(210)Po and (210)Pb activity concentrations in Mytilus galloprovincialis from Croatian Adriatic coast with the related dose assessment to the coastal population

Activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb in the species Mytilus galloprovincialis from Croatian Adriatic coast were determined. The samples were collected in thirteen sampling places which are also a part of Croatian Mediterranean mussel watch project. The results of ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb activity concentrations were found to vary between (22.1 ± 2.5)-(207 ± 21) Bq kg⁻¹ fresh weight and (2.8 ± 1.4)-(9.3 ± 0.7) Bq kg⁻¹ fresh weight, respectively. ²¹⁰Po/²¹⁰Pb ratio ranged between 6.2 and 30.7. The highest measured activities were found in the enclosed basins of the Neretva channel, where the majority of Croatian mussel cultivation is taking place. The estimated consequent average total annual effective ingestion dose due to ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb from mussel consumption in Croatian coastal region is 202 ± 99 μSv with 96% contribution of ²¹⁰Po to the total effective dose.     

Measurement of the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio in size fractionated aerosols from the coast of the Japan sea

The seasonal variation of the ²¹⁰Po/²¹⁰Pb activity ratio in aerosols, as a function of particle size, have been studied at Kamo, on the west coast of Japan from July 1995 to June 1996. It was shown that 70% of ²¹⁰Po and 77% of ²¹⁰Pb activities were measured in aerosols with a diameter smaller than 0.7 μm. On the other hand, the abundances of ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb in aerosols with a diameter larger than 10.9 μm were 3 and 1%, respectively. In general, the maxima of the ²¹⁰Po/²¹⁰Pb ratio were observed in aerosols of 5.4–10.9 μm, but the maxima in January and April 1996 appeared in the largest and the smallest size fractions, respectively. The results suggest that the size distribution of the ²¹⁰Po/²¹⁰Pb activity ratio may be modified by changes in the nature and intensity of aerosol sources.     

Relationship between (210)Pb(ex) activity and sedimentary organic carbon in sediments of 3 Chinese lakes

This report demonstrates that organic matter was an important factor in lake sediment ²¹⁰Pb_ex dating. Sediment cores from lakes in central and western China with different-trophic levels were collected, and the ²¹⁰Pb_ex activity and total organic carbon (TOC) were measured. The Rock-Eval pyrolysis technique was used to deconvolute TOC into free hydrocarbons (S1), thermally less-stable macromolecular organic matter (S2a), kerogen (S2b), and residual carbon (RC). The results show significant correlations between TOC and ²¹⁰Pb_ex, particularly between S2a and ²¹⁰Pb_ex, in all the sediment cores. This indicated that the algal-derived organic component S2a may play the most important role in controlling the distribution of ²¹⁰Pb_ex. Scavenging by algal-derived organic matter may be the main mechanism. As chronology is the key to the understanding of pollution reconstruction and early diagenesis in sediments, more attention should be paid to the influence of organic matter on ²¹⁰Pb_ex.     

Accumulation of polonium 210Po in tissues and organs of deer carvidae from Northern Poland

This study was undertaken to provide information on accumulation of polonium in tissues and organs of deer carvidae in order to assess the potential transport of this element via food-chain to game meat consumers. Livers, kidneys and muscles of large herbivorous animals belonging to three species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), collected in Northern Poland, were the subject of the present investigation. Activities of (210)Po were determined by means of alpha spectrometry along with relevant radiochemical procedures. The concentration of (210)Po in analyzed animals decreased in the order kidney > liver > muscle tissue. The average activity concentrations of (210)Po ranged between 0.02 +/- 0.01 Bq. kg(- 1) w.w. in muscles and 7.15 +/- 0.12 Bq. kg(- 1) w.w. in kidneys. Levels of polonium were not influenced by sampling location, sex, age and species of animals.     

Accumulation of polonium 210Po in tissues and organs of deer carvidae from Northern Poland

This study was undertaken to provide information on accumulation of polonium in tissues and organs of deer carvidae in order to assess the potential transport of this element via food-chain to game meat consumers. Livers, kidneys and muscles of large herbivorous animals belonging to three species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), collected in Northern Poland, were the subject of the present investigation. Activities of ²¹⁰Po were determined by means of alpha spectrometry along with relevant radiochemical procedures. The concentration of ²¹⁰Po in analyzed animals decreased in the order kidney > liver > muscle tissue. The average activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po ranged between 0.02 ± 0.01 Bq· kg^{? 1} w.w. in muscles and 7.15 ± 0.12 Bq· kg^{? 1} w.w. in kidneys. Levels of polonium were not influenced by sampling location, sex, age and species of animals.     

