Antimony speciation and contamination of waters in the Xikuangshan antimony mining and smelting area,China

Water samples from Xikuangshan (China), the world largest antimony (Sb) mine with a Sb mining and smelting history of more than 200 years, were analyzed. These water samples ranged from stream water in the vicinity of the mining and smelting area that received seepage from ore residues to the underground mine-pit drainage. The concentrations of total Sb, Sb (III) and Sb (V) of the samples were determined by HPLC-ICP-MS. In addition, water pH and concentrations of major cations and anions were analyzed. All 18 samples demonstrated total Sb concentrations with ppm levels from 0.33 ppm to 11.4 ppm, which is two to three orders of magnitude higher compared to the typical concentration of dissolved Sb in unpolluted rivers (less than 1 ppb). This is probably the first time that such high Sb contents have been documented with complete environmental information. Distribution of total Sb and Sb species was investigated, taking into account the respective local environment (in the mining area or close to the smelter, etc.). Sb (V) was the predominant valence in all 18 samples. Only trace levels of Sb (III) were detected in 4 of the 18 samples. Geochemical speciation modeling showed the dominant species was Sb(OH)₆⁻. It is also probably the first time that such high Sb contents have been documented in the natural environment with Sb speciation distribution information. Several potential oxidation pathways are also discussed that might have facilitated the oxidation of Sb (III) in the natural environment. Signs of intoxication were observed among local mine workers with extensive exposure to different forms of Sb for a long period of time.     

Effect of copper and cadmium on carbon assimilation and uptake of metals by algae

Two species of blue green algae Spirulina platensis and Anacystis nidulans grown in artificial aqueous media were treated with Cu and Cd in concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 ppm to study carbon assimilation and Chlorophyll (Chl) A content. The species were treated with concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 ppm to study the uptake of metals with exposure time. Carbon assimilation and Chl A content showed responses proportional to the concentration in the general form y = K + n ln C, where C is the concentration of metal in ppm, while in case of uptake the relation was y = KC”; (where C is the molar concentration x 10^‐6 of the metal). The n values in case of uptake was found to be < 1 indicating a non‐Langmuir type of sorption. The concentration factors of metals decreased with metal concentration in the medium.     

用~(32)P后标记方法测定职业接触苯乙烯工人静脉血中DNA-环氧苯乙烯加合物

用~(32)P后标记方法,对一组22例接触苯乙烯的工人和8例未接触苯乙烯(空白)的工人进行测试,其静脉血中的淋巴细胞有4例(高浓度,大于40ppm)发现DNA-环氧苯乙烯加合物;而另外接触高浓度苯乙烯、低浓度苯乙烯和空白试样中,均未发现。在已测出的4例中,加合物形成水平为0.07—3.38加合物/10~7正常核酸,DNA的总损伤水平为5—9加合物/10~7正常核酸。 用小牛胸腺DNA、四种脱氧核苷3′-单磷酸分别与环氧苯乙烯进行体外反应,然后用~(32)P后标记法测定产物中的DNA加合物,初步确证有六种加合物及其衍生物存在,修饰位置是鸟苷碱基。并确证了其中三种加合物的化学结构,另外几种加合物的结构有待进一步鉴定。 ~(32)P后标记法测DNA加合物,灵敏度高达1加合物/10~(10)正常核酸,近于人体二倍体细胞基因水平(1.2×10~(10)碱基)。     

Calcification in the articulated coralline alga Corallina pilulifera,with special reference to the effect of elevated CO2 concentration

Calcification in Corallina pilulifera Postels et Ruprecht displayed diurnal variations in aerated (350 ppm CO₂) culture media, with faster rates during the light than during the dark period. Addition of CO₂ (air+1250 ppm) inhibited calcification. This was attributable to the decreased pH resulting from CO₂ addition. Both photosynthesis and calcification were enhanced in seawater, with elevated dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations at a constant pH of 8.2.     

