Assessment of both environmental cytotoxicity and trace metal pollution using Populus simonii Carr. as a bioindicator

The level of environmental pollution in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk (Western Ukraine) has been assessed by means of roadside poplar trees as bioindicators. Dividable apical meristem cells of rudimentary leaves were quantitatively analysed for mitotic activity and distribution. Anaphases were further examined for chromosomal aberrations. Male catkins were also examined for sterile pollens. Accumulation of trace elements in vegetative buds was also evaluated in order to reveal source(s) of environmental pollution. Poplar trees growing in the urban environment proved to have increased chromosomal aberrations (up to 4-fold) and increased pollen sterility (up to 4-fold) as well as decreased mitotic activity (by factor 1.5) as compared to control sampling site. The biomarker data correlate moderately with increased (up to 4-fold) concentrations of Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu in vegetative tissues suggesting that probable cause of the environmental cytotoxicity may be vehicle emissions. The maximum increase in chromosomal aberrations (7-fold) and the minimum mitotic activity (half of the control one) were recorded in poplar trees growing in industrial suburb in vicinity of large cement production plant. Taking in mind insignificant bioaccumulation of trace elements in the industrial suburb, the high environmental toxicity has been ascribed to contamination in cement and asbestos particulates.     

Magnetic susceptibility measurements as proxy method to monitor soil pollution: development of experimental protocols for field surveys

In the framework of the development of new methods for measuring and monitoring soil pollution, this paper deals with the use of magnetic methodologies to monitor the heavy metals presence in soils. In particular it shows a procedure for collecting magnetic susceptibility measurements in order to interpret them as proxy variable for monitoring heavy metals in soils. Magnetic measurements are carried out using a magnetic susceptibility meter with two different probes for in situ field surveys. The experimental procedure is divided in two parts. In the first part we carry out laboratory tests aimed to evaluate, for both the probes, the effective investigation depth for soil, the measurement reproducibility under different conditions, and the influence of water content. We complete this part comparing in situ measurements obtained by means of two probes with different characteristics. In the second part we carry out tests to evaluate the relationships between heavy metal levels and magnetic susceptibility values of soil samples. We investigate the variability of the magnetic susceptibility measurements contaminating different soil samples with well known concentration of heavy metals. Moreover we study the correlation between magnetic susceptibility values and metal concentrations, determined by means of AAS, in soil samples collected during a field survey. Results suggest that a careful check of the experimental procedure play a crucial role for using magnetic susceptibility measurements for heavy metals in situ monitoring. This is very helpful both for improving the quality of data and for making simpler data interpretation.     

Magnetic susceptibility measurements as proxy method to monitor soil pollution: the case study of S. Nicola di Melfi

The development of in situ, cheep, noninvasive, and fast strategies for soil monitoring is a crucial task for environmental research. In this paper, we present the results of three field surveys carried out in an industrial area of Southern Italy: S. Nicola di Melfi. The monitoring procedure is based on soil magnetic susceptibility measurements carried out by means of experimental protocols that our research group developed during the last years. This field surveys is supported by both geological characterization of the area and analytical determinations of metal concentrations in soils. Magnetic studies were carried out not only in situ but also in laboratory. Results show that, taking into account the influence due to the geomorphologic difference, soil magnetic susceptibility is an optimal indicator of the anthropogenic impact. So, our monitoring strategy discloses that the combined use of magnetic susceptibility measurements and soil geomorphology information may be used as a useful tool for the temporal monitoring of pollution evolution and for a fast screening of polluted zones.     

Biochemical changes in plant leaves as a biomarker of pollution due to anthropogenic activity

The air pollution due to anthropogenic activities seriously affected human life, vegetation, and heritage as well. The vegetation cover in and around the city mitigates the air pollution by acting as a sink for pollution. An attempt was made to evaluate biochemical changes occurred in four selected plant species, namely Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Delonix regia, and Cassia fistula of residential, commercial, and industrial areas of Nagpur city in India. It was observed that the correlated values of air pollutants and plant leaves characteristics alter foliar biochemical features (i.e., chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content, pH and relative water content) of plants due to air pollution. The changes in air pollution tolerance index of plants was also estimated which revealed that these plants can be used as a biomarker of air pollution.     

