Pollution of water in Africa: a review of contaminants and fish as biomonitors and analytical methodologies—the case of Senegal

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Environmental pollution is one of the major problems facing human health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This is particularly the case for water...     

Identification and assessment of ship emissions and their effects in the harbour of Göteborg,Sweden

The effect of ship emissions in the urban environment of Göteborg has been studied by multivariate analysis. The simultaneous measurements of relevant gases and sub-micron particles make identification of ship plumes possible. Increased concentrations of these species due to ship emissions are quantified for ships entering the inner part of the harbour. Annual depositions of SO₂ and NO₂ are estimated to be 220 and 115 kg km⁻² yr⁻¹, respectively. Exposure of transient particles (less than 0.1 μm in diameter) to this part of the harbour increased by a factor of 3 in number concentration when a ship plume was recorded. Ni, Pb, V and Zn are shown to have positive correlation with NO emissions from ships.     

Comparison of line– and point–source releases of tracer gases

Field measurements were made of greenhouse gas emissions from a wastewater treatment system using open path monitoring with detection by FTIR spectroscopy. Emission rates were determined by the ratio technique using a sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas released from a line source. As a quality control check, a second tracer gas – ethylene – was released from various single point locations. This paper presents a comparison of the line-source and point-source tracer releases for approximating emissions from the area source. The two types of tracer release showed excellent agreement when both release points were two hundred meters from the FTIR beam path. Data for other release points also were comparable, once differences in vertical dispersion as a function of distance are taken into account.     

Determination and evaluation of cadmium, lead and nickel in greenhouse soils of Almería (Spain)

This study determines total levels of three (Cd, Pb and Ni) potentially toxic trace elements in western Almería (Spain) greenhouse surface soil horizons using microwave digestion; it establishes the geochemical baseline concentration, and it investigates possible relationships between soil properties and elemental concentrations. The results show that the soil concentration of these heavy metals is lower than mentioned in the European and Spanish normative, but they are higher than those reported by other authors working on agricultural soils. The obtained geochemical baseline concentrations (mg kg(-1)) were: Cd 0.4-0.8, Pb 2.5-89.9 and Ni 16.1-30.7. Using the upper baseline criterion, 88% of greenhouse soils have relatively higher content of heavy metals because of their Cd, Pb and Ni concentration. Moreover, soil properties are related to heavy metals contents suggesting that among Cd, Pb and Ni have a similar origin and those total metal concentrations are controlled primarily by soil compositions.     

Concentrations of heavy metal and radioactivity in surface water and sediment of Hazar Lake (Elaziğ, Turkey)

Concentration of heavy metals and natural gross radioactivity were measured in the surface water and sediment of Hazar Lake (Elazi?, Turkey). Eight sampling sites were pre-defined in different locations of the lake. A preliminary study on heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Co and Pb), major elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations and natural radioactivity related to 226Ra, gross-alpha and gross-beta radiations in the surface water and deep sediments were determined. The obtained results showed that, in general, the heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu and Pb) and major elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations in water did not exceed WHO (World Health Organization, 1999), EC (Europe Community, 1998), EPA (Environment Protection Agency, 2002) and TSE-266 (Turkish Standard, 1997) guidelines. Generally, heavy metals and major elements concentration of the sediments were found decrease in sequence of Fe>Mg>Ca>Mn>Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Co>Pb. The results of this study indicated that a general absence of serious pollution in the Hazar Lake. The results obtained from the radioactivity determination indicate that the surface water radioactivity concentration of 226Ra, gross-alpha and gross-beta were ranging from 0.52+/-0.02 to 2.02+/-0.06 Bq/l and from 0.65+/-0.03 to 2.52+/-0.07 Bq/l and from 0.01+/-0.01 to 0.14+/-0.01 Bq/l, respectively. Deep sediment radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra is ranging from 0.07+/-0.03 to 0.32+/-0.07 Bq/g.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of the natural and healthy spinosad-based formulation Tracer™ on tadpoles of two neotropical species

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This paper presents the first acute toxicity data of the natural insecticide spinosad in amphibians. The sensitivity of two neotropical sympatric...     

