Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies canopy effects on deposition of air pollutants

Tree canopies influence atmospheric pollutant depositions depending on type,ecosystem characteristics,and local climatic conditions.This study investigated the impact of Pinus sylvestris L.and Picea abies(L.)H.Karst.,and a mixture of both,on the chemical composition of pre-cipitation.Three permanent plots within the ICP forest level Ⅱ monitoring network in Lithuania were selected to illustrate typical hemiboreal coniferous forests.The study analysed(1)the concentrations of NO_(2),NH_(3) and SO_(2) in the ambi-ent air;(2)the concentrations of SO_(4)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),NH_(4)^(+),Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+) and Cl^(-) in throughfall beneath canopies and in precipitation collected in an adjacent field,and(3)S and total N,Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+)and Cl−depositions in throughfall and precipitation over 2006-2022.Results show a signifi-cant decrease in SO_(2) emissions in the ambient air;NO_(2) and NH_(3) emissions also decreased.The canopies reduced the acidity of throughfall,although they led to notably higher concentrations of SO_(4)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),Na^(+),and particularly K^(+).During the study,low variability in NO_(3)^(-)deposition and a decrease in NH_(4)^(+)deposition occurred.Deposition loads increased by 20-30%when precipitation passed through the canopy.The cumulative deposition of S,Cl,Na,K,Ca,and N was greater under P.abies than under P.sylvestris.How-ever,K deposition in throughfall was considerably lower under P.sylvestris compared to the P.abies or mixed stand.Throughfall S depositions declined across all three coniferous plots.Overall,there was no specific effect of tree species on throughfall chemistry.

Hydrochemical Characterisation and Assessment of the Level of Contamination of Groundwater Collected by Private Waterworks in the Town of Moundou in the South of Chad

Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for large cities in most African countries. In Moundou, for example, the conventional groundwater supply system is failing. To compensate for this state failure, the population is building boreholes and wells, most of which tap the surface water table, generally referred to as the “water table”. The aim of this study is to characterize these waters in order to assess their level of contamination and, by extension, the degree of pollution of the water table. Major elements such as: Chloride (Cl-), Sulfate (SO42-), Nitrate (NO3-), Calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) were analysed by Liquid Chromatography and the Bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) was determined by the titrimetric method. The methodology applied is based on a combination of hydrochemical techniques and statistical analysis (PCA and CHA). A sampling campaign was carried out during high-water periods. The results of the physico-chemical analyses show mineralization ranging from 7.29 to 3670 μS/cm, with an average of 487.44 μS/cm. The groundwater studied is generally acidic, with a pH ranging from 3.26 to 6.41. Based on their anions, they are classified into four main hydrochemical facies: chloride and sulphate facies, calcium and magnesium facies, sodium and potassium facies and bicarbonate facies. The various correlations between major ions and statistical analyses have enabled us to identify three hydrogeochemical processes involved in water mineralization. The dominant process is silicate hydrolysis, followed by cation exchange, then anthropogenic input, which influences mineralization by polluting the water.

Pollution of Environmental Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals(EDCs) in Water and Its Adverse Reproductive Effect on Fish

Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals （EDCs）, commonly found in the environment, come from industry and agriculture, including pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. Nowadays, more and more EDCs were released into the environment. EDCs go into water body via atmosphere sedi-mentation, surface runoff, soil eluviation, etc., so water body becomes the main place for existing. In order to attract scientific and public attention worldwide and to prevent EDCs pol ution, in this study we reviewed the classification of EDCs and their concentrations in natural water bodies, drinking water sources and water plants, and the reproductive toxicity of EDCs to fish were reviewed. EDCs could disturb the endocrine system and make reproductive organs and reproduction abnor-mal, resulting in fertility descending, reproduction function damage, community quan-tity decrease and even species extinction. In addition, EDCs could disrupt the homeostasis maintained by hormones, which would result in defects of neural de-velopment and abnormalities of the endocrine and reproductive systems. The exact molecular mechanisms have not been completely reported, but researches have suggested that multiple mechanisms were involved in the action of EDCs. Although there have been researches on the biohazard of EDCs, there stil exist problems of weakness in fundamental researches, difficulties in recognizing and identifying EDCs and high cost, which restraint the knowledge on them.

