Chromium speciation and existing natural attenuation conditions in lagoonal and pond sediments in the former chemical plant of Porto-Romano (Albania)

Abstract:The degree of contamination in soils, sediments and dusts can be assessed based on knowledge of a variety of factors, such as industrialization, type of contaminants, deposition conditions, contamination-control techniques, along with the characteristics of the recipient environmental compartments, which include pathways for contamination transport, depth of infiltration, and degree of groundwater contamination. The impact of contaminants also depends on the quantity, mobility and speciation of contaminants/wastes as well as on the sensitivity of the recipient compartments. With sufficient knowledge of these factors, a number of conclusions can be drawn concerning the status of contamination in industrialized areas. This literature review aims to scrutinize some of the methods used to analyse the occurrence, speciation, mobility, bioavailability and likely the toxic effects of contaminants in the environment. IntroductionThe intensive industrial production and transformation of ores and metals, and particularly, the transportation and storage of contaminants/wastes in the environment in the last hundred years have produced large quantities of waste. Erosion and weathering of contaminated soils and wastes results in the release of heavy metals and metalloids into nearby rivers and sediments [1]. To * E-mail: aurela_shtiza@yahoo.com; Tel: +3292417738; Fax: +3292424445 investigate the pollution levels and the mobility of the heavy metals and metalloids classical and/or innovative techniques can be used [2]. To measure contamination levels and assess heavy metal mobility is a challenging task because many factors affect the occurrence and the mobility of heavy metals, such as pH, solubility, cation exchange capacity, presence of clays, acid/base neutralizing capacity of soils/sediments, and so on. The selection of an appropriate conceptual sampling model requires that the entire surface under investigation is characterized accurately and any 'hot spots' are properly represented in the sampling inventory [3].The development of a conceptual model and the selection of appropriate sampling media for characterization of con-53 Unauthenticated Download Date | 5/12/18 5:19 PM Appropriate sampling strategy and analytical methodology to address contamination by industry.Part 2: Geochemistry and speciation analysis taminants were addressed in the first part of this article [4]. Once the sampling types are selected and collected, the measurement protocols are applied. An analytical protocol is a specific procedure to make observations, determine the characteristics, and conclusions for each sample or for a group of samples [5]. Analytical chemistry has become the science that does not just provide the results, but the best strategy to measure chemical properties of various sampling media. Selection of appropriate sampling types, sample collection, sample pre-treatment and chemistry analysis are the main subsequent steps that will infer the contamination in a specific site [6]. The aim of this literature review is to ...

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Figure 2, examples of pure crystalline XRD patterns of Cr 2 O 3 and K 2 Cr 2 O 7 are given [75]. Examples of XRD chromium contaminated samples are reported in different publications from [64,76]. …”

Section: Xrdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Appropriate sampling strategy and analytical methodology to address contamination by industry. Part 2: Geochemistry and speciation analysis

Shtiza

Swennen

2011

“…Studies by Shallari et al [6], Dhimo et al [15], Sallaku et al [16], ISPM [17], Van den Brande [18], Shtiza et al [10,12,19] demonstrated that industrial activities clearly have an impact on the total heavy metal concentration in the surrounding of industrialized areas in Albania. Due to the different sampling and analytical methodologies employed however, it is difficult to compare the final outcome from these investigations.…”

Section: Soilsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of metallurgy on the geochemical signature of dusts, soils and sediments in the vicinity of Elbasan complex (Albania)

Shtiza¹,

Tashko

Swennen

et al. 2009

An investigation of the metallurgical complex surroundings in Elbasani, Albania used background samples to rule out the level of contamination in the study area. Our results show that atmospheric dust particles and soils are of high concern while overbank sediments and actual river sediments are of lower concern. The heavy metals with concentrations of up to 5 times above the local background values are Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe and Co in soils; Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb in dust particles; and, Cr and Zn in the actual river/stream sediments. Due to the small size of the dust particles and the atmospheric transportation mechanism primarily related to prevailing winds, the concern for the transport of dust particles is high, especially with respect to risks associated with inhalation. The people working and living in the vicinity of the metallurgical complex of Elbasani are at the highest risk of exposure. Concerns relating to soils are associated with the potential for translocation of the trace element particles into vegetation, in particular, within the upper part of the plants. Therefore, the consumption of the vegetables grown in the vicinity of the metallurgical site should be avoided. Special attention has been given to the Shkumbini river, where the long residence time of water and particulates may result in transitions of trace elements between dissolved and particulate phases downstream.Keywords: Elbasani (Albania) • metallurgy • heavy metals • fate • environmental compartments • local background (LB)

“…In order to determine local background concentrations for major and trace elements in different sampling media, sampling locations minimally influenced by man have to be sampled. A summary of the local background sampling strategy applied in some investigations carried out in Albania [19][20][21][22] and also inferred from literature follows:…”

Section: Strategy Of Defining Local Background Concentrationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The aim of industrial development, especially during the [19][20] th century, was to produce sufficient goods to supply the increasing demand without paying much attention to the long-term effects of the wastes released, into the atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environments. The inability to landfill (mineral) wastes has been one of the most significant factors related to factory closures, in-evitably leaving some legacy of toxic wastes [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Appropriate sampling strategy and analytical methodology to address contamination by industry: Part 1. Conceptual model of a sampling design and sampling types

Shtiza¹,

Tashko

2009

This paper presents the results of a literature review on the conceptual model of a sampling design and the different types of samples that can be used to characterize the nature and the extent of contamination at a specific site. The main findings stress the importance of sampling for obtaining relevant sample types and subsequent-qualitative results. The proposed sampling design can be used for environmental studies where, the efficient use of time, money, and human resources are very critical. A good quality sampling design should meet the needs of the study with a minimum expenditure of resources.