Polychlorobenzenes and polychlorinated biphenyls in ash and soil from several industrial areas in North Vietnam: residue concentrations,profiles and risk assessment

Polychlorinated benzenes (PCBzs) including penta- and hexachlorobenzene can be unintentionally formed from thermal processes in different industrial activities, and very little information is available on the contamination and emission characteristics of these new persistent organic pollutants from industries in Vietnam. In this study, contamination of PCBzs (including penta- and hexachlorobenzene, named PeCBz and HCB, respectively) and PCBs (including CB-28, 52, 101, 153, 138, 180) in fly ash, bottom ash and soil from combustion processes of waste incineration, metallurgy (steel making and zinc production) and cement production from several provinces in the Northern Vietnam, including Hai Duong, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Thai Nguyen, was preliminary investigated. The PCBzs concentrations in fly ash, bottom ash and soil ranged from 2.7 to 100 ng g^?1, from 2.7 to 159 ng g^?1 and from 0.28 to 33.9 ng g^?1, respectively. Relatively high residues of PeCBz in fly ash and bottom ash from municipal waste incinerators in some provinces from the Northern Vietnam were encountered. Total PCBs concentrations ranged from 18.0 to 8260 ng g^?1, from 1.0 to 10600 ng g^?1 and from 14.5 to 130 ng g^?1 for the fly ash, bottom ash and soil, respectively. Daily intakes of PeCBz, HCB and PCBs through soil ingestion and dermal exposure estimated for children ranged 0.33–9.93 (mean 3.14), 0.39–21.1 (mean 4.9) and 6.09–1530 ng/kg bw/day (mean 346), respectively; and these intakes were about 4.7–5.4 times higher than those estimated for adult. The intakes of PeCBz and HCB were relatively low, while those for PCBs exceeded WHO TDI for some samples.     

Organochlorine residues in maternal milk from inhabitants of the Thohoyandou area,South Africa

The presence of organochlorine compounds (OC) such as DDT and their metabolites in the environment have created a significant environmental concern over the years due to adverse effects. Consequently, DDT has been banned in many countries. However, it is still used in some countries including South Africa, particularly for vector-borne disease eradication programmes. Since the presence of DDT and its metabolites may provide an indication of the general exposure and use of these compounds, there was a need for such a study. Human breast milk samples (n = 30) were collected from mothers within the age range of 19–40 years from the Thohoyandou area, South Africa. The liquid–liquid extraction method was used to extract DDT and its metabolites from the samples. The crude extracts were subjected to column chromatography for measurements of OC levels. The concentration ranges of the contaminants were as follows: not detected (ND) to1770 ng g^?1 (2,4′-DDE); ND to 3977 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDE); ND to 3250 ng g^?1 (2,4′-DDD); ND to 2580 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDD) and ND to 2847 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDT). The mean ΣDDE, ΣDDD and ΣDDT obtained from the villages were 1180 ng g^?1, 830 ng g^?1 and 690 ng g^?1, respectively. The total DDT ranged from 820–7473 ng g^?1. The estimated daily intake varied from 260 to 4696 ng g^?1, ND-10551 ng g^?1 and ND-4237 ng g^?1 for DDE, DDD and DDT, respectively. These values are significantly higher than the FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 20 ng g^?1. The ΣDDT was found to decrease with increasing age of the mothers. The observed high levels of DDE compared to DDT indicated chronic exposure of the mothers to DDT, which is metabolized to DDE and retained in the body.     

(Persistent) Organic pollutants in Germany: results from a pilot study within the 2015 moss survey

Background

Since 1990, every 5 years, moss sampling is conducted within the European moss monitoring programme to assess the atmospheric deposition of airborne pollutants. Besides many other countries, Germany takes regularly part at these evaluations. Within the European moss monitoring 2015, more than 400 moss samples across Germany were taken according to a harmonized methodology for the assessment heavy metal and nitrogen input. In a pilot programme, eight of these sites were chosen for additional investigations on a broad range of organic contaminants to evaluate their accumulation in moss and thereby their presence in atmospheric deposition in Germany. Target compound classes comprised polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and –furans (PCDD/F), dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCB, ndl-PCB), polyfluorinated alkyl substances, classical flame retardants as well as emerging chlorinated and brominated flame retardants. In total, 120 target compounds were analysed. For some analytes, comparisons of accumulation in moss and tree leave samples were possible.

