Soil contamination in Colombian playgrounds: effects of vehicles,construction, and traffic

The presence of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) in playground soils is generally associated with anthropogenic sources such as vehicle traffic, industries, construction sites, and biomass burning. Studies indicate that PHEs are harmful to human health and may even be carcinogenic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical, morphological, and mineralogical properties of soil samples from three public playgrounds located in the cities of Bogota, Medellin, and Barranquilla. Besides, the possible impacts caused by the aerodynamics of particles in Colombian cities were verified. The morphology, composition, and structure of the nanoparticles (NPs) (< 100 nm) present in these soils were evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with high-precision field emission (FE) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Soil samples were predominantly feldspar, quartz, and, to a lesser extent, clay minerals, carbonates, and hematites. The average content of PHEs was anthropogenically enriched in relation to the upper continental crust. As and Sn showed a large spatial variation, indicating the influence of local sources, such as vehicle traffic and industries. There is an inverse relationship between the total concentrations of some elements and their leachable fractions. The accumulation of traffic-derived PHEs has a negative impact on human health and the environment, which is alarming, especially for elements such as Pb, Sb, or As. Therefore, the presence of PHEs should receive greater attention from public health professionals, and limits should be set and exposures controlled. This study includes the construction of a baseline that provides basic information on pollution, its sources, and exposure routes for humans in the vicinity of Colombia’s major cities, characterized by their increasing urbanization and industrialization.

     

Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in China and chemometric analysis of potential emission sources

Aimed to give a preliminary image of dioxin pollution in China, chemometric analysis was performed to determine background dioxin levels during the period 1994-2002 and potential emission sources. Using principal components analysis (PCA), the congener profiles of 71 sediment samples from rivers, lakes, and sea bays around China were compared with the congener profiles of various known or suspected industrial, residential, and municipal dioxin sources to determine whether the dioxin residues typically found in a broad range of potential environmental sources could explain the presence of these chemicals in China. It was found that the background dioxin levels of China were similar to those of lightly polluted samples from other countries during the period 1994-2002. Primary ferrous ore sintering and secondary lead and aluminum smelters were the major sources of dioxin emission in China. Chloranil and wastewater from chemical plants, sodium pentachlorophenate, and pulp bleaching were also important sources of dioxin emission. Open burning of e-waste as well as diesel-fueled and leaded gas-fueled vehicles were additional possible sources of dioxin. In contrast to other countries, in China, flue gases from incineration of municipal waste, hazardous waste, and medical waste might be minor sources of dioxin emission.     

Molecular indicators for pollution source identification in marine and terrestrial water of the industrial area of Kavala city, North Greece

Eight terrestrial and four marine water samples were collected from the industrial section of the city of Kavala in northern Greece to determine the occurrence and distribution of organic contaminants, as well as to identify the molecular markers of different emission sources. The samples were analyzed by means of non-target screening analyses. The analytical procedure included a sequential extraction of the samples, GC-FID, GC/MS analyses, and additional quantitative analyses of selected pollutants. The results show a wide variety of compounds including halogenated compounds, technical additives and metabolites, phosphates, phthalates, benzothiazoles, etc. A close relationship between many of the contaminants and their emission sources was determined based on their molecular structures and information on technical applications.     

The potential environmental risks of pharmaceuticals in Vietnamese aquatic systems: case study of antibiotics and synthetic hormones

Presently, many pharmaceuticals are listed as emerging contaminants since they are considered to be great potential threats to environmental ecosystems. These contaminants, thus, present significant research interest due to their extensive use and their physicochemical and toxicological properties. This review discusses a whole range of findings that address various aspects of the usage, occurrence, and potentially environmental risks of pharmaceuticals released from various anthropogenic sources, with emphasis on the aquatic systems in Vietnam. The published information and collected data on the usage and occurrence of antibiotics and synthetic hormone in effluents and aquatic systems of Vietnam is reported. This is followed by a potential ecological risk assessment of these pollutants. The extensive use of antibiotics and synthetic hormones in Vietnam could cause the discharge and accumulation of these contaminants in the aquatic systems and potentially poses serious risks for ecosystems. Vietnam is known to have extensively used antibiotics and synthetic hormones, so these contaminants are inevitably detected in aquatic systems. Thus, an appropriate monitoring program of these contaminants is urgently needed in order to mitigate their negative effects and protect the ecosystems.     

