Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dust from personal automobiles in conjunction with studies on the photochemical degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)

The levels of 21 PBDE congeners were detemined in the dust sampled from 66 personal automobiles. The dominant congener in automobile dust was BDE-209 with a median level of 8.12 μg g?1. Personal vehicle dust samples contained the characteristic profile of the PBDE congeners that comprise the PentaBDE and DecaBDE commercial formulations. Levels of PBDEs in personal automobiles are generally reduced in comparison to our previously reported levels in resale vehicles on dealership lots presumably due to a dilution effect introduced by dust or debris that does not originate from the vehicle. Laboratory photochemical studies were conducted on both automobile dust collected from personal vehicles as well as BDE-209 adsorbed to sodium sulfate. No significant degradation occurred in the personal vehicle dust after 56 days of constant UVA irradiation while significant degradation did occur with BDE-209 adsorbed to sodium sulfate. PBDEs from the degradation of BDE-209 were identified and potential degradation pathways elucidated. Human exposure potential to PBDEs from automobile dust ingestion remains a serious concern in the U.S. population.     

Future areas of investigation regarding the problem of urban road dust

In a number of metropolitan areas of the country, failure to attain national primary air quality standards for total suspended particulates (TSP) has fostered a detailed reexamination of the nature of the urban TSP problem. Reentrained dust from paved streets and other traffic-related emissions are now recognized as major sources of TSP in urban areas. While numerous reports and studies have examined this subject, some significant aspects of urban road dust have not been studied in enough detail, if at all. Examples of this are the effects of gutters and pavement composition and shape. This paper discusses those areas of the urban road dust problem that are felt to require further attention and outlines the priorities with which the data should be obtained.     

西南山地丘陵区典型乡镇环境因素对农村新建居民点布局与复垦的影响差异分析

农村居民点作为中国城乡二元化的重要体现形式,是农村人地关系问题产生的主导因素和农村社会的基本单元。该文以重庆市石柱县临溪镇2010~2014年的新建居民点和复垦数据为主要数据源,采用偏离度和空间变异系数分析各环境因素对居民点新建与复垦分布的影响,并利用极值法对新建居民适宜区域和居民点复垦重点区域进行选择。结果表明:不同环境因素对新建居民点与居民点复垦的空间分布影响差异性明显,道路和场镇因素对2类居民点空间数量分布的影响最大。居民点复垦在道路与耕地2影响因素的偏离度最大值分别为0.69和–0.503,这2类因素是影响居民点复垦的主要因素。新建居民点在道路和坡度的偏离度值分别为–0.742和–0.106,该2类因素是影响新建居民点的关键因素。居民点复垦总体偏离度绝对值为1.53,对居民点总体布局的影响比新建居民点大。环境因素分级因子对新建与居民点复垦影响差异突出,新建居民点靠近城镇、道路、河流以及分布于6°~15°缓坡的趋向明显;居民点复垦远离城镇、道路及分布于陡坡的趋势突出。利用极值法研究发现,道路0~10 m和坡度6°~15°的分级因子组合为最适宜的新建居民点区域,道路大于40 m和耕地70~10 m的分级因子组合为居民点复垦的重点区域。该研究对典型山地丘陵区的新建农村居民点选址及复垦重点区域选择具有理论意义与实践价值。     

Heavy metal contamination by Al-fabrication plants in Hong Kong

Leaf samples of six plant species collected from locations near the Al-fabrication plants in Sai Kung, Hong Kong were found to be heavily contaminated by Al, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu and Zn, as determined by inductively — coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer (ICP). Studies using scanning electron microscope incorporated with X-ray microanalyzer showed that significant amounts of dust, with elevated concentrations of heavy metals, were deposited on the leaf surface. The stomatal pores were partially plugged and the guard cells were distorted. The amount of dust deposition and metal contamination varied significantly among different species. Lantana camara had the highest concentrations of all metals. Washing with deionized water could remove the surficial dust particles and reduce the metal contamination, with a degree of effectiveness depending on plant species and metal species. About 50% of Al and other metals were removed from leaves of L. camara and Fiscus variegata by washing, whereas only 20% removal was recorded in Bauhina variegata, the species had the least dust deposition. The soil samples and Al wastes collected from the same sites also exhibited higher values of total metal concentrations than the control. However, the contents of extractable metals were extremely low and were almost below the limits of detection. Experimental data further suggested that the source of leaf metals was mainly accumulated from metal-enriched aerosols, either from Al-fabrication plants or from automobile exhausts, and contribution from soil was relatively unimportant.     

