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PubMed2001

[Physical and imaging properties of heavy metal filter combinations in chest radiography]

We have investigated the performance characteristic of the heavy metal filters with higher atomic numbers by comparing their patient exposures, tube loadings, radiographic contrasts, and noise Wiener spectra with those of a combination of copper and aluminum filter which has been used widely in chest radiography. Seven heavy metal filters were used for this study. As for a tungsten filter, two filters different in thickness were used. One is 0.05 mm thick, and the other 0.10 mm. The other metal filters were respectively combined with a tungsten filter with a thickness of 0.05 mm. Among the all filters investigated, tube loading of tungsten filter with 0.05 mm thick is minimum. Tungsten with 0.1 mm thick and tungsten with 0.05 mm+ barium show the larger advantages in patient exposure than those of the other filters. It was found that the magnitude of patient exposure varied slightly with the difference of image receptor used. The use of heavy metal filters showed the small advantages in the patient exposure reduction ( approximately 20%) compared with that of conventional copper filter. The use of heavy metal filters showed increasing tube loading ( approximately 5 times) compared with that of conventional copper filter. Noise Wiener spectra of heavy metal filters showed comparable with those of conventional copper filter. In conclusion, the use of heavy metal filter combinations offer no significant advantages over optimal conventional filters.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution using Rhizopus delemar mycelia in free and polyurethane-bound form.

This study assesses the ability of mycelia of Rhizopus delemar (both free and immobilized on polyurethane foam) to remove heavy metals from single-ion solutions as well as from a mixture of them. All experiments were conducted using 0.5-5 mm solutions of CuSO4 x 5H2O, CoCl2-6H2O and FeSO4 7H2O. Mycelia immobilized on polyurethane foam cells showed some times increase in uptake compared with that of free cells. Metal ions accumulation from a mixed solution was decreased slightly for cobalt and iron and considerable for copper ions. Heavy metal uptake was examined in the immobilized column experiments and more than 92% heavy metal removal (mg heavy metals removed/mg heavy metals added) from a mixed solution was achieved during the 5 cycles. During these experiments, the dry weight of the immobilized cells was decreased by only 2%. These results showed that immobilized mycelia of Rhizopus delemar can be used repeatedly for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Absorption↗
PubMed2006

Ecotoxicity, phytotoxicity and extractability of heavy metals from different stabilised sewage sludges.

The presence of heavy metals in the sludges produced in wastewater treatment plants restricts their use for agricultural purposes. This study compares different types of sludges (aerobic, anaerobic, unstabilised and sludge from a waste stabilisation pond) in order to assess the extractability of heavy metals using simple extraction, water and DTPA. The stabilisation treatment undergone by the sludges influenced the heavy metals extractability. The least mineralised sludges (unstabilised and aerobic) showed higher metal extractability. The sewage sludges were subjected to chemical characterisation and toxicity testing (ecotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays) in absence of substrate, to provide a preliminary assessment of their suitability for land application. The ecotoxicity assays confirmed that no sludge constituted a hazardous waste. The sludge extracts had significant adverse effect on the germination index (GI) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and cress (Lepidium sativum L.), a fact which indicates that some characteristics affected root growth.

Chemical Fractionation↗
PubMed2003

Heavy metal distribution in some French forest soils: evidence for atmospheric contamination.

This study is one of very few dealing with the distribution and the origin of heavy metals in French soils from a priori non-polluted forest areas. The abundance of heavy metals measured in these soils decreases as follows: Cr>Zn>Pb>Ni>Cu>Co>>Cd. Total concentrations of Pb, Cr and Ni in some soils exceed the European thresholds for non-polluted soils and even the French association of normalization critical values for sludge spreading. The lowest heavy metal contents are observed in acid soils while the highest concentrations are in the calcaric cambisol and in the mollic andosol, which is rather scarce as compared with the other French forest soils. With the exception of the podzol, Cr and Ni concentrations increase with depth in all soil profiles. The distribution pattern of Co, Cu, Zn depends on the soil characteristics. In some acid soils, however, Cu and Zn decrease with depth. Pb and Cd are accumulated in the upper soil horizons. Heavy metals accumulate in deep soil horizons in relation to important clay content in the dystric planosol and stagnic luvisol. The concentration of each heavy metal is always controlled by different parameters (soil pH, iron and aluminum oxide content, clay content, organic matter and cation exchange capacity), which are heavy metal specific. This study highlights the metal-trapping character of andosol and calcaric soil, the weak heavy metal retention in acid soils, the leaching and trapping character in leached clayed soils, and the migration of heavy metals in the podzol. Pb and Cr concentrations indicate a significant enrichment in surface horizons from various soils in areas which receive significant acid atmospheric pollution. Particularly, the highest Pb content is observed in a soil located in the N-NE part of France. Lead isotope ratios measured in the cambic podzol and the calcaric cambisol, exhibit the importance of the anthropogenic sources and particularly the influence of global atmospheric inputs from leaded gasoline compared to regional and local industrial emissions. The anthropogenic Pb contribution is estimated to 83, 30 and 11%, respectively, for surface, intermediate and deep horizons of the cambic podzol located in the northern part of France, and to 68% in surface horizon of the calcaric cambisol located in the Alps.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2001

