Environmental 238U and 232Th concentration measurements in an area of high level natural background radiation at Palong, Johor, Malaysia

Concentrations of uranium-238 and thorium-232 in soil, water, grass, moss and oil-palm fruit samples collected from an area of high background radiation were determined using neutron activation analysis (NAA). U-238 concentration in soil ranged from 4.9 mg kg(-1) (58.8 Bq kg(-1)) to 40.4 mg kg(-1) (484.8 Bq kg(-1)), Th-232 concentration ranged from 14.9 mg kg(-1) (59.6 Bq kg(-1)) to 301.0 mg kg(-1) (1204 Bq kg(-1)). The concentration of U-238 in grass samples ranged from below the detection limit to 0.076 mg kg(-1) (912 mBq kg(-1)), and Th-232 ranged from 0.008 mg kg(-1) (32 mBq kg(-1)) to 0.343 mg kg(-1) (1.372 Bq kg(-1)). U-238 content in water samples ranged from 0.33 mg kg(-1) (4.0 Bq L(-1)) to 1.40 mg kg(-1) (16.8 Bq L(-1)), and Th-232 ranged from 0.19 mg kg(-1) (0.76 Bq L(-1)) to 0.66 mg kg(-1) (2.64 Bq L(-1)). It can be said that the concentrations of environmental U-238 and Th-232 in grass and water samples in the study area are insignificant. Mosses were found to be possible bio-radiological indicators due to their high absorption of the heavy radioelements from the environment.     

Post-irrigation impact of domestic sewage effluent on composition of soils,crops and ground water--a case study

Long-term irrigation with sewage water adds large amounts of carbon, major and micro- nutrients to the soil. We compared the spatial distribution of N, P, K and other micronutrients and toxic elements in the top 0.6 m of an alluvial soil along with their associated effects on the composition of crops and ground waters after about three decades of irrigation with domestic sewage effluent as a function of distance from the disposal point. Use of sewage for irrigation in various proportions improved the organic matter to 1.24-1.78% and fertility status of soils especially down to a distance of 1 km along the disposal channel. Build up in total N was up to 2908 kg ha(-1), available P (58 kg ha(-1)), total P (2115 kg ha(-1)), available K (305 kg ha(-1)) and total K (4712 kg ha(-1)) in surface 0.15 m soil. Vertical distribution of these parameters also varied, with most accumulations occurring in surface 0.3 m. Traces of NO3-N (up to 2.8 mg l(-1)), Pb (up to 0.35 mg l(-1)) and Mn (up to 0.23 mg l(-1)) could also be observed in well waters near the disposal point thus indicating initiation of ground water contamination. However, the contents of heavy metals in crops sampled from the area were below the permissible critical levels. Though the study confirms that the domestic sewage can effectively increase water resource for irrigation but there is a need for continuous monitoring of the concentrations of potentially toxic elements in soil, plants and ground water.     

Distribution of pesticides, PAHs and heavy metals in prawn ponds near Kolleru lake wetland, India

