Occurrence and fate of androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids and progestagens in two different types of municipal wastewater treatment plants

The occurrence and fate of fourteen androgens, four estrogens, five glucocorticoids and five progestagens were investigated in two different types of wastewater treatment plants (Plant A: activated sludge with chlorination, and Plant B: oxidation ditch with UV) of Guangdong province, China. 14, 14, and 10 of 28 target compounds were detected in the influent, effluent and dewatered sludge samples with the concentrations ranging from below 1.2 ± 0.0 ng L(-1) (stanozolol) to 1368 ± 283 ng L(-1) (epi-androsterone), below 1.0 ± 0.0 ng L(-1) (progesterone) to 23.1 ± 1.0 ng L(-1) (5α-dihydrotestosterone), 1.0 ± 0.1 ng g(-1) (estrone) to 460 ± 4.4 ng g(-1) (5α-dihydrotestosterone), respectively. The concentrations of total androgens (1554-1778 ng L(-1) in influent, 13.3-47.8 ng L(-1) in effluent, 377-923 ng g(-1) in dewatered sludge) were much higher than those of total estrogens (41.5-60.2 ng L(-1) in influent, 5.6-13.5 ng L(-1) in effluent, 13.9-57.8 ng g(-1) in dewatered sludge), glucocorticoids (171-192 ng L(-1) in influent, 2.2-6.3 ng L(-1) in effluent, N.D.-4.4 ng g(-1) in dewatered sludge), and progestagens (39.6-40.5 ng L(-1) in influent, 6.9-12.1 ng L(-1) in effluent, N.D. in dewatered sludge) in these two WWTPs. According to mass balance analysis, the removal rates of most target steroids in Plant A had exceeded 90%, while those in Plant B for nearly half of detected target steroids were lower than 80%. It is obvious that the treatment capacity of the activated sludge system (Plant A) is superior to the oxidation ditch (Plant B) in the degradation of steroids in sewage treatment systems. Androgens, estrogens and progestagens were mainly removed by sorption and degradation, while the reduction of glucocorticoids was primarily due to degradation.     

Development of a novel solid-phase extraction element for the detection of nonylphenol in the surface water of Hangzhou

Nonylphenol (NP) is a representative environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical and persistent toxic pollutant. Previous studies have shown that the average concentration of NP in environmental waters was approximately tens to hundreds of ng L(-1) and it could even reach up to tens of μg L(-1). A simple, fast and accurate method employing a novel solid-phase extraction element named "Magic Chemisorber" (MC) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a fluorescence detector (FLD) was used for detecting NP. The most important parameters that affect the extraction process, including extraction time, desorption time, desorption solvent and repeatability, were optimized. The MC-HPLC method showed good linearity with concentrations of NP from 10 to 200 μg L(-1), a correlation coefficient of 0.9995 and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of this method was 0.44 and 1.47 μg L(-1), respectively. Compared to commercial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) glass fiber, MC had both higher capacity and recovery and it could be used repeatedly. Using the MC-HPLC method we found that the concentration of NP in river water from Hangzhou city ranged from 8.54 ± 1.23 μg L(-1) (Qiantang River) to 65.77 ± 3.69 μg L(-1) (Tiesha River), which was similar to that of international regions heavily polluted with NP and higher than that of Bohai Bay, the Yellow River and the Pearl River Delta in China. This level of NP pollution is possibly related to the rapid development of the textile, printing and paper industries of Zhejiang province.     

Long-term changes of heavy metal and sulphur concentrations in ecosystems of the Taymyr Peninsula (Russian Federation) North of the Norilsk Industrial Complex

