Showing papers in "Journal of Environmental and Analytical Toxicology in 2018"

Biologically Essential and Non-Essential Elements Causing Toxicity in Environment

Abstract: This paper encompasses the toxicity of abundant and trace elements present on the earth. Generally, the less abundant elements are more toxic. But even the biologically essential elements become toxic above a critical concentration. The synergistic influence of a metal on toxicity of another is also discussed for mercury selenium and zinc-cadmium pairs. A general observation is made that for biologically important elements a single oxidation states are considerably more toxic. It is known that some elements viz., C, H, O, Na, K, N, P, S, Mg, Ca, Cl are major essentials for life and B, F, Si, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Sn and I are the trace elements essential for life. Cr (III) for example is essential for glucose and lipid metabolism, Mn(II) is a co-factor in a number of enzymatic reactions, Fe has major role in haemoglobin formation, Co(II) is a component of vit. B12, NI(II) has been found to be essential for mammals and Mo is an important co-factor for xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase as a consequence of its different oxidation states. A minimum concentration of these elements is essential for proper growth of body, but beyond certain level of concentration these elements also become toxic. The threshold concentration is comparatively higher for the compounds of metals which have some biological function but for other metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Sb etc) the tolerance limit is very low. These metals get accumulated in body because they are not biodegradable.

Detoxification of Heavy Metals from Leafy Edible Vegetables by Agricultural Waste: Apricot Pit Shell

Abstract: Soil contamination by heavy metals, though restricted to surface horizons, based on soil texture are occluded, organically complexed, modified and specifically adsorbed based on anthropogenic sources, resulted in toxicity ramification on human health, has been in vogue as a serious environmental problem for last few decades. A laboratory study was planned due to reduction of Lead, Cadmium and Nickel toxicity by a low-cost soil amendment. Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) pit shell an abundant and low cost natural resource in Iran was used to adsorbing some heavy metals from contaminated soil of vegetable farmlands. Different adsorption parameters like adsorbent dose, particle size of adsorbent and time of growing vegetable were studied. Composite soil sample were collected from four randomized farmland locations at three agricultural fields (each one more than 10 hectares), in Yazd county in Yazd Province. Cultivated Leafy vegetables were grown under controlled similar physical conditions, including pH, light and demonized watering. Leaves, roots and soil samples were examined, analyses and studied, at various frequencies for heavy metals.

Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions onto Rice Husk Ash Low Cost Adsorbent

Abstract: In the present study, adsorption of Zn (II), Cd (II) and Hg (II) ions on rice husk ash (RHA) has been investigated in single, binary and tertiary systems. Batch experiments were also carried out for mono- and multi-component systems with varying metal ions concentrations (mg/l) to investigate the competitive adsorption characteristics. Rice husk ash (RHA) has been studied for their adsorption properties pertaining to mono component solutions of metal ions. However, to treat waste water with new materials, their performance needs to be ascertained in multi component system. The scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of rice husk ash surfaces before and after the adsorbent was equilibrated with the metal ions solution, clearly establishes the presence of the metal ions and some surface modifications can be observed on the rice husk ash particles adsorption with (i) surface chemistry of the pellets on the surface of rice husk ash and (ii) inside layers of the rice husk ash. Applicability of the isotherm models namely Freundlish and Langmuir to predict the equilibrium uptake of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) in mono, binary and tertiary systems have also been tested.

Determination of Physicochemical Parameters of Effluents at Discharge Points into the New Calabar River along Rumuolumeni Axis, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract: Water samples collected from three effluents discharge points into the New Calabar River were analyzed for physicochemical parameters using standard methods. The physicochemical parameters analyzed were colour, odor, temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulphate (SO4), nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4) and chloride (Cl-). The result obtained showed that at Iwofe Jetty the water was colourless and odorless but had slight colour and odor at the police post station and Minipiti station. The range for the parameters obtained in the seasons were: temperature (26.4 ± 1.10-29.0 ± 2.38°C), pH (3.43 ± 0.24-5.06 ± 1.42), conductivity (11.60 ± 2.68-15.61 ± 3.01 μS/cm), TDS (6.53 ± 0.56-8.89 ± 0.98 mg/L), turbidity (9.42 ± 2.68-17.90 ± 3.09 mg/L), TSS (20.53 ± 3.27-33.51 ± 6.25 mg/L), DO (2.62 ± 0.02-5.02 ± 0.31 mg/L), BOD (4.28 ± 1.08-6.11 ± 1.33 mg/L), COD (13.54 ± 3.93-19.16 ± 2.10 mg/L), SO4 (65.92 ± 12.50-346.72 ± 23.22 mg/L), NO3 (0.32 ± 0.01-0.53 ± 0.04 mg/L), PO4 (0.34 ± 0.01-0.68 ± 0.03 mg/L) and Cl(4041 ± 80.50-9411 ± 100.68 mg/L). Generally, the result indicated that colour, odor, pH, turbidity, DO, BOD, COD, and Cldo not meet the WHO standard for portable water, therefore the water is polluted. The authorities responsible for effluents discharge regulation should therefore monitor the different input sources in order to prevent further increase in pollution of the river.