This paper discussed the distribution of pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in water, sediment and prawn from intensive prawn ponds (n=8) near the Kolleru lake wetland, India and assessed the quality of prawn for human consumption and also discussed the possible effects of these pollutants on pond environment and aquatic environment. The chemicals and other products used in prawn ponds near the Kolleru lake wetland were documented. The sediment, prawn and water samples were collected six times from selected prawn ponds during the production period of 3 months. Water samples were analyzed for selected physico-chemical parameters. The levels of pesticides, PAHs and heavy metals were found to decrease in the order sediment followed by prawn and water. The maximum concentrations of pesticides in sediment, prawn and water were alpha-BHC (174.2 microg g(-)(1)), gamma-BHC (234 microg g(-)(1)), malathion (256 microg g(-)(1)), chloripyrifos (198.5 microg g(-)(1)), endosulfan (238 microg g(-)(1)), dieldrin (19.6 microg g(-)(1)) and p,p'-DDT (128.6 microg g(-)(1)). Isodrin was found below detectable limit. The maximum concentrations of PAHs in sediment, prawn and water are anthracene (0.901 microg kg(-)(1)), fluranthene (0.601 microg kg(-)(1)), pyrene (0.786 microg kg(-)(1)), chrysene (0.192 microg kg(-)(1)), benzo(a)pyrene (0.181 microg kg(-)(1)) and benzo(ghi)perylene (227 microg kg(-)(1)). Benzo(e)pyrene, perylene, isomers of dibenzoanthracene and coronene were found below detectable limits. The maximum concentrations of heavy metals in sediment, prawn and water and also in prawn feed are Cu (791 microg g(-)(1)), Pb (270 microg g(-)(1)), Cd (1.07 microg g(-)(1)), Mn (4417 microg g(-)(1)), Ni (8.1 microg g(-)(1)), Co (5.8 microg g(-)(1)), Zn (1076 microg g(-)(1)), Cr (36.4 microg g(-)(1)), As (2.9 microg g(-)(1)), Se (6.3 microg g(-)(1)), Th (2.1 microg g(-)(1)) and Mo (0.762 microg g(-)(1)).     

鄱阳湖蝶形湖泊水体氮磷等的变化及污染初步评价

分别于2014年夏季7月和冬季12月对鄱阳湖蝶形水域的9个湖泊进行了采样,并对湖泊水质基础性指标TN、TP、NH_3-N、NO_3~--N、NO_2~--N、溶解性磷酸盐、TOC、COD_(Mn)和叶绿素a进行了测定与分析。据此同时运用单因素评价法、均值型指数综合评价法和营养状态指数法对鄱阳湖蝶形水域的地表水水环境的污染现状和污染程度进行了评价,以更全面和准确地反映鄱阳湖蝶形水域的水质状况。结果显示:(1)鄱阳湖蝶形水域水质总体符合GB3838-2002III类水标准;(2)7月水质总体优于12月水质。12月总氮含量和总磷含量基本都高于7月,叶绿素a含量除中湖池12月值略低于7月外,其它点位12月值均高于7月。7月总氮值为0.6~1.3 mg/L,总磷值为0.02~0.15 mg/L,叶绿素a为2.2~6.7 mg/L;12月总氮值为0.6~2.0 mg/L,总磷值为0.04~0.19 mg/L,叶绿素a为3.8~34.7 mg/L;(3)7月和12月水质营养状态介于中营养和轻度富营养,水体主要污染物质为总氮和总磷。7月蚌湖营养状态为轻度富营养,其它点位为中营养,12月除常湖、梅溪湖和大汊湖营养状态为中营养,其它点位均为轻度富营养;(4)位于南部的象湖、常湖、白沙湖和大汊湖水质整体较其它蝶形湖泊差,主要是受到工业废水、生活污水和农业面源污染的赣江和饶河的污染输入影响所致。基于以上调查测试结果提出保护和改善鄱阳湖水环境的可行性措施,以促进鄱阳湖蝶形水域水资源的开发利用,实现经济与环境及资源的协调可持续发展。     