Regional variation in queen and worker aggression in incipient colonies of the desert ant Messor pergandei

The fate of queen foundress associations in ants varies across taxa: in some, lethal fighting results in survival of a single queen, while in others, queens coexist long term. One hypothesis for this difference is that selection favors fighting when group sizes are small and tolerance when groups are large. In an experiment with the ant Messor pergandei, we formed small, medium, and large groups with newly mated queens from field populations that have different mean group sizes and differ in whether multiple queens occur in older established colonies. We found that whether queens are eliminated by fighting depends upon region of origin and not group size: regardless of co-foundress number, queens from sites with single-queen adult field colonies displayed agonistic behaviors and their colonies reduced to a single queen, while queens from sites with multiple-queen colonies did not fight and co-foundresses coexisted long term. Worker aggression towards and elimination of queens were also correlated with region of origin. Where fighting occurred, queens were as likely to be killed by workers as by other queens. An aggressive display was the most common form of agonistic interaction among queens, while fighting was relatively rare. We hypothesize that queen displays evolved in response to worker attacks because they increase the probability that workers will eliminate competitor queens. Our results suggest that the evolutionary interests of workers, as well as queens, could be important in determining the evolution and maintenance of queen elimination in foundress associations.     

Impact of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) on biogassification of potato waste

A study was conducted on anaerobic digestion of potato waste and cattle manure mixture, inoculated with 12% inoculum and diluted to 1:1 substrate water ratio at 37 +/- 1 degrees C. Initially pH of substrate was found to be 4.5 to 5.0. Lime and sodium bicarbonate solutions were employed to adjust the pH to 7.5. Biogas production continued up to 10 and 7 days, when lime and sodium bicarbonate solutions were used to adjust the pH, respectively. Biogassification potential was studied in response to different ratio of waste and cattle manure. Biogas production rate was higher when potato waste and cattle manure were used in 50:50 ratio. Effect of two different concentrations (2.5 and 5.0 ppm) of three heavy metals viz. (Ni (II), Zn (II) and Cd (II)) on anaerobic digestion of substrate (potato waste--cattle manure, 50:50) was studied. At 2.5 ppm, all the three heavy metals increased biogas production rate over the control value. The percentage increase in biogas production over the control was highest by Cd, followed by Ni and Zn. In all the treatments, methane content of biogas increased with increase in time after feeding. Various physico-chemical parameters viz. total solids, total volatile solids, total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand considerably declined after 7 days of digestion and decline was greater in presence of heavy metals as compared to control. The physico-chemical parameters revealed maximum decrease in the presence of 2.5-ppm concentrations of heavy metals with the substrate. Among all the three heavy metals employed in the study, Cd++ at 2.5 ppm was found to produce maximum biogas production rate. The use of three heavy metals to enhance biogas production from potato and other horticultural waste is discussed.     

Removal of fluoride by thermally activated carbon prepared from neem (Azadirachta indica) and kikar (Acacia arabica) leaves

The present investigation deals with fluoride removal from aqueous solution by thermally activated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves carbon (ANC) and thermally activated kikar (Acacia arabica) leaves carbon (AKC) adsorbents. In this study neem leaves carbon and kikar leaves carbon prepared by heating the leaves at 400 degrees C in electric furnace was found to be useful for the removal of fluoride. The adsorbents of 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm sizes of neem and kikar leaves carbon was prepared by standard sieve. Batch experiments done to see the fluoride removal properties from synthetic solution of 5 ppm to study the influence of pH, adsorbent dose and contact time on adsorption efficiency The optimum pH was found to be 6 for both adsorbents. The optimum dose was found to be 0.5g/100 ml forANC (activated neem leaves carbon) and 0.7g/100 ml forAKC (activated kikar leaves carbon). The optimum time was found to be one hour for both the adsorbent. It was also found that adsorbent size of 0.3 mm was more efficient than the 1.0 mm size. The adsorption process obeyed Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The straight line of log (qe-q) vs time at ambient temperature indicated the validity of langergren equation consequently first order nature of the process involved in the present study. Results indicate that besides intraparticle diffusion there maybe other processes controlling the rate which may be operating simultaneously. All optimized conditions were applied for removal of fluoride from four natural water samples.     

