Lung function decrement with arsenic exposure to drinking groundwater along River Indus: a comparative cross-sectional study

This study was designed to determine the association between chronic arsenic exposure through drinking groundwater and decrement in lung function, particularly among individuals who do not have signs of arsenic lesions, among an adult population. This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted during the months of January to March 2009. One hundred participants ≥15 years of age in each group, i.e. exposed (≥100 μg/l) and unexposed (≤10 μg/l) to arsenic, determined by testing drinking water samples (using portable kits), were compared for effects on lung function using spirometry. A structured and validated questionnaire was administered. Examination for arsenic skin lesions was also done. There was a decline in the mean adjusted FEV1 of 154.3 ml (95% CI: −324.7, 16.0; p = 0.076), in mean adjusted FVC of 221.9 ml (95% CI: −419.5, −24.3; p = 0.028), and in FEV1/FVC ratio of 2.0 (95% CI: −25.3, 29.4; p = 0.884) among participants who were exposed to arsenic compared to those unexposed. A separate model comprising a total of 160 participants, 60 exposed to arsenic concentrations ≥250 μg/l and 100 unexposed at arsenic concentrations of ≤10 μg/l, showed a decrement in mean adjusted FEV1 of 226.4 ml (95% CI: −430.4, −22.4; p = 0.030), in mean adjusted FVC of 354.8 ml (95% CI: −583.6, −126.0; p = 0.003), and in FEV1/FVC ratio of 9.9 (95% CI: −21.8, 41.6; p = 0.539) among participants who were exposed to arsenic in drinking groundwater. This study demonstrated that decrement in lung function is associated with chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking groundwater, occurring independently, and even before any manifestation, of arsenic skin lesions or respiratory symptoms. The study also demonstrated a dose-response effect of arsenic exposure and lung function decrement.     

Biodiversity conservation through a traditional beliefs system in Indian Himalaya: a case study from Nakuleshwar sacred grove

Sacred groves are well recognized in the world in terms of biodiversity conservation. The present study was conducted in the Nakuleshwar sacred grove, in the valley of Thal kedar hill in the Kumaon region of Pithoragarh district in Indian Himalaya, in appreciation of its role in biodiversity conservation. The study aimed at the documentation and inventory of the sacred grove, its phytodiversity, threats and conservation in the Himalayan region, and to achieve this, systematic field surveys were conducted during 2007?C2010 covering all four seasons. A total of 83 species from 71 genera and 50 families were identified, of which 43 species are flowering plants, including 7 trees, 7 shrubs, 4 climbers and 25 herbs, and 40 species are non-flowering plants of which lichens are represented by 12 species from 8 genera, bryophytes 6 species from 5 genera, and pteridophytes 7 species from 9 genera, while gymnosperms are represented by a single species. Acer oblongum, Cinnamomum tamala, Cedrus deodara, Coriaria nepalensis act as keystone species in the grove. Ophiopogon inermis is a common herb during the rainy season while Goodyera hemsleyana (Orchid) is a new distribution record for the western Himalaya. A total of 43 species from 38 genera are used ethnobotanically by local people for various ailments. Mahonia nepaulensis, Asparagus adscendens, Thalictrum foliolosum, Cinnamomum tamala and Berberis asiatica are highly exploited species and need to be conserved. Climatic conditions of the grove are moderate and the floristic patch of the grove is completely different from the plant diversity of the surrounding area and matches with the diversified floral wealth of comparatively higher altitudes. Due to anthropogenic pressure, this grove is facing new threats of degradation, hence needing special attention.     

Inulin–Niacin Conjugates: Preparation,Characterization, Kinetic and In Vitro Release Studies

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Niacin, an essential B-complex vitamin, used in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the first perceived lipid regulating medication,...     

鄂南棕红壤区不同植茶年限茶园CH4通量特征

于2014年3月—2015年12月,采用静态箱-气相色谱法测定了鄂南棕红壤丘陵区茶园和樟树林地土壤CH_4通量,研究了不同植茶年限茶园及临近林地土壤CH_4通量特征.结果表明,不同植茶年限对茶园土壤CH_4通量有显著影响,中、低龄茶园土壤CH_4以排放为主,植茶20 a和植茶8 a茶园土壤CH_4累积排放量分别为0.26和0.27 kg·hm~(-2),高龄茶园和对照林地土壤CH_4以吸收为主,植茶50 a茶园和林地土壤CH_4累积吸收量分别为0.39和1.95 kg·hm~(-2).降雨促进了鄂南棕红壤丘陵区茶园和林地土壤CH_4排放,除了植茶8 a茶园外,高、中龄茶园和樟树林地土壤CH_4通量均与7 d累积降雨量呈显著的正相关关系.施肥造成了茶园土壤CH_4排放量增加,同时土壤中矿质氮类型对该地区茶园和林地土壤CH_4通量有不同影响,CH_4排放通量与土壤硝态氮含量呈显著正相关关系,而与铵态氮含量相关关系不显著.研究表明,降雨量是影响鄂南红壤丘陵区茶园和林地土壤甲烷通量的主要因素;随着茶园种植年限的延长,土壤CH_4排放通量呈降低的趋势,高龄茶园土壤为大气CH_4汇.     

Arsenate removal from drinking water using by-products from conventional iron oxyhydroxides production as adsorbents coupled with submerged microfiltration unit

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Arsenic is among the major drinking water contaminants affecting populations in many countries because it causes serious health problems on long-term...     

The role of disinfectants and sanitizers during COVID-19 pandemic: advantages and deleterious effects on humans and the environment

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Disinfectants and sanitizers are essential preventive agents against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, the pandemic crisis...     

Approaches to prevent and control Campylobacter spp. colonization in broiler chickens: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Campylobacter, Gram-negative bacteria, is the most common cause of acute bacterial enteritis in human beings, both in developing and developed...     

Evaluation of One Belt One Road publications: a bibliometric and literature review analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Abstract The aim of the “One Belt and One Road” (OBOR) project proposed by China is to encourage extension of global value chains,...     

The interactional role of globalization in tourism-CO2 nexus in South Asian countries

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This research analyzes the impacts of tourism and globalization on CO2 emissions in South Asian countries. The annual data was converted into...     

The shadow economy in South Asia: dynamic effects on clean energy consumption and environmental pollution

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study explores the symmetric and asymmetric effects of the shadow economy on clean energy and air pollution of South Asian countries over the...