An automatic monitor of formaldehyde in air by a monitoring tape method

An automatic monitor has been developed for measuring formaldehyde in air using a sensitive tape for formaldehyde. It is based on the color change of the tape on reaction with formaldehyde. The porous cellulose tape, containing silica gel as an absorbent and impregnated with the processing solution containing hydroxylamine sulfate, Methyl Yellow (pH indicator; pH 2.9-4.0, red-yellow), glycerin and methanol, was found to be a highly sensitive means of detecting formaldehyde and maintains a stable sensitivity. When the tape was exposed to a sample of air containing formaldehyde, the color of the tape changed from yellow to red. The degree of color change was proportional to the concentration of formaldehyde at a constant sampling time and flow rate, and it could be recorded by measuring the intensity of reflected light (555 nm). The tape could be used to detect down to 0.08 ppm (World Health Organization standard) of formaldehyde with a sampling time of 30 min and a flow rate of 100 mL min-1. Reproducibility tests showed that the relative standard deviation of response (n = 10) was 3.8% for 0.1 ppm formaldehyde. The monitor is simple, specific, capable of unattended operation and is recommended for both laboratory and field operation.     

Trace elements as tracers of environmental pollution in the canal sediments (alluvial formation of the Danube River, Serbia)

The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of trace elements and to discuss the origin and mobility of these contaminants in the canal sediments (alluvial formation of the Danube River). The most significant fractions binding all of the studied elements were oxides and silicates. The high proportion of elements in the residual fraction and the generally low contents of extractable elements reflected the background geochemical conditions. The contents of trace elements (except Hg and As) were dominantly controlled by the presence of Fe and Mn oxides as well as by the grain size and the geochemical composition of the sediment. The studied alluvial sediments were not heavily contaminated; there were only few sites where an anthropogenic influence on the concentrations of some metals (Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb) was noticed. The results from this study show that impact of Pan?evo industrial zone on the quality of the Danube River and its contamination with trace element is minor.     

Ultracentrifugation as a direct method to concentrate viruses in environmental waters: virus-like particle enumeration as a new approach to determine the efficiency of recovery

Some health important enteric viruses are considered to be emerging waterborne pathogens and so the improvement of detection of these viruses in the aquatic environment is one of the most important steps in dealing with these pathogens. Since these viruses may be present in low numbers in water, it is necessary to concentrate water samples before viral detection. Although there are several methods to concentrate viruses in environmental waters, all present some drawbacks and consequently the method should be chosen that, despite its limitations, is adequate to achieve the aim of each study. As the effectiveness of the concentration methods is evaluated by determining the efficiency of viral recovery after concentration, it is important to use a simple and effective approach to evaluate their recovery efficiency. In this work ultracentrifugation, usually used as a secondary step for virus concentration, was evaluated as the main method to concentrate directly viruses in environmental water samples, using the microscopic enumeration of virus-like particles (VLP) as a new approach to estimate the efficiency of recovery. As the flocculation method is currently employed to concentrate viruses in environmental waters, it was also used in this study to assess the efficiency of the ultracentrifugation as the main viral concentration method in environmental waters. The results of this study indicate that ultracentrifugation is an adequate approach to concentrate viruses directly from environmental waters (recovery percentages between 66 and 72% in wastewaters and between 66 and 76% in recreational waters) and that the determination of VLP by epifluorescence microscopy is a simple, fast and cheap alternative approach to determine the recovery efficiency of the viral concentration methods.     