The effects of FeCl3 on the distribution of the heavy metals Cd, Cu, Cr, and Zn in a simulated multimetal incineration system.

Recognizing that waste-derived chlorine can enhance heavy metal emissions by forming volatile metallic chlorides during municipal solid waste (MSW) combustion, and that in Taiwan, FeCl3-containing sewage sludge may either be landfilled or coincinerated with other MSW, this study thus investigated the effects of FeCl3 on the speciation and partitioning of heavy metals in a multimetal incineration system by using a tubular furnace and FeCl3-spiked simulated wastes. The molar ratio of chlorine content to heavy metal content (referred to as the Cl/ M ratio), ranging from 3 to 200, was used as a parameter to evaluate the effects of chlorine on the movement of heavy metals between the incinerator discharges. Results indicate that speciation and partitioning were related to the affinity between the chlorine and the heavy metals and between chlorine and hydrogen in the combustion system. The effectiveness of increasing the Cl/M ratio to the formation potential of metallic chlorides and on the shift of heavy metals from the bottom ash to the fly ash and/or the flue gases was found to have in increasing order as follows: Zn>Cu>Cr, a phenomenon basically reflecting the volatility of the heavy metals and their chlorides formed during combustion.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of remediation process with plant-derived biosurfactant for recovery of heavy metals from contaminated soils.

A washing process was studied to evaluate the efficiency of saponin on remediating heavy metal contaminated soils. Three different types of soils (Andosol: soil A, Cambisol: soil B, Regosol: soil C) were washed with saponin in batch experiments. Utilization of saponin was effective for removal of heavy metals from soils, attaining 90-100% of Cd and 85-98% of Zn extractions. The fractionations of heavy metals removed by saponin were identified using the sequential extraction. Saponin was effective in removing the exchangeable and carbonated fractions of heavy metals from soils. In recovery procedures, the pH of soil leachates was increased to about 10.7, leading to separate heavy metals as hydroxide precipitates and saponin solute. In addition recycle of used saponin is considered to be effective for the subsequent utilization. The limits of Japanese leaching test were met for all of the soil residues after saponin treatment. As a whole, this study shows that saponin can be used as a cleaning agent for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils.

Biotechnology↗
PubMed2004

Sequential extraction of heavy metals in river sediments of an abandoned pyrite mining area: pollution detection and affinity series.

In this paper heavy metal pollution at an abandoned Italian pyrite mine has been investigated by comparing total concentrations and speciation of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb and As) in a red mud sample and a river sediment. Acid digestions show that all the investigated heavy metals present larger concentrations in the sediment than in the tailing. A modified Tessier's procedure has been used to discriminate heavy metal bound to organic fraction from those originally present in the mineral sulphide matrix and to detect a possible trend of metal mobilisation from red mud to river sediment. Sequential extractions on bulk and size fractionated samples denote that sediment samples present larger percent concentrations of the investigated heavy metals in the first extractive steps (I-IV) especially in lower dimension size fractionated samples suggesting that heavy metals in the sediment are significantly bound by superficial adsorption mechanisms.

Adsorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A stochastic empirical model for regional heavy-metal balances in agroecosystems.

