1
|
Camacho A, Mora C, Picazo A, Rochera C, Camacho-Santamans A, Morant D, Roca-Pérez L, Ramos-Miras JJ, Rodríguez-Martín JA, Boluda R. Effects of Soil Quality on the Microbial Community Structure of Poorly Evolved Mediterranean Soils. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10010014. [PMID: 35051056 PMCID: PMC8781153 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physical and chemical alterations may affect the microbiota of soils as much as the specific presence of toxic pollutants. The relationship between the microbial diversity patterns and the soil quality in a Mediterranean context is studied here to test the hypothesis that soil microbiota is strongly affected by the level of anthropogenic soil alteration. Our aim has been to determine the potential effect of organic matter loss and associated changes in soil microbiota of poorly evolved Mediterranean soils (Leptosols and Regosols) suffering anthropogenic stress (i.e., cropping and deforestation). The studied soils correspond to nine different sites which differed in some features, such as the parent material, vegetation cover, or soil use and types. A methodological approach has been used that combines the classical physical and chemical study of soils with molecular characterization of the microbial assemblages using specific primers for Bacteria, Archaea and ectomycorrhizal Fungi. In agreement with previous studies within the region, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils varied notably depending on these factors. Microbial biomass, soil organic matter, and moisture, decreased in soils as deforestation increased, even in those partially degraded to substitution shrubland. Major differences were observed in the microbial community structure between the mollic and rendzic Leptosols found in forest soils, and the skeletic and dolomitic Leptosols in substitute shrublands, as well as with the skeletic and dolomitic Leptosols and calcaric Regosols in dry croplands. Forest soils displayed a higher microbial richness (OTU’s number) and biomass, as well as more stable and connected ecological networks. Here, we point out how human activities such as agriculture and other effects of deforestation led to changes in soil properties, thus affecting its quality driving changes in their microbial diversity and biomass patterns. Our findings demonstrate the potential risk that the replacement of forest areas may have in the conservation of the soil’s microbiota pool, both active and passive, which are basic for the maintenance of biogeochemical processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Camacho
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-3543935
| | - César Mora
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - Antonio Picazo
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
| | - Carlos Rochera
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
| | - Alba Camacho-Santamans
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - Daniel Morant
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
| | - Luis Roca-Pérez
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - José Joaquín Ramos-Miras
- Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales y Experimentales, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - José A. Rodríguez-Martín
- Department of Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), E-28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Boluda
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rodríguez Martin JA, Gutiérrez C, Escuer M, Martín-Dacal M, Ramos-Miras JJ, Roca-Perez L, Boluda R, Nanos N. Trends in soil mercury stock associated with pollution sources on a Mediterranean island (Majorca, Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117397. [PMID: 34030063 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hg is a global concern given its adverse effects on human health, food security and the environment, and it requiring actions to identify major local Hg sources and to evaluate pollution. Our study provides the first assessment of Hg stock trends on the entire Majorca surface, identifying major Hg sources by studying the spatiotemporal soil Hg variation at two successive times (2006 and 2016-17). The Hg soil concentration ranged from 14 to 258 μg kg-1 (mean 52 μg kg-1). Higher concentrations (over 100 μg kg-1) were found in two areas: (i) close to the Alcudia coal-fired power plant; (ii) in the city of La Palma. During the 11-year, the total Hg stock in Majorcan soil increased from 432.96 tons to 493.18 tones (14% increase). Based on a block kriging analysis, soil Hg enrichment due to power plant emissions was clearly detectable on a local scale (i.e. a shorter distance than 18 km from the power plant). Nonetheless, a significant island-wide Hg increase due to diffuse pollution was reported. This result could be extrapolated to other popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean islands where tourism has increased in recent decades In short, more than 60 tons of Hg have accumulated on Majorca island in 11 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Rodríguez Martin
- Department of Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), ES, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, ICA- CSIC, Serrano, 114bis, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Miguel Escuer
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, ICA- CSIC, Serrano, 114bis, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marina Martín-Dacal
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM-INIA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico, UPM Campus de Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José Joaquín Ramos-Miras
- Dpto. Didáctica Ciencias Sociales y Experimentales, Universidad de Córdoba, Avda. San Alberto Magno S/n, Córdoba, 14071, Spain.
