Showing papers in "Polish Journal of Environmental Studies in 2015"

Effects of water stress on seed germination for select landscape plants

Abstract: In this study, the effect of water stress on the germination rate of the seeds of nine pieces of species used for landscaping works in Kastamonu is investigated. The seeds of these species have been subject to germination trials with water stress level between 0 and -8 bar and the germination percentages of the seeds have been identified. The water stress was constituted with the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) solution and germinations were carried out at 25oC in a period of 35 days. Depending on the water stress as a result of these studies, it has been stated that the percentages of all species have decreased as from -2 bar water stress; there are no germinations in -6 bar water stress for the tree of heaven, and in -8 bar water stress for Cupressus arizonica and Sophora japonica. We found that the species most resistant to water stress are Pinus nigra, Cupressus sempervirens, and Pinus brutia.

Gamma Radiation Treatment for ReducingCytotoxicity and Mutagenicityin Industrial Wastewater

Abstract: Our study evaluates the effect of gamma radiation treatment on detoxification of textile effluents. The effluents were tested for cytotoxicity and mutagenicity using Allium cepa, heamolytic, brine shrimp, and Ames tests before and after gamma radiation treatment. The collected wastewater samples were irradiated to the absorbed doses of 5kGy, 10kGy, and 15kGy, and subjected to toxicity tests. The gamma radiation showed promising efficiency for detoxification of pollutants in wastewater. The microbial load was reduced to zero, and increases in root length (RL) and root count (RC) were 31.10% and 38.34%, respectively, at 5 kGy. The reduction in cytotoxicity was recorded to be 39.56%, 49.65%, and 79.63% in the case of human and sheep red blood cells (RBC) and brine shrimp, respectively. Before treatment, the samples were mildly mutagenic and after treatment mutagenicity was not detected. Results showed that gamma radiation has promising efficiency for the degradation of toxic agents present in effluents.

Sorption Capacities of Natural and SyntheticZeolites for Cu(II) Ions

Abstract: The sorption of Cu(II) ions onto natural (clinoptilolite) and synthetic (Na-X and Na-P1) zeolites was investigated. The synthetic zeolite samples were obtained from coal fly ash under hydrothermal crystallization conditions. The following issues were studied under batch conditions: the influence of the initial concentration of the Cu(II) ions, dose of zeolites, anion kind, and pH of solution. The experimental data were modelled with the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherms and their goodness-of-fit levels were compared. The affinity of the Cu(II) ions for synthetic zeolites was much higher than for the natural ones. The maximum sorption capacity of the synthetic zeolites (Na-P1 and Na-X) was 256 mg·g and 141 mg·g, respectively. It was 10.6 and 6 times higher, respectively, than the clinoptilolite sorption capacity (24 mg·g). The uptake of the Cu(II) ions occurred in two processes, i.e. the ion exchange and adsorption/precipitation in accordance with the initial concentration of the Cu(II) ions in the solution. Study of the pH and anion kind influence on the zeolite sorption capacity shows that the synthetic zeolites were effective sorbents of the Cu(II) ions, also in the acidic solutions. The Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations provided the best description of the sorption for the Cu(II) ions onto the synthetic zeolite systems when the initial Cu(II) ion concentration was 500-1,000 mg·L. On the other hand, the Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms described the sorption most properly when the concentrations were above 1,000 mg·L.

Life Cycle Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management - Comparison of Results Using Different LCA Models

