Statistical comparison of trace element concentrations

Interannual patterns of variation in concentrations of trace elements in arms of Octopus vulgaris

Актуальность мониторинга содержания тяжёлых металлов в водах Атлантического сектора Антарктики определяется необходимостью современной оценки качества водной среды для принятия ответственных решений по сохранению морских живых ресурсов в этом уникальном регионе Мирового океана. Цель проводимых исследований — получить новые данные об уровнях и пространственном распределении концентрации микроэлементов, преимущественно тяжёлых металлов, в поверхностной воде. Отбор проб поверхностной морской воды производили в антарктической экспедиции 79-го рейса НИС «Академик Мстислав Келдыш» на 21 станции в районе проливов Дрейка, Брансфилда, Антарктика, а также в морях Уэдделла и Скотия. Экстракцию и концентрирование растворённой формы 13 микроэлементов (Be, Se, Sb, Tl, V, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mo, Co и Fe) осуществляли с помощью диэтилдитиокарбамата натрия и четырёххлористого углерода (CCl4). Измерение элементов проводили масс-спектрометрическим методом. Только для Mo на девяти станциях, расположенных в проливах Дрейка и Брансфилда, в северном районе моря Уэдделла, а также возле южного побережья острова Огненная Земля, отмечали превышение его концентрации в морской воде в 1,2–2,8 раза по отношению к ПДК микроэлементов в воде рыбохозяйственных объектов РФ (ПДКРХ). Согласно международным нормативно-правовым актам, таким как «Голландские листы», зарегистрированы единичные случаи превышения MPC (maximum permissible concentration — ПДК при краткосрочном воздействии) для Cd и Zn, а также превышение TV (target value — контрольные уровни при хроническом воздействии) для Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Se и Co на нескольких станциях. Исследования показали, что, несмотря на ограниченный режим антропогенной нагрузки в этом регионе Южного океана, в морской воде отдельных районов Атлантического сектора Антарктики в современный период зафиксированы повышенные концентрации некоторых микроэлементов, включая тяжёлые металлы. Необходимо дальнейшее изучение источников поступления и особенностей распределения микроэлементов в морских водах Атлантической части Антарктики для объяснения происходящих процессов, а также для принятия мер по рациональному управлению и экологически приемлемому природопользованию в Антарктическом регионе.

Soil pH is one of the main factors influencing the solubility and availability of trace elements in arable soils. Thus pH can affect the trace element contents of agricultural crops and thereby indirectly influence human health. The aim of this study was to determine Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Al and Se contents in spring wheat, potatoes and carrots (Cd, Ni and Zn) and estimate their correlations with certain soil factors (surface and subsurface soil pH and organic matter content) governing the plant availability of these elements. Commercial fields were sampled in Sweden in order to cover a wide range of soil types with respect to pH, soil texture and organic matter content. Concentrations of Zn, Mn, Ni (grain) and Cd (straw) in spring wheat (n=43); Cd, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu and Al in potatoes (n=69); and Cd, Ni and Zn in carrots (n=36) showed significant negative correlations with surface soil pH (0–25 cm). The Se content of potatoes and Cr content of spring wheat straw were positively correlated with soil pH. Stepwise multiple regressions including a combination of soil pHs (0–25 and 25–50 cm) and organic matter contents (0–25 cm) showed that the organic matter content as well as the surface and subsurface soil pH significantly influenced concentrations of several trace elements in one or more of the studied crops. It was concluded that, if acid deposition together with other acidifying processes (fertilisation, harvest of biomass, etc.) are not balanced by a sufficient amount of liming there might be a decrease in the pH of arable soils, which, in turn will lead to decreased levels of Se in edible crops but an overall increase concentrations of other trace elements.