Sources and concentrations of gaseous and particulate reduced nitrogen in the city of Münster (Germany)

Atmospheric ammonia mixing ratios and the main inorganic ions NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ of size-resolved particles in the range from 0.05 to 10 μm were measured at an urban site in Münster, Germany. High mixing ratios of ammonia with a median of 5.2 ppb and a maximum of 50 ppb were detected. The mass fraction of submicron particles was much higher during the day than at night. At night, a greater particle mass and an increased presence of particulate nitrate was measured. Recurring patterns of particle distribution were distinguished and their characteristics analysed. In half of the measurements, the accumulation mode was clearly dominating, which is an indication of aged aerosol. In some measurements, higher concentrations of fine particles were found indicating particle formation. In these cases, a smaller particle mass and about four times greater ratios of ammonia versus ammonium concentrations were observed. These data show that ammonia contributes considerably to the formation of secondary particulate material.     

Environmental hazard — Assessment of chemicals and products

Part III: The Limits to Single Compound Assessment The principles and basic assumptions of single compound assessment are briefly reviewed. Limitations to this approach are shown, especially with regard to complex mixtures of similar substances, substitution products, and complicated (final) products containing chemicals and materials produced by the chemical industry. A new thinking in product lines and life cycles is emerging, leading to new assessment methods. In some cases, substitution has not improved the environmental performance of products, since very similar chemicals were used as substitutes.     

Development of food-grade antimicrobials of fenugreek oil nanoemulsion—bioactivity and toxicity analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Antimicrobials of natural origin are proving to be an effective solution to emerging antimicrobial resistance and its physiological side effects....     

The photochemical formation and gas–particle partitioning of oxidation products of decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane and decamethyl tetrasiloxane in the atmosphere

Decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane (D₅) and decamethyl tetrasiloxane (MD₂M) were injected into a smog chamber containing fine Arizona road dust particles (95% surface area <2.6 μM) and an urban smog atmosphere in the daytime. A photochemical reaction – gas–particle partitioning reaction scheme, was implemented to simulate the formation and gas–particle partitioning of hydroxyl oxidation products of D₅ and MD₂M. This scheme incorporated the reactions of D₅ and MD₂M into an existing urban smog chemical mechanism carbon bond IV and partitioned the products between gas and particle phase by treating gas–particle partitioning as a kinetic process and specifying an uptake and off-gassing rate. A photochemical model PKSS was used to simulate this set of reactions. A Langmuirian partitioning model was used to convert the measured and estimated mass-based partitioning coefficients (K_P) to a molar or volume-based form. The model simulations indicated that >99% of all product silanol formed in the gas-phase partition immediately to particle phase and the experimental data agreed with model predictions. One product, D₄TOH was observed and confirmed for the D₅ reaction and this system was modeled successfully. Experimental data was inadequate for MD₂M reaction products and it is likely that more than one product formed. The model set up a framework into which more reaction and partitioning steps can be easily added.     

Chemistry of fog waters in California's Central Valley—Part 3: concentrations and speciation of organic and inorganic nitrogen

