Journal Of Environmental Monitoring[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Comparative analysis of classical and molecular microbiology methods for the detection of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in well water.
Maheux AF, Huppé V, Bissonnette L … +4 more , Boissinot M, Rodrigue L, Bérubé È, Bergeron MG
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 23014932 · Publisher ↗
The microbiological quality of 165 1 litre well water samples collected in the Québec City region was assessed by culture-based methods (mFC agar, Chromocult coliform agar, Colilert(®), MI agar, Chromocult enterococci, E...
The microbiological quality of 165 1 litre well water samples collected in the Québec City region was assessed by culture-based methods (mFC agar, Chromocult coliform agar, Colilert(®), MI agar, Chromocult enterococci, Enterolert™, and mEI agar) and by a molecular microbiology strategy, dubbed CRENAME-rtPCR, developed for the detection of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis/faecium, and Bacillus atrophaeus subsp. globigii. In these drinking water samples, approved culture-based methods detected E. coli at rates varying from 1.8 to 3.6% and Enterococcus spp. at rates varying from 3.0 to 11.5%, while the molecular microbiology approach for E. coli was found to be as efficient, detecting contamination in 3.0% of samples. In contrast, CRENAME-rtPCR detected Enterococcus spp. in 27.9% of samples while the E. faecalis/faecium molecular assay did not uncover a single contaminated sample, thereby revealing a discrepancy in the coverage of waterborne enterococcal species detected by classical and molecular microbiology methods. The validation of the CRENAME-E. coli rtPCR test as a new tool to assess the quality of drinking water will require larger scale studies elaborated to demonstrate its equivalence to approved methods.
The influence of climate change on the global distribution and fate processes of anthropogenic persistent organic pollutants.
Kallenborn R, Halsall C, Dellong M … +1 more , Carlsson P
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 23014859 · Publisher ↗
The effect of climate change on the global distribution and fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is of growing interest to both scientists and policy makers alike. The impact of warmer temperatures and the result...
The effect of climate change on the global distribution and fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is of growing interest to both scientists and policy makers alike. The impact of warmer temperatures and the resulting changes to earth system processes on chemical fate are, however, unclear, although there are a growing number of studies that are beginning to examine these impacts and changes in a quantitative way. In this review, we examine broad areas where changes are occurring or are likely to occur with regard to the environmental cycling and fate of chemical contaminants. For this purpose we are examining scientific information from long-term monitoring data with particular emphasis on the Arctic, to show apparent changes in chemical patterns and behaviour. In addition, we examine evidence of changing chemical processes for a number of environmental compartments and indirect effects of climate change on contaminant emissions and behaviour. We also recommend areas of research to address knowledge gaps. In general, our findings indicate that the indirect consequences of climate change (i.e. shifts in agriculture, resource exploitation opportunities, etc.) will have a more marked impact on contaminants distribution and fate than direct climate change.
Open air mineral treatment operations and ambient air quality: assessment and source apportionment.
Escudero M, Alastuey A, Moreno T … +2 more , Querol X, Pérez P
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 23001488 · Publisher ↗
We present a methodology for evaluating and quantifying the impact of inhalable mineral dust resuspension close to a potentially important industrial point source, in this case an open air plant producing sand, flux and...
We present a methodology for evaluating and quantifying the impact of inhalable mineral dust resuspension close to a potentially important industrial point source, in this case an open air plant producing sand, flux and kaolin in the Capuchinos district of Alcañiz (Teruel, NE Spain). PM(10) levels at Capuchinos were initially high (42 μg m(-3) as the annual average with 91 exceedances of the EU daily limit value during 2007) but subsequently decreased (26 μg m(-3) with 16 exceedances in 2010) due to a reduced demand for minerals from the ceramic industry and construction sector during the first stages of the economic crisis. Back trajectory and local wind pattern analyses revealed only limited contribution from exotic PM sources such as African dust intrusions whereas there was clearly a strong link with the mineral stockpiles of the local industry. This link was reinforced by chemical and mineral speciation and source apportionment analysis which showed a dominance of mineral matter (sum of CO(3)(2-), SiO(2), Al(2)O(3), Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P, and Ti: mostly aluminosilicates) which in 2007 contributed 76% of the PM(10) mass (44 μg m(-3) on average). The contribution from Secondary Inorganic Aerosols (SIA, sum of SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-) and NH(4)(+)) reached 8.4 μg m(-3), accounting for 14% of the PM(10) mass, similar to the amount of calcareous road dust estimated to be present (8 μg m(-3); 13%). Organic matter and elemental carbon contributed 5.3 μg m(-3) (9%) whereas marine aerosol (Na + Cl) levels were minor with an average concentration of 0.4 μg m(-3) (1% of the PM(10) mass). Finally, chemical and mineralogical analysis of stockpile samples and comparison with filter samples confirmed the local industry to be the major source of ambient PM(10) in the area.
