Heavy metals and trace elements in atmospheric fall-out: Their relationship with topsoil and wheat element composition

Bermudez, GM; Jasan, R; Plá, R; Pignata, ML

HERO ID

1015691

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22390956

HERO ID 1015691
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Heavy metals and trace elements in atmospheric fall-out: Their relationship with topsoil and wheat element composition
Authors Bermudez, GM; Jasan, R; Plá, R; Pignata, ML
Journal Journal of Hazardous Materials
Volume 213-214
Page Numbers 447-456
Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine the average concentrations and deposition rates of 28 elements in atmospheric bulk deposition and to elucidate associations among topsoil, bulk deposition and wheat element composition. The fluxes of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) deposition in Córdoba were higher than in other agro-ecosystems, which reflects both natural (geochemistry and topsoil removal) and anthropogenic sources. High lanthanide, uranium (U) and thorium (Th) concentrations revealed the impact of an open cast uranium mine. The highest enrichment factors (EF) were those of Cu, Pb, Zn and nickel (Ni), with calcium (Ca) being the most prominent in the surroundings of a cement plant. Industries and the transport of airborne urban pollutants were the main anthropogenic sources for Ca, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and antimony (Sb). The concentrations of metals in wheat grain were predicted using the topsoil and atmospheric fall-out composition with R(2)=0.90, with the latter being the best explanatory variable. The present study highlights the potential health hazards of wheat consumption (Environmental Protection Agency) by the assessment of heavy metals in bulk atmospheric deposition.
Doi 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.02.023
Pmid 22390956
Wosid WOS:000302893100056
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments |WOS:000302893100056
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Bulk deposition; Cement plant; Industrial incinerator; Triticum aestivum L.; Argentina
Is Qa No