Distribution of lead in relation to size of airborne particulate matter in Islamabad, Pakistan

Airborne particulate matter (PM) collected from two sampling stations in Islamabad, Pakistan, was analyzed for lead content and size gradation. A high volume air sampler was used to trap particulates on glass fiber filters for 8-12 h on a daily basis. Lead was estimated using a nitric acid digestion based AAS method on 44 samples from station 1 and 61 samples from station 2. Particle size fractions were categorized as <2.5, 2.5-10, 10-100 and >100 microm. The correlation between lead concentration and particle size was investigated. The results from two stations indicated average airborne lead concentrations of 0.505 and 0.185 microg/m3. Enhanced levels of lead were measured at a maximum of 4.075 microg/m3 at station 1 and 4.000 microg/m3 at station 2. PM < 2.5 and PM > 100 were found to constitute the local atmosphere in comparable proportions. A comparison of the lead levels is made with the existing permissible levels of this element laid down by different international agencies.     

Assessment of Lead Exposure in Thohoyandou, South Africa

Lead levels in different environmental media (soil, grass leaves, water, ceramics, pencil, paint, crayons and cosmetics) were determined to assess the major sources of lead exposure in Thohoyandou, South Africa. Soil and plant leaves were used as indicators of Pb pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions. After digestion with concentrated acids (HNO₃, HCl and HClO₄) Pb concentrations were determined in triplicate using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The mean Pb concentrations at the kerb of selected busy roads were 205.5 ± 90, 273.0 ± 90 and 312.8 ± 81 μg g⁻¹ and 154.7 ± 67, 182.9 ± 76 and 240.6 ± 66 μg g⁻¹ for soil and plant leaves (dry weight) respectively. These concentrations were substantially higher than the values found on soils 50 m away from the roads (97.4 ± 11 μg g⁻¹). Pb concentrations in plants collected further away from the road (50 m) were substantially lower (71.8 ± 9.0 μg g⁻¹). The observed levels on soil are lower than the UK critical value of 500 μg g⁻¹ for gardens and allotments; and 2000 μg g⁻¹ for parks and open space as well as the Canadian values for agricultural (375 μg g⁻¹), residential (500 μg g⁻¹ and industrial (1000 μg g⁻¹). From these data it was clear that Pb concentrations in soil samples were substantially higher than the levels obtained for plant leaves. The Pb levels in green crayons, blue crayons, pencils (from China & Germany), were 10650 ± 75.2, 8200 ± 52.4, 1160 ± 50.2, 79 ± 10.1 μg g⁻¹ for the inner contents; and 4870 ± 58.1, 5650 ± 55.5, 1950 ± 46.6, 60 ± 12.9 μg g⁻¹ for the outer surface paint respectively. The ceramics showed Pb levels of 630 ± 50.3 μg g⁻¹ (saucer) and 560 ± 32.2 μg g⁻¹ (cup), while the inner contents and outer surface paint showed 480 ± 32.4 and 318 ± 21.2 μg g⁻¹ of Pb respectively. Early morning tap water flush gave a Pb level of 20.6 ± 5.6 μg Pb l⁻¹. This value is higher than the WHO and FDA maximum permissible concentrations of 10 μg l⁻¹ and 15 μg l⁻¹ respectively.     

Effects of spent engine oil on the growth parameters, chlorophyll and protein levels of Amaranthus hybridus L.

The susceptibility of Amaranthus hybridus L. seedlings to spent engine oil was investigated in soil supplemented with concentrations of oil ranging from 1–5 percent v/w. Parameters considered were relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), whole plant height, leaf area, leaf number, chlorophyll and protein levels. A relationship was found to exist between the inhibitory effects and the treatment concentrations. After seventy days growth in the treated soils, the mean height and leaf area of plants in soils treated with 5 percent spent engine oil were 27.0±1.25 cm and 5.63±0.36 cm². These were significantly different (at p=0.05) from the respective values of 41.4±0.8 cm and 13.44±0.22 cm² for the control plants. Levels of total chlorophyll (per gram fresh weight of leaves) and protein (per gram dry weight of whole plant) were higher in the control plants compared with those grown in oil treated soil. Results obtained from the growth analysis showed the inhibitory effects of spent engine oil on Amaranthus hybridus L.     

