QuEChERS-based study on residue determination and dissipation of three herbicides in corn fields using HPLC-MS/MS

A rapid, simple, and selective analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of florasulam, fluroxypyr, and fluroxypyr-meptyl in corn grain, plant, and soil using the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) procedure coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method gave mean recoveries in the range of 80%–108%, with limits of quantification ranging from 2 to 10 µg kg^?1. The half-lives of the three compounds were 1.3–1.3, 0.7–1.3, and 0.7–1.3 days in plants, and 1.1–2.1, 0.4–1.3, and 0.4–1.3 days in soil. The terminal residues in all the matrices were found to be less than the limits of quantification at the pre-harvest intervals of 53 and 78 days. These results not only gave insights about the analytes but also contributed to the safe use of the broad-spectrum herbicides and a reference for establishing the maximum residue limit of florasulam in corn in China.     

Ground water contamination with 238U, 234U, 235U, 226Ra and 210Pb from past uranium mining: cove wash,Arizona

The objectives of the study are to present a critical review of the ²³⁸U, ²³⁴U, ²³⁵U, ²²⁶Ra and ²¹⁰Pb levels in water samples from the EPA studies (U.S. EPA in Abandoned uranium mines and the Navajo Nation: Red Valley chapter screening assessment report. Region 9 Superfund Program, San Francisco, 2004, Abandoned uranium mines and the Navajo Nation: Northern aum region screening assessment report. Region 9 Superfund Program, San Francisco, 2006, Health and environmental impacts of uranium contamination, 5-year plan. Region 9 Superfund Program, San Franciso, 2008) and the dose assessment for the population due to ingestion of water containing ²³⁸U and ²³⁴U. The water quality data were taken from Sect. “Data analysis” of the published report, titled Abandoned Uranium Mines Project Arizona, New Mexico, Utah–Navajo Lands 1994–2000, Project Atlas. Total uranium concentration was above the maximum concentration level for drinking water (7.410–1 Bq/L) in 19 % of the water samples, while ²³⁸U and ²³⁴U concentrations were above in 14 and 17 % of the water samples, respectively. ²²⁶Ra and ²¹⁰Pb concentrations in water samples were in the range of 3.7 × 10^?1 to 5.55 × 102 Bq/L and 1.11 to 4.33 × 102 Bq/L, respectively. For only two samples, the ²²⁶Ra concentrations exceeded the MCL for total Ra for drinking water (0.185 Bq/L). However, the ²¹⁰Pb/²²⁶Ra ratios varied from 0.11 to 47.00, and ratios above 1.00 were observed in 71 % of the samples. Secular equilibrium of the natural uranium series was not observed in the data record for most of the water samples. Moreover, the ²³⁵U/^totalU mass ratios ranged from 0.06 to 5.9 %, and the natural mass ratio of ²³⁵U to ^totalU (0.72 %) was observed in only 16 % of the water samples, ratios above or below the natural ratio could not be explained based on data reported by U.S. EPA. In addition, statistical evaluations showed no correlations among the distribution of the radionuclide concentrations in the majority of the water samples, indicating more than one source of contamination could contribute to the sampled sources. The effective doses due to ingestion of the minimum uranium concentrations in water samples exceed the average dose considering inhalation and ingestion of regular diet for other populations around the world (1 μSv/year). The maximum doses due to ingestion of ²³⁸U or ²³⁴U were above the international limit for effective dose for members of the public (1 mSv/year), except for inhabitants of two chapters. The highest effective dose was estimated for inhabitants of Cove, and it was almost 20 times the international limit for members of the public. These results indicate that ingestion of water from some of the sampled sources poses health risks.     

