Status of the Coastal Marine Environment in the Southern Red Sea, Yemen, as Reflected by Elements Accumulated in the Skeletons of Scleractinian (Stony) Corals.

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of anthropogenic contamination as well as to collect more data concerning the mineral composition of scleractinian corals from Southern Red Sea, Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen. The mass fractions of 31 elements were determined in the skeleton of nine coral colonies collected in the vicinity of the south-western coast of Yemen. All measurements were conducted by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The final results concerning the distribution of considered elements were comparable and, in some cases, inferior to those reported worldwide. The determined mass fractions of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Zn as Presumably Contaminating Elements (PCE) together with the mass fractions of the same elements previously reported in the literature regarding Red Sea Pleistocene corals permitted calculating the individual Contamination Factor (CF) and collective Pollution Load Index (PLI). In spite of high mass fraction values of Mn and Fe in only a few coral colonies, for all investigated places, the PLI values corresponding to studied areas were less than unit, suggesting the investigated areas could be considered as uncontaminated.

A review of major and trace elements in Nile River and Western Red Sea sediments: An approach of geochemistry, pollution, and associated hazards.

The present review was conducted to highlight the major and trace elemental composition in surface sediments from the Nile River and Egyptian Red Sea coastal areas in terms of provenance, concentrations, pollution indices, and health hazards. Health hazard due to the exposure to selected elements via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact was calculated. The samples were subjected to neutron activation analysis. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was employed. Significant amounts of V, Cr, and Zr are observed in Nile sediments. Whereas, considerable concentrations of Br and Ca were found in marine sediments. The concentrations of the other elements are in line with the corresponding values in upper continental crust. The outcomes of the pollution indices show some localized polluted sites (Helwan, Cairo, and Delta) in Nile sediments. Likewise, in Abu Ghusun area in marine ones. Overall, the hazard index of the investigated elements in the Nile and marine sediments for both studied age criteria is higher than the tolerable values (1 × 10-6 - 1 × 10-4).

Characterization of Trace Elements in Atmospheric Deposition Studied by Moss Biomonitoring in Georgia.

The present work was conducted to obtain and highlight the first comprehensive baseline data on atmospheric deposition of trace elements and to evaluate the air quality in Georgia. A total of 120 moss samples were collected over accessible territories in Georgia in the period from 2014 to 2017. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp., Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.), and Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. moss species were analyzed by two complementary analytical techniques: instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of 41 elements in mg/kg were determined. The concentrations were compared with the corresponding values in the literature and are in a good agreement, except for the concentration of Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, and Fe, which were higher than those reported for other countries. The principal component and discriminant analyses were implemented to extract information about the similar geochemical features and to decipher the provenance of the studied elements. The analysis showed that a considerable association of crustal elements and the provenance of elements can be considered as a mixture of geogenic and anthropogenic sources. In addition, the influence of different latitudinal climate zones on the distribution of elements in the atmospheric deposition was observed. The enrichment factor shows considerable values for Th and Zr. The spatial distribution of the pollution load index identifies four zones (#12, 38, 53, and 64). The potential ecological risk index and the risk index were calculated and it does not pose significant risk except As and Cd. The data obtained can be used as the first dataset of metal characterization of air pollution in Georgia.

Dataset of elemental compositions and pollution indices of soil and sediments: Nile River and delta -Egypt.

This data is the first comprehensive baseline data on the geochemical composition of soil and sediments along the Nile River and Delta in Egypt that was subjected and analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis INAA. These data supported the research articles that were done to evaluate the elemental compositions and pollution sources in 176 sampling locations through 133 soil and 43 sediments samples along the Egyptian section of the Nile River and Delta - Egypt. "Geochemistry of sediments and surface soils from the Nile delta and lower Nile valley studied by epithermal neutron activation analysis" Arafa [1], "Major and trace element distribution in soil and sediments from the Egyptian central Nile valley" Badawy [2], and "Assessment of industrial contamination of agricultural soil adjacent to Sadat city, Egypt" Badawy [3]. The samples were analyzed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis INAA and the concentrations in mg/kg of 28 major and trace elements are obtained. The quality control of the analytical measurements was carried out using different certified reference materials. Multivariate statistical analyses were applied. A total of eight individual and complex pollution indices were calculated in terms of the quantification of pollution extent and selection of the proper index based on the method and purpose of calculations. The spatial distribution of pollution load index PLI was mapped using GIS-technology. The normalized concentrations of the determined elements show no significant difference between soil and sediments concentrations and this, however, may be explained by the fact that origin of soil mainly is the sediments. To a clear extent, the concentrations of Ti (8017, 9672 mg/kg), V (124, 143 mg/kg), Cr (126, 160 mg/kg), and Zr (296, 318 mg/kg) are observed to be high in soil and sediments, respectively relative to other elements. Zr/Sc ratio shows a reduced sedimentary recycling and this may be explained by the tremendous influence of Aswan High Dam in preventing sediments supply from Ethiopian Highlights. Eventually, the pollution indices prove their suitability for assessing the individual and integrative contamination and show that there is no overall contamination. However, there are some contaminated localities mainly in Delta and mostly due to the dense population and anthropogenic activities. The data can be used as a raw data for constructing the first ecological atlas and evaluation of the ecological situation in terms of geochemistry and pollution.

