Seasonal variations in the concentration and removal of nonylphenol ethoxylates from the wastewater of a sewage treatment plant

In this study, we investigated the occurrence and fate of nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) and nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO) in a full scale sewage treatment plant, which applied an Anaerobic/Oxic process. Concentrations of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO in the wastewater were measured during the period spanning a whole year. The results showed remarkable seasonal variation in the concentrations of the compounds. The NPnEO compounds were most abundant in winter, with the total concentrations of influent NP, NP1EO and NP2EO ranging from 3900 to 7000 ng/L, 4000 to 4800 ng/L and 5200 to 7200 ng/L, respectively. Regarding the total removal efficiencies of the three types of short-chain NPnEO compounds, different trends were exhibited according to different seasons. The average removal efficiency of NP for the different seasons ranked as follows: winter > summer > autumn > spring; NP2EO concentrations decreased as follows: summer > autumn > winter > spring, while NP1EO concentrations reduced according to: spring > summer > autumn > winter. We also investigated the contribution ratio of individual treatment units in the A/O process, with the findings suggesting that the anaerobic treatment unit plays an important role in the elimination of short-chain NPnEOs from the wastewater.     

Carbonyl compounds in dining areas, kitchens and exhaust streams in restaurants with varying cooking methods in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Eighteen carbonyl species in C₁–C₁₀ were measured in the dining areas, kitchens and exhaust streams of six different restaurant types in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan. Measured results in the dining areas show that Japanese barbecue (45.06 ppb) had the highest total carbonyl concentrations (sum of 18 compounds), followed by Chinese hotpot (38.21 ppb), Chinese stir-frying (8.99 ppb), Western fast-food (8.22 ppb), Chinese–Western mixed style (7.38 ppb), and Chinese buffet (3.08 ppb), due to their different arrangements for dining and cooking spaces and different cooking methods. On average, low carbon-containing species (C₁–C₄), e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone and butyraldehyde were dominant and contributed 55.01%–94.52% of total carbonyls in the dining areas of all restaurants. Meanwhile, Chinese–Western mixed restaurants (45.48 ppb) had high total carbonyl concentrations in kitchens mainly because of its small kitchen and poor ventilation. However, high carbon-containing species (C₅–C₁₀) such as hexaldehyde, heptaldehyde and nonanaldehyde (16.62%–77.00% of total carbonyls) contributed comparatively with low carbon-containing compounds (23.01%–83.39% of total carbonyls) in kitchens. Furthermore, Chinese stir-frying (132.10 ppb), Japanese barbecue (125.62 ppb), Western fast-food (122.67 ppb), and Chinese buffet (119.96 ppb) were the four restaurant types with the highest total carbonyl concentrations in exhaust streams, indicating that stir-frying and grilling are inclined to produce polluted gases. Health risk assessments indicate that Chinese hotpot and Japanese barbecue exceeded the limits of cancer risk (10^− 6) and hazard index (= 1), mainly due to high concentrations of formaldehyde. The other four restaurants were below both limits.     

Comparative cytotoxicity of nanoparticles and ions to Escherichia coli in binary mixtures

The objective of this study was to understand toxicity of mixture of nanoparticles (NPs) (ZnO and TiO₂) and their ions to Escherichia coli. Results indicated the decrease in percentage growth of E. coli with the increase in concentration of NPs both in single and mixture setups. Even a small concentration of 1 mg/L was observed to be significantly toxic to E. coli in binary mixture setup (exposure concentration: 1 mg/L ZnO and 1 mg/L TiO₂; 21.15% decrease in plate count concentration with respect to control). Exposure of E. coli to mixture of NPs at 1000 mg/L (i.e., 1000 mg/L ZnO and 1000 mg/L TiO₂) resulted in 99.63% decrease in plate count concentration with respect to control. Toxic effects of ions to E. coli were found to be lesser than their corresponding NPs. The percentage growth reduction was found to be 36% for binary mixture of zinc and titanium ions at the highest concentration (i.e., 803.0 mg/L Zn and 593.3 mg/L Ti where ion concentrations are equal to the Zn ions present in 1000 mg/L ZnO NP solution and Ti^+ 4 ions present in 1000 mg/L TiO₂ NP solution). Nature of mixture toxicity of the two NPs to E. coli was found to be antagonistic. The alkaline phosphatase (Alp) assay indicated that the maximum damage was observed when E. coli was exposed to 1000 mg/L of mixture of NPs. This study tries to fill the knowledge gap on information of toxicity of mixture of NPs to bacteria which has not been reported earlier.     