仙女湖富营养化特征与水环境容量核算

以典型的亚热带大型水库——江西省仙女湖为例,于2011~2013年季节性监测了仙女湖水体理化指标。采用综合营养状态指数法对其富营养化状态进行了评价,并采用沃伦威德尔模型(Vollenweider)和狄龙模型(Dillon)计算了COD、NH₃-N、TN和TP的水环境容量。结果表明:仙女湖水质总体处于地表水Ⅱ类~Ⅲ类标准,TN 0.32~0.91 mg/L、平均0.59 mg/L,NH₃-N 0.012~0.59 mg/L、平均0.31 mg/L,TP 0.017~0.080 mg/L、平均0.028 mg/L,COD_Mn 1.61~5.59 mg/L、平均2.85 mg/L,Chl-a 0.37~0.95 μg/L、平均0.56 μg/L。从湖区上游到下游,各指标尤其是总氮、总磷、透明度和氨氮呈现明显的趋优变化特征,除TP出现Ⅲ类水质外,其余指标多年持续处于Ⅱ类水质状态;从单因子状态指数来看,采用透明度评价的营养状态最高,大部分湖区持续处于轻度富营养状态;TN和TP评价的营养状态次之,处于中营养水平。仙女湖COD、NH₃-N、TN和TP水环境容量分别为21 208.0、3 528.8、4 991.2和248.1 t/a,分别剩余容量比率56.88%、68.25%、62.89%和13.67%,影响仙女湖水环境容量最突出的环境因子为TP。同时,基于对水环境容量影响因素的分析,最后提出了提高仙女湖区水环境容量的建设性方案。     

Relationship between fluorine in drinking water and dental health of residents in some large cities in China

In this project, the relationship between fluorine content in drinking water and dental health of residents in some large cities in China was evaluated. The concentration of fluorine in tap water and in urine of local subjects of 28 cities and 4 high fluorine villages in China shows a strong positive correlation (r(2)=0.96, S.E.=0.9881). Our studies indicate that drinking water is the most important source of fluorine intake for Chinese people, and in more than 90% of urban cities, fluorine concentrations in drinking water are below levels recommended by the WHO (approximately 0.5-1.0 mg/l). A 1995 investigation by The National Committee on Oral Health of China (NCOH) shows the relationship between average number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) of urban residents and fluorine concentration in drinking water to be negatively correlated but not forming a good linear relationship. Our results, together with the previous study, suggest that: (1) dental caries of the study population can be reduced by drinking water fluoridation and that (2) other factors such as economic level, weather, lifestyle, food habits, living condition, etc., of a city can also affect the incidence of dental caries that cannot be predicted by fluoridation alone. Research on the relation between index of fluorosis (IF) and the fluorine concentration in drinking water for the four high fluorine villages showed that the recommended concentration of fluorine in drinking water can protect from dental fluorosis.     

Environmental contamination of heavy metals from zinc smelting areas in Hezhang County, western Guizhou, China

Total heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) concentrations were evaluated in smelting waste, soil, crop and moss samples collected from the Hezhang artisanal zinc smelting areas, Guizhou, China. Soil samples from the cornfield near the smelting sites contained extremely high Cd (5.8-74 mg kg(-1)), Pb (60-14,000 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (260-16,000 mg kg(-1)) concentrations. Elevated heavy metal concentrations were also found in corn plants and total Pb (0.80-1.5 mg kg(-1)) and Cd (0.05-0.76 mg kg(-1)) concentrations in corn grain have totally or partially exceeded the national guidance limits for foodstuff. Thus, the soil-to-crop transfer of heavy metals might pose a potential health risk to the local residents. Similar to the high heavy metal levels in soil and corn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in moss samples collected from the smelting sites ranged from 10 to 110, 10 to 55, 26 to 51, 400 to 1200 and 330 to 1100 mg kg(-1), respectively, exhibiting a local spatial pattern of metals deposition from the atmosphere. Based on examination of Zn/Cd and Pb/Cd ratios of the analyzed samples, we have distinguished between the flue gas dust derived and smelting waste derived metals in different environmental compartments.     