Investigations of the Atmospheric Deposition of Major and Trace Elements in Western Tajikistan by Using the Hylocomium splendens Moss as Bioindicators.

The study was performed in a mountainous area of approximately 7000 sq. km of Western Tajikistan, i.e., Turkestan, Zeravshan, Hissar, and Karateghin ridges that are characterized by complex geological settings. Moss biomonitoring was used to assess the concentration level of trace and major elements in atmospheric deposition of the study area. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. moss was used as biomonitor in this study. 43 major and trace-elements were determined by Epithermal Neutron Activation (ENAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). GIS maps of the 43 elements showed that the distribution of Mo, Cd, REE, Th, and U could be most probably associated with the Odjuk pegmatite field. Zr, Hf, and W contents are significantly increased in the vicinity of the Sarbo River washout while Cr, Co, Ni, and As showed a maximum content near Kanchoch gold field. The global pollution index based on the local content of presumed pollutants Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb in some places exceeded the threshold limits for a pristine, unpolluted environment. At the same time, the distribution of incompatible Sc, La, Yb, and Th suggested for the airborne material deposited on mosses a continental component, enriched in few places in felsic components.

Heavy Metal Atmospheric Deposition Study in Moscow Region, Russia.

The air quality in north-eastern part of Moscow region was evaluated by trace metals atmospheric deposition using moss Pleurozium schreberi as bioindicator. Thirty six elements were determined in analyzed samples by Neutron activation analysis and Atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Maps showing the geographical distribution of the factor scores were built using ArcGis software. Median values of the elements studied were compared with data obtained for other regions in Russia. The present survey showed that industrial activity, thermal power plants and transport still have the largest anthropogenic impact on air pollution in studied region.

Assessment of anthropogenic and geogenic impacts on marine sediments along the coastal areas of Egyptian Red Sea.

The present study was conducted to assess the possible impacts of human activities and naturally occurring on the marine sediments, to test for anomalous enrichments in metals. A total of 32 marine sediments samples collected from 12 coastal areas of the Egyptian Red Sea analyzed using different analytical techniques. The analysis explored 43 elements for the marine sediments. Principal component analysis and multivariate statistics were implemented on the data. The extent of pollution was quantified for selected 6 pollutants using the geoaccumulation indices (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), metal pollution index (MPI), contamination factor (Cf), and degree of contamination factor (Cd). The associated risk using potential ecological risk factor (PER), and risk index (RI) was calculated. The data was interpolated using ArcGIS technology to construct the spatial distribution maps of the selected 6 pollutants along the coastal areas of the Egyptian Red Sea. The data was normalized and the peak values were observed for Ca (13.6%) >Na (1.9%) > Mg (1.6%) >Br (41.1 ppm). The obtained findings were compared with other local and regional data shows that the metal enrichment in studied areas is in line and anomalous enrichments in metals were not evidenced. Even though out of 12 studied areas 2 areas viz., Sharam El-Bahari in the middle of the coast and downwards to the southern Marsa Hemira area found to have peak values of metals, however still show a good agreement with results with other data. Moderate enriched sediments with Cr were noticed. It could be stated that comparison of the gained data from this study with others clearly indicates that nearly the metal concentrations were in the natural unpolluted sediments range.

Environmental radioactivity of soils and sediments: Egyptian sector of the Nile valley.