Morphological and anatomical effects of crude oil on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistia stratiotes</Emphasis>

Fresh whole plants of Pistia stratiotes were exposed to varying doses of crude oil (0–100 ppm) for 28 days at normal temperature of 30 ± 2°C. Samples were taken weekly during this period for determination of changes in leaf area, root length, number of leaves, and number of sprouts. The cross-section of one terminal end of the major roots and cellular distribution of the meristematic region were also examined. The results show that crude oil was toxic to the plant at all concentrations in all investigated parameters for as low as 10 ppm. Association was also observed between crude oil toxicity and certain metals inherent in the crude oil such as manganese and lead. Cell shape disruptions, changes in mitotic indices, and the distortion of cellular anatomy and structure at the apical region also characterized the presence of crude oil in the environment of P. stratiotes. P. stratiotes may not be a good bio-accumulator of crude oil but may be used for the detection of pollution.     

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Diversity in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve,India

Aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) was monitored for a period of twelve months (September 2000 to August 2001). All the important hydrological attributes were measured monthly for one year. Macroinvertebrates were sampled from three sites (S¹$, S²$, & S³$) of the headwater stream Dhauliganga of NDBR. The present study revealed that the velocity of the water current, hydromedian depth, turbidity and dissolved oxygen in addition to nature and size of the bottom substrates have their significant impact on benthic invertebrate diversity. The ecological relevance of the measured hydrological attributes was investigated by comparing their degree of correlation with invertebrate density and diversity. Macroinvertebrate diversity was found to be highest (3.096 ± 0.03) in winter months (November–January) and lowest (2.816 ± 0.02) in monsoon months (July–August). The high diversity of macroinvertebrates may be due to low turbidity, high water transparency, optimum water temperature, high dissolved oxygen, low water velocity and suitable composition of the bottom substrates.     

Atmospheric ammonia,volatile fatty acids,and other odorants near beef feedlots

Intensive livestock operations can release odorous gases from stored or land-applied manure. We measured concentrations of dust and 14 odor-causing gases at increasing distances from four feedlots near Lethbridge, southern Alberta, Canada. Concentration was determined from the amount of total dust or gas accumulated in the sampIers, and the volume of air sampled. Adjacent the feedlots, the maximum concentration of many volatile fatty acids exceeded reported odor detection thresholds; the maximum ammonia concentration was close to the threshold. Ammonia and butyric acid approached or exceeded their individual odor thresholds as far as 200 m downwind of the feedlots. Highest concentrations were measured adjacent to land where manure was being applied. None of the odorant concentrations exceeded their irritation threshold. There was a positive relationship between ammonia concentration and odor intensity as well as dry deposition. Much of the emitted ammonia was deposited to soil immediately downwind, enough to supply all the nitrogen needed for crop growth. Odorant concentrations declined sharply with distance, though measurable odor occasionally persisted to 1 km from the feedlot, beyond the minimum separation guidelines (Alberta) for a single residential dwelling. The weekly averaged total suspended particulates (> 5 microm) were below the Alberta guideline criterion except for one period. Differences among feedlots in odorant plume concentrations were partly related to the stocking density of feedlots, which presumably affects manure moisture and amount of volatiles within the pens.     

Determination of urinary lead in school children in Manzini, Swaziland, Southern Africa

Two hundred and fifty-seven urine samples collected from school children living in the Manzini region, Swaziland, were analysed for lead (Pb), using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The mean urine lead concentration for the urban schools ranged from 0.038–0.040 gml^–1, while that for the rural schools ranged from 0.017–0.022 gml^–1. The observed range shown by the urban schools was above the normal (for healthy humans) urine lead concentration of 0.035 gml^–1. However, the mean urine lead concentration for the rural schools was found to be lower than this value. The mean urine lead concentration for the urban schools was significantly higher than that of the rural schools. The differences in the mean urine lead concentrations for boys and girls from both urban and rural schools were found not to be significant, despite the higher values shown by the girls. The difference in lead concentrations between urban and rural schools in Manzini was thought to be due to the traffic density within the urban area.     

