Toxic Chemical Pollution of the St. Lawrence River (Canada) and its Upper Estuary

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 77-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Allan
Keyword(s):  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Transport Mechanisms ◽  
Toxic Chemical ◽  
Water Research ◽  
Chemical Pollutants ◽  
Estuarine Zone ◽  
The Impact ◽  
National Water ◽  
St Lawrence River

Decline of the Beluga whale population in the upper estuary of the St. Lawrence River may be related to the high content of toxic metals and organic chemicals in their tissues. For three years, the National Water Research Institute has conducted research cruises of the St. Lawrence River to identify the major toxic chemical pollutants in the river and to determine their transport to, and fate in, the upper estuary. The impact of toxic chemicals in the estuarine zone is tied not only to their fate in the increasing salinity and turbidity zone of the upper estuary but to their source, transport mechanisms, and fate in the upstream river.

scholarly journals Microplastic-Toxic Chemical Interaction: A Review Study on Quantified Levels, Mechanism and Implication

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verla Andrew Wirnkor ◽  
Enyoh Christian Ebere ◽  
Verla Evelyn Ngozi ◽  
Nwanorh Kieran Oharley
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Chemical Interaction ◽  
Health Effect ◽  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Chemical Toxicity ◽  
Toxic Chemical ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
The Impact

Current problem facing researchers globally is microplastics as well as toxic chemical pollution of the ecosystem. Microplastics carry toxic chemicals in the ecosystem.serving as a vector for transport. In this study, a review of the literature has been conducted with the following objectives: (1) to summarise the concentrations of toxic chemicals such heavy metals and hydrophobic organic contaminants sorped on microplastics; (2) to evaluate their spatial distribution regarding adsorbed contaminant (3) to discuss plausible mechanism by which microplastics adsorp or desorp toxic chemicals in the environment; (4) to discuss implications of their occurrence in air, water and soil media; and (5) to discuss the impact of ingested microplastics to human health. Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Concentrations of sorped toxic chemical varied with location which represents a local problem; industrialized areas (especially areas experiencing crude oil related activities or have history of crude oil pollution) have higher concentrations than less industrialized areas. Ingestion of microplastics has been demonstrated in a range of marine and soil organisms as well as edible plants, thus possible contaminating the base of the food-web. Potential health effect to human is by particle localization, chemical toxicity and microbal toxins. We conclude by highlighting the gap in knowledge and suggesting key future areas of research for scientists and policymakers.

The Niagara Labyrinth — The Human Ecology of Producing Organochlorine Chemicals

1985 ◽  
Vol 42 (10) ◽  
pp. 1681-1692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Gilbertson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Human Ecology ◽  
The United States ◽  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
Toxic Chemical ◽  
Chemical Production ◽  
Critical Pathway ◽  
Niagara River ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
St Lawrence River

Organochlorine chemical production, by United States chemical manufacturers, has resulted in severe contamination of the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River and of Canadian resources by transboundary pollution. In 1978, Canada and the United States signed the second Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement which was designed to overcome toxic chemical as well as eutrophication problems. This paper is a review of the effectiveness of the implementation of the provisions of the 1978 Agreement concerning toxic chemicals. To aid with organization of the material the sociological framework of human ecology has been employed. To focus the discussion on the more important facets, the critical pathway analysis methodology, developed for radiation protection, has been used.

scholarly journals Chemical pollution as a driver of biodiversity loss and potential deterioration of ecosystem services in Eastern Africa: A critical review

2021 ◽  
Vol 117 (9/10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Cristiano ◽  
Cristina Giacoma ◽  
Mario Carere ◽  
Laura Mancini
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Inland Waters ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Chemical Pollutants ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
The Impact

Chemical pollution, i.e. the release of anthropogenic chemical substances into the environment, is a driver of biodiversity loss. Although this issue has been widely investigated in high-income countries of temperate regions, there is a lack of data for tropical areas of middle- or low-income countries, such as those in Eastern Africa. Some of the world’s richest biomes that are affected by multiple pressures, including chemical pollution, are hosted in this macro-region. However, few studies have addressed the impact of the release of anthropogenic chemical pollutants on the biodiversity, and the related potential implications for the deterioration of ecosystem goods and services in this area. A contribution in systemising the scientific literature related to this topic is, therefore, urgently needed. We reviewed studies published from 2001 to 2021, focusing on the chemical pollution impact on Eastern African wildlife. Despite an extensive literature search, we found only 43 papers according to our survey methods. We focused on wildlife inhabiting terrestrial ecosystems and inland waters. According to our search, Kenya and Uganda are the most represented countries accounting for about half of the total number of reviewed articles. Moreover, 67.4% of the studies focus on inland waters. The spread of anthropogenic chemicals into tropical areas, e.g. Eastern Africa, and their effects on living organisms deserve greater attention in research and politics. We report a weak increasing trend in publishing studies addressing this topic that might bode well. The combined effort of science and governments is crucial in improving the management of chemical pollutants in the environment for achieving the goals of biodiversity conservation.

