Monitoring H2S air pollution caused by the industrial exploitation of geothermal energy: The pitfall of using lichens as bioindicators

This study showed that NH₃ emitted from geothermal power plants affects the surrounding epiphytic lichen vegetation and diversity, confounding the interpretation of lichen diversity counts in terms of air pollution by H₂S. The presence of nitrophytic lichen species around geothermal installations, determined by NH₃, caused relatively high diversity values that were not related with the levels of air pollution by H₂S. It is recommended that in the presence of NH₃ emission, nitrophytic species are excluded from the calculation of lichen diversity values.     

贫营养条件下2种MBR污泥微生物的菌群对比

为了揭示贫营养环境下MBR污泥微生物群落结构的演替和菌群变化的异同,取洗浴再生水、工业再生水MBR的污泥进行周期培养,利用PCR-DGGE和克隆测序技术获得了DNA指纹图谱并建立系统发育树。研究表明,微生物群落结构在贫营养条件下演替明显,洗浴水污泥微生物形成新的优势菌群(Uncultured Pseudomonas)而工业水只维持了原有的部分菌群(Uncultured Sphaerotilus)。2种污泥培养过程中种群多样性变化突出且差异显著。同时洗浴水污泥菌群相似性在培养第8天时发生突变而工业水总体变化平缓。克隆测序表明2种MBR污泥中既有与贫营养环境适生的共性种属又有与各自来源相对应的特性种属。菌群特异性与废水来源紧密相关,是造成2种污泥对贫营养环境适应能力不同的根本原因。     

Survey of organotin compounds in rivers and coastal environments in Portugal 1999-2000

In the period from April 1999 to May 2000, organotin pollution, namely butyl and phenyltins, was investigated in coastal and continental waters (46 stations), estuarine sediments (15 stations) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) (13 stations) throughout Portugal. Sampling points were chosen in areas of specific industrial, agricultural and harbor activities. Butyltins (BTs) were the only tin species identified of which tributyltin (TBT) was found in the whole area. Concentrations of TBT in river water ranged from 3 to 30 ng L(-1) (as Sn), marine sediment ranged from 4 to 12 microg kg(-1) (as Sn), whereas concentrations in mussel tissue ranged from 2.5 to 490 microg kg(-1) (as Sn). Given that some water samples appeared to be contaminated by higher monobutyltin (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) concentrations, the role of biological degradation and direct inputs from agricultural and industrial applications areas are discussed. The study compares depleted butyltin pollution in sediments and mussels of the Portuguese coastline associated with antifouling paints with previously reported levels. Inputs in river waters are more related to (i) PVC leaching and (ii) industrial sources, in some cases discharged by municipal wastewaters.     

Concentrations of volatile organic compounds in an industrial area of Korea

We measured and analyzed daily mean concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) at Ulsan industrial and downtown sites from 3 to 8 June 1997. The industrial site is situated at the boundary of a petrochemical complex and the other is at downtown area in Ulsan. At each site, we collected ambient air samples in passivated stainless-steel containers by using constant flow samplers and analyzed them by a GC-FID. At Ulsan industrial site, the concentrations and their daily variations of total VOC were higher than those at the downtown site. The concentrations of oxygenated hydrocarbons were the highest among seven hydrocarbon groups at both sites. The fraction of C₂–C₅ light hydrocarbon concentrations to C₂–C₉ hydrocarbons at Ulsan industrial site was higher than that in other industrial areas. It suggests that fugitive emissions of light hydrocarbons in Ulsan industrial areas might be higher than those of other industrial areas. Under favorable wind conditions, the influence of industrial emissions of VOC on the downtown hydrocarbon levels was observed.     

