scholarly journals Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils of an industrial area in semi-arid Uzbekistan: spatial distribution, relationship with trace metals and risk assessment

Author(s):  
Benjamin A. Musa Bandowe ◽  
Nosir Shukurov ◽  
Sophia Leimer ◽  
Michael Kersten ◽  
Yosef Steinberger ◽  
...  

AbstractThe concentrations, composition patterns, transport and fate of PAHs in semi-arid and arid soils such as in Central Asia are not well known. Such knowledge is required to manage the risk posed by these toxic chemicals to humans and ecosystems in these regions. To fill this knowledge gap, we determined the concentrations of 21 parent PAHs, 4,5-methylenephenanthrene, 6 alkylated PAHs, and biphenyl in soils from 11 sampling locations (0–10, 10–20 cm soil depths) along a 20-km transect downwind from the Almalyk metal mining and metallurgical industrial complex (Almalyk MMC), Uzbekistan. The concentrations of Σ29 PAHs and Σ16 US-EPA PAHs were 41–2670 ng g−1 and 29–1940 ng g−1, respectively. The highest concentration of Σ29 PAHs occurred in the immediate vicinity of the copper smelting factory of the Almalyk MMC. The concentrations in topsoil decreased substantially to a value of ≤ 200 ng g−1 (considered as background concentration) at ≥ 2 km away from the factory. Low molecular weight PAHs dominated the PAH mixtures at less contaminated sites and high molecular weight PAHs at the most contaminated site. The concentration of Σ16 US-EPA PAHs did not exceed the precautionary values set by the soil quality guidelines of, e.g., Switzerland and Germany. Similarly, the benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration in soils near the Almalyk MMC did not exceed the value set by the Canadian guidelines for the protection of humans from carcinogenic PAHs in soils. Consequently, the cancer risk due to exposure to PAHs in these soils can be considered as low.

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirstie A. Fryirs ◽  
Erla G. Hafsteinsdóttir ◽  
Scott C. Stark ◽  
Damian B. Gore

AbstractThe management of sediment and water contamination from legacy waste is a significant problem in Antarctica. Although several reports have noted that there are contaminated sites at the abandoned Wilkes Station, a systematic attempt to assess the spatial scale of the problem has not been made, making development of clean-up or preservation programmes difficult. A contaminated site assessment for the old Wilkes Station and surrounds is presented in this paper. The Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) sediment and water quality guidelines and background concentration levels (BCL) were used to assess the extent of contamination across Clark Peninsula. Of 67 sediment sites sampled, 72% were contaminated with at least one metal or metalloid, with values exceeding the ANZECC ISQG-High or 2 x BCL. Moreover, 19% were contaminated with four or more metals/metalloids. Of the 93 water samples collected, all but one was contaminated with at least one metal/metalloid concentration exceeding the guidelines, and 96% were contaminated with two or more metals/metalloids. For hydrocarbons in sediment and water, most samples were below quantitation limits. There is a complex pattern of contamination across Clark Peninsula that needs to be considered in future waste treatment, containment or removal operations, and for protection of heritage items.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdur Rahman ◽  
N. C. Mondal ◽  
K. K. Tiwari

AbstractAn increased nitrate (NO3−) concentration in groundwater has been a rising issue on a global scale in recent years. Different consumption mechanisms clearly illustrate the adverse effects on human health. The goal of this present study is to assess the natural and anthropogenic NO3− concentrations in groundwater in a semi arid area of Rajasthan and its related risks to human health in the different groups of ages such as children, males, and females. We have found that most of the samples (n = 90) were influenced by anthropogenic activities. The background level of NO3− had been estimated as 7.2 mg/L using a probabilistic approach. About 93% of nitrate samples exceeded the background limit, while 28% of the samples were beyond the permissible limit of 45 mg/L as per the BIS limits. The results show that the oral exposure of nitrate was very high as compare to dermal contact. With regard to the non-carcinogenic health risk, the total Hazard Index (HITotal) values of groundwater nitrate were an average of 0.895 for males, 1.058 for females, and 1.214 for children. The nitrate health risk assessment shows that about 38%, 46%, and 49% of the samples constitute the non-carcinogenic health risk to males, females, and children, respectively. Children were found to be more prone to health risks due to the potential exposure to groundwater nitrate.