Abstract: LCA is a popular tool widely used to assess the environmental impact of waste management systems, which is illustrated by the substantial number of LCA computer models specifically addressing this subject. Due to the complex nature of waste management modelling and the range of country-specific data, as well as lack of harmonization, it has been observed that there are large discrepancies between the results using different models. Many studies have underlined the necessity of clearly identifying both the scope and methodological assumptions of LCAs in order to have confidence in the results. Therefore, the paper presented here reveals several methodology-related issues. The study tests two different pieces of LCA software, i.e. IWM-2 (designed specifically for MSW) and SimaPro (a generic and widely used LCA software). The pieces of software were used to LCA an MSW scenario and the results obtained (calculated using Ecoindicator’99 H/A) were compared to show the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, i.e., generic software usually treats the waste as a set of separate fractions, not as a whole mass, which means that the software is not highly sensitive to the composition of the waste and does not take into account the environmental impacts produced as a result of the interaction between the waste components after mixing. As waste composition is very important in planning, one study combines these two software packages to get final results, i.e., data generated by IWM-2 were entered into SimaPro. The discussion is built around a case study in Poland where waste management scenarios have been analyzed. The research carried out has shown that having the same initial inventory data collected on the basis of the same assumptions and with the same boundaries to the system model used and using the same method of LCIA to assess the impact on the environment, may not produce the same end results. In the presented study, the main differences in the LCIA results appeared in four output-related impact categories: carcinogens, climate change, ecotoxicity, and eutrophication/acidification, and for one input related impact category – fossil fuels. Four reasons responsible for these differences are identified: (1) The IWM-2 program identified a smaller number of substances emitted to air and water associated with landfill and recycling than the Ecoinvent database (IWM-2 identified a total of 31 types of emissions to air

Reducing Heavy Metals Extractionfrom Contaminated Soils Using Organicand Inorganic Amendments – a Review

Abstract: Recently problems relating to environmental pollution and the need to protect and preserve the environment from further deterioration has drawn increasing research attention. The goal of any remediation based on soil amendments is to achieve maximum reduction in the bioavailability of heavy metals by immobilization in soils. Modern remediation approaches increasingly focus on in situ environment-friendly techniques. Different organic and inorganic amendments have been used to treat heavy metals-contaminated soils. These included municipal solid waste compost, biosolid compost, cow manure, sheep manure, sewage sludge, bark chips, woodchips, vegetable waste, vermicompost, red mud, lime, beringite, zeolites, charcoal, fly ash; and biochar etc. This review focuses on the effectiveness of soil amendments to reduce toxicity of heavy metals by reducing available fractions that may ultimately reduce the heavy metal transfer to plants.

Environmental and Health Aspects of Metalworking Fluid Use

Abstract: The utilization of metalworking fluids in the metal machining technological process provides, apart from benefits, certain negatives that are mainly associated with air contamination of the working environment. Typical health problems that result from inhalant exposure of metalworking machine operators to the metalworking fluid mist include respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic bronchitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis), cancer, and skin diseases. Possible health risks posed by the utilization of metalworking fluids, various methods for measuring their concentration in the working environment, and treatment of MWFs are discussed. A typical particle size range of liquid aerosol (oil mist) is in the range from 0.1 to 10 µm and more than 75% of MWF particulate matter is located in the sphere of respirable fraction (particle size less than 5 µm) that poses the highest risk for the human body. MWF aerosol mass concentration in the working atmosphere varies depending on the type of working activity, and MWFs used in a wider range (average exposure in the range of 0.55 to 5.36 mg·m -3 ). Attention also should be paid to microbiological contamination of water-based MWFs, when they are used or stored after dilution for longer term. The most often occurring microbial species at considerable concentration is the bacteria Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes. Other important species include Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas, Morganella, Citrobacter freundii, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Penicillium, etc.

Effects of Forests on Amounts of CO2: Case Study of Kastamonu and Ilgaz Mountain National Parks

Abstract: The CO2 cycle on earth in the last 400,000 years shows that CO2 in the atmosphere increased every 80,000 years and 100,000 years on average and then dropped back later. Although there is 0-0.03% (0-300 ppm) carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air, it has a vital importance because of its amount and variety. Plants reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere with photosynthesis. But plants cannot do photosynthesis in winter or night. As a result, they might have a negative impact on the amount of CO2. In this study, the amounts of air carbon dioxide are measured in forests and urban areas and evaluated depending on season and day or night. Results of our study show that, despite the amount of carbon dioxide decreases in the summer depending on the sunlight, it can double its level at night. In addition to day and night, there is a big difference between the amount of carbon dioxide in terms of summer and winter seasons.