An application of passive samplers to understand atmospheric mercury concentration and dry deposition spatial distributions.
Huang J, Choi HD, Landis MS … +1 more , Holsen TM
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 23001454 · Publisher ↗
Two modified passive samplers were evaluated at multiple field locations. The sampling rate (SR) of the modified polyurethane foam (PUF)-disk passive sampler for total gaseous mercury (TGM) using gold-coated quartz fiber...
Two modified passive samplers were evaluated at multiple field locations. The sampling rate (SR) of the modified polyurethane foam (PUF)-disk passive sampler for total gaseous mercury (TGM) using gold-coated quartz fiber filters (GcQFF) and gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) using ion-exchange membranes (IEM) were 6.4 ± 1.4 and 15.3 ± 0.3 m(3) day(-1), respectively. The relative percent difference between TGM and GOM concentrations measured by a Tekran system and the passive samplers averaged 19 ± 14 and 13 ± 12% and ranged between 4-44 and 1.5-41%, respectively. The GcQFF and IEM substrates were also evaluated as collection media for surrogate surface dry deposition measurements. Mercury (Hg) concentration and dry deposition gradients were observed using these samplers at an urban/industrial site and compared to a rural/remote site. The Hg dry deposition rates measured by the surrogate surfaces were always higher than those calculated by a widely used inferential modeling method (1.3-50 fold). The Hg dry deposition measured at urban and suburban sites were comparable to those calculated from model. However, they were very different at a rural site, probably due to the low concentrations. Both methods are relatively low cost and will aid in understanding spatial distributions of Hg ambient air concentrations and dry deposition.
The effect of humic acid on uranyl sorption onto bentonite at trace uranium levels.
Ivanov P, Griffiths T, Bryan ND … +2 more , Bozhikov G, Dmitriev S
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 23001432 · Publisher ↗
The effect of humic acid (HA) on U(VI) sorption on bentonite was studied in batch experiments at room temperature and ambient atmosphere at a (237)U(VI) concentration of 8.4 × 10(-11) M and HA concentration of 100 mg L(-...
The effect of humic acid (HA) on U(VI) sorption on bentonite was studied in batch experiments at room temperature and ambient atmosphere at a (237)U(VI) concentration of 8.4 × 10(-11) M and HA concentration of 100 mg L(-1). The distribution of U(VI) between the liquid and solid phases was studied as a function of pH and ionic strength both in the absence and presence of HA. It was shown that the uranyl sorption on bentonite is strongly dependent on pH and the presence of humics, and the effect of the addition order was negligible. In the absence of HA an enhancement in the uptake with increasing pH was observed and a sharp sorption edge was found to take place between pH 3.2 and 4.2. The presence of HA slightly increases uranium(VI) sorption at low pH and curtails it at moderate pH, compared to the absence of HA. In the basic pH range for both the presence and absence of HA the sorption of uranium is significantly reduced, which could be attributed to the formation of soluble uranyl carbonate complexes. The influence of ionic strength on U(VI) and HA uptake by bentonite were investigated in the range of 0.01-1.0 M, and while there was an enhancement in the sorption of humic acid with increasing ionic strength, no significant effect of the ionic strength on the U(VI) sorption was observed in both the absence and presence of HA.
Potential sources affecting the activity concentrations of 238U, 235U, 232Th and some decay products in lettuce and wheat samples.
Jeambrun M, Pourcelot L, Mercat C … +5 more , Boulet B, Pelt E, Chabaux F, Cagnat X, Gauthier-Lafaye F
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 23001397 · Publisher ↗
The activity concentrations of radionuclides within the uranium and thorium series were determined in wheat and lettuce at five sites in France, and in their respective potential sources: crop soils of wheat and crop soi...