The trigger for some cases of juvenile diabetes has been suggested to be an interaction between a virus and various trace elements. Infection with human coxsackievirus B3 (CB3) in the murine model results in viral replication and inflammation in the pancreas. To determine how infection affects the trace element balance in the pancreas. Concentrations of the following trace elements were measured in the serum and pancreas during the early phase (days 1 and 3) of CB3 infection in female Balb/c mice: aluminium, arsenic, cadmium (Cd), calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), selenium, silver, vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn). The trace element concentrations were measured through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The histopathology was established by hematoxylin-eosin techniques and immunohistochemical staining of both CD4 and CD8 cells of the pancreas. Infected mice developed expected clinical signs of disease. The only changes at day 1 occurred in the serum, with a pronounced decrease in the Zn concentration and a small increase in the V concentration. At day 3, concentrations of several trace elements, including Cu, Zn, Fe, Ca, V, and Mn, showed pronounced changes in both the serum and the pancreas. Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, and V, but none of the potentially toxic elements, accumulated in the pancreas. Cu and V concentrations increased in the serum as well. Several trace element changes, preceding the development of pancreatitis, occurred in the pancreas in this viral infection, the exact pathogenic interpretation of which warrants further studies.

The aim of this work was to study the short-term effect of clear-cut harvest on concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), B, Al, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb in drainage water from northern peatland catchments in Finland underlain by granitic or black shale bedrock, the latter having higher concentrations of several trace elements, such as Ni and Zn. Stem-only harvest (SOH) or whole-tree harvest (WTH) with stump removal were carried out at coniferous sites. Controls were left unharvested. DOC and trace element concentrations were monitored during one pre-treatment and two post-treatment years. There was no constant increase in the element concentrations. However, there were signs that both SOH and WTH clear-cut harvest on northern peatland catchments increases the concentrations of DOC, B, Al, Zn and Ni in ditchwater in some sites irrespective of the bedrock type. The greatest increases were observed in WTH sites but the study does not allow us to assess the statistical significance of the magnitude of the difference between SOH and WTH. We conclude that the element concentrations in ditchwater depend largely on site characteristics masking the possible effect of harvest.

Trace element concentrations in breast cancer patients

Annual ring growth patterns of red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Q. alba) were compared from Lehigh Valley (near neutral soils) and the Pocono (acid soils) forests in eastern Pennsylvania. The two red oak populations were parallel, although statistically different, from 1935–1950. For white oak, the two populations had the same mean for the period of 1935–1965; and from 1965–1985 the means were different. Chemical analyses of wood cores had shown increasing concentrations of several trace elements in new rings of both oak species from the Lehigh Valley and the Pocono areas. Although the results suggest certain changes in growth pattern and chemical composition in the wood cores, no clear‐cut evidence that air pollution or acid rain was affecting the health of the two forests could be detected.

Investigation presented is devoted to the problem of ecological and geochemical assessing of surface and near-surface waters of Kyiv (on the example of Sunny Lake, Lower Telbin Lake and shallow groundwater of Vodnykiv Island). As part of an ongoing assessment of the ecological-hygienic and medico-biological state of Kyiv, a set of surface water and shallow groundwater samples was collected and analysed (ICP-MS) for major and trace-element concentrations. Surface-water samples included two lakes that are popular recreation sites. Although all waters had near-neutral pH, concentrations of several trace elements were found to be above the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) in Sunny Lake (Sb to 63 mg/dm3, Mn to mg/dm3) and Lower Telbin Lake (Al to 4,0 mg/dm3, Fe to 1,4 mg/dm3, As to 50 mg/dm3). Shallow groundwater samples had highly elevated concentrations of Fe (to 16,3 mg/dm3) and Mn (to 2,6 mg/dm3), as well as dissolved organic acids (to 25 mg/dm3). Two primary controls were established to explain the observed peculiarities in water quality: 1) water residence time coupled with the underlying geology; and 2) proximity to industrial effluent, including incineration and wastewater treatment facilities. In addition, lake-bed sediment was locally contaminated (e.g., lead up to 100 times the MPC). Preliminary data on the metal content of aquatic vegetation suggests a potential threat to human health and the environment. As a whole, our data show that the sampled water bodies fail to meet minimum requirements for category II (cultural, household, recreational) use. Although other water bodies in the area meet category II standards, continued loading of bio-organic and man-made inorganic pollutants may degrade water quality in the future. This situation can only be avoided by the introduction of scientifically sound and administratively supported reclamation measures which are at the moment slowly implementing in Ukraine.