Although organic nitrogen (ON) has been found to be a ubiquitous and significant component in wet and dry deposition, almost nothing is known about its concentration or composition in fog waters. To address this gap, we have investigated the concentration and composition of ON in fog waters collected in Davis, in California's Central Valley. Significant quantities of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) were found in these samples, with a median concentration of 303 μM N (range=120–1630 μM N). DON typically represented approximately 16% of the total dissolved nitrogen (inorganic+organic) in Davis fog waters. The median concentration of nitrogen in free amino acids and alkyl amines was 16 μM N (range=3.8–120 μM N), which accounted for 3.4% of the DON in Davis fogs. Thus, although the absolute concentrations of free amino compounds were significant, they were only a minor component of the DON pool. Combined amino nitrogen (e.g., proteins and peptides) was present at higher concentrations and accounted for 6.1–29% (median=16%) of DON. Overall, free and combined amino compounds typically accounted for a median value of 22% of DON in the fog waters.The high concentrations of DON found, and the fact that amino and other N-containing organic compounds can serve as nitrogen sources for microorganisms and plants, indicate that atmospheric ON compounds likely play an important role in nitrogen cycling in the Central Valley. In addition, due to the basicity of some N functional groups, ON compounds likely contribute to the previously observed acid buffering capacity of Central Valley fog waters. Finally, a comparison of fog waters with fine particles (PM_2.5) collected from the same site during the same period of time indicated that the median concentrations (mol N m⁻³-air) of total water-soluble ON, free amino nitrogen and total amino nitrogen were very similar in the fog water and PM_2.5. Given the high water solubility of many organic N compounds, this result suggests that ON might contribute to the hygroscopic properties of atmospheric particles.     

Use of 2–methoxyethyl ether and nitromethane as oxygenated additives for performance improvement and emission reduction of CI engine: experimental investigation and numerical simulation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Diesel engines are playing a vital responsibility in the field of automobile, agriculture, construction, and power generation. In the present world,...     

Effectiveness of UV/SO32− advanced reduction process for degradation and mineralization of trichlorfon pesticide in water: identification of intermediates and toxicity assessment

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study aimed to investigate the degradability, mineralization, proposed decomposition pathway, intermediate products, and toxicity of effluent...     

Rapid photodegradation and detection of zolpidem over β-SnWO4 and α-SnWO4 nanoparticles: optimization and mechanism

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - We reported the tin (II) tungstate nanoparticles as the photocatalyst and sensor modifier that were synthesized via chemical precipitation reaction...     

Effect thresholds and ‘Adequate Control’ of risks

BACKGROUND: Preparation of the new European REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemicals) regulation on chemicals has reached a critical stage. Depending on how key elements of the legislative proposal are finalised, especially that on authorisation of uses of 'substances of very high concern', REACH could either provide an effective measure to drive innovation towards cleaner and safer alternatives, or instead lead to further avoidable chemical exposures on the basis of demonstrated 'adequate control' of risks. Given that some key indicators of human and wildlife reproductive health continue to decline in parts of Europe, while evidence for chemical exposure as a contributory factor grows, it will clearly be vital to get the legislation right. GOAL AND SCOPE: Whereas there is now a consensus between the European Parliament and Council of the European Union that uses of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances should only be permitted when no safer alternatives are available, major differences remain regarding the manner in which other 'substances of very high concern' (including substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMRs) and endocrine disruptors) are addressed. This paper examines those differences in more detail and proposes some ways forward. METHODS: Using case studies of specific chemicals as examples, the paper critically evaluates the concepts of 'effect thresholds' and 'adequate control' of risks, which underpin the Council's proposal for many CMRs and endocrine disruptors. RESULTS: The subjectivity and uncertainties inherent in the threshold approach proposed by the Council, as illustrated by these case examples, bring its ability to ensure a high level of protection for the environment and human health into question: i. the nature and extent of toxic effects recorded depend on many different factors, including the type of test and conditions selected, the organisms exposed, the timing of exposure and precisely which effects are measured and over what timeframe. ii. doses considerably below 'no effect levels' for survival could nevertheless be causing significant impairment to health and/or reproductive success. iii. chemicals present in mixtures at levels below established thresholds for effects may, in combination, induce significant toxicological responses. DISCUSSION: Under the Council's current proposal, companies will be granted authorisations for some uses of CMRs and endocrine disruptors, even if safer alternatives without these properties are already on the market. The high level of evidence required for identification of substances as being of equivalent concern represents an additional weakness in the Council approach. CONCLUSIONS: Instead, a requirement (along the lines of the Parliament's proposals) to address the availability of alternatives in all cases, to use them when available and to initiate their development when not, represents a more robust, defensible and protective approach to the management of 'substances of very high concern'. The possibility for authorisation of essential uses would remain, while all avoidable uses and exposures would progressively be prevented and sustainable innovation supported. PERSPECTIVES: In the long run, this can only lead to a more sustainable future for the chemical industry in Europe, as well as delivering benefits of increased protection for our environment and health for generations to come.     

