Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, mercury, cadmium, copper, selenium, arsenic, and zinc in the harbour seal, Phoca vitulina, in Norwegian waters

Residue levels of the chlorinated hydrocarbons polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), total DDT, alpha-, beta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and oxychlordane in blubber, and the elements mercury, cadmium, copper, selenium, arsenic, and zinc in liver, of 82 harbour seals, Phoca vitulina, were determined. The seals were found dead or dying in Norwegian waters during the disease outbreak caused by a morbilli virus in 1988. Of the chlorinated hydrocarbons, the highest concentrations were found of PCBs, which were 2-4 times higher than the total DDT concentrations. P,p'-DDE was the main contributor to the total DDT, and constituted about 80%. The PCB and total DDT concentrations ranged from 0.4-38 and 0.1-8.8 mg kg(-1), respectively. The mercury concentrations ranged from 0.1-89 mg kg(-1). Significantly higher mean levels of PCBs (13 mg kg(-1) and mercury (16 mg kg(-1)) were found in blubber and liver, respectively, of seals from the Southern coast of Norway, as compared to the corresponding mean levels in seals from the Oslofjord (8.8 and 4.1 mg kg(-1)), and at the Northwestern coast (5.8 and 7.9 mg kg(-1)), respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the concentrations of selenium and mercury. When the seals were grouped according to sex and age, females of ageclass > 1 and pups of both sexes had significantly lower PCB and total DDT levels than males ageclass > 1. Significantly higher hepatic mercury levels were found in seals ageclass > 1 as compared to pups. Only low levels of the other organochlorines, cadmium and arsenic, were found. Copper and zinc were considered to be present at normal physiological levels. The present organochlorine and heavy metal concentrations gave no support to suggestions that organochlorines and heavy metal pollution may be directly involved in the observed seal deaths.     

Effects of elevated CO2, nitrogen supply and tropospheric ozone on spring wheat-II. Nutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn)

CO(2) enrichment is expected to alter leaf demand for nitrogen and phosphorus in plant species with C(3) carbon dioxide fixation pathway, thus possibly causing nutrient imbalances in the tissues and disturbance of distribution and redistribution patterns within the plants. To test the influence of CO(2) enrichment and elevated tropospheric ozone in combination with different nitrogen supply, spring wheat (Tritium aestivum L. cv. Minaret) was exposed to three levels of CO(2) (361, 523, and 639 microl litre(-1), 24 h mean from sowing to final harvest), two levels of ozone (28.4 and 51.3 nl litre(-1)) and two levels of nitrogen supply (150 and 270 kg ha(-1)) in a full-factorial design in open-top field chambers. Additional fertilization experiments (120, 210, and 330 kg N ha(-1)) were carried out at low and high CO(2) levels. Macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and three micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn) were analysed in samples obtained at three different developmental stages: beginning of shoot elongation, anthesis, and ripening. At each harvest, plant samples were separated into different organs (green and senescent leaves, stem sections, ears, grains). According to analyses of tissue concentrations at the beginning of shoot elongation, the plants were sufficiently equipped with nutrients. Elevated ozone levels neither affected tissue concentrations nor shoot uptake of the nutrients. CO(2) and nitrogen treatments affected nutrient uptake, distribution and redistribution in a complex manner. CO(2) enrichment increased nitrogen-use efficiency and caused a lower demand for nitrogen in green tissues which was reflected in a decrease of critical nitrogen concentrations, lower leaf nitrogen concentrations and lower nitrogen pools in the leaves. Since grain nitrogen uptake during grain filling depended completely on redistribution from vegetative pools in green tissues, grain nitrogen concentrations fell considerably with severe implications for grain quality. Ca, S, Mg and Zn in green tissues were influenced by CO(2) enrichment in a similar manner to nitrogen. Phosphorus concentrations in green tissues, on the other hand, were not, or only slightly, affected by elevated CO(2). In stems, 'dilution' of all nutrients except manganese was observed, caused by the huge accumulation of water soluble carbohydrates, mainly fructans, in these tissues under CO(2) enrichment. Whole shoot uptake was either remarkably increased (K, Mn, P, Mg), nearly unaffected (N, S, Fe, Zn) or decreased (Ca) under CO(2) enrichment. Thus, nutrient cycling in plant-soil systems is expected to be altered under CO(2) enrichment.     