Determination of fluopicolide in grapes and soil using an easy sample preparation method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A simple analytical method was developed and validated to determine fluopicolide residues in grapes and soil using the “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe” approach followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode. Fluopicolide residues were extracted from grape and soil samples with acetonitrile, and the extracts were cleaned up by dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary secondary amine sorbent. The limit of quantification was 0.02 mg kg^?1 with grape and soil samples spiked at three levels, and recoveries were from 95% to 101% and 94% to 101% with relative standard deviations from 0.2% to 4.4%. The method is less expensive and safer than existing analytical methods for grapes and soil.     

Urinary arsenic levels influenced by abandoned mine tailings in the Southernmost Baja California Peninsula,Mexico

Gold has been mined at San Antonio-El Triunfo, (Baja California Sur, Mexico) since the 18th century. This area has approximately 5,700 inhabitants living in the San Juan de Los Planes and El Carrizal hydrographic basins, close to more than 100 abandoned mining sites containing tailings contaminated with potentially toxic elements such as arsenic. To evaluate the arsenic exposure of humans living in the surrounding areas, urinary arsenic species, such as inorganic arsenic (iAs) and the metabolites mono-methylated (MMA) and di-methylated arsenic acids (DMA), were evaluated in 275 residents (18–84 years of age). Arsenic species in urine were analyzed by hydride generation-cryotrapping-atomic absorption spectrometry, which excludes the non-toxic forms of arsenic such as those found in seafood. Urinary samples contained a total arsenic concentration (sum of arsenical species) which ranged from 1.3 to 398.7 ng mL^?1, indicating 33 % of the inhabitants exceeded the biological exposition index (BEI = 35 ng mL^?1), the permissible limit for occupational exposure. The mean relative urinary arsenic species were 9, 11 and 80 % for iAs, MMA and DMA, respectively, in the Los Planes basin, and 17, 10 and 73 %, respectively, in the El Carrizal basin. These data indicated that environmental intervention is required to address potential health issues in this area.     

Endocrine stress response in Oreochromis sp. from exposure to waterborne cadmium: the plasma cortisol analysis

Cadmium (Cd) is known as one of the most dangerous environmental and industrial pollutants. It has no biological function and accumulates mainly in metabolically active tissue even at low concentrations, which in turn may cause tissue damage. The effect of Cd on the endocrine systems of fish is not well known. To test the hypothesis that Cd is a chemical stressor, Oreochromis sp. were exposed to waterborne cadmium chloride and their endocrine stress response (plasma cortisol) was investigated after 4 days and 20 days. The plasma cortisol levels were analyzed using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (λ = 250 nm) after liquid–liquid extraction. The detection limit of the method was found to be 0.87 ng/mL plasma. This study provides evidence that Cd probably causes exhaustion of endocrine systems. Oreochromis sp. exposure to Cd resulted in a 15%–53% and 52%–91% suppression of cortisol release after 4 days and 20 days of exposure, respectively, in comparison with the control group. The results suggest that Cd still activates the endocrine system at 20 days and the interrenal cells of Oreochromis sp. were not impaired after 20 days of exposure to Cd.     

Mercury pollution in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh,India, and its health impacts

The Sonbhadra district in the Singrauli area of Uttar Pradesh, India, has many coal mines and thermal power plants and is a critically polluted area. Many residents of this area reported adverse health conditions which may be linked to metal pollution, especially of mercury investigated here.

In May 2012, samples of water (23), soil (7), blood, hair, and nails from persons showing adverse health conditions selected at random were collected and analyzed for total mercury by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Twenty percent drinking water samples contained mercury from 3 to 26 μg L^?1 (3–26 times the permissible limit). Soil samples had 0.5–10.1 mg kg^?1 Hg.

The average concentrations of mercury in human blood, hair, and nails were found to be 34 μg L^?1, 7.4 mg kg^?1, and 0.8 mg kg^?1, respectively. Mercury concentrations in the blood of these persons were 45 and 28 μg L^?1 on average in the case of men and women. This is much higher than the safe level of 5.8 μg L^?1 set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

It was concluded that all residents of Sonbhadra sampled could be suffering from mercury toxicity as the area is polluted by Hg released from the coal-fired thermal power plants.     

