scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "Journal of Environmental Monitoring in 2009"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review critically reviewed 157 studies over 29 years that utilized one of five categories of exposure methods (proximity, air dispersion, hybrid, human inhalation, and biomarkers) and found proximity models were found to be a questionable technique.
Abstract: The assessment of personal exposure to air pollution is a critical component of epidemiological studies associating air pollution and health effects. This paper critically reviewed 157 studies over 29 years that utilized one of five categories of exposure methods (proximity, air dispersion, hybrid, human inhalation, and biomarkers). Proximity models were found to be a questionable technique as they assume that closer proximity equates to greater exposure. Inhalation models and biomarker estimates were the most effective in assessing personal exposure, but are often cost prohibitive for large study populations. This review suggests that: (i) factors such as uncertainty, validity, data availability, and transferability related to exposure assessment methods should be considered when selecting a model; and (ii) although an entirely discreet new class of approach is not necessary, significant progress could be made through the development of a ‘hybrid’ model utilizing the strengths of several existing methods. Future work should systematically evaluate the performance of hybrid models compared to other individual exposure assessment methods utilizing geospatial information technologies (e.g. geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS)) to more robustly refine estimates of ambient exposure and quantify the linkages and differences between outdoor, indoor and personal exposure estimates.

219 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Assessment of correlation for selected toxic and essential elements in paired whole blood samples of delivering women and cord blood confirmed that most of the toxic metals measured have an ability to cross the placental barrier.
Abstract: Environmental toxicants such as metals may be detrimental to foetus and infant development and health because of their physiological immaturity, opportunistic and differential exposures, and a longer lifetime over which disease, initiated during pregnancy and in early life, can develop. The placental mechanisms responsible for regulation of absorption and excretion of elements during pregnancy are not fully understood. The aim of this paper is to assess the correlation for selected toxic and essential elements in paired whole blood samples of delivering women and cord blood, as well as to evaluate the placental permeability for selected elements. Regression analyses used to assess this correlation in 62-paired samples of maternal and cord whole blood of delivering women show that the concentrations of mercury, lead, cobalt, arsenic and selenium in maternal and cord blood differed statistically. Lead, cobalt, arsenic and selenium appear to pass the placental barrier by a diffusion mechanism. It was also found that the mercury levels in cord blood were almost double those of the mother, suggesting that the foetus may act as a filter for the maternal mercury levels during pregnancy. Transplacental transfer for arsenic and cobalt was 80% and 45%, respectively, suggesting that the placenta modulates the rate of transfer for these elements. Cadmium, manganese, copper and zinc levels did not show statistically significant correlations between two compartments (maternal versus cord whole blood). The study confirms that most of the toxic metals measured have an ability to cross the placental barrier.

174 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The decadal increases of greenness reflect increasing vegetation production during the peak of the growing season, and were likely driven by the recent warming.
Abstract: This study is presented within the context that climate warming and sea-ice decline has been occurring throughout much of the Arctic over the past several decades, and that terrestrial ecosystems at high latitudes are sensitive to the resultant alterations in surface temperatures. Results are from analyzing interannual satellite records of vegetation greenness across a bioclimate gradient of the Canadian Arctic over the period of 1982–2006. Here, we combine multi-scale sub-pixel analysis and remote sensing time-series analysis to investigate recent decadal changes in vegetation greenness along spatial gradients of summer temperature and vegetation. Linear autoregression temporal analysis of vegetation greenness was performed with relatively “pure” vegetation pixels of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data, spanning Low Arctic, High Arctic and polar desert ecosystems. Vegetation greenness generally increased over tundra ecosystems in the past two decades. Peak annual greenness increased 0.49–0.79%/yr over the High Arctic where prostrate dwarf shrubs, forbs, mosses and lichens dominate and 0.46–0.67%/yr over the Low Arctic where erect dwarf shrubs and graminoids dominate. However, magnitudes of vegetation greenness differ with length of time series and periods considered, indicating a nonlinear response of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change. The decadal increases of greenness reflect increasing vegetation production during the peak of the growing season, and were likely driven by the recent warming.

169 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Risk assessment based on the "worst case scenario" of the monitoring data from the present study suggested potential toxic risks to aquatic organisms posed by carbamazepine, triclosan and diclofenac associated with such effluent discharge.