Effects of paint particles inhalation on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in industrial painters

The aim of this study was to examine effects of lead (Pb)-based paints on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as an indicator for lipid peroxidation; and on activities of serum antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in industrial painters. A total of 67 male painters and 50 age-matched and gender-matched controls were included in this cross-sectional study. There were 19 smokers and 48 non-smokers in the paint-exposed group and 20 smokers and 30 non-smokers in the control group. Hemoglobin concentrations were lower in painters’ blood compared to controls. The blood Pb concentrations were higher in painters compared to controls. SOD and GPx activities were significantly lower in painters compared to controls. MDA concentration was found to be significantly elevated. Smoking was found to be a major confounder. Data suggest that Pb-based paints affect oxidant parameters in occupationally exposed workers.     

污泥用作农肥处置及其环境影响

本文概述国内外污泥用作农肥处置的现状,全面分析了农田施用污泥产生的重金属积累,水处理凝聚剂及有害有机物的影响,过剩氮、磷的二次污染,恶臭及病原菌等问题,并提出相应的防治对策。加强管理,恰当处置,农田施用污泥是实现污泥资源化,解决污泥出路的好办法。     

CO2-enrichment and nutrient availability alter ectomycorrhizal fungal communities

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), a phylogenetically and physiologically diverse guild, form symbiotic associations with many trees and greatly enhance their uptake of nutrients and water. Elevated CO2, which increases plant carbon supply and demand for mineral nutrients, may change the composition of the EMF community, possibly altering nutrient uptake and ultimately forest productivity. To assess CO2 effects on EMF communities, we sampled mycorrhizae from the FACTS-I (Forest-Atmosphere Carbon Transfer and Storage) research site in Duke Forest, Orange County, North Carolina, USA, where Pinus taeda forest plots are maintained at either ambient or elevated CO2 (200 ppm above ambient) concentrations. Mycorrhizae were identified by DNA sequence similarity of the internal transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA gene region. EMF richness was very high; 72 distinct phylotypes were detected from 411 mycorrhizal samples. Overall EMF richness and diversity were not affected by elevated CO2, but increased CO2 concentrations altered the relative abundances of particular EMF taxa colonizing fine roots, increased prevalence of unique EMF species, and led to greater EMF community dissimilarity among individual study plots. Natural variation among plots in mean potential net nitrogen (N) mineralization rates was a key determinant of EMF community structure; increasing net N mineralization rate was negatively correlated with EMF richness and had differential effects on the abundance of particular EMF taxa. Our results predict that, at CO2 concentrations comparable to that predicted for the year 2050, EMF community composition and structure will change, but diversity will be maintained. In contrast, high soil N concentrations can negatively affect EMF diversity; this underscores the importance of considering CO2 effects on forest ecosystems in the context of background soil chemical parameters and other environmental perturbations such as acid deposition or fertilizer runoff.     

活性炭及活性炭纤维对CS2的吸附行为研究及其方法探讨

以活性炭纤维(ACF)对水中CS:的吸附处理作为研究对象,并与另外两种活性炭(颗粒活性炭GAC和粉末活性炭PAC)进行对比研究,展示了ACF对CS:的优异吸附性能与处理效果,即吸附容量大,吸附低浓度效果好.同时运用新的宽平衡浓度吸附试验方法,测试了ACF、GAC、PAC对CS2的吸附平衡曲线,并对几种常见的吸附等温方程...     

The effects of pesticides on greenhouse workers and their produced products

Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture but are known to produce adverse effects on humans. In this study, blood activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and levels of malondialdhyde (MDA) were determined in 44 greenhouse workers (24 tomato workers, 20 clove workers) and in tomato (24 samples) and clove (20 samples) products. At the end of this study, blood MDA levels and activities of ALT, AST, and LDH levels in greenhouse workers were significantly increased while SOD and CAT activity levels fell significantly. Pesticide residues were not found in agricultural worker blood. Malathion residues (average 0.8?ppm) were detected in tomatoes (8 samples) in these greenhouses. Data suggest that the health of the greenhouse workers may be adversely affected by pesticides.     