The use of marine sponge, Haliclona tenuiramosa as bioindicator to monitor heavy metal pollution in the coasts of Gulf of Mannar, India

The results of the present research study indicate that the heavy metal accumulation in the marine sponges provide evidence as an excellent bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal pollution between near and offshore environments of Mandapam coast of "Gulf of Mannar (GoM), India". The heavy metal concentrations in sea water and accumulation in the tissues of Haliclona tenuiramosa were analyzed by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry). The concentrations of metals in the coastal waters of nearshore (< 0.5 km from shore) were always higher than those in the offshore waters (2-5 km away from shore). Likewise, sponges living in the nearshore accumulated greater concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Ni) ranging from 2 to 17 times higher concentration than the sponges located away from the shore. A positive correlation between concentration levels in water and bioaccumulation in tissues was observed. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in sponge tissue were in order of Fe > Mn > Ni > Cu > As > Co > Cd in both the near and offshore stations. The present results justified that a more comprehensive monitoring of presence of heavy metals in H. tenuiramosa of surrounding GoM, is necessary to help a better mitigation of the problem.     

Development of a field method for measuring manganese in welding fume

Workers who perform routine welding tasks are potentially exposed to fume that may contain manganese. Manganese may cause respiratory problems and is implicated in causing the occurrence of Parkinson-like symptoms. In this study, a field colorimetric method for extracting and measuring manganese in welding fume was developed. The method uses ultrasonic extraction with an acidic hydrogen peroxide solution to extract welding fume collected on polyvinyl chloride filters. Commercially available pre-packaged reagents are used to produce a colored solution, created by a reaction of manganese(ii) with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol. Absorbance measurements are then made using a portable spectrophotometer. The method detection limit and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 5.2 microg filter(-1) and 17 microg filter(-1), respectively, with a dynamic range up to 400 microg filter(-1). When the results are above the LOQ for the colorimetric method, the manganese masses are equivalent to those measured by the International Organization for Standardization Method 15202-2, which employs a strong acid digestion and analysis using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.     

Ko method of quantification in neutron activation analysis as applied to environmental samples

The _Ko factor method in neutron activation analysis adopts all the principles of comparator method and can be used for the rapid determination of elemental comcentrations during routine monitoring of environmental samples. The method necessiates the use of same in-pile conditions, such as irradiation time, irradiation position and the type of neutron spectrum, for which the factors have been generated. The _{K_o} factors were estimated for various elements of environmental importance for three irradiation positions of Apsara Reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Standard reference materials of soil and coal were used for all the elements except for Hg for which HgCl₂ was used. The concentration of the elements determined using these factors in a flyash standard reference material revealed good agreement within 10% of the certified values. The efficacy of the method compared well with that of specific element comparator method as revealed by the elemental concentrations obtained by both the techniques.     

A spectrophotometric assay method for vanadium in biological and environmental samples using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with imipramine hydrochloride

A simple, rapid, and sensitive method involving the interaction of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with imipramine hydrochloride in presence of vanadium (V) in sulfuric acid medium has been proposed for the determination of vanadium. The purple-colored product developed showed an absorption maximum at 560 nm and was stable for 24 h. The working curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.1–2.8 μg ml^− 1, with sensitivity of detection of 0.0124 μg ml^− 1. Molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were found to be 2.6 × 10⁴ l/mol cm and 0.0039 μg cm^− 1, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was assessed by Student’s t test and variance ratio F test, and the results were on par with the reported method. The method was successfully used in the determination of V in water, human urine, soil, and plant samples, and it was free from interference by various concomitant ions.     

Characteristics of environmental pollution related with public complaints in an industrial shipbuilding complex, Korea

The shipbuilding industry of Korea, ranked number one in the world in annual amount of ship orders, has contributed to national economic growth; however, this has resulted in various environmental problems. Characteristics of environmental pollution, such as particulate matters, odor, and noise, which are closely related with public complaints, were evaluated in an industrial shipbuilding complex. The concentrations of PM-10 and TSP were significantly affected by the distance between the measurement site and shipbuilding workplace, as well as the height of the measurement site. Average PM-10 concentrations in the residential area ranged from 40.10 to 44.10 ??g/m³, which were not high in comparison with the ambient air quality standard and those of major cities in Korea. Paint particles could affect a wider area than typical particulate matters due to their generation and transport properties. The properties of odor in the study area were widely affected by the work intensity in shipyards and the temperature. Twenty-five out of total 54 samples collected in the residential area exceeded the dilution factor of 10, which is the tolerable limit adopted in Korea. Noise had an influence on a limited area due to the extinction effect with distance from the shipyards, while severe noise levels higher than 90 dB(A) were frequently found inside the shipyards.     

