Particle and substrate losses from Teflon® and quartz filters

Teflon® and quartz particulate matter samples were collected at two special study sites. In order to estimate changes in mass corresponding to the various filter handling operations (for TSP and PM₁₀ samples), changes in both controlled and shipped filter weights were monitored at predetermined stages of the filter handling process. The study data indicate that folding the quartz filters did not significantly change the filter mass even if the filter broke along the seam. A weight loss was noted following shipment of the TSP quartz filters but not the corresponding PM₁₀ quartz filters. Volatilization losses were also noted with the high volume samples collected at one city. Based on mass determinations, the quartz filters did not appear to be affected by passive artifact formation. No significant weight change occurred in the routine handling of the study dichotomous Teflon® filters. The results indicate that quartz and Teflon® filter media can be used in future particulate monitoring programs.     

Carbon Monoxide and Sulfur Dioxide Adsorption on— and Desorption from Glass,Plastic, and Metal Tubings

It was planned to install 305 m (1000 ft) of tubing on a television tower to transport ambient air samples from different height levels to pollutant monitoring instruments at ground level. A feasibility study was undertaken to determine the sorption characteristics of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide on various conduit materials. Sorption studies were completed on 30.5 m (100 ft) lengths of 1.3 cm (Y2 in) diam tubings of glass, Teflon, tygon, polypropylene, PVC piping, aluminum, and stainless steel. Final tests were completed on 305 m of 1.9 cm (3/4 in) diam stainless steel tubing. The following variables were investigated: tubing diameter, gas concentration, flowrate through the tubing, temperature, humidity, and the effect of sorption with sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide alone or together. The parameter ranges studied approximated either atmospheric or air sampling conditions. For carbon monoxide, there was no significant difference between the mean inlet and outlet tubing concentrations under the conditions of the study. With sulfur dioxide, there was neither tubing adsorption nor desorption under the experimental parameters studied, except for tygon, PVC, and aluminum. After a conditioning period with sulfur dioxide, tygon, PVC, and aluminum could also be used as air inlet conduits; tygon is not recommended.     

Blood Pb and δ-ALAD inhibition in cattle and sheep from a Pb-polluted mining area

The effects of Pb pollution on cattle and sheep raised in an ancient mining area were studied through the use of blood Pb (PbB) levels and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity. Lead levels in livestock blood from the mining area (n=110) were significantly elevated when compared to the controls (n=79). In 91.4% of cattle (n=58) and 13.5% of sheep (n=52) sampled in the mining area, PbB levels corresponded to subclinical exposure (6-35 μg/dl). Two young cattle (<2 years) from the mining area (n=5) had PbB levels indicative of clinical poisoning (>35 μg/dl). Elevated PbB was also accompanied by δ-ALAD activity inhibition in blood, which confirms that measurable effects of Pb poisoning were taking place. Observed PbB levels suggest that a potential risk to human consumers of beef from the Pb polluted areas may also exist, as has been shown previously for game meat from the same mining area.     

Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin extractability and bioavailability of phenanthrene in humin and humic acid fractions from different soils and sediments

Organic matter (OM) plays a vital role in controlling polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bioavailability in soils and sediments. In this study, both a hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) extraction test and a biodegradation test were performed to evaluate the bioavailability of phenanthrene in seven different bulk soil/sediment samples and two OM components (humin fractions and humic acid (HA) fractions) separated from these soils/sediments. Results showed that both the extent of HPCD-extractable phenanthrene and the extent of biodegradable phenanthrene in humin fraction were lower than those in the respective HA fraction and source soil/sediment, demonstrating the limited bioavailability of phenanthrene in the humin fraction. For the source soils/sediments and the humin fractions, significant inverse relationships were observed between the sorption capacities for phenanthrene and the amounts of HPCD-extractable or biodegradable phenanthrene (p?<?0.05), suggesting the importance of the sorption capacity in affecting desorption and biodegradation of phenanthrene. Strong linear relationships were observed between the amount of HPCD-extractable phenanthrene and the amount degraded in both the bulk soils/sediments and the humin fractions, with both slopes close to 1. On the other hand, in the case of phenanthrene contained in HA, a poor relationship was observed between the amount of phenanthrene extracted by HPCD and the amount degraded, with the former being much less than the latter. The results revealed the importance of humin fraction in affecting the bioavailability of phenanthrene in the bulk soils/sediments, which would deepen our understanding of the organic matter fractions in affecting desorption and biodegradation of organic pollutants and provide theoretical support for remediation and risk assessment of contaminated soils and sediments.     

