Trace metal fractionation in the Pichavaram mangrove–estuarine sediments in southeast India after the tsunami of 2004

The geochemistry of coastal sediments of southern India was altered after the tsunami in 2004. A five-step sequential extraction procedure was applied to assess the effects of tsunami on mobility and redistribution of selected elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Ten surface sediments and three cores were analyzed for different metal fractions (exchangeable, carbonate, reduced, oxidized, and residual). Total metal concentrations increased in mangrove sediments after the tsunami, but their spatial distribution did not show significant variation (except Mn). The sediments were mixed by the tsunami, and there was lack of variation in metal concentrations in different fractions with depth (except Pb and Mn). High concentrations of Pb and Zn occurred in the oxide fractions, whereas Cu, Cr, Cd, and Ni were high in the organic and sulfide-rich fractions. Metals in the residual fraction (lattice bound) had the highest concentration suggesting their non-availability and limited biological uptake in the system. Most of the metals (except Mn) do not constitute a risk based on the different geochemical indices.     

Utility of cefixime as a complexing reagent for the determination of Ni(II) in synthetic mixture and water samples

A simple, sensitive, and accurate UV spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of nickel in synthetic mixture and water samples. The method is based on the complexation reaction of nickel ion with cefixime, thus leading to the formation of Ni–cefixime complex in ethanol-distilled water medium at room temperature. The complex showed the maximum absorption wavelength at 332 nm. Beer’s law is obeyed in the working concentration range of 0.447–4.019 μg?mL^?1 with apparent molar absorptivity of 7.314?×?10³?L?mol^?1?cm^?1 and Sandell’s sensitivity of 0.008 μg/cm²/0.001 absorbance unit. The limits of detection and quantitation for the proposed method are 0.016 and 0.054 μg?mL^?1, respectively. The factors such as cefixime concentration and solvent affecting the complexation reaction were carefully studied and optimized. The method is validated as per the International Conference on Harmonisation guideline. The method is successfully applied to the determination of Ni(II) in synthetic mixture and wadi water samples collected from Al Rustaq. The same water samples are also analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both methods determined the amount of Ni(II) in water sample and found to be approximately the same.     

Transformation of nitrogen dioxide into ozone and prediction of ozone concentrations using multiple linear regression techniques

Analysis and forecasting of air quality parameters are important topics of atmospheric and environmental research today due to the health impact caused by air pollution. This study examines transformation of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) into ozone (O₃) at urban environment using time series plot. Data on the concentration of environmental pollutants and meteorological variables were employed to predict the concentration of O₃ in the atmosphere. Possibility of employing multiple linear regression models as a tool for prediction of O₃ concentration was tested. Results indicated that the presence of NO₂ and sunshine influence the concentration of O₃ in Malaysia. The influence of the previous hour ozone on the next hour concentrations was also demonstrated.     

A schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptors

Birds of prey, owls and falcons are widely used as sentinel species in raptor biomonitoring programmes. A major current challenge is to facilitate large-scale biomonitoring by coordinating contaminant monitoring activities and by building capacity across countries. This requires sharing, dissemination and adoption of best practices addressed by the Networking Programme Research and Monitoring for and with Raptors in Europe (EURAPMON) and now being advanced by the ongoing international COST Action European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility. The present perspective introduces a schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptors. We provide guidance on sample collection with a view to increasing sampling capacity across countries, ensuring appropriate quality of samples and facilitating harmonization of procedures to maximize the reliability, comparability and interoperability of data. The here presented protocol can be used by professionals and volunteers as a standard guide to ensure harmonised sampling methods for contaminant monitoring in raptors.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13280-020-01341-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Microplastics pollution in Bangladesh: current scenario and future research perspective

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are emerging environmental pollutants that have gained tremendous scientific interest in recent years. These micropollutants are omnipresent both in the terrestrial and aquatic environments posing a deleterious threat to the ecosystem and biodiversity. So, it is important to develop a deep understanding of the environmental fate and potential adverse impacts of microplastics on the aquatic and terrestrial environments. By critically reviewing the previously published scientific literature, the present synthesis briefly outlines the characteristics, occurrence and potential toxic effects of microplastics on terrestrial and aquatic biota. The article also focuses on some innovative approaches for sustainable remediation of macroplastics as well as microplastics. Since the concept of microplastics pollution has yet in its infancy in Bangladesh, this synthesis provides an overview of the current scenario of microplastics pollution and some future research recommendations in the context of Bangladesh which might be helpful to the novice researchers of this field.     

