Journal Of Environmental Monitoring[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Fingerprinting of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) and other biogenic organic compounds (BOC) in oil-contaminated and background soil samples.
Wang Z, Yang C, Yang Z … +7 more , Hollebone B, Brown CE, Landriault M, Sun J, Mudge SM, Kelly-Hooper F, Dixon DG
J Environ Monit · 2012 Sep · PMID 22796730 · Publisher ↗
Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) or petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) are one of the most widespread soil contaminants in Canada, the United States and many other countries worldwide. Clean-up of PHC-contaminated soils cost...
Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) or petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) are one of the most widespread soil contaminants in Canada, the United States and many other countries worldwide. Clean-up of PHC-contaminated soils costs the Canadian economy hundreds of millions of dollars annually. In Canada, most PHC-contaminated site evaluations are based on the methods developed by the Canadian Council of the Ministers of the Environment (CCME). However, the CCME method does not differentiate PHC from BOC (the naturally occurring biogenic organic compounds), which are co-extracted with petroleum hydrocarbons in soil samples. Consequently, this could lead to overestimation of PHC levels in soil samples. In some cases, biogenic interferences can even exceed regulatory levels (300 μg g(-1) for coarse soils and 1300 μg g(-1) for fine soils for Fraction 3, C(16)-C(34) range, in the CCME Soil Quality Level). Resulting false exceedances can trigger unnecessary and costly cleanup or remediation measures. Therefore, it is critically important to develop new protocols to characterize and quantitatively differentiate PHC and BOC in contaminated soils. The ultimate objective of this PERD (Program of Energy Research and Development) project is to correct the misconception that all detectable hydrocarbons should be regulated as toxic petroleum hydrocarbons. During 2009-2010, soil and plant samples were collected from over forty oil-contaminated and paired background sites in various provinces. The silica gel column cleanup procedure was applied to effectively remove all target BOC from the oil-contaminated sample extracts. Furthermore, a reliable GC-MS method in combination with the derivatization technique, developed in this laboratory, was used for identification and characterization of various biogenic sterols and other major biogenic compounds in these oil-contaminated samples. Both PHC and BOC in these samples were quantitatively determined. This paper reports the characterization results of this set of 21 samples. In general, the presence of petroleum-characteristic alkylated PAH homologues and biomarkers can be used as unambiguous indicators of the contamination of oil and petroleum product hydrocarbons; while the absence of petroleum-characteristic alkylated PAH homologues and biomarkers and the presence of abundant BOC can be used as unambiguous indicators of the predominance of natural organic compounds in soil samples.
Removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol from a sterile WC medium by the cyanobacteria Microcystis novacekii.
Fioravante IA, Albergaria B, Teodoro TS … +3 more , Starling Magalhães SM, Barbosa F, Augusti R
J Environ Monit · 2012 Sep · PMID 22796719 · Publisher ↗
An unprecedented investigation dealing with the removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2, a contraceptive hormone) by the cyanobacteria Microcystis novacekii (a species that is abundant and easily accessible in Brazilian lak...
An unprecedented investigation dealing with the removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2, a contraceptive hormone) by the cyanobacteria Microcystis novacekii (a species that is abundant and easily accessible in Brazilian lakes) from a sterile WC medium is described herein. The results indicated that whereas EE2 experienced insignificant spontaneous degradation, Microcystis novacekii was capable of removing ca. 65% of the hormone from the culture medium. Furthermore, no metabolites were detected at the concentration levels evaluated (0.10 to 0.17 mg L(-1)) as verified by the use of GC-MS, a quite sensitive analytical technique, and adequate pre-concentration procedures (SPME and liquid extraction). Elucidative experiments, including an appropriate cell lyses procedure, indicated that EE2 was likely accumulated within the cells (bioaccumulation) rather than adsorbed on the cellular membrane (biosorption). Moreover, the intra- and extracellular contents of EE2 were shown to be roughly complementary. Finally, the species was found to be highly tolerant to the hormone as its growth rates were higher in the test than in the control experiments. All these findings, therefore, point to the use of Microcystis novacekii as a potential agent to treat effluents contaminated with EE2.
The impact of point source pollution on shallow groundwater used for human consumption in a threshold country.