Contamination of drinking water resources in the Mekong delta floodplains: arsenic and other trace metals pose serious health risks to population

This study presents a transnational groundwater survey of the 62,000 km(2) Mekong delta floodplain (Southern Vietnam and bordering Cambodia) and assesses human health risks associated with elevated concentrations of dissolved toxic elements. The lower Mekong delta generally features saline groundwater. However, where groundwater salinity is <1 g L(-)(1) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), the rural population started exploiting shallow groundwater as drinking water in replacement of microbially contaminated surface water. In groundwater used as drinking water, arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.1-1340 microg L(-)(1), with 37% of the studied wells exceeding the WHO guidelines of 10 microg L(-)(1) arsenic. In addition, 50% exceeded the manganese WHO guideline of 0.4 mg L(-)(1), with concentrations being particularly high in Vietnam (range 1.0-34 mg L(-)(1)). Other elements of (minor) concern are Ba, Cd, Ni, Se, Pb and U. Our measurements imply that groundwater contamination is of geogenic origin and caused by natural anoxic conditions in the aquifers. Chronic arsenic poisoning is the most serious health risk for the ~2 million people drinking this groundwater without treatment, followed by malfunction in children's development through excessive manganese uptake. Government agencies, water specialists and scientists must get aware of the serious situation. Mitigation measures are urgently needed to protect the unaware people from such health problems.     

Radionuclides in hot mineral spring waters in Jordan

Hot mineral springs in Jordan are very attractive to people who seek physical healing but they are unaware of natural radioactive elements that may be contained in the hot mineral water. The activities of the natural radioactive isotopes were measured and the concentrations of the parents of their natural radioactive series were calculated. The measured radionuclides were 234Th, 226Ra, 214Pb, 214Bi, 228Ac, 228Th, 212Pb, 212Bi and 208Tl. In addition the activities of 235U and 40K were measured. The activities ranged from 0.14 to 34.8 Bq/l, while the concentrations of parent uranium and thorium isotopes ranged from 3.0 x 10(-3) to 0.59 mg/l. The results were compared with those for drinking water.     

Evaluation of nitrate and trace elements concentration in drinking water:Bottled,tap and well

Concentrations of nitrate and trace elements such as arsenic,cadmium,chromium,copper,manganese,nickel,lead,selenium,antimony and mercury in 18 different brands of bottled water were investigated.For comparison,samples of tap and well water from three different places of Tehran were also analyzed.UV/VIS spectrophotometer and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometer were used for the analysis of nitrate and trace elements,respectively.Results obtained were compared to Iranian,World Health Organization(WHO)and Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)guideline for drinking water.Nitrate concentration in bottled,tap and well water samples were in maximum safe nitrate concentration of Iranian and WHO standards.However,70%of bottled water samples and one sample of tap water were below the standard level proposed by EPA and probably remedial action should be taken.Concentration levels of all analyzed elements investigated in all examined water samples were below the maximum contaminant level prescribed by Iranian,WHO and EPA regulations.     

红枫湖地表水中多环芳烃的分布及来源

将固相微萃取与气相色谱联用，对贵阳红枫湖水样中16种美国环境保护署优控的多环芳烃进行分析。结果表明：红枫湖水中16种多环芳烃总量为0167 1~0336 4 μg/L，与国内其它水系相比，湖中存在多环芳烃轻度污染。7种（萘、荧蒽、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘和苯并(ghi)苝）多环芳烃的总量未超出中国城市供水行业对多环芳烃规定的限值，但作为饮用水源，红枫湖水中的苯并(a)芘含量已超出我国标准GB3838-2002中生活饮用水地表水源地的苯并(a)芘限值，并且苯并(a)蒽、〖JX-*9〗〖SX（B-25x〗〖HT7，5”〗艹〖〗〖HT6”，5”〗屈〖HT5”〗〖SX）〗〖JX*9〗、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘的含量也超过了美国环境保护署地表水水质标准限值。通过多环芳烃特征参数的比值，分析了红枫湖水中多环芳烃的污染来源。污染源分析表明，湖中多环芳烃的主要来源为燃烧源，包括木材、煤以及化石燃料的燃烧，同时也有一部分多环芳烃是来源石油类物质的输入.     