Experimental research on electric insulator damaged by chemical pollutant

As a main insulating device of power system, insulator can be damaged by chemical pollutant, which does threaten the electric system. An artificial pollution test system is utilized to study the damage mode for a suspension insulator, and the effects of concentration and existing state on damage efficiency of chemical pollutant are studied. Testing results show that the damage mode is flashover damage, whose efficiency increases with the decrease of creepage distance. The concentration of conductive particle of chemical pollution can effectively elevate damage efficiency, though it has a critical value. Unlike natural pollution, chemical pollutant can make insulator flashover damage whether in wet or dry condition. The damage process and relative results reveal the damage rule of insulator by chemical pollutant. Those studies put forward a new means to damage electric insulated device, and provide important reference to the protection design of electric insulator.

STUDY ON THE CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POLLUTING FOG IN GUANGZHOU AREA IN SPRING

Samples of fog water collected in the area of Guangzhou during February, March and April of 2005 are used in this work to study the chemical composition of fog water in polluting fog there. Three typical episodes of polluting fog are analyzed in terms of ionic concentration and their possible sources. It is found that the concentration of various ions in fog water is much higher than those in rainwater. Fog not only blocks visual range but contains liquid particles that result in high degree of pollution and are very harmful to human health. SO4= is the anion with the highest concentration in fog water, followed by NO3-. For the cation, Ca++ and NH4+ are the highest in concentration. It is then known that rainwater is more acidic than fog water, indicating that ionic concentration of fog water is much higher than that of rainwater, but there are much more buffering materials in fog water, like NH4+ and Ca++. There is significant enrichment of Ca++, SO4=, and Mg++ in fog water. In the Guangzhou area, fog water from polluting fog is mainly influenced continental environment and human activity. The episodes of serious fog pollution during the time have immediate relationships with the presence of abundant water vapor and large amount of polluting aerosol particles.

Distribution and Formation Causes of PM_(2.5) and O_(3) Double High Pollution Events in China during 2013–20

Fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5))and ozone(O_(3))double high pollution(DHP)events have occurred frequently over China in recent years,but their causes are not completely clear.In this study,the spatiotemporal distribution of DHP events in China during 2013–20 is analyzed.The synoptic types affecting DHP events are identified with the Lamb–Jenkinson circulation classification method.The meteorological and chemical causes of DHP events controlled by the main synoptic types are further investigated.Results show that DHP events(1655 in total for China during 2013–20)mainly occur over the North China Plain,Yangtze River Delta,Pearl River Delta,Sichuan Basin,and Central China.The occurrence frequency increases by 5.1%during 2013–15,and then decreases by 56.1%during 2015–20.The main circulation types of DHP events are“cyclone”and“anticyclone”,accounting for over 40%of all DHP events over five main polluted regions in China,followed by southerly or easterly flat airflow types,like“southeast”,“southwest”,and“east”.Compared with non-DHP events,DHP events are characterized by static or weak wind,high temperature(20.9℃ versus 23.1℃)and low humidity(70.0%versus 64.9%).The diurnal cycles of meteorological conditions cause PM_(2.5)(0300–1200 LST,Local Standard Time=UTC+8 hours)and O_(3)(1500–2100 LST)to exceed the national standards at different periods of the DHP day.Three pollutant conversion indices further indicate the rapid secondary conversions during DHP events,and thus the concentrations of NO_(2),SO_(2) and volatile organic compounds decrease by 13.1%,4.7%and 4.4%,respectively.The results of this study can be informative for future decisions on the management of DHP events.

