Comprehensive ecological risk assessment for heavy metal pollutions in three phases in rivers

Literature lacked in providing a comprehensive research on heavy metal detection in aquatic, biological and sedimentary states of rivers. The present study was imparted with all these three components of the river. Heavy metal toxicity or pollution index was used as a tool for ecological risk assessment by considering the single state studies conducted by many researchers. An intensive ecological risk assessment model was constructed and heavy metals were indicated as a serious threat to the environment. The model was applied to determining five toxic heavy metals in three states of the Songhua River. According to the ecological risk index, heavy metal pollution in three phases was categorized as aquatic〉biological〉sedimentary, while the overall descending order of heavy metal ecological risk index was as Cd〉Hg〉As〉Pb〉Cr. Cd and Hg were selected as the priority pollutants of Songhua River.

Pollution status and potential ecological risk assessment in the surface sediments of the Yellow River estuary

Based on the ＂Project 908＂ survey data in 2006--2007 on surface sediments of the sea area adjacent to the Yellow River estuary, the research was conducted on the concentration distribution characteristics of heavy metals in surface sediments of the estuary, which show that the mean contents of seven heavy metals （Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, As） in the Yellow River estuary and its surrounding areas all comply with the Level-I of National Marine Sediments Quality Standard of China. Statistically significant correlation between the elements Cu-Cd, Pb-Cr and Cr-As in sediments indicates that the two heavy metals in each group may respectively have similar geochemical properties and sources. By using the Potential Ecological Risk Index （PERI） proposed by Hakanson, the assessment shows that the potential ecological risks in the estuary surface sediments are mainly attributed to Cd and Hg. The biological toxicity effects are assessed with the biological effects of concentration method, resulting in a conclusion that the adverse effects of As on organisms in the estuary marine environment occasionally occur, in contrast, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr and Hg will not generate adverse biological effects on a short and medium time scale.

Studies on the Characteristics of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution of Natural Outcrop Springs in Wudalianchi

Objective] The research aimed to study the characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of 30 natural outcrop springs in Wudalianchi, which provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development and utilization and protection of Wudalianchi natural mineral resources. [Method] Choosing the 30 natural outcrop spring representatives in different regions, samples were collected in low water period, normal water period, wet period respectively, and the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and other contaminants in the samples were determined. Besides, the pollution characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus in Wudalianchi natural outcrop spring were analyzed. [Result] The 30 natural outcrop spring in Wudalianchi area were seriously polluted by nitrogen. Total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were the main forms of nitrogen pollution. The content of total phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen were low. [Conclusion] The natural outcrop spring is mainly caused by agricultural non-point source pollution.

Risk forecasting and evaluating model of Environmental pollution accident

Environmental risk(ER) factors come from ER source and they are controlled by the primary control mechanism(PCM) of environmental risk, due to the self failures or the effects of external environment risk trigger mechanism, the PCM could not work regularly any more, then, the ER factors will release environmental space, and an ER field is formed up. The forming of ER field does not mean that any environmental pollution accident(EPA) will break out; only the ER receptors are exposed in the ER field and damaged seriously, the potential ER really turns into an actual EPA. Researching on the general laws of evolving from environmental risk to EPA, this paper bring forwards a relevant concept model of risk forecasting and evaluating of EPA. This model provides some scientific methods for risk evaluation, prevention and emergency response of EPA. This model not only enriches and develops the theory system of environment safety and emergency response, but also acts as an instruction for public safety, enterprise's safety management and emergency response of the accident.