红枫湖地表水中多环芳烃的分布及来源

将固相微萃取与气相色谱联用,对贵阳红枫湖水样中16种美国环境保护署优控的多环芳烃进行分析。结果表明：红枫湖水中16种多环芳烃总量为0167 1~0336 4 μg/L,与国内其它水系相比,湖中存在多环芳烃轻度污染。7种（萘、荧蒽、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘和苯并(ghi)苝）多环芳烃的总量未超出中国城市供水行业对多环芳烃规定的限值,但作为饮用水源,红枫湖水中的苯并(a)芘含量已超出我国标准GB3838-2002中生活饮用水地表水源地的苯并(a)芘限值,并且苯并(a)蒽、〖JX-*9〗〖SX（B-25x〗〖HT7,5”〗艹〖〗〖HT6”,5”〗屈〖HT5”〗〖SX）〗〖JX*9〗、苯并(b)荧蒽、苯并(k)荧蒽、苯并(a)芘、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘的含量也超过了美国环境保护署地表水水质标准限值。通过多环芳烃特征参数的比值,分析了红枫湖水中多环芳烃的污染来源。污染源分析表明,湖中多环芳烃的主要来源为燃烧源,包括木材、煤以及化石燃料的燃烧,同时也有一部分多环芳烃是来源石油类物质的输入.     

Concentration and characteristics of depleted uranium in biological and water samples collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina

During Balkan conflicts in 1994-1995, depleted uranium (DU) ordnance was employed and was left in the battlefield. Health concern is related to the risk arising from contamination of the environment with DU penetrators and dust. In order to evaluate the impact of DU on the environment and population in Bosnia and Herzegovina, radiological survey of DU in biological and water samples were carried out over the period 12-24 October 2002. The uranium isotopic concentrations in biological samples collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina, mainly lichens, mosses and barks, were found to be in the range of 0.27-35.7 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, 0.24-16.8 Bq kg(-1) for (234)U, and 0.02-1.11 Bq kg(-1) for (235)U, showing uranium levels to be higher than in the samples collected at the control site. Moreover, the (236)U in some of the samples was detectable. The isotopic ratios of (234)U/(238)U showed DU to be detectable in many biological samples at most sites examined, but in very low levels. The presence of DU in the biological samples was as a result of DU contamination in air. The uranium concentrations in water samples collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina were found to be in the range of 0.27-16.2 m Bq l(-1) for (238)U, 0.41-15.6 m Bq l(-1) for (234)U and 0.012-0.695 m Bq l(-1) for (235)U, and two water samples were observed to be DU positive; these values are much lower than those in mineral water found in central Italy and below the WHO guideline for public drinking water. From radiotoxicological point of view, at this moment there is no significant radiological risk related to these investigated sites in terms of possible DU contamination of water and/or plants.     

四湖地区地下水“三氮”含量及时空分布特征分析

在4次地下水水质监测的基础上,对潜水和浅层承压水的“三氮”含量进行了季节变化和空间差异分析,同时探讨了时空变化的影响因素。分析结果表明：（1）地下水氨氮浓度超标率较高,承压水中浓度明显高于潜水,4次采样结果承压水氨氮浓度超标率均在50% 以上;（2）硝酸盐氮和亚硝酸盐氮含量在承压水中能达到良好的标准,在潜水中超标率高;（3）氨氮浓度季节变化明显,9月份浓度显著高于4、6和11月。硝酸盐氮和亚硝酸盐氮在潜水中6月份浓度最高,在承压水中季节变化不明显;（4）地下水氨氮含量空间变异性强,浓度较高的多集中在流经洪湖的内荆河两侧区域。研究区地下水水质受气象因素、农业活动、农村生活污染以及氧化还原环境的综合影响     

Determination and comparison of uranium and radium isotopes activities and activity ratios in samples from some natural water sources in Morocco.

