Showing papers on "Trace metal published in 2012"

Feedback Interactions between Trace Metal Nutrients and Phytoplankton in the Ocean.

Abstract: In addition to control by major nutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon) the productivity and species composition of marine phytoplankton communities are affected by a number of trace metal nutrients (iron, zinc, cobalt, manganese, copper, and cadmium). Of these, iron exerts the greatest limiting influence on carbon fixation rates and has the greatest effect on algal species diversity. It also plays an important role in limiting di-nitrogen (N2) fixation rates, and thus exerts an important influence on ocean inventories of biologically available fixed nitrogen. Because of these effects, iron is thought to play a key role in controlling the biological cycles of carbon and nitrogen in the ocean, including the biological transfer of carbon to the deep sea, the so-called biological CO2 pump, which helps regulate atmospheric CO2 levels and CO2-linked global warming. Other trace metal nutrients (zinc, cobalt, copper, and manganese) have a lesser effect on productivity; but may exert an important influence on the species composition of algal communities because of large differences in metal requirements among algal species. The interactions between trace metals and ocean plankton are reciprocal: not only do the metals affect the plankton, but the plankton regulate the distributions, chemical speciation, and cycling of these metals through cellular uptake and regeneration processes, downward flux of biogenic particles, cellular release of organic chelators, and mediation of redox reactions. This two way interaction has influenced not only the biology and chemistry of the modern ocean, but has had a profound influence on biogeochemistry of the ocean and earth system as a whole, and on the evolution marine and terrestrial biology over geologic history.

Basin-scale inputs of cobalt, iron, and manganese from the Benguela-Angola front to the South Atlantic Ocean

Abstract: We present full-depth zonal sections of total dissolved cobalt, iron, manganese, and labile cobalt from the South Atlantic Ocean. A basin-scale plume from the African coast appeared to be a major source of dissolved metals to this region, with high cobalt concentrations in the oxygen minimum zone of the Angola Dome and extending 2500 km into the subtropical gyre. Metal concentrations were elevated along the coastal shelf, likely due to reductive dissolution and resuspension of particulate matter. Linear relationships between cobalt, N2O, and O2, as well as low surface aluminum supported a coastal rather than atmospheric cobalt source. Lateral advection coupled with upwelling, biological uptake, and remineralization delivered these metals to the basin, as evident in two zonal transects with distinct physical processes that exhibited different metal distributions. Scavenging rates within the coastal plume differed for the three metals; iron was removed fastest, manganese removal was 2.5 times slower, and cobalt scavenging could not be discerned from water mass mixing. Because scavenging, biological utilization, and export constantly deplete the oceanic inventories of these three hybrid-type metals, point sources of the scale observed here likely serve as vital drivers of their oceanic cycles. Manganese concentrations were elevated in surface waters across the basin, likely due to coupled redox processes acting to concentrate the dissolved species there. These observations of basin-scale hybrid metal plumes combined with the recent projections of expanding oxygen minimum zones suggest a potential mechanism for effects on ocean primary production and nitrogen fixation via increases in trace metal source inputs.

Sedimentation and trace metal distribution in selected locations of Sundarbans mangroves and Hooghly estuary, Northeast coast of India

Abstract: Four sediment cores were collected from selected locations of Sundarbans mangroves and Hooghly estuary, northeast coast of India to establish 210Pb geochronology and trace metal distribution in sediments. Core sites were chosen to reflect a matrix of variable anthropogenic input and hydrological conditions. The vertical distribution of 210Pbxs (210Pbtotal–226Ra) provided reliable geochronological age to calculate the mass accumulation rates and historic trace element inputs and their variations. The mass accumulation rates ranged from 0.41 g cm−2 year−1 (estuarine region) to 0.66 g cm−2 year−1 (mangrove region). Both in mangroves and estuarine systems, Fe–Mn oxy-hydroxides are observed to be a major controlling factor for trace metal accumulation when compared to organic carbon. Core collected from Hooghly estuary shows less contamination when compared to the mangrove region due to high energy and mostly coarse grained. Fe-normalized enrichment factors (EFs) of trace metals were calculated based on crustal trace element abundances. The EFs are typically >1 for Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu indicating that these metals are highly enriched while other metals such as Zn, Ni, Cr, and Mn show no enrichment or depletion. Both Sundarbans mangroves and Hooghly estuary have been receiving considerable pollution loads from anthropogenic sources such as industrial, domestic, and shipping activities in recent times, indicating high concentration of metals in the top few layers. This study suggests that the variation in trace metals content with depth or between mangrove and estuarine system results largely from metal input due to anthropogenic activities rather than diagenetic processes.

Current status of trace metal pollution in soils affected by industrial activities.