Cruz MC, Cacciabue DG, Gil JF … +5 more , Gamboni O, Vicente MS, Wuertz S, Gonzo E, Rajal VB
J Environ Monit · 2012 Sep · PMID 22790278 · Publisher ↗
Many developing and threshold countries rely on shallow groundwater wells for their water supply whilst pit latrines are used for sanitation. We employed a unified strategy involving satellite images and environmental mo...
Many developing and threshold countries rely on shallow groundwater wells for their water supply whilst pit latrines are used for sanitation. We employed a unified strategy involving satellite images and environmental monitoring of 16 physico-chemical and microbiological water quality parameters to identify significant land uses that can lead to unacceptable deterioration of source water, in a region with a subtropical climate and seasonally restricted torrential rainfall in Northern Argentina. Agricultural and non-agricultural sources of nitrate were illustrated in satellite images and used to assess the organic load discharged. The estimated human organic load per year was 28.5 BOD(5) tons and the N load was 7.5 tons, while for poultry farms it was 9940-BOD(5) tons and 1037-N tons, respectively. Concentrations of nitrates and organics were significantly different between seasons in well water (p values of 0.026 and 0.039, respectively). The onset of the wet season had an extraordinarily negative impact on well water due in part to the high permeability of soils made up of fine gravels and coarse sand. Discriminant analysis showed that land uses had a pronounced seasonal influence on nitrates and introduced additional microbial contamination, causing nitrification and denitrification in shallow groundwater. P-well was highly impacted by a poultry farm while S-well was affected by anthropogenic pollution and background load, as revealed by Principal Component Analysis. The application of microbial source tracking techniques is recommended to corroborate local sources of human versus animal origin.
Modeling of land use and reservoir effects on nonpoint source pollution in a highly agricultural basin.
Wu Y, Liu S
J Environ Monit · 2012 Sep · PMID 22790209 · Publisher ↗
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is tightly linked to land use activities that determine the sources and magnitudes of pollutant loadings to stream water. The pollutant loads may also be alleviated within reservoirs becau...
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is tightly linked to land use activities that determine the sources and magnitudes of pollutant loadings to stream water. The pollutant loads may also be alleviated within reservoirs because of the physical interception resulting from changed hydrological regimes and other biochemical processes. It is important but challenging to assess the NPS pollution processes with human effects due to the measurement limitations. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of human activities such as land uses and reservoir operation on the hydrological and NPS pollution processes in a highly agricultural area-the Iowa River Basin-using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The evaluation of model performance at multiple sites reveals that SWAT can consistently simulate the daily streamflow, and monthly/annual sediment and nutrient loads (nitrate nitrogen and mineral phosphorus) in the basin. We also used the calibrated model to estimate the trap efficiencies of sediment (∼78%) and nutrients (∼30%) in the Coralville Reservoir within the basin. These non-negligible effects emphasize the significance of incorporating the sediment and nutrient removal mechanisms into watershed system studies. The spatial quantification of the critical NPS pollution loads can help identify hot-spot areas that are likely locations for the best management practices.
Baseline element composition of foliose and fruticose lichens along the steep climatic gradient of SW Patagonia (Aisén Region, Chile).
Monaci F, Fantozzi F, Figueroa R … +2 more , Parra O, Bargagli R
J Environ Monit · 2012 Sep · PMID 22790117 · Publisher ↗
Samples of foliose (Nephroma antarcticum) and fruticose (Usnea sp.) lichens were collected across a steep climatic and vegetation gradient in a remote, almost pristine region of SW Chilean Patagonia. Concentrations of ma...
Samples of foliose (Nephroma antarcticum) and fruticose (Usnea sp.) lichens were collected across a steep climatic and vegetation gradient in a remote, almost pristine region of SW Chilean Patagonia. Concentrations of major and trace elements in lichens from the rainforest were among the lowest ever reported worldwide for foliose and fruticose lichens and can be considered background levels for the region. The two lichen growth forms showed different elemental compositions mainly due to the greater capacity of foliose thalli to intercept elements from windborne and canopy-leached particles. The patterns of spatial variation in the chemical composition of lichens were effectively explained by statistical methods and reflected the different availability of wet and dry deposition along the steep climatic gradient. Baseline values established for N. antarcticum samples growing in temperate Nothofagus forests were therefore distinct from those of samples growing in more open, drier habitats. The fruticose Usnea sp. showed a higher affinity for atmophile Hg, low concentrations of lithophilic elements, and the same baseline composition whether from temperate forests or from dry, barren environments. The provided background and baseline values against which variations can be measured will be useful in the early detection of local or regional climatic and environmental change, especially in view of the planned construction of hydropower dams under the recently approved HidroAysén Project.
