Article
Engineering, Environmental
Halil Aytop, Yakup Kenan Koca, Suat Senol
Summary: The enrichment factor (EF) is commonly used to determine the source of pollution, but its accuracy is questioned due to the discretion of background value choice. This study assessed the validity of the concerns and found varying heavy metal enrichment in soils based on different background values. Statistical analyses revealed strong positive relationships between clay content, cation exchange capacity, and certain heavy metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sylwia Dytlow, Beata Gorka-Kostrubiec
Summary: This study in Warsaw, Poland used different geochemical backgrounds to establish the level of heavy metal pollution in street dust, demonstrating that the choice of background values significantly impacts the assessment of pollution levels. The study found that indicators calculated based on various backgrounds can affect the detection of pollution sources and provide a more realistic reflection of pollution levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pablo Giraldez, Rosa M. Crujeiras, J. aengel Fernandez, Jesus R. Aboal
Summary: This study proposes a probabilistic method based on a Gaussian mixture model to determine the distribution of regional background levels of different pollutants. The method was applied to a study in Galicia and yielded consistent results that were closely related to identified pollution sources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tomas Matys Grygar, Jitka Elznicova, Stepanka Tumova, Tomas Kylich, Jan Skala, Karel Hron, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Vazquez
Summary: The aim of this work was to construct maps of anthropogenic contamination of agricultural soils in Czech Republic by risk elements. Conventional approaches to geochemical maps can only visualize extreme contamination, while weak and/or diffuse contamination requires expert opinion to distinguish natural and anthropogenic factors. Geogenic and lithological anomalies play important roles in understanding contamination sources. Element concentration ratios, such as Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn, can be used to separate geogenic and lithogenic anomalies. Expert opinion is necessary to distinguish anthropogenic contamination from natural variability. The interpretation of geochemical maps and identification of anthropogenic contamination become more complicated in larger and more heterogeneous mapped areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Reyhane Madadi, Nezha Mejjad, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
Summary: Surface sediment and water samples were collected from Musa Estuary and analyzed for metals concentrations using ICP-MS. Cd had the highest contribution to ecological risk (49% based on PERI index). The Tessier procedure revealed that with increasing contamination, exchangeable and carbonate fractions of Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cu increased. Cd and Pb were found to have a high risk of release based on the mobility factor and individual contamination factor indices. Cluster analysis showed different sources for different metals. The adsorption of Co, Ni, V, and Zn to sediments was influenced by Eh/pH, DOC/temperature, and salinity.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samuel Kudjo Ahado, Chukwudi Nwaogu, Vincent Yaw Oppong Sarkodie, Lubos Boruvka
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations and distribution of PTEs in soils from an industrialized region, as well as identify their possible sources. Analysis of 442 soil samples revealed high variability in PTEs in both organic and mineral soils. Despite low pollution levels in the area, periodic assessment of soil may be necessary to prevent future accumulation. This information could be valuable for policy-makers in promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry for ecosystem health and overall welfare.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng-Chen Wang, Meng-Ying Li, Chang-An Yan, Wen Tian, Zhi-Hua Deng, Zhen-Xing Wang, Wu-Mei Xu, Yun-Fei Tuo, Ping Xiang
Summary: A study was conducted on mint and pea sprouts from Yunnan, China to assess the levels of heavy metals, their bioaccessibilities, and gastrointestinal cytotoxicity. The results showed that some of the heavy metals exceeded safety standards and induced cytotoxicity in human intestinal cells. Therefore, the gastrointestinal cytotoxicity should be taken into account when evaluating the health risks of these vegetables.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Ana Valdes Duran, Guillermo Aliaga, Katja Deckart, Cyrus Karas, Dante Caceres, Adriana Nario
