Lipid peroxidation rates in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taraxacum officinale</Emphasis> Wigg. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia cracca</Emphasis> L. from biotopes with different levels of soil pollution with heavy metals

The rates of lipid peroxidation (LPO) have been studied in Taraxacum officinale Wigg. (Asteraceae) and Vicia cracca L. (Fabaceae) from urban ecosystems with different levels of soil pollution with heavy metals (HMs), including Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cr. The former species responds to the increased HM contents by intensification of LPO processes, with their parameters correlating with the concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu in the soil. In the latter species from the same biotopes, conversely, LPO homeostasis remains actually undisturbed.     

Long-term dynamics of heavy metal concentrations in the food and liver of bank voles (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myodes glareolus</Emphasis>) in the period of reduction of emissions from a copper smelter

Long-term changes in the contents of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Рb) in the food and liver of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) inhabiting areas exposed to pollution from the Middle Ural Copper Smelter (MUCS) in the period of reduction of its emissions (1990–2015). The results show that 50-fold reduction of emissions has not resulted in an equivalent decrease in the dietary and body concentrations of metals: in the impact zone (1–2 km from the MUCS), Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations remain unchanged, while Cd concentrations have increased twofold by the end of the observation period; in the background zone (20 km), Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations remain unchanged, while Pb concentrations have decreased by a factor of 1.7–2.5; and no directed changes have been revealed in moderately polluted plots (4–6 km). The accumulation of heavy metals in the animal body depends primarily on the contents of these elements in food and on the system of elementspecific homeostatic barriers providing effective protection from the toxic effect of heavy metals.     

Dynamics of heavy metal accumulation in thalli of the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes

A sequential extraction procedure was used to study localization of heavy metals in thalli of the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. growing under conditions of chronic aerotechnogenic pollution in the Middle Urals. Trends in the seasonal dynamics of metal contents in the thalli were revealed. The dynamics of metal accumulation was also studied in the thalli brought to the polluted zone from the background environment. After one year, the extra-and intercellular contents of most metals in these transplants approached those in the aboriginal thalli and in some cases (intracellular content of cadmium) exceeded them.     

Metal/metalloid contamination and isotopic composition of lead in edible mushrooms and forest soils originating from a smelting area

High metal contents in edible mushrooms growing in severely contaminated industrial areas pose an important toxicological risk. In the presented study, trace element (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ag, As, Se) contents were determined in caps and stipes of three different edible mushroom species (Boletus edulis Bull. Fr., Xerocomus badius Fr. Gilb., Xerocomus chrysenteron Bull. Quél.). Additionally, information about the chemical fractionation of metals in separate soil horizons and Pb isotopic data from soils and fruiting bodies allowed a more detailed insight on the uptake mechanisms of metals by the studied mushroom species. Total metal and metalloid concentrations in the organic soil horizons reached 36234 mg Pb kg(-1); 11.9 mg Cd kg(-1); 519 mg Zn kg(-1); 488 mg Cu kg(-1); 25.1 mg Ag kg(-1); 120 mg As kg(-1) and 5.88 Se mg kg(-1). In order to evaluate the accumulation capacity of the studied species, bioconcentration factors (BCF) were calculated for separate trace elements. For selected metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu), a modified BCF calculation (using EDTA-extractable concentrations of metals in soil) was proposed. High contents of Pb (up to 165 mg kg(-1)) and Cd (up to 55 mg kg(-1)) exceeded all the regulatory limits in all the studied species. This was also the case for Se (up to 57 mg kg(-1)) in B. edulis. Intensive consumption of this species grown in such polluted areas can therefore pose toxicological risks for human health. A novel finding was that X. badius can act as an Ag accumulating species when grown at polluted sites due to the high concentrations of Ag (up to 190 mg kg(-1)) in caps. Pb isotopic data showed that Pb originating from the recent air pollution control residues is present mainly in the exchangeable/acid-extractable fraction of the organic horizons and is taken up by fruiting bodies; especially in the case of B. edulis, where fast Pb accumulation occurs. Due to the high species-dependent variations of metal contents, the studied mushrooms are not suitable as bioindicators of environmental pollution.     