| | - Luis Roca-Perez
- Dept. Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés I Estellés S/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Rafael Boluda
- Dept. Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés I Estellés S/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Nikos Nanos
- School of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 59 Moschounti Str., 55134, Foinikas-Thessaloniki, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ramos-Miras JJ, Gil C, Rodríguez Martín JA, Bech J, Boluda R. Ecological risk assessment of mercury and chromium in greenhouse soils. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2020; 42:313-324. [PMID: 31214841 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-019-00354-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Very little information is available about Hg and Cr evolution in greenhouse soils. This paper presents the results of determining Hg and Cr in greenhouse soils in a semi-arid region in the southern Iberian Peninsula (Almería, Spain), and assessing the enrichment level and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) according to crop age. Hakanson's approach was used to evaluate the PERI. To investigate the behaviour of Hg and Cr in greenhouse soils over time, samples were grouped into values in soils for blocks according to crop age: 0 years, 5-10 years, 10-20 years, more than 20 years. The results showed that 74% of GS exceeded the obtained background level (37.1 μg kg-1) for Hg, with 43% (48.9 mg kg-1) for Cr. Temporal patterns indicated that these elements are accumulating in greenhouse soils and this trend was very significant for Hg. After more than 20 intensive crop-farming years, concentrations and the PERI had clearly increased. Although the ecological risk was moderate, our observations suggest that the farming practices performed in the last 35 years have allowed these metals to accumulate. In fact, the 15% of the studied soils presented a considerable potential risk and were the soils that had been used longer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Joaquín Ramos-Miras
- Dpto. Didáctica Ciencias Sociales y Experimentales, Universidad de Córdoba, Avda. San Alberto Magno s/n, Córdoba, 14071, Spain
| | - Carlos Gil
- Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Almería, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain
| | - José Antonio Rodríguez Martín
- Departamento de Medio Ambiente, INIA - Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Ctra. de La Coruña, km 7,5, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaume Bech
- Departamento de Edafología, Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Boluda
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de València, Av Vicent Andrés i Estellés s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rezapour S, Atashpaz B, Moghaddam SS, Kalavrouziotis IK, Damalas CA. Cadmium accumulation, translocation factor, and health risk potential in a wastewater-irrigated soil-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 231:579-587. [PMID: 31154236 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of trace elements in wastewater-irrigated soils may introduce them to the food chain and therefore can threaten human health. The present study investigated the accumulation, translocation factor, and health risk potential of cadmium (Cd) in a soil-wheat system irrigated with treated wastewater compared with a reference soil (irrigated with fresh water). All treated wastewater-irrigated soils showed significantly higher levels of electrical conductivity (EC) than that of reference soil by 75-143%. Irrigation with treated wastewater increased both available and total Cd content in soil by 2-4 times. In all irrigated sites, Cd content was about twice as great as the maximum acceptable rate. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) indicated that Cd was mainly accumulated in the roots (BCF = 2.2-3.1), while little mobilization from roots to stems and grains was noted (TFshoot/root = 0.07-0.21; TFgrain/root = 0.18-0.24). The average hazard quotient (HQ) for different age groups of the population varied in the range of 0.1-1.0, implying low non-carcinogenic health risk of Cd to local wheat-consuming residents. The risk of Cd to cause carcinogenic health risk (CR) was in the range of 1 × 10-5 to 1 × 10-4, indicating low to moderate potential risk. CR for different age groups was in the order: individuals above 18 years old > individuals 7-18 years old > individuals 0-6 years old. For reducing potential health risks to local people, it is imperative to continuously monitor heavy metal levels in the wheat-soil system and urgently adopt more efficient managerial strategies to reduce Cd contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salar Rezapour
- Soil Science Department, Urmia University, P.O. Box 165, Urmia, 57134, Iran.