A study of neurotoxicity of BHC in relation to residual accumulation on the brain tissue of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Neurotoxic effect of BHC, the organochlorine pesticide in Heteropneustes fossilis has been studied exposing at the dose concentrations of 1 ppm, 5 ppm and 10 ppm in lab aquarium for 96 hours over a period of one year. The results showed the behavioural abnormalities in different exposure concentrations such as dysfunction of endocrine gland, excretion of mucus, dispigmentation, sign of restlessness, erratic swimming with rapid jurkey movement, spiralling and convolution showing severe effect in central nervous system. Therefore an attempt has been made for monitoring of BHC residues viz. alpha, beta, gamma isomers in the brain tissue exposed to different sublethal concentrations using Gas liquid chromatography. The mean values of isomers were found to be 1.587 microg/gm for 1 ppm, 2.993 microg/gm for 5 ppm and 3.78 microg/gm for 10 ppm test group. Severe behavioural abnormalities were recorded at high dose concentration of pesticides with higher accumulation of pesticide residues in brain tissue.     

Depression of feeding and growth rates of the seastar Evasterias troschelii during long-term exposure to the water-soluble fraction of crude oil

To test the effect of petroleum hydrocarbons on predation by the seastar Evasterias troschelii (Stimpson, 1862) on the mussel Mytilus edulis (L.), we exposed the predator with the prey to six concentrations of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of Cook Inlet crude oil. Seastars and mussels were collected at Auke Bay, Alaska, in November 1980. During a 28 d exposure in a flow-through system, seastars were more sensitive to the WSF than mussels: the LC₅₀ for the seastars was 0.82 ppm at Day 19 and, although no mussels were exposed to WSF for more than 12 d, none died. Daily feeding rates (whether in terms of number of mussels seastar^-1 d^-1 or dry weight of mussels seastar^-1 d^-1) were significantly reduced at all concentrations above 0.12 ppm. At 0.20, 0.28 and 0.72 ppm WSF, daily feeding rates (in terms of dry weight of mussels) were, respectively, 53, 37, and 5% of the control rate; at the two highest concentrations (0.97 and 1.31 ppm WSF), the seastars did not feed. Seastars at concentrations greater than 0.12 ppm WSF grew slower than individuals from the control group and the 0.12 ppm-treatment group combined. These laboratory results show that E. troschelii is more sensitive to chronic low levels of the WSF of crude oil. The possibility that such oil pollution could reduce predation and permit M. edulis to monopolize the low intertidal zone of southern Alaska remains to be studied.     

Differences between cell division and carbon fixation rates associated with light intensity and oxygen concentration: Implications in the cultivation of an estuarine diatom

The effect of light intensity and oxygen concentration on the growth of an estuarine diatom was investigated. Differences between rates of cell division and net carbon fixation were found to be dependent upon light intensity and oxygen concentration. Under conditions favoring large differences between cell division and net carbon fixation cultures of Thalassiosira pseudonana clone 3H depart from exponential and enter stationary phase at low cell concentrations. It is suggested that single cell algae may not be able to balance maintenance, growth, and division outside a fairly narrow range of environmental conditions.     

