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He T, Li Y, Huang Y, He E, Li Y, Qu L, Ding F, Jin R, Han M, Yuan L, Xue W, Qu R, Zheng W, Xie Y, Liu X, Zhao L, Liu M. Simulation and risk assessment of arsenic by Hydrus-3D and CalTOX in a typical brownfield site. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130892. [PMID: 36758430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Accurate quantification of arsenic migration and accumulation in brownfield site is critical for environmental management and soil remediation. However, the researches simulating arsenic in brownfield site in China are limited due to sparse data and complex migration behaviors. In this study, we simulated historic arsenic contamination using Hydrus-3D in an abandoned brownfield site in Hebei, China, from 1972 to 2019. Atmospheric discharge, wastewater leakage, solid waste discharge and tank leakage were calculated according to the factory processes for model simulation. Based on the results of Hydrus-3D, we assessed health risk of arsenic in this site. The results showed that total arsenic input to the soil surface from 4 pathways was 24.6 tons, the solid waste discharge was the highest contributor. The accumulation process mainly occurred in the unsaturated zone due to clay and silty clay absorbed arsenic and thus slow down the migration process. While in the saturation zone, abundant groundwater promoted migration of arsenic, resulting in widespread distribution of contaminated area. The model results represented good performance between simulated and measured values. Sensitivity analysis indicated that adsorption constant and water conductivity were the most influential parameters. Heath risk assessment showed that arsenic contamination continues to threaten resident health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao He
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Ye Huang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Erkai He
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Liangyu Qu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Fangfang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ruihe Jin
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mingzhe Han
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lina Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Weizhen Xue
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ruijuan Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yunfeng Xie
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xingmei Liu
- College of Environmental Natural Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China.
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Yoo YG, Park J, Umh HN, Lee SY, Bae S, Kim YH, Jerng SE, Kim Y, Yi J. Evaluating the environmental impact of the lead species in perovskite solar cells via environmental-fate modeling. J IND ENG CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Utembe W, Wepener V, Yu IJ, Gulumian M. An assessment of applicability of existing approaches to predicting the bioaccumulation of conventional substances in nanomaterials. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:2972-2988. [PMID: 30117187 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The experimental determination of bioaccumulation is challenging, and a number of approaches have been developed for its prediction. It is important to assess the applicability of these predictive approaches to nanomaterials (NMs), which have been shown to bioaccumulate. The octanol/water partition coefficient (KOW ) may not be applicable to some NMs that are not found in either the octanol or water phases but rather are found at the interface. Thus the KOW values obtained for certain NMs are shown not to correlate well with the experimentally determined bioaccumulation. Implementation of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for NMs is also challenging because the bioaccumulation of NMs depends on nano-specific properties such as shape, size, and surface area. Thus there is a need to develop new QSAR models based on these new nanodescriptors; current efforts appear to focus on digital processing of NM images as well as the conversion of surface chemistry parameters into adsorption indices. Water solubility can be used as a screening tool for the exclusion of NMs with short half-lives. Adaptation of fugacity/aquivalence models, which include physicochemical properties, may give some insights into the bioaccumulation potential of NMs, especially with the addition of a biota component. The use of kinetic models, including physiologically based pharmacokinetic models, appears to be the most suitable approach for predicting bioaccumulation of NMs. Furthermore, because bioaccumulation of NMs depends on a number of biotic and abiotic factors, it is important to take these factors into account when one is modeling bioaccumulation and interpreting bioaccumulation results. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2972-2988. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wells Utembe
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Victor Wepener
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | - Mary Gulumian
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Haematology and Molecular Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Tao H, He P, Wang Z, Sun W. Application of the Mahalanobis distance on evaluating the overall performance of moving-grate incineration of municipal solid waste. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:284. [PMID: 29658068 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6653-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, there were 54 municipal solid waste (MSW) moving-grate incineration power plants investigated in China. The flue gas emission data of CO, NOx, SO2, HCl, and particles were collected as monthly means directly from the plants for 12 consecutive months from 2011 to 2012, as well as the annual cumulative consumption data of activated carbon, CaO/Ca(OH)2, and #0 diesel. Eventually, 37 out of the 54 plants were evaluated on the overall performance using the Mahalanobis distance. As a result, there were 31 total outliers (potential errors or risks in the operation) detected from the flue gas emission data in 9 out of 37 plants. The results revealed that the Mahalanobis distance was an effective method to evaluate the overall performance of MSW moving-gate incineration from the massive normal-looking flue gas emission data. It was also illustrated that reducing the frequency of the load changes was more important than reducing the magnitude of the load changes, especially in the range between - 10 and 10% of the load changes. Furthermore, the average consumption of activated carbon, CaO/Ca(OH)2, and #0 diesel in the MSW moving-grate incineration power plants was 0.32 ± 0.13 kg, 7.75 ± 3.06 kg, and 0.15 ± 0.12 kg per ton of MSW, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Tao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, 75025, USA
- Center for Research on Environmental Diseases, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- China Association of Urban Environmental Sanitation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Pinjing He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhishan Wang
- Center for Research on Environmental Diseases, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, 75025, USA.