The activity concentrations of natural 40K, 232Th, and 238U in 89 soil and 84 sediment samples collected over the entire Egyptian Nile River basin including the Nile delta are reported based on the results of epithermal neutron activation analysis. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 238U equal to 15.3 ± 6.6, 15.6 ± 11.1 and 220 ± 31 Bq/kg, respectively, are significantly lower than those reported for the Upper Continental Crust, World Average Sediments as well as World Average Soils, suggesting the presence of a considerable portion of mafic material, most probably originating from the Ethiopian High Plateau. Their average activity concentrations are statistically the same in soil and sediments, indicating that the Nile sediments and soil material are of the same origin. The main goal of this study was not only to estimate the radiological hazards but also to show the influence of sedimentary material transportable by the Blue Nile from the Ethiopian High Plateau. The different hazard indices like the radium equivalent, gamma index, external hazard as well as the internal hazard show a low radiological exposure either on direct contact or if local mud bricks are used in the construction of dwellings.

Modelling spatial patterns of correlations between concentrations of heavy metals in mosses and atmospheric deposition in 2010 across Europe.

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to investigate the correlations between the concentrations of nine heavy metals in moss and atmospheric deposition within ecological land classes covering Europe. Additionally, it is examined to what extent the statistical relations are affected by the land use around the moss sampling sites. Based on moss data collected in 2010/2011 throughout Europe and data on total atmospheric deposition modelled by two chemical transport models (EMEP MSC-E, LOTOS-EUROS), correlation coefficients between concentrations of heavy metals in moss and in modelled atmospheric deposition were specified for spatial subsamples defined by ecological land classes of Europe (ELCE) as a spatial reference system. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and logistic regression (LR) were then used to separate moss sampling sites regarding their contribution to the strength of correlation considering the areal percentage of urban, agricultural and forestry land use around the sampling location. After verification LDA models by LR, LDA models were used to transform spatial information on the land use to maps of potential correlation levels, applicable for future network planning in the European Moss Survey. RESULTS: Correlations between concentrations of heavy metals in moss and in modelled atmospheric deposition were found to be specific for elements and ELCE units. Land use around the sampling sites mainly influences the correlation level. Small radiuses around the sampling sites examined (5 km) are more relevant for Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn, while the areal percentage of urban and agricultural land use within large radiuses (75-100 km) is more relevant for As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and V. Most valid LDA models pattern with error rates of < 40% were found for As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and V. Land use-dependent predictions of spatial patterns split up Europe into investigation areas revealing potentially high (= above-average) or low (= below-average) correlation coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: LDA is an eligible method identifying and ranking boundary conditions of correlations between atmospheric deposition and respective concentrations of heavy metals in moss and related mapping considering the influence of the land use around moss sampling sites.

Determination of element composition and extraterrestrial material occurrence in moss and lichen samples from King George Island (Antarctica) using reactor neutron activation analysis and SEM microscopy.

Seven lichens (Usnea antarctica and U. aurantiacoatra) and nine moss samples (Sanionia uncinata) collected in King George Island were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis, and concentration of major and trace elements was calculated. For some elements, the concentrations observed in moss samples were higher than corresponding values reported from other sites in the Antarctica, but in the lichens, these were in the same range of concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and statistical analysis showed large influence of volcanic-origin particles. Also, the interplanetary cosmic particles (ICP) were observed in investigated samples, as mosses and lichens are good collectors of ICP and micrometeorites.

Origin and spatial distribution of metals in moss samples in Albania: A hotspot of heavy metal contamination in Europe.

This study presents the spatial distribution of 37 elements in 48 moss samples collected over the whole territory of Albania and provides information on sources and factors controlling the concentrations of elements in the moss. High variations of trace metals indicate that the concentrations of elements are affected by different factors. Relations between the elements in moss, geochemical interpretation of the data, and secondary effects such as redox conditions generated from local soil and/or long distance atmospheric transport of the pollutants are discussed. Zr normalized data, and the ratios of different elements are calculated to assess the origin of elements present in the current moss samples with respect to different geogenic and anthropogenic inputs. Factor analysis (FA) is used to identify the most probable sources of the elements. Four dominant factors are identified, i.e. natural contamination; dust emission from local mining operations; atmospheric transport of contaminants from local and long distance sources; and contributions from air borne marine salts. Mineral particle dust from local emission sources is classified as the most important factor affecting the atmospheric deposition of elements accumulated in the current moss samples. The open slag dumps of mining operation in Albania is probably the main factor contributing to high contents of Cr, Ni, Fe, Ti and Al in the moss. Enrichment factors (EF) were calculated to clarify whether the elements in the present moss samples mainly originate from atmospheric deposition and/or local substrate materials.