The Norilsk industrial ore smelting complex (Taymyr Peninsula, Russian Federation) has significantly impacted many components of local terrestrial and aquatic environments. Whether it has had a major impact on the wider Russian Arctic remains controversial as studies are scarce. From 1986 to 2004, data on heavy metal (Cu, Ni, Zn, Hg, Cd and Hg) concentrations in fish (burbot), moss, lichens, periphyton, hydric soils and snow in and around Norilsk and the most northern parts of the Taymyr Peninsula were analysed. Very high concentrations of Cu (203 μg L?1 ± 51 μg L?1) and Ni (113 μg L?1 ± 15 μg L?1) were found in the water of the Schuchya River close to Norilsk. Heavy metal concentrations in burbot liver were highest in Lake Pyasino near Norilsk compared to other study regions that were >100 km distant. From 1989-1996, Cu (121 μg L?1 ± 39 μg L?1 SD), Zn (150 μg L?1) ± 70 μg L?1) and Ni (149 μg L?1 ± 72 μg L?1) snow concentrations were greatest in Norilsk, but were low elsewhere. By 2004, these concentrations had dropped significantly, especially for Cu-74 μg L?1 (±18.7 μg L?1 SD), Zn-81.7 μg L?1 (± 31.3 μg L?1 SD) and Ni-80 μg L?1(±18.0 μg L?1 SD). Norilsk and its surroundings are subject to heavy pollution from the Norilsk metallurgical industry but these are absent from the greater Arctic region due to the prevailing winds and the Byrranga Mountains. Pollution abatement measures have been made so further investigations are necessary in order to assess their efficiency.     

Distributions of phthalic esters carried by total suspended particulates in Nanjing, China

Atmospheric trace phthalic esters (PAEs) carried by total suspended particulates were systematically investigated. A total of 450 air samples were collected at six typical locations and three specific micro-environmental sites (a stadium with a new plastic track, new cars, and a farming greenhouse with plastic film) in Nanjing metropolitan area of China from April 2009 to January 2010. The samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet detection. The results are summarized as follows: (1) The dominant PAEs are dimethyl phthalate (DMP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which were found in the atmosphere of Nanjing. The average concentrations of DMP, DBP, and DEHP were 10.5?±?1.2, 62.3?±?4.5, and 33.3?±?2.5?ng?m(-3), respectively, constituting 9.9%, 58.7%, and 31.4% of total PAEs (106?±?8.2?ng?m(-3)). (2) The dynamic variations of atmospheric PAEs in the three specific micro-environmental sites showed that the PAE concentrations in the stadium with a new plastic track reduced to normal after 1?month remediation, while new cars need 6?months to remove their effect. The levels of PAEs in a farming greenhouse with plastic film were relatively high, but little PAEs accumulated in vegetables. (3) The vertical profiles from 1.5 to 40?m above ground display some fluctuations in PAE concentration, but no significant height dependence. This information will make a valuable contribution to the examination of the influence of atmospheric PAEs on the environment and human health.     

Trends in background levels of persistent organic pollutants at Kosetice observatory, Czech Republic.2) Part II. Aquatic and terrestrial environments 1996-2005

A multimedia sampling of ambient air, wet deposition, surface water, sediment, soil and biota has been performed at Kosetice background observatory in the southern Czech Republic since 1988. An integrated monitoring approach was applied to assess the current state, anthropogenic impacts, and possible future changes of terrestrial and freshwater environments. Average PCB concentrations in the individual matrices calculated from ten years of sampling on multiple sites varied between 2 ng g(-1) in sediment and 7 ng g(-1) in soil or moss. DDT concentrations were lower in moss and needles (2 ng g(-1) and 4 ng g(-1), respectively) than in sediment (11 ng g(-1)) and soil (20 ng g(-1)), while the HCH level was higher in moss and needles (5 ng g(-1) and 6 ng g(-1), respectively) than in soil or sediment (1 ng g(-1) and 2 ng g(-1), respectively). The highest average level of PAHs was found in soil (600 ng g(-1)), while it was lower in needles (230 ng g(-1)), moss (210 ng g(-1)) or sediment (210 ng g(-1)). Time related trends of concentration levels of persistent organic pollutants in all matrices were investigated. Moss and needle trend patterns resembled those of the ambient air, showing a slight concentration decrease of all compounds, except for hexachlorobenzene. The soil, water and sediment concentrations showed a similar decrease of PAHs, PCBs, and HCHs, but there was no clear trend for DDTs and HCB.     

