Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air at Four Residential Locations in Seoul, Korea

To investigate the environmental behavior of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban areas, their concentrations were measured at four urban monitoring sites (namely, N, S, E, and W) in Seoul, Korea (February to December 2009). A total of 27 compounds were quantified that consist of four chemical groups: aromatic (AR), halogenated aromatic, halogenated paraffin, and halogenated olefin. Results were evaluated by focusing on these four functional groups just mentioned and their summation term as total VOC (TVOC) along with several individual species (mainly AR species, that is, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene). The highest concentration of chemical groups was found from AR (71.1±42.1?ppbC), while that for individual species confirmed the dominance of toluene (7.48±3.88?ppb). The analysis of spatial distribution indicated that high TVOC levels were recorded at sites N and W, while it was not so significant such as S and E in terms of TVOC budget. Seasonal variation of these VOCs was characterized by the peak values in December to reflect the combined effects of pronounced source activities and meteorological conditions. Analysis of spatial variations in VOC levels between the four urban sites indicated that their distributions are tightly affected by local source processes in each area.     

Removal of chromium and reduction of toxicity to Microtox system from tannery effluent by the use of calcium alginate beads containing humic acid

Removal of chromium (Cr) from tannery effluents by recovery of metal also reduces the ecotoxicological impact. To develop such a process, columns packed with calcium alginate (CA) beads with or without humic acid (HA) have been used as an adsorbent and tannery effluent was passed through it. Concentration of Cr in beads and in different fractions collected after adsorption was measured. Change in total organic carbon content during the process was also noticed. The fractions were also tested for toxicity towards Microtox assay. EC(50) values were determined with the help of Microtox analyser 500. Data showed that the CA beads along with HA could be effectively utilised in removal of 54% Cr and also in reducing the toxicity (EC(50) (%) in 5 min=>100 in fractions collected after 72 h).     

Dust deposition in a sub-tropical opencast coalmine area, India

This paper provides baseline information about the total annual dust fall, and its constituents and seasonal variation, from a sub-tropical opencast coalmine area in Bina, India. Dust samples were collected monthly for 2 years (June 2002-May 2004) from five sampling sites in the region and analyzed in the laboratory for water-soluble and -insoluble matter. Water-insoluble components constituted the major fraction of the total annual dust fall. Two-way ANOVA indicated significant variations in dust fall at different sites, over the months and in their interactions. The dust deposition rate was highest during summer (March-June), followed by winter (November-February) and lowest in the rainy season (July-October). Maximum dust fall was observed near the coal handling plant (at site 2) followed by the receiving pit of the coal handling plant (site 3), near the main sub-station (site 4), Jawahar colony (site 1) and Gharasari village (site 5). An inverse and significant relation was observed between dust fall and precipitation. Our studies have shown that the main residential areas are experiencing higher levels of dust fall which makes them unsuitable for living. We suggest that residential areas should be moved farther away from the mining area in the opposite direction of prevalent winds.     

The Indian perspective of utilizing fly ash in phytoremediation, phytomanagement and biomass production

Coal-based power generation is a principal source of electricity in India and many other countries. About 15–30% of the total amount of residue generated during coal combustion is fly ash (FA). FA is generally alkaline in nature and contains many toxic metals like Cr, Pb, Hg, As and Cd along with many essential elements like S, B, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn and P. Dumped FA contaminates the biosphere by mobilization of its fine particles and hazardous metals. Despite the negative environmental impact of FA, coal continues to be a major source of power production in India and therefore FA disposal is a major environmental issue. To overcome this problem, FA dumping sites have been started as a potential resource for biomass production of tree species. Phytoremediation is a strategy that uses plants to degrade, stabilize, and remove contaminants from soils, water and waste FA. Phytomanagement of FA is based on the plants' root systems, high biomass, woody nature, native nature, and resistance to pH, salinity, and toxic metals. Recently Indian researchers mostly from the National Botanical Research Institute have been working on phytoremediation and revegetation of FA dykes, inoculation of bacterial strains for reducing FA stress and biomass production from FA dykes. Many international researchers have worked on reclamation, revegetation and utilization of FA. FA utilization saves resources, mainly land (topsoil), water, coal, limestone and chemical fertilizer. Safe utilization of FA is a major concern around the world and regulatory bodies are enforcing stringent rules for the proper management of FA. This article summarizes various viable avenues in India for FA utilization and environmental management.     