Summary: By analyzing the concentrations of elements in soils, this study found that the distribution of most elements is controlled by the geological substrate, and identified areas with high concentrations of metals and metalloids posing risks to the environment and health. This information is crucial for implementing environmental management strategies to control exposure to toxic compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Olga K. Klishko, Nikolay Berdnikov, Arthur E. Bogan, Maxim V. Vinarski
Summary: This study determined the concentration of major and trace elements in the riverine waters of the Upper Amur basin by analyzing the accumulation of these elements in the archaeological shells of the Pearlmussel Margaritifera dahurica. The results showed a positive relationship between element accumulation in the recent shells and their average long-term content in the aquatic environment. The study also revealed that the current content of heavy metals in the river waters of the Upper Amur basin has significantly increased compared to the Late Holocene, indicating anthropogenic pollution.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sumana Paul, Sanju Nandi, Mandira Das, Abhilasha Bora, Md Tarik Hossain, Subhradip Ghosh, P. K. Giri
Summary: In this study, ultrathin Bi2O2Se quantum dots with small size and strong visible fluorescence were synthesized using a top-down chemical approach. These quantum dots exhibited high optical band gap and fluorescence quantum yield in the green region, and were selective for detecting iron ions over a wide dynamic range with low detection limit. The mechanism of fluorescence and quenching induced by iron ions was investigated, and the synthesis method was proposed for potential applications in heavy metal ion sensing.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Nicole Nawrot, Ewa Wojciechowska, Muhammad Mohsin, Suvi Kuittinen, Ari Pappinen, Shahabaldin Rezania
Summary: This paper provides an overview of different methods for assessing trace metal contamination in sediments affected by human activities, including geochemical and ecotoxicological classifications. Analysis of 25 papers from the last three years shows that commonly used assessment indices include Igeo, EF, and CF.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alireza Vaezi, Razyeh Lak
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed sediment texture, geochemical variation, potential sources, and ecological risk assessment of major elements and trace metals in the bottom sediments of Iranian territorial waters in the northeast Persian Gulf. The results showed high concentrations of calcium and strontium due to carbonate matter, while arsenic and molybdenum were significantly enriched. Overall, the sediments were classified as having low ecological risk. Arsenic was identified as the primary contributor to the ecological risk index, and it likely originates from a distinct source than molybdenum and other elements.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yifan Wang, Ruimin Liu, Yuexi Miao, Lijun Jiao, Leiping Cao, Lin Li, Qingrui Wang
Summary: In different seasons, the high-risk areas of Cr, Cd, and Hg pollution in sediments of the Yangtze River estuary were relatively high, with Cr pollution being the most severe, while there were discrepancies between the OK and IK results.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingke Luo, Xiaoqi Kang, Qian Liu, Hui Yu, Yanru Tao, Haonan Wang, Yong Niu, Yuan Niu
Summary: For the first time, background quality guidelines have been developed for lake sediments along the Yangtze River. Evolution rules of watershed environment in Eastern China were analyzed from 1937 to 2017. Various methods were used to calculate sediment geochemical backgrounds, and the results showed fluctuating levels of risk and accumulation of metals and nutrients in lake sediments over different time periods.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Yuxin Ma, Xiaojun Yao, Jiahui Wang, Hongyu Duan, Jiayu Hu, Tongyu Wu
Summary: Metal beneficiation activities may cause soil pollution in surrounding cropland. This study analyzed the heavy metal pollution in the Tianheba cropland near a lead-zinc concentrator in China. The results showed that the soil in the region was heavily polluted, with cadmium, zinc, lead, mercury, arsenic, and chromium as the main contaminants. The pollution sources were mainly the mineral processing plant and the infiltration area of the canal.
Article
Agronomy
Yolanda Sanchez Sanchez, Antonio Martinez Grana, Fernando Santos-Frances, Joan Leandro Reyes Ramos, Marco Criado
Summary: This study analyzed changes in land use in the Jerte Valley, Spain, over the past 40 years, indicating a slight decrease in wooded areas, an increase in crop cultivation at higher altitudes, and negative impacts from major environmental disturbances. The study also found that land use development led to larger but more isolated landscape units, emphasizing the importance of using landscape metrics to inform decision-making for conservation and management efforts.