Concentration of Heavy Metals in Dominant Moss Species as an Indicator of Aerial Technogenic Load

The concentrations of nickel and copper were determined in mosses Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi sampled in 1991 and 2011 at the same sites in the Lapland State Biosphere Reserve located in the impact area of atmospheric emissions from the Severonickel Smelter Combine (Monchegorsk, Murmansk Region, Russia). Both moss species have been confirmed to adequately reflect the levels of aerial technogenic load and can be used equally to monitor environmental pollution from heavy metals. It has been statistically proven that not only the volume of atmospheric emissions of polymetallic dust and the distance to the pollution source affect the concentrations of heavy metals in the studied moss species, but the wind rose and relief are also of importance.     

Trace metal concentrations in marine macroalgae from different biotopes in the Aegean Sea

The commonest species of red, brown, and green macroalgae were sampled from a range of biotopes in the Aegean Sea and analysed for five different trace metals. Significant differences in metal concentrations were found among different seaweed species from the same biotope. The concentrations of metals in the various seaweed species may reflect their morphology, with those having a larger surface area having a greater internal content. Different species of seaweed have different affinities for different heavy metals. This may reflect competition between metals for binding or uptake sites in the seaweed. Comparing metal concentrations in algae among the studied sampling stations clearly indicates that the degree of accumulation depends not only on human activities but also on the geology of the specific area. While seaweed can be used successfully to assess the levels of heavy metals in the marine environment, not all elevated concentrations of heavy metals necessarily reflect increased levels of pollution. Indeed, the high concentrations of certain metals, e.g., Ni, found in our seaweed samples reflected the metaliferrous nature of the rock. It is therefore important to take account of a region's geology before attempting to interpret the data.     

Heavy Metals in the Environment of the Middle Urals and Their Effects on the Organism

The kinetics of accumulation of essential and toxic trace elements (TE) in vitally important organs were studied in small mammals typical of the Middle and Southern Ural fauna. The results revealed a discrepancy between the increased uptake of Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu by animals and the virtually constant concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) in their organs, which could be explained by the existence of special elimination systems activated upon excessive HM uptake. It is shown that HM accumulation in animal tissues is energy-dependent and species-specific, and the effects of highly toxic TE correlate with physiological processes.     

Studies on heavy metal accumulation in aquatic macrophytes from Sevan (Armenia) and Carambolim (India) lake systems

Aquatic macrophytes are unchangeable biological filters and they carry out purification of the water bodies by accumulating dissolved metals and toxins in their tissue. In view of their potential to entrap several toxic heavy metals, 45 macrophytes belonging to 8 families collected from two different physiographic locations (36 from Sevan Lake, Armenia; 9 from Carambolim Lake, Old Goa, India) were studied for estimation of 14 heavy metals. The study was aimed at understanding the importance of these macrophytes in accumulation of toxic metals and controlling the heavy metal pollution and suggesting the remedial measures, if any, for the preservation and restoration of lake ecosystem. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometric (ICP-AES) analyses of these aquatic macrophytes have shown the importance of aquatic macrophytes in accumulation of heavy metals and maintaining the clarity of water bodies beside their role in trophic systems. Accumulation of most of the heavy metals was higher in root system. The representative macrophytes from two different physiographic locations show similar trends and order in accumulating different metals generally. Of the 14 metals investigated, 9 (Ca, Fe, Al, Cr, Cu, Ba, Ti, Co and Pb) showed higher rates of accumulation in the root whereas 3 (Mn, Zn and Mg) showed more accumulation in stem and 1 (Ca) showed higher accumulation in the leaves. In most of the samples Cu was accumulated more in the roots (50+/-47.15 microg/g) and less in flowers (9.52+/-3.97 microg/g). Occurrence of heavy metal was much higher in macrophytes of Sevan Lake than that of the Carambolim Lake. The accumulation of 14 elements was in order of Ca>Mg>Fe>Al>Mn>Ba>Zn>Ti>Cu>Cr>Co>Ni>Pb>Cd. The present study revealed that the aquatic macrophytes play a very significant role in removing the different metals from the ambient environments. They probably play a major role in reducing the effect of high concentration of heavy metals. Therefore, the macrophyte community of the Sevan Lake area needs to be protected and restored on a priority basis. Accumulation of highly toxic metals like--Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni was lower as compared to the essential metals like Ca, Fe and Mn in all the macrophytes from both the lake systems, consequently high metal concentrations observed in both the areas may not directly reflect on the pollution level.     

