Identification of Mn-oxide minerals in some soils from Devon,UK, and their varying capacity to adsorb Co and Cu

A number of Mn-oxide minerals in soils from a farm in North Devon have been tentatively identified using a combination of advanced analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning electron microprobe (SEMP), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and bulk chemical analysis by wet digestion followed by inductively-coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). The minerals lithiophorite and hollandite are thought to occur throughout the study area although there is considerable geographical variation in the proportions of minerals present. Bimessite, vernadite, romanechite, todorokite and cryptomelane may also be present, although in smaller amounts. The use of SEMP, together with a simple sorption experiment, has allowed a study of the extent of uptake of Co and Cu by different Mn-oxide minerals. Lithiophorite appears to take up Co and Cu more effectively than hollandite within a pH range of 4–6.     

The influence of anthropogenic and natural geochemical factors on urban soil quality variability: a comparison between Glasgow, UK and Aveiro, Portugal

As part of a harmonised assessment of urban soils (), we investigated the variability of metal content in soils from Aveiro (Portugal) and Glasgow (UK). Samples were collected from parks and other public open spaces in each city. Metal content (Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and basic soil parameters (texture, CEC, pH, organic matter) were determined and data investigated using principal component analysis (PCA). The two cities differ in absolute levels of metal content reflecting industrial and historical development. Factors identified by PCA included anthropogenic (Cu, Pb, Zn), soil properties and geology, which explain variability when data were assessed based on metal content, soil properties and land use. This study highlights the contribution from geological background even in strongly urbanised environments.     

Residential radon concentration in the Abruzzo region (Italy): a different perspective for identifying radon prone areas

Indoor radon is an important risk factor for human health. Indeed radon inhalation is considered the second cause of lung cancer after smoking. During the last decades, in many countries huge efforts have been made in order to measuring, mapping and predicting radon levels in dwellings. Various researches have been devoted to identify those areas within the country where high radon concentrations are more likely to be found. Data collected through indoor radon surveys have been analysed adopting various statistical approaches, among which hierarchical Bayesian models and geostatistical tools are worth noting. The essential goal of this paper regards the identification of high radon concentration areas (the so-called radon prone areas) in the Abruzzo Region (Italy). In order to accurately pinpoint zones deserving attention for mitigation purpose, we adopt spatial cluster detection techniques, traditionally employed in epidemiology. As a first step, we assume that indoor radon measurements do not arise from a continuous spatial process; thus the geographic locations of dwellings where the radon measurements have been taken can be viewed as a realization of a spatial point process. Following this perspective, we adopt and compare recent cluster detection techniques: the simulated annealing scan statistic, the case event approach based on distance regression on the selection order and the elliptic spatial scan statistic. The analysis includes data collected during surveys carried out by the Regional Agency for the Environment Protection of Abruzzo (ARTA) in 1,861 random sampled dwellings across 277 municipalities of the Abruzzo region. The radon prone areas detected by the selected approaches are provided along with the summary statistics of the methods. Finally, the methodologies considered in this paper are tested on simulated data in order to evaluate their power and the precision of cluster location detection.     

Measurement of indoor radon concentration and assessment of doses in different districts of Alexandria city, Egypt

The main objective of this study is to assess the health hazard due to the indoor radon. Measurement studies have been carried out in 56 dwellings belonging to 14 residential areas in Alexandria city, Egypt. Results are obtained using the LR-115 (Type II) alpha track detector in “closed-can” geometry. The dosimeters were installed in bedroom, living room, and the kitchens of each house. For intercomparison purpose, dosimeters are installed in basements, ground floor, and first floor. Measured indoor radon concentrations were found to vary from 15 to 132 Bq m^?3. The average radon concentrations in living room, bedrooms, and kitchen in basements were found to vary from to be 39 ± 10, 63 ± 15 and 81 ± 25 Bq m^?3, respectively. In living room, bedrooms, and kitchen, on ground floor, the average radon concentrations were found to be 35 ± 9, 44 ± 6 and 56 ± 10 Bq m^?3, whereas on first floor, the average values are 29 ± 8, 34 ± 7 and 45 ± 8 Bq m^?3, respectively. The overall mean radon concentration in all surveyed districts has been found to be 44 ± 16 Bq m^?3. The mean annual estimated effective dose received by the residents of the studied area is estimated to be 0.75 mSv. The obtained results are compared with the indoor radon levels prescribed by the International Commission on Radiation Protection and are found to be less than the action level recommended.     

