Polychlorinated biphenyls and particulate organic/elemental carbon in the atmosphere of Chesapeake Bay,USA

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and particulate organic/elemental carbon (OC/EC) differ as to sources, but are both elevated in major urban areas leading to loadings of proximate terrestrial and aquatic systems. Because of the dramatic difference in speciation, sources, and sinks of these compunds, gas+particulate phase PCBs and particulate OC/EC were measured in urban Baltimore, MD and over Chesapeake Bay at 4 and 12 h frequencies in July 1997. Gas phase ∑PCBs averaged 1180 pg m⁻³ for Baltimore and 550 pg m⁻³ for northern Chesapeake Bay. PCB homolog distributions in the gas phase differed between the land and over-water sites whereby the trichlorobiphenyls were higher in Baltimore compared to Chesapeake Bay. Autocorrelation analysis yielded a diurnal cycle for gas phase PCBs at Baltimore with the lowest concentrations observed during the day. Particulate organic and elemental carbon constituted 12.4% (17.4% organic matter) and 2.8% of total suspended particles (TSP) in Baltimore, and 15.0% (21.0% organic matter) and 5.3% over the Chesapeake Bay, respectively. Variability in PCB concentrations was not related to the variability in OC/EC concentrations. OC/EC ratios suggest that particulate organic carbon was mostly primary aerosol. Emissions of both classes of compounds into the Baltimore atmosphere and vicinity are major sources to the Bay.     

Indoor and outdoor sources of size-resolved mass concentration of particulate matter in a school gym—implications for exposure of exercising children

Introduction  

It has been noticed many times that schools are buildings with high levels of particulate matter concentrations. Several authors documented that concentrations of particulate matter in indoor school microenvironments exceed limits recommended by WHO namely when school buildings are situated near major roads with high traffic densities. In addition, exercise under conditions of high particulate concentrations may increase the adverse health effects, as the total particle deposition increases in proportion to minute ventilation, and the deposition fraction nearly doubles from rest to intense exercise.     

Suspended particulate matter determines physical speciation of Fe,Mn, and trace metals in surface waters of Loire watershed

This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of major and trace elements, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in surface waters of several hydrosystems of the Loire River watershed in France. In particular, this study aims to delineate the impact of the abovementioned water physicochemical parameters on natural iron and manganese physical speciation (homoaggregation/heteroaggregation) among fine colloidal and dissolved (<?10 nm), colloidal (10–450 nm) and particulate (>?450 nm) phases in Loire River watershed. Results show that the chemistry of the Loire River watershed is controlled by two end members: magmatic and metamorphic petrographic context on the upper part of the watershed; and sedimentary rocks for the middle and low part of the Loire. The percentage of particulate Fe and Mn increased downstream concurrent with the increase in SPM and major cations concentration, whereas the percentage of colloidal Fe and Mn decreased downstream. Transmission electron microscopy analyses of the colloidal and particulate fractions (from the non-filtered water sample) revealed that heteroaggregation of Fe and Mn rich natural nanoparticles and natural organic matter to the particulate phase is the dominant mechanism. The heteroaggregation controls the partitioning of Fe and Mn in the different fractions, potentially due to the increase in the ionic strength, and divalent cations concentration downstream, and SPM concentration. These findings imply that SPM concentration plays an important role in controlling the fate and behavior of Fe and Mn in various sized fractions.

Physical speciation by heteroaggregation of (Fe-Mn) compounds: high [SPM]?→?[Fe-Mn] particulate faction; low {SPM]?→?[Fe-Mn] colloid-dissolved fraction.

     

Occurrence and distribution of selected pharmaceuticals and personal care products in aquatic environments: a comparative study of regions in China with different urbanization levels

Purpose

We analyzed and compared the distributions of 13 target pharmaceuticals in different water samples from the Hangzhou metropolitan area and Linan County, Southeast China.

Methods

Sampling was conducted in five hospitals, two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and Qiantang River. Samples were concentrated by solid-phase extraction and PPCP concentrations were determined by UPLC-MS/MS.