Determination of the Physico-Chemical Properties and Heavy Metal Statusof the Tano River along the Catchment of the Ahafo Mine in the BrongAhafoRegion of Ghana

Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical properties and heavy metal status of the Tano River along the catchment of the Ahafo Mine in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. To achieve this, water samples were taken at access points of the Tano River at Ntotroso (upstream) and Kenyase (downstream) and analyzed at the KNUST Central Laboratory to determine pH, Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Turbidity and Dissolved Oxygen and the concentrations of Arsenic, Lead, Copper, Cadmium and Mercury. Data collected were analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solution (Version 20). The results from the analysis showed that the physicochemical properties of the river investigated were all within the recommended range of acceptable water quality except for DO which was slightly lower than recommended threshold. The concentrations of heavy metals were also relatively low and all fall within tolerable threshold of the EPA and WHO except for the concentrations of lead which were slightly higher than the recommended threshold at both the upstream and downstream. The study recommends that frequent monitoring of all surface water bodies should be done to ensure the quality of the water is not compromised. *Corresponding author: Banunle A, Institute of Distance Learning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Tel: +233322060438; E-mail: asingyea@yahoo.com (or) aasingye.idl@st.knust.edu.gh Received May 24, 2018; Accepted June 04, 2018; Published June 10, 2018 Citation: Banunle A, Fei-Baffoe B, Otchere KG (2018) Determination of the Physico-Chemical Properties and Heavy Metal Status of the Tano River along the Catchment of the Ahafo Mine in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. J Environ Anal Toxicol 8: 574. doi: 10.4172/2161-0525.1000574 Copyright: © 2018 Banunle A, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Citation: Banunle A, Fei-Baffoe B, Otchere KG (2018) Determination of the Physico-Chemical Properties and Heavy Metal Status of the Tano River along the Catchment of the Ahafo Mine in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. J Environ Anal Toxicol 8: 574. doi: 10.4172/2161-0525.1000574

Determination of Pre-Harvest Interval for Quinalphos, Malathion, Diazinon and Cypermethrin in Major Vegetables

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to determine the pre harvest interval (PHI) for quinalphos in Eggplant, Cabbage and Yard long bean; malathion in Eggplant, Yard Long bean and Cauliflower; cypermethrin in Tomato and Yard long bean; and diazinon in Eggplant and Yard long bean depending on Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) set by FAO/ WHO. Five supervised field trials were conducted and sprayed with the field dose (2 ml/L of water) of each pesticide except cypermethrin (1 ml/L of water). Samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 and 18 days after spray. The collected samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled with Flame Thermionized Detector (FTD) and Electron Capture Detector (ECD) for the determination of pesticide residues. The level of residues were above MRL up to 10 DAS for quinalphos in Cabbage, 7 DAS in Eggplant, 5 DAS in Yard long bean; for malathion 5 DAS in Yard long bean and Eggplant, 7 DAS in cauliflower; for diazinon 5 DAS in Yard long bean and Eggplant; and 3 DAS for cypermethrin in Yard long bean and Tomato. The determined PHI for quinalphos were 12 DAS in Cabbage and 10 DAS in Eggplant and 7 DAS in Yard long bean; For malathion 7 DAS in Yard long bean and Eggplant and 10 DAS in cauliflower; For diazinon 7 DAS in Yard long bean and Eggplant; For cypermethrin 5 DAS in Yard long bean and Tomato.

Is Glyphosate a Key Factor in Mesoamerican Nephropathy

Abstract: Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN), also known as chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), is an unusual form of kidney disease not associated with diabetes, hypertension, or glomerular nephritis. It has a number of known risk factors, none of which adequately explain the skyrocketing prevalence of the disease among sugarcane workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua. In this paper, we narrow the research focus from agricultural chemicals, in general, to glyphosate, in particular, an herbicide routinely used on sugarcane. We explain how glyphosate compellingly contributes to CKDu, by reviewing the evidence for glyphosate’s direct toxicity to kidneys and showing how the herbicide amplifies the damage to kidneys from other known risk factors. Using standard web search on index words and phrases, we gathered and perused a large collection of papers describing the pathology of MeN and associated metrics, on the one hand, and the mechanisms of toxicity of glyphosate in humans, animals and in in vitro studies, on the other hand. We show that glyphosate is used on sugarcane in three distinct ways, with exposure greatest when the herbicide is used as a ripener near harvest time. We identify several pathologies associated with MeN that have been found to be implicated in papers on glyphosate exposure, such as enhancing the growth of Clostridia species and fungus, promoting arsenic toxicity, suppressing the synthesis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), disrupting fructose metabolism, and promoting dehydration and high serum urate. A companion paper explains how glyphosate’s substitution for glycine could cause additional renal damage. Together, these two papers strongly suggest that glyphosate is a causative agent in CKDu. Overall, the research literature provides compelling evidence that glyphosate exposure is a significant factor in MeN. Glyphosate usage on crops should be curtailed in order to protect the agricultural worker population from this devastating and life-threatening disease.

