Levels and congener profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in cow’s milk collected in Campania, Italy

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and certain dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are a family of chemically-related lipophilic compounds characterized by similar toxicity. Due to their properties they are universally distributed in the environment and classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). From most of studies carried out to evaluate human dietary intake, milk and dairy products result as a major contributors of PCDD/Fs uptake. Of course the main source of milk contamination is animal feeds. Lactating ruminants, cows included, transfer these compounds to the food chain by ingestion of contaminated vegetables or soil. Their resistance to degradation and a high lipophilicity means that PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs may be accumulated into fat tissues from which they are transferred to milk during lactation period.Seventy-nine cows milk samples, collected in the monitoring plan 2008, were analyzed for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. Eleven milk samples were non-compliant corresponding to five breeding livestock located in Caserta province. The distribution of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs congeners in these samples was examined in order to determine the likely sources of dioxins. The results show that the congener profile is characterized by a prevalence of PCDFs in respect of PCDDs, that represents the typical pattern of thermal origin contamination.     

What are the sources and conditions responsible for exceedences of the 24 h PM10 limit value (50 μg m−3) at a heavily trafficked London site?

The European Union has set limit values for PM₁₀ to be met in 2005. At Marylebone Road, London, where the traffic is heavy, the daily limit value of 50 μg m⁻³ is exceeded more than 35 times a year. A total of 185 days with daily PM₁₀ concentrations exceeding the limit value of 50 μg m⁻³ measured between January 2002 and December 2004 (data capture of 89.5%) are discussed in this paper. These exceedences were more frequent in early spring and in autumn. Concentrations have been disaggregated into regional, urban (background) and local (street) contributions. Most of the episodes of gravimetric PM₁₀ above the limit value were associated with a high regional background and very often the regional contribution dominated the PM₁₀ mass. The secondary aerosol (especially the particulate nitrate) made a major contribution to the PM₁₀ load. These situations were frequently observed when air masses came from the European mainland (showing that both emissions from the UK and other EU countries contributed to the exceedences), and less frequently with maritime air masses that have stagnated over the UK (showing that emissions from the UK alone less frequently contributed to the high regional background). However, the higher frequency of episodes breaching the limit value at the roadside site than at the rural site and the higher frequency of PM₁₀ concentrations above the limit value on weekdays show that the high regional contributions are additional to local and urban emissions. Local emissions mainly due to traffic were the second important contributor to the exceedences, while the contribution of the urban background of London was less important than the local emissions and the regional background. Applying the pragmatic mass closure model of Harrison et al. [2003. A pragmatic mass closure model for airborne particulate matter at urban background and roadside sites. Atmospheric Environment 37, 4927–4933], revealed that the regional aerosol is comprised very largely of ammonium nitrate and sulphate and secondary organic aerosol. Findings suggest that international abatement of secondary aerosol precursors may be the most effective measure to fulfil the requirements of the European Directive 1999/30/CE by lowering the regional background.     

Levels of dioxins, furans and PCBs in human serum and milk of people living in Greece

In an attempt to evaluate the background levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), non-ortho, mono-ortho and indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in people living in an urban (Athens) and a rural (Kozani) area of Greece, blood serum and mother milk samples were analyzed. Analytical results are reported in this study. Statistically significantly differences were observed between regions, sexes and ages. Contamination levels in blood and human milk from Greece reported here are low compared to the previously reported dioxin data from other European countries and give no indication of particular health risk.     

Levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and non-ortho PCBs in serum samples of non-exposed individuals living in Madrid (Spain)

In an attempt to evaluate the background levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and non-ortho PCBs in people living in Madrid (Spain), blood serum samples had been analyzed PCDD, PCDF and coplanar PCB levels from non exposed individuals are reported in this study. Average levels found were 515.29 ppt for total PCDDs, 66.73 ppt for total PCDFs and 85.47 ppt for non-ortho PCBs on a lipid weight basis Calculated I-TEQ values were 8.78 ppt for PCDDs, 6.96 for PCDFs and 7.03 for coplanar PCBs on a lipid weight basis.     