Results and discussion

Trimethoprim, erythromycin A dihydrate, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, diclofenac sodium, and atenolol were the most frequently detected pharmaceuticals in hospital effluents. Most of the pharmaceutical concentrations in hospital effluents were higher than those in the WWTP influents. Although both WWTPs adopt the anaerobic?Caerobic?Canoxic treatment process, the removal rates for pharmaceuticals, such as trimethoprim and diclofenac sodium, were completely different. Meanwhile, erythromycin A dihydrate, ofloxacin, penicillin-G, cephalexin, cefazolin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac sodium were detected in Qiantang River.

Conclusions

These results indicate that hospitals are more concentrated sources of pharmaceuticals than WWTPs, and the WWTPs are not the only route of entry of pharmaceuticals into aquatic environments in these two regions.     

PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> source apportionment in the surroundings of the San Vicente del Raspeig cement plant complex in southeastern Spain

Introduction  

The concentrations of trace metals, ionic species, and carbonaceous components in PM₁₀ (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 10 μm) were measured from samples collected near an industrial complex, primarily composed of cement plants, in southeastern Spain, from September 2005 to August 2006.     

Humic substances—part 7: the biogeochemistry of dissolved organic carbon and its interactions with climate change

Background, aim, and scope  

Dissolved organic matter, measured as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), is an important component of aquatic ecosystems and of the global carbon cycle. It is known that changes in DOC quality and quantity are likely to have ecological repercussions. This review has four goals: (1) to discuss potential mechanisms responsible for recent changes in aquatic DOC concentrations; (2) to provide a comprehensive overview of the interactions between DOC, nutrients, and trace metals in mainly boreal environments; (3) to explore the impact of climate change on DOC and the subsequent effects on nutrients and trace metals; and (4) to explore the potential impact of DOC cycling on climate change.     

Factorial analysis of the trihalomethane formation in the reaction of colloidal,hydrophobic, and transphilic fractions of DOM with free chlorine

Background, aim, and scope  

This study focuses on the factors that affect trihalomethane (THMs) formation when dissolved organic matter (DOM) fractions (colloidal, hydrophobic, and transphilic fractions) in aqueous solutions were disinfected with chlorine.     

Estimation of the cancer risk to humans resulting from the presence of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide in surface water

Background, aim, and scope  

Anti-tumour agents and their metabolites are largely excreted into effluent, along with other pharmaceuticals. In the past, investigations have focused on the input and analysis of pharmaceuticals in surface and ground water. The two oxazaphosphorine compounds, cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide are important cytostatic drugs used in the chemotherapy of cancer and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Their mechanism of action, involving metabolic activation and unspecific alkylation of nucleophilic compounds, accounts for genotoxic and carcinogenic effects described in the literature and is reason for environmental concern. The anti-tumour agents cyclophosphamide (CP) and ifosfamide (IF) were not biodegraded in biodegradation tests. They were not eliminated in municipal sewage treatment plants. Degradation by photochemically formed HO radicals may be of some relevance only in shallow, clear, and nitrate-rich water bodies but could be further exploited for elimination of these compounds by advanced oxidation processes, i.e. in a treatment of hospital waste water. Therefore, CP and IF are assumed to persist in the aquatic environment and to enter drinking water via surface water. The risk to humans from input of CP and IF into surface water is not known.     

Effects of acetaminophen in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica juncea</Emphasis> L. Czern.: investigation of uptake,translocation, detoxification,and the induced defense pathways

Purpose  

Besides classical organic pollutants and pesticides, pharmaceuticals and their residues have nowadays become recognized as relevant environmental contaminants. The risks of these chemicals for aquatic ecosystems are well known, but information about the pharmaca-plant interactions and metabolic pathways is scarce. Therefore, we investigate the process of uptake of acetaminophen (N-Acetyl-4-aminophenol) by Brassica juncea, drug-induced defense responses and detoxification mechanisms in different plant parts.     