A modelling approach to determine the origin of urban ground water

A simple modelling approach was developed to link patterns of urban land-use with ground water flow and chemistry in three dimensions and was applied to characterize the origin of recharge in the aquifer beneath the old industrial city of Nottingham, UK. The approach involved dividing land uses into types, and times into periods, and assigning the recharge from each an individual tracer-solute with a unit concentration. The computer code MT3DMS was used to track the multiple tracer-solutes in transient, three-dimensional simulations of the important urban aquifer. A depth-specific hydrochemical dataset collected in parallel supported the model predictions. At depth under the industrial area studied, a large component of ground water originated of older agricultural origin, with relatively low nitrate concentrations. Shallower ground water originated mainly from residential and industrial areas, with higher nitrate concentrations probably arising from leaking sewers and contaminated land. The results highlighted the spectrum of ground water from different origins that amalgamate even at short well screens in a non-pumped borehole and remind us that the non-point-source pollution of ground water from anthropogenic activities will involve more years of slow degradation of quality.     

Groundwater pollution source apportionment using principal component analysis in a multiple land-use area in southwestern China

Identification of different pollution sources in groundwater is challenging, especially in areas with diverse land uses and receiving multiple inputs. In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) was combined with geographic information system (GIS) to explore the spatial and temporal variation of groundwater quality and to identify the sources of pollution and main factors governing the quality of groundwater in a multiple land-use area in southwestern China. Groundwater samples collected from 26 wells in 2012 and 38 wells in 2018 were analyzed for 13 water quality parameters. The PCA results showed that the hydro-geochemical process was the predominant factor determining groundwater quality, followed by agricultural activities, domestic sewage discharges, and industrial sewage discharges. Agriculture expansion from 2012 to 2018 resulted in increased apportionment of agricultural pollution. In contrast, economic restructure and infrastructure improvement reduced the contributions of domestic sewage and industrial pollution. Anthropogenic activities were found the major causes of elevated nitrogen concentrations (NO₃^?, NO₂^?, NH₄⁺) in groundwater, highlighting the necessity of controlling N sources through effective fertilizer managements in agricultural areas and reducing sewage discharges in urban areas. The applications of GIS and PCA successfully identified the sources of pollutants and major factors driving the variations of groundwater quality in tested years.

     

Impact of neighbourhood land-cover in epiphytic lichen diversity: analysis of multiple factors working at different spatial scales

The objective of this work was to determine the impact of neighbourhood land-cover in epiphytic lichen diversity. We used geostatistics to analyse the spatial structure of lichen-indicators (number of lichen species and Lichen Diversity Value) and correlate them to land-cover considering different distances from the observed data. The results showed that lichen diversity was influenced by different environmental factors that act in the same territory but impact lichens at different distances from the source. The differences in the distance of influence of the several land-cover types seem to be related to the size of pollutants/particles that predominantly are dispersed by each land-cover type. We also showed that a local scale of analysis gives a deeper insight into the understanding of lichen richness and abundance in the region. This work highlighted the importance of a multiple spatial scale of analysis to deeply interpret the relation between lichen diversity and the underling environmental factors.     

Historical alteration in the nitrogen concentration and N natural abundance of mosses in Germany: Indication for regionally varying changes in atmospheric nitrogen deposition within the last 140 years

Historical alterations of nitrogen deposition in the western part of Germany were investigated by comparing nitrogen concentrations and ¹⁵N natural abundance of historical and recent samples of the two pleurocarpous mosses Pleurozium schreberi and Scleropodium purum. Pooling of the data revealed only slight tissue N increases over the past 140 years which were significant nevertheless. At closer examination on the single site level historical increases of N concentrations were found particularly for some sites in regions where agricultural activities were considerably intensified during the second half of the 20th century. The comparison of δ¹⁵N values showed a strong depletion of ¹⁵N natural abundance in areas currently heavily influenced by livestock management. This indicates an increased impact of NH_y compounds. However, the almost unchanged δ¹⁵N values in some low mountain range areas with only moderate intensification of agriculture point to a more or less constant ratio of NH_y/NO_x input over time. Significant correlations of both tissue N concentrations and ¹⁵N natural abundance between the two species justify the assumption that they use the same nitrogen source, probably atmospheric deposition.     

