1
|
Majumdar A, Avishek K. Assessing heavy metal and physiochemical pollution load of Danro River and its management using floating bed remediation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9885. [PMID: 38688947 PMCID: PMC11061306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
River Danro in Garhwa (India) plays a vital role as a significant source of surface water and a crucial tributary of the North Koel River, ultimately joining the Ganga River Basin. Serving both urban-industrial and rural areas, the region faces challenges, including sand mining near Belchampa Ghat. This study aimed to assess physicochemical and heavy metals pollution at nine sampling locations, utilizing the Overall Index of Pollution (OIP), Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI), and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI). OIP values indicated excellent surface water quality (0.71) in non-monsoon and slight pollution (6.28) in monsoon. NPI ranged from 0.10 to 1.74 in non-monsoon and from 0.22 (clean) to 27.15 (heavily polluted) in monsoon. HPI results suggested groundwater contamination, particularly by lead. Principal component analysis (PCA) and geospatial mapping showed similar outcomes, highlighting the influence of adjacent land use on water quality. Recognizing the significance of the Danro River in sustaining life, livelihoods, and economic growth, the study recommends implementing measures like floating bed remediation and regulatory actions for effective river management. The study acknowledges weaknesses in the current practical assessment methods for water contamination. These weaknesses make it difficult to put plans for cleaning up and controlling contamination into action. Because of this, future research on developing new in-place remediation techniques should focus on creating better ways to measure how effective the cleanup is.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Majumdar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, Jharkhand, India
| | - Kirti Avishek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, Jharkhand, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aryal P, Hefner C, Martinez B, Henry CS. Microfluidics in environmental analysis: advancements, challenges, and future prospects for rapid and efficient monitoring. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1175-1206. [PMID: 38165815 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00871a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have emerged as advantageous tools for detecting environmental contaminants due to their portability, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and rapid response capabilities. These devices have wide-ranging applications in environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil matrices, and have also been applied to agricultural monitoring. Although several previous reviews have explored microfluidic devices' utility, this paper presents an up-to-date account of the latest advancements in this field for environmental monitoring, looking back at the past five years. In this review, we discuss devices for prominent contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients, microorganisms, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), etc. We cover numerous detection methods (electrochemical, colorimetric, fluorescent, etc.) and critically assess the current state of microfluidic devices for environmental monitoring, highlighting both their successes and limitations. Moreover, we propose potential strategies to mitigate these limitations and offer valuable insights into future research and development directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Aryal
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Claire Hefner
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Brandaise Martinez
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tiwari R, Upadhyay V, Bhat SA, Kumar S. Sewage treatment plant dust: An emerging concern for heavy metals-induced health risks in urban area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169231. [PMID: 38072263 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169231] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Metal-related pollution from dust is a significant source of toxic elements in urban areas. The present study aimed to assess the health risk posed by heavy metals present in dust samples to the people residing near the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Dust samples were collected from an STP with a capacity of 130 mega litres per day (MLD). Data analysis indicated highly contaminated STP dust with Enrichment Factor (EF) suggesting an anthropogenic origin of selected metals (As, Co, Al, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ba, Pb, Ni, Mn). The contamination factor values of metals highlighted a greater degree of contamination in the selected area. Notably, a strong correlation (>0.5) was observed between metals. The EF value was found to be >40 indicating high enrichment for all the metals except Fe. In-depth chemical analysis and health risk assessments were conducted, revealing an Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) value of 1 × 10-6 and HQ (Hazard Quotient) value of 1. These values are significantly exceeding the safe limits for both children and adults which could develop cancerous properties in human beings. In an effort to reduce toxicity, dust samples were also subjected to vermicomposting treatment to assess the potential effectiveness of the earthworms. The EF value of vermicomposted dust came out to be lower than the untreated one. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for adults exhibited the following pattern of HQing > HQder > HQinh (indicating that the Hazard Quotient from ingestion is greater than that from dermal contact, which is in turn greater than inhalation). This investigation offers crucial insights into the increased risks of cancerous and non-cancerous ailments for individuals living or working in proximity to STPs. This research also highlights the pressing need to implement effective measures for safeguarding public health and mitigating environmental pollution in urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Tiwari