Assessment of pollution levels and human health risk of heavy metals in dust deposited on Yerevan＇s tree leaves (Armenia)

The total concentrations of Cd,As,Pb,Cr,Ni,Co,Zn,Cu,Ag,Hg,and Mo were determined in the atmospheric dust of the city of Yerevan by atomic absorption spectrometry(AAnalyst PE 800).Heavy metal pollution levels were evaluated by calculating geo-accumulation(I_(geo)) and summary pollution(Z_c) indices.Potential human health risk was assessed using the United States Environmental Protection agency's human health risk assessment model.The results show that mean contents of all elements tested except Ni and Cr were substantially higher than local geochemical background values.According to the I_(geo),Yerevan territory is strongly-to-extremely polluted by As,Ag,Hg,Mo,and Cd.The Z_c assessment indicated that very high pollution was detected in 36%of samples,high in 32%,average in 12%,and low in 20%.The health risk assessment revealed a noncarcinogenic risk(HI >1) for children at 13 samplings sites and for adults at one sampling site.For children the risk was due to elevated levels of Mo,Cd,Co,and As,while for adults,only Mo.Carcinogenic risk(>1:1,000,000) of As and Cr via ingestion pathway was observed in 25 and 14 samples,respectively.This study,therefore,is the base for further detailed investigations to organize problematic site remediation and risk reduction measures.

Human Health Risk Assessment Model of Organic Pollution in Groundwater:Shijiazhuang Industrial Zone

In this study, a risk-based management model is developed and applied to an industrial zone. The models proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Han Bing have been improved by adding a residual ratio of volatile organic compounds （VOC） after boiling and deleting the related parameters in half-life. Using this improved model, an integrated process was used to assess human health risk level in the study area. Compared with water quality analysis, the results highlight the importance of applying an integrated approach for decision making on risk levels and water protection. The results of this study demonstrated that： （1） Compared with these permissible level standards in China （GB 3838-2002） and National Primary Drinking Water Regulations of the United States, the residents＇ daily life had not been affected by the groundwater in this area （except for relative bad water quality of HB3-4 and HB3-6）; （2） The typical detected organic contaminants of all groundwater samples were chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethene, and the pollution sources were mainly industrial sources by preliminary investigations; （3） As for groundwater, the non-carcinogenic risk values of all samples do not exceed the permissible level of 1.0 and the carcinogenic risk values are relatively lower than the permissible level of 1.00E-06 to 1.00E-04; （4） Drinking water pathway of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene mainly contribute to increasing the health risk of residents＇ in study areas; （5） In terms of non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk, the health risk order for drinking water pathway and dermal contact pathway was： drinking water pathway 〉 dermal contact pathway.

Heavy metal pollution and potential ecological risk in reclaimed soils in Huainan mining area

In order to determine the environmental quality condition of reclaimed soils inHuainan mining area, soil samples were collected from three representative mines, suchas Panyi Mine, Xinzhuangzi Mine and Datong Mine.The total concentration of Cd, Hg, Cu,Pb and As in the samples were analyzed.The potential ecological risk was used to evaluatethe heavy metals pollution.The investigation reveals that the reclaimed soils are contaminatedto a certain degree and the trace elements in coal gangue transferred to thesurface soil.The order of potential ecological risk is Cd>Hg>Cu>Pb>As; the pollution degreeof each sampling site is arranged in the following order: Xinzhuangzi Mine>DatongMine>Panyi Mine, and the multiform of heavy metals of potential ecological risk index is at357.35～484.62.

Effects of livestock and poultry breeding pollution on health risks:Evidence from a hog breeding case in rural China

With the rapid development of livestock and poultry breeding industries,pollution problems caused by the discharge of wastewater and manure have become increasingly severe.However,studies on the impacts of this pollution on rural residents'health are lacking.Based on data from the Peking University's China Family Panel Studies in 2010 and 2014,this paper uses a cross-sectional and panel data probit model to estimate the probability of breeding industry development in rural areas increasing the health risks of local villagers.First,the study found that the more households engaged in breeding in the region or the larger the scale of regional breeding,the higher the health risks to local villagers,particularly in areas where pigs are raised.Second,compared with individual farming,the greater the proportion of large-scale farming,the higher the health risks to villagers.Third,the development of the breeding industry seldom includes the ecological recycling of wastes and fails to reduce the use of local pesticides and fertilizers,thereby increasing the health risks to villagers.Therefore,this paper argues that providing technology to process breeding industry waste and establish an organic industrial production chain will be crucial to reducing the impact of breeding industry pollution on human health.