Lead,mercury, cadmium,chromium, nickel,copper, zinc,calcium, iron,manganese and chromium (VI) levels in Nigeria and United States of America cement dust

This study was aimed at investigating the relative abundance of heavy metals in cement dust from different cement dust factories in order to predict their possible roles in the severity of cement dust toxicity. The concentrations of total mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and chromium (VI) (Cr (VI)) levels in cement dust and clinker samples from Nigeria and cement dust sample from the United States of America (USA) were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAAS), while Zn and Ca were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS), and Cr (VI) by colorimetric method. Total Cu, Ni and Mn were significantly higher in cement dust sample from USA (p < 0.05), also, both total Cr and Cr (VI) were 5.4–26 folds higher in USA cement dust compared with Nigeria cement dust or clinker (p < 0.001). Total Cd was higher in both Nigeria cement dust and clinker (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), respectively. Mercury was more in both Nigeria cement dust and clinker (p < 0.05), while Pb was only significantly higher in clinker from Nigeria (p < 0.001). These results show that cement dust contain mixture of metals that are known human carcinogens and also have been implicated in other debilitating health conditions. Additionally, it revealed that metal content concentrations are factory dependent. This study appears to indicate the need for additional human studies relating the toxicity of these metals and their health impacts on cement factory workers.     

Half-lives of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, and octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in rats,monkeys, and humans--a critical review

The elimination half-lives (t1/2) in Sprague-Dawley rats for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 1,2, 3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD), 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HxCDD), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HpCDD) and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) were estimated in long-term studies by Schlatter, Poiger and others. Furthermore, there are some published half-lives of TCDD in adult humans. The average half-life of TCDD in adult humans is approximately 2840 days, while in Sprague-Dawley rats the average t1/2 of TCDD is 19 days. The t1/2 of TCDD in humans is about 150 times that of rats. This factor was used to calculate the t1/2 values of the other polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) in humans from the rat data. Furthermore, the terminal t1/2 values of PCDDs in adult humans were calculated from the regression equation: logt1/2H = 1.34 logt1/2R + 1.25 which was recently established for 50 xenobiotics (t1/2H = terminal half-lives in days for humans, t1/2R = terminal half-lives in days for rats). The following terminal half-lives in adult humans were obtained: 12.6 years for 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, 26-45 years for 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD, 80-102 years for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and ca. 112-132 years for OCDD. These half-lives of PCDDs are critically compared with measured t1/2 values of PCDDs and other persistent organic pollutants in rats, monkeys and humans.     

Polychlorinated-naphthalenes, -biphenyls, -dibenzo-p-dioxins, -dibenzofurans and p,p'-DDE in bluefin tuna,swordfish, cormorants and barn swallows from Italy

Concentrations of p,p'-DDE, polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs), polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), -dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and -naphthalenes (PCNs) were measured in bluefin tuna, swordfish, common cormorants, and barn swallows collected from Italy. Average concentrations of PCBs in livers of tuna, swordfish, cormorant, and swallows were 930, 745, 1420 and 1230 ng PCBs g-1, w.w. respectively. p,p'-DDE was found in tuna, swordfish, cormorant, and swallow livers at mean concentrations of 82, 135, 166 and 95 ng DDE g-1, w.w. respectively. PCNs were found in all the samples analyzed, although at concentrations less than those reported for biota from the Baltic Sea. PCBs, particularly, non-ortho coplanar PCBs accounted for 80-90% of the total TEQs in tuna and swordfish. Relative contribution of PCDDs/DFs to TEQs was greater in cormorants and swallows compared to that in fishes. PCDD/DF congeners accounted for up to 80 and 45% of the total TEQs in cormorants and swallows, respectively.     