Applicability of a continuous-flow system inner-coated with S-doped titania for the photocatalysis of dimethyl sulfide at low concentrations

The present study investigated the photocatalytic activity of an S-doped TiO₂ photocatalyst with regards to dimethyl sulfide degradation under visible-light irradiation, along with its deactivation and reactivation. The dimethyl sulfide conversion was between 85% and 93% for the lowest relative humidity range (10–20%) and close to 100% for the two higher relative humidity ranges (45–55% and 80–90%). The conversion was also close to 100% for the two lowest input concentrations (0.039 and 0.195 ppm), while it was between 91% and 96% at 3.9 ppm and between 85% and 90% at 7.9 ppm. In contrast to the input concentration dependences on conversion, the calculated degradation rates increased as input concentrations increased. The dimethyl sulfide conversion at low concentrations (≤0.39 ppm), which are associated with non-occupational inn occurring. However, catalyst deactivations were observed during the photocatalytic process whdoor air quality issues, was up to nearly 100% for long time periods (at least 603 h), without any significant catalyst deactivatioen higher concentrations (3.9 and 7.8 ppm) were used. The photocatalyst, reactivated by using two types of air (dried and humidified) under visible-light irradiation, did not regain all of its initial activities. Sulfate groups were qualitatively identified as the reaction products on the photocatalyst surface. In addition, gaseous byproducts, quantitatively determined, included dimethyl disulfide, methanol, and SO₂. It is noteworthy that the peak concentration of dimethyl disulfide (0.79 ppm = 790 ppb), generated over the photocatalytic process with the highest dimethyl sulfide input concentration, exceeded the odor threshold value of 0.1–3.6 ppb for dimethyl disulfide.     

Particulates, not plants, dominate nitrogen processing in a septage-treating aerated pond system

In pond and wetland systems for wastewater treatment, plants are often thought to enhance the removal of ammonium and nitrogen through the activities of root-associated bacteria. In this study, we examined the role of plant roots in an aerated pond system with floating plants designed to treat high-strength septage wastewater. We performed both laboratory and full-scale experiments to test the effect of different plant root to septage ratios on nitrification and denitrification, and measured the abundances of nitrifying bacteria associated with roots and septage particulates. Root-associated nitrifying bacteria did not play a significant role in ammonium and total nitrogen removal. Investigations of nitrifier populations showed that only 10% were associated with water hyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] roots (at standard facility plant densities equivalent to 2.2 wet g roots L(-1) septage); instead, nitrifiers were found almost entirely (90%) associated with suspended septage particulates. The role of root-associated nitrifiers in nitrification was examined in laboratory batch experiments where high plant root concentrations (7.4 wet g L(-1), representing a 38% net increase in total nitrifier populations over plant-free controls) yielded a corresponding increase (55%) in the non-substrate-limited nitrification rate (V(max)). However, within the full-scale septage-treating pond system, nitrification and denitrification rates remained unchanged when plant root concentrations were increased to 7.1 g roots L(-1) (achieved by increasing the surface area available for plants while maintaining the same tank volume). Under normal facility operating conditions, nitrification was limited by ammonium concentration, not nitrifier availability. Maximizing plant root concentrations was found to be an inefficient mechanism for increasing nitrification in organic particulate-rich wastewaters such as septage.     

