Exposure of lead to mothers and their new born infants,residents of industrial and domestic areas of Pakistan

Prenatal and early-life exposure to lead (Pb) is hypothesized to have adverse effects on childhood health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prenatal exposure to Pb and its adverse effects on mothers and their infants who are residents of industrial (exposed) and domestic areas (referents) in Karachi, Pakistan. The biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of mother–infants pairs were analyzed for Pb levels by atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion method. The Pb levels in scalp hair and blood samples of exposed mothers were found in the range of 7.52–8.70 μg/g and 115–270 μg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those values obtained for referent mothers (p?<?0.001). The Pb levels in the blood (umbilical cord) and hair of neonates of exposed mother that were found in the range of 83–178 μg/L and 4.95–7.23 μg/g, respectively, were significantly higher than the obtained values of referent neonates (p?>?0.001). The correlation between maternal and cord blood of both groups was found in the range of 0.708–0.724 (p?<?0.01). It was observed that there were higher Pb burdens in exposed mothers and their infants as compared to referent mothers–neonates.     

Speciative distribution and bioavailability of metals in agricultural soils receiving industrial wastewater

In order to assess the metal pollution status of agricultural lands of Mandi Bahauuddin receiving industrial wastewater, 35 top soil samples were investigated for the determination of selected metal levels, i.e., Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ca, Ni, and Pb by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy under optimum analytical conditions. The distribution of these metals in different operationally defined chemical fractions was also determined by using the sequential extraction technique. The highest mean total concentration was found for Fe while the least one was observed for Pb. All the studied metals were found to be present at levels much enhanced than national and international standards. Moreover, most of the metals were distributed principally in residual fraction with the exception of Ni which was found to be associated mainly with oxidizable fraction. The significant correlations were observed between Fe-Mn oxide-bound and residual fractions and exchangeable and oxidizable fractions for most of the metals. The highest mobility was exhibited by Ni that evidenced its enhanced bioavailability in the soil. The multivariate statistical analyses in terms of principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) revealed multiple sources for various geochemical fractions of different metals. CA also revealed that the nonresidual fractions of most of the metals were very closely associated while PCA presented a distinctive behavior of Ca in the soil. It was therefore suggested that in order to avoid the metal contamination arising from industrial wastewater, appropriate remediation strategies must be adopted.     

A land use regression model for predicting ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

This paper reports on the development of a land use regression (LUR) model for predicting the intraurban variation of traffic-related air pollution in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, an industrial city at the western end of Lake Ontario. Although land use regression has been increasingly used to characterize exposure gradients within cities, research to date has yet to test whether this method can produce reliable estimates in an industrialized location. Ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured for a 2-week period in October 2002 at > 100 locations across the city and subsequently at 30 of these locations in May 2004 to assess seasonal effects. Predictor variables were derived for land use types, transportation, demography, and physical geography using geographic information systems. The LUR model explained 76% of the variation in NO2. Traffic density, proximity to a highway, and industrial land use were all positively correlated with NO2 concentrations, whereas open land use and distance from the lake were negatively correlated with NO2. Locations downwind of a major highway resulted in higher NO2 levels. Cross-validation of the results confirmed model stability over different seasons. Our findings demonstrate that land use regression can effectively predict NO2 variation at the intraurban scale in an industrial setting. Models predicting exposure within smaller areas may lead to improved detection of health effects in epidemiologic studies.     

Heavy metals from soil and domestic sewage sludge and their transfer to Sorghum plants

We studied the mobility and transport of heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb, from soil and soil amended with sewage sludge to sorghum plants. The total and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extractable heavy metals in agricultural soil and untreated domestic sewage sludge (DWS) samples were determined. The correlation between the total and extractable metals in soil and sewage sludge was investigated. The total and extractable heavy metals in soil, sewage sludge and sorghum grain were analysed by flame and electro thermal atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS/ETAAS), after digestion in microwave oven. Statistically good correlations were obtained between the total contents of all heavy metals and their respective extractable fractions in soil and domestic wastewater sludge. Transfer factors of all heavy metals from domestic sewage sludge to sorghum grains were determined.     

Discovering the evolution of Pollution Haven Hypothesis: A literature review and future research agenda

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In order to reduce environmental degradation, there has been an increased focus on identifying the main conftributors to environmental degradation and...     

The effects of Environmental Kuznets Curve toward environmental pollution,energy consumption on sustainable economic growth through moderate role of technological innovation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - South Asia is a hub for encompassing air contamination, with 37 of the top tiers of the 40 most contaminated urban communities around the globe...     

Correction to: The effects of Environmental Kuznets Curve toward environmental pollution,energy consumption on sustainable economic growth through moderate role of technological innovation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research -