Integration of modeling,monitoring and laboratory observation to determine reasons for air quality violations

An attempt was made to explain ambient air quality violations in the vicinity of industrial plants. Micrometeorology, diffusion calculaations, ambient readings, and plant engineering data are all taken into consideration to ascertain whether the plant is or is not the principal offender.Scrutiny of hi-vol filters using scanning electron microscopy for particle size analysis and particle chemical make-up as an assessment technique is also described.Case histories using the above analytical techniques are discussed.Presented at the 16th National Conference on Energy and the Environment, May 23, 1979     

The occurrence of acid precipitation on the west coast of the United States

Compilation of published and unpublished data shows acid precipitation to be more widespread in the Pacific coastal states than is generally recognized. Although information is scattered and discontinuous, precipitation is definitely acidic in the Los Angeles Basin and north-central california, and in the Puget Sound region in Washington. Acid rain occurrences have been observed in western and eastern Oregon, but data are inadequate for regional generalization. New stations currently being established in Washington and Oregon, largely in resposnse to the recently renewed activity of Mount St. Helens, will greatly facilitate assessment of precipitation acidity in the Northwest.     

Further studies using X-ray fluorescence to sample lead contaminated carpeted surfaces

The sampling of carpeted surfaces to test for lead contamination primarily focuses upon vacuum techniques. Vacuum sampling techniques, however, require time-consuming, expensive laboratory analysis of the dusts obtained and are unable to determine total lead load on the carpet. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is an on-site, inexpensive, non-destructive, quick technique for predicting metals levels in a variety of media, such as water, soil, filter paper and painted surfaces. A 1992 study of the feasibility of XRF to analyze for lead and soil loadings on carpeted surfaces indicated that XRF can detect lead at a low enough level to warrant further study. This paper expands this earlier study and developes lead and soil loading calibration curves for three different carpet types based upon XRF lead L-beta peak areas and XRF iron and barium K-alpha peak and background areas. Results indicate that variation in the data can be reduced through modifications of the XRF analysis technique, thus reducing the statistically determined detection level, and that carpet type does affect the calibration. Detection levels of approximately 70 mg/m² for lead and 5 g/m² for soil were obtained. Overall, good agreement was found between results of this study and the earlier one. XRF shows excellent potential for quantitative analysis of lead on carpeted surfaces.     

Ambient air concentrations of PCDDs,PCDFs, coplanar PCBs,and PAHs at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge,Jackson County,Mississippi

Our objective was to determine the levels of selected airborne contaminants in ambient air at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi, that might be affecting the health of endangered cranes living there. Two high-volume air samplers were operated at separate locations on the Refuge during May–September 1991. The sampling media were micro-quartz filters in combination with polyurethane foam plugs. Composite bimonthly samples from each station were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Overall, residue concentrations were low. The toxic PCDD isomer 2,3,7,8-tetra-CDD was not detected, nor was penta-CDD. There was no difference (P>0.05) in residue concentrations between stations or over time and meteorological parameters were not correlated with residue concentrations. Because contaminant levels and patterns may differ seasonally, we recommend that air samples collected during winter months also be analyzed for these same chemical groups.     

Monitoring of diazinon concentrations and loadings,and identification of geographic origins consequent to stormwater runoff from orchards in the Sacramento River watershed,U.S.A

Diazinon contamination of California's rivers has resulted in placing several rivers on the federal Clean Water Act § 303d list of impaired waterways. Impaired water body listing requiresthe development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). Previous studies identified stormwater related diazinon pulses in California rivers. This study was conducted to monitor diazinonconcentrations in the Sacramento River watershed after rainfallevents, to ascertain whether pulses could be identified and, ifconcentrations of concern were observed, to estimate loadings anddetermine geographic origins of the insecticide. TMDL developmentrequires knowledge of contaminant sources, loadings, and geographic origins. Flow and diazinon concentrations peaked in the Sacramento River at Sacramento after the three largest stormsduring January and February 1994. Diazinon concentrations peakedconsequent to each of three storms. Diazinon concentrationsmeasured in the Sacramento River at Sacramento exceeded theCalifornia Department of Fish and Game acute and chroniccriteria for protection of aquatic life during January andFebruary for nine and nineteen days, respectively. Multipleexceedances were observed throughout the watershed. Diazinon loading and geographic origin differed with each of the three storms. The design of this study provides a useful template for others attempting to identify loadings and sources of contaminants in surface waters and to rectify aquatic ecosystemcontamination from various land use practices.     

