Dietary proxies (δ15N, δ13C) as signature of metals and arsenic exposure in birds from aquatic and terrestrial food chains.

In this study, exposure to arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) was investigated in the blood, pectoral muscles and tail feathers of two terrestrial (spotted owlet; Athena brama and bank myna; Acridotheres ginginianus) and two aquatic (cattle egret; Bubulcus ibis and pond heron; Ardeola grayii) bird species inhabiting Pakistan. Food chain specimens, as well as the dietary proxies δN and δC, were also analyzed to validate potential trophic and dietary transfers of metals and As in birds. Zn was found to be the most prevalent metal in the tissues of birds followed by Pb, As, Cu, and Cd.

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evaluation of groundwater with elevated arsenic in alkaline aquifers in Eastern Punjab, Pakistan.

Geochemical investigation was carried out for delineating factors responsible for the mobilization of arsenic (As) from aquifer material into the groundwater. Four sites along Ravi River, (Samada, Sarai Chimba, Kot Maiga and Chah Fatehwala), were selected based on the blanket survey. Groundwater-rock interaction and evaporation were the key phenomena controlling groundwater chemistry, as shown by the hydrogeochemical data.

Geochemical assessment of metal pollution and ecotoxicology in sediment cores along Karachi Coast, Pakistan.

This paper is an attempt to compare the pollution status in two sediment cores, one from a polluted site (Ghizri Creek) and another from a relatively unpolluted site (Sandspit). Sediment cores (45 cm in length) from coastal locations were characterized in terms of grain size, sediment composition, pH, organic matter, calcium carbonate, and metal element contents. Metal elements, including Al, Ca, Cr, Co Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Ti, and Zn, were determined using PIXE.

Metal pollution and ecological risk assessment in marine sediments of Karachi Coast, Pakistan.

Concentrations of 12 metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, U, V, Zn, and Zr) in surface sediments of Karachi Coast, Pakistan were determined to evaluate their distribution and pollution assessment. The measured metals in the sediments were found to be in the range of Fe, 0.84-6.