The effect of anionic surfactant concentration on activated sludge condition and phosphate release in biological treatment plant

Abstract: This paper discusses the influence of a wide range of anionic surfactant concentrations on activated sludge. Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) was chosen as an example of a commonly used anionic surfactant. The fate of the surfactant during biological treatment of wastewater was tested. The effect of surfactant on glucose and starch removal was studied. It has been found that in the case of glucose the removal was independent of LAS concentration, while in the case of starch it was incomplete at high surfactant loads (above 15 mg·(g·dss) -1 ). The study established that surfactants can activate or inhibit microorganism activity, depending on surfactant concentration. LAS loads up to 3 mg·(g·dss) -1 positively stimulate the removal of COD, phosphorus release and the respirometric activity of the sludge. LAS loads higher than 15 mg·(g·dss) -1 inhibit respiration of activated sludge bacteria and decrease phosphorus removal. It also affects the morphology of activated sludge flocs, causing their fragmentation and lysis of protozoa cells.

Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissionsin Winter Wheat Farms Using Data EnvelopmentAnalysis Approach

Abstract: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been recognized as a suitable tool for efficiency assessment of the economic and environmental performance of multiple similar units in the agri-food sector. In the present study, DEA methodologies were applied to 55 winter wheat farms in three farm sizes in Poland to benchmark the level of operational efficiency for each producer. Next, the potential reduction in the consumption levels of inputs were defined, and the environmental profits linked to these reduction targets were calculating. Our results indicate that 55% of the analysed farms operated efficiently. The technical efficiency scores of inefficient farms were 0.72 for small farms and 0.84 for medium and large ones. The production of 1 kg winter wheat results with average greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 0.448, 0.481, and 0.411 kg CO2 eq. per kg of grain, for small, medium, and large farms, respectively. The performed analysis shows that GHG emissions per hectare depend on farm size and ranged from 2,378 kg CO2 eq. for the small farms to 2,759 kg CO2 eq. for large farms. The reduction of material input in inefficient farms, converted into environmental gains, resulted in GHG emissions reduction of 25.7, 29.0, and 28.6% for small, medium, and large farms, respectively. The estimated potential reduction of global warming potential (GWP) according to the DEA for the whole sample ranged from 7 to 18%, and was dependent on farm size. The major contributor to GWP was nitrous oxide field emissions (49-52%), followed by nitrogen fertilizer (31-33%), and diesel (11-13%). Raising operational efficiency is recommended for potential environmental improvement in the surveyed region.

Assessing drinking water quality in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract: Access to safe drinking water is crucial for healthy human life. Our study aimed to investigate the concentration of various pollutants in water samples collected from student hostels of the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan, and the potential risk of these pollutants for health. A total of 18 samples from 12 different locations were assessed for physical, biological, and chemical contaminants using standard methods. The concentrations of arsenic (As) and coliform bacteria were above the international standards given by the World Health Organization (WHO). The range of As concentration was from 24.92 to 32.72 μg·L. Similarly, the two water samples showed bacterial contamination 38 MPN/100 mL and 21 MPN/100 mL – exceeding the standard value set by WHO (0 MPN/100 mL). We conclude that drinking water quality was poor, as is evident from the high concentration of As. Urgent measures are required to prevent such contamination and regular monitoring of drinking water quality in the study area.

Health Risks of Heavy Metals Uptake by Crops Grown in a Sewage Irrigation Area in China

Abstract: Ecological risks of heavy metal toxicity such as Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, As, and Hg through crops (wheat and rice) grown in the Tianjin sewage irrigation area in northern China were studied in this paper. Wheat and rice samples as well as related soil samples from 77 select blocks were collected. The second grade of standards for Tianjin soil environmental quality was used for soil risk assessment. Chinese National Food Safe Criterion was used for health risk assessment of wheat and rice grains. Daily intake rate and Target hazard quotient were used for the potential health risk assessment of local population through the intake of wheat and rice grown in the sewage-irrigated site. The results showed that continuous application of wastewater has led to accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, and Cd, Zn, and Hg were the main pollutants. Zn and Cd were more mobile than other metals. Pb in wheat and rice had an ecological risk to human health. As and Hg in some rice samples as well as Cd, Zn, and As in some wheat samples had potential risk. Target hazard quotient (THQ) of individual metal was below 1.0, meaning the relative absence of health risks associated with intake of a single heavy metal through intake of either wheat or rice. THQs of As for wheat and rice would sum up to above 1.0, indicating As may pose a risk to the local population by intake of wheat and rice.

