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Lidman J, Olid C, Bigler C, Berglund ÅMM. Effect of past century mining activities on sediment properties and toxicity to freshwater organisms in northern Sweden. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162097. [PMID: 36764540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The release of toxic metals from local mining activities often represents a severe environmental hazard for nearby lake ecosystems. Previous studies on the impact of mining have primarily focused on single lakes, with less emphasis on spatial and temporal recovery patterns of multiple lakes within the same catchment, but with different hydrological connection and distance to the pollutant source. This knowledge gap prevents us from assessing the real environmental risk of abandoned mines and understanding ecosystem recovery. This study explores the intensity and spatial patterns of sediment contamination and the potential for ecosystem recovery in three lakes in close vicinity of a lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) mine in Sweden that has been inoperative for >20 years. Dated (210Pb and 137Cs) sediment cores from each lake were used to reconstruct temporal patterns in trace element deposition and relate those with past mining activities. Results show that all lakes were affected by mining, indicated by increasing Pb and Zn concentrations and decreasing organic matter content, at the onset of mining. However, the extent and timing of mining impact differed between lakes, which was partly ascribed to differences in the historical use of tailings and settling ponds. Assessment of toxicity levels in sediments, based on normalized Probable Effect Concentration Quotient (PEC-Q) to organic matter content, provided more consistent results with the historical mining than conventional methods, showing a decreasing impact in lakes once the operations ceased. Still, sediment Pb concentrations were > 10 times higher than pre-mining values, evidencing the urgent need for remediation actions in the study lakes. This study highlights the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity in metal deposition, sediment organic matter content, and hydrological connectivity with tailings when risk assessments are performed in mining-impacted lakes. The use of normalized PEC-Q in toxic assessments is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lidman
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Carolina Olid
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Forestry and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-90183 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, University of Barcelona, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Christian Bigler
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Åsa M M Berglund
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
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2
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Caldana CRG, Hanai-Yoshida VM, Paulino TH, Baldo DA, Freitas NP, Aranha N, Vila MMDC, Balcão VM, Oliveira Junior JM. Evaluation of urban tree barks as bioindicators of environmental pollution using the X-ray fluorescence technique. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137257. [PMID: 36423726 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Some chemical elements released in nature due to anthropogenic actions are harmful to living beings, and finding efficient and low-cost ways to measure their presence is a challenge. The major goal of this work was to use the barks of urban trees as bioindicators of the presence of these elements. For this purpose, tree barks of sixteen individual trees were collected, including Ipê (Bignoniaceae Family); Sibipiruna (Fabaceae Family); Pine (Pinaceae Family), in the city of Sorocaba, SP, Brazil, in three different districts. Two samples, one of Ipê and another of Sibipiruna, collected in the Mata Atlântica forest in Juquitiba, SP, Brazil, were used as control samples. They were also analyzed; six soil samples were collected in the same places as the tree barks in Sorocaba. The samples were analyzed using the Energy Dispersion X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy technique. The elements studied ranged from Al to Bi. The results were submitted to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis showing that Sibipiruna presented a high concentration of the element Ca. At the same time, Ipê and Pine showed high concentrations of K. In the identified elements, the probable sources of contamination were pointed out, such as elements from the dust of braking automobiles (Al, Si, S, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Ba), elements from the paint used to paint the asphalt (Si, Ca, Cr and Pb) and elements from the tire tread wear (Al, S, Ca and Zn). From the analysis of soil samples and trees, it was found that there was high pollution by the element Pb in the specimens collected in front of the old Saturnia battery factory, located in the district of Éden in the city of Sorocaba, SP, Brazil (Coordinates: Lat 23K253141 m E; Long 23K7405583 m S).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane R G Caldana
- LAFINAU- Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Physics of the University of Sorocaba, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Valquiria M Hanai-Yoshida
- LAMINFE - Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Fermentation Process, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Thais H Paulino
- LAFINAU- Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Physics of the University of Sorocaba, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Denicezar A Baldo
- LAFINAU- Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Physics of the University of Sorocaba, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Nobel P Freitas
- NEAS - Center for Environmental Studies, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Norberto Aranha
- LabMat - Laboratory of Materials, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Marta M D C Vila
- PhageLab - Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Victor M Balcão
- PhageLab - Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, P-3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José M Oliveira Junior
- LAFINAU- Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Physics of the University of Sorocaba, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil.