Concentrations of several trace elements were determined in mosses, higher plants and organs of small mammals from a geothermal area in Tuscany (central Italy). Increased deposition of Hg, As, B, and Sb was detected in biological samples collected within a few hundred meters of geothermal power plants. Among the species considered, the moss Hypnum cupressiforme was the most efficient accumulator of trace elements. Contamination levels in a fodder-plant (Hedysarum coronarium) and vegetables grown in the geothermal field did not seem to pose health risks for consumers. However, a statistically significant increase in Hg, B, and As concentrations was found in the kidney and muscle of small mammals living close to geothermal installations. Biological effects of B pollution were detected in two sensitive plant species. In view of plans to increase the exploitation of geothermal resources in the area, adequate measures to monitor the environment should be taken. Mosses are the most suitable accumulative biomonitors for a surveillance network, and studies on small mammal populations should be intensified. Available technologies should be used to diminish atmospheric emissions from geothermal power plants.

Background.Different fractions of metals, of varying origin and reactivity, are present in sediments of forest soil. Forest ecosystems are privileged sites for the deposition of persistent organic pollutants carried by the atmosphere.Objectives.The present study describes the current state of metallic contamination around the Hafir forest, located southwest of Tlemcen, Algeria, based on analysis of total sediment mineralization and the speciation of each metal to examine the effects of emissions due to road traffic.Methods.The distribution and migration of ten heavy metals were studied, including cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and silver (Ag), and four major elements: potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) in the superficial horizon of forest soil (0–20 cm) at different road distances (0–1700 m), in two sampling campaigns in the dry and wet seasons around the Hafir forest, Algeria.Results.Bioavailability appears to be relatively low due to the small amount of metals present in the carbonate fraction and the alkaline pH. The impact of road traffic was observed in the variability of the concentrations of several trace elements in forest soil, such as Co, Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, Ag, Cd. They were generally observed at very high levels along the roadside due to dry atmospheric deposition.Conclusions.The high levels of metals in the carbonate, reducible and residual phases indicate a direct influence on the environment stemming from road traffic near the forest as well as contamination from rainfall in the area.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

The Critical Zone is an important source of trace elements to headwater streams during the snowmelt runoff period, yet the mechanisms of trace element release are poorly characterized. To evaluate changes in water chemistry in response to snowmelt, we measured trace element and major ion concentrations at three sites in the upper Provo River in northern Utah, USA, over a five–year period spanning years with below– and above–average discharge. We also sampled snowpack, ephemeral streams, and soil water to investigate trace element sources. The river drains siliciclastic bedrock above the upper site, carbonate rocks between the upper and middle sites, and volcanic rocks between the middle and lower sites, with minimal anthropogenic impacts in the watershed. Concentrations of specific trace metals (Be, Al, Cu, and Pb) and rare earth elements (represented by La and Y) increased during snowmelt runoff each year at all three sites, with decreasing concentrations from upstream to downstream. In contrast, major ion concentrations, including Ca2+ and SO42-, were similar year–round at the upper site and were diluted during snowmelt at the lower sites, with increasing concentrations from upstream to downstream. The snowmelt runoff period (April–June) accounted for >84% of the annual trace element loading, with most trace element inputs occurring above the upper sampling site. Concentration–discharge (C–Q) relationships revealed variations in solute behavior from upstream to downstream. For example, at the upstream site the trace elements had a slight positive slope in log C–log Q space, while Ca2+ and SO42- had zero slope. At the downstream sites, the trace elements had a strong positive slope and Ca2+ and SO42- had a negative slope. Trace element concentrations were relatively low in snowpack but elevated in ephemeral streams and soil water, suggesting that flushing of shallow soils by snowmelt causes increased trace element concentrations with positive C–Q relationships in the upper part of the river. Trace element loads propagate downstream where concentrations are diluted by groundwater inputs from carbonate bedrock. Our results demonstrate that soil water flushing in the Critical Zone at the headwaters of mountain streams is an important control on downstream water chemistry.

