The formation of reactive oxygen species catalyzed by neutral, aqueous extracts of NIST ambient particulate matter and diesel engine particles

It is important to characterize the chemical properties of particulate matter in order to understand how low doses, inhaled by a susceptible population, might cause human health effects. The formation of reactive oxygen species catalyzed by neutral, aqueous extracts of two ambient particulate samples, National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRM) 1648 and 1649, and two diesel particulate samples, NIST SRM 1650 and SRM 2975, were measured. The formation of reactive oxygen species was estimated by measuring the formation of malondialdehyde from 2-deoxyribose in the presence of ascorbic acid; H2O2 was not added to this assay. SRM 1649, ambient particulate matter collected from Washington, DC, generated the most malondialdehyde, while SRM 2975, diesel particulate matter collected from a forklift, yielded the least amount. Desferrioxamine inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde from the particulate samples providing additional data to support the observation that transition metals were involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species. Six transition metal sulfates (iron sulfate, copper sulfate, vanadyl sulfate, cobalt sulfate, nickel sulfate, and zinc sulfate) were assayed for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species under the same conditions used for the particulate samples in order to facilitate comparisons between particles and these transition metals. The concentration of transition metals was measured in aqueous extracts of these particulate samples using ion-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. There was qualitative agreement between the concentrations of Fe, Cu, and V and the amount of malondialdehyde produced from extracts of these particulate samples. These data suggest that transition metals can be dissolved from particles in neutral, aqueous solutions and that these metals are capable of catalyzing the formation of reactive oxygen species.     

The asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea: An indicator of trace metal pollution in the Shatt al-Arab River, Iraq

The potential of Corbicula fluminea (Müller) as an indicator for trace metal pollution was investigated. Laboratory experiments show that Corbicula has the capability to accumulate and eliminate trace metals in relation to their concentrations in ambient water. However, an effect of individual size was observed. Seasonal variations in the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in Corbicula, water and particulate matter from the upper section of the Shatt al-Arab River were studied. Sediment samples were also analysed. Metal concentrations were determined by means of flameless AAS. It was found that Corbicula is a suitable bio-indicator for monitoring of trace metal pollution. Metal concentrations in Corbicula tissues correlated better with their corresponding concentrations in particulate matter than with the dissolved form. Temporal variations in metal concentrations were attributed to several factors, including fluctuations in metal inputs, and in geochemical and hydrological characteristics of the water. The obtained levels of trace metals were comparable to those reported for control sites, with the exception of Cd, Cu and Zn whose concentrations were higher in both Corbicula and particulate matter.     

Seasonal differences and within-canopy variations of antioxidants in mature spruce (Picea abies) trees under elevated ozone in a free-air exposure system

The effect of free-air ozone fumigation and crown position on antioxidants were determined in old-growth spruce (Picea abies) trees in the seasonal course of two consecutive years (2003 and 2004). Levels of total ascorbate and its redox state in the apoplastic washing fluid (AWF) were increased under double ambient ozone concentrations (2xO3), whilst ascorbate concentrations in needle extracts were unchanged. Concentrations of apoplastic and symplastic ascorbate were significantly higher in 2003 compared to 2004 indicating a combined effect of the drought conditions in 2003 with enhanced ozone exposure. Elevated ozone had only weak effects on total glutathione levels in needle extracts, phloem exudates and xylem saps. Total and oxidised glutathione concentrations were higher in 2004 compared to 2003 and seemed to be more affected by enhanced ozone influx in the more humid year 2004 compared to the combined effect of elevated ozone and drought in 2003 as observed for ascorbate.     