Immobilisation of manganese,cobalt and nickel by deep-sea-sediment microbial communities

Box core samples BC26 and BC36 from geologically different settings were examined to test the hypothesis that autochthonous microbial communities from polymetallic-nodule-rich Central Indian Basin sediments actively participate in immobilising metal ions. The bottom water dissolved oxygen concentration was reported to be 4.2–4.3 mL·L^?1 in the northern siliceous ooze (BC26) and 4.1–4.2 mL·L^?1 in the southern pelagic red clay (BC36); the sedimentation rates for these regions were 0.834 and 0.041 cm·kyr^?1, respectively. An onboard experiment, conducted under oxic and sub-oxic conditions with 100 μmol of Mn, Co and Ni, showed that microbial immobilisation under sub-oxic conditions was higher than in azide-treated controls in BC26 for Mn, Co and Ni at 30, 2 and 4 cm below sea floor (bsf), respectively, after 45 days. The trend in immobilisation was BC 26>BC 36, Co>Mn>Ni under oxic conditions and Mn>Co>Ni under sub-oxic conditions. The depth of maximum immobilisation for Co in BC26 under sub-oxic conditions coincided with the yield of cultured Co-tolerant bacteria and Ni only with organic carbon at 4 cm bsf. This study demonstrates that the organic carbon content and bioavailable metal concentrations in sediments regulate microbial participation in metal immobilisation.     

Field dissipation and health hazard assessment of Fenhexamid on Egyptian grapes

Dissipation behavior and hazard assessment of the fungicide fenhexamid applied to grapes were investigated under climatic conditions in Egypt. Fenhexamid residues were extracted from grape samples with ethyl acetate. The extract was cleaned up by QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method, and determined by gas chromatographic method (GC-μECD). The average recoveries ranged between 94.2% and 99.4% with associated relative standard deviation not exceeding 12%. The estimated limit of quantification for fenhexamid was 0.1 mg/kg. The field results showed that fenhexamid dissipated rapidly from grapes and had a half-life of approximately 4.21 days. Hazard assessment was evaluated by using the hazard quotient (HQ). Data showed that the HQ value was significantly less than HQ = 1. Results indicate that hazard of fenhexamid use in grape even at 1.5-fold higher than recommended dosage was negligible to humans. This study could provide guidance for safe and reasonable use of fenhexamid in grapes and prevent health problems to consumers. However, further hazard assessment studies are needed to ascertain the hazard of fenhexamid residues on grape to vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and elderly consumers.     