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vidisha Upadhyay
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sartaj Ahmad Bhat
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chaudhary A, Prakash C, Sharma SK, Mor S, Ravindra K, Krishnan P. Health risk assessment of aerosol particles (PM 2.5 and PM 10) during winter crop at the agricultural site of Delhi, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1297. [PMID: 37828346 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11826-1] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
For the last few decades, air pollution in developing country like India is increasing, and it is a matter of huge concern due to its associated human health impacts. In this region, the burgeoning population, escalating urbanization and industrialization, has been cited as the major reason for such a high air pollution. The present study was carried out for health risk assessment of aerosol particles (PM10 and PM2.5) and its associated heavy metals of an agriculture farm site at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) considered to be green urban area in Delhi, India. The concentrations of both PM10 and PM2.5 varied significantly from 136 to 177 µg/m3 and 56 to 162 µg/m3, respectively at the site. In the present case, the highest PM10 and PM2.5 levels were reported in January, followed by December. The levels of ambient PM10 and PM2.5 are influenced by wind prevailing meteorology. These levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are more than the permissible limits of WHO guidelines of 15 and 5 µg/m3, respectively, thereby leading to high aerosol loadings specifically in winters. The PM concentration of the atmosphere was found to be negatively correlated with temperature during the sampling period. The concentrations of surface ozone O3 and NOx in the present study were observed to be high in February and March, respectively. The increasing air pollution in the city of Delhi poses a great risk to the human health, as the particulate matter loaded with heavy metals can enter humans via different pathways, viz., ingestion, inhalation, and absorption through skin. The mean hazard index for metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Cr, and Ni) was observed within the acceptable limit (HI < 1), thereby indicating negligible non-carcinogenic effects to residing population. The carcinogenic risk assessment was conducted for Cd, Pb, and As only, as the concentrations for other metals were found to be quite low. The carcinogenic risk values were also within the limits of USEPA standards, indicating no carcinogenic risks to the health of children and adults residing near the site. This information about the PM pollution at the agricultural site and health risk assessment will serve as a baseline data in assessment of human health impacts due to air pollution at the local scale and can be used for development of mitigation strategies for tackling air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Chaudhary
- Division of Environment Sciences, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, 110 012, India.
| | - Chandra Prakash
- Division of Environment Sciences, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, 110 012, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar Sharma
- CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Suman Mor
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Khaiwal Ravindra
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160015, India
| | - Prameela Krishnan
- Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, 110 012, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rehman A, Liu G, Yousaf B, Ijaz S, Irshad S, Cheema AI, Riaz MU, Ashraf A. Spectroscopic fingerprinting, pollution characterization, and health risk assessment of potentially toxic metals from urban particulate matter. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:92842-92858. [PMID: 37495807 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28834-w] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented stride of urbanization and industrialization has given rise to anthropogenic input of tiny particulates into the air. Urban particulate matter (PM) armored with potentially toxic metals (PTMs) could be lethal to the environment and human health. Therefore, the present study was planned to investigate the spectroscopic fingerprinting, pollution status and health risk of PM-associated PTMs collected from ten functional areas of Lahore, Pakistan. The diverged results of studied qualitative and quantitative analyses showed distinct compositional and pollution characteristics of PTMs in urban PM with respect to selected functional areas. The XRD results evident the fractional presence of metal-containing minerals, i.e., pyrite (FeS2), calcite (CaCO3), zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and chalcostibite (CuSbS2). Several chemical species of Zn, Pb, and As were found in PM of various functional areas. However, morphologies of PM showed anthropogenic influence with slight quantitative support of PTMs presence. The cumulative representation of PTMs pollution of all selected areas depicted that Cd was heavily polluted (Igeo=3.21) while Cr (Igeo=1.82) and Ni (Igeo=2.11) were moderately polluted PTMs. The industrial area having high pollution status of Cd (Igeo=5.54 and EF=18.07), Cu (Igeo=6.4 and EF=32.61), Cr (Igeo=4.03 and EF=6.53), Ni (Igeo=5.7 and EF=20.17), and Zn (Igeo=4.87 and EF=11.27) was prominent among other studied areas. The PTMs were likely to pose a high non-cancerous risk in IndAr (HI = 7.48E+00) and HTV (HI = 1.22E +00) areas predominantly due to Zn with HQ > 1. However, Cr was prominent to cause cancerous risks with values beyond the tolerable range (1.00E-04 to 1.00E-06).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rehman
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Guijian Liu
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710075, People's Republic of China.