Application of ultrasonic assisted extraction of chemically diverse organic compounds from soils and sediments

The objective of this research was the development, optimization, and demonstration of an ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) based method for organic anthropogenic waste indicators (AWIs) with a range of physicochemical properties from soil and sediment samples. The optimized method was designed to be cost effective compared to existing extraction methods, which may require large quantities of consumables, produce substantial volumes of organic waste, or require costly instrumentation or equipment. Reagent grade sand, soil collected from the native grassland in proximity to Eastern Washington University (EWU), and sediment samples collected from the Spokane river were used as sample matrices during method development. These matrices were fortified with eight AWIs of varying chemical properties that are representative of a variety of household, industrial, and agricultural sources. The recoveries of the AWIs spiked onto these matrices were determined in the extracts using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These values reflect the efficiency of the method for extraction of these analytes from representative environmental matrices. Recoveries ranged from 46.1% to 110% in the fortified soil and from 49.2% to 118.6% in the fortified sediment samples, which is comparable with existing methods for the study analytes. The optimized method was then used to quantify AWIs in a biosolid-amended soil. Indole and p-cresol were detected in the biosolid-amended soil.     

Monitoring PCDD/Fs, PCBs and metals in the ambient air of an industrial area of Catalonia, Spain

In 2005 and 2006, the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were measured in air samples collected in an industrial area of Sant Adrià del Besòs (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain) where a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) is placed, and in a background/control area. In general terms, concentrations of all environmental pollutants were higher at the industrial site. No significant seasonal/temporal variations were observed in any of the areas. No Pearson correlation was found between the PCDD/F concentrations and the environmental conditions of the two sampling periods considered. Principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to get information on the relationship among samples, pollutants, and emission sources. The results indicate that the MSWI of S. Adrià de Besòs is not a significant emission source of the above compounds for the area under its direct influence. Moreover, a notable difference in the PCDD/F congener profiles was found between ambient air and stack gas emissions, indicating that the current levels of PCDD/Fs are more related to other potential emissions sources rather than to those from the MSWI.     

Seasonal effect on N2O formation in nitrification in constructed wetlands

Constructed wetlands are considered to be important sources of nitrous oxide (N(2)O). In order to investigate the contribution of nitrification in N(2)O formation, some environmental factors, plant species and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in active layers have been compared. Vegetation cells indicated remarkable effect of seasons and different plant species on N(2)O emission and AOB amount. Nitrous oxide data showed large temporal and spatial fluctuations ranging 0-52.8 mg N(2)O m(-2)d(-1). Higher AOB amount and N(2)O flux rate were observed in the Zizania latifolia cell, reflecting high potential of global warming. Roles of plants as ecosystem engineers are summarized with rhizosphere oxygen release and organic matter transportation to affect nitrogen transformation. The Phragmites australis cell contributed to keeping high T-N removal performance and lower N(2)O emission. The distribution of AOB also supported this result. Statistical analysis showed several environmental parameters affecting the strength of observed greenhouse gases emission, such as water temperature, water level, TOC, plant species and plant cover.     

The environmental occurrence of hexabromocyclododecane in Sweden

The brominated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is extensively used in Europe, but data on the environmental concentrations of this chemical are scarce. A first screening has been performed concerning the environmental occurrence of HBCD in Sweden, a country where the chemical is not produced and the current industrial use is very limited. Possible emission sources were identified through a systematic analysis of the use in a life cycle perspective. In addition to a few point sources, diffuse emissions from polymeric products are possible. Measurements have been performed close to certain possible point sources, in the urban environment and in remote regions, and included air, deposition, water, soil, sediments, sludge, biota and foodstuffs. HBCD was detected in all media analysed and in all environments. The relatively high concentrations detected in herring and foodstuffs provide evidence for bioaccumulation of HBCD. The presence of HBCD in remote background air implies that HBCD has potential for long-range atmospheric transport. There are also some indications that diffuse emissions of HBCD occur in the urban environment.     