Occurrence and removal of lidocaine,tramadol, venlafaxine,and their metabolites in German wastewater treatment plants

Purpose  

Some of the pharmaceuticals that are not extensively investigated in the aquatic environment are the anesthetic lidocaine (LDC), the analgesic tramadol (TRA), and the antidepressant venlafaxine (VEN). LDC metabolizes to 2,6-xylidine (2,6-DMA) and monoethylglycinexylidine (MEGX), TRA to O-desmethyltramadol (ODT), and VEN to O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV). Within this study, the distribution and behavior of these compounds in German wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were investigated.     

Assessment of heavy metals in the particulate matter of two Brazilian metropolitan areas by using <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Tillandsia usneoides</Emphasis> as atmospheric biomonitor

Purpose  

The aims of this paper were to quantify the heavy metals (HM) in the air of different sites in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Salvador (SA) using Tillandsia usneoides (Bromeliaceae) as a biomonitor, and to study the morphology and elemental composition of the air particulate matter (PM) retained on the Tillandsia surface.     

Determination of biocides and pesticides by on-line solid phase extraction coupled with mass spectrometry and their behaviour in wastewater and surface water

This study focused on the input of hydrophilic biocides into the aquatic environment and on the efficiency of their removal in conventional wastewater treatment by a mass flux analysis. A fully automated method consisting of on-line solid phase extraction coupled to LC-ESI-MS/MS was developed and validated for the simultaneous trace determination of different biocidal compounds (1,2-benzisothiazoline-3-one (BIT), 3-Iodo-2-propynylbutyl-carbamate (IPBC), irgarol 1051 and 2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolinone (octhilinone, OIT), carbendazim, diazinon, diuron, isoproturon, mecoprop, terbutryn and terbutylazine) and pharmaceuticals (diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole) in wastewater and surface water. In the tertiary effluent, the highest average concentrations were determined for mecoprop (1010 ng/L) which was at comparable levels as the pharmaceuticals diclofenac (690 ng/L) and sulfamethoxazole (140 ng/L) but 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than the other biocidal compounds. Average eliminations for all compounds were usually below 50%. During rain events, increased residual amounts of biocidal contaminants are discharged to receiving surface waters.     

Size distribution and seasonal variation of airborne particulate matter in five areas in Istanbul,Turkey

Goal, scope, and background  

Many studies have focused on measuring fine and course particulate matter (PM) in urban and rural sites around the world. The aim of this research is to gain information on the size distribution of particles. The physical characteristics of PM in the urban air of Istanbul were determined.     

Influence of temperature and origin of dissolved organic matter on the partitioning behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Background, aim, and scope  

The behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is affected by dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in pore water of soils and sediments. Since partitioning to DOM reduces the bioavailable or freely dissolved PAH concentration in pore water, it is important to assess the effect of environmental variables on the magnitude of dissolved organic matter to water partition coefficients (K _DOC). The objective of this study was to apply passive samplers to measure freely dissolved PAHs allowing depletion from the aqueous phase. The method was applied to determine K _DOC at different temperatures for a selection of PAHs with natural DOM of very different origin.     

Fractionation and composition of colloidal and suspended particulate materials in rivers

The association of pollutants (nutrients, heavy metals and organic compounds) with colloidal and suspended particle matter (SPM) plays a dominant role in determining their transport, fate, biogeochemistry, bioavailability and toxicity in natural waters. A scheme for the fractionation and composition of colloidal and SPM from river waters has been tested. All four separation methods, i.e. sieving, continuous flow centrifugation, tangential flow filtration, sedimentation field-flow fractionation, were for the first time used to separate five size particulate fractions from river. Significant (gram) amounts of colloidal material (<1 microm) in three size ranges, nominally 1-0.2, 0.2-0.006 and 0.006-0.003 microm were obtained. The separation scheme was able to process large samples (100 l), within reasonable times (1 day) and the apparatus was portable. The aquatic colloid size was also characterized with high resolution by using sedimentation field-flow fractionation technique. The mass-based particle size distribution for the water sample showed a broad size distribution between 0.05 and 0.4 microm with the maximum around 0.14 microm. There was a systematic increase in the content of organic carbon (estimated by loss on ignition), Mg, Ca, Na, Cu and Zn with decreasing particle size, highlighting the importance of the colloidal (<1 microm) fraction. It was concluded that the colloidal Cu and Zn concentrations in rivers might be much higher than those reported before.     