Assessment of species-specific and temporal variations of major, trace and rare earth elements in vineyard ambient using moss bags.

Since the methodological parameters of moss bag biomonitoring have rarely been investigated for the application in agricultural areas, two mosses, Sphagnum girgensohnii (a species of the most recommended biomonitoring genus) and Hypnum cupressiforme (commonly available), were verified in a vineyard ambient. The moss bags were exposed along transects in six vineyard parcels during the grapevine season (March‒September 2015). To select an appropriate period for the reliable 'signal' of the element enrichment in the mosses, the bags were simultaneously exposed during five periods (3 × 2 months, 1 × 4 months, and 1 × 6 months). Assuming that vineyard is susceptible to contamination originated from different agricultural treatments, a wide range of elements (41) were determined in the moss and topsoil samples. The mosses were significantly enriched by the elements during the 2-month bag exposure which gradually increasing up to 6 months, but Cu and Ni exhibited the noticeable fluctuations during the grapevine season. However, the 6-month exposure of moss bags could be recommended for comparative studies among different vineyards because it reflects the ambient pollution comprising unpredictable treatments of grapevine applied during the whole season. Although higher element concentrations were determined in S. girgensohnii than H. cupressiforme, both species reflected the spatio-temporal changes in the ambient element content. Moreover, the significant correlation of the element (Cr, Cu, Sb, and Ti) concentrations between the mosses, and the same pairs of the elements correlated within the species, imply the comparable use of S. girgensohnii and H. cupressiforme in the vineyard (agricultural) ambient. Finally, both the moss bags and the soil analyses suggest that vineyard represents a dominant diffuse pollution source of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Fe, and V.

Air Pollution Study in the Republic of Moldova Using Moss Biomonitoring Technique.

Moss biomonitoring using the species Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.) and Pleurocarpous sp was applied to study air pollution in the Republic of Moldova. A total of 41 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Pb, Th, and U) were determined by instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Geographical distribution maps were prepared to point out the regions most affected by air pollution and relate this to potential sources of contamination. Median values of the elements studied were compared with data from the European moss biomonitoring program. The cities of Chisinau and Balti were determined to experience particular environmental stress.

Automation system for neutron activation analysis at the reactor IBR-2, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia.

The present status of development of software packages and equipment designed for automation of NAA at the reactor IBR-2 of FLNP, JINR, Dubna, RF, is described. The NAA database, construction of sample changers and software for automation of spectra measurement and calculation of concentrations are presented. Automation of QC procedures is integrated in the software developed. Details of the design are shown.

Spatially valid data of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and nitrogen derived by moss surveys for pollution risk assessments of ecosystems.

For analysing element input into ecosystems and associated risks due to atmospheric deposition, element concentrations in moss provide complementary and time-integrated data at high spatial resolution every 5 years since 1990. The paper reviews (1) minimum sample sizes needed for reliable, statistical estimation of mean values at four different spatial scales (European and national level as well as landscape-specific level covering Europe and single countries); (2) trends of heavy metal (HM) and nitrogen (N) concentrations in moss in Europe (1990-2010); (3) correlations between concentrations of HM in moss and soil specimens collected across Norway (1990-2010); and (4) canopy drip-induced site-specific variation of N concentration in moss sampled in seven European countries (1990-2013). While the minimum sample sizes on the European and national level were achieved without exception, for some ecological land classes and elements, the coverage with sampling sites should be improved. The decline in emission and subsequent atmospheric deposition of HM across Europe has resulted in decreasing HM concentrations in moss between 1990 and 2010. In contrast, hardly any changes were observed for N in moss between 2005, when N was included into the survey for the first time, and 2010. In Norway, both, the moss and the soil survey data sets, were correlated, indicating a decrease of HM concentrations in moss and soil. At the site level, the average N deposition inside of forests was almost three times higher than the average N deposition outside of forests.

Quaternized pine sawdust in the treatment of mining wastewater.