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Shin HM, McKone TE, Bennett DH. Model framework for integrating multiple exposure pathways to chemicals in household cleaning products. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:829-839. [PMID: 27859724 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a screening-level exposure-assessment method which integrates exposure from all plausible exposure pathways as a result of indoor residential use of cleaning products. The exposure pathways we considered are (i) exposure to a user during product use via inhalation and dermal, (ii) exposure to chemical residues left on clothing, (iii) exposure to all occupants from the portion released indoors during use via inhalation and dermal, and (iv) exposure to the general population due to down-the-drain disposal via inhalation and ingestion. We use consumer product volatilization models to account for the chemical fractions volatilized to air (fvolatilized ) and disposed down the drain (fdown-the-drain ) during product use. For each exposure pathway, we use a fate and exposure model to estimate intake rates (iR) in mg/kg/d. Overall, the contribution of the four exposure pathways to the total exposure varies by the type of cleaning activities and with chemical properties. By providing a more comprehensive exposure model and by capturing additional exposures from often-overlooked exposure pathways, our method allows us to compare the relative contribution of various exposure routes and could improve high-throughput exposure assessment for chemicals in cleaning products.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-M Shin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - T E McKone
- Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - D H Bennett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Ben Y, Li T, Wan Y, Dong Z, Hu J. Exposure assessment of PCDD/Fs for the population living in the vicinity of municipal waste incinerator: Additional exposure via local vegetable consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 224:532-540. [PMID: 28237308 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
While the exposure assessment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs) for people living in the vicinity of municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) has been investigated, indirect exposure to MSWI-emitted PCDD/Fs via consumption of local foods has not been well assessed. In this study, the PCDD/F concentration in the local vegetables grown near a MSWI located in Shenzhen, South China, was determined to be 0.92 ± 0.59 pg/g wet weight (ww), significantly higher than that (0.25 ± 0.35 pg/g ww) in commercial vegetables (p < 0.05). The PCDD/F concentrations in Banyan leaf (Ficus microcarpa) samples collected from 5 sampling sites at 1 km intervals from the MSWI were found to be significantly decreased with increasing distance, suggesting that the local plants would be impacted by emissions from the MSWI. The exposure assessment of PCDD/Fs for the population living in the vicinity of MSWI was carried out by simultaneously analyzing PCDD/Fs in other food groups that were commonly consumed by the residents. If only the local vegetables were consumed and other foods were acquired commercially, the total dietary intake for a general adult was 0.94 ± 0.41 pg TEQ/kg bw/day, of which consumption of local vegetables accounted for 52.3%. If all foods consumed including vegetables were from a commercial source, the total dietary intake was 0.56 ± 0.30 pg TEQ/kg bw/day, of which consumption of commercial vegetables accounted for 20.1%. The present study for the first time reported the additional human exposure to PCDD/Fs via consumption of local vegetables impacted by emissions from MSWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Ben
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tong Li
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yi Wan
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhaomin Dong
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jianying Hu
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Sou WI, Chu A, Chiueh PT. Sustainability assessment and prioritisation of bottom ash management in Macao. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2016; 34:1275-1282. [PMID: 27637273 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x16665914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In Macao, about 7200 t yr-1 of bottom ash (BA) is generated and conventionally landfilled with construction waste. Because the properties of BA are similar to those of natural aggregates, it is suitable to be recycled as construction material. However, pre-treatment processes for BA reuse may require more resource input and may generate additional environmental impacts. Life cycle assessment, multi-media transport model analysis, cost-benefit analysis and the analytical hierarchy process were conducted to evaluate the impacts of current and potential BA management scenarios regarding environmental, economic, social and regulatory aspects. The five analysed scenarios are as follows: (0) BA buried with construction and demolition waste (current system); (1) pre-treated BA used to replace 25% of the natural aggregate in asphalt concrete; (2) pre-treated BA used to replace 25% of the natural aggregate in cement concrete; (3) pre-treated BA used to replace 25% of cement in cement concrete; and (4) pre-treated BA sent to China, blended with municipal solid waste for landfill. The results reveal the following ranking of the scenarios: 3 > 2 > 0 > 1 > 4. Scenario 3 shows the best conditions for BA recycling, because the quantity of cement concrete output is the highest and this brings the greatest economic benefits. Our use of integrated analysis provides multi-aspect investigations for BA management systems, particularly in accounting for site-specific characteristics. This approach is suitable for application in other non-western regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- W I Sou
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, ROC
| | - Andrea Chu
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, ROC
| | - P T Chiueh
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, ROC
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Li PC, Shih HC, Ma HW. Assessing the transfer of risk due to transportation of agricultural products. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 120:706-713. [PMID: 25462316 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Health risk assessment (HRA) is the process used to estimate adverse health effects on humans. The importance and sensitivity of food chains to HRA have been observed, but the impact of the transportation of food has generally been ignored. This study developed an exposure assessment to demonstrate the significance of the transportation of agricultural products in HRA. The associated case study estimated the health risks derived from various sources of arsenic emissions in Taiwan. Two assessment scenarios, self-sufficiency and transportation of agricultural products, were compared to calculate risk transfer ratios that show the impact of agriculture transportation. The risk transfer ratios found by the study range from 0.22 to 42.10, indicating that the quantity of transportation of agricultural products is the critical factor. High air deposition and high agricultural production are the two main contributors to the effect of the transportation of agricultural products on HRA. Risk reduction measures could be applied to high-pollution areas as well as to areas with high agricultural productivity to reduce ingestion risks to residents. Certain areas that are sensitive to the transportation of agricultural products may incur more risks if emissions increase in agriculturally productive counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chiun Li
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ching Shih
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hwong-Wen Ma
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
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Schuhmacher M, Fàbrega F, Kumar V, García F, Nadal M, Domingo JL. A PBPK model to estimate PCDD/F levels in adipose tissue: comparison with experimental values of residents near a hazardous waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 73:150-157. [PMID: 25118088 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in 15 samples of adipose tissue from subjects who had been living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI). The results were compared with levels obtained in previous surveys carried out in 1998 (baseline study), 2002 and 2007. The current (2013) concentrations of PCDD/Fs in adipose tissue ranged from 2.8 to 46.3 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat (mean and median concentrations: 11.5 and 7.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat, respectively), being significantly lower (64%) than those observed in 1998. In contrast, no significant differences in the mean PCDD/F concentrations were noted in the period 2002-2013. The significant decrease of the PCDD/F content in fat, also noted in other biological monitors such as plasma and breast milk, is in agreement with the reduction in the dietary intake of PCDD/Fs found in the same area of study. Similarly to other investigations across Europe, an increase of PCDD/F levels in adipose tissue in relation to age was observed, while no significant differences were noted according to gender. A multicompartmental physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was also applied to estimate the levels of PCDD/Fs in adipose tissue. When comparing the modeled and experimental concentrations of PCDD/Fs in that tissue, very similar values were obtained for the four surveys, which indicates this can be a reliable tool to predict the internal dose of PCDD/Fs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francesc Fàbrega
