Metal Contamination of Sediments and Soils of Bayou Saint John: A Potential Health Impact to Local Fishermen?

This research examines the pattern of sediment contamination of an urban bayou of New Orleans (formerly a natural waterway) and the potential for human exposure from consumption of fish caught in the bayou. Sediments and soils of Bayou Saint John were evaluated for lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd). Sediment cores were collected at bridges (n = 130) and sites between the bridges (n = 303) of the bayou. In addition, soil samples (n = 66) were collected along the banks of the bayou. Sediments below the bridges contain significantly more (p-value approximately 10(-7)) Pb and Zn (medians of 241 and 230 mg kg(-1), respectively) than bayou sediments located between bridges (medians of 64 and 77 mg kg(-1), respectively). Sediments below bridges of the upper reaches of the bayou contain significantly larger amounts of metals (p < 10(-14) for Pb and Zn and p approximately 10(-8) for Cd) (medians of 329, 383 and 1.5, respectively) than sediments below bridges in the lower reaches of the bayou (medians of 43, 31 and 0.5 for Pb, Zn and Cd, respectively). Likewise, medians for sediments located between bridges contain significantly (p < 10(-14)) higher quantities of Pb, Zn and Cd (170, 203 and 1.8 mg kg(-1), respectively) in the upper bayou than Pb, Zn, and Cd (48, 32, and 0.8 mg kg(-1), respectively) in the lower reaches of the bayou. The potential risk for human exposure may be magnified by the fact that fishing generally occurs from the numerous bridges that cross the bayou. Poor and minority people do most of the fishing. Most people (87%) indicated they ate fish they caught from the Bayou.     

Source and Distribution of Heavy Metals in Food†

Diet is the major route of exposure to contaminants, therefore food monitoring programs are essential to estimate the degree of human risk. We present a study undertaken in Austria dealing with the total uptake of mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead. The dates were calculated from diet as well as from commercial food. Higher contaminated foodstuffs are registered and a comparison was made between body burden of babies and adults on the basis of bodyweight. It was pointed out, that cooked or washed food ready to eat has a lower burden of lead and cadmium than non prepared food due to household processing, which may decontaminate food to some extent’ Arsenic content was not reduced, because it is bound chemically and not primarily deposited on the surface of food such as in the case of lead. It was mentioned that the type of compound plays an important role in the assessment of action of those elements on humans.

Their biological activity is not necessarily related to their concentration in food. As in the case of selenium and chromium one has to take into consideration that there is a narrow range between benefit and harm, toxicity, and minor supply.

Therefore we conclude, that due to interactions of elements, their different biological activity and due to the difference of compounds present in food, we have to relativate the terms toxicity and essentiality. Then we can get a more profound insight into the problems of trace elements in food.     

深圳市农林土壤重金属累积现状及风险评价研究（Heavy Metal Accumulation Characters and Risk Assessment in the Soil of Agriculture and Forest of Shenzhen Area）

为探讨深圳市农林土壤重金属的污染现状,系统采集了深圳市菜地、果园、林地和荒地4种土地利用的52个土壤样品,测定了Cu、Pb、Cd、Zn、Cr、Ni6种重金属的全量,对深圳市农林土壤重金属20余年来的累积状况进行了分析并进行了初步的风险评价.结果发现,深圳农林土壤均存在不同程度的重金属累积,总体而言,Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr和Ni的累积较轻,Zn的最大含量尚未超过其80年代末背景值的最大值;Cd的累积最为严重,其最大含量已为背景最大值的16倍.以GB15618-1995为标准,对深圳农林土壤的重金属风险进行评价后发现,Cu的污染最轻,仅20%的菜地土壤超过国家一级标准,Pb50%超过国家一级标准,但尚未超过二级标准;Zn、Cr和Ni均有一定比例的样点超过二级标准,最少4%,最高50%,但未有超过三级标准的样点;Cd的风险最大,不仅有大量超过一、二级标准的样点,而且超过三级标准的样点也占有一定的比例(菜地、果园、林地和荒地土壤中Cd含量超过三级标准的比例分别为10%、23%、29%和50%).深圳农林土壤中的Cd污染应该引起相关部门的重视.     