| | - Balal Yousaf
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Samra Ijaz
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Samina Irshad
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ayesha Imtiyaz Cheema
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Umair Riaz
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Aniqa Ashraf
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Parida L, Patel TN. Systemic impact of heavy metals and their role in cancer development: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:766. [PMID: 37249740 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are well-recognised as environmental hazards due to their toxicity, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation in living organisms. Human health is a crucial concern related to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems poisoned by harmful heavy metals. Most heavy metals pollute the air, water, and soil, which can be fatal to humans. Humans and other species can be exposed to heavy metals through the food chain if the metals oxidise or combine with other environmental elements (such as water, soil, or air). Their entry into the food chain assures interactions with biological macromolecules in living systems, including humans, resulting in undesirable outcomes. Human poisonings have typically been caused by mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic. The build-up of these metals in living organisms causes various harmful consequences on different organs and tissues. The gravitas of heavy metal toxicity regarding molecular impact and carcinogenesis needs in-depth understanding despite the plethora of available data. Hence, additionally, we attempt to elaborate on the multi-level impact of five heavy metals and emphasise their role in cancer development. The rationale of this essay is thus to understand the role of five heavy metals, viz., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), in carcinogenesis. Heavy metals interfere with various biological functions, including proliferation, differentiation, repair of damage, and apoptosis. By comparing their modes of action, we see that these metals share common mechanisms for inducing toxicity, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antioxidant defence weakening, enzyme inactivation, and oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucky Parida
- Department of Integrative Biology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Trupti N Patel
- Department of Integrative Biology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ruiz R, Estevan C, Estévez J, Alcaide C, Sogorb MA, Vilanova E. Reference Values on Children's Hair for 28 Elements (Heavy Metals and Essential Elements) Based on a Pilot Study in a Representative Non-Contaminated Local Area. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098127. [PMID: 37175834 PMCID: PMC10179086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have been published, and laboratories offer services of measuring elements in hair as biomarkers of environmental exposure and/or control of essential elements (trace or macro). These reported values can have only sense if compared with adopted reference values. In this work, we propose provisional reference values based on a pilot child population. The concentrations of 28 elements were measured in children's hair samples. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a typical child population in the Mediterranean region void of excessive pollution problems to analyze 419 hair samples of children aged 3-12 years. Children were selected by a simple random method from eight primary education schools in different municipal districts, which included urban, rural and industrial areas. Samples of around 100 mg were washed and acid digested by an optimized procedure. All measures were performed using ICP-MS with Sc, Y and Re as internal standards. The statistical analysis was performed by two approaches: (a) considering all the data and (b) without outliers (second-order atypical data) to compare them with other published studies. The distribution curves in all the elements studied were asymmetric and did not fit the theoretical normality distributions. Therefore, the analysis based on percentiles was more appropriate. In most elements, only slight differences were observed with sex or age, which did not justify proposing separate reference ranges. From the results of this study, provisional reference values are proposed following two criteria: (a) simple application of the table of percentiles built by removing outlier values and (b) values after a detailed analysis case-by-case, considering other data as the distribution profile and other published data of each element. Although the pilot sample was from a limited area, it was carefully selected to be representative of a general non-contaminated population. With this limitation, the proposed reference values might be useful for researchers and physicians until a wider geographical study is available for a large number of elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiz
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Carmen Estevan
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Jorge Estévez
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Carolina Alcaide
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Miguel A Sogorb