Abstract: Occurrence of eight selected pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs; caffeine, carbamazepine, triclosan, gemfibrozil, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen) were investigated in effluents from fifteen sewage treatment plants (STPs) across South Australia. In addition, a detailed investigation into the removal of these compounds was also carried out in four STPs with different technologies (Plant A: conventional activated sludge; plant B: two oxidation ditches; plant C: three bioreactors; and plant D: ten lagoons in series). The concentrations of these compounds in the effluents from the fifteen STPs showed substantial variations among the STPs, with their median concentrations ranging from 26 ng/L for caffeine to 710 ng/L for carbamazepine. Risk assessment based on the “worst case scenario” of the monitoring data from the present study suggested potential toxic risks to aquatic organisms posed by carbamazepine, triclosan and diclofenac associated with such effluent discharge. With the exception of carbamazepine and gemfibrozil, significant concentration decreases between influent and effluent were observed in the four STPs studied in more detail. Biodegradation was found to be the main mechanism for removing concentrations from the liquid waste stream for the PhACs within the four STPs, while adsorption onto sludge appeared to be a minor process for all target PhACs except for triclosan. Some compounds (e.g. gemfibrozil) exhibited variable removal efficiencies within the four STPs. Plant D (10 lagoons in series) was least efficient in the removal of the target PhACs; significant biodegradation of these compounds only occurred from the sixth or seventh lagoon.

158 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: While steaming reduced total and inorganic arsenic rice content, it did not do so consistently across all rice types investigated, and rinse washing and high volume of cooking water are effective.
Abstract: Total arsenic and arsenic speciation was performed on different rice types (basmati, long-grain, polished ([white] and wholegrain [brown]) that had undergone various forms of cooking The effect of rinse washing, low volume (25 : 1 water : rice) and high volume (6 : 1 water : rice) cooking, as well as steaming, were investigated Rinse washing was effective at removing circa 10% of the total and inorganic arsenic from basmati rice, but was less effective for other rice types While steaming reduced total and inorganic arsenic rice content, it did not do so consistently across all rice types investigated Low volume water cooking did not remove arsenic High volume water : rice cooking did effectively remove both total and inorganic arsenic for the long-grain and basmati rice (parboiled was not investigated in high volume cooking water experiment), by 35% and 45% for total and inorganic arsenic content, respectively, compared to uncooked (raw) rice To reduce arsenic content of cooked rice, specifically the inorganic component, rinse washing and high volume of cooking water are effective

151 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two methods to assess humic acids (HAs) in surface water namely absorbance of ultraviolet light at 254 nm (UV(254)) and total organic carbon (TOC) are compared as well as to evaluate the effects of calcium and magnesium concentrations, pH and sample filtration on the methods' results.
Abstract: Humic acids (HAs) content of raw water is an important analytical parameter in water treatment facilities because HAs in the presence of chlorine may lead to the formation of dangerous by-products (e.g., trihalomethanes). The concentration of HAs in water is not directly accessible by common analytical methods due to their heterogeneous chemical structure. The aim of this study was to compare two methods to assess humic acids (HAs) in surface water namely absorbance of ultraviolet light at 254 nm (UV254) and total organic carbon (TOC), as well as to evaluate the effects of calcium and magnesium concentrations, pH and sample filtration on the methods' results. An aqueous solution of a commercial HA with 10 mg L−1 was used in the present work. Quantification of the HA was carried out by both UV254 and TOC (combustion-infrared method) measurements. UV254 results were converted to TOC using a calibration curve. The effects of calcium (0–136.3 mg L−1) and magnesium (0–34.5 mg L−1) concentrations, pH (4.0, 7.0 and 9.0) and sample filtration on UV254 and TOC measurements of the HA suspension were evaluated. More accurate TOC values of HA suspensions were obtained by the combustion-infrared method than by the UV254 absorbance method. The higher differences of TOC values between unfiltered and filtered samples were detected in the presence of calcium at pH 9.0 using the spectrophotometric method.

144 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Measurements in sewage and surface waters showed an almost ubiquitous presence of metformin in the aquatic environment and the measured concentration levels in sewage treatment plant influents correlate nicely to the prescription numbers for met formin in Germany.
Abstract: The antidiabetic drug metformin is among the pharmaceuticals with the highest production numbers world-wide. This paper presents first data on the occurrence of metformin in sewage and surface waters in Germany. Analysis of metformin is based on pre-concentration of the analyte onto a polymeric solid-phase material and subsequent determination by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Applying the method to sewage and surface waters, recoveries >90% and limits of detection of 10 ng L−1 could be achieved by pre-concentration of a sample volume of only 10 mL. Measurements in sewage and surface waters showed an almost ubiquitous presence of metformin in the aquatic environment. The measured concentration levels in sewage treatment plant influents correlate nicely to the prescription numbers for metformin in Germany. During sewage treatment a significant reduction of metformin concentrations was observed which seems to be mainly due to microbial degradation. Despite this significant elimination during sewage treatment, metformin was found in all river waters under investigation. Concentration levels depend on the sewage fraction of the receiving waters and for most rivers are in the range of several 100 ng L−1, i.e. in the same order of magnitude or even higher than for other relevant pharmaceutical residues.

142 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is proposed that on-the-go vehicle-based sensing systems have potential for efficiently and rapidly characterizing variability of soil macronutrients within a field.