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Medicina Legal de Catalunya (IMLC), Divisió de Tarragona, Av. President Companys 10, 43005 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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Mari M, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Body burden monitoring of dioxins and other organic substances in workers at a hazardous waste incinerator. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2013; 216:728-34. [PMID: 23419586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The construction in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia) of the first, and up till now the only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain, finished in 1999. In this study, we measured the concentrations of a number of organic substances determined in blood and urine of the HWI workers. Samples of 18 men and 9 women, classified according to their respective workplaces, were collected in 2011, after approximately 12 years of regular operations in the facility. The current results were compared with those of the baseline survey, as well as with the most recent surveys performed in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Plasma analyses were carried out for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), while the levels of 2,4- and 2,5-dichlorophenol (DCP), 2,4,5- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) were measured in urine samples. In plasma, the mean concentrations were the following: 10.8μg/kg lipid for HCB; 0.8μg/kg lipid for PCB28; 0.3μg/kg lipid for PCB52; 0.5μg/kg lipid for PCB101; 42.2μg/kg lipid for PCB138; 18.5μg/kg lipid for PCB153, and 51.2μg/kg lipid for PCB180. For PCDD/Fs, the mean concentration was 4.6ng I-TEQ/kg lipid (4.7ng WHO-TEQ/kg lipid). These levels, as well as those found in urine samples, are in agreement with the data of previous surveys performed in the same area. The current results in HWI workers do not show any evident sign of occupational exposure to PCDD/Fs and other organic substances. However, these results must be considered only as an indication of potential exposure, as the study presents notable limitations, such as the reduced number of participants and the lack of data relative to the air concentrations of chemicals. Consequently, general conclusions cannot be derived and the results should not be used as a basis for the implementation of industrial hygiene measures in other HWIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Mari
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Lonati G, Zanoni F. Probabilistic health risk assessment of carcinogenic emissions from a MSW gasification plant. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 44:80-91. [PMID: 22364891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Health risk assessment due to the atmospheric emissions of carcinogenic pollutants (PCDD/Fs and Cd) from a waste gasification plant is performed by means of a probabilistic approach based on probability density functions for the description of the input data of the model parameters involved in the assessment. These functions incorporate both the epistemic and stochastic uncertainty of the input data (namely, the emission rate of the pollutants) and of all the parameters used for individual exposure assessment through the pathways of inhalation, soil ingestion and dermal contact, and diet. The uncertainty is propagated throughout the evaluation by Monte Carlo technique, resulting in the probability distribution of the individual risk. The median risk levels nearby the plant are in the 10(-8)-10(-10) range, ten-fold lower than the deterministic estimate based on precautionary values for the input data; however, the very upper percentiles (>95th) of the risk distribution can exceed the conventional 10(-6) reference value. The estimated risk is almost entirely determined by the Cd exposure through the diet; the pathways arising from PCDD/Fs exposure are without any practical significance, suggesting that the emission control should focus on Cd in order to reduce the carcinogenic risk. Risk variance decomposition shows the prevailing influence on the estimated risk of the Cd concentration at the emission stack: thus, for a more accurate risk assessment the efforts should focus primarily on the definition of its probability density function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Lonati
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Idraulica, Ambientale, Infrastrutture viarie, Rilevamento, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milan, Italy.
