Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of a mangrove forest affected by forest fire

Surface soils affected by forest fires from Igbanko mangrove forest in Nigeria were analyzed for 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total PAHs concentrations in the soils ranged from 63 to 188?µg?kg^?1 dry weight (average: 108?µg?kg^?1). The three predominant PAHs in the soils were naphthalene (Na), fluoranthene (Flu), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF). Compared to the control sample (19?µg?kg^?1), elevated PAHs concentrations were observed in the soils, an indication of some level of PAHs contamination. PAHs source diagnostic ratios of Flu/(Flu?+?Pyr) and Ant/(Ant?+?Phe) indicated that the PAHs have a pyrogenic origin which may have resulted from combustion of grass, wood, or coal. An assessment based on Canadian soil quality guidelines indicated that the studied locations do not pose any serious adverse risk on human health.     

Determination of mercury and arsenic levels in fish caught in the Beheshtabad River,Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province,Iran

Mercury and arsenic pollution has been recognized as a potential environmental and public health problem for over 40 years. The major source of exposure to mercury for humans is the ingestion of fish. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the levels of mercury and arsenic in the muscles of four fish species caught in the Beheshtabad River and comparing the results with the maximum tolerance levels for mercury and arsenic. The samples of 90 fish were used for the determination of both the metals by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that the concentrations ranged from 1.5 to 3.8 µg kg^?1 for mercury and from 35 to 70 µg kg^?1 for arsenic, with means of 2.7 ± 0.5 and 57 ± 12 µg kg^?1, respectively. Both mean levels were lower than the threshold limits acceptable by WHO standards.     

Abstracts to forthcoming papers

Food is the major source of metal exposure for the nonsmoking general population. Food samples of plant and animal origin from Ismailia, Egypt, were analyzed for the content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) using AAS. The Cr, Zn, and Cu concentrations were in the range of 1.7–249?µg?kg^?1 wet weight (ww), 2–66?mg?kg^?1?ww, and 0.5–3.46?mg?kg^?1?ww, respectively. The mean daily intake of Cr, Zn, and Cu was 28.9?µg day^?1, 8.55?mg day^?1, and 1.7?mg day^?1, respectively. The intake estimates are within the range of the recommended intake established internationally. Concentrations of Cd and Pb were in the range of 10–321?µg?kg^?1?ww and 31–1200?µg?kg^?1?ww, respectively. The weekly dietary intake for Cd and Pb (4.02 and 20.4?µg?kg^?1 b.w, respectively) is lower than the FAO/WHO PTWI. Bread is the foodstuff that provided the highest rate of Pb and Cd (62 and 46% of the daily intake) to adults in Ismailia city.     

The accumulation levels of heavy metals (Ni,Cr, Sr, & Ag) in marine algae from southwest coast of India

In the context of use of marine algae as biological indicators of heavy metal pollution in coastal waters, six species of marine algae collected from the southwest coast of India were analysed for the levels of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Sr, and Ag). Interspecies and interclass variations were determined on a spatial and temporal scale. The metal contents varied in the ranges, Ni: 0.20–21.06?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?10.13?µg?g^?1), Cr: non-detectable level (ND)–37.18?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?13.86?µg?g^?1), Sr: 2.19–103.90?µg?g^?1 (mean =?29.40?µg?g^?1), and Ag: ND–6.39?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?1.80?µg?g^?1). Ni and Cr contents were of similar magnitude to those reported for algae from polluted areas.     

Exposure assessment for mercury from consumption of marine fish in Iran

Seven species of marine fish in the Persian Gulf and three species of marine fish in the Caspian Sea were collected from the local wholesale market in Mashhad, Iran. The mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. High total Hg concentration was found in Anchovy sprat (2.04 ± 1.23 µg g^?1) and Whitecheek shark (1.26 ± 1.85 µg g^?1) and the lowest content was detected in common carp (0.24 ± 0.24 µg g^?1) and Caspian salmon (0.25 ± 0.08 µg g^?1). The mean Hg content in all samples was 0.91 ± 1.07 µg g^?1. All samples of Persian Gulf and one sample of Caspian Sea had mean Hg concentration above 0.5 µg g^?1, the level established by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. Results showed that the estimated weekly intake of total Hg by a 60 kg adult is below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. For prevention of health risks, populations in Iran need to consume fish in moderate amounts.     