Mass flux balancing provides essential information for preventive strategies against heavy-metal accumulation in agricultural soils that may result from atmospheric deposition and application of fertilizers and pesticides. In this paper we present the empirical stochastic balance model, PROTERRA-S, that estimates heavy-metal and phosphorus accumulation in agricultural soils on the regional level. The basic units of these balances are land use systems defined by livestock production and cultivated crops. The model is designed to use available databases, such as regional agricultural statistics and soil information systems. In a case study, we assessed the phosphorus, cadmium, and zinc balances for the Sundgau region, Switzerland. The regional P requirements of crops were mainly supplied by animal manure (56%) and commercial fertilizers (40%). Net cadmium fluxes of the land use systems ranged from 1.0 g ha(-1) yr(-1) (dairy and mixed farm types) to 17.8 g ha(-1) yr(-1) (animal husbandry systems), whereas the regional net cadmium flux was only 1.4 g ha(-1) yr(-1). The regional net zinc flux was 605 g ha(-1) yr(-1). The smallest net zinc flux of 101 g ha(-1) yr(-1) was found for an arable farm type, whereas for animal husbandry systems fluxes up to 39.8 kg ha(-1) yr(-1) were estimated. Comparison of model results with reported metal balances of experimental farms shows that identification of agricultural land with high risks of heavy-metal accumulation benefits from stratification of heavy-metal balances according to land use systems while accounting for their P fertilization plans. Consequently, the model may support sustainable management of heavy-metal cycles in agricultural soils.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2004

Correlation of ph dependant equilibrium isotherms of heavy metal biosorption with a modified Freundlich model.

Equilibrium isotherms of heavy metal biosorption are commonly correlated with adsorption models such as the Freundlich model. On the other hand, the adsorption properties of heavy metal biosorption are strongly influenced by the solution pH of the biosorption system. Therefore, standard adsorption models are limited to the correlation of equilibrium isotherms under constant pH values. In this paper, a modified Freundlich model was developed for the correlation of pH dependent equilibrium isotherms of heavy metal biosorption. The model was based on the mechanism that the functional groups for heavy metal interactions are weakly acidic groups and the uptake capacities of the biomass are affected through the association and dissociation equilibrium between two apparent ionic forms. Both the standard and the modified Freundlich models were tested with isotherm data for Cd2+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ biosorption onto pre-treated biomass of marine alga Durvillaea potatorum under various solution pH values. Regression analyses indicated that the developed model correlated the experimental data well.

Adsorption↗
PubMed2002

Optical algal biosensor using alkaline phosphatase for determination of heavy metals.

A biosensor is constructed to detect heavy metals from inhibition of alkaline phosphatase (AP) present on the external membrane of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae. The microalgal cells are immobilized on removable membranes placed in front of the tip of an optical fiber bundle inside a homemade microcell. C. vulgaris was cultivated in the laboratory and its alkaline phosphatase activity is strongly inhibited in the presence of heavy metals. This property has been used for the determination of those toxic compounds.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2026

Antarctic Peninsula soil carbon stock and efflux: A complex interplay of soil properties and heavy metals.

This study establishes a quantitative framework for understanding surface soil carbon dynamics and ecosystem connectivity in Fildes Peninsula and Ardley Island, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. The mean soil organic carbon (SOC) stock across all study sites was 1.10 ± 1.93 kg C/m². Restricting net carbon balance analysis to Fildes Peninsula, where soil respiration (Rs) data were available, yielded a site-specific SOC stock of 0.45 ± 0.45 kg C/m². Scaling Rs to a realistic 120-day active season and assuming stable SOC stocks resulted in estimated annual carbon loss of 15 g C/(m2·yr), equivalent to 3.3 % of standing SOC. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses spanning plausible winter respiration (0 %-20 % of summer rates) and annual change in SOC stocks (-1 %-2 %) consistently supported a net carbon sink, with turnover rates constrained to 3.3 %/yr-4.7 %/yr. Principal component analysis showed that ornithogenic processes as the dominant control on SOC, total nitrogen (TN), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) provide a clear multivariate signature of marine-derived nutrient, while Pb was decoupled from this gradient and associated instead with fine-particle size controls. These results reveal dual but independent drivers of soil metal enrichment in this region. Despite their limited spatial extent, ornithogenic soils store disproportionately large carbon pools. Overall, this integrated analysis reveals how marine-terrestrial subsidies regulate Antarctic carbon cycling and provides a quantitative and reproducible framework for assessing carbon dynamics under ongoing climate change.

Antarctic Regions↗
PubMed2026

Leveraging environmental applications and risks of coal gangue: A critical review on authigenic inorganic heavy metals, organic contaminants, and the removal of exogenetic contaminants.