Bio- and toxic elements in mushrooms from the city of Umeå and outskirts,Sweden

Edible mushrooms (Albatrellus ovinus, Boletus edulis, Clitocybe odora, Gomphidius glutinosus, Leccinum scabrum, Leccinum versipelle, Lycoperdon perlatum, Suillus bovinus, Suillus luteus, and Xerocomus subtomentosus) collected from unpolluted areas of the city of Umeå and its outskirts in the northern part of Sweden were examined for contents of toxic metallic elements (Cd, Pb, and Ag) and essential macro- and microelements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) using a validated method and a final measurement by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). The median values of the toxic metallic element concentrations (in mg kg^?1 dry biomass, db) ranged from: 0.12–3.9, 0.46–5.1, and 0.91–6.2 for Ag, Cd and Pb, respectively. For the essential metallic elements, the median values of concentrations ranged from: 24000–58000, 15–2000, 59–610, 520–1900, 2.0–97, 16–150, 15–120, and 4.3–26 mg kg^?1 db for K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn, respectively. The baseline concentrations of the metallic elements determined in mushrooms were mainly affected by the fungal species. The assessed probable maximal dietary intake of Cd (0.002 mg kg^?1 body mass) solely from a mushroom meal was only slightly below a revised value of the tolerable weekly intake for this element, while for Pb (0.003 mg kg^?1 body mass) it was tenfold below the provisionally tolerable weekly intake.     

Chloroform – concentration gradients in soil air and atmospheric air,and emission fluxes from soil

Since we demonstrated the natural formation of chloroform in soil, the question arose to which extent this contributes to the chloroform present in the atmosphere. Concentration gradients in soil air and atmospheric air of different forests were measured. Chloroform concentration gradients indicating emission occur in forest soils and the atmosphere under the canopy, whereas this was not observed for other chlorinated solvents. Above the canopy all concentration gradients observed for chloroform and 1,1,1-trichloroethane indicate deposition. The emission flux was measured using enclosures and calculated from the observed concentration gradients in soil air and atmospheric air. Wood-degrading areas and soils with a humic layer were found to emit up to 1000 ng chloroform m⁻² h⁻¹ and seem to be larger chloroform sources than the other areas of study. Rather unexpectedly, some points of one sampling site appeared to emit 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tetrachloromethane and tetrachloroethene. A reasonable agreement was found between the fluxes using enclosures and those derived from the concentration gradients in soil air and atmospheric air.     

Magnetic photocatalysts from δ-FeOOH and TiO2 and application in reactions for degradation of methylene blue and paracetamol with UV-C and sunlight

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Water contamination is a common problem, especially considering dyes and drugs disposal. A possible and effective treatment method to remove these...     

Determination of selected pharmaceuticals and caffeine in sewage and seawater from Tromsø/Norway with emphasis on ibuprofen and its metabolites

Selected pharmaceuticals, among them analgesics, ss-blockers and anti-depressants as well as caffeine, the anti-bacterial triclosan and the insect repellent N,N-diethyl-3-toluamide (DEET) were determined in different sewage samples (sewage treatment plants, hospital effluents) from Troms?/Norway and in seawater from Troms?-Sound, into which the sewage is discharged. While caffeine, triclosan, ibuprofen and its major metabolites hydroxy- and carboxy-ibuprofen were present in all sewage samples, additional pharmaceuticals were observed in sewage containing hospital effluents. Concentrations were in the range of 20-293 microg/l (caffeine), 0.2-2.4 microg/l (triclosan) and 0.1-20 microg/l (sum ibuprofen + metabolites). In seawater, only caffeine (7-87 ng/l), DEET (0.4-13 ng/l) and ibuprofen + metabolites (sum concentration < LOQ-7.7 ng/l) were detected. Ibuprofen and its metabolites hydroxy- and carboxy-ibuprofen were quantified individually by use of the respective reference compounds. Relative amounts of the three compounds were determined in different types of water showing characteristic patterns, with hydroxy-ibuprofen being the major component in sewage whereas carboxy-ibuprofen was dominant in seawater samples. The patterns which were compared to those observed in similar samples from Germany indicated different transformation behaviour under limnic and marine conditions.     

Interaction between nitrogen and phosphorus cycles in mining-affected aquatic systems—experiences from field and laboratory measurements

