Mercury in fish in Swedish lakes

The aim of this work has been to try to obtain a picture of the past, present and future mercury situation in fish in Swedish lakes, to make an estimate of the number of lakes threatened by 'blacklisting', and to see if the data can be used to reveal anything about the impact of liming on the Hg content in pike. The register contains a broad set of data from 1456 lakes. The main results are as follows. Trend analyses indicate that the Hg content in 1-kg pike seems to increase with time. This is interesting since there has been a significant decrease in mercury emissions from Swedish industries during the last two decades. High Hg contents in 1-kg pike appear in a very characteristic pattern, linked to specific sources of Hg emission. The data indicate that old Swedish 'sins' are still causing a lot of problems. The factors governing the leakage of Hg from soils to water ought to be a very important topic for further studies. The Hg content in pike shows the highest correlation with the following parameters: Hg in surficial sediments, pH, distance from point source and water hardness, lake water alkalinity and conductivity, water retention time, size of drainage area and lake surface. A formula which provides the best possible degree of explanation (r2 = 0.78) has been derived. At present there are about 250 lakes 'blacklisted' in Sweden due to high Hg content in fish. Our data show that there are at least 9400 lakes that ought to be 'blacklisted' today. A successful liming operation will alter the chemical conditions in lakes and also decrease the Hg content in fish.     

The accumulation of alkylphenols in submersed plants in spring in urban lake, China

The concentrations of alkylphenols (APs) were investigated in water, sediments and submersed macrophytes from the Moon Lake, Wuhan city, China. The water samples contained APs, ranging up to 26.4 microg l-1 for nonylphenol (NP) and 0.68 microg l-1 for octylphenol (OP). APs were found in the sediment samples with concentrations ranging from 4.08 to 14.8 for NP and from 0.22 to 1.25 microg g-1 dry weight for OP. The samples from the site near former sewage inlet showed the highest concentrations of APs in both water and sediments. The results of distribution pattern and dynamics of NP and OP in submersed macrophytes of the Moon Lake showed that the two pollutants were all found in Myriophyllum verticillatum, Elodea nuttallii, Ceratophyllum oryzetorum, and Potamageton crispus collected from the Moon Lake. For NP, M. verticillatum had the highest capacity of accumulation, followed by E. nuttallii, C. oryzetorum and P. crispus. However the distribution pattern of OP differed from that of NP, and the highest amount of accumulation was observed in E. nuttallii, followed by M. verticillatum, P. crispus, and C. oryzetorum. The temporal pattern of APs was also observed in submersed macrophytes from March to May, and the highest accumulation period was in May.     

Differences in Cu content in selected mushroom species growing in the same unpolluted areas in Poland

The aim of the study was to estimate copper (Cu) accumulation efficiency in whole-fruiting bodies of 18 edible and non-edible wild growing mushrooms collected from 27 places in the Wielkopolska Voivodeship. Mushrooms were collected each time from the same places to estimate the diversity in Cu accumulation between tested mushroom species within 3 consecutive years of study (2011–2013). The study results revealed various accumulation of Cu in the whole-tested mushroom fruiting bodies. The highest mean accumulation of Cu was observed in Macrolepiota procera (119.4 ± 20.0 mg kg^?1 dm), while the lowest was in Suillus luteus and Russula fellea fruiting bodies (16.1 ± 3.0 and 18.8 ± 4.6 mg kg^?1 dm, respectively). Significant differences in Cu accumulation between mushroom species collected in 2011 and in the two following years (2012 and 2013) were observed. The results indicated that sporadic consumption of these mushrooms was not related to excessive intake of Cu for the human body (no toxic influence on health).     

Aerosol composition and sources in Urban areas in India

The elemental composition of aerosols over four cities in India was determined by EDXRF over a 1-year period and the results are presented. The crustal element levels in air in all the cities are found to be similar to those reported for urban areas elsewhere in the world while that of anthropogenic elements are lower. The aerosol compositions show a seasonal variation. The levels of crustal elements are higher during summer and decrease with rainfall. The anthropogenic elements are generally higher during winter. The lead levels are essentially from non-auto exhaust sources such as refuse burning, smelter etc., and in three of the cities they are strongly correlated to zinc. The crustal elements are from local soils and no significant crust-air fractionation is seen. Factor analysis of the data suggests between four and six aerosol source types for the four cities. Soil dust accounts for the major fraction of the measured mass. About 68–80 % of the aerosol mass comprising the residuals seems to consist of C, O₂ and N, in particular, which were not measured.     

