The chemistry and behaviour of antimony in the soil environment with comparisons to arsenic: A critical review

Heavy metals and metalloids in soils are derived from the soil parent material (lithogenic source) and various anthropogenic sources, most of which involve several metal(loid)s. There are many different anthropogenic sources of heavy metal(loid) contamination affecting both agricultural and urban soils. However, localised contamination from a predominant single source, such as a metal smelter can have a marked effect on soils, vegetation and possibly also on the health of the local population, especially in countries where there are inadequate emission controls and soil quality standards. In general, soils at industrial sites can have distinct groups of heavy metal(loid) contaminants, which depend on the respective industries and their raw materials and products. Soils in all urban areas are generally contaminated with lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) from traffic, paint and many other non-specific urban sources. Although the heavy metal(loid) composition of agricultural soils tends to be more closely governed by the parent material, inputs from sources such as deposition of long-distance, atmospherically-transported aerosol particles from fossil fuel combustion and other sources, organic material applications and contaminants in fertilisers can also be significant. Removal of Pb from petrol and paints, changes in the type and structure of industries and strict regulations on atmospheric emissions and waste water discharges have resulted in a general reduction in the loads of heavy metal(loid)s reaching soils in many countries. However, historic contamination still affects soils in many areas and may have impacts for decades or even centuries afterwards.

Sources of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Soils

Occurrence and toxicity of antibiotics in the aquatic environment: A review.

Arsenic and antimony in water and wastewater: overview of removal techniques with special reference to latest advances in adsorption

Antimony as a global dilemma: Geochemistry, mobility, fate and transport ☆

Recently, our attention has focused on the low level detection of many antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals in water resources. The limited studies available suggest that urban or rural streams receiving wastewater effluent are more susceptible to contamination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals at 18 sites on seven selected streams in Arkansas, USA, during March, April, and August 2004. Water samples were collected upstream and downstream from the influence of effluent discharges in northwestern Arkansas and at one site on a relatively undeveloped stream in north-central Arkansas. At least one antibiotic, pharmaceutical, or other organic chemical was detected at all sites, except at Spavinaw Creek near Mayesville, Arkansas. The greatest number of detections was observed at Mud Creek downstream from an effluent discharge, including 31 pharmaceuticals and other organic chemicals. The detection of these chemicals occurred in higher frequency at sites downstream from effluent discharges compared to those sites upstream from effluent discharges; total chemical concentration was also greater downstream. Wastewater effluent discharge increased the concentrations of detergent metabolites, fire retardants, fragrances and flavors, and steroids in these streams. Antibiotics and associated degradation products were only found at two streams downstream from effluent discharges. Overall, 42 of the 108 chemicals targeted in this study were found in water samples from at least one site, and the most frequently detected organic chemicals included caffeine, phenol, para-cresol, and acetyl hexamethyl tetrahydro naphthalene (AHTN).

Brian E. Haggard

Papers

Pharmaceuticals and other organic chemicals in selected north-central and northwestern Arkansas streams.