2004 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 257-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hepplewhite ◽  
G. Newcombe ◽  
D.R.U. Knappe

The adsorption of an odour compound common in drinking water, 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), was studied on two activated carbons in the presence of 13 well-characterised natural organic matter (NOM) solutions. It was found that, although the carbons and the NOM solutions had a wide range of characteristics, the major competitive mechanism was the same in all cases. The low molecular weight NOM compounds were the most competitive, participating in a direct competition with the MIB molecule for adsorption sites. Equivalent background concentration (EBC) calculations indicated a relatively low concentration of directly competing compounds in the NOM. Some evidence of pore restriction was also seen, with microporous carbons most affected by low molecular weight NOM, and mesoporous carbons impacted by the higher molecular weight compounds.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Kariuki Kinuthia ◽  
Veronica Ngure ◽  
Luna Kamau

Abstract Background Levels of Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Thallium (Tl), and Nickel (Ni) in samples of wastewater, filamentous green algae (spirogyra) and urban mosquitoes obtained from open wastewater channels in Nairobi industrial area, Kenya, was established. Industrial wastewater may contain hazardous heavy metals upon exposure. Aquatic organisms in wastewater may accumulate the toxic elements with time. Therefore, human population living in informal settlements in Nairobi industrial area risk exposure to such toxic elements. Biomonitoring using aquatic organisms can be key in metal exposure assessment. Results Pb, Cr, & Ni levels ranged from 3.08 to 15.31 µg/L while Tl, Hg, & Cd levels ranged from 0.05 to 0.12 µg/L in wastewater. Pb, Cr, Ni, & Cd levels were above WHO, Kenya & US EPA limits for wastewater but Hg was not. Metals in tap water (control) which ranged from 0.01 to 0.2 µg/L was below WHO, US EPA, & Kenya standard limits. Pb, Cr, Tl, & Ni levels in assorted field mosquitoes were 1.3 to 2.4 times higher than in assorted laboratory-reared mosquitoes. Hg & Cd concentrations in laboratory-reared mosquitoes (0.26 mg/L & 1.8 mg/L respectively) was higher than in field mosquitoes (0.048 mg/L & 0.12 mg/L respectively). Pb, Cr, Ni, & Cd levels in green filamentous algae were 110.62, 29.75, 14.45, & 0.44 mg/L respectively and above WHO limits for vegetable plants. Hg level in algae samples (0.057 mg/L) was below WHO standard limits but above Kenya & US EPA limits in vegetables. Correlations for Pb & Hg (r = 0.957; P < 0.05); Cd & Cr (r = 0.985; P < 0.05) in algae samples were noted. The metal concentrations in the samples were in the order, wastewater < mosquitoes < filamentous green algae. Conclusion Samples of wastewater, mosquitoes and filamentous green algae from open wastewater channels and immediate vicinity, in Nairobi industrial area (Kenya) contained Hg, Pb, Cr, Cd, Tl, and Ni. Urban mosquitoes and filamentous green algae can play a role of metal biomonitoring in wastewater. The possibility of urban mosquitoes transferring the heavy metals to their hosts when sucking blood should be investigated.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdur Rahman ◽  
N.C. Mondal ◽  
K.K. Tiwari

Abstract An increased nitrate (NO3-) concentration in groundwater has been a rising issue on a global scale in recent years. Through different consumption mechanisms, it clearly illustrates the adverse effects on human health. The goal of this present study is to assess the natural and anthropogenic NO3- concentration in groundwater and its related risks to human health in the different groups of ages such as children, males, and females. Groundwater samples (n=101) were obtained and analysed for their physicochemical components, along with the nitrate concentration in a semi-arid area of Rajasthan. The results show that most of the samples were influenced by anthropogenic activities. The background and anthropogenic levels had been estimated and marked as 7.2 mg/L and 13.3 mg/L for the background and anthropogenic concentrations, respectively. About 83% of nitrate samples were exceeded the background limit, while 28% of the samples were beyond the permissible limit of 45 mg/L as stated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Nitrate health risks were also measured by oral intake and dermal contact sources for the residents in this area. The oral exposure of nitrate was very high as compare to dermal contact. With regards to the non-carcinogenic health risk, the total Heath Index (HITotal) values of groundwater nitrate in the study area varied from 0.045 to 3.153 with an average of 0.964 for males, 0.053 to 3.726 with an average of 1.139 for females, and 0.061 to 4.278 with an average of 1.308 for children. The nitrate health risk assessment shows that about 38%, 46%, and 49% of groundwater samples constitute the non-carcinogenic health risk to males, females, and children, respectively.


2020 ◽  
Vol 175 ◽  
pp. 15009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Abakumova ◽  
Anna Kukulyar ◽  
Anastasia Kolenova

In any branch of the agro-industrial complex, a special role is played by the management team. The success of an agro-industrial enterprise depends largely on the level of motivation of its head, as he forms and directs the work of subordinate personnel. Despite extensive theoretical and practical research in the field of labor motivation, these studies lack an industry-specific approach that takes into account the specifics of the labor activity of managers of the agro-industrial sector of production. The object of the study was 30 managers of various experimental production farms in the Rostov region. During the empirical study, two test methods were used: “career Anchors” (E. Shane) and “Motivational profile” (S. Ritchie and P. Martin), as well as the author’s projective questionnaire. The practical significance of the work consists in scientifically-based recommendations developed based on the analysis of the results of the study. These recommendations can be taken into account by managers and employees of personnel services of enterprises in the agro-industrial area when forming systems of motivation and development of higher needs for employees who hold senior positions in modern market conditions.