Toxicity of carbaryl,diquat dibromide,and fluoranthene,individually and in mixture,to larval grass shrimp,Palaemonetes pugio

This study examined the toxicity of two pesticides (carbaryl and diquat dibromide) and one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (fluoranthene), both singly and in mixture, to grass shrimp larvae (Palaemonetes pugio). These three chemicals are all present in coastal environments and can easily enter estuarine ecosystems. Fluoranthene was the most toxic chemical with a 96-h LC₅₀ value of 32.45 μ g/L, followed by carbaryl (43.02 μ g/L) and diquat dibromide (1624 μ g/L). In the chemical mixture tests, the binary carbaryl/diquat dibromide mixture and the ternary carbaryl/diquat dibromide/fluoranthene mixture had additive results.     

A 40+ year record of Cd,Hg, Pb,and U deposition in sediments of Patroon Reservoir,Albany County,NY, USA

Sediments of the Patroon Creek watershed (33 km(2)) are known to contain significant concentrations of heavy metals derived from two industrial sites within the watershed. Mercury Refining, Inc (Mereco) has stored and recycled Hg from 1955 to the present day, and National Lead Industries (NLI) manufactured aircraft components containing Cd, Pb, and U from 1958 to 1984. Here we present the first record of heavy metal deposition as preserved in a 3-m long sediment core collected in 1999 from Patroon Reservoir, a small water body (1.3 ha) downstream of the industrial sites. Bulk sediment samples were collected from the core at 0.05-m intervals and analyzed for total Cd, Pb, and U by ICP-MS and total Hg by CVAAS. Total Hg increases from less than 1 mg kg(-1) (dw) below 1.68 m, to a maximum of 6.2 mg kg(-1) at 0.80 m, and then declines to the sediment-water interface. Total Cd, Pb, and U concentrations increase abruptly above 1.68 m to maximum values of 25, 320, and 3600 mg kg(-1) (dw), respectively, and then decline gradually upwards. By correlating metal profiles with industrial history, we conclude that the 1.68 m horizon was deposited no earlier than 1958, the beginning of aircraft component manufacturing at NLI. The average, apparent sedimentation rate within the reservoir has a minimum value of approximately 0.04 m year(-1) for the 41-year period from 1958 to 1999. In the interval 0--1.68 m, average concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and U are 1.69, 1.50, 461, and 13 mg kg(-1), respectively. These levels are comparable with other lake, reservoir and stream sediments that have been moderately to severely impacted by industrial pollution and are above levels expected to be detrimental to aquatic organisms.     

Toxicity of carbaryl, diquat dibromide, and fluoranthene, individually and in mixture, to larval grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio

This study examined the toxicity of two pesticides (carbaryl and diquat dibromide) and one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (fluoranthene), both singly and in mixture, to grass shrimp larvae (Palaemonetes pugio). These three chemicals are all present in coastal environments and can easily enter estuarine ecosystems. Fluoranthene was the most toxic chemical with a 96-h LC50 value of 32.45 microg/L, followed by carbaryl (43.02 microg/L) and diquat dibromide (1624 microg/L). In the chemical mixture tests, the binary carbaryl/diquat dibromide mixture and the ternary carbaryl/diquat dibromide/fluoranthene mixture had additive results.     

Atmospheric particle characterization, distribution, and deposition in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Central China

Physical characterization and chemical analysis of settled dusts collected in Xi’an from November 2007 to December 2008 show that (1) dust deposition rates ranged from 14.6 to 350.4 g m⁻² yr⁻¹. The average deposition rate (76.7 g m⁻² yr⁻¹) ranks the 11th out of 56 dust deposition rates observed throughout the world. The coal-burning power was the major particle source; (2) on average (except site 4), ∼10% of the settled dusts having size <2.6, ∼30% having size <10.5, and >70% having size <30 μm; (3) the concentrations for 20 out of 27 elements analyzed were upto 18 times higher than their soil background values in China. With such high deposition rates of dusts that contain elevated levels of toxic elements, actions should be taken to reduce emission and studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of settled particles on surface ecosystem, water resource, and human health in the area.     