南京城区黑臭河道底泥污染特征及生态风险评价

河道黑臭是目前我国许多城市面临的环境问题,研究其底泥中的污染物如有机质、氮磷和重金属的污染特征并据此进行生态风险评价,对城市黑臭河道的污染控制与生态修复具有十分重要的意义。选取南京城区内8条典型黑臭河道,采集其表层底泥样品进行分析,测得其中有机质、总氮、总磷的含量分别为0.75%～10.86%、0.05%～0.68%、0.04%～0.23%,三者之间呈显著正相关关系,表明了它们较好的同源性,应用沉积物质量标准评价发现,这3种污染物污染程度总体介于严重级与最低级之间,但氮磷的污染比有机质更为严重。底泥中6种重金属的平均含量均超过背景值,相关性分析结果表明Cu、Cr、Ni、Zn之间均呈极显著正相关关系,而重金属与营养物之间未发现较好的相关性,潜在生态风险评价结果表明底泥中重金属污染严重,84.2%的河道具有高潜在生态风险,各元素的潜在生态风险顺序依次为 Cd >Cu >Pb >Cr >Ni >Zn,Cd为主要污染物,具有很高潜在生态风险。与国内其他典型受污染水体相比,南京城区黑臭河道底泥中总氮、总磷与重金属Cd的污染更为严重。     

Mineral composition of assimilative organs of conifers after reduction of atmospheric pollution in the Kola Peninsula

An analysis has been made of changes in the mineral composition of conifer needles in northern taiga forests after reduction of emissions from the Severonickel Copper-Nickel Smelter Complex in the city of Monchegorsk, the most powerful source of air pollution in Northern Europe. The data obtained in permanent monitoring plots in 1991, 1993, 2000, and 2007 have been compared. The results provide evidence for reduction in the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Fe) and sulfur in the needles of spruce and pine trees in areas with different levels of air pollution. However, mineral nutrition of conifers has not been optimized. The plants are insufficiently supplied with nutrient elements such as P, Mg, Mn, and Zn. The contents of these and other elements essential for the normal functioning of needles (in particular, Ca, K, and P) continue to decrease, especially in pollution-induced sparse spruce forests. The most significant alterations of nutrient regime have been revealed in the Siberian spruce.     

Fractionation studies and bioaccumulation of sediment-bound heavy metals in Kolleru lake by edible fish

Kolleru lake is the largest fresh water lake in the districts of East and West Godavari of Andhra Pradesh, India. Many anthropogenic sources contribute to the heavy metal pollution in the lake and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish helps in assessing the aquatic pollution. Total contents and fractionation of selected heavy metals, viz., Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni and Co were measured in sediment sample and three edible fish. The investigation aimed at revealing differences in the accumulation pattern of heavy metals in fish inhabiting sediments characterized by varying metal bioavailability. The metal concentrations were found to be greater than the background concentrations of sediments indicating the anthropogenic origin of metals. Good recovery values were obtained for metal contents in sediments and fish. Large fractions of Zn, Cd and Cu were associated with mobile fraction of sediment and showed greater bioaccumulation in fish whereas Ni and Co were least mobilisable. The results clearly indicate that the fish of Kolleru lake are contaminated with metals and not advisable for human consumption.     