挥发性有机硫化合物释放的研究与展望

在介绍硫的生物地球化学循环的基础上，概述了几种挥发性有机硫气体ＤＭＳ，ＣＯＳ，ＭＳＨ，ＣＳ２和ＤＭＤＳ从各种自然源（主要是生物源）释放的情况，着重阐述了陆地生态系统中各种生物硫源的释放情况，列举了测定这些释放的硫通量的方法，并且对有机硫气体的大气行为及环境影响也作了论述。     

PCDD/PCDF congener profiles in soil and herbage samples collected in the vicinity of a municipal waste incinerator before and after pronounced reductions of PCDD/PCDF emissions from the facility

Congener profiles are the fractional distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) congeners in an environmental release, or in an environmental or biological sample. In 1999, an adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the stack was carried out in an old municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) from Montcada (Barcelona, Spain). The main goal of the present study was to determine if the environmental PCDD/F levels in the area under direct influence of the facility were mainly due to PCDD/F emissions from the plant. For this purpose, soil and herbage samples were collected near the MSWI before (1998) and after (2000) the technical improvements were performed. PCDD/F congener profiles were determined and compared with those from samples collected in a suburban area of Constantí (Tarragona, Spain) outside of direct emissions from any MSWI. The results of the present study suggest that the MSWI here assessed is not the main responsible for the environmental PCDD/F concentrations in the area under evaluation. Other PCDD/F emission sources in the same area seem also to have a notable impact on the atmospheric levels of these pollutants.     

Examination of dioxin fluxes recorded in dated aquatic-sediment cores in the Kanto region of Japan using multivariate data analysis

Past dioxin (coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl (Co-PCB), 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF)) fluxes recorded in dated aquatic-sediment cores were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The data set consisted of samples from four cores collected from the Kanto region of Japan. Time trends and spatial differences in the dioxin flux were examined, and the potential relationship to emission sources was investigated. Twenty-five compounds and 58 core slices, corresponding to the later half of the 20th century, were subjected to the analysis. The PCA of both log-transformed and maximum-value-standardized data successfully divided the dioxin compounds into a small number of groups, and three similar clusters of Co-PCBs, PCDDs and penta- to hepta-CDFs were identified. PCB formulations used in the past are judged to have been responsible for the major part of the Co-PCB flux recorded in the sediment cores. However, the relationship to emission sources needs further investigation. It is suggested that most 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs are different from Co-PCBs in their emission sources or movements in the environment. The subcore clusters obtained from the PCA of log-transformed data show that the cores from different sampling areas exhibited distinct dioxin fluxes and compositions. Common time trends among the cores were more effectively summarized by the PCA of maximum-value-standardized data focusing on relative time trends. PC scores show that recently the flux of each dioxin compound in the four cores has been generally declining after having reached a peak.     

Enhancement of source traceability of atmospheric PM by elemental chemical fractionation

During a 1-year study (“Fine dust” Project) funded by the Lazio regional government (Italy), about 1000 daily PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 samples collected from six sites in the region were subjected to chemical fractionation based on differences in elemental solubility. In this way, it was possible to achieve meaningful characterization of the elemental composition of individual samples. For most of the investigated elements, we found significant differences between the extracted and the mineralized residual fraction. In general, fine particulate was best characterized by the composition of the extracted fraction, while coarse particles from traffic-related sources were best characterized using residues. For several metals (Cd, Pb, Sn, Sb and V) having a critical environmental impact, this result was particularly clear.The application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and receptor modelling (PCR) to the data set allowed us to evidence the enhancement of selectivity towards different emission sources that is obtained when chemical fractionated data are considered instead of total element content. Chemical fractionation seems to generate very selective markers for specific emission sources and in particular for re-suspended road dusts, one of the main factors responsible for the increase of elemental concentrations in urban areas.     

