Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Anthropogenic contamination and risk assessment of heavy metals in stream sediments influenced by acid mine drainage from a northeast coalfield, India

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The total concentrations and chemical partitioning of heavy metals in streambed sediments, collected around the Jaintia Hills coal deposit of northeast India, were studied using pollution indices and multivariate techniques to evaluate the risk and contamination levels from heavy metals and their possible origins. Results show that sediments close to mining sites have low pH (<4), high organic carbon, and contain significant amounts of Fe-oxyhydroxide phases (mainly, goethite and schwertmannite), which implies direct impact of coal mine drainage. The average concentrations of Fe, Cu, Co, Cd, Cr, and Zn exceeded the World average, and in some cases, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Cr concentrations exceeded the threshold effects level, which suggests they will be toxic to aquatic biota. Contamination factors (CF) show that the sediments are low to highly contaminated with Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Fe, and Zn and low to moderately contaminated with Co, Cr and Ni. The pollution load index (PLI), degree of contamination index (C deg) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) show that the sediments are moderately to highly contaminated, with the extent of pollution greatest nearest to the collieries. The potential ecological risk index (RI) shows low to considerable ecological risk from heavy metals in the sediments, with Cd having the high potential of risk, which also agrees with the risk assessment code (RAC). Multivariate statistical analysis suggests that the concentrations of the heavy metals in stream sediments are strongly influenced by Fe-oxyhydroxide phases and organic carbon derived from anthropogenic sources, mainly coal mining activities. Although a significant proportion of the Cd, Mn, and Ni in the sediments are partitioned into exchangeable and organic fractions, a sizable amount of metals are also found in the Fe–Mn fraction, suggesting that Fe-oxyhydroxides play a dominant role in controlling metal mobility in these stream sediments.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Soil data were retrieved from Sahoo (2011)

Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abrahim GMS, Parker RJ (2008) Assessment of heavy metal enrichment factors and the degree of contamination in marine sediments from Tamaki Estuary, Auckland, New Zealand. Environ Monit Assess 136:227–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adriano DC, Wenzel WW, Vangronsveld J, Bolan NS (2004) Role of assisted natural remediation in environmental cleanup. Geoderma 122:121–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alloway BJ (1990) Soil processes and the behaviour of metals. In: Alloway BJ (ed) Heavy metals in soils. John Wiley & Sons Inc, New York, pp 7–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker DE, Senft JP (1995) Copper. In: Alloway BJ (ed) Heavy Metals in Soils, 2nd edn. Blackie Academic and Professional, London, pp 179–205

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Banwart SA, Malmstrom ME (2001) Hydrogeochemical modeling for preliminary assessment of mine water pollution. J Geochem Explor 74:73–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barakat A, Baghdadi ME, Rais J, Nadem S (2012) Assessment of heavy metal in surface sediment of Day river at Beni-Mellal region, Morocco. Res J Environ Earth Sci 4:797–806

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya A, Routh J, Jack G, Bhattacharya P, Mörth M (2006) Environmental assessment of abandoned mine tailing in Adak, Västerbotten district (northern Sweden). Appl Geochem 21:1760–1780

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhuiyan MAH, Parvez L, Islam MA, Dampare SB, Shigeyuki S (2010) Heavy metal pollution of coal mine-affected agricultural soils in the northern part of Bangladesh. J Hazard Mat 173:384–392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bigham JM, Nordstrom DN (2000) Iron and aluminum hydroxysulfates from acid sulfate water. In: Alpers CN, Jambor JL, Nordstrom DK (Eds.), Sulfate minerals, crystallography, geochemistry, and environmental significance. Rev Mineral Geochem 40:351–403

  • Buat-Menard P, Chesselet R (1979) Variable influence of atmospheric flux on the trace metal chemistry of oceanic suspended matter. Earth Planet Sci Lett 42:398–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carr R, Zhang CS, Moles N, Harder M (2008) Identification and mapping of heavy metal pollution in soils of a sports ground in Galway City, Ireland, using a portable XRF analyser and GIS. Environ Geochem Health 30:45–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CCME, Canadian Water quality guidelines for protection of aquatic life, Technical Report, Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines, Canadian Water Quality Index 1.0, 1999

  • Chander DVR, Venkobachar C, Raymahashay BC (1994) Retention of fly ash-derived copper in sediments of Pandu river near Kanpur, India. Environ Geol 24:133–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y (1996) Organic matter reactions involving micronutrientsin soils and their effect on Plants. In: Piccolo A (ed) Humic substances in terrestrial ecosystems. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 507–530

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Cicchella D, Vivo BD, Lima A (2005) Background and baseline concentration values of elements harmful to human health in the volcanic soils of the metropolitan and provincial area of Napoli (Italy). Geochem Explor Environ A 5:29–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daskalakis KD, O’Connor TP (1995) Normalization and elemental sediment contamination in the Coastal United States. Environ Sci Technol 29:470–477