Evaluation of resin and fatty acid concentration levels by online sample enrichment followed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS)

Background, aim, and scope  In papermaking, there is a continuous interest both to minimize fresh water consumption and to reduce discharges into the environment. These general trends mean an increase in the amounts of detrimental substances, such as resin and fatty acids, in papermaking process waters. Resin acids, in particular, are responsible for much of the toxicity typically present in paper mill effluents and, for this reason, the routine and rapid monitoring of these compounds in various process streams is necessary. This also means that there is a continuous need to develop straightforward offline and online techniques to clarify problems occurring, for example, as a result of the introduction of more intensively closed systems of water circulation. In the present study, we describe the use of a novel, online, sample enrichment technique followed by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) suitable for monitoring the concentration levels of common resin and fatty acids in papermaking process waters. Materials and methods  The representative process water samples were taken from the grinding zone of a thermomechanical pulping mill. The samples were first preconcentrated in a precolumn C18, and the analytes were transferred online to MS. The high intensive [M–H]⁻ ion was used for the identification of each analyte since, according to the present ionization method, no other fragmentation was observed. Laboratory-scale, online measurements with an online sample feed were carried out by connecting a centrifugal pump and a ceramic filter to the APCI-MS. Results  Quality parameters, such as repeatability, linearity, and limit of detection (LOD), were determined by using dehydroabietic acid (DHAA) in order to evaluate the suitability of the method for the rapid screening of concentration levels. This method provided satisfactory linearity and a good correlation between analyte concentration and peak area. The suitability of the system for the continuous analysis of the same acids was evaluated in laboratory-scale, online experiments. In all cases, the response to changes in the analyte concentration was linear, and the repeatability of the system was also satisfactory. Discussion  Only a few studies have been published on the analysis of resin and fatty acids with MS techniques. The present method was applied to the monitoring of dehydroabietic, oleic, and stearic acids. The quality parameters were highly comparable with those reported earlier, and the LOD values of the DHAA were below the levels usually encountered in process waters. The quality parameters were only slightly higher than those obtained by the traditional methods of analysis, probably due to the absence of an effective sample clean-up before analysis. Conclusions  The results of the laboratory-scale, online experiments indicated that the online enrichment APCI-MS system is a suitable alternative for monitoring the concentration levels of selected resin and fatty acids in papermaking process waters. The method can be used, for example, to provide useful information about the concentration levels of these acids in different stages of the process, thus signaling possibly impending problems. In general, faster and simpler measurements are needed to meet the requirements for a reduction in fresh water usage in papermaking. Recommendations and perspectives  Compared to the conventional methods used for this purpose, the main benefits of the method are rapidity of measurement, simplicity of use, and absence of the need for multistage sample treatments (short analysis time). For this reason, this online method is more suitable for the control of papermaking by analyzing the concentration levels of interfering substances (i.e., selected resin and fatty acids) than an offline analysis detailing all the individual extractives-based compounds in process streams. It is also obvious that the technique can easily be modified for other environmental pollutants as well.     