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3
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Krupnova TG, Rakova OV, Gavrilkina SV, Antoshkina EG, Baranov EO, Dmitrieva AP, Somova AV. Extremely high concentrations of zinc in birch tree leaves collected in Chelyabinsk, Russia. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:2551-2570. [PMID: 32488796 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00605-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Zinc is an essential trace element and a vital microelement for human health. Zinc can be toxic when exposures exceed physiological needs. Toxic effects in humans are most evident from inhalation exposure to high concentrations of Zn compounds. Urban air pollution can be especially dangerous due to the Zn content in airborne dust. Tree leaves can absorb significant levels of zinc. In this study, leaf deposition of Zn was investigated in Chelyabinsk, Russia. Russian zinc production plant and metallurgical plant are located in Chelyabinsk. Extremely high concentrations of Zn (316-4000 mg kg-1) were found in the leaves of birch trees. It is well known that traffic also is Zn source in an urban environment. Trees, growing at the different distances from zinc production and metallurgical plants and road to identify the contribution of each source (road or industry), were studied. Through SEM analysis, the prevalence of small particulates (PM10 and less), containing Zn, illustrated leaf Zn deposition from the air by passing root accumulation. It was shown that emission of zinc production plant and the metallurgical plant is the main source of leaf Zn deposition in Chelyabinsk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana G Krupnova
- Chemistry Department, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospect, Chelyabinsk, Russia, 454080.
| | - Olga V Rakova
- Chemistry Department, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospect, Chelyabinsk, Russia, 454080
| | - Svetlana V Gavrilkina
- South Urals Federal Research Center of Mineralogy and Geoecology of the Urals Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miass, Russia, 456317
| | - Elizaveta G Antoshkina
- Chemistry Department, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospect, Chelyabinsk, Russia, 454080
| | - Evgeny O Baranov
- Chemistry Department, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospect, Chelyabinsk, Russia, 454080
| | - Anastasia P Dmitrieva
- Chemistry Department, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospect, Chelyabinsk, Russia, 454080
| | - Anna V Somova
- Chemistry Department, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Prospect, Chelyabinsk, Russia, 454080
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Flett L, McLeod CL, McCarty JL, Shaulis BJ, Fain JJ, Krekeler MPS. Monitoring uranium mine pollution on Native American lands: Insights from tree bark particulate matter on the Spokane Reservation, Washington, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110619. [PMID: 33378700 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The uranium boom in the United States from the 1940's to the 1980's was a period of extensive uranium mining on Native American lands. However, detailed environmental investigations of the resulting uranium pollution are sparse and typically ignore contributions from airborne particulate matter. The Midnite Mine is a 350-acre inactive open pit uranium mine located on the Spokane Indian Reservation in eastern Washington that operated from 1954 to 1981. Approximately 2.4 million tons of ore and 33 million tons of waste rock were left behind in stockpiles and have also been utilized as gravel on access and haul roads. Although the Midnite Mine is now a Superfund Site, and governmental investigations of water and soil contamination have been done, no investigations of airborne particulate matter pollution have been conducted. This study applies tree bark from 31 Pinus ponderosa trees as a biomonitor of this airborne particulate matter. Bulk trace elemental analyses via inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) of tree bark show that U is the most abundant trace element of interest present up to 232 ppb. Other metals that are of potential human health concern include Th, Pb, and As which are present at 20 ppb, 104 ppb, and 20 ppb respectively. Calculated geoaccumulation indices determine these metals to be at high (U), moderate (Th), and low (Pb and As) levels of contamination. Detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations of particulate matter from the surface of tree bark confirm that U and Th-bearing particulate matter exist in the <PM10 size fraction while geospatial analyses indicate that uranium, thorium, and arsenic contamination are centralized along the Midnite Mine access road and at the nearby Dawn Mill where ore was further processed. Combined, these findings indicate that the nature and distribution of historic airborne particulate matter from the Midnite Mine and Dawn Mill provide context for potentially understanding past and current illness on the reservation. In addition, much needed context for future health and environmental studies for both local and national Native American populations is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Flett
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Shideler Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Claire L McLeod
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Shideler Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA.