Shrines in Central Italy conserve plant diversity and large trees

Sacred natural sites (SNS) are instances of biocultural landscapes protected for spiritual motives. These sites frequently host important biological values in areas of Asia and Africa, where traditional resource management is still upheld by local communities. In contrast, the biodiversity value of SNS has hardly been quantitatively tested in Western contexts, where customs and traditions have relatively lost importance due to modernization and secularization. To assess whether SNS in Western contexts retain value for biodiversity, we studied plant species composition at 30 SNS in Central Italy and compared them with a paired set of similar but not sacred reference sites. We demonstrate that SNS are important for conserving stands of large trees and habitat heterogeneity across different land-cover types. Further, SNS harbor higher plant species richness and a more valuable plant species pool, and significantly contribute to diversity at the landscape scale. We suggest that these patterns are related not only to pre-existent features, but also to traditional management. Conservation of SNS should take into account these specificities, and their cultural as well as biological values, by supporting the continuation of traditional management practices.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13280-015-0738-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Atmospheric deposition inputs and effects on lichen chemistry and indicator species in the Columbia River Gorge, USA

Topographic and meteorological conditions make the Columbia River Gorge (CRG) an 'exhaust pipe' for air pollutants generated by the Portland-Vancouver metropolis and Columbia Basin. We sampled fog, bulk precipitation, throughfall, airborne particulates, lichen thalli, and nitrophytic lichen distribution. Throughfall N and S deposition were high, 11.5-25.4 and 3.4-6.7 kg ha(-1) over 4.5 months at all 9 and 4/9 sites, respectively. Deposition and lichen thallus N were highest at eastern- and western-most sites, implicating both agricultural and urban sources. Fog and precipitation pH were frequently as low as 3.7-5.0. Peak NO(x), NH(3), and SO(2) concentrations in the eastern CRG were low, suggesting enhanced N and S inputs were largely from particulate deposition. Lichens indicating nitrogen-enriched environments were abundant and lichen N and S concentrations were 2x higher in the CRG than surrounding national forests. The atmospheric deposition levels detected likely threaten Gorge ecosystems and cultural resources.     

Concentrations of carbonaceous species in particles at Seoul and Cheju in Korea

Concentrations of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) in particles at Seoul and Cheju Island, Korea were observed in 1994. PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were collected by a modified SCAQS (Southern California Air Quality Study) sampler from Seoul during June 1994 and PM_2.5 were collected by a low-volume sampler at Cheju Island during July and August 1994. The selective thermal oxidation method with MnO₂ catalyst was used for analysis. The EC concentrations from Seoul were higher than those at Los Angeles, USA during the SCAQS study while the OC concentrations were comparable to those during the SCAQS study. At Cheju Island, the OC concentrations were higher than those at other clean areas in the world but the EC concentrations were lower than or comparable to those at other clean areas in the world. The OC to EC ratios of Seoul suggest that the carbonaceous species are mostly from primary emission sources. In Cheju, during July 1994 air pollutant levels were high and it was suggested that atmospheric transformation/transport of organics and biogenic emissions were main sources of carbonaceous species in particles. The carbonaceous species levels were low during August 1994 and it was suggested that the levels could be considered as marine background concentrations in the region during summer.     

Source Identification and Trends in Concentrations of Gaseous and Fine Particulate Principal Species in Seoul,South Korea

Abstract

Ambient measurements were made using two sets of annular denuder system during the four seasons (April 2001 to February 2002) and were then compared with the results during the period of 1996–1997 to estimate the trends and seasonal variations in concentrations of gaseous and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) principal species. Annual averages of gaseous HNO₃ and NH₃ increased by 11% and 6%, respectively, compared with those of the previous study, whereas HONO and SO₂ decreased by 11% and 136%, respectively. The PM_2.5 concentration decreased by ～17%, 35% for SO₄ ^2?, and 29% for NH₄ ⁺, whereas NO₃ ^? increased by 21%. Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were 12.8 and 5.98 μg/m^-3, accounting for ～26 and 12% of PM_2.5 concentration, respectively. The species studied accounted for 84% of PM_2.5 concentration, ranging from 76% in winter to 97% in summer.

Potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis was used to identify possible source areas affecting air pollution levels at a receptor site in Seoul. High possible source areas in concentrations of PM_2.5, NO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, NH₄ ⁺, and K⁺ were coastal cities of Liaoning province (possibly emissions from oil-fired boilers on ocean liners and fishing vessels and industrial emissions), inland areas of Heibei/Shandong provinces (the highest density areas of agricultural production and population) in China, and typical port cities (Mokpo, Yeosu, and Busan) of South Korea. In the PSCF map for OC, high possible source areas were also coastal cities of Liaoning province and inland areas of Heibei/Shandong provinces in China. In contrast, high possible source areas of EC were highlighted in the south of the Yellow Sea, indicating possible emissions from oil-fired boilers on large ships between South Korea and Southeast Asia. In summary, the PSCF results may suggest that air pollution levels in Seoul are affected considerably by long-range transport from external areas, such as the coastal zone in China and other cities in South Korea, as well as Seoul itself.     

Characterization of shallow groundwater quality in the Lower St. Johns River Basin: a case study

Characterization of groundwater quality allows the evaluation of groundwater pollution and provides information for better management of groundwater resources. This study characterized the shallow groundwater quality and its spatial and seasonal variations in the Lower St. Johns River Basin, Florida, USA, under agricultural, forest, wastewater, and residential land uses using field measurements and two-dimensional kriging analysis. Comparison of the concentrations of groundwater quality constituents against the US EPA’s water quality criteria showed that the maximum nitrate/nitrite (NO _x ) and arsenic (As) concentrations exceeded the EPA’s drinking water standard limits, while the maximum Cl, SO ₄ ^2?? , and Mn concentrations exceeded the EPA’s national secondary drinking water regulations. In general, high kriging estimated groundwater NH ₄ ⁺ concentrations were found around the agricultural areas, while high kriging estimated groundwater NO _x concentrations were observed in the residential areas with a high density of septic tank distribution. Our study further revealed that more areas were found with high estimated NO _x concentrations in summer than in spring. This occurred partially because of more NO _x leaching into the shallow groundwater due to the wetter summer and partially because of faster nitrification rate due to the higher temperature in summer. Large extent and high kriging estimated total phosphorus concentrations were found in the residential areas. Overall, the groundwater Na and Mg concentration distributions were relatively more even in summer than in spring. Higher kriging estimated groundwater As concentrations were found around the agricultural areas, which exceeded the EPA’s drinking water standard limit. Very small variations in groundwater dissolved organic carbon concentrations were observed between spring and summer. This study demonstrated that the concentrations of groundwater quality constituents varied from location to location, and impacts of land uses on groundwater quality variation were profound.     

Lichen biomonitoring of ammonia emission and nitrogen deposition around a pig stockfarm

Effects of high ammonia emissions and nitrogen deposition were investigated on lichens around a pig stockfarm (ca. 7,000 animals) in central Italy. Four sites were selected along a transect at 200, 400, 1000 and 2500 m from the stockfarm, the diversity of epiphytic lichens was measured and transplanted thalli of Xanthoria parietina and Flavoparmelia caperata exposed, together with passive NH3 (diffusion tubes) samplers. Ammonia dramatically decreased from the centre of the stockfarm to the sampled sites, where it was correlated with bark pH. Total lichen diversity was not associated with either NH3 concentrations or bark pH, but the diversity of strictly nitrophytic species was highly correlated with both parameters. Physconia grisea was the best indicator species for NH3 pollution. Total N accumulated in X. parietina and F. caperata was correlated with NH3 concentrations.     