The activity concentrations of radionuclides within the uranium and thorium series were determined in wheat and lettuce at five sites in France, and in their respective potential sources: crop soils of wheat and crop soils and irrigation waters of lettuce. These data were used to calculate concentration ratios and to enrich the database supported by the technical report series N°472 of the IAEA (2010). For wheat and lettuce, the activity concentrations were in the same range for all radionuclides studied, except for (210)Pb, which had higher activity concentrations in wheat, ranging between 1.3 and 11 Bq kg(−1) (fresh weight) as compared to 0.4 and 0.7 Bq kg(−1) (fresh weight) for lettuce. For wheat, the range of activity concentrations (mBq kg(−1); fresh weight) decreased as (210)Pb > (226)Ra (56–1511) ≈ (228)Ra (86–769) > (228)Th (19–176) ≈ (238)U (11–169) ≈ (234)U (12–150) ≈ (230)Th (9.08–197.18) ≈ (232)Th (8.61–121.45) > (235)U (0.53–7.9). For lettuce, it decreased as (228)Ra (<320–1221) > (210)Pb (409–746) > (226)Ra (30–599) ≈ (228)Th (<29–347) > (238)U (8–120) ≈ (234)U (8–121) ≈ (230)Th (5.21–134.63) ≈ (232)Th (5.25–156.99) > (235)U (0.35–5.63). The species differences may reflect different plant physiologies. Through the study of activity ratios of wheat and lettuce in relation with those of the various radionuclide sources it has been possible to highlight the contribution of the main sources of natural radionuclides. Indeed, irrigation water when the uranium concentration is enhanced (>30 mBq L(−1)) contributed significantly to the activity concentration of uranium in lettuces. Concerning the high activity concentrations of (210)Pb, it could be explained by atmospheric particle deposition. The effect of soil particles resuspension and their adhesion to the plant surface seemed to be important in some cases. The soil-to-plant transfer factors were calculated for lettuce and wheat. The values were lower in wheat than in lettuce except for (210)Pb which had similar values in the two species (0.11–0.13 respectively). For both species, (210)Pb followed by (228)Ra (0.015–0.10) and (226)Ra (0.010–0.051) displayed the highest transfer factor, whereas (238)U had intermediate values (0.0015–0.030) and (232)Th exhibited the lowest (0.0014–0.013).
Lifetime of combustion-generated environmentally persistent free radicals on Zn(II)O and other transition metal oxides.
Vejerano E, Lomnicki S, Dellinger B
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22990982 · Full text
Previous studies indicated that Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) are formed in the post-flame, cool zone of combustion. They result from the chemisorption of gas-phase products of incomplete combustion (p...
Previous studies indicated that Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) are formed in the post-flame, cool zone of combustion. They result from the chemisorption of gas-phase products of incomplete combustion (particularly hydroxyl- and chlorine-substituted aromatics) on Cu(II)O, Fe(III)(2)O(3), and Ni(II)O domains of particulate matter (fly ash or soot particles). This study reports our detailed laboratory investigation on the lifetime of EPFRs on Zn(II)O/silica surface. Similarly, as in the case of other transition metals, chemisorption of the adsorbate on the Zn(II)O surface and subsequent transfer of electron from the adsorbate to the metal forms a surface-bound EPFR and a reduced metal ion center. The EPFRs are stabilized by their interaction with the metal oxide domain surface. The half-lives of EPFRs formed on Zn(II)O domains were the longest observed among the transition metal oxides studied and ranged from 3 to 73 days. These half-lives were an order of magnitude longer than those formed on nickel and iron oxides, and were 2 orders of magnitude longer compared to the EPFRs on copper oxide which have half-lives only on the order of hours. The longest-lived radicals on Zn(II)O correspond to the persistency in ambient air particles of almost a year. The half-life of EPFRs was found to correlate with the standard reduction potential of the associated metal.
Assessing spatial variability of soil petroleum contamination using visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.
Chakraborty S, Weindorf DC, Zhu Y … +4 more , Li B, Morgan CL, Ge Y, Galbraith J
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 22986574 · Publisher ↗
Visible near-infrared (VisNIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is a rapid, non-destructive method for sensing the presence and amount of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) contamination in soil. This study demonstr...