Arsenic contamination of natural waters in San Juan and La Pampa, Argentina

Arsenic (As) speciation in surface and groundwater from two provinces in Argentina (San Juan and La Pampa) was investigated using solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge methodology with comparison to total arsenic concentrations. A third province, Río Negro, was used as a control to the study. Strong cation exchange (SCX) and strong anion exchange (SAX) cartridges were utilised in series for the separation and preservation of arsenite (As^III), arsenate (As^V), monomethylarsonic acid (MA^V) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA^V). Samples were collected from a range of water outlets (rivers/streams, wells, untreated domestic taps, well water treatment works) to assess the relationship between total arsenic and arsenic species, water type and water parameters (pH, conductivity and total dissolved solids, TDS). Analysis of the waters for arsenic (total and species) was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in collision cell mode. Total arsenic concentrations in the surface and groundwater from Encon and the San José de Jáchal region of San Juan (north-west Argentina within the Cuyo region) ranged from 9 to 357 μg l^?1 As. Groundwater from Eduardo Castex (EC) and Ingeniero Luiggi (LU) in La Pampa (central Argentina within the Chaco-Pampean Plain) ranged from 3 to 1326 μg l^?1 As. The pH range for the provinces of San Juan (7.2–9.7) and La Pampa (7.0–9.9) are in agreement with other published literature. The highest total arsenic concentrations were found in La Pampa well waters (both rural farms and pre-treated urban sources), particularly where there was high pH (typically > 8.2), conductivity (>2,600 μS cm^?1) and TDS (>1,400 mg l^?1). Reverse osmosis (RO) treatment of well waters in La Pampa for domestic drinking water in EC and LU significantly reduced total arsenic concentrations from a range of 216–224 μg l^?1 As to 0.3–0.8 μg l^?1 As. Arsenic species for both provinces were predominantly As^III and As^V. As^III and As^V concentrations in San Juan ranged from 4–138 μg l^?1 to <0.02–22 μg l^?1 for surface waters (in the San José de Jáchal region) and 23–346 μg l^?1 and 0.04–76 μg l^?1 for groundwater, respectively. This translates to a relative As^III abundance of 69–100% of the total arsenic in surface waters and 32–100% in groundwater. This is unexpected because it is typically thought that in oxidising conditions (surface waters), the dominant arsenic species is As^V. However, data from the SPE methodology suggests that As^III is the prevalent species in San Juan, indicating a greater influence from reductive processes. La Pampa groundwater had As^III and As^V concentrations of 5–1,332 μg l^?1 and 0.09–592 μg l^?1 for EC and 32–242 μg l^?1 and 30–277 μg l^?1 As for LU, respectively. Detectable levels of MA^V were reported in both provinces up to a concentration of 79 μg l^?1 (equating to up to 33% of the total arsenic). Previously published literature has focused primarily on the inorganic arsenic species, however this study highlights the potentially significant concentrations of organoarsenicals present in natural waters. The potential for separating and preserving individual arsenic species in the field to avoid transformation during transport to the laboratory, enabling an accurate assessment of in situ arsenic speciation in water supplies is discussed.     

Measurements of fog water interception by shrubs on the California central coast

Fog water deposition may be an important component of the water budget of herbaceous-shrub ecosystems on the central and southern coastal regions of California. This paper presents the first analysis of measured fog water drip rates and meteorological controls in shrublands of Big Sur, California. Seasonal totals of 1255 mm and 306 mm of fog water drip were recorded in 2014 and 2015 (respectively), for averaged fog deposition rates of 0.02–0.08 l m² hr.^?1 to the soil under shrub canopy cover. The diurnal patterns of fog water drip showed that the majority of all trough water collected under shrubs on no-rain days occurred between the hours of 11 PM and 9 AM. During the study period from June 1 to October 31 of both 2014 and 2015, soil water content decreased significantly from average levels of 4–6 % at the shrub canopy center and middle locations, through 2–3 % VWC at the shrub edge locations, to levels at or below 2 % at 2-m distance locations from the shrub edge in open grass cover. Based on these results, we conclude that detectable rates of shrub canopy fog interception help sustain elevated soil water levels under shrubs and aid woody vegetation survival through periods of low rainfall.     

Respiration and lipid content of the Arctic copepod<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Calanus hyperboreus</Emphasis> overwintering 1 m above the seafloor at 2,300 m water depth in the Fram Strait

In August 2000 high concentrations of the dominant herbivorous copepod Calanus hyperboreus were detected in the Arctic Fram Strait, west of Spitsbergen, 1 m above the seafloor at 2,290 m water depth. Individuals from that layer were sampled by a hyper-benthic net attached to the frame of an epi-benthic sledge. For comparison, the vertical distribution of C. hyperboreus in the water column was studied simultaneously by a multiple opening/closing net haul from 2,250 m depth to the surface. Maximum abundance was found close to the surface with 6.6 and 10.0 ind. m^?3 at 0–50 m and 50–100 m depth, respectively. However, the major fraction of the population (>40%) occurred between 1,000 and 1,500 m depth. In the deepest layer (2,000–2,250 m) abundance measured 2.2 ind. m^?3 and was twice as high as between 100 and 1,000 m depth. In comparison to individuals from surface waters, copepods from the hyper-benthic layer were torpid and did not react to mechanical stimuli. Stage CV copepodids and females from the deep sample contained 4–10% less lipid and showed significantly reduced respiration rates of 0.24 and 0.26 ml O₂ h^?1 g^?1 dry mass (DM) as compared to surface samples (0.49 and 0.43 ml O₂ h^?1 g^?1 DM). All these observations indicate that the hyper-benthic part of the population had already started a dormant overwintering phase at great depth. Based on the lipid deposits and energy demands, the potential maximum duration of the non-feeding dormant phase was estimated at 76–110 days for females and at 98–137 days for CV copepodids, depending on what indispensable minimum lipid content was assumed. In any case, the estimated times could not meet the necessary requirements for a starvation period of >6 months until the next phytoplankton bloom in the following spring. The ecological implications of these results are discussed with respect to the life cycle and eco-physiological adaptations of C. hyperboreus to its high-Arctic habitat.     