Results

Except for certain flame retardants, PFAS, and ndl-PCB, substances of all other compound classes could be quantified in moss samples of all sites. Concentrations were highest for PAH (40–268 ng g^?1) followed by emerging flame retardants (0.5–7.7 ng g^?1), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE; 0.3–3.7 ng g^?1), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD; 0.3–1.2 ng g^?1), dl-PCB (0.04–0.4 ng g^?1) and PCDD/F (0.008–0.06 ng g^?1).

Conclusions

Results show the widespread atmospheric distribution and deposition of organic contaminants across Germany as well as the suitability of moss as bioaccumulation monitor for most of these compound classes. Compared to nearby tree leaf samples, accumulation potential of moss appeared to be higher for pollutants of high octanol–air partition coefficient (K_OA) and octanol–water partition coefficient (K_OW).

     

Determination of persistent organic pollutants in sediment and fish of the western coast of Alexandria,Egypt

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were recorded in sediment and fish samples collected from the western coast of Alexandria. Total hydrocarbons (aliphatic+PAHs ) in sediment ranged from 683.8 to 34670.1 ng g ^?1 with an average of 9286.9 ng g ^?1. The sum of C16–C34 of aliphatic fractions was<4000?ng g;^?1, indicating the presence of a fresh petroleum source. For all sediments, the anthracene/phenanthrene ratio was>0.1, suggesting the dominance of a pyrolytic source. Total aliphatics in different fish species ranged from 253 to 11?132 ng g;^?1, while total PAHs ranged from 3862 to 35?746 ng g;^?1 wet weight. Benzo[a]pyrene was the most dominant PAH fraction ranged from 1902.7 to 32 905.5 with an average of 9464.5?ng g;^?1 wet weight in all fish species. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) ranged from 0.79 to 64.9?ng g;^?1 with an average 12.14?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of organochlorines in fish species (Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena Sphyraena, Diplodus vulgaris, and Alepes djedaba) decreased following the order: PCBs>DDTs>HCHs>total cyclodienes. Concentrations of DDTs in fish tissues ranged from 4.89 to 36.37 ng g^?1 with an average of 16.4?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of total HCHs ranged from 0.3 to 65.7?ng g;^?1 with an average of 16.35?ng g;^?1. The present study indicates: (1) fresh petroleum input where Pr/Ph>1; (2) PAHs in sediment<4000 ng g ^?1; (3) BaP concentration exceeded the permissible levels in Alepes djedaba species; (4) DDTs in sediment were below the effective range low level; (5) PCBs>effective range low and相似文献   

Distribution,sources and potential risk of HCH and DDT in soils from a typical alluvial plain of the Yangtze River Delta region,China

Spatial distribution, sources and potential health risks of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), in surface soils (n = 544) collected from a typical alluvial plain of the Yangtze River Delta region, China, were elucidated. Concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT in soils ranged from less than the limit of detection (<LOD) to 99.0 ng g^?1, dry weight (dw) (mean 3.23 ng g^?1 dw) and <LOD to 600 ng g^?1 dw (mean 88.8 ng g^?1 dw), respectively. Historical applications of HCH and DDT were the major sources of the residue in soils. HCH was mainly distributed in Anthrosols in the southern part of the watershed, while DDT was mainly distributed in Cambosols in the northern part. The 95 % cumulative probability incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) of different age groups such as children, youths, and adults all exceeded the acceptable risk level of 10^?6 recommended by USEPA for carcinogenic chemicals. The spatial distributions of ∑ILCRs were consistent with concentrations of OCPs in soils, while they were slight different for the different age groups. Adult females had the greatest risk of OCPs in soils, followed by children, while youths had the least risk. The ingestion of OCPs in soils was the more important route of exposure compared with dermal and inhalation exposures. The concentration of OCPs in soils, the particulate emission factor, the fraction of dermal exposure ratio, and the soil ingestion rate were the major contributing variables to total ILCRs according to sensitivity analyses.     

Organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDTs) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea,China

A systematic survey of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH and ΣHCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane metabolites (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD and ∑DDT) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea, China, has been lacking. In this study, 31 representative surface soil samples were collected along the north coastal and riverine areas of the Bohai Sea to characterise the potential for adverse effects of ∑HCH, ∑DDT and their individual isomers and transformation products. Concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT in soils ranged from less than the limit of detection (1 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 3.5 ng · g^?1 dw) and2 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 1.7 × 10¹ ng · g^?1 dw), respectively. Compared with studies of OCPs in soils from other locations, concentrations of HCHs and DDTs observed in this study were moderate. Concentrations of OCPs observed in soils were generally less than proposed reference values. HCH residues were a mixture of historical technical HCH and current lindane sources. The pattern of DDTs was consistent with historical releases of technical DDTs. Selected soil physicochemical properties did not explain the sorption and/or partitioning of HCHs or DDTs.     