Studies on factors affecting survival of nile fish in the Sudan. I. The effect of hydrogen ion concentration

Young of Tilapia nilotica L. were subjected to acidic and alkaline media of different pH over 24 h periods. Dilute hydrochloric acid was used to lower the hydrogen ion concentration of the test medium. A pH lower than 2.9 resulted in immediate mortality, whereas a pH of 3.5 and above produced no mortality. Alkaline media had no serious effect on survival.     

Assessment of radon concentration and heavy metal contamination in groundwater of Udhampur district,Jammu & Kashmir,India

Radon concentration was measured in water samples of 41 different locations from Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir, India, by using RAD7 and Smart RnDuo monitor. The variation of radon concentration in water ranged from 1.44 ± 0.31 to 63.64 ± 2.88 Bq L^?1, with a mean value of 28.73 Bq L^?1 using RAD7 and 0.64 ± 0.28 to 52.65 ± 2.50 Bq L^?1, with a mean value of 20.30 Bq L^?1 using Smart RnDuo monitor, respectively. About 17.07% of the studied water samples recorded to display elevated radon concentration above the reference range suggested by United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations (UNSCEAR). The mean annual effective dose of these samples was determined, and 78.95% samples were found to be within the safe limits set by World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Council (EU). The study revealed good agreement between the values obtained with two methods. Heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Fe, Cu, Ni, As, Hg, Co, Pb and Cr) were determined in water samples by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer, and their correlation with radon content was also analysed.     

Flows, droughts, and aliens: factors affecting the fish assemblage in a Sierra Nevada, California, stream

The fishes of Martis Creek, in the Sierra Nevada of California (USA), were sampled at four sites annually over 30 years, 1979-2008. This long-term data set was used to examine (1) the persistence and stability of the Martis Creek fish assemblage in the face of environmental stochasticity; (2) whether native and alien fishes responded differently to a natural hydrologic regime (e.g., timing and magnitude of high and low flows); and (3) the importance of various hydrologic and physical habitat variables in explaining the abundances of native and alien fish species through time. Our results showed that fish assemblages were persistent at all sample sites, but individual species exhibited marked interannual variability in density, biomass, and relative abundance. The density and biomass of native fishes generally declined over the period of study, whereas most alien species showed no significant long-term trends. Only alien rainbow trout increased in both density and biomass at all sites over time. Redundancy analysis identified three hydrologic variables (annual 7-day minimum discharge, maximum winter discharge, and number of distinct winter floods) and two habitat variables (percentage of pool habitat and percentage of gravel substrate) that each explained a significant portion of the annual variation in fish assemblage structure. For alien taxa, their proportional contribution to the total fish assemblage was inversely related to mean annual streamflow, one-day maximum discharge in both winter and spring, and the frequency of springtime floods. Results of this study highlight the need for continuous annual monitoring of streams with highly variable flow regimes to evaluate shifts in fish community structure. Apparent successes or failures in stream management may appear differently depending on the time series of available data.     

城市地表汞含量及释放通量影响因素分析

测定了长春市不同类型地表汞含量及其释放通量，分析了地表汞释放通量的影响因素。研究结果表明，不同地表土样的汞含量存在很大的差异；煤炭堆放地和沥青地地表汞含量较高，应引起足够的重视。地表汞释放通量受地表汞含量、地表类型、降水、太阳辐射等因素的影响。降水期间或降水后期地表汞释放通量明显增加。可见，地表汞释放是一个动态过程，随时间和空间而变化。     

Changes in major factors affecting the ecosystem health of the Weihe River in Shaanxi Province, China

Maintenance of the ecosystem health of a river is of great importance for local sustainable development. On the basis of both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the influence of natural variations and human activities on the ecosystem function of the Weihe River, the changes in major factors affecting its ecosystem health are deter- mined, which include： 1） Deficiency of environment flow： since the 1960s, the incoming stream flow shows an obvious decreasing tendency. Even in the low flow period, 80% of the water in the stream is impounded by dams for agriculture irrigation in the Baoji district. As a result, the water flow maintained in the stream for environmental use is very limited. 2） Deterioration of water quality： the concentrations of typical pollutants like Chemical Oxygen Demand （COD） and NH3-N are higher than their maximum values of the Chinese environmental quality standard. Very few fish species can survive in the River. 3） Deformation of water channels： the continuous channel sedimentation has resulted in the decrease in stream gradient, shrinkage of riverbed and the decline in the capability for flood discharge. 4） Loss of riparian vegetation： most riparian land has been occupied by urban construction activities, which have caused the loss of riparian vegetation and biodiversity and further weakened flood control and water purification functions.     