Radon in indoor air of primary schools: determinant factors,their variability and effective dose

Radon is a radioactive gas, abundant in granitic areas, such as in the city of Porto at the north-east of Portugal. This gas is a recognized carcinogenic agent, being appointed by the World Health Organization as the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The aim of this preliminary survey was to determine indoor radon concentrations in public primary schools, to analyse the main factors influencing their indoor concentration levels and to estimate the effective dose in students and teachers in primary schools. Radon concentrations were measured in 45 classrooms from 13 public primary schools located in Porto, using CR-39 passive radon detectors for about 2-month period. In all schools, radon concentrations ranged from 56 to 889 Bq/m³ (mean = 197 Bq/m³). The results showed that the limit of 100 Bq/m³ established by WHO IAQ guidelines was exceeded in 92 % of the measurements, as well as 8 % of the measurements exceeded the limit of 400 Bq/m³ established by the national legislation. Moreover, the mean annual effective dose was calculated as 1.25 mSv/y (ranging between 0.58 and 3.07 mSv/y), which is below the action level (3–10 mSv). The considerable variability of radon concentration observed between and within floors indicates a need to monitor concentrations in several rooms for each floor. A single radon detector for each room can be used, provided that the measurement error is considerably lower than variability of radon concentration between rooms. The results of the present survey will provide useful baseline data for adopting safety measures and dealing effectively with radiation emergencies. In particular, radon remediation techniques should be used in buildings located in the highest radon risk areas of Portugal. The results obtained in the current study concerning radon levels and their variations will be useful to optimize the design of future research surveys.     

Field evaluation of intensive compost application on Cd fractionation and phytoavailability in a mining-contaminated soil

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of chicken manure compost on the fractionation of cadmium (Cd), soil biological properties and Cd uptake by wheat in a soil affected by mining activities in Hubei province, China. Compost was applied at five levels (0, 27, 54, 108, 216 t ha^?1), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was chosen as an indicator plant. Results showed that the application of compost increased soil pH and the content of total phosphorus and organic matter. Soil biological properties such as microbial biomass carbon, invertase, protease, urease and catalase activities were significantly enhanced by 0.24–3.47 times after compost application. Sequential extraction indicated that compost amendments decreased the acid-extractable Cd by 8.2–37.6 %, while increased the reducible and oxidisable Cd by 9.2–39.5 and 8.2–60.4 %, respectively. The addition of 27–54 t ha^?1 compost reduced Cd content in wheat stems and seeds by 69.6–75.0 % and 10.3–18.4 %, respectively. However, only 25.5–26.5 % reductions in Cd content in wheat stems were observed in 108–216 t ha^?1 compost amendments, and no significant decrease was detected for seeds. This study suggests that although compost is a suitable organic amendment to improve soil fertility and biological activities, the addition of compost should be moderated by an appropriate rate to optimize the use of compost for the reclamation of metal-contaminated soils at field scale.     

