Experimental study on the minimum explosion concentration of anthracite dust: The roles of O2 mole fraction,inert gas and CH4 addition

The explosion characteristics of anthracite coal dust with/without small amount of CH₄ (1.14 vol %) were investigated by using a 20 L spherical explosion apparatus with an emphasis on the roles of oxygen mole fraction and inert gas. Two methods based on overpressure and combustion duration time were used to determine the minimum explosion concentration (MEC) or the lower explosion limit (LEL) of the pure anthracite coal dust and the hybrid coal-methane mixtures, respectively. The experiment results showed that increasing oxygen mole fraction increases the explosion risk of coal dust: with increasing oxygen mole fraction, the explosion pressure (P_ex) and the rate of explosion pressure rise ((dp/dt)_ex)) increase, while MEC decreases. The explosion risk of anthracite dust was found to be lower after replacing N₂ with CO₂, suggesting that CO₂ has a better inhibition effect on explosion mainly due to its higher specific heat. However, the addition of 1.14% CH₄ moderates the inhibition effect of CO₂ and the promotion effect of O₂ on anthracite dust explosion for some extent, increasing explosion severity and reducing the MEC of anthracite dust. For hybrid anthracite/CH₄ mixture explosions, Barknecht's curve was found to be more accurate and conservative than Chatelier's line, but neither are sufficient from the safety considerations. The experimental results provide a certain help for the explosion prevention and suppression in carbonaceous dust industries.     

Pesticide residues in Italian Ready-Meals and dietary intake estimation

The investigations carried out during 2005 by state-run Italian laboratories within the framework of controls seeking pesticide residues monitoring in foodstuffs involve quantifying the levels of such residues in fruit and vegetable produce and their processed products: oil, wine and fruit juices. The Italian Ready-Meal Residue Project, promoted by the pesticides working group of Italian Environmental Agencies, seeks to asses the quantity of pesticides in pre-prepared (ready-to-eat) lunches (comprising a first course, side dish, fruit, bread and wine), and to quantify the amounts consumed and compare with the acceptable daily intake ADIs.The data provided by 16 laboratories which analyzed 50 complete meals in 2005 (samples taken on 8 February, 26 May, 24 October, 21 December 2005) showed residues in 39 lunches, with an average number of 2.4 pesticides in each meal and a maximum of 10 pesticides. The most frequently found substances were: pirimiphos-methyl (20 times), procymidone (17), pyrimethanil (7), iprodione (7), cyprodinil (7), fenitrothion (6), diphenylamine (6), chlorpyrifos (6), metalaxyl (5) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (5).The distribution of residues among each dish of the meal was also examined, and the results showed that: 77.3% of the residues were present in the fruit, 14.9% in the wine, 3.0% in the main course, 2.8% in the bread and 2.1% in the side dish. Assuming that two meals are consumed per day, the daily intake of pesticide residues was calculated on a daily basis, in relation to normal body weight (60 kg for an adult, 40 kg for a teenager, 20 kg for a child) and compared with the ADI values established by the European Union. In the case of adults, the average daily intake of pesticides in relation to ADI was 2.6% with a maximum of 73.3%; for teenagers it was 4.9% with a maximum of 109% and for children it was 9.8% with a peak of 219%.     

Results of the monitoring program of pesticide residues in organic food of plant origin in Lombardy (Italy)

Organic agriculture, with its restrictions on the use of synthetic chemical inputs, seems to offer a low-residue alternative to conventional methods. In Europe, the Council Regulation n. 2092/91/EEC regulates the production and trade of organic products and foodstuffs; national and regional legislation in Italy gives specific guidance on the surveillance of organic agriculture. However, monitoring of specific chemical residues in organic foodstuffs is part of the regular controls on food, aiming to safeguard consumer's health. Monitoring programs are coordinated at the national level by the Ministry of Health and at local level by Regional authorities. In Lombardy, in accordance with the provisions of the General Directorate of Health of the Region and under the supervision of the 15 Local Health Units, a monitoring program of pesticide residues in food of plant origin is undertaken every year. The International Centre for Pesticides and Health Risk Prevention (ICPS), on behalf of the General Directorate of Health of the Region of Lombardy, has been collecting and elaborating the data resulting from the analysis of food samples, carried out by the local laboratories. During the period 2002–2005, a total of 3508 samples food of plant origin were analyzed for pesticide residues, among which were 266 samples of organic farming products. Commodities were classified into groups (citrus fruits, legumes, vegetables, potatoes, processed products, cereals, and fruit other than citrus) and the outcomes of the analyses were reported by year, origin of the sample and presence/absence of pesticide residues. Results showed that the vast majority of organic farming products were in conformity with the relevant legislation and did not contain detectable pesticide residues. A limited amount of samples had residues at concentration below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). Only in one sample the residue level was above the MRL, however it did not pose a concern for public health, as demonstrated by the outcomes of dietary risk assessment. Organic fruits and vegetables can be expected to contain fewer agrochemical residues than conventionally grown alternatives. There is a widespread belief that organic agriculture products are safer and healthier than conventional foods. It is difficult to come to conclusions, but what should be made clear to the consumer is that “organic” does not automatically equal “safe”. In the absence of adequate comparative data, additional studies in this area of research are required.     