Abstract: Accurate measurements of soil macronutrients (i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are needed for efficient agricultural production, including site-specific crop management (SSCM), where fertilizer nutrient application rates are adjusted spatially based on local requirements. Rapid, non-destructive quantification of soil properties, including nutrient levels, has been possible with optical diffuse reflectance sensing. Another approach, electrochemical sensing based on ion-selective electrodes or ion-selective field effect transistors, has been recognized as useful in real-time analysis because of its simplicity, portability, rapid response, and ability to directly measure the analyte with a wide range of sensitivity. Current sensor developments and related technologies that are applicable to the measurement of soil macronutrients for SSCM are comprehensively reviewed. Examples of optical and electrochemical sensors applied in soil analyses are given, while advantages and obstacles to their adoption are discussed. It is proposed that on-the-go vehicle-based sensing systems have potential for efficiently and rapidly characterizing variability of soil macronutrients within a field.

141 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The majority of these SQGs are based on the weight-of-evidence approach, and the sub-group of TEL/PEL-based values have a very high degree of comparability; values not belonging to this uniform group show substantial variations.
Abstract: Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) are an important tool for the assessment of contamination in marine and estuarine sediments. Although such guidelines are not definitive indicators of toxicity, they can have a high predictive ability and are a vital tool for identifying areas with potentially adverse biological effects. In the present study, 15 sets of common SQGs have been compared, including values for Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong, Norway, the Netherlands, the USA and regions within the USA (Puget Sound/Washington, New York and Florida). The majority of these SQGs are based on the weight-of-evidence approach. In particular, the sub-group of TEL/PEL-based values have a very high degree of comparability; values not belonging to this uniform group show substantial variations.

113 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Hong Liu1, Guoping Zhang1, Cong-Qiang Liu1, Ling Li1, Meng Xiang1 
TL;DR: The partitioning of antibiotics in river water and sediment suggests a lower sorption of TCs to the sediment compared to previous studies, which is believed to be caused by the high Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations, ionic strength and pH of the river water in the carbonate area.
Abstract: The occurrence of antibiotics including chloramphenciol (CAP), oxytetracycline (OTC) and tetracycline (TC) was studied in municipal sewage, river water and sediment. Temporal and spatial variations of antibiotic concentrations in municipal sewage, river water and sediment were evaluated. In municipal sewage, CAP, OTC and TC concentrations were in the range of 5.8–47.4, 0.16–5.7 and 0.7–65.2 µg L−1, respectively, and showed a temporal variation with high antibiotic concentrations appearing in the cold season. Untreated municipal sewage can seriously influence both river water and sediment. Generally, high antibiotic concentrations in river water appeared in winter owing to the low flow condition as well as the high antibiotic concentration in the sewage. However, high CAP and OTC concentrations in sediment were observed in summer most likely because runoff in high flow season can carry wastes from some origins (e.g. livestock farms in the countryside) into the river. The partitioning of antibiotics in river water and sediment suggests a lower sorption of TCs to the sediment compared to previous studies, which is believed to be caused by the high Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations, ionic strength and pH of the river water in the carbonate area.

111 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The presence of fungi and mycotoxins was investigated in 99 samples collected in the mouldy interiors of seven water-damaged buildings, finding the most common fungal species found were Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor (group), Chaetomium spp.
Abstract: Concerns have been raised about exposure to mycotoxin producing fungi and the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) they produce in indoor environments. Therefore, the presence of fungi and mycotoxins was investigated in 99 samples (air, dust, wallpaper, mycelium or silicone) collected in the mouldy interiors of seven water-damaged buildings. In addition, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were sampled. The mycotoxins were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (20 target mycotoxins) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS). Morphological and molecular identifications of fungi were performed. Of the 99 samples analysed, the presence of one or more mycotoxins was shown in 62 samples by means of LC-MS/MS analysis. The mycotoxins found were mainly roquefortine C, chaetoglobosin A and sterigmatocystin but also roridin E, ochratoxin A, aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 were detected. Q-TOF-MS analysis elucidated the possible occurrence of another 42 different fungal metabolites. In general, the fungi identified matched well with the mycotoxins detected. The most common fungal species found were Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor (group), Chaetomium spp. and Cladosporium spp. In addition, one hundred and seventeen (M)VOCs were identified, especially linear alkanes (C9–C17), aldehydes, aromatic compounds and monoterpenes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The high mercury levels found in organs involved in vital physiological processes point out the risk to autochthonous fish fauna.
Abstract: This study brings a new viewpoint based on multiple-tissue analyses to form the basis for a predictive mode of mercury accumulation dynamics in fish body under field conditions. Total mercury (T–Hg) was determined in key tissues of Liza aurata captured along an estuarine contamination gradient, displaying the following hierarchy: kidney > liver > muscle > brain > gills > blood. Brain was the tissue that better reflected the mercury contamination extent, closely followed by liver and muscle. Organic mercury (O–Hg) measured in muscle and liver represented more than 85% and less than 30% of the T–Hg, respectively. The lowest O–Hg percentage was found in the most contaminated area, for both muscle and liver. Mercury distribution and accumulation patterns showed dependence on the specific tissue. The high mercury levels found in organs involved in vital physiological processes point out the risk to autochthonous fish fauna. Human risk associated to the ingestion of fish living in the surveyed areas cannot be excluded.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Air sampling survey was conducted across the African continent to establish baseline information on contamination of ambient air with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as a reference for future monitoring programs in the region, and the large temporal variability in the pesticide concentrations suggested seasonal application of gamma-HCHs and endosulfans.