Antioxidant rich diet supplements (Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp) mitigate hematological disorders in fluoride exposed mice

The effect of antioxidant rich diet supplements of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp at 230 mg kg^?1 body weight, separately as well as in combination, on various hematological parameters of Swiss albino mice exposed to fluoride for seven days at daily doses of 190 mg kg^?1 body weight and for 90 days at daily doses of 94 mg kg^?1 body weight is reported. Compared with controls, fluoride exposure decreased erythrocyte (12%–18%), leukocyte (16%) and platelet counts (7%, only for short-term exposure), hemoglobin (2%–17%) and packed cell volume (2%–14%) in Swiss albino mice reared on standard feed but these were altered little in the diet supplement groups. Fluoride exposure decreased lymphocytes in both standard feed (16%–21%) and diet supplement groups (5%–19%, but only after long-term exposure). Fluoride withdrawal led to recovery of the post-treated mice from long-term exposure. Spirulina alone and also in combination with tamarind fruit pulp was found more effective than tamarind alone in reducing hematological disorders in fluoride treated mice.     

Population structure,northern range limit,and recruitment variation in the intertidal limpet Lottia scabra

The northern range limit of the intertidal limpet Lottia scabra is Cape Arago, Oregon (43°N), where adult survival is excellent, the population is small (<300), and recruitment is low; the range limit may be set by limited recruitment. Between June 2012 and March 2013, 25 sites from the middle of the species range (33°N) to Cape Arago were sampled and population size frequency distributions, densities, and nearest neighbor distances were compared to the amount of rocky and sandy shore and kelp bed size. North and south of 37°N, the densities of new recruits averaged 22 and 86 m^?2, respectively. This shift was associated with the range limit of Macrocystis pyrifera kelp beds; we hypothesize that slower currents in M. pyrifera beds may limit larval dispersal leading to higher recruitment. North and south of 40°N, adult density averaged <1 and 458 m^?2, respectively, with the species absent from many sites to the north. This shift was associated with a sharp drop in the amount of rocky shoreline and an increase in uninhabitable sandy shore. Near the northern range limit, >80 % of the individuals were solitary and may be unable to spawn successfully. Recruitment at Cape Arago was infrequent and likely due to self-recruitment. This study suggests that the range limit was set by the absence of M. pyrifera and too little rocky shore leading to high larval wastage, low settlement, low population densities, and, due to an Allee effect, very small effective population sizes.     

Outdoor air particle-bound trace metals in four selected communities in Ibadan,Nigeria

Trace metal concentrations were determined in particulate matter (PM₁₀) in ambient air of four purposively selected residential areas in Ibadan, Nigeria namely Bodija market (BM), Ojo Park (OP), Oluyole Estate (OE) and University of Ibadan (UI). PM₁₀ was determined in the morning (7–10 a.m.) and afternoon (2–5 p.m.) for 12 weeks in the dry season months of January–March using a volumetric sampler following standard procedures and levels compared with WHO guideline limits. Glass-fibre filter papers exposed to the particulate matter were digested using appropriate acid mixtures, and the digest analysed for trace metals including Ni, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Pb using ICPMS method and levels compared with WHO limits. Data was analysed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation test at 5 % level of significance. The highest mean PM₁₀ concentrations 502.3 ± 39.9 μg/m³ were recorded in the afternoon period at BM, while the lowest concentration 220.6 ± 69.9 μg/m³ was observed in the morning hours at UI. There was a significant difference between the PM₁₀ levels across the various locations (p < 0.05), and all the levels were higher than WHO limit of 50 μg/m³. The highest levels of Ni, Zn and Pb were recorded at BM, which also had the highest PM₁₀ burden. The trend in Pb levels across the locations was BM > UI > OP > OE with the highest level 5.70 μg/m³ in BM nearly fourfolds WHO limits of 1.5 μg/m³. There was a significant correlation between PM₁₀ and Ni (p < 0.05).Urban communities with increased human activities especially motor traffic recorded both higher levels of PM₁₀ and toxic trace metals. There is need to carry out source apportionment to establish the origin of these trace metals in future studies.     

