Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene in traffic policemen, police drivers and rural outdoor male workers

To evaluate exposure to benzene in urban and rural areas, an investigation into personal exposure to benzene in traffic policemen, police drivers and rural (roadmen) male outdoor workers was carried out. Personal samples and data acquired using fixed monitoring stations located in different areas of the city were used to measure personal exposure to benzene in 62 non-smoker traffic policemen, 22 police drivers and 57 roadmen. Blood benzene, urinary trans-trans muconic acid (t,t-MA) and S-phenyl-mercapturic acid (S-PMA) were measured at the end of work shift in 62 non-smoker traffic policemen, 22 police drivers and 57 roadmen and 34 smoker traffic policemen, 21 police drivers and 53 roadmen. Exposure to benzene was similar among non-smoker traffic policemen and police drivers and higher among non-smoker urban workers compared to rural workers. Blood benzene, t,t-MA and S-PMA were similar among non-smoker traffic policemen and police drivers; blood benzene and t,t-MA were significantly higher in non-smoker urban workers compared to rural workers. Significant increases in t,t-MA were found in smokers vs. non-smokers. In non-smoker urban workers airborne benzene and blood benzene, and t,t-MA and S-PMA were significantly correlated. This study gives an evaluation of the exposure to benzene in an urban area, comparing people working in the street or in cars, to people working in a rural area. Benzene is a certain carcinogen for humans. The results we showed should lead to more in-depth studies about the effects on health of these categories of workers.     

焦炉废气中苯可溶物(BSO)测定过程中的问题探讨

根据现有国家标准方法,本文主要针对苯可溶物(BSO)测定过程中的滤膜折叠前后质量变化等问题进行讨论,并提出处理方法。     

Application of portable gas chromatography-photo ionization detector combined with headspace sampling for field analysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in soils

A method based on headspace (HS) sampling coupling with portable gas chromatography (GC) with photo ionization detector (PID) was developed for rapid determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in soils. Optimal conditions for HS gas sampling procedure were determined, and the influence of soil organic matter on the recovery of BTEX from soil was investigated using five representative Chinese soils. The results showed that the HS-portable-GC-PID method could be effectively operated at ambient temperature, and the addition of 15 ml of saturated NaCl solution in a 40-ml sampling vial and 60 s of shaking time for sample solution were optimum for the HS gas sampling procedure. The recoveries of each BTEX in soils ranged from 87.2 to 105.1 %, with relative standard deviations varying from 5.3 to 7.8 %. Good linearity was obtained for all BTEX compounds, and the detection limits were in the 0.1 to 0.8 μg kg^?1 range. Soil organic matter was identified as one of the principal elements that affect the HS gas sampling of BTEX in soils. The HS-portable-GC-PID method was successfully applied for field determination of benzene and toluene in soils of a former chemical plant in Jilin City, northeast China. Considering its satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility and particular suitability to be operated in ambient environment, HS sampling coupling with portable GC-PID is, therefore, recommended to be a suitable screening tool for rapid on-site determination of BTEX in soils.     

Relative sensitivity of two marine bivalves for detection of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects: a field assessment in the Tamar Estuary, South West England

The input of anthropogenic contaminants to the aquatic environment is a major concern for scientists, regulators and the public. This is especially relevant in areas such as the Tamar valley in SW England, which has a legacy of contamination from industrial activity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Following on from previous laboratory validation studies, this study aimed to assess the relationship between genotoxic and cytotoxic responses and heavy metal concentrations in two bivalve species sampled from locations along the Tamar estuary. Adult cockles, Cerastoderma edule, and blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, were sampled from five locations in the Tamar and one reference location on the south Devon coast. Bivalve haemocytes were processed for comet and neutral red retention (NRR) assays to determine potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, respectively. Sediment and soft tissue samples were analysed for metal content by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Sediment concentrations were consistent with the physico-chemical nature of the Tamar estuary. A significant correlation (P?=?0.05) was found between total metal concentration in sediment and C. edule soft tissues, but no such correlation was found for M. edulis samples. DNA damage was elevated at the site with highest Cr concentrations for M. edulis and at the site with highest Ni and Pb concentrations for C. edule. Analysis of NRR revealed a slight increase in retention time at one site, in contrast to comet data. We conclude that the comet assay is a reliable indicator of genotoxic damage in the field for both M. edulis and C. edule and discuss reasons for the apparent discrepancy with NRR.     

Analysis and assessment of ground-level ozone measured at two stations in Tehran

In this study, variations of ambient ozone level are thoroughly analysed according to the monitored data in a mixed residential, commercial and industrial city, Tehran, based on considering the meteorological factors. Ozone as a pollutant shows typical annual, weekly and diurnal cycles. This analysis has shown that the ozone level concentrations were below the WHO guidelines in Tehran during 2000–2003. The relation between ozone level at two different stations (Aghdasieh and Fatemi) is found (r?=?0.51). The ozone level response to meteorological parameters is investigated. The results suggest that the ozone level is affected (positively or negatively) by meteorological conditions, e.g. relative humidity, solar radiation, air temperature, wind speed and wind direction.     