Ability of Cyanobacteria and green algae to improve metabolic activity and development of willow plants

Abstract: The ability of Cyanobacteria and green algae to improve physiological activity and plant development gives a promising perspective and has a useful potential in practice, although literature concerning this issue is scanty. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of two species of Cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa MKR 0105, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120) and one of green algae (Chlorella sp.) on select physiological processes, determining rooting of cuttings and the subsequent growth of willow (Salix viminalis L.) plants. Two procedures were used to apply sonicated and unsonicated monocultures of Cyanobacteria and green algae to woody cuttings: (i) four-day soaking of cuttings which were then rooted in universal horticulture substrate in a vegetation chamber or in a field and watered with tap water, and (ii) moistening the substrate in which the untreated cuttings were subsequently rooted and plants were grown. The cuttings treated with water, GA3, IBA, Bio-Algeen S90, and environmental sample were the control. The results show that the used monocultures of Cyanobacteria and green algae significantly stimulated some metabolic processes, thus having an important impact on plant development. Their application increased the stability of cytomembranes and intensified activity of net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, dehydrogenases, RNase, acid, and alkaline phosphatase, and decreased intercellular CO2 concentration in the rooted cuttings and plants. These physiological events caused increased rooting of willow cuttings and plant growth under laboratory and field

Knowledge and Perception of Secondary School Students in Belgrade about Earthquakes as Natural Disasters

Abstract: The aim of this quantitative research is to determine the perception and actual knowledge of secondary school students in the Belgrade region with respect to earthquakes as a natural disaster and security threat, and to identify the factors that influence their knowledge and perceptions. The authors used a method of surveying students to identify and describe the factors that influence student knowledge and perceptions about earthquakes. For the purpose of this research, a sample of 3,063 students was drawn from the total population of secondary school students in Belgrade (65,561 students), which equates to 4.67% of the population. The results show that the sources of information on natural disasters and their threatening consequences influence the perceptions of secondary school students. In view of the evident lack of education about natural disasters in Serbia, the results of this study can be used when creating a strategy for educational programs. This research is the first step in developing and realizing a future strategy for natural disaster management by informing and including public (school population), scientific, and administrative communities in the process.

The Effect of Petroleum-Derived Substances on the Growth and Chemical Composition of Vicia faba L.

Abstract: Petroleum and petroleum-derived products can contribute to the inhibition of growth and development of plants. Soil contamination by these compounds either hampers or makes difficult the intake of water and mineral salts from the substrate, and also breaks a number of metabolic processes. As a result of the deficiency of chlorophyll and nutrients, the affected plants grow deformed roots, shoots, leaves, and flowers, and show numerous chloroses and necroses. The objective of our research was to determine the effects of petrol, used engine oil, and diesel oil on select morphological parameters of Vicia faba L., and on the content of select nutrients and heavy metals in the leaves of plants. The effect of the bioremediation process initiated by biopreparation ZB-1 on the above-mentioned parameters was also determined. The analyzed plants were obtained from the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Cracow, located in Mydlniki near Cracow. In June 2010, the soil placed in special containers was contaminated with petroleum-derived substances at a quantity of 6,000 mg per 1 kg of dry mass, by pouring it on the soil. Half of the objects were subjected to bioremediation. The evaluation of the morphology of plants and the structural elements of yield was made at the stage of technological maturity of broad bean seeds. The evaluation of heavy metals content was conducted using flame absorption spectrometry. The carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur content was determined in a Variomax CNS analyzer. The results of the experiment showed that diesel oil had the most adverse effects on the morphological parameters of plants. Engine oil caused a decrease in the nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur contents in the leaves of plants, but on the other hand this substance, like other petroleum-derived compounds, increased the content of most heavy metals. The effect of biopreparation was diverse and depended on the type of substance and on the analyzed parameter. The conducted experiment showed that petroleum-derived substances continued to adversely affect the growth of plants even three years after soil contamination. Additionally, it increased the accumulation of harmful substances in the organs of plants which could, in turn, seriously impact the economy and human health. However, the intensity of the impact depends on the type of derivative. Bioremediation supported by the use of microorganisms is an advantageous solution that permits the improving of the growth parameters of plants, as well as offsetting the harmful effects of petroleum-derived products upon the majority of the analyzed elements.