Radiochemical results (238U, 226Ra and 228Ra activities; 234U/238U, 228Ra/226Ra and 226Ra/238U activity ratios) are reported for 42 natural water samples collected from wells, hot mineral springs, rivers, tap water, lakes and irrigation water in 15 Moroccan locations. Results show that 238U activity varies between 4.5 and about 309 mBq l(-1) in wells, 0.6 and 8.5 mBq l(-1) in hot springs, 9.7 and 28 mBq l(-1) in rivers, 2.5 and 16 mBq l(-1) in tap waters and between 6 and 24 mBq l(-1) in lakes. The 234U/238U activity ratio varies in the range 0.87-3.35 in all analyzed water samples except for hot springs where it reaches values higher than 7. Unlike well water, mineral water samples present low 238U activities and high 234U/238U activity ratios and 226Ra activities. The highest activity of radium in mineral water is 150 times higher than the highest activity of 226 Ra found in well water. 226Ra/238U activity ratios are in the ranges 0.07-1.14 in wells, 0.04-0.38 in rivers, 0.04-2.48 in lakes, and 1.79-2115 in springs. The calculated equivalent doses to all the measured activities are inferior to the maximum contaminant levels recommended by the International Commission of Radioprotection and they do not present any risk for public health in Morocco.     

The relationship of dissolved Pb to some dissolved trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, and Zn) and to dissolved nitrate and phosphate in a freshwater aquatic system in Mauritius

The relationship of some dissolved trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Pb) with one another and to dissolved phosphate and nitrate in a freshwater aquatic system at Flic en Flac and Grand River North West (GRNW) in Mauritius (1850 km2, 20 degrees S and 57 degrees E, Western Indian ocean) is reported following trace metal determination using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dissolved Al (<200 ng ml(-1)), Cr (<50 ng ml(-1)), Mn (<50 ng ml(-1)), Zn (< 100 ng ml(-1)), and Pb (<50 ng ml(-1)) upstream, downstream GRNW and in the marshes and rivulet at Flic en Flac were found to be below the recommended EEC maximum admissible concentrations and within the ambient drinking water quality standards in Mauritius. Dissolved Pb was significantly positively correlated to both dissolved Cr and Zn suggesting that the cycling for dissolved Pb is linked to the cycling of both dissolved Cr and Zn along GRNW. The common influential cycling of Pb and Zn was further reinforced as both dissolved Pb and Zn were significantly positively correlated to dissolved phosphate, which suggested a biological role in the cycling of Zn and Pb. The role of biological activity or adsorption to biological systems in Pb cycling along GRNW is further suggested as dissolved Pb was significantly correlated to dissolved nitrate. The apparent absence of the dissolved Al, Cr, and Mn with dissolved nitrate and phosphate could be attributed to factors such as the lower sensitivity of the GRNW to metal uptake during biological activity during the time frame considered. The cycling of dissolved Al and Mn was also not linked to the cycling of Cr, Zn, and Pb as no significant correlation was found along GRNW.     

Arsenic and other trace elements contamination in groundwater and a risk assessment study for the residents in the Kandal Province of Cambodia

Concentrations of arsenic and other trace elements in groundwater were examined at three villages (PT, POT and CHL) in the Kandal Province of Cambodia. Concentrations of arsenic in the groundwater ranged from 6.64 (in POT village) to 1543 microg/L (in PT village), with average and median concentrations of 552 and 353 microg/L, respectively. About 86% out of fifteen samples contained arsenic concentrations exceeding the WHO drinking water guidelines of 10 microg/L. Concentrations of arsenic (III) varied from 4 (in POT village) to 1334 microg/L (in PT village), with an average concentration of 470 microg/L. In addition, about 67%, 80% and 86% of the groundwater samples had higher concentrations for, respectively, barium, manganese and lead than the WHO drinking water guidelines. These results reveal that groundwater in Kandal Province is not only considerably contaminated with arsenic but also with barium, manganese and lead. A risk assessment study found that one sample (PT25) had a cumulative arsenic concentration (6758 mg) slightly higher than the threshold level (6750 mg) that could cause internal cancer in smelter workers with chronic exposure to arsenic from groundwater. High cumulative arsenic ingestion poses a health threat to the residents of Kandal Province.     