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in serum samples of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) from Spain

Concentrations of 23 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-DDT and two of its metabolites, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-TDE have been measured in serum samples of up to 1 ml of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) gathered from five populations in Spain. SigmaPCB concentrations were found to be in the range 3.2-97 ng/ml, while those of SigmaDDTs ranged from 0.93 to 38 ng/ml. p,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDE ratios higher than one were only found in the Segovia population, which could be an indication of recent use of p,p'-DDT in the area. In all cases, PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 52, 132 + 105, 138, 153 and 180. However, some differences among the five populations studied became evident when their profiles were compared with those of technical PCB mixtures by principal components analysis. The DDT and PCB levels detected in the serums analysed were lower than those previously reported for similar avian species and those reported to have deleterious effects on survival or reproduction of birds.     

An update of the Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) on systemic insecticides. Part 3: alternatives to systemic insecticides

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Over-reliance on pesticides for pest control is inflicting serious damage to the environmental services that underpin agricultural productivity. The...     

Acid rain and air pollution: 50 years of progress in environmental science and policy

Because of its serious large-scale effects on ecosystems and its transboundary nature, acid rain received for a few decades at the end of the last century wide scientific and public interest, leading to coordinated policy actions in Europe and North America. Through these actions, in particular those under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, air emissions were substantially reduced, and ecosystem impacts decreased. Widespread scientific research, long-term monitoring, and integrated assessment modelling formed the basis for the policy agreements. In this paper, which is based on an international symposium organised to commemorate 50 years of successful integration of air pollution research and policy, we briefly describe the scientific findings that provided the foundation for the policy development. We also discuss important characteristics of the science–policy interactions, such as the critical loads concept and the large-scale ecosystem field studies. Finally, acid rain and air pollution are set in the context of future societal developments and needs, e.g. the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We also highlight the need to maintain and develop supporting scientific infrastructures.

     

Levels of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloroazobenzene in herbicides and bulk reagents

The contamination levels of different commercial herbicides and bulk reagents with the carcinogen 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB) were determined by high resolution mass spectrometry. The concentrations vary from 0.00071 to 2.8 ug/g (ppm) for the herbicides and from 0.085 to 14 ug/g for the bulk reagents. They are thus lower than those of other reports.     

Prediction of maximum of 24-h average of PM10 concentrations 30 h in advance in Santiago,Chile

We have developed a neural network based model that uses values of PM10 concentrations measured until 6 p.m. on the present day plus measured and forecasted values of meteorological variables as input in order to predict the level reached by the maximum of the 24-h moving average (24MA) of PM10 concentration on the next day. We have adjusted the parameters of the model using 1998 data to predict 1999 conditions and 1999 data to forecast 2000 maximum concentrations. We have found that among the relevant meteorological input variables, the forecasted difference between maximum and minimum temperature is the most important. Due to the fact that local authorities impose restrictions to emissions on days when the maximum of 24MA of PM10 concentration is expected to exceed 240 μg/m³, we have corrected the measured concentrations on these days before evaluating the efficacy of the forecasting model. Percent errors in forecasting the numerical value are of the order of 20%. The performance of the neural network is better than that of a linear model with the same inputs, but the difference being not great is an indication that the right choice of input variables may be more important than the decision to use a linear or a nonlinear model.     

