conditions (i.e., washing solution concentration, solid–liquid ratio, agitation speed, and reaction time). Additionally, the effects of techniques for improving the washing efficiency, such as ultrasonic washing, aeration, and multi-stage washing, were evaluated. Herein, among all applied methodologies, the maximum washing efficiency achieved for the total fluorine present in soil was only 6.2%, which indicated that chemical washing was inefficient in remediating this particular soil. Further sequential extraction analysis showed that the fluorine in this soil was present in a chemically stable form (residual fraction), possibly because of the presence of mica minerals. It was demonstrated that chemical washing may not be effective for remediating soils containing such chemically stable forms of fluorine. In these cases, other physical-based remediation technologies or risk management approaches may be more suitable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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13 pages, 4582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption of p-Arsanilic Acid on Iron (Hydr)oxides and Its Implications for Contamination in Soils

by Yifan Yang, Shiyong Tao, Zhichun Dong, Jing Xu, Xiang Zhang and Guoyan Pan

Minerals 2021, 11(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11020105 - 22 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2089

Abstract

Because of the diversification of industries in developing cities, the phenomenon of the simultaneous contamination of various kinds of pollutants is becoming common, and the environmental process of pollutants in multi-contaminated environmental mediums has attracted attention in recent years. In this study, p [...] Read more.

Because of the diversification of industries in developing cities, the phenomenon of the simultaneous contamination of various kinds of pollutants is becoming common, and the environmental process of pollutants in multi-contaminated environmental mediums has attracted attention in recent years. In this study, p-arsanilic acid (ASA), a kind of organic arsenic feed additive that contains the arsenic group in a chemical structure, is used as a typical contaminant to investigate its adsorption on iron oxides and its implication for contaminated soils. The adsorption kinetics on all solids can be fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model well. At the same mass dosage conditions, the adsorption amount per unit surface area on iron oxides follows the order α-FeOOH > γ-Fe₂O₃ > α-Fe₂O₃, which is significantly higher than that for actual soil, because of the lower content of iron oxides in actual soil. Lower pH conditions favor ASA adsorption, while higher pH conditions inhibit its adsorption as a result of the electrostatic repulsion and weakened hydrophobic interaction. The presence of phosphate also inhibits ASA adsorption because of the competitive effect. Correlations between the amount of ASA adsorption in actual soil and the Fe₂O₃ content, total phosphorus content, arsenic content, and organic matter content of actual soil are also investigated in this work, and a moderate positive correlation (R² = 0.630), strong negative correlation (R² = 0.734), insignificant positive correlation (R² = 0.099), and no correlation (R² = 0.006) are found, respectively. These findings would help evaluate the potential hazard of the usage of organic arsenic feed additives, as well as further the understanding of the geochemical processes of contaminants in complicated mediums. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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14 pages, 1325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing the Negative Technogenic Impact of the Mining Enterprise on the Environment through Management of the Water Balance

by Elena Menshikova, Viacheslav Fetisov, Tatyana Karavaeva, Sergey Blinov, Pavel Belkin and Sergey Vaganov

Minerals 2020, 10(12), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10121145 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3065

Abstract

In terms of anthropogenic impact of mining and processing enterprises, the adjacent territories are contaminated by upstream tailings dams. The contamination is developed by active seepage of liquid waste through the body of the dams. The authors have analyzed water balance at the [...] Read more.

In terms of anthropogenic impact of mining and processing enterprises, the adjacent territories are contaminated by upstream tailings dams. The contamination is developed by active seepage of liquid waste through the body of the dams. The authors have analyzed water balance at the Kachkanar Mining and Processing Plant tailings dump (Russia, Ural Region). The company develops vanadium-containing titanium-magnetite iron ores with low ore (15%). This, along with high productivity, has determined the formation of a large number of tailings and significant amount of wastewater. The purpose of the studies is to substantiate the need to manage the seepage discharge process by means of enclosing dams to ensure environmentally safe operation of the tailings dump. The research objectives included field measurements of seepage volumes, their evaluation by computational methods and analysis of anthropogenic geochemical load on natural waters. The obtained results show an increase in seepage discharge volume from 41.91 million m³ (in 2017) to 81.44 million m³ (in 2026) as the height of the dams increases. These losses will lead to water shortages in the enterprise’s water recycling system. Calculation of pollutants in wastewater with the exception of natural component showed the leading role of technogenic factor in the content of Ti (up to 84%), V (up to 96%), Co (up to 86%) and Mo (up to 93%). Increasing the volume of seepage discharge will lead to an increase in natural water pollution within the area. Ecologically efficient management of the enterprise’s water balance is ensured by the use of tailings thickening technology and implementation of closed water supply systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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17 pages, 2341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Peri-Urban Soil Developed from Ore-Bearing Carbonates: Heavy Metal Levels and Source Apportionment Assessed Using Pollution Indices

by Katarzyna Sutkowska, Leslaw Teper, Tomasz Czech, Tomasz Hulok, Michał Olszak and Jan Zogala