Magnetic photocatalysts from δ-FeOOH and TiO2 and application in reactions for degradation of methylene blue and paracetamol with UV-C and sunlight

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Water contamination is a common problem, especially considering dyes and drugs disposal. A possible and effective treatment method to remove these...     

Physico-chemical characteristics of pulverized coals and their interrelations—a spontaneous combustion and explosion perspective

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Characteristics of pulverized coals have significant influence on the spontaneous combustion and explosion processes. This paper presents an...     

Geochemical and Pb isotopic evidence for sources and dispersal of metal contamination in stream sediments from the mining and smelting district of Príbram, Czech Republic

Stream sediments from the mining and smelting district of Príbram, Czech Republic, were studied to determine the degree, sources and dispersal of metal contamination using a combination of bulk metal and mineralogical determinations, sequential extractions and Pb isotopic analyses. The highest metal concentrations were found 3-4 km downstream from the main polymetallic mining site (9800 mg Pb kg(-1), 26 039 mg Zn kg(-1), 316.4 mg Cd kg(-1), 256.9 mg Cu kg(-1)). The calculated enrichment factors (EFs) confirmed the extreme degree of contamination by Pb, Zn and Cd (EF>40). Lead, Zn and Cd are bound mainly to Fe oxides and hydroxides. In the most contaminated samples Pb is also present as Pb carbonates and litharge (PbO). Lead isotopic analysis indicates that the predominant source of stream sediment contamination is historic Pb-Ag mining and primary Pb smelting (206Pb/207Pb=1.16), while the role of secondary smelting (car battery processing) is negligible.     

Concentrations of phthalate esters and identification of other additives in PVC children’s toys

This study was intended to provide data on the composition of soft PVC toys, addressing the widest practicable range of chemical additives and including non-phthalate additives. The study also included toys from as many countries as possible, since for many, no data were available. A total of 72 toys were purchased in 17 countries. The majority (64) were PVC or had PVC sections. In almost all the soft PVC toys analysed, phthalates comprised a sizeable proportion (most frequently 10–40%) of the total weight of the toy. The predominant phthalates detected were diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Other phthalates identified in high concentrations in some toys include isomeric mixes of diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP). The estrogenic chemical nonylphenol was isolated from 13 toys, while 2 toys were found to contain the fungicide Fungitrol 11 (Folpet). 78% of PVC toys contained one or more extractable organic compounds in addition to those reported above. Some of these data have been released previously by Greenpeace and made available on the internet.This report, however, which is intended for a technically expert audience, has been peer reviewed and contains further analytical data that have not been published before.     

What determines the success and failure of environmental crowdfunding?

Online crowdfunding can help address the perennial financial shortfalls in environmental conservation and management. Although many online crowdfunding campaigns fail to collect any funds due to not achieving their targets, little is known about what drives success. To address this knowledge gap, we applied a mixed-methods approach to data from 473 successful and failed campaigns hosted on the online crowdfunding platform Readyfor. We found that fundraising performance varied by topic, with campaigns on pet animal management outperforming those focussed on landscape management and sustainable use. We also found that marketing strategies associated with online findability and increased reach through social networks, increased fundraising success. However, the existence of other environmental campaigns running simultaneously, reduced the chance of success, which implies that the selecting popular topics does not always increase the likelihood of success due to increased competition. Wider applications of marketing could enhance the ability of environmental crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-021-01522-0.