2-Chlorophenol induced hydroxyl radical production in mitochondria in Carassius auratus and oxidative stress--an electron paramagnetic resonance study

In our previous study, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) evidence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Carassius auratus following 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) administration was provided. To further investigate the potential pathway of ROS production, liver mitochondria of C. auratus was isolated and incubated with 2-CP for 30 min. An EPR analysis indicated ROS was produced, and intensities of ROS increased with increasing concentrations of 2-CP. The ROS was then assigned OH by comparing with Fenton reaction. Either catalase or superoxide dismutase, extinguished OH completely in the mitochondria mixture. These facts suggested that O2(.-) and H2O2 contributed to the formation of OH in mitochondria in C. auratus stressed by 2-CP. Combining previous references and our own data, it is reasonable to suggest that 2-CP is first oxidized by H2O2 present in vivo to form phenoxyl radical under the catalytic action of cellular peroxidase (1); phenoxyl radical oxidizes mitochondria NADH to NAD in the presence of NADH (2); NAD reacts with oxygen in vivo to produce O2(.-) (3); O2(.-) is spontaneously dismutated by SOD to form H2O2 and O2, which creates a renewable supply of H2O2 as the initiators of the chain reactions until NADH is consumed (4); simultaneously with reaction (4), O2(.-) reacts with H2O2 to form OH radical via the Haber-Weiss reaction (5). A strong negative correlation (r=-0.9278, p<0.01) between glutathione (GSH) pool and OH production was observed after fish were i.p. injected with 2-CP (250 mg kg(-1)), indicating the depletion of GSH caused by OH.     

Quantitation of Hydroxyl Radicals from Photolysis of Fe(III)-Citrate Complexes in Aerobic Water (5 pp)

Background For their high photoreactivity, Fe(III)-carboxylate complexes are important sources of H2O2 for some atmospheric and surface waters. Citrate is one kind of carboxylate, which can form complexes with Fe(III). In our previous study, we have applied Fe(III)-citrate complexes to degrade and decolorize dyes in aqueous solutions both under UV light and sunlight. Results have shown that carboxylic acids can promote the photodegradation efficiency. It is indicated that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes may cause the formation of some reactive species (e. g. H2O2 and ·OH). This work is attempted to quantify hydroxyl radicals generated in the aqueous solution containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes and to interpret the photoreactivity of Fe(III)-citrate complexes for degrading organic compounds. Methods By using benzene as the scavenger to produce phenol, the photogeneration of ·OH in the aqueous solution containing Fe (III)-citrate complexes was determined by HPLC. Results and Discussion In the aqueous solution containing 60.0/30.0 mM Fe(III)/citrate and 7.0 mM benzene at pH 3.0, 96.66 mM ·OH was produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light (l ≥ 313 nm) for 160 minutes. Effects of initial pH value and concentrations of Fe(III) and citrate on ·OH radical generation were all examined. The results show that the greatest photoproduction of ·OH in the aqueous solution (pH ranged from 3.0 to 7.0) was at pH 3.0. The photoproduction of ·OH increased with increasing Fe(III) or citrate concentrations. Conclusion In the aqueous solutions containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes, ·OH radicals were produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light. It can be concluded that Fe(III)-citrate complexes are important sources of ·OH radicals for some atmospheric and surface waters. Recommendations and Outlook It is believed that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes in the presence of oxygen play an important role in producing ·OH both in atmospheric waters and surface water where high concentrations of ferric ions and citrate ions exist. The photoproduction of ·OH has a high oxidizing potential for the degradation of a wide variety of natural and anthropogenic organic and inorganic substances. We can use this method for toxic organic pollutants such as organic dyes and pesticides.     