Long-term changes in fish mercury levels in the historically impacted English-Wabigoon River system (Canada).
Neff MR, Bhavsar SP, Arhonditsis GB … +2 more , Fletcher R, Jackson DA
J Environ Monit · 2012 Sep · PMID 22785387 · Publisher ↗
The English-Wabigoon River system in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, was one of the most heavily mercury-contaminated waterways in the world due to historical discharges in the 1960s from a chlor-alkali plant. This study e...
The English-Wabigoon River system in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, was one of the most heavily mercury-contaminated waterways in the world due to historical discharges in the 1960s from a chlor-alkali plant. This study examines long-term (1970-2010) monitoring data to assess temporal trends in mercury contamination in Walleye, Northern Pike and Lake Whitefish, three species important for sport and subsistence fishing in this region, using dynamic linear modeling and piecewise regression. For all lakes and species, there is a significant decline (36-94%) in mercury concentrations through time; however, there is evidence that this decline is either slowing down or levelling off. Concentrations in the English-Wabigoon fish are elevated, and may still present a potential health risk to humans consuming fish from this system. Various biotic and abiotic factors are examined as possible explanations to slowing rates of decline in mercury concentrations observed in the mid-1980s.
Screening organic chemicals in commerce for emissions in the context of environmental and human exposure.
Breivik K, Arnot JA, Brown TN … +2 more , McLachlan MS, Wania F
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22785348 · Publisher ↗
Quantitative knowledge of organic chemical release into the environment is essential to understand and predict human exposure as well as to develop rational control strategies for any substances of concern. While signifi...
Quantitative knowledge of organic chemical release into the environment is essential to understand and predict human exposure as well as to develop rational control strategies for any substances of concern. While significant efforts have been invested to characterize and screen organic chemicals for hazardous properties, relatively less effort has been directed toward estimating emissions and hence also risks. Here, a rapid throughput method to estimate emissions of discrete organic chemicals in commerce has been developed, applied and evaluated to support screening studies aimed at ranking and identifying chemicals of potential concern. The method builds upon information in the European Union Technical Guidance Document and utilizes information on quantities in commerce (production and/or import rates), chemical function (use patterns) and physical-chemical properties to estimate emissions to air, soil and water within the OECD for five stages of the chemical life-cycle. The method is applied to 16,029 discrete substances (identified by CAS numbers) from five national and international high production volume lists. As access to consistent input data remains fragmented or even impossible, particular attention is given to estimating, evaluating and discussing uncertainties in the resulting emission scenarios. The uncertainty for individual substances typically spans 3 to 4 orders of magnitude for this initial tier screening method. Information on uncertainties in emissions is useful as any screening or categorization methods which solely rely on threshold values are at risk of leading to a significant number of either false positives or false negatives. A limited evaluation of the screening method's estimates for a sub-set of about 100 substances, compared against independent and more detailed emission scenarios presented in various European Risk Assessment Reports, highlights that up-to-date and accurate information on quantities in commerce as well as a detailed breakdown on chemical function are critically needed for developing more realistic emission scenarios.
A simple linear model for estimating ozone AOT40 at forest sites from raw passive sampling data.
Ferretti M, Cristofolini F, Cristofori A … +2 more , Gerosa G, Gottardini E
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22782430 · Publisher ↗
A rapid, empirical method is described for estimating weekly AOT40 from ozone concentrations measured with passive samplers at forest sites. The method is based on linear regression and was developed after three years of...
A rapid, empirical method is described for estimating weekly AOT40 from ozone concentrations measured with passive samplers at forest sites. The method is based on linear regression and was developed after three years of measurements in Trentino (northern Italy). It was tested against an independent set of data from passive sampler sites across Italy. It provides good weekly estimates compared with those measured by conventional monitors (0.85 ≤R(2)≤ 0.970; 97 ≤ RMSE ≤ 302). Estimates obtained using passive sampling at forest sites are comparable to those obtained by another estimation method based on modelling hourly concentrations (R(2) = 0.94; 131 ≤ RMSE ≤ 351). Regression coefficients of passive sampling are similar to those obtained with conventional monitors at forest sites. Testing against an independent dataset generated by passive sampling provided similar results (0.86 ≤R(2)≤ 0.99; 65 ≤ RMSE ≤ 478). Errors tend to accumulate when weekly AOT40 estimates are summed to obtain the total AOT40 over the May-July period, and the median deviation between the two estimation methods based on passive sampling is 11%. The method proposed does not require any assumptions, complex calculation or modelling technique, and can be useful when other estimation methods are not feasible, either in principle or in practice. However, the method is not useful when estimates of hourly concentrations are of interest.