Article
Agronomy
Marco Criado, Antonio Martinez-Grana, Fernando Santos-Frances, Leticia Merchan
Summary: Protecting soil and increasing agricultural production requires understanding soil properties and their variability. Traditional soil mapping processes complexity can lead to inappropriate practices. Using ordinary kriging to map soil properties distribution can provide recommendations for improving agricultural ecosystem, increasing yield, and protecting soil.
Article
Agronomy
Lorena Lombana, Antonio Martinez-Grana
Summary: This study developed a combined methodology for flood mapping in small-sized water bodies using Sentinel-2 MSI imagery. By applying a super-resolution algorithm, a set of spectral indices, and various flood mapping methods, the approach achieved good results in flood mapping.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leticia Merchan, Antonio Miguel Martinez-Grana, Jose Antonio Egido, Marco Criado
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the evaluation, protection, and promotion of Geological Heritage. The scientific community is also interested in Geomorphological Heritage, especially in sectors of great scientific importance characterized by their landforms. The study of soils provides information about their formation and emphasizes their importance as a non-renewable natural resource for future generations. This research follows a methodology that includes the evaluation of geological heritage, identification of different locations, and consideration of geomorphological and pedological interests.
Article
Agronomy
David Borrego-Alonso, Antonio M. Martinez-Grana, Begona Quintana, Juan Carlos Lozano
Summary: According to the European Council Directive 51/2013 EURATOM, the radionuclide content in human consumption waters must comply with the stated recommendations to ensure public health protection. A study conducted in the Castilla y Leon region of Spain found spatial variations in the radioactivity content in the Duero basin, mainly influenced by geological formations and hydraulic characteristics. Prediction maps can serve as valuable tools for better planning and managing groundwater monitoring programs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joaquin Andres Valencia Ortiz, Antonio Miguel Martinez-Grana
Summary: The dynamic behavior of basins is influenced by the relationships between their morphometric parameters and endogenous and exogenous factors that control weathering and erosion processes. This evaluation considers relief, shape, texture, and flow mobility parameters to define the degree of affectation and control agents in physical and natural territory planning. The evaluation reveals that tectonic structural factors, climate control, and seismic activity play significant roles in the weathering and flow generation processes of basins.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leticia Merchan, Antonio Miguel Martinez-Grana, Pilar Alonso Rojo, Marco Criado
Summary: Nowadays, soil erosion is a global problem that affects natural resources, natural spaces, and agricultural production. Integration of RUSLE equations and GIS techniques allows for mapping of potential and actual erosion, helping to identify areas with extreme erosion levels and stable erosion levels. The integration of GIS techniques with parametric equations provides a simple and cost-effective tool for estimating soil losses and establishing mitigation measures.
Article
Geography
Jose Luis Goy, Caridad Zazo, Javier Elez, Antonio Miguel Martinez-Grana, J. C. Canaveras, Cristino Jose Dabrio, Elsa Duarte, Irene De Bustamante, Sergio Sanchez Moral
Summary: Along the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, geomorphologic maps have been created to study the caves and landforms in the area. By examining erosional surfaces and marine morphologies, researchers were able to reconstruct past sea-level positions and paleo-shorelines. The study revealed a general sequence of elevations between 275-120 m and 90-1 m above sea level, indicating the beginning of the Quaternary period at 172 m a.s.l.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose Luis Goy, Jose Luis Corvea, Irene de Bustamante, Antonio Miguel Martinez-Grana, Carlos Diaz-Guanche, Caridad Zazo, Cristino J. Dabrio, Jose Angel Gonzalez-Delgado, Alberto Blanco, Carlos E. Nieto
Summary: A detailed analysis of Vinales National Park was conducted to evaluate its geosites of geomorphological interest. The study selected 20 geosites suitable for evaluation as geoheritage and conducted field trips and a virtual itinerary to enhance geological-geomorphological knowledge. Evaluation of the geosites was based on criteria proposed by the Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining. The results provide map layers and descriptions of the most relevant aspects and valuations of the geosites, ranging from 1050 in Vinales Valley to 365 in La Jutia Valley.
