ALBERT

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Coal-fired power stations are significant sources of soil contamination with heavy metals and a source of hazard to human health. The soil samples (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 25) selected in the area around Novocherkassk Power Station (Rostov Region, Russia) within a radius of up to 20 km revealed the enrichment with Pb, Cu and Zn. The heavy metals (HM) content in soil is reduced in the following sequence: Mn 〉 Cr 〉 Zn 〉 Ni 〉 Cu 〉 Pb 〉 Co. The correlation diagrams of the HM total content in soils revealed a significant association between the following HM pairs: Cu–Pb, Ni–Cu, Cd–Ni, Cd–Cu (〈em〉r〈/em〉 ≥ 0.7, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.001). The concentration coefficient (Kc) and the total pollution coefficient (Zc) were used to estimate anthropogenic pollution. The use of generalized additive model (GAM) to detect the dependence of HM distribution on factors revealed the significance of the source distance. The influence of wind rhumb on HM distribution has a complex nonlinear nature. A GAM shows a good performance for all data sets: 〈em〉R〈/em〉〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 0.71, 81% deviance explained for Zn, 〈em〉R〈/em〉〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 0.85, 91% deviance explained for Cd, 〈em〉R〈/em〉〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 0.63, 70% deviance explained for Ni. Thus, GAM model reveals significant factors (Dist_km, rhumb) in forming pollution by heavy metals in studied impact zone and proved a valuable approach to assess the degree and sources of pollution in soils on a large scale.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Soils from the old Mortórios uranium mine area were studied to look for contamination, as they are close to two villages, up to 3 km away, and used for agriculture. They are mainly contaminated in U and As and constitute an ecological threat. This study attempts to outline the degree to which soils have been affected by the old mining activities through the computation of significant hot clusters, Traditional geostatistical approaches commonly use raw data (concentrations) accepting that the analyzed elements represent the soil’s entirety. However, in geochemical studies these elements are just a fraction of the total soil composition. Thus, considering compositional data is pivotal. The spatial characterization, considering raw and compositional data together, allowed a broad discussion about not only the concentrations’ spatial distribution, but also a better understanding on the possibility of trends of “relative enrichment” and, furthermore an insight in U and As fate. The highest proportions (compositional data) on U (up to 33%), As (up to 35%) and Th (up to 13%) are reached in the south-southeast segment. However, the highest concentrations (raw data) occur in north and northwest of the studied area, pointing out to a “relative enrichment” toward the south-southeast zone. The Mondego Sul area is mainly contaminated in U and As, but also in Co, Cu, Pb and Sb. The Mortórios area is less contaminated than the Mondego Sul area.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10653_2019_347_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Insufficient information on the link between health data and geology in developing countries is a major barrier to identify sources of some emerging public health problems. A total of 2868 soil samples were collected from field sheet 0503B in Ghana to evaluate the concentrations and distributions of trace elements and their effects on human health. The samples were sieved to 〈 106 µm fraction and analysed for elements, As, Ba, K, Zn, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Mg and Fe by XRF technique and Au by fire assay method. The study identified disparities in averages of As, Cr, Fe and Mg, which resulted in enrichment and deficiencies when compared with the worldwide background average. The measured averages for As and Cr were 17.27 mg/kg and 89.25 mg/kg, respectively, for the entire area. Both averages exceeded the worldwide background values of 10 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg of As and Cr. The four traditional towns with varied activities recorded As concentrations ranging from 6.11 mg/kg at Samreboi, 16.29 mg/kg at Asankragwa, 17.42 mg/kg at Akropong and 25.99 mg/kg at Bogoso. Principal component analysis revealed a good association among Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Ni, Pb and Zn in Group 1, and their main source was interpreted as the underlying geology. Arsenic, Cr and Mg in Group 2 show a relatively weak correlation, and their sources were ascribed to a combination of geologic and anthropogenic sources. Gold had a good correlation with As, which was associated with the hydrothermal veins in the underlying rocks. The spatial plots generated from transformed soil data by Getis Ord Gi* treatments were visual methods to clearly identify geographically the hotspots and coldspots of elements that cause diseases.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Knowledge on the fraction of trace elements in the bottom sediments is a key to understand their mobility and ecotoxicological impact. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the content of organic matter fractions on the mobility and ecotoxicity of trace elements in sediments from the Rybnik reservoir. The most refractory fraction of organic matter—Cnh (non-hydrolysing carbon)—dominated in the sediments. The content of organic matter fractions are arranged in the following order: Cnh (non-hydrolysing carbon) 〉 Cfa (fulvic acid) 〉 Cha (humic acid) 〉 DOC (dissolved organic carbon). On the other hand, the highest value of correlation coefficients was found for different fractions of trace elements and DOC content in the bottom sediments. A higher content of TOC in the sediments significantly increased the share of elements in the potential mobile fraction and, at the same time, decreased the binding of elements in the mobile fractions. Moreover, in sediments that contain more than 100 g/kg d.m. TOC, no and medium risk of trace element release from sediments was observed. The Cu, Cd and Ni were potentially the most toxic elements for biota in the Rybnik reservoir. However, the correlation between the content of trace elements and the response of bacteria was insignificant. These results suggested that the complexation of trace elements with organic matter makes them less toxic for 〈em〉Vibrio fischeri〈/em〉. The transformation and sources of organic matter play an important role in the behaviour of trace elements in the bottom sediments of the Rybnik reservoir.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Composting is an efficient and cost-effective technology for sewage sludge treatment, and bulking agents are essential in sewage sludge composting. In this study, perlite was chosen as inorganic bulking agent to partially substitute for the organic bulking agent. Variations in the temperature, bulk density, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were detected during sewage sludge composting. The treatment with a mass ratio of spent mushroom substrate to perlite at 3:1 exhibited the highest pile temperature and the best effect on reducing bulk density and moisture content. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that perlite promotes the degradation of organic matter during the composting process, and the germination index showed that the compost from all treatments was safe for agricultural application. When the mass ratios of spent mushroom substrate and perlite at 3:1 and 2:2 were chosen as bulking agents, the sewage sludge compost product could be used to produce plant cultivation substrate, and economic benefits could be obtained from sewage sludge composting according to comprehensive cost analysis.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This study aimed to select rivers of priority management through the assessment of heavy metal pollution of sediments. We investigated the distribution characteristics of heavy metals in surface sediments of the Nakdong River in South Korea and used various pollution indices to assess pollution risk and identify factors influencing pollution. The kriging method was used to determine heavy metal distribution. The pollution load index, potential ecological risk index, mean PEL quotient, and the Canada Council of Ministers of the Environment sediment quality index were used as sediment pollution assessment methods. The toxicity evaluation was performed on sites that appeared to be contaminated, by applying existing methods for assessing sediment pollution level and the national standards for evaluating the pollution level. The toxicity test was performed on 〈em〉Hyalella azteca,〈/em〉 and a methodology for assessing sediment pollution level was proposed. Ecotoxicity was assessed at seven sites that were found to have heavy metal contaminants. The results showed that sites N1, N8, T28, and T29 were not toxic, while T8, T19, and T21 were. Thus, this study shows that high heavy metal pollution does not necessarily lead to a toxic environment. To assess sediment pollution, an additional assessment of toxicity should be made, along with assessments of existing sediment pollution. Our results demonstrate that streams showing high sediment pollution levels should be granted priority in management. The efforts should particularly focus on Cu at T8, Cr at T19, and Hg at T21.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Groundwater quality in the alluvial plains of Punjab has special significance and needs great attention since it is the foremost source of drinking, irrigation and industrial uses. The present research work emphasizes the integrated hydrogeochemical and chemometric statistical approaches to appraise the geochemical processes and source apportionment of the groundwater in the alluvial plains of Jalandhar district, Punjab, India. The human health risk assessment was also performed to quantify the potential non-carcinogenic impacts of nitrate and fluoride on human health through ingestion of groundwater. For this purpose, 41 groundwater samples were collected from different groundwater abstraction units and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity and major ions (Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉, Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉, Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, K〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, CO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉, SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉, NO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, F〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, Cl〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and PO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉) using standard protocols. Drinking water quality index and Revelle index showed that groundwater samples fall under poor to unfit water class and salinization along the south-western portion of the study region shows poor water quality. The results of the hazard index (HI〈sub〉ingestion〈/sub〉) show 68% and 46.34% of the groundwater samples have HI 〉 1 for children and adults. The non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of nitrate (NO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉) and fluoride (F〈sup〉−〈/sup〉) on the local population indicated that the children are more vulnerable through direct ingestion of drinking water than adults. Piper diagram and saturation index reveal that Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉–Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉–HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 is the dominant hydrochemical facies and oversaturated with calcite, dolomite and aragonite minerals in the groundwater. Gibbs diagrams, chloro-alkaline indices and scatter plots show that the hydrochemistry of the groundwater is mainly governed by aquifer material interaction such as weathering of silicate, carbonate rock, halite dissolution and cation exchange process. Chemometric statistical techniques revealed that the source identification of parameters such as Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉, Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉, Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, K〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, CO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and F〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 is originated from geogenic factors, whereas NO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉, Cl〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and PO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉 are from the anthropogenic origin. Therefore, urgent and efficient measures must be taken to combat groundwater pollution and reduce human health risk in the study area.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Soil geochemistry and phytoavailable trace elements were investigated in 80 paddy soil samples and corresponding rice grains from the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam. Soil parameters like Fe-, Al-, and Mn-phases, organic matter, and pH-value determine element concentrations in soil and affect their transfer into rice grains. Arsenic exceeded the allowed limit for Vietnamese agricultural soils in 11% of the samples, presumably caused by natural processes. Lead surpassed the limit in one soil sample. Other toxic elements were close to their natural concentrations and far below allowable limits for agricultural soil. There was no clear correlation of trace element concentrations in soils with those in corresponding grains, even if the different soil parameters and the large pH-range between 3.7 and 6.8 were considered. To assess health risks of critical elements in rice, the thresholds of tolerable upper intake level for total food and drinking water (UL) and of permissible maximum concentration (MC) for rice grains were evaluated. Surprisingly, rice grains grown on non- or low-polluted soils can surpass the upper limits. According to the UL concept, 12% of the grains exceeded the UL of As, 29% that of Cd, and 27% that of Pb for each gender. According to the MC concept, 5% of the rice grains exceeded the MC of inorganic As for adults and 38% that for young children. 24% of the grains surpassed the MC of Pb, while Cd in all grains was below the MC. The differing results of the UL and MC approaches show an urgent need for revision and harmonization concerning As, Cd, and Pb limits, especially regarding countries with high rice consumption.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉One of the major environmental issues of textile industries is the discharge of large quantities of textile effluents, which are source of contamination of water bodies on surface of earth and quality of groundwater. The effluents are toxic, non-biodegradable, carcinogenic and prodigious threats to human and aquatic creatures. Since textile effluents can be treated efficiently and effectively by various advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Among the various AOPs, cold atmospheric pressure plasma is a promising method among many prominent techniques available to treat the effluents. In this paper, we report about the degradation of simulated effluent, namely Direct Orange-S (DO-S) aqueous solution, using nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet. The plasma treatment of DO-S aqueous solution was carried out as a function of various operating parameters such as potential and treatment time. The change in properties of treated DO-S dye was investigated by means of various analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, UV–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and determination of total organic content (TOC). The reactive species present in the samples were identified using optical emission spectrometry (OES). OES results confirmed that the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during the plasma treatment in the liquid surface was responsible for dye oxidation and degradation. Degradation efficiency, as monitored by color removal efficiency, of 96% could be achieved after 1 h of treatment. Concurrently, the TOC values were found to decrease with plasma treatment, implying that the plasma treatment process enhanced the non-toxicity nature of DO-S aqueous solution. Toxicity of the untreated and plasma-treated dye solution samples was studied using Escherichia coli (〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉) and Staphylococcus (〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉) organisms, which demonstrated that the plasma-treated dye solution was non-toxic in nature compared with untreated one.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Chromium (Cr) is a common environmental contaminant due to industrial processes and anthropogenic activities such as mining of chrome ore, electroplating, timber treatment, leather tanning, fertilizer and pesticide, etc. Cr exists mainly in both hexavalent [Cr(VI)] and trivalent [Cr(III)] form, being Cr(VI) with non-degradability and potential to be hidden, thereby affecting surrounding environment and being toxic to human health. Therefore, researches on remediation of Cr pollution in the environment have received much attention. Biochar is a low-cost adsorbent, which has been identified as a suitable material for Cr(VI) immobilization and removal from soil and wastewater. This review incorporates existing literature to provide a detailed examination into the (1) Cr chemistry, the source and current status of Cr pollution, and Cr toxicity and health; (2) feedstock and characterization of biochar; (3) processes and mechanisms of immobilization and removal of Cr by biochar, including oxidation–reduction, electrostatic interactions, complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation; (4) applications of biochar for Cr(VI) remediation and the modification of biochar to improve its performance; (5) factors affecting removal efficiency of Cr(VI) with respect to its physico-chemical conditions, including pH, temperature, initial concentration, reaction time, biochar characteristics, and coexisting contaminants. Finally, we identify current issues, challenges, and put forward recommendations as well as proposed directions for future research. This review provides a thorough understanding of using biochar as an emerging biomaterial adsorbent in Cr(VI)-contaminated soils and wastewater.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In the Apuan Alps (Tuscany, Italy), long-lasting mining activities have favored the mobilization of numerous metals present in sulfosalts originated from low-grade metamorphism mineralization. Such materials, rich in potentially toxic elements such as antimony, arsenic, barium, copper, lead, thallium, tin and zinc, represent the substrate on which soils of different thicknesses have been formed and is currently used for agricultural activities. High concern is particularly arising about the food safety due to traditional horticultural practices, since it is very common in this area to cultivate vegetables in private gardens for both self-consuming and/or local market. In this context, a monitoring survey on both soils and vegetables was performed over the area, with particular attention to 〈em〉Brassica oleracea〈/em〉 L. as traditional food crop, to assess the degree of contamination of the area, the possible translocation to vegetables and the potential human risk linked to vegetable ingestion. This analysis reveals a different degree of soil contamination in the area and a general high human risk linked to cabbage cultivation and ingestion in the whole area.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉A total of 74 urban topsoil samples were collected from the central area of Shenyang, China. The concentration, distribution, source, and health risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed. The 16 USEPA priority PAHs were detected in all soil samples. The total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 283 to 21,821 ng/g dry weight (dw), with a mean value of 2370 ng/g and median value of 1427 ng/g. The benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent (BaP〈sub〉eq〈/sub〉) concentrations ranged from 6.03 to 2403 ng/g dw, with a mean value of 308 ng/g and median value of 185 ng/g. High molecular weight PAHs were the predominant components. The spatial distribution revealed that soil PAH concentrations within the Two Ring Road were high, but low in the south of Hun River. Compared with other urban soils, the pollution of PAHs in urban soils of Shenyang was at a moderate level, but increased rapidly compared with previous years, especially fluoranthene. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs and positive matrix factorization model all suggested that PAHs in urban soils of Shenyang were dominantly from pyrogenic origins. The health risk assessment indicated that children had the highest total carcinogenic risk, followed by adolescents and adults. The differences between gender groups for the same age group were insignificant. Ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway, followed by dermal contact and inhalation. The total lifetime carcinogenic risks at all sampling sites were lower than the highest acceptable risk (10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉), and those of Eastern, Central, and Western Shenyang were higher than those of Northern and Southern Shenyang.