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Kim YM, Kim JW, Lee HJ. Burden of disease attributable to air pollutants from municipal solid waste incinerators in Seoul, Korea: a source-specific approach for environmental burden of disease. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:2019-2028. [PMID: 21420146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have attempted to quantify the integrated health burden, incorporating both mortality and morbidity as these factors pertain to air pollutants, on the population in the vicinity of the incinerators. The aims of this study are to estimate the attributable burden of disease caused by incinerators in Seoul, Korea and to present an approach based on source-specific exposure for the estimation of the environmental burden of disease (EBD). With particular attention on the development of a measurement means of the source-specific, exposure-based population attributable fraction (PAF), we integrated air dispersion modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the population distribution of exposure, and the exposure-response relationship. We then estimated the PAFs caused by additional concentrations of four air pollutants (PM(10), NO(2,) SO(2), and CO) emitted from four municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) in Seoul in 2007. We, finally, estimated the attributable burden of disease, using the estimated PAF and the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) method developed by the Global Burden of Disease Group of the World Health Organization (WHO). The PAF for NO(2) to all-cause mortality was assessed at approximately 0.02% (95% CI: 0.003-0.036%), which was the highest among all air pollutants. The PAFs for respiratory and cardiovascular disease were 0.12% (95% CI: 0.01-0.16%) and 0.10% (95% CI: 0.04-0.16%), respectively. The sum of the attributable burden of disease for four pollutants was about 297 person-years (PYs) (95% CI: 121-472 PYs) when the incinerators observed to the emission standards. The attributable burdens of respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease were about 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, of the total burden of respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease of Seoul citizens for the year 2007. Although the air emissions from one risk factor, an incinerator, are small, the burden of disease can be significant to the public health when population exposure is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kim
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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Milner J, Vardoulakis S, Chalabi Z, Wilkinson P. Modelling inhalation exposure to combustion-related air pollutants in residential buildings: Application to health impact assessment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:268-279. [PMID: 20875687 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Buildings in developed countries are becoming increasingly airtight as a response to stricter energy efficiency requirements. At the same time, changes are occurring to the ways in which household energy is supplied, distributed and used. These changes are having important impacts on exposure to indoor air pollutants in residential buildings and present new challenges for professionals interested in assessing the effects of housing on public health. In many circumstances, models are the most appropriate way with which to examine the potential outcomes of future environmental and/or building interventions and policies. As such, there is a need to consider the current state of indoor air pollution exposure modelling. Various indoor exposure modelling techniques are available, ranging from simple statistical regression and mass-balance approaches, to more complex multizone and computational fluid dynamics tools that have correspondingly large input data requirements. This review demonstrates that there remain challenges which limit the applicability of current models to health impact assessment. However, these issues also present opportunities for better integration of indoor exposure modelling and epidemiology in the future. The final part of the review describes the application of indoor exposure models to health impact assessments, given current knowledge and data, and makes recommendations aimed at improving model predictions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Milner
- Department of Social & Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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14
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Wheatley A, Sadhra S. Carcinogenic risk assessment for emissions from clinical waste incineration and road traffic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2010; 20:313-327. [PMID: 20737342 DOI: 10.1080/09603121003663487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The most significant potentially carcinogenic substances arising from a state-of-the-art clinical waste incinerator (CWI) and vehicle emissions were identified as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, 1-butadiene, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and nickel. Long-term exposures of the notional maximum exposed individual (MEI) in the local environment, together with aggregate emissions from transport of clinical waste, were estimated. Mass emission rates of PAHs from the CWI to air were compared with previously published estimates of mass emissions to land from CWI bottom ash. Aggregate emissions from road transport of clinical waste were of a similar order to stack emissions from incineration. Mass emissions of PAHs to landfill generally greatly exceeded those from stack emissions. Emissions associated with operation of the CWI present a negligible contribution to overall cancer risk from PAHs and other carcinogens. Uncertainty in the quantitative risk estimates presented here is discussed in the context of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wheatley
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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15