碳纳米管导致小鼠肺部急性氧化损伤作用的研究

为了检测未经处理的碳纳米管作为送药载体对肺组织是否会产生毒性作用,将35只雄性昆明小鼠随机分成7组,用腹腔注射进行一次性染尘,6组分别注入0.1、0.2、0.4mg·mL-1的多壁碳纳米管(粒径20￣40nm)或标准碳黑颗粒(粒径<5μm)颗粒悬液1mL,对照组注入等体积生理盐水.染尘7天后对肺组织匀浆中丙二醛(MDA)和谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量进行测定,从而比较二者对肺组织的急性氧化损伤作用.结果表明,不同浓度的碳纳米管染尘组小鼠与对照组小鼠比较,肺组织MDA水平均有显著性升高(p<0.01);但所有标准碳黑组的升高却无统计学意义(p>0.05);0.2、0.4mg·mL-1碳纳米管染尘组与同浓度的标准碳黑染尘组比较,肺组织MDA水平显著升高(p<0.01),0.1mg·mL-1无显著变化.碳纳米管染尘组小鼠肺部GSH含量较对照组均有不同程度的降低,且均有统计学意义(0.1mg·mL-1组p<0.05,0.2mg·mL-1组p<0.01,0.4mg·mL-1组p<0.01).碳黑染尘组也有所降低,但仅0.2mg·mL-1和0.4mg·mL-1组有统计学意义(p<0.05).碳纳米管染尘组小鼠肺部GSH含量与同浓度的标准碳黑组比较,仅0.4mg·mL-1浓度组GSH含量显著降低(p<0.01),其他浓度组无显著变化.结果提示未经处理的碳纳米管作为送药载体对肺将产生一定程度毒性作用,且毒性大于相同浓度的标准碳黑.     

Cross‐sectional epidemiological study on the lead burden of children and workers in Greece

Exposure of the general population to lead in the environment is mainly caused by motor traffic exhaust and by industrial pollution. The aim of the study in Greece was to assess lead exposure in children living in point source impacted areas (Lavrion and Aspropyrgos‐Eleusis) using the biological monitoring parameter “blood lead concentration”;.

In addition, workers of a lead smelter, a battery plant and an oil refinery were investigated in these areas at the same time.

Five hundred and thirty‐four children and 105 workers took part in this investigation.

The highest blood lead levels (mean: 24.16 μg/100ml; range: 10.40–60.49 μg/100 ml) were found in children living in a 500m‐area around the lead smelter at Lavrion. Blood lead decreases corresponded to the increasing distance from the emitter. Nevertheless the values of children living in a 1500 m distance to the smelter are significantly higher than those of children living next to other kinds of industrial lead sources.

The mean values of the children living in the two industrial towns were manifold higher than those of the control group.

The blood lead levels of the investigated workers did not exceed the German BAT‐value (Biologischer Arbeitsstoff‐Toleranzwert) of 70 μg/100ml.     

Removal of Fe(III) using a polystyrene anchored Schiff base

Salicylaldehyde Schiff base of amino-methylated polystyrene has been developed as a novel reagent for the removal of Fe(III) from solutions. The selectivity of the metal ion uptake over a wide range of different concentrations of metal ion, effect of pH, ligand concentration and the influence of other foreign ions were studied. A very good selectivity was achieved for the removal of the ion. It was found that 0.01 g of the ligand was sufficient to achieve about 96% removal of the metal ion in terms of concentration (ppm) from a 30 ppm solution in acidic pH.     

Effect of Pb,Cd and Cu on survival and development of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

ABSTRACT

The present research aimed to determine the lowest levels of three heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cu) to which the larvae of Southern House Mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus are susceptible in water. The study also aimed to investigate the effects of these heavy metals on the development of Cx. quinquefasciatus at concentrations set by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) as permissible levels for liquid industrial effluents. The 2nd instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cu and their effects on oviposition preference, egg hatching rate and larval development were studied. The LC₅₀ values of Pb, Cd and Cu were 12.6, 6.3 and 2.6?ppm, respectively. Gravid female mosquito adults deposited a significantly lower number of egg rafts in containers containing 0.50?ppm Pb or 1.0?ppm Cu in water. Each of the heavy metals in water resulted in significantly (p?<?0.05) lower egg hatching rate, prolonged time to pupation, lower pupation rate, prolonged time to adult emergence, lower adult emergence rate and higher female to male ratio. It is concluded that the 2nd instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus are susceptible to Pak-EPA permissible levels of Pb, Cd and Cu in municipal and liquid industrial effluents.