Minerals 2020, 10(12), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10121140 - 19 Dec 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3829

Abstract

Pollution indices are used to assess the influence of the bedrock as a natural source of heavy-metal (HM), and anthropogenic pollution from ore mining in soils developed from ore-bearing carbonates. The research was conducted in two areas differing in geological setting [...] Read more.

Pollution indices are used to assess the influence of the bedrock as a natural source of heavy-metal (HM), and anthropogenic pollution from ore mining in soils developed from ore-bearing carbonates. The research was conducted in two areas differing in geological setting and type of land use in the Upper Silesia Industrial Region, Southern Poland. Physical properties such as pH, total sulfur, total carbon and total organic carbon values, as well as total Zn, Pb, and Cd contents (ICP-OES) for 39 topsoil samples were measured. Contamination factor (C_f), degree of contamination (C_deg), pollution load index (PLI) and geoaccumulation index (I_geo), were used to determine the deterioration of topsoil due to HM pollution. The HM content exceeded geochemical background levels by 2.5–18.1 times. Very high to moderate topsoil contamination was determined. In a shallow historical mining zone, the relative influence of particular HM was found to be in the order of Pb > Cd > Zn and, in a deep mining zone, Zn > Cd > Pb. In the topsoil developed over shallow ore bodies, the HM content was mainly (60%) due to naturally occurring HM. In the area of deeply buried ore bodies, 90% of the HM load was related to anthropogenic sources. Zn, Pb and Cd vertical distributions and the patterns of topsoil pollution differ in terms of types of mined ores, mining methods and times elapsed since mining ceased. Pollution indices are an efficient tool for distinguishing soil anthropogenic pollution and geogenic contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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14 pages, 1780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heavy Metals Content in the Soils of the Tatra National Park Near Lake Morskie Oko and Kasprowy Wierch—A Case Study (Tatra Mts, Central Europe)

by Joanna Korzeniowska and Paweł Krąż

Minerals 2020, 10(12), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10121120 - 13 Dec 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3306

Abstract

This paper presents the content of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soils of the Tatra National Park (TNP). In order to determine the anthropogenic impact on the environment, the following coefficients were calculated: enrichment factors (EF), [...] Read more.

This paper presents the content of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soils of the Tatra National Park (TNP). In order to determine the anthropogenic impact on the environment, the following coefficients were calculated: enrichment factors (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (C_d), and modified degree of contamination (mC_d). It turned out that in the Kasprowy Wierch and Lake Morskie Oko test areas, the content of metals in the soil decreases with the increasing altitude above sea level. In both regions, the highest concentrations of cadmium and lead were found, for which the coefficients indicated significant environmental pollution. These metals, since they persist in the atmosphere for a long time and have a small particle diameter, can be moved over long distances. Long-range emission contributes to environmental contamination on a global scale. Under the influence of such emissions, even protected areas such as the Tatra National Park, considered to be of natural value, are exposed to the effects of human activities (industry in general, automotive industry in particular). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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14 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arsenic Fixation in Polluted Soils by Peat Applications

by Antonio Aguilar-Garrido, Ana Romero-Freire, Minerva García-Carmona, Francisco J. Martín Peinado, Manuel Sierra Aragón and Francisco J. Martínez Garzón

Minerals 2020, 10(11), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10110968 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3278

Abstract

Soil arsenic (As) pollution is still a major concern due to its high toxicity and carcinogenicity, thus, the study of decontamination techniques, as the organic amendment applications, keeps upgrading. This research evaluates the potential remediation of peat in different As-polluted soils, by assessing [...] Read more.