Distribution Of Cadmium And Nickel Among Various Forms In Natural And Contaminated Soils Amended With Edta

Because of its strong chelating capacity, application of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to soils may change the amount and distribution of heavy metals among their various chemical forms. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted using two cultivars of Brassica species (Brassica juncea and Brassica carinata) as hyper accumulator test crops on natural and artificially Cd and Ni contaminated soils. Both natural and metal amended soils were treated with disodium salt of EDTA at 0 and 1 g kg^–1 soil. After harvest of crops, soil samples were fractionated into water soluble plus exchangeable (WE), carbonate (CARB), organic matter (OM), Mn oxide (MnOX), amorphous Fe oxide (AFeOX), crystalline Fe oxide (CFeOX) and residual (RES) fractions. In metal amended soils, Cd and Ni were found predominantly in the AFeOX fraction in the absence of EDTA application and in the WE fraction in EDTA treated soil. Application of EDTA resulted in the redistribution of Cd among different forms and increased significantly Cd in the WE fraction with a concomitant significant decrease in the OM fraction. In natural soils, more than 40% of the total Cd was present in the RES fraction while in contaminated soil it was only 5%. Nickel in the WE fraction increased significantly while it considerably decreased in the CARB, OM, MnOX, AFeOX and CFeOX fractions with EDTA addition. This indicated that applied EDTA is capable to move Cd and Ni from the less soluble or more stable forms (CARB, OM, MnOX, AFeOX and CFeOX) to the most soluble form (WE). N natural soils, Ni in the RES fraction was found upto 49%, whereas only 10% of the total Ni was observed in contaminated soil, irrespective of EDTA treatment. In general, the amount of Cd recovered after harvest of both the Brassica cultivars did not differ significantly in any fraction except the WE fraction. The amount of Ni recovered in the AFeOX fraction was significantly higher after harvest of B. juncea as compared to B. carinata.Readers should send their comments on this paper to: BhaskarNath@aol.com within 3 months of publication of this issue.     

Levels and determinants of beta(1-->3)-glucans and fungal extracellular polysaccharides in house dust of (pre-)school children in three European countries

BACKGROUND: Mold growth is believed to be one causative factor underlying the association between dampness in buildings and increased respiratory morbidity. Measurements of beta(1-->3)-glucans and fungal extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) are used as markers of mold exposure in field studies. Little is known about their levels and determinants in homes. OBJECTIVE: To study levels and determinants of beta(1-->3)-glucan and EPS levels in mattress and living room floor dust in three European countries. METHODS: Mattress and living room floor dust was collected in the homes of 1065 German, Dutch, and Swedish (pre-)school children. All samples were analyzed for beta(1-->3)-glucans and EPS in one central laboratory. Determinants were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: Amounts of dust, EPS and beta(1-->3)-glucan levels differed between countries. Amounts of dust, beta(1-->3)-glucan and EPS levels for mattresses were only weakly correlated with those for living room floors. Floor dust beta(1-->3)-glucan loads, EPS loads and EPS concentrations were strongly correlated with the amount of dust sampled, which is largely determined by the type of floor that was sampled (carpeted floors had 5-20 higher amounts of dust). None of the other determinants was consistently and statistically significantly associated with amounts of dust, beta(1-->3)-glucan and EPS concentrations on floors and mattresses. CONCLUSION: Mattress dust and floor dust are two different measures of exposure to the investigated mold components. Living room floor beta(1-->3)-glucan and EPS loads and EPS concentrations are largely determined by the type of floor sampled. Differences between countries can only partly be explained by the determinants studied.     