scholarly journals Mathematical Evaluation of the Effect of Agrochemicals on Human Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 236-245
Author(s):  
G O Agaba
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Toxic Chemicals ◽  
Agricultural Activities ◽  
Toxic Chemical ◽  
Careful Evaluation ◽  
Chemical Residues ◽  
Seirs Epidemic Model ◽  
Mathematical Evaluation ◽  
The Impact

The fast growing economical and political needs and demands for increase agricultural activities and produces in most parts of the world necessitate the need for a careful evaluation of the general crop cultivation processes and the increasing usage of diverse toxic chemicals in the form of pesticides, fertilizers, etc. in the agricultural sector to control pests and weeds to improve soil nutrients during cultivation and in some cases, for preservation of cultivated crops. Agrochemicals are used in a manner that suggests farmers do not take into cognisance the fact that residue of the chemicals which is harmful to man is always left on such foods. This paper applies a mathematical model to examine the impact of agrochemicals on human health by using the conventional principle of an SEIRS epidemic model. From the overall outcome, it was observed that the consumption of these hazardous plants before the elapse of the incubation (waiting) period affect the human health negatively. Consequently, the need for a wake up call to all farmers, agricultural workers, Government and Non-Governmental monitoring agencies to arise to the task of saving human lives from these toxic chemical residues in agricultural produces.

Soil Chemical Pollution and Aggressive Pathologies

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2278-2282
Author(s):  
Stelian Ioan Morariu ◽  
Letitia Doina Duceac ◽  
Alina Costina Luca ◽  
Florina Popescu ◽  
Liliana Pavel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Optimal Parameters ◽  
Chemical Pollutants ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Physician ◽  
Solid Liquid

Maintaining the soil in optimal parameters is vital for mankind, given its essential role in providing the alimentary base, as well as its extremely slow formation and regeneration (hundreds or thousands of years). The direct and indirect pollution of the soil and especially its chemical pollution represent a corollary of other types of pollution, given that it is produced by solid, liquid and gaseous residues. It may be involved in a wide range of diseases (respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, renal, haematological, osteoarticular, neurological) of allergic, infectious, degenerative or neoplastic nature, from infancy to the old age. Although there are natural causes of soil pollution (e.g. volcanic eruptions), most pollutants come from human activities, which are the most incriminated in its pollution, degradation and erosion at an accelerated pace. The growing concern of all nations for the adoption of measures to limit the chemical pollution of the soil is partially found so far in viable and effective solutions intended to combat soil contamination and degradation and ensure its restoration. Chemical industrialization leads to technical and scientific progress, but at the same time it can develop related pathologies, which means that the role of the occupational health physician is essential in ensuring prophylaxis and the early detection of occupational diseases. Besides that, the role of the pediatrician is equally precious for the detection of specific diseases caused by chemical pollutants to children, because they will develop into adults with pathological stigma.The chemical pollution of the soil is a major challenge for ecologists, given that it is an important risk factor for many types of afflictions. It requires maximum attention from civil society, health care professionals and government institutions. The specialist in occupational medicine, as well as the pediatrician bear an essential responsibility in both, prevention and treatment.

scholarly journals The importance of sanitary microbiological indices in the evaluation of epidemiological safety of water use in conditions of chemical contamination of water

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
pp. 934-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu. A. Rakhmanin ◽  
L. V. Ivanova ◽  
T. Z. Artemova ◽  
E. K. Gipp ◽  
Anzhelika V. Zagainova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Chemical Substance ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Given

The increasing chemicalization of production and life leads to the pollution of water bodies by chemicals, the effect of which on the micro - and macro - organisms is poorly understood. This section of the study in sanitary bacteriology is becoming ever more topical and is an important task of modern hygienic science. One of complicacies of the study of the problem is related with the fact that the presence of only experimental data fails to be sufficient, as the impact of any given chemical substance on different bacteria in the experiment does not mean that under natural conditions, similar results will be obtained. One reason for this may be the inhibitory effect of the given chemical on biological properties of bacteria, while in field conditions in the water several chemicals interacting with each other can exist. In this regard, the aim of the work was to assess the indicator value of sanitary and microbiological indices of epidemic hazard of water use in conditions of chemical pollution of surface water bodies.

scholarly journals ZNAČAJ MIKROBIOLOŠKE ISPRAVNOSTI VODE U ZAŠTITI ZDRAVLJA STANOVNIŠTVA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljubica Šarčevic - Todosijevic ◽  
Snezana Đorđevic ◽  
Vera Popovic ◽  
Ljubisa Živanovic ◽  
Bojana Petrovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Monitoring ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Microbiological Safety ◽  
Microbiological Pollution ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
The Impact

In addition to physical and chemical pollution of water, from the aspect of the impact of water on the health of the population, monitoring and prevention of microbiological pollution of water, especially water used for drinking, is extremely important. In this paper, the importance of microbiological safety of water in protecting the health of the population is considered.

