Concentrations of lead in cosmetics commonly used in South Africa

In this study, we present evidence of lead in lip liner, oil absorbent powder, mascara, concealer, lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation. The samples were analyzed for lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of lead in concealer, mascara, lip liner, and oil absorbent powder were found to be 7.4?±?1.3?µg?g^?1, 15.8?±?0.2?µg?g^?1, 29.0?±?9.2?µg?g^?1, and 17.3?±?2.9?µg?g^?1, respectively. The levels of lead in lipsticks, lip gloss, and foundation ranged from not detected to 73.1?±?5.2?µg?g^?1, 4.7 to 11.7?±?2.8?µg?g^?1, and 7.8 to 32.9?±?1.4?µg?g^?1, respectively. Thus, in the majority of samples, the concentrations of lead are higher than the USFDA maximum permissible concentration of 0.10?µg?g^?1 in candy and cosmetics. In lipsticks alone, only 25% of 40 samples were found to meet the requirement. Therefore, continuous use of cosmetic products in which lead concentration exceeds the maximum permissible level may pose a health hazard for the female population of South Africa in the long run.     

Identification and apportionment of sources of lead in human tissue

A brief review of the use of stable lead isotope ratio measurements to identify and apportion sources of lead in human tissue is followed by examples of the use of inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry for such studies. Inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has only recently been used for measurements of coupled ratios in body tissues and fluids and in environmental sources of lead. Generally, the inaccuracy of these measurements is about −0.2% and the imprecision less than 0.5%. This analytical performance is sufficient to detect the much larger changes in²⁰⁶Pb:²⁰⁷Pb ratios of −2% or higher, seen in environmental lead exposure and in childhood lead poisoning. Measurements of lead isotope ratios by ICP-MS have been used to identify specific sources of childhood lead poisoning and to indicate the relative importance of environmental sources, such as drinking water and lead from petrol. Populations in the United Kingdom with low lead uptake usually have²⁰⁶:Pb²⁰⁷Pb ratios in body tissues within the range 1.13 ± 0.01. Significant deviations from this range have been seen in response to increased uptake from lead in: drinking water in parts of Scotland (source ratio ∼1.18 and petrol lead in inner London (source ratio ∼1.07). The dominant source for some Scottish subjects with high concentrations of lead in blood or in teeth was water, which contributed approximately 60% to body lead. Petrol lead was shown to be a significant contributor (30–40%) to the body lead of inner London children.     

Identification of Conservation-Worthy Areas in Northern Zululand, South Africa

Abstract: We used spatial and statistical analyses to identify and prioritize broad areas for conservation attention in the northern Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We attempted to identify conservation-worthy areas based on species, vegetation types, ecological processes, and threats to biodiversity. Information on species was limited and so could not form the basis of the analysis. Priority vegetation types were identified by degree of endemicity, extent of protection and transformation, and degree of fragmentation. These priority vegetation types and threats to biodiversity were used to define broad linkages between existing protected areas. We set a goal of 10% protection for each vegetation type and 25% for each species. We identified several important (endemic or threatened) animal species and predicted their ranges using a simple model. Species ranges and their hotspots were compared with the distribution of protected areas and the suggested linkages to evaluate increased species representation. Generally, the eastern part of the study area was well protected. Unprotected conservation-worthy areas under greatest threat lay in the west, and protecting these areas is a priority. Furthermore, several vegetation types were not protected by provincial authorities, a situation that also needs to be addressed. The findings of our study need to be reassessed at a finer land-parcel scale, and implementation of a range of land-use options considered.     

Panmixia in Pocillopora verrucosa from South Africa

The genetic structure of six local collections of Pocillopora verrrucosa from six coral reefs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was examined using allozyme electrophoresis. The six separate reefs lie within two different reef complexes. Twenty-two enzymes were screened on five buffer systems, but only five polymorphic loci (Gpi-1, Gdh-1, Lgg-2, Lpp-1, Est-1) could be consistently resolved. No significant differences in allelic frequencies were detected among the six sites. All local collections were genotypically diverse, with evidence of only very limited clonal replication at each site. Indeed, the ratio of observed to expected genotypic diversity (mean Go:Ge=0.64ǂ.05 SD), the ratio of observed number of genotypes to the number of individuals (mean Ng:N=0.65ǂ.04 SE), and deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium indicate that sexual reproduction plays a major role in the maintenance of the populations. No genetic differentiation was found either within (FSR=0.026ǂ.003 SE) or between (FRT=0.000ǂ.001 SE) reef complexes. The homogeneity of the gene frequencies across the six reefs strongly supports the assumption that the KwaZulu-Natal reef complexes are highly connected by gene flow (Nem=44). The reefs in the southern and central reef complexes along the northern Maputaland coastline can therefore be considered part of a single population.     