| | - Behnaz Atashpaz
- Soil Science Department, Urmia University, P.O. Box 165, Urmia, 57134, Iran
| | | | | | - Christos A Damalas
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Raj D, Maiti SK. Sources, toxicity, and remediation of mercury: an essence review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:566. [PMID: 31418123 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pollutant that poses a global threat, and it was listed as one of the ten leading 'chemicals of concern' by the World Health Organization in 2017. The review aims to summarize the sources of Hg, its combined effects on the ecosystem, and its remediation in the environment. The flow of Hg from coal to fly ash (FA), soil, and plants has become a serious concern. Hg chemically binds to sulphur-containing components in coal during coal formation. Coal combustion in thermal power plants is the major anthropogenic source of Hg in the environment. Hg is taken up by plant roots from contaminated soil and transferred to the stem and aerial parts. Through bioaccumulation in the plant system, Hg moves into the food chain, resulting in potential health and ecological risks. The world average Hg concentrations reported in coal and FA are 0.01-1 and 0.62 mg/kg, respectively. The mass of Hg accumulated globally in the soil is estimated to be 250-1000 Gg. Several techniques have been applied to remove or minimize elevated levels of Hg from FA, soil, and water (soil washing, selective catalytic reduction, wet flue gas desulphurization, stabilization, adsorption, thermal treatment, electro-remediation, and phytoremediation). Adsorbents such as activated carbon and carbon nanotubes have been used for Hg removal. The application of phytoremediation techniques has been proven as a promising approach in the removal of Hg from contaminated soil. Plant species such as Brassica juncea are potential candidates for Hg removal from soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deep Raj
- Ecological Restoration Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826 004, India
| | - Subodh Kumar Maiti
- Ecological Restoration Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826 004, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jia M, Zhang Y, Huang B, Zhang H. Source apportionment of selenium and influence factors on its bioavailability in intensively managed greenhouse soil: A case study in the east bank of the Dianchi Lake, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 170:238-245. [PMID: 30529918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.11.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. In China, intensive agricultural inputs in greenhouse vegetable production (GVP) have resulted in great changes in Se concentration and bioavailability in soil, which have great influences on Se flux to living organisms through food chains. It is crucial to understand the factors on Se concentration and bioavailability in greenhouse soil. Thus, we chose the east bank of the Dianchi Lake, a typical GVP area covering 177 km2 in Southwest China, as the study area to quantify source contributions to soil Se and estimate relative importance of influence factors on its bioavailability in GVP with a receptor model (absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression, APCS-MLR) after principal component analysis (PCA). According to the enrichment factor (EF), total Se in greenhouse soil was accumulated at a minor level (1 < EF < 3) by long-term and intensive fertilization. Source contributions to total Se decreased in the sequence of parent materials > fertilization > atmospheric deposition. It suggested that fertilization, especially manure, might be an important way to increase total Se in greenhouse soils in Se-deficient areas. The bioavailability of Se was affected by several factors, among of which total Se was the foremost one. In comparison with organic matter and clay, Fe/Al oxides exerted more controls on Se bioavailability, which was dependent on pH. Increasing Olsen P was helpful in improving soil Se bioavailability in greenhouse. More attention should be paid to soil physicochemical characteristics when Se-containing fertilizers are applied to increase Se levels in greenhouse vegetables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yanxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Biao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Haidong Zhang
- Suzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suzhou 215000, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li F, Zhang J, Jiang W, Liu C, Zhang Z, Zhang C, Zeng G. Spatial health risk assessment and hierarchical risk management for mercury in soils from a typical contaminated site, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2017; 39:923-934. [PMID: 27538752 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to rapid urbanization and the implementation of ecological civilization construction in China, many industrial factories have been closed or relocated. Therefore, numbers of contaminated sites were generated with contaminated soils which may pose a risk to receptors living nearby. This study presented a spatial health risk assessment and hierarchical risk management policy making for mercury (Hg) in soils from a typical contaminated site in the Hunan Province, central China. Compared with the second class value (0.3 mg/kg) of the Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Soils, the mean concentrations of Hg in the three soil depths exceeded the second class value. The non-carcinogenic risk of Hg probably posed adverse health effects in 41, 30 and 36 % of the surface soil, the moderate soil and subsoil, respectively, under a sensitive land scenario. The non-carcinogenic risk temporarily posed no adverse health effects in most areas under an insensitive land scenario except for the area around sampling site S29. Spatially, the central, southwest and northeast parts of the contaminated land under a sensitive land scenario should be regarded as the priority regions. For non-carcinogenic effects, the exposure pathways that resulted in the higher levels of exposure risk were ingestion and inhalation of vapors, followed by dermal contact and inhalation of particles. A risk-based integrated risk management policy including the hierarchical risk control values for different soil depths and the calculated remediation earthwork was proposed with consideration of the cost-benefit effect for the related decision-makers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China.