The effect of manipulating sediment pH on the porewater chemistry of copper- and zinc-spiked sediments

Spiking of sediment with metal cations that readily hydrolyse causes the sediment pH to decrease. Displaced iron and manganese also oxidise and hydrolyse, further lowering sediment pH. The lower pH of metal-spiked sediments requires a subsequent sediment neutralisation. This research compared the pH adjustment of Cu- and Zn-spiked sediments using single and multiple additions of 1M NaOH. Sediment pH, redox potential, and porewater metal concentrations were monitored over 40 days. Depth profiles were also measured to investigate stratification. A single pH adjustment to pH 7 and 8 initially counteracted the pH change caused by metal additions, however, pH continued to decrease slowly thereafter. Multiple pH adjustments diminished porewater Cu, Zn and Fe concentrations to a greater extent than a single pH adjustment, but the ongoing oxidative precipitation of porewater metals continued to consume OH(-) ions and impede pH maintenance. Displacement of high iron(II) concentrations and the opposing rates of iron(II) oxidative precipitation and bacterially-mediated iron(II) production, affected the partitioning of the added metals between the sediment and pore water. Despite similar pH over the spiked-metal concentration gradient following pH adjustment, sediments spiked with higher metal concentrations produced lower porewater Fe concentrations, possibly due to toxicity to iron(III) oxyhydroxide reducing bacteria. Distinct stratification of redox potential and dissolved Fe and Cu developed over a depth of 6cm during the 40-day equilibration period. Recommendations are provided on methods for preparing metal-spiked sediments in which the partitioning of metals between dissolved and particulate phases better resembles that of in situ (field) metal-contaminated sediments.     

Impacts of pH and ammonia on the leaching of Cu(II) and Cd(II) from coal fly ash

Many coal-fired power plants are implementing ammonia-based technologies to reduce NO(x) emissions. Excess ammonia in the flue gas often deposits on the coal fly ash. Ammonia can form complexes with many heavy metals and change the leaching characteristics of these metals. This research tends to develop a fundamental understanding of the ammonia impact on the leaching of some heavy metals, exemplified by Cu(II) and Cd(II), under different pH conditions. Batch results indicated that the adsorption is the main mechanism controlling Cu(II) and Cd(II) leaching, and high concentrations of ammonia (>5,000 mg/l) can increase the release of Cu(II) and Cd(II) in the alkaline pH range. Based on the chemical reactions among fly ash, ammonia, and heavy metal ion, a mathematical model was developed to quantify effects of pH and ammonia on metal adsorption. The adsorption constants (logK) of Cu(2+), Cu(OH)(+), Cu(OH)(2), and Cu(NH(3))(m)(2+) for the fly ash under investigation were respectively 6.0, 7.7, 9.6, and 2.9. For Cd(II), these constants were respectively 4.3, 6.9, 8.8, and 2.6. Metal speciation calculations indicated that the formation of less adsorbable metal-ammonia complexes decreased metal adsorption, therefore enhanced metal leaching.     

Dry deposition (downward, upward) concentration study of particulates and heavy metals during daytime, nighttime period at the traffic sampling site of Sha-Lu, Taiwan

Downward, upward dry deposition fluxes and total suspended particulate of particulate heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn) were measured in daytime and nighttime period in Sha-Lu, a small city in the central Taiwan during summer period of 2003. The results showed that the total suspended particulate concentrations of particulate mass in the daytime period (averaged 996.2 g/m3) were higher than in nighttime period (averaged 560.7 g/m3). And the downward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 54.07 g/m2s) were about two times as that of upward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 26.48 g/m2s) in the daytime period. Furthermore, the average downward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 26.22 g/m2s) were also about two times as that of upward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 12.11 g/m2s) in the nighttime period. In addition, the average downward dry deposition fluxes are greater than the upward dry deposition fluxes for all the heavy metals in either daytime or nighttime period. The proposed reasons are that the wind speed and concentration difference for daytime and nighttime period lead to these results at the traffic sampling site of central Taiwan. In addition, the deposition velocity for mass, heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn) during daytime and nighttime period were also calculated. The average daytime dry deposition velocity for downward particulate mass, upward particulate mass, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn were 5.56, 2.66, 1.71, 0.18, 1.06, 0.24, 0.47 and 0.11 (cm/s), respectively. And the average nighttime dry deposition velocity for downward particulate mass, upward particulate mass, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn were 4.70, 2.11, 1.66, 0.18, 0.86, 0.23, 0.32 and 0.07 (cm/s), respectively at traffic sampling site of central Taiwan.     