Food risks and the environment: changing perspectives in a changing social order

Risks related to food production and consumption are not a recent phenomenon. Through agricultural practices, the transport of agricultural and food products, the processing of food, its storage, and finally the consumption of food, risks have been externalized, mediated, contested and ingested. But agrofood systems have also been paralleled by routinized practices and institutions that attempt to reduce risks and sustain trust among the many actors involved in these food regimes. However, both the (definition of) food risks and the institutions and discourses used to dispel anxiety and build trust are far from stable throughout time. In the contemporary modern world-order, food risks and the practices and institutions dealing with these risks reflect the significant transformations in the agrofood system, the changing nature of the risks involved in food production and consumption, and the modifications in scientific risk assessment and risk management. This article provides an overview of the current debates, discussions and practices on actual and potential institutional transformations that parallel the emergence, assessment and management of food risks in reflexive modernity. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

电子垃圾拆解地稻田土壤和稻米中重金属污染评估

As、Cd、Cu、Pb等重金属是废旧电子电器产品(电子垃圾)拆解过程释放的一类重要的有害化学物质.大米是电子垃圾拆解地居民主要的食物,大米中的重金属含量直接关系到当地居民的食品安全和健康风险.本研究测定了广东省清远市电子垃圾拆解地4个拆解点稻田土壤和稻米中As、Cd、Cu和Pb的含量水平,并评估了土壤中重金属的生态风险和当地居民食用大米中的重金属的健康风险.电子垃圾拆解地稻田土壤中As、Cd、Cu和Pb的平均含量分别为8.9~9.4、0.73~1.94、75~195和54~87 mg·kg~(-1),稻米中As、Cd、Cu和Pb的平均含量分别为0.11~0.17、0.11~0.66、7.54~21.6和0.27~0.42 mg·kg~(-1)(以稻米干重计).电子垃圾拆解地土壤和稻米中Cd、Cu和Pb的含量是对照区的2~15倍,但As的含量与对照区无显著性差异.土壤中重金属的生态风险评估结果显示,电子垃圾拆解地稻田土壤中的Cd具有极强生态风险.当地居民膳食暴露风险评估结果提示,电子垃圾拆解地当地居民大米中的Cd和Cu可能存在较高健康风险,且Cd具有较高的致癌风险.     

You Eat What You Are: Moral Dimensions of Diets Tailored to One's Genes

Thanks to developments in genomics,dietary recommendations adapted to genetic riskprofiles of individual persons are no longerscience fiction. But what are the consequencesof these diets? An examination of possibleimpacts of genetically tailor-made diets raisesmorally relevant concerns that are analogous to(medical-ethical) considerations aboutscreening and testing. These concerns oftengive rise to applying norms for informedconsent and for the weighing of burdens andbenefits. These diets also have a broaderimpact, especially because food patterns arefull of personal, social and cultural meanings.Diets will change one's food patterns and one'sattitude towards food, and this may implychanges in one's identity. We argue that suchan impact does not necessarily raise moralproblems. Moral concerns are, however, relevantif collective values and shared meanings infood practices are at issue. Therefore, thedevelopment of genetically tailor-made dietsdoes not merely require emphasis on weighingpersonal benefits and burdens and on informedconsent. It also asks for attention to andmoral reflection on the collective valuesinvolved in food practices.     