Concentrations, sources and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from Beijing, Tianjin and surrounding areas, North China

The concentrations, profiles, sources and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in 40 surface soil samples collected from Beijing, Tianjin and surrounding areas, North China in 2007, and all sampling sites were far from industrial areas, roadsides and other pollution sources, and across a range of soil types in remote, rural villages and urban areas. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 31.6 to 1475.0 ng/g, with an arithmetic average of 336.4 ng/g. The highest PAH concentrations were measured in urban soils, followed by rural village soils and soils from remote locations. The remote-rural village-urban PAH concentration gradient was related to population density, gross domestic product (GDP), long-range atmospheric transport and different types of land use. In addition, the PAH concentration was well correlated with the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration of the soil. The PAH profile suggested that coal combustion and biomass burning were primary PAH sources.     

Spatial and temporal variability of outdoor coarse particulate matter mass concentrations measured with a new coarse particle sampler during the Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study

The Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS) provided data to compare outdoor residential coarse particulate matter (PM_10–2.5) concentrations in six different areas of Detroit with data from a central monitoring site. Daily and seasonal influences on the spatial distribution of PM_10–2.5 during Summer 2006 and Winter 2007 were investigated using data collected with the newly developed coarse particle exposure monitor (CPEM). These data allowed the representativeness of the community monitoring site to be assessed for the greater Detroit metro area. Multiple CPEMs collocated with a dichotomous sampler determined the precision and accuracy of the CPEM PM_10–2.5 and PM_2.5 data.CPEM PM_2.5 concentrations agreed well with the dichotomous sampler data. The slope was 0.97 and the R² was 0.91. CPEM concentrations had an average 23% negative bias and R² of 0.81. The directional nature of the CPEM sampling efficiency due to bluff body effects probably caused the negative CPEM concentration bias.PM_10–2.5 was observed to vary spatially and temporally across Detroit, reflecting the seasonal impact of local sources. Summer PM_10–2.5 was 5 μg m^?3 higher in the two industrial areas near downtown than the average concentrations in other areas of Detroit. An area impacted by vehicular traffic had concentrations 8 μg m^?3 higher than the average concentrations in other parts of Detroit in the winter due to the suspected suspension of road salt. PM_10–2.5 Pearson Correlation Coefficients between monitoring locations varied from 0.03 to 0.76. All summer PM_10–2.5 correlations were greater than 0.28 and statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Winter PM_10–2.5 correlations greater than 0.33 were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). The PM_10–2.5 correlations found to be insignificant were associated with the area impacted by mobile sources during the winter. The suspected suspension of road salt from the Southfield Freeway, combined with a very stable atmosphere, caused concentrations to be greater in this area compared to other areas of Detroit. These findings indicated that PM_10–2.5, although correlated in some instances, varies sufficiently across a complex urban airshed that that a central monitoring site may not adequately represent the population's exposure to PM_10–2.5.     

Organochlorine compounds in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters of Spain

Blubber of free-ranging common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from the northwestern coast of Spain (Atlantic), sampled in 1984 and 1996, and of common dolphins entangled in fishing nets in the southwestern Mediterranean, sampled during 1992 1994, was analysed for organochlorine pollutants. In the Atlantic, concentration of all pollutants was significantly higher in males than in females. The overall tPCB/tDDT ratio in this area was 3.35, which indicates a predominance of industrial inputs over those associated with agriculture. Individuals sampled in 1996 showed significantly lower DDT concentrations but a higher ppDDE/tDDT ratio than those sampled in 1984, which reflects the aging of the environmental load. In the same period, tPCB concentration remained constant and, as a consequence, the tPCB/tDDT ratio more than doubled. In the Mediterranean, the reduced sample size of adult individuals precluded proper statistical investigation of sex-related variation. The overall tPCB/tDDT ratio was 1.12, suggesting a higher contribution of pollutants of agricultural origin. Individuals had significantly higher levels of all DDT forms and a higher ppDDE/tDDT ratio than their counterparts from the Atlantic, but similar PCB concentrations. However, the relative frequency of the different congeners in relation to the total PCB load was different in the two areas. This indicates that the two populations do not mix, at least in the short- or medium-term. Organochlorine levels in both areas are at the mid to low end of the range of concentrations detected in other common dolphin populations and in that of other Delphinidae species from the same region. Although the impact of the organochlorine concentrations on the common dolphin populations surveyed cannot be assessed, it is considered unlikely that they have played a significant role in the decline that the species has suffered in recent decades in the western Mediterranean.     