Toxicity of metalaxyl, azoxystrobin, dimethomorph, cymoxanil, zoxamide and mancozeb to Phytophthora infestans isolates from Serbia

A study of the in vitro sensitivity of 12 isolates of Phytophthora infestans to metalaxyl, azoxystrobin, dimethomorph, cymoxanil, zoxamide and mancozeb, was conducted. The isolates derived from infected potato leaves collected at eight different localities in Serbia during 2005-2007. The widest range of EC(50) values for mycelial growth of the isolates was recorded for metalaxyl. They varied from 0.3 to 3.9 μg mL(-1) and were higher than those expected in a susceptible population of P. infestans. The EC(50) values of the isolates were 0.16-0.30 μg mL(-1) for dimethomorph, 0.27-0.57 μg mL(-1) for cymoxanil, 0.0026-0.0049 μg mL(-1) for zoxamide and 2.9-5.0 μg mL(-1) for mancozeb. The results indicated that according to effective concentration (EC(50)) the 12 isolates of P. infestans were sensitive to azoxystrobin (0.019-0.074 μg mL(-1)), and intermediate resistant to metalaxyl, dimethomorph and cymoxanil. According to resistance factor, all P. infestans isolates were sensitive to dimethomorph, cymoxanil, mancozeb and zoxamide, 58.3% of isolates were sensitive to azoxystrobin and 50% to metalaxyl. Gout's scale indicated that 41.7% isolates were moderately sensitive to azoxystrobin and 50% to metalaxyl.     

Colloidal diatomite, radionickel, and humic substance interaction: a combined batch, XPS, and EXAFS investigation

This work determined the influence of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) on the interaction mechanism and microstructure of Ni(II) onto diatomite by using batch experiments, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) methods. Macroscopic and spectroscopic experiments have been combined to see the evolution of the interaction mechanism and microstructure of Ni(II) in the presence of HA/FA as compared with that in the absence of HA/FA. The results indicated that the interaction of Ni(II) with diatomite presents the expected solution pH edge at 7.0, which is modified by addition of HA/FA. In the presence of HA/FA, the interaction of Ni(II) with diatomite increased below solution pH 7.0, while Ni(II) interaction decreased above solution pH 7.0. XPS analysis suggested that the enrichment of Ni(II) onto diatomite may be due to the formation of (≡SO)₂Ni. EXAFS results showed that binary surface complexes and ternary surface complexes of Ni(II) can be simultaneously formed in the presence of HA/FA, whereas only binary surface complexes of Ni(II) are formed in the absence of HA/FA, which contribute to the enhanced Ni(II) uptake at low pH values. The results observed in this work are important for the evaluation of Ni(II) and related radionuclide physicochemical behavior in the natural soil and water environment.     

Root uptake,translocation, accumulation and dissipation of the botanical insecticide,azadirachtin, in young spruce trees

Abstract

A formulation containing the biopesticide azadirachtin‐A (AZ‐A), extracted from the seeds of neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, was applied (10 μg/mL) in a nutrient solution (200 mL) to the roots of young spruce trees [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss]. The uptake, translocation, persistence and dissipation of AZ‐A in spruce were studied. The insecticide was taken up by the root system, translocated via xylem vessels and accumulated in the photosynthate sinks (areas of new growth, especially shoots), confirming that AZ‐A is systemic. The peak AZ‐A concentrations (μg/g, fresh weight) in the shoots (5.16 ± 0.73) and needles (2.56 ± 0.31) occurred at 8 and 15 d after treatment, respectively. The AZ‐A concentrations in bark and wood during this period were very low, however they were high in the root samples. The dissipation of AZ‐A from the shoots was rapid compared to other matrices. The initial (0‐d) and final (20‐d) AZ‐A concentrations (μg/mL) in the nutrient solution were 8.99 ± 1.24 and 3.24 + 0.55, respectively. The dissipation of AZ‐A in the nutrient solution followed first‐order kinetics. Dissipation half‐life (DT₅₀) and rate constant (C), calculated from the nonlinear regression equation (Y = 8.400 e^‐00544t), were 12.74 d and 0.0544, respectively. Usefulness of AZ‐A as a systemic insecticide in forest insect control programs is discussed.     