The Establishment of a New Air Health Index Integrating the Mortality Risks Due to Ambient Air Pollution and Non-Optimum Temperature

A composite Air Health Index(AHI)is helpful for separately emphasizing the health risks of multiple stimuli and communicating the overall risks of an adverse atmospheric environment to the public.We aimed to establish a new AHI by integrating daily mortality risks due to air pollution with those due to non-optimum temperature in China.Based on the exposure-response(E-R)coefficients obtained from time-series models,the new AHI was constructed as the sum of excess mortality risk associated with air pollutants and non-optimum temperature in 272 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2015.We examined the association between the“total AHI”(based on total mortality)and total mortality,and further compared the ability of the“total AHI”to predict specific cardiopulmonary mortality with that of“specific AHIs”(based on specific mortalities).On average,air pollution and non-optimum temperature were associated with 28.23%of daily excess mortality,of which 23.47%was associated with non-optimum temperature while the remainder was associated with fine particulate matter(PM2.5)(1.12%),NO2(2.29%,),and O3(2.29%).The new AHI uses a 10-point scale and shows an average across all 272 cities of 6 points.The E-R curve for AHI and mortality is approximately linear,without any thresholds.Each one unit increase in“total AHI”is associated with a 0.84%increase in all-cause mortality and 1.01%,0.98%,1.02%,1.66%,and 1.71%increases in cardiovascular disease,coronary heart disease,stroke,respiratory diseases,and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality,respectively.Cause-specific mortality risk estimates using the“total AHI”are similar to those predicted by“specific AHIs.”In conclusion,the“total AHI”proposed herein could be a promising tool for communicating health risks related to exposure to the ambient environment to the public.

Evaluation of groundwater quality using pollution index of groundwater(PIG) and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment in part of the Gangetic Basin

The aim of this study was to evaluate groundwater fitness for domestic and irrigational use in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh,India.For this study,block wise(n=16)groundwater samples were collected,and measured parameters were analyzed using the pollution index of groundwater(PIG),various irrigational indices,and graphical techniques.The results of this study suggested that most of the parameters were within the prescribed limits of WHO and BIS,excluding F-(0.4 to 2.6 mg L^(-1))and Fe^(2+)(0.1 to 1.7 mg L^(-1)).Concentrations of total dissolved solids(TDS)were exceeded the desirable limit(>500 mg L^(-1))in 43.75%of samples at some sites.The Gibbs plot revealed that groundwater chemistry was governed by rock-water interaction in the region,especially silicate weathering.The Piper plot suggested that Ca^(2+)-HCO3-is dominant hydrochemical facies in the area followed by mixed Ca^(2+)-Na^(+)-HCO_(3)^(-)type,Na^(+)-Cl^(-)type,and Na^(+)-HCO_(3)^(-)type.PIG evaluation revealed that the contribution of F-and Fe2+in groundwater degradation is high in comparison to other elements in the region,about 18.75%samples showed low pollution,while about 6.25%samples shows moderate pollution,and 6.25%samples reflected high pollution.The human health risk(HHR)assessment finding suggested that children(mean:1.36)are more vulnerable than adults(mean:1.01).Sodium absorption ration(SAR),Residual sodium carbonate(RSC),and Permeability index(PI)indicated that most of the groundwater was suitable for irrigation,whereas,Magnesium hazard ration(MHR)and Potential salinity(PS)indices suggested that only 37.5%and 56.25%of the samples were suitable for irrigational use,respectively.This regional study would help in decision making for stakeholders and relevant authorities in the execution of groundwater management and remediation plans in the area.

Heavy metal pollution and health risk in China

Following rapid social and economic development over the past several decades,pollution by heavy metals has been both serious and widespread in many areas of the world,including China.The situations of heavy metal pollution in China were reviewed,and the health risk and control policy of such pollution were also analyzed and discussed in present paper.