Estimate of zearalenone exposure through the intake of white and brown rice in the Korean population

Rice samples (n = 482) harvested for 2010–2012 in South Korea were analyzed for zearalenone content by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. The exposure of the Korean populations was assessed by a deterministic approach. Because the proportion of non-detectable results was >80% in white rice but less than <60% in brown rice, the zearalenone levels for white rice were reported as 0.52 µg kg^?1 as lower bound and 2.54 µg kg^?1 as upper bound, while for brown rice the middle bound value was 13.9 µg kg^?1. The average dietary intake of zearalenone from white and brown rice by the Korean population was estimated to be 1.5 ng kg^?1 body weight (bw) day^?1 each. For heavy consumers, the average intakes were 18.5 and 10.1 ng kg^?1 bw day^?1, respectively. The age groups with the highest zearalenone intake were 1–2-year-old children for white rice and 3–6-year-old children for brown rice. Overall, the dietary exposure of the Korean population to zearalenone from white and brown rice was found to be lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of 0.5 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1.     

Comparison of heavy metal concentrations in fish samples from three fish farms (Eastern Mediterranean) utilizing antifouling paints

Although aquaculture is considered the fastest growing food production industry, nevertheless there is little information regarding pollutant levels in cultured fish. Samples of cultured sea bass – Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758), sea bream – Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758), and sharpsnout sea bream – Diplodus puntazzo (Walbaum, 1792) from three fish farms located in the Eastern Mediterranean which utilized antifouling paints on the nets were analyzed for quantitative determination of zinc (Zn), chrome (Cr), and copper (Cu) in the gills, the liver, and the muscle separately for each tissue and fish. The results show that the highest levels of zinc (up to 29.6 mg kg^?1 dry wt) were found in the gills of all samples of sea bream and sharpsnout sea bream while in the samples of sea bass, the highest levels of zinc and chrome were found in the liver (up to 39.3 and 13.8 mg kg^?1 dry wt, respectively). Insofar, as copper is concerned the highest exposure was found in the liver of sharpsnout sea bream (up to 5.49 mg kg^?1 dry wt). The results indicate that the use of antifouling paints in aquaculture practices are a significant source of chemical pollution in cultured fish and poses a risk to the exposed organisms.     

Distribution of mercury in the sediments of some freshwater bodies in Ethiopia

Sediment samples were collected from Tinishu Akaki River (TAR), Lake Awassa, and Lake Ziway, Ethiopia for determination of mercury. The air-dried samples were analyzed for mercury with a differential atomic absorption spectrometer after thermal evaporation of bound mercury converting it to its atomic form. Certified reference materials (CRMs) of sediments and soils were used to validate the method. The recovery of mercury from CRMs and sediments was in the range of 95–100%. The limit of detection for the determination of mercury was 50?ng?kg^?1. The concentration of total mercury in the sediments varied from 3.9 to 110?µg?kg^?1 for TAR, 14 to 67?µg?kg^?1 for Lake Awassa, and 17 to 110?µg?kg^?1 for Lake Ziway. It was found that the total mercury concentrations in all samples were below the United States Environmental Protection Agency guideline of 200?µg?kg^?1.     

Arsenic in freshwater ecosystems of the Bengal delta: status,sources and seasonal variability

The study aimed to examine the contamination status of arsenic (As) in excavated small water bodies, commonly known as ponds – the integral part of daily life in the arsenic-affected rural areas of West Bengal, India in comparison to the unaffected areas. The ponds of the contaminated area had higher levels of As: water 2–174 µg L^?1 (mean 31 ± 2 µg L^?1) and sediment 1.3–37.3 mg kg^?1 (mean 10.3 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1), than those from the unaffected area: water 1–8 µg L^?1 (mean 4 ± 0 µg L^?1) and sediment 1.4–5.3 mg kg^?1 (mean 3.0 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the water and sediment arsenic content of the ponds of the arsenic-affected region (r = 0.688, n = 277, p < 0.0001). Contaminated ground water, either as direct input or through agricultural washings, was found to be the major contributor of arsenic pollution to these ecosystems. Seasonal variations were not prominent. This study emphasized the beneficial role of using the studied ecosystems over the highly contaminated ground water for various livelihood activities in the Gangetic delta region.     