Observed trends for CF3-containing compounds in background air at Cape Meares, Oregon, Point Barrow, Alaska, and Palmer Station, Antarctica

The concentrations of CF(3)-containing compounds in archived air samples collected at Cape Meares, Oregon, from 1978 to 1997, at Point Barrow, Alaska, from 1995 to 1998, and at Palmer Station, Antarctica, from 1991 to 1997, were determined by high resolution gas chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry. The CF(3)-containing compounds measured by this method and discussed here are: the perfluorinated compound, C(3)F(8) (FC 218); four perhalogenated compounds, CF(3)Cl (CFC 13), CF(3)CF(2)Cl (CFC 115), CF(3)CFCl(2) (CFC 114a), and CF(3)Br (Halon 1301); and three hydrofluorocompounds, CF(3)H (HFC 23), CF(3)CH(3) (HFC 143a), and CF(3)CH(2)F (HFC 134a). For four of these compounds, very few measurements have been previously reported. The atmospheric concentrations of all of the CF(3)-containing compounds continuously increased in time over the sample collection periods. From these data, the annual rates of emission into the atmosphere have been estimated. The emission rates fall into one of three distinct categories. The annual emission rates of C(3)F(8), CF(3)H, CF(3)CH(3), and CF(3)CH(2)F have continuously increased over the last two decades. That of CF(3)CFCl(2) has decreased continuously. Emission rates for CF(3)Cl, CF(3)CF(2)Cl, and CF(3)Br reached maximum levels in the late 1980s, and have been decreasing in the 1990s. The emission rates of C(3)F(8), CF(3)CH(3) and CF(3)CH(2)F were nearly zero 20 years ago but have increased rapidly during the last decade.     

Occurrence of PCDD/F, PCB, PBDE, PFAS, and organotin compounds in fish meal, fish oil and fish feed

We analysed polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/F, dioxins), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in 13 fish meal, five fish oil, and seven fish feed samples. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), organotin compounds (OTC), and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) were analysed in ten fish meal, two fish oil, and two fish feed samples. All measured TEQ concentrations of PCDD/F and PCB were below the maximum levels set by Directive 2002/32/EC. There was no correlation between concentrations of WHOPCDD/F-TEQ and indicator PCB in our samples. The most common congeners among PBDEs were BDE-47 and BDE-100. BDE-209 was present in five fish meals of the ten analysed. Tributyltin (TBT) was the predominant congener in all samples except in three fish meals, where monobutyltin (MBT) was the major congener. Perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) was the predominant congener in six fish meals of the ten analysed. There was large variation in concentrations and congener distributions of the studied compounds between our samples. Our results underline a need to pay special attention to the origin and purity of feed raw material of marine origin.     

Toxicity of mancozeb,chlorothalonil, captan,fluopyram, boscalid,and difenoconazole to Didymella applanata isolates from Serbia