Abstract: There is a growing public concern over the potential accumulation of heavy metals in soil, owing to rapid industrial development. In an effort to describe the status of the pollutions of soil by industrial activities, relevant data sets reported by many studies were surveyed and reviewed. The results of our analysis indicate that soils were polluted most significantly by metals such as lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium. If the dominant species are evaluated by the highest mean concentration observed for different industry types, the results were grouped into Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Fe, and As in smelting and metal production industries, Mn and Cd in the textile industry, and Cr in the leather industry. In most cases, metal levels in the studied areas were found to exceed the common regulation guideline levels enforced by many countries. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), calculated to estimate the enrichment of metal concentrations in soil, showed that the level of metal pollution in most surveyed areas is significant, especially for Pb and Cd. It is thus important to keep systematic and continuous monitoring of heavy metals and their derivatives to manage and suppress such pollution.

Seasonal and spatial distribution of trace elements in the water and sediments of the Tsurumi River in Japan

Abstract: The Tsurumi, a class-one Japanese river, has a significant metal loading originating from urban environment. Water and sediment samples were collected from 20 sites in winter and summer, 2009 and were analyzed to determine and compare the extent of different trace element enrichment. A widely used five-step sequential extraction procedure was also employed for the fractionation of the trace elements. Concentrations of zinc, copper, lead, chromium, and cadmium were three to four times higher than that of reference values and downstream sediments are much more polluted than the upstream sites. Geochemical partitioning results suggest that the potential trace metal mobility in aquatic environment was in the order of: cadmium > zinc > lead > copper > cobalt > chromium > molybdenum > nickel. About 80.2% zinc, 77.9% molybdenum, 75.3% cobalt, 63.7% lead, 60.9% copper, 55.1% chromium, and 39.8% nickel in the sediment were contributed anthropogenically. According to intensity of pollution, Tsurumi river sediments are moderately to heavily contaminated by zinc, lead, and cobalt. Enrichment factor values demonstrated that zinc, lead, and molybdenum have minor enrichment in both the season. The pollution load index (PLI) has been used to access the pollution load of different sampling sites. The area load index and average PLI values of the river were 7.77 and 4.93 in winter and 7.72 and 4.89 in summer, respectively. If the magnitude of pollution with trace metal in the river system increases continuously, it may have a severe impact on the river’s aquatic ecology.

Distribution of heavy metals in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary, southern China: implications for sources and historical changes.

Abstract: The distribution of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd and As) in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary was investigated. The spatial distribution of heavy metals displayed a decreasing pattern from the turbidity maxima to both upstream and downstream of the estuary, which suggested that suspended sediments played an important role in the trace metal distribution in the Pearl River Estuary. In addition, metal concentrations were higher in the west part of the estuary which received most of the pollutants from the Pearl River. In the sediment cores, fluxes of heavy metals were consistent with a predominant anthropogenic input in the period 1970-1990. From the mid-1990s to the 2000s, there was a significant decline in heavy metal pollution. The observed decline has shown the result of pollution control in the Pearl River Delta. However, it is noteworthy that the metal concentrations in the most recent sediment still remained considerably high. Taken together, the enrichment of heavy metals in sediments was largely controlled by anthropogenic pollution.

Fluid-mineral reactions and trace metal mobilization in an exhumed natural CO2 reservoir, Green River, Utah

Abstract: Red sandstones near Green River, Utah (United States), have been bleached by diagenetic fluids. Field relationships, modeling, fluid inclusion and isotopic data suggest that the causal fluid was a CO2-charged brine, distinguishing this site from hydrocarbon-related bleaching elsewhere on the Colorado Plateau. Mineralogical and chemical profiles from unbleached to bleached sandstone show that bleaching is related to hematite dissolution and precipitation of a 1–2 cm band of secondary oxide and carbonate at the reaction front. Trace metals are mobilized by the fluid and concentrated near the reaction front. High-flux fluid pathways are more heavily altered with large-scale secondary calcite and iron oxide precipitation. Changes may be modeled by a reaction with stoichiometry 20Fe2O3 + 5CH4 + 64CO2 + 19H2O + 11H+ = 30Fe2+ + 10FeHCO3+ + 59HCO3–. The Fe-rich, reduced fluid precipitates iron-oxides and carbonate at the reaction front between bleached and unbleached sandstone. These findings make the site an analogue for processes occurring over long time scales in geological carbon storage projects. Trace metals moblized by CO2-charged brines are likely to be rapidly re-precipitated at reaction fronts.