Decontamination of water polluted by heavy metals with Taro (Colocasia esculenta) cultured in a hydroponic NFT system

The toxicity and bioaccumulation of two heavy metals—lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)—in a semi-aquatic plant, Colocasia esculenta (L. Schott), from a synthetic heavy metal solution were studied. Young plants of equal size were grown hydroponically in shallow raceways containing Hoagland medium amended with 20, 40, and 60 mg l^?1 of Pb and 2, 4, and 6 mg l^?1 of Cd. The medium containing heavy metals was allowed to flow through the raceways with a change in influent heavy metal solution on every 5th day. The experiment was continued for 20 days. A set of control raceways—one comprised of nutrient medium with heavy metal supplements, devoid of plants, and another with the plants and nutrient medium having no metal supplement—was also simultaneously run. Chlorosis in the leaves was the prominent toxicity symptom observed due to Pb and Cd on the test plants. A significant decrease in the relative growth, biomass productivity, and total chlorophyll content were noticed in the plants with an increase in concentration of metal supplement in the solution and exposure time. Both metals accumulated to higher concentrations in the roots than in shoots, suggesting that the metals were bound to the root cells and their translocation to the leaves was limited. The results of the 20-day-long experiments indicate that from a phytoremediation perspective, C. esculenta is a promising plant species for remediation of wastewater polluted with lower concentrations of Pb and Cd.     

Accretion of heavy metals in the catfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bagrus bayad</Emphasis> from Taylor Creek,southern Nigeria

Heavy metals in the aquatic environment have, to date, come essentially from naturally occurring geochemical resources. However, this has been enhanced by anthropogenic activities such as crude oil exploration and exploitation activities, resulting in pollution in the Taylor Creek aquatic ecosystem. The catfish species Bagrus bayad and other environmental segments were collected from five selected sites along Taylor Creek, southern Nigeria, and total metal concentration determined. The concentration levels of the metals in B. bayad were higher than the values reported in the literature for fresh fish and may lead to a higher risk of harmful effects. The bivariate regression models relating metals in B. bayad and metals in the surface waters were significant (R ² ≥ 0.9002). The log (bio-concentration factor; BCF) values of Cr and Zn in B. bayad were the highest, whereas the lowest was found for Ni. The ecological distribution of the log (BCF) values was, for all the heavy metals, moderately stable over the creek. All log-transformed bio-magnification factors (BMF) in the creek were positive, which indicates that the metal concentration was greater in B. bayad than in suspended particulate matter (SPM). The absolute log (BMF) values of heavy metals can, therefore, be ranked in order of decreasing magnitude: Cr (3.26) > Zn (2.99) > Cd (2.93) > Fe (2.76) > Pb (2.66) > Mn (2.36) > Ni (2.24). This sequence indicates that toxic metals such as Cd, Cr and Pb are undergoing significant bio-reduction from SPM to B. bayad. The degree of correlation between the metals was different in B. bayad, which suggests that the sources of the metals polluting Taylor Creek were diverse.     

Particulates and carbon monoxide pollution on production floor of steel recycling plant

For this study, particulates or particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels were monitored at different sections on the production floor of a scrap metal recycling factory. A Met‐One GT331 dust monitor and A Toxi‐Rae gas monitor were used to measure PM and CO concentrations, respectively. The 24‐hr averaging period concentrations of particulate matter having diameters of 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM_2.5), particulate matter having diameters of 10 microns or less in diameter (PM₁₀), and total suspended particulates (TSP) within the plant ranged between 8.3 and 50.4 μg/m³, 12.0 and 151.3 μg/m³, and 30.0 and 285.0 μg/m³, respectively, while the maximum 8‐hr concentration of CO within the plant was 20.5 parts per million (ppm). The United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) limits for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and CO were exceeded only in the area around the furnace. Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank statutory limit for TSP were also exceeded in the area around the furnace. Toxicity potentials (TP) of the investigated pollutants were greater than 1.0 around the furnace, indicating that work spaces in proximity to the furnace could expose workers to adverse health conditions.     