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Medicinal mineral water, being provided by recognized immunosuppressive properties, results useful for treating many pathological conditions. A well-known source of sulfurous and oligomer medicinal mineral waters is located in Caramanico Terme (Pescara, Italy). Caramanico Terme is a small town in the Majella’s National Park, and its precious and peculiar environment offers a medicinal mineral water (also known as cures or crenotherapy), that since 1576 is administrated to a large number of patients (around 15,000 per year). However, no scientific conclusions on the efficacy of Caramanico’s Terme medicinal mineral water properties are available. Therefore, we have carried out an epidemiological study, enrolling a population of 370 subjects that have received crenotherapy. Such a population has been also compared to a control group of individuals (untreated, 〈em〉N〈/em〉 = 287), never undergone any medicinal mineral water administration. Detailing the geomorphological characteristics of Caramanico Terme environment, we have also analyzed the results of the study that showed that pathology-relapses, as well as related manifestations of symptoms and drug employments, were largely reduced after one or more cycles of crenotherapy. On the other hand, a sub-group of subjects receiving crenotherapy for more than 5 years (〈em〉N〈/em〉 = 166) presented a highly reduced prevalence of a large spectrum of pathologies (cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurological and cancer diseases), with respect to an overlapping population (in terms of age and genders) of untreated subjects. We have also clarified the role of aging and long-term effects of medicinal mineral–water administration. Altogether, these data indicated that the clinical employment of Caramanico’s Terme medicinal mineral water produces short- as well as long-term beneficial effects, both with respect to the amelioration of life quality of patients and in reducing the probability to develop major disabling pathologies (i.e., cardiovascular, cancer and neurological diseases). Therefore, these data will open novel strategies for a larger application of crenotherapy.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The lead was one of the main elements in the glazes used to colour ceramic tiles. Due to its presence, ceramic sludge has been a source of environmental pollution since this dangerous waste has been often spread into the soil without any measures of pollution control. These contaminated sites are often located close to industrial sites in the peri-urban areas, thus representing a considerable hazard to the human and ecosystem health. In this study, we investigated the lead transfer into the vegetation layer (〈em〉Phragmites australis〈/em〉, 〈em〉Salix alba〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Sambucus nigra〈/em〉) growing naturally along a Pb-contaminated ditch bank. The analysis showed a different lead accumulation among the species and their plant tissues. 〈em〉Salix〈/em〉 trees were not affected by the Pb contamination, possibly because their roots mainly develop below the contaminated deposit. Differently, 〈em〉Sambucus〈/em〉 accumulated high concentrations of lead in all plant tissues and fruits, representing a potential source of biomagnification. 〈em〉Phragmites〈/em〉 accumulated large amounts of lead in the rhizomes and, considering its homogeneous distribution on the site, was used to map the contamination. Analysing the Pb concentration within plant tissues, we got at the same time information about the spread, the history of the contamination and the relative risks. Finally, we discussed the role of natural recolonizing plants for the soil pollution mitigation and their capacity on decreasing soil erosion and water run-off.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Metal(loid) contamination of soil, resulting from the mining activities, is a major issue worldwide, due to its negative effects on the environment and health. Therefore, these contaminated soils need to be remediated. One realistic method is the assisted phytostabilization, which aims at establishing a vegetation cover on the soil that will reduce metal(loid) bioavailability and spreading through the prevention of wind erosion and water leaching. In addition, amendments are applied to improve soil conditions and ameliorate plant growth. In this goal, biochar and compost showed good results in terms of amelioration of soil fertility and reduction in lead bioavailability. However, they usually have a negative effect on arsenic. On the contrary, iron sulfate showed capacity to reduce arsenic mobility through interaction with its iron hydroxides. Finally, the choice of the appropriate plant species is crucial for the success of assisted phytostabilization. One good option is to use endemic species, adapted to the metal(loid) stress, with a fast growth and large shoot and root systems. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the effects of applying biochar, compost and iron sulfate, alone or combined, to a former mine soil on the soil properties and 〈em〉Agrostis capillaris〈/em〉 growth, and (2) assess the difference between two 〈em〉Agrostis capillaris〈/em〉 ecotypes, an endemic metallicolous ecotype and a non-metallicolous ecotype. Results of the mesocosm experiment showed that amendment application improved soil properties, i.e., reduced soil acidity, increased nutrient availability and lower metal(loid) stress, the best being the combination biochar–compost–iron sulfate. These ameliorations allowed a better plant growth. Finally, the metallicolous ecotype performed better in terms of growth than the non-metallicolous one and could thus be used in an assisted phytostabilization process on the former mine site.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 samples were collected at the Wangsheren primary school site in Licheng District of Jinan, China, during 2016. Eleven metals and metalloids including Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb and Se in PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The annual average mass concentration of PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 was found to be 88.7 μg m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉. The highest PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 concentrations were obtained during the heating seasons of winter and spring. The concentrations of metals and metalloids in PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 were in a descending order of Al, Pb, Mn, As, Se, Cr, Sb, Ni, Cd, Hg and Be. The enrichment factors showed that Pb, Mn, As, Se, Cr, Sb, Ni, Cd, Hg originated from anthropogenic sources. Factor analysis indicated that the main sources of the metals were coal combustion dust, soil dust, metallurgical industry, brake abrasion of vehicles and other mixed sources. Coal combustion dust was the primary source of metal pollution in PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉. Non-carcinogenic risks associated with exposure through the respiratory system were between 6.30 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉 and 7.62 × 10〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, which were lower than the safe limit (1). The carcinogenic risks of Cr, As and Cd were 3.17 × 10〈sup〉−5〈/sup〉, 1.52 × 10〈sup〉−5〈/sup〉, 2.22 × 10〈sup〉−6〈/sup〉, respectively, which were higher than the precautionary criterion (10〈sup〉−6〈/sup〉/year). This study indicates that the air pollution of PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 is of public health concern in Licheng District of Jinan, particularly related to potential carcinogenic metals of As, Cr and Cd. Intervention action is needed to reduce the emission sources of these elements, especially coal combustion in winter heating season.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Along with iron and steel production, large amount of slag is generated. Proper management on the iron- and steelmaking slag is highly demanded due to the high cost of direct disposal of the slag to landfill, which is the most adopted management approach. In this article, the potential application of iron- and steelmaking slag has been reviewed, which included the slag utilization in construction as cement and sand, in water, soil, and gas treatment, as well as in value material recovery. In addition, the challenge and required effort to be made in iron- and steelmaking slag management have been discussed. 〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is a common health issue among farming communities in the dry zone of Sri Lanka where groundwater fluoride is known to be higher than recommended levels. Excessive environmental ingestion of fluoride is widely considered as a possible factor for the onset of CKDu. This study was carried out to evaluate the serum and urine fluoride levels in biopsy-proven, non-dialysis CKDu patients. Control subjects were selected from the same area without any deteriorated kidney functions. Serum and urine fluoride levels were determined by ion-selective electrode method. Higher content of serum and urine fluoride levels were observed in patients with chronic renal failures. In CKDu cases, the serum fluoride concentrations ranged between 0.47 and 9.58 mg/L (mean 1.39 ± 1.1 mg/L), while urine levels were varied between 0.45 and 6.92 mg/L (mean 1.53 ± 0.8 mg/L). In patients, urine fluoride levels showed a significant difference with the CKDu stage; however, no difference was obtained between genders and age. In endemic controls, serum and urine fluoride levels ranged between 0.51 and 1.92 mg/L (mean = 1.07 ± 0.3 mg/L) and 0.36 and 3.80 mg/L (mean = 1.26 ± 0.6 mg/L), respectively. Significantly higher fluoride in serum and urine was noted in CKDu patients compared to endemic control groups. Higher fluoride exposure via drinking water is possibly the reason for higher fluoride in serum, while excessive urinary excretion would be due to deterioration of the kidney, suggesting a possible nephrotoxic role of environmental fluoride exposure.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This study evaluates indoor air concentrations of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, and O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 and their relationship to other indoor environmental factors in facilities with occupants susceptible to air contaminants, such as hospitals, senior specialized hospitals, elderly care facilities, and postnatal care centers. Indoor air samples were collected from 82 indoor facilities in South Korea and organized by region. Spearman’s correlation and Kruskal–Wallis analyses were employed to examine the relationship among and differences between contaminants in the indoor facilities and indoor/outdoor differences of NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentrations. Significant correlations were found between CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 concentrations (〈em〉r〈/em〉〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 0.176, 〈em〉p 〈/em〉〈 0.01), as well as NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentrations (〈em〉r〈/em〉〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = − 0.289, 〈em〉p 〈/em〉〈 0.0001). The indoor/outdoor concentration ratios in the indoor facilities were 0.73 for NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and 0.25 for O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉. CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 displayed the highest mean concentrations during spring, while O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 displayed the highest and lowest mean concentrations during fall and summer, respectively. The calculated hazard quotient (HQ) for NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 was higher than the acceptable level of 1 in postnatal care centers, thus posing a health risk for children. Study results indicate that efficient ventilation is required to reduce indoor contaminants in multiple healthcare facilities. This study provides a novel approach toward health risk assessment for indoor facilities with susceptible occupants on a large geographical scale.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Biochar (BC) is a porous, carbonaceous material produced by slow pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions. BC production has been attracting research interest because it modifies soil physicochemical characteristics and improves the growth of plants in problem soils. These benefits may be best actualized for soils contaminated by metals, where remediation is hampered by metal toxicity to both plants and soil microbial communities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of the addition of chicken manure biochar (CMB), oat hull biochar (OHB), or pine bark biochar (PBB) on copper (Cu) bioavailability in a Cu-contaminated soil, the effectiveness of these BCs promoting plant growth, and its effects on soil microbial communities supporting these plants. A sandy soil (338 mg Cu kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) was amended with CMB, OHB, and PBB, and the metallophyte 〈em〉Oenothera picensis〈/em〉 or the agricultural species 〈em〉Solanum lycopersicum〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Lolium perenne〈/em〉 were grown for 3 months. The BCs produced an increase in soil pH, reduced the exchangeable Cu, and increased Cu bound to organic matter and residual fractions. All BCs enhanced the quality of contaminated soil and increased the plant biomass production, notably for 〈em〉S. lycopersicum〈/em〉, which grew until 12 times more than plants in non-amended soil. While BC addition reduced the concentration of Cu in soil pore water, the amendment did not reduce the concentrations of Cu in shoot tissues. BC additions also stimulated soil microorganisms, increasing basal respiration and DHA activity and modifying microbial communities, especially in soils supporting 〈em〉L. perenne〈/em〉. These results indicate that BCs represent an effective tool to remediate Cu-contaminated sandy soils.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Even though a growing number of reports indicated favorable health effects with fish consumption, kinds of hazardous substances in fish were detected in fish and to be exceeded advisory limitation. Benefit–risk assessment of commonly consumed fish is urgently needed. We conducted fish consumption survey and fish sampling in the coast of South China Sea to assess benefit–risk effect of commonly consumed fish species. For local residents, weekly methyl mercury (MeHg) exposures from commonly consumed fish species ranged from 0.12 to 2.11 μg/kg bw. Apart from 〈em〉Muraenesox cinereus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Acanthopagrus latus〈/em〉, the rest of 92% (23/25) fish species were at low risk of MeHg exposure. Daily docosahexaenoic acid intakes via consuming specific fish were between 42.18 and 1687.04 mg/day. A total of 72% (18/25) fish species could provide 200 mg/day of DNA for local residents. Benefit–risk assessment assuming intelligence quotient (IQ) score model showed net IQ point gains between 1.53 and 5.65 points with consuming various fish species, indicative of large distinction of health benefit from various fish species. This study suggests commonly consumed fish species from China South Sea could bring much more positive effect than negative effect. Species-specific fish should be considered when providing recommendations of fish consumption. 〈em〉Muraenesox cinereus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Acanthopagrus latus〈/em〉 should be minded with risk of MeHg exposure in taking large amounts.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Biochar can be widely used to reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated soil because of its adsorption capacity. But there are few studies about the effects of biochar on cadmium uptake by plants in soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd). Therefore, an incubation experiment was used to investigate the effects of rice straw biochar (RSBC) and coconut shell biochar (CSBC) on Cd immobilization in contaminated soil and, subsequently, Cd uptake by 〈em〉Lolium perenne〈/em〉. The results showed that the microbial counts and soil enzyme activities were significantly increased by biochar in Cd-contaminated soil, which were consistent with the decrease of the bioavailability of Cd by biochar. HOAc-extractable Cd in soil decreased by 11.3–22.6% in treatments with 5% RSBC and by 7.2–17.1% in treatments with 5% CSBC, respectively, compared to controls. The content of available Cd in biochar treatments was significantly lower than in controls, and these differences were more obvious in treatment groups with 5% biochar. The Cd concentration in 〈em〉L〈/em〉. 〈em〉perenne〈/em〉 reduced by 4.47–26.13% with biochar. However, the biomass of 〈em〉L〈/em〉. 〈em〉perenne〈/em〉 increased by 1.35–2.38 times after adding biochar amendments. So, Cd uptake by whole 〈em〉L〈/em〉. 〈em〉perenne〈/em〉 was augmented by RSBC and CSBC. Accordingly, this work suggests that RSBC and CSBC have the potential to be used as a useful aided phytoremediation technology in Cd-contaminated soil.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) has emerged as a serious health issue in Sri Lanka. The disease has been recorded in the North Central Province of the country. While studies have elicited many hypotheses concerning the pathogenicity of CKDu, none adequately explains the cause of CKDu and the measures needed to minimise its occurrence. Nephrotoxic heavy metal (oid)s such as cadmium, arsenic, lead, and chromium are present in biological samples of people from endemic areas. This review appraises evidence on the effects of long-term exposure to low concentration of nephrotoxic heavy metals, which could be the principal cause of CKDu. Although a considerable variation exists in metal concentrations in patients’ blood and urine, higher levels of heavy metals were consistently observed in affected areas. This review finds that the populations in the endemic areas are exposed to heavy metal (oid)s at low concentrations, which are considered as safe levels; nevertheless, it influences the incidence of CKDu. Recent global studies on chronic kidney disease (CKD) revealed a low concentration of heavy metals in diseased patients. Research findings indicated that CKDu patients in Sri Lanka demonstrated similar blood levels of Cd, Pb, and higher concentrations of Cr than that have been reported globally. Further studies on the influence of combinations of nephrotoxic heavy metals at low concentrations on reduced glomerular filtration rate and other renal biomarkers could explain CKDu pathogenicity.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉With a growing awareness of environmental protection, the dust pollution caused by automobile foundry work has become a serious and urgent problem. This study aimed to explore contamination levels and health effects of automobile foundry dust. A total of 276 dust samples from six types of work in an automobile foundry factory were collected and analysed using the filter membrane method. Probabilistic risk assessment model was developed for evaluating the health risk of foundry dust on workers. The health risk and its influencing factors among workers were then assessed by applying the Monte Carlo method to identify the most significant parameters. Health damage assessment was conducted to translate health risk into disability-adjusted life year (DALY). The results revealed that the mean concentration of dust on six types of work ranged from 1.67 to 5.40 mg/m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉. The highest health risks to be come from melting, cast shakeout and finishing, followed by pouring, sand preparation, moulding and core-making. The probability of the risk exceeding 10〈sup〉−6〈/sup〉 was approximately 85%, 90%, 90%, 75%, 70% and 45%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis indicated that average time, exposure duration, inhalation rate and dust concentration (C) made great contribution to dust health risk. Workers exposed to cast shakeout and finishing had the largest DALY of 48.64a. These results can further help managers to fully understand the dust risks on various types of work in the automobile foundry factories and provide scientific basis for the management and decision-making related to health damage assessment.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The contamination of the Sonora River with 40,000 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 of toxic leachate released from a copper mine on August 6, 2014, was considered the worst environmental disaster of the mining industry in Mexico, exceeding safety levels in the concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic. To explore the potential association of the toxic release with subfecundity, by comparing time to pregnancy (TTP) of women with different levels of exposure at municipalities located along the Sonora River watershed, just 35 km south of the Arizona–Mexico border. Data from 235 pregnancies were included in a retrospective cohort study. Exposure was measured whether pregnancy occurred before or after the disaster and included a non-exposed community outside the watershed. Pregnancies were also compared between communities according to the concentration-level gradient of water pollutants found in the river. Fecundability odds ratios (fORs) were calculated using discrete time analogue of Cox’s proportional hazard models. Multiple analysis included all pregnancies with TTP of no more than 12 months, only first-time pregnancy, or excluding women with TTP = 1. The probability for pregnancy decreased after the disaster (fOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31, 0.97), when the residency was located mid-or-downstream the watershed (fOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15, 0.91), when reported chicken consumption, when mining was the father’s occupation, and when surface water was reported to be used for crop irrigation and for animal consumption. There was a decrease in fecundity on women exposed to the contaminated river. There is a need for more studies to prove these findings and to broaden the knowledge of other possible adverse health effects associated with this environmental disaster.