Design and Optimization of Cu(II) AdsorptionConditions from Aqueous Solutionsby Low-Cost Adsorbent Pumicewith Response Surface Methodology

Abstract: The adsorption of Cu(II) by pumice was investigated in a batch system. Optimization of medium conditions was studied through experimental design. Response surface methodology – including central composite design – was successfully applied to develop a response surface to optimize medium conditions. The most influential medium parameters were determined as initial Cu(II) concentration, pH, temperature, and adsorbent dosage. The optimum conditions were evaluated to be 47.14 mg/L, 5.31, 38.30oC, and 3.14 g for initial Cu(II) concentration, pH, temperature and adsorbent dosage, respectively. At these optimum points, the adsorption yield and adsorption capacity were calculated as 95.10% and 1.43 mg/g, respectively.

Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Six Municipal Sludges from Guangzhou and Their Potential Ecological Risk Assessment for Agricultural Land Use

Abstract: Six kinds of municipal sludge samples were collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from Guangzhou in southern China. Total concentration of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Mn in the sludge was determined, and used obtained values to appraise the degree of agricultural land pollution on the base of four pollution indixes. Results showed that the concentrations of the heavy metals Cu (4.567 mg/kg), Mn (1.844 mg/kg), Ni (148 mg/kg), Cr (121 mg/kg), and Cd (5.99 mg/kg) in S1 sludge were higher than that of the other sludges. In six sludge samples the concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Cu were highest, followed by Ni, Pb, and Cr. Cd had the lowest concentration. All were higher than those recorded in the background data for crop soils. With the exception of Cu and Cd from site S1, and Ni from sites S1, S2, and S5, all other metal concentrations conformed to permissible levels prescribed by the national application standard of acid soil in China (GB18918-2002). The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) assessment results indicate that there are serious risks in agricultural utilization for the existing Cu and Zn in these six kinds of sludges, especially the Igeo, which was 6.53 for Cu, 3.21 for Mn, 2.78 for Cd in the S1 sludge. The results of RI showed that sludge had high potential ecological risks, especially caused by Cd, which should give rise to widespread concerns. The potential ecological risk index (RI) of heavy metals in six sludge samples was ranked in the order of S1>S2>S4>S3>S5>S6.

Statistical analysis of water quality parameters of the Drina River (west Serbia), 2004-11.

Abstract: The Drina River is the biggest tributary of the Sava River, created by the merger of the Tara and Piva rivers at Šćepan Polje. The Drina represents the border between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Water quality index (WQI) is a numeric expression used to evaluate the quality of water bodies and make it more easily understood by managers. In this study, the water quality status and the spatial and temporal trends along the Drina were assessed through the application of seven WQI parameters, to an eight-year public database of environmental data (2004-11). Water quality of the Drina is one of the significant factors taken into consideration in evaluation of sustainability of the development of this region and it is controlled by complex anthropogenic activities and natural factors. Values of pH grew steadily from CP1 to CP3, but on CP4 values of pH were lower (8.11) than on two previous control points (CP2 8.14 and CP3 8.16). O2 saturation shows highest values at CP1 121.3%, while the lowest values were observed at CP3 101.8%. BOD5 at all four CPs shows that water quality of the Drina can be classified as I class (< 2 mg/l). According to statistical data processing we can state that Drina water quality at all four control points allows for its exploitation.

Laboratory-scale investigation of biogas treatment by removal of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The use of organic residues and waste for production of biogas as an energy source is a viable option for waste management and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, before any eventual utilization of biogas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) must be removed since those contaminants are highly undesirable in combustion systems. This work deals with the construction and examination of a laboratoryscale, low-cost test stand for quick evaluation of the existing and new methods for H2S and CO2 removal from biogas. The test stand consists of two sections: one based on absorption in liquid phase (barbotage process) and the other adsorption in a bed of solid reagent. Seven different reagents of various concentrations were used in the experiment: sodium hydroxide (NaOH), ethylene glycol (EG), ethanoloamine (EA), diethanoloamine (DEA), and distilled water (H2O) in the barbotage section of the test stand, and bog iron ore (BIO) and activated carbon (AC) in the adsorption column. In the absorption tests, treating biogas with 1M NaOH solution and 100% EA resulted in complete removal of H2S and CO2. For 100% DEA, high H2S and moderate CO2 absorption efficiency were achieved. EG and H2O allowed the removal of H2S only to a very limited extent. Both reagents used in the tests with adsorption in a bed, BIO and AC, were able to eliminate H2S from biogas, but practically did not change the concentration of CO2.