Concentrations and classification of HCHs and DDTs in soil from the lower reaches of the Jiulong River, China

Soil is an important source to other environmental media and organisms for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) bioaccumulation. Twenty-four representative surface soil samples were collected from the lower reaches of the Jiulong River, China, in 2009. The concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) ranged from 0.38 to 39.52 ng·g^?1, with a mean value of 9.51 ng·g^?1. The concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and their metabolites were within the ranges of 0.94–700.99 ng·g^?1, with a mean value of 71.17 ng·g^?1. The concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in the soil were lower than the first grade level (50 ng·g^?1) of the Chinese Environmental Quality Standard (GB15618-1995). Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Pearson’s bivariate Correlations Analysis (PCA) were used to analyse the distribution and contamination levels of OCPs in this region. The results showed that DDTs were the major contaminants and there were no significant correlations between various OCPs concentrations and the total organic carbon (TOC) contents. A significant positive correlation was observed between HCHs and DDTs (p<0.01), which indicates that HCHs and DDTs may have similar sources and fate in the study area.     

Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soils of a previous E-waste processing center

Surface soil samples were taken from a previous electronic waste (E-waste) recycling centerin Taizhou area, Zhejiang province, China. Concentrations, profiles, and possible sources of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls and 7 poly-brominated diphenyl ethers were analyzed to assess their current state in the soil after phase out of massive dismantling of E-wastes. The concentrations of the 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers ranged from 11 to 128 µg kg^?1 with an average of 41 ± 10 µg kg^?1 (dw), with 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromdiphenyl ether being the most abundant. These values were substantially lower than the levels in 2006. The concentrations of the 19 polychlorinated biphenyls ranged from 36 to 760 µg kg^?1, with an average of 181 ± 68 µgkg^?1 (dw) which was also lower than the levels in 1995 or 2006. However, the concentrations of some tetra-, penta- and hexa-chlorobiphenyls were comparable or even higher than before. Furthermore, the average concentration of 7 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls was 108 ± 41 µg kg^?1(dw) which exceeded the New Dutch List target value of 20 µgkg^?1. Principal component analysis indicated that polychlorinated biphenyls were mainly distributed into three groups in accordance with the number of chlorine atoms and anthropogenic source. Therefore, the impact of the historical dismantling of E-wastes is still significant.     

Perfluorinated compounds in water and sediment from coastal regions of the northern Bohai Sea,China

Concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were measured in water and sediment from coastal Bohai Bay and surrounding rivers flowing into the bay. Of the 15 PFCs measured, PFOS and PFOA were detected with the greatest frequency. Concentrations in water ranged from<0.2 to 31 ng·L^?1 and<1.0 to 82 ng·L^?1 for PFOS and PFOA, respectively. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in sediments ranged from<0.1 to 2.0 ng·g^?1 dw and<0.1 to 0.5 ng·g^?1 dw, respectively. Concentrations of PFCs in Bohai Bay were less than those observed in other areas in Asia, but greater concentrations of ∑PFCs were observed in the Dalin River with concentrations increasing from upstream to downstream, and the greatest concentrations in sediment were observed in tidal flats. The ratio of ∑PFCs in sediment and water indicated that sediment could serve as a significant sink for PFUnA.     

Spatial distributions,source apportionment and ecological risk of SVOCs in water and sediment from Xijiang River,Pearl River Delta

Xijiang River is an important drinking water source in Guangxi Province, China. Along the Xijiang River and surrounding tributary, the pollution profile of three important groups of semi-volatile organic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), was analyzed. Relatively low levels of PAHs (64–3.7 × 10² ng L^?1) and OCPs (16–70 ng L^?1), but high levels of PAEs (7.9 × 10²–6.8 × 10³ ng L^?1) occurred in the water. Comparatively, low levels of OCPs (39–1.8 × 10² ng g^?1) and PAEs (21–81 ng g^?1), but high levels of PAHs (41–1.1 × 10³ ng g^?1) were found in sediment. Principal component analyses for source identification indicated petroleum-derived residues or coal and biomass combustion, and vehicular emission was the main sources for PAHs. The OCPs sources of each category were almost independent, whereas the new input of HCHs and p,p′-DDTs probably existed in some areas. PAEs were mainly originated from personal care products of urban sewage, plastic and other industrial sources. Ecological risk through the risk quotient analysis indicated a small or significant potential adverse effect on fish, daphnia and green algae. Nevertheless, the integrated risk of all pollutants should be taken into account in future study.     