Preliminary assessment of surface soil lead concentrations in Melbourne,Australia

Urban soils in many cities have been found to be contaminated with lead from past usage of leaded petrol, deteriorating lead-based exterior paints and industrial sources. Currently, the spatial distribution of soil lead concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area is unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the spatial distributions of the surface soil lead (Pb) concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area, Australia. Fifty-eight surface soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–2 cm along three linear transects oriented across the Melbourne metropolitan area. Surface soil samples were also collected at a higher density in five Melbourne suburbs. Soil cores (0–50 cm) were collected in four locations, soil transects were collected at intervals with distance away from the roadway (0–50 m) in two inner city parks, and one control soil sample was collected in a rural setting. The median soil Pb concentration of the soil transect samples was 173 mg/kg (range 32–710 mg/kg), and the median soil Pb concentration of the five suburbs was 69 mg/kg (range 9–1750 mg/kg). The suburb of Footscray had the highest soil Pb concentration with a median soil Pb concentration of 192 mg/kg (range 40–1750 mg/kg). Soil Pb concentrations were generally higher nearest the centre of the Melbourne metropolitan area and in the west of Melbourne and lower in the outer suburbs to the east and north of the city centre. Soil Pb concentrations decreased with distance from roadways in the two transects taken from urban parks, and soil lead decreased with depth in the four soil cores. The soil Pb concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area appear to be lower than soil lead concentrations observed in inner city areas of Sydney New South Wales (NSW) and Newcastle NSW. The spatial extent of the soil Pb hazard remains undefined in portions of the Melbourne metropolitan area.     

Isotopic ratios of lead in contemporary environmental material from Scotland

Lead emitted into the environment, primarily from the combustion of leaded petrol and industrial activities, retains the isotopic signature of the ore(s) from which it is derived. Leaded petrol, atmospheric particulates and street dust sampled in central Edinburgh between February 1989 and December 1991 had mean²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios of 1.082 ± 0.024, 1.092 ± 0.011 and 1.109 ± 0.016 respectively. These isotope ratios were found to be depleted in²⁰⁶Pb compared with a mean of 1.160 ± 0.012 for tap water in contact with lead pipes and %typical ratios of 1.17–1.19 for British lead ore deposits and coal. Paint, with an observed wide range of 20 Pb²⁰⁷ Pb ratios (1.083–1.183), appears to have significantly influenced house dust and some street dust²⁰⁶Pb²⁰⁷ values. Such overlaps and influences may hinder the quantitative apportionment, via isotope data, of source and route in general population surveys of human exposure to lead.     

Reconnaissance soil geochemical survey of Gibraltar

The extreme density of population of Gibraltar, situated at the southern tip of Spain, exerts considerable pressure on land use and thus future planning is of utmost importance. An initial reconnaissance soil geochemical survey of Gibraltar was based on 120 surface samples (0–15 cm) taken from a wide range of exposed, either bare soil or vegetated sites, to provide the optimum geographical distribution. The total elemental concentrations of 26 elements (Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, La, Ti, V, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Zn, Cd, Pb, P, S, As) were determined by nitric/percholric acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis. The reconnaissance data shows that the spatial distribution of various elements depended on previous and present land use. Most elements (Ca, Cr, Mg and Mn excluded) exhibited relatively high concentrations in civilian and natural soils. Trends have been established for many elements, and concentrations exceeding guideline values have been found in certain areas of Gibraltar. This reconnaissance of Gibraltar is at present being followed by a more detailed baseline geochemical survey, which will establish the extent and magnitude of the variations in major and trace elements in soils and dusts, assess the impact of industrial, commercial and urban development on the geochemical landscape and to make recommendations concerning sustainable development.     

基于土壤酶活性变化的铅污染土壤修复基准

近年来,污染土壤修复技术发展很快,而污染土壤修复标准的建立则相对迟缓。为了推进我国该领域的工作,对铅胁迫下土壤酶活性（如过氧化氢酶,磷酸酶,脲酶）随时间的变化进行了研究,以确定棕壤土中铅的土壤修复基准。结果表明：土壤中的铅能够刺激土壤中过氧化氢酶活性的增加,但随着土壤铅浓度的增加,这种刺激作用逐渐减小。土壤过氧化氢酶活性不宜作为铅污染土壤的生物标记物。土壤磷酸酶活性没有一致的变化规律,土壤磷酸酶活性不能作为铅污染土壤的生物标记物。在整个实验时间范围内,土壤脲酶活性与土壤中铅的浓度具有明显的剂量-效应关系（P〈0.01）,土壤脲酶活性可以作为铅污染土壤生物标记物。以土壤脲酶抑制率降低25%为依据,确定棕壤中铅的土壤修复基准为94mg·kg-1,以土壤脲酶抑制率降低45%为依据,确定棕壤中铅的土壤修复基准为178mg·kg-1。     