上海市崇明岛公路两侧土壤重金属污染研究

采集了上海市崇明岛陈海、北沿公路两侧土壤和灰尘样品270余个,测定了样品的Pb、Cd、Cu、 Zn和Cr重金属含量。结果表明,陈海和北沿公路两侧土壤重金属Pb、Cd、Cu、 Zn和Cr的平均含量达到277、0279、258、918和776 mg/kg,土壤Cd污染较严重。采集的路面灰尘样品Pb、Cd、Cu、 Zn和Cr的平均含量达到512、049、489、209和970 mg/kg,超过土壤背景值2~4倍,是土壤重金属的主要二次污染源。公路防护林体系较差的北沿公路路侧土壤纵向剖面（垂直于公路走向）重金属含量随距路肩距离增加呈指数下降,土壤重金属重污染区在距路肩15 m范围内。防护林体系较完善的陈海公路距路肩15 m范围内土壤重金属污染较小,土壤重金属重污染区出现在距路肩20~50 m范围内。     

241Am, 137Cs, Sr and Pb uptake by tobacco as influenced by application of Fe chelators to soil

To determine the potential for phytoextraction of 241Am and other contaminants from soil, accumulation of 241Am, 137Cs, Sr, Fe, Al, Pb, and Mg by tobacco was determined for soil applications of two concentrations of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and ascorbic acid. In tobacco receiving EDTA at 3.1 mmol/kg of soil, 241Am content of plants averaged 15 Bq/kg (ranging up to 26 Bq/kg) while Fe concentrations became constant at 4.5 mmol/kg. Soil treatment with 18.8 mmol/kg EDTA resulted in average 241Am concentrations of 29 Bq/kg (19 times higher than controls). Uptake of Pb was similar to 241Am. In these samples, Fe increased to a maximum of almost 18 mmol/kg and 241Am content increased linearly with both Fe and Al. Plants receiving ascorbic and citric acids took up smaller quantities of 241Am, Pb, and Fe, even though these reagents were able to elute about as much Fe from the soil as EDTA. Synchrotron microbeam X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) was used to determine radial distributions of elements in roots and stems with and without EDTA treatment. SXRF maps indicate differences in behavior between Fe and Pb that are consistent with the bulk plant observations and provide insight into changes in metal content of the roots in the presence of EDTA.     

Properties,use and health effects of depleted uranium (DU): a general overview

Depleted uranium (DU), a waste product of uranium enrichment, has several civilian and military applications. It was used as armor-piercing ammunition in international military conflicts and was claimed to contribute to health problems, known as the Gulf War Syndrome and recently as the Balkan Syndrome. This led to renewed efforts to assess the environmental consequences and the health impact of the use of DU. The radiological and chemical properties of DU can be compared to those of natural uranium, which is ubiquitously present in soil at a typical concentration of 3 mg/kg. Natural uranium has the same chemotoxicity, but its radiotoxicity is 60% higher. Due to the low specific radioactivity and the dominance of alpha-radiation no acute risk is attributed to external exposure to DU. The major risk is DU dust, generated when DU ammunition hits hard targets. Depending on aerosol speciation, inhalation may lead to a protracted exposure of the lung and other organs. After deposition on the ground, resuspension can take place if the DU containing particle size is sufficiently small. However, transfer to drinking water or locally produced food has little potential to lead to significant exposures to DU. Since poor solubility of uranium compounds and lack of information on speciation precludes the use of radioecological models for exposure assessment, biomonitoring has to be used for assessing exposed persons. Urine, feces, hair and nails record recent exposures to DU. With the exception of crews of military vehicles having been hit by DU penetrators, no body burdens above the range of values for natural uranium have been found. Therefore, observable health effects are not expected and residual cancer risk estimates have to be based on theoretical considerations. They appear to be very minor for all post-conflict situations, i.e. a fraction of those expected from natural radiation.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels in dust from previously owned automobiles at United States dealerships