毛细管低温吸附气相色谱法同时测定空气中痕量甲硫醇和硫化氢

建立了毛细管低温吸附气相色谱同时测定空气中痕量甲硫醇和硫化氢的方法，介绍了冷冻吸附装置的制备方法和样品冷凝吸附流程。甲硫醇和硫化氢分别在0.467ng～5.16ng和0.327ng～3.60ng范围内线性良好，当进样体积为1L时，检出限为0．205μg/m^3和0．213μg／m^3，空白加标平均回收率为88．6％和90．2％，RSD为6.0％和6．5％。     

Concentrations of DDTs and dieldrin in Long Island Sound sediment

The concentrations of three frequently detected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and one degradation product, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, dieldrin, and p,p'-DDE were determined in recently collected (2005-2006) and archived (1986-1989) surficial sediments and sediment cores from Long Island Sound (LIS). The concentration of dieldrin ranged from 0.05 to 5.27 ng g(-1) dry weight in the surficial sediments, and from 0.05 to 11.7 ng g(-1) dry weight in the sediment cores. Total DDXs (the sum of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDT) concentrations ranged from 1.31 to 33.2 ng g(-1) in surficial sediments and 1.11 to 66.4 ng g(-1) in sediment cores. The results indicate that the three OCPs and DDE were still widely present in LIS surficial sediments two decades after the use of these pesticides in the United States was banned. In addition, the surficial concentrations did not decrease significantly when compared to the concentrations in archived samples collected two decades ago. Sediments in the western part of LIS were more contaminated (with concentrations in some western sites being still above probable effect levels) than those in the eastern part, probably as a result of the net westward sediment transport in LIS. The three OCPs and DDE were detected at all depths (down to ~50 cm) in the sediment cores, and concentration profiles indicated a depositional sedimentary environment with significant sediment mixing. Such mixing may redistribute OCPs deposited earlier (deeper in sediment bed) to the sediment surface and lead to enhanced persistence of OCP concentrations in surficial sediments.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in surface soils from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

Eighty eight surface soil samples were collected from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and metabolites (DDXs) and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs). The measured concentrations were 51.8 ± 38.5 ng g(-1), 0.329 ± 0.818 ng g(-1), and 0.467 ± 0.741 ng g(-1) as means and standard deviations of PAHs, DDXs, and HCHs, respectively, which were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than those reported for eastern China. Significant differences were also revealed among four sub-areas within QTP. PAHs detected in the samples from the remote sub-areas of T'ang-ku-la/Hoh Xil Mountains and along the Qinghai-Tibet highway in the west and northwest of QTP were 1 order of magnitude lower than those from Lhasa and east Qinghai. The differences in soil OCPs among the sub-areas were 2-7 times. Soil PAHs were significantly correlated with emission density and soil organic carbon content (SOC), while OCPs were correlated significantly with the population density and SOC. Based on the calculated backward air mass trajectories and geographical distributions of emission and population, it was revealed that PAHs and OCPs accumulated in the soils in the west and northwest QTP were primarily from long-range transport and may represent the background levels of East Asia. This part of QTP can also serve as an important receptor area for regional or even global long-range transport study. The elevated concentrations of PAHs and OCPs in Lhasa and east Qinghai were mainly from local sources, while PAHs from adjacent Lanzhou area also contributed considerably to the accumulation of PAHs in east Qinghai.     

Toxic metal (Pb, Cd, As and Hg) and organochlorine residue levels in hake (Merluccius merluccius) from the Marmara Sea, Turkey