Abstract: A 6-month air sampling survey was conducted at 26 sites across the African continent with the aim to establish baseline information on contamination of ambient air with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as a reference for future monitoring programs in the region. Sampling sites included continental, rural and urban backgrounds, agricultural and industrial sites as well as waste and obsolete pesticide dumps. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans, polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides were low at most of the rural background sites, but they raise some concern in big cities. The large temporal variability in the pesticide concentrations suggested seasonal application of γ-HCHs and endosulfans; levels of p,p′-DDT were often much higher than those of p,p′-DDE and indicated recent application of DDT.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The limit of detection of Hg(2+) of 1 ppb level suggests that RG1 is capable of distinguishing between the safe and toxic levels of inorganic mercury in drinking water.
Abstract: By combination of a sugar group and a rhodamine group into one molecule, a bright and specific fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ in natural water and living cells was achieved RG1 features the high quantum efficiency for a Hg2+-bound sensor in natural water and sensitivity to environmentally relevant mercury in complex natural samples The limit of detection of Hg2+ of 1 ppb level suggests that RG1 is capable of distinguishing between the safe and toxic levels of inorganic mercury in drinking water RG1 also establishes excellent Hg2+-ion specificity over alkali-, alkaline-earth metals and the first-row transition metals as well as Pb2+ and Ag+ Investigation on the fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ in living cells demonstrates that RG1 might be used for monitoring Hg2+ within biological samples

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A broad positive correlation was obtained between population density and soil PAH concentrations and statistically significant correlations observed between PAHs and soil organic matter (SOM), and black carbon (BC).
Abstract: The levels and distribution of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in global background soil samples. Total PAH concentrations (sum of 15 compounds) ranged over 5 orders of magnitude, from North America > Asia > Oceania > Africa > South America. Proximity to long-term emissions sources and locations susceptible to high atmospheric depositional inputs tended to have higher concentrations. A broad positive correlation was obtained between population density and soil PAH concentrations (i.e. source-related factors). However, concentrations were also influenced by the holding capacity of the soils (i.e. sink-related factors) with statistically significant correlations observed between PAHs and soil organic matter (SOM), and black carbon (BC).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that it is impossible to set limit values for ENPs in surface waters now and in the foreseeable future due to the extensive lack of knowledge and the questionable validity of test systems and methods to establish environmental quality standards (EQS).
Abstract: The current widespread and diverse use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in consumer products is expected to result in direct and indirect emissions to the aquatic environment. In Europe, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is responsible for maintaining a good chemical and ecological status of surface waters. This review provides an insight to the likely scenarios if an engineered nanoparticle should be considered a “priority substance” in the WFD. Through a brief literature review of the aquatic toxicity of carbon- and metal-containing ENPs and in light of principles to establish environmental quality standards, we conclude that it is impossible to set limit values for ENPs in surface waters now and in the foreseeable future. This is due to the extensive lack of knowledge not only in relation to unknown toxic effects, degradability, and bioaccumulation of ENPs in the aquatic environment, but also due to the questionable validity of test systems and methods to establish environmental quality standards (EQS). From this, we also suggest some paths to follow to compensate for these knowledge gaps which include environmental monitoring and a closer look at the use of ENPs in consumer products.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results show that despite the levels of both organic and metallic contaminants in these eight spots in the South Coast of Portugal not being particularly high compared with other contaminated/polluted sites worldwide, the selected battery of biomarkers responded efficiently to the environmental changes and allowed an environmental assessment between seasons and sites.
Abstract: A multibiomarker approach was carried out for the first time in the South Portuguese Coast using Mytilus galloprovincialis, to assess environmental quality, establish if there are adverse biological responses associated to different sources of anthropogenic contamination and to determine spatial and seasonal trends. For this purpose the battery of biomarkers selected was: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx total and Se dependent), Cytochrome P450 component system, Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), metallothionein (MT) and lead-δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and Condition Index (CI) along with the determination of PAHs and metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Results show that despite the levels of both organic and metallic contaminants in these eight spots in the South Coast of Portugal not being particularly high compared with other contaminated/polluted sites worldwide, the selected battery of biomarkers responded efficiently to the environmental changes and allowed an environmental assessment between seasons and sites. Different spatial and seasonal responses were evident along the South Coast of Portugal, meaning that the contamination is not homogeneous. This does not only reflect different competition, origin and intensity of contamination, but also different environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, salinity). Along the South Portuguese Coast site 8 was the most contaminated, while site 2 was considered the least contaminated. Despite environmental factors possibly causing difficulties in the general interpretation of biomarker data, those that better responded to environmental contamination were CYP450, SOD-mit and T-GPx for the ∑PAHs, MT (digestive gland) for metals (especially Cu), ALAD for Pb and LPO for both organic and metallic contamination. These biomarkers were also positively correlated with temperature in summer, revealing this as a more stressful/critical season. In future environmental contamination assessments there is no need to analyse the components b5, P418, NADH and NADPH of phase I MFO system, and MT in the gills, since their responses are not evident.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Tertiary treatment of wastewater with ozone is a promising technique for removing residual micropollutants that remain after secondary biological treatment and the reduction of toxicity can be rationalized by the chemical oxidation processes likely to occur for each group of chemicals that are typical for a given mode of toxic action.