Rare earth elements in naturally grown fern Dicranopteris linearis in relation to their variation in soils in south-Jiangxi region (southern China)

Ferns (Dicranopteris linearis) and soils, sampled from four rare earth mining areas and one non-mining area locating in South-Jiangxi region, were chosen for analysis of 15 rare earth elements (REEs) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The fern samples were divided into 4 parts: root, stem, petiole, and lamina. The soils of the same sites were also sampled, and 4 soil layers were observed at the profile: A (0-20 cm depth), B (20-150 cm depth), C (150-400 cm depth), and D (rock). The distribution patterns and transportation characteristics of REEs of different soil layers and of different parts of D. linearis were studied. The results showed that in the soil layers, the sigma REE (the sum of the concentrations of 15 REEs) of A layer, as well as B layer were lower than that of C layer, but Ce was relatively concentrated in A layer. The sigma REE of different parts of D. linearis were lamina, root > stem > petiole. The REE distribution patterns of D. linearis root were similar to the total REE distribution patterns of the A layer of their host soils, especially to the soluble REE distribution patterns of the A layer of their host soils. The REEs were fractionated in their transportation in D. linearis. The abundances of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs, Gd to Lu and Y) in the stem, petiole, lamina are lower than those in the root.     

Large-scale spatial variation in mercury concentrations in cattle in NW Spain

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic environmental contaminant and man-made emissions account for between a quarter and a third of total atmospheric levels. Point discharges, particularly coal-burning power stations, are major sources of atmospheric Hg and can result in marked spatial variation in mercury deposition and subsequent uptake by biota. The aims of this study were to quantify the extent to which major point and diffuse sources of atmospheric Hg emissions affected accumulation of Hg by biota throughout Galicia and Asturias, two of the major regions in northwest Spain. We did this by relating renal Hg concentrations in locally reared cattle (n=284) to the proximity of animals to point and diffuse sources of Hg emissions. Mercury residues in calf kidneys ranged between non-detected and 89.4 g/kg wet weight. Point discharges from coal-fired power plants in Galicia had the most dominant impact on Hg accumulation by calves in Galicia, affecting animals throughout the region and explaining some two-thirds of the variation in renal residues between animals located directly downwind from the plants. The effects of more diffuse emission sources on Hg accumulation in calves were not distinguishable in Galicia but were detected in cattle from neighbouring Asturias. The impact of both point and diffuse sources in elevating environmental levels of bioavailable Hg and subsequent accumulation by cattle extended to approximately 140-200 km downwind from source.     

Changes in concentration levels of selected VOCs in newly erected and remodelled building in Gdansk

Volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, butyl acetate, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, styrene and m-dichlorobenzene were measured in three newly erected and remodelled dwellings. The present study also attempted to examine the time dependence of concentrations of selected VOCs in each investigated dwelling. This was accomplished by at least triplicate measurements of the IAQ. To collect a series of air samples the active and passive methods were used. In both cases activated charcoal was applied as a sorption medium. The samples were recovered by solvent extraction, and analysed by capillary column gas chromatography, employing a flame ionisation detector. The experimental results showed that MAC values for analysed VOCs were exceeded (even a few orders of magnitude) for the measurements made before inhabiting of the occupants, in every investigated dwelling. The concentrations of the investigated VOCs decreased significantly with time, which should be expected, although in some cases the levels of selected VOCs remained still high. Our experience indicates that parallel application of two different indoor air sampling techniques to determine analytes of interest, though more laborious and time consuming, can lead to significant conclusions concerning indoor air quality in monitored spaces.     

Multi-Decadal Changes in Snow Characteristics in Sub-Arctic Sweden

A unique long term, 49-year record (divided into three time periods 1961–1976, 1977–1992, and 1993–2009) of snow profile stratigraphy from the Swedish sub Arctic, was analyzed with a focus on changes in snow characteristics. The data set contained grain size, snow layer hardness, grain compactness, and snow layer dryness, observed every second week during the winter season. The results showed an increase in very hard snow layers, with harder snow in early winter and more moist snow during spring. There was a striking increase in the number of observations with very hard snow at ground level over time. More than twice as many occasions with hard snow at ground level were observed between 1993 and 2009 compared to previous years, which may have a significant effect on plants and animals. The changes in snow characteristics are most likely a result of the increasing temperatures during the start and the end of the snow season.     