Antifungal activity of Juglans regia (L.) leaf extracts against Candida albicans isolates

Abstract: The objective of performed study was aimed at evaluating the antifungal potential of four extract fractions (methanolic, ethyl acetate, alkaloid, and hydrolyzed methanolic) derived from Juglans regia (L.) leaves against pathogenic Candida albicans strains. Furthermore, total phenolics and alkaloid content as well as the antioxidative potential of examined extract fractions were determined. Tested yeasts comprised 140 isolates from diverse biological specimens (oropharyngeal, rectal and vulvovaginal swabs, skin lesions, sputum, urine, and faeces), and one reference strain (C. albicans ATCC 90029). Methanolic extract from walnut leaves characterized by the highest anticandidal activity, the alkaloid fraction possessed a slightly lower antifungal efficacy, while ethyl acetate and hydrolyzed methanolic preparates inhibited the growth rate of examined fungal pathogens in the lowest degree. Additionally, it has been elucidated that all tested strains were susceptible for nystatin and amphotericin B, and only one yeast strain was resistant to flucytosine. On the contrary, the group of azole antimycotics were characterized by reduced effectiveness against the candidal isolates.

Assessing Landscape Ecological Risk for a World Natural Heritage Site: a Case Study of Bayanbulak in China

Abstract: Wetland protection, floral and faunal resource management, and habitat migration are all concerns for the ecological risk of wetland landscapes. Indices of landscape-scale ecological risks have the potential to influence changes in landscape patterns, the conditions of endangered plants and animals, and influences from nature and humans. Semi-variation function and gravity center models were used to quantify risk area changes. The changes of landscape ecological risk were analyzed for Bayanbulak Wetland from 2000 to 2010. In addition to landscape and species distribution data, GIS technology and remote sensing were used in this study. Results show that landscape structure changed over the 10-year period, with high-cover grassland area decreasing the most. Landscape pattern index types also changed for the study area. The number of landscapetype patches to low-cover grassland decreased, the landscape fragmentation index of dry land and high-cover grassland was reduced, and the interference degree of middle-cover grassland increased over the study period. The index of landscape ecological risk decreased from 2000 to 2010, with the spatial structure changing from a single center concentration to a multi-center distribution. All varying ecological risk regions of gravity centers moved from the northeast to the southwest. The gravity migration of the Level 2 region moved the furthest. Additionally, evidence suggests that various threatening factors reduce the ecological function and systems of wetlands. These include climate change, biological invasion, human activities, and water pollution. This paper assesses the heritage site landscape ecological risk and calculates the gravity center change of the region, which can be formulated to enrich and develop the research of small- and medium-sized wetlands in cold, semi-arid climates.

Assessment of heavy metals contamination in near-surface dust

Abstract: As a result of the continuous urbanization and industrialization in China over the last few decades, heavy metals have been continuously emitted into urban environments and now pose serious threats to human health. In the present study, an extensive urban near-surface dust survey was conducted in Changchun, China, to evaluate the current status of heavy metal contamination in urban dust and to identify the potential sources. A total of 232 samples were collected and the levels of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, and the major elements were then determined. The results indicated that the urban dusts were enriched with metals, particularly Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Hg. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify sources of heavy metals, and the results revealed distinctly different associations among the trace metals and the major elements in the urban dusts. The concentrations of Cr and As appeared to be controlled by natural factors. Cu and Pb were mainly from vehicle emissions. Zn primarily come from traffic sources, especially vehicle tires. Additionally, Hg primarily originated from coal combustion, while Cd was mainly associated with industrial sources. A revised pollution index for each metal and a Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) of the seven metals were attributed to each sampling site to assess the degree of metal contamination. The results showed that the pollution indexes (PI) of each metal are not especially high. However, a significant degree of metal pollution exists in some urban dusts in Changchun, particularly for Cu, Cd, Zn, and As. The mean value of the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) of the seven metals also indicated that urban dusts in Changchun city were classified as having moderate levels of pollution. However, it should be noted that about 11% of all samples had a NIPI value above 3, suggesting a high level of contamination by metals. These findings indicate that more attention should be paid to metal pollution of the urban dusts in Changchun in the future.