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Eugenio Vilanova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sirinara P, Patarapongsant Y, Nilyai S, Sooklert K, Dissayabutra T, Rojanathanes R, Sereemaspun A. "Assessing exposure of printing factory workers in thailand to selected heavy metals using urine and hair as non-invasive matrices". BMC Public Health 2023; 23:31. [PMID: 36604667 PMCID: PMC9817298 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few thorough studies on the extent and inter-element relationships of heavy metal contamination in printing factory workers, especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of eight heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn), in urine and scalp hair of printing industry workers, and assess inter-element correlations. METHODS We examined a total of 85 urine samples and 85 scalp hair samples (3 cm hair segments taken from near the scalp) in 85 printing workers from a printing house in Bangkok, Thailand. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire about participants' printing techniques, work characteristics, and work environment. Urine and scalp hair samples were analyzed for levels of each element using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique. RESULTS As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb were detected in urine with the geometric mean concentration range of 0.0028-0.0209 mg/L, and Hg, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co, Mn, Cr were detected in hair samples (0.4453-7.165 mg/kg dry weight) of printing workers. The geometric mean Ni level was significantly higher in the urine of production line workers than back-office personnel (0.0218 mg/L vs. 0.0132 mg/L; p = 0.0124). The other elements did not differ significantly between production line and back-office workers in either urine or hair. There was also a strong, statistically significant positive correlation between Ni and Co levels in hair samples of workers (r = 0.944, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Average concentrations of most of the metals in urine and hair of printing workers were found to be above the upper reference values. The significantly higher concentrations of Ni in production line workers might be due to more exposure to printed materials. A strong inter-element correlation between Ni and Co in hair samples can increase stronger health effects and should be further investigated. This study reveals possible dependencies and impact interactions of heavy metal exposure in printing factory workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patthrarawalai Sirinara
- grid.411628.80000 0000 9758 8584Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yupin Patarapongsant
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Behavioral Research and Informatics in Social Sciences Research Unit (RU-BRI), SASIN School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siwaporn Nilyai
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanidta Sooklert
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thasinas Dissayabutra
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Department of Biochemistry Metabolic Disease in Gastrointestinal and Urinary System Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rojrit Rojanathanes
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Amornpun Sereemaspun
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dai L, Wang L, Wan X, Yang J, Wang Y, Liang T, Song H, Shaheen SM, Antoniadis V, Rinklebe J. Potentially toxic elements exposure biomonitoring in the elderly around the largest polymetallic rare earth ore mining and smelting area in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158635. [PMID: 36087673 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158635] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can be released during mining operations and ore processing. The pollution and health risk related to PTEs in total suspended particulates (TSPs) around the largest polymetallic rare earth mining area (Bayan Obo) and smelting area (Baotou) in Inner Mongolia, China, were evaluated. PTEs in the hair of the elderly living in these two areas and a reference area (Hohhot) were also examined. Relationships between PTEs in TSPs and hair with categorical factors (location, gender, etc.) were also modeled. Multivariate statistical analyses were carried out to analyze the possible sources of the PTEs in TSPs. The bubble maps of the concentrations of PTEs indicated that high concentrations of PTEs were near the industrial area where smelting plants and power plants were located. In addition, health risks were assessed for adults in the mining and smelting area. The carcinogenic risk of Cr was high for residents in the study areas. Also, the residents were exposed to a non-carcinogenic risk of Ni. Significant mean value differences were observed between PTEs in the hair of the elderly in Baotou and Hohhot. Results of the linear regression model indicated that around 31 % of the Pb in hair could be explained by the linear regression model, it could be affected by Ni and Zn in TSPs, but location, gender, and sampling time showed no significant contribution. Age was not significantly associated with the PTEs levels in hair in Baotou and Bayan Obo. The results provide important scientific evidence for a better understanding of the effects of PTEs in TSPs in polymetallic ore mining and smelting areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Dai
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Xiaoming Wan
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hocheol Song
- Department of Environment, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Vasileios Antoniadis
- Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pandey D, Banerjee T, Badola N, Chauhan JS. Evidences of microplastics in aerosols and street dust: a case study of Varanasi City, India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:82006-82013. [PMID: 35739446 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in our environment. Its presence in air, water, and soil makes it a serious threat to living organisms and has become a critical challenge across ecosystems. Present study aimed to assess the abundance of MPs in aerosols and street dust in Varanasi, a typical urban city in Northern India. Airborne particulates and street dust samples were collected from various sampling sites around Varanasi City. The physical identification of MPs was conducted by binocular microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while elemental analysis was made by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). Finally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for chemical characterization