Micronucleus induction by oxidative metabolites of trichloroethylene in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes: a comparative genotoxicity study

The genotoxic effects of oxidative metabolites of trichloroethylene (TCE), namely chloral hydrate, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), dichloroacetic acid (DCA), and trichloroethanol (TCEOH) were examined in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. In this context, lymphocytes were exposed in vitro to 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml concentrations of these metabolites separately for a period of 48 h and examined for micronucleus (MN) induction through flow cytometer. At 50 μg/ml TCE metabolites, TCA (6.33?±?0.56 %), DCA (5.06?±?0.55), and TCEOH (4.70?±?1.73) induced highly significant (p?<?0.001) frequency of MN in comparison to control (1.03?±?0.40) suggestive of their genotoxic potential. However, exposure of 100 μg/ml of all the metabolites consistently declined the frequencies of MN which in some cases was equable to that of observed at 25 μg/ml. Further, cytotoxicity and cell cycle disturbances were also measured to find out the association of these endpoints with the MN induction. DNA content analysis revealed 3–4-fold elevation of S-phase at all the concentrations tested. Particularly, at 100 μg/ml, treatment elevation of S-phase was significantly (p?<?0.0001) higher as compared to the control. Present findings together with earlier reports indicate that TCE induces genotoxicity through its metabolites. Interaction of these metabolites with DNA, as evident by elevated S-phase, seems to be the major cause of MN induction. However, involvement of spindle disruption cannot be ruled out. This comparative study also suggests that after TCE exposure, the metabolic efficiency of human to generate oxidative metabolites determines the extent of genotoxicity.     

Seasonal Variations in Isoprene Emission from Tropical Deciduous Tree Species

Isoprene is a dominant constituent of the global biogenic volatile organic compounds budget. It plays an important role in regulating the atmospheric trace gas composition including tropospheric ozone concentrations. In this study, monthly measurements of isoprene emission rates were carried out over a 1-year period (December 2002–November 2003) from four Indian deciduous tree species, namely Ficus relegiosa, Ficus infectoria, Pongamia pinnata, and Morus alba, using branch enclosure method. Significantly high monthly variations in isoprene emission rates were observed in all four-plant species. Also, each plant species exhibited pronounced seasonal variation in isoprene emission. Maximum isoprene emissions were observed during summer and minimum during the winter or spring months.     

An insight into the influence of low dose irradiation pretreatment on the microbial decolouration and degradation of Reactive Red-120 dye

The influence of low dose irradiation pretreatment on the microbial decolouration and degradation of Reactive Red-120 (RR-120) dye was investigated in detail by using Pseudomonas sp. SUK1. About 27%, 56% and 66% decolouration of 150 ppm RR-120 dye solution was observed by applying 0, 0.5 and 1 kGy doses, respectively, in the first step followed by microbial treatment for 24 h under static condition. Similarly, about 70%, 88% and 90% TOC removal was observed by applying 0, 0.5 and 1 kGy doses, respectively, in the first step followed by the microbial treatment for 96 h under static condition. The radiation induced fragmented products of RR-120 at doses of 0.5 and 1 kGy were investigated by FTIR and electrospray ionization-MS analysis. The induction of the enzymes viz. laccase, tyrosinase, azoreductase and NADH-2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol reductase was studied in the decolourised solution obtained after irradiating 150 ppm RR-120 dye solution with 0 and 1 kGy doses followed by the microbial treatment for 96 h under static condition. The enzymatic degradation products were studied by FTIR, HPLC and GC–MS. The toxicity study of the treated dye solution on plants revealed the degradation of RR-120 into non-toxic products by combined radiation-microbial treatment. This study explores a reliable and promising way to use industrially viable dose (?1 kGy) and microbial strain viz. Pseudomonas sp. SUK1 for permissible safe disposal of dye solutions from textile industries.     

Total Volatile Organic Compounds in the Urban Environment of Delhi

ABSTRACT

Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the urban ambient environment of Delhi were monitored from November 1994 to June 1995 at 13 sites using an inexpensive and a manual-labor-intensive sample collection procedure in want of sophisticated equipment. The results of the study show appreciable levels of TVOCs in the ambient environment of Delhi. The amount of TVOCs in the ambient environment was found to vary between 3 and 42 ppmv and exhibited wide temporal and seasonal variations. On a diurnal cycle, TVOC levels mostly peaked at 9:00 a.m., which coincided with the peak traffic hour. TVOC buildup in the urban atmosphere has serious implications for air quality through the formation of highly toxic oxidants. The results of this preliminary study make out a strong case for a regular monitoring of TVOCs in the urban environment of Delhi.     

Impact of mining industries on the groundwater level fluctuation in Singrauli coalfield area by using remote sensing and GIS,India

The coal mining industries influence hydro-geological parameters, which affect the aquifer recharge in the coal mining areas. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of various hydro-geological parameters on fluctuation of groundwater level in the study area. The various hydro-geological parameters such as soil, geology, drainage pattern, elevation and slope have been considered to accomplish the objective. A comparative analysis was performed by comparing the groundwater level fluctuation (WLF) map with the GIS-based various hydro-geological parameter maps to assess the combined influence of different hydro-geological parameters on groundwater level fluctuation. A total of eighty-six (86) dug-wells were chosen to monitor the level of the groundwater for around ten blocks of Singrauli coalfield, and these wells were examined during the months of dry and wet seasons for 2016. Based on the comparative analysis between the WLF map and thematic maps of various hydro-geological parameters, it has been found that WLF in the south-western and some portions of the north-eastern showed moderate to a higher value. This may be because most of the non-hilly areas come under gentle to moderate slope category, with lower elevation in the area forming the suitable hydro-geological condition for recharging groundwater. It was observed that the northwest, south-east and central part of the study area showed lower WLF, which may be due to the presence of overburden dump, presence of higher elevation and steep slope. Thus, the combined effect of slope, elevation, geology, drainage and mining activities on the WLF in the study region is moderate.     

Trace element concentration in fine particulate matter (PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>) and their bioavailability in different microenvironments in Agra,India: a case study

Exposure to airborne particulate matter results in the deposition of millions of particle in the lung; consequently, there is need for monitoring them particularly in indoor environments. Case study was conducted in three different microenvironments, i.e., urban, rural and roadside to examine the elemental bioavailability in fine particulate matter and its potential health risk. The samples were collected on polytetrafluoroethylene filter paper with the help of fine particulate sampler during August–September, 2012. The average mass concentration of PM_2.5 was 71.23 µg m^?3 (rural), 45.33 µg m^?3 (urban) and 36.71 µg m^?3 (roadside). Elements in PM_2.5 were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Percentage bioavailability was determined to know the amount of soluble fraction that is actually taken across the cell membrane through inhalation pathway. Cadmium and lead were found to have cancer risk in a risk evaluation using an Integrated Risk Information system.     

Role of environmental lead in the occurrence of anemia in Indian children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Exposure to lead among children, as well as adults, is a major global health issue. With diverse routes of exposure (e.g., food, air, and water)...