A comparison of emerging contaminant fingerprinting techniques to assess the impact of human wastewater on karst groundwater quality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luka Vucinic ◽  
David O'Connell ◽  
Donata Dubber ◽  
Patrice Behan ◽  
Quentin Crowley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Karst Aquifer ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Wastewater Effluent ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Karst Aquifers ◽  
Karst Springs ◽  
Aquifer Systems ◽  
Pollution Impacts ◽  
The Impact

<p>Lowland karst aquifers in Ireland are extremely complex to understand and are considered to be highly vulnerable to pollution (e.g. low-lying karst catchments exhibit a lot of surface water – groundwater interactions which makes them very susceptible to direct contamination). These aquifers are impacted by multiple contamination sources on land (in particular, rural sources from agriculture and on-site domestic wastewater effluent) which makes their protection and management challenging. Human wastewater effluent is identified as significant threat to groundwater quality in such lowland Irish karst environments, since approximately one-third of the population in Ireland is relying on decentralized wastewater treatment systems for the treatment of domestic wastewater. However, it is difficult to distinguish between human wastewater effluent and agricultural pollution impacts on karst aquifers using only traditional water quality parameters or any single environmental tracing method. Hence, the impact of microbial and chemical contaminants of human wastewater origin on groundwater quality must be assessed using a multiple-tracer approach, ideally targeting source-specific tracers. This paper presents an overview of the results obtained during the research conducted throughout the last several years at nine karst catchments in Ireland using a range of methodologies in order to determine and quantify domestic wastewater pollution impacts on karst springs. Microbial pollution was assessed using flow cytometric fingerprinting and faecal indicator bacteria, while chemical pollution impact assessment included the analysis of fluorescent whitening compounds (FWCs; well-known indicators of human contamination since their origin is mostly from laundry detergents), specific anion ratio signatures (Cl/Br), quantification and identification of microplastic particles using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and faecal sterol and stanol profiles and ratios. A thorough analysis of the results obtained using a multiple-tracer approach has been conducted and methodologies have been evaluated in terms of applicability and sensitivity in a range of different karst catchments. The ability of these methodologies and techniques to determine and quantify human faecal pollution impacts on karst springs will be discussed. The results show a significant correlation between microplastic particle counts and detected FWCs signals at different springs, which helps to understand the contribution of household-derived contaminants to this environmental problem. Moreover, our results indicate that faecal sterols and stanols can be useful faecal source tracking method in karst aquifer systems despite the fact that concentrations of sterols and stanols of interest were usually low which makes the interpretation of results challenging.</p>

scholarly journals Analysis of the effectiveness of the systems protecting against the impact of water damming in the river on the increase of groundwater level on the example of the Malczyce dam

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 00011
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz Głogowski ◽  
Mieczysław Chalfen
Keyword(s):  
Boussinesq Equation ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Left Bank ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Drainage Channel ◽  
The Finite Element Method ◽  
The Third ◽  
Stationary Version ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Village

The aim of the article is to determine to what extent individual elements of the project protecting the village of Rzeczyca and adjacent areas against flooding after the planned damming up of water in the Odra on the Malczyce dam. The assessment of the impact of damming on the nearby towns was made using a mathematical model based on a two-dimensional and non-stationary version of the Boussinesq equation and the finite element method (FEM). In the simulations, the proprietary FIZ software was used for calculating water flow and chemical pollution in a porous medium. Four computer simulations were carried out, modelling the flow of groundwater in the left-bank Odra valley. The first simulation was run in pre-towering conditions, the second one included water damming without additional safeguards, the third one with a watertight membrane and the fourth one with a membrane and a drainage channel.

From pristine to present state: hydrology evolution of Lake Saint-François, St. Lawrence River

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 864-879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Morin ◽  
Michel Leclerc
Keyword(s):  
Water Level ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Ship Traffic ◽  
Water Level Rise ◽  
Hydropower Production ◽  
Discharge Regulation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
St Lawrence River

Lake Saint-François is a relatively shallow fluvial lake of the St. Lawrence River with numerous deep channels. This complex system has been considerably altered from its pristine state 150 years ago. Currently, the water level is stabilized and the flow is regulated; important areas have been dredged and the major part of its outflow is diverted through the Beauharnois canal. The evolution of water levels shows a trend towards stabilization as required for ship traffic in the St. Lawrence Seaway and for hydropower production. With the construction of the Moses-Saunders dam in 1960, the flow of the river could be regulated; changes occur in the seasonal pattern of the flow. Ancient stage-discharge relationships were recreated to describe the impact of the 1849 damming and of the present level stabilization. Stabilization of the water level has favored the growth of submerged plants. Manning's friction coefficient was used to show that plant biomass has doubled since 1920; the onset of biomass increases corresponds to a water level stabilization event. The distribution of wetlands in the Lake Saint-François area was drastically modified by the water level rise caused by the 1849 damming. New wetlands were created and pre-1849 wetlands, located on what are currently shoals in the central part of the lake, have totally disappeared.Key words: Lake Saint-François, St. Lawrence River, impact of civil works, flow discharge regulation, water level regulation, wetland flooding cycle, submerged macrophyte, ecosystem reaction, civil work history.

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