Our Nature ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 249-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Gadhia ◽  
R Surana ◽  
E Ansari

Present study was carried out to determine the important physico chemical parameters of water of Tapi estuary in Hazira industrial area. Tapi estuary receives the inputs of organic matter and nutrients coming from the domestic wastewater discharges from Surat City, a textile hub as well as industrial effluents from Hazira, a major industrial Complex of Gujarat, India. Uncontrolled discharges of domestic wastes and industrial effluents have affected the estuary. Present study was carried out from June - 2011 to May 2012 to study the impacts of uncontrolled discharges on physicochemical characteristics of water. Samples were collected monthly in the morning during low tide to determine the important physico chemical parameters Viz. Turbidity, conductivity, total solid, total dissolved solid, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, Calcium, chloride, sodium , potassium and nutrients like nitrate, nitrite and phosphate. Dissolved oxygen was found extremely low during the study period. High biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen demand (COD) showed that the water quality of estuary has been affected by industrial and domestic effluents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v10i1.7811


2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 544-554 ◽  

<div> <p>Antioxidant defense mechanisms are crucial for plants to survive under stress conditions. We investigated the capacity of a wild fern species, <em>Nephrolepis biserrata,</em> growing in the vicinity of industrial land to accumulate heavy metals, and assessed its antioxidative response under metal stress. The soils in this particular area were highly contaminated with zinc followed by lead and copper. As control, <em>N. biserrata</em> located 10 km away from the industrial area were collected and assessed. <em>N. biserrata</em> from the contaminated sites accumulated metals in their tissues in similar descending order of zinc&gt;lead&gt;copper. The values of bioaccumulation factor between 0 to 0.1 indicate <em>N. biserrata</em> as a moderate accumulator for the tested metals. For the enzymatic antioxidant assays, the activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were significantly higher in <em>N. biserrata</em> from contaminated soil compared to control, while the activity of superoxide dismutase was not differ significantly in plants from both sites. We also detected higher contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids in <em>N. biserrata</em> collected from contaminated site compared to control. Our HPLC analysis revealed higher levels of myricetin and kaempferol in plant samples from the contaminated area. Our study verified the capacity of <em>N. biserrata</em> to scavenge oxygen radicals when exposed to heavy metal stress. Such ability to tolerate stressful condition suggests that the plant is a potential metal phytoremediator.&nbsp;</p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p>


Author(s):  
R. S. Gildenskyold ◽  
T. K. Tatyanyuk ◽  
N. A. Gorelenkova ◽  
L. V. Prokopenko ◽  
A. V. Lagutina ◽  
...  

The common methods of rapid implementation of commissioning of low-power private production should include the development of entrepreneurs on the basis of lease/purchase of empty industrial buildings, previously operating as part of an industrial facility located in the existing industrial area and represented or individual enterprises, or complex production of various industrial orientation, or provided for the reconstruction of a private enterprise already operating in a particular technogenic zone with an increase in its capacity.The possibility of placing diversifi ed industrial enterprises in a functioning industrial complex with the justifi cation of excluding the probability of the impact of industrial emissions of each of the newly placed or reconstructed facilities on the quality of products manufactured for the needs of the population is considered.The technical level of future production, the envisaged measures to prevent the formation and capture of air pollutants in General meet modern requirements for the safety of enterprises and for workers and for the population, the  optimization of working conditions.


2011 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 739-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Lorestani ◽  
M. Cheraghi ◽  
N. Yousefi

Various industrial activities contribute heavy metals to the soil environment directly or indirectly through the release of solid wastes, waste gases, and wastewater. Phytoremediation can be potentially used to remedy metal-contaminated sites. A major step towards the development of phytoremediation of heavy metal-impacted soils is the discovery of the heavy metal hyperaccumulation in plants. This study evaluated the potential of 7 species growing on a contaminated site in an industrial area. Several established criteria to define a hyperaccumulator plant were applied. The case study was represented by an industrial town in the Hamedan province in the central-western part of Iran. This study showed that most of the sampled species were able to grow in heavily metal-contaminated soils and were also able to accumulate extraordinarily high concentrations of some metals such as Pb, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn. Based on the obtained results and using the most common criteria, Camphorosma monospeliacum for Pb and Fe, and Salsola soda and Circium arvense for Pb can be classified as hyperaccumulators and, therefore, they have suitable potential for the phytoremediation of contaminated soils.


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