Effects of chronic exposure to nonylphenol on locomotor activity and social behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Nonylphenol(NP),a xenoestrogen ubiquitously found in aquatic ecosystems,is of high environmental concern.The present work assessed the effects of exposure to NP on locomotor activity and social behavior in male and female zebrafish(Danio rerio),to evaluate the possible hazard of NP to fish behavior and to pursue a potential biomarker of NP contamination.Fish were randomly divided into six groups.Five groups were receiving 0.1,1,10,50 and 100 μg/L nominal concentrations of NP for 60 days,respectively.A sixth control group was given the same treatment as the other five groups,but no NP.Locomotor activity,aggressive behavior,group preference and leaving shoal were examined.NP exposure showed marked influence on locomotor activity of the male zebrafish,whereas that of the female was not significantly affected by NP.Aggressive behavior and group preference were significantly affected by NP exposure in both male and female groups.Locomotor activity and aggressive behavior of the male and group preference of both male and female zebrafish were clearly inhibited at 100 μg/L NP.No significant alteration in leaving shoal was observed under NP exposure.The results suggested that changes in locomotor activity and aggressive behavior of the male and group preference of both male and female may be used as an ecologically relevant integrative biomarker of NP contamination.     

Entry and toxicity of organic pesticides and copper in vineyard streams: Erosion rills jeopardise the efficiency of riparian buffer strips

The present study was performed to characterise in-stream pesticide exposure within the Palatinate vineyard region in south-west Germany, evaluate the influence of buffer strip widths and identify mitigation measures for the relevant entry pathways. In-stream water and sediment samples that were taken at nine sampling sites of different buffer widths following intense rainfall, and edge-of-field runoff that were sampled in erosion rills were analysed regarding 28 active ingredients of pesticides including copper. In-stream samples contained a mix of 8 ± 4 pesticide compounds, resulting in total pesticide concentrations of 1.4-8.9 μg l⁻¹ for water and 16-670 μg kg⁻¹ dw for sediment. Following an exceptional rainfall event with a previous 34-day drought period, pesticide concentrations reached 7.0-83.4 μg l⁻¹. Fungicides were the most important pesticides found and were significantly correlated with the pesticide application frequency and rate. The calculated toxicity values per sample (TU_max) indicated that both organic pesticides and copper concentrations likely cause ecotoxicological effects in the field. The buffer strip width was of little importance for pesticide in-stream concentrations because pesticide entry occurred mainly via the field path network and erosion rills. Pesticide in-stream concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations detected in erosion rills (R² = 0.56). As possible risk mitigation measures, we suggest the implementation of grassed field paths and vegetated ditches or wetlands.     

Oxidation of diesel soot on binary oxide CuCr(Co)-based monoliths

Binary oxide systems (CuCr₂O₄, CuCo₂O₄), deposited onto cordierite monoliths of honeycomb structure with a second support (finely dispersed Al₂O₃), were prepared as filters for catalytic combustion of diesel soot using internal combustion engine's gas exhausts (O₂, NO_x, H₂O, CO₂) and O₃ as oxidizing agents. It is shown that the second support increases soot capacity of aforementioned filters, and causes dispersion of the particles of spinel phases as active components enhancing thereby catalyst activity and selectivity of soot combustion to CO₂. Oxidants used can be arranged with reference to decreasing their activity in a following series: O₃ ? NO₂ > H₂O > NO > O₂ > CO₂. Ozone proved to be the most efficient oxidizing agent: the diesel soot combustion by O₃ occurs intensively (in the presence of copper chromite based catalyst) even at closing to ambient temperatures. Results obtained give a basis for the conclusion that using a catalytic coating on soot filters in the form of aforementioned binary oxide systems and ozone as the initiator of the oxidation processes is a promising approach in solving the problem of comprehensive purification of automotive exhaust gases at relatively low temperatures, known as the “cold start” problem.     