The use of isotopes to identify landfill gas effects on groundwater

An evaluation of the source of volatile organic compounds in groundwater samples was performed at a landfill in southern California. The 3H (tritium) content of the water in leachate and water from the gas-collection system (condensed water and entrained water droplets) and the delta 13C and 14C content of the inorganic carbon in landfill gas CO2, leachate, and gas-collection system water were used to characterize the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) inside the landfill, while the same parameters were monitored in groundwater samples from affected monitoring wells and an unaffected well. Tritium levels from leachate and gas-collection system condensate ranged from approximately 2000 TU to over 4000 TU, orders of magnitude higher than unaffected groundwater. The average 14C content of DIC in the landfill pore-water samples was 121 pMC and the 14C content of unaffected groundwater DIC was 93 pMC, while the 14C content of the dissolved inorganic carbon in groundwater with VOC detections ranged from 105 to 119 pMC. The delta 13C of DIC in pore water was consistently above 0 per thousand and the delta 13C of unaffected groundwater DIC was -20.3 per thousand, while the delta 13C of DIC in affected groundwater samples was increased from -17.3 to -13.2 per thousand. The increases in both delta 13C and 14C in landfill gas-impacted groundwater DIC generally correlated with the number of volatile organic compounds detected and their concentrations. Based on the tritium and DIC 14C levels in leachate and water from the gas-collection system compared to those of unaffected water, significant increases in the tritium content of the water would be expected to accompany VOC detections and increases in delta 13C and 14C caused by landfill water. The results rule out landfill water as the VOC source, leaving landfill gas as the source. The identities and concentrations of the specific VOCs in affected groundwater samples varied among wells as well as between two leachate samples, ruling out the use of a VOC "fingerprint" for leachate or landfill gas to be compared to groundwater VOC concentrations.     

Evaluation of septum-capped vials for storage of gas samples during air transport

In order to provide information on the suitability of commonly used gas storage vials for air transport, we tested two vial types on their ability to preserve defined nitrous oxide concentrations and excess pressure when exposed to low pressure, low temperature and puncture by needles. Unlike in Crimp Cap vials, in Exetainers no nitrous oxide loss following low pressure storage was detectable. Tightness of Exetainers following multiple puncture was best using a small needle diameter. Pressure loss following 5, 10, or 25 punctures was lowest in the Exetainers. We conclude that Exetainers are suitable for storing gas samples for an extended period of time during aircraft transport.     

Selection of appropriate sampling stations in a lake through mapping

Much valuable information is obtained from water quality measurements and monitoring of lakes around the world. A powerful tool is the use of mapping techniques, as it offers potential use in water quality research. Both remote sensing techniques and traditional water quality monitoring are required to collect data at sampling stations. This study suggests another approach to determine the most appropriate distribution of sampling stations in water reservoirs that will be mapped for water quality parameters. Tests were conducted for the proposed approach for Secchi disc depth (SDD), chlorophyll-a, turbidity and suspended solids parameters in Lake Beysehir, Turkey. Results of analysis are available for a total of 30 sampling stations in August 2006. Ten sampling stations were used to model Lake Beysehir while the others were used for validation of the model. Sampling stations that offered the best representation of the lake for each parameter were determined. Then, the best representative sampling stations for all parameters in the study were determined. Moreover, in order to confirm the accuracy of these re-determined sampling stations, modelling was performed on the results of the analysis of June 2006, and it was found that the values obtained from the re-determined sampling stations were acceptable.     

Atmospheric dispersion of radon gas and its decay products under stable conditions in arid regions of Australia

The radon and radon daughter concentration-in-air from natural background are assessed along with the micrometeorology and synoptic weather systems in an arid region of Australia. The radon daughter contribution to population dose is biased towards the frequency of nocturnal inversions. Classical atmospheric models are not applicable during stable atmospheric conditions in inland Australia. An atmospheric Box Model is used along with measured data from tethersonde profiles in predicting radon/radon daughter concentration-in-air. Predicted and measured concentrations are compared for spatial and temporal variations.     

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of silver nanoparticle/carboxymethyl cellulose on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium cepa</Emphasis>

Several mutagenic agents may be present in substances released in the environment, which may cause serious environmental impacts. Among these substances, there is a special concern regarding the widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in several products due to their widely known bactericidal properties, including in the medical field and the food industry (e.g., active packaging). The assessment of the effects of AgNP released in the environment, having different concentrations, sizes, and being associated or not to other types of materials, including polymers, is therefore essential. In this research, the objective was to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of AgNP (size range between 2 and 8 nm) on root meristematic cells of Allium cepa (A. cepa). Tests were carried out in the presence of colloidal solution of AgNP and AgNP mixed with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), using distinct concentrations of AgNP. As a result, when compared to control samples, AgNP induced a mitotic index decrease and an increase of chromosomal aberration number for two studied concentrations. When AgNP was in the presence of CMC, no cytotoxic potential was verified, but only the genotoxic potential for AgNP dispersion having concentration of 12.4 ppm.     