A compilation of field surveys on gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) from contrasting environmental settings in Europe,South America,South Africa and China: separating fads from facts

Mercury is transported globally in the atmosphere mostly in gaseous elemental form (GEM, \( {\text{Hg}}_{\text{gas}}^{0} \) ), but still few worldwide studies taking into account different and contrasted environmental settings are available in a single publication. This work presents and discusses data from Argentina, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, China, Croatia, Finland, Italy, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Slovenia and Venezuela. We classified the information in four groups: (1) mining districts where this contaminant poses or has posed a risk for human populations and/or ecosystems; (2) cities, where the concentration of atmospheric mercury could be higher than normal due to the burning of fossil fuels and industrial activities; (3) areas with natural emissions from volcanoes; and (4) pristine areas where no anthropogenic influence was apparent. All the surveys were performed using portable LUMEX RA-915 series atomic absorption spectrometers. The results for cities fall within a low GEM concentration range that rarely exceeds 30 ng m^?3, that is, 6.6 times lower than the restrictive ATSDR threshold (200 ng m^?3) for chronic exposure to this pollutant. We also observed this behavior in the former mercury mining districts, where few data were above 200 ng m^?3. We noted that high concentrations of GEM are localized phenomena that fade away in short distances. However, this does not imply that they do not pose a risk for those working in close proximity to the source. This is the case of the artisanal gold miners that heat the Au–Hg amalgam to vaporize mercury. In this respect, while GEM can be truly regarded as a hazard, because of possible physical–chemical transformations into other species, it is only under these localized conditions, implying exposure to high GEM concentrations, which it becomes a direct risk for humans.     

Hair geochemical composition of children from Vilnius kindergartens as an indicator of environmental conditions

The research is based on analysis data of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Zn (metals) and S in the hair of 47 girls and 63 boys from eight Vilnius kindergartens and the distribution pattern of high metal concentrations and bioavailability in snow-cover dust, also dust samples from vents of characteristic pollution sources. The kindergartens were selected according to topsoil total contamination index and dust-related indices. Significantly higher Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations in the hair of girls (means are 1.1, 1.9, 1.3, 1.2 times higher) and the differences between hair of genders according to inter-element correlation and clustering were found. Analysis of Spearman correlation coefficients between metal concentrations in hair of each gender and dust metal concentrations or metal loading rates at their residence sites revealed that for Mn, Cu and Zn, they are insignificant, while for Cr, Ni, Pb and V, they are mainly significant positive (except V in female hair). The correlation of the contents of Cr, Ni and V in dust with respective concentrations in hair was more significant for boys (p < 0.001) than for girls. Only a few cases with a significant Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn increase were revealed in hair of children attending polluted kindergartens in comparison with control. It was concluded that relationship between metal concentrations in hair and dust-related indices is more expressed for children’s residence sites than for their kindergarten sites. The gender-based grouping and site-by-site study design are recommended in the studies of reflection of environmental exposure in hair.     

An assessment of lead absorption from soil affected by smelter emissions

The purpose of this study was to assess the oral bioavailability of lead in soil collected from a former smelter site in Sandy, Utah, USA. Sprague-Dawley rats (approximately 4 weeks of age, 5 of each sex in group) were given either soil lead or lead acetate mixed in a purified diet (AIN-93G ) at four different concentrations for 31 consecutive days. Food consumption measurements were used to compute mean daily lead exposures for the soil lead and lead acetate groups. The lead acetate treatment yielded higher concentrations of lead in the blood and bone than the soil lead treatment. Mean blood lead values ranged from below the detection limit (3 g dL^–1) to 27.25 g lead dL^–1 for the lead acetate groups at dose levels of 0.10–2.91 mg lead kg body weight^–1 and from below the detection limit to 8.8 g lead dL^–1 for the soil lead groups at doses of 0.11–3.43 mg lead kg body weight^–1. At these same doses, mean bone values ranged from 0.52 to 26.92 g lead g^–1 for the lead acetate groups and from 0.64 to 13.1 g lead g^–1 for the soil lead groups. Relative per cent bioavailability was estimated by modelling the dose-blood concentration curves for the lead acetate treatment and the dosed soil lead treatment, and then comparing doses that produce an equivalent blood lead concentration. The ratio of the doses of lead acetate and soil lead that produced the same tissue response (i.e., concentration) provided an index of relative bioavailability. For lead, the bioavailability of soil lead relative to lead acetate was 41% at a blood concentration of 6 g lead dL^–1.     

Databanks of data sources for environmental chemicals

There exist a vast variety of data sources, either manual sources or computerized databases in the field of environmental chemicals. To facilitate the access and to retrieve the information wanted efficiently, we built up two “databanks of data sources”, one called “Databank of Manual Sources (DMAS)” and the other named “Databank of Databases (DADB)”. The set‐up of these databanks is explained and the load status statistics are shown. DMAS has 164 and DADB 106 hits.     

