Environmental Engineering
N.D. Takarina; N. Matsue; E. Johan; A. Adiwibowo; M.F.N.K. Rahmawati; S.A. Pramudyawardhani; T. Wukirsari
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Zeolite has been recognized as a potential adsorbent for heavy metals in water. The form of zeolite that is generally available in powder has challenged the use of zeolite in the environment. Embedding powder zeolite in a nonwoven sheet, known as a zeolite-embedded sheet can ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Zeolite has been recognized as a potential adsorbent for heavy metals in water. The form of zeolite that is generally available in powder has challenged the use of zeolite in the environment. Embedding powder zeolite in a nonwoven sheet, known as a zeolite-embedded sheet can be an alternative to solve that. Another challenge is that information and models of zeolite-embedded sheet removal efficiency are still limited. The novelty of this study is, first, the development of a zeolite-embedded sheet to remove heavy metals from water, and second, the use of the random forest method to model the heavy metal removal efficiency of a zeolite-embedded sheet in water.METHODS: The heavy metals studied were copper, lead and zinc, considering that those are common heavy metals found in water. For developing the zeolite-embedded sheet, the methods include fabrication of the zeolite-embedded sheet using a heating procedure and heavy metals adsorption treatment using the zeolite-embedded sheet. The machine learning analysis to model the heavy metal removal efficiency using zeolite-embedded sheet was performed using the random forest method. The random forest models were then validated using the root mean square error, mean square of residuals, percentage variable explained and graphs depicting out-of-bag error of a random forest.FINDINGS: The results show the heavy metal removal efficiency was 5.51-95.6 percent, 42.71-98.92 percent and 13.39-95.97 percent for copper, lead and zinc, respectively. Heavy metals were reduced to 50 percent at metal concentrations of 10.355 milligram per liter for copper, 171.615 milligram per liter for lead and 4.755 milligram per liter for zinc. Based on the random forest models, the important variables affecting copper removal efficiency using zeolite-embedded sheet were its contents in water, followed by water temperature and potential of hydrogen. Conversely, lead and zinc removal efficiency was influenced mostly by potential of hydrogen. The random forest model also confirms that the high efficiency of heavy metals removal (>60 percent) will be achieved at water potential of hydrogen ranges of 4.94–5.61 and temperatures equal to 29.1 degrees Celsius.CONCLUSION: In general, a zeolite-embedded sheet can adsorb diluted heavy metals from water because there are percentages of adsorbed heavy metals. The random forest model is very useful to provide information and determine the threshold of heavy metal contents, water potential of hydrogen and temperature to optimize the heavy metal removal efficiency using a zeolite-embedded sheet and reducing pollutants in the environment.
Environmental Management
N.B. Maulydia; R. Idroes; K. Khairan; T.E. Tallei; F. Mohd Fauzi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tridax procumbens L. is a plant that grows abundantly in the Ie-Seu'um geothermal area in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to determine metabolite compounds from Tridax procumbens plants in a geothermal area using qualitative and quantitative analyses. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tridax procumbens L. is a plant that grows abundantly in the Ie-Seu'um geothermal area in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to determine metabolite compounds from Tridax procumbens plants in a geothermal area using qualitative and quantitative analyses. In addition, the contents of six heavy metals in plants and their toxicology were assessed using an in silico approach.METHODS: The ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens was analyzed qualitatively using reagents to determine the contents of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, and saponins. In addition, quantitative analysis was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy to obtain the chromatograms and mass spectra of the metabolite compounds of the ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens, which were used in computational toxicology analysis using a simplified molecular input system in a predictor server. Atomic absorption spectrometry was conducted to confirm the contents of six heavy metals harmful to medicinal plants.FINDINGS: The results showed that Tridax procumbens from the Ie-Seu'um geothermal area, Aceh, has secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and tannins, with phytol from diterpenoid group having the highest content (32.72 percent). Toxicological analysis showed that the compounds in the ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens were nontoxic or inactive in five toxicity parameters. The other results of the heavy metal analysis showed the dominance of chromium among the other six metals tested (copper, not detected; cadmium, 0.91 ± 0.03 milligram per kilogram; zinc, 3.50 ± 0.03 milligram per kilogram; iron, 4.65 ± 0.02 milligram per kilogram; lead, 6.42 ± 0.05 milligram per kilogram; and chromium, 13.81 ± 0.07 milligram per kilogram.CONCLUSION: This study highlights the unique secondary metabolite composition of Tridax procumbens under such extreme conditions and underscores the potential implications of heavy metal accumulation in plants in geothermal areas.