Field isolates of Didymella applanata, the causal agent of spur blight of raspberry, were evaluated in vitro for their sensitivity to mancozeb, chlorothalonil, captan, fluopyram, boscalid and difenoconazole. A total of 10 isolates, collected during 2013 at five localities in the major raspberry growing region in Serbia, and characterized as copper hydroxide, dithianon, and tebuconazole (sensitive), pyraclostrobin (sensitive or highly resistant) and fluazinam (sensitive or moderately resistant), were used in this study. The EC₅₀ values for the isolates ranged from 1.33 to 2.88 mg L^?1 for mancozeb, from 3.18 to 6.65 mg L^?1 for chlorothalonil, from 15.75 to 24.69 mg L^?1 for captan and from 1.80 to 8.20 mg L^?1 for fluopyram. The narrowest range of EC₅₀ values was recorded for difenoconazole (0.23–0.49 mg L^?1), whereas the widest range was obtained for boscalid (4.49–49.25 mg L^?1). The calculated resistance factors showed that all D. applanata isolates were sensitive to mancozeb, chlorothalonil, captan, and difenoconazole. Four isolates were moderately resistant to boscalid, while three of them were also moderately resistant to fluopyram. This finding of moderately resistant isolates to these SDHI fungicides indicates a possible cross-resistance which should be clarified in further investigations.     

Vertical profile of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs, other PCBs, PAHs, chlorobenzenes, DDX, HCHs, organotin compounds and chlorinated ethers in dated sediment/soil cores from flood-plains of the river Elbe, Germany

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and other organic micropollutants were determined in dated sediment/soil cores collected from the flood-plain of the river Elbe near Pevestorf (PT), approximately 125 km upstream of Hamburg, and Heuckenlock (HL) in southeast of Hamburg. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs peaked sharply at PT in the 1950s and at HL at the end of the 1940s. Cluster analyses provide evidence that the region of Bitterfeld-Wolfen (about 350-400 km upstream of Hamburg) could be the source of the PCDD/F contamination existing in the cores PT and HL since the 1940s. Obviously it is caused by sediments of the river Elbe of a similar composition. Whereas the PCDD/Fs, HCHs (hexacyclohexane isomers), DDX (DDT, DDD, DDE), and tetrachlorinated ethers in PT and HL presumably originated predominantly from the Bitterfeld-Wolfen region, organotin compounds in HL and dichlorinated haloethers in HL during the 1940s and 1950s can probably largely be attributed to emissions from the Hamburg region. Although they are separated by a large distance, in both sediment cores PT and HL concentrations and composition patterns of most organic micropollutants analyzed widely match. Inductively it can be concluded that similar contaminations will be found in many of the river bank soils between the Bitterfeld-Wolfen region and Hamburg. Excavation of top soils may uncover highly contaminated materials. Since the dated sediment cores show the variation in contaminants in the Elbe sediments over a defined time period, it is possible to make an approximate assessment of the actual degree of contamination to be expected in areas where in previous decades contaminated dredged sediments from the Elbe and from the Port of Hamburg have been deposited on land and used for building plots or for agricultural purposes.     

Assessing Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Cd pollution in bottom sediments of Wadi Al-Arab Dam, Jordan

Thirty five bottom sediment samples were collected in a grid pattern from Wadi Al-Arab Dam. The present study focuses on the levels of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, total organic matter (TOM) and carbonate content (CO(3)(-2)) in order to assess the extent of environmental pollution and to discuss the origin of these contaminants in sediments of the dam. Concentration data were processed using correlation analysis and factor analysis. The results of correlation analysis and factor analysis show low positive and negative correlations among Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, TOM, and CO(3)(-2) and indicate that heavy metals in sediments of Wadi Al-Arab have different anthropogenic and natural sources. The results also confirm the complicated behavior of these pollutants, that can be influenced by many factors. Sediments pollution assessment was carried out using enrichment factor and the geoaccumulation index. The calculation of enrichment factors showed that Mn and Cu are depleted by 0.76, and 1.33, respectively, whereas Cu, Zn, and Cd are enriched by 3.6, and 30, respectively. The results of geoaccumulation index reveal that sediments of Wadi Al-Arab are uncontaminated with Mn, Fe, and Cu, moderately contaminated with Zn, and strongly to extremely contaminated with Cd. Some of the elevated concentration of Zn and Cd are probably due to anthropogenic sources nearby the dam site. These sources mainly include fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural activities, and the effluent of Irbid City treatment plant. Environmental risks of Cd and Zn were evaluated using the risk assessment code (RAC) and sequential extraction method. Zn poses a low environmental risk, whereas Cd poses a medium environmental risk.     