壬基酚和辛基酚暴露的生物标志物——尿液5-HT

为了探讨壬基酚和辛基酚对大鼠体内(5-HT)代谢的影响,为壬基酚和辛基酚暴露标志物的鉴定提供依据.选取健康雄性Sprague Dawley大鼠35只,随机分为对照组,壬基酚、辛基酚及其联合染毒低剂量组(50 mg·kg-1·d-1),壬基酚、辛基酚及其联合染毒高剂量组(150 mg·kg-1·d-1),每组5只,连续7d灌胃染毒,建立染毒动物模型.灌胃次日,利用高效液相色谱法(HPLC)检测各组大鼠尿液中5-羟色胺(5-HT)含量.结果表明,染毒组大鼠尿液中5-HT浓度均显著高于正常对照组(p＜0.01);高剂量染毒组大鼠尿液中5-HT浓度均显著高于其低剂量染毒组(p＜0.01);染毒第7天大鼠尿液中5-HT浓度均显著高于其染毒第3天(p＜0 01)尿液中5-HT浓度随染毒剂量和染毒时间的增加而升高,有剂量-毒性效应和时间-毒性效应关系;尿液5-HT可作为评估壬基酚和辛基酚暴露的潜在生物标志物,应用于大规模人群暴露风险的监测.     

Characterization of particulate matter from diesel passenger cars tested on chassis dynamometers

Emission characterization of particle number as well as particle mass from three diesel passenger cars equipped with diesel particulate filter(DPF), diesel oxidation catalyst(DOC)and exhaust gas recirculation(EGR) under the vehicle driving cycles and regulatory cycle.Total particle number emissions(PNEs) decreased gradually during speed-up of vehicle from 17.3 to 97.3 km/hr. As the average vehicle speed increases, the size-segregated peak of particle number concentration shifts to smaller size ranges of particles. The correlation analysis with various particulate components such as particle number concentration(PNC),ultrafine particle number concentration(UFPNC) and particulate matter(PM) mass was conducted to compare gaseous compounds(CO, CO_2, HC and NOx). The UFPNC and PM were not only emitted highly in Seoul during severe traffic jam conditions, but also have good correlation with hydrocarbons and NOxinfluencing high potential on secondary aerosol generation. The effect of the dilution temperature on total PNC under the New European Driving Cycle(NEDC), was slightly higher than the dilution ratio. In addition, the nuclei mode(DP: ≤ 13 nm) was confirmed to be more sensitive to the dilution temperature rather than other particle size ranges. Comparison with particle composition between vehicle speed cycles and regulatory cycle showed that sulfate was slightly increased at regulatory cycle, while other components were relatively similar. During cold start test, semivolatile nucleation particles were increased due to effect of cold environment. Research on particle formation dependent on dilution conditions of diesel passenger cars under the NEDC is important to verify impact on vehicular traffic and secondary aerosol formation in Seoul.     

Analysis of the genotoxic potential of low concentrations of Malathion on the Allium cepa cells and rat hepatoma tissue culture

Based on the concentration of Malathion used in the field, we evaluated the genotoxic potential of low concentrations of this insecticide on meristematic and F₁ cells of Allium cepa and on rat hepatoma tissue culture (HTC cells). In the A. cepa, chromosomal aberrations (CAs), micronuclei (MN), and mitotic index (MI) were evaluated by exposing the cells at 1.5, 0.75, 0.37, and 0.18 mg/mL of Malathion for 24 and 48 hr of exposure and 48 hr of recovery time. The results showed that all concentrations were genotoxic to A. cepa cells. However, the analysis of the MI has showed non-relevant effects. Chromosomal bridges were the CA more frequently induced, indicating the clastogenic action of Malathion. After the recovery period, the higher concentrations continued to induce genotoxic effects, unlike the observed for the lowest concentrations tested. In HTC cells, the genotoxicity of Malathion was evaluated by the MN test and the comet assay by exposing the cells at 0.09, 0.009, and 0.0009 mg/5 mL culture medium, for 24 hr of exposure. In the comet assay, all the concentrations induced genotoxicity in the HTC cells. In the MN test, no significant induction of MN was observed. The genotoxicity induced by the low concentrations of Malathion presented in this work highlights the importance of studying the effects of low concentrations of this pesticide and demonstrates the efficiency of these two test systems for the detection of genetic damage promoted by Malathion.     