Metals distribution and interactions in tissues of shrews (Sorex spp.) from copper- and zinc-contaminated areas in Poland

To assess the risk from heavy metal accumulation to insectivorous species exposed to different pollutants, shrews [Sorex araneus (Linnaeus 1758) and Sorex minutus (Linnaeus 1766)] were collected in the Olkuski Ore Region (OOR; a Zn and Cd smelter area), Legnicko-G?ogowski Copper Mine Region (LGCR; a copper ore-mining area), and Bia?owieza Forest (BF; a control area). A few sites were chosen in each region and a total of 57 animals were collected from them. The liver and kidneys were dissected from the animals, dried, and digested in a 4:1 mixture of HNO3 (nitric acid) and HClO4 (perchloric acid). Cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, and iron were determined in the samples by flame or flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The interactions between toxic and essential metals were calculated for each tissue. The data showed that accumulation of metals by insectivores is high; shrews accumulated much higher amounts of cadmium and lead than bank voles, studied by other researchers, from the same areas. The expected high tissue accumulation of copper at LGCR and zinc at OOR was not seen, but the levels of both elements were higher in the tissues of shrews from OOR than from LGCR. The lowest copper concentrations were in the tissues of shrews from BF. The highest cadmium and lead concentrations were found in the tissues of shrews from OOR. Some significant correlations were found between the tissue concentrations of xenobiotic and essential metals (e.g., between cadmium and zinc and between lead and iron).     

Studies of corrosion tendency of drinking water in the distribution system at the University of Benin

Ensemble of corrosion indices was combined to study the corrosion tendency of the drinking water supply at the University of Benin, Nigeria. The experimental results were analysed in terms of three corrosion indices-Langelier Index, Ryznar Index and Larson–Skold Index. According to the evaluation, the Langelier Index ranged from −5.569 to −3.684, Ryznar Index was between 13.340 and 16.418 while the Larson–Skold Index was between 1.191 and 31.750. Results indicated that the water may be corrosive. A regression of these indices on iron concentration (ppm) showed that Langelier Index, Ryznar Index and Larson–Skold Index have R ² of 0.5868, 0.6577 and 0.7063, respectively. The positive correlation between iron levels and the corrosion indices suggested that iron levels were directly related to increase in corrosion tendency.     

Emissions from burning biofuels in metal cookstoves

Promoting stoves that burn wood and other biofuels more efficiently is one of the means to reduce fuel consumption, but such efficient stoves may also emit more carbon monoxide and total suspended particulates. In an earlier study, a standard chamber method was proposed to estimate emission factors from burning fuelwood (Acacia nilotica). Here that methodology is extended to measure emission factors from burning of dungcakes and crop residues (Brassica or mustard stalks)—common fuels in many developing countries. The amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and total suspended particulates (TSP) emitted by four different models of stoves, when using each of the three biofuels, are measured.The CO emission factors range from 13–68 (g/kg) for fuelwood to 26–67 g/kg for dungcakes and 20–114 g/kg for crop residues, for particulates they range from 1.1–3.8 to 4.1–7.8 and 2.1–12.0 g/kg for the three fuels, respectively. On a per unit heat delivered basis, the emissions of CO and TSP from both dungcakes and crop residues are two to three times higher compared to those from fuelwood. While for some improved stove-fuel combinations, the increase in emission factors was offset by the increase in thermal efficiency, this was not always so and causes a dilemma. The more efficient stoves are found to have higher emission factors of both CO and TSP for all three fuels. Emissions per standard task (i.e, on a unit heat delivered basis) is proposed as a criterion to evaluate cookstoves.     

Characterization of pollutants in Florida street sweepings for management and reuse

Disposal and beneficial-use options for street sweeping residuals collected as part of routine roadway maintenance activities in Florida, USA, were assessed by characterizing approximately 200 samples collected from 20 municipalities. Total concentrations (mg/kg or μg/kg) and leachable concentrations (mg/L or μg/L) of 11 metals and a number of organic pollutant groups (volatile organics, semi-volatile organics, pesticides, herbicides, carbamates) in the samples were measured. The synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) was performed to evaluate the leachability of the pollutants. From the total metal analysis, several metals (e.g., arsenic, barium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc) were commonly found above their detection limits. Zinc was found to have the highest mean concentration of all metals measured (46.7 mg/kg), followed by copper (10.7 mg/kg) and barium (10.5 mg/kg). The metal with the smallest mean concentration was arsenic (0.48 mg/kg). A small fraction of the total arsenic, barium, lead, and zinc leached in some samples using the SPLP; leached concentrations were relatively low. A few organic compounds (e.g., 4,4′-DDT, endrin, and endosulfan II) were detected in a limited number of samples. When the total and leaching results were compared to risk-based Florida soil cleanup target levels and groundwater cleanup target levels, the street sweepings were not found to pose a significant human-health risk via direct exposure or groundwater contamination.     