Visible near-infrared (VisNIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is a rapid, non-destructive method for sensing the presence and amount of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) contamination in soil. This study demonstrates the feasibility of VisNIR DRS to be used in the field to proximally sense and then map the areal extent of TPH contamination in soil. More specifically, we evaluated whether a combination of two methods, penalized spline regression and geostatistics could provide an efficient approach to assess spatial variability of soil TPH using VisNIR DRS data from soils collected from an 80 ha crude oil spill in central Louisiana, USA. Initially, a penalized spline model was calibrated to predict TPH contamination in soil by combining lab TPH values of 46 contaminated and uncontaminated soil samples and the first-derivative of VisNIR reflectance spectra of these samples. The r(2), RMSE, and bias of the calibrated penalized spline model were 0.81, 0.289 log(10) mg kg(-1), and 0.010 log(10) mg kg(-1), respectively. Subsequently, the penalized spline model was used to predict soil TPH content for 128 soil samples collected over the 80 ha study site. When assessed with a randomly chosen validation subset (n = 10) from the 128 samples, the penalized spline model performed satisfactorily (r(2) = 0.70; residual prediction deviation = 2.0). The same validation subset was used to assess point kriging interpolation after the remaining 118 predictions were used to produce an experimental semivariogram and map. The experimental semivariogram was fitted with an exponential model which revealed strong spatial dependence among soil TPH [r(2) = 0.76, nugget = 0.001 (log(10) mg kg(-1))(2), and sill 1.044 (log(10) mg kg(-1))(2)]. Kriging interpolation adequately interpolated TPH with r(2) and RMSE values of 0.88 and 0.312 log(10) mg kg(-1), respectively. Furthermore, in the kriged map, TPH distribution matched with the expected TPH variability of the study site. Since the combined use of VisNIR prediction and geostatistics was promising to identify the spatial patterns of TPH contamination in soils, future research is warranted to evaluate the approach for mapping spatial variability of petroleum contaminated soils.
Apparatus for in situ monitoring of copper in coastal waters.
Chapman CS, Cooke RD, Salaün P … +1 more , van den Berg CM
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22983404 · Publisher ↗
Apparatus is designed and tested to determine metals in situ in seawater. Voltammetry with a vibrating gold microwire electrode (VGME) is combined with a battery powered potentiostat and a processor board and is tested f...
Apparatus is designed and tested to determine metals in situ in seawater. Voltammetry with a vibrating gold microwire electrode (VGME) is combined with a battery powered potentiostat and a processor board and is tested for in situ monitoring of copper (Cu) in coastal waters. The VGME was combined with solid state reference and counter electrodes to make a single vibrating probe which was rated up to a depth of 40 m. The measuring mode for Cu was square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry whilst dissolved oxygen (DO) was monitored by a linear sweep scan in a negative potential direction. The working electrode was reactivated between measurements using a suitable potential sequence. The novelties of this work are the field-testing of apparatus incorporating a VGME for copper monitoring, which eliminates the need for pumping and reagents, but has sufficient sensitivity for low ambient levels of copper, and the use of a novel potential sequence to stabilise the response over a long time period. The apparatus has a measuring time of about 6 weeks and a measuring frequency of 12 h(-1). Measurement is reagent-free and power use is low as no pump is required. Experiments are carried out to test the stability of response of the system at various temperatures and its robustness with respect to long-term copper monitoring. Preliminary data were obtained during autonomous deployment over several weeks on a buoy in the Irish Sea. Vertical movement of the buoy caused individual measurements to have a variability of about 15%. It was found that longer term variability of the electrode could be minimised by normalisation of the Cu response over that of DO as the response was related to diffusion through the electrode surface which was similarly affected. The detected fraction of Cu (labile Cu) amounted to 1.5-4 nM during different deployments at a total Cu concentration of ∼10 nM. The same ratio was found by voltammetry in samples taken to the laboratory. The new apparatus has demonstrated that metals in coastal waters can be monitored at trace level, much facilitating the monitoring of outfalls and local water contamination. Because of its sensitivity the apparatus would be of use in estuarine as well as coastal waters, with the aim of monitoring intermittent variability in the copper concentration.