Optimization of the T3-induced Xenopus metamorphosis assay for detecting thyroid hormone signaling disruption of chemicals

T3-induced Xenopus metamorphosis is an ideal model for detecting thyroid hormone(TH)signaling disruption of chemicals. To optimize the T3-induced Xenopus assay and improve its sensitivity and reproducibility, we intend to develop quantitatively morphological endpoints and choose appropriate concentrations and exposure durations for T3 induction.Xenopus laevis at stage 52 were exposed to series of concentrations of T3(0.31–2.5 nmol/L)for 6 days. By comparing morphological changes induced by T3, we propose head area,mouth width, unilateral brain width/brain length, and hindlimb length/snout-vent length as quantitative parameters for characterizing T3-induced morphological changes, with body weight as a parameter for indicating integrated changes. By analyzing time-response curves, we found that following 4-day exposure, T3-induced grossly morphological changes displayed linear concentration–response curves, with moderate morphological changes resulting from 1.25 nmol/L T3 exposure. When using grossly morphological endpoints to detect TH signaling disruption, we propose 4 days as exposure duration of T3, with concentrations close to 1.25 nmol/L as induction concentrations. However, it is appropriate to examine morphological and molecular changes of the intestine on day 2 due to their early response to T3. The quantitative endpoints and T3 induction concentrations and durations we determined would improve the sensitivity and the reproducibility of the T3-induced Xenopus metamorphosis assay.     

柴油轿车颗粒多环芳烃的排放特性

以一辆柴油轿车为研究样车,分别使用纯柴油、生物柴油掺混比例为10%的B10燃油,进行了NEDC整车循环工况试验,测取了该车HC、CO、NOx、颗粒等法规限制的排放,利用气相色谱-质谱法对采集的排气颗粒样品进行了分析,重点研究了颗粒中多环芳烃的排放特性.结果表明,与柴油相比,燃用B10燃油的HC、CO、NOx和颗粒等常规排放均有所降低;两种燃料产生的颗粒多环芳烃排放中均以荧蒽和芘最多,与纯柴油相比,燃用B10燃油产生的低环数PAHs排放略有增加,中高环数的PAHs排放降幅明显.苯并[a]芘等效毒性分析结果显示燃用B10燃油的BEQs值比纯柴油降低了21.6%,表明柴油轿车燃用生物柴油后,排气颗粒的多环芳烃毒性有所下降.     

On-board measurement of particle numbers and their size distribution from a light-duty diesel vehicle: Influences of VSP and altitude

In this study, the particle size-resolved distribution from a China-3 certificated light-duty diesel vehicle was measured by using a portable emission measurement system (PEMS). In order to examine the influences of vehicle specific power (VSP) and high-altitude operation, measurements were conducted at 8 constant speeds, which ranged from 10 to 80 km/hr at 10 km/hr intervals, and two different high altitudes, namely 2200 and 3200 m. The results demonstrated that the numbers of particles in all size ranges decreased significantly as VSP increased when the test vehicle was running at lower speeds (< 20 km/hr), while at a moderate speed (between 30 and 60 km/hr), the particle number was statistically insensitive to increase VSP. Under high-speed cruising conditions, the numbers of ultrafine particles and PM_2.5 were insensitive to changes in VSP, but the numbers of nanoparticles and PM₁₀ surged considerably. An increase in the operational altitude of the test vehicle resulted in increased particle number emissions at low and high driving speeds; however, particle numbers obtained at moderate speeds decreased as altitude rose. When the test vehicle was running at moderate speeds, particle numbers measured at the two altitudes were very close, except for comparatively higher number concentrations of nanoparticles measured at 2200 m.     