Environmental Management
A.M. Sabilillah; F.R. Palupi; B.K. Adji; A.P. Nugroho
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The threat posed by microplastics to humans through fish consumption is potentially great due to microplastics’ capacity to adsorb heavy metals. The Code and Gajahwong streams have suffered from plastic and heavy metal pollution as the major rivers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The threat posed by microplastics to humans through fish consumption is potentially great due to microplastics’ capacity to adsorb heavy metals. The Code and Gajahwong streams have suffered from plastic and heavy metal pollution as the major rivers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. However, little is known about the cumulative danger caused by the association of the microplastic and heavy metals. A thorough analysis of the extent of the health risks that people who consume fish from these rivers may experience is urgently needed. Hence, this study aimed to study microplastic pollution accumulated by fish in Code and Gajahwong streams, analyze the interactions with heavy metals, and assess the potential health risks.METHODS: Fish sample collection was conducted in three stations by considering the severity of plastic pollution. Microplastics were extracted from the gills, digestive tract, muscle, and water and then characterized based on the number, size, shape, color, and type of polymer. Potential health risks were evaluated based on the potential ecological risk index, polymer hazard index, pollution load index, estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, total target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk.FINDINGS: Microplastics have contaminated the streams and fish and were dominated by small-sized green fibers and low-density polyethylene polymer. The pollution was related to human activities around the streams. The highest accumulation in fish was found in the digestive organs. Lead and cadmium have been associated with microplastics. The calculation of the potential ecological risk index and polymer hazard index showed that the medium risk of microplastic contamination in both streams. Based on the values of estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, total target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk, short-term consumption of fish from the streams carries a low risk, but it will increase over time and pose a serious harm in the long term.CONCLUSION: Given that most of the microplastics found were associated with lead and cadmium, they can increase the risk to human health due to the transfer of microplastics through food chains. Mitigation efforts involving various stakeholders, community involvement, and continuous education must be continuously pursued. This study significantly contributes to the current problem of environmental pollution by means of microplastic threats associated with heavy metals and provides a thorough health risk assessment applicable to other rivers and mitigation efforts that must be exerted to achieve sustainability.
Environmental Management
D. Justus Reymond; K. Sudalaimuthu
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Heavy metals can enter the food chain in the aquatic environment and become available for accumulation in biota. Industrialization and agricultural developments are progressively causing ecological concerns, which must be addressed. This study aimed to ascertain the heavy metals ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Heavy metals can enter the food chain in the aquatic environment and become available for accumulation in biota. Industrialization and agricultural developments are progressively causing ecological concerns, which must be addressed. This study aimed to ascertain the heavy metals in Tamiraparani River sediments using contamination factor and contamination degree, which would help administrative bodies implement control measures. For heavy metal analysis, this study is unique in that it focuses on the far downstream, where the sediment deposition is higher.METHODS: Using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the abundance of iron, manganese, copper, and chromium was determined in this study. In this study, the heavy metals in the sediments are selected on the basis of previous studies. Additionally, to assess sediment pollution status, contamination factor, contamination degree, and pollution load index were used. Furthermore, a geographical information system was used to analyse the temporal variations of heavy metals in the sediments for different spatial locations downstream of the river.FINDINGS: The study revealed that iron > manganese > chromium > copper concentration ranges from 3838 to 853, 68 to 7.8, 8.3 to 0.5, and 5.6 to 0.26 milligram per kilogram, respectively. The contamination factor ranges from 0.006 to 0.093 among all the sampling locations, heavy metals, and seasons, indicating that the pollution is in a low-level category. The contamination degree ranges from 0.039 to 0.378 among sampling stations and seasons, also indicating low-category pollution. The pollution load index value ranges from 0.004 to 0.092, which is less than 1 (guideline value), indicating less pollution impact. The seasonal variation shows that the post-monsoon is highly polluted because of the excessive sediment deposit from upstream after monsoon rainfall.CONCLUSION: The contamination factor and contamination degree are within the acceptable limit. However, they are in an increasing phase during monsoon seasons, which indicates that heavy metals are from industries and are built up along the river banks upstream. Additionally, chromium and copper are in high concentrations during post-monsoon (chromium = 6.643, copper = 5.636) than during pre-monsoon because of anthropogenic activities and industrial waste discharge into the river stream.