On Diffused Pollution Effect of Chemical Fertilizers in Chongqing Municipality

Improper use of chemical fertilizers is an essential reason for diffused pollution of agriculture. Therefore,finding out influence factors of farmers in application of chemical fertilizers will play a significant role in controlling the diffused pollution of agriculture. Through field survey,a total of 340 samples in 4 counties of Chongqing Municipality were obtained. On the basis of these samples,an empirical study was carried out. The study results indicate that farmers' application of chemical fertilizers is negatively correlated with farmers' age,education level,male labor proportion,and soil fertility,while the annual family income,agricultural production population proportion,commodity trading characteristics,and scientific fertilizer application ability fail to pass the significance test. These results will provide reference for proper application of chemical fertilizers and controlling diffused pollution.

Effects of soil metal(loid)s pollution on microbial activities and environmental risks in an abandoned chemical smelting site

Abandoned chemical smelting sites containing toxic substances can seriously threaten and pose a risk to the surrounding ecological environment.Soil samples were collected from different depths(0 to 13 m)and analyzed for metal(loid)s content and fractionation,as well as microbial activities.The potential ecological risk indices for the different soil depths(ordered from high to low)were:1 m(D-1)>surface(S-0)>5 m(D-5)>13 m(D-13)>9 m(D-9),ranging between 1840.65-13,089.62,and representing extremely high environmental risks,of which Cd(and probably not arsenic)contributed to the highest environmental risk.A modified combined pollution risk index(MCR)combining total content and mobile proportion of metal(loid)s,and relative toxicities,was used to evaluate the degree of contamination and potential environmental risks.For the near-surface samples(S-0 and D-1 layers),the MCR considered that As,Cd,Pb,Sb,and Zn achieved high and alarming degrees of contamination,whereas Fe,Mn,and Ti were negligible or low to moderate pollution degrees.Combined microcalorimetry and enzymatic activity measurements of contaminated soil samples were used to assess the microbial metabolic activity characteristics.Correlation analysis elucidated the relationship between metal(loid)s exchangeable fraction or content and microbial activity characteristics(p<0.05).The microbial metabolic activity in the D-1 layer was low presumably due to heavy metal stress.Enzyme activity indicators and microcalorimetric growth rate(k)measurements were considered sensitive indicators to reflect the soil microbial activities in abandoned chemical smelting sites.

Persistent organic pollutants control strategy in China

The development of Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs) control policy in China in the context of international concerns on POPs was reviewed. The aspects of the Chinese POPs control strategies were analyzed, and compared with those of developed counterparts (e.g. US, EU, Japan). Currently, while the legal framework on POPs management, which complies with international guidelines has been established, it should be improved in the areas of special POPs management, risk assessment, the precautionary principle, life-cycle management and technical support capacity. The analysis of Chinese POPs policy and suggestions for strengthening the science-based decision making capacity are not only useful for Chinese decision-makers, but also a case study for developing world and make a great contribution for the global elimination of POPs to make a toxic-free future.

Application of High-pressure Flat Membranes in Coal Chemical Wastewater Treatment

In the process of using high-pressure flat membranes to treat coal chemical wastewater,the effects of high-pressure flat membranes on the concentration of salt ions and the removal of pollutants were studied under the conditions of different concentrations of influent TDS,COD and silicon dioxide.The results showed that when the concentration of influent TDS was 35 000-55 000 mg/L,the economic benefit of high-pressure flat membrane operation was the best,and the concentration ratio of high-pressure flat membranes was stable,varying from 3.3 to 3.6.As the concentration of influent organic matter ranged from 100 to 1 800 mg/L,the removal rate of organic matter ranged from 60% to 79%.In addition,the retention rate of high-pressure flat membranes to silicon dioxide was more than 90%.