| | - Jessica L McCarty
- Department of Geography, Shideler Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Barry J Shaulis
- Trace Element and Radiogenic Isotope Laboratory (TRAIL), University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Justin J Fain
- Department of Geography, Shideler Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Mark P S Krekeler
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Shideler Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA; Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Miami University Regionals, Hamilton, OH, 45011, USA
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Minganti V, Drava G. Tree bark as a bioindicator of the presence of scandium, yttrium and lanthanum in urban environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 193:847-851. [PMID: 29874758 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although rare earth elements (REEs) are important in modern industry, few processes use them, so the possibility of these elements being dispersed in the environment is small. For this reason, there are few studies on their presence in urban environments. REEs exhibit similar chemical properties, and Group 3 elements may be used as indicators of the presence of other REEs in the environment. Tree bark is a suitable collector of airborne trace elements and has been successfully used as a bioindicator. In this study, samples of holm oak bark were collected from three sampling sites subjected to different anthropic pressures (one area is far from human influence, while the other two sites are urban areas characterized by different types of human impact). The reference area is significantly different from urban areas where the concentrations measured are up to 5 times higher (Y) than the reference area. The differences between the two urban areas are also significant. The presence of industrial activities causes a 50% higher exposition of the population with respect to an urban area where only residential activities are present. In the case of La, there is no significant difference between the reference and the residential areas, while the industries are responsible for higher La concentrations (0.9 μg g-1vs. 0.4-0.6 μg g-1). The availability of samples, due to the wide distribution of trees in urban environments, makes possible the production of maps indicating the sources of these elements and highlighting areas which are critical for certain atmospheric pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Minganti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, I-16148 Genoa, Italy.
| | - G Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, I-16148 Genoa, Italy
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6
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Noyori A, Saiki M, Zahn GS. Aluminum determination by instrumental neutron activation analysis in tree barks. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ferreira AB, Ribeiro AP, Ferreira ML, Kniess CT, Quaresma CC, Lafortezza R, Santos JO, Saiki M, Saldiva PH. A Streamlined Approach by a Combination of Bioindication and Geostatistical Methods for Assessing Air Contaminants and Their Effects on Human Health in Industrialized Areas: A Case Study in Southern Brazil. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1575. [PMID: 28979271 PMCID: PMC5611596 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Industrialization in developing countries associated with urban growth results in a number of economic benefits, especially in small or medium-sized cities, but leads to a number of environmental and public health consequences. This problem is further aggravated when adequate infrastructure is lacking to monitor the environmental impacts left by industries and refineries. In this study, a new protocol was designed combining biomonitoring and geostatistics to evaluate the possible effects of shale industry emissions on human health and wellbeing. Futhermore, the traditional and expensive air quality method based on PM2.5 measuring was also used to validate the low-cost geostatistical approach. Chemical analysis was performed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDXRF) to measure inorganic elements in tree bark and shale retorted samples in São Mateus do Sul city, Southern Brazil. Fe, S, and Si were considered potential pollutants in the study area. Distribution maps of element concentrations were generated from the dataset and used to estimate the spatial behavior of Fe, S, and Si and the range from their hot spot(s), highlighting the regions sorrounding the shale refinery. This evidence was also demonstrated in the measurements of PM2.5 concentrations, which are in agreement with the information obtained from the biomonitoring and geostatistical model. Factor and descriptive analyses performed on the concentrations of tree bark contaminants suggest that Fe, S, and Si might be used as indicators of industrial emissions. The number of cases of respiratory diseases obtained from local basic health unit were used to assess a possible correlation between shale refinery emissions and cases of repiratory disease. These data are public and may be accessed on the website of the the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Significant associations were found between the health data and refinery activities. The combination of the spatial characterization of air pollution and clinical health data revealed that adverse effects were significant for individuals over 38 years of age. These results also suggest that a protocol designed to monitor urban air quality may be an effective and low-cost strategy in environmentally contaminated cities, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreza P. Ribeiro
- Smart and Sustainable Cities, Nove de Julho UniversitySão Paulo, Brazil
- Professional Masters in Environmental Management and Sustainability, Nove de Julho UniversitySão Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cláudia T. Kniess
- Smart and Sustainable Cities, Nove de Julho UniversitySão Paulo, Brazil
- Professional Masters in Environmental Management and Sustainability, Nove de Julho UniversitySão Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Raffaele Lafortezza
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of BariBari, Italy
- Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University, East LansingMI, United States
| | | | - Mitiko Saiki