Characterisation of occupational exposure to air contaminants in a nitrate fertiliser production plant.
Hovland KH, Thomassen Y, Skaugset NP … +3 more , Skyberg K, Skogstad M, Bakke B
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22777595 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to characterise personal exposures to dust, acid vapours, and gases among workers in a Norwegian nitrate fertiliser production plant, as part of an ongoing epidemiological study. In total, 178 i...
The aim of this study was to characterise personal exposures to dust, acid vapours, and gases among workers in a Norwegian nitrate fertiliser production plant, as part of an ongoing epidemiological study. In total, 178 inhalable and 179 thoracic aerosol mass fraction samples were collected from randomly chosen workers (N = 141) from three compound fertiliser departments (A, B and C), a calcium nitrate fertiliser production department, nitric acid- and ammonia-production departments, and a shipping department. The overall median inhalable and thoracic aerosol mass concentrations were generally low (1.1 mg m(-3) (min-max: <0.93-45) and 0.21 mg m(-3) (min-max: <0.085-11), respectively). Workers at the compound fertiliser departments B and C had significantly higher inhalable aerosol mass air concentrations compared to the other departments (p < 0.05), except for compound fertiliser department A; however, the difference between the compound fertiliser department C and calcium nitrate department was slightly above the significant level. Workers at the compound fertiliser department A had significantly higher thoracic aerosol mass air concentrations compared to the other departments (p < 0.05), except for compound fertiliser departments B and C. The results indicate that the extrathoracic aerosol fraction of the aerosol compared to the thoracic fraction dominated in most departments. Measurement of the main constituents Ca, K, Mg, and P in the water-soluble and water-insoluble aerosol mass fractions showed that the air concentrations of these elements were low. There is, however, a shift towards more water-soluble species as the production goes from raw material with phosphate rock towards the final product of fertilisers. Overall, the arithmetic mean of water-soluble Ca in the thoracic mass fraction was 51% (min-max: 1-100). A total of 169 personal samples were analysed for HNO(3) vapour and HF. The highest median concentration of HNO(3) (0.63 mg m(-3)) was in the compound fertiliser departments B, and all measurements but four of the HF concentrations were below the LOD of 190 μg m(-3). Exposures to NH(3), CO and NO(2) were measured using direct-reading electrochemical sensors and the time weighted overall averages were all below the LODs of the respective sensors, NH(3) 2 ppm; CO 2 ppm; and NO(2) 0.2 ppm, but some short-term peaks were detected. Even though our results indicate that the workers may experience peak exposure episodes when performing job tasks such as cleaning or maintenance work, the overall air concentrations are well below what is considered to cause known health risks.
Structural and molecular analysis of pollution-linked deformities in a natural Aphanius fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821) population from the Tunisian coast.
Kessabi K, Annabi A, Navarro A … +5 more , Casado M, Hwas Z, Saïd K, Messaoudi I, Piña B
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22777571 · Publisher ↗
The Eastern coast of Tunisia hosts a mosaic of populations of the Mediterranean killifish A. fasciatus, an excellent monitoring species for the analysis of environmental impact in coastal Mediterranean areas. Among these...
The Eastern coast of Tunisia hosts a mosaic of populations of the Mediterranean killifish A. fasciatus, an excellent monitoring species for the analysis of environmental impact in coastal Mediterranean areas. Among these populations, fish from the Sfax area, in the Gulf of Gabès, are known for presenting a high prevalence of different physiological alterations, including spinal deformation. Compared to a reference clean area, Luza, Sfax water and sediments are polluted with heavy metals (20 to 40 times more Cd, for example) and other compounds like PAHs (10 times higher levels). Histological analyses of deformed fish from this area showed an abnormal abundance of collagen fibers infiltrated in the spinal area, either as a physiological mechanism to alleviate the consequences of the deformation of the bones or as a secondary effect of the same pathological/toxicity mechanism inducing bone deformation. Deformed fish from Sfax showed elevated (4-5 fold) levels of transcripts from the collagen COL1A2 gene in bone tissue, compared to either non-deformed animals from the same location or normal animals from the reference Luza site. These results are consistent with an overexpression of collagen in the bone tissue, in agreement with the histological results. We propose that the deformation observed in the Sfax Aphanius population is a degenerative process occurring in adult animals and probably terminal, as it results in severe limitations on the fish capacity to swim, to catch food, and ultimately to survive.