Biochemical Impact of Sludge Obtained from Wastewater Treatment Plant on Soil Properties within Port Harcourt Environment

Abstract: A study on the biochemical impact of sludge obtained from wastewater treatment plant on soil properties within Port- Harcourt environment were investigated. Parameters such as; pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), total organic matter (TOM), total organic carbon (TOC), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were assessed in the different soil samples using standard methods, to know the impact of the applied sludge on the biochemical properties of soil. The result showed a significant increase in N, P, K and TOM levels for the test soil (2.37 mg/kg, 32.89 mg/kg, 32.15 mg/kg, and 3.12 mg/kg) respectively over the control (0.93 mg/kg, 11.09 mg/kg, 36.35 mg/kg, and 2.14 mg/kg) respectively. Zn, Pb, Ni and TOC which are essential to plants and animals were also found to be significantly higher in the test soil (19.26 mg/kg, 5.71 mg/kg, 1.60 mg/kg, and 1.81 mg/kg) respectively over the control (8.62 mg/kg, 2.58 mg/kg, 0.52 mg/kg, and 1.24 mg/kg) respectively. The physicochemical, nutrient, and heavy metal parameters of the test soil samples were all significantly different (p<0.05) when compared to their controls. These results revealed that the natural organic fertilizer (sludge) obtained from wastewater treatment plant in Port-Harcourt with its low toxicity level enriched the impacted soil with essential biochemical nutrients such as N, P, K, and can be used in place of the very expensive artificial inorganic fertilizer with little cost and side effects for the enrichment of soil nutrient qualities.

Characterisation of Oil Properties from a Niger Delta Crude

Abstract: The characterization of crude being physical, elemental, compositional and bulk parameter analyses is an investigative approach into the properties of crude oil. This study shows the properties of Afiesere crude oil in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The parameters investigated are density, specific gravity, API gravity, vapour pressure, kinematic viscosity, moisture content, gum content, cloud point, pour point, flash point, metallic constituents (V, Ni), elemental (N2,O2,S2) and compositional (aliphatic and heavier) hydrocarbons using ASTM/IP procedural methods. The results show density (0.9440 g/cm3), specific gravity (0.9450), API gravity (18.2°), vapour pressure (7 kPa), kinematic viscosity (80.4 cSt), moisture (3175 ppm), gum content (71,000 ppm), cloud point (-2°C), pour point (-10°C), flash point (95°C), Vanadium (0.05 ppm), Nickel (0.39 ppm), N2 (0.11%), O2 (<0.5%), S2 (1.25%), aliphatic hydrocarbons (0.032-2.804%), heavier hydrocarbons (0.210-1.737%). The outcome of these results can be used effectively to predict the transportation, storage and/or refining of the crude oil being analysed.

Impact of Cadmium on the Endocrine and Exocrine Sexual Activity in the Adult Male and Female Wistar Rats: Determination of an Apoptotic Process

Abstract: This study deals with the impact of chronic exposure to cadmium on male and female’s fertility in rats. In fact, some male and female rats are given distilled water for drinking (T: controls), whereas the other ones are given distilled water enriched with chloride cadmium, either 10 (C1 group) or 20 mg/l (C2 group) for 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 or 90 days. In male rats, Cadmium, which induced a pathological change in spermatogenesis, is observed by histological studies: arrest of cell germ maturation, Then, an alteration of the structure of the seminiferous tubes with blockage of spermatogenesis (presence of male gametes without flagella or total absence of spermatozoa and destruction of the sertoli cells, testified by the presence of spans). Then, a decrease of the motility and the number of spermatozoa at the end of the treatment indicates the local cytotoxic effect of cadmium (Cd) on spermatogenesis, inducing an apoptotic phenomenon revealed by borated toluidine blue in the testicular cells, which affects the different stages of spermatogenesis. Serum testosterone level is found to be low at the beginning of the treatment, reaches a peak, then returns to the control values and even exceeds them in spite of the continuation of the treatment. It is therefore a hormonal adaptation to this pollutant. In female rats, the practiced vaginal smears revealed the oestrus phase in all the groups. Exposed females are mated to control males, and fertility is assessed later by counting the number of pregnancies. Fertility is found to be reduced in females of C1 and C2 groups as compared to control females (T group).