Characteristics of Chemical Speciation in PM_(1)in Six Representative Regions in China

A better knowledge of aerosol properties is of great significance for elucidating the complex mechanisms behind frequently occurring haze pollution events.In this study,we examine the temporal and spatial variations in both PM_(1)and its major chemical constituents using three-year field measurements that were collected in six representative regions in China between 2012 and 2014.Our results show that both PM_(1)and its chemical compositions varied significantly in space and time,with high PM_(1)loadings mainly observed in the winter.By comparing chemical constituents between clean and polluted episodes,we find that the elevated PM_(1)mass concentration during pollution events should be largely attributable to significant increases in organic matter(OM)and inorganic aerosols like sulfate,nitrate,and ammonium(SNA),indicative of the critical role of primary emissions and secondary aerosols in elevating PM_(1)pollution levels.The ratios of PM_(1)/PM2.5 are found to be generally high in Shanghai and Guangzhou,while relatively low ratios are seen in Xi’an and Chengdu,indicating anthropogenic emissions were more likely to accumulate in forms of finer particles.With respect to the relative importance of chemical components and meteorological factors quantified via statistical modeling practices,we find that primary emissions and secondary aerosols were the two leading factors contributing to PM_(1)variations,though meteorological factors also played important roles in regulating the dispersion of atmospheric PM.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals in mixture and obesity,diabetes and related metabolic disorders

Obesity and associated metabolic disorders represent a major societal challenge in health and quality of life with large psychological consequences in addition to physical disabilities. They are also one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Although, different etiologic factors including excessive food intake and reduced physical activity have been well identified, they cannot explain the kinetics of epidemic evolution of obesity and diabetes with prevalence rates reaching pandemic proportions. Interestingly, convincing data have shown that environmental pollutants, specifically those endowed with endocrine disrupting activities, could contribute to the etiology of these multifactorial metabolic disorders. Within this review, we will recapitulate characteristics of endocrine disruption. We will demonstrate that metabolic disorders could originate from endocrine disruption with a particular focus on convincing data from the literature. Eventually, we will present how handling an original mouse model of chronic exposition to a mixture of pollutants allowed demonstrating that a mixture of pollutants each at doses beyond their active dose could induce substantial deleterious effects on several metabolic end-points. This proof-of-concept study, as well as other studies on mixtures of pollutants, stresses the needs for revisiting the current threshold model used in risk assessment which does not take into account potential effects of mixtures containing pollutants at environmental doses, e.g., the real life exposure. Certainly, more studies are necessary to better determine the nature of the chemicals to which humans are exposed and at which level, and their health impact. As well, research studies on substitute products are essential to identify harmless molecules.

Recycling of waste foundry sands by chemical washing method

This study aims to remove the metals(inorganic and heavy metals) in waste foundry sand(WFS)via chemical washing method. Washed waste foundry sand(WWFS) samples were obtained by using triptych washing successively with 5 M HCl, 5 M H_2SO_4 and 5 M NaOH solutions. Analysis on functional groups,micropores, heavy metals,and inorganic components of WFS and WWFS was carried out by using FT-IR, SEM and XRF. Results show that the concentration values of some inorganic components such as Ca, Fe, Mg, S were decreased, and the maximum removal percentage of these inorganic components are 47%, 19%, 32%, and 8%,respectively. The concentration values for each of the heavy metals of WWFS are below of limit values given in App-3 List of Regulation on General Principles of Waste Management. The removal percentages of Pb, As and Zn elements are 100%, 71%, and 40%, respectively. The findings of this research suggest that WWFS can be used in more applications due to its ability to remove heavy metals and some other inorganic components.

Using Water Quality Index for Assessing of Physicochemical Quality of Quaternary Groundwater in the Southern Part of Abidjan District (Côte d’Ivoire)

In this study, fourteen physicochemical parameters were monitored at 61 groundwater sampling points located in the southern part of Abidjan District. Each water sampling location was sampled in March and July 2007, representing respectively the long dry season and the long wet season. Groundwater evaluation index and statistical methods were used to assess Quaternary groundwater physicochemical quality in term of drinking and irrigation purposes. The groundwater samples irrespective of seasons fell in mixed K-Na-HCO3 and K-Na-Cl types. Groundwater quality index values varied from 14.01 to 593.44 and from 20.88 to 567.44, in dry and rainy seasons, respectively. In both seasons, 9.83% exhibited poor water quality and 3.27% indicated unsuitable water for drinking purposes. The studied water wells were heavily contaminated with nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in the strongly urbanized areas at Treichville, Koumassi, Marcory, Port-Bou?t and Grand-Bassam. The degree of correlation between physicochemical parameters suggested that groundwater quality was mainly related to geogenic (rock–water interaction) and anthropogenic sources (domestic sewage), and intrusion of marine and lagoon waters in the study area. Sodium adsorption ratio was generally low during study period, indicating most groundwater sampled was suitable for irrigation purposes.

