Use of Pseudomonas spp. for the bioremediation of environmental pollutants: a review

Environmental pollution implies any alteration in the surroundings but it is restricted in use especially to mean any deterioration in the physical, chemical, and biological quality of the environment. All types of pollution, directly or indirectly, affect human health. Present scenario of pollution calls for immediate attention towards the remediation and detoxification of these hazardous agents in order to have a healthy living environment. The present communication will deal with the use of naturally occurring microbes capable of bioremediating the major environmental pollutants.     

Screening and prioritisation of chemical risks from metal mining operations, identifying exposure media of concern

Metals have been central to the development of human civilisation from the Bronze Age to modern times, although in the past, metal mining and smelting have been the cause of serious environmental pollution with the potential to harm human health. Despite problems from artisanal mining in some developing countries, modern mining to Western standards now uses the best available mining technology combined with environmental monitoring, mitigation and remediation measures to limit emissions to the environment. This paper develops risk screening and prioritisation methods previously used for contaminated land on military and civilian sites and engineering systems for the analysis and prioritisation of chemical risks from modern metal mining operations. It uses hierarchical holographic modelling and multi-criteria decision making to analyse and prioritise the risks from potentially hazardous inorganic chemical substances released by mining operations. A case study of an active platinum group metals mine in South Africa is used to demonstrate the potential of the method. This risk-based methodology for identifying, filtering and ranking mining-related environmental and human health risks can be used to identify exposure media of greatest concern to inform risk management. It also provides a practical decision-making tool for mine acquisition and helps to communicate risk to all members of mining operation teams.     

基于健康风险的危险废物智能化分级分类研究

在分析国内外危险废物分级管理经验的基础上,结合健康风险的评估步骤,提出了基于全过程危险废物污染物释放情景的精细化-动态健康风险评价方法。充分考虑处理利用工艺、企业管理水平等因素对于危险废物中污染物释放概率和能力的影响,并基于污染物向环境介质的迁移转化,定量评估危险废物的健康风险。基于危险废物污染特性数据库和事故情景数据库,结合全过程信息采集技术,构建危险废物分级分类管理平台,进行涉废企业的风险级别划分,实施差异化管理,形成更加科学有效的危险废物全过程精细化管理体系。     

Potential health risks due to toxic contamination in the ambient environment of certain Indian states

Toxic or hazardous substances pose two types of risks in the environment, namely `short-term or acute risk' and `long-termor chronic risk'. The short-term risk is associated with the one-time acute exposure to potentially hazardous substancesaccidentally released in the environment, whereas the long-termrisk is resulted from continuous exposure to potentially harmfulsubstances present in different environmental media. This articledeals with the assessment of potential health risks related to certain carcinogens and non-carcinogens (e.g. cadmium, chromiumand nickel) present in three environmental media, viz. air, waterand food in different Indian states (regions). Appropriate dose-response models have been identified and used for this purpose with the assumptions and input data as per the Indian context. Mean values of ambient air concentration levels of Cd,Cr and Ni have been used to estimate the individual and societalrisks of extra cancer in different states of India. The hazardquotients and hazard index representing the non-carcinogenic chronic health effects caused by chromium and cadmium due to their long-term exposure through water and food have also beenestimated. The risk results have been compared with the diseasesurveillance data. A definite correlation between the estimatedrisk results and the reported number of lung cancer cases and chronic liver diseases have been observed in different regions. As a matter of fact, it is not possible to derive precise risk estimates due to various uncertainties included both in availabledata and in the models which are used to calculate potency factors and effective concentration. However, average risk levelsas estimated and presented in this article are quite useful forplanning purposes.     