Determination of Heavy Metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu) in Coastal Sediments and Fish Urban Area of Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract: This research aimed to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd) pollutants in coastal sediment, Semarang, to create a statistical model based on the result of test that would be obtained from costal sediments samples, to make permite statements about pollution and change that occurs on the state of the environment in the urban catchment, creating database on pollution control in the region and in the future to maintain biodiversity (to give the industrial activities-pollution permits-by official bodies for the protection of the environment in the state). This research would be conducted in 2017 with the location of sampling and water quality measurement conducted at Usman Janatin Street, Semarang. The sample analysis would be conducted at the Diponegoro University Integrated Laboratory. In this research was focused on deep and width. According to some previous studies such as study done by Mancuso et al. that stated the TAL metals analysis results gave a wide scope of the concentration of metals in coastal urban area. Based on the analysis and result, the conclusion as follows: There was relationship between levels of heavy metals and external environment. The relationship was positive, it means the higher levels of heavy metals, the external environment would be more polluted. The lower levels of heavy metals, the external environment would be low polluted. The internal levels of coastal sediment could be used as an index to infer the state of the environment. This heavy metals determination tool could be used to support policy and decision-making.

Glyphosate Substitution for Glycine During Protein Synthesis as a Causal Factor in Mesoamerican Nephropathy

Abstract: Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN), also known as Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), is an unusual form of kidney disease affecting agricultural workers in Central America. Its prevalence is alarmingly high among young male sugarcane workers in Nicaragua and El Salvador. The absence of known etiologies for CKD, such as hypertension and diabetes, has led researchers to explore a number of potential risk factors, though none adequately explain the timing and epidemic nature of the disease. In this paper, we explore the idea that glyphosate, an herbicide routinely used on sugarcane, could play a significant causal role in MeN, mediated by its property as an analogue of the coding amino acid glycine. Glyphosate is a glycine molecule with a methyl phosphonyl group attached to its nitrogen atom. Its substitution in place of glycine could disrupt multiple proteins critical for kidney health. Here, we first present prior evidence from the research literature that glyphosate may be substituting erroneously for glycine. In particular, multiple species of both bacteria and plants have mutated to remove a highly conserved glycine residue in the enzyme in the shikimate pathway that is disrupted by glyphosate, and this mutation has caused the enzyme to be completely insensitive to glyphosate. We have identified multiple proteins with key roles related to kidney function, whose disruption by glyphosate substitution for critical glycine residues could explain most of the unique features of MeN. Specifically, glycine substitution in aquaporin, chloride channels, cytochrome C oxidase and collagen, among others, could contribute to dehydration, increased urinary acidification, renal fibrosis, rhabdomyolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction. While the hypothesis that glyphosate could be disrupting protein synthesis is not yet proven, it is remarkable how well it explains multiple features of MeN. Investigations to verify whether glyphosate is in fact disrupting protein synthesis are urgently needed.

Accumulation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBS) in Soil and Water from Electrical Transformers Installation Sites in Selected Locations in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract: Soil and water samples from surroundings of selected Electricity Transformer installations belonging to the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc, Jos were analyzed for different congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) widely used as coolants. The EPA 3550 and 3510 methods were used for the sampling, preparation and extraction of the soil and water samples respectively. The extracts were cleaned up using column chromatography packed with silica gel (120 mesh). Thereafter, it was concentrated for characterization and quantification using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy Detector (GC-MSD). Fifteen (15) congeners were identified and quantified in the soil samples. The result obtained shows C52 to have the highest concentration with the value of 5.84 mg/kg. The range for the concentrations of the various congeners identified are: C18 (0.00-0.05 mg/kg), C20 (0.27-0.70 mg/kg), C28 (0.28-0.39 mg/kg), C29 (0.28-0.39 mg/kg), C44 (0.15-0.54 mg/kg), C52 (0.09-5.84 mg/kg), C101 (0.38-0.51 mg/kg), C137 (0. 45-1.79 mg/kg), C142 (0.00-0.55 mg/kg), C153 (0.37-1.20 mg/kg), C170 (0.15-1.59 mg/kg), C180 (0.00-0.47 mg/kg) and C194 (0.00-0.32 mg/kg). Similarly, for the water samples only C20, C28, C29, C101, C105 and C153 were identified and quantified. The result shows C153 having the highest concentration with the value of 0.57 mg/l followed by C105 (0.48 mg/l), C101 (0.37 mg/l), C28 and C29 have same concentration of 0.28 mg/l. From thirty samples analyzed, the result of the soils is below the Canadian Reference maximum allowable limit while that of water has some values higher than the recommended allowable limit. The studies showed various concentrations are link with ages of Transformer installation, as those installed earlier had more congeners with higher concentrations than the recent ones.