Environmental Science
Y.S.K. De Silva; U.M. Rajagopalan; H. Kadono
Abstract
Growth of plants, apart from being complex and highly dynamic, is directly dependent on the environmental conditions, particularly the quality of soil for terrestrial plants and the water quality for aquatic plants. Presence of microplastics in the environment may affect the plant growth in numerous ...
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Growth of plants, apart from being complex and highly dynamic, is directly dependent on the environmental conditions, particularly the quality of soil for terrestrial plants and the water quality for aquatic plants. Presence of microplastics in the environment may affect the plant growth in numerous ways depending on the contents of the growing medium. However, increasing presence of microplastics at an alarming rate due to its pervasive usage and mismanagement of plastics have led to significant environmental problems. Several research studies have been conducted as well as reviewed to investigate the toxic effects of microplastics on aquatic systems, but studies that investigate the toxic effect of microplastics on the terrestrial systems are limited. Hence, in this review the individual and the combined effects of microplastics on the growth of plants and seed germination in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are concisely discussed. At the beginning accumulation of microplastics on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem is discussed and the reasonable solutions are highlighted that can mitigate the effects from the widespread increase of the plastic debris. Thereafter, the individual and combined effect of microplastics on seed germination and plant growth is reviewed separately while summarizing the important aspects and future perspectives. This review will provide an insight into the existing gap in the current research works and thus could offer possible implications on the effect of microplastics on plant growth and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem.
Environmental Management
R.D.P. Astuti; A. Mallongi; A.U. Rauf
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As a public concern, monitoring and controlling toxic metals pollution is needed worldwide. Due to the ability of poisonous metals in biomagnification and bioaccumulation, they can cause several adverse impacts on ecological and human health. The study aims to assess chromium ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As a public concern, monitoring and controlling toxic metals pollution is needed worldwide. Due to the ability of poisonous metals in biomagnification and bioaccumulation, they can cause several adverse impacts on ecological and human health. The study aims to assess chromium and nickel enrichment levels and estimate the soil''s ecological risk surrounds the Pangkajene watershed.METHODS: The total concentrations of chromium and nickel were determined using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. This study used contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, and pollution load index to evaluate soil enrichment status. The ecological hazard index is used to estimate the potential hazard that may occur due to contamination. FINDINGS: The mean concentrations of chromium and nickel were 92.9 and 43.18 mg/kg, respectively. Chromium concentration exceeded the soil quality guideline for the protection of environment and human health, while Ni still below the standards. The geo-accumulation index value indicated no human-made-derived contamination in the soil. Weathering of carbonate rocks is the chromium and nickel major enrichment factor in the Pangkep regency. Contamination factor and pollution load index values showed low pollution in the studied soil. However, all study sites exceeded the ecological hazard index value (Ecological hazard index>1), which indicates a considerable ecological risk in the Pangkajene watershed area. CONCLUSION: These findings may provide baseline information related to chromium and nickel enrichment in the soil for Pangkep regency municipality. The Pangkep regency municipality must highlight the importance of strengthening environmental standards and monitoring mechanism as the priority to maintain a healthy environment.
