Detection of early effects of a single herbicide (diuron) and a mix of herbicides and pharmaceuticals (diuron, isoproturon, ibuprofen) on immunological parameters of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) spat

In the context of massive summer mortality events of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, the aim of this study was to investigate the early effects on genes, enzymes and haemocyte parameters implicated in immune defence mechanisms in C. gigas oysters exposed to a potentially hostile environment, i.e. to an herbicide alone or within a mixture. Following 2 h of exposure to the herbicide diuron at 1 μg L⁻¹, the repression of different genes implicated in immune defence mechanisms in the haemocytes and the inhibition of enzyme activities, such as laccase-type phenoloxidase (PO) in the plasma, were observed. The inhibition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the plasma was also observed after 6 and 24 h of exposure. In the mixture with the herbicides diuron and isoproturon, and the pharmaceutical ibuprofen, catecholase-type PO activity in the plasma and the percentage of phagocytosis in the haemocytes were reduced after 6 h of exposure. Our results showed that early effects on molecular, biochemical and cellular parameters can be detected in the presence of diuron alone or within a mixture, giving an insight of its potential effect in situations that can be found in natural environments, i.e. relatively high concentrations for short periods of time.     

Histopathological biomarkers in gills and liver of Oreochromis niloticus from polluted wetland environments, Saudi Arabia

Fish live in direct contact with their immediate external environment and, therefore, are highly vulnerable to aquatic pollutants. In this study, Oreochromis niloticus were caught at three different sites in Al-Hassa irrigation channels, namely Al-Jawhariya, Um-Sabah and Al-Khadoud. The histological changes in gills and liver were detected microscopically and evaluated with semi-quantitative analyses. Also, heavy metals have been determined in the water samples in these sites. Results showed that all sites were polluted by different kinds of heavy metals. Cd and Pb were mostly detected at concentrations above the WHO reference values. Meanwhile, various histopathological abnormalities were observed in gills and liver of fish specimens. In the gill filaments, cell proliferation, lamellar cell hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, lifting of the respiratory epithelium, and the presence of aneurysmal areas were observed. In the liver, there was vacuolization of the hepatocytes, sinusoidal congestion, necrosis of the parenchyma tissue, nuclear pyknosis, eosinophilic hepatocellular degeneration, pigment accumulation, an increase in the number and size of melanomacrophage centers. Liver tumors with severe chronic inflammation were occasionally found in fish at Al-Khadoud area (first-time report). The histological lesions were comparatively most severe in the liver. Despite heavy metals assessment did not show marked differences among sites, histopathological biomarkers indicated that the surveyed fish are living under stressful environmental conditions. So, we suggest use those biomarkers in future monitoring of aquatic systems.     

Ambient nitrogen oxides exposure and early childhood respiratory illnesses

Acute respiratory infections are common in children below 5 years and recent studies suggest a possible link with air pollution. In this study, we investigated the association between ambient nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and bronchitis or upper airway inflammation.This longitudinal study was conducted in Teplice and Prachatice districts, Czech Republic. Children were followed from birth to 4.5 years of age. Data were compiled from medical records at delivery and at follow up, and from self-administered questionnaires from the same two time points. Air pollution monitoring data were used to estimate exposure over five different averaging periods ranging from three to 45 days prior to an episode. To quantify the association between exposure and outcome, while accounting for repeated measure correlation we conducted logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations.During the first 2 years of life, the adjusted rate ratio for bronchitis associated with interquartile increase in the 30-day average NO_x was 1.31 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.61] and for two to 4.5 year olds, it was 1.23 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.49). The 14-day exposure also had stable association across both age groups: below 2 years it was 1.25 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.47) and for two to 4.5 years it was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.39). The association between bronchitis and NO_x increased with child's age in the under 2 years group, which is a relatively novel finding.The results demonstrate an association between NO_x and respiratory infections that are sufficiently severe to come to medical attention. The evidence, if causal, can be of public health concern because acute respiratory illnesses are common in preschool children.     