Abstract: Tertiary treatment of wastewater with ozone is a promising technique for removing residual micropollutants that remain after secondary biological treatment. We monitored the performance of a full-scale ozonation reactor on a sewage treatment plant in Switzerland with a screening battery of bioassays. Six toxicity endpoints were selected that covered non-specific toxicity, as well as selected receptor-mediated modes of action and reactive toxicity. Non-specific toxicity was assessed with two bioassays, the bioluminescence inhibition of the marine luminescent bacterium Vibrio Fischeri and the growth inhibition of the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Treatment efficiency was around 90% for the secondary treatment, but only 65% and 76% for the ozonation step in the two non-specific endpoints, respectively. This finding is consistent with this type of oxidation reaction because ozone only modifies the organic molecules but does not mineralize them fully leaving residual toxicity of the transformation products. In contrast, the specific receptor-mediated endpoints of inhibition of photosystem II in algae and estrogenicity were largely reduced by ozonation. While compounds inhibiting photosynthesis proved to be rather recalcitrant toward biological treatment with only 47% removal, an additional 86% removal by ozonation yielded an overall treatment efficiency in the entire treatment chain of 89%. The effect on estrogenicity, quantified with the yeast estrogen screen, was even more significant: A treatment efficiency of 95% in the secondary treatment, 86% during ozonation plus a small effect by biological sand filtration yielded an overall treatment efficiency of 99.5%. Insecticides that inhibit acetylcholinesterase were fairly resistant to degradation, but an overall treatment efficiency of 91% was achieved in two steps: 72% in biological treatment and 60% during ozonation. Finally, no significant genotoxicity was observed with the umuC test after ozonation, while the influent showed a genotoxic response when it was enriched by a factor of 15 to 60. Treatment efficiency increased with the ozone dose and remained virtually unchanged over ozone doses above 500 g ozone per kg dissolved organic carbon. The reduction of toxicity can be rationalized by the chemical oxidation processes likely to occur for each group of chemicals that are typical for a given mode of toxic action. For comparison, tertiary treatment with powdered activated carbon was also evaluated, which poses a viable alternative to ozonation with respect to removal of micropollutants.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An ensemble of nutrient models was applied in 17 European catchments to analyse the variation that appears after simulation of net nutrient loads and partitioning of nutrient loads at catchment scale and shows that the catchment specific variation in the model results is lowest when simulating the net nutrient load and becomes increasingly higher for simulation of the gross nutrient loss from agricultural land.
Abstract: An ensemble of nutrient models was applied in 17 European catchments to analyse the variation that appears after simulation of net nutrient loads and partitioning of nutrient loads at catchment scale. Eight models for N and five models for P were applied in three core catchments covering European-wide gradients in climate, topography, soil types and land use (Vansjo-Hobol (Norway), Ouse (Yorkshire, UK) and Enza (Italy)). Moreover, each of the models was applied in 3-14 other EUROHARP catchments in order to inter-compare the outcome of the nutrient load partitioning at a wider European scale. The results of the nutrient load partitioning show a variation in the computed average annual nitrogen and phosphorus loss from agricultural land within the 17 catchments between 19.1-34.6 kg N ha(-1) and 0.12-1.67 kg P ha(-1). All the applied nutrient models show that the catchment specific variation (range and standard deviation) in the model results is lowest when simulating the net nutrient load and becomes increasingly higher for simulation of the gross nutrient loss from agricultural land and highest for the simulations of the gross nutrient loss from other diffuse sources in the core catchments. The average coefficient of variation for the model simulations of gross P loss from agricultural land is nearly twice as high (67%) as for the model simulations of gross N loss from agricultural land (40%). The variation involved in model simulations of net nutrient load and gross nutrient losses in European catchments was due to regional factors and the presence or absence of large lakes within the catchment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study examined the occurrence in wastewater of 11 aromatic biocides, pesticides and degradates, and their fate during passage through US treatment plants, as well as the chemical mass contained in sewage sludge (biosolids) destined for land application to address some of the data gaps identified by the National Research Council.