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China.
| | - Jingdong Zhang
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
| | - Chaoyang Liu
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
| | - Zhongmin Zhang
- Environmental and Resources Law Institute, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
| | - Chengde Zhang
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, 430073, China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang S, Nan Z, Prete D, Ma J, Liao Q, Zhang Q. Accumulation, transfer, and potential sources of mercury in the soil-wheat system under field conditions over the Loess Plateau, northwest China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 568:245-252. [PMID: 27300562 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is limited information on accumulation, transfer, and source of mercury in wheats under field conditions over the Loess Plateau, northwest China. The present study collected 26 pairs of topsoil and whole wheat samples (roots, stems, leaves, shells, and grains) from Dongdagou stream watershed and upper Xidagou stream watershed, Baiyin City, northwest China. Hg concentrations from these samples were used to identify their relationships with soil properties, interactions with other metals, localization of Hg in the different wheat tissues, bio-concentration and transfer of Hg, and major sources of Hg in wheat. Results show that Hg levels in 11 out of 26 sampled soils (42.3% of soil samples) exceeded Hg limit of grade II soil environmental quality standards in China (1.0mg·kg(-1)). Likewise, it was also found that Hg in over 50% of wheat grain samples reached or exceeded the maximum permissible food safety levels (0.02mg·kg(-1)) according to the General Standard of Contaminants in Food in China (GB 2762-2012). The spatial distribution pattern of Hg in wheats grains was different from that in the sampled soils. Hg concentrations in different wheat tissues were highest in roots, followed by leaves, stalks, shells, and grains, respectively. Bio-concentration factors (BCF) of Hg in almost all grains samples were one or two orders of magnitude lower than that in roots, except for two wheat samples. The translocation factors (TF) of Hg in wheat tissues on average were leaves>stems>shells>grains. The spatial distribution of Hg and its correlation with other heavy metal detected simultaneously in the soil samples suggested that the Hg soil contamination was probably caused by past sewage irrigation practices and atmospheric deposition. Correlation analysis revealed that the principle source of Hg in wheat roots was very likely from Hg contaminated soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Wang
- Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Western China's Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhongren Nan
- Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Western China's Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Daniel Prete
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Jianmin Ma
- Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qin Liao
- Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rodríguez Martín JA, Nanos N. Soil as an archive of coal-fired power plant mercury deposition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 308:131-138. [PMID: 26808251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury pollution is a global environmental problem that has serious implications for human health. One of the most important sources of anthropogenic mercury emissions are coal-burning power plants. Hg accumulations in soil are associated with their atmospheric deposition. Our study provides the first assessment of soil Hg on the entire Spanish surface obtained from one sampling protocol. Hg spatial distribution was analysed with topsoil samples taken from 4000 locations in a regular sampling grid. The other aim was to use geostatistical techniques to verify the extent of soil contamination by Hg and to evaluate presumed Hg enrichment near the seven Spanish power plants with installed capacity above 1000 MW. The Hg concentration in Spanish soil fell within the range of 1-7564 μg kg(-1) (mean 67.2) and 50% of the samples had a concentration below 37 μg kg(-1). Evidence for human activity was found near all the coal-fired power plants, which reflects that metals have accumulated in the basin over many years. Values over 1000 μg kg(-1) have been found in soils in the vicinity of the Aboño, Soto de Ribera and Castellon power plants. However, soil Hg enrichment was detectable only close to the emission source, within an approximate range of only 15 km from the power plants. We associated this effect with airborne emissions and subsequent depositions as the potential distance through fly ash deposition. Hg associated with particles of ash tends to be deposited near coal combustion sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Rodríguez Martín
- Department of the Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), ES-28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nikos Nanos