Calculation of environmental concentration and comparison of output for existing chemicals using regional multimedia modeling

The environmental fate of 40 existing chemicals is discussed using the EUSES multimedia distribution and risk assessment model with site-specific parameter setting in an urban area of Japan including a highly industrial region. There has been a strong need to assess the environmental fate of a huge number of existing chemicals. Data on the emission amounts of chemicals are essential for such prediction, and PRTR surveys may yield this data. The study delivered the following results: (1) Volatile compounds with large amounts of emission showed higher predicted concentrations in air, and the concentrations of several compounds agreed well with averaged monitoring data within an order of magnitude. (2) A close relationship was found between the concentration of water and that of sediment, suggesting that the fate of chemicals in sediment essentially depended on the water environment. (3) A group of volatile solvents had high mass distribution ratio to air. Some compounds having high solubility in water were also included in that group due to the high ratio of air emission. Highly hydrophobic compounds with logK(OW) larger than 6.0 showed a high distribution ratio to soil and sediment. (4) Volatile compounds were mostly taken through air. The exposure through fish is a dominant pathway for highly hydrophobic compounds. (5) Exposure ratio could be gathered from physicochemical properties. The exposure from fish intake was roughly estimated by logK(OW), whereas exposure from air and water intake was difficult to estimate simply by vapor pressure and solubility in water, respectively.     

Temporal variation of fluoride concentration in antlers of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) living in an area exposed to emissions from iron and steel industry, 1948-2000

Temporal changes of environmental fluoride concentration in the industrialized area of Siegen, western Germany were assessed by studying the fluoride content of antlers (n=116) collected between 1948 and 2000 from the resident roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population. During the analyzed period, major fluoride emission sources in the study area have been iron- and steelworks. Fluoride concentrations in the antlers ranged between 118 and 5428 mg/kg of bone ash. There was an overall increase in antler fluoride content from the late 1940s/early 1950s to the late 1950s/mid-1960s. Thereafter, antler fluoride levels overall steadily declined. For statistical analysis, the data were grouped into five periods (1948–1959, 1960–1969, 1970–1979, 1980–1989, and 1990–2000). Geometric mean fluoride concentrations of the samples ranged from 323 (period 1990–2000) to 2096 mg/kg of bone ash (period 1960–1969). Sample means for the periods 1980–1989 and 1990–2000, respectively, were always significantly lower than those of older samples. The decrease in antler fluoride concentrations during recent decades suggests a drop of ambient fluoride levels, that is hypothetically attributed to a reduction in the number of emission sources in the area and a decline of fluoride discharges from both local and more distant sources due to improved emission control measures. Comparison with antler fluoride data for other roe deer populations from western Germany further suggests that the roe deer from the Siegen area were recently exposed to an only moderate additional fluoride load from industrial sources. Studying antler fluoride concentrations is a convenient and cost-effective method of monitoring temporal changes in ambient fluoride levels.     

Effectiveness in the use of natural gas for the reduction of atmospheric emissions: case study--industrial sector in the metropolitan region of Santiago,Chile

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the potential of natural gas to reduce emissions from stationary combustion sources by analyzing the case study of the metropolitan region of Santiago, Chile. For such purposes, referential base scenarios have been defined that represent with and without natural gas settings. The method to be applied is an emission estimate based on emission factors. The results for this case study reveal that stationary combustion sources that replaced their fuel reduced particulate matter (PM) emissions by 61%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 91%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 40%, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 10%. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were reduced by 1%. As a result of this emission reduction, in addition to reductions caused by other factors, such as a shift to cleaner fuels other than natural gas, technological improvements, and sources which are not operative, emission reduction goals set forth by the environmental authorities were broadly exceeded.     

Source diagnostics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban road runoff, dust, rain and canopy throughfall

Diagnostic ratios and multivariate analysis were utilized to apportion polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) sources for road runoff, road dust, rain and canopy throughfall based on samples collected in an urban area of Beijing, China. Three sampling sites representing vehicle lane, bicycle lane and branch road were selected. For road runoff and road dust, vehicular emission and coal combustion were identified as major sources, and the source contributions varied among the sampling sites. For rain, three principal components were apportioned representing coal/oil combustion (54%), vehicular emission (34%) and coking (12%). For canopy throughfall, vehicular emission (56%), coal combustion (30%) and oil combustion (14%) were identified as major sources. Overall, the PAH's source for road runoff mainly reflected that for road dust. Despite site-specific sources, the findings at the study area provided a general picture of PAHs sources for the road runoff system in urban area of Beijing.     