PAHs in organic film on glass window surfaces from central Shanghai,China: distribution,sources and risk assessment

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations were analysed in the organic film on the glass surfaces of different functional areas in central Shanghai. Concentration levels of total PAHs in the organic film ranged from 1,348.5 to 4,007.9 ng m^?2. The concentration of PAHs was lowest in parks and green spaces (1,348.5 ng m^?2) and highest in traffic zones (4,007.9 ng m^?2). A concentration gradient of total PAHs was observed as follows: traffic zones > commercial areas > cultural and educational areas > parks and green spaces. The distribution of PAHs was characterised by 3–4 ring PAHs in the study areas. The most abundant PAHs were phenanthrene (20.5 %), fluorene (16.7 %), pyrene (12.4 %) and chrysene (Chry) (11.2 %). The mass of the bulk film was composed of organic and inorganic compounds and ranged from 246 to 1,288 mg m^?2. The bulk film thickness varied from 144 to 757 nm in the different functional areas. The ratios of An/178 and Fl/202 and principal component analysis suggested that PAHs came mainly from the mixed sources of fossil fuel, coal and incomplete combustion of biomass. Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA)/Chry is not suitable for use as a tracer for the transmission process of PAHs because of the rapid depletion of BaA in the organic film by photooxidation during daylight hours. The concentration of benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (BaPeq) varied from 21 to 701 ng g^?1, and the major carcinogenic contributors of the 16 PAHs were BaP, DahA, B[b/k]F and InP, accounting for 83 % of BaPeq.     

Occurrence and profiles of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in riverine sediments of Shanghai: a combinative study with human serum from the locals

Herein, we studied the occurrence and profiles of thirteen PBDE congeners in 30 river sediment samples from Shanghai, China. The concentrations of Σ₁₃PBDEs ranged from 110 to 13,071 pg g ^?1 dw, with an average value of 2,841 pg g ^?1 dw. BDE-209 was the predominant congener accounting for more than 65 % of total PBDEs, demonstrating that the major source of PBDEs in sediment samples was associated with the prevalent use of technical deca-BDE products. Moreover, low brominated BDEs in sediments also came from the degradation of higher brominated BDEs. In addition, taking into consideration of dietary exposure, PBDEs in serum samples collected from the locals were also detected with range of 419–26,744 pg g^?1 (average 5,561 pg g ^?1), which suggested a relatively low burden of PBDEs contamination to human body compared with the condition in other place. And in serum, low brominated compounds constituted the majority of total PBDE congeners.     

Arsenic concentration in rice, fish, meat and vegetables in Cambodia: a preliminary risk assessment

To assess arsenic contaminations and its possible adverse health effects, food samples were collected from Kandal, Kratie and Kampong Cham in Cambodia. The highest and the lowest concentrations were observed in fish (mean 2,832 ng g^?1, ww) collected from Kandal province and cattle stomach (1.86 ± 1.10 ng g^?1, ww) collected from Kratie, respectively. The daily intake of arsenic via food consumption was 604, 9.70 and 136 μg day^?1 in Kandal, Kratie and Kampong Cham, respectively. The arsenic dietary intake in Kandal ranked No. 1 among all the 17 compared countries or regions. Fish consumption contributed the greatest proportion of total arsenic daily intake in Kandal (about 63.0 %) and Kampong Cham (about 69.8 %). It is revealed to be a much more important exposure pathway than drinking water for residents in Kampong Cham. The results of risk assessment suggested that the residents in Cambodia, particularly for people in Kandal province, suffer high public health risks due to consuming arsenic-contaminated food.     

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) from north-western Poland

The purpose of this study was to evaluate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contamination levels in roe and red deer from north-western Poland and to assess environmental pollution in this area. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method. The mean concentrations of ΣPCBs (sum of PCBs: 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180) in liver samples were 30.24±12.35 ng·g^?1 of lipid weight (l.w.) in roe deer and 60.13±14.23 ng·g^?1 l.w. in red deer, compared with 24.21±10.02 and 45.22±9.77 ng·g^?1 in the lungs of roe and red deer, respectively. PCBs 138, 153 and 180 were the dominant congeners in the liver samples of the analysed animals, whereas PCB 138 and 153 in the lungs. TEQs levels calculated for only dioxin-like PCBs were low: 0.32 and 0.29 pg WHO-PCB-TEQ·g^?1 fat in liver of red deer and roe deer, respectively. The mean PCB concentrations obtained in our study for organs of roe deer and red deer were several times lower than those reported elsewhere. These findings show that the investigated roe and red deer originated from an area with low levels of PCB contamination.     