O.B. Akintan; J.A. Olusola; A.M. Azeez
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate concentrations of selected heavy metals in the soils of Ilokun dumpsite and adjourning farmlands, and to determine as well levels of heavy metals uptake in various parts of Carica papaya plant collected from the dumpsite. Twenty-two soil samples were collected within the ...
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This study aimed to evaluate concentrations of selected heavy metals in the soils of Ilokun dumpsite and adjourning farmlands, and to determine as well levels of heavy metals uptake in various parts of Carica papaya plant collected from the dumpsite. Twenty-two soil samples were collected within the dumpsites and farmlands at depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. Evaluations of heavy metals (Ni, Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb and Cu) in soil samples and in different parts of Carica papaya plants were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study revealed higher concentration of Pb in the dumpsite than the farmlands. Mean concentrations of Cd in the dumpsites; 2.98±1.93 (0-20 cm) and 3.22±2.14 (20-40 cm) were higher than their corresponding depth in farmlands (1.93±1.28 (0-20cm) and 1.94±1.59 (20 – 40 cm). The study established a strong correlation for Ni/Pb (0.948) at depth of 0.20cm; Cu/Cd (0.985) and Pb/Cd (0.918) at depth of 20-40cm. Heavy metal uptake was highest in the plant parts compared to the dumpsites and farmlands. The result showed that translocation factor arrangement is: Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Cd˃ Cr˃ Pb˃ Ni and Cu had the highest translocation factor of 4.698. Based on the results, the various heavy metal could be classified as slight contaminants (Pb, Cr and Ni), moderate contaminants (Cu and Cd) and severe contaminant (Zn). Although concentrations of heavy metals in the farmlands were below the Department of Petroleum Resources and World Health Organisation allowable limits, monitoring the concentration profile of these heavy metals concentrations in the area is recommended to prevent detrimental effects on the environment.
J. Samaniego; M.A.N. Tanchuling
Abstract
The use of amalgamation process to recover gold from mined ores by the small-scale gold miners in the Philippines and other developing countries produces and dispose of untreated wastewater to the receiving water bodies. In this study, a field-scale filter bed system was constructed to treat heavy metal ...
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The use of amalgamation process to recover gold from mined ores by the small-scale gold miners in the Philippines and other developing countries produces and dispose of untreated wastewater to the receiving water bodies. In this study, a field-scale filter bed system was constructed to treat heavy metal metal-laden wastewater collected from small-scale gold mining site in Paracale, Camarines Norte, Philippines. The filter bed system was consists of sedimentation tank and filter bed with Cocopeat, a by-product of coconut husk, as adsorbent. Physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, salinity, total suspended solids, color) and heavy metal (As, Ba, Cd, Hg, Pb) concentrations were monitored during the 50 days experiment at a flow rate of 40 Liter per hour for 3 hours daily wastewater application. Significant reduction was achieved on heavy metals; As (97.11%), Ba (39.75%), Cd (74.24%), Hg (97.02%), Pb (98.82%) from small-scale gold mining (SSGM)wastewater in sedimentation phase and further reductions on As (1.39%), Ba (28.00%), Cd (4.95%), Hg (2.91%), Pb (0.97%) were achieved by adsorption in the Cocopeat filter bed. Measured effluent physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations were within the respective regulatory limits. Other effluent parameters with strong correlation with total suspended solids such as turbidity and color, though not regulated, were reduced significantly. All adsorbed heavy metals accumulated in the upper 25 cm of the Cocopeat column in the filter bed. Measured heavy metal concentrations in Cocopeat suggest that the adsorbent was not saturated and further application of small-scale gold mining wastewater is recommended to determine its useful life.