Simulation of pyrite oxidation in fresh mine tailings under near-neutral conditions.
Alakangas L, Lundberg A, Nason P
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22777533 · Publisher ↗
Sulphidic residual products from ore processing may produce acid rock drainage, when exposed to oxygen and water. Predictions of the magnitude of ARD and sulphide oxidation rates are of great importance in mine planning...
Sulphidic residual products from ore processing may produce acid rock drainage, when exposed to oxygen and water. Predictions of the magnitude of ARD and sulphide oxidation rates are of great importance in mine planning because they can be used to minimize or eliminate ARD and the associated economic and environmental costs. To address the lack of field data of sulphide oxidation rate in fresh sulphide-rich tailings under near-neutral conditions, determination and simulation of the rate was performed in pilot-scale at Kristineberg, northern Sweden. The quality of the drainage water was monitored, along with oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. The chemical composition of the solid tailings was also determined. The field data were compared to predictions from simulations of pyrite oxidation using a 1-D numerical model. The simulations' estimates of the amount of Fe and S released over a seven year period (52 kg and 178 kg, respectively) were in reasonably good agreement with those obtained by analysing the tailings (34 kg and 155 kg, respectively). The discrepancy is probably due to the formation of secondary precipitates such as iron hydroxides and gypsum; which are not accounted for in the model. The observed mass transport of Fe and S (0.05 and 1.0 kg per year, respectively) was much lower than expected on the basis of the simulations and the core data. Neutralization reactions involving carbonates in the tailings result in a near-neutral pH at all depths except at the oxidation front (pH < 5), indicating that the dissolution of carbonates was too slow for the acid to be neutralized, which instead neutralized deeper down in the tailings. This was also indicated by the reduced abundance of solid Ca at greater depths and the high levels of carbon dioxide both of which are consistent with the dissolution of carbonates. It could be concluded that the near-neutral pH in the tailings has no decreasing effect on the rate of sulphide oxidation, but does reduce the concentrations of dissolved elements in the drainage water due to the formation of secondary minerals. This means that sulphide oxidation rates may be underestimated if determined from drainage alone.
Ecotoxicity of fluvial sediments downstream of the Ajka red mud spill, Hungary.
Klebercz O, Mayes WM, Ánton AD … +3 more , Feigl V, Jarvis AP, Gruiz K
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22772744 · Publisher ↗
An integrated assessment of biological activity and ecotoxicity of fluvial sediments in the Marcal river catchment (3078 km(2)), western Hungary, is presented following the accidental spill of bauxite processing residue...
An integrated assessment of biological activity and ecotoxicity of fluvial sediments in the Marcal river catchment (3078 km(2)), western Hungary, is presented following the accidental spill of bauxite processing residue (red mud) in Ajka. Red mud contaminated sediments are characterised by elevated pH, elevated trace element concentrations (e.g. As, Co, Cr, V), high exchangeable Na, and induce an adverse effect on test species across a range of trophic levels. While background contamination of the river system is highlighted by adverse effects on some test species at sites unaffected by red mud, the most pronounced toxic effects apparent in Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition, Lemna minor bioassay and Sinapis alba root and shoot growth occur at red mud depositional hotspots in the lower Torna Creek and upper Marcal. Heterocypris incongruens bioassays show no clear patterns, although the most red mud-rich sites do exert an adverse effect. Red mud does however appear to induce an increase in the density of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacterial communities when compared with unaffected sediments and reference sites. Given the volume of material released in the spill, it is encouraging that the signal of the red mud on aquatic biota is visible at a relatively small number of sites. Gypsum-affected samples appear to induce an adverse effect in some bioassays (Sinapis alba and Heterocypris incongruens), which may be a feature of fine grain size, limited nutrient supply and greater availability of trace contaminants in the channel reaches that are subject to intense gypsum dosing. Implications for monitoring and management of the spill are discussed.