Ambient particulate matter (PM) is composed of inorganic and organic components. The contribution of each component is impacted by various factors such as emission sources, atmospheric aging process, and size of the PM or droplets. This study mainly focuses on the effect of the PM and droplet size on trace elemental concentrations, for which various size fractions of ambient PM (PM1, PM2.5) were collected on quartz filters along with fog water (FW) samples during winter. Simultaneous, online measurements of the mass concentrations of PM1 and PM2.5 were also carried out. At the time of the collection, the mass concentration of PM2.5 ranged from 19 to 890 μg/m3, and its mean value was 227 μg/m3. During the sampling period, 17 fog events occurred and caused a 27% reduction in the mean pre-fog PM2.5 concentration. All the PM and FW samples were analyzed for 12 trace elements: Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Zn, V. The concentrations of the various trace elements in the PM1, PM2.5, and FW samples encompassed a wide range: 10 (V)–2432 (Na) ng/m3, 34 (Mn)–13810 (Na) ng/m3, and 8 (Cr)–19870 (Ca) μg/l, respectively. The concentrations of the trace elements in the FW samples indicated a droplet-size-dependent trend: the small droplets (diameter <16 μm) had several times (3–10 times) higher concentrations than the coarser droplets (diameter >22 μm). The enrichment factor (EF) analysis revealed that the EF values for almost all the trace elements were an order of magnitude higher in the FW samples than in PM1 and PM2.5. Risk assessment based on toxic elements suggested a very high inhalation carcinogenic risk (231 per million) for the exposed population during foggy periods. This study will facilitate decision-making by policymakers regarding air quality and health concerns.

The study was undertaken to determine the effects of various substances (manure, clay, charcoal, zeolite, and calcium oxide) applied to a cobalt-contaminated soil (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg kg−1 of soil) on the content of certain trace elements in spring barley (main crop) and white mustard (after-crop). The effect of cobalt on the contents of the trace elements was ambiguous and was either antagonistic or synergistic in nature, depending on the organ and plant species. Generally, the substances applied to soil reduced the content of most trace elements in above-ground parts of both plants and in the roots of white mustard, in contrast to the roots of spring barley. Of all the substances, calcium oxide had the strongest and generally reducing effect on the content of trace elements in the tested organs of the plants; however, its effect was the weakest in the roots of white mustard. Statement of Novelty It is difficult to find in the literature the results of studies into the effect of mineral and other amendments used in our research (manure, clay, charcoal, zeolite, and calcium oxide) on trace elements content in plants if they are used with a view to weakening the effect of cobalt on plants. We think that it is the novelty in the results of environmental sciences. The literature refer to the application of organic matter, bentonite, zeolite and calcium oxide to neutralize other heavy metals. The research was carried out in the two plants system used for phytoremediation with main crop (spring barley—Hordeum vulgare L.) and after-crop (white mustard—Synapis alba L.). The trace elements were analyzed in test plants. The results of the research allowed to select the most effective substance to support the phytoremediation of soil contaminated with cobalt.

Investigating post-depositional alteration of trace elements in fish scales using tagged and recaptured wild salmon

Studied the content and distribution of 18 environmental hazardous trace elements in the lignite, fatty coal, anthracite and its burnt products by combustion simulating expriment in the one-dismensinal boiler. The transformations and concentration of 18 trace elements during different coal combustion were discussed. The results show that there are some content distribution of 18 hazardous trace elements in every burnt product, but the law of concentration and dispersion of every trace element during different coal combustion is very different. Experiment results indicate that the transformation and concentration of trace elements during coal combustion are related to the element contents and occurrences of trace elements in raw coal, but are also affected by some man-made factors such as the combustion method of boiler, combustion temperature and atmosphere, the type of precipitators and so on.