Trends in summer sulphate in Europe

A trend analysis of the sulphate concentration in Europe in the summer half-year was performed. Data from various measuring networks were analysed, but only stations with quality assured sampling methods and a record of more than 10 years were included in the study. 1978 served as the reference year for the trend, because in that year most stations started operation. The relatively dense network in Belgium provided the most valuable data, as evidenced by the fact that two sites at a distance of only 10 km apart correlated better than 95% over a month. The two sites also show a correlation of better than 90% over a season with two other stations at distances of 45 and 95 km. The relative decrease in summer-sulphate at the four stations in Belgium, as analysed by linear regression, was 3.3% per year which corresponds to an absolute decrease of 0.42 μgm⁻³ per year. In the Netherlands the average yearly decrease in summer-sulphate at two stations was 3.5% (−0.34 μgm⁻³). In other countries stations were further apart or only a single site wits in use, which limits the representativeness of the data. In northwestern Germany, a region with several monitoring stations, a yearly averaged decrease of 3.0% occurred. The lower absolute decrease (0.25 μgm⁻³) per year compared to that in the two neighbouring countries reflects the lower summer-time sulphate concentrations. In the remainder of Germany the average decrease was 1.6%. In South-Scandinavia the yearly relative decrease at two sites was 2.6% (0.13 μgm⁻³ absolute). There was no significant trend in the U.K. Al the Polish station the levels increased, it decreased at the Hungarian and Austrian station and remained constant at the Czechoslovakian site. Reasons for omission of the data from France from the trend analysis are discussed.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon burden in ambient air in selected Niger Delta communities in Nigeria

The Niger Delta area in Nigeria has major oil producing and refining centers that characterized enormous industrial activities, especially in the petroleum sector. These industrial processes release different kinds of atmospheric pollutants, of which there is paucity of information on their levels and health implications. The objective of this study was to determine the ambient levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in communities of a local government area (Eleme) where oil wells, petrochemical installations, a refinery, and a fertilizer complex are located. Respirable particulate matter (PM) in air were collected using Anderson high-volume sampler with PM with aerodynamic diameter > 10 microm (PM10) inlet for collecting filterable, particle-bound PAHs according to standard methods. PAHs were analyzed following standard methods for the 16 World Health Organization (WHO) prioritized components. The results were compared against the levels in another local government area (Ahoada East) with low industrial presence. The average total PAH concentration in Eleme of 9.2 microg/m3 was among the highest in the world; by contrast, the average concentration in Ahoada East was only 0.17 ng/m3. The most prominent PAHs at Eleme were those known to be carcinogenic and included benzo(a)pyrene (1.6 x 10(4) ng/m3 at bubu), benzo(k)fluoranthene (2.4 x 10(4) ng/m3 at Akpajo where a petrochemical is located), pyrene (3.1 x 10(3) ng/m3 at Ogale), and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (9.1 x 10(3) ng/m3 at Akpajo). Data from this study emphasize the need for a comprehensive source apportionment study and an assessment of the health effects of oil production on local communities of Nigeria where no such information currently exists.     

Cypermethrin induced alterations in nitrogen metabolism in freshwater fishes

In the present study, two fresh water fishes namely, Channa punctatus and Clarias batrachus, were exposed to three sub-acute concentrations of synthetic pyrethroid, cypermethrin, for 96 h to evaluate the role of amino acids in fulfilling the immediate energy needs of fishes under pyrethroid induced stress as well as to find out the mechanism of ammonia detoxification. The experiments were designed to estimate the levels of free amino acid, urea, ammonia and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), alanine aminotransferase (AlAT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS) and arginase in some of the vital organs like brain, gills, liver, kidney and muscle of both fish species. The significant decrease in the levels of amino acids concomitant with remarkable increase in the activities of AAT, AlAT and GDH in these vital tissues of fish species elucidated the amino acid catabolism as one of the main mechanism of meeting out the immediate energy demand of the fishes in condition of cypermethrin exposure. The levels of ammonia were significantly increased at 10% of 96 h LC(50) of cypermethrin in the different organs such as brain, gills, liver, kidney and muscle of both fish species while 15% and 20% concentrations of 96 h LC(50) of cypermehrin registered remarkable decline in both fish species. The differential increment in the activities of GDH, GS and arginase and in the level of urea established three different alternative mechanisms of ammonia detoxification. The results indicated that in C. punctatus, the prevalent mode of nitrogen excretion is in the form of conversion of ammonia into glutamine and glutamate while in C. batrachus, the excessive nitrogen is excreted in the form of urea synthesized from ammonia.     