Microbial and Physical Chemical Indicators of Groundwater Contamination in Kenya: A Case Study of Kisumu Aquifer System, Kenya

Safe water of adequate quantity, and dignified sanitation, is vital for the sustenance of a healthy and productive human population. In the recognition of this, the United Nations formulated the Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 to ensure access to safe water and sanitation by all by 2030. Actualization of this Goal requires information on the existing status of water resources and sanitation levels. Knowledge on contamination of groundwater is essential to prevent risks to human health. The objective of this study was to determine groundwater contamination in Kisumu, Kenya. A total of 275 water samples were collected from 22 sites within the informal settlements between December 2016 and December 2017. The samples were analysed for bacterial contamination and physical chemical quality. Thermal tolerant coliform bacteria enumeration was used as a proxy to bacteria contamination, and the pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, salinity and temperature were used as physical chemical indicators of contamination. The results indicate that groundwater in Kisumu hosed coliform bacteria and therefore didn’t comply with contamination limits for domestic water proposed by WHO and local KEBS standards. The results further indicated that the levels of bacteriological contamination vary with water type, shallow well having the highest bacterial loads. The study concluded that there were potential risks to human health due to high content of coliform bacteria. The study attributed the contribution to pit latrines that were present in virtually all compounds. The pit latrines are located close to the water points. The study recommended the definition of minimum distance between the pit latrines and shallow wells to minimize contamination. The low income dwellers should be educated on simple ways of treating drinking water contaminated by microbial to minimize enteric infections.

Study on Migration and Transformation Rule of Organic Pollutants (COD) in Aerated Zone

Collecting waste water with a certain c onc entration of organic pollutants COD (chemical oxygen demand), static adsorption, static biodegradation and dynamic soil column experiments were made in laborato ry, we researched migration and transformation of COD in aerated zone, and put f orward a mathematical model showing the process. The results show that adsorptio n of organism in aerated zone is linear, which is represented by Henry's law s =K dc+s d, adsorption coefficient K d=0.069 3; biodegradati on diagram accord basically with first order kinetics equation c=c 0e -K 1t , biodegradation coefficient K 1 = 0.049 9 d -1 ; dispersio n coefficient D= 0.002 42 m 2/d in experiments. The migration and transform ation of organic pollutants (COD) in aerated zone jointly result from many f actors such as dispersion, adsorption and biodegradation etc..

Biochemical strategies for the detection and detoxification of toxic chemicals in the environment

Addressing the problems related to the widespread presence of an increasing number of chemicals released into the environment by human activities represents one of the most important challenges of this century. In the last few years, to replace the high cost, in terms of time and money, of conventional technologies, the scientific community has directed considerable research towards the development both of new detection systems for the measurement of the contamination levels of chemicals in people's body fluids and tissue, as well as in the environment, and of new remediation strategies for the removal of such chemicals from the environment, as a means of the prevention of human diseases. New emerging biosensors for the analysis of environmental chemicals have been proposed, including VHH antibodies, that combine the antibody performance with the affinity for small molecules, genetically engineered microorganisms, aptamers and new highly stable enzymes. However, the advances in the field of chemicals monitoring are still far from producing a continuous realtime and on-line system for their detection. Better results have been obtained in the development of strategies which use organisms(microorganisms, plants and animals) or metabolic pathway-based approaches(single enzymes or more complex enzymatic solutions) for the fixation, degradation and detoxification of chemicals in the environment. Systems for enzymatic detoxification and degradation of toxic agents in wastewater from chemical and manufacturing industries, such as ligninolytic enzymes for the treatment of wastewater from the textile industry, have been proposed. Considering the high value of these research studies, in terms of the protection of human health and of the ecosystem, science must play a major role in guiding policy changes in this field.