Metals in Cancer irroratus (Crustacea: Decapoda): Concentrations,concentration factors,discrimination factors,correlations

Nine metals were analysed in whole specimens of the decapod crustancean Cancer irroratus, and three in the exoskeleton of Carcinus maenas. In terms of concentrations (expressed as parts per millions) and concentration factors, 2 groups of metals could be distinguished in Cancer irroratus: Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in one group, Ca, Mg, Sr, Na and K in the other group. Na excepted, all the metals had concentration factors significantly higher (P<0.01) than 1. The concentration factor of Na was significantly lower (P<0.01) than 1, demonstrating the existence in C. irroratus of a barrier to the movement of Na into the crustacean from its environment. Studies of coefficients of discrimination (D), in C. irroratus, for metals considered in pairs, showed, in each case that D was significantly different (Plt;0.01) from 1. Only the discrimination factor between, Zn and Mn was less significantly different (0.05lt;Plt;0.1) from 1. Correlations were made between the concentrations of metals and other parameters: water content, size, and ash content. Significant correlations were found, especially in the cases of the pairs Ca?Sr, Na?K, Cu?Zn, and Mn-animal size.     

三唑酮在水中的光化学降解及其影响因素

以太阳光和高压汞灯为光源,研究了水溶液中三唑酮光化学降解的影响因子。结果表明:在不同光源和透光介质下,三唑酮的降解能力从大到小依次为:石英试管 高压汞灯、玻璃试管 高压汞灯、石英试管 太阳光、玻璃试管 太阳光、暗室;水溶液中三唑酮初始浓度越高,其光降解率越低,呈负相关关系;丙酮对三唑酮在水中的光解有极显著的光敏作用,光敏效率与丙酮添加量有显著相关性;三唑酮的光解实质为光氧化作用,溶解氧含量对三唑酮光解有重大影响。     

太湖梅梁湾水体微囊藻毒素含量的季节变化特征及其影响因素研究

采用高效液相色谱法对太湖梅梁湾水体中微囊藻毒素的质量浓度进行春、夏、秋、冬4个季节的监测,分析了梅梁湾水体中微囊藻毒素（MC-RR,MC-YR,MC-LR）质量浓度的季节变化特征及其与水体中总氮、总磷、CODMn和浮游藻类等富营养化指标的相关关系。分析结果表明：MCs夏季（8月份）质量浓度最高,为（0.78±0.99）μg.L-1,其次为春季（5月份）和秋季（11月份）,分别为（0.43±0.96）和（0.50±1.12）μg.L-1,冬季（2月份）质量浓度显著降低,为（0.14±0.27）μg.L-1;水体中MCs的检出质量浓度与常规水化学指标之间相关性分析表明：MC-LR的质量浓度与TP的质量浓度呈极显著正相关与TN/TP呈极显著负相关（P〈0.01）,与CODMn呈显著正相关（P〈0.05）;水体中MCs的检出质量浓度与浮游藻类生物量相关性分析表明：水体中MCs的检出质量浓度与微囊藻及蓝藻生物量有显著相关关系,太湖梅梁湾的藻毒素主要由微囊藻属（Microcystis）产生。     

太湖梅梁湾水体微囊藻毒素含量的季节变化特征及其影响因素研究

采用高效液相色谱法对太湖梅梁湾水体中微囊藻毒素的质量浓度进行春、夏、秋、冬4个季节的监测,分析了梅梁湾水体中微囊藻毒素(MC-RR,MC-YR,MC-LR)质量浓度的季节变化特征及其与水体中总氮、总磷、CODMn和浮游藻类等富营养化指标的相关关系。分析结果表明:MCs夏季(8月份)质量浓度最高,为(0.78±0.99)μg.L-1,其次为春季(5月份)和秋季(11月份),分别为(0.43±0.96)和(0.50±1.12)μg.L-1,冬季(2月份)质量浓度显著降低,为(0.14±0.27)μg.L-1;水体中MCs的检出质量浓度与常规水化学指标之间相关性分析表明:MC-LR的质量浓度与TP的质量浓度呈极显著正相关与TN/TP呈极显著负相关(P<0.01),与CODMn呈显著正相关(P<0.05);水体中MCs的检出质量浓度与浮游藻类生物量相关性分析表明:水体中MCs的检出质量浓度与微囊藻及蓝藻生物量有显著相关关系,太湖梅梁湾的藻毒素主要由微囊藻属(Microcystis)产生。     

Soil uranium,basement radon and lung cancer in Illinois,USA

Using counties as the sampling unit, a significant association between the chemical form of uranium occurring in soils with basement radon levels was found (Spearman r, 0.266; p > |r|, 0.007). Uranium atoms dispersed throughout the soil matrix are efficient emanators of Rn to soil gas, whereas Rn that is trapped diffuses very slowly from the several U-bearing minerals in Illinois soils and does not contribute significantly to explaining basement Rn. Basement Rn level is correlated with annual incidence of male and female lung cancers. Dispersed U is correlated with annual incidence of lung cancer in females with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.162 (p > |r|, 0.104) and males of 0.177 (p > |r|, 0.075).     