Speciation of mercury in South African coals

Total mercury (Hg_TOT) concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) for South African Highveld coals. The distribution of Hg in coals was investigated using a four-stage sequential leaching protocol and isotope dilution/gas chromatography coupled to ICP MS (ID-GC-ICP MS). The results show that Hg_TOT ranged from 144 to 303?µg?kg^?1 with a mean of 199?±?26?µg?kg^?1, while Hg_TOT leached from coals using different solvents ranged between 103 and 310?µg?kg^?1 (mean: 218?±?60?µg?kg^?1). Hg leaching rates of 53–78% were achieved in crushed coals. Hg⁰, Hg²⁺, and CH₃Hg⁺ were identified in all coals. CH₃Hg⁺ in studied coals ranged between 0.1 and 0.4 (mean: 0.2) µg?kg^?1. GC ICP MS chromatograms also showed unknown Hg peaks which were identified as other organomercury species such as ethylmercury. Modes of occurrence of Hg in coals were variable with the organic-bound (37–40%) and the sulfide-bound (37–39%) being the dominant mercury forms. Increasing the HCl concentration in the used protocol increased the amount of Hg leached (16%) during this step.     

Microbiological and mycotoxicological contamination in Slovenian primary grain production

This study was aimed at investigating the contamination of grains, which are grown and used for animal diets by Slovene farmers. A total of 107 samples were examined for mesofilic aerobic molds and yeasts. The leading contaminants among molds were from Fusarium spp., detected in 73 samples, mostly in maize (50). In accordance with the European Feed Microbiology Organisation criteria, 68% of all tested samples were of the quality level I, with normal microbiological flora, and 9% of samples were estimated as quality level IV and not suitable for animal feed. Using liquid and gas chromatography methods, the presence of various mycotoxins (expressed as 12% of moisture content) was found in 77% of all samples; mostly deoxynivalenol (71%) in concentration of 150–14,420 µg kg^?1, followed by zearalenone (32%, 20–640 µg kg^?1), fumonisin B1 (31%, 10–4863 µg kg^?1), fumonisin B2 (22%, 10–1629 µg kg^?1), while HT-2 and T-2 toxins were found in low concentration in two samples, and aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in one sample. By statistical evaluation, significant positive correlations were noted between the presence of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone as well as between fumonisin B1 and B2.     

Contamination and source assessment of metals,polychlorinated biphenyls,and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils from Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

Urban areas in developing countries are facing vast environmental problems as a result of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Of major concern is the contamination of soils which are increasingly becoming sinks for environmental pollutants. However, to date only little is known about the pollution in the megalopolises of developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination and potential sources of metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the urban environment of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The investigation revealed the presence of most of the analyzed pollutants in soil and sediment samples with total concentrations (dry wt) of PAHs ranging from 186 to 3150?µg?kg^?1, PCBs from 0.4 to 19?µg?kg^?1, Cu from 14 to 173?mg?kg^?1, Zn from 36 to 440?mg?kg^?1, Pb from 9 to 700?mg?kg^?1, and Ni from 16 to 72?mg?kg^?1. In addition, polyaromatic sulfur heterocycles, typical for oil and petrol residues, were detected in several soil samples. Source identification approaches revealed that Pb, Zn, and Cu are most likely derived from pyrolytic sources, with elevated values in samples related to waste combustion and traffic emissions. Ni is most probably of geogenic origin. For PCBs it is indicated that they are derived from a single source. However, correlations with technical PCB mixtures were inconsistent. PAHs originate from the combustion of biomass, vehicular exhausts, and petrogenic sources.     

Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soils of a previous E-waste processing center

Surface soil samples were taken from a previous electronic waste (E-waste) recycling centerin Taizhou area, Zhejiang province, China. Concentrations, profiles, and possible sources of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls and 7 poly-brominated diphenyl ethers were analyzed to assess their current state in the soil after phase out of massive dismantling of E-wastes. The concentrations of the 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers ranged from 11 to 128 µg kg^?1 with an average of 41 ± 10 µg kg^?1 (dw), with 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromdiphenyl ether being the most abundant. These values were substantially lower than the levels in 2006. The concentrations of the 19 polychlorinated biphenyls ranged from 36 to 760 µg kg^?1, with an average of 181 ± 68 µgkg^?1 (dw) which was also lower than the levels in 1995 or 2006. However, the concentrations of some tetra-, penta- and hexa-chlorobiphenyls were comparable or even higher than before. Furthermore, the average concentration of 7 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls was 108 ± 41 µg kg^?1(dw) which exceeded the New Dutch List target value of 20 µgkg^?1. Principal component analysis indicated that polychlorinated biphenyls were mainly distributed into three groups in accordance with the number of chlorine atoms and anthropogenic source. Therefore, the impact of the historical dismantling of E-wastes is still significant.     