The levels of BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183, and BDE-209 were determined in the dust sampled from 60 automobiles that were available for resale at U.S. dealerships. The dominant congener in automobile dust was BDE-209 comprising 95% of the total PBDE levels with a median level of 48.1 µg g^? 1. Statistical analysis of the vehicle attributes indicates that the BDE-209 levels are different (p < 0.05) with respect to groupings by vehicle model year, vehicle manufacturer, and the country of manufacture. Vehicle dust samples contained the characteristic profile of the PBDE congeners that comprise the PentaBDE formulation. While DecaBDE use is banned in Maine and Washington and is targeted for restriction in the near future by six U.S. states, vehicles and airplanes are exempt from the ban. It is anticipated that the human exposure potential to PBDEs from automobile dust ingestion will continue for an indefinite future period in the U.S. population.     

Nature and origin of multicomponent aerial emissions of the copper-nickel smelter complex

The Severonickel Smelter Complex as well as other big nickel-copper smelter plants are the source of metallurgical dust emissions, enriched with toxic elements Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and As. The phase composition of typical metallurgy dust is described as pentlandite (Ni,Fe)9S8, pyrrhotite Fe7S8(Ni(x)), chalcopyrite CuFeS2, chalcosite Cu2S, covellite CuS, cuprite Cu2O, tenorite CuO, and metal copper and nickel. The fine dust fractions are enriched by lead, zinc and arsenic oxides. The obtained data can be turned to account when conducting the investigations of heavy metal behaviour in nature media, in particular soils.     

Levels of brominated flame retardants in blood in relation to levels in household air and dust

Levels of tri- to decabrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) and 1,2-bis(pentabromophenyl)ethane (DeBDethane) were determined in air, sedimentary dust and human plasma from five households in Sweden. The levels of the individual BDEs in the plasma samples were in the same order of magnitude as in other studies of the general population in Scandinavia, and varied between non-detectable (<0.41 ng g(-1) l.w.) to 17 ng g(-1) (l.w.). BDE#28 and #47 were present in all air samples, with mean values of 0.015 and 0.12 ng m(-3), respectively, except for one sample where the BDE#47 concentration was below the limit of detection (<0.17 ng m(-3)). BDE#209 was found in one of the five air samples at a concentration of 0.26 ng m(-3). DeBDethane was also detected in one sample, in which the BDE#209 level was below LOD (<0.021 ng m(-3)), at a level of 0.023 ng m(-3). All the target compounds were found in the sedimentary dust samples at levels from 0.51 to 1600 ng g(-1), the highest concentration representing BDE#209. The most abundant components in plasma, air and dust were BDE#47, #99 and #209. In the plasma samples BDE#207 and #206 were also present at similar concentrations as BDE#47. In the sedimentary dust samples, DeBDethane was also among the most abundant BFRs. A positive relationship was found for the sumBDE concentrations in dust and plasma, although the relationship was strongly dependent on one of the five observations. BFR levels in dust and air were not dependent on the house characteristics such as living area, floor material or number of electronic devices.     

Levels and major sources of PM2.5 and PM10 in Bangkok Metropolitan Region

This research was the first long-term attempt to concurrently measure and identify major sources of both PM(10) and PM(2.5) in Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). Ambient PM(10) and PM(2.5) were evaluated at four monitoring stations and analyzed for elemental compositions, water-soluble ions, and total carbon during February 2002-January 2003. Fifteen chemical elements, four water-soluble ions, and total carbon were analyzed to assist major source identification by a receptor model approach, known as chemical mass balance. PM(10) and PM(2.5) were significantly different (p<0.05) at all sites and 24 h averages were high at traffic location while two separated residential sites were similar. Seasonal difference of PM(10) and PM(2.5) concentrations was distinct between dry and wet seasons. Major source of PM(10) at the traffic site indicated that automobile emissions and biomass burning-related sources contributed approximately 33% each. Automobiles contributed approximately 39 and 22% of PM(10) mass at two residential sites while biomass burning contributed about 36 and 28%. PM(10) from re-suspended soil and cooking sources accounted for 10 to 15% at a residential site. Major sources of PM(2.5) at traffic site were automobile and biomass burning, contributing approximately 32 and 26%, respectively. Biomass burning was the major source of PM(2.5) mass concentrations at residential sites. Meat cooking also accounted for 31% of PM(2.5) mass at a low impact site. Automobile, biomass burning, and road dust were less significant, contributed 10, 6, and 5%, respectively. Major sources identification at some location had difficulty to achieve performance criteria due to limited source profiles. Improved in characterize other sources profiles will help local authority to better air quality.     