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Nizzetto L, Lohmann R, Gioia R, Dachs J, Jones KC. Atlantic ocean surface waters buffer declining atmospheric concentrations of persistent organic pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:6978-84. [PMID: 20726587 DOI: 10.1021/es101293v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Decreasing environmental concentrations of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been observed at local or regional scales in continental areas after the implementation of international measures to curb primary emissions. A decline in primary atmospheric emissions can result in re-emissions of pollutants from the environmental capacitors (or secondary sources) such as soils and oceans. This may be part of the reason why concentrations of some POPs such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have not declined significantly in the open oceanic areas, although re-emission of POPs from open ocean water has barely been documented. In contrast, results from this study show that several polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) have undergone a marked decline (2-3 orders of magnitude for some homologues) over a major portion of the remote oligotrophic Atlantic Ocean. The decline appears to be faster than that observed over continental areas, implicating an important role of oceanic geochemical controls on levels and cycling of some POPs. For several lower chlorinated PCDD/Fs, we observed re-emission from surface water back to the atmosphere. An assessment of the effectiveness of the main sink processes highlights the role of degradation in surface waters as potentially key to explaining the different behavior between PCDD/Fs and PCBs and controlling their overall residence time in the ocean/atmosphere system. This study provides experimental evidence that the ocean has a buffering capacity - dependent on individual chemicals - which moderates the rate at which the system will respond to an underlying change in continental emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nizzetto
- Centre of Chemicals Management, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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Li YP, Huang GH. An interval-based possibilistic programming method for waste management with cost minimization and environmental-impact abatement under uncertainty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:4296-4308. [PMID: 20591470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2009] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Considerable public concerns have been raised in the past decades since a large amount of pollutant emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal of processes pose risks on surrounding environment and human health. Moreover, in MSW management, various uncertainties exist in the related costs, impact factors and objectives, which can affect the optimization processes and the decision schemes generated. In this study, an interval-based possibilistic programming (IBPP) method is developed for planning the MSW management with minimized system cost and environmental impact under uncertainty. The developed method can deal with uncertainties expressed as interval values and fuzzy sets in the left- and right-hand sides of constraints and objective function. An interactive algorithm is provided for solving the IBPP problem, which does not lead to more complicated intermediate submodels and has a relatively low computational requirement. The developed model is applied to a case study of planning a MSW management system, where mixed integer linear programming (MILP) technique is introduced into the IBPP framework to facilitate dynamic analysis for decisions of timing, sizing and siting in terms of capacity expansion for waste-management facilities. Three cases based on different waste-management policies are examined. The results obtained indicate that inclusion of environmental impacts in the optimization model can change the traditional waste-allocation pattern merely based on the economic-oriented planning approach. The results obtained can help identify desired alternatives for managing MSW, which has advantages in providing compromised schemes under an integrated consideration of economic efficiency and environmental impact under uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y P Li
- Research Academy of Energy and Environmental Studies, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
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17
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Mari M, Domingo JL. Toxic emissions from crematories: a review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 36:131-137. [PMID: 19822366 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2009.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the cremation ratio of cadavers has increased dramatically in many countries. Crematories have been identified as sources of various environmental pollutants, being polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and mercury those raising most concern. In contrast to other incineration processes for which the number of studies on their toxic emissions is considerable, references related to PCDD/F and mercury emissions from crematories and their health risks are very limited. In this paper, the scientific information concerning these issues, using the databases PubMed, Scopus and Scirus, is reviewed. Results show that in comparison with PCDD/F emissions from other sources, those corresponding to crematories are significantly lower, while those of mercury should not be underrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Mari
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, "Rovira i Virgili" University, Sant Llorens 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, ETSEQ, "Rovira i Virgili" University, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, "Rovira i Virgili" University, Sant Llorens 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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Vilavert L, Nadal M, Mari M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Modification of an environmental surveillance program to monitor PCDD/Fs and metals around a municipal solid waste incinerator. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2009; 44:1343-1352. [PMID: 20183491 DOI: 10.1080/10934520903213210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the mid-90s, an environmental surveillance program has been on-going to provide information on the levels of PCDD/Fs and various metals in soil and vegetation samples collected in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). However, the presence of other potential sources of pollution in the zone, such as traffic, forest fires, local industries, etc., makes hard to determine the impact concerning the MSWI. Therefore, in 2007 a change in the monitoring program was implemented by collecting additional ambient air samples through active and passive sampling devices. Mean PCDD/F levels in herbage and soil were 0.10 ng I-TEQ/kg dry weight (range: 0.05-0.17 ng I-TEQ/kg dw) and 0.64 ng I-TEQ/kg dw (range: 0.13-2.41 ng I-TEQ/kg dw), respectively. A significant reduction of the PCDD/F concentration in both monitors was observed with respect to our previous surveys. Air mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs were 12.04 and 15.21 fg WHO-TEQ/m(3) in 2007 and 2008, respectively, meaning a non-significant increase of 26%. In addition, a generalized increase of environmental metal levels with respect to our baseline study was not observed. The current concentrations of PCDD/Fs and metals in the vicinity of the MSWI of Tarragona are relatively low in comparison with other areas under the influence of emissions from waste incinerators. This indicates that the environmental impact of the MSWI of Tarragona is not significant. Moreover, the modification of the surveillance program has proven to be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Vilavert