Metal speciation in sediments of polluted and non‐polluted lakes

A five‐step extraction procedure for metal speciation studies (copper, lead, nickel, manganese and zinc) was applied to the analysis of lake sediments characterised by different environmental features. A different partition of metals into the several metal forms was observed. Both the metal fraction sorbed or co‐precipitated on hydrous Mn‐oxides (especially lead and zinc) and that bound to organic matter (especially copper) are high in some samples. A prevalently anthropogenic origin of these metals may be hypothesised on the basis of existing knowledge of the equilibrium and change phenomena occurring among water, particulate and sediments. Conversely, the non‐solubilised forms of metals are abundant in the sediments of lakes that are certainly not polluted. The concentration of manganese is very high in the sediments of Antarctic lakes; sequential extractions show its lithogenic origin. In conclusion, a knowledge of the different types of metal associations in sediments and their percentage can facilitate understanding of both natural and anthropogenic metal enrichment of aquatic systems.     

废电池中重金属溶出特性及对海洋生物的毒性效应(Dissolved Characteristics of Heavy Metal in Waste Battery and Toxic Effect on Marine Organisms)

针对渔用废电池被大量丢弃在海洋中的现象,分别开展了废电池中主要重金属离子溶出特性试验和废电池浸出液对不同海洋生物急性毒性效应的研究.试验结果显示,在盐度为20的40L海水中自然浸泡状态下(45节电池),松下一号锌锰废电池溶出液中铅、镉、汞溶出浓度不断增加,但溶出速率较慢.单节电池在第60d,铅、镉和汞溶出总量分别为2.08μg、0.52μg和0.60μg,溶出率分别为0.004%、0.018%和1.263%;第210d铅、镉和汞溶出总量分别为28.76μg、6.38μg和1.02μg,溶出率分别为0.057%、0.224%和2.147%.一节废电池中铅、镉和汞总量在1L海水中全部溶出后浓度分别可达到50445μg·L-1、2850μg·L-1和47.5μg·L-1,分别是我国渔业水质标准(GB11607-89)的1009倍、570倍和95倍.废电池浸出液对不同受试生物的急性毒性试验结果表明,当废电池浸出液混合浓度中铅、镉和汞浓度分别为3.39μg·L-1、0.64μg·L-1和0.76μg·L-1时(45节电池40L海水浸泡60d),对黑鲷、脊尾白虾和缢蛏的96h半致死浓度值分别为溶出液混合浓度的5.13%、4.87%和6.71%,废电池浸出液中各重金属离子对海洋生物毒性具有非常强的协同作用.在鱼、虾、贝三类受试生物中,贝类对废电池溶出液毒性的耐受能力最强,鱼类次之,虾类最弱.     

重金属污染对土壤微生物生态功能的影响（Effects of Heavy Metal Pollutions on the Ecological Functions of Soil Microbes：A Review）

数量庞大、种类繁多的土壤微生物作为地球化学的物质循环与能量转换的主要参与者,其自身及所参与的生化过程都会受到重金属污染的严重影响. 通过研究土壤重金属污染的微生物生态效应,可以建立重金属污染土壤的微生物评价指标体系,而评价体系的建立有利于土壤环境质量的监测与风险评价. 论文就重金属污染对土壤微生物生物量及其多样性,对有机质降解、N传输、酶活性等微生物过程影响的研究现状进行了较全面系统的评述. 在此基础上,提出了该类研究中存在的问题,包括研究区域南多北少的问题以及研究中难以排除其他环境因子干扰等问题. 针对这些问题,论文指出以后应进一步加强分子手段的多方位应用并建立综合可行的被污染土壤的微生物评价体系.     

基于不同土地利用方式的深圳市农用地土壤重金属污染评价（Evaluation of the Heavy Metal Pollution in Different Agricultural Soils of Shenzhen City）

为探讨深圳市农林土壤重金属的污染现状,分菜地、果园、林地和荒地等4种不同的土地利用类型,共采集了52个表层土壤样品,采用原子吸收法测定了其重金属Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr和Ni全量,单项污染指数法和内梅罗综合指数法评价了6种重金属在土壤中的污染现状.评价结果显示,部分土壤样点存在较为严重的重金属污染,Cd的污染最为严重,Cu的污染最轻;不同用地类型下的污染等级不同,荒地处于尚清洁(警戒限)水平,菜地和林地处于轻度污染水平,果园处于中度污染水平,全市农用地土壤处于轻度污染水平.     