Solubilities of selected organic electronic materials in pressurized hot water and estimations of aqueous solubilities at 298.15 K

Increasing production and disposal of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays for smartphones and tablets may have impact on the environment depending on the aqueous solubility of the pertinent chemicals. Here, aqueous solubilities are presented for several compounds, mostly aromatic amines, used as hole transport materials in the OLED displays. Solute selection includes 1,4-bis(diphenylamino)benzene, tetra-N-phenylbenzidine, 4,4′-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl, 1,3,5-tris(diphenylamino)benzene, and 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene. The solubilities are those in pressurized hot water (PHW), i.e., measured at elevated temperature (up to 260 °C) and pressure. The semi-quantitative estimates of room-temperature solubilities of the solutes have been obtained from extrapolations of the solubilities in PHW. For the compounds studied, the estimated aqueous solubilities at room temperature do not exceed 2 × 10^?11 g of the solute per 1 kg of water. Aqueous solubilities of triphenylamine have also been measured and used to upgrade a recent group-contribution model of aqueous solubilities of organic nonelectrolytes with the parameters for the nitrogen atom in aromatic amines.     

Hotspots analysis and perspectives of Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) in environment and energy in recent 20 years by CiteSpace

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Prussian blue analogs (PBAs), a type of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), have attracted much attention because of their large specific surface...     

The protective effect of green space on heat-related respiratory hospitalization among children under 5 years of age in Hanoi,Vietnam

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Combined effects of global warming and rapid urbanization replace green spaces with urban facilities. Children in urban areas are at a higher risk of...     

Levels of synthetic musks; bromocyclene and PCBs in eel (Anguilla anguilla) and PCBs in sediment samples from some waters of Berlin/Germany.

The purpose of this study was to identify firstly the extent of contamination both of the aquatic biota and of sediments and secondly any regional differences in the concentrations of these compounds. In 1996, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, including their coplanar congeners) were measured in 58 eel and 50 sediment samples. Furthermore, the veterinary pharmacetical bromocyclene and the nitro musks were determined in 84 (1995) and 122 (1996) eel samples. Polycyclic musk fragrances were additionally determined in analyses carried out in 1996. The mean values obtained during the two measurement periods (1995 and 1996) were 24 and 12 micrograms/kg fw. for musk xylene, 41 and 39 micrograms/kg fw. for musk ketone, 14 and 7 micrograms/kg fw. for bromocyclene and, in 1996, 592 micrograms/kg fw. for HHCB (maximum: 4131 micrograms/kg fw.). Decreasing contamination levels are seen for musk xylene and bromocylene but not for musk ketone. This tendency, and the high amounts of polycyclic musk fragrances in the edible parts of eel show that these musks are widely being used in place of nitro musks and that they reach the aquatic system via waste waters, especially those of sewage treatment plants. The mean levels of PCBs in the biota samples of a highly polluted area were 1227 micrograms/kg fw. or 119 pgTEQ/g (sediment: 203 micrograms/kg dw.) and of a slightly polluted area 340 micrograms/kg fw. or 49 TEQ/g (sediment: 47 micrograms/kg dw.).     

Effects of sex on the levels of metals and metalloids in the hair of a group of healthy Spanish adolescents (13 to 16 years old)

Human biomonitoring can be a reliable tool to protect the health of the citizens of major urban environments. Human hair may be an invaluable specimen to determine chronic exposure to any environmental contaminant in an individual, especially in the young population. However, different factors including a lack of studies that have established reference values for metals and metalloids (trace elements) in human scalp hair make the use of this matrix controversial. A monitoring study was performed to establish possible normal or tentative reference values of Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sn, Ti, Tl and Zn in adolescents’ (aged 13–16) hair who have lived since birth in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid region (Spain). Strict inclusion criteria were followed to study the effect of sex on the hair metal content, and the levels of the above contaminants were also studied in park topsoils from Alcalá de Henares. Scalp hair samples were collected from 96 healthy adolescents (28 boys and 68 girls), and reference values were calculated following the recommendations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn in hair of adolescents from Alcalá de Henares show a sex dependency, being significantly higher in female participants. Sex should be a factor taken into account when developing future reference values and hair metal content. Soil metal contamination was not correlated with the levels found in hair. To conclude, the values of metals and metalloids here analysed and discussed could be considered as tentative reference values for Spanish adolescents aged 13–16 years living in the Madrid region, and may be used to identify the level of exposure of adolescents in this Spanish region to the various metals and metalloids.