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Nadal M, Domingo JL, García F, Schuhmacher M. Levels of PCDD/F in adipose tissue on non-occupationally exposed subjects living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 74:1471-1476. [PMID: 19150731 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2008] [Revised: 11/18/2008] [Accepted: 11/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The potential adverse effects on human health of hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs) are a subject of concern. The construction of the first and till now only HWI in Spain finished in 1999. In 2007, after approximately 9 years of regular operations in the facility, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) were determined by HRGC/HRMS in samples of adipose tissue of 15 autopsied subjects living in the area under potential impact of the HWI (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia). These data were compared with the levels found in two previous surveys performed in 1998 (baseline) and 2002. The current mean PCDD/F concentration in adipose tissue was 14.6 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat (range: 3.3-55.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat). It means significant changes (a reduction of 64% and an increase of 47%) in the mean PCDD/F levels in comparison to those found in 1998 and 2002: 40.1 and 9.9 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat, respectively. Women showed higher levels of PCDD/F than men (23.8 vs 11.2 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat). The increase in the last 5 years would not be directly attributable to exposure to PCDD/F emitted by the HWI, as other biological monitors such as human plasma and milk decreased during the same period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, ''Rovira i Virgili" University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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20
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Nadal M, Perelló G, Schuhmacher M, Cid J, Domingo JL. Concentrations of PCDD/PCDFs in plasma of subjects living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator: follow-up and modeling validation. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 73:901-6. [PMID: 18715608 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 07/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In 2007, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) were determined in plasma of non-occupationally exposed subjects living near the only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia). These data were compared with the levels found in two previous surveys performed in 1998 (baseline) and 2002. The current mean PCDD/PCDF concentration in plasma was 9.36pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid (range: 1.76-23.44pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid). It means a significant reduction of the mean PCDD/PCDFs levels in plasma in comparison to the concentrations found in 1998 and 2002 (27.01 and 15.70pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid, respectively). This important decrease agrees well with the notable reduction in the dietary intake of PCDD/PCDFs recently noted for the population of the same area (210.1pg I-TEQd(-1), 63.8pgWHO-TEQd(-1), and 27.8pgWHO-TEQd(-1), in 1998, 2002 and 2007, respectively). The current data were also used to predict theoretical PCDD/PCDF concentrations in plasma by executing a single-compartment empirically-based pharmacokinetic model on the basis of the daily intake of these pollutants by the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, "Rovira i Virgili" University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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21
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Cangialosi F, Intini G, Liberti L, Notarnicola M, Stellacci P. Health risk assessment of air emissions from a municipal solid waste incineration plant--a case study. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2008; 28:885-95. [PMID: 17611096 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2006] [Revised: 04/04/2007] [Accepted: 05/08/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A health risk assessment of long-term emissions of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic air pollutants has been carried out for the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) of the city of Taranto, Italy. Ground level air concentrations and soil deposition of carcinogenic (Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins/Furans and Cd) and non-carcinogenic (Pb and Hg) pollutants have been estimated using a well documented atmospheric dispersion model. Health risk values for air inhalation, dermal contact, soil and food ingestion have been calculated based on a combination of these concentrations and a matrix of environmental exposure factors. Exposure of the surrounding population has been addressed for different release scenarios based on four pollutants, four exposure pathways and two receptor groups (children and adults). Spatial risk distribution and cancer excess cases projected from plant emissions have been compared with background mortality records. Estimated results based on the MSWI emissions show: (1) individual risks well below maximum acceptable levels, (2) very small incremental cancer risk compared with background level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cangialosi
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Development, Technical University of Bari, V.le Turismo 8, 74100 Taranto, Italy
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Wiberg K, Aberg A, McKone TE, Tysklind M, Hanberg A, MacLeod M. Model selection and evaluation for risk assessment of dioxin-contaminated sites. AMBIO 2007; 36:458-466. [PMID: 17985700 DOI: 10.1579/0044-7447(2007)36[458:msaefr]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The general European population has a total intake of dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals near the limit recommended by the European Union, making additional exposure above background levels undesirable. For populations living near dioxin-contaminated sites, additional exposure may occur by intake of locally produced food, inhalation of particles, dermal contact with soils, or other exposure pathways. Risk assessment tools are required to estimate risks associated with contaminated sites and to set priorities for site remediation. Here, we review several multimedia models that can be applied as tools to support risk assessment. We then present a strategy to select, apply, evaluate, and adapt a model to address a specific situation. The case study we consider is a risk assessment of generic background dioxin exposure in Sweden, and we compare the predictions with environmental observations and exposure data from Sweden. Arguments are presented for selecting the CalTOX model for this case study. We demonstrate the application, evaluation, and adaptation of the model and discuss the requirements for extending the analysis to conduct risk assessment for subpopulations living near dioxin-contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Wiberg
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Sweden.