Paramagnetic antibody-modified microparticles coupled with voltammetry as a tool for isolation and detection of metallothionen as a bioindicator of metal pollution

Low-molecular mass proteins rich in cysteines called metallothioneins (MT) can be considered as markers for the pollution of the environment by metals. Here, we report on suggestion for an automated procedure for the isolation of MT followed by voltammetric analysis. Primarily, we optimized the automated detection of MT using an electrochemical analyser. It was found that the most sensitive and repeatable analyses are obtained at a temperature of 4 °C for the supporting electrolyte. Further, we optimized experimental conditions for the isolation of MT by using antibody-linked paramagnetic microparticles. Under the optimal conditions (4 h long interaction between the microparticles and MT), the microparticles were tested on isolation of various amounts of MT. The lowest isolated amount of MT by antibody-linked paramagnetic microparticles was 5 μg ml(-1) of MT (50 ng). The automated procedure of MT isolation was further tested on isolation of MT from guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) treated with silver(i) ions (50 μM AgNO(3)). The whole process lasted less than five hours and was fully automated. We attempted to correlate these results with the standard method for MT isolation. The correlation coefficient is 0.9901, which confirms that results are in good agreement. Moreover, the concentration of silver ions in tissues of fish treated with Ag(i) ions was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.     

Brown trout as a sentinel organism for organic pollution in the field using catalytic and immunochemical assays of cytochrome P-450 1A

The measurement in some living organisms of adequate biomarkers (e.g. cytochrome P-450) to assess the organic pollution in freshwater ecosystems is well established. However, the sensitivity of this approach depends on the analytical measurement method employed and on the chosen living organism for the biomonitoring. Three analytical methods were compared for measuring cytochrome P-450 1A levels in wild brown trout (Salmo trutta): a catalytic one, based on measurement of the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, and two immunochemical methods, namely, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting. The P-450 1A levels in those animals from a river located in an industrialized area (Trubia River, Northern Spain) and also from individuals living in a low-contamination reference area have been studied. Significant differences (Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.01) between rivers were found (ELISA and EROD assays), with the values for Trubia river being similar to those observed in laboratory experiments with well known P-450 1A inducers. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of sex and age. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of a single band of 56 kDa (corresponding with P-450 1 A protein) in microsomes of fish caught in the Trubia river. On the other hand, and associated with the chemical analysis of PAHs in the waters of both rivers by SPME-GC-MS, high levels of naphthalene (P-450 1A inducer) in the contaminated river were found. In brief, a wide difference between basal levels and P-450 1A induction levels could be detected in trout living in natural field conditions using both EROD activity assay and immunochemical methods. Therefore, brown trout could constitute a good sentinel organism to biomonitor the exposure to PAHs in rivers using P-450 1A measurements.     

Evaluation of a fluorometric method for measuring low concentrations of ammonia in ambient air

A fluorometric method developed for measuring low concentrations of ammonium in marine and freshwater ecosystems was adapted for the analysis of ammonia in ambient air. The modified method entails collection of samples on an acid-treated solid adsorbent followed by analysis using a fluorometer. Optimal results were obtained using a commercially available sorbent tube containing 100 mg of acid-treated silica gel for sample collection, and an analytical protocol consisting of sample desorption in DI water, addition of orthopthaldialdehyde (OPA) working reagent, and room temperature incubation. Method accuracy and precision were evaluated by comparing experimentally determined quantities of ammonia to expected levels for sample loadings ranging from 0.16 [micro sign]g to 550 [micro sign]g-accuracy was generally within +/-20%. The estimated LOQ for the method is 0.08 [micro sign]g ammonia per sample which represents a 25-375-fold improvement in sensitivity compared to current NIOSH and OSHA methods for the measurement of ammonia in ambient air. The new method should be useful for applications requiring measurement of low concentrations of ammonia using personal sampling equipment or in the characterization of short-term fluctuations of ammonia concentrations in air.     