The main objectives of this study were to (a) study the interaction between N and P cycles in mining-affected aquatic systems and (b) to quantify release rates of sedimentary soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) that may be related to this interaction. Sediment cores and water from Lake Bruträsket (Boliden, northern Sweden) were collected and a time series of water sampling and flow measurements was conducted in the Brubäcken stream connected to the lake. Factors affecting SRP release were studied in a sediment incubation experiment and water column experiments. Field and laboratory measurements indicated that pH and dissolved oxygen are two important factors for SRP release. At the end of the low-oxygen incubation, an SRP concentration of 56 μg?L^?1 resulted in a sedimentary flux of 1.1 mg SRP?m^?2?day^?1. This is ～10 times higher than the flux of 0.12 mg SRP?m^?2?day^?1 obtained from depth integration of vertical SRP profiles measured in the lake, and ～100 times higher than the external flux of 0.014 mg SRP?m^?2?d^?1 into the lake (based on catchment area). Field measurements indicated that oxidation of organic matter and mining-related chemicals (ammonium and thiosulphates) may result in increased internal SRP flux from the sediment. Increased P loading in the lake as a result of low-oxygen conditions could change water column total nitrogen/total phosphorus ratios from 27 to 17, consequently changing the lake from being P-limited to be co-limited by N and P. The obtained findings point to possible interaction between the cycles of nitrogen (oxygen consumption) and P (flux from sediment) that may be important for nutrient regulation in mine water recipients.     

Hydrotalcites and organo‐hydrotalcites as sorbents for removing pesticides from water

Abstract

This paper reports on the adsorption of different organic pesticides by hydrotalcite, hydrotalcite heated to 500°C and organo‐hydrotalcite in aqueous medium by employing adsorption isotherms, and using X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy techniques. The results suggest that the adsorption capacity of the different materials depends on their nature as well as on the structure, polarity and hydrophobic or anionic nature of the pesticides. The results also show that hydrotalcite, both natural and after calcination at 500°C, is not a good sorbent of hydrophobic pesticides. The data demonstrated that both types of hydrotalcite, however, are very good sorbents of glyphosphate. Furthermore, the organo‐hydrotalcites may be as good sorbents as organo‐montmorillonites for hydrophobic pesticides.     

Comment on “Gaseous Sulfur Pollutants from Urban and Natural Sources”

An analysis has been performed of data on particle samplers obtained during 1984 at Rubidoux, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, by the U.S. EPA, with emphasis on prediction of mass collected by the Andersen model 321A and Wedding inlet (previously GMW40CFM) PM₁₀ samplers. The recent interpretation of these data by Rodes et al. ¹ appears to fail to correct adequately for particle bounce, and to severely overestimate the FINE particle mass. The present study uses two completely different algorithms to make these corrections. The results obtained from these two approaches agree within a few percent, and lead to a prediction of the mass collected by the Wedding inlet within 7 percent. The Andersen 321A sampler, on the other hand, overcollects by as much as 34 percent. This analysis, if substantiated, would raise serious questions concerning the adequacy of the presently proposed Federal Reference Method for qualification of PM₁₀ samplers.     

In vitro effects of pollutants from particulate and volatile fractions of air samples—day and night variability

Chemicals in air were characterized for potential interference with signaling of estrogen, androgen, and arylhydrocarbon (AhR) receptors, which are known to play an important role in endocrine-disruptive changes in vivo. Previously, effects of this type have been studied mainly in particulate matter in the ambient air from various localities. In this study, both volatile and particulate fractions of air from three sites in Banja Luka region (Bosnia and Herzegovina) were investigated to describe the distribution of endocrine-disrupting contaminants on a small spatial scale. Circadian variability of air pollution was investigated by collecting samples during both day and night. Air samples collected from urban localities at night were more potent in producing the AhR-mediated effects than those collected during daytime. This trend was not observed at the reference rural location. None of the samples showed significant estrogenic or androgenic activity. On the other hand, anti-androgenicity was detected in both particulate and vapor phases, while anti-estrogenicity was detected only in the particulate fraction of air from all localities. The AhR-mediated potencies of samples were associated primarily with non-persistent compounds. Based on the concentrations of 28 individual compounds, PAHs accounted for approximately 30 % of the AhR-mediated potency determined by the bioassay. The results show that there can be a significant difference between levels of bioactive compounds in air between daytime and nighttime.     

Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from U.S. Pulp and Paper Mills, 1980–2005

Abstract

Comprehensive surveys conducted at 5-yr intervals were used to estimate sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) emissions from U.S. pulp and paper mills for 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005. Over the 25-yr period, paper production increased by 50%, whereas total SO₂ emissions declined by 60% to 340,000 short tons (t) and total NO_x emissions decreased approximately 15% to 230,000 t. The downward emission trends resulted from a combination of factors, including reductions in oil and coal use, steadily declining fuel sulfur content, lower pulp and paper production in recent years, increased use of flue gas desulfurization systems on boilers, growing use of combustion modifications and add-on control systems to reduce boiler and gas turbine NO_x emissions, and improvements in kraft recovery furnace operations.     