Metal levels in computer monitor components discarded in the vicinities of electronic workshops

Levels of Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Cd in the glass screens (GS) and printed wiring boards (PWBs) of obsolete computer monitors (OCMs) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) following standard digestion. Metal concentrations (mg kg^?1) in GS were in the following ranges (medians in brackets): Pb ND – 3100 (46), Cd 0.5–2.6 (0.8), Cr ND – 18.7 (3.1), and Zn 8.1–600 (37) and in PWBs (mg kg^?1): Pb 34,600 ± 17,000, Cd 11 ± 9, Cr 59 ± 45, Zn 15,900 ± 7800, Cu79,000 ± 22,600, and Ni 3200 ± 2500. In GS, the levels of the six metals were lower than their total threshold limit concentrations (TTLC), except for Pb with a TTLC of 1000 mg kg^?1 in 10% of the samples. In the PWBs, the TTLC of Pb and Cu (2500 mg kg^?1) was exceeded many fold. For Zn (5000 mg kg^?1) and Ni (2000 mg kg^?1); they were exceeded by 90% and 65%, respectively. For OCMs manufactured in 2001 and later, Pb and Zn levels in GS and Cr, Zn, and Ni in PWBs were significantly reduced.     

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.     

High soil and groundwater arsenic levels induce high body arsenic loads,health risk and potential anemia for inhabitants of northeastern Iran

Arsenic bioavailability in rock, soil and water resources is notoriously hazardous. Geogenic arsenic enters the body and adversely affects many biochemical processes in animals and humans, posing risk to public health. Chelpu is located in NE Iran, where realgar, orpiment and pyrite mineralization is the source of arsenic in the macroenvironment. Using cluster random sampling strategy eight rocks, 23 soils, 12 drinking water resources, 36 human urine and hair samples and 15 adult sheep urine and wool samples in several large-scale herds in the area were randomly taken for quantification of arsenic in rock/soil/water, wool/hair/urine. Arsenic levels in rock/soil/water and wool/hair/urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. While arsenic levels in rocks, soils and water resources hazardously ranged 9.40–25,873.3 mg kg^?1, 7.10–1448.80 mg kg^?1 and 12–606 μg L^?1, respectively, arsenic concentrations in humans’ hair and urine and sheep’s wool and urine varied from 0.37–1.37 μg g^?1 and 9–271.4 μg L^?1 and 0.3–3.11 μg g^?1 and 29.1–1015 μg L^?1, respectively. Local sheep and human were widely sick and slightly anemic. Hematological examination of the inhabitants revealed that geogenic arsenic could harm blood cells, potentially resulting in many other hematoimmunological disorders including cancer. The findings warn widespread exposure of animals and human in this agroecologically and geopolitically important region (i.e., its proximity with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan) and give a clue on how arsenic could induce infectious and non-infectious diseases in highly exposed human/animals.     

Carbonyl compound leaching from polyethylene terephthalate into bottled water under sunlight exposure

Polyethylene terephthalate bottles containing natural spring water were used to study the leaching effect of carbonyl compounds after one year storage under real conditions of exposure. Ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-A spectra of direct sunlight were acquired during the experiment. Leaching of acetone, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde reached steady state after 210 days of outdoor storage, with the following concentrations: 434 ± 22, 345 ± 18, and 94 ± 5 µg/L, respectively. The increase due to sunlight exposure in comparison with laboratory storage in the dark was around 10%, 16%, and 36%. The leaching process of all three carbonyl compounds was found to follow the first-order kinetics. Photo-degradation of Polyethylene terephthalate bottles and the appearance of carboxyl end-groups were followed by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectra. After 313 days of storage under direct sunlight, new peaks appeared in the regions of 1770–1920 cm^?1 and 1685–1490 cm^?1. Cations, anions, total dissolved solids, pH, and conductivity were also measured during the storage period. Additionally, microbiological measurements as well as statistical analyses were also carefully discussed.