Ecological risk assessment on heavy metals in soils: Use of soil diffuse reflectance mid-infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy

Abstract

The bioavailability of heavy metals in soil is controlled by their concentrations and soil properties. Diffuse reflectance mid-infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is capable of detecting specific organic and inorganic bonds in metal complexes and minerals and therefore, has been employed to predict soil composition and heavy metal contents. The present study explored the potential of DRIFTS for estimating soil heavy metal bioavailability. Soil and corresponding wheat grain samples from the Yangtze River Delta region were analyzed by DRIFTS and chemical methods. Statistical regression analyses were conducted to correlate the soil spectral information to the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Hg and Fe in wheat grains. The principal components in the spectra influencing soil heavy metal bioavailability were identified and used in prediction model construction. The established soil DRIFTS-based prediction models were applied to estimate the heavy metal concentrations in wheat grains in the mid-Yangtze River Delta area. The predicted heavy metal concentrations of wheat grain were highly consistent with the measured levels by chemical analysis, showing a significant correlation (r2 > 0.72) with acceptable root mean square error RMSE. In conclusion, DRIFTS is a promising technique for assessing the bioavailability of soil heavy metals and related ecological risk.

Heavy metals in wastewater and fish collected from waste stabilization pond and human health risks in southwestern Ethiopia

“…The mean concentrations of As were 0.38 ± 0.12 μg L −1 and 0.39 ± 0.10 μg L −1 in the maturation and facultative ponds, respectively. Agricultural activities and the use of arsenic trioxide insecticides are responsible for the highest concentration of As (54,55). WSPs are located in the city, where pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, pigments, and the use of wood preservatives containing arsenic have contributed to environmental contamination (54).…”

Sources and level of heavy metal contamination in the water of Awetu watershed streams, southwestern Ethiopia

“…The highest concentration of As is detected at K3 (351 μg/L), D3 (341 μg/L), and D5 (303 μg/L). K3 is the area where maximum agricultural activities and extensive use of arsenic trioxide pesticides are predominantly applied which attributes for highest concentration of As (Asere et al, 2013;Wang et al, 2017). Sites D3 and D5 are located in the center of the city, where pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, pigments and the use of wood preservatives containing arsenic have contributed to environmental contamination (Khandaker et al, 2009;Bencko and Foong, 2017).…”

New Prospects in the Electroanalysis of Heavy Metal Ions (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu): Development and Application of Novel Electrode Surfaces

“…In the ground, all of the inorganic elements that are necessary and essential for the normal growth and development of plants exist. Even though some heavy metal ions, such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) etc., are necessary for various enzymatic functions, an excessive concentration of heavy metal ions can cause serious problems [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], as they can become toxic and dangerous, with serious environmental implications. Toxic heavy metal ions vary in their nature and mode of accumulation, either in the soil or in plants.…”