An evaluation of a risk-based environmental regulation in Brazil: Limitations to risk management of hazardous installations

The environmental regulation of hazardous projects with risk-based decision-making processes can lead to a deficient management of human exposure to technological hazards. Such an approach for regulation is criticized for simplifying the complexity of decisions involving the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the installation and operation of hazardous facilities in urban areas. Results of a Brazilian case study indicate that oil and gas transmission pipelines may represent a threat to diverse communities if the relationship between such linear projects and human populations is overlooked by regulatory bodies. Results also corroborate known challenges to the implementation of EIA processes and outline limitations to an effective environmental and risk management. Two preliminary topics are discussed to strengthen similar regulatory practices. Firstly, an effective integration between social impact assessment and risk assessment in EIA processes to have a more comprehensive understanding of the social fabric. Secondly, the advancement of traditional management practices for hazardous installations to pursue a strong transition from assessment and evaluation to management and control and to promote an effective interaction between land-use planning and environmental regulation.     

Artificial intelligence based e-waste management for environmental planning

Electronic waste is one of the world's rapidly increasing environmental issues because a wide range of toxic substances are not closely monitored that can pollute the atmosphere and affect health. This paper proposes an Artificial Intelligence Technique (AIT) for the analysis of hazardous pollutants in e-waste and their effects on the climate and human health and management policies in certain countries. Artificial Intelligence Techniques (AIT) are being developed for managing e-waste, especially based on prevailing strategies such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA), and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). In the e-waste management sector, eco-design systems must be created, e-waste properly processed, recycled, and reused content through safe methods, e-waste disposed of using appropriate techniques, used electronic devices cannot be transferred to developing countries, and the burden of e-waste should be increased. Artificial intelligence-based MCA and EPR is a reasonable approach to address the increasing problems with e-wastes.     

国内外优先评估化学品筛选方法与清单概述

优先评估化学品名录对推进有毒有害化学品的管控、保护环境和人类健康具有重要意义。综述了国内外优先评估化学品筛选方法的发展、原则和步骤,总结了筛选评估流程中重点关注的多种危害特性,比较了各国优先评估化学品名录及其在各国/组织的禁止/限制情况,并分析其在我国的生产状况。结果表明,各国家/组织共筛选出1 146种优先评估化学品,有239种在至少2个国家/组织中被列为优先评估化学物质,有208种在我国生产使用,但其中164种尚未列入我国优控化学品名录,可作为下一步风险评估的对象。邻苯二甲酸二（2-乙基己基）酯（DEHP）被所有国家/组织列为优先关注化学品,接下来应严格管控塑料制品中的DEHP,或寻找合适的替代物。研究可为我国优先评估化学品的筛选与环境管理提供参考。     

Minimizing human health effects of urban air pollution through quantification and control of motor vehicular carbon monoxide (CO) in Lahore

Impact of urban air pollution has variety of focuses such as urban ecology, human health, economy, etc. But human health is always given priority. Air pollution is threat to the lives of people living in big cities of Pakistan. In Lahore only there die 1,250 people annually because of air pollution. A strong correlation exists between urban air pollution and human health in Lahore. Growth of COPD is highest among other air pollution borne diseases. Existing mass transit system (one of driving forces behind motor vehicular emission) in Lahore due to frequent stoppages, entering and exit in flow of traffic causes excess discharge of motor vehicular carbon monoxide (CO) which is a hazardous to human health. Quantification and enumeration of this discharge is essential for environmental management. The paper is an attempt to highlight human health effects of urban air pollution through correlation and regression analysis. Further it is focused upon quantifying excess motor vehicular carbon monoxide through application of simplified mobile emission model. In light of results emission control measures are recommended.     

Approaches to systematic assessment of environmental exposures posed at hazardous waste sites in the developing world: the Toxic Sites Identification Program

In the developing world, environmental chemical exposures due to hazardous waste sites are poorly documented. We describe the approach taken by the Blacksmith Institute's Toxic Sites Identification Program in documenting environmental chemical exposures due to hazardous waste sites globally, identifying sites of concern and quantifying pathways, populations, and severity of exposure. A network of local environmental investigators was identified and trained to conduct hazardous waste site investigations and assessments. To date, 2,095 contaminated sites have been identified within 47 countries having an estimated population at risk of 71,500,000. Trained researchers and investigators have visited 1,400 of those sites. Heavy metals are the leading primary exposures, with water supply and ambient air being the primary routes of exposure. Even though chemical production has occurred largely in the developed world to date, many hazardous waste sites in the developing world pose significant hazards to the health of large portions of the population. Further research is needed to quantify potential health and economic consequences and identify cost-effective approaches to remediation.     