- Center of the Nuclear Research Reactor, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN)São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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Carvalho-Oliveira R, Amato-Lourenço LF, Moreira TCL, Silva DRR, Vieira BD, Mauad T, Saiki M, Saldiva PHN. Effectiveness of traffic-related elements in tree bark and pollen abortion rates for assessing air pollution exposure on respiratory mortality rates. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 99:161-169. [PMID: 27866722 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The majority of epidemiological studies correlate the cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution exposure by considering the concentrations of pollutants measured from conventional monitoring networks. The conventional air quality monitoring methods are expensive, and their data are insufficient for providing good spatial resolution. We hypothesized that bioassays using plants could effectively determine pollutant gradients, thus helping to assess the risks associated with air pollution exposure. The study regions were determined from different prevalent respiratory death distributions in the Sao Paulo municipality. Samples of tree flower buds were collected from twelve sites in four regional districts. The genotoxic effects caused by air pollution were tested through a pollen abortion bioassay. Elements derived from vehicular traffic that accumulated in tree barks were determined using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Mortality data were collected from the mortality information program of Sao Paulo City. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the concentrations of elements accumulated in tree barks. Pearson correlation and exponential regression were performed considering the elements, pollen abortion rates and mortality data. PCA identified five factors, of which four represented elements related to vehicular traffic. The elements Al, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn showed a strong correlation with mortality rates (R2>0.87) and pollen abortion rates (R2>0.82). These results demonstrate that tree barks and pollen abortion rates allow for correlations between vehicular traffic emissions and associated outcomes such as genotoxic effects and mortality data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regiani Carvalho-Oliveira
- School of Medicine at Sao Paulo University (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Luís F Amato-Lourenço
- School of Medicine at Sao Paulo University (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiana C L Moreira
- School of Medicine at Sao Paulo University (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Douglas R Rocha Silva
- School of Medicine at Sao Paulo University (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna D Vieira
- School of Medicine at Sao Paulo University (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais Mauad
- School of Medicine at Sao Paulo University (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mitiko Saiki
- National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN/SP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo H Nascimento Saldiva
- School of Medicine at Sao Paulo University (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk (INAIRA), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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da Silveira Fleck A, Carneiro MFH, Barbosa F, Amantea SL, Rhoden CR. The use of tree barks and human fingernails for monitoring metal levels in urban areas of different population densities of Porto Alegre, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:2433-2441. [PMID: 27817142 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of tree barks as a bioindicator of atmospheric pollution in areas of contrasting population densities and to associate the levels of elements found in this bioindicator with those obtained in fingernail samples collected from students living in the same study areas. Tree bark samples were collected from urban areas near highways in regions with high (Area A), intermediate (Area B), and low (Area C) population densities of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and evaluated for chemical elements concentration. Since these areas also differed in traffic density, NO2 was measured by passive sampling. For a comparative purpose, the elements were also determined in fingernail samples collected from students living in the same areas. Accumulated elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a tool in exploratory data analysis to identify possible sources. We found that Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, V, and Zn were at higher concentrations in tree barks in Area A, while Cd, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, and Sr were at higher levels in students' fingernails of Area A as well. Furthermore, concentrations of elements found in barks were associated with those identified in fingernails collected from students living in the same areas. PCA demonstrated that vehicular traffic explained 66.4 % of the variance in tree bark and 50.8 % of the variance in fingernails. NO2 levels were significantly different among the areas, what is consistent with their respective vehicular flow and population density. In conclusion, we found conformance of elements levels accumulated in barks and fingernails at three monitoring areas with different profiles. The amount of traffic-related elements accumulated appears to be associated with the degree of urbanization and vehicular flow. Overall, data suggests a relationship between fingernails and tree bark as bioindicators of exposure to metals from air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan da Silveira Fleck
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution and Oxidative Stress, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Metals Essentiality, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo University, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-903, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Metals Essentiality, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo University, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-903, Brazil
| | - Sergio Luis Amantea
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution and Oxidative Stress, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Claudia Ramos Rhoden
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution and Oxidative Stress, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil.