吸入柴油机排出物对小鼠骨髓细胞微核出现率的影响

小鼠吸入过滤或未过滤的柴油机排出物，染毒８ｈ／ｄ，分别染毒２、５、８ｄ后，发现小鼠骨髓细胞微核率明显升高。吸入过滤后排出物的小鼠骨髓细胞微核出现率低于未过滤组。柴油机排出物对小鼠染色体有一定的损伤作用，过滤后的柴油机排出颗粒物中，致染色体损伤的物质减少，不同吸入时间（２、５、８ｄ）对小鼬骨髓细胞微核出现率，没有显著差异。     

太原市焦炉工人尿中多种羟基多环芳烃浓度水平

以我国北方城市—太原市60名焦炉工人(男女人数比为2:1,年龄:40~50岁)为研究人群,分别在采暖期(2009年12月)和非采暖期(2009年9月)收集其工作8h的班前和班后尿液,同时以该市郊区60名农民为对照组,并统一采用问卷的方式收集其年龄、性别、工种、职业史、疾病史等信息,通过酶水解-高效液相色谱法分析测定尿样中6种OH-PAHs的浓度水平.该焦炉工人尿液中2-OHNap、2-OHFlu、3-OHPhe、9-OHPhe、1-OHPy和3-OHBap的平均浓度水平均高于对照组,分别为19.83、5.63、2.05、1.75、1.67和0.23μmol/mol肌酐,各OH-PAHs的浓度水平依次为2-OHNap>2-OHFlu> ∑-OHPhe(3-OHPhe+9-OHPhe)>1-OHPy>3-OHBap;男性尿液中OH-PAHs的浓度水平高于女性,采暖期的浓度水平高于非采暖期,但季节差异不大;焦炉工人尿中各OH-PAHs的浓度水平呈炉顶工>炉侧工>炉底工>对照组的趋势;焦炉工人在8h班后尿中各OH-PAHs的浓度水平均高于班前水平,其中高环的3-OHBap的浓度增加量最高,比班前增加了55%.焦炉工人尿液中的OH-PAHs的浓度水平与外暴露存在着正比关系,因此,建议进一步开展焦炉工人外暴露水平和内暴露水平之间关系的研究.     

汽车尾气对动物的生物学效应研究

采用动物气管内注入粒物与吸入不同稀释度的汽车尾气等染毒方法，研究其生物效应。结果显示，动物受试后，大鼠肺灌洗液乳酸脱氢酶活性增加，酸性磷酸酶，碱性磷酸酶性和白蛋白含量明显升高，肺巨噬细胞减少，而大鼠血液中ＣＯＨｂ显著增加，小鼠骨髓细胞微核率在中浓度组亦显著增加，３者增呈现良好的测量一反应关系。试验说明，汽车尾气气体部分和颗粒物的毒性作用高于柴油车。     

Bioaccumulation and the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 genes in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) exposed to difenoconazole

This study was conducted to assess the effects of difenoconazole (DFZ), a triazole fungicide, on the hepatic biotransformation system and its bioaccumulation in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). Fish were exposed to DFZ (1, 10, 100, 1000 ng/L) for 180 days. The results showed that: (1) The mRNA levels of hepatic CYP1A1, CYP1B, CYP1C1, CYP27B and CYP3A40 were up-regulated, but those of CYP3A38 and CYP27A1 were down-regulated. (2) The activity of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver were increased in the DFZ-treated groups, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was increased in the 100 and 1000 ng/L groups. (3) DFZ was accumulated in the muscle and the biological concentration factors in the 10, 100, and 1000 ng/L groups were respectively 149, 81 and 25. These results suggested that long-term exposure to DFZ at low concentrations would result in a bioaccumulation of this compound and disturb the biotransformation system.     

Occurrence and impact of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans in the air and soil around a municipal solid waste incinerator

To assess the influence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans(PCDD/Fs) on the environment in the vicinity of municipal solid waste incinerators(MSWIs), we determined the levels of PCDD/Fs in air and soil samples collected around a MSWI, which is the largest in China. The International Toxicity Equivalency Quantity(I-TEQ) concentrations of PCDD/Fs in air samples were from 0.0300 to 1.03 pg I-TEQ/m~3(0.445–13.6 pg/m~3), with an average of 0.237 pg I-TEQ/m~3, while in soil samples they ranged from 0.520 to 3.40 pg I-TEQ/g(2.41–88.7 pg/g) with an average of1.49 pg I-TEQ/g. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in air and soil samples were comparable to other areas, and Pe CDFs were the dominant contributors, which was different from stack gas homologue patterns. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that PCDD/Fs emission from the MSWI did not directly affect the profiles of PCDD/Fs in air and soils, so that vehicles and unidentified emission sources should be considered. The daily inhalation levels of PCDD/Fs for children(0.0110 to 0.392 pg I-TEQ/(kg·day) and adults(0.00600 to 0.221 pg I-TEQ/(kg·day) near the MSWI were lower than the tolerable daily intake of 1.00 to 4.00 pg WHO-TEQ/(kg·day), but in winter the values were higher than in summer. These results can be used as basic data for assessing the risk of PCDD/Fs exposure in residents living around this MSWI, and more monitoring programs and studies should be carried out around MSWIs.     