Biomonitoring metal deposition in Galicia (NW Spain) with mosses: factors affecting bioconcentration

Three factors (canopy effect, lithology and seasonal variations) that may influence the concentrations of metals in terrestrial mosses were studied. The levels of 17 elements were determined in terrestrial mosses (Scleropodium purum (Hedw.) Limpr, and Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw.) collected from 75 sites in Galicia at two sampling times, in 1995 and 1997. In addition, monthly samples of S. purum were collected throughout a period of one year from four sites in the same area, for analysis of levels of eight elements. The first studied factor, collection of mosses from areas under tree cover, did not influence significantly the levels of the elements analysed. The second factor studied was the dominant lithology in the sampling area (granite, slate and schist). No significant differences were found between samples from sites where granites and slates dominated. Significant differences were found in the levels of Co, Cr, Ni and Mn in both species growing in granite and slate substrate areas when compared with those growing in schist areas. This was also found for Al and Fe in S. purum and for As in H. cupressiforme. The third factor investigated, using the results from the monthly survey, was the seasonal effect. No significant differences were found in the concentrations of all elements in S. purum throughout the year.     

Mercury in European Blushers, Amanita rubescens, mushrooms and topsoils: bioconcentration potential and intake assessment

Total mercury content has been determined in fruiting bodies of European Blushers and topsoils collected from 11 sites across Poland in 2006-2008. Mercury analysis was carried out using a validated analytical method and cold-vapour atomic absorption (CV-AAS). The European Blusher effectively accumulated mercury in fruiting bodies. The mean values of total mercury in caps of European Blushers from background (uncontaminated) areas were from 0.22 to 1.0 (0.067-3.2) and in stipes from 0.16 to 0.65 (0.071-2.7) μg/g dry weight. In topsoil beneath to fruiting bodies, the median Hg concentration at 10 sites in Northern Poland varied between 0.030 and 0.072 (0.0096-0.19) μg/g dw, and in one site in Southern Poland was 0.20 (0.079-0.34) μg/g dw. Data on Hg in European Blushers from different countries were reviewed. The mean concentrations of total Hg in caps of European Blushers from two "pristine" sites in northern part of Poland were ～1.0 μg/g dw. A meal made with 300-500 g of fresh caps of European Blushers collected at such sites (assuming 90% water content in caps) can result in Hg intake of 0.0003-0.0005 mg Hg/kg bm (assuming a 60 kg bm), which is a dose equipotent to a new provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) value set for inorganic Hg.     

Reproductive effects and bioconcentration of 4-nonylphenol in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes)

The objective of this study was to investigate the reproductive success (fertility and fecundity) of medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in water and the viability of their F(1) offspring. In addition, we measured the bioconcentration of 4-NP in eggs. After a 21-d exposure to 100microg/l 4-NP, medaka showed reduced egg production and fertility. Hepatic vitellogenin levels were increased significantly in males treated with 10, 50 and 100microg/l of 4-NP. In the F(1) generations, the hatchability and time to hatching of embryos in the 100microg/l treatment group were adversely affected, and 2-7microg 4-NP/g egg was found in spawned eggs (the bioconcentration factor: 30-100). These results indicate that (1) 4-NP adversely affected the reproduction (fecundity and fertility) of adult medaka, (2) 4-NP accumulated in eggs through maternal transfer and (3) these levels of 4-NP were associated with adverse effects in the F(1) offspring.     

Inorganic elemental concentrations in birch bolete mushroom (Leccinum scabrum) and top soil: contamination profiles,bioconcentation and annual variations

Abstract

Analysis of inorganic and organic contaminants in foodstuffs aids in understanding the human exposure to these compounds via consumption. In this study, an edible mushroom species (Leccinum scabrum) and top soil samples were analysed for essential and toxic substances including phosphorus and inorganic elements over a period of three fruiting seasons. Analysis of silver (Ag), aluminium (Al), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn) in mushrooms and topsoil were performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) with ultrasonic cross flow nebulizer. Total mercury was determined by cold-vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). The results exhibited wide variation in concentrations of metals between soil and mushroom (cap and stipes) during three fruiting seasons. Positive bioconcentration factors (BFCs) indicate on bioaccumulation of several metals including, Cd, Cu, Hg, K, Mg, Na, P, Rb and Zn in caps and stipes of fruitbodies of this mushroom, while other metals such as Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sr were not exhibiting significant positive BFCs. Over a period studied, the caps were characterised by different (p?<?0.05) concentrations of Al, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Sr. Contamination profiles, temporal fluctuations, BCFs should be taken into consideration when assessing the nutritional value of this mushroom.     