Determining Ecoregions for Environmental and GMO Monitoring Networks

A representative environmental monitoring network at the regional scale cannot use raster-based or random sampling designs, but requires a stratified sampling procedure integrating different information layers, and it has to occur in ecologically differing homogeneous regions (ecoregions). These we have determined using a set of spatial strata with ecological variables which we analysed with classification and regression trees (CART). We present a framework for environmental monitoring, that covers different scales, and we transfer the framework to a potential GMO (genetically modified organisms) monitoring network. We use ecoregion and other environmental strata together with existing environmental monitoring networks to determine GMO monitoring sites more precisely.     

The Challenge of Urban Growth and Sustainable Development for Asian Cities in the 21st Century

The challenges of urban growth for mega-cities in Asia, now and over the next few decades, are examined with particular reference to the ability or inability of those in charge of cities, elected officials and administrators, to provide for the legitimate demands of citizens. Issues such as population growth, industrialization, urbanization, financing, employment, health care, social services, public safety, transportation, water supply, waste disposal, and cultural and recreational facilities are included. While sustainable development of cities is advocated strongly by environmentalists and administrators, the past history of urban growth is quite often the opposite. Why? This paper examines the severe constraints that urban developments are subjected to, and might be possible to change in order to create a better future, with particular emphasis on Asia. Finally, the important contributions made by environmental scientists and engineers towards more sustainable development are placed in context with the reality of urban growth. The approach taken is my personal view, having lived for over a period of 62 years in Europe, North America and now Asia, and having practised as an engineer and educator for almost 40 years.     

The efficacy of a limestone doser to mitigate stream acidification in a Maryland coastal plain stream: Implications for migratory fish species

The objective of this two-year study was to determine the efficacy of an automated limestone slurry doser to neutralize acidic pulses and improve water quality conditions for enhancing survival of early life stages of migratory fish species in a Maryland coastal plain stream. Implications for survival of early life stages of migratory fish species such as yellow perch (Perca flavescens), white perch (Morone americana), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) and alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) are discussed based on the improved chemical conditions in the dosed area of the stream. Despite problems with overdosing in 1991 and failure of the stage transducer to work properly in 1992, the doser was generally effective in neutralizing acidic pulses (pH depressions) in the stream during three major rain events in both years. Chemical conditions (pH and inorganic monomeric aluminum) reported in the non-dosed area during major rainfall events were potentially stressful to both alewife and blueback herring although neither species was reported spawning in the stream during either year. Mitigating the potential impact of acidic conditions on early life stages of important migratory fish species was not sufficient to ensure spawning. It is therefore recommended that habitat improvement measures and well designed fish stocking programs be implemented concurrently with doser operations if the goal is to create optimum spawning conditions for migratory species.     

Within-and among-clutch variation of organochlorine residues in eggs of black-crowned night-herons

Within-clutch variability of DDE and PCB residues in eggs from 62 clutches of black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) was small (12% and 17%) compared to among-clutch variability (88% and 83%). Significant correlations between concentrations of DDE (median r=0.8885) and of PCBs (median r=0.8244) occurred when 501 correlations were run on two randomly selected eggs from within the same clutch; no significant correlation occurred for either concentrations of DDE (median r=0.0353) or PCBs (median r=–0.0843) when eggs were not restricted to the same clutch but were restricted to the same colony. The probability of finding infrequently detected organochlorine contaminants (e.g., DDT, cis-chlordane) in eggs from the same clutch varied from 43–96% and increased as the chemical became more prevalent and the number of eggs per clutch became smaller. These results further support one of the basic assumptions of the sample egg technique, that the chemical residues in one egg in a clutch accurately reflect residues in the remaining eggs of the clutch.     

Estimation of volatile organic compounds in Kuwaiti houses after the Gulf war

Interest in indoor air quality is steadily increasing. Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is associated with health effects as diverse as childhood respiratory disease, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. In an effort to assess the environmental impact indoors from possible sources of VOCs, such as (i) open oil lakes, (ii) chemical and petrochemical industries and (iii) indoor pollution from household items, concentrations of aliphatic and aromatic VOCs, comprising n-hexane to n-hexadecane, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, methanol and o-dichlorobenzene, were measured in indoor air samples from seven different cities in Kuwait using a gas chromatograph. The data for the period March to May 1993 are presented. The VOCs, as measured, were surprisingly low and they are below the concentrations set by the American Hygienists Association. However, although the concentration of the estimated VOCs being low, were cumulative effects of them entering the human body and water sources cannot be ruled out.