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Equeenuddin SM, Tripathy S, Sahoo PK, Panigrahi MK (2013) Metal behavior in sediment associated with acid mine drainage stream: role of pH. J Geochem Explor 124:230–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fairbrother A, Wenstel R, Sappington K (2007) Framework for metals risk assessment. Ecotox Environ Safe 68:145–227

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farkas et al (2007) Assessment of the environmental significantce of heavy pollution in surficial sediments of the River Po. Chemospere 68:761–768

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hakanson L (1980) An ecological risk index for aquatic pollution control, a sedimentological approach. Water Res 14:975–1001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han YM, Du PX, Cao JJ, Posmentier ES (2006) Multivariate analysis of heavy metal contamination in urban dust of Xi’an, Central China. Sci Total Environ 355:176–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hower J, Robertson JD (2003) Clausthalite in coal. Int J Coal Geol 53:219–225

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jain CK (2004) Metal fractionation study on bed sediments of river Yamuna, India. Water Res 38:569–578

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones KC (1986) The distribution and partitioning of silver and other heavy metals in sediments associated with an acid mine drainage stream. Environ Pollut (Ser B) 12:249–263

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kabata-Pendias A (1993) Behavioral properties of trace metals in soils. Appl Geochem 2:3–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kabata-Pendias A, Pedias H (1999) Biogeochemistry of trace elements. 2nd ed. Wyd Nauk PWN, Warszawa (in Polish)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabata-Pendias A, Pendias H (2001) Trace elements in soil and plants, 3rd edn. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim JY, Chon HT (2001) Pollution of a water course impacted by acid mine drainage in the Imgok creek of the Gangreung coal field, Korea. Appl Geochem 16:1387–1396

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu H, Li L, Shan B (2008) Fraction distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments of Moshui Lake. J Environ Sci 20:390–397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Long ER, McDonald DD, Smith SL, Calder FD (1995) Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuarine sediments. Environ Manage 19:18–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu AX, Wang JH, Qin XY, Wang KY, Han P, Zhang SZ (2012) Multivariate and geostatistical analyses of the spatial distribution and origin of heavy metals in the agricultural soils in Shunyi, Beijing, China. Sci Total Environ 425:66–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin JM, Maybeck M (1979) Elemental mass of material balance carried by major world rivers. Mar Chem 7:173–206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin R, Sanchez DM, Gutierrez AM (1998) Sequential extraction of U, Th, Ce, La and some heavy metals in sediments from Ortigas river, Spain. Talanta 46:1115–1121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mmolawa KB, Likuku AS, Gaboutloeloe GK (2011) Assessment of heavy metal pollution in soils along major roadside areas in Botswana. Afr J Environ Sci Technol 5:186–196

    Google Scholar 

  • Muñoz-Meléndez G, Korre A, Parry SJ (2000) Influence of soil pH on the fractionation of Cr, Cu and Zn in solid phases from a landfill site. Environ Pollut 109:497–504

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nganje TN, Adamu CI, Ugbaja AN, Ebieme E, Sikakwe GU (2011) Environmental contamination of trace elements in the vicinity of Okpara coal mine, Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria. Arabian J Geosci 4:199–205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panda D, Subramanian V, Panigrahy RC (1995) Geochemical fractionation of heavy metals in Chilka Lake (east coast of India)—a tropical coastal lagoon. Environ Geol 26:199–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perin G, Craboledda L, Cirillo M, Dotta L, Zanette ML, Orio AA (1985) Heavy metal speciation in the sediments of Northern Adriatic Sea. A new approach for environmental toxicity determination. In: Lekkas TD (ed) Heavy Metal in the Environment. CEP Consultantants, Edinburg, p 2

    Google Scholar 

  • Perin G, Bonardi M, Fabris R, Simoncini B, Manente S et al (1997) Heavy metal pollution in central Venice Lagoon bottom sediments: evaluation of the metal bioavailability by geochemical speciation procedure. Environ Tech 18:593–604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pinetown KL, Ward CR, Westhuizen WA (2007) Quantitative evaluation of minerals in coal deposits in the Witbank and Highveld Coalfields, and the potential impact on acid mine drainage. Int J Coal Geol 70:166–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prusty BG, Sahu KC, Godgul G (1994) Metal contamination due to mining and milling activities at Zawar zinc mine, Rajasthan, India, 1. contamination of stream sediments. Chem Geol 112:275–291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rappart BD, Martens DC, Reneau RB, Simpson TW (1987) Metal accumulation in corn and barley grown on a sludge-amended typicochraqualf. J Environ Qual 16:29–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reddy MR, Dunn SJ (1986) Distribution coefficients for nickel and zinc in soils. Environ Pollut (Series B) 11:303–313

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahoo PK (2011) Geochemical appraisal of acid mine drainage around Jaintia Hills coalfield, Meghalaya, India, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