太湖西北部湖区入湖河流氮磷水质标准修正方案研究

氮磷污染一直是太湖流域的首要污染问题,有效遏制氮磷入湖量的增加是治理太湖的重要任务。然而由于我国现行的地表水环境质量标准(GB3838-2002)中河流和湖泊氮、磷水质标准存在差异,即河流无总氮控制指标、河湖总磷标准不一致的问题,往往造成通过控制入湖河流污染来改善太湖湖泊水质时,湖泊污染物浓度往往达不到治理目标。以太湖西北部湖区及其入湖河流为例,利用BATHTUB模型模拟入湖河流与湖泊TN、TP的关系,推算太湖在满足现行湖泊水质标准中TN和TP各类别目标值的情形下的环境容量并以此环境容量决定入湖河流的水质,进而提出相应的方案进行比选,从而提出太湖入湖河流氮磷水质标准修正方案。结果表明:(1)当太湖入湖河流执行现行河流水质TP标准时,对应湖泊的水质TP超标,并不能达到保护湖泊的目标;(2)当太湖西北部湖区入湖河流TN、TP执行现行湖泊水质标准,对应湖区水质均能达标并且优于目标限值,然而该方案对于污染较为严重的太湖区域的实际参考意义不足;(3)以现行湖泊水质标准TN、TP各类别为目标值反推计算入湖河流水质指标,既能保证湖泊水质达标,又不会使河流水质标准过于严格,因此其结果可作为入湖河流水质标准修正的参考,从而提出太湖入湖河流TN、TP水质标准建议方案。     

Arsenic poisoning in groundwater: health risk and geochemical sources in Bangladesh

Of the 2508 water samples analyzed in 10 districts of Bangladesh, 51%, on an average, contained arsenic levels of 0.05 to 2.50 mg/l. 95% of nail, 96% of hair, and 94% of urine samples contained arsenic above the normal level. Approximately 3.58 million people out of a total of 17.92 million who are drinking water containing arsenic levels >0.20 mg/l are potentially exposed to high risk of health hazard. Eight thousand and five hundred arsenic patients are identified; they are suffering from various skin lesions, gangrene in leg, skin, lung, bladder, liver, and renal cancer. A big portion of the total population is highly vulnerable to various internal cancers. Lowest arsenic concentration in drinking water producing dermatological disease is found to be 0.103 mg/l. However, the exposure time to develop arsenicosis varies from case to case reflecting its dependence on arsenic level in drinking water and food, nutritional status, genetic variant of human being, and compounding factors. This study has determined the high intensity of fluorescent humic substances in drinking water containing elevated concentrations of arsenic and very low concentrations of heavy metals. The synergistic/antagonistic effect of fluorescent compounds present in drinking water may aggravate the toxicity of arsenic. Geochemical study suggests that arsenic may be released from both reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn (oxy)hydroxide and microbial oxidation of organic matter.     

Present status of 222Rn in groundwater in Extremadura

Radon-222 was measured in groundwater sources of Extremadura (Spain), analyzing 350 samples from private and public springs, wells, and spas by liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and gamma spectrometry. The (222)Rn activity concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 1168BqL(-1). The statistical analysis showed a log-normal distribution with a mean of (111+/-7)BqL(-1) and a median of (36+/-3)BqL(-1). A hydrogeological study revealed correlations between the activity concentration and the aquifer material's characteristics. A map of (222)Rn in groundwater was elaborated and compared with the natural gamma radiation map for this region. About 35% of the samples showed (222)Rn activity concentrations above the Euratom recommended limit of 100BqL(-1). Three uranium series radionuclides ((238)U, (234)U, and (226)Ra) were also assayed by alpha-particle spectrometry, estimating the annual effective dose due to the presence of these natural radionuclides in drinking water.