Pollution from Small and Medium Size Enterprises: Less Understood and Neglected Sources in Nigerian Environment

Abstract: Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged by Nigerian Government to develop and sustain the economy and promote employment. They range from process industries, fabrication workshops, service centres, food and drink premises, and several others. A majority of these sprawled up in urban areas though they are also seen in peripheral and rural areas. These centres play significant role in the national economy. At the same time, they also produce a variety of end products and byproducts in solid, liquid or gaseous forms which affect the environment negatively by polluting air, water and soil. This has resulted in eutrophication of water bodies, contamination of groundwater, soil and affected quality of life in the cities. There are well laid out pollution control regulations and guidelines in the country. The Federal Ministry of Environment, The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with five Zonal offices implement these regulations. But in spite of these, SMEs sector which is mostly private driven escapes from being questioned on their poor environmental upkeep and disposal of untreated waste products. This paper has drawn examples from selected major urban areas in Nigeria and highlights some of the issues, challenges and possible mitigation measures to safeguard the fragile Nigerian environment.

The Influence of Soil pH on the Uptake of Silver Nanoparticles in a Terrestrial System

Abstract: The production and use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are increasing in the United States and across the globe. The Ag NPs may enter the terrestrial ecosystem with the application of sewage sludge as a fertilizer on agricultural farms. The present study investigated the influence of soil pH on the uptake of Ag NPs by insects. Two insects A. domesticus and T. molitor were selected for the experiment. The insects were exposed to Ag NPs under different soil pH including: 5, 6, 7, 8 (control), and 9. The Ag NPs were characterized prior to the study with transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. The concentration of silver in insects was measured with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Increased levels of silver in insects was observed in normal and alkaline soil as compared to acidic soil treatment groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference due to insect species in the silver uptake.

Yield and Some Macro-Morphological Characters of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fries) Quel. Fruit Bodies Cultivated on HCl-Optimized Oil Palm Bunch Substrate

Abstract: This study was conducted to study the yield and some macro-morphological characters of Pleurotus pulmonarius fruit bodies cultivated on Hydrochloric acid (HCl) optimized oil palm bunch (OPB) substrate. Concentrated HCl was diluted in tap water at 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and were used to induce changes on the initial pH (9.5) of OPB to 8.9, 8.2, 7.9, 6.2 and control (9.1) respectively; after soaking for 48 hrs. One way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Correlation test were adopted for data analysis. Mean separation was also done by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at probability level of 5%. Results showed that 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% HCl treated OPB substrates produced P. pulmonarius primordia after 9, 9, 10, 11 and control (12 days) respectively. Results further revealed that 0.4% HCl treated OPB substrate induced the highest (900 g/kg) fruit body yield and Biological Efficiency (90%) while control (493 g/kg and B.E 49.3%) respectively, produced the lowest quantity of fruit bodies. Some macro-morphological characters of harvested fruit bodies revealed that mean cap size (C.Scm) and Weight (wt.g/kg) of fruit bodies were highest (3.83 cm and 3.5 g/kg) in 0.4% HCl treated OPB respectively. Mean Stipe Length (S.Lcm) was highest (2.77 cm) in 0.3% OPB substrate and was significant at p ≤ 0.05. S.L and C.S of fruit bodies as well as C.S and Wt. were significantly correlated while there was no correlation between S.L and Wt. of fruit bodies. HCl was found as a suitable acid buffer for the optimization of the pH of the highly alkaline OPB for cultivation of P. pulmonarius fruit bodies. Oil palm bunch should therefore be adopted in the commercial production of the Oyster mushroom if certified safe for human consumption.

Short-Term Exposure to Haze Air Pollution Induces Acute Airway Inflammation and Lung Function Reduction in Healthy Adult Subjects

Abstract: Haze air pollution with high levels of PM has frequently took place in many areas of China in the past few years. However, the health effect of shirt-term exposure to haze air pollution has not been thoroughly characterized. This study aimed to determine the acute effect of haze exposure on respiratory system of healthy adult subjects, specifically on airways and lung function. Thirty healthy adult subjects were recruited and airway inflammation and lung function alterations examined under control and haze air pollution (157.33 μg/m for mean concentration of PM ) conditions, respectively. Airway inflammation was assessed by sputum induction while lung function was measured using spirometry. It was shown that 24-h exposure to haze air pollution could increase the levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the percentages of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the sputum (<0.05). In contrast, the proportion of macrophages in the sputum from haze-exposed subjects decreased significantly (<0.05). In addition, short-term exposure to haze could decrease forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV ), vital capacity (VC), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), but not FEV1/FVC. In summary, short-term exposure of healthy adult subjects to haze air pollution induces airway inflammation and lung function impairment.