- School of Forest Engineering, Technical University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, ES-28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mehrabi B, Mehrabani S, Rafiei B, Yaghoubi B. Assessment of metal contamination in groundwater and soils in the Ahangaran mining district, west of Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:727. [PMID: 26545371 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 28 groundwater and 13 soil samples from Ahangaran mining district in Hamedan Province, west of Iran were collected to evaluate the level of contamination. Average concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Sb, and Ni in groundwater samples were 1.39, 3.73, 2.18, 9.37, 2.35, 4.44, and 5.50 μg/L (wet season), and 11.64, 4.92, 4.32, 14.77, 5.43, 4.12, and 0.98 μg/L (dry season), respectively. Results of groundwater samples analysis showed that the average of analyzed metals in the wet and dry seasons were below the permissible limits, except As in the dry season which displays concentrations that exceed US EPA water quality criteria recommended for drinking water. Also, the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) values in each sampling station were less than the critical index limit and were suitable for drinking. Factor analysis revealed that variables influential to groundwater quality in one season may not be as important in another season. Average concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn in soil samples were 2.61, 31.44, 0.51, 55.90, 1284.9, 21.26, and 156.04 mg kg(-1), respectively. The results of the geoaccumulation index (I geo) showed the following decreasing order: Pb > Zn > Cu > As > Sb > Cd > Ag. Potential ecological risk index (RI) suggests that the contamination in the investigated area is moderate to very high risk and the ranking of the contaminants in decreasing order is Ag > Sb > Pb > Cd > As > Cu > Zn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Mehrabi
- Facuty of Earth Sciences, Geochemistry Department, Kharazmi University, 15614, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Mehrabani
- Facuty of Earth Sciences, Geochemistry Department, Kharazmi University, 15614, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behrouz Rafiei
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Bu Ali Sina University, 65178-38695, Hamedan, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
St Pierre KA, St Louis VL, Kirk JL, Lehnherr I, Wang S, La Farge C. Importance of open marine waters to the enrichment of total mercury and monomethylmercury in lichens in the Canadian High Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5930-5938. [PMID: 25876438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Caribou, which rely on lichens as forage, are a dietary source of monomethylmercury (MMHg) to many of Canada's Arctic Aboriginal people. However, little is understood about the sources of MMHg to lichens in the High Arctic. We quantified MMHg, total mercury (THg) and other chemical parameters (e.g., marine and crustal elements, δ(13)C, δ(15)N, organic carbon, calcium carbonate) in lichen and soil samples collected along transects extending from the coast on Bathurst and Devon islands, Nunavut, to determine factors driving lichen MMHg and THg concentrations in the High Arctic. Lichen MMHg and THg concentrations ranged from 1.41 to 17.1 ng g(-1) and from 36.0 to 361 ng g(-1), respectively. Both were highly enriched over concentrations in underlying soils, indicating a predominately atmospheric source of Hg in lichens. However, MMHg and THg enrichment at coastal sites on Bathurst Island was far greater than on Devon Island. We suggest that this variability can be explained by the proximity of the Bathurst Island transect to several polynyas, which promote enhanced Hg deposition to adjacent landscapes through various biogeochemical processes. This study is the first to clearly show a strong marine influence on MMHg inputs to coastal terrestrial food webs with implications for MMHg accumulation in caribou and the health of the people who depend on them as part of a traditional diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A St Pierre
- †Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - V L St Louis
- †Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - J L Kirk
- ‡Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Research Division, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - I Lehnherr
- §Department of Geography, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - S Wang
- †Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - C La Farge
- †Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Concentrations of Available Heavy Metals in Mediterranean Agricultural Soils and their Relation with Some Soil Selected Properties: A Case Study in Typical Mediterranean Soils. SUSTAINABILITY 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/su6129124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
13
|
Odumo BO, Carbonell G, Angeyo HK, Patel JP, Torrijos M, Rodríguez Martín JA. Impact of gold mining associated with mercury contamination in soil, biota sediments and tailings in Kenya. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:12426-12435. [PMID: 24943890 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3190-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This work considered the environmental impact of artisanal mining gold activity in the Migori-Transmara area (Kenya). From artisanal gold mining, mercury is released to the environment, thus contributing to degradation of soil and water bodies. High mercury contents have been quantified in soil (140 μg kg(-1)), sediment (430 μg kg(-1)) and tailings (8,900 μg kg(-1)), as expected. The results reveal that the mechanism for transporting mercury to the terrestrial ecosystem is associated with wet and dry depositions. Lichens and mosses, used as bioindicators of pollution, are related to the proximity to mining areas. The further the distance from mining areas, the lower the mercury levels. This study also provides risk maps to evaluate potential negative repercussions. We conclude that the Migori-Transmara region can be considered a strongly polluted area with high mercury contents. The technology used to extract gold throughout amalgamation processes causes a high degree of mercury pollution around this gold mining area. Thus, alternative gold extraction methods should be considered to reduce mercury levels that can be released to the environment.