Parameter and observation importance in modelling virus transport in saturated porous media-investigations in a homogenous system

This paper evaluates the importance of seven types of parameters to virus transport: hydraulic conductivity, porosity, dispersivity, sorption rate and distribution coefficient (representing physical-chemical filtration), and in-solution and adsorbed inactivation (representing virus inactivation). The first three parameters relate to subsurface transport in general while the last four, the sorption rate, distribution coefficient, and in-solution and adsorbed inactivation rates, represent the interaction of viruses with the porous medium and their ability to persist. The importance of four types of observations to estimate the virus-transport parameters are evaluated: hydraulic heads, flow, temporal moments of conservative-transport concentrations, and virus concentrations. The evaluations are conducted using one- and two-dimensional homogeneous simulations, designed from published field experiments, and recently developed sensitivity-analysis methods. Sensitivity to the transport-simulation time-step size is used to evaluate the importance of numerical solution difficulties. Results suggest that hydraulic conductivity, porosity, and sorption are most important to virus-transport predictions. Most observation types provide substantial information about hydraulic conductivity and porosity; only virus-concentration observations provide information about sorption and inactivation. The observations are not sufficient to estimate these important parameters uniquely. Even with all observation types, there is extreme parameter correlation between porosity and hydraulic conductivity and between the sorption rate and in-solution inactivation. Parameter estimation was accomplished by fixing values of porosity and in-solution inactivation.     

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in agricultural soils in South Korea

The content and type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in soils from paddy fields and upland areas in South Korea were determined using gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The distribution map of total PAH content was obtained as a contour plot using a geographical information system. The overall distribution of PAH was found to be closely related to the pollution sources, the size of city and the type of industry. The average content of total PAH in all samples was 236 μg kg⁻¹, and the range was from 23.3 to 2834 μg kg⁻¹. The highest concentrations were found in soils sampled near iron processing plants. The concentration of PAH decreased in the order fluoroanthene>benzo(b)fluoroanthene>pyrene. Special PAH compound ratios, such as phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoroanthene/pyrene, were calculated to evaluate the origin. The collected data suggested that the pyrogenic origins such as motor vehicle exhaust and heavy industry emission were the dominant source of PAH in Korean soils.     

Nitrophenols in precipitation

From 1995 to 1998 the concentrations of 4-nitrophenol, 2-methyl-4-nitrophenol, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC) and 2,4-di-nitrophenol were measured monthly by HPLC in precipitation at eight different locations in Bavaria (Germany). Samples were collected by purpose-constructed computerised rainwater samplers which record electronically various sensor data each hour and adjust the sample temperature to 4 degrees C. The highest nitrophenol (NP) concentrations were measured for 4-NP. The median at all locations is higher than 1 microg/l. The median of the other NPs ranges between 0.2 and 0.8 microg/l. Considering the rain amounts the highest depositions were calculated for the regions Spessart, Bayerischer Wald and Chiemgauer Alpen. The median of 4-NP depositions extents to 200 microg/(month m2). The highest medians of the other NP depositions reach approximately 50 microg/(month m2).     

PCDDs and PCDFs in vehicle exhaust particles in Japan.

Vehicle exhaust particles from gasoline and diesel engine cars were analyzed for PCDDs and PCDFs. The congener patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs in exhaust particles were different between gasoline and diesel engine cars. Suspended particulate matter from electrostatic precipitator connected to a highway tunnel was also analyzed for PCDDs and PCDFs. The congener pattern of suspended particular matter was different from both of gasoline and diesel engine cars. Total amounts of PCDDs/PCDFs sum concentrations in gasoline, diesel and suspended particulate matter were 0.21, 0.87 and 26.0 ng/g, respectively. The I-TEQs levels in gasoline, diesel and suspended particulate matter were 4.2, 11 and 242 pg/g, respectively.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in house dust in Singapore

The use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as flame retardants in Singapore is not strictly regulated; therefore these compounds can be readily found in furniture, electronic devices, and building materials. This study was the first of its kind to be conducted in Singapore to measure concentrations of PBDEs in house dust. Samples were collected from 31 homes in various locations across the island-state of Singapore, and a total eight PBDEs congeners were measured. PBDEs were detected in all 31 dust samples and the number of BDE congener detected per home ranged between 3 and 8. The most abundant BDE congeners found were BDE 47, 99 and 209, with a median value of 20 ng g(-1) dust, 24 ng g(-1) dust and 1000 ng g(-1) dust, respectively. BDE 209 contributed 88% to the median of all the congeners, and BDE 47 and 99 contributed 1.8% and 3.5%, respectively. Different congener profiles were observed between this and studies conducted elsewhere, which is consistent with the use of different commercial PBDE around the world. No significant correlations between PBDE dust levels and residential characteristics (number of TVs and computers, floor area or flooring material) were observed. The daily intake of PBDEs via the inhalation pathway was estimated. House dust may be regarded as the most important exposure route of PBDEs for children.     