The redox state and activity of superoxide dismutase classes in Arabidopsis thaliana under cadmium or copper stress

The redox state of glutathione and ascorbate as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase classes were determined in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana grown for seven days in the nutrient solution containing 0, 5 and 50 microM Cd or Cu excess. A decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio was found in plants under Cd and Cu stress. In the plants exposed to Cu stress the activity of all SOD classes increased. However, in the plants treated with Cd the activity of FeSOD and MnSOD was elevated, but CuZnSOD activity was diminished in comparison with control. In these plants the activity of SOD classes was dependent on both the GSH/GSSG and AA/DHA ratios, while in those exposed to Cu excess - on the GSH/GSSG ratio. Differences were shown in the changes both in redox state and activity of SOD classes caused by the metals differing in physiochemical properties. Moreover, relationships between changes in SOD class activities and ROS levels were discussed.     

可渗透反应复合电极法对土壤重金属的电动去除

将零价铁(Fe0)、沸石等活性材料附着在电极上形成可渗透反应层并构成可渗透反应复合电极,采用不同的复合电极对Cd2+、Ni 2+、Pb2+和Cu2+等4种阳离子型重金属污染土壤进行了电动力学修复。研究了不同可渗透反应复合电极对土壤pH的控制效果以及对重金属的去除作用,分析了迁移到复合电极中的重金属形态变化。结果表明,复合电极中添加酸、碱性沸石并适时更换,可有效中和、截留阴阳极电解产生的OH-和H+,避免或减缓土壤酸碱迁移带的形成,防止重金属离子的过早沉淀及土壤过度酸化,极大提高了重金属的去除率。复合电极中Fe0可将迁移进来的重金属离子进行还原稳定,实现重金属污染物的捕获与固定,与迁移到沸石复合电极中的4种重金属不稳定态相比,"Fe0+沸石"复合电极中重金属不稳定态分别下降了61.4、60.5、61.4、57.1百分点。结果还显示,阴极采用"Fe0+沸石"复合电极并适时进行更换,施加1.5V/cm的直流电压修复10d后,土壤中Cd、Ni、Pb、Cu的总去除率分别为44.5%、41.5%、33.5%和36.7%,且进一步延长修复时间和持续更换电极可获得更为理想的修复效果。     

Trace metal behaviour in the Conwy estuary,North Wales

The distribution of trace metals Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr between suspended particulate matter (SPM) and water in the Conwy estuary, North Wales, has been studied in three surveys in 1998. Dissolved Cu and Mn showed some monthly variations. Most of the dissolved trace metals displayed a negative association with salinity, indicating rivers as a major source of inputs for them. Particulate Zn, Mn and Fe showed a decreasing concentration seaward, whilst the levels of Ni, Cu, Cr and Pb increased with salinity. SPM concentration was the most important variable significantly related to trace metal concentrations in SPM, with an inverse relationship between the two parameters. This was explained by the relative enrichment of trace metals in fine particles at low SPM concentrations and relative depletion of trace metals in coarse particles at high SPM concentrations. Particulate Zn, Mn and Pb were dominated by the fraction available to acetic acid (non-detrital), whilst particulate Ni, Fe and Cr were dominated by the fraction available to nitric acid (detrital). The partition coefficient of trace metals between SPM and water declined with increasing SPM concentration, consistent with the so-called "particle concentration effect". Such a phenomenon may be explained by the presence of fine particles (including colloids) enriched with trace metals at low SPM concentrations, and the salinity-induced desorption.     