Formation of resistance in the Chironomus plumosus to four pesticides over 45 generations

A study was conducted on the Chironomus plumosus larvae to determine initiation of resistance to four pesticides – chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and malathion. First generational LC₅₀ values were well within the threshold value for chironomids based upon the literature. Subsequent LC₅₀ values were observed to increase, indicating a lessening of the toxicity of the pesticides to the chironomid. In the case of chlorfenvinphos, the 96 h LC₅₀ for generations 1–23 was 6 µg L^?1, in generations 3–7 was 8.57 µg L^?1 and 11.14 µg L^?1 for generations 8–9. Generations 10–12 had an LC₅₀ value of 22.58 µg L^?1 and generation 13 had an LC₅₀ value of 35.08 µg L^?1. Generation 14 had an LC₅₀ value of 47.58 µg L^?1. Generations 15–19 and 20–24 had 96 h LC₅₀ values of 60.68 µg L^?1, 72.58 µg L^?1, 85.08 µg L^?1, 97.58 µg L^?1 and 110.08 µg L^?1, respectively. Generations 25, 26 to 30, 31 to 38 and 39 to 45 had 96 h LC₅₀ values of 160.42 µg L^?1, 210.7 µg L^?1, 262.24 µg L^?1 and 274.36 µg L^?1, respectively. The variation between LC₅₀ values was found to be statistically significant. This was observed for most pesticides tested. Larval size and life cycle duration was observed to change from generation to generation with the body size decreasing markedly from 1 to 0.3 cm with life cycle increasing from 7 to 39 days.     

Uranium quantification in groundwater and health risk from its ingestion in Haryana,India

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element which may cause toxicological or radiological hazards to the public if present in drinking water. This study reports the quantification of uranium in groundwater of major towns of the district Fatehabad, Haryana, India. Uranium concentrations ranged between 0.3 and 48 μg L^?1. In 22% of the groundwater samples, uranium concentrations were higher than the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit of 30 µg L^?1. The radiological dose for males was found to be in the range of 4.8?×?10^?4–7.1?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1 and for females 3.5?×?10^?4–5.2?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1. The results showed that due to the ingestion of groundwater in the study area, radiological cancer risk is in the range of 9.1?×?10^?7–1.3?×?10^?4, lower than the risk limit. Uranium ingestion from groundwater varied from 0.02 to 3.5 µg kg^?1 day^?1, which is within acceptable limit.     

Mercury concentrations in the surface sediments of the intertidal area along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Total mercury (Hg) levels in the intertidal surface sediments along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia were analysed by using heat vaporization method. Total Hg levels in these sediments ranged from 3.00 to 201?µg?kg^?1 dry weight with a mean concentration of 60.0?µg?kg^?1 dry weight. More than 90% of the samples studied have the total Hg concentrations less than 150?µg?kg^?1 dry weight. Compare with the regional data and sediment quality guidelines, the Hg contamination in the intertidal area along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia was not serious, except for a few sites that might have received anthropogenic Hg in the samples collected between 1999 and 2000. It is suggested that a similar study of heavy metals in the sediments of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia be conducted regularly.     

Concentrations of lead in cosmetics commonly used in South Africa

In this study, we present evidence of lead in lip liner, oil absorbent powder, mascara, concealer, lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation. The samples were analyzed for lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of lead in concealer, mascara, lip liner, and oil absorbent powder were found to be 7.4?±?1.3?µg?g^?1, 15.8?±?0.2?µg?g^?1, 29.0?±?9.2?µg?g^?1, and 17.3?±?2.9?µg?g^?1, respectively. The levels of lead in lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation ranged from not detected to 73.1?±?5.2?µg?g^?1, 4.7 to 11.7?±?2.8?µg?g^?1, and 7.8 to 32.9?±?1.4?µg?g^?1, respectively. Thus, in the majority of samples, the concentrations of lead are higher than the USFDA maximum permissible concentration of 0.10?µg?g^?1 in candy and cosmetics. In lipsticks alone, only 25% of 40 samples were found to meet the requirement. Therefore, continuous use of cosmetic products in which lead concentration exceeds the maximum permissible level may pose a health hazard for the female population of South Africa in the long run.     