Gold mining impact on riverine heavy metal transport in a sparsely monitored region: the upper Lake Baikal Basin case.
Thorslund J, Jarsjö J, Chalov SR … +1 more , Belozerova EV
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22976382 · Publisher ↗
Mining and ore excavation can cause the acidification and heavy metal pollution of downstream water systems. It can be difficult to assess the load contributions from individual mining areas, which is commonly required f...
Mining and ore excavation can cause the acidification and heavy metal pollution of downstream water systems. It can be difficult to assess the load contributions from individual mining areas, which is commonly required for environmental impact assessments. In the current study, we quantified the net impact of the unmonitored mining activities in the Zaamar Goldfield (Mongolia) on heavy metal transport in the downstream Tuul River-Selenga River-Lake Baikal water systems. We also noted that the Zaamar site shares the conditions of limited monitoring with many rapidly developing regions of the world. The heavy metal concentrations and flow data were obtained from historical measurement campaigns, long-term monitoring, and a novel field campaign. The results indicate that natural mass flows of heavy metals in dissolved form increased by an order of magnitude because of mining. Prevailing alkaline conditions in the vicinity of Zaamar can limit the dissolution, maintaining the on-site concentrations below health-risk based guideline values. However, suspended river concentrations are much higher than the dissolved concentrations. The placer gold mining at the Zaamar site has increased the total riverine mass flows of Al, As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn by 44.300, 30.1, 65.7, 47.800, 1.480, 76.0 and 65.0 tonnes per year respectively. We suggest that local to regional transformation and enrichment processes in combination with suspended sediment transport from numerous existing upstream mining areas contribute to high concentrations of dissolved heavy metals in downstream parts of the Selenga River, including its delta area at Lake Baikal. Furthermore, single hydrological events can increase the suspended load concentrations by at least one order of magnitude. Overall, the Selenga River Basin, which drains into Lake Baikal, should be recognised as one of the world's most impacted areas with regard to heavy metal loads, and it contributes to 1% and 3% of the world flux of dissolved Fe and Pb, respectively.
One-year measurement of organic and elemental carbon in size-segregated atmospheric aerosol at a coastal and suburban site in Southeast China.
Niu Z, Zhang F, Kong X … +3 more , Chen J, Yin L, Xu L
J Environ Monit · 2012 Nov · PMID 22976216 · Publisher ↗
To understand the influence of the urbanization process on the air quality in the urban neighbourhood area, the size distribution and seasonal variations of elemental and organic carbon in aerosols were studied at a coas...
To understand the influence of the urbanization process on the air quality in the urban neighbourhood area, the size distribution and seasonal variations of elemental and organic carbon in aerosols were studied at a coastal and suburban site in Xiamen City, China. A total of 87 samples were obtained during the one-year measurement campaign from June 2009 to May 2010. The results indicated that 79.3 ± 3.2% of the organic carbon (OC) and 88.3 ± 1.7% of the elemental carbon (EC) were associated with fine particles (PM(2.5)), which consist of 32.0 ± 8.3% of the total carbonaceous aerosol (TCA). The concentrations of the OC and EC in PM(2.5) were 17.8 ± 11.2 and 3.8 ± 1.9 μg m(-3), respectively, and high concentrations were usually observed when the wind direction was northeast (NE). High OC/EC ratios (average 5.1) in PM(2.5) indicated the formation of secondary organic carbon (SOC), which contributed 60.0% to the OC and 11.0% to the particulate matter. At this site, SOC had a significant negative correlation with the temperature (R(2) = 0.42), and a favorable meteorological condition for SOC formation was found in the wintertime. The OC/EC ratios increased with particle size, while the fractions of the carbonaceous aerosols to particulate matter decreased. OC, EC and SOC concentrations and OC/EC ratios followed the same seasonal pattern of winter > spring > autumn > summer, which mainly resulted from the various origins of the air masses in different seasons. This study indicates the requirement for mitigating the pollution of carbonaceous aerosol at this coastal and suburban area in Xiamen City.
The application of biochemical responses to assess environmental quality of tropical estuaries: field surveys.