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Iodine is an essential micronutrient for human health; phytofortification is a means of improving humans’ nutritional iodine status. However, knowledge of iodine uptake and translocation in plants remains limited. In this paper, plant uptake mechanisms were assessed in short-term experiments (24 h) using labelled radioisotopes; the speciation of iodine present in apoplastic and symplastic root solutions was determined by (HPLC)-ICP-QQQ-MS. Iodine storage was investigated in spinach (〈em〉Spinacia oleracea〈/em〉 L.) treated with I〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and IO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉. Finally, translocation through the phloem to younger leaves was also investigated using a radioiodine (〈sup〉129〈/sup〉I〈sup〉−〈/sup〉) label. During uptake, spinach roots demonstrated the ability to reduce IO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 to I〈sup〉−〈/sup〉. Once absorbed, iodine was present as org-I or I〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 with significantly greater concentrations in the apoplast than the symplast. Plants were shown to absorb similar concentrations of iodine applied as I〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 or IO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, via the roots, grown in an inert growth substrate. We found that whilst leaves were capable of absorbing radioactively labelled iodine applied to a single leaf, less than 2% was transferred through the phloem to younger leaves. In this paper, we show that iodine uptake is predominantly passive (approximately two-thirds of total uptake); however, I〈sup〉-〈/sup〉 can be absorbed actively through the symplast. Spinach leaves can absorb iodine via foliar fertilisation, but translocation is severely limited. As such, foliar application is unlikely to significantly increase the iodine content, via phloem translocation, of fruits, grains or tubers.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Sediment sequences in Lake Qinghai spanning the past 100 years were explored to assess the effects of changes in local land desertification, dust input and agriculture on sediment deposition in different parts of Lake Qinghai. Three short sediment cores (QH01, QH02, QH07) were collected from the main lake and one sediment core (Z04) from a sublake (Lake Gahai) of Lake Qinghai, China, during 2012 and 2013. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Al, Rb, Ti, Ca, and Sr were analysed to determine the effects of historical and regional anthropogenic activities in the Lake Qinghai catchment from 1910 to 2010. The elemental concentrations in the sediment cores ranged from 1.85 to 2.79% for Fe, 397 to 608 μg/g for Mn, 3.04 to 5.64% for Al, 13.5 to 19.7 μg/g for Rb, 0.171 to 0.268% for Ti, 9.43 to 13.9% for Ca, 652 to 1020 μg/g for Sr, and 0.049 to 0.075% for P. Good correlations were found between the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Al, and Rb, and the Ti/Al ratios in the sediments suggest that these elements share a similar source. The enrichment factors (EFs) of Ti [EF(Ti)] and P [EF(P)] in each core were utilized to reflect variations in anthropogenic activities from 1950 to 2010. EF(Ti) ranged from 1 to 1.17 in QH01 and QH02, reflecting the variation of land desertification areas in the Buha River catchment from 1950 to 2010. The EF(Ti) showed positive linear correlations with the variation in cropland area in Gangcha County, suggesting that agricultural activity in the Quanji River and Shaliu River catchments was enhanced from 1950 to 2010. The sediment records showed similar biogeochemical changes in most lakes and bays in China, indicating that the intensity of changes in anthropogenic activities was caused by national policy enforcement from the 1950s to 2010. EF(Ti) can serve as a tracer for anthropogenic activities in Lake Qinghai, with the anthropogenic activities in different parts of the Lake Qinghai catchment represented in the homologous sediments from parts of Lake Qinghai over the past 100 years. The variation of EF(P) increased from 1 to 1.55 from deep layer to upper layer in all sediment cores, reflecting the increased fertilizer input and tourism activity from 1980 to 2010, a period during which the lake was evolved into a eutrophic lake.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In recent years, acid rain had a serious negative impact on the leaching behavior of industrial waste residue. Researches were mainly focused on the environmental hazards of heavy metal in the leachate, but ignored the effects of heavy metal speciation on the stability of waste residue in the subsequent stabilization process. In this study, the unstable calcium–arsenic compounds in the arsenic calcium residue were firstly removed by leaching process; subsequently, the crystallization agent was added to treat the remaining calcium–arsenic mixture. The results of the leaching process demonstrated that the decrease in particle size and pH value directly affected the increase in the cumulative leaching amount of arsenic, and the cumulative leaching ratio reached 1.55%. In addition, the concentration of arsenic decreased from 3583 to 49.1 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. After the crystallization process, the arsenic concentration was lower than the limit value of 〈em〉Identification Standards for Hazardous Wastes〈/em〉 (〈em〉GB 5085.3〈/em〉-〈em〉2007〈/em〉). The SEM analysis showed the bulk structures, and XRD pattern confirmed that they were the stable compounds. Moreover, the result of XRD and SEM illustrated that acid concentration, chloride ions and sulfate ions were contributed to the transformation and growth of stable calcium arsenate compounds. Therefore, effective control of the acidity of acid rain, the type of anions in acid rain, and the particle size of residues would contribute to adjusting the arsenic speciation to be more stable. The leaching-crystallization process was of great significance to improve the stability of the arsenic-containing residue.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Two wetland plant-sediment microbial fuel cell systems (PSM1 and PSM2) and one wetland sediment microbial fuel cell system (SM) were constructed to investigate their electricity production performance and the simultaneous migration and transformation of arsenic and heavy metals in sediment and overlying water, arsenic and heavy metals uptake by plants. The bioelectricity generation was monitored for 175 days, and sediment samples were collected at three time points (64, 125 and 200 days) for the analysis. The results showed that plants improved the efficiency of the electricity production by the fuel cell system. The average output voltage was: PSM1 (0.32 V) 〉 PSM2 (0.28 V) 〉 SM (0.24 V)(〈em〉P〈/em〉 ≤ 0.05).The electricity production of the electrodes and the introduction of plants affected the mobility and transformation of As, Zn and Cd in the sediment, which contributed to their stability in the sediment and reduced the release of these metals into the overlying water column. The bioelectricity production process affected the bioavailability of arsenic and heavy metals in the sediment and attenuated metal uptake by plants, which indicated the potential for remediation of arsenic and heavy metals pollution in sediment.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉An understanding of the spatial distribution and contribution of a power plant to local soil contamination is important for the planning of soil use and prioritizing remedial actions for public safety. Consequently, the aim of this study was to map the spatial distribution of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs; Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cd, As, and Se) in soils around a large (796 MW) coal-fired power plant in Brazil. For the purpose, 33 soil samples were collected in the area within a radius of approximately 17.5 km from the plant and subsequently analyzed for PHEs. The frequency and direction of winds were also obtained from a meteorological station in the region. The sampling area was divided into four quadrants (northwest: N-NW; northeast: N-NE; southeast: S-SE; southwest: S-SW), and there were significant negative correlations between the distance and the concentrations of Se in the S-SE quadrant and As in the S-SW and S-SE quadrants. There were positive correlations between distance from the plant and the concentration of Mn in the N-NE quadrant and the concentration of Cd in the S-SW quadrant. The dominant direction of the winds was N-NE. The indexes used in this study showed low-to-moderate enrichment factor, but detailed analysis of the dominant quadrant of the winds showed a correlation with higher concentrations in the soils closer to the power plant for at least seven of the PHEs analyzed, especially with regard to As. Therefore, we conclude that the distribution of the metalloid As can be used as a marker of the spatial distribution of contamination from the thermoelectric plant, but the dynamics of the other elements suggests that the presence of other sources of contamination may also compromise the quality of local soils.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This study evaluated the feasibility of combining potassium chloride (KCl) leaching and electrokinetic (EK) treatment for the remediation of cadmium (Cd) and other metals from contaminated soils. KCl leaching was compared at three concentrations (0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% KCl). EK treatment was conducted separately to migrate the metals in the topsoil to the subsoil. The combined approach using KCl leaching before or after EK treatment was compared. For the single vertical EK treatment, the removal of Cd, lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) from the topsoil (0–20 cm) was 9.38%, 4.80%, 0.95%, and 10.81%, respectively. KCl leaching at 1% KCl removed 84.06% Cd, 9.95% Pb, 4.34% Cu, and 19.93% Zn from the topsoil, with higher removal efficiency than that of the 0.2% and 0.5% KCl leaching treatments. By combining the KCl leaching and EK treatment, the removal efficiency of heavy metals improved, in particular for the 1% KCl + EK treatment, where the removal rate of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn from the upper surface soil reached 97.79%, 17.69%, 14.37%, and 41.96%, respectively. Correspondingly, the soil Cd content decreased from 4 to 0.21 mg/kg, and was below the Chinese standard limit of 0.3 mg/kg soil. These results indicate that 1% KCl + EK treatment is a good combination technique to mitigate Cd pollution from contaminated soils used for growing rice and leafy vegetables.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Very little information is available about Hg and Cr evolution in greenhouse soils. This paper presents the results of determining Hg and Cr in greenhouse soils in a semi-arid region in the southern Iberian Peninsula (Almería, Spain), and assessing the enrichment level and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) according to crop age. Hakanson’s approach was used to evaluate the PERI. To investigate the behaviour of Hg and Cr in greenhouse soils over time, samples were grouped into values in soils for blocks according to crop age: 0 years, 5–10 years, 10–20 years, more than 20 years. The results showed that 74% of GS exceeded the obtained background level (37.1 μg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) for Hg, with 43% (48.9 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) for Cr. Temporal patterns indicated that these elements are accumulating in greenhouse soils and this trend was very significant for Hg. After more than 20 intensive crop-farming years, concentrations and the PERI had clearly increased. Although the ecological risk was moderate, our observations suggest that the farming practices performed in the last 35 years have allowed these metals to accumulate. In fact, the 15% of the studied soils presented a considerable potential risk and were the soils that had been used longer.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Effects of Cu toxicity from contaminated soil were analysed in spring barley (〈em〉Hordeum sativum〈/em〉 distichum), a widely cultivated species in South Russia. In this study, 〈em〉H. sativum〈/em〉 was planted outdoors in one of the most fertile soils—Haplic Chernozem spiked with high concentration of Cu and examined between the boot and head emergence phase of growth. Copper toxicity was observed to cause slow ontogenetic development of plants, changing their morphometric parameters (shape, size, colour). To the best of our knowledge, the ultrastructural changes in roots, stems and leaves of 〈em〉H. sativum〈/em〉 induced by excess Cu were fully characterized for the first time using transmission electron microscopy. The plant roots were the most effected, showing degradation of the epidermis, reduced number of parenchyma cells, as well as a significant decrease in the diameter of the stele and a disruption and modification to its cell structure. The comparative analysis of the ultrastructure of control plants and plants exposed to the toxic effects of Cu has made it possible to reveal significant disruption of the integrity of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membranes in the root with deposition of electron-dense material. The changes in the ultrastructure of the main cytoplasmic organelles—endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, chloroplasts and peroxisomes—in the stem and leaves were found. The cellular Cu deposition, anatomical and ultrastructural modifications could mainly account for the primary impact points of metal toxicity. Therefore, this work extends the available knowledge of the mechanisms of the Cu effect tolerance of barley.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Differences in bird eggshell thicknesses occur due to numerous factors, including thinning due to persistent organic pollutants. Not only does thinning weaken the shell; weaker shells combined with elevated ambient temperature and changes in humidities may result in changes in water loss rates from the egg contents. Therefore, thinner eggshells raise concern of water being lost faster than normal at lower relative humidities, which may affect hatching. To investigate the combined effects, we developed and tested an effective method that measures water loss through different thickness eggshells at controlled temperatures and relative humidities to assist in ascertaining the combined effects of climate change (temperature and humidity) and changes in eggshell thickness on bird reproduction. The fastest rate of loss was at 40% RH at 40 °C (0.1 mL/cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/day), and the slowest was at 22 °C at 80% RH (0.02 mL/cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/day). Eggshell thickness had a significant effect on water loss at all humidity treatments, except at the highest temperature and humidity treatment (80% RH and 40 °C). Temperature explained 40% of the variance, RH explained 20%, and interactions between temperature and humidity explained 15% of the variance (repeated-measures, two-way ANOVA). Generalized linear analyses revealed that both factors temperature and humidity contributed significantly in any two-way combinations. We have laid the ground for a system to test the combined effects of temperature and humidity changes associated with climate change and eggshell thinning associated with pollutants, on water loss across eggshells.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Stroke was demonstrated to correlate with seasonal variation. However, the relevant studies were incongruous. To better understand the rules of seasonal impact on ischemic stroke (IS) patients, we performed this meta-analysis. We systematically searched relevant observational studies in Pubmed, Web of science and Embase from January 1, 1980, to November 1, 2017, in English. Patients included in this study were adults who suffered from IS. Stata version 12.0 software was used to pool useful data and calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also performed heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses and evaluated publication bias. Thirty-three observational studies involving 234,196 participants were incorporated into the meta-analysis. Summer and December were regarded as reference, respectively. The IRRs were calculated showing: IRR〈sub〉Winter〈/sub〉 1.05 (95% CI 1.04–1.07), IRR〈sub〉Autumn〈/sub〉 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04), IRR〈sub〉Spring〈/sub〉 1.02 (95% CI 1.01–1.03). No obvious difference existed among 12 months. Stratified analyses on Köppen classification were also conducted. Between-study heterogeneity was discovered; however, predefined stratified analyses and meta-regression could not reduce this heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis has revealed very little seasonal variation in the overall study. Both cold and hot months may be high risky for IS after stratified by Köppen Climate Classification. Thus, a rationale to environmental setting of risky patient management could be provided. More studies with specific assessments are warranted for further comprehensive investigation.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The main purpose of the current study is to assess the contamination status, human health risk, and spatial distribution of heavy metals in the urban soils from the Medak province in India. For this purposes, a total of 40 urban surface soil samples were collected and analyzed seven heavy metals including chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The results of the study showed that the concentration of Cr (81–751 mg/kg), Cu (2–180 mg/kg), Zn (25–108 mg/kg), Pb (5–77 mg/kg), Ni (1–50 mg/kg), As (0.4–14 mg/kg), and Cd (0.1–4.2 mg/kg), respectively, was found above their natural background values. The geo-accumulation index analysis indicated that except Zn, all other tested heavy metals had a range of moderately to heavily polluted/contaminated in the study region. Spatial distribution pattern analysis inferred that the soil heavy metal (Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni) pollutions in western regions of Medak were relatively larger than that in central and eastern regions. The hazard index (HI) values for Cu, Cd, Zn, As, Pb, and Ni were below 1, implying that there is no non-carcinogenic risks exposure from these heavy metals in soil for children and adults in the study region. However, HI value for Cr ranged from 3.08E−01 to 2.86E+00 for children, implying that children were relatively vulnerable population than adults in the current study region. Comparatively speaking, 67.5% and 100% total carcinogenic risks for Cr values for adults and children were larger than the acceptable threshold value of 1.0E−04, indicating chromium poses the greatest carcinogenic risk in the study region.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Carbon dioxide (CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) capture and storage (CCS) plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere. However, gas leakage from deep storage reservoirs, which may flow back into near-surface and eventually to the atmosphere, is a major concern associated with this technology. Despite an increase in research focusing on potential CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 leakage into deep surface features and aquifers, a significant knowledge gap remains in the geochemical changes associated with near-surface. This study reviews the geochemical processes related to the intrusion of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 into near-surface environments with an emphasis on metal mobilization and discusses about the geochemical research approaches, recent findings, and current knowledge gaps. It is found that the intrusion of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉(g) into near-surface likely induces changes in pH, dissolution of minerals, and potential degradation of surrounding environments. The development of adequate geochemical research approaches for assessing CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 leakage in near-surface environments, using field studies, laboratory experiments, and/or geochemical modeling combined with isotopic tracers, has promoted extensive surveys of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉-induced reactions. However, addressing knowledge gaps in geochemical changes in near-surface environments is fundamental to advance current knowledge on how CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 leaks from storage sites and the consequences of this process on soil and water chemistry. For reliable detection and risk management of the potential impact of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 leakage from storage sites on the environmental chemistry, currently available geochemical research approaches should be either combined or used independently (albeit in a manner complementarily to one another), and the results should be jointly interpreted.