Mineralisation of Monuron photoinduced by Fe(III) in aqueous solution

The degradation of Monuron (3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) photoinduced by Fe(III) in aqueous solution has been investigated. The rate of degradation depends on the concentration of Fe(OH)2+, the most photoreactive species in terms of *OH radical formation. These *OH radicals are able to degrade Monuron until total mineralisation. The primordial role of the speciation of Fe(III)-hydroxy complex in aqueous solution, for the efficiency of the elimination of pollutant, was shown and explained in detail. The formation of Fe(II) in the irradiated solution was monitored and correlated with the total organic carbon evolution. Degradation photoproducts were identified and a mechanism of degradation is proposed.     

Challenges with tracing the fate and speciation of mine-derived metals in turbid river systems: implications for bioavailability

The fast-flowing and highly turbid Lagaip River (0.5–10 g/L suspended solids) in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea receives mine-derived metal inputs in both dissolved and particulate forms. Nearest the mine, metal concentrations in suspended solids were 360, 9, 90, 740 and 1,300 mg/kg for As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, while dissolved concentrations were 2.7, 0.6, 3.1, 0.1 and 25 μg/L, respectively. This creates a significant metal exposure source for organisms nearer the mine. However, because the Lagaip River is diluted by a large number of tributaries, the extent to which mine-derived metals may affect biota in the lower catchments is uncertain. To improve our understanding of the forms of potentially bioavailable metals entering the lower river system, we studied the partitioning and speciation of metals within the Lagaip River system. Dissolved and particulate metal concentrations decreased rapidly downstream of the mine due to dilution from tributaries. As a portion of the particulate metal concentrations, the more labile dilute acid-extractable forms typically comprised 10–30 % for As and Pb, 50–75 % for Cu and Zn, and 50–100 % for Cd. Only dissolved Cd, Cu and Zn remained elevated relative to the non-mine-impacted tributaries (<0.03, 0.5 and 0.3 μg/L), but the concentrations did not appreciably change with increasing dilution downriver. This indicated that release of Cd, Cu and Zn was likely occurring from the more labile metal phases of the mine-derived particulates. Chelex-labile metal analyses and speciation modelling indicated that dissolved copper and lead were largely non-labile and likely complexed by naturally occurring organic ligands, while dissolved cadmium and zinc were predominantly present in labile forms. The study confirmed that mine-derived particulates may represent a significant source of dissolved metals in the lower river system; however, comparison with water quality guidelines indicates the low concentrations would not adversely affect aquatic life.     

Response of cellular antioxidants to ozone in wheat flag leaves at different stages of plant development

The effect of ozone (O3) on growth, yield and foliar antioxidants of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Turbo) was investigated in 1990 and 1991 in Braunschweig, Germany. Plants were grown full-season in pots in open-top chambers ventilated with charcoal-filtered (CF) air to which one or two levels of O3 were added. Mean 8 h day(-1) (10.00-18.00 h) O3 concentrations in the CF and CF + O3 treatments were 5.9, 61.2 and 92.5 nl litre(-1) in 1990, and 4.7 and 86.4 nl litre(-1) in 1991. Plants that received the high O3 level showed symptoms of premature senescence of the oldest leaves and yield reductions in both growing seasons. The contents of ascorbate and glutathione and the enzyme activities of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase were measured in symptomless flag leaves in weekly intervals before and after the beginning of anthesis. Leaf age had a significant effect on all antioxidants investigated. The O3 exposures of about 90 nl litre(-1) increased the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and the concentration of glutathione, but there were no pollutant effects on ascorbate content and glutathione reductase activity. Measurements of the antioxidant levels throughout one day showed no clear indications of diurnal changes in the antioxidative capacity in wheat flag leaves. The results are discussed in relation to the role of antioxidants in O3 detoxification.     