PCDD/F concentrations in soil and vegetation in the vicinity of a municipal waste incinerator after a pronounced decrease in the emissions of PCDD/Fs from the facility

Emission of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) by municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) is an issue of great concern. In 1997, an adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the stack was carried out in an MSWI from Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). As a result, PCDD/F emissions were significantly reduced. The aim of this study was to determine the current levels of PCDD/Fs in soil and vegetation samples collected near the facility and to compare these levels with those obtained in previous surveys (1996 and 1997). In the period 1997-1999, PCDD/F concentrations in vegetation samples were significantly decreased (60%). By contrast, the levels of PCDD/Fs in soil samples increased slightly (14%, P > 0.05) during the same period. An exhaustive analysis of the present data indicates that other emission sources of PCDD/Fs have also a notable environmental impact on the area under direct influence of the MSWI.     

Effectiveness in the Use of Natural Gas for the Reduction of Atmospheric Emissions: Case Study—Industrial Sector in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago,Chile

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the potential of natural gas to reduce emissions from stationary combustion sources by analyzing the case study of the metropolitan region of Santiago, Chile. For such purposes, referential base scenarios have been defined that represent with and without natural gas settings. The method to be applied is an emission estimate based on emission factors. The results for this case study reveal that stationary combustion sources that replaced their fuel reduced particulate matter (PM) emissions by 61%, sulfur oxides (SO_x) by 91%, nitrogen oxides (NO_x) by 40%, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 10%. Carbon mon-oxide (CO) emissions were reduced by 1%. As a result of this emission reduction, in addition to reductions caused by other factors, such as a shift to cleaner fuels other than natural gas, technological improvements, and sources which are not operative, emission reduction goals set forth by the environmental authorities were broadly exceeded.     

双酚A和典型类固醇环境激素迁移转化研究进展

近年来有关环境激素污染的认知、研究与防治已经开始受到全球的重视,其中双酚A(BPA)和类固醇是环境中检出频率较高的几种环境激素.国外有关BPA和类固醇环境激素的调查和其迁移转化的研究已经广泛展开,但我国仍处于起步阶段.综述了国内外BPA和两种典型类固醇激素17β-雌二醇(E2)和17α-乙炔基雌二醇(EE2)的研究进展,介绍了其基本性质、用途、危害、环境中浓度和其迁移转化规律;指出为了阐明BPA、E2和EE2在环境中危害,有关其吸附、生物降解和光降解等迁移转化规律,及各迁移转化过程之间协同作用与相互影响的研究还有待于进一步深入.     

Atmospheric emission of polychlorinated biphenyls from multiple industrial thermal processes

In this study, field measurements were conducted to estimate and characterize the atmospheric emission levels and profiles of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from multiple industrial thermal processes. The emission levels and profiles of PCBs from five types of thermal processes at twenty-three plants were studied and compared with eight processes reported in our previous studies. Correlation analysis was preformed to identify a marker congener for emission of ΣPCB. A significant correlation was observed between congener CB-118 and ΣPCB (R² = 0.65 and p < 0.01), which suggests that CB-118 is a good marker congener for emission of ΣPCB. The profiles of PCBs emitted from the thirteen thermal processes were compared, and this information could be used for studying source–receptor relationships and identifying the specific sources of PCBs. To prioritize the sources for control, the concentrations of PCBs from thirteen industrial thermal sources were compared. The PCB concentrations from secondary zinc smelting and thermal wire reclamation were about one to three order magnitude higher than those of other sources, which suggests that these two sources be given priority in PCB source control. Finally, the atmospheric emission factors of PCBs from the thirteen industrial sources were summarized, and these data will be useful for developing an integrated emission inventory of PCBs.