Mining wastewater was treated using quaternized pine sawdust (QPSD) anion exchanger. The wastewater contained heavy metals (e.g. Sb, As, Co, Cr, Ni, V, U), NO3(-), among others, and a high concentration of SO4(2-). A series of column cycles imitating a real treatment process was conducted (three sorption/desorption cycles, a maintenance cycle with HCl and two sorption/desorption cycles). The effects of contact time and temperature (5°C and 23°C) were studied to assess the applicability of QPSD in the treatment of cold mining effluents. At 5°C, 85% of nickel was removed but the sorption was slower than at 23°C (initial Ni concentration was about 39 µg/l). Nickel was also removed in column efficiently (85-100% reduction). Treatment with HCl during the maintenance cycles did not hinder nickel sorption. Nickel was desorbed with both NaCl and HCl. Contrary to expectations, nitrate was not sorbed. QPSD showed selectivity towards nickel. However, uptake of uranium and cobalt was detected in column. Neutron activation analysis was used to detect metals sorbed onto the QPSD, and uptake of several metals was confirmed.

Multi-element atmospheric deposition in Macedonia studied by the moss biomonitoring technique.

Moss biomonitoring technique using moss species Homolothecium lutescens (Hedw.) Robins and Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.) was applied to air pollution studies in the Republic of Macedonia. The study was performed in the framework of the International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). The presence of 47 elements was determined by instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. Normality of the datasets of elements was investigated, and Box-Cox transformation was used in order to achieve normal distributions of the data. Different pollution sources were identified and characterized using principal component analysis (PCA). Distribution maps were prepared to point out the regions most affected by pollution and to relate this to the known sources of contamination. The cities of Veles, Skopje, Tetovo, Radovis and Kavadarci were determined to experience particular environmental stress. Moreover, three reactivated lead-zinc mines were also shown to contribute to a high content of lead and zinc in the eastern part of the country. However, a comparison with the previous moss survey conducted in 2005 showed a decreasing trend of pollution elements that are usually associated with emission from industrial activities.

Levels, spatial variation and compartmentalization of trace elements in brown algae Cystoseira from marine protected areas of Crimea (Black Sea).

Levels of Al, Sc, V, Co, Ni, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Ag, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, Th and U that were rarely or never studied, as well as the concentrations of classically investigated Mn, Fe and Zn in brown algae Cystoseira barbata C. Ag. and Cystoseira crinita (Desf.) Bory from the coastal waters of marine protected areas (Crimea, Black Sea), were determined using neutron activation analysis. Spatial variation and compartmentalization were studied for all 19 trace elements (TE). Concentrations of most TE were higher in "branches" than in "stems". Spatial variations of V, Co, Ni and Zn can be related to anthropogenic activities while Al, Sc, Fe, Rb, Cs, Th and U varied depending on chemical peculiarities of the coastal zone rocks. TE concentrations in C. crinita from marine protected areas near Tarkhankut peninsula and Cape Fiolent, identified as the most clean water areas, are submitted as the background concentrations.

Trends of atmospheric deposition of trace elements in Macedonia studied by the moss biomonitoring technique.

In 2002 and 2005 the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to air pollution studies in the Republic of Macedonia in the framework of the International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE-ICP Vegetation) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). In August 2005 samples of the terrestrial mosses Homolothecium lutescens and Hypnum cupressiforme were collected at 72 sites evenly distributed over the territory of the country, in accordance with the sampling strategy of the European moss survey programme. A total of 41 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy Hf, Ta, W, Hg, Pb, Th, and U) were determined by instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Distributional maps were prepared to point out the regions most affected by pollution and to relate this to known sources of contamination. A few areas, as in 2002, are experiencing particular environmental stress: Veles, Skopje, Tetovo, Radovis and Kavadarci-Negotino, whereas the agricultural regions in the south, south-west, and south-east show median European values for most elements of mainly pollution origin. A significant increase in the content of Ni is noticed in the 2005 moss survey compared with 2002, due to the increased production of the ferro-nickel smelter in Kavadarci. A higher content of Cd, Hg, and Pb in 2005 relative to 2002 can be explained by pollution from the lead-zinc smelter in Veles, as well as the pollution that comes from the open slag waste dump of this smelter. Protection activities on the dump of slag from the former ferrochromium smelter located near Tetovo resulted in a lower content of Cr in the 2005 moss survey.