The Pollution Character Analysis and Risk Assessment for Metals in Dust and PM_(10) around Road from China

INTRODUCTION In recent years, with the gradual improvement of road construction, the rapid increase of the number of motor vehicles, vehicle emissions and the current poor vehicle performance, poor vehicle maintenance, higher emission factor and so on, air pollution caused by the traffic issues becomes the focus of people attention. The harmful substances are gradually accumulated to atmosphere particles surrounding roads due to dust particles （soil dusts, road dusts, construction dusts）, coal emissions, industrial emissions, vehicle emissions, biomass burning, secondary particles, which has a certain harmful influence to the atmosphere, soil and plants surrounding roads.

Type 2 diabetes and thyroid cancer:Synergized risk with rising air pollution

Diabetes is a complex condition,and the causes are still not fully understood.However,a growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution could be linked to an increased risk of diabetes.Specifically,exposure to certain pollutants,such as particulate Matter and Ozone,has been associated with higher rates of diabetes.At the same time,air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer.While there is less evidence linking air pollution to thyroid cancer than to diabetes,it is clear that air pollution could have severe implications for thyroid health.Air pollution could increase the risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer through several mechanisms.For example,air pollution could increase inflammation in the body,which is linked to an increased risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer.Air pollution could also increase oxidative stress,which is linked to an increased risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer.Additionally,air pollution could increase the risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer by affecting the endocrine system.This review explores the link between diabetes and air pollution on thyroid cancer.We will discuss the evidence for an association between air pollution exposure and diabetes and thyroid cancer,as well as the potential implications of air pollution for thyroid health.Given the connections between diabetes,air pollution,and thyroid cancer,it is essential to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Health Risks Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Soil-Crop System from an E-Waste Dismantling Area

Soil is an essential resource for agricultural production.In order to investigate the pollution situation of heavy metals in the soil-crop system in the e-waste dismantling area,the crop and soil samples(226 pairs,including leaf vegetables,solanaceous vegetables,root vegetables,and fruits)around the e-waste dismantling area in southeastern Zhejiang Province were collected.The concentrations of Cd,Cu,Pb,and Cr were determined.The average concentrations of Cd,Cu,Pb,and Cr in soils were 0.94,107.79,80.28,and 78.14 mg kg-1,respectively,and their corresponding concentrations in crops were 0.024,0.7,0.041,and 0.06 mg kg-1,respectively.The transfer capacity of leaf vegetables was significantly higher than that of non-leaf vegetables,and the accumulation of four heavy metals in crops tended to be Cd>Cu>Cr/Pb.The pollution index’s results revealed that the soil pollution degree under different land uses ranked as root vegetables soil>leaf vegetables soil>solanaceous vegetables soil>fruit soil.The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metal exposure were ranked as food intake>accidental ingestion>dermal contact>inhalation.The comprehensive non-carcinogenic risk was ranked as Cr>Cd>Pb/Cu.Our results could be used to provide useful information for further crop cultivation layout in the study area,which can guarantee the local residents’health and food safety.

Risk Prevention and Control for Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Based on the Process of Pressure-Transformation-Absorption in Chongqing, China