太湖五里湖底泥污染特性研究

五里湖是太湖污染最严重的水域。为对其治理提供依据,在该湖区设置了4个采样点,对底泥的表层样、柱状样、间隙水样和上覆水体作了重金属和营养盐分布测试,并作了数据统计分析。结果表明：以地积累指数评价,五里湖底泥的重金属污染程度为轻度,总体可达到《土壤环境质量标准》（GB15618-1995）三级标准,根据超出背景值的倍数分析,五里湖重金属含量顺序为Cu>Cd>Pb>Hg>As>Cr。重金属含量表层（0～5 cm）相对较低,第二层（5～10 cm）和第三层（10～20 cm）是主要的污染沉积层,这与底泥沉积特征是相对应的。表层底泥总氮、总磷和有机质含量较高并具有明显的相关性,相关系数介于0.757 6～0.862 2之间,显示了污染物质的同源性。表层底泥和间隙水中营养盐含量明显高于湖水,相对于湖水呈可释放状态,是湖体内源污染之一。     

A critical review of the bioavailability and impacts of heavy metals in municipal solid waste composts compared to sewage sludge

The content, behaviour and significance of heavy metals in composted waste materials is important from two potentially conflicting aspects of environmental legislation in terms of: (a) defining end-of-waste criteria and increasing recycling of composted residuals on land and (b) protecting soil quality by preventing contamination. This review examines the effects of heavy metals in compost and amended soil as a basis for achieving a practical and sustainable balance between these different policy objectives, with particular emphasis on agricultural application. All types of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost contain more heavy metals than the background concentrations present in soil and will increase their contents in amended soil. Total concentrations of heavy metals in source-segregated and greenwaste compost are typically below UK PAS100 limits and mechanical segregated material can also comply with the metal limits in UK PAS100, although this is likely to be more challenging. Zinc and Pb are numerically the elements present in the largest amounts in MSW-compost. Lead is the most limiting element to use of mechanically-segregated compost in domestic gardens, but concentrations are typically below risk-based thresholds that protect human health. Composted residuals derived from MSW and greenwaste have a high affinity for binding heavy metals. There is general consensus in the scientific literature that aerobic composting processes increase the complexation of heavy metals in organic waste residuals, and that metals are strongly bound to the compost matrix and organic matter, limiting their solubility and potential bioavailability in soil. Lead is the most strongly bound element and Ni the weakest, with Zn, Cu and Cd showing intermediate sorption characteristics. The strong metal sorption properties of compost produced from MSW or sewage sludge have important benefits for the remediation of metal contaminated industrial and urban soils. Compost and sewage sludge additions to agricultural and other soils, with background concentrations of heavy metals, raise the soil content and the availability of heavy metals for transfer into crop plants. The availability in soil depends on the nature of the chemical association between a metal with the organic residual and soil matrix, the pH value of the soil, the concentration of the element in the compost and the soil, and the ability of the plant to regulate the uptake of a particular element. There is no evidence of increased metal release into available forms as organic matter degrades in soil once compost applications have ceased. However, there is good experimental evidence demonstrating the reduced bioavailability and crop uptake of metals from composted biosolids compared to other types of sewage sludge. It may therefore be inferred that composting processes overall are likely to contribute to lowering the availability of metals in amended soil compared to other waste biostabilisation techniques. The total metal concentration in compost is important in controlling crop uptake of labile elements, like Zn and Cu, which increases with increasing total content of these elements in compost. Therefore, low metal materials, which include source-segregated and greenwaste composts, are likely to have inherently lower metal availabilities overall, at equivalent metal loading rates to soil, compared to composted residuals with larger metal contents. This is explained because the compost matrix modulates metal availability and materials low in metals have stronger sorption capacity compared to high metal composts. Zinc is the element in sewage sludge-treated agricultural soil identified as the main concern in relation to potential impacts on soil microbial activity and is also the most significant metal in compost with regard to soil fertility and microbial processes. However, with the exception of one study, there is no other tangible evidence demonstrating negative impacts of heavy metals applied to soil in compost on soil microbial processes and only positive effects of compost application on the microbial status and fertility of soil are reported. The negative impacts on soil microorganisms apparent in one long-term field experiment could be explained by the exceptionally high concentrations of Cd and other elements in the applied compost, and of Cd in the compost-amended soil, which are unrepresentative of current practice and compost quality. The metal contents of source-segregated MSW or greenwaste compost are smaller compared to mechanically-sorted MSW-compost and sewage sludge, and low metal materials also have the smallest potential metal availabilities. Composting processes also inherently reduce metal availability compared to other organic waste stabilisation methods. Therefore, risks to the environment, human health, crop quality and yield, and soil fertility, from heavy metals in source-segregated MSW or greenwaste-compost are minimal. Furthermore, composts produced from mechanically-segregated MSW generally contain fewer metals than sewage sludge used as an agricultural soil improver under controlled conditions. Consequently, the metal content of mechanically-segregated MSW-compost does not represent a barrier to end-use of the product. The application of appropriate preprocessing and refinement technologies is recommended to minimise the contamination of mechanically-segregated MSW-compost as far as practicable. In conclusion, the scientific evidence indicates that conservative, but pragmatic limits on heavy metals in compost may be set to encourage recycling of composted residuals and contaminant reduction measures, which at the same time, also protect the soil and environment from potentially negative impacts caused by long-term accumulation of heavy metals in soil.     