M. Keshvardoostchokami; L. Babaei; A.A. Zamani; A.H. Parizanganeh; F. Piri
Abstract
In this study, an easy synthesized method for preparation of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite as a bio-sorbent has been applied. Analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction; Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy ...
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In this study, an easy synthesized method for preparation of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite as a bio-sorbent has been applied. Analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction; Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to survey of morphological structure and the functional groups characterization. The histogram of frequency of particle size confirmed that medium size of the synthesized nanoparticles was 50 nm. Beside the obtained nanocomposite, application of chitosan as the precursor and shrimp shell as natural chitin and a natural polymer were assessed as adsorbents for decontamination of Ni2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ as examples of heavy metals from drinking water. Batch studies were performed for adsorption experiments by changing variables such as pH, contact time and adsorbent dose. Based on the experimental sorption capacities, 58, 202 and 12 mg of Ni, Cd and Pb per g of Chitosan-Fe2O3 nanocomposite as adsorbent respectively, confirm that combination of Fe2O3 nanoparticles with chitosan makes a more efficient adsorbent than chitosan and chitin. Adsorbents in uptake of the mentioned heavy metals are in the order of Chitosan-Fe2O3 nanocomposite > chitosan> chitin. In addition, the kinetics and isotherm investigations were surveyed. Moreover, it has been shown that the synthesized nanocomposite significantly reduces the amount of the mentioned ions from the real wastewater sample.
Environmental Science
S. Hassani; A.R. Karbassi; M. Ardestani
Abstract
The flocculation of dissolved heavy metals is a process which has an important effect on decreasing the concentration of the colloidal elements during estuarine mixing of river water and sea or ocean water. During this important process, a large amount of colloidal elements change into particles in ...
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The flocculation of dissolved heavy metals is a process which has an important effect on decreasing the concentration of the colloidal elements during estuarine mixing of river water and sea or ocean water. During this important process, a large amount of colloidal elements change into particles in the form of flock and the dissolved loads decline. This study is performed to evaluate the mechanism of self-purification of heavy metals in Sardabroud's estuary. For this purpose, the effect of salinity (varying from 1 to 8.5‰) on the removal efficiency of colloidal metals (copper, zinc, lead, nickel and magnesium) by flocculation process during mixing of Sardabroud River water and the Caspian Sea water was explored. The flocculation rate of Ni (25%) > Zn (18.59%) > Cu (16.67%) > Mn(5.83%) > Pb(4.86%) indicates that lead and manganese have relatively conservative behavior but nickel, zinc and copper have non-conservative behavior during Sardabroud River’s estuarine mixing. The highest removal efficiencies were obtained between salinities of 1 to 2.5%. Due to flocculation process, annual discharge of dissolved zinc, copper, lead, manganese and nickel release into the Caspian Sea via Sardabroud River would reduce from 44.30 to 36.06 ton/yr, 3.41 to 2.84 ton/yr, 10.22 to 9.7 ton/yr, 8.52 to 7.8 ton/yr and 3.41 to 2.56 ton/yr, respectively. Statistical analysis shows that the flocculation rate of Nickel is highly controlled by redox potential and dissolved oxygen. Moreover, it is found that total dissolved solid, salinity, electrical conductivity and potential of hydrogen do not have a significant influence in flocculation of studied metals.
M. Pazoki; B. Hasanidarabadi
Abstract
Sirri Island is one of the most important islands in Iran where contains massive amounts of crude oil reservoirs and is a crude oil exporting and storage spot. Petroleum sludge wastes produced by the refineries are deposited in outdoor 2-ha open pits. 30 sludge samples from different depot locations ...