Phytotoxicity of short-term exposure to excess zinc or copper in Scots pine seedlings in relation to growth,water status,nutrient balance,and antioxidative activity

The toxic effects of heavy metals pose a significant threat to the productivity and stability of forest ecosystems. Changes in the agrochemical properties of polluted forest soils due to global climate changes can increase the bioavailability of previously immobilized heavy metals. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of short-term shock exposure to ZnSO₄ (50, 150, 300 μM) or CuSO₄ (2.5, 5, 10 μM) in hydroculture on 4- to 6-week-old seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) with well-developed root systems. The effects of the excess heavy metals on mineral nutrients and the functioning of low-molecular-weight antioxidants and glutathione in protecting plants from oxidative damage were studied. Even short-term exposure to exogenous metals led to their rapid accumulation in the root system and their subsequent transport to aboveground organs. An increase in the 4-hydroxyalkenals content in seedling needles exposed to excess Cu led to an increase in the content of proanthocyanidins and catechins, which act as scavengers of reactive oxygen species. The impact of both metals led to the rapid development of mineral nutrient imbalances in the seedlings, which were most pronounced in the presence of excess Zn. Exposure to excess Zn led to a disruption in the translocation of Fe and a decrease in the Fe content in the needles. The most dramatic consequence of Zn exposure was the development of Mn deficiency in the roots, which was the likely cause of the inhibition of phenolic compound synthesis. A deficiency in phenolic compounds can have serious environmental consequences for pine populations that are at risk of contamination by Zn and Cu salts.

     

Distribution and coassociations of trace elements in soft tissue and byssus of Mytilus galloprovincialis relative to the surrounding seawater and suspended matter of the southern part of the Korean Peninsula

The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Ti and Zn were analyzed by AAS, ICP MS and AFS in soft tissues and byssal threads of Mytilus galloprovincialis from Masan Bay and Ulsan Bay, Korea. Spatial variations in metal concentrations were found. The levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Co and Mn were very high in the mussels from Ulsan Bay (Sts. U1, U2) and comparable with elevated concentrations of these elements in Mytilus sp. reported to date for other geographical areas. Seasonal differences in some metal concentrations were also observed. These variations may be caused by factors such as: a large difference in seawater temperature, food supply for the mussel population and/or freshwater runoff of particulate metal to the coastal water and weight changes brought about by gonadal development and the release of sexual products. Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Fe and Mn were more enriched in byssal threads than in the soft tissues, hence the byssus seems to be more sensitive in reflecting the availabilities of trace metals in the ambient waters. Concentrations of trace metals varied with respect to the size of mussels and season, depending on many factors like sexual development, and seawater temperature, etc. The levels of some trace metals in seawater, especially in suspended matter were correlated significantly with those in soft tissues and byssal threads. There were spatial variations in metal concentrations in the soft tissue and byssus attributed to different sources of trace elements located near the sampling sites. There were significant relationships between concentrations of some metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in mussel soft tissues and byssal threads and suspended matter. This suggests that M. galloprovincialis can be used as a sensitive biomonitor for the availabilities of trace elements in the coastal waters off Korea.     

The Steubenville Comprehensive Air Monitoring Program (SCAMP): concentrations and solubilities of PM(2.5) trace elements and their implications for source apportionment and health research

The elemental compositions of the water-soluble and acid-digestible fractions of 24-hr integrated fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) samples collected in Steubenville, OH, from 2000 to 2002 were determined using dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The water-soluble elemental compositions of PM(2.5) samples collected at four satellite monitoring sites in the surrounding region were also determined. Fe was the most abundant but least water soluble of the elements determined at the Steubenville site, having a mean ambient concentration of 272 ng/m3 and a median fractional solubility of 6%. Fe solubility and its correlations with SO4(2-) and temperature varied significantly by season, consistent with the hypothesis that secondary sulfates may help to mobilize soluble Fe under suitable summertime photochemical conditions. Significantly higher ambient concentrations were observed at Steubenville than at each of the four satellite sites for 10 of the 18 elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, and Zn) determined in the water-soluble PM(2.5) fraction. Concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Zn at Steubenville were substantially higher than concentrations reported recently for larger U.S. cities. Receptor modeling identified seven sources affecting the Steubenville site. An (NH4)2SO4-dominated source, likely representing secondary PM(2.5) from coal-fired plants to the west and southwest of Steubenville, accounted for 42% of the PM(2.5) mass, and two sources likely dominated by emissions from motor vehicles and from iron and steel facilities in the immediate Steubenville vicinity accounted for 20% and 10%, respectively. Other sources included an NH4NO3 source (15%), a crustal source (6%), a mixed nonferrous metals and industrial source (3%), and a primary coal combustion source (3%). Results suggest the importance of very different regional and local source mechanisms in contributing to PM(2.5) mass at Steubenville and reinforce the need for further research to elucidate whether metals such as Fe, Mn, and Zn play a role in the PM(2.5) health effects observed previously there.     