Floristic composition of arid off –shore islands in Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates

Data on flora and vegetation of 14 off-shore islands representing different habitat types were studied for investigating floristic composition, vegetation types and correlation with their habitats and ecosystem. The results demonstrate considerable plant distribution and diversity among the islands within the limited spectrum of species; encompassing a total of 47 species, belonging to 43 genera under 24 families. The most representative families were Amaranthaceae (9 species), Fabaceae (4 species), Poaceae (4 species) and Asteraceae and Aizoaceae (3 species each). Fourteen families are represented by only one species. The mangrove species, Avicennia marina, occurs throughout the coast of Abu Dhabi in discontinuous patches and in different water salinities. The studies also seek to underline that dominant species that constitutes the flora of Abu Dhabi are salt tolerant in nature. Compared to other Arabian Peninsula ecosystems, UAE perhaps has a higher coastal: mainland area ratio, which has contributed to a natural dominance of salt tolerant species among the community. The studies show 40% similarity among islands with respect to the species diversity. The floristic composition of the off-shore islands also indicates a need to consider these sites as protected sites.     

Comparison effect of feedstock to inoculum ratios on biogas yields of cafeteria,vegetable, fruit wastes with cattle manure using co-digestion process

Cafeteria, vegetable, fruit, and cattle manure are available year around at low cost and have the potential to complement each other for anaerobic digestion (AD). The objectives of this study were to determine the preferred mixing ratios and effects of feedstock to inoculum ratios for the optimal biogas production. The mesophilic digestion tests were performed with five mixing ratios of CW, VW, FW with CM and five feedstock to inoculum (F/I) ratios using batch anaerobic digesters. Co-digestion of CW, VW, FW with CM was carried out at F/I ratios of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0. The results showed that the F/I ratio significantly affected the biogas production rate. Increasing the CW, VW, FW in the CM resulted in an increased methane yield by decreasing the F/I ratios in the reactors from 5.0 to 1.0. The highest biogas yields of 591.3, 432.9, and 450.6 L/kg VS_feed were obtained with CW/CM (50:50), VW/CM (25:75), and FW/CM (25:75) ratios, respectively. At five F/Is tested, after 45 days of AD, the total biogas yields were determined to be 629.74, 552.64, 501.87, 464.66, and 396.04 L and 496.93, 460.02, 420.5, 398.14, and 336.20 L, and 455.03, 382.81, 349.78, 340.95, and 298.53 L, respectively. However, the highest average CH₄ contents obtained at an F/I of 1.0 were 62.14%, 60.72%, and 61.08% that are 5.87%, 9.47%, and 10.17% higher than those obtained at F/I ratio of 5.0 for CW/CM (50:50), VW/CM (25:75), and FW/CM (25:75), respectively.     

Optimum design and evaluation of hybrid solar/wind/diesel power system for Masirah Island

This paper addresses the requirements of electrical energy for an isolated island of Masirah in Oman. The paper studied the possibility of using sources of renewable energy in combination with current diesel power plant on the island to meet the electrical load demand. There are two renewable energy sources used in this study, solar and wind energy. This study aimed to design and evaluate hybrid solar/wind/diesel/battery system in terms of cost and pollution. By using HOMER software, many simulation analyses have been proposed to find and optimize different technologies that contain wind turbine, solar photovoltaic, and diesel in combination with storage batteries for electrical generation. Four different hybrid power systems were proposed, diesel generators only, wind/diesel/battery, PV/diesel/battery, and PV/wind/diesel/battery. The analysis of the results shows that around 75 % could reduce the cost of energy by using PV/wind/diesel hybrid power system. Also, the greenhouse emission could be reduced by around 25 % compared with these by using diesel generators system that currently utilize in the Masirah Island. The solar/wind/diesel hybrid system is techno-economically viable for Masirah Island.     

Temporal and spatial variations of the quality of ambient air in the Kingdom of Bahrain during 2007

The main objective of the present investigation is to study the temporal and spatial variations of the quality of ambient air in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test showed significant spatial variations and interactions of spatial-temporal among five mobile monitoring stations for 11 air pollutants. The Mann Whitney (MW) test demonstrated the seasonality of spring over winter for the PM(10), PM(2.5), NO(2), CO and p-xylene, the seasonality of winter over spring for O(3), and no significant seasonal variation for NH(3), benzene, SO(2), toluene and H(2)S. It is concluded that emissions from automobile exhaust, industrial and developmental projects are responsible for the spatial air pollution, and that air temperature is the controlling factor for the seasonal variations.