Labile pools of Pb in vegetable-growing soils investigated by an isotope dilution method and its influence on soil pH.
Xie H, Huang ZY, Cao YL … +3 more , Cai C, Zeng XC, Li J
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22772653 · Publisher ↗
Pollution of Pb in the surface of agricultural soils is of increasing concern due to its serious impact on the plant growth and the human health through the food chain. However, the mobility, activity and bioavailability...
Pollution of Pb in the surface of agricultural soils is of increasing concern due to its serious impact on the plant growth and the human health through the food chain. However, the mobility, activity and bioavailability of Pb rely mainly on its various chemical species in soils. In the present study, E and L values, the labile pools of isotopically exchangeable Pb, were estimated using the method of isotope dilution in three vegetable-growing soils. The experiments involved adding a stable enriched isotope ((206)Pb > 96%) to a soil suspension and to soils in which plants are subsequently grown, the labile pools of Pb were then estimated by measuring the isotopic composition of Pb in soil solutions and in the plant tissues, respectively. In addition, the correlation of E values and soil pH was investigated at the ranges of pH 4.5-7.0. The amount of labile Pb in soils was also estimated using different single chemical extractants and a modified BCR approach. The results showed that after spiking the enriched isotopes of (206)Pb (>96%) for 24 hours an equilibration of isotopic exchanges in soil suspensions was achieved, and the isotope ratios of (208)Pb/(206)Pb measured at that time was used for calculating the E(24 h) values. The labile pools of Pb by %E(24 h) values, ranging from 53.2% to 61.7% with an average 57%, were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the values estimated with L values, single chemical extractants and the Σ(BCR) values obtained with the BCR approach, respectively. A strong negative correlation (R(2) = 0.984) between E(24 h) values and soil pH was found in the tested soil sample. The results indicate that the %E(24 h) value can more rapidly and easily predict the labile pools of Pb in soils compared with L values, but it might be readily overestimated because of the artificial soil acidity derived from the spiked isotopic tracer and the excess of spiked enriched isotopes. The results also suggest that the amounts of Pb extracted with EDTA and the Σ(BCR) values extracted with the modified BCR approach are helpful to detect the labile pools of Pb in soils. In addition, the negative correlation between soil pH and the labile pools of Pb in soils may be useful for further remediation to reduce the bioavailability of Pb in contaminated soils.
Bioaccumulation and related effects of PCBs and organochlorinated pesticides in freshwater fish Hypostomus commersoni.
Bussolaro D, Filipak Neto F, Glinski A … +5 more , Roche H, Guiloski IC, Mela M, Silva de Assis HC, Oliveira Ribeiro CA
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22772567 · Publisher ↗
Few studies have investigated the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Brazilian native freshwater fish. In order to evaluate the bioavailability, potential risk to human exposure and the effects of...
Few studies have investigated the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Brazilian native freshwater fish. In order to evaluate the bioavailability, potential risk to human exposure and the effects of POPs in the fish Hypostomus commersoni, muscle and liver samples of thirteen specimens were collected in a lake located in the city of Ponta Grossa (Parana State, Southern Brazil). Also, the liver and gills were considered for histopathological studies, and oxidative stress was investigated in the liver. Expressive concentrations of POPs were observed in the liver and muscle, with a total of 427 ± 78.7 and 69.2 ± 18.1 ng g(-1) dry weights of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), respectively. Negative correlations between the concentration of several POPs and glutathione S-transferase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were found. Otherwise, the cholinesterase activity in the muscle and brain presented positive correlations with the concentration of POPs. The hepatic bioaccumulation of some banned pesticides like aldrin, dieldrin and DDT was associated with various histopathological findings in the liver and gills. Necrotic areas, fibrosis, leukocyte infiltration, and the absence of macrophage centers were observed in the liver, indicating both chronic exposure and immunological suppression. Neoplasic changes were observed in the gills, confirming the carcinogenic potential reported for some of the investigated pollutants. The current work was the first to study the bioaccumulation of POPs in H. commersoni, an important species in ecological aspects and as a vehicle to human exposure to PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs).
Evaluation of river pollution of neonicotinoids in Osaka City (Japan) by LC/MS with dopant-assisted photoionisation.
Yamamoto A, Terao T, Hisatomi H … +2 more , Kawasaki H, Arakawa R
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22767100 · Publisher ↗
An atmospheric pressure photoionisation (APPI) source for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was applied to determine neonicotinoid pesticides in the aquatic environment. Dopant-assisted APPI was very effect...