The Effect of Low-Temperature Plasma on Fungus Colonization of Winter Wheat Grain and Seed Quality

Abstract: The aim of this research was to determine the potential effect of plasma on fungi colonizing winter wheat grain and the effect of this process on seed quality. The subject of our study was the winter wheat grain. The process of seed disinfection was conducted in a reactor with a packed-bed (wheat grain). The assessment of both the effectiveness of spore destruction and of seed quality were conducted under 3-, 10-, and 30-second exposures. The voltage was set at 8 kV. For the mycological tests, 200 seeds were selected from each variant of the experiment, including control treatment that did not undergo plasma processing. Half of the seeds, i.e. 100, were subjected on their surface to 10-minute disinfection with 0.5% solution of sodium hypochlorite. The other half were put on Petri dishes filled with glucose-potato medium acidified with citric acid (PDA). A detailed study of seed quality (germination energy and ability as well as leaf and root length and the dry matter of the plant), was conducted under laboratory conditions, in a Sanyo climatic chamber on Petri dishes in two independent series of 10 repeats for each duration of exposure. The experiment demonstrated that the exposure of winter wheat grain to low-temperature plasma resulted in the reduction of the number of colonies of fungi forming on grain in the optimum time of 10 seconds. The results also showed a positive effect of the use of cold plasma on the basic values determining seed lot quality as well as on the development of winter wheat in the initial growth stage.

Bacterial Abundance and Dehydrogenase Activity in Selected Agricultural Soils from Lublin Region

Abstract: The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of soil agriculture management on bacterial abundance (expressed as total microorganism count plus copiotrophic and oligotrophic bacteria numbers) and soil dehydrogenase activity. Four different soil units agriculturally exploited (under oat-type crops) and the same number of control soils not agriculturally used were taken for study in April 2014 from the surface layer (0-20 cm). Under laboratory conditions the soils were subjected to analysis of: pH, total carbon, total microbial counts, copiotrophic and oligotrophic bacteria numbers, and dehydrogenase activity. The first consequences of agricultural practices were a decrease of pH toward acidic conditions and impoverishment of total carbon. Secondly, it was demonstrated that agricultural soil usage in relation to control sites affected biological properties by decreasing total microbial counts (by 20-75%), copioand oligotrophic bacteria abundance (by 1533%), and dehydrogenase activity (by 25-71). The ratio of oligotrophic to copiotrophic bacteria (O:C), being an indicator of soil biological balance, ranged 0.81-1.53 and 1.02-2.40 for arable and control soils, respectively. Lower values of biological factors observed in agricultural soils clearly indicated a progressive reduction of bacterial abundances and metabolic activities.

Morphological and physiological responses of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds grown under increasing concentrations of chlorantraniliprole insecticide

Abstract: The inhibitory effects on biological properties of maize (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt) seeds treated with chlorantraniliprole (CAP) were examined under greenhouse conditions. Maize seeds were exposed to environmentally relevant doses (0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ppm) of CAP. On day 7 of germination, morphological, anatomical, and physiological responses were determined. The most devastating inhibitory effect on germination parameters of maize seeds was on coleoptile length (90%) in 0.5 ppm insecticide concentration. Increasing concentrations of CAP resulted in decreased stomata density, compared with control. Similar results were also observed in stomata dimensions. On the other hand, high concentrations of CAP led to phytotoxic effects on photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid. On the contrary, the amount of anthocyanin and proline increased in proportion to increasing dosages, despite a reduction in growth. The results showed that all investigated parameters (except for proline and anthocyanin) significantly decreased with increasing insecticide dosages, compared to control (p<0.05). The changes, particularly stomatal responses, and the amount of proline and anthocyanin on the leaves of the plants exposed to CAP stress, were determined as more sensitive parameters to detect insecticidal damage.