Distribution and vertical migration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in forest soil pits of southeastern Tibet

PAHs could be transported to Tibetan Plateau in accompany with atmospheric circulation. The forest regions were found be an important sink for PAHs, while their distributions and migrations in forest are still uncertain. In this study, soil profile samples were collected in southeastern Tibet and the concentrations, distributions, and migration of PAHs in forest region were investigated. The PAHs levels in the forest soils were at the low end of remote sites, ranged from 27.4 to 120.3 ng g^?1 on a dry weight based. Due to low ambient temperature and high organic carbon content, enrichment of PAHs was found in higher altitude on north side. According to the soil profiles, the vertical distributions of PAHs in organic layers were mainly influenced by pedogenesis, while the vertical distributions in mineral layers were dominated by downward leaching effect. Enrich factor (EF) of PAHs was estimated, and the values in organic layers were positively correlated with the octanol–air partition coefficients (K _OA), but EFs in mineral layers decreased with the K _OA values. PAHs in the surface soils on the north side of forest were relatively stable, while the migration of PAHs on the south sides and other clearing sites was more active. The leaching rates of PAHs in clearing site ranged between 1.42 and 29.3%. The results from this study are valuable on the characterization of PAHs in Tibetan Plateau.     

Monitoring and risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in agricultural soil from two industrialized areas

For monitoring and risk assessment, levels and distributions of Σ₂₉ PCBs in paddy soil samples collected from Gwangyang (10 sites) and Ulsan (20 sites), heavily industrialized cities in Korea, were investigated using high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. Overall, total concentrations of Σ₂₉ PCBs in Gwangyang (216.4–978.6 pg g^?1 dw) and Ulsan (273.8–1824.1 pg g^?1 dw) were higher than those (106.6–222.6 pg g^?1 dw) in agricultural soil from Anseong in Korea. The TEQ (toxic equivalency) values from Gwangyang (0.06–0.40 ng TEQ kg^?1 dw) and Ulsan (0.06–0.22 ng TEQ kg^?1 dw) were higher than those (0.04–0.11 ng TEQ kg^?1 dw) in Anseong but lower than the WHO threshold level (20 ng TEQ kg^?1). However, one of the most toxic congeners, PCB 126, gave the highest concentration, possibly posing a risk to the biota. Seven indicator PCB congeners contributed to 50–80% of the total concentration of Σ₂₉ PCBs, indicating the 7 PCBs can be used as valuable indicators for monitoring. The principal component analysis and cluster analysis for the homologue profiles of PCBs indicated that all the samples from both cities had the similar PCB contamination patterns, and the major sources of the PCB contamination were most likely from the usage of Aroclor 1254 than those of Aroclors 1242 and 1260. These PCB technical mixtures were possibly significantly used by various industries including iron and steel industries in Gwangyang and petrochemical and shipbuilding industries in Ulsan.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in multimedia environment of Heshan coal district,Guangxi: distribution,source diagnosis and health risk assessment

Mining activities are among the major culprits of the wide occurrences of soil and water pollution by PAHs in coal district, which have resulted in ecological fragilities and health risk for local residents. Sixteen PAHs in multimedia environment from the Heshan coal district of Guangxi, South China, were measured, aiming to investigate the contamination level, distribution and possible sources and to estimate the potential health risks of PAHs. The average concentrations of 16 PAHs in the coal, coal gangue, soil, surface water and groundwater were 5114.56, 4551.10, 1280.12 ng g^?1, 426.98 and 381.20 ng L^?1, respectively. Additionally, higher soil and water PAH concentrations were detected in the vicinities of coal or coal gangue dump. Composition analysis, isomeric ratio, Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis were performed to diagnose the potential sources of PAHs in different environmental matrices, suggesting the dominant inputs of PAHs from coal/coal combustion and coal gangue in the soil and water. Soil and water guidelines and the incremental lifetime risk (ICLR) were used to assess the health risk, showing that soil and water were heavily contaminated by PAHs, and mean ICLR_{coal/coal-gangue} and mean ICLR_soil were both significantly higher than the acceptable levels (1 × 10^?4), posing high potential carcinogenic risk to residents, especially coal workers. This study highlights the environmental pollution problems and public health concerns of coal mining, particularly the potential occupational health hazards of coal miners exposed in Heshan.     