城市化进程中的武汉市空气环境响应特征研究

以武汉市2000~2013年数据为基础,构建了城市化综合水平和空气环境综合指数的评价指标体系,利用结构熵权法和响应度模型对城市化进程中的空气环境响应时序特征和整体响应强度进行了比较分析。结果表明:(1)2000年后武汉市城市化呈现快速增长态势,进入了一个快速增长时期;空气环境综合指数及其分量呈现不同的变化特征,综合指数呈波动中递增趋势;(2)空气环境综合指数及其分量对城市化有着不同的响应特征,其中,空气质量指数与综合指数由正响应转向负响应,2010年为拐点,表明近年来,武汉市空气环境压力变大,空气质量有恶化的趋势;(3)相同城市化进程中,空气环境质量的正向响应相对于空气负荷压力的减小具有不一致性和滞后性,2013年后的武汉市空气质量需要持久努力改善。城市空气环境质量改善是一个漫长的过程,需要在减小空气污染排放的压力同时,调整产业结构、节能减排,并要积极预防城市化扩张过程中的建设施工、道路、裸露地面等扬尘污染。     

中国小城镇人居环境建设

综合国内外学者的人居环境理论，结合中国国情提出了人居环境6层塔理论模型。模型从第6层到底层分别是：人类活动，建筑环境。居住社区环境，建成环境，社会环境和自然环境。从塔的顶层到底层。空间越来越广阔，但变化速度越来越慢。人居环境科学就是研究这6个层次环境以及其涧的关系。总结认为：中国小城镇建设与发展模式有工业促进模式，农业依托模式，商贸引领模式，交通兴镇模式，旅游带动模式，城市辐射模式和专业型模式。中国小城镇人居环境发展的基本条件包括：工业发展，聚集规模，土地产权，规划整合，基础设施和集群发展。最后，提出了小城镇人居环境建设的5条原则，即资源节约和经济原则，环境友好和生态原则，地方传统和文脉原则，城乡统筹和协调原则，以及利益相关者参与原则。     

The cause and consequences of road mortality of herpetofauna in durgapur,West Bengal,India

The mortality rate of herpetofauna due to road accidents in one of the busiest tarmacked metalled roads of Durgapur, an industrial town of West Bengal, India was studied. Road survey for 27 days covering a total distance of 94.5 km was conducted. Within this span of time and the total stretch of road, 354 amphibians belonging to 6 species and 133 reptiles belonging to 11 species were observed to be killed in road-accidents. Among amphibians, Duttaphrynus melanostictus and amongst the reptiles Hemidactylus spp. were killed in highest numbers. The stretch of road under survey passed through different habitat patches like’s agricultural land, human habitation, dumping area, fragmented forest and wetland. On an average, 18 herpetofauna was noted to be killed daily. It was difficult to identify the species as the key characters were missing in the remains in a few cases of road casualties. High road mortality of herpetofauna would surely affect the balance of adjoining ecosystems as well as may be crucial for the local herpetofaunal population attributes.     

European regulations to reduce lead emissions from automobiles – did they have an economic impact on the German gasoline and automobile markets?