岷江流域水质状况评价及变化趋势分析

通过岷江断面水质监测数据,利用内梅罗污染指数法进行水质评价,分析了2009—2013年岷江干流水质情况及其变化趋势。阐述了2013年岷江流域水质空间分布、月季变化情况。提出了流域水质污染防治建议。结果表明,岷江干流上游水质较好、中游较差、下游略有好转,体泉河等部分岷江支流水质较差。2013年全年来看,4—5月份水质较差,7—10月相对较好。     

Investigation of indoor environmental quality in Shanghai metro stations, China

A field study was carried out in Shanghai metro stations to gather and evaluate information about the real environment. The thermal environment and particulate matter levels were monitored in this study. The mean thermal sensation vote in metro stations was 0.91, and the mean thermal neutral temperature was 20.6°C. Although 92.1% of subjects voted that the thermal environment was acceptable, the condition of air quality in Shanghai metro stations was not good. The mean levels of PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 were 0.231 ± 0.152, 0.287 ± 0.177, and 0.366 ± 0.193 mg/m³, respectively. The contribution of PM1.0 to PM2.5 and PM2.5 to PM10 was up to 79% and 76%, respectively. This means that fine particles or ultrafine particles constituted the preponderant part of metro station particulate matter.     

Evaluation of anthropogenic effects on water quality and bacterial diversity in Rawal Lake,Islamabad

Water quality and bacterial diversity in the surface water of Rawal Lake was investigated for a period of 8 months to evaluate the pollution load from anthropogenic effects of surrounding areas. Rawal Lake in Islamabad, Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Grabbed water samples were collected according to standard protocols from ten different locations of the lake and tributaries keeping in view the recharge points from adjacent areas. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, and turbidity of water samples were determined to study the water quality characteristics. The physicochemical parameters showed higher values at the tributaries as compared to the sampling locations within the lake such as values of hardness and alkalinity were 298 and 244 mg/L, respectively, at the tributary of the Nurpur stream. Bacterial strains were isolated by streaking on differential and selective growth media by observing colony morphology and other biochemical tests such as Gram reaction, oxidase, and catalase test. Template DNA was prepared from pure cultivated bacteria and 16S rRNA gene analysis was performed using universal primers for bacteria. Sequencing was performed by using BigDye terminator cycle sequencing kit. Sequences of nearest relative microbial species were identified by using basic local alignment search tool and used as reference sequences for phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic trees were inferred using the neighbor-joining method. Sequencing and phylogenetic characterization of microbes showed various phylotypes, of which Firmicutes, Teobacteria, and Proteobacteria were predominant.     

Simultaneous determination of insecticide fipronil and its metabolites in maize and soil by gas chromatography with electron capture detection

An integrated method for the simultaneous determination of insecticide fipronil and its three metabolites, desulfinyl, sulfide, and sulfone, in maize grain, maize stem, and soil was developed. This three-step method uses liquid–solid extraction with ultrasound or mechanical grinding, followed by liquid–liquid partitioning and florisil solid-phase extraction (SPE) for cleanup. The quantification was conducted by gas chromatography–electron capture detection in triplicate for each sample. The method was validated with five replicates at three fortification concentrations, 0.002, 0.01, and 0.1 mg kg^?1, in each matrix and gave mean recoveries from 83 to 106 % with relative standard deviation ≤8.9 %. The limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.002 mg kg^?1 for the compounds in all matrixes. In the field study in Beijing and Shandong 2012, fipronil-coated maize seeds were planted and the proposed method was applied for checking the possible existence of four compounds in maize and soil samples, but none of them contained residues higher than the LOQs in both application rates. Moreover, the dissipation of fipronil in soil fits first-order kinetics with half-lives 9.90 and 10.34 days in Beijing and Shandong, respectively. Combined with an adequate sample treatment, this technique offers good sensitivity and selectivity in the three complex matrixes. The results could provide guidance for the further research on pesticide distribution and safe use of fipronil as seed coat in cereals.     

潘集矿区塌陷水域水质评价及其综合利用

采煤塌陷水域是淮南潘集矿区一种特殊的地表水体.为了对潘集矿区塌陷水域进行水质评价和提供水资源综合利用的理论基础,选择了潘一矿区典型的两个塌陷水域,采用格网法布设39个采样点对水质进行全面采样监测,分析了水体的重金属元素和部分理化指标并运用数学模糊综合评判法对水质进行了评价.结果表明,封闭性较好的l'水域水质由水体中间向两岸呈递减趋势,中间断面水质为Ⅲ类;与泥河连通的2#水域水质较差,所有监测断面水质均为Ⅳ、Ⅴ类.由于矿业污染源的影响,导致2#水域的重金属元素污染强度高于1#水域.各塌陷水域均已受到不同程度污染,然而丰富的塌陷水资源若合理保护和综合开发利用可带来显著的环境效益和经济效益.