Liver and renal histopathology of North Atlantic long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) contaminated with heavy metals and organochlorine compounds

Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) from the Faroe Islands are known to be heavily polluted with contaminants, such as mercury (Hg) and organochlorine compounds (OC). This is postulated to exert adverse health effects on whales as well as the human population who rely on its meat and blubber as food sources. It was therefore decided to conduct a screening pilot study to determine contaminant concentrations and histopathology of liver and renal tissues in a total of 14 specimens from this subpopulation. In blubber, the mean ∑OC concentration was 31,887 ng g^?1 lw (range: 18,170–47,425 ng g^?1 lw) of which ∑PCB concentration was 23,416 ng g^?1 lw (range: 13,947–34,543 ng g^?1 lw; n = 3). In liver, mean Hg concentration was 138 µg^?1 ww (range: 54–351 µg g^?1 ww; n = 7) and mean cadmium (Cd) concentration 15 µg g^?1 ww (range: 7–31 µg g^?1 ww; n = 7). In the kidney, the mean Cd concentration was 36 µg g^?1 ww (range: 23–47 µg g^?1 ww; n = 7). Of the liver Hg concentrations, two were at the suggested toxic threshold levels of 60 µg g^?1 ww and five were 2–6-fold above. Liver selenium (Se) : Hg was on average 1.11 (range: 0.97–1.41; n = 7) indicating that Se was in excess, which decreased the risk of acute Hg poisoning. Histopathological examinations showed high prevalence (>35%) of renal glomerular arteriosclerosis, glomerular capillary dilatation, dilatation and hyalinization of Bowman's space/capsule and tubular hyaline casts. In liver tissue, high prevalence was found for portal cell infiltrates, lipid granulomas, hepatocytic lipid accumulation, bile duct proliferation, lipid-filled Ito cells, and focal necrosis. In a single juvenile male, 4 of 8 renal and 3 of 7 liver lesions were present. Cadmium concentrations increased significantly in the presence of glomerular arteriosclerosis and a similar trend was found for tubular hyaline casts. Based on these findings, as well as the nature of the lesions, data indicate that the histopathological changes were a result of age and that contaminants are likely to be the co-factors in the development in at least three renal and four liver lesions.     

Assessment of heavy metals in a soil contaminated by oil spill: a case study in Nigeria

Surface and subsurface soil samples contaminated with crude oils were collected from an impacted site at Bodo City in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, after a field reconnaissance survey. An uncontaminated soil sample collected 100 m from the impacted site, but within the same geographical area, was used as a control. Trace elements such as, As, Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Pb, Ba, Ni, V, Hg and cation-exchange capacity constituents of the contaminated and uncontaminated soils were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Trace element concentrations were: Cu, 0.5–13.4 mg kg^{? 1}; Cr, 0.2–0.8 mg kg^{? 1}; Fe, 6.2–8.7 mg kg^{? 1}; Ba 80.0–108.0 mg kg^{? 1}; Ni, 0.6–4.8 mg kg^{? 1}; and V, 4.0–9.4 mg kg^{? 1}; cation-exchange capacity ranged from 43.6 to 57.2 mg kg^{? 1} in surface and subsurface soils. Results showed that eigenvalues for the two first principal components represent up to 49% of the total variance. A positive correlation of the first principal component with Cu, Cr and cation-exchange capacity shows pollution from oil spillage, while a positive correlation of the second principal component with Cr, Fe, V, and dissolved oxygen (DO) shows both oil pollution and allochthonous inputs.     

Metal levels in computer monitor components discarded in the vicinities of electronic workshops

Levels of Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Cd in the glass screens (GS) and printed wiring boards (PWBs) of obsolete computer monitors (OCMs) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) following standard digestion. Metal concentrations (mg kg^?1) in GS were in the following ranges (medians in brackets): Pb ND – 3100 (46), Cd 0.5–2.6 (0.8), Cr ND – 18.7 (3.1), and Zn 8.1–600 (37) and in PWBs (mg kg^?1): Pb 34,600 ± 17,000, Cd 11 ± 9, Cr 59 ± 45, Zn 15,900 ± 7800, Cu79,000 ± 22,600, and Ni 3200 ± 2500. In GS, the levels of the six metals were lower than their total threshold limit concentrations (TTLC), except for Pb with a TTLC of 1000 mg kg^?1 in 10% of the samples. In the PWBs, the TTLC of Pb and Cu (2500 mg kg^?1) was exceeded many fold. For Zn (5000 mg kg^?1) and Ni (2000 mg kg^?1); they were exceeded by 90% and 65%, respectively. For OCMs manufactured in 2001 and later, Pb and Zn levels in GS and Cr, Zn, and Ni in PWBs were significantly reduced.