Influence of ocean warming and acidification on trace metal biogeochemistry

Abstract: Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations will have profound effects on atmospheric and hydrographic processes, which will ultimately modify the supply and chemistry of trace metals in the ocean. In addition to an increase in sea surface temperatures, higher CO2 also results in a decrease of seawater pH, known as ocean acidification, with implications for inorganic trace metal chemistry. Furthermore, direct or indirect effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming on marine biota will also affect trace metal biogeochemistry via alteration of biological trace metal uptake rates and metal binding to organic ligands. Currently, we still lack a holistic understanding of the impacts of decreasing seawater pH and rinsing temperatures on different trace metals and marine biota, which complicates projections into the future. Here, we outline how ocean acidification and ocean warming will influence the inputs and cycling of Fe and other biologically relevant trace metals globally, and regionally in high and low latitudes of the future ocean, discuss uncertainties, and highlight essential future research fields.

Bioaccumulation of Some Heavy Metals in Fish Samples from River Benue in Vinikilang, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study was aim to determined the levels of some heavy metals in the gills, liver, stomach, kidney, bones and flesh of four fish species (Tilapia zilli, Clarias anguillaris, Synodentis budgetti and Oreochronmis niloticus) collected at River Benue in Vinikilang, Adamawa State, Nigeria for analysis of Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb. These metals were chosen because at higher concentrations there might be toxic to the fish and by extension humans that depends on such fish as food. The concentrations of the metals were carried out using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Unicam 969). Large differences in trace metal concentrations were observed between different tissues within each fish. The highest concentration of Fe (12.65 μg/g) was recorded in gill of Synodentis budgetti, while the lowest value of 0.68 μg/g was recorded in the flesh of Oreochronmis niloticus. The liver of Synodentis budgetti accumulates significant higher levels of Mn and Cd than other species; Fe and Zn was highest in the stomach of Tilapia zilli, while Clarias angullaris shows more of Cr, Pb, Cd and Co. The stomach of Synodentis budgetti accumulate significant higher levels of Fe than other species; Zn was highest in the stomach of Tilapia zilli, while Clarias angullaris shows more of Mn, Cr, Cu, Cd and Pb. Similarly, the bone of Synodentis budgettiaccumulates significant higher levels of Mn and Cd than other species; Zn and Fe were highest in the bone of Tilapia zilli, while Clarias angullaris shows more of Cr, Pb, Ni, and Co. The highest levels of Fe (12.65 μg/g) observed in this study was recorded in the gill of Synodentis budgetti and it was below the high residue concentrations of Fe (34 - 107 ppm) in fish samples. Based on the above results, it can therefore be concluded that metals bioaccumulation in the entire fish species study did not exceeds the permissible limits set for heavy metals by FAO, FEPA and WHO.

Toxic Metals Enrichment in the Surficial Sediments of a Eutrophic Tropical Estuary (Cochin Backwaters, Southwest Coast of India)

Abstract: Concentrations and distributions of trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in surficial sediments of the Cochin backwaters were studied during both monsoon and pre-monsoon periods. Spatial variations were in accordance with textural charaterstics and organic matter content. A principal component analysis distinguished three zones with different metal accumulation capacity: (i) highest levels in north estuary, (ii) moderate levels in central zone, and (iii) lowest levels in southern part. Trace metal enrichments are mainly due to anthropogenic contribution of industrial, domestic, and agricultural effluents, whose effect is enhanced by settling of metals due to organic flocculation and inorganic precipitation associated with salinity changes. Enrichments factors using Fe as a normalizer showed that metal contamination was the product of anthropogenic activities. An assessment of degree of pollution-categorized sediments as moderately polluted with Cu and Pb, moderately-to-heavily polluted with Zn, and heavily-to-extremely polluted with Cd. Concentrations at many sites largely exceed NOAA ERL (e.g., Cu, Cr, and Pb) or ERM (e.g., Cd, Ni, and Zn). This means that adverse effects for benthic organisms are possible or even highly probable.

The Unique Biogeochemical Signature of the Marine Diazotroph Trichodesmium

Abstract: The elemental composition of phytoplankton can depart from canonical Redfield values under conditions of nutrient limitation or production (e.g., N fixation). Similarly, the trace metal metallome of phytoplankton may be expected to vary as a function of both ambient nutrient concentrations and the biochemical processes of the cell. Diazotrophs such as the colonial cyanobacteria Trichodesmium are likely to have unique metal signatures due to their cell physiology. We present metal (Fe, V, Zn, Ni, Mo, Mn, Cu, Cd) quotas for Trichodesmium collected from the Sargasso Sea which highlight the unique metallome of this organism. The element concentration of bulk colonies and trichomes sections was analyzed by ICPMS and synchrotron x-ray fluorescence, respectively. The cells were characterized by low P contents but enrichment in V, Fe, Mo, Ni and Zn in comparison to other phytoplankton. Vanadium was the most abundant metal in Trichodesmium, and the V quota was up to 4-fold higher than the corresponding Fe quota. The stoichiometry of 647C:111N:1P (mol•mol-1) reflects P-limiting conditions. Iron and V were enriched spatially in contiguous cells of 10% and 50% of Trichodesmium trichomes, respectively. The distribution of Ni differed from other elements, with the highest concentration in the transverse walls between attached cells. We hypothesize that the enrichment of V, Fe, Mo and Ni is linked to the biochemical requirements for N fixation either directly through enrichment in the N-fixing enzyme nitrogenase or indirectly by the expression of enzymes responsible for the removal of reactive oxygen species. Unintentional uptake of V via P pathways may also be occurring. Overall, the cellular content of trace metals and macronutrients differs significantly from the (extended) Redfield ratio. The Trichodesmium metallome is an example of how physiology and environmental conditions can cause significant deviations from the idealized stoichiometry.