Toxic metals (Pb, Cd, As and Hg) and organochlorine residue levels were measured in hake (Merluccius merluccius) from the Marmara Sea. Biota samples were collected by a trawling cruise of the R/V ARAR in August and December 2009. The concentrations of toxic metals varied between Pb, 3.23-14.4; Cd, <0.01-2.14; Hg, 0.01-0.18 and As, 0.01-0.21 [Formula: see text]g g(-1) dry wt. Pb levels in the Marmara Sea were found to be higher than the critical limits set by the both Turkish Ministry of Environment for Aquatic Products (1 μg g(-1) wet wt.) and European countries (2.0 μg g(-1), UNEP 1985). In contrast, As and Hg levels were found to be lower than the critical limits for two periods. Cd contents of fish from the Marmara Sea were also comparable to or slightly lower than contents of fish from the Southern Black Sea Shelf. The results of organochlorine residues ranged between total HCH, <0.05 and 99 ng g(-1); endrin, <0.001 and 381 ng g(-1); alpha-endosulphan, <0.05 and 90 ng g(-1); beta-endosulphan, <0.05 and 15.3 ng g(-1); o,p DDE, 3.5 and 52.4 ng g(-1); p,p DDE, 7.4 and 139 ng g(-1); o,p DDD, 1.5 and 90.2 ng g(-1) and p,p DDD, 2.7 and 86 ng g(-1) wet weight. The rivers for the distribution of organochlorine levels in the Marmara Sea ordered from highest to lowest as Dil R. > Susurluk R. > Biga R. > G?nen R. The high levels of o,p and p,p DDE, and o,p and p,p DDD compounds, which are metabolites of DDT, indicate its illegal use. Toxic metal and organochlorine residue levels of fish are significantly higher than levels from the Mediterranean Sea.     

Distribution and partitioning of aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons between water, suspended particulate matter, and sediment in harbours of the West coastal of the Gulf of Tunis (Tunisia)

Harbours of La Goulette, Rades and Sidi Bou Said are considered as the principal largest and most important port in the Gulf of Tunis characterised by a direct influence of different activities (sailing, industry and fishing) to the Mediterranean Sea. Due to their social and economic impact, a comprehensive assessment of the spatial distribution and partitioning of 24 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 18 aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) in summer and in winter among overlying water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and surface sediments is essential. Distribution of hydrophobic organic contaminants in abiotic compartments is important for describing their transfer and fate in aquatic ecosystems and to identify the potential danger due to mobilization of contaminants produced by managing of the same sediments. Total organic carbon (TOC) contents range between 4.3% and 6.5%, with an average value of 5.9% in summer, and between 2.3% and 9.6%, with an average value of 6.1% in winter. The average concentrations of ΣPAH in winter and in summer were respectively 703.1 ng L?1 and 378.4 ng L?1 in seawater, 4599.1 ng g?1 and 3114 ng g?1 in SPM, and 1507.6 ng g?1 dw (dry weight) and 1294.6 ng g?1 dw in surface sediment. For ΣAH the average concentrations in winter and in summer were respectively 701 ng L?1 and 741.7 ng L?1 in seawater, 6743.5 ng g?1 and 6282.9 ng g?1 in SPM, and 4971.3 ng g?1 and 4588.1 ng g?1 in surface sediment. Higher PAH and AH concentrations were observed in SPM than in surface sediment. SPM and water were dominated by PAH with low molecular weight, while for sediment low and high molecular weight PAHs were present. PAH and AH fingerprint ratios, such as pristane to phytane (Pr/Ph), phenanthrene to anthracene (Phe/An) and fluoranthene to pyrene (Fl/Py), suggest that hydrocarbons in all harbours may originate from both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources derived from discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater or from direct input by ship traffic in the area. The results showed significant difference (ANOVA, p < 0.05) for hydrocarbon mean concentrations between all harbours studied and between different matrixes.     

Concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in vacuum cleaner dust collected in Japanese homes

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are shown to be globally distributed, environmentally persistent and bioaccumulative. Although there is evidence that these compounds exist in the serum of non-occupationally exposed humans, the pathways leading to the presence of PFOS and PFOA are not well characterized. The concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in the vacuum cleaner dust collected in Japanese homes were measured. The compounds were detected in all the dust samples and the ranges were 11-2500 ng g(-1) for PFOS and 69-3700 ng g(-1) for PFOA. It was ascertained that PFOS and PFOA were present in the dust in homes, and that the absorption of the dust could be one of the exposure pathways of the PFOS and PFOA to humans. With regard to risk management, it is important to consider the usage of PFOS and PFOA in the indoor environment in order to avoid further pollution.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls in two salt marsh sediments of the Venice Lagoon