Targeting aquatic microcontaminants for monitoring: exposure categorization and application to the Swiss situation

Background, aim, and scope  

Aquatic microcontaminants (MCs) comprise diverse chemical classes, such as pesticides, biocides, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and industrial chemicals. For water pollution control and the evaluation of water protection measures, it is crucial to screen for MCs. However, the selection and prioritization of which MCs to screen for is rather difficult and complex. Existing methods usually are strongly limited because of a lack of screening regulations or unavailability of required data.     

Derivation of motor vehicle tailpipe particle emission factors suitable for modelling urban fleet emissions and air quality assessments

Background, aim and scope  

Urban motor vehicle fleets are a major source of particulate matter pollution, especially of ultrafine particles (diameters < 0.1 μm), and exposure to particulate matter has known serious health effects. A considerable body of literature is available on vehicle particle emission factors derived using a wide range of different measurement methods for different particle sizes, conducted in different parts of the world. Therefore, the choice as to which are the most suitable particle emission factors to use in transport modelling and health impact assessments presented as a very difficult task. The aim of this study was to derive a comprehensive set of tailpipe particle emission factors for different vehicle and road type combinations, covering the full size range of particles emitted, which are suitable for modelling urban fleet emissions.     

Personal monitoring of exposure to particulate matter with a high temporal resolution

Background

Continuous monitoring of air quality is implemented by government institutions at fixed ambient sites. However, the correlation between fixed site measurements and exposure of individual persons to air contaminants is likely to be weak.

Materials and methods

We measured particulate matter both outdoors and indoors by following the spatial movement of individuals. Sixteen test persons took part and carried a measurement backpack for a 24-h period. The backpack was comprised of a Grimm Aerosol Spectrometer model 1.109, a GPS device, and a video camera for tracking of human behavior. The spectrometer provided information about particle numbers and mass in 32-size classes with a high temporal resolution of 6 s.

Results

The personal exposure of individuals during 24 h could significantly exceed the outdoor particulate matter (PM)₁₀ concentrations measured at the fixed sites. The average 24-h exposure of all test persons for PM₁₀ varied from 27 to 322 ??g m^?3. Environmental tobacco smoke and cooking emissions were among the main indoor sources for PM. The amount of particulate matter a test person was exposed to was highly dependent on the spatial behavior and the surrounding microenvironment conditions.

Discussion

Large-scale experiments including personal measurements might help to improve modeling approaches to approximate the actual exposure on a statistically sound basis.     

Potential effects of particulate matter from combustion during services on human health and on works of art in medieval churches in Cyprus

Indoor and outdoor particulate matter (PM_0.3-10) number concentrations were established in two medieval churches in Cyprus. In both churches incense was burnt occasionally during Mass. The highest indoor PM_0.5-1 concentrations compared with outdoors (10.7 times higher) were observed in the church that burning of candles indoors was allowed. Peak indoor black carbon concentration was 6.8 μg m⁻³ in the instances that incense was burning and 13.4 μg m⁻³ in the instances that the candles were burning (outdoor levels ranged between 0.6 and 1.3 μg m⁻³). From the water soluble inorganic components determined in PM₁₀, calcium prevailed in all samples indoors or outdoors, whilst high potassium concentration indoors were a clear marker of combustion. Indoor sources of PM were clearly identified and their emission strengths were estimated via modeling of the results. Indoor estimated PM_0.3-10 mass concentrations exceeded air quality standards for human health protection and for the preservation of works of art.     

Net anthropogenic nitrogen accumulation in the Beijing metropolitan region

Background, aim, and scope  

A rapid increase in anthropogenic nitrogen inputs has a strong impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We have estimated net anthropogenic nitrogen accumulation (NANA) as an index of nitrogen (N) pollution potential in the Beijing metropolitan region, China. Our research provides a basis for understanding the potential impact of anthropogenic N inputs on environmental problems, such as nation-wide water quality degradation under the current rapid urban expansion in modern China.