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

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

Pilot study of sources of lead exposure in Moscow,Russia

This preliminary investigation of sources of lead exposure in Moscow, Russia, by Russian and US collaborators measured lead in paint, interior dust, and drinking water in seven day-care centres, and in petrol, soil and canned food. Some paint samples exceeded US regulatory standards for lead in paint on surfaces (0.5%). Dust lead loadings were < 1.7 g cm^–2 and below the guidance levels of the US EPA. Drinking water lead concentrations were at or below the US drinking water standard of 15 g L^–1. Lead concentrations in petrol from Moscow vehicles and petrol stations were consistent with a regulation banning the sale of leaded petrol within the Moscow City limits. Except for baby food, lead levels were higher in the Russian canned foods (range 6 to 1240 g kg^–1, dry weight) compared to corresponding US canned foods, with ratios of Russian to US levels of up to 120:1 for evaporated milk. Lead concentrations in soil generally ranged from 500 to 2000 g g^–1, levels that would trigger hazard reduction measures according to US EPA guidance. These findings, together with the use of lead in petrol outside Moscow, indicate multiple sources of lead exposure in Russia. Priorities for future research are discussed including the establishment of interlaboratory quality control programmes.     

重点源大气砷铅污染排放模型及特征

在我国的非常规性污染物质中,大气重金属砷、铅已越来越多地被关注和重视。文章综述了国内外人为源对大气中重金属排放的贡献,结果显示中国是全球人为活动向大气排放重金属最多的国家之一,燃煤和有色金属冶炼行业在相当长的时间内都将是最主要且最为重要的人为排放源。通过系统调研燃煤及有色金属冶炼业资源及产业布局状况,构建目前我国大气重金属相关清单模型,进行了我国重点源大气砷、铅排放清单分析,结果表明：（1）2000-2008年我国燃煤大气砷、铅排放量共为93733t,年均增长率为7．93％,2004-2008年有色金属冶炼业大气砷、铅排放量共为18836t,年均增长率为15．2％;（2）2000-2008年各经济部门中电力部门燃煤大气砷、铅放量始终最高,占燃煤大气排放总量的44．6％-57．1％,且呈逐年升高的趋势;（3）2000-2008年各省区中山西、河北、河南和湖南省是大气砷、铅的排放大户。其中,燃煤大气砷、铅排放量主要集中在人口密集、工业集中、经济发展速度较快的北部和中东部省区,包括山西、山东、河北、河南和江苏五省,占全国燃煤排放总量的39．1％,有色金属冶炼大气砷、铅排放量主要集中在我国有色金属工业较为发达的河南及湖南省,占全国有色金属冶炼业排放总量的47．3％。可以看出,我国需要高度重视大气重金属砷、铅的污染防治,加强排放控制基础能力建设,加快建立适合中国的大气砷、铅污染防治技术政策体系。     

Colloid mobilization and heavy metal transport in the sampling of soil solution from Duckum soil in South Korea

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - Colloid mobilization is a significant process governing colloid-associated transport of heavy metals in subsurface environments. It has been studied for the...     

Geochemical fractionation of metals and metalloids in tailings and appraisal of environmental pollution in the abandoned Musina Copper Mine,South Africa

The economic benefits of mining industry have often overshadowed the serious challenges posed to the environments through huge volume of tailings generated and disposed in tailings dumps. Some of these challenges include the surface and groundwater contamination, dust, and inability to utilize the land for developmental purposes. The abandoned copper mine tailings in Musina (Limpopo province, South Africa) was investigated for particle size distribution, mineralogy, physicochemical properties using arrays of granulometric, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence analyses. A modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential chemical extraction method followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry/atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS/AES) technique was employed to assess bioavailability of metals. Principal component analysis was performed on the sequential extraction data to reveal different loadings and mobilities of metals in samples collected at various depths. The pH ranged between 7.5 and 8.5 (average?≈?8.0) indicating alkaline medium. Samples composed mostly of poorly grated sands (i.e. 50% fine sand) with an average permeability of about 387.6 m/s. Samples have SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and Na₂O/(Al₂O₃?+?SiO₂) ratios and low plastic index (i.e. PI?≈?2.79) suggesting non-plastic and very low dry strength. Major minerals were comprised of quartz, epidote, and chlorite while the order of relative abundance of minerals in minor quantities is plagioclase?>?muscovite?>?hornblende?>?calcite?>?haematite. The largest percentage of elements such as As, Cd and Cr was strongly bound to less extractable fractions. Results showed high concentration and easily extractable Cu in the Musina Copper Mine tailings, which indicates bioavailability and poses environmental risk and potential health risk of human exposure. Principal component analysis revealed Fe-oxide/hydroxides, carbonate and clay components, and copper ore process are controlling the elements distribution.