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in two dated salt marsh cores of the Venice Lagoon to assess their input chronology and to evaluate the importance of atmospheric deposition as a source. Sampling sites were chosen in order to evidence the differences between areas located leeward and windward with respect to inputs originating in both the city of Venice and the industrial area. Concentrations of PCB indicators (0.13-15.6 ng g?1) increased gradually from the 1930s, reached maxima from the 1950s to the late 1970s, and then decreased. PCB loadings to marshes are driven by both the atmospheric deposition and the resuspension of subtidal sediments, this latter being more important for heavier congeners. The downwind marsh recorded higher fluxes (0.06-9.72 ng cm?2 year?1) than the upwind one (0.01-0.53 ng cm?2 year?1). Recent fluxes are rather consistent with bulk deposition measurements. A higher contribution of CB-101 and CB-118 was detected in the intermediate layers of the downwind site, suggesting a different PCB source for the corresponding time interval. In the other marsh, PCBs showed a rather constant composition at all levels (mostly CB-153, CB-138 and CB-180), accounting for a regional influence. Deep layers showed an enrichment of higher chlorinated congeners at both sites, whereas recent samples conserve the patterns typical of surficial and subsurficial subtidal sediments. The scientific approach adopted in this research can be considered as a sort of methodological procedure for the determination of fluxes and pathways of PCBs through the study of marsh cores.     

Halogenated organic contaminants in marine fish and mussels from southern Greenland--pilot study on relations to trophic levels and local sources

Mussels and marine fish (shorthorn sculpin and Greenland cod) were sampled at three locations with varying human activity. Fish livers and mussels were analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and chlorinated pesticides including chlordane and toxaphene. Levels of chlorinated contaminants in shorthorn sculpins from the background location, [capital Sigma]PCB (217-224 ng g(-1) lw), [capital Sigma]DDT (180 ng g(-1) lw) and hexachlorobenzene (32-44 ng g(-1) lw), were in the same range as previously observed in eastern Greenland but exceeded the levels previously observed in southern and western Greenland. Multivariate analysis showed that pollutant concentrations were mainly explained by trophic levels of the species (cod > sculpins > mussels). A pooled sample of shorthorn sculpins from the harbour of Qaqortoq had significantly higher PCB and PBDE concentrations with a different congener pattern compared to the background site, while other contaminants were comparable. This points towards local pollution sources, possibly accumulated emissions from burning of waste.     

Assessment of prenatal exposure to persistent organohalogen compounds from cord blood serum analysis in two Mediterranean populations (Valencia and Menorca)

Prenatal levels of organohalogen compounds (OHCs), including polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes and DDTs, have been investigated in two different cohorts from the Spanish Mediterranean area, Valencia and Menorca, by analysis of cord blood serum. Comparison of the observed median concentrations to other cohorts shows low PBDE levels (2.8-6.5 ng g(-1) lipid) but high values of HCB (0.68 ng ml(-1), 260 ng g(-1) lipid) and PCBs (0.65 ng ml(-1), 240 ng g(-1) lipid) in the cohort of Menorca indicating that Mediterranean areas, and not only high latitude regions, may contain population groups highly exposed to some of these pollutants. Significant differences in the concentrations of these compounds have been found between the two cohorts. Differences in maternal population such as age or body mass index cannot explain this variation. One possible cause of variability is the seven year time period elapsed between the two cohort recruitments but the strong differences observed do not allow exclusion of local diet differences. Thus, the different average PCB congener distributions between the two cohorts suggest an influence from materials containing diverse PCB mixtures. The congener mixtures found in Menorca could reflect a diet contribution from some western Mediterranean fish species. These results provide baseline information on prenatal OHC background levels in the Mediterranean area.     