Identification of Tsuga Germplasm by Morphological Characters and RAPD Markers

Germplasm collection is important to preserve and maximize genetic diversity for germplasm conservation. Tsuga dumosa （ D. Don） Eichler in Engler ＆ Prantl. and T. chinensis var. forrestii （Downie） Silba germplasm was collected from three localities in China： Mt. Yulong, Wenfeng Temple and Mt. Dishiergu, Yunnan Province. Accessions were identified based on morphological characters and RAPD markers. The shapes of the apices and margins of needles were examined, and the length and width of needles, cones and seeds from accessions of mature plants were used to compare the morphological differences and to identify the germplasm. Molecular markers generated by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） were also used to characterize the taxa. Although the clustering based on RAPD markers was inconsistent with the morphological characters of the needles, based on the overall morphological characters and on RAPD markers, the accessions from Mt. Yulong and Wenfeng Temple were identified as T. chinertsis var. forrestii, and those from Mt. Dishiergu identified as T. dumosa. Taxonomic identification of the accessions was made based on morphology and by RAPD markers concurred. The results indicate that the shapes of the apices and margins of needles particularly from young plants could not be used as a possible key to identify T. dumosa and T. chinertsis var. forrestii. Fig 6, Tab 3, Ref24     

土地利用/覆被变化（LUCC）与土壤重金属积累的关系研究进展（Research Review of the Relationship between Land Use/Cover Change and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Soil）

土壤重金属污染是世界性环境问题之一.土地利用/覆被变化(LUCC)是最主要的环境演变驱动因子之一.为明晰LUCC对土壤重金属积累和污染的影响,根据前人研究,从场地、县域和流域/区域尺度总结了LUCC和土壤重金属污染的关系.研究发现,三个尺度上土地利用方式和覆被类型/格局是控制土壤重金属空间积累和分布的重要因子,土地利用/覆被可以直接吸纳或吸附重金属,亦能通过改变土壤物理、化学和生物性质从而控制重金属在土壤中的移动性和活性,造成土壤中重金属的积累直至污染.此外,论文阐明了LUCC在土壤重金属污染风险预测、规避和污染土壤修复中的重要作用,最后提出了在实践中通过调整土地利用/覆被类型进行污染土壤修复的建议.寓景观生态学思想于土壤重金属污染防治过程是一种新的有效途径.     

Formation of 2,3,7,8‐tetrabromodibenzodioxin and ‐furan by thermolysis of polymers containing brominated flame retardants

Several plastic products which are used in areas exposed to fire hazards contain flame retardants. A group of important flame retardants are brominated aromatic compounds, and it is believed that they thermally generate polybrominated dibenzodioxins (PBrDD) and dibenzofurans (PBrDF).

The formation of 2,3,7,8‐Tetrabromodibenzodioxin (TBrDD) and ‐Tetrabromodibenzofuran (TBrDF) from various plastics with brominated flame retardants under different thermolysis conditions is presented. At 600 °C, 2,3,7,8‐TBrDD and ‐TBrDF in concentrations of 0.01–7 and 0.01–6 ppm, respectively, are formed from plastics containing decabromodiphenylether or polybromodiphenylether as flame retardant. With increasing temperature the concentration of these isomers decreases until they are no longer detectable above 800 °C (detection limit: 0.01 ppm).

The hypothetical reaction pathways for the formation of 2,3,7,8‐TBrDD and ‐TBrDF by thermolysis of decabromodiphenylether are proposed.

The solubility and photochemical properties of 2,3,7,8‐TBrDD in different solvents are given.     

Cleanup by solid‐phase extraction and HPLC of organochlorine insecticides and PCBS in various nonfatty and fatty samples

An accurate, simple and cheap extraction and cleanup procedure for capillary GC analysis of organo‐chlorine insecticides (OCs) in vegetables (cabbage and carrots) at the ng/g level, and for soil at the μg/g level is presented. The cleanup is carried out on solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, filled with 500 mg silica, 1 g of deactivated Florisil (10% w/w water), and 100 mg of anhydrous sodium sulphate. Recoveries >90% are obtained. The cleanup of OCs in fatty samples on an HPLC LiChrosorb Si 100 column is evaluated for subsequent capillary GC analysis. Fractionation of OCs and Aroclor 1254 and 1260 on an HPLC Nucleosil 100 column appears to be satisfactory.     