Sick Neighborhood Syndrome: Population with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Adjacent to Bioethanol Distillery

The population of a neighborhood in the city of Córdoba presents general irritant symptoms since a bioethanol distillery began to operate there, from which formaldehyde, toluene, xylene mainly emanate. At the request of the community, collective environmental health was evaluated with a cross-sectional study of prevalence of these conditions. 53% of the residents reported respiratory disorders, conjunctivitis 31%, headaches 27%, dermatitis 23% and dyspepsia 22%. 57% of children aged 6 - 7 use bronchodilators (an indicator of asthma). 66% of the population has one of these conditions, 46% has two and 26% has three;children are the most affected. The results coincide with the Consensus on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome in that it is reproducible by repeated chemical exposure, is chronic and does not improve without eliminating exposure, affecting multiple organs and systems. 14.8% of newborns feature malformations, while in the rest of the city, only 1.7% did. Similar to the Sick Building Syndrome, the collective health picture found suggests a “Sick Neighborhood Syndrome”.

Investigation of Pollution Level of Traces Metals Elements in Agricultural Soil of Oubritenga Province of Burkina Faso

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pollution level of trace metals As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se and Zn in agricultural soil around the water reservoir. A total of 36 soil samples were collected both during off-season agriculture and pluvial agriculture from April to October 2022. The samples were analyzed for trace metals according to the standard methods of the US EPA 2007 with a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (MP-AES), Agilent Model 4210. The pollution level was assessed using contamination factor (Cf) and modified contamination degree (mCd). During the off-season, the concentration of trace metals followed in descending order as Mn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Zn. As, Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Sb and Se were below the detectable limits. In pluvial season, the concentration of traces of metal follows the order Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Hg > As. Cd, Co, Sb and Se remain below the detectable limits. The concentrations of Cr, Mn and Zn were lower in the off-season agriculture than in pluvial agriculture. For Cu and Pb, the concentrations were higher in the off-season than in pluvial agriculture. The Cf ranges from 0.24 to 11.70 depending on the considered trace metal. The Cf values of As, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn indicated that the agricultural study soil was lowery contaminated by these trace metals. The agricultural study soil was moderately contaminated by Cr and Cu, and highly contaminated by Hg. Globally the agricultural study soil presents a moderate degree of contamination (mCd 2.25) by the eight trace metals studied. This result provides information on understanding the risks of trace metal contamination of agricultural soil. It is important to anticipate the control of soil contamination through regular monitoring of toxic metals in agricultural soils, control the quality of chemicals used in agriculture and regulate their use.

Physico-Chemical and Biological Characteristics of the Nklobisson Artificial Lake in Yaounde, Cameroon

The deterioration of water quality in lakes constitutes an environmental problem faced by humanity. The Nkolbisson artificial lake which is located downstream of the Abiergue and Mintotomo streams in Yaounde is under the influence of various forms of pollution, mostly resulting from human activities. There is proliferation of algae on the lake surface that consumes the available oxygen in the lake. The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the different forms of pollutants in the lake, in order to propose efficient solutions for a suitable management strategy, basing on the physico-chemical and biological analysis. The lake retains an average of 2535.49 tons/year of suspended solids in the rainy season and 1438.05 tons/year in the dry season. The range of dissolved oxygen (5.2 - 3.8 mg/l);pH (7.8 - 6.8);temperature (23.9°C - 23.1°C);electrical conductivity (266.1 - 87.3 μS/cm);turbidity (22.3 - 10 UNT);suspended solid (240 - 40 mg/l);BOD (55 - 8 mg/l);COD (76 - 87.3 mg/l). Biologically, faecal coliforms fluctuates between (42 × 102 - 425 × 103 FCU/100 ml), faecal streptococci (8 × 103 - 158 × 103 FCU/100 ml) and total Coliform (15 × 103 - 78 × 106 FCU/100 ml) evidence that, the studied lake is highly polluted. Consequently the lake retains an average of 2888.7 tons/year of suspended matter.