Electrification Using a Hybrid Microgrid System for Mutate Masisi Community-A Demand Side Response

Abstract: The current use and shift from fossil fuels to renewable resources is not the only reason for adopting alternative energy resources. Certain rural communities lack the access to the available resources, due to multiple factors: proximity, technical-skill, access, off-grid systems and socio-economic factors. Even though the most frequently sort out renewable system for electrification is solar energy, particularly for temperate climates with vast abundance and high solar radiation. The contribution of solar energy harnessed using photovoltaic panels has been significantly beneficial to remote areas off-grid with no access to main grid system; other challenges encountered are varied, depending on the project outcome. Some of which are cost optimization and storage units. The demand and supply side response for electrification has largely been determined by the prevailing market rate. A demand side response (DSR) approach is applied to tackle this challenge, this determines the current energy requirements of the community and identifies the optimal hybrid system with or without storage. For this analysis, two systems scenarios were modelled: (1) PV with Diesel Generator System and (2) PV with Battery Storage System. In each system four photovoltaic panels (PV) sizes which were chosen, tested and analysed for optimal sizing. The PV sizes were 0.4 kW, 0.6 kW, 0.8 kW and 1 kW. The optimization between these sizes was built based on three main objectives – (a) Energy Demand Satisfaction /Demand Side Response (b) System Cost and (c) pollution. In both system scenarios, the optimal size was the 1 kW with battery storage and 1 kW with diesel generator. A further comparative analysis was carried out between the two systems; when the diesel generator is used and when the battery is applied. Both scenarios can sufficiently meet the demand without any considerable interruption, but disparities exist between them in relation to cost and technical optimization. A highly significant difference in the costs between the two system scenarios were detected. The total cost in PV-Battery system represents only 26% of the PV system. Also, the PV and Battery system does not release any harmful emissions compared with nearly 6 tCO2 /year in the PV with Diesel system.

Elucidating the Regulatory Functions of MlrA Originated from Novosphingobium sp. THN1 in Microcystin-LR Degradation

Abstract: Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), produced by harmful cyanobacteria, seriously endangers animals and humans Biodegradation appears as the major pathway for natural MC-LR attenuation To elucidate the regulatory function of mlrA gene of Novosphingobium sp THN1 (ie, THN1-mlrA gene) in MC-LR biodegradation, this study constructed a recombinant bacterium and succeeded in heterlogously expressing the mlrA of THN1 strain (ie, THN1-MlrA enzyme) The recombinant mlrA exhibited the activity for smoothly degrading 20 μg mL-1 of MC-LR at an average rate of 016 μg mL-1 h-1 within 80 h Mass spectrum analysis confirmed that recombinant mlrA hydrolyzed cyclic MC-LR by cleaving the peptide bond between Adda and arginine residue and generated linearized MC-LR as primary intermediate Such linearization for MC-LR catalyzed by THN1-MlrA enzyme was particularly important during MC-LR biodegradation process, because it opened the highly-stable cyclic structure of MC-LR and caused substantial detoxification These findings for the first time manifested that mlrA gene homolog of Novosphingobium genus conserved its original catalytic function as described elsewhere This study expanded the knowledge on the function of mlrA homologs from various natural habitats, and facilitated the understanding on the fate and biological attenuation mechanisms of MC-LR in Lake Taihu, China, where THN1 strain is indigenous

Thiocyclam-Induced Reproductive Toxicity, Oxidative Stress and Genomic DNA Damage in Testicular Tissues of Rats: Protective Effects of Green Tea Extract

Abstract: Thiocyclam is a broad-spectrum nereistoxin analogue insecticide which widely used for agricultural applications. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of green tea (as a principal source of antioxidants) on Thiocyclam-Induced Reproductive Toxicity, Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity in adult Male Rats. Forty adult male rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control, Thiocyclam (ThC, 15.98 mg/kg b.w.), green tea extract (GTE, 2% w/v as the sole beverage) and (ThC+GTE) group. After 65 days of treatment, blood samples and testicular tissue were collected for measuring the oxidative stress parameters, testosterone level and DNA damage, whereas the reproductive organs were weighed, and Semen analysis and testicular histopathological studies was done. The results revealed that Thiocyclam administration induce a significant reduction in sperm count, sperm motility as well as testosterone level, while increased sperm abnormality. In addition to increased testicular tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced GSH content and testicular DNA damage evidenced by comet assay. The histological examination of testes revealed degenerative change and disorganization of seminiferous tubules with incomplete spermatogenesis. On the contrary, GTE played a potential protective effect against Thiocyclam induced oxidative stress as well as alleviate the reproductive toxicity by improving the oxidative status, decrease oxidative DNA damage, improving semen characteristics and protective effect against testicular damage, highlighting the protective and therapeutic potentiality of green tea against pesticide-induced reproductive toxicity and its health benefits.