NPnEO在中国北方四城市污水处理厂的污染研究

测定了中国北方4个城市污水处理厂进、出水中壬基酚聚氧乙烯醚(NPnEO,n为聚合度)及其代谢产物的浓度及分布,同时测定了其中2个污水处理厂污泥中上述物质的浓度和分布,初步探讨了NPnEO在城市污水处理过程中的迁移转化行为.结果表明:在4个城市污水处理厂的进、出水及其中2个厂的污泥中均检测到了浓度不等的NPnEO及其代谢产物;NPnEO在各城市污水处理厂都得到了一定程度的降解去除,去除率为23.38%～77.11%,平均为52.86%;NPnEO大分子组分降解成了小分子组分,但并未完全矿化;出水中以壬基酚(NP)、壬基酚一乙氧基醚(NP1EO)和壬基酚二乙氧基醚(NP2EO)小分子组分的浓度高.这些小分子产物都具有比母体化合物更高的毒性,并具有环境内分泌干扰性质,因此污水处理过程不但没有降低反而增加了生态风险,是环境中小分子NPnEO的主要来源;污泥对NPnEO,特别是小分子代谢产物有良好的吸附性能,其在污泥中的浓度水平较高,合理处置污泥避免二次污染值得进一步研究探讨.      

Evaluation of biostimulation and Tween 80 addition for the bioremediation of long-term DDT-contaminated soil

The bioremediation of a long-term contaminated soil through biostimulation and surfactant addition was evaluated. The concentrations of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and its metabolites 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDD) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) were monitored during an 8-week remediation process. Physicochemical characterization of the treated soil was performed before and after the bioremediation process. The isolation and identification of predominant microorganisms during the remediation process were also carried out. The efficiency of detoxification was evaluated after each bioremediation protocol. Humidity and pH and the heterotrophic microorganism count were monitored weekly. The DDT concentration was reduced by 79% after 8 weeks via biostimulation with surfactant addition (B + S) and 94.3% via biostimulation alone (B). Likewise, the concentrations of the metabolites DDE and DDD were reduced to levels below the quantification limits. The microorganisms isolated during bioremediation were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, Flavobacterium sp., Cuprivadius sp., Variovorax soli, Phenylobacterium sp. and Lysobacter sp., among others. Analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed visualization of the colonization patterns of soil particles. The toxicity of the soil before and after bioremediation was evaluated using Vibrio fischeri as a bioluminescent sensor. A decrease in the toxic potential of the soil was verified by the increase of the concentration/effect relationship EC₅₀ to 26.9% and 27.2% for B + S and B, respectively, compared to 0.4% obtained for the soil before treatment and 2.5% by natural attenuation after 8 weeks of treatment.     

Nitrogen leaching under corn cultivation stabilized after four years application of pig manure to red soil in subtropical China

The impact of long-term pig manure application to a red soil in subtropical China on nitrate leaching was investigated in a field lysimeter experiment from 2002 to 2009. Simultaneously, nitrate leaching was simulated by water and nitrogen management model (WNMM) basing on these observed data to determine the environmental threshold of manure application. Nitrate concentrations in the drainage and nitrate leaching under low manure application (150 kg N ha⁻¹ y⁻¹) did not increase during the study period. Interestingly, the nitrate concentrations in drainage water following high manure application (600 kg N ha⁻¹ y⁻¹) increased exponentially in the first four years and then remained at 13 mg l⁻¹ for the next four years. Addition of lime based on high manure application had no significant effect on nitrate concentrations or total nitrate leaching. WNMM simulated the variation in corn yields and nitrate leaching well. The environmentally safe threshold for long-term application of pig manure was 360 kg N ha⁻¹.