三唑酮在水中的光化学降解及其影响因素

以太阳光和高压汞灯为光源，研究了水溶液中三唑酮光化学降解的影响因子。结果表明：在不同光源和透光介质下，三唑酮的降解能力从大到小依次为：石英试管＋高压汞灯、玻璃试管＋高压汞灯、石英试管＋太阳光、玻璃试管＋太阳光、暗室；水溶液中三唑酮初始浓度越高，其光降解率越低，呈负相关关系；丙酮对三唑酮在水中的光解有极显著的光敏作用，光敏效率与丙酮添加量有显著相关性；三唑酮的光解实质为光氧化作用，溶解氧含量对三唑酮光解有重大影响。     

Arsenic in garden soils and vegetable crops in Cornwall,England: Implications for human health

Total concentrations of arsenic in surface (0–15cm) garden soils in the historical mining area of Hayle-Camborne-Godolphin, Cornwall, England are large and range widely (144–892 g/g). Amounts of water soluble and acid-fluoride extractable soil arsenic are significantly correlated with total content.Examination of 6 salad and vegetable crops grown in 32 gardens has shown arsenic concentrations in the edible tissues to be only slightly elevated. There were strong correlations between arsenic in beetroot, lettuce, onion and peas and soil arsenic (total, water soluble and acid extractable). Regression equations have been calculated. Ridge regression analysis applied to test the importance of other soil variables has shown both iron and phosphorus to influence the uptake of arsenic.Arsenic in all the vegetables sampled was below the statutory limit in the U.K. of 1 mg/kg fresh weight. Implications for health should be assessed in relation to other exposure routesvia water, air and directly ingested dust and soil.     

Geological factors controlling occurrence and distribution of arsenic in groundwaters from the southern margin of the Duero Basin,Spain

Groundwater from springs and boreholes on the southern edge of the Cenozoic Duero Basin (DB) of Spain has concentrations of arsenic (As) which are commonly above the EC drinking-water limit of 10 μg/L and reach observed values up to 241 μg/L. Groundwater compositions within the sedimentary aquifer vary from Ca–HCO₃ type, variably affected by evaporation and agricultural pollution at shallow levels, to Na–HCO₃ compositions in deeper boreholes of the basin. Groundwater conditions are mainly oxidising, but reducing groundwaters exist in sub-basins within the aquifer, localised flow paths likely being influenced by basement structure. Arsenic concentrations are spatially variable, reaching up to 38 μg/L in springs of the Spanish Central System (SCS) basement aquifer and up to 62 μg/L in springs from the DB. Highest As concentrations are associated with the Na–HCO₃ compositions in deep boreholes (200–450 m depth) within the DB. These have high pH values (up to 9.6) which can give rise to associated elevated concentrations of V and U (up to 64 and 30 μg/L, respectively). In the deep borehole waters of the DB, oxidising flows derived from the mineralised igneous–metamorphic basement and discharging via major faults, and are considered the origin of the higher concentrations. Compositions are consistent with desorption of As and other anionic species from metal oxyhydroxides in an oxic environment. Under locally reducing conditions prevalent in some low-flow parts of the DB, an absence of detectable dissolved As is coincident with low or undetectable SO₄ concentrations, and consistent with loss via formation of authigenic sulphide minerals. Mitigation measures are needed urgently in this semi-arid region where provision of alternative sources of safe drinking water is logistically difficult and expensive.     

北方典型城市降尘时空分布特征及影响因素分析

降尘部分反映大气污染情况,是土壤中污染物的主要来源之一,分析其分布特征并探明其影响因素将为区域环境质量改善提供数据支持.文章通过对1997-2006年沈阳市81个大气降尘监测点位数据进行统计分析发现,沈阳市降尘量总体呈下降趋势,月平均降尘量由1997年的23.05 t·km-2·month-1下降至2006年的17.36 t·km-2·month-1,采暖期降尘量高于非采暖期;沈阳市各城区降尘量大小顺序为:于洪区>沈河区>和平区>大东区>铁西区>东陵区>皇姑区;对比同期环境质量公报与气象数据,推断燃煤和区域气象条件是影响沈阳市降尘的重要内在和外来因素.