Organic Chemical Concentrations in Eggs and Nestlings of Cavity Nesting Birds at and around Los Alamos National Laboratory

Abstract: In 1943, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was established as part of the Manhattan project to design atomic weapons. LANL now operates as a multidisciplinary research institution. As part of an ongoing assessment of siterelated ecological risk, organochlorine pesticides, their metabolites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) were evaluated in western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) and ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) eggs relative to a developed but non-industrial reference area; PCBs and TEQs were also evaluated in nestlings. Chemicals were below detection limits in the majority of samples. Western bluebird eggs collected from the study area had significantly lower concentrations of dieldrin, oxychlordane, and trans-nonachlor when compared with eggs from the reference area. No differences were observed in concentrations of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and heptachlor epoxide. Ash-throated flycatcher eggs contained higher total TEQ concentrations when compared with western bluebird eggs; however, no differences in concentrations of DDE, DDT, dieldrin, or total PCBs were observed. No differences were observed in total PCBs or TEQs in nestlings between the two species. Western bluebird eggs contained higher levels of total PCBs and TEQs when compared with nestlings; no differences were observed in total PCBs or TEQs between ash-throated flycatcher eggs and nestlings. Chemical concentrations detected in eggs of both species were below levels that are associated with adverse effects reported in the scientific literature, suggesting that concentrations of organic chemicals observed here appear to be at levels causing negligible risks to local bird populations.

Mechanisms and Influencing Factors of Electro-Kinetic Enhanced Phytoextraction for the Recovery of Metal-Polluted Soils

Abstract: Soil contamination with various toxic metals has become a serious global concerned issue due to the potential risks to the environmental ecology and human health. So far, numerous in-situ and ex-situ methods have been developed and electro-kinetic (EK) enhanced phytoremediation is widely accepted as a sustainable alternative for the decontamination. The integrated technique contains the application of a low intensity electric field adjoined to growing plants in contaminated soil. So far, many efforts have been made while there is a clear lack of this technology in both laboratorial and field applications. Limitations such as low phytoavailaibility of target metals, unsatisfactory metal's tolerance and translocation ability of plants and undesirable soil pH environment might the main reasons that responsible for the low remediation efficiency. In order to figure out the current focusing phenomena, the possible mechanisms of phytoextraction, EKR and EKR-enhanced phytoextraction were discussed, respectively. In addition, influencing factors such as metal speciation, plant selection and electro-kinetic parameters were also discussed. The contents summarized in the present paper are believed to be an useful guideline for further investigation and optimization of EK-enhanced phytoextraction.

Phylloremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbonic Pollutants Using Phylloshere Bacteria

Abstract: Polyaromatic air pollution is a serious environmental issue in the modern world due to the high carcinogenicity and geno-toxicity of these pollutants to the all-living beings. These pollutant concentrations in the air are being increased day by day due to huge vehicular emissions, oil refining processes and other industrial processes spread among urbanized areas. Gas or particle bounded PAHs in the air deposit on ground level through wet deposition or dry deposition. These pollutants deposition mainly on plants other than many exposing surfaces spread among the earth. Therefore, the plant leaves highly abundant in urban areas rich with these deposited pollutants. All plant leaves are great niches for microorganisms which is called phyllosphere. Phyllosphere of plants consists with many phyllosphere microorganisms belong to different group of bacteria, fungi, algea and protozoa. Among them bacteria are the predominant phyllosphere microorganisms. The phyllosphere bacteria highly abundant in polluted areas have special capability to degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These PAH degrading phyllophere microorganisms can be used to clean the polluted air, this is called phylloremediation. Phylloremediation is an effective bioremediation method which can use to remediate the air, water and soil polluted from the PAH compounds. The aim of this review is to discuss polyaromatic hydrocarbonic air pollution and deposition of these chemicals on phyllosphere. High depositions of PAHs on plant leaves created harsh conditions to the inhabiting bacterial population in this phyllosphere and their ability to degrade PAH compounds are discussed. Then possibilities of usage of phylloremediation to clean the polluted air from the PAH compounds are discussed.

SOC Effects on Diethyl Phthalate Sorption to Four Soils in China

Abstract: Purpose: Phthalate esters (PAEs) are commonly detected in agricultural soils of China, which can post potential threats to human health. Understanding their sorption to soils is important in assessing their transport and bioavailability in environment. Limited research focuses on the influence of soil organic carbon (SOC) on PAEs adsorption to soils at different depths and increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) after adsorption. Materials and Methods: Batch sorption experiments of diethyl phthalate (DEP) to four types of soils were conducted in this study, including black soil, fluvo-aquic soil, paddy soil, and red soil. Total concentration of solute DEP and the concentration of free DEP not sorbed to DOC were measured with HPLC. The UV absorbance of supernatant was measured and specific UV absorbance at 254 nm was calculated for DOC aromaticity. Sorption isotherms of DEP to soil particles were fitted to the Langmuir model and the Freundlich model. Results and Discussion: Partial SOC can dissolve to DOC in solution, and 47.4- 89.4% of total DEP can be sorbed to DOC. Increasing DEP in solution can enhance aliphatic SOC dissolving. The sorption coefficients of DEP are higher to fluvo-aquic soils (Koc for surface soils 1820 L kg-1 and subsurface soils 1388 L kg-1) than to other soils (<520 L kg-1), which indicates that SOC fractions of different soils have varied affinity to DEP. Conclusions: SOC plays an important role in DEP sorption to soil particles. Soil samples from surface layers have higher affinity than those from subsurface layers. DOC from SOC in solution is important for DEP transport in soil, and organic pollution can accelerate SOC dissolving.