An atmospheric pressure photoionisation (APPI) source for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was applied to determine neonicotinoid pesticides in the aquatic environment. Dopant-assisted APPI was very effective in the ionisation of neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids generated protonated molecules in APPI with high sensitivity, while adduct ions, such as sodiated molecules, were predominantly generated in conventional electrospray ionisation. The ionisation of neonicotinoids was confirmed by ultra-high-resolution MS. An analytical method coupled with solid phase extraction was developed for acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, and thiamethoxam. Method detection limits were 0.47 to 2.1 ng L(-1) for six neonicotinoids. Dinotefuran was the most frequent and highest among the neonicotinoids examined in the aquatic environment in Osaka, Japan. The maximum concentration of dinotefuran was 220 ng L(-1). Given the toxicity of neonicotinoids for aquatic creatures, the concentrations observed here were substantially low. The change in concentrations was temporally coincident with the period of the neonicotinoid application. Although rapid photodegradation and some degradation products have been elucidated, the degradation products in the aquatic environment were not identified in the present study.
Reducing dust exposure in indoor climbing gyms.
Weinbruch S, Dirsch T, Kandler K … +3 more , Ebert M, Heimburger G, Hohenwarter F
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22767051 · Publisher ↗
As users of indoor climbing gyms are exposed to high concentrations (PM(10) up to 4000 μg m(-3); PM(2.5) up to 500 μg m(-3)) of hydrated magnesium carbonate hydroxide (magnesia alba), reduction strategies have to be deve...
As users of indoor climbing gyms are exposed to high concentrations (PM(10) up to 4000 μg m(-3); PM(2.5) up to 500 μg m(-3)) of hydrated magnesium carbonate hydroxide (magnesia alba), reduction strategies have to be developed. In the present paper, the influence of the use of different kinds of magnesia alba on dust concentrations is investigated. Mass concentrations, number concentrations and size distributions of particles in indoor climbing gyms were determined with an optical particle counter, a synchronized, hybrid ambient real-time particulate monitor and an electrical aerosol spectrometer. PM(10) obtained with these three different techniques generally agreed within 25%. Seven different situations of magnesia alba usage were studied under controlled climbing activities. The use of a suspension of magnesia alba in ethanol (liquid chalk) leads to similar low mass concentrations as the prohibition of magnesia alba. Thus, liquid chalk appears to be a low-budget option to reduce dust concentrations. Magnesia alba pressed into blocks, used as powder or sieved to 2-4 mm diameter, does not lead to significant reduction of the dust concentrations. The same is true for chalk balls (powder enclosed in a sack of porous mesh material). The promotion of this kind of magnesia alba as a means of exposure reduction (as seen in many climbing gyms) is not supported by our results. Particle number concentrations are not influenced by the different kinds of magnesia alba used. The particle size distributions show that the use of magnesia alba predominantly leads to emission of particles with diameters above 1 μm.
Utilizing pyrosequencing and quantitative PCR to characterize fungal populations among house dust samples.
Nonnenmann MW, Coronado G, Thompson B … +4 more , Griffith WC, Hanson JD, Vesper S, Faustman EM
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22767010 · Full text
Molecular techniques are an alternative to culturing and counting methods in quantifying indoor fungal contamination. Pyrosequencing offers the possibility of identifying unexpected indoor fungi. In this study, 50 house...
Molecular techniques are an alternative to culturing and counting methods in quantifying indoor fungal contamination. Pyrosequencing offers the possibility of identifying unexpected indoor fungi. In this study, 50 house dust samples were collected from homes in the Yakima Valley, WA. Each sample was analyzed by quantitative PCR (QPCR) for 36 common fungi and by fungal tag-encoded flexible (FLX) amplicon pyrosequencing (fTEFAP) for these and additional fungi. Only 24 of the samples yielded amplified results using fTEFAP but QPCR successfully amplified all 50 samples. Over 450 fungal species were detected by fTEFAP but most were rare. Twenty-two fungi were found by fTEFAP to occur with at least an average of ≥0.5% relative occurrence. Many of these fungi seem to be associated with plants, soil or human skin. Combining fTEFAP and QPCR can enhance studies of fungal contamination in homes.
Oxidative stress in Cyprinus carpio to analyze microcystin impact in eutrophic shallow lakes: a preliminary study.