Coal gangue (CG) as bulk solid waste has seriously threatened the ecosystem. Therefore, identifying the key risk drivers and exploring feasible disposal methods for CG are essential for developing a sustainable strategy. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive information that balances the contamination risks with the valuable constituents present in CG, which hinders its full potential for sustainable use without negative environmental impacts. Given the complex composition and associated risks, we propose that addressing the critical properties related to contamination is crucial for the efficient utilization of CG. On this premise, we summarized several practical resource pathways (ecological multifunctional materials, extraction of rare elements, and soil additives) that are more favorable for sustainable development relative to conventional disposals. Meanwhile, we also propose that coupling disposals could intensely reduce CG's environmental footprints and capital costs. Consequently, regardless of the number of challenges to be solved, we believe the CG has broad application prospects, and we hope this review will promote the conversion of CG into an asset with lower ecological and social impacts.

Metals, Heavy↗
PubMed1997

An assessment of heavy metals and boron contamination in workplace atmospheres from ceramic factories.

The occupational exposure in workplace atmospheres of ceramic factories to some metals (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn) and boron has been studied. During 1994 samples were collected at several ceramic factories from the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain) in a random fashion to avoid correlation problems regarding data analysis; factories were sampled to provide a representative cross-section. Powdered samples were treated with concentrated nitric acid according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) digestion procedure for the analysis of metals in air samples. Heavy metals were analyzed by AAS and boron by UV/Visible spectrophotometry using the Azomethine-H method. Concentrations found for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were considered very low in the environment of this industrial sector. However, Co, Ba and B were detected in several samples with concentrations above the threshold limit value (TLV), referred to airborne concentrations of substances in workplace atmospheres. Principal component analysis (PCA) has also been carried out in order to classify the workplaces studied and their potential hazard to the workers.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed2001

Comparative studies on the concentration of rare earth elements and heavy metals in the atmospheric particulate matter in Beijing, China, and in Delft, The Netherlands.

Atmospheric particulate matter (APM) was collected at three sampling sites in Beijing, China, from February to June 1998. The concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) and cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the APM were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results obtained in Beijing, China, were compared to that obtained in Delft, the Netherlands, in 1997. The influence of coal combustion was considered. The results demonstrated that the content of APM, the concentrations of REE and Co, Zn, Cd, Pb in the APM in Beijing, China, were higher than that in Delft, the Netherlands. From the ratios of La to Ce, and La to Sm, which may be used as tracers for the origin of the REE, it is concluded that the origins of REE in China differ from those in the Netherlands.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2004

Atmospheric heavy metal deposition in Finland during 1985-2000 using mosses as bioindicators.

Heavy metal deposition and changes in the deposition patterns were investigated on the basis of surveys carried out in 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000. The concentrations of 10 elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and V; and As and Hg since 1995) were determined on moss (Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi) samples collected from the same permanent sample plots in each survey. The heavy metal concentrations, apart from those in southernmost Finland and close to a number of major emission sources, were relatively low. The mean concentrations of all the heavy metals decreased during the period covered by the surveys. The metals that showed the strongest decrease in concentration since 1985 were Pb (78%), V (70%) and Cd (67%). The concentrations of the other heavy metals decreased by 16-34%. The concentrations of Cr, Cu and Ni were clearly associated with local emission point sources and changes in emission levels. The concentrations of As and Hg, which were measured for the first time during the 1995 survey, decreased on the average by 26% and 10%, respectively.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2004

Spatial distribution of heavy metals of agricultural soils in Dongguan, China.

Distribution and speciation of heavy metals of agricultural soils(85 surface soil samples and 4 soil profiles) in Dongguan were investigated, while total Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn(abbreviated as Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) and available Cu, Zn(Av-Cu, Av-Zn) were analyzed by a flame absorption spectrophotometer(AAS), and total Cd(Cd) was analyzed using graphite furnace AAS. The content of Cd, Cu and Ni was partially much more than the second grade of GB15618-1995 even though the mean contents of all heavy metal were less than the threshold value of the second grade and only the mean content of Pb was more than the value of national background. Results of descriptive statistic showed that the mean content of heavy metals should depend on land utilization and spatial location at some extent. The heavy metal contents were higher in the Southwest and Northwest than in the Central. In addition, the mean contents of Zn and Pb in Dongguan paddy soils were significantly higher than those of Pearl River Delta(PRD) and Taihu Lake region(TLR). Correlation analyses indicated that there existed significant correlation between Cr and Ni in orchard soils, and among Zn, Cd and Cu, between Av-Cu and Cu, between Av-Zn and Cr, Ni, pH value in vegetable soils, and a weak relationship between Cd, Cu and Pb, between Av-Zn and Zn. Principal component analyses(PCA) showed that the order of importance should be Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu.

Agriculture↗