Maranho LA, Pereira CD, Choueri RB … +8 more , Cesar A, Gusso-Choueri PK, Torres RJ, Abessa DM, Morais RD, Mozeto AA, DelValls TA, Martín-Díaz ML
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22972440 · Publisher ↗
A battery of biomarkers of exposure (EROD, DBF, GST and GPx) and effect (lipid peroxidation and DNA damage - strand breaks) were analyzed in gill tissues from caged and native oysters Crassostrea rhizophorae exposed to t...
A battery of biomarkers of exposure (EROD, DBF, GST and GPx) and effect (lipid peroxidation and DNA damage - strand breaks) were analyzed in gill tissues from caged and native oysters Crassostrea rhizophorae exposed to two tropical estuarine systems in SW Brazil: Santos (S1, S2, S3, S4) and Paranaguá (P1 - control, P2, P3, P4). The exposure lasted 28 days. Native oysters were sampled in the same areas where caged systems were exposed. Significant induction of biomarkers of exposure to organic compounds and oxidative stress (p < 0.05) were observed in all transplanted individuals from Santos resulting in DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. Biological adverse effects were more evident in oysters transplanted in the Santos Estuarine System, a recognized contaminated area, than in the Paranaguá Estuarine System, surrounded by urban areas and Environmental Protected Areas. Native specimens from both estuaries showed adaption to the impacts of several contamination sources affecting the ecosystem. The use of transplanted C. rhizophorae proved to be a suitable tool for assessing and monitoring the environmental quality in mangrove ecosystems. This integrated approach employing multi-biomarker responses under field conditions could be incorporated as a descriptor of health status in tropical estuarine systems.
Size dependent aqueous dispersibility of carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes.
Ntim SA, Sae-Khow O, Desai C … +2 more , Witzmann FA, Mitra S
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22972403 · Full text
The size dependent colloidal behavior of aqueous dispersions of carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNTs) is presented. The presence of carboxylic groups provided electrostatic stabilization in water, where the...
The size dependent colloidal behavior of aqueous dispersions of carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNTs) is presented. The presence of carboxylic groups provided electrostatic stabilization in water, where the size affected agglomeration. While aspect ratio did not show any definite correlation, the hydrophobicity indices (HI), zeta potential and aggregation kinetics showed dependence on the length of the c-MWCNTs where the shorter c-MWCNTs showed significantly lower HI values, smaller particle aggregates, higher zeta potential values and higher critical coagulation concentrations (ccc) in the presence of electrolytes. Although the diameter of the short c-MWCNTs did not appear to influence their aggregation behavior, the longer c-MWCNTs showed a dependence on diameter where stability decreased with increasing CNT diameter.
Using passive air samplers to assess local sources versus long range atmospheric transport of POPs.
Halse AK, Schlabach M, Sweetman A … +2 more , Jones KC, Breivik K
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22972379 · Publisher ↗
Passive air samplers (PAS) are cost-efficient tools suitable for spatial mapping of atmospheric concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The objective of this study was to use PAS to (i) determine atmosphe...
Passive air samplers (PAS) are cost-efficient tools suitable for spatial mapping of atmospheric concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The objective of this study was to use PAS to (i) determine atmospheric concentrations of selected POPs in Norwegian coastal zones with consumption advisories on seafood (N = 22), and (ii) evaluate a simple nested monitoring approach to assess the relative influence of local vs. long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) at coastal sites. The latter was facilitated by comparison with data from a coordinated European-wide campaign in which an identical sampling and analytical approach was followed. Air concentrations were calculated based on the loss of performance reference compounds (PRCs), and results are presented for selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and chlordanes. Air concentrations of PCBs were generally highest at sites within larger cities and up to about an order of magnitude higher than anticipated on the basis of LRAT alone. The distribution of PAHs and HCB occasionally showed elevated concentrations at coastal sites with ongoing or former industrial activity, while an urban site was significantly influenced by banned insecticides (technical DDT and lindane). Coastal sites were also elevated in α-HCH beyond the anticipated LRAT contribution, which we attribute to volatilization from the sea. We conclude that a simple nested PAS monitoring approach provides useful information for screening efforts aiming to assess both atmospheric burdens as well as the relative significance of local sources in controlling these burdens at sites in contaminated areas.
Processing of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by fog in an urban environment.