The study of fine and coarse particles, and metallic elements for the daytime and night-time in a suburban area of central Taiwan, Taichung

Daily average concentrations of fine and coarse particulates, and TSP samples have been measured simultaneously at daytime and night-time periods by using Universal and PS-1 sampler in a suburban area of central Taiwan from June to August 1998. The samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry to determine the fine and coarse particulate concentrations of metallic elements (Ca, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr). The concentration of PM2.5 and TSP showed a decreased trend for the daytime period. The fine particle concentrations were about two times as that of coarse particulate concentrations. The averaged fine particulate concentrations at daytime are higher than at night-time. Ca and Fe were mostly in the coarse particulate mode. The correlation coefficients were 0.63 and 0.69 for elements Ca and Fe in the coarse particle mode for day and night periods. Pb showed a similar distribution ratio with Mn for the fine to coarse particle ratios at both day and night period. Pb and Mn are highly correlated for the day (R = 0.78) and night period (R = 0.61) at particle size <2.5 microm. Cu and Zn were mainly in fine particles at both day and night period. Fe and Ca consist of the major parts of all the elements. Elemental Mn is the lowest among the rest of the heavy metals.     

Spatial and seasonal variation of major and trace elements in settling particulate matter in an estuarine-like archipelago area in the Northern Baltic proper

This study describes the spatial and the seasonal variation of flux and concentration of 11 metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn), organic matter and C and N in settling particulate matter collected with sediment traps during seven interconnective, continuous periods totalling 15 months. Ten sediment traps were placed out along the metropolis-affected fresh water outflow of Lake M?laren, out through a non-tidal estuarine-like region with a low salt content, through the Stockholm archipelago to the Baltic. The metal concentrations of the particles were analysed with AAS using the flame technique and the amounts of C and N were determined with elemental analysis (CHN). The flux of particulate matter and of all metals decreased rapidly outwards in a gradient from the innermost stations. The distribution and composition of the particles were dominated by variations in the runoff from Lake M?laren and by the seasonal dependence on primary production. However, they were also influenced locally by the supply of nutrients via water treatment plant effluents and probably by the special sedimentation conditions in the mixing zones and by resuspension. The concentrations of Cu, Hg, Pb and Cd in the interior of the area under investigation were the most elevated of the elements and decreased markedly further out in the archipelago, indicating local anthropogenic input. Zn, Cr and Fe also showed signs of supply from the urbanized environment. The flux of most of the metals studied displayed both spatial and seasonal correlation with the weight (TPM) of the material, whereas seasonal variation of Cd was correlated to its volume (TPV) and concentration of organic matter (POM, PC and PN).     

Distribution of elements in needles of Pinus massoniana (Lamb.) was uneven and affected by needle age

Macronutrients (P, S, K, Na, Mg, Ca), heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd) and Al concentrations as well as values of Ca/Al in the tip, middle, base sections and sheaths of current year and previous year needles of Pinus massoniana from Xiqiao Mountain were analyzed and the distribution patterns of those elements were compared. The results indicated that many elements were unevenly distributed among the different components of needles. Possible deficiency of P, K, Ca, Mn and Al toxicity occurred in needles under air pollution. Heavy metals may threaten the health of Masson pine. Needle sheaths were good places to look for particulate pollutants, in this case including Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd and Al.