Leaves of higher plants as biomonitors of radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 210Pb and 7Be) in urban air

Leaves of linden (Tilia tomentosa L. and Tilia cordata Mill.) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) were analysed as biomonitors of radionuclides in urban air. Samples of soils, leaves and aerosols were collected in Belgrade, Serbia. Activities of ¹³⁷Cs, ⁴⁰K, ²¹⁰Pb and ⁷Be in the samples were measured on an HPGe detector by standard gamma spectrometry. “Soil-to-leaves” transfer factors were calculated. Student’s t test and linear Pearson correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. Differences in local conditions at the sampling sites were not significant, and the mechanisms of the radionuclides’ accumulation in both plant species are similar. Ceasium-137 was detected in some of the leaf samples only. Transfer factors for ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K were (0.03–0.08) and 1.3, respectively. The concentrations of ²¹⁰Pb and ⁷Be in leaves were higher in autumn than in spring, and there were some similarities in their seasonal patterns in leaves and in air. Weak to medium correlation was obtained for the ²¹⁰Pb and ⁷Be activities in leaves and aerosols. Large positive correlation was obtained for the ²¹⁰Pb activities in linden leaves and the mean activity in aerosols for the preceding months. Different primary modes of radionuclides accumulation in leaves were observed. Since large positive correlation was obtained for the ²¹⁰Pb activity in linden leaves and the mean in aerosols for the preceding months, mature linden leaves could be used as biomonitors of recent ²¹⁰Pb activity in air.     

水体中27种有机磷阻燃剂(OPFRs)的检测及风险评价

有机磷阻燃剂(organophosphorus flame retardants,OPFRs)具有致畸、致癌、致突变风险以及神经毒性作用。为了更好地研究其存在水平和健康风险,建立了固相萃取与高效液相色谱-串联质谱仪和气相色谱-质谱联用仪检测水体中27种OPFRs的分析方法,并对OPFRs进行了健康风险评价。20种OPFRs采用MCX固相萃取柱预处理和LC-MS/MS进行检测,以甲醇和含10 mmol·L⁻¹的甲酸水溶液作为流动相进行梯度洗脱,7种OPFRs采用HLB串联Envi-18固相萃取柱进行预处理并利用GC-MS进行检测。检测结果表明,27种OPFRs的检出限为0.02~2.53 ng·L⁻¹;定量限为0.06~8.43 ng·L⁻¹;回收率为65.82%~108.48%。2021年4月份,采集北京市潮白河地表水和地下水8个水样并检测其OPFRs。实测结果表明：除磷酸三(2-异丙基苯)酯、磷酸异癸基二苯酯、磷酸叔丁基苯二苯酯、磷酸二苄酯外,其余23种OPFRs均有不同程度检出,质量浓度为0~973.17 ng·L⁻¹;磷酸三(2-乙基己基)酯、磷酸三乙酯、磷酸三丙酯、磷酸三异丙酯含量相对较高,分别高达973.17、459.90、315.47、298.41 ng·L⁻¹。采用USEPA模型对水样中的OPFRs进行了健康风险评价, 13种OPFRs的非致癌风险值为0~6.17×10⁻⁴,4种OPFRs致癌风险值为1.37×10⁻⁹~1.07×10⁻⁷;在高暴露条件下,OPFRs的非致癌风险值为1.61×10⁻⁵~6.17×10⁻⁴,致癌风险值为1.00×10⁻⁸~1.07×10⁻⁷,均低于风险阈值。上述结果说明,水体中OPFRs产生的健康风险处于较低水平。此次采集的潮白河地表水和地下水水中OPFRs的致癌风险和非致癌风险均处于较低水平。本研究结果可为地表水和地下水水体中OPFRs的检测及风险评价提供参考。     

Accumulation of natural radionuclides (7Be, 210Pb) and micro-elements in mosses,lichens and cedar and larch needles in the Arctic Western Siberia

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This is a study of the atmospheric-origin natural radionuclides (7Be and 210Pb) and a wide range of micro- and macro-element accumulation in mosses,...     

Distribution and bioconcentration potential of the environmental chemical pentachlorophenol (PCP) in different tissues of humans

The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in different tissues, organs and body fluids of humans were calculated by two methods: 1) from daily intake of PCP and its measured concentrations in different tissues and, 2) from measured half-life and measured PCP concentrations in the human body at steady state using a linear one compartment pharmacokinetic model. The BCFs (based on wet weight) in liver, brain, blood, spleen and adipose tissue of humans as calculated by method 1 were 5.7, 3.3, 1.4, 1.4, and 1.0, respectively. The figures obtained by method 2 were in good agreement to those obtained by method 1.     