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10
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Minganti V, Drava G, Giordani P, Malaspina P, Modenesi P. Human contribution to trace elements in urban areas as measured in holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) bark. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:12467-12473. [PMID: 27000118 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6485-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The effect of human activities on the presence of trace elements in the atmosphere was evaluated by analyzing samples of holm oak bark, collected in Italy in a large city, in a small town, and in a reference area, scarcely inhabited. In all cases, point sources of pollution were excluded (e.g., industries and incinerators). The concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The element concentrations in the small town are not different from the reference area, except for Pb and Cu, while the samples collected in the large city show higher concentrations of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn with respect to the rural area. In particular, the Pb levels in the large city are approximately 16 times higher than in the reference site, and five times higher than in the small town. Most element concentrations are correlated in the large city, while in the reference site, only a few significant correlations between elements were found. Even in the absence of specific sources of pollution, populations living in big cities are exposed to higher concentrations of trace elements than those living in rural environments or in small urban centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Minganti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia (DIFAR), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Dipartimento di Farmacia (DIFAR), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Giordani
- Dipartimento di Farmacia (DIFAR), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Malaspina
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Modenesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Odabasi M, Tolunay D, Kara M, Ozgunerge Falay E, Tuna G, Altiok H, Dumanoglu Y, Bayram A, Elbir T. Investigation of spatial and historical variations of air pollution around an industrial region using trace and macro elements in tree components. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 550:1010-1021. [PMID: 26855354 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Several trace and macro elements (n=48) were measured in pine needle, branch, bark, tree ring, litter, and soil samples collected at 27 sites (21 industrial, 6 background) to investigate their spatial and historical variation in Aliaga industrial region in Turkey. Concentrations generally decreased with distance from the sources and the lowest ones were measured at background sites far from major sources. Spatial distribution of anthropogenic trace elements indicated that their major sources in the region are the iron-steel plants, ship-breaking activities and the petroleum refinery. Patterns of 40 elements that were detected in most of the samples were also evaluated to assess their suitability for investigation of historical variations. Observed increasing trends of several trace and macro elements (As, Cr, Fe, Mo, Ni, V, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Hg) in the tree-ring samples were representative for the variations in anthropogenic emissions and resulting atmospheric concentrations in Aliaga region. It was shown that lanthanides (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb) could also be used for the investigation of historical variations due to specific industrial emissions (i.e., petroleum refining). Results of the present study showed that tree components, litter, and soil could be used to determine the spatial variations of atmospheric pollution in a region while tree rings could be used to assess the historical variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Odabasi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Doganay Tolunay
- Department of Forestry Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, Istanbul University, 34470 Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melik Kara
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Ozgunerge Falay
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gizem Tuna
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hasan Altiok
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yetkin Dumanoglu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahman Bayram
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tolga Elbir
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, Izmir, Turkey