Ehrenhauser FS, Khadapkar K, Wang Y … +6 more , Hutchings JW, Delhomme O, Kommalapati RR, Herckes P, Wornat MJ, Valsaraj KT
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22968314 · Publisher ↗
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous pollutants in the atmosphere, predominantly known for their toxicity. Although there has been substantial work on the atmospheric degradation of PAH, little is known...
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous pollutants in the atmosphere, predominantly known for their toxicity. Although there has been substantial work on the atmospheric degradation of PAH, little is known about how the presence of atmospheric droplets (e.g., a fog cloud) affects the fate of PAH. In order to assess the processing of PAH and their corresponding oxidation products during a fog event, two field-sampling campaigns in Fresno, CA and Davis, CA were conducted. The simultaneous evaluation of concentrations of the PAH and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic compounds (OPAC) in the gas phase, particulate matter and fog water droplets before, during and after fog allows for the characterization of transformative and transport processes in a fog cloud. By tracking the ratio of OPAC to PAH in the individual atmospheric phases, two major polycyclic aromatic compounds-processing pathways can be identified: (i) the dissolution of OPAC from particulate matter and (ii) the uptake and oxidation of PAH in the fog water droplets. Wet deposition steadily decreases the pollutant concentration in the fog cloud droplets during a fog event; however, uptake and concentration via evaporative water loss upon the dissipation of a fog cloud cause an increase in the atmospheric pollutant concentration.
Geochemistry and environmental assessment of major and trace elements in the surface sediments of the Wei River, China.
Han YM, Cao JJ, Wu F … +4 more , Zhang BC, Zhan CL, Wei C, Zhao ZZ
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22964718 · Publisher ↗
The development of western China in the past decade has led to increased discharges of wastewater and river pollution. The Wei River is the largest tributary of the Huang He River, but its geochemistry has not been thoro...
The development of western China in the past decade has led to increased discharges of wastewater and river pollution. The Wei River is the largest tributary of the Huang He River, but its geochemistry has not been thoroughly investigated. Sixty-three bed-surface sediment samples were collected from the Wei and analyzed for 24 elements by WDXRF; objectives for the study were to investigate the geochemical properties of the sediments; identify sources, and assess pollution levels and environmental risks. Major and trace element concentrations were comparable with those in other large rivers in China, but potentially hazardous trace elements (PHTEs) were lower than in the Yangzi or Pearl Rivers; most likely due to dilution of contaminants by the large sand inflows into the Wei and a lower level of industrialization. Nonetheless, pollution and risk analyses demonstrate slight contamination of Cr, Mn, Nb, Ni and Zn, moderate contamination of Cu and Pb, and strong contamination of As at some locations. Adverse biological effects from Ni and Cu are possible and are likely from As. Statistical and spatial analyses indicate that agriculture runoff and industrial wastewater discharge contribute to the contamination of this river. A comprehensive environmental management strategy, realistic national standards for wastewater discharge, and rigid enforcement are needed to address river pollution in China.
Fecal coliform population dynamics associated with the thermophilic stabilization of treated sewage sludge.
Ziemba C, Peccia J
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22955448 · Publisher ↗
The inactivation of fecal coliforms in anaerobic batch reactors has been investigated at the thermophilic temperatures of 50, 55 and 60 °C. Throughout inactivation experiments at each temperature, individual colonies wer...
The inactivation of fecal coliforms in anaerobic batch reactors has been investigated at the thermophilic temperatures of 50, 55 and 60 °C. Throughout inactivation experiments at each temperature, individual colonies were isolated and identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing to illustrate how the diversity of fecal coliforms is affected by thermophilic treatment. Results indicate that even though fecal coliforms in raw sewage sludge are comprised of several different bacterial species, each with variable temperature induced decay rates, the overall inactivation of fecal coliforms in raw sewage sludge was found to follow a first-order relationship. No tailing was observed across the range of fecal coliform concentrations measured. Fecal coliforms in raw sludge contained six different genera of bacteria and were 62% enriched in E. coli. Within 1.5 log removal of fecal coliform concentration by thermophilic treatment, the populations had shifted to, and remained at 100% E. coli. Subsequent inactivation rates measured in isolated fecal coliform strains confirmed that E. coli cells isolated post-treatment were more thermotolerant than E. coli and non-E coli bacteria isolated prior to thermal treatment. Overall, this study describes the potential enrichment of thermotolerant E. coli in biosolids fecal coliforms and demonstrates that while thermotolerant species are present at the end of treatment, pure first-order approximations are appropriate for estimating residence times to reduce fecal coliforms to levels promulgated in U.S. Class A biosolids standards.