Selenium speciation in wheat grain varies in the presence of nitrogen and sulphur fertilisers

This study investigated whether selenium species in wheat grains could be altered by exposure to different combinations of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) fertilisers in an agronomic biofortification experiment. Four Australian wheat cultivars (Mace, Janz, Emu Rock and Magenta) were grown in a glasshouse experiment and exposed to 3 mg Se kg^?1 soil as selenate (Se^VI). Plants were also exposed to 60 mg N kg^?1 soil as urea and 20 mg S kg^?1 soil as gypsum in a factorial design (N + S + Se; N + Se; S + Se; Se only). Plants were grown to maturity with grain analysed for total Se concentrations via ICP-MS and Se species determined via HPLC-ICP-MS. Grain Se concentrations ranged from 22 to 70 µg Se g^?1 grain (dry mass). Selenomethionine (SeMet), Se-methylselenocystine (MeSeCys), selenohomolanthionine (SeHLan), plus a large concentration of uncharacterised Se species were found in the extracts from grains. SeMet was the major Se species identified accounting for between 9 and 24 µg Se g^?1 grain. Exposure to different N and S fertiliser combinations altered the SeMet content of Mace, Janz and Emu Rock grain, but not that of Magenta. MeSeCys and SeHLan were found in far lower concentrations (<4 µg Se g^?1 grain). A large component of the total grain Se was uncharacterisable (>30 % of total grain Se) in all samples. When N fertiliser was applied (with or without S), the proportion of uncharacterisable Se increased between 60 and 70 % of the total grain Se. The data presented here indicate that it is possible to alter the content of individual Se species in wheat grains via biofortification combined with manipulation of N and S fertiliser regimes. This has potential significance in alleviating or combating both Se deficiency and Se toxicity effects in humans.     

Concentrations,input prediction and probabilistic biological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) along Gujarat coastline

A comprehensive investigation was conducted in order to assess the levels of PAHs, their input prediction and potential risks to bacterial abundance and human health along Gujarat coastline. A total of 40 sediment samples were collected at quarterly intervals within a year from two contaminated sites—Alang-Sosiya Shipbreaking Yard (ASSBRY) and Navlakhi Port (NAV), situated at Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch, respectively. The concentration of ΣPAHs ranged from 408.00 to 54240.45 ng g^?1 dw, indicating heavy pollution of PAHs at both the contaminated sites. Furthermore, isomeric ratios and principal component analysis have revealed that inputs of PAHs at both contaminated sites were mixed-pyrogenic and petrogenic. Pearson co-relation test and regression analysis have disclosed Nap, Acel and Phe as major predictors for bacterial abundance at both contaminated sites. Significantly, cancer risk assessment of the PAHs has been exercised based on incremental lifetime cancer risks. Overall, index of cancer risk of PAHs for ASSBRY and NAV ranged from 4.11 × 10^?6–2.11 × 10^?5 and 9.08 × 10^?6–4.50 × 10^?3 indicating higher cancer risk at NAV compared to ASSBRY. The present findings provide baseline information that may help in developing advanced bioremediation and bioleaching strategies to minimize biological risk.     

The evolution of pollution profile and health risk assessment for three groups SVOCs pollutants along with Beijiang River,China

Three important groups of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic chlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), were produced by various human activities and entered the water body. In this study, the pollution profiles of three species including 16 PAHs, 20 OCPs and 15 PAEs in water along the Beijiang River, China were investigated. The concentrations of Σ₁₆PAHs in the dissolved and particulate phases were obtained as 69–1.5 × 10² ng L^?1 and 2.3 × 10³–8.6 × 10⁴ ng g^?1, respectively. The levels of Σ₂₀OCPs were 23–66 ng L^?1 (dissolved phase) and 19–1.7 × 10³ ng g^?1 (particulate phase). Nevertheless, higher levels of PAEs were found both in the dissolved and particulate phases due to abuse use of plastic products. Furthermore, non-cancer and cancer risks caused by these SVOCs through the ingestion absorption and dermal absorption were also assessed. There was no non-cancer risk existed through two kinds of exposure of them at current levels, whereas certain cancer risk existed through dermal absorption of PAHs in the particulate phase in some sampling sites. The results will show scientific insights into the evaluation of the status of combined pollution in river basins, and the determination of strategies for incident control and pollutant remediation.