Impacts of lead/zinc mining and smelting on the environment and human health in China

Mining and smelting are important economic activities. However, mining-related industries are also some of the largest sources of environmental pollution from heavy metals. China is one of the largest producers and consumers of lead and zinc in the world. A large amount of lead, zinc, and related elements, such as cadmium, have been released into the environment due to mineral processing activities and have impacted water resources, soils, vegetables, and crops. In some areas, this pollution is hazardous to human health. This article reviews studies published in the past 10 years (2000–2009), on the environmental and human health consequences of lead/zinc mineral exploitation in China. Polluted areas are concentrated in the following areas: the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces, west-central Hunan province, central Guangxi province, northern Guangdong, northwestern Henan province, the border between Shanxi and Gansu provinces, and the region of Liaoning province near Bohai. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are the main pollutants and are associated with human health effects such as high lead blood levels in children, arthralgia, osteomalacia, and excessive cadmium in urine.     

水环境中优先控制药物筛选体系的建立与应用

参考国外经验,以药物在水环境中的预测含量、存在持久性及其毒性为依据,研究建立了水环境中优先控制药物的筛选体系,并对上海市水环境中的七类药物进行了筛选.结果表明,得分40以上的药物有8种,30～40分之间的有16种,可以作为上海市水环境中的"优先控制药物".建立的筛选体系具有可操作性及普适性,为明确今后监测管理的重点以及水环境中药物生态风险评价及其污染控制提供了重要依据.     

关于建立健全我国环境健康风险评估制度的思考

环境健康风险评估是生态环境和卫生健康管理决策制定的重要依据之一,从政策制定、技术规范、制度试点、能力建设和管理应用等方面分析了我国环境健康风险评估工作现状。指出,我国环境健康风险评估制度存在各部门对环境健康风险评估的认识偏差,部门职责不清晰,管理需求不明确,技术体系不完善等问题。提出,生态环境和卫生健康部门应结合各自职责与需求制定相关工作办法,开展试点探索,条件成熟时制定专门法律;厘清生态环境和卫生健康部门在环境健康风险管理中的职责;紧密围绕生态环境和卫生健康管理需求,开展环境健康风险评估工作;借鉴国外经验,完善环境健康风险评估技术规范体系;从机构设置、技术队伍培训、合作共享、学术交流等方面提升环境健康风险评估能力。     

基于人体健康风险评估的冶炼行业污染场地风险管理与决策流程

简述了冶炼行业污染场地风险管理和风险评估流程。在借鉴国内外相关经验和教训的基础上,结合我国冶炼行业的特点,提出了基于层次性人体健康风险评估的冶炼行业污染场地风险管理与决策框架体系,利用该框架体系,通过层次性风险评估,可以筛选风险大的场地进行重点监管,并采取有针对性的措施防治污染扩散及消除对人体和生态环境的风险,从而经济有效地实现对冶炼行业污染场地的监管。     

饮用水消毒副产物--卤乙酸的检测

卤乙酸是饮用水氯化消毒中一类主要的消毒副产物,由于存在的广泛性和潜在的健康危害,许多国家和卫生组织相继将其列为饮用水常规监测项目,而我国至今还没有相关规定;为了更好地控制饮用水中卤乙酸的形成,世界各国科研人员先后研究和开发出了性能逐趋完善的多种分析检测方法;本文在国内外文献调研的基础上,对卤乙酸的各种分析检测方法进行了简要的介绍,并指明了今后的发展方向.     