Partitioning of metals in sediments from the Odiel River (Spain)

The Odiel River runs through an area known as the Iberian pyrite belt in the province of Huelva in the southwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula. Its waters are acidic and contain large amounts of heavy metals from erosion and mining activity. In addition, the Odiel River estuary is one of the most industrialized areas in southern Spain and, consequently, receives the discharge of industrial and urban waste. Seventeen sediment samples from the Odiel and its main tributaries were analyzed for this study. The chemical partitioning of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, Ni, Cr and Co) in each sample was determined in four fractions (acid-soluble, reducible, oxidizable and residual). The total content of each of the metals was also determined. The results showed high concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd, undoubtedly as a result of contamination from the mining and industrial activity mentioned above. However, the concentrations of the other metals analyzed were low since there are no sources of pollution by them in the Odiel River. Based on the chemical distribution of metals, we found that Cd, Zn and Cu are the most mobile metals (i.e., metals that can pass easily into the water under changing environmental conditions). Cd is the metal that showed the highest percentages in the acid-soluble fraction (the most labile) and the lowest in the residual fraction. However, Pb, Fe, Cr and Ni are present in the greatest percentages in the residual fraction, which implies that these metals are strongly linked to the sediments.     

基于年轮年代学重建青藏高原东缘百年来重金属污染历史

采用年轮化学分析方法,测定了青藏高原东缘贡嘎山东坡峨眉冷杉(Abiesfabri)年轮中8种重金属元素(Pb、Cd、Cr、Mn、Cu、Zn、Sr和As)含量,分析了过去150年间重金属元素含量的变化特征,并探讨了重金属元素的可能来源.结果表明:Mn、Cu、Zn作为植物生长发育的必需元素,其含量显著大于其余5种重金属,8种重金属元素中,除Mn、Cu含量变化趋势较为单一之外,其余6种重金属含量均表现出复杂的变化趋势;相关分析和聚类分析显示,树轮中Cr、Sr、Pb、As为一类,主要受到人为源和自然源的综合影响;Mn、Zn、Cd为一类,主要受到人为污染源的影响;Cu元素单独归类,很大程度上来自于地壳源.青藏高原东缘地区树轮中重金属含量相对较低,但是随着工业生产活动增加,该地区重金属污染状况已有所增加,通过对该地区树轮中重金属含量的分析,有利于重建该地区重金属污染历史.     

Pb, Zn, and Cu levels in tree barks as indicator of atmospheric pollution

Barks of seven species of trees were sampled at 32 locations having different pollution levels in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The Pb and Zn contents, 1.9-159.8 and 16.5-659.1 micrograms g-1, dry weight respectively, correlate with traffic volume, indicating pollution from anthropogenic sources. The results obtained for Cu, 4.2-20.7 micrograms g-1, dry weight, though lower, were still significant but did not show any correlation with traffic density. The study also confirms the suitability of Azadirachta indica (Dogoyaro--a very popular local tree) as a suitable bio-indicator of aerial fallout of heavy metals.     

