Determination and comparison of selected heavy metal concentrations in seawater and sediment samples in the coastal area of Suva, Fiji

Trace metal content in sediment cores and seagrass biomass from a tropical southwest Pacific Island

“…However, the coastal environments of Fiji are also facing problem of heavy metal pollution (Maata and Singh, 2008). To our knowledge, there is no existing information on the trace metal contents of intertidal seagrasses in Fiji despite a number of studies that have assessed environmental levels of a number of hazardous metals in coastal sediments, seawater and shellfish (e.g., Gangaiya et al, 2001;Morrison et al, 2001;Maata and Singh, 2008;Arikibe and Prasad, 2020). Similarly, Chand et al (2010) reported levels of metalloid arsenic in surficial sediments to be 334 mg/kg (dry weight) which is almost 30 times greater than the U. S. EPA ( 2004) cleanup guideline level.…”

Metal contamination of agricultural soils amended with biosolids (sewage sludge) at a ceramic production area in NE Spain: A 10‐year resampling period

“…Keeping heavy metals under control is an important objective when evaluating the risk of contamination (Vicente et al., 2014). Metal pollution of the soils raises concern about the possible risk for public health, and the presence of trace elements of natural (Arikibe & Prasad, 2020; Galán et al., 2008; Tume et al, 2008) or human origin (Arikibe & Prasad, 2020; Bech et al., 2008) in soils is recognized as a potential source of human exposure (Davis et al., 2009; Şehribanoğlu et al, 2020). Because of determining health and environmental factors, the processes of water treatment and purification have spread the world, especially in those countries where the growing shortage of water resources has made purification an obligatory process (Jordán et al, 2017).…”

“…However, the use of biosolids as fertilizer could cause issues because of the soil becoming contaminated with heavy metals, and waters with nitrates and phosphates passing through soil horizons and deep geological strata until reaching aquifers (Almendro‐Candel et al, 2002; Jordán et al., 2017). In recent years, the role of metals and their importance in biological systems have become quite evident (Arikibe & Prasad, 2020). Metals play dual roles, as essential micronutrients at low concentrations and then switching to toxic agents as concentrations increase (Şehribanoğlu et al, 2020).…”

“…Thus, a decrease in pH can affect the bioavailability of heavy metals (Lundy et al., 2017). As the concentrations and bioavailability of heavy metals increase, they can cause environmental degradation and pose serious risks to the ecosystems (Arikibe & Prasad, 2020) and health. The dietary intake of foods containing high levels of heavy metals could lead to health risks, especially for children (Luo et al., 2017).…”

“…Soil properties are also a determining factor for the bioavailability of heavy metals for plants. The adsorption‐desorption mechanisms, the precipitation reactions and the availability of heavy metals in the soil solution play an important role (Arikibe & Prasad, 2020; Fotovat et al., 1997).…”