Organochlorine contaminants in the estuarine and coastal marine environments of the Fiji Islands

No information has been published on the presence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Fiji Islands. This paper reports the first data on the concentration of a range of organochlorine compounds in sediments and shellfish in the estuarine and coastal marine environment around Fiji. Twenty-three sediment and two shellfish samples were analysed for 22 pesticides and related residues, and PCBs. While a significant number of organochlorines (20 pesticide related species and PCBs) was detected, the concentrations were generally very low (< 10 ng g), indicative of a relatively 'less contaminated' marine environment. Relatively high concentrations were observed only near the two major ports (Suva and Lautoka), with Suva harbour samples having the largest number of detectable species and the largest total concentrations of organochlorines (up to 91 ng g). No PCBs were detected in areas away from major industrial centres. The variations in the concentrations found, and the possible sources and movement of the organochlorine contaminants are discussed.     

Nationwide study of dioxins in the freshwater fish Carassius auratus (gibelio) langsdorfii (crucian carp) in Japan: concentrations and estimation of source contribution ratios

We investigated dioxin concentrations in freshwater fish in Japan by standardizing species to detect subtle decreasing trends of dioxin concentrations in the future with the reinforcement of regulations. The fish studied were crucian carp (Carassius auratus (gibelio) langsdorfii), an omnivorous species. Fish and sediments were collected from 14 rivers and lakes located in remote areas, agricultural areas, and small and large cities throughout Japan. The total toxic equivalent (TEQ) dioxin concentrations at the three remote sites were about 20% of the concentrations at the other 11 sites, which all had similar concentrations. The average concentrations in fish collected from these 11 sites were 0.69pgTEQg(-1) wet wt. (95% CI 0.52-0.85) or 57.3pgTEQg(-1) fat (95% CI 47.9-66.7). There were notable differences in congener profiles of polychlorinated p-dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) between sampling areas. A chemical mass balance method was used to estimate the proportions of dioxin contributions from different sources. The sampling areas were classified into four groups on the basis of the predominant source of dioxin contamination: a combustion group, a chlornitrofen herbicide group, a chlornitrofen and pentachlorphenol herbicide group, and a remote group. The congener profiles of dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) were almost the same in all areas and close to those in Kanechlor, which indicates that pollution from PCB products has spread throughout Japan. From samples collected during the spawning season, it was determined that about 20% of the dioxins in adult females were transferred to the eggs, resulting in higher dioxin concentrations in adult males than in females. Biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) of 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs for crucian carp were larger than those of non-2,3,7,8-substituted congeners, and BASFs decreased with increasing number of chlorines. The BSAFs of DL-PCBs were 10 times greater than those of PCDDs/DFs, and BSAFs of mono-ortho type DL-PCBs were higher than those of non-ortho types.     

A land use regression model for predicting ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

This paper reports on the development of a land use regression (LUR) model for predicting the intraurban variation of traffic-related air pollution in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, an industrial city at the western end of Lake Ontario. Although land use regression has been increasingly used to characterize exposure gradients within cities, research to date has yet to test whether this method can produce reliable estimates in an industrialized location. Ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured for a 2-week period in October 2002 at > 100 locations across the city and subsequently at 30 of these locations in May 2004 to assess seasonal effects. Predictor variables were derived for land use types, transportation, demography, and physical geography using geographic information systems. The LUR model explained 76% of the variation in NO2. Traffic density, proximity to a highway, and industrial land use were all positively correlated with NO2 concentrations, whereas open land use and distance from the lake were negatively correlated with NO2. Locations downwind of a major highway resulted in higher NO2 levels. Cross-validation of the results confirmed model stability over different seasons. Our findings demonstrate that land use regression can effectively predict NO2 variation at the intraurban scale in an industrial setting. Models predicting exposure within smaller areas may lead to improved detection of health effects in epidemiologic studies.