Removal of nitrogen and phosphorus by eight strains of microalgae and their growth characteristics in Penaeus vannamei sewage北大核心CSCD

Microalgae are the most important primary productive forces in shrimp aquaculture systems. Microalgae not only provide oxygen and natural food for aquaculture objects, but they also absorb nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to reduce water eutrophication. However, there are great differences in N and P absorption among different strains of microalgae. To maintain the sustainable development of shrimp aquaculture, the growth performances of eight microalgal strains in Penaeus vannamei sewage and N and P removal rates were investigated under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that the eight microalgal strains could reduce the N and P content in P. vannamei sewage to some extent. Microcystis aeruginosa, Chlamydomonas sp., and Chlorella pyrenoidosa grew very well, with average growth rates of 0.309 3, 0.246 9, and 0.215 5, respectively. There were significant differences in the removal efficiency among the different strains. The removal rates of total N by M. aeruginosa, Chlamydomonas sp., and C. pyrenoidosa were 74%, 69%, and 60%, respectively, at the end of the experiment, which were higher than the other species. M. aeruginosa and Chlamydomonas sp. had better total P removal efficiency than those of the other microalgal strains and removal rates were greater than 60%, and the second highest total P removal efficiency was by C. pyrenoidosa. Different types of microalgal strains had different absorption rates of different morphological nitrogen. M. aeruginosa and Chlamydomonas sp. had the highest nitrate nitrogen removal rate (approximately 70%). Chlamydomonas sp. had a fast and persistent removal rate of ammonia nitrogen, with the removal rate being as high as 100%. The removal efficiency of M. aeruginosa and C. pyrenoidosa were a little slower, and those of Scenedesmus obliquus, Synedra sp., and Navicula graciloides were the slowest. After 16 d, the removal rate reached more than 90%. Cryptomonas obovate and C. pyrenoidosa displayed the best removal rate of nitrite nitrogen, and the removal rate reached 80% on day 8, and the removal rate of C. obovata was more persistent. These results can provide scientific reference for the orientation and use of microalgae to remove pollutants in tailings water from shrimp aquaculture systems. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Metal associations in anoxic sediments and changes following upland disposal†

The ecological effects of heavy metals in contaminated sediments are more determined by the chemical form and reactivity than by the level of accumulation. Dredging of anoxic sediments and disposal on land is attended by changes of redox conditions. Under oxidizing conditions some controlling solid compounds may change gradually thus changing the solubility of certain metals.

Chemical extraction experiments for estimating characteristic association forms of heavy metals in anoxic sediments were carried out, both under presence and absence of air during the analytical procedure. Drying of the sediment decreases the proportion of the sulfidic metal fractions to a stronger degree, and oxidized Cd and Zn are found in the most available, exchangeable fraction.

With respect to long‐term effects acidification of poorly buffered sludges after disposal on land is probably the most important factor affecting metal associations and mobility. For many metal examples a linear relationship has been found between decreasing pH values and increasing dissolved metal concentrations. To quantify these relationships and for better comparison of samples a simple test procedure is proposed which is based on pH differences before and after addition of acid.     

Arsenic and chromate removal from water by iron chips—Effects of anions

The purpose of this study is to estimate the removal efficiency of As and Cr (VI) by one kind of industrial waste — iron chips, as well as to estimate the effects of typical inorganic anions (sulfate, phosphate, and nitrate), and typical organic anions (citrate, oxalate, and humate) on As or Cr (VI) removal. The results showed that 98% of As (V) and 92% of As (III) could be removed from aqueous phase by the iron chips within 60 min. Compared with As species, Cr (VI) was removed much more rapidly and efficiently with 97% of Cr (VI) being removed within 25 min. The removal efficiency for arsenic was in the order: As (III) (sulfate), As (III) (nitrate) or As (III), As (III) (humate), As (III) (oxalate), As (III) (citrate), As (III) (phosphate), and for chromate was in the order: Cr (VI) (sulfate), Cr (VI) (phosphate) or Cr (VI) (nitrate) or Cr (VI) (oxalate), Cr (VI), Cr (VI) (citrate), Cr (VI) (humate). In all the treatments, pH level increased with time except for As (III), the removal of which was either without anions or in the presence of humate or nitrate.     

Formation of polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated benzenes by heating of bis(2,4‐dichlorobenzoyl) peroxide

The formation of di‐, tri‐, and tetrachlorobenzenes, and di‐ to hexachlorobiphenyls was demonstrated after thermal degradation of bis(2,4‐dichlorobenzoyl) peroxide alone or in various solvents at 250 °C with yields of up to several percent. Possible radical reactions between solvents and the solute are suggested. PCB congeners are also present in silicone rubber crosslinked by this peroxide.     