欧盟优先水污染物与环境质量标准制定及其对我国的借鉴作用

综述了欧盟水框架指令和水政策环境质量标准指令框架下,水环境优先污染物和优先危害物质的确定方法、程序和清单,以及地表水质量标准与生物体质量标准的制定方法及监测要求。提出,我国可借鉴欧盟水框架指令和水政策环境质量标准指令,明确水环境管理和污染物控制目标,制定优先污染物筛选评估技术规范及质量标准,持续评估确定地表水优先污染物,同时,建立潜在高风险物质监测监控制度,进一步完善地表水环境质量标准的指标体系,使得水环境的保护更加科学合理。     

Impacts and mitigation measures of plastic waste: A critical review

Overwhelmed plastic waste has been gradually appreciated as a global problematic issue. Scientific efforts either dedicated to comprehending its distribution and detrimental impacts on the environment or management measures to contain it. However, there is a concern asymmetry between the knowledge of detrimental impacts of plastic waste and corresponding mitigation measures. Microplastics in the marine ecosystem is the foremost research hotspot in terms of plastic waste's detrimental impacts. Recycling plastic waste is the utmost research topic in terms of plastic waste management. Plastic pollutants derived from plastic waste contaminates the environment and ultimately threatens human health. Current measures aimed at reducing the plastic waste ended in the environment via recycling, and emphasised its retention of material value via circular economy. However, these measures did not prioritise taking direct action to mitigate the threats to human health. This review aims to bridge these two research ends of plastic waste that provides a holistic view of this problematic issue.The keywords analysis function in VOSviewer is adopted in this study to map out the state-of-the-art of existing research in plastic waste. Four research mainstreams are highlighted: (1) Environmental concerns of plastic waste in aquatic ecosystems; (2) Potential threats to human health; (3) Plastic waste reduction options and recycling methods; (4) Plastic waste thermochemical treatment. Consequently, a future research agenda is proposed.     

水生态分区管理国际经验与太湖流域应用研究

简述了国外水生态区的发展历程以及国外水生态区在建立生态系统数据库、制定差异化水质标准、开展河流生态监测及评价水体健康等方面进行的应用研究。通过对太湖流域水生态功能分区的研究，指出当前水环境管理存在的问题与水生态区管理的优势，提出应重点从水生态区监测、试点考核、评价、修复等具体操作层面开展应用研究，引导我国水环境管理从水化学指标逐步向水生态综合指标转变，推动建立以水生态系统健康为导向的水环境管理创新体制。     

典型电子垃圾拆解区大气颗粒物中元素污染的季节变化特征

分别在典型电子垃圾拆解区(E)和其参考区(S)采集了大气总悬浮颗粒物(TSP)样品,利用等离子体电感耦合质谱(ICP-MS)检测了13种元素。结果表明,E地区大气TSP中各元素含量均高于对照区,特别是污染元素Zn、Cu、Cd、Sn和Pb。E地区和S地区TSP中元素质量浓度的季节变化趋势相似,TSP中地壳元素质量浓度夏季高于冬季,而污染元素冬季高于夏季。E地区和S地区TSP中Cu、Zn、Sn和Pb的富集因子(EF)100,E地区EF值高于对照区,说明这些元素主要来源于电子垃圾处理过程;而Mg、K、Ca、Ti、V、Mn、Fe、Co和Cd的EF值为1~10,说明元素主要为自然来源。     

我国危险废物经营单位监测中的技术问题和建议

根据2007—2013年对持环保部发证的危险废物经营单位开展监督性监测的实际情况和工作经验,从关注焚烧企业的二口恶英监测、加强危险废物企业日常监测、开展危险废物鉴别技术方法研究等方面,探讨我国危险废物监测技术上现存的主要问题和发展方向,对今后全国各省自行组织危险废物许可证的审核和监督性监测等相关工作给出了建议。     

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) and their Effects on Biodiversity: An Overview of the Atmospheric Pathways of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Suggestions for Future Studies

Atmospheric change comprises many phenomena, namely climate change, acidic deposition, stratospheric ozone depletion, SMOG, increasing trend of suspended particulate matter, and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Among HAPs, a particular group of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as some organochlorine pesticides, has shown a variety of toxic effects, altering the biodiversity of many ecosystems. Because of their persistence in the environment, and of their long range transport, the study of the global cycle of POPs is important in understanding how they can affect biodiversity. This can be accomplished by coupling different approaches: toxicity and ecological studies, emission estimates, and the use of global models.