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Sirri Island is one of the most important islands in Iran where contains massive amounts of crude oil reservoirs and is a crude oil exporting and storage spot. Petroleum sludge wastes produced by the refineries are deposited in outdoor 2-ha open pits. 30 sludge samples from different depot locations were conducted in 3-time intervals and mixed with each other to form one homogenized sample. The sample was treated by solvent extraction method using methyl ethyl ketone as an efficient polar solvent in order to recover the valuable hydrocarbon and oil. About 99.8% of the oil was recovered and determined to reach almost the same quality as the exportable crude oil of Sirri Island. The sediments were also tested for size distribution range and titled as fine-grained soil. Toxicity characteristics leaching procedure test was conducted on the residuals to determine whether the waste is categorized as toxic and hazardous. The industrial waste evaluation model used in the current work suggested different leachate concentrations (10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% of total leachate) based on toxicity characteristics leaching procedure for different probable leaching scenarios. The surface and subsurface regional conditions such as depth to underground water table, climate condition, subsurface pH, soil texture and material were defined to the model as well. Then, the model simulated 10000 possible runs considering the leaching procedure, contaminant concentrations, maximum contaminant limits and surface and sub-surface conditions. The final outcomes regarding heavy metals results showed that nickel, chromium and vanadium were protective under composite liner while cobalt and lead were not safe under such liner and need proper treatment before landfilling. As the final step, the size and details of landfill were designed. The landfill was selected as a square with side and depth of 55m and 3m respectively. The composite liner consisted of 1.5mm high density polyethylene layer with 50cm compacted clay liner of 10-7 cm/s hydraulic conductivity underneath.
Environmental Management
P.C. Emenike; D.O. Omole; B.U. Ngene; I.T. Tenebe
Abstract
The expensive nature of metal ions detoxification from wastewater have restricted the use of conventional treatment technologies. Cheap, alternative measures have been adopted to eliminate metal contamination, and adsorptions using agricultural adsorbents seem to be the way forward. The use of agricultural ...
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The expensive nature of metal ions detoxification from wastewater have restricted the use of conventional treatment technologies. Cheap, alternative measures have been adopted to eliminate metal contamination, and adsorptions using agricultural adsorbents seem to be the way forward. The use of agricultural adsorbents for cadmium (II), copper (II) and lead (II) ion removal has gained more interest in literature due to the level of contamination in water bodies. This review shed lights on the removal proficiency of various low–cost agricultural adsorbent for the elimination of cadmium (II), copper (II) and lead (II) ions, considering performance, surface modification, equilibrium adsorptive studies, kinetic characteristics, coefficient of correlation (R2) and reuse. Furthermore, these agricultural adsorbents have displayed better performance when rivaled with commercial/conventional adsorbent. Observations from different adsorptive capacities presented owe their performance to surface area improvement/modification, pH of the adsorbent, ionic potential of the solution, initial concentration and elemental component of the adsorbent. However, gaps have been identified to improve applicability, sorption performance, economic viability, optimization, and commercialization of suitable agricultural adsorbents.
Environmental Science
S.A. Bapat; D.K. Jaspal
Abstract
Heavy metals and dyes are major contributors in contamination of water streams. These contaminants enter into our eco- system, thus posing a significant threat to public health, ecological equilibrium and environment. Thus a combined discharge of these contaminants results in water pollution with high ...
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Heavy metals and dyes are major contributors in contamination of water streams. These contaminants enter into our eco- system, thus posing a significant threat to public health, ecological equilibrium and environment. Thus a combined discharge of these contaminants results in water pollution with high chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, color, particulate matter, suspended particles and odor. The mounting pollution of the water bodies has attracted attention of the researchers towards the development of novel techniques and materials for water pollution. The paper describes the use of such a material Parthenium hysterophorus, a weed, explored for water purification. The potential of the weed has been tested for several heavy metals and dyes as described in this paper. As per literature the weed is capable of showing adsorption tendency up to 90% in certain cases for some heavy metals and dyes. Powdered weed, activated carbon, ash etc. of Parthenium have been employed for the removal process.
Gh. A. Mohammadpour; A.R. Karbassi; A. Baghvand
Abstract
Presence of toxic metals in agricultural soils can impose adverse health impact on consumers. The main purpose of this study was to determine spatial distribution of elements Fe, Sb, Mn in agriculture soils and crops of Hamedan Province in Iran. Soil samples (0-20 cm depth) were collected from an ...