Collapse
|
14
|
Rodriguez Martin JA, Nanos N, Grigoratos T, Carbonell G, Samara C. Local deposition of mercury in topsoils around coal-fired power plants: is it always true? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:10205-10214. [PMID: 24756681 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element that is emitted to the atmosphere through human activities, mainly fossil fuel combustion. Hg accumulations in soil are associated with atmospheric deposition, while coal-burning power plants remain the most important source of anthropogenic mercury emissions. In this study, we analyzed the Hg concentration in the topsoil of the Kozani-Ptolemais basin where four coal-fired power plants (4,065 MW) run to provide 50 % of electricity in Greece. The study aimed to investigate the extent of soil contamination by Hg using geostatistical techniques to evaluate the presumed Hg enrichment around the four power plants. Hg variability in agricultural soils was evaluated using 276 soil samples from 92 locations covering an area of 1,000 km(2). We were surprised to find a low Hg content in soil (range 1-59 μg kg(-1)) and 50 % of samples with a concentration lower than 6 μg kg(-1). The influence of mercury emissions from the four coal-fired power plants on soil was poor or virtually nil. We associate this effect with low Hg contents in the coal (1.5-24.5 μg kg(-1)) used in the combustion of these power plants (one of the most Hg-poor in the world). Despite anthropic activity in the area, we conclude that Hg content in the agricultural soils of the Kozani-Ptolemais basin is present in low concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Rodriguez Martin
- Department of the Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040, Madrid, Spain,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Higueras P, Fernández-Martínez R, Esbrí JM, Rucandio I, Loredo J, Ordóñez A, Álvarez R. Mercury Soil Pollution in Spain: A Review. ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE I 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2014_280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
16
|
Frentiu T, Mihaltan AI, Senila M, Darvasi E, Ponta M, Frentiu M, Pintican BP. New method for mercury determination in microwave digested soil samples based on cold vapor capacitively coupled plasma microtorch optical emission spectrometry: Comparison with atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Microchem J 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
17
|
Volcanic mercury in Pinus canariensis. Naturwissenschaften 2013; 100:739-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-013-1070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
18
|
Rodríguez Martín JA, Carbonell G, Nanos N, Gutiérrez C. Source identification of soil mercury in the Spanish islands. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 64:171-179. [PMID: 23143275 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-012-9831-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study spatially analysed the relation between mercury (Hg) content in soil and Hg in rock fragment for the purpose of assessing natural soil Hg contribution compared with Hg from human inputs. We present the Hg content of 318 soil and rock fragment samples from 11 islands distributed into two Spanish archipelagos (the volcanic Canary Islands [Canaries] and the Mediterranean Balearic [Balearic] islands). Assumedly both are located far enough away from continental Hg sources to be able to minimise the effects of diffuse pollution. Physical and chemical soil properties were also specified for the samples. Hg contents were significantly greater in the Balearic limestone soils (61 μg kg(-1)) than in the volcanic soils of the Canaries (33 μg kg(-1)). Hg levels were also greater in topsoil than in rocky fragments, especially on the Balearics. The soil-to-rock ratios varied between 1 and 30. Interestingly, the highest topsoil-to-rock Hg ratio (>16 ×) was found in the vicinity of a coal-fired power plant in Majorca, whereas no similar areas in the Canary archipelago were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Rodríguez Martín