Abstract: This study examined the occurrence in wastewater of 11 aromatic biocides, pesticides and degradates, and their fate during passage through US treatment plants, as well as the chemical mass contained in sewage sludge (biosolids) destined for land application. Analyte concentrations in wastewater influent, effluent and sludge from 25 facilities in 18 US states were determined by liquid chromatography electrospray (tandem) mass spectrometry. Dichlorocarbanilide, fipronil, triclocarban, and triclosan were found consistently in all sample types. Dichlorophene, hexachlorophene, and tetrachlorocarbanilide were detected infrequently only, and concentrations of the phenyl urea pesticides diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, and linuron were below the limit of detection in all matrixes. Median concentrations (±95% confidence interval) of quantifiable compounds in influent ranged from 4.2 ± 0.8 μg L−1 for triclocarban to 0.03 ± 0.01 μg L−1 for fipronil. Median concentrations in effluent were highest for triclocarban and triclosan (0.23 ± 0.08 and 0.07 ± 0.04 μg L−1, respectively). Median aqueous-phase removal efficiencies (±95% CI) of activated sludge treatment plants decreased in the order of: triclosan (96 ± 2%) > triclocarban (87 ± 7%) > dichlorocarbanilide (55 ± 20%) > fipronil (18 ± 22%). Median concentrations of organohalogens were typically higher in anaerobically than in aerobically digested sludges, and peaked at 27 600 ± 9600 and 15 800 ± 8200 μg kg−1 for triclocarban and triclosan, respectively. Mass balances obtained for three primary pesticides in six activated sludge treatment plants employing anaerobic digestion suggested a decreasing overall persistence from fipronil (97 ± 70%) to triclocarban (87 ± 29%) to triclosan (28 ± 30%). Nationwide release of the investigated organohalogens to agricultural land via municipal sludge recycling and into surface waters is estimated to total 258 000 ± 110 00 kg year−1 (mean ± 95% confidence interval), with most of this mass derived from antimicrobial consumer products of daily use. This study addresses some of the data gaps identified by the National Research Council in its 2002 study on standards and practices of biosolids application on land.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that addressing the complex and critical issues surrounding the environmental transformation and toxicity of ENMs must be accompanied by the creation of new approaches or further developments of existing instrumentation.
Abstract: The discovery of fullerenes in 1985 has ushered in an explosive growth in the applications of engineered nanomaterials and consumer products. Nanotechnology and engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are being incorporated into a range of commercial products such as consumer electronics, cosmetics, imaging and sensors. Nanomaterials offer new possibilities for the development of novel sensing and monitoring technologies. Nanosensors can be classified under two main categories: (i) Nanotechnology-enabled sensors or sensors that are themselves nanoscale or have nanoscale materials or components, and (ii) Nanoproperty-quantifiable sensors or sensors that are used to measure nanoscale properties. The first category can eventually result in lower material cost, reduced weight and energy consumption. The second category can enhance our understanding of the potential toxic effects of emerging pollutants from nanomaterials including fullerenes, dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes. Despite the enormous literatures and reviews on Category I sensors, there are few sensors to measure nanoscale properties or sensors belonging to Category II. This class of nanosensors is an area of critical interest to nanotoxicology, detection and risk assessment, as well as for monitoring of environmental and/or biological exposure. This article discusses emerging fields of nanotoxicology and nanomonitoring including the challenges of characterizing engineered nanomaterials and the potentials of combining existing analytical techniques with conventional cytotoxicity methods. Two case studies are provided for development of Category II nanosensors for fullerene nanoparticles and quantum dots. One highlights the uniqueness of a portable, dissolved oxygen electrochemical sensor arrays capable of detecting the ENMs as well as provide rapid nanotoxicological information. This review has shown that addressing the complex and critical issues surrounding the environmental transformation and toxicity of ENMs must be accompanied by the creation of new approaches or further developments of existing instrumentation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An overview of the various nanoparticles and nanostructures used for in situ and field-based environmental monitoring devices, their integration into functional analytical devices, applications as electrode materials and gas sensing nanoprobes, in biosensors and as capture probes in immunomagnetic separations are discussed.
Abstract: Rapid progress of the nanotechnology and advanced nanomaterials production offers significant opportunities for a wide range of applications for detection and remediation of a broad range of environmental contaminants. The convergence of analytical techniques and nanotechnology provides attractive possibilities for development of miniaturized, rapid, ultrasensitive and inexpensive methods for in situ and field-based environmental monitoring devices. This review provides an overview of the various nanoparticles and nanostructures used for this purpose, their integration into functional analytical devices, applications as electrode materials and gas sensing nanoprobes, in biosensors and as capture probes in immunomagnetic separations. Relevant, specific examples of nanomaterials-based chemical and biological sensors with applications in environmental monitoring are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Toenails are presented as a viable biomarker of exposure at sites with elevated environmental As, such as the former mining sites found throughout Devon and Cornwall, UK.