The Hygiene Hypothesis and the Participation of Chemical Products

Abstract: Hygiene hypothesis as a cause of adult diseases emerged in 1989 by David Strachmann. Since then controversial studies have been published and recently the importance of the microbiome in the rapidly increasing prevalence of some diseases is established. Microbiome is considered the symbiotic group of pathogens within mammals that consists from the bacteria of epidermis, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. The concept of the ‘exposome’ is a broader term to include not only symbiotic pathogens, but a great variety of exogenous and endogenous chemicals in one’s lifetime. Exogenous exposures include environmental chemicals, whereas endogenous are formed from different metabolic processes. The long term toxic results of these chemicals are due to epigenetic modifications of the genome with greatly unknown consequences.

A Little Fish with a High Heavy Metals Burden: The Case of Straightfin Barb, Enteromius paludinosus (Peters 1852) from River Malewa, Naivasha, Kenya

Abstract: This paper addresses the accumulation of heavy metals namely; Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) in the tissues of Straightfin barb, Enteromius paludinosus (Peters 1852) from the mouth of River Malewa in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. A total of 1307 fish were collected from the lake during the month of November, 2017. Water samples, sediment samples, 25 fish muscle tissues and its endoparasite, the cestode Ligula intestinalis were collected and heavy metal concentrations determined using the Thermal-electron atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of these heavy metals in the sediment showed no signs of pollution. In the muscle tissues of the fish, As, Cr, Pb and Hg showed high levels with mean concentrations of 5.0696, 22.0854, 45.2108 and 1.5458 mg/ kg ww respectively. The Target hazard quotients of As, Cr, Pb and Hg obtained were 98.5066, 42.9138, 65.8863 and 90.1086 respectively, indicating a possible health risk associated with the consumption of the straightfin barb. The bioaccumulation factors for L. intestinalis were 2.4093, 2.1873, 5.8601 and 5.1395 for As, Cr, Pb and Hg, respectively, indicating the potential of the cestode in accumulation of heavy metals from the host inferring that these parasites can be used as an accumulation bioindicator instead of its host fish because of its better heavy metal accumulation potential. *Corresponding author: Otachi EO, Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, PO Box 536, Egerton, Kenya, Tel: +22545430555; E-mail: elickotachi@gmail.com Received May 08, 2018; Accepted July 01, 2018; Published July 05, 2018 Citation: Ngesa EA, Otachi EO, Kitaka NK (2018) Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, PO Box 536, Egerton, Kenya. J Environ Anal Toxicol 8: 583. doi: 10.4172/2161-0525.1000583 Copyright: © 2018 Ngesa EA, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Citation: Ngesa EA, Otachi EO, Kitaka NK (2018) A Little Fish with a High Heavy Metals Burden: The Case of Straightfin Barb, Enteromius paludinosus (Peters 1852) from River Malewa, Naivasha, Kenya. J Environ Anal Toxicol 8: 583. doi: 10.4172/2161-0525.1000583

Effects of Tropospheric Ozone (O3) on Yield and Nutritional Quality of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata Cv. MN 98): Evidence from Pakistan

Abstract: The effects of ambient ozone concentrations on the yield and nutritional quality of Mung bean (MN-98) grown in Northern Pakistan was assessed using EDU. Passive samplers results revealed that ozone was significantly lower (24.2 ppb) in April compared to May, June (49 ppb). The mean pods number/plants, length/plant, and biomass of both fresh and dry weight of EDU and NEDU treated plants were all significantly not different. The mean biomass for EDU leaves was (4.0 g) and significantly reduced compared to NEDU (2.8 g). The mean root length and shoot biomass of EDU plants compared to NEDU treated plants remained unchanged. However, the total biomass of EDU plants were significantly higher (10.0 g) compared to NEDU (7.3 g). The overall plant biomass was 30% significantly higher than N-EDU plants. The nutritional quality parameters (Ash, Moisture, Fats, Fiber and Protein) reduced significantly in NEDU seeds compared to EDU. The %moisture contents of seeds was (F=0.017; p<0.05), %Ash (F=3.987; p<0.05), %Protein (F=3.467; p<0.05) %Fats (F=2.574; p<0.05), %Fiber content was positively affected by EDU treatment. It was concluded that ozone is directly affecting the growth and quality of summer crops grown in Pakistan that can affect the future food security of the region.