Trace metals in the coastal soils developed from estuarine floodplain sediments in the Croatian Mediterranean region.

Abstract: Fertile soils in the River Neretva estuary were developed by fluvial sedimentation and deposition of the eroded soil material from the karst hills within the catchment. After extensive reclamation, two reclaimed land zones (fluvial terraces and lower-laying terraces) have been delineated, both used for agriculture. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate soil chemical and geochemical properties in reclaimed zones that differ mainly in topography, soil types and agricultural land use. The origin of the trace metals in the arable soils was studied using multivariate statistics, and interpolation maps of trace metals were produced using GIS and geostatistics. Soil trace metal concentrations do not exceed a threshold value established by the Croatian Government regulation, with exception of copper. Comparative analysis of the main soil properties and trace metal concentrations in the study area showed a pronounced spatial variation and differences between two reclaimed zones in soil organic matter content, bioavailable P and total concentrations of Cd and Cu. Factor analysis in the area of the lower-laying terraces showed grouping of bioavailable P and K, organic matter content and pH (negative loading) in the component associated mostly with the land use. In the area of the fluvial terraces, bioavailable P and total Cd were grouped in the same component that may be explained by the traditional small farm agriculture and overuse of mineral fertilizers. In the whole study area, processes of secondary salinization were determined, accompanied by the raised chloride and sodium concentration measured in the saturation soil extract.

Metal binding properties of the EPS produced by Halomonas sp. TG39 and its potential in enhancing trace element bioavailability to eukaryotic phytoplankton

Abstract: An emergent property of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by marine bacteria is their net negative charge, predominantly conferred by their high uronic acids content. Here, we investigated the EPS produced by an algal-associated marine bacterium, Halomonas sp. strain TG39, for its capacity to sequester trace metals and mediate their bioavailability to eukaryotic phytoplankton. Metal analysis of the purified EPS revealed that it contained high levels of K, Ca, Mg and several essential trace metals, including Zn, Cu, Fe and the metalloid Si. Desorption experiments with marine sediment showed that the EPS possessed a specific binding capacity for Ca, Si, Fe, Mn, Mg and Al. Depending on the ionic conditions, Fe was the third or fourth most highly-adsorbed metal out of 27 elements analyzed. Experiments employing Fe-limited synthetic ocean seawater showed that growth of the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (axenic strain) was enhanced when incubated in the presence of either purified EPS or EPS that had been pre-exposed to marine sediment, compared to non-EPS amended controls. This growth enhancement was attributed to the EPS binding and increasing the bioavailability of key trace metal elements, such as Fe(III). Since the bacterium used in this study was originally isolated from a marine micro-alga, this work highlights the possibility that bacterial associates of eukaryotic algae could be influencing the bioavailability of Fe(III) to phytoplankton via their production of polyanionic EPS. More widely, this work reinforces the potential importance of marine bacterial EPS in trace metal biogeochemical cycling.

Atmospheric Mineral Dust and Trace Metals over Urban Environment in Western India during Winter

Abstract: Trace metal concentrations in PM2.5 and PM10 are studied from Ahmedabad, an urban location in western India. During winter, concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb are in the range of 16.5–290, 0.1–5.4, 28–1023 ng/m 3 in PM2.5 and 38–459, 0.21– 8.4, 48–1223 ng/m 3 in PM10, respectively. Enrichment Factor (EF) analysis with respect to Al showed significant enrichment of elements like Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu in fine mode particles, suggesting their strong anthropogenic contribution. About 43% of PM10 mass is constituted by mineral dust, and the dominant fraction (~88%) of the same exists in coarse fraction with a characteristic Fe/Al ratio of 0.53. The Ca/Al ratio is ~1.1 in PM10 and ~0.8 in PM2.5 indicating that aerosol over this region is rich in Ca minerals compared to the average upper continental crust. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis using trace metal and major components reveals five sources for PM2.5 and six for PM10. The PMF results suggest anthropogenic sources contribute ~80% and 40–50% of the PM2.5 and PM10 mass, respectively. Incineration/industrial emission, biomass burning, vehicular emissions and re-suspended/long range transported dust are the other prominent sources identified in this work. These source contributions exhibit large temporal variations during winter, as the sampling location is influenced by air masses from different source regions.