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10653_2019_263_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Nowadays, air pollution by humans is considered a serious problem. One of the main sources of air pollution is carbon monoxide which is called the silent killer. With the increasing rate of population growth in Iran and subsequent acceleration of vehicle and fossil fuel usage, the mortality rate of carbon monoxide has increased. The aim of this study is assessment of the concentration of carbon monoxide in indoor and outdoor air of Sarayan city, Khorasan Province of Iran. In this descriptive-analytic study, the air condition of a residential area and outdoor environment of Sarayan city has been monitored for determining the carbon monoxide concentration during a 3-month period from January to March 2017. Overall, 25 stations with uniform distribution were located in the city. Fifty samples were taken monthly and by considering 3-month period, a total of 150 samples were gathered. The samples were taken in kitchens between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and by considering the respiratory height of the human body, the carbon monoxide meters (TES model, Taiwan) were placed at a height of 75–150 cm. The descriptive statistics were presented after entering data into SPSS-16, and, by applying Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests in the case of 〈em〉α〈/em〉 = 0.05, the data were analyzed. The average concentrations of carbon monoxide in indoor and outdoor environments were 0.84 ± 3.21 ppm and 0.27 ± 0.92 ppm, respectively. The maximum carbon monoxide concentration in February in an outdoor environment was 6 ppm (station no. 4) and the least one was 0 ppm. In March, for an indoor area, the maximum carbon monoxide concentration was 41 pm for station no. 11. The indoor-to-outdoor (I-to-O) ratio in March was higher than other months, and in January, was less than others. The study reveals that the indoor and outdoor carbon monoxide indices of Sarayan city are at acceptable levels.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Karst groundwater, an important water source, is often highly influenced by human impacts, causing environmental damage and threats to human health. However, studies on the anthropogenic influences on the hydrogeochemical evolution of karst groundwater are relatively rare. To assess hydrogeochemical formation and evolution, we focused on a typical karst groundwater system (Jinan, China) which is composed of cold groundwater (av. temperature 13–17 °C), springs and geothermal water (av. temperature 〉 30 °C) and is significantly affected by human activities. The study was performed by means of water samples collecting and analyzing and isotope analysis (〈sup〉2〈/sup〉H, 〈sup〉18〈/sup〉O and 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C). The statistical analysis and inverse models were also applied to further understand geochemical processes and anthropogenic influences. The 〈sup〉2〈/sup〉H, 〈sup〉18〈/sup〉O and 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C results indicate that the cold karst groundwater is easily influenced and contaminated by the local environment, while geothermal water is relatively old with a slow rate of recharge. The hydrochemical types of cold karst groundwater are mainly HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉–Ca and HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉·SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉–Ca, while geothermal water hydrochemical types are SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉–Ca·Na and SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉–Ca. Groundwater Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉, Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉, HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉 are mainly controlled by carbonate equilibrium, gypsum dissolution and dedolomitization. Groundwater Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, K〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and Cl〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 are mainly derived from halite dissolution, and in geothermal water, they are also affected by incongruent dissolution of albite and K-feldspar. Anthropogenic nitrogen produces ammonium resulting in nitrification and reduction in CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉(g) consumption and HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 release from carbonate dissolution. Principal component analysis and inverse models also indicate that nitrification and denitrification have significantly affected water–rock interactions. Our study suggests that karst groundwater quality is dominated by water–rock interactions and elucidates the influence of anthropogenic nitrogen. We believe that this paper will be a good reference point to study anthropogenic influences on the groundwater environment and to protect karst groundwater globally.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉A new approach to the study of diseases of geochemical origin is presented, which is based on the hypothesis that all such geochemical endemias were not possible in conditions of virgin biosphere and are products of human civilization. Two genetically different types of endemic diseases of geochemical origin are distinguished, each having a specifically spatial structure: (1) diseases of natural origin due to natural element deficiency or excess in the particular zones or areas; (2) diseases of anthropogenic origin related to chemical transformation of the environment in the course of agricultural or industrial production. Anthropogenically provoked diseases of geochemical nature always occur in conditions of already formed natural geochemical heterogeneity. As each type of the endemic disease has a peculiar structure of spatial distribution, the present health risk can be mapped as a genetically two-layer structure, characterizing deviation of the existing geochemical conditions from those ideal for specific species. Parameters of geochemical conditions, which are ideal for humans and domesticated species, should be sought within the areas with undisturbed soil cover, where these species have been formed in their present form. The hypothesis is tested on example of thyroid diseases observed in iodine-deficient areas affected by a nuclear accident with 〈sup〉131〈/sup〉I fallout. The developed approach is believed to serve as a practical tool for monitoring and prevention of endemic diseases of geochemical origin.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Chinese Medicinal Yam (CMY) has been prescribed as medicinal food for thousand years in China by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. Its medical benefits include nourishing the stomach and spleen to improve digestion, replenishing lung and kidney, etc., according to the TCM literature. As living standard rises and public health awareness improves in recent years, the potential medicinal benefits of CMY have attracted increasing attention in China. It has been found that the observed climate change in last several decades, together with the change in economic structure, has driven significant shift in the pattern of the traditional CMY planting areas. To identify suitable planting area for CMY in the near future is critical for ensuring the quality and supply quantity of CMY, guiding the layout of CMY industry, and safeguarding the sustainable development of CMY resources for public health. In this study, we first collect 30-year records of CMY varieties and their corresponding phenology and agro-meteorological observations. We then consolidate these data and use them to enrich and update the eco-physiological parameters of CMY in the agro-ecological zone (AEZ) model. The updated CMY varieties and AEZ model are validated using the historical planting area and production under observed climate conditions. After the successful validation, we use the updated AEZ model to simulate the potential yield of CMY and identify the suitable planting regions under future climate projections in China. This study shows that regions with high ecological similarity to the genuine and core producing areas of CMY mainly distribute in eastern Henan, southeastern Hebei, and western Shandong. The climate suitability of these areas will be improved due to global warming in the next 50 years, and therefore, they will continue to be the most suitable CMY planting regions.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉We evaluated groundwater contamination by landfill leachate at a municipal landfill and characterized isotopic and hydrogeochemical evidence of the degradation and natural attenuation of buried organic matter at the study site. Dissolved ion content was generally much higher in the leachate than in the surrounding groundwater. The leachate was characterized by highly elevated bicarbonate and ammonium levels and a lack of nitrate and sulfate, indicating generation under anoxic conditions. Leachate 〈em〉δ〈/em〉D and 〈em〉δ〈/em〉〈sup〉13〈/sup〉C〈sub〉DIC〈/sub〉 values were much higher than those of the surrounding groundwater; some groundwater samples near the landfill showed a significant contamination by the leachate plume. Hydrochemical characteristics of the groundwater suggest that aquifer geology in the study area plays a key role in controlling the natural attenuation of leachate plumes in this oxygen-limited environment.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This study discusses changes in connected water systems in Chagan Lake induced by the interference of natural and human activities, based on the analysis of sediment characteristics. In this study, the following sediment characteristics were investigated in the lake area, the natural supply area, and the lake drainage area: mineral composition; particle size distribution; magnetic susceptibility; nutrient content; content of isotopes δ〈sup〉13〈/sup〉C〈sub〉org〈/sub〉 and δ〈sup〉15〈/sup〉N; and content of heavy metals and of metallic oxides. The results showed that silicate minerals quartz, orthoclase, and anorthose were abundant in the whole lake water system. Quartz accumulated more easily in the lake area, while carbonate masses in the lake mainly came from the Huolinhe River. Moving from the lake area to the water diversion and drainage areas, fine particles clearly decreased, while coarse particles significantly increased due to the increase in hydraulic erosion. The main sources of nutrients and of organic matter are: the residual of the drainage from the Qianguo irrigated areas; the surrounding villages and the tourist area; and the decomposition of aquatic organisms. A large number of anthropogenic heavy metals, such as Hg, Cu, and As, were accumulated in the artificial water diversion area and in the farmland drainage area. This study indicates that recovering the original connected water system during the wet season, while at the same time enhancing water supply during the dry season could improve the ecological quality of Chagan Lake.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10653_2019_280_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Alkaline calcareous soils are deficient in plant nutrients; in particular, phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) are least available; their inorganic fertilizers are generally applied to meet the demand of crops. The applied nutrients react with soil constituents as well as with each other, resulting in lower plant uptake. Phosphorus availability is usually deterred due to lime content, while Zn availability is largely linked with alkalinity of the soil. The present manuscript critically discusses the factors associated with physicochemical properties of soil and other interactions in soil–plant system which contribute to the nutrients supply from soil, and affect productivity and quality attributes of cereals. Appropriate measures may possibly lessen the severity of nutritional disorder in cereal and optimize P and Zn concentrations in grain. Foliar Zn spray is found to escape most of the soil reactions; thus, Zn bioavailability is higher either through increase in grain Zn or through decrease in phytate content. The reactivity of nutrients prior to its uptake is deemed as major impediments in Zn biofortification of cereals. The article addresses physiological limitation of plants to accumulate grain Zn and the ways to achieve biofortification in cereals, while molecular mechanism explains how it affects nutritional quality of cereals. Moreover, it highlights the desirable measures for enhancing Zn bioavailability, e.g., manipulation of genetic makeup for efficient nutrient uptake/translocation, and also elucidates agronomic measures that help facilitate Zn supply in soil for plant accumulation.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The current study focuses on the understanding of contamination status, distribution, source apportionment and health perspectives of arsenic (As), uranium (U) and other co-occurring trace metals in the groundwater samples collected along the major rivers in Sindh and Punjab provinces, Pakistan. ICP-MS analysis revealed that the concentrations of As in the groundwater in Sindh and Punjab ranged from 0.2 to 81.1 µg/L (〈em〉n 〈/em〉= 38) and 1.1 to 501.1 µg/L (〈em〉n 〈/em〉= 110), respectively. Importantly, this study is the first evidence of U contamination in the groundwater samples in Pakistan, which revealed the concentrations of U at from 0.8 to 59.0 and 0.1 to 556.0 µg/L respectively, in Sindh and Punjab. Moreover, the concentrations of Sr and Mn exceeded the WHO limits in the current study area. Anthropogenic activities such as urbanization, direct dispose of industrial, agricultural waste into waterways and extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers might be the main sources of elevated levels of total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity, which increased the mobilization of As, U and Sr in the groundwater samples. Human health risk assessment parameters such as average daily dose, hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk indicated severe risks of As and U in the study area. The HQ values of As and U in Punjab were observed at 69.6 and 7.7, respectively, implying the severity of the health risks associated with consumption of contaminated groundwater for drinking purposes. In a nutshell, proactive control and rehabilitation measures are recommended to eradicate trace metals associated groundwater contamination in the targeted areas to avoid future worst scenarios.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Due to the important roles of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and carbon disulfide (CS〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) in atmospheric chemistry, this study was designed to determine different proportions of COS and CS〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 fluxes contributed from different sources, i.e., vegetation, soil and roots, at monthly and hourly timescales in the arid area in Xinjiang, China. Results indicated that the seasonal net uptake of COS by vegetation was predominant in the growing season. The CS〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 fluxes from vegetation and soils had no significant seasonal variations compared with COS. The exchange rates of COS and CS〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 have been found to be stimulated by the addition of nutrients in the form of urea fertilizer. Compared with the results of plots that were treated only with nitrogen, the treatments with both nitrogen and sulfur displayed no significant difference in the exchange fluxes. The results of compartment experiments indicated that the aboveground plants had the highest uptake of COS and had a vital role in the uptake of COS during the main growth period. The shares of COS emissions from the soil and roots increased to 6–17% and 55–58%, respectively, in the total COS fluxes when conditions, such as drought and senescence, were unfavorable for the developmental of vegetation. Observations of the preliminary diurnal fluxes indicated that the fluxes that occurred at night, with contributions from soils and plants, accounted for 27% of the total daily uptake of COS uptake. These quantitative results may be reasonably accounted for the use of COS as a promising tracer to obtain independent constraints on terrestrial carbon exchange at regional to global scales for their response to special environmental conditions in semiarid area.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The aim of this research was to study the geochemistry of uranium and thorium in phosphate deposits in the upper Cretaceous phosphate deposits in the Syrian coastal area. The study covered three sites, namely Ain Al-Tenah, Ain Laylon, and Al-Mhalbeh. Petrographical study showed that phosphate deposits are of nodular type with micrit to microspaite cement, containing siliceous bone residues, and green grains of glauconite, which are increasing in abundance and volume in the south toward Al-Mhalbeh, reflecting the formation of phosphate in a shallow marine environment. In addition, uranium concentration varied between 3 and 112 ppm in Ain Laylon, 4.2–17 ppm in Ain Al-Tenah and 5–61 ppm in Al-Mhalbeh. Thorium concentration varied between 0.2 and 7.5 ppm in Ain Laylon, 0.3–1.4 ppm in Ain Al-Tenah and 0.3–4.4 ppm in Al-Mhalbeh. The average Th/U ratio in the collected samples was within the range 0.04–0.08 except for five samples which exceeded the value 0.1. Moreover, the 〈sup〉226〈/sup〉Ra/〈sup〉238〈/sup〉U ratios are lower than unity in all samples, while the 〈sup〉210〈/sup〉Pb/〈sup〉238〈/sup〉U ratios ranged between 0.4 and 1.2 and the 〈sup〉210〈/sup〉Pb/〈sup〉226〈/sup〉Ra ratios were found to be higher than unity. On the other hand, the impact of leaching and mobility of uranium and thorium from deposits to the surrounding agriculture fields in the area has been studied using the Radium Equivalent Activity Index (Ra〈sub〉eq〈/sub〉). The equivalent radium activity was 102 Bq kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in Ain Al-Tenah, 403 Bq kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in Ain Laylon, 407 Bq kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in Al-Mhalbeh and 749 Bq kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in agricultural soil samples. However, the data reported in this study can be considered as a baseline data for the phosphate deposits at the coastal area.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Concentrations of radon (〈sup〉222〈/sup〉Rn) and thoron (〈sup〉220〈/sup〉Rn) were measured in the air of different marble factories by using a nuclear track technique. The influence of the marble dust nature and ventilation on radon and thoron concentrations was investigated. It was observed that measured radon and thoron concentration ranged from 310 to 903 Bq m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉 and 6 to 48 Bq m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉, respectively. In addition, alpha-activities due to the unattached and attached fractions of 〈sup〉218〈/sup〉Po and 〈sup〉214〈/sup〉Po radon short-lived progeny were evaluated in the marble factories studied. Committed equivalent doses due to the attached and unattached fractions of 〈sup〉218〈/sup〉Po and 〈sup〉214〈/sup〉Po nuclei were evaluated in the lung tissues of marble factory workers. The dependence of the resulting committed equivalent dose on the concentration of the attached and unattached fractions of the 〈sup〉218〈/sup〉Po and 〈sup〉214〈/sup〉Po radionuclides and mass of the tissue was investigated. The resulting annual committed effective doses to the lung of marble factory workers due to the attached and unattached fractions of the 〈sup〉218〈/sup〉Po and 〈sup〉214〈/sup〉Po radionuclides were calculated. The obtained results show that about 80% of the global committed effective doses received by workers in the studied marble factories are due to the attached fraction of the 〈sup〉218〈/sup〉Po and 〈sup〉214〈/sup〉Po radon short-lived daughters from the inhalation of polluted air. Male workers spending 8 h per day (2080 h per year) in a marble factory receive a maximum dose of 34.46 mSv y〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 which is higher than the (3–10 mSv y〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) dose limit interval given by the ICRP. Good agreement was found between data obtained for the average effective dose gotten by using this method and the UNSCEAR and ICRP conversion dose coefficients.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been a major concern because of their carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity and wide distribution in the environment. Over 90% of PAHs in the environment exist on soil surface/sediment. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is one of the predominant PAHs in soil. Thus, it is critically important to understand the patterns of BaP accumulation and transformation peculiarities in soil for the risk assessment. The studies were conducted in model experiment with Haplic Chernozem spiked with various doses of BaP (20, 200, 400 and 800 µg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) equivalent to 1, 10, 20 and 40 levels of maximum permissible concentrations. The unique properties of Haplic Chernozem were studied allow to accumulate and transform BaP as well as barley plants ability to absorb of some BaP concentration. Extraction of BaP from the soil was carried out by the saponification method. The qualitative and quantitative determination of BaP and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (Agilent 1260 Germany, 2014). BaP accumulation in soil depended on the applied BaP concentrations in Haplic Chernozem. Studying the features of PAHs transformation in the soil of a model experiment 1 year after the compound application showed the BaP content in the soil decreased up to 11–40%. Two years after the BaP application the content in the soil decreased up to 15–44% from the initial BaP content in the soil. The percentage of BaP concentration reduction in Haplic Chernozem increased with an increase in the dose of the applied xenobiotic. An increase in the dose of the applied pollutant to the soil of the model experiment contributed to an increase in all PAHs, which indicated a rapid BaP transformation in Haplic Chernozem. The PAHs content in the soils of model experiment in the first year of the research formed the following descending series: pyrene 〉 chrysene 〉 fluoranthene 〉 phenanthrene. In the second year of research the phenanthrene content became higher than the fluoranthene content. The content of these compounds exceeded 20% of the total PAHs content in the soil samples in the first and second years of the model experiment. The features of PAHs accumulation and transformation in soils under artificial pollution showed the degradation of large-nuclear PAHs, starting from 5-ring polyarenes, and their structural reorganization into the less-nuclear polyarenes, such as 4-, 3-, and 2-ring PAHs. During the 2 years of the model experiment the BaP concentration in the soil decreased up to 15–44% from the initial BaP content in the soil.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉In peri-urban areas of district Vehari, farmers are using untreated city wastewater for crop irrigation owing to the scarcity of good-quality irrigation water. This practice may pose severe environmental and health issues to local inhabitants attributed to the high levels of potentially toxic metals in wastewater. The present study evaluated the potential impacts of wastewater irrigation on metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) build-up in the soil–plant continuum and associated health risks. In this study, wastewater (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 17), soil (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 108) and plant (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 65) samples were collected from 15 peri-urban sites of three tehsils of district Vehari. Results showed that the mean concentration (mg/L) of Cd (0.02), Mn (0.25) and Fe (1.57) in wastewater samples was higher than their respective threshold values. Similarly, Cd, Mn and Fe concentration in soil was beyond the permissible limits of agricultural soil receiving wastewater irrigation. However, plants showed high accumulation of Pb, Cr and Fe than their respective limits depending on the vegetable/crop species. The health risk parameters showed that Pb and Cd are the major toxic chemical substances to human health, and the daily intake of crop plants can pose a potential health threat due to wastewater-irrigated crop consumption. Results highlighted the necessity of wastewater pretreatment to avoid the soil and vegetable contamination by wastewater irrigation and to reduce the associated health risks.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Climate change harms people’s health and ecosystems. Encouraging the public to adopt behaviors that help to combat climate change can, at the same time, contribute to efforts to control and solve related serious environmental problems. This study aims to ascertain the way in which the public perceives risks related to climate change and adopts behaviors to respond to the issue. Using city smog as an example, this study proposes a conceptual model that integrates the theory of planned behavior (TPB), smog knowledge and risk perception. It aims to elucidate determinants of smog-reduction behavior. Data were obtained through questionnaire surveys. The results confirm the relationships among the core variables of the TPB and risk perception. Firstly, they confirm that TPB is an effective model for predicting responses to city smog, and secondly, they show that risk perception is significantly positive in predicting attitude and behavioral intention. In addition, our analysis confirms that knowledge about smog is a positive antecedent variable in risk perception, attitude, and perceived behavioral control. The paper contributes to the extension of the TPB model and to the enrichment of its application in the context of city smog. It also has practical implications both for people experiencing city smog, and for authorities such as local governments and environmental organizations. Governments and organizations need to make efforts to spread information concerning the harmful effects of city smog, because in doing so they can strengthen people’s intention to participate in smog-reduction behavior.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This study investigates the levels, sources, spatial distribution, and toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban soils of Tyumen, Russia. Observations of PAHs in cities of Western Siberia accomplished by a representative set of samples are very rare, even though it is one of the most urbanized parts of Russia. Therefore, it is important to estimate the status of PAHs in soils of urban environments representing vast Siberian regions. Tyumen, as one of the most intensively developing cities of Western Siberia, is a good object for such studies. Topsoil samples (0–10 cm) were collected from 241 sampling sites on a regular grid within Tyumen city limits. It was found that total concentration of 12 priority PAHs ranged from 33.4 to 2147.9 μg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, with a median value of 280.3 μg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. High-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs were dominant, accounting for the majority (62%) of the total PAHs. Among the PAHs in soils, 4-ring compounds were predominant in all studied samples, followed by 5- and 6-ring PAHs. Phenanthrene, pyrene, fluoranthene, and benzo(ghi)perylene had values of 28%, 19%, 15%, and 10% of total PAHs, respectively. Results showed that large high-contrast anomalies of HMW PAHs were related to low-residential and transport areas. The diagnostic ratios, as well as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), confirmed that sources associated with the transport were the most significant, while biomass combustion played an important role as a source of PAHs in agricultural, low-residential, and recreational areas. Levels of individual PAHs, as well as total PAHs in urban soils of Tyumen, were comparable with those in non-industrial cities with similar populations but were significantly lower than those in large industrial centers. Assessment of soil toxicity using toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ〈sub〉BaP〈/sub〉) showed that the TEQ〈sub〉BaP〈/sub〉 values varied from 2.0 to 388.2 μg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, with a mean value of 34.9 μg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 and median of 19.8 μg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, and were lower than those in heavy industrialized cities, but higher than those in soils of cities specializing in consumer and service industries.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article (Li et al. 2016). An investigation by the Journal has not been able to confirm the identity and affiliation of the author David Raleve. This author was the corresponding author on submission but changed the corresponding authorship at the proof stage. The current corresponding author was not aware of the publication of this article. As the appropriate authorship for this article cannot be determined, the Editor-in-Chief no longer has confidence in this article. Ibrahim Mohamed disagrees with this retraction. Ming Li and Wenli Chen did not respond to any correspondence about this retraction. Qiaoyun Huang did not respond to any correspondence about this retraction notice.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This scoping study presents an investigation of the total and bioaccessible mercury concentrations in road dust (RD) from three international urban sites, where a one-off sampling campaign was conducted at each. This was done to address the hypothesis that the matrix in which mercury is found influences its ability to become accessible to the body once inhaled. For that purpose, the samples were analysed for total and pulmonary bioaccessible mercury and the data compared to the chemical structure of individual particles by SEM. The results obtained from this study suggest that a high mercury content does not necessarily equate to high bioaccessibility, a phenomenon which could be ascribed to the chemical character of the individual particles. It was found that the Manchester samples contained more pulmonary soluble mercury species (as determined by elemental associations of Hg and Cl) in comparison to the other two samples, Curitiba, Brazil, and Johannesburg, South Africa. This finding ultimately underlines the necessity to conduct a site-specific in-depth analysis of RD, to determine the concentration, chemical structure and molecular speciation of the materials within the complex matrix of RD. Therefore, rather than simply assuming that higher bulk concentrations equate to more significant potential human health concerns, the leaching potential of the metal/element in its specific form (for example as a mineral) should be ascertained. The importance of individual particle behaviour in the determination of human health risk is therefore highlighted.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Urban soils of 32 Indian cities were collected from literature-based data for the period of 2001–2019 to measure the contamination levels of six heavy metals including arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) and also evaluated the potential human health risk for adults and children. The results indicated that concentrations of six heavy metals in the urban soils were much higher than both geochemical background values (Grade-I) and also Canadian soil quality guideline values (Grade-II) in most of the cities in India. Higher concentration of Cr and Ni was in cities mainly located in southern (Karnataka), northern (Uttar Pradesh), and eastern (Odisha); As and Pb primarily in central (Telangana), while Zn and Cu largely in western (Maharashtra) and eastern (Jharkhand) states of India, respectively. The index of geo-accumulation (〈em〉I〈/em〉〈sub〉geo〈/sub〉) values varied largely and showed moderately polluted to extremely polluted levels, possibly caused/influenced by anthropogenic activity in the urban regions in India. The non-carcinogenic health risk due to Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb in most urban regions was lower than the threshold value (HI 〈 1), indicating no non-carcinogenic health risk for adults and children. As and Cr on children, non-carcinogenic risk was very higher than that of adults, and their risk values were also exceeded the threshold value, indicating that As and Cr in the urban soils posed considerable non-carcinogenic health risks on urban residents. The total carcinogenic/cancer risk due to Pb in most urban regions was lower than the recommended limit of 1.00E−04, while Cr and As have shown potential cancer risk for both adults and children. Therefore, As and Cr are the sole heavy metals that cause potential health risk in an urban region residents in India, which needs to be paid more attention and also controlling measures should be initiated.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Atmospheric elements released into the atmosphere can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact and are then deposited in the body. Trace elements have potential risks to human health. For this purpose, the particulate matter accumulated by car air filters (CAFs) was studied. The morphology and distribution of particle size were examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The concentration of elements in CAFs and CAF-estimated air for 30 elements in Tehran, Iran, was analyzed in winter and summer, from February to July 2017. Samples were determined by inductively coupled mass plasma spectrometry. The most abundantly detected elements in both CAFs and air in both seasons were Ca, Mg, Na and Fe. The shape of the particles was mostly irregular and spherical. Most of the particles were between 0.5 and 1.0 µm. The carcinogenic risks of inhalation exposure to Cr and Co in winter and summer were higher than the acceptable level (〈 1 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉) for children and adults. The carcinogenic risks of As and Cr in both seasons were higher than 1 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉 for children and adults via dermal contact. Also, the carcinogenic risks of Cr in both seasons of ingestion exposure were higher than 1.00E−04 for children and adults. The integrated noncarcinogenic risks of all trace elements were higher than the safe level (= 1) for children and adults in both seasons.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Eutrophication has become great concern in recent years due to the fact that rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are the main drinking water source. Studies have been performed to enhance the removal of algae with ClO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 pre-oxidation, but there was high potential in the formation of chlorite and chlorate. In this study, ultra-sonication was employed to assist algae removal and control disinfection by-products formation in ClO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 pre-oxidation processes. It was found that solo ultra-sonication for 10 min (algae removal 86.11 ± 2.16%) could achieve similar algae removal efficiency as that with solo ClO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 (0.5 mg/L) pre-oxidation for 10 min (algae removal 87.10 ± 3.50%). In addition, no formations of chlorite and chlorate were detected in solo ultra-sonication process. Five-minutes ultra-sonication followed by 5-min 0.5 mg/L ClO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 treatment (total treatment time 10 min; algae removal 93.55 ± 3.22%) provided a better performance on algae removal compared to the solo ClO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 (0.5 mg/L) pre-oxidation for 10 min. Moreover, chlorite was undetectable. It suggests that the utilization of ultra-sonication in ClO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 pretreatment for algae removal has highly prevented the formations of chlorite and chlorate.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The major causes of toxicity in slaughterhouse wastewater are identified by analyzing the relationship between representative pollutants and the acute toxicity of 〈em〉Daphnia magna〈/em〉. Experimental results demonstrate that organic matters are strongly associated with the acute toxicity. Among many organic pollutants, proteins and carbohydrates were found to be the main toxicity inducers that cause metabolic transformation of 〈em〉D. magna〈/em〉. Statistical correlation between biodegradable soluble organics and the acute toxicity further explains how principal pollutants play potential toxin roles. Also, this study verifies that the variations of biochemical oxygen demand over total chemical oxygen demand (BOD TCOD〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) as well as total organic carbon over total carbon (TOC TC〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) can be indirect indicators explaining the acute toxicity of 〈em〉D. magna〈/em〉 because the removal of non-degradable and non-soluble organic matters is connected to the toxicity removal. Overall, these results provide how the acute toxicity of 〈em〉D. magna〈/em〉 is attributed to pollutants and what is the potential source of threats to society in slaughterhouse wastewater.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Antibiotics and heavy metals have long-term potential toxicity to the environment, and their residuals in agricultural soils are receiving more and more attention. To evaluate the ecotoxicological effects of enrofloxacin and cadmium on soil enzymatic activities and microbial community structure, soil samples were exposed to individual and combined contaminants over 28 days. The results indicated that the toxic effects of enrofloxacin alone on soil enzymatic activities were relatively small and showed no concentration dependence. In contrast, significant inhibition of soil enzymatic activities was observed upon cadmium contamination by itself. Overall, the combination of two contaminants also has toxic effect on enzymatic activities; an antagonism between enrofloxacin and cadmium was observed. On 14 and 21 days, individual enrofloxacin and cadmium reduced average well color development (AWCD), Shannon, McIntosh, Simpson indices, and substrate utilization, except for Shannon, McIntosh, Simpson indices of the cadmium 0.4 mmol/kg treatment were higher than the control on 21 days. In general, combined treatments led to higher value of these microbial diversity indicators than those found under separate contamination, although there were some exceptions. With the increase in enrofloxacin concentration, the utilization of any carbon source by the microorganisms gradually decreased. In addition, the AWCD value and substrate utilization decreased as time increased. In the separate and combined contaminant treatments, the order of substrate utilization by soil microorganisms was aliphatics 〉 amino acids 〉 saccharides 〉 metabolites. Thus, enrofloxacin and cadmium had a variable but generally negative influence on soil enzymatic activities and microbial community structure.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10653_2019_307_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Primary prevention is a key strategy to reducing the global burden of cancer, a disease responsible for ~ 9.6 million deaths per year and predicted to top 13 million by 2030. The role of environmental geochemistry in the aetiology of many cancers—as well as other non-communicable diseases—should not be understated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 70% of global cancer deaths occur and reliance on local geochemistry for drinking water and subsistence crops is still widespread. This article is an expansion of a series of presentations and discussions held at the 34th International Conference of the Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health in Livingstone, Zambia, on the value of effective collaborations between environmental geochemists and cancer epidemiologists. Key technical aspects of each field are presented, in addition to a case study of the extraordinarily high incidence rates of oesophageal cancer in the East African Rift Valley, which may have a geochemical contribution. The potential merit of veterinary studies for investigating common geochemical risk factors between human and animal disease is also highlighted.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Elemental composition of airborne dust samples retained by internal filters of air condition units (ACUs) was determined at 12 locations of Doha city, state of Qatar. Twenty-four elements: Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, K, Ti, Zn, P, Sr, Mn, Ba, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, Mo, Li, Co, Sb, As, Cd, Be, were analysed by ICP-OES technique after acid digestion of the samples. The analysed components reflect 20.6% of the total sample mass. Similar or lower concentration values have been found for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Al, and Fe compared to the international context of upper crust concentrations, NIST SRM (urban dust), published local dust information of outdoor, and surface terrestrial deposit (STD) counted for 7.2, 0.7, 91.8, 192.8, 369.7, 68.6, 65.3, 52.1, 824.3, 19,791, 20,508 mg/kg, respectively. The coefficient of correlation (〈em〉p〈/em〉 ≤ 0.05) showed significant association of ACUs dust elemental compositions with the main components of the local earth crust and surface deposits, ranging from the lowest 0.77 (Mg–Fe) to the highest 0.98 (Al–Fe), while Ni and V, typical anthropogenic pollutants, are also strongly correlated (0.86). These strong correlation relationships can be interpreted as the contribution of outdoor particulate to the indoor dust. Dendrogram of metal/Al ratios, based on Euclidean distance calculation and average linkage clustering method, distinguished three typical groups. Studying the enrichment factors of the three groups indicated elevated levels of Zn (131), Pb (49), Cu (32), Cd (8) and Ni (5) found indoors compared to the background composition of STD especially at locations in the industrial zone. The major elemental composition of the samples reflects the typical mineral composition of the local dust, while the trace composition demonstrates the influence of indoor sources. The collected ACU filter dust samples show significant contribution of outdoor mineral particles, non-exhaust traffic emission, industrial sources, as well as the influence of indoor activity such as smoking.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic element. It has received considerable consideration worldwide in recent years due to its highest toxicity to human, and currently, high concentrations observed in the groundwater. Some recent media and research reports also highlighted possible As contamination of groundwater systems in Pakistan. However, there is a scarcity of data about As contents in groundwater in different areas/regions of the country. Consequently, the current study estimated the As concentration in the groundwater used for drinking purpose in 15 peri-urban sites of district Vehari, Pakistan. In total, 127 groundwater samples were collected and examined for As contents in addition to physicochemical characteristics such as temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total soluble salts, chloride, carbonates, bicarbonates, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium and barium. Results indicated that the groundwater samples were not fully fit for drinking purposes with several parameters, especially the alarming levels of As (mean As: 46.9 µg/L). It was found that 83% groundwater samples of peri-urban sites in district Vehari have As concentration greater than WHO lower permissible limit (10 µg/L). The risk assessment parameters (mean hazard quotient: 3.9 and mean cancer risk: 0.0018) also showed possible carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with ingestion of As-contaminated groundwater at peri-urban sites. Based on the findings, it is anticipated that special monitoring and management of groundwater is necessary in the studied area in order to curtail the health risks associated with the use of As-contaminated drinking water. Moreover, appropriate remediation and removal of As from groundwater is also imperative for the study area before being used for drinking purpose to avoid As exposure and related risks to the local community.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This case study was performed to determine whether the pollutants in water of urban park could bring health risk to human engaging in water-related activities such as swimming and provide evidence demonstrating the critical need for strengthened recreational water resources management of urban park. TN, NH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉+〈/sup〉-N, TP, Cu, Mn, Zn, Se, Pb, As, Cd and Cr(VI) contents were determined to describe the spatial distribution of contaminations; sources apportionment with the method of correlation analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis were followed by health risk assessment for swimmers of different age groups. The results reveal that element contents in all sites do not exceed Chinese standard for swimming area and European Commission standard for surface water; all detected elements except Cr(VI) have a tendency to accumulate in the location of lake crossing bridge; Mn and Zn are considered to have the same pollution source including geogenic and anthropogenic sources by multivariable analysis. Carcinogenic risks of different age groups descend in the same order with non-carcinogenic risks. Among all elements, Zn and Mn contribute the lowest non-carcinogenic risk (5.1940E-06) and the highest non-carcinogenic risk (7.9921E-04) through skin contact pathway, respectively. The total average personal risk for swimmers in swimming area is 1.9693E-03, and this site is not suitable for swimming. Overall, it is possible that swimmers are exposed to risk via the dermal route when carrying out water-related activities, it is recommended that necessary precautions and management should be taken in other similar locations around the world.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉A field study was carried out to estimate the variations in the concentrations of macro- and trace elements in the rhizosphere soil and in roots and leaves of three widely distributed plant species—couch grass, plantain, and yarrow collected simultaneously from two sites characterized by different soil parameters. Main attention was paid to environmental (soil characteristics) and phylogenetic (plant species) factors that can influence on the concentrations of different elements in the plants and in soils. Both the factors cannot be considered as independent, although their contribution to the plant elemental composition may be different. There were statistically significant differences between concentrations of C, N, and H and 13 macro- and trace elements in the soils collected from the two sites. The concentrations of many chemical elements in the rhizosphere soil of the three plant species collected from the same site were often different. The differences in the characteristics of the soils at the sites resulted in differences between the concentrations of several elements in the plants growing at the sites. However, this was only one of the reasons of significant difference between the concentrations of macro- and trace elements in the same plant species collected from the sites. Couch grass, plantain, and yarrow had different reactions on the soil characteristics. The elemental composition of each plant species was unique although they grew at the same place and were collected simultaneously. Among the plants, yarrow was more tolerant to varying environmental conditions than plantain and couch grass.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Thirty soil samples and 24 corresponding unpolished rice samples along the Red and Huong Rivers in northern and central Vietnam respectively, were analyzed in order to evaluate (a) soil geochemistry, (b) factors that determine the transfer of harmful and nutrient elements from soils into rice grains, (c) health risk to the local population through rice consumption. The concentrations of As, Bi, and U in the soils of this area are higher relative to those of average shale probably due to natural redox-related processes. Also, Zn, Ce, Th, La, Sn, Pb, and Cd are accumulated in some soils because of mining activities or industrial wastewater application. Arsenic concentrations exceed the Vietnamese allowable limit of 15 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in 80% of the tested soils. Twelve percent of the unpolished rice grains surpass the permissible maximum concentration of 0.2 mg Cd kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 grain dry matter by FAO/WHO and European Union, and all samples are below the Pb limit. The daily intake of As is within the range of the tolerable intake levels proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. Influences of soil parameters such as pH value, contents of soil organic matter, oxides/hydroxides of Al, Fe, and Mn cause a broad spread of transfer factors from soil to grains. Positive trends exist between the transfer factors within the groups (a) As, Sb, and U, (b) Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn, (c) Cd and Mn which indicate similar influences of soil parameters on their uptake. We propose that the allowable Cd maximum concentration for rice should be set to less than 0.2 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. The analysis of As and Cd concentrations in soils and corresponding rice grains as well as the soil pH value should be made obligatory in order to prevent intoxication. In addition, critical elements from nonferrous metal mining and industrial areas should also be evaluated.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Accurate prediction of the spatial distribution of pollutants in soils based on applicable interpolation methods is often the basis for soil remediation in contaminated sites. However, the applicable interpolation method has not been determined for contaminated sites due to the complex spatial distribution characteristics and stronger local spatial variability of pollutants. In this research, the prediction accuracies of three interpolation methods (including the different values of their parameters) for the spatial distribution of benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) in four soil layers were compared. These included inverse distance weighting (IDW), radial basis function (RBF), ordinary kriging (OK). The results indicated: (1) IDW1 is applicable for the first layer, RBF-IMQ is applicable to the second, third, and fourth layers. (2) For IDW, the prediction error is bigger with high weight where high values and low values intersect, while the prediction error is smaller where high (or low) values aggregated distribution. (3) For RBF, if the pollutant concentration trend at the predicted location is consistent with the known points in its neighborhood, the prediction accuracy is higher. (4) IDW is suitable for fitting more drastic curved surfaces, while RBF is more effective for relatively gentle curved surfaces and OK is reasonable for curved surfaces without local outliers. (5) The interpolation uncertainty is positively associated with the contaminant concentration and local spatial variability. Therefore, we suggest the selection of the applicable interpolation model must be based on the principle of the model and the spatial distribution characteristics of the pollutants.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Road-deposited sediment (RDS) has been identified as both the source and sink of various pollutants. In this study, the highway-deposited sediment (HDS) in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter was characterized. On average, the mass proportions of particles with the size of 830–4750 μm, 500–830 μm, 250–500 μm, 150–250 μm, 63–150 μm and 〈 63 μm were 23.6 ± 8.6%, 16.9 ± 3.4%, 28.4 ± 3.5%, 10.0 ± 4.3%, 15.7 ± 5.8% and 5.3 ± 2.0%, respectively, wherein the HDS of 63–830 μm accounted for 71% of the total mass load. It was observed that the particle size distribution of HDS could be described using the gamma distribution function based on gravimetric and cumulative basis (〈em〉R〈/em〉〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 (determination coefficient) = 0.9960–0.9995). The bulk pollutant contents of HDS showed seasonal variation with the mean of COD (chemical oxygen demand), nitrogen, phosphorus, Zn (zinc), Pb (lead) and Cd (cadmium) as 57 g/kg, 839 mg/kg, 97 mg/kg, 627 mg/kg, 110 mg/kg and 1.00 mg/kg and the highest COD of 83 g/kg in Autumn, nitrogen 1164 mg/kg Autumn, phosphorus 133 mg/kg Winter, Zn 801 mg/kg Summer, Pb 133 mg/kg Spring and the highest Cd of 1.36 mg/kg in Summer, respectively. The contents of Zn, Pb and Cd in HDS were significantly above their local soil background values. Moreover, the size fractional pollutant contents overall increased as particles’ size increased. Averagely, 40–52% pollutant loads were associated with the particles 〈 250 μm, which can be moved easily by runoff. This study suggests that the behaviors of HDS different from city RDS should be considered as nonpoint source pollution control is performed.〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉In the original publication of the article, the third author name has been misspelt. The correct name is given in this correction. The original version of this article was revised.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Shengjin Lake is a typical lake-type wetland in the lower of the Yangtze River, which is also an important national nature reserve in China. It is of great significance to evaluate the ecological risk of land use for promoting the coordinated development of land use and ecological environment. In this paper, according to the TM remote sensing images of Shengjin Lake wetland in Anhui province in 1986, 2002 and 2016, we used supervised classification method to divide the Shengjin Lake reserve into eight types of land use, and then we acquire land use information after the statistics of land utilization type and area, so as to analyze land use ecological risk indicator factors. Then we used analytic hierarchy process to calculate the weight of each index factor and established the land use ecological risk assessment index system. On this basis, the model of ecological risk assessment of land use was established by hierarchical analysis and fuzzy mathematics. The results showed that the overall ecological risk of Shengjin Lake wetland was intermediate in rank, from 1986 to 2016, the ecological risk of land use increased. Among them, the land use ecological risk index of the core area was relatively low, but it also showed a gradually increasing trend. The ecological risk index of the experimental area was higher. The ecological risk index of the buffer area changed obviously, and the ecological risk was serious.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The effects of heavy metal pollution in parks have caused widespread concern. This study investigated the concentrations and sources of eight heavy metals in the economic and technological development zone in Rizhao City. Geo-accumulation index (〈span〉 〈span〉\(I_{\text{geo}}\)〈/span〉 〈/span〉) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were used to assess the pollution level of the development zone. Sources of heavy metals were analyzed through correlation analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive statistics showed that many types of heavy metals accumulated in the development zone. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Zn in the soil exceeded the background values of soil environment in Shandong Province. 〈span〉 〈span〉\(I_{\text{geo}}\)〈/span〉 〈/span〉 showed that only Hg in the soil was at the non-pollution to moderate pollution level. Meanwhile, sediments were polluted by Hg, Cd, and Zn, with their pollution level being higher than that of the soil. PERI showed that the soil presented moderate risk level and that the river sediment showed severe risk level. Hg and Cd exhibited the highest potential ecological risk. The results of the CA and PCA showed that the main sources of heavy metal pollution in the development zone are industrial activities, followed by atmospheric factors. Focus should thus be directed toward heavy metal pollution in development zones to protect human health and the soil environment.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉This study was aimed at assessment of strontium and calcium mobility in soils and their accumulation with plants in the areas endemic for Kashin–Beck disease in Eastern Transbaikalia. The strontium and calcium mobility levels were determined using the method of sequential chemical extraction for 7 samples of meadow soils collected from the endemic region and 7 soil samples taken from conditionally control sites. To measure the Ca and Sr levels in the soil and plant samples, XRF analysis and AAS were used. The increased strontium level in the meadow soils of the endemic areas is accompanied by the element’s higher mobility. The highest strontium yield was observed in the course of soil extraction using 1 M ammonium acetate, while the soils taken from the control sites gave lower amounts of the trace element. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the amount of the strontium extracted and its content in plants (〈em〉r〈/em〉 = + 0.86 − 0.98). At the sequential chemical extraction of calcium from the soils using the above method, the calcium yield was maximal in the ammonium acetate fraction (background sites) and in ammonium acetate and 6 M HCl fractions (endemic areas). The correlation between the amount of the calcium extracted in 1 M ammonium acetate and the macroelement levels found in plants was + 0.968. In addition, a peculiarly high accumulation of strontium in various willow species as compared to other meadow plants was revealed for the first time ever. Thus, the work introduces new data into the trace element biogeochemistry and environmental monitoring.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The progressive increase in nanoparticles (NPs) applications and their potential release into the environment because the majority of them end up in the soil without proper care have drawn considerable attention to the public health, which has become an increasingly important area of research. It is required to understand ecological threats of NPs before applications. Once NPs are released into the environment, they are subjected to translocation and go through several modifications, such as bio/geo-transformation which plays a significant role in determination of ultimate fate in the environment. The interaction between plants and NPs is an important aspect of the risk assessment. The plants growing in a contaminated medium may significantly pose a threat to human health via the food chain. Metal oxide NPs ZnO and CuO, the most important NPs, are highly toxic to a wide range of organisms. Exposure and effects of CuO and ZnO NPs on soil biota and human health are critically discussed in this study. The potential benefits and unintentional dangers of NPs to the environment and human health are essential to evaluate and expected to produce less toxic and more degradable NPs to minimize the environmental risk in the future.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The use of phosphate ore by fertilizer industries is considered a major source of soil contamination by trace metals and radionuclides. Despite its low mobility and bioavailability, lead (Pb) is among soil contaminants that pose a serious risk to human health. This study evaluates the potential impact of a fertilizer factory in North Lebanon on the total content of Pb and the activity concentration of its radioisotopes in residential, non-agricultural lands around the industry, as well as its mobility and bioaccessibility in soil samples collected at different depths. Chemical extractions by EDTA and in vitro physiologically based extraction test were used to estimate, respectively, the available and bioaccessible fractions of Pb in soils. Radioisotopes 〈sup〉214〈/sup〉Pb, 〈sup〉212〈/sup〉Pb and 〈sup〉210〈/sup〉Pb have been analyzed by gamma spectrometry. Different physicochemical soil parameters, such as pH, carbonate content, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, clay, total nitrogen and redox potential, were studied. The pseudo-total Pb varied between 12.8 and 68.5 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, while the extractable fractions were more variable, between 12 and 72% of total Pb concentration for the EDTA extracted fraction and up to 28.5% for the bioaccessible fractions. The processing of the data shows the decreases with depth in most sites of the total and available Pb and of the activity concentration of 〈sup〉210〈/sup〉Pb and their positive correlations with total nitrogen. These variations and relationships with the location of studied sites show the influence of emissions from the factory or the transport of ore and by-products. The correlations between available and bioaccessible Pb on one hand, between available Pb and 〈sup〉210〈/sup〉Pb on another hand, raise the question of health risk assessments taking into account the bioaccessibility of Pb and its radioisotopes.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Lead (Pb) is of considerable concern among other heavy metals because of its toxic impact on the environment and human health. The geochemical nature and source–transport–fate of Pb in Nigeria’s environmental media are relatively unknown. This study was undertaken to quantify and characterize Pb in soils, sediments and road dusts from Lagos, Nigeria. A total of forty-eight soil samples, seventeen sediment samples and thirteen roadside soils were collected from within Lagos metropolis. The samples were air-dried, screened, pulverized and sieved through 63-µm nylon mesh. Mineralogical constituent of samples were determined using X-ray diffraction. The sieved fractions and pulverized rock samples were digested and analyzed for elemental Pb components using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The chemical fractionations of Pb in the samples were determined by sequential analysis. Lead isotope compositions of the samples were determined using quadrupole-based ICP-MS. Lead isotopic ratios and geo-accumulation indexes were used for discriminating and evaluating Pb sources. Quartz, microcline, K-feldspar, plagioclase and kaolinite were the preponderant minerals in powdered rocks, soils and sediments. The concentration (mg/kg) of elemental Pb in sediments and dusts for Lagos was 21-1963; 23-830 and 22-830, respectively. The plots (〈sup〉208〈/sup〉Pb/〈sup〉207〈/sup〉Pb)/(〈sup〉206〈/sup〉Pb/〈sup〉207〈/sup〉Pb) revealed that the Pb in the environmental media was derived from anthropogenic sources. The Pb isotopic ratios for soils, sediments and dusts were characterized by lower 〈sup〉208〈/sup〉Pb/〈sup〉206〈/sup〉Pb ratios, compared to bedrock. The Pb contents are held principally in the organic sulfide and reducible and carbonate phases. The Pb is held in very reactive geochemical phases, and these portend great risk to the environment and public health.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Water is a crucial factor for human living and maintaining ecological system health. Water resource conflict has become an important factor which restricts regional economic development and affects the harmony and stability of society. This paper, on the one hand, builds a trilateral evolution game model of water intaking in the upper, middle, and lower reaches in terms of water-quality conflict, and makes an analysis of the evolutionary stable strategy of the model on the foundation of a cross-border water resource conflict warning system and based on the view of evolution game. The paper verifies related conclusions by using numerical simulation calculation examples and makes sensitivity analysis of the change of the parameters of the model. The result of the research indicates that (1) there are three groups of system local gradual stable points 〈span〉 〈span〉\(P_{3} \left( {0,0,1} \right), P_{5} \left( {1,0,1} \right)\)〈/span〉 〈/span〉 and 〈span〉 〈span〉\(P_{6} \left( {0,1,1} \right)\)〈/span〉 〈/span〉 in the trilateral game of water quality-based cross-border conflicts. This means that there are three groups of evolutionary stable strategies: (non-cooperation, non-cooperation, cooperation), (cooperation, non-cooperation, cooperation), and (non-cooperation, cooperation, cooperation). The conclusion obtained via verification by using numerical simulation is that upper and middle reaches are the sections which most likely lead to conflicts, so the strategy selected therefor is (non-cooperation, non-cooperation, cooperation); (2) in water quality-based cross-border conflict, the factor 〈span〉 〈span〉\(\delta_{1}\)〈/span〉 〈/span〉 of compensation cost increased because excessive transfer of pollutants has a significant effect on water-intaking group strategy evolution path. It is of great theoretical and practical significance to the scientific operation of cross-border water quality and water amount conflicts and the realization of the goal of water resources management.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The deterioration of soil quality owing to human activities results in adverse effects on the soil ecosystem. This study developed a systematic method to quantitatively evaluate soil quality based on physical, chemical, biological, and ecotoxicological indicators and proposed the soil quality assessment and management system. This system consists of step-by-step processes, including indicator classification, indicator measurement, scoring and weighting, and soil quality index (SQI) calculation. The novel strategy included the usage of authentic ecotoxicological indicators for realistically interpreting soil quality assessment results. This study used five ecotoxicological indicators, including earthworm survival, enzyme activities, nematode reproduction, plant germination and growth, soil algal biomass, and soil algal photosynthetic capacity. Relatively higher SQI values than those corresponding to the actual soil quality status would be obtained without considering the ecotoxicological indicators. We conclude that the use of ecotoxicological indicator can help in soil quality assessment even under extreme soil quality conditions, such as highly contaminated or physically and chemically remediated soils.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Samples of PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 were collected on PTFE filters at 11 monitoring stations in Dhanbad, India, from March, 2014, to February, 2015, for the quantification of 10 PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉-bound trace elements by using ICP-OES, source apportionment by using principal component analysis and health risks posed by PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉-bound trace elements by using health risk assessment model developed by US EPA. The average annual PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 concentration (149 ± 66 µg/m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉) exceeded the national ambient air quality standards by factor of 3.7, US EPA national ambient air quality standards by factor of 10 and WHO air quality guidelines by factor of 15. The sum total of average annual concentration of all PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉-bound trace elements was found to be 3.206 µg/m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 with maximum concentrations of Fe (61%), Zn (21%) and Pb (11%). Coal mining, coal combustion, vehicular emission, tyre and brake wear and re-suspension of road dust were identified as dominant sources of PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉-bound trace elements from the results of correlation and chemometric analysis. The significantly high HQ values posed by PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉-bound Co and Ni and intensification of HI values (15.7, 10.8 and 8.54 in mining area, transportation routes and institutional area, respectively) for multielemental exposure indicate high potential of non-carcinogenic health risk associated with inhalation exposure. The carcinogenic health risk due to multielemental exposure in mining area (2.27 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉) and transportation routes (1.57 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉) for adults were significantly higher than threshold value indicating the vulnerability of adults toward inhalation-induced carcinogenic risk posed by PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉-bound trace elements.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphic abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10653_2019_329_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Songnen plain is an important commodity grain base of China, and this is the first study on the comprehensive detection of multiple pesticides in groundwater. Based on an analytical method of 56 pesticides, 30 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed. At least 4 pesticides were detected in each sample and 32 out of 56 pesticides were detected. The average detected levels of individual pesticides were approximately 10–100 ng/L. Organophosphorus pesticides and carbamate pesticides were the dominant pesticides, and their percentage of total pesticide concentrations were 35.9% and 55.5%, respectively. Based on the spatial distribution, the characteristic of nonpoint source pollution was indicated in the whole study area except for a point source pollution with the influence of a sewage oxidation pond. Nine core pesticides and three distinct clusters of the core pesticides with various concentration patterns were revealed by cluster analysis. Linear regression identified a significant relationship between the cumulative detections and the cumulative concentrations, providing access to identify the outlying contaminant events that deviate substantially from the linear trend. A new insight for prediction of pesticide occurrence was provided by the Pearson correlation between some individual pesticide concentrations and the cumulative detections or the cumulative concentrations. According to health risk assessment, the residual pesticides posed medium risks for children and infants and approximately 90% of risks were composed of β-HCH, dimethoate, ethyl-〈em〉p〈/em〉-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate and methyl parathion. These findings contributed to establishing a database for future monitoring and control of pesticides in agricultural areas.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Children can get affected by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) while they interact with play area soil/rubber surfacing and exposed to PAHs by dermal contact, inhalation and hand-to-mouth activity. A comparative study has been conducted on PAHs profiling and probable cancer risk of children from PAHs present in uncovered playground surface soil and poured rubber surfaced playground dust. Surface soil and dust samples have been collected from 14 different children parks around the Korea University campus, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Concentrations of 16 PAHs in the soils/dust were found to be in a range of 2.82–57.93 μg g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. Profiling of the PAHs from the playground soils/dust reveals 3-ring PAHs are dominating with 79.9% of total PAHs content, on an average. The diagnostic ratio analysis confirms that vehicular exhaust and fossil fuel burning are likely the main sources of high molecular weight carcinogenic PAHs, whereas low molecular weight PAHs have pyrogenic origin. The probabilistic health risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulations for the estimation of the 95% cancer risk exposed to the PAHs from the surfaced playgrounds shows a little higher value than the USEPA safety standard (1.3 × 10〈sup〉−5〈/sup〉). Sensitivity analysis revealed exposure duration and relative skin adherence factor for soil as the most influential parameters of the assessment. Noticeably, cancer risk is approximately 10 times higher in poured rubber surfaced playgrounds than in uncovered soil playgrounds.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The direct impacts of anthropogenic pollution are widely known public and environmental health concerns, and details on the indirect impact of these are starting to emerge, for example affecting the environmental microbiome. Anthropogenic activities throughout history with associated pollution burdens are notable contributors. Focusing on the historically heavily industrialised River Clyde, Scotland, we investigate spatial and temporal contributions to stressful/hostile environments using a geochemical framework, e.g. pH, EC, total organic carbon and potentially toxic elements: As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn and enrichment indicators. With regular breaches of the sediment quality standards in the estuarine system we focused on PTE correlations instead. Multivariate statistical analysis (principle component analysis) identifies two dominant components, PC1: As, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn, as well as PC2: Ni, Co and total organic carbon. Our assessment confirms hot spots in the Clyde Estuary indicative of localised inputs. In addition, there are sites with high variability indicative of excessive mixing. We demonstrate that industrialised areas are dynamic environmental sites dependant on historical anthropogenic activity with short-scale variation. This work supports the development of ‘contamination’ mapping to enable an assessment of the impact of historical anthropogenic pollution, identifying specific ‘stressors’ that can impact the microbiome, neglecting in estuarine recovery dynamics and potentially supporting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in the environment.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The contamination of soils by heavy metals from the mining industry nowadays is one of the greatest threats to environment and human health. The cleaning of polluted soils using cost-effective and eco-friendly methods such as phytoextraction has wide public recognition. Considering the above-mentioned ones, the objectives of the present study were the identification of Cu and Mo accumulation capability and the phytoextraction potential of 〈em〉Melilotus officinalis〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Amaranthus retroflexus〈/em〉 as well as the determination of the influence of ammonium nitrate and EDTA on phytoextraction effectiveness. The contaminated soil samples for phytoremediation experiments under ex situ conditions were collected from the surroundings of the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine, Armenia. During the studies, it was found out that 〈em〉M. officinalis〈/em〉 and 〈em〉A. retroflexus〈/em〉 are capable of growing in polluted soils. 〈em〉M. officinalis〈/em〉 grown in polluted soil had greater ability to accumulate heavy metals in roots, while the ability to transport the copper to aboveground parts was more pronounced in 〈em〉A. retroflexus〈/em〉. During the growing of these plant species for phytoextraction of soils contaminated by copper, it is necessary to use chelates, in particular the EDTA, for the enhancement of the effectiveness of phytoextraction process. EDTA due to chelating influence increased the availability of copper for plants and its mobility in them that lead to greater accumulation of this metal in shoots. The application of chelates did not have a significant impact on molybdenum accumulation intensity in plants; therefore, in case of this metal, it is unreasonable to use additional chelating compounds.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Heavy metals are of environmental significance due to their effect on human health and the ecosystem. One of the major exposure pathways of Heavy metals for humans is through food crops. It is postulated in the literature that when crops are grown in soils which have excessive concentrations of heavy metals, they may absorb elevated levels of these elements thereby endangering consumers. However, due to land scarcity, especially in urban areas of Africa, potentially contaminated land around industrial dumps such as tailings is cultivated with food crops. The lack of regulation for land-usage on or near to mine tailings has not helped this situation. Moreover, most countries in tropical Africa have not defined guideline values for heavy metals in soils for various land uses, and even where such limits exist, they are based on total soil concentrations. However, the risk of uptake of heavy metals by crops or any soil organisms is determined by the bioavailable portion and not the total soil concentration. Therefore, defining bioavailable levels of heavy metals becomes very important in HM risk assessment, but methods used must be specific for particular soil types depending on the dominant sorption phases. Geochemical speciation modelling has proved to be a valuable tool in risk assessment of heavy metal-contaminated soils. Among the notable ones is WHAM (Windermere Humic Aqueous Model). But just like most other geochemical models, it was developed and adapted on temperate soils, and because major controlling variables in soils such as SOM, temperature, redox potential and mineralogy differ between temperate and tropical soils, its predictions on tropical soils may be poor. Validation and adaptation of such models for tropical soils are thus imperative before such they can be used. The latest versions (VI and VII) of WHAM are among the few that consider binding to all major binding phases. WHAM VI and VII are assemblages of three sub-models which describe binding to organic matter, (hydr)oxides of Fe, Al and Mn and clays. They predict free ion concentration, total dissolved ion concentration and organic and inorganic metal ion complexes, in soils, which are all important components for bioavailability and leaching to groundwater ways. Both WHAM VI and VII have been applied in a good number of soils studies with reported promising results. However, all these studies have been on temperate soils and have not been tried on any typical tropical soils. Nonetheless, since WHAM VII considers binding to all major binding phases, including those which are dominant in tropical soils, it would be a valuable tool in risk assessment of heavy metals in tropical soils. A discussion of the contamination of soils with heavy metals, their subsequent bioavailability to crops that are grown in these soils and the methods used to determine various bioavailable phases of heavy metals are presented in this review, with an emphasis on prospective modelling techniques for tropical soils.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Diesel engine railway traffic causes atmosphere pollution due to the exhaust emission which may be harmful to the passengers as well as workers. In this study, the air quality and PM〈sub〉10〈/sub〉 concentrations were evaluated around a railway station in Northeast India where trains are operated with diesel engines. The gaseous pollutant (e.g. SO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, and NH〈sub〉3〈/sub〉) was collected and measured by using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The advanced level characterizations of the PM10 samples were carried out by using ion chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy techniques to know their possible environmental contaminants. High-performance liquid chromatography technique was used to determine the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to estimate the possible atmospheric pollution level caused by the rail traffic in the enclosure. The average PM〈sub〉10〈/sub〉 concentration was found to be 262.11 µg m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉 (maximum 24 hour) which indicates poor air quality (AQI category) around the rail traffic. The statistical and air mass trajectory analysis was also done to know their mutual correlation and source apportionment. This study will modify traditional studies where only models are used to simulate the origins.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Ingestion of geophagic materials might affect human health and induce diseases by different ways. The purpose of this study is to determine the geochemical composition of geophagic material consumed especially by pregnant women in Onangama Village, Northern Namibia and to assess its possible health effects. X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used in order to determine the major, and trace elements as well as anions concentrations of the consumed material. The geochemical analysis revealed high concentrations of aluminium (Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and silica (Si); and trace elements including arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) as well as sulphate (SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉), nitrate (NO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉), and nitrite (NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉) anions comparing to the recommended daily allowance for pregnant women. The pH for some of the studied samples is alkaline, which might increase the gastrointestinal tract pH (pH 〈 2) and cause a decrease in the bioavailability of elements. The calculated health risk index (HRI 〉 1) revealed that Al and Mn might be a potential risk for human consumption. Based on the results obtained from the geochemical analysis, the consumption of the studied material might present a potential health risk to pregnant women including concomitant detrimental maternal and foetal effects.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bound in dust retained in air-conditioning unit filters from 13 households in Greater Doha, Qatar, were quantified using GC–MS spectrometry. The median concentrations of ∑〈sub〉16〈/sub〉PAH and ∑〈sub〉7〈/sub〉PAH were 218.0 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (± 125.3) and 112.1 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (± 60.2) dry weight, respectively. Results show that except one sample, three- and four-benzene-ring PAHs were dominant in all dust samples. Phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benzene(a)anthracene, and chrysene were dominant in 12 samples with maximum concentrations of 69.7 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (± 24.0), 92.9 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (± 28.1), 60.4 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (± 14.7), 38.6 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (± 7.3), and 14.7 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (± 3.5), respectively. Benzo(k)fluoranthene has the most abundance of the quantified PAHs in the dust samples accounting for 19% of the total PAHs. Although Kriging interpolation shows a spatial variation of PAHs from north to south of Greater Doha, the mean concentrations in both directions were statically insignificant. Five samples displayed levels of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) with maximum and median concentrations at 110.8 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 and 49.9 (± 28.4) dry weight, respectively. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent approach 〈span〉 〈span〉\(\left( {{\text{BaP}}_{\text{E}} } \right)\)〈/span〉 〈/span〉 was applied to assess carcinogenic exposure, and the resulting values (1.3–116.4 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) indicate that the levels observed were below the values reported for other countries within the region. Estimated daily ingestion (EDI) rates of PAHs retained in ACU filters were assessed for five age-groups 〈 1, 1–2, 3–6, 11–16, and 〉 19 years and were 0.39 (± 0.1), 0.33 (± 0.1), 0.20 (± 0.02), 0.07 (± 0.02), and 0.05 (± 0.01) ng kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉/day, respectively. Source apportionment estimate indicates PAHs bound in dust retained in ACU filters are originated from pyrogenic sources.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The aim of this study was to investigate and determine fluoride concentrations in drinking water supplies in rural areas of Maku and Poldasht in West Azerbaijan Province, the northwest of Iran. Fluorosis risk assessment and characterization was also investigated. Fluoride concentrations mapping was accomplished by using the GIS system. Totally, 356 water samples, including one sample in each season, were collected from 89 water supplies providing water for 95 and 61 rural areas of Maku and Poldasht, respectively. According to the results, in Maku and Poldasht, 25 and 30 rural areas had contaminated water sources, respectively. Average annual fluoride concentrations ranged from 3.04 to 7.31 mg/l in the contaminated villages of Maku, which is about 2–4.8 times higher than the maximum standard level of the Iranian drinking water standard, and 4.52–8.21 mg/l in the contaminated areas of Poldasht, which is about 3–5.47 times higher than the maximum standard level. The maximum fluoride level was determined 11.12 mg/l and 10.98 mg/l in one of villages of Maku and Poldasht Counties in summer, respectively. Neither in Maku nor in Poldasht, water resources showed dental cavity risk, while dental fluorosis risk and skeletal fluorosis risk were very significant in some villages of both cities. Children were at most risk of fluorosis. New alternative water supplies for the contaminated villages if possible, consumption of bottled water and application of reverse osmosis are recommended as remedial actions in the contaminated areas.