According to China’s second national survey of pollution sources, the contribution of agricultural non-point sources(ANS) to water pollution is still high. Risk prevention and control are the main means to control costs and improve the efficiency of ANS, but most studies directly take pollution load as the risk standard, leading to a considerable misjudgment of the actual pollution risk. To objectively reflect the risk of agricultural non-point source pollution(ANSP) in Chongqing, China, we investigated the influences of initial source input, intermediate transformation, and terminal absorption of pollutants via literature research and the Delphi method and built a PTA(pressure kinetic energy, transformation kinetic energy, and absorption kinetic energy) model that covers 12 factors, with the support of geographical information system(GIS) technology. The terrain factor calculation results and the calculation results of other factors were optimized by Python tools to reduce human error and workload. Via centroid migration analysis and Kernel density analysis, the risk level, spatial aggregation degree, and key prevention and control regions could be accurately determined. There was a positive correlation between the water quality of the rivers in Chongqing and the risk assessment results of different periods, indirectly reflecting the reliability of the assessment results by the proposed model. There was an obvious tendency for the low-risk regions transforming into high-risk regions. The proportion of high-risk regions and extremely high-risk regions increased from 17.82% and 16.63%in 2000 to 18.10% and 16.76% in 2015, respectively. And the risk level in the main urban areas was significantly higher than that in the southeastern and northeastern areas of Chongqing. The centroids of all grades of risky areas presented a successive distribution from west to east, and the centroids of high-risk and extremely high-risk regions shifted eastward. From 2000 to 2015, the centroids of highrisk and extremely high-risk regions moved 4.63 km(1.68°) and 4.48 km(12.08°) east by north, respectively. The kernel density analysis results showed that the high-risk regions were mainly concentrated in the main urban areas and that the distribution of agglomeration areas overall displayed a transition trend from contiguous distribution to decentralized concentration. The risk levels of the regions with a high proportion of cultivated land and artificial surface were significantly increased, and the occupation of cultivated land in the process of urbanization promoted the movement of the centroids of high-risk and extremely high-risk regions. The identification of key areas for risk prevention and control provides data scientific basis for the development of prevention and control strategies.

Effects of air pollution on the risk of acute myocardial infarction in Charleroi, Belgium

Atmospheric pollution would increase morbidity and mortality rates for various respiratory illnesses in urban areas, and could also be an explanatory factor of higher rates of myocardial infarction in Charleroi compared with the other Belgian cities. The present study investigates the health effects of acute exposure to air pollution on cardiovascular morbidity/mortality in Charleroi. The study is based on comparing hospital data taken from the registry of ischaemic cardiopathies in Charleroi (1999 to 2008) to data on the air quality in this region. To measure the association between atmospheric pollution and the number of cases of myocardial infarction, Poisson regression was carried out. The excess risk of myocardial infarction was analysed according to the month of admission. For men, a decrease in the attack rate of myocardial infarction is visible during the first three years of the study, later to remain stable. For women, attack rates are stable throughout the study. Most of the pollutants vary according to season. Except for ozone, concentrations are generally higher in winter. We observe an association between the concentrations of PM10 and NO2 and morbidity/mortality by acute myocardial infarction. The increased risk for an increase of 10 μg/m3 of pollutant is 1.8% for PM10 and 4.0% for NO2. Multivariate models must still be developed and applied to our data.

Potential Groundwater Pollution Risks by Heavy Metals from Agricultural Soil in Songon Area(Abidjan,Cote d’Ivoire)

The soil samples were collected taking into account the land use in Songon area. The hydraulic conductivity (K) of soils was characterized in-situ when specific yield (Sy), pHw and concentrations of Cooper, Iron, Zinc, Cadmium, Chromium and Lead were measured in the laboratory. Pollution load indices (PLI) were calculated to evaluate the soil contamination levels. The soils were neutral and alkaline (6.7≤ pH ≤ 9.20), permeable (1.9 í 10-5?m·s-1?≤ K ≤ 8.2 í 10-4?m·s-1), with a high specific yield (13.33% ≤ Sy ≤ 33.33%) which can favor the pollutants transfer. The heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr and Pb) have very high concentrations in soils. The integrated pollution indices (PLI) indicate that almost 70% of Songon soils are moderately contaminated by the investigated heavy metals, with windows presenting high indices of pollution related to the intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides. The establishment of new boreholes in the Songon area should consider these heavy metals, so as to avoid the risk of groundwater pollution due to the physical properties of soils.