Small mammals as biomonitors of metal pollution: a case study in Slovenia

The transfer of lead, cadmium, zinc, mercury, copper and molybdenum from soil to the tissues of small mammals inhabiting differently polluted areas in Slovenia was investigated. Metals were determined in soil samples and in the livers of 139 individuals of five small mammal species, collected in 2012 in the vicinity of a former lead smelter, the largest Slovenian thermal power plant, along a main road and in a control area. The area in the vicinity of former lead smelter differs considerably from other study areas. The soil from that area is heavily polluted with Pb and Cd. The mean metal concentrations in the liver, irrespective of species, varied in the following ranges—Pb: 0.40–7.40 mg/kg fw and Cd: 0.27–135 mg/kg fw and reached effect concentrations at which toxic effects can be expected in a significant proportion of the livers of the small mammal specimens (Pb 40 %, Cd 67 %). These findings indicate that the majority of small mammals trapped in the area of the former lead smelter are at risk of toxic effects due to the very high bioaccumulation of Pb and Cd in the organism. On the contrary, Pd and Cd concentrations in the livers of small mammals sampled in the vicinity of the thermal power plant and along the main road were comparable with reference values and considerably lower than effect concentrations. Additionally, the study suggests that Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus are very suitable biomonitors of metal pollution.     

BOD5样品分析中稀释倍数的确定

首衔正确估计出样品ＢＯＤ５浓度范围，并测定稀释水的溶解氧，然后根据稀释倍数公式计算三个适当的稀释倍数，本方法省时，可靠，适用性强，能够确保ＢＯＤ５样品分析一次成功。在ＢＯＤ５样品中分析中具有广泛的应用价值。     

Temporal and spatial changes in primary biomass as a diagnosis and prognosis in environmental impact (Rapel Reservoir,Central Chile)

Extensive mortality of silversides (Atherinidae), Odontesthes bonariensis, was recorded during July 1989 in the Rapel Reservoir. Temporal and spatial changes observed in biomass concentration (chlorophyll-a) through both ground and remote sensing samples (LANDSAT), allowed us to establish a potential environmental impact. Ground measurements established an input of sulfate (SO₄) in a eutrophic area. The mean concentration of biomass tended to decrease in this area in comparison with other mesotrophic areas. The local disfunction associated with the observed biomass changes has been used to develop a prediction in species composition and in biomass concentration.

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Resumen Durante la primera semana de Julio de 1989, se registró una muerte masiva de pejerreyes, Odontesthes bonariensis en el Embalse Rapel. En los procesos de monitoreo de la calidad de agua en el Embalse Rapel, se utilizó una representacion espacial primaria de las variables de estado elegidas. Las tendencias témporo-espaciales observadas en la concentración de biomasa fitoplanctónica (clorofila-a) permitieron establecer un impacto ambiental potencial por un agente exógeno al sistema. A partir de mediciones de terreno se estableció la presencia de sulfato (SO₄) en una zona de características eutróficas. Los efectos observados en esta zona, en comparación al resto del embalse, fueron una disminución en la concentración media de la biomasa. La disfunción local observada, permitió sustentar una prognosis asociada a la composición de especies fitoplanctónicas y la concentración de biomasa local.

     

Monitoring atmospheric metal pollution: a review of the use of mosses as indicators

This article reviews the literatureon the use of mosses for monitoring atmospheric metalpollution. It discusses the nature of mosses, themechanisms for moss uptake of metals from the air andwet precipitation, the various forms in which mossesare used for this purpose, and cases in which mosseshave been used for monitoring local hot spots ofpollution, and regional patterns of metal pollution.Also highlighted are the questions of uptake of metalsfrom the substrates, interspecies differences, and acomparison of the effectiveness of mosses with otherindicator materials, among other issues.