Opportunities for Increasing Resilience and Sustainability of Urban Social–Ecological Systems: Insights from the URBES and the Cities and Biodiversity Outlook Projects

Urban futures that are more resilient and sustainable require an integrated social–ecological system approach to urban policymaking, planning, management, and governance. In this article, we introduce the Urban Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (URBES) and the Cities and Biodiversity Outlook (CBO) Projects as new social–ecological contributions to research and practice on emerging urban resilience and ecosystem services. We provide an overview of the projects and present global urbanization trends and their effects on ecosystems and biodiversity, as a context for new knowledge generated in the URBES case-study cities, including Berlin, New York, Rotterdam, Barcelona, and Stockholm. The cities represent contrasting urbanization trends and examples of emerging science–policy linkages for improving urban landscapes for human health and well-being. In addition, we highlight 10 key messages of the global CBO assessment as a knowledge platform for urban leaders to incorporate state-of-the-art science on URBES into decision-making for sustainable and resilient urban development.     

Laboratory studies of dissipation of 14C‐DDT from soil and plywood surfaces

Abstract

The effects of temperature and solar radiation on dissipation of ¹⁴C‐p,p'‐DDT from a latosol soil were studied under laboratory conditions. Volatilization was measured by trapping organic volatiles during 6 weeks and was found to increase with rise of temperature from 3.8% of initial amount at ambient temperature to 5.9% at 45°C.

Studies on the effect of solar radiation using quartz tubes under sterilized and non‐sterilized conditions have shown that volatilized organics were highest in quartz tubes, with soil microflora presumably playing a very minor role in volatilization. Mineralization was shown to be low in sterilized systems and highest in non‐sterilized quartz systems. Studies on binding suggest that soil bioactivity may be involved in the formation of a portion of the bound residue. These laboratory experiments seem to support data from the field, where it is maintained that volatilization is a major mechanism for dissipation. Degradation in soil and to a lesser extent solar irradiation contribute also substantially to the dissipation mechanisms. Radiocarbon dissipated from plywood surfaces under indoor conditions in a biphasic fashion. Loss of 50% occurred after 5.5 weeks while the remainder dissipated at a very slow rate.     

Production and characterization of novel thermo- and organic solvent–stable keratinase and aminopeptidase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4–3 for effective poultry feather degradation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Feather biodegradation is an important premise for efficient resource development and utilization, in which keratinase plays an important role....     

Soil fertility,crop biodiversity,and farmers’ revenues: Evidence from Italy

Ambio - This paper analyzes the interplay between soil fertility, crop biodiversity, and farmers’ revenues. We use a large, original, farm-level panel dataset. Findings indicate that both...     

Studies on the dissipation of 14C‐DDT from water and solid surfaces

Abstract

Dissipation of ¹⁴C‐p,p'‐DDT from water was studied for 180 days under outdoor conditions. DDT dissipated rapidly with overall half‐life of 53 days. The main degradation products were p,p'‐DDE and p,p'‐DDD. A portion of ¹⁴C‐residues was found in the sediment plus biomass (pellet) and on the inner surface of the glass container. This amounted to 7.2 and 6.7% of the initially added radioactivity, respectively. After 6 months, bound¹⁴C was more as compared to extractable ¹⁴C and p,p'‐DDD was the major metabolite of p,p'‐DDT in the extractable fraction. DDT dissipated from clay plates under indoor conditions with an overall half‐life of 160 days.     

Hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers in fish and suspended particulate matter from selected European waters—trend monitoring and environmental quality standard compliance

The brominated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was monitored in fish and sediment (from one lake) or suspended particulate matter (SPM; from five rivers) at European freshwater sites to study the effects of reduction measures implemented by HBCD producers and users in recent years. Bream (Abramis brama) were sampled annually between 2007 and 2013 in the rivers Götaälv/SE, Rhône/FR, Western Scheldt/NL, Mersey/UK, and Tees/UK and in Lake Belau/DE. Sediment/SPM was taken every second year between 2008 and 2014. HBCD was analyzed by LC/MS/MS allowing the determination of the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-diastereomers. For most sites, a decrease in ∑HBCD was observed in fish (e.g., in the Rhône and Western Scheldt by about 80 and 60%, respectively, with significantly decreasing trends, p < 0.01). In the Rhône, HBCD also decreased in SPM. At the sampling site in the Tees which was impacted by a former HBCD point source, fish HBCD levels decreased only after a major flood event in 2013. While fish data indicate a decline in environmental HBCD concentrations at most sites with diffuse emissions, SPM data were less conclusive. The European environmental quality standard for HBCD in fish of 167 μg kg^?1 wet weight was met by all fish samples in 2013.     

Biosorption of Basic Violet 5BN and Basic Green by waste brewery’s yeast from single and multicomponent systems

Background and aim  

The biosorption of Basic Violet 5BN (BV) and Basic Green (BG) by waste brewery’s yeast (WBY) from single and binary systems was investigated.