     

Heavy metals and PAHs in an open fishing area of the East China Sea: Multimedia distribution,source diagnosis,and dietary risk assessment

This study involved a comprehensive investigation of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater, sediments, and seafoods in an important open fishing area connecting China and Japan. Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and PAHs were detected in all the studied environmental media. Specifically, Pb and low molecular weight PAHs (LMW-PAHs) were observed at high levels, due to intensive ship activities and accidental crude oil spills. Additionally, source diagnosis of PAHs suggested a potential impact from combustion. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) suggested moderate or low bioaccumulation potentials of the analytes from water and sediments, respectively. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment, based on target hazard quotients (THQs), indicated a potential low risk by consuming the studied seafoods, while the incremental lifetime carcinogenic risk assessment (ILCRs) suggested “acceptable risk” or “potential risk.” However, it should be noted that there have been possibilities that the carcinogenic risk could be elevated due to bioaccumulation of the PAHs in the seafoods after long-term exposure. In summary, it is necessary to evaluate the seafood security carefully in this open fishing area due to the potential health risks.

     

Levels of DDT and PCB's in different stages of life cycle of the Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea and the herring gull Larus argentatus

∑DDT and PCB levels were analysed in samples of arctic terns and herring gulls collected in the archipelago of southwestern Finland. Special attention was paid to the levels at various stages of the life cycle and in different sexes. The levels were nearly ten times higher in the herring gull. The highest loads were found in adult birds and in newly hatched chicks but the levels were much lower (only 7–12 % in the herring gull) in chicks just before fledgling. The levels in young gulls remained low until the end of August at least. Therefore it is plausible that the high levels found in adult gulls are a consequence of their wintering in the southern Baltic.The levels of ∑DDT and PCB residues were significantly lower in female arctic terns than in male terns. Differences between the sexes were small in the herring gull. Thus it is possible that the female of the arctic tern is able to release pollutants, especially PCB residues, more effectively into eggs than the female of the herring gull. The biochemical mechanisms involved are not clear but a possible explanation may be different lipoprotein structures in the eggs of the species.     

Global environmental cycling of γ-HCH and DDT in the 1980s – A study using a coupled atmosphere and ocean general circulation model

A coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model, ECHAM5-MPIOM, was used to study the multicompartmental cycling and long-range transport of persistent and semivolatile organics. Multiphase systems in air and ocean are covered by submodels for atmospheric aerosols, HAM, and marine biogeochemistry, HAMOCC5, respectively. The model, furthermore, encompasses 2D surface compartments, i.e. top soil, vegetation surfaces and sea-ice. The total environmental fate of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH, lindane) and dichlorophenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in agriculture were studied.DDT is mostly present in the soils, the water-soluble γ-HCH in soils and ocean. DDT has the longest residence time in almost all compartments. Quasi-steady state with regard to substance accumulation is reached within a few years in air and vegetation surfaces. In seawater the partitioning to suspended and sinking particles contributes to the vertical transport of substances. On the global scale deep water formation is, however, found to be more efficient. Up to 30% of DDT but only less than 0.2% of γ-HCH in seawater are stored in particulate matter.On the time scale studied (1 decade) and on global scale substance transport in the environment is determined by the fast atmospheric circulation. The meridional transport mechanism, for both compounds, is significantly enhanced by multi-hopping. Net meridional transport in the ocean is effective only regionally, mostly by currents along the western boundaries of Africa and the Americas. The total environmental burdens of the substances experience a net northward migration from their source regions, which is more pronounced for DDT than for γ-HCH. Due to the application distribution, however, after 10 years of simulation 21% of the global environmental burden of γ-HCH and 12% of DDT have accumulated in the Arctic.     