Urinary arsenic,cadmium, manganese,nickel, and vanadium levels of schoolchildren in the vicinity of the industrialised area of Asaluyeh,Iran

Asaluyeh is one of the most heavily industrialised areas in the world where gas, petrochemical, and many downstream industries are located. This study aims to survey the biomonitoring of four metals and one metalloid in children living in the vicinity of Asaluyeh area. To do this, we analysed the creatinine-adjusted urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) in 184 elementary schoolchildren (99 boys and 85 girls) living in Asaluyeh and compared them with a reference population. The comparisons were done for two seasons (spring and fall). The results showed that in the case area (Asaluyeh), the levels of As, V, Mn, and Ni were significantly higher and that of Cd was not significantly higher than the reference city for both seasons. The mean concentration of metal(loid)s in Asaluyeh (case) and Sadabad (reference) area as μg g^?1 creatinine was As 2.90 and 2.24, V 0.06 and 0.03, Mn 0.28 and 0.25, Ni 0.54 and 0.29, and Cd 0.31 and 0.28 in spring and As 3.08 and 2.28, V 0.07 and 0.03, Mn 0.30 and 0.26, Ni 0.91 and 0.30, and Cd 0.36 and 0.31 in the fall. Seasonal variations played a key role in determining urinary metal(loid) concentration, as we saw the significant level of As, Cd, V, and Ni in fall than in spring. With regard to the impact of gender on the absorption and accumulation of urinary metal(loid)s, boys showed higher levels of the studied elements, especially for As, than girls as outdoor activities are more popular among boys. Due to the values being lower than those reported in literature, more research is needed on various population groups and other exposure sources in order to judge whether living in the vicinity of the gas and petrochemical industries in Asaluyeh is a threat to nearby residents.     

A Comparison of Mass,Lead, Sulfate,and Nitrate Concentrations in a Field Study Using Dichotomous,Size-Selective,and Standard Hi-Vol Samplers

Air monitoring In the San Francisco Bay Area was carried out to measure outdoor community air concentrations of poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and mutagenlc activity (mutagenlclty) In participate organic matter (POM). Monitoring began In 1979 and Is currently conducted at six stations. PAH and mutagenlclty tests were performed on organic extracts prepared from high volume (hl-vol) filters composited every four months, by meteorological season. PAH were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence and ultraviolet detection. Mutagenlclty was measured In the Ames Salmonella bloas-say using strain TA98 with and without metabolic activation. The nine-year mean concentration of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) was 0.4 ng/m³. The mutagenlcfty of this amount of BaP accounted for only about 0.2% of the observed mutagenicity In POM and other measured PAH accounted for even less. Concentrations of PAH and mutagenlclty were three to nine times higher during the winter than during other seasons. Year-to-year wintertime trends In several PAH were also seen. Early In the 1980s, winter concentrations of BaP and benzo (g,h,i)perylene Increased. However since the mld-1980’s, their concentrations have fallen. The decrease In PAH concentrations may be the result of an Increasing proportion of vehicles with relatively low organic emissions. In contrast to PAH, mutagenlcfty did not show significant year-to-year time trends.     

Effects of Ni, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, Al on the dissolved oxygen balance of streams

Inorganic metals besides their direct toxic effects, carry the potential of causing serious variations on existing ecosystems in receiving waters. Self purification mechanism is vital for the continuity of the existing micro and macro living organisms in the streams. This mechanism is effected from the existence of metals. In this study, interferences of HgCl2, HgSO4, Ni(NO3)2, CrCl3, CuSO4.5H2O, K2Cr2O7, ZnSO4.7H2O and Al2(SO4)3.18H2O metal compounds on respirometric BOD and related effects on the self purification, are investigated with the representative formations of DO deficit curves. In the presence of these metals, streamwater BOD parameters and related DO deficit curve formations are significantly effected.