Surface and ground waters characterization in Tuscany (Italy) by using algal bioassay and pesticide determinations: comparative evaluation of the results and hazard assessment of the pesticides impact on primary productivity

Algal bioassays and pesticide analysis were joined in Tuscany regional monitoring of surface and ground waters. Results were compared. Waters affected algal growth in any of the following ways: stimulation, inhibition, stimulation at low concentrations and inhibition at higher concentrations. Most of ground waters inhibited algal growth whereas only a little percentage were contaminated with pesticide. Most of surface waters stimulated algal growth and a higher percentage were contaminated with pesticides. In waters with inhibitory effect toxicological parameters (EC50, EC25, EC10 and NOEC) were measured and compared; EC25 values were very close to NOEC values. Hazard to aquatic primary productivity for each pesticide found during chemical monitoring was evaluated; for this aim the margin of safety (MOS) was calculated by using algal toxicity and the pesticide concentration measured.     

Environmental ozone exposure and oxidative DNA damage in adult residents of Florence, Italy

In 71 adults residing in Florence, Italy, enrolled in a prospective study, we investigated the correlation between individual levels of oxidative DNA damage detected by the Comet assay in circulating lymphocytes, and a specific ozone exposure score calculated in 10 different time-windows (0-5 to 0-90 days) before blood drawing, based on daily measurements provided by the local environmental monitoring system.Overall, statistically significant positive correlations between average ozone concentrations and DNA damage emerged in almost all time-windows considered; correlations were more evident among males, non-smokers, and traffic-exposed workers. Multivariate regression analyses taking into account selected individual characteristics, showed an independent effect on DNA damage of average ozone concentrations in the last 60-90 days before blood drawing. Local residents showed a divergent pattern with correlations restricted to shorter time-windows.Our results suggest that ozone concentrations at ground levels modulate oxidative DNA damage in circulating lymphocytes of residents of polluted areas.