Variability of Fire Behavior, Fire Effects, and Emissions in Scotch Pine Forests of Central Siberia

As part of the Russian FIRE BEAR (Fire Effects in the Boreal Eurasia Region) Project, replicated 4-ha experimental fires were conducted on a dry Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris)/lichen (Cladonia sp.)/feathermoss (Pleurozeum schreberi) forest site in central Siberia. Observations from the initial seven surface fires (2000-2001) ignited under a range of burning conditions quantified the different fuel consumption and fire behavior characteristics (e.g., rate of spread, fireline intensity, etc.) possible in this particular forest fuel type. Experimental results and dendrochronological study of local fire history both support the dominance of local fire regimes by low to moderate-intensity surface fires. Carbon released by the experimental fires ranged from 4.8 to 15.4 t C ha^{− 1} depending on fuel conditions and fire severity. Preliminary emission data show a strong correlation between carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, which should facilitate accurate estimates of fire impacts on atmospheric chemistry. Carbon concentration in smoke samples was related to fire severity. The short landscape-scale fire-return interval (50 years), combined with typically low fire severity, in pine ecosystems of central Siberia is often associated with low tree mortality and relatively rapid buildup of litter and understory fuels after a fire.     

土壤水分变化对外来入侵植物飞机草生长的影响

以外来入侵植物飞机草为研究对象,设计3个水分梯度(15mm,10mm,5.83mm),研究飞机草的叶绿素含量、生物量、光合生理特征等指标对土壤含水量变化的响应。结果表明,随着土壤水分含量的降低,飞机草的单位叶面积干质量、叶绿素含量、净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率、胞间CO2摩尔分数、光饱和点等都呈下降趋势。同时,根冠比和水分利用率随着水分胁迫的加重而有所提高,表明飞机草对土壤水分胁迫有一定的适应能力,但总体而言,土壤水分胁迫不利于飞机草的生长,限制了其向降雨量较少的地区入侵。     

鱼外渔场海洋生物体内重金属和多环芳烃含量水平与食用风险评价

本文对2018年2月采自东海鱼外渔场的海洋生物(包括鱼类、头足类和甲壳类)体内的5种重金属(Cu、Pb、Cr、As、Cd)和16种多环芳烃(PAHs)的残留水平进行了测定,分析了污染物在生物体内的累积特性并计算了潜在的食用风险,并结合氮稳定同位素技术,初步探讨了生物体内重金属和PAHs的营养级传递特性。结果表明:5种重金属在生物中的平均浓度表现为CuPbCrAsCd;参照我国《食品中污染物限量》和《无公害食品水产品中有毒有害物质限量》,重金属Cu、Cd和Cr均未超过食用标准,但Pb和As的超标现象较为严重。与世界其他范围海域生物体内重金属浓度相比,该渔场生物体内Cu和Pb浓度较高。∑PAHs的平均浓度为283 ng·g~(-1)dw,以低环PAHs(2～3环)占比较大,且主要贡献单体为萘(NAP),总体处于较低污染水平。海洋生物对重金属的富集能力较PAHs高,尤其对Cu的富集最为明显。但风险计算结果表明,重金属和PAHs都不会对消费者的人体健康产生明显风险。重金属Cu和Cd浓度随营养级的升高出现了稀释现象,但重金属Pb、Cr、As和PAHs的营养传递特性不明显,覆盖完整食物链的污染物营养传递特性有待进一步深入研究。     

Maternal cell contamination in chorionic villus samples assessed by direct preparations and three different culture methods

Presumptive maternal cell contamination (MCC) was monitored in identified male cases during cytogenetic comparison of direct techniques and three different culture regimes from 140 thoroughly dissected chorionic villus samples. Of the 66 identified male cases, 11(16·7 per cent) showed MCC, the mean number of cells examined per case being 8·2 (direct) and 14·5 (cultures); in the direct preparations only one of a total of 457 cells examined was female, while preparations from cultures revealed MCC in 11 cases. Four of these had MCC in more than one culture regime and four had only a single female cell. The results showed that (1) dependence on the culture system alone would have given a diagnosis based on maternal cells in one (1·5 per cent) male case, thus underlining the danger of this approach (a similar undetected rate of misdiagnosis being expected in the female cases) and (2) MCC was significantly lower in cultures grown in Chang medium as compared with the other two regimes, McCoy's 5A + 15 per cent fetal calf serum and 1 per cent Ultroser G, and McCoy's 5A + 25 per cent fetal calf serum, the latter expressing the highest level of MCC.