Abstract: A pilot study was conducted to determine the applicability of toenails as a biomarker of exposure to elevated environmental arsenic (As) levels. A total of 17 individuals were recruited for the pilot study: 8 residents living near to a former As mine, Devon, UK, forming the exposed group, plus 9 residents from Nottinghamshire, UK, with no anticipated As exposure who were used for comparison as a control group. All toenail samples were thoroughly washed prior to analysis and the wash solutions retained for As determination via ICP-MS to provide an indication of the background environmental As levels for each group. Total As was determined in washed toenail samples via ICP-MS following microwave assisted acid digestion. Concentrations of total As in the toenails of the exposed group were elevated, ranging from 858 to 25 981 µg kg−1 (geometric mean = 5406 µg kg−1), compared to the control group whose toenail As concentrations ranged from 73 to 273 µg kg−1 (geometric mean = 122 µg kg−1). Higher levels of exogenous As contamination were present on the toenails of the exposed group (geometric mean = 506 µg kg−1) compared to the control group (geometric mean = 4.0 µg kg−1) providing evidence of higher environmental As levels in the exposed group. Total As concentrations in toenail samples were positively correlated to environmental As levels (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). HPLC-ICP-MS analysis of aqueous toenail extracts revealed inorganic arsenite (AsIII) to be the dominant species extracted (∼83%) with lesser amounts of inorganic arsenate (AsV) and organic dimethylarsinate (DMAV) at ∼13% and ∼8.5%, respectively. Arsenic speciation in analysed toenail extracts from the two groups was comparable. The only notable difference between groups was the presence of small amounts (<1%) of organic methylarsonate (MAV) in two toenail samples from the exposed group. Toenails are presented as a viable biomarker of exposure at sites with elevated environmental As, such as the former mining sites found throughout Devon and Cornwall, UK.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper discusses various monitoring objectives and related procedures used for the assessment and redesign of long-term surface WQM networks, and possible methods to overcome disadvantages and deficiencies in the statistical approaches that are currently in use.
Abstract: An up-to-date review of the statistical approaches utilized for the assessment and redesign of surface water quality monitoring (WQM) networks is presented. The main technical aspects of network design are covered in four sections, addressing monitoring objectives, water quality variables, sampling frequency and spatial distribution of sampling locations. This paper discusses various monitoring objectives and related procedures used for the assessment and redesign of long-term surface WQM networks. The appropriateness of each approach for the design, contraction or expansion of monitoring networks is also discussed. For each statistical approach, its advantages and disadvantages are examined from a network design perspective. Possible methods to overcome disadvantages and deficiencies in the statistical approaches that are currently in use are recommended.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A detailed intercomparison of contemporary catchment-scale modelling approaches was undertaken to characterise the relative importance of point and diffuse pollution of nutrients in surface freshwater systems.
Abstract: In EUROHARP, an EC Framework V project, which started in 2002 with 21 partners in 17 countries across Europe, a detailed intercomparison of contemporary catchment-scale modelling approaches was undertaken to characterise the relative importance of point and diffuse pollution of nutrients in surface freshwater systems. The study focused on the scientific evaluation of different modelling approaches, which were validated on three core catchments (the Ouse, UK; the Vansjo-Hobol, Norway; and the Enza, Italy), and the application of each tool to three additional, randomly chosen catchments across Europe. The tools involved differ profoundly in their complexity, level of process representation and data requirements. The tools include simple loading models, statistical, conceptual and empirical model approaches, and physics-based (mechanistic) models. The results of a scientific intercomparison of the characteristics of these different model approaches are described. This includes an analysis of potential strengths and weaknesses of the nutrient models.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results indicate that knowledge on trace element speciation can contribute to a better understanding of the transport of metals across the neural barriers and potentially of their role in diseased human brains.
Abstract: Improved living conditions have led to a steady increase in the life expectancy of humans in most countries. However, this is accompanied by an increased probability of suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, the therapeutic possibilities for curing these diseases are very limited up to now. Many studies indicate that a variety of environmental factors contribute to the initiation and promotion of neurodegenerative diseases. For example, the role of metal exposure and disturbance of metal homeostasis in the brain is discussed in this respect. However, most studies focus on the neurological and toxicological aspects but not on a detailed characterisation of the species of the involved metals. Therefore, this review summarizes the neurotoxic effects of selected metals on humans and focuses on contributions from trace element speciation analysis with relevance to neuroscientific research. In spite of the advance in instrumentation and methodology of speciation analysis there are few applications for matrices like cerebrospinal fluid which is due to limited access to these samples and analytical challenges caused by matrix interferences, low concentrations and limited stability of many trace element species of interest. The most relevant neurotoxic metals aluminium, lead, manganese and mercury are reviewed in detail while further metals like cadmium, arsenic, bismuth and tin are briefly discussed. Current results indicate that knowledge on trace element speciation can contribute to a better understanding of the transport of metals across the neural barriers and potentially of their role in diseased human brains.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors elucidate the applications of OSA formation in oil spill response strategies including natural attenuation, sediment relocation, and sediment mixing, and discuss research needs in the future which would further improve understanding of Osa formation.