Comments on "assessment of prenatal mercury exposure in a predominantly Caribbean immigrant community in Brooklyn, NY".
Wendroff A
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22951974 · Publisher ↗
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Portable automatic bioaerosol sampling system for rapid on-site detection of targeted airborne microorganisms.
Usachev EV, Pankova AV, Rafailova EA … +2 more , Pyankov OV, Agranovski IE
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22951953 · Publisher ↗
Bioaerosols could cause various severe human and animal diseases and their opportune and qualitative precise detection and control is becoming a significant scientific and technological topic for consideration. Over the...
Bioaerosols could cause various severe human and animal diseases and their opportune and qualitative precise detection and control is becoming a significant scientific and technological topic for consideration. Over the last few decades bioaerosol detection has become an important bio-defense related issue. Many types of portable and stationary bioaerosol samplers have been developed and, in some cases, integrated into automated detection systems utilizing various microbiological techniques for analysis of collected microbes. This paper describes a personal sampler used in conjunction with a portable real-time PCR technique. It was found that a single fluorescent dye could be successfully used in multiplex format for qualitative detection of numerous targeted bioaerosols in one PCR tube making the suggested technology a reliable "first alert" device. This approach has been specifically developed and successfully verified for rapid detection of targeted microorganisms by portable PCR devices, which is especially important under field conditions, where the number of microorganisms of interest usually exceeds the number of available PCR reaction tubes. The approach allows detecting targeted microorganisms and triggering some corresponding sanitary and quarantine procedures to localize possible spread of dangerous infections. Following detailed analysis of the sample under controlled laboratory conditions could be used to exactly identify which particular microorganism out of a targeted group has been rapidly detected in the field. It was also found that the personal sampler has a collection efficiency higher than 90% even for small-sized viruses (>20 nm) and stable performance over extended operating periods. In addition, it was found that for microorganisms used in this project (bacteriophages MS2 and T4) elimination of nucleic acids isolation and purification steps during sample preparation does not lead to the system sensitivity reduction, which is extremely important for development of miniature bioaerosol monitoring instrumentation in the future.
Temporal and spatial distribution of waterborne mercury in a gold miner's river.
Picado F, Bengtsson G
J Environ Monit · 2012 Oct · PMID 22951922 · Publisher ↗
We examined the spatial and temporal (hourly) variation of aqueous concentrations of mercury in a gold miner's river to determine factors that control transport, retention, and export of mercury. The mercury flux was est...
We examined the spatial and temporal (hourly) variation of aqueous concentrations of mercury in a gold miner's river to determine factors that control transport, retention, and export of mercury. The mercury flux was estimated to account for episodic inputs of mercury through mining tailings, variations in flow rate, and the partitioning of mercury between dissolved and particulate phases. Water samples were collected upstream and downstream of two gold mining sites in the Artiguas river, Nicaragua. The samples were analyzed for dissolved and suspended mercury, total solids, dissolved organic carbon, and total iron in water. Water velocity was also measured at the sampling sites. We found that mercury was mainly transported in a suspended phase, with a temporal pattern of diurnal peaks corresponding to the amalgamation schedules at the mining plants. The concentrations decreased with distance from the mining sites, suggesting dilution by tributaries or sedimentation of particle-bound mercury. The lowest total mercury concentrations in the water were less than 0.1 μg l(-1) and the highest concentration was 5.0 μg l(-1). The mercury concentrations are below the present WHO guidelines of 6 μg l(-1) but are considered to lead to a higher risk to aquatic bacteria and fish in the stream than to humans. The aqueous concentrations exceed the hazard endpoints for both groups by a probability of about 1%. Particulate mercury accounted for the largest variation of mercury fluxes, whereas dissolved mercury made up most of the long-range transport along the stream. The estimated total mass of mercury retained due to sedimentation of suspended solids was 2.7 kg per year, and the total mass exported downstream from the mining area was 1.6 kg per year. This study demonstrates the importance of the temporal and spatial resolution of observations in describing the occurrence and fate of mercury in a river affected by anthropogenic activities.
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