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Ferré-Huguet N, Nadal M, Mari M, Schuhmacher M, Borrajo MA, Domingo JL. Monitoring metals near a hazardous waste incinerator. Temporal trend in soils and herbage. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2007; 79:130-4. [PMID: 17492387 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9086-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, incineration has been demonstrated to be a commercially available technology for hazardous waste (HW) disposal (Richter and Johnke, 2004). However, because of the potential adverse effects of toxic emissions, waste incinerators are still an important cause for concern for the public. In spite of that, compliance with current EU emissions has vastly reduced the probability of adverse health effects (Glorennec et al., 2005). With respect to metals, a number of studies have shown that these elements are emitted by industrial, medical and municipal waste incinerators (Schumacher et al., 1997; Rimmer et al., 2006). Filter ash is an especially problematic residue because it contains high metal concentrations (Lisk et al., 1989). After combustion in modern HW incinerators (HWIs), metals contained in HW are mainly collected in bottom and fly ash, with only small quantity of metals being discharged from the stack as particulate matter or vapor (Jung et al., 2004). However, the atmospheric emission of these elements is a matter of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ferré-Huguet
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Rovira i Virgili University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Long-term study of environmental levels of dioxins and furans in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2006; 32:397-404. [PMID: 16271390 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2005.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
From 1975 to 2004, a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) was operating in Montcada (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain). Because of the potential health risks derived from emission of pollutants by the facility, especially polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs), a long-term monitoring program focused on measuring the environmental levels of PCDD/Fs near the facility, and to assess the health risks for the population living in the neighborhood, was established between 1996 and 2002. A total number of 111 soil and 121 herbage samples were analyzed for PCDD/Fs during this period. Human health risks for the individuals living near the MSWI (500 and 1,000 m) were also assessed before (1998) and after modernization (2000) of the facility. It included PCDD/F inhalation, dermal contact, soil and dust ingestion, and food intake. All these data are here summarized. The environmental levels of PCDD/Fs showed that the MSWI was not the main responsible of the atmospheric pollution by these compounds. In turn, human health risks for the population living in the vicinity of the facility after introduction of a modern technology were negligible in comparison with the dietary PCDD/F exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, "Rovira i Virgili" University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Spain
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Ferré-Huguet N, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Environmental impact and human health risks of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator: a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2006; 40:61-6. [PMID: 16433333 DOI: 10.1021/es051630+] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the environmental impact of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) 4 years after regular operation of the facility. A double approach was carried out. The PCDD/F congener profiles corresponding to environmental samples, soil and herbage, collected before the HWI (baseline) and 4 years after starting regular operations, as well as PCDD/F profiles of air emission samples, were compared. The potential health risks (carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic) due to PCDD/F exposure were assessed for adults and children living in the neighborhood of the facility. Human exposure to PCDD/Fs was mainly due to dietary food intake. Comparisons between the PCDD/F congener profiles corresponding to the baseline and current surveys, as well as data concerning the human health risk assessment, indicate that the HWI in question does not cause additional risks to the environment orto the population living in the vicinity of the facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Ferré-Huguet
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Rovira i Virgili University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Spain
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