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Ejidike IP, Onianwa PC. Assessment of Trace Metals Concentration in Tree Barks as Indicator of Atmospheric Pollution within Ibadan City, South-West, Nigeria. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2015; 2015:243601. [PMID: 26605104 PMCID: PMC4641196 DOI: 10.1155/2015/243601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Tree bark species were randomly collected from 65 sites having different anthropogenic activities, such as industrial, high traffic commercial, residential high and residential low traffic volume areas of Ibadan City, Nigeria. Levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, and Cr of the dry-ashed bark samples were determined by AAS. The mean metal concentrations (mg kg(-1)) in samples from industrial zone were found as Pb: 3.67 ± 1.97, Cd: 0.10 ± 0.07, Zn: 30.96 ± 32.05, Cu: 7.29 ± 5.17, Co: 0.91 ± 0.58, and Cr: 2.61 ± 1.84. The trend of mean trace metal concentrations at high traffic commercial zone follows the order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Co > Cd. Residential high traffic and low traffic zones revealed the same trend as Cd < Co < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn. Relatively strong positive correlation between the heavy metals at ρ < 0.05, such as Zn versus Cu (r = 0.79) and Co versus Cu (r = 0.77), was observed. The results of the study suggest that tree bark samples could potentially serve as bioindicators for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and possibly Co and Cd. Furthermore, interspecies variation of heavy metal concentrations in plants barks is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechukwu P. Ejidike
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, PB X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
- *Ikechukwu P. Ejidike:
| | - Percy C. Onianwa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Cucu-Man SM, Steinnes E. Analysis of selected biomonitors to evaluate the suitability for their complementary use in monitoring trace element atmospheric deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:7775-7791. [PMID: 23420523 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The biomonitoring properties of oak tree bark compared with the epiphytic moss Hypnum cupressiforme and the influence of the tree bark, as its growth substrate, on the content of heavy metals in moss were investigated. Samples of the epiphytic moss H. cupressiforme and oak tree bark (Quercus spp.) were collected in Eastern Romania at a total of 44 sampling sites. Parallel moss and bark samples were collected from the same sides of the trunk circumference. V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, and Bi were determined by ICP-MS. Principal component analysis was used to identify possible sources of metals in bark and moss. Six factors explaining 87 % of the total variance in the data set were chosen. The main factors represent long-range atmospheric transport of elements (Zn, Cd, (Pb), Bi, (Mo), (Tl)), local emissions from industrial sources (As, Cr, Ni, V), road traffic (Pb, Zn) and agricultural activities (Cu, (Zn)). The element concentrations in moss and bark samples are of the same order of magnitude. For almost all the elements, higher concentrations were obtained in moss. Significant correlations between concentrations in moss and bark samples were obtained for 7 of the 13 elements: V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, In, and Bi, all typical anthropogenic pollutants. The use of tree bark for monitoring purposes might be an alternative in areas where there is a scarcity of mosses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona-Maria Cucu-Man
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Al I Cuza University of Iasi, Bd Carol I 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania.
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Retrospective determination of 238Pu, 239,240Pu and 90Sr activities in the outer bark of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) collected at various sites in the Czech Republic. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-012-2313-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ferreira AB, Santos JO, Souza SO, Júnior WN, Alves JDPH. Use of passive biomonitoring to evaluate the environmental impact of emissions from cement industries in Sergipe State, northeast Brazil. Microchem J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Zhang H, Huang GH, Zeng GM. Health risks from arsenic-contaminated soil in Flin Flon-Creighton, Canada: integrating geostatistical simulation and dose-response model. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2009; 157:2413-2420. [PMID: 19359076 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 03/09/2009] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of arsenic were detected in surface soils adjacent to a smelting complex in northern Canada. We evaluated the cancer risks caused by exposure to arsenic in two communities through combining geostatistical simulation with demographic data and dose-response models in a framework. Distribution of arsenic was first estimated using geostatistical circulant-embedding simulation method. We then evaluated the exposures from inadvertent ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. Risks of skin cancer and three internal cancers were estimated at both grid scale and census-unit scale using parametric dose-response models. Results indicated that local residents could face non-negligible cancer risks (skin cancer and liver cancer mainly). Uncertainties of risk estimates were discussed from the aspects of arsenic concentrations, exposed population and dose-response model. Reducing uncertainties would require additional soil sampling, epidemic records as well as complementary studies on land use, demographic variation, outdoor activities and bioavailability of arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Environmental Systems Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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