Determination method of singlet oxygen in the atmosphere by use of α -terpinene

A chemical determination method of singlet oxygen in the atmosphere was established. The method employs a specific reaction of α -terpinene with singlet oxygen to produce the single product, ascaridole. Amberlite XAD-2 coated with α -terpinene was packed into a glass tube shielded from light and sample air was passed through the tube. Ascaridole formed was extracted with hexane from Amberlite XAD-2 and was determined by gas chromatography. The amount of singlet oxygen was calculated from that of ascaridole. Ascaridole was not formed by oxidation of α -terpinene with ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical, and ascaridole formed by singlet oxygen was stable against these oxidants. The method was applied to actual polluted air and diurnal variations in the singlet oxygen were observed.     

Single and combined effects of aluminum (Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>) and zinc (ZnO) oxide nanoparticles in a freshwater fish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carassius auratus</Emphasis>

The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) worldwide has raised some concerns about their impact on the environment. The aim of the study was to assess the toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles, singly or combined, in a freshwater fish (Carassius auratus). The fish were exposed for 7, 14, and 21 days to different concentrations of NPs (10 μg Al₂O₃.L^?1, 10 μg ZnO.L^?1, 10 μg Al₂O₃.L^?1 plus 10 μg ZnO.L^?1, 100 μg Al₂O₃.L^?1, 100 μg ZnO.L^?1, and 100 μg Al₂O₃.L^?1 plus 100 μg ZnO.L^?1). At the end of each exposure period, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase), lipid peroxidation, and histopathology were assessed in the gills and livers of C. auratus. The results show an increase in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the gills and livers of fish, especially after 14 days of exposure to single and combined NPs, followed by a reduction at 21 days. An increase in glutathione S-transferase (GST) was observed in gills after 7 days for all tested NP concentrations (single and combined); while in livers, a significant increase was determined after 14 days of exposure to 100 μg.L^?1 of both single ZnO and Al₂O₃ NPs. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) significantly increased in gills after 7 days of exposure to 100 μg.L^?1 Al₂O₃ NPs (single or combined). In livers, LPO increased significantly after 7 days of exposure to all tested concentrations of both single ZnO and Al₂O₃ (except for 10 μg Al₂O₃.L^?1), and after 14 days of exposure to ZnO (10 and 100 μg.L^?1) and Al₂O₃ (100 μg.L^?1)_. The results from histological observations suggest that exposure to metal oxide NPs affected both livers and gills, presenting alterations such as gill hyperplasia and liver degeneration. However, the most pronounced effects were found in gills. In general, this study shows that the tested NPs, single or combined, are capable of causing sub-lethal effects on C. auratus, but when combined, NPs seem to be slightly more toxic than when added alone.     

Physiological and biochemical responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Machilus ichangensis</Emphasis> Rehd. et Wils and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taxus chinensis</Emphasis> (Pilger) Rehd. to elevated O<Subscript>3</Subscript> in subtropical China

Considerable researches have documented the negative effects of ozone on woody species in North America and Europe; however, little is known about how woody tree species respond to elevated O₃ in subtropical China, and most of the previous studies were conducted using pot experiment. In the present study, Machilus ichangensis Rehd. et Wils (M. ichangensis) and Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. (T. chinensis), evergreen tree species in subtropical China, were exposed to non-filtered air (NF), 100 nmol mol^?1 O₃ (E1) and 150 nmol mol^?1 O₃ (E2), in open-top chambers under field conditions from 21st March to 2nd November 2015. In this study, O₃ fumigation significantly reduced net photosynthesis rate (Pn) in M. ichangensis in the three measurements and in T. chinensis in the last measurement. Also, non-stomatal factors should be primarily responsible for the decreased Pn. O₃ fumigation-induced increase in malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and reduced ascorbic acid levels indicated that antioxidant defense mechanism had been stimulated to prevent O₃ stress and repair the oxidative damage. Yet, the increase of antioxidant ability was not enough to counteract the harm of O₃ fumigation. Because of the decrease in CO₂ assimilation, the growth of the two tree species was restrained ultimately. The sensitivity of the two tree species to O₃ can be determined: M. ichangensis > T. chinensis. It suggests a close link between the rising O₃ concentrations and the health risk of some tree species in subtropics in the near future.