  • Sahoo PK, Tripathy S, Equeenuddin SM, Panigrahi MK (2012a) Gochemical characteristics of coal mine discharge vis-á-vis behavior of rare earth elements at Jaintia Hills coalfield, northeastern India. J Geocheml Explor 122:235–243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahoo PK, Tripathy S, Panigrahi MK, Equeenuddin Sk Md (2012b) Mineralogy of Fe-precipitates and their role in metal retention from an acid mine drainage site in India. Mine Water Environ 31:344–352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahoo PK, Tripathy S, Panigrahi MK, Equeenuddin SM (2014) Geochemial characterization of coal and waste rock from a high sulfur coalfield, India: implication for acid and metal generation. J Geochem Explor 145:135–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sakurovs R, French D, Grigore M (2007) Quantification of mineral matter in commercial cokes and their parent coals. Int J Coal Geol 72:81–88

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sany BT, Sulaiman AH, Monazami GH, Salleh A (2011) Assessment of sediment quality according to heavy metal status in the West port of Malaysia. Int J Biol Vet Agric Food Eng 5:4–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma A, Saikia A, Khare P, Baruah B (2014) Genesis of some tertiary Indian coals from the chemical composition of ash—a statistical approach: part 1. J Earth Syst Sci 123(7):p1705

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh MP, Singh AK (2000) Petrographic characteristics and depositional conditions of Eocene coals of platform basins, Meghalaya, India. Int J Coal Geol 42:315–356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sundaray SK, Nayak BB, Lin S, Bhatta D (2011) Geochemical speciation and risk assessment of heavy metals in the river estuarine sediments-A case study: Mahanadi basin, India. J Hazard Mater 186:1837–1846

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swer S, Singh OP (2003) Coal mining impacting water quality and aquatic biodiversity in Jaintia Hill district. ENVIS Bull Himal Ecol 11:25–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor SR, McLennan SM (1995) The geochemical evolution of the continental crust. Rev Geophys 33:241–265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teixeira EC, Ortiz LS, Alves MFCC, Sanchez JCD (2001) Distribution of selected heavy metals in fluvial sediments of the coal mining region of Baixo Jacuí, RS, Brazil. Environ Geol 41:145–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tessier A, Campbell PGC, Bisson M (1979) Sequential extraction procedure for the speciation of particulate trace metals. Anal Chem 51:851–884

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomilson DC, Wilson DJ, Harris CR, Jeffrey DW (1980) Problem in assessment of heavy metals in estuaries and the formation of pollution index. Helgol Wiss Meeresunlter 33(1–4):566–575

    Google Scholar 

  • Veeresh H, Tripathy S, Chaudhuri D, Hart BR, Powell MA (2003) Sorption and distribution of adsorbed metals in three soils of India. Appl Geochem 18:1723–1731

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walkley A, Black IA (1934) An examination of Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter and a proposed modification for the chromic acid titration method. Soil Sci 37:29–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2004) Guidelines for drinking water quality, 3rd edn. World Health Organization, Geneva, p 515

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu Z, He M, Lin C (2012) Environmental impacts of heavy metals (Co, Cu, Pb, Zn) in surficial sediments of estuary in Daliao River and Yingkuou Bay (northeast China): concentration level and chemical fraction. Environ Earth Sci 66:2417–2430

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • US EPA (1999) US Environmental protection agency, screening level ecological risk assessment protocol for hazardous waste combustion facilities, vol 3. Appendix E: Toxicity reference values, EPA 530-D99-001C

  • Yang ZP, Lu WX, Long YQ, Bao XH, Yang QC (2011) Assessment of heavy metals contamination in urban topsoil from Changchun City, China. J Geochem Explor 108:27–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Young SM, Pitawala A, Ishiga H (2013) Geochemical characterization of stream sediments, sediment fractions, soils and basements rocks from the Mahaweli river and its catchment, Sri lanka. Chem Erde Geochem 73:357–371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan GL, Sun TH, Han P, Li J, Lang XX (2014) Source identification and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in topsoils using environmental mapping: typical urban renewal area in Beijing, China. J Geochem Explor 136:40–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu B, Alva AK (1993) The chemical forms of Zn and Cu extractable by Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, and ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA extraction. Soil Sci 156:251–258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zsefer P, Glasby GP, Sefe K, Pempkowiak J, Kaliszan R (1996) Heavy–metal pollution in superficial sediments from the southern baltic sea off poland. J Environ Sci Heal A Environ Sci Eng Tox 31:2723–2754

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The data presented in this paper is a part of the Ph.D. work of the first author submitted to the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. Instrument support for SEM analysis was availed from the Central Research Facility of IIT Kharagpur. The XRF and AAS analyses were carried out in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, IIT Kharagpur.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India

    P. K. Sahoo, S. Tripathy & M. K. Panigrahi

  2. Vale Institute of Technology, Boaventura da Silva, Belém, Pará, 66055-090, Brazil

    P. K. Sahoo

  3. Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India

    Sk. Md. Equeenuddin

Authors
  1. P. K. Sahoo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Tripathy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. K. Panigrahi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Sk. Md. Equeenuddin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. K. Sahoo.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sahoo, P.K., Tripathy, S., Panigrahi, M.K. et al. Anthropogenic contamination and risk assessment of heavy metals in stream sediments influenced by acid mine drainage from a northeast coalfield, India. Bull Eng Geol Environ 76, 537–552 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-016-0975-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-016-0975-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation