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Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Dec 2023Soil pollution by heavy metals can cause continuing damage to ecosystems and the human body. In this study, we collected nine fresh topsoil samples and 18 maize samples...
Soil pollution by heavy metals can cause continuing damage to ecosystems and the human body. In this study, we collected nine fresh topsoil samples and 18 maize samples (including nine leaf samples and nine corn samples) from agricultural soils in the Baiyin mining areas. The results showed that the order of heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in agricultural soils was as follows: Zn (377.40) > Pb (125.06) > Cu (75.06) > Ni (28.29) > Cd (5.46) > Hg (0.37). Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb exceeded the Chinese risk limit for agricultural soil pollution. The average the pollution load index (4.39) was greater than 3, indicating a heavy contamination level. The element that contributed the most to contamination and high ecological risk in soil was Cd. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that the sources of Ni, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the soil were primarily mixed, involving both industrial and agricultural activities, whereas the sources of Hg and Pb included both industrial and transportation activities. Adults and children are not likely to experience non-carcinogenic impacts from the soil in this region. Nonetheless, it was important to be aware of the elevated cancer risk presented by Cd, Pb, and especially Ni. The exceedance rates of Cd and Pb in corn were 66.67% and 33.3%, respectively. The results of this research provide data to improve soil protection, human health monitoring, and crop management in the Baiyin district.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Child; Soil; Environmental Monitoring; Ecosystem; Cadmium; Lead; Soil Pollutants; Metals, Heavy; Risk Assessment; Mercury; China; Zea mays
PubMed: 38157088
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12255-w -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2024The present study aimed to systematically review the concentration of different PTEs, including Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) in cheese among... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The present study aimed to systematically review the concentration of different PTEs, including Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) in cheese among some databases between 2000 and 2021 (from 57 included studies). Estimated concentrations of 160.78 (95% CI = 119.24-202.28), 15.68 (95% CI = 11.88-19.48), 16.94 (95% CI = 13.29-20.59), and 2.47 (95% CI = 1.70-3.23) µg/kg were calculated for As, Pb, Cd, and Hg, respectively. Most of the studies for PTEs are related to Pb, about 40% of the studies, compared to As, which has fewer studies. The results showed that As and Hg concentrations were lower than the Codex Alimentarius Commission standard limits. Nevertheless, Cd and Pb concentrations were higher than the standard limit values. Results showed that cheese making, the ripening period, fat content, and texture are influential factors in a high level of Pb and Cd in cheese samples.
Topics: Arsenic; Cadmium; Cheese; Environmental Monitoring; Lead; Mercury; Metals, Heavy; Prevalence; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 36469799
DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2153810 -
Analytical Methods : Advancing Methods... Mar 2024Phthalates or phthalic acid esters (PAE) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) are ubiquitous chemicals often used as plasticisers and additives in many industrial...
Development and validation of a GC Orbitrap-MS method for the analysis of phthalate esters (PAE) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) in atmospheric particles and its application for screening PM from Curitiba, Brazil.
Phthalates or phthalic acid esters (PAE) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) are ubiquitous chemicals often used as plasticisers and additives in many industrial products and are classified as both persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and new emerging pollutants (NEPs). Exposure to these chemicals, especially through inhalation, is linked to a wide range of negative health effects, including endocrine disruption. Air particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm can be enriched with PAEs and DEHA and if inhaled can cause multi-system human toxicity. Therefore, proper monitoring of PAEs and DEHA in PM is required to assess human exposure to these pollutants. In this work, we developed and validated a new and sensitive gas-chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) method for targeted analysis of PAEs including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di--butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA), bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), di--octyl phthalate (DOP), in PM. Analytical aspects including sample preparation steps and GC-HRMS parameters, , quadrupole isolation window, to enhance method sensitivity have been assessed. The estimated limit of detection (LODs) of target PAEs and DEHA ranged from 5.5 to 17 pg μL, allowing their trace-level detection in PM. Extraction efficiencies of 78-101% were obtained for the target compounds. Low DMP and DEP extraction efficiencies from the spiked filter substrates indicated that significant losses of higher volatility PAEs can occur during the sample collection when filter-based techniques are used. This work is the first targeted method based on GC-Orbitrap MS for PAEs and DEHA in environmental samples. The validated method was successfully applied for the targeted analysis of PAEs and DEHA in PM samples from the eighth most populous city in Brazil, Curitiba. This work is the first to report DBP, DEHA, DEHP, and DOP in urban PM from Brazil. The observed concentrations of PAEs (up to 29 ng m) in PM from Curitiba may not represent the extent of pollution by these toxic compounds since the analysed samples were collected during a COVID-19 restriction when anthropogenic activities were reduced.
Topics: Humans; Particulate Matter; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Esters; Brazil; Phthalic Acids; Dibutyl Phthalate; Adipates; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 38407576
DOI: 10.1039/d3ay02197a -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Oct 2023Environmental air pollutants (black carbon (BC), nitrogen oxides (NO), particulate matter with diameter < 2.5 μm (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO), particulate matter with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Environmental air pollutants (black carbon (BC), nitrogen oxides (NO), particulate matter with diameter < 2.5 μm (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO), particulate matter with diameter <10 μm (PM), and ozone (O)) are one of the major menaces to mankind's health globally. This analysis reviews the association between exposure to these air pollutants and the chance of developing brain tumors in adults (total brain tumors, malignant brain tumors, and benign brain tumors). Studies published by April 2022 were searched. Raw effect sizes were converted to standardized effect sizes per 10 μg/m increase. Random effect models were applied to calculate combined effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. A total of 8 articles were included for meta-analysis. The pooled effect size (ES) for per 10 μg/m BC intake was 1.67 (95% CI: 1.25, 2.22), P = 0.449. For every 10 μg/m rise in NO concentration, ES was 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.05), P = 0.319. Meanwhile, there was a boundary association between NO and adult brain tumors (ES and 95% CI: 1.01; 1.00, 1.01/10 μg/m; P = 0.716). While there was no conjunction between PM, PM, O (PM: ES and 95% CI: 1.04; 0.99, 1.08/10 μg/m; P = 0.834; PM: ES and 95% CI: 1.01; 0.97, 1.04/10 μg/m; P = 0.627; O: ES and 95% CI: 0.97; 0.94, 1.00/10 μg/m; P = 0.253). This research shows testimony of a significant link between air pollutants and brain tumors in adults, especially when exposed to BC, NO, and NO. This evidence emphasizes the importance of improving air quality as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent the occurrence and deterioration of brain tumors.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Nitrogen Dioxide; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Particulate Matter; Soot; Brain Neoplasms
PubMed: 37783991
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29955-y -
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.) Dec 2023This study provides a meta-analysis on the relationships between cattle barn CH, NH and NO emission rates and their key drivers (i.e., housing type, floor type,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study provides a meta-analysis on the relationships between cattle barn CH, NH and NO emission rates and their key drivers (i.e., housing type, floor type, environmental conditions). Understanding these relationships is essential to reduce uncertainties in emission inventories and suggest targeted mitigation measures. The total number of daily emission rates included in the analysis was 139 for CH, 293 for NH and 100 for NO emissions. Emission rates in the database showed a large variation with 45-803.5 g/LU d for CH, 0.036-146.7 gN LU d for NH, and 0.002-18 gN LU d for NO emissions. Despite the high emission variability, significant effects were identified·NH showed positive correlation with air temperature; NH emissions differed between housing types but not between floor types·NH emissions from tied stalls were lower than the ones from cubicle housing regardless of the floor type. Additionally, NH emissions from loose housings were lower than the ones from cubicle housing·NH and NO emission rates from temperate wet zones were lower than the ones from temperate dry zones. CH emission rates were affected by environmental factors only and not by housing and floor type, showing negative correlation with air temperature and humidity. The factors investigated can be suggested as ancillary variables and descriptors when cattle barn emissions are measured, in order to make best use of emission data. Country-specific data of these key drivers can be included into national inventories to adapt them to different agroecosystems and support targeted policies.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Greenhouse Gases; Ammonia; Housing, Animal; Manure; Nitrous Oxide; Methane
PubMed: 37714011
DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.007 -
Lancet (London, England) Feb 2024
Topics: Humans; Fluorocarbons; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 38368881
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00304-0 -
Journal of Environmental Management Mar 2024Human urine is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and the presence of these elements in wastewater significantly disrupts the biogeochemical cycle. Meanwhile, green algal...
Human urine is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and the presence of these elements in wastewater significantly disrupts the biogeochemical cycle. Meanwhile, green algal biomass cultivation is unfeasible without these nutrients. Hence, the present study integrates wastewater treatment and algae cultivation to extract biodiesel and improve its performance through fuel modification. Chlorella vulgaris algae was cultivated in different dilution ratios of water and urine, and the nutrient removal rate was analyzed. Chlorella vulgaris algae biodiesel (CAB) was derived through Bligh and Dyer's method followed by transesterification, and its functional and elemental groups were analyzed. The various volume concentrations of CAB were blended with regular diesel fuel (RDF), and 10% water was added to a 30% CAB blended RDF to evaluate the combustion performance and environmental impacts. The results of the experiments demonstrated that the algae cultivation effectively removed the wastewater nutrients. The functional and elemental groups of CAB are identical to those of RDF. The engine characteristics of test fuels report that the CAB-blend RDF fuel mixtures generate low carbon footprints, whereas negative impacts have been drawn for performance metrics and oxides of nitrogen emissions. The water-emulsified fuel outweighed the unfavorable effects and promoted more efficient and cleaner combustion.
Topics: Humans; Wastewater; Chlorella vulgaris; Biofuels; Water; Water Purification; Biomass; Gasoline; Nutrients; Nitrogen; Microalgae
PubMed: 38402784
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120410 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Apr 2024Organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs) have found substantial use as plasticizers and flame retardants in commercial and industrial products. Despite upcoming potential... (Review)
Review
Organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs) have found substantial use as plasticizers and flame retardants in commercial and industrial products. Despite upcoming potential restrictions on use of OPEs, widespread environmental contamination is likely for the foreseeable future. Organophosphate diesters (di-OPEs) are known biotic or abiotic degradation products of tri-OPEs. In addition, direct use of di-OPEs as commercial products also contributes to their presence in the atmosphere. We review the available data on contamination with tri-OPEs and di-OPEs in both indoor and outdoor air. Concentrations of tri-OPEs in indoor air exceed those in outdoor air. The widespread discovery of tri-OPE traces in polar regions and oceans is noteworthy and is evidence that they undergo long-range transport. There are only two studies on di-OPEs in outdoor air and no studies on di-OPEs in indoor air until now. Current research on di-OPEs in indoor and outdoor air is urgently needed, especially in countries with potentially high exposure to di-OPEs such as the UK and the US. Di-OPE concentrations are higher at e-waste dismantling areas than at surrounding area. We also summarise the methods employed for sampling and analysis of OPEs in the atmosphere and assess the relative contribution to atmospheric concentrations of di-OPEs made by environmental degradation of triesters, compared to the presence of diesters as by-products in commercial triester products. Finally, we identify shortcomings of current research and provide suggestions for future research.
Topics: Organophosphates; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Flame Retardants; Atmosphere; Esters; China
PubMed: 38402940
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123653 -
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular... Feb 2024Gluteus medius, Longissimus thoracis, and Semitendinosus muscles from the cow and yak (Bos grunniens) reared in the Kyrgyz Republic were dried by convective (hot air)...
Gluteus medius, Longissimus thoracis, and Semitendinosus muscles from the cow and yak (Bos grunniens) reared in the Kyrgyz Republic were dried by convective (hot air) drying and freeze drying. The dried muscles were grinded into fine powders and along with raw muscles were evaluated for water activity (a), chemical composition (moisture, fat, protein), colour characteristics (L, a, and b values), fluorescence of intrinsic fluorophores (tryptophan, vitamin A, and riboflavin). Processing of measured data tables using common components and specific weights analysis (CCSWA) showed close relations among the chemical, colour, and fluorescence data. CCSWA discriminated muscles depending on chemical composition, animal type, and drying technique applied based on the chemical properties, colour characteristics, and fluorescence spectra. The freeze drying was approved as a preferable dehydration technique comparing with convective drying as the one causing less discoloration to meat. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models developed using fluorescence spectra allowed accurate quantitative predicting of water activity (a), moisture, fat, and protein contents, and colour characteristics (L, a, and b values).
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Powders; Color; Meat; Desiccation; Water
PubMed: 37948935
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123610 -
ACS Sensors Mar 2024Detection of microplastics from water is crucial for various reasons, such as food safety monitoring, monitoring of the fate and transport of microplastics, and...
Detection of microplastics from water is crucial for various reasons, such as food safety monitoring, monitoring of the fate and transport of microplastics, and development of preventive measures for their occurrence. Currently, microplastics are detected by isolating them using filtration, separation by centrifugation, or membrane filtration, subsequently followed by analysis using well-established analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy. However, due to their variability in shape, color, size, and density, isolation using the conventional methods mentioned above is cumbersome and time-consuming. In this work, we show a surface-nanodroplet-decorated microfluidic device for isolation and analysis of small microplastics (diameter of 10 μm) from water. Surface nanodroplets are able to capture nearby microplastics as water flows through the microfluidic device. Using a model microplastic solution, we show that microplastics of various sizes and types can be captured and visualized by using optical and fluorescence microscopy. More importantly, as the surface nanodroplets are pinned on the microfluidic channel, the captured microplastics can also be analyzed using a Raman spectroscope, which enables both physical (i.e., size and shape) and chemical (i.e., type) characterization of microplastics at a single-particle level. The technique shown here can be used as a simple, fast, and economical detection method for small microplastics.
Topics: Microplastics; Plastics; Microfluidics; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring; Water
PubMed: 38440995
DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02627