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Presence of toxic metals in agricultural soils can impose adverse health impact on consumers. The main purpose of this study was to determine spatial distribution of elements Fe, Sb, Mn in agriculture soils and crops of Hamedan Province in Iran. Soil samples (0-20 cm depth) were collected from an area of 2831 km2. Iron, Antimony and Manganese in samples of soil and agricultural crops were extracted and their amount was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. The spatial distribution map of the studied elements was developed using Kriging method. The main concentration of Fe, Sb and Mn in the soil of the study area is about 3.8%, 2.5 and 403 mg/kg, respectively. According to chemical partitioning studies, the anthropogenic share of Fe, Sb and Mn is about 28.51%, 34.83% and 30.35%, respectively. Results of comparison of heavy metals pollution intensity in the agricultural soil with geo-accumulation index and also pollution index, illustrated that iron and manganese are classified in the Non-polluted class and antimony is in the moderately polluted class. Analysis of zoning map of pollution index showed that Fe, Sb and Mn are of geological sources. In fact, these metals are naturally found in soil. However, anthropogenic activities have led to more accumulation of these metals in the soil. The obtained health risk for metals in agricultural crops is indicative of safe value for consumers.
Environmental Management
T. Salem; Sh.S. Ahmed; M. Hamed; G.H. Abd ElAziz
Abstract
A risk assessment study was conducted to predict the expected hazardous influence on the ecosystem resulted from urbanization and industrialization activities at Helwan area, Egypt. To achieve these goals, soils, plants and water samples were collected from Helwan area, and their total concentrations ...
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A risk assessment study was conducted to predict the expected hazardous influence on the ecosystem resulted from urbanization and industrialization activities at Helwan area, Egypt. To achieve these goals, soils, plants and water samples were collected from Helwan area, and their total concentrations of inorganic contaminants (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and organic pollutants; such as Phenol and hydrocarbons were measured. The obtained results showed that, the concentrations of organic contaminants in water streams and surrounding soils recorded high concentration values than the permissible limits, while inorganic elements were within the safe limits for irrigation. In addition, soils irrigated with the effluents of industrial units recorded high values of inorganic and organic contaminants. Consequently, the levels of these contaminants were high in plant tissues grown thereon; especially the edible parts. Risk assessment based on available Predicted No Effect Concentration values for the aquatic and terrestrial environment was performed. Inorganic elements were expected to cause serious hazard problems for both aquatic organisms and soil microorganisms. The impact of these pollutants on human health was calculated using daily metals intake of inorganic metals via consumption of edible plants. Hazard index values proved that concentrations of Cr may cause serious hazard problems for humans in this area; especially, children.
A.R. Karbassi; S. Tajziehchi; S. Afshar
Abstract
Oil and pollutants resulting from its extraction and exploitation are considered as one of the serious problems for human health. Vast oil fields of Ahvaz City located in southern Iran are known as one of controversial subjects in contamination with heavy metals. In this study, oil fields' soils of Ahvaz ...
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Oil and pollutants resulting from its extraction and exploitation are considered as one of the serious problems for human health. Vast oil fields of Ahvaz City located in southern Iran are known as one of controversial subjects in contamination with heavy metals. In this study, oil fields' soils of Ahvaz city (Ab-Teymour) were chemically analyzed in order to determine the concentration of eight heavy elements (Cu, Ni, V, Co, Cd, Zn, Mo and Pb) and intensity of contamination. The area was divided into 12 plots with respect to proximity to drilled oil wells as well as the existing flares. The results show that concentration of studied metals is higher than earth’s crust mean values. According to Muller’s geochemical index, intensity of contamination varies from unpolluted to highly polluted ones. These highly polluted areas require methods such as phytoremediation more than ever. By comparing list of local plants with that of heavy metals absorbing plants and given the local climate, a suitable absorbing plant for each of the existing heavy metals was recommended.