Occurrence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Lake Maggiore (Italy and Switzerland)

Samples of air (gas and particulate phases), bulk deposition, aquatic settling material and sediments were collected in Lake Maggiore (LM) in order to determine their content of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Air (gas and particulate phases) concentrations were 0.5 pg m(-3), 80 pg m(-3), 13 pg m(-3) and 106 pg m(-3) for SigmaPCDD/Fs, SigmaPCBs, Sigma dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) and SigmaPBDEs, respectively. Deposition fluxes ranged from 0.7 ng m(-2) d(-1) for SigmaPCDD/Fs to 32 ng m(-2) d(-1) for SigmaPCBs. Aquatic settling material presented concentrations of 0.4 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) for SigmaPCDD/Fs, 13 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPCB, 3.4 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaDL-PCBs and 5.7 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPBDEs. Mean sediment concentrations were 0.4 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPCDD/Fs, 11 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPCB, 3 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaDL-PCBs and 5.1 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPBDEs. Similar PCDD/F and DL-PCB congener patterns in all the environmental compartments of LM point to an important, if not dominant, contribution of atmospheric deposition as source of these pollutants into LM. In contrast, PBDE congener distribution was not similar in the different environmental compartments. BDE 47 dominated air and settling material, while BDE 209 was the predominant congener in the bulk atmospheric deposition. Moreover, sediments showed two distinct PBDE congener profiles. Lower PBDE concentrated sediments were dominated by congeners 47 and 99, while BDE 209 dominated in higher PBDE concentrated samples. This suggests the influence of local sources as well as atmospheric input of PBDEs into LM.     

Organic contamination in the greenhouse soils from Beijing suburbs, China

Selected persistent organic pollutants including HCHs, DDTs and PAHs together with PAEs were determined in the greenhouse soils from Beijing suburbs. The total concentrations were 11.64-29.80 ng g(-1) for HCHs, 18.04-101.33 ng g(-1) for DDTs, 1.34-3.15 microg g(-1) for PAEs and 1.92-7.84 microg g(-1) for PAHs, respectively. Predominance of beta-HCH in all samples was obviously observed, suggesting a lack of new HCHs sources. High concentrations of DDE and DDD in comparison to their parents in the samples indicated that most of the DDT had been transformed into its metabolites. The contamination of PAHs was relatively serious and the most abundant compounds were 4-, 5- and 6-ring unsubstituted PAHs. The profiles reflect the important effect of traffic on the PAHs remaining in greenhouse soils. Three phthalate esters (DIBP, DnBP and DEHP) accounted for more than 97% of the phthalates studied. Analysis of n-alkanes was also performed in order to trace the natural or anthropogenic sources of hydrocarbons. Characterization and identification of these compounds in greenhouse soil may help in development of strategies to be used in monitoring organic pollutants in this region.     

Characteristics of black carbon aerosol mass concentration over the East Baltic region from two-year measurements

Continuous measurements of black carbon (BC) aerosol mass concentration were performed at a background site Preila (55°55'N, 21°00'E, 5 m a.s.l., Lithuania) during the period 2008-2009. The data were used to characterize the BC mass concentration distribution over the East Baltic region. High increase in aerosol BC concentration was associated with the change in air mass characteristics and biomass burning during the winter heating season and spring wildfires. Monthly means of BC concentration ranged from 212 to 1268 ng m(-3) and the highest hourly means of concentration were from 4800 to 6300 ng m(-3), predominantly in spring and winter months. During the October-April period the BC mass concentrations were about twice as high as those in the summertime. The BC diurnal pattern in winter was typically different from that in spring indicating the seasonal variation of the atmospheric boundary layer height. The weekday/weekend difference was not strongly pronounced because the BC concentrations in Preila are mainly affected by long-range transport or local sources. Typical periodicities caused by anthropogenic and meteorological influences have been identified using Fourier analysis. It was shown that domestic heating appears as a 365 day periodicity; traffic slightly contributes 5-7 day peaks in the spectrum and elevated long-range BC can be identified as characteristic peaks with periodicities in the range from 16 to 29 days.Temporal evolution and transport of BC aerosols were interpreted by the air mass backward trajectory analysis in conjunction with the examination of the wavelength dependence on the aethalometer data. Air masses originated from the North Atlantic Ocean and Scandinavia were favourable for lower BC concentrations (350 ng m(-3)), while the BC level associated with the Western Europe airflows was significantly higher (970 ng m(-3)). The mean values of ?ngstr?m exponent of the absorption coefficient (monthly means 1.45 ± 0.25 and 0.84 ± 0.50 over January and June, respectively) revealed that the BC concentration observed over the East Baltic is influenced by submicron sized particles as a result of incomplete biomass combustion during the winter season.     