Biosorption of Cr（VI） by carbonized Eupatorium adenophorum and Buckwheat straw： thermodynamics and mechanism

High quality and low cost carbon can be prepared from Eupatorium adenophorum （E. adenophorum） and Buckwheat straw. The biosorbent was used for Cr（VI） removal. The effect of experimental parameters, such as pH, sorbent dosage and temperature were examined and the optimal experimental condition was determned. Solution pH is found influencing the adsorp- tion. Cr（VI） removal efficiency is found to be maximum （98%） at pH= 1. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were applicable to the adsorption process and their constants were evaluated. The adsorption data obtained agreed well with the Langmuir sorption isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cr（VI） ranged from 46.23 to 55.19mg.g^-1 for temperature between 298 K and 308 K under the condition of pH = 1.0. Thermodynamic parameters such as free energy change （AG）, enthalpy （AH） and entropy （AS） indicate a spontaneous, endothermic and increased randomness nature of Cr（VI） adsorption. Studies found that the raw E. adenophorum and buckwheat straw mixed materials with simple treatment had a high efficiency for the removal of Cr（VI） and would be a promising adsorbent.     

In vitro kinetic characterization of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by organophosphate and carbamate compounds in food animals

Organophosphate, dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyldimethylphosphate, DDVP), and diazinon (DZN) as well as carbamates are currently found in contaminated water, dust, soil, agricultural waste, and elsewhere in the environment, and can be harmful after accidental or deliberate exposure. Intoxication by these compounds causes a generalized cholinergic crisis due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), whose major physiological role in mammalian tissues is in nervous transmission. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was found to be higher for carbaryl than DDVP and DZN, about 3–4 times in liver and about 4–6 times in muscles. The half time (t _1/2) of inhibition (8?µmol?L^?1 DDVP or DZN; 40?µmol?L^?1 carbaryl) ranged between 4 and 16?min and decreased as follows: pig?>?cattle?>?sheep for liver tissue, and cattle?>?sheep?>?pig for muscle. Rate constants of inhibition (k _i) ranged between 43?×?10^?3 and 168?×?10^?3?min^?1 for liver and from 46?×?10^?3 to 115?×?10^?3?min^?1 for muscles. Very little residual AChE activity (<6.1%) was seen in liver, but more was seen in muscle (<17%).     

Metal pollution status of Tajan River – Northern Iran

The monitoring of surface water quality of rivers is crucial to protect aquatic life and receiving water bodies of economic importance. The aim of the current study was to examine selected physicochemical parameters of River Tajan due to its ecological importance in Iran. Water samples from nine points covering the entire Tajan River and Caspian Sea estuary were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), carbonates, chlorides and selected heavy metals including zinc, cadmium, lead and chromium. The pH and levels of EC, TDS, chlorides, carbonates and all metals were within the USEPA reference guidelines for surface water quality standards. Although these water quality parameters are considered safe, continuous monitoring and assessment is recommended in order to protect the coastal receiving waters of Caspian Sea which serves as a tourist attraction in northern Iran.     

Metal binding capacity of soft acid,organic‐rich waters

Organic carbon from one stream and two ponds in South Carolina was fractionated into five nominal molecular diameter fractions by ultrafiltration. The concentrations associated with and binding capacity for Ca, Cd, Cu and Pb were determined for each fraction. The distribution of organic carbon among ultrafilter fractions varied from water to water, with the largest percentage occurring in the smaller fractions. Calcium was associated with each of the fractions isolated from each of the three waters, indicating Ca is bound to organics in all fractions, however, more than 99% of the Ca which passed the smallest ultrafilter was removed by cationic exchange resin. Each fraction bound more Ca than Cd, Cu or Pb except in a few cases where Pb binding was greater. All of the organic fractions had their Ca++ binding sites saturated. Calcium was not an effective competitive ion against Cd, Cu or Pb for organic binding sites. The total Cu binding capacity was less than that of Ca or Pb but similar to that of Cd. Naturally occurring organics bound more Pb than Cd or Cu but less than Ca. Saturation of Cu binding sites was less than 20% in most ultrafilter fractions except that with a nominal molecular weight of between 10,000 and 300,000 where the percent of saturation was as much as 60%. Approximately 50% of the Cu was removed onto anionic exchange resin in two waters while more than 90% was removed from water with a high organic content. Percent saturation of Cd and Pb binding sites ranged from 0.091% to 5.4% and 0.059% to 1.5%, respectively. All ions tested effectively competed with Cd, Cu or Pb for some but not all binding sites, indicating that organic binding sites were heterogeneous. A generalized order of metal‐organic stabilities based on competition for binding sites is Al>Cd>Pb>Cu>Ni = Mg=Zn = Mn>Ca. Both Cd+2 and Al+3 effectively out competed Pb++ and Cd and Pb out competed Cu for most organic binding sites.