Environmental protection policies in the automobile market were not implemented until the motorisation of the masses in the 1960s caused an increasing environmental burden. The rising air pollution was considered a latent danger to humans, animals and plants. In the years up to 1985 the EU passed several regulations to limit the mass pollutants CO, CxHy and NOx. Germany was the first EU-member nation to also be concerned with lead in gasoline, passing reduction regulations as early as 1971. In 1986, several EU-member nations implemented the supply of unleaded gasoline. This decision was predominantly based on information about widespread forest damage. The reduction of lead emissions due to these regulations could be verified in different environmental systems. An example of this was the decline of atmospheric lead concentrations and human blood lead levels in Germany. With regard to industries, the German mineral oil and automobile markets were affected mostly. The price trend of gasoline was no longer only influenced by varying crude oil prices but also by tax discrimination between leaded and unleaded fuel. With regard to the distribution system, the market positions particularly of the medium-sized traders and the independent importers were weakened. In the automobile market, favourable terms of competition were experienced by producers who had already gained experience with catalyst systems in the US market. The Gasoline Lead Content Regulations had no significant effects on further economic indicators, except for competition. Electronic Publication     

城市土地利用对居民通勤碳排放的影响研究

以南阳市为例,基于3 746组实地调查数据,采用GIS、多元线性回归和结构方程模型,系统分析了我国中部城市居民通勤碳排放的空间分异特征,重点研究了居住地和工作地中小尺度土地利用因子对通勤碳排放的影响机制。研究发现:在内生变量中,通勤距离和通勤方式均是影响居民通勤碳排放的显著因素;在外生变量中,工作地的道路密度和商业用地占比、居住地的人口密度与通勤碳排放呈显著正相关,公交线路数量、居住地的土地利用混合度、工作地的居住用地和工业用地占比与通勤碳排放呈显著负相关。研究成果旨在为研究区城市土地利用优化调控和低碳规划提供决策依据,也为其他同类地区城市土地利用低碳规划与可持续发展提供借鉴。     

Health effects and exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals in a contaminated community

Environmental measurements carried out by local authorities during the 1970s, 80s and 90s in an area contaminated by hundreds of years of industrial activities have revealed high levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soil, vegetables, root crops, berries and mushrooms. In 1972, a large quantity of oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was accidentally spilled into the river running through the village. To investigate the possible health effects of exposure from local sources, all cancer diagnoses, registered in 1960–2003 for individuals living in the study area, were collected from the regional cancer register of southeast Sweden. The total cancer incidence was non-significantly decreased both among males and females as compared to national rates (SIR = 0.91) for each gender. Among males, increased risks, of border-line significance, were seen for testicular cancer and lymphomas as well as significantly decreased risks for cancer in the rectum, respiratory system and brain. Information on lifetime residence, occupation, smoking habits, diseases, childbirth and food consumption, was collected via questionnaires from cancer cases and randomly selected controls. In both genders combined, significant associations were found for total cancer and high consumption of local perch, and for lymphomas and high consumption of both perch and pikeperch. Female breast cancer was significantly associated with high consumption of local perch and pike as well as with work in metal production. Mothers residing in the parish before the age of five reported significantly more preterm child deliveries. In spite of study limitations, the results indicate that residing in a rural contaminated area may contribute to the development of certain cancers and reproductive effects. In females, high consumption of local fish was shown to be the strongest determinant for total cancer, while in males, the strongest determinant was residing in the study area the first five years of life. Further research including validation of exposure using biomarkers is required to verify the findings as well as future studies in other polluted areas in Sweden with larger population bases.     

横沙岛潮滩沉积物中重金属的空间分布与累积

长期以来,长江流域的工农业及城市生活排污一直没有得到有效的控制,这必将对下游河口地区的生态环境造成直接或潜在的威胁。因此,针对横沙岛目前的潮滩环境进行研究,并就潮滩质量和发展趋势进行评价非常必要。通过对横沙岛潮滩表层沉积物中重金属元素空间分布与累积的统计学分析,得知横沙岛潮滩环境总体比较清洁,但多年来受城市工业废水和生活污水排放,以及城市汽车尾气和工业粉尘干湿沉降的影响,局部地区表现出较严峻的污染形势,Cu、Zn、Cr、Pb的最高浓度分别达到背景值的2.34、4.24、2.74和1.63倍。通过对潮滩表层沉积物粒度和有机质含量的分析,指出水动力条件、潮滩生物活化作用是影响重金属空间分布和累积的主要因素。