Aboveground phytomass and rate of plant debris decomposition in herbaceous communities exposed to soil pollution with heavy metals

Consideration is given to production and decomposition processes in herbaceous communities exposed to chemical pollution with heavy metals in the Middle Urals. High variation in the aboveground phytomass of agrobotanical groups (legumes, forbs, grasses) is due to spatial heterogeneity of soil pollution levels and consequent changes in the species composition of plant communities in the areas studied. Therefore, nonparametric statistical methods have been used (Kruskal–Wallis test with subsequent pairwise comparisons by Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons). The phytomass of legumes remains unchanged in the increasing pollution gradient, while the contribution of forbs to the total phytomass decreases and that of grasses increases. Soils rich in nutrient elements can maintain a high rate of plant debris decomposition, counterbalancing the adverse effect of increased heavy metal concentrations on relevant processes. The balance between production and mineralization processes provides for the sustainable, long-term existence of herbaceous communities under conditions of intense pollution of the natural environment.     

Study on the behavior of the heavy metals Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and 137Cs in an estuarine ecosystem using Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bioindicator species: the case of Thermaikos gulf, Greece

Mussels are worldwide recognized as pollution bioindicators and used in Mussel Watch programs, because they accumulate pollutants in their tissues at elevated levels in relation to pollutant biological availability in the marine environment. The present study deals with the use of Mytilus galloprovincialis as a local bioindicator of heavy metal and (137)Cs contamination in an estuarine ecosystem (Thermaikos gulf, Greece in Eastern Mediterranean). M. galloprovincialis samples were collected monthly from two aquaculture farms during the period April to October 2000. Analyses for the heavy metals Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn and (137)Cs showed that the concentrations measured were low and similar to those from other non-polluted Mediterranean areas. In terms of the two sampling stations, there were no statistically significant differences between them. On the contrary, the seasonal evolution of either heavy metals or (137)Cs levels presented high variation. The levels were found to increase during the cold period of the year, especially for Cu, Zn, Mn and Cr which are essential for life. Stable metals were positively inter-related and moreover, metals more involved in biochemical activities seem to present more correlations than others with less significant role in the metabolism of the organisms.     

太湖流域湖荡湿地沉积物砷汞的空间分布及污染评价

以太湖流域湖荡湿地表层沉积物作为研究对象,用双道氢化物原子荧光光谱法分析了太湖流域湖荡湿地沉积物中重金属砷（As）和汞（Hg）的空间分布特征,用地累积指数法（Geoaccumulation Index,Igeo）对太湖流域湖荡湿地As和Hg的污染状况进行了分析和评价。结果表明：湖州和无锡地区湖荡湿地沉积物As的含量相对较高,且高于太湖流域As的环境背景值,各研究区域湖荡湿地沉积物均未受到As的污染;常州地区湖荡湿地沉积物中Hg的含量相对较低,0＜Igeo＜1,湿地沉积物受到了重金属Hg轻度污染;其它4个区域Hg含量均较高,且高于太湖流域Hg环境背景值,1＜Igeo＜2,均达到偏中度污染水平。由此可见,5个研究区域湖荡沉积物均受到不同程度的重金属Hg的污染,而湖荡沉积物中As的含量仅在局部区域（如无锡,湖州）有增加的趋势,表明人类活动的干扰可能是太湖流域湖荡沉积物中Hg和As含量增加的主要因素     

Pollution of the Arctic

The great remote region of the Arctic, which even recently has been considered pristine, has during the last few decades become an object of pollution impact from local and distant sources. The major atmospheric, riverine, and marine pathways result in the long-range transport of contaminants into and within the Arctic. Over the last few years, very comprehensive programs were carried out, the major goal of which was to assess the present state of the Arctic environment (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme and Canadian Arctic Contaminants in 1997). Recent studies on Arctic estuaries and river–coast interaction have been conducted as a contribution to the global IGBP/LOICZ project. New data from Russian research over the last few decades were also received. All kinds of contaminants were taken into consideration, including artificial radionuclides, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Many localities were found with significant levels of pollution. However, the general conclusion is that, in comparison with most other areas of the world, the Arctic remains a relatively clean environment. Electronic Publication