Hair element concentrations in females in one acid and one alkaline area in southern Sweden

Concentrations of 34 trace elements in hair have been determined in 47 females from an acid region in southern Sweden, who were compared with 43 females from an alkaline area. The concentrations of these elements in hair and drinking water were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The hair concentrations of boron and barium were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in hair samples from the acid region, the hair levels of calcium, strontium, molybdenum, iron, and selenium were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the alkaline region. For some metals, e.g. calcium, lead, molybdenum, and strontium, there were positive correlations between the concentrations in hair and water (rs = 0.34-0.57; p < or = 0.001), indicating the importance of intake from minerals in water. The increased ratio of selenium/mercury concentrations in hair samples obtained in the alkaline district (p < 0.001) indicates that these subjects may have better protection against the toxic effects of mercury.     

Perfluorochemicals in wastewater treatment plants and sediments in Hong Kong

The study reported in this paper examined the concentrations of nineteen perfluorochemicals (PFCs), including perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, carboxylates, and sulfonamides in samples collected from Hong Kong wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and sediments. The study was the first to use an external isolator column to assist in the quantification of PFCs in environmental samples without having to make internal modifications to a liquid chromatography system. Perfluorooctanesulfonate was found to be the dominant PFC pollutant in Hong Kong, and the WWTP sludge was the major sink of PFCs discharged from the urban areas. Compared to discharge influenced by industrial activities, much less perfluorooctanoate was found in waste streams. The significantly lower level of perfluorodecanesulfonate in WWTP sludge reflects the important influence of consumer products on PFC distribution. The dominance of even-chain length perfluoroalkyl carboxylates in all of the WWTP sludge samples investigated further suggests the strong aerobic degradation of fluorotelomer alcohols in WWTPs.     

Biomonitoring of air quality employing in situ Ramalina celastri in Argentina

The lichen Ramalina celastri was employed as an in situ biomonitor for the study of air quality and heavy metal distribution in the central region of the Argentine Republic. The thallus content of copper, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc, nickel and lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Pigments, hydroperoxy conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde and sulfur were also measured. Some of these parameters were used to calculate a pollution index. Geographical distribution patterns were obtained for the different metals by mapping. Thus, zinc shows high levels in industrial and agricultural zones. The highest nickel values were found in urban-industrial zones located at the centre and south of the study area. The same was observed for sulfur. The pollution index distribution map showed that major physiological damage in the biomonitor was found in central and southeastern areas that coincide with Cordoba City and agricultural zones. So, the effect would seem to be related to urban activities and the use of pesticides.     

Longitudinal increases in PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations in human milk in northern China

There is a dearth of information on the temporal changes in polychlorinated dibenzodioxin/furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) contamination, in both environmental and biological specimens, in China. We compared the concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in human milk collected in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, in northern China in 2002 (n=30) and 2007 (n=20). The level of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs showed an increasing trend. The mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs were 4.47 TEQ pg g(-1) fat and 6.24 TEQ pg g(-1) fat in human milk from Shijiazhuang in 2002 and in 2007, respectively. Based on statistical analysis of questionnaire data collected by in-person interviews with mothers, we found positive correlations between consumption of sea fish and PCDFs. The PCDDs, PCDFs, PCDD/Fs, and PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs levels in individuals consuming greater amounts of sea fish were higher than those consuming less sea fish, both with and without adjustments for potential confounding factors. Among 17 congeners of PCDD/Fs, the 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, and 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF congener concentrations in 2007 increased 134%, 55%, 53%, 57%, 65% and 130% when compared to 2002 levels, respectively. The 2007 dl-PCB congener levels were greater than those of the 2002 samples, with the exception of PCB81 and PCB77. Specifically, PCB105, PCB114, PCB118, PCB123 and PCB156 had increased greater than twofold from 2002 to 2007. Continuous surveillance of PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels in human milk is needed to accurately evaluate both environmental contamination and the human health risk to neonates in China.