Abstract: It has been acknowledged that following an oil spill in coastal areas where suspended particulate matter (SPM) is rich, aggregation between oil and SPM can be naturally formed. This kind of aggregation product is termed as oil-SPM aggregates (OSAs). Because OSAs are not as sticky to the shorelines as crude oil and the oil–water contact area is greatly increased due to the formation of OSAs, both oil dispersion into the water body and oil biodegration would be significantly enhanced. In this review article, the authors (1) describe in detail the mechanism of OSA formation and controlling parameters which can influence OSA formation (the parameters discussed include the oil nature and properties, sediment types and concentrations, and the environmental factors such as salinity, temperature and mixing energy); (2) briefly review qualitative and quantitative methods used for characterization of OSA formation (two main methods used for the OSA characterization are the UV epi-fluorescence microscopy and gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID); (3) elucidate the applications of OSA formation in oil spill response strategies including natural attenuation, sediment relocation, and sediment mixing; and (4) discuss research needs in the future which would further improve our understanding of OSA formation and move towards the development of adequate oil behaviour models.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aim of this work was to review the existing instrumental methods to monitor airborne nanoparticles in different types of indoor and outdoor environments in order to detect their presence and to characterise their properties.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to review the existing instrumental methods to monitor airborne nanoparticles in different types of indoor and outdoor environments in order to detect their presence and to characterise their properties. Firstly the terminology and definitions used in this field are discussed, which is followed by a review of the methods to measure particle physical characteristics including number, concentration, size distribution and surface area. An extensive discussion is provided on the direct methods for particle elemental composition measurements, as well as on indirect methods providing information on particle volatility and solubility, and thus in turn on volatile and semivolatile compounds of which the particle is composed. A brief summary of broader considerations related to nanoparticle monitoring in different environments concludes the paper.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This pilot study uses concentrations of metals in maternal and cord blood at delivery, in seven selected geographical areas of South Africa, to determine prenatal environmental exposure to toxic metals, and is the first study performed in South Africa that measured multiple metals in delivering mothers and umbilical cord blood samples.
Abstract: This pilot study uses concentrations of metals in maternal and cord blood at delivery, in seven selected geographical areas of South Africa, to determine prenatal environmental exposure to toxic metals. Samples of maternal and cord whole blood were analysed for levels of cadmium, mercury, lead, manganese, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic and selenium. Levels of some measured metals differed by site, indicating different environmental pollution levels in the regions selected for the study. Mercury levels were elevated in two coastal populations studied (Atlantic and Indian Ocean sites) with mothers from the Atlantic site having the highest median concentration of 1.78 µg/L ranging from 0.44 to 8.82 µg/L, which was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001) when compared to other sites, except the Indian Ocean site. The highest concentration of cadmium was measured in maternal blood from the Atlantic site with a median value of 0.25 µg/L (range 0.05–0.89 µg/L), and statistical significance of p < 0.032, when compared to all other sites studied, and p < 0.001 and p < 0.004 when compared to rural and industrial sites respectively, confounding factor for elevated cadmium levels was found to be cigarette smoking. Levels of lead were highest in the urban site, with a median value of 32.9 µg/L (range 16–81.5 µg/L), and statistically significant when compared with other sites (p < 0.003). Levels of selenium were highest in the Atlantic site reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). All analysed metals were detected in umbilical cord blood samples and differed between sites, with mercury being highest in the Atlantic site (p < 0.001), lead being highest in the urban site (p < 0.004) and selenium in the Atlantic site (p < 0.001). To the best of our knowledge this pilot investigation is the first study performed in South Africa that measured multiple metals in delivering mothers and umbilical cord blood samples. These results will inform the selection of the geographical sites requiring further investigation in the main study.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The incorporation of an innocuous stabilizer can substantially enhance the stability of nano-particles for environmental transformations and reduce the reactivity of Cr(VI) under a selection of reaction conditions.
Abstract: A variety of zero-valent metals (Al0, Cu0, Fe0, Mg0, Ni0, Si0 and Zn0), and Cu0 and Fe0 nano-sized particles were evaluated for reactivity towards the reduction of Cr(VI) in a surfactant preparation (Tween® 20) under a selection of reaction conditions. At circum neutral pHs, a rapid inactivation of the surface was observed for almost all of the tested metals and complete reduction of Cr(VI) was achieved at acidic pH only by using Cu0, Fe0, Mg0 or Zn0. A considerable increase in reactivity (up to 100-fold) was observed for reductive remediation with nano-sized particles. The use of a solid support as a dispersant and stabilizer circumvented the tendency of freshly prepared nano-particles to either react with surrounding media or agglomerate, resulting in the formation of much larger flocs and appreciable loss in reactivity. The formation of clusters by polymeric structures provided an extra protection of the nano-particle surface with a striking improvement in their reactivity mainly at more alkaline conditions. Therefore the incorporation of an innocuous stabilizer can substantially enhance the stability of nano-particles for environmental transformations.