The pollution and ecological risk of endosulfan in soil of Huai’an city, China

Endosulfan, a persistent organic pollutant newly listed under the Stockholm Convention, is currently widely produced and used as a pesticide in China. Concentrations of endosulfans (including α-, β-isomers, and their metabolite endosulfan sulfate) were determined in surface soil collected from Huai’an city, where the largest endosulfan producer is located. The concentrations of Σendosulfan (sum of α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, and endosulfan sulfate) at all sites ranged from 0.28 to 44.81?ng/g dry weight (dw), following a lognormal distribution. The geometric mean was 1.09?ng/g dw, and the geometric standard deviation was 3.02. The β-endosulfan levels were consistently greater than those of α-isomer. The concentration ratios of α-endosulfan to β-endosulfan ranged from 0.03 to 0.70, which were much lower than the commercial endosulfan mixture. This is because that α-endosulfan is more volatile and degrades faster than β-endosulfan in soil. The contour map of Σendosulfan levels in soil indicates that the factory was the point pollution source with the highest endosulfan level in its surrounding area, especially the southern area. However, the non-point agricultural sources are more important. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, the Σendosulfan inventory in soil in Huai’an is estimated to be 0.8–3.0 tons. In order to understand the potential ecological risk of endosulfan, the Monte Carlo-based hazard quotient distribution was estimated and showed that Σendosulfan posed a potentially high risk to soil organisms. To our knowledge, this study is the first that reports soil pollution and risk of endosulfan around the manufacturer in China. This study will help China’s implementation of Stockholm Convention for the reduction and elimination of endosulfan in future.     

Indoor and outdoor concentrations of fine particles, particle-bound PAHs and volatile organic compounds in Kaunas, Lithuania

This complex study presents indoor and outdoor levels of air-borne fine particles, particle-bound PAHs and VOCs at two urban locations in the city of Kaunas, Lithuania, and considers possible sources of pollution. Two sampling campaigns were performed in January-February and March-April 2009. The mean outdoor PM(2.5) concentration at Location 1 in winter was 34.5 ± 15.2 μg m(-3) while in spring it was 24.7 ± 12.2 μg m(-3); at Location 2 the corresponding values were 36.7 ± 21.7 and 22.4 ± 19.4 μg m(-3), respectively. In general there was little difference between the PM concentrations at Locations 1 and 2. PM(2.5) concentrations were lower during the spring sampling campaign. These PM concentrations were similar to those in many other European cities; however, the levels of most PAHs analysed were notably higher. The mean sum PAH concentrations at Locations 1 and 2 in the winter campaign were 75.1 ± 32.7 and 32.7 ± 11.8 ng m(-3), respectively. These differences are greater than expected from the difference in traffic intensity at the two sites, suggesting that there is another significant source of PAH emissions at Location 1 in addition to the traffic. The low observed indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios indicate that PAH emissions at the locations studied arise primarily from outdoor sources. The buildings at both locations have old windows with wooden frames that are fairly permissive in terms of air circulation. VOC concentrations were mostly low and comparable to those reported from Sweden. The mean outdoor concentrations of VOC's were: 0.7 ± 0.2, 3.0 ± 0.8, 0.5 ± 0.2, 3.5 ± 0.3, and 0.2 ± 0.1 μg m(-3), for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, sum of m-, p-, o-xylenes, and naphthalene, respectively. Higher concentrations of VOCs were observed during the winter campaign, possibly due to slower dispersion, slower chemical transformations and/or the lengthy "cold start" period required by vehicles in the wintertime. A trajectory analysis showed that air masses coming from Eastern Europe carried significantly higher levels of PM(2.5) compared to masses from other regions, but the PAHs within the PM(2.5) are of local origin. It has been suggested that street dust, widely used for winter sanding activities in Eastern and Central European countries, may act not only as a source of PM, but also as source of particle-bound PAHs. Other potential sources include vehicle exhaust, domestic heating and long-range transport.     

Composition, seasonal variation, and sources of PM10 from world heritage site Taj Mahal, Agra

Air samples for PM(10) (dp?相似文献