Persistent Impacts of Trace Metals from Mining on Floodplain Grass Communities Along Soda Butte Creek, Yellowstone National Park

Phleum pratense and Poa pratensis were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.001) on plots with more than 250 ppm copper. Above-ground biomass of Phleum pratense was also significantly lower on plots with copper levels above 250 ppm. Decreased mean grass density was found on plots with pH < 6.4, but the only statistically significant difference was for Juncus balticus, which had increased density on plots with pH < 6.4. In contrast to the clear impacts of trace metals and pH on vegetation, other site characteristics did not alter measured vegetation characteristics.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in soils of an industrialized city in Turkey

Surface soil (0-5 cm) samples from 43 sampling sites covering the entire urban territory of Bursa, an industrialized city in Turkey, were collected in each season and analyzed for 83 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The mean concentration of total PCBs (Σ83 PCBs) among all sites over the four seasons was 2121.51 pg/g dry weight (dw), with a range of 207.61-5461.95 pg/g dw. Total PCB concentrations in the soil samples collected near an industrial region were the highest in all seasons. In general, PCB patterns were dominated by low-chlorinated homologue groups (≤ 5 Cl groups at a 79% level). The predominant homologue group found in Bursa city soils was the penta-CBs (29.1%) followed by the tetra-CBs (25.5%) and tri-CBs (17.6%). A total of seven dioxin-like PCB congeners (CB-77, 81, 105, 114, 118, 123, and 126) were found in every sampling location and their mean total concentration for all locations and seasons was 259.27 pg/g dw, with a range of 7.02-1581.13 pg/g dw. A significant relationship (r = 0.77, p < 0.01) was found between the concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs and the seasonal average sum of PCB concentrations. A correlation between light congeners (相似文献   

衡山PM_（2.5）中痕量金属元素的分析

建立了微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法同时测定PM2.5中12种痕量金属元素的方法。对不同消解体系进行了讨论,确定采用HNO3＋H2O2消解体系。方法检出限在0.01～6.4 ng/m3之间,精密度为0.5%～8.9%,加标回收率在69.2%～92.6%之间。应用该方法测定了衡山PM2.5中痕量金属元素的含量,讨论了痕量元素的浓度分布特征,对各元素进行了相关性分析,并应用富集因子法对来源进行了分析。     

Accumulation of lead by the lichen

Summary The lichen Stereocaulon dactylophyllum,occurring on a metalliferous spoil tip, was found to accumulate various elements within parts of the apothecium, such as the subhymenium and the fertile hymenium. The hymenium was particularly contaminated by lead, and this may subsequently affect ascospore viability. Certain elements were present on the external surface of the thalli and apothecia; the percentage composition of the elements within the apothecium differed from that on the outside of the apothecium. Fourteen elements were recorded from samples of the metalliferous spoil, the subhymenium and the hymenium; the ranking of elements varied in the samples as also did the percentage contributions of the various elements. The lichen is an important accumulator of elements derived from various sources, including the atmospheric transport of particulates emanating from the spoil tip. It may be speculated that the elements, including the toxic ones, will subsequently be accumulated within organisms belonging to various trophic levels; rotifers which are present on both the apothecia and thalli are likely to be affected. Dr F. Brian Pyatt is Head of the Ecology Section in the Department of Life Sciences at Nottingham Polytechnic, where Mr D. Lacy is a member of the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Mr E.H. Beaumont was until recently in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford, and Mr D.M. Storey is a member of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Salford, UK.