- Department of the Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaría (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña km 7.5, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu X, Xu L, Chen Q, Sun L, Wang Y, Yan H, Liu Y, Luo Y, Huang J. Historical change of mercury pollution in remote Yongle archipelago, South China Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 87:549-556. [PMID: 22284978 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We collected three ornithogenic coral sand sedimentary profiles from Jinyin Island, Jinqing Island and Guangjin Island of Yongle archipelago, South China Sea and reconstructed the deposition flux of anthropogenic Hg over the past 700 years in the study area. On the whole, the anthropogenic Hg flux is relatively low; it remained at a low level before the Industrial Revolution with a small peak at about 1450-1550 AD, which may record the enhanced metallurgy activity in Ming Dynasty of China. During the 20th century, the deposition flux of anthropogenic Hg increased rapidly, but two troughs occurred during the periods around 1940s and 1970s, corresponding to the economic depression caused by World War II, Civil War in China (1945-1949), and the Culture Revolution (1966-1976) in China. Since the 1970s the deposition flux of anthropogenic Hg has been persistently increasing, apparently the result of fast economic development in East and Southeast Asia countries around South China Sea.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anthozoa/chemistry
- China
- Coral Reefs
- Environmental Monitoring
- History, 15th Century
- History, 16th Century
- History, 17th Century
- History, 18th Century
- History, 19th Century
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- Mercury/analysis
- Oceans and Seas
- Seawater/chemistry
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
- Water Pollution, Chemical/history
- Water Pollution, Chemical/statistics & numerical data
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Liu
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, PR China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tipping E, Poskitt JM, Lawlor AJ, Wadsworth RA, Norris DA, Hall JR. Mercury in United Kingdom topsoils; concentrations, pools, and Critical Limit exceedances. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:3721-3729. [PMID: 21839559 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The median total mercury concentration in 898 UK rural topsoils, sampled between 1998 and 2008, was 0.095 μg g(-1). Approximate adjustment for unreactive metal produced an estimate of 0.052 μg g(-1) for reactive Hg. The highest concentrations were in the north and west, where organic-rich soils with low bulk densities dominate, but the spatial pattern was quite different if soil Hg pools (mg m(-2)) were considered, the highest values being near to the industrial north of England and London. Possible toxic effects of Hg were best evaluated by comparison with soil Critical Limits expressed as ratios of Hg to soil organic matter, or soil solution Hg(2+) concentrations, estimated by chemical speciation modelling. Only a few percent of the rural UK soils showed exceedance, and this also applied to rural soils from the whole of Europe. UK urban and industrial soils had higher Hg concentrations and more cases of exceedance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Tipping
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wei Z, Wu G, Su R, Li C, Liang P. Mobility and contamination assessment of mercury in coal fly ash, atmospheric deposition, and soil collected from Tianjin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2011; 30:1997-2003. [PMID: 21713969 DOI: 10.1002/etc.605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Samples of class F coal fly ash (levels I, II, and III), slag, coal, atmospheric deposition, and soils collected from Tianjin, China, were analyzed using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Method 3052 and a sequential extraction procedure, to investigate the pollution status and mobility of Hg. The results showed that total mercury (HgT) concentrations were higher in level I fly ash (0.304 µg/g) than in level II and level III fly ash and slag (0.142, 0.147, and 0.052 µg/g, respectively). Total Hg in the atmospheric deposition was higher during the heating season (0.264 µg/g) than the nonheating season (0.135 µg/g). Total Hg contents were higher in suburban area soils than in rural and agricultural areas. High HgT concentrations in suburban area soils may be a result of the deposition of Hg associated with particles emitted from coal-fired power plants. Mercury in fly ash primarily existed as elemental Hg, which accounted for 90.1, 85.3, and 90.6% of HgT in levels I, II, and III fly ash, respectively. Mercury in the deposition existed primarily as sulfide Hg, which accounted for 73.8% (heating season) and 74.1% (nonheating season) of HgT. However, Hg in soils existed primarily as sulfide Hg, organo-chelated Hg and elemental Hg, which accounted for 37.8 to 50.0%, 31.7 to 41.8%, and 13.0 to 23.9% of HgT, respectively. The percentage of elemental Hg in HgT occurred in the order fly ash > atmospheric deposition > soils, whereas organo-chelated Hg and sulfide Hg occurred in the opposite order. The present approach can provide a window for understanding and tracing the source of Hg in the environment in Tianjin and the risk associated with Hg bioaccessibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Environment and Resources, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|