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Alluvial soils of valleys of the Danube and Mlave rivers represent priority development areas with favorable conditions for life, agriculture and tourism in eastern Serbia. Operation of the thermal power plant Kostolac results in the emission of potentially toxic pollutants into the air, water and land. The goals were to determine the soil pollution with inorganic pollutants using different pollution indices, to identify of the sources of pollutants by means of principal component analysis and the loading of each factor for individual element assessed by multi-linear regression analyses. Chemical characteristics of the studied area resulted in division of the area into four impact zones upon the distance from main pollutants (power plant blocks and ash disposal dumps). There was no established soil pollution with potentially toxic elements in bulk of the agricultural territory. Two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained about 73% of variance. Three studied elements (As, Cu and Pb) showed anthropogenic origin of their most concentrations in soil, while other elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Zn) were of a natural (geological) origin. Single pollution index showed moderate pollution level by Ni. Integrated Nemerow pollution index showed low to no pollution levels, indicating slight ecological risk. There were no established limitations for agricultural production in the studied area, except for the only spot polluted by As due to the great flooding event in the studied year.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Large-scale assessment of atmospheric air pollution by mercury (Hg) using lichen 〈em〉Parmelia caperata〈/em〉 as biological indicator was undertaken using samples from five provinces of South Africa collected between 2013 and 2017. Analysis of lichens provides time-integrated data, which correspond to the mean Hg concentration in air at a specific location over a long time period. Determination of Hg in lichens was carried out by direct thermal decomposition of samples using a Zeeman-effect atomic absorption spectrometer, thereby requiring no chemical pretreatment. The lowest mercury concentration of 60 ± 8.0 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 45) was measured in lichens from Limpopo province. This value was accepted as a background Hg concentration in SA lichens. The Hg in lichens from northern parts of Mpumalanga province varied from 72 ± 9.0 to 100 ± 17 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 45), while in southern parts of the province, where 11 coal-fired electrical power stations are located, values ranged from 139 ± 7.0 to 183 ± 10 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 28). The highest Hg concentration, 218 ± 21 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 10), was found in lichens from Secunda, Mpumalanga province. It could be traced to the possible Hg emission during thermal treatment of coal at the largest SA industrial plant that transforms coal into liquid fuels. In Pretoria and Johannesburg, cities in Gauteng province, Hg in lichens was between 110 and 162 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 48). Based on the results of measurements, the equation connecting Hg concentration in lichens with Hg concentration in air has been derived. It was used for the calculation of atmospheric Hg concentration in South African provinces. Calculated values (0.8–1.45 ng m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉) were found to be within statistical summary of mean atmospheric Hg in remote places (1.70 ± 0.17 ng m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉), and in other locations (1.5–3.0 ng m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉) lower than in impacted areas of the world (5.20 ± 3.47 ng m〈sup〉−3〈/sup〉).〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉An effective and powerful regulation is indispensable for the development and smooth operation of a cap-and-trade emission trading scheme (ETS). Seven regional pilot ETSs have been established and gradually improved in China, from which the experiences and lessons learned may provide useful references to facilitate China’s national ETS regulation. This article systematically reviews and compares the practices and policies of carbon trading regulation in China’s seven pilot schemes from three major aspects of regulatory institutions and subjects, regulatory objects and content, and regulatory means and techniques, and covering both internal and external regulatory architectures. The comparative analysis has demonstrated that the regional pilot schemes have made notable achievements in developing ETS regulatory systems with Chinese characteristics, but they still have considerable deficiencies. Referencing both international and domestic pilot experiences, this study recommends that China’s national ETS improve regulatory institutional basis, foster an extensive participation of pluralistic regulatory subjects with a clear division of powers and responsibilities, establish effective regulatory systems on carbon finance, and continuously enrich regulatory techniques and platforms.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The most critical energy and environmental challenge that our planet is facing today is to minimize the dependence on fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide may be of utmost significance as a solution of this issue through realization of carbon neutral energy cycle. Potentially, this could be achieved through the carbon dioxide capture as the urgent response to ongoing climate change. Activated carbon (AC) adsorption is one the most effective, environment friendly and techno-economic process for the carbon capture. In the current research, an electro-conductive-activated carbon was prepared by mixing powdered activated carbon (PAC) with an electro-conductive polymer (ECP). Different ratios of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 wt% of ECP with PAC were used for the different analyses of activated carbons in a gas mixture of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/N〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 using a physical adsorption system. Adsorption and desorption analyses, capacities of the process and desorption effects were examined. Electro-conductive polymers (ECP) were mixed with AC samples, where breakthrough time was increased up to 400% when mixed with the PAC for CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 adsorption. Following adsorption analysis, desorption of activated carbons was conducted with different potentials. It was revealed that mixing could help the PAC sample to overcome the packing issue to increase the breakthrough capacity and the volumes before and after the breakthrough adsorption in the packed bed systems. The desorption rates of the PAC sample were also enhanced, and fast desorption was observed when mixed with ECP. It is envisioned that this method is very much promising carbon capture method for the techno-economic feasibility and sustainable development of the environment.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Recent studies have reported the potential copper immobilization in aluminates (CuAl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and CuAlO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) and ferrites (tetragonal CuFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and cubic CuFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉) and suggested a reliable method to stabilize metals in reusable ceramic products. In this study, copper immobilization effect was further analyzed in the leaching solutions with pH close to environmental conditions. The results from the chemical equilibrium model Visual MINTEQ illustrated that almost all copper, aluminum, and iron formed complexes with CH〈sub〉3〈/sub〉COO〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 ions in the leachates. The dissolution behavior on sample surface was further explicated by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The weight percentage of leached copper was lower than 0.1% even after 22-day leaching, indicating the successful copper stabilization in aluminates and ferrites. The results showed the highest copper concentrations in CuAlO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 leachates and the smallest leached copper amount from tetragonal CuFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉, respectively. The incongruent dissolution with Al–O or Fe–O bonds still remaining on the solid surface may be beneficial for preventing further leaching of copper. Furthermore, the modeling of reaction kinetics found that copper leaching from the CuAl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and CuAlO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 obeyed the second-order reaction with correlation coefficients higher than 0.99. Moreover, the shrinking core model was chosen to analyze the leaching mechanisms of both CuFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 ferrites, and the diffusion through product layer model acted as the rate-controlling step in their leaching process.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The occurrence of toxic metals and metalloids associated with mine tailings is a serious public health concern for communities living in mining areas. This work explores the relationship between metal occurrence (e.g., spatial distribution in street dusts), human health indicators (e.g., metals in urine samples, lifestyle and self-reported diseases) and socioeconomic status (SES) using Chañaral city (in northern Chile) as study site, where a copper mine tailing was disposed in the periurban area. This study model may shed light on the development of environmental and health surveillance plans on arid cities where legacy mining is a sustainability challenge. High concentrations of metals were found in street dust, with arsenic and copper concentrations of 24 ± 13 and 607 ± 911 mg/kg, respectively. The arsenic concentration in street dust correlated with distance to the mine tailing (〈em〉r〈/em〉 = − 0.32, 〈em〉p〈/em〉-value = 0.009), suggesting that arsenic is dispersed from this source toward the city. Despite these high environmental concentrations, urinary levels of metals were low, while 90% of the population had concentrations of inorganic arsenic and its metabolites in urine below 33.2 µg/L, copper was detected in few urine samples (〈 6%). Our results detected statistically significant differences in environmental exposures across SES, but, surprisingly, there was no significant correlation between urinary levels of metals and SES. Despite this, future assessment and control strategies in follow-up research or surveillance programs should consider environmental and urinary concentrations and SES as indicators of environmental exposure to metals in mining communities.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Understanding the changes in chemical composition of soil plays an important role in effective control of irrigation and fertilization in agricultural productions, which further protects the groundwater quality and predicts its evolution. Field trials were conducted from 2014 to 2016 to investigate the impacts of irrigation and fertilization on mineral composition transformation in the soil profile. Based on HYDRUS-HP1 and Visual MINTEQ, this paper simulated and computed the migration and transformation of chemical components during the irrigation and fertilization in the vadose zone soil of Jinghuiqu district. The results showed that when the nitrogen fertilizer entered the soil, the urea was hydrolyzed to NH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and it was nitrified as NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, which caused pH value to drop around the first 4 days after irrigation, and rise slightly on the 12th day. Due to the fact that soil belongs to calcareous soil, concentration of CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 and other carbonates (Mg or Na in sodic soils) could buffer the soil pH well above 8.5. Thus, on the 30th day of the post-irrigation the pH reached the same level as it was before irrigation. The change in pH resulted in the main ions reacting, dissolving and precipitating simultaneously in the soil profile. The concentrations of Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉, Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 and HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 had significant correlations with the increasing ammonia nitrogen hydrolyzed from urea, and this process is accompanied with the saturation index of minerals and the main ion content changing. At the same time, the varying temperature action on pH of the soil was higher in summer than that in winter. Thus, the irrigation, fertilization and temperature had affected pH and main chemical components in the soil.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Land left after urban industrial enterprises relocate is usually planned for various land-use types that can influence human health risks. In China, urban development consists of at least eight land uses: urban residential (UR), public administration/service (PA/S), commercial/service (C/S), industrial, logistics storage, transportation (TR), public utility, and park green space. The (PA/S) type has two classes: PA/S1 includes administrative, cultural relics and historic, foreign affairs, and religious facility lands, with adults the sensitive recipients. Class PA/S2 includes lands related to cultural facilities, education and scientific research, sports, medical, and social welfare facilities, in which children are the sensitive recipients. The UR type has UR 1 and UR 2 classes with and without underground space, respectively. The C/S type has C/S1 and C/S2 classes with and without underground space, respectively. The TR type has TR1, TR2, and TR3 classes which indicate urban road, subway, and traffic hub land, respectively. To the above, we applied conceptual models and exposure pathways of volatile organic compounds and semi-volatile organic compounds. Exposure parameters were investigated for six regions and above eight land uses featuring different soil, climate, and population behavior characteristics: north, east, south, northwest, northeast, and southwest (covering China entirely). Risk controlling values (RCVs) corresponding to a lifetime cancer risk of 10〈sup〉−6〈/sup〉 in this paper were calculated using the C-GAC model introduced by ‘Chinese Technical Guidelines for Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites’ with above exposure parameters to determine whether it has potentially significant levels of contamination that may warrant further investigation. Our results revealed two main patterns: (1) our soil risk controlling values for the six regions—north, east, south, northwest, northeast, and southwest—revealed some between-region variability (up to 28%). Hence, for urban contaminated sites in different regions of China, different RCVs should be considered when evaluating possible health risks. (2) The results for the organic pollutants tested across the eight types of land use showed maximum values up to 90 times the minimum value. The greater the risk controlling value of the same pollutant, the less sensitive the site is to that pollutant. Urban road land, traffic hub land, and park green space land are not sensitive to volatile organic pollutants.〈/p〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Deficiency in calcium, zinc, selenium, and iodine remains a major health issue in Africa. A selenium (Se) status survey conducted in central Kenya highlands revealed a high risk of dietary Se deficiency. This study investigates the effect of soil and foliar Se fertilizer application on Se concentration in maize and bean grains. It further tests the combination of Se fertilizer with phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers, and with zinc and iodine fertilizers. Selenium fertilization results in a significant increase in Se concentration in grains. For the soil application, Se concentration increases on average by 3 µg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in maize and by 10 µg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in beans, for each gram of Se applied as sodium selenate. Foliar Se fertilization is more effective and increases Se concentration in grains on average by 18 µg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in maize, and by 67 µg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in beans. Total soil phosphorus/availability appears as an important factor influencing soil Se availability. Addition of phosphorus fertilizers positively affects the impact of Se fertilization in locations with low soil P, Fe, and Al. A Se + Zn + I fertilizer combination does not affect the impact on Se concentration in grains. Fertilizing beans alone is found to be more efficient compared to fertilizing only maize. In locations at high risk of dietary Se deficiency, foliar application at 10 g Se ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 on beans or 31 g Se ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 on maize is sufficient to achieve adequate daily dietary Se intake. The study points towards a multi-mineral agronomic biofortification, based on a site-specific biofortification strategy.〈/p〉

Description: 〈span〉 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉The contamination and risk by nutrients (NH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, NO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and PO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉), COD, BOD〈sub〉5〈/sub〉, coliform and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) of As, Cd, Ni, Hg, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr were investigated in urban river (Nhue River), Vietnam during 2010–2017. The extensive results demonstrated that concentrations of these contaminants showed significant spatial and temporal variations. The Nhue River was seriously polluted by NH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 (0.025–11.28 mg/L), PO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉 (0.17–1.72 mg/L), BOD〈sub〉5〈/sub〉 (5.8–179.6 mg/L), COD (1.4–239.8 mg/L) and coliform (1540–326,470 CFU/100 mL); moderately polluted by As (0.2–131.15 μg/L) and Hg (0.11–4.1 μg/L); and slightly polluted by NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 (0.003–0.33 mg/L) and Cd (2.1–18.2 μg/L). The concentrations of NH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, PO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉, COD, BOD〈sub〉5〈/sub〉 and coliform frequently exceeded both drinking water guidelines and irrigation water standards. Regarding PTEs, As, Cd and Hg concentrations were frequently higher than the regulatory limits. Human health risks of PTEs were evaluated by estimating hazard index (HI) and cancer risk through ingestion and dermal contacts for adults and children. The findings indicated that As was the most important pollutant causing both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic concerns. The non-carcinogenic risks of As were higher than 1.0 at all sites for both adults (HI = 1.83–7.4) and children (HI = 2.6–10.5), while As posed significant carcinogenic risks for adults (1 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉−4.96 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉). A management strategy for controlling wastewater discharge and protecting human health is urgently needed.〈/p〉 〈/span〉 〈span〉 〈h3〉Graphical abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉 〈span〉 〈span〉 〈img alt="" src="https://static-content.springer.com/image/MediaObjects/10653_2019_302_Figa_HTML.png"〉 〈/span〉 〈/span〉 〈/p〉 〈/span〉

Description: 〈h3〉Abstract〈/h3〉 〈p〉Background radiation can be different in both indoor and outdoor places. Background radiation is always in the environment, and all people in the community are constantly exposed to it. The most important source of exposure to gamma ray is natural radionuclides. Gamma rays can have harmful effects on the human body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health risk of gamma-ray exposure and to simulate using the Monte Carlo simulation. In this study, gamma-ray data were extracted from the studies carried out at intervals January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2018. Iranian and international databases were used to search for the articles. A total of 11 studies were found. To determine the health effects of gamma-ray radiation, the annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated. To determine the uncertainty, a health risk assessment was conducted via Monte Carlo simulation. In outdoor, the mean, highest, and lowest absorbed dose of gamma ray were 117.82 nSv/h, 295.17 nSv/h, and 49 nSv/h, respectively. Ardabil Province and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province have the highest and lowest gamma ray concentrations, respectively. In indoor, the mean, highest, and lowest absorbed dose of gamma ray were 118.22 nSv/h, 141 nSv/h, and 60.2 nSv/h, respectively. The last column, the mean, maximum, and minimum of excess lifetime cancer risk values for gamma-ray radiation were 2.45E−3, 4.17E−3, and 4.61E−4, respectively.〈/p〉