Soil arsenic (As) pollution is still a major concern due to its high toxicity and carcinogenicity, thus, the study of decontamination techniques, as the organic amendment applications, keeps upgrading. This research evaluates the potential remediation of peat in different As-polluted soils, by assessing the decrease of As solubility and its toxicity through bioassays. Obtained reduction in As solubility by peat addition was strongly related to the increase of humic substances, providing colloids that allow the complexation of As compounds. Calcareous soils have been the least effective at buffering As pollution, with higher As concentrations and worse biological response (lower soil respiration and inhibition of lettuce germination). Non-calcareous soils showed lower As concentrations due to the higher iron content, which promotes As fixation. Although in both cases, peat addition improves the biological response, it also showed negative effects, hypothetically due to peat containing toxic polyphenolic compounds, which in the presence of carbonates appears to be concealed. Both peat dose tested (2% and 5%) decreased drastically As mobility; however, for calcareous soils, as there is no phytotoxic effect, the 5% dose is the most recommended; while for non-calcareous soils the efficient peat dose for As decontamination could be lower. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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15 pages, 1929 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Environmental Assessment of Trace Metals in San Simon Bay Sediments (NW Iberian Peninsula)

by A.M. Ramírez-Pérez, M.A. Álvarez-Vázquez, E. De Uña-Álvarez and E. de Blas

Minerals 2020, 10(9), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10090826 - 19 Sep 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3165

Abstract

A gravity core (220 cm depth) was collected to investigate the geochemistry, enrichment, and pollution of trace metals in anoxic sediments from San Simon Bay, an ecosystem of high biological productivity in the northwest of Spain. A five-step sequential extraction procedure was used. [...] Read more.

A gravity core (220 cm depth) was collected to investigate the geochemistry, enrichment, and pollution of trace metals in anoxic sediments from San Simon Bay, an ecosystem of high biological productivity in the northwest of Spain. A five-step sequential extraction procedure was used. The Cu, Pb, and Zn contents decreased with depth, with maximum values in the top layers. Ni and Zn were bound to pyrite fractions, while Cd and Pb were associated with the most mobile fractions. The analyzed metals were associated with the fractions bound to organic matter, mainly with the strongly bound to organic matter fraction. High Cd and Cu values were observed. The fractionation showed a high mobility for Cd (28.3–100%) and Pb (54.0–70.2%). Moreover, the pollution factor and the geoaccumulation index reflected a high contamination for Pb and a moderate contamination for Cu and Zn in the superficial layers, pointing to a possible ecotoxicological risk to organisms in San Simon Bay. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

32 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessReview

Trace Metal Contamination of Bottom Sediments: A Review of Assessment Measures and Geochemical Background Determination Methods

by Nicole Nawrot, Ewa Wojciechowska, Muhammad Mohsin, Suvi Kuittinen, Ari Pappinen and Shahabaldin Rezania

Minerals 2021, 11(8), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11080872 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5337

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of different methods of assessing the trace metal (TM) contamination status of sediments affected by anthropogenic interference. The geochemical background determination methods are also described. A total of 25 papers covering rivers, lakes, and retention tanks sediments in [...] Read more.

This paper provides an overview of different methods of assessing the trace metal (TM) contamination status of sediments affected by anthropogenic interference. The geochemical background determination methods are also described. A total of 25 papers covering rivers, lakes, and retention tanks sediments in areas subjected to anthropogenic pressure from the last three years (2019, 2020, and 2021) were analysed to support our examination of the assessment measures. Geochemical and ecotoxicological classifications are presented that may prove useful for sediment evaluation. Among the geochemical indices, several individual pollution indices (CF, Igeo, EF, Pi (SPI), PT_T), complex pollution indices (PLI, Cdeg, mCdeg, Pi_sum, PI_Avg, PI_aAvg, PIN, PI_Prod, PI_apProd, PI_vectorM, PI_Nemerow, IntPI, MPI), and geochemical classifications are compared. The ecotoxicological assessment includes an overview of Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG) and classifications introduced nationally (as LAWA or modified LAWA). The ecotoxicological indices presented in this review cover individual (ERⁱ) and complex indices (CSI, SPI, RAC, PERI, MERMQ). Biomonitoring of contaminated sites based on plant bioindicators is extensively explored as an indirect method for evaluating pollution sites. The most commonly used indices in the reviewed papers were Igeo, EF, and CF. Many authors referred to ecotoxicological assessment via SQG. Moreover, PERI, which includes the toxic response index, was just as popular. The most recognised bioindicators include the Phragmites and Salix species. Phragmites can be considered for Fe, Cu, Cd, and Ni bioindication in sites, while Salix hybrid cultivars such as Klara may be considered for phytostabilisation and rhizofiltration due to higher Cu, Zn, and Ni accumulation in roots. Vetiveria zizanoides demonstrated resistance to As stress and feasibility for the remediation of As. Moreover, bioindicators offer a feasible tool for recovering valuable elements for the development of a circular economy (e.g., rare earth elements). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment)

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