Unique bioconcentration characteristics of new aryl fluoroalkyl ethers in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of seven new aryl fluoroalkyl ethers--four bis-4-tetrafluoroethoxyphenyl-type (bis-type) compounds and three mono-4-tetrafluoroethoxyphenyl-type (mono-type) compounds--were obtained by bioconcentration tests using common carp. The BCFs of 4 of the 7 ethers were higher than 5000, indicating their high bioconcentration potential. The bioconcentration characteristics of the bis-type compounds were different from those of the mono-type compounds and non-fluoro diphenylmethanes with a similar skeleton structure to the bis-type compounds, in taking longer to reach a plateau and having a slower elimination rate and in their distribution patterns in the fish body. The BCF of 1 bis-type compound was much higher than the value predicted by an accepted correlation equation between BCF and P(ow). In addition, the logP(ow) of the bis-type compounds calculated by commercially available computer software was remarkably different from that measured.     

Integrated assessment of heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Cd) highway pollution: bioaccumulation in soil, Graminaceae and land snails

To assess the contamination induced by traffic at the vicinity of a highway (A31, France), several complementary studies were carried out on two sites, with different profiles and traffic intensity. Concentrations of zinc, lead and cadmium were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in deposits, roadside soil and autochthonous plants (Graminaceae) gathered at the vicinity of the highway (1-320 m), and in the viscera of snails Helix aspersa, transferred as sentinel in the sites. According to the results obtained for different compartments, the highway induces a contamination on the surrounding environment, up to 320 m, but with the maximum contamination observed between 5 and 20 m: the concentrations measured in plants at the vicinity of the highway were 2.1 mg Pb kg(-1) DW, 0.06 mg Cd kg(-1) DW, 62 mg Zn kg(-1) DW and the concentrations measured in snails were 21.3 mg Pb kg(-1) DW, 5.7 mg Cd kg(-1) DW, 510.8 mg Zn kg(-1) DW. The levels measured decreased with increasing distance from the highway. Results of the three metals studied indicated that lead seems to be the best metal to evaluate road transport contamination.     

Analysis of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the River Po watershed in N-Italy

C7-C11 perfluorinated carboxylates (PFACs) and perfluorooctansulfonate (PFOS) were analysed in selected stretches of the River Po and its major tributaries. Analyses were performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Oasis HLB cartridges and methanol elution followed by LC-MS-MS detection using 13C-labelled internal standards. High concentration levels ( approximately 1.3 microg l(-1)) of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were detected in the Tánaro River close to the city Alessandria. After this tributary, levels between 60 and 337 ng l(-1) were measured in the Po River on several occasions. The PFOA concentration close to the river mouth in Ferrara was between 60 and 174 ng l(-1). Using the river discharge flow data in m3 s(-1) at this point (average approximately 920 m3 s(-1) for the year 2006), a mass load of approximately 0.3 kg PFOA per hour or approximately 2.6 tons per year discharged in the Adriatic Sea has been calculated. PFOS concentration levels in the Po River at Ferrara were approximately 10 ng l(-1).     

Phthalates and the aquatic environment: Part II The bioconcentration and depuration of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) in mussels (Mytilus edulis)

Mussels ($\text{Mytilus edulis}$) were exposed to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and to di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) over a period of 28 days. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) as measured by ¹⁴C analysis, reached estimated plateau levels corresponding to mean BCF values of approximately 2500 and 3500 for the DEHP and DIDP respectively. The mussels were then held in clean seawater for a further 14 days and ¹⁴C analysis showed a depuration half-life of approximately 3.5 days for both phthalates. During the whole 42 days of the experiment general observations on the health of the animals showed no evidence of any adverse effects.     

Properties of aminotris (methylenephosphonate) affecting its environmental fate: Degradability,sludge adsorption,mobility in soils,and bioconcentration

In spite of its low aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability ATMP was shown to be quantitatively decomposed in a number of natural and synthetic waters. The primary products formed are iminodi (methylenephosphonate) (IDMP) and the biodegradable hydroxymethylenephosphonate (HMP). Furthermore, IDMP is abiotically degraded yielding HMP and aminomethylenephosphonate (AMP). The latter was shown to be biodegradable under certain environmental conditions. A degradation mechanism similar to that of ATMP was indicated for ethylenediaminetetra (methylenephosphonate) (EDTMP). ATMP was characterized by adsorption studies as having moderate to low mobility in soils. A very low bioconcentration potential of ATMP was demonstrated in a dynamic bioaccumulation fish test.