NAFTA and member country strategies for maritime trade and marine invasive species

Maritime shipping has two vectors of spreading marine invasive species: ballast water inside the ship and biofouling on the hulls outside the ship. While some attention has focused on ballast water, virtually none is focused on biofouling. This paper offers a quantitative analysis of economic incentives for shippers and regulating ports to address both pollution vectors. The strategies to address the vectors are induced by incentive mechanisms involving liability, subsidies and taxes. Results show these offer ample incentives in order to truly foster abatement of both vectors. Data from North America's Pacific coast is included in the analysis.     

Anticipated Performance Index of some tree species considered for green belt development in and around an urban area: a case study of Varanasi city, India

It is well established that trees help to reduce air pollution, and there is a growing impetus for green belt expansion in urban areas. Identification of suitable plant species for green belts is very important. In the present study, the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of many plant species has been evaluated by analyzing important biochemical parameters. The Anticipated Performance Index (API) of these plant species was also calculated by considering their APTI values together with other socio-economic and biological parameters. Based on these two indices, the most suitable plant species for green belt development in urban areas were identified and recommended for long-term air pollution management.     

北京市地下水污染源荷载影响评价

在阐述地下水污染源荷载影响基本概念的基础上,介绍了污染源荷载影响评价的3大要素:污染荷载等级、含水层敏感性及地下水价值,说明了评价体系、指标和方法及过程。根据主要污染源荷载分析,结合地下水环境现状,对北京市进行了分区,提出污染源管理措施。     

污染源自动监测数据异常诊断系统研究

简述了污染源自动监测数据异常诊断系统的概念以及异常数据的来源,以及系统的工作原理和基本功能结构。提出了系统模拟专家分析过程的信息处理工作方式,以期实现污染源自动监测数据质量自动诊断与故障识别。     

太原汾河景区跨桥断面水体污染的时空变化模式研究

选取太原汾河景区跨桥断面8个监测点,在2012年3月—2013年10月期间对河流8项水质参数进行监测,并结合派生的水体综合污染指数及主成分分析方法分析和评价景区水污染时空变化特征。结果表明,景区水质污染变化时空差异明显,上游污染相对较小,下游污染较重;春季溶解氧和p H值变化幅度最大,夏季除总氮和氨氮外,其他各污染物均有显著变化特征,秋季则以氨氮、总氮和总磷变化最为显著。主成分分析结果显示,虽然各监测点水体污染的关键影响因子不同,但总磷是太原市河流水体污染的共同解释因子。     

生活垃圾焚烧炉烟气新标准可达性分析

对《生活垃圾焚烧污染控制标准》(GB 18485—2001)和《生活垃圾焚烧污染控制标准》(GB 18485—2014)中各项指标的排放限值作比较,并探讨了二噁英、重金属、酸性气体、烟尘、碳氧化物等烟气污染物的控制措施。结合2010—2014年浙江省部分生活垃圾焚烧厂"三同时"验收废气监测数据,对排放指标的达标情况作分析,结果表明,采用"3T+E"焚烧工艺+SNCR脱硝+半干法脱酸+活性炭喷射+布袋除尘器除尘的烟气污染控制技术,可以同时满足脱氮、脱酸、除尘,以及去除重金属和二噁英的要求。     

江苏省典型汽车涂装企业VOCs排放特征与污染控制技术

利用物料衡算和源排放测试对江苏省典型汽车涂装企业VOCs排放特征进行研究,并提出最佳治理技术。结果表明,大客车单位涂装面积VOCs排放量达到300 g/m2以上,小轿车为40~60 g/m2。苯系物是VOCs排放的重要组分,最高占比为33.2%~64.6%。乙酸丁酯、异丙醇、丁醇等醇酯类物质近年来广泛用于代替苯系物溶剂,其排放占比为29.6%~61.2%。汽车涂装行业最佳治理技术包括采用3C1B、水性免中涂等先进涂装工艺,用粉末涂料、水性涂料和高固体成分涂料等代替溶剂型涂料,从源头控制排放。采用干式漆雾分离技术、转轮浓缩吸附-蓄热式焚烧技术等先进尾气治理技术,VOCs去除率可达99%以上。