Moutou KA, Tsikogias S, Papadimitriou T … +1 more , Kagalou I
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22766939 · Publisher ↗
Microcystins (MCYSTs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria in aquatic environment and are of high potential risk to aquatic organisms. The physiological responses and pathobiological developments that they elicit in fish...
Microcystins (MCYSTs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria in aquatic environment and are of high potential risk to aquatic organisms. The physiological responses and pathobiological developments that they elicit in fish have been extensively studied, mainly through acute toxicity experiments. This study was designed to examine the seasonal fluctuation of biochemical markers of oxidative stress in different tissues of a natural population of Cyprinus carpio inhabiting a shallow Mediterranean lake, along with the respective MCYSTs concentrations in blood and tissues at environmentally relevant MCYSTs values. MCYSTs content was assessed in liver, kidney, intestine, brain and muscle along with the MCYSTs in lake water and scum applying ELISA technique. Catalase activity, GSH/GSSH relative concentrations and lipid peroxidation were used as biochemical markers. Our results suggest that common carp of Lake Pamvotis exposed to naturally fluctuating concentrations of MCYST in water and scum contained stably high MCYST concentrations in all tissues that might pose a threat to public health. Liver and kidney were the primary target organs. Tissue concentrations did not correlate with the response of any of the elements of the antioxidant defence system. Hepatic catalase, GSH content and TBARS in all tissues tested followed the fluctuations of major limnological parameters, i.e. water temperature and oxygen concentration, chlorophyll-a, MCYST in water and scum, suggesting that they should be cautiously used to monitor exposure to MCYSTS in natural freshwater ecosystems.
Evaluation of a portable nephelometer against the Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance method for monitoring PM(2.5).
Karagulian F, Belis CA, Lagler F … +2 more , Barbiere M, Gerboles M
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22766850 · Publisher ↗
Monitoring personal exposure to particle matter (PM(2.5)) in ambient air requires performing measurements using portable monitors. In this work, the portable nephelometer SidePak™ AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor manufactu...
Monitoring personal exposure to particle matter (PM(2.5)) in ambient air requires performing measurements using portable monitors. In this work, the portable nephelometer SidePak™ AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor manufactured by TSI Inc. was evaluated against a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) equipped with a Filter Dynamics Measurements System (FDMS). Conventionally, the SidePak is calibrated with respect to the Arizona Road Test Dust and then multiplied by an environmental calibration factor to yield mass concentration. To adapt this calibration to specific field conditions, we present an implementation of this calibration by introducing a growing factor correction which takes into account relative humidity and the dry and wet portions of the refractive index estimated from TEOM-FDMS measurements. PM(2.5) sampling with several SidePaks AM510 was carried out in background and rural sites in the Po Valley (Italy). Modeled SidePak data were plotted vs. reference TEOM-FDMS data which show a good agreement.
Prospective ecological risk assessment of sediment resuspension in an estuary.
Rial D, Beiras R
J Environ Monit · 2012 Aug · PMID 22763505 · Publisher ↗
This study assesses potential ecological risk of resuspended sediment in the water column during the construction of a viaduct in the estuary of the Ulla river (Galicia, NW Iberian Peninsula), a shellfish production area...
This study assesses potential ecological risk of resuspended sediment in the water column during the construction of a viaduct in the estuary of the Ulla river (Galicia, NW Iberian Peninsula), a shellfish production area. Chemical analyses and toxicity bioassays with elutriates were performed with sediments from the area where the three pillars of the viaduct will be located (CT1, CT2 and CT3) and a reference sediment (A2). Acute toxicity of the elutriate was evaluated in five species of three trophic levels (Isochrysis galbana, Paracentrotus lividus, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Venerupis pullastra and Siriella armata). The sediments of the pillars showed moderate levels of contamination by trace elements (Cu, Cr). Clam and sea urchin embryo-larval toxicity tests showed slightly higher sensitivity than mussel embryo tests, and toxicity was not detected for phytoplankton and mysid bioassays. The predicted no-effect environmental concentration (PNEC) was calculated from the arithmetic mean of the lowest calculated EC(50)s for each sampling site. The predicted environmental concentration (PEC) was estimated from a simple dilution model and the PEC/PNEC ratio was calculated according to different scenarios of resuspension. Negligible ecological risk in the water column is expected during construction of the pillars.
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