MiSeq Sequencing Analysis of Bacterial Community Structures in Wastewater Treatment Plants

Abstract: The bacterial communities of activated sludge from nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in three cities in China were examined using high-throughput MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that there were 57 genera of bacterial populations commonly shared by all nine systems, including Ferruginibacter, Dechloromonas, Zoogloea, Gp4, Gp6, etc., indicating that there was a core microbial community in the microbial populations of WWTPs at different geographic locations. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) results indicated that the bacterial community variance correlated most strongly with water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and solids retention time (SRT). Variance partitioning analyses suggested that wastewater characteristics had the greatest contribution to the bacterial community variance, explaining 21% of the variance of bacterial communities independently, followed by operational parameters (17%), and geographic location (11%). This study provided insights into the diversity and bacterial community structures in geographically distributed WWTPs.

Volatile methyl siloxanes as potential hazardous air pollutants.

Abstract: Due to the more and more common use of siloxanes in consumer products and various industries, there has been an increase of their concentration in biogases produced from sewage sludge and municipal waste and, consequently, in the soil, water, and air. This paper presents sources and mechanisms of siloxane migration to the environment, characterizes types and products of their transformations in the atmospheric air and during the combustion of biogas, assesses hazards posed to the atmospheric air, and presents the results of siloxane concentration measurements in biogases and the atmospheric air. It draws attention to the new problems that have emerged in toxicology and atmosphere protection, outlines directions for necessary research, proposes ways to reduce emissions of volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS), and suggests the introduction of relevant legis-

Energy Efficiency Measures and Convergence in China, Taking into Account the Effects of Environmental and Random Factors

Abstract: This paper measures energy efficiency in China using the three-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and then tests the convergence of China’s energy efficiency. The study finds that environmental factors and random factors both have significant impacts on energy efficiency. After eliminating the influences of environmental and random error factors, the results present that the pure technical efficiency improves and the scale efficiency decreases, but pure technical efficiency is far lower than scale efficiency in terms of energy utilization, which indicates that low pure technical efficiency is the main factor constraining China’s energy efficiency. China’s energy efficiency presents obvious regional differences, and the energy efficiency in eastern regions is higher than that in midwestern regions. Based on the matching relationship between energy efficiency and input level, China can be regionally divided into four energy utilization modes: high efficiency and high input mode, high efficiency and low input mode, low efficiency and high input mode, and low efficiency and low input mode. Nationally, the difference in regional energy efficiency should maintain a relatively high level in the short term; divergence occurs in terms of pure technical efficiency and overall technical efficiency, while scale efficiency manifests a significant absolute convergence feature. Differential energy strategy should be carried out according to the features of different districts. Eastern regions should decrease the dependence on external energy, and develop advanced techniques with lower energy consumption. The improvement of energy efficiency in Midwest regions should depend on changing a traditionally highly energy-intensive industrial structure, undertaking clear industrial transfer from the east, excavating latent energy savings with the high-energy industry sector, and accelerating the transformation to an intensive pattern. Strengthening the energy corporation of China not only enhances energy efficiency in eastern regions but also improves energy efficiency in midwestern regions by spillover effect. Accordingly, it could improve energy efficiency balance and robustness.

Adsorption kinetics of lead and zinc ions by coffee residues.

Abstract: Untreated coffee residues (UCRs) were used to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of solution pH, heavy metal ions, and UCR concentrations on heavy metal ion removal by UCRs were determined. The removal percentage for heavy metal ions increased as pH and UCR doses increased; conversely, it decreased as the concentration of heavy metal ions increased. This study employed the pseudo firstand second-order kinetics models, the intraparticle diffusion model, and the Bangham model to simulate adsorption kinetics of Pb and Zn onto UCRs. Simulation results indicate that adsorption kinetics fit well with the pseudo second-order model. After reaction for 180 min at [adsorbate] = 20 mg/L, [UCRs] = 2 g/L, and pH 5, the adsorption percentage of Pb and Zn was 96% and 44%, respectively; moreover, the adsorption density of Pb and Zn onto UCRs was 9.7 and 4.4 mg/g (4.7×10 and 6.8×10 mmol/g), respectively. The adsorption of Pb and Zn onto UCRs is controlled mainly by surface diffusion.