Effects of diazinon on serum calcium and inorganic phosphate levels as well as ultrastructures of parathyroid and calcitonin cells of Rattus norvegicus

Daily intramuscular administration of two doses--0.50 LD550 (150 mg/kg b w) and 0.75 LD50 (225 mg/kg b w) of diazinon for 14 days induced progressive hypocalcemia without altering serum inorganic phosphate value in Rattus norvegicus. Hypocalcemic response of the pesticide was dose- as well as time-dependent. Parathyroid chief cells of the experimental rats exhibited degranulation, vacuolation, loss of secretory granules and lipid droplets, decreased chromatin, and degenerative changes in endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex as well as cristae of the mitochondria. Not much of ultrastructural changes could be seen in the C cells of the rats treated with diazinon.     

Bronchial contamination with toxic metals in mineral-based industrial areas of India

Selected toxic metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni and Mn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 55 samples of bronchial washouts obtained from patients with respiratory ailments. These subjects either worked or lived in industrial locations which have mineral-based industries such as steel plants, thermal power plants, cement plants, limestone mines and iron ore mines. Half of the samples analysed were from the plant workers and the other half from the non-workers living in the respective industrial areas. Samples from subjects living outside the industrial areas were also collected and analysed. The highest occurrence of toxic metals was found in the subjects living in the steel plant area. The occurrence was of the order: steel plant > thermal power plant > cement plant > iron ore mines > limestone mines > non industrial areas. Plant workers showed a higher presence of metals in their respiratory tracts compared to the non-workers in each industrial area. Higher depositions were noticed in areas of coal-fired industries compared to non-coal-fired industries. Zn, Cu and Pb were more likely to reach the respiratory tracts. The occurrences were found to increase with the age of the subjects. A slightly higher susceptibility to bronchial contamination was noticed in females.To whom correspondence should be addressed.     

Complex dynamics of toxin producing algal species and primary productivity in two water ponds of Faizabad

In order to develop a method of predicting and assessing pond eutrophication, which is a serious environmental problem, and to propose effective measure of improvement of water quality. The present study was performed to measure water quality variables, primary productivity, chl-a and biomass of toxin producing algal species and fish production. High nutrient influx and toxin producing algal species have been observed during June 1999 to May 2000 in two water bodies [Girija Kund (A) and Maqubara pond (B)] of Faizabad. The maximum chl-a concentration, toxins producing algal species biomass were found to be 415.00 and 515.00 in pond A, while 451.00 microg/l and 541.22 mg/l in pond B, respectively in the case of Microcystis aeruginosa. Ecological parameters to evaluate GPP, NPP and CR were found to be 297.00, 134.000 and 182.00 mgCm3/h in summer season in pond B, respectively which is higher than pond A. A poor association existed between chl-a and GPP. Temporal variation (Photosynthetic rate) in A(max) & P(max) was also observed to evaluate the productivity of pond. Annual fish production potential of the ponds A and B has been estimated to be around 342.00 Kg and 204. 00 Kg, respectively which may be due to the presence of toxin producing algal species.     

Determination of total arsenic content in water by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) using vapour generation assembly (VGA)

Analysis of arsenic in water is important in view of contamination of ground water with arsenic in some parts of the world including West Bengal in India and neighboring country Bangladesh. WHO has fixed the threshold for arsenic in drinking water to 10ppb (microg/l) level, hence the methodology for determination of arsenic is required to be sensitive at ppb level. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry with vapour generation assembly (AAS-VGA) is well known technique for the trace analysis of arsenic. However, total arsenic analysis [As(III)+As(V)] is very crucial and it requires reduction of As(V) to As(III) for correct analysis. As(III) is reduced to AsH3 vapours and finally to free As atoms, which are responsible for absorption signal in AAS. To accomplish this the vapour generation assembly attached to AAS has acid channel filled with 10 M HCl and the reduction channel with sodium borohydride. Further sample can be reduced either before aspiration for analysis, using potassium iodide (KI) or the sample can be introduced in the instrument directly and KI can be added in the reduction channel along with the sodium borohydride. The present work shows that samples prepared in 3 M HCl can be reduced with KI for 30 min before introduction in the instrument. Alternatively samples can be prepared in 6 M HCl and directly aspirated in AAS using KI in VGA reduction channel. The latter methodology is more useful when the sample size is large and time cycle is difficult to maintain. It is observed that the acid concentration of the sample in both the situations plays an important role. Further reduction in acid concentration and analysis time is achieved for the arsenic analysis by using modified method. Analysis in both the methods is sensitive at ppb level.     

Predicting the distributional range shifts of Rhizocarpon geographicum (L.) DC. in Indian Himalayan Region under future climate scenarios

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Himalaya, the highest mountain system in the world and house of important biodiversity hotspot, is sensitive to projected warming by climate change....     

Environmental threat and change detection in saline lakes from 1960 to 2021: background,present, and future

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Saline lakes are internationally known for unique chemical compositions, incorporate assorted foliage, and give a few biological system benefits and...