Mapping of Pollution Risk of Surface Waters by Runoff from Watershed: Case of Aghien Lagoon (South of Côte d’Ivoire)

The operating capacity of the Abidjan’s groundwater became insufficient. The deficit in drinking water resources in the District of Abidjan remains the major concern of the decision maker. The Aghien lagoon stands as one of the most interesting alternatives. However, studies show the levels of pollutions of this resource without lighting out on the causes and sources of these pollutions. The present study extends over the entire catchment of the Aghien lagoon which reveals the presence of urban areas and agricultural activity areas. This raises real concerns for the Ivorian authorities. This study suggests making cartography of the risk levels of pollution on the Aghien lagoon by the surface runoff on the watershed to enlighten the decision-makers on the possible measures to be taken for the protection of this resource. It emerges from it that the risk of contamination of the lagoon is very likely. Agricultural and domestic best practices inside the pouring pond are compulsory to fight against the pollutions of this resource.

Pollution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in waters around mine sites of Elazig(Eastern Turkey)

Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia Region is the oldest known mineral mining area of Maden and Alacakaya.Chromite production in the Alacakaya field constitutes 50% of the country’s exports,and copper mines in the Maden region account for approximately 12% of the country’s copper production.There is a risk of water pollution due to significant mine waste which affects the Inci and Maden rivers.The water needs of many settlements are met from these streams,which run through these two mine sites.This study investigated the water pollution in the rivers.25 water samples were collected during the dry and rainy periods,and the Al,Cr,Cu,Fe,Li,Mn,Ni,Pb,Sr and Zn contents of these samples were examined in terms of health.Evaluation of element concentrations and creation of spatial distribution maps were performed using ArcGIS software.Spatial distribution maps,correlation and cluster analysis indicate that the source of heavy metals observed in waters is mine fields.The heavy metal content of the samples is higher in the dry period,the high concentration values are obtained from the mine sites,the decrease in the concentrations throughout the flow during the rainy period,are indicators of the effect of the mines on the water pollution.As a result of the comparison from the analysis results of water samples with World Health Organization(WHO),Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)and European Commission(EC)standards,the element values of Al,Cr,Fe,Mn,Ni and Pb exceeded the permissible values for health.The concentrations of these elements for dry period samples are:0-6.411 mg L^(-1),0.006-0.235 mg L^(-1),0-13.433 mg L^(-1),0-0.316 mg L^(-1),0-0.495 mg L^(-1),0-0.065mg L^(-1),and for rainy period samples are 0-1.698mg/L,0-0.2 mg L^(-1),0-9.033 mg L^(-1),0-0.173 mg L^(-1),0-0.373 mg L^(-1),0-0.034 mg L^(-1),respectively.Although the waters in the region are polluted by heavy metals,it has been determined that there is no noncarcinogenic hazard as a result of the calculation of the hazard index(HI<1)by ingestion and dermal contact within the scope of human health risk assessment.This study will be beneficial as it draws attention to the prevention of the negative effects of water pollution,which may cause serious health problems in the future as a result of mining activities in the region.

Dynamic assessment of pollution risk of groundwater source area in Northern China

Based on the dynamic analysis and research of pollution risk of groundwater sources, this paper creates the dynamic assessment method of pollution risk of groundwater source area under the theory of "source-pathway-receptor", and applies this method to one typical fissure karst groundwater source area in northern China. Following the 30-year petroleum pollutant migration simulation and pollution risk assessment of groundwater source area, this study finds that the very high risk zone is mainly located in Q Petrochemical Company and the surrounding area and the area adjacent to River Z. Within this period of thirty years, the pollution risk of groundwater source area has showed a dynamic trend that features an inverted "V" shape. The ratio of very high risk zone to the total area will be 18.1%, 17.47% and 16.62% during the tenth year, the twentieth year and the thirtieth year separately, and will reach the highest level of 19.45% during the fifteenth year. Meanwhile, the vertical migration distance of pollutant centre concentration changed from the surface soil at the outset to the deepest point of about 250 meters underground during the tenth year. The results of this risk assessment indicate the dynamic feature of pollution risk. The dilution, degradation and migration of petroleum pollutants in groundwater system contribute to an ultimate decline in pollution risk.