Article
Environmental Studies
Leticia Merchan, Antonio Miguel Martinez-Grana, Carlos E. Nieto, Marco Criado
Summary: Territorial planning, including geotechnical and hazard mapping, is necessary to predict and mitigate natural risks. Different areas with varying geotechnical and hazard characteristics were identified in the study area. The findings can guide land-use planning and construction activities to reduce the impact of natural disasters.
Article
Environmental Studies
Antonio Martinez-Grana, Jose Angel Gonzalez-Delgado, Carlos Nieto, Vanessa Villalba, Teresa Cabero
Summary: Geoheritage is a natural resource that supports sustainable rural tourism and enables population settlement in unpopulated areas with significant natural heritage. This study aims to assess the uniqueness and diversity of geosites, including lithological, geomorphological, tectonic, and natural process diversity. In the Arosa estuary, seven geosites have been identified and evaluated for their scientific, educational, and tourist-recreational potential. A 3D virtual itinerary using Google Earth has been created to promote geotourism and provide educational resources for visitors. This research contributes to the conservation and promotion of the unknown geoheritage in the Arosa estuary, fostering sustainable development and cultivating respect for nature.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joaquin Andres Valencia Ortiz, Antonio Miguel Martinez-Grana, Lenny Mejia Mendez
Summary: Mass movements have significant negative impacts on the study area, and evaluating their susceptibility is crucial for territorial planning and disaster risk management. Various stochastic and statistical methods, including artificial neural network, bivariate statistical method, and logistic regression method, were used to evaluate the mass movements based on inherent variables. The results demonstrate that the bivariate method performs well in spatial prediction.
Article
Agronomy
Leticia Merchan, Antonio Martinez-Grana, Carlos E. Nieto, Marco Criado, Teresa Cabero, Massimo Fagnano
Summary: Landslide movements and soil loss due to erosion have increased, causing significant human and economic losses. Delimiting these risks is necessary to prevent and mitigate their effects in valuable natural parks like the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. The susceptibility to landslides is evaluated by considering various factors such as lithology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, and vegetation, and using the analytical hierarchy method. The RUSLE equation is used to calculate erosive losses. The results show that areas with high slope, lack of vegetation, and specific lithology are highly susceptible to landslides, while steep slopes with little vegetation and poorly developed soils experience the highest erosion losses.
Article
Environmental Studies
Leticia Merchan, Antonio Martinez-Grana, Carlos E. Nieto, Marco Criado, Teresa Cabero
Summary: In recent decades, natural disasters, and especially slope movements, have increased dramatically, leading to numerous fatalities and significant economic losses. To mitigate these effects, it is necessary to spatially delimit these risks by conducting vulnerability assessments and applying mitigation strategies, using methods such as spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems. This study focuses on the susceptibility assessment of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, integrating various thematic layers and employing statistical methods.
Article
Environmental Studies
Fernando Santos-Frances, Antonio Martinez-Grana, Carmelo avila-Zarza, Marco Criado, Yolanda Sanchez-Sanchez
Summary: In the last two decades, there has been an increased global demand to establish criteria for determining soil quality and to develop quantitative indices that can be used to classify and compare that quality in different places. This study selected 16 soil properties as potential indicators of soil quality in a semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystem, and developed an adequate index to characterize soil quality. The study identified TDS-L-W and TDS-L-A indices as the most accurate and consistent, while MDS-L-W and MDS-L-A are best for large-scale studies. The most important indicators for soil quality were found to be clay content, water retention, and calcium levels.