of MPs. Presence of MPs in both aerosols and street dust from all selected sampling sites was confirmed, however with varying magnitude. MPs of different colors having the shape of fragments, films, spherules, and fibers were recorded in the study while fragments (42%) in street dust and fibers (44%) dominated in aerosols. Majority of the MPs were < 1 mm in size and were primarily polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride types. The EDX spectra showed the presence of toxic inorganic contaminants like metallic elements on MPs, especially elements like aluminum, cadmium, magnesium, sodium, and silicon found to adsorb on the MPs. Presence of MPs in the airborne particulates and street dust in Varanasi is reported for the first time, thus initiating further research and call for a source-specific management plan to reduce its impact on human health and environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dipika Pandey
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Tirthankar Banerjee
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Neha Badola
- Aquatic Ecology Lab, Department of Himalayan Aquatic Biodiversity, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - Jaspal Singh Chauhan
- Aquatic Ecology Lab, Department of Himalayan Aquatic Biodiversity, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hassan SK, Alghamdi MA, Khoder MI. Effect of restricted emissions during COVID-19 on atmospheric aerosol chemistry in a Greater Cairo suburb: Characterization and enhancement of secondary inorganic aerosol production. ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 13:101587. [PMID: 36340245 PMCID: PMC9627639 DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2022.101587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To prevent the rapid spreading of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Egyptian government had imposed partial lockdown restrictions which led emissions reduction. This served as ideal conditions for a natural experiment, for study the effect of partial lockdown on the atmospheric aerosol chemistry and the enhanced secondary inorganic aerosol production in a semi-desert climate area like Egypt. To achieve this objective, SO2, NO2, and PM2.5 and their chemical compositions were measured during the pre-COVID, COVID partial lockdown, and post-COVID periods in 2020 in a suburb of Greater Cairo, Egypt. Our results show that the SO2, NO2, PM2.5 and anthropogenic elements concentrations follow the pattern pre-COVID > post-COVID > COVID partial lockdown. SO2 and NO2 reductions were high compared with their secondary products during the COVID partial lockdown compared with pre-COVID. Although, PM2.5, anthropogenic elements, NO2, SO2, SO4 2-, NO3 -, and NH4 + decreased by 39%, 38-55%, 38%, 32.9%. 9%, 14%, and 4.3%, respectively, during the COVID partial lockdown compared with pre-COVID, with the secondary inorganic ions (SO4 2-, NO3 -, and NH4 +) being the dominant components in PM2.5 during the COVID partial lockdown. Moreover, the enhancement of NO3 - and SO4 2- formation during the COVID partial lockdown was high compared with pre-COVID. SO4 2- and NO3 - formation enhancements were significantly positive correlated with PM2.5 concentration. Chemical forms of SO4 2- and NO3 - were identified in PM2.5 based on their NH4 +/SO4 2- molar ratio and correlation between NH4 + and both NO3 - and SO4 2-. The particles during the COVID partial lockdown were more acidic than those in pre-COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salwa K Hassan
- Air Pollution Research Department, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, El Behooth Str., Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Mansour A Alghamdi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80208, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamdouh I Khoder
- Air Pollution Research Department, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, El Behooth Str., Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
PM2.5 Pollution Levels and Chemical Components at Teahouses along the Poon Hill Trek in Nepal. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13071018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from the local burning of solid fuels, and from regional transport of pollutants, remain a major public health problem in the Himalayan foothill villages in Nepal. Teahouses (i.e., mountain lodges) along popular hiking trails in the lower Himalayas commonly use wood as the primary energy source for heating; however, little is known about teahouse air quality. The purpose of this study was to characterize the levels and chemical constituents of indoor and ambient PM2.5 at three villages along the Poon Hill circuit trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal. A convenience sample of five PM2.5 measurements was collected with portable MicroPEM V.3.2A exposure monitors. Filters were analyzed for black and brown carbon using integrating sphere optical transmittance and 33 elemental constituents using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Median indoor PM2.5 over the sampling period was 41.3 µg/m3, whereas median ambient PM2.5 over the sampling period was 34.7 µg/m3. Chemical species associated with wood smoke, such as potassium (GM = 0.88 µg/m3), predominated. High indoor and ambient PM2.5 levels may pose a significant occupational health risk to teahouse workers, who may experience chronic exposures during trekking seasons. Our findings warrant additional research to characterize teahouse air pollution exposures more fully and to evaluate intervention measures.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ulutaş K. Risk assessment and spatial distribution of heavy metal in street dusts in the densely industrialized area. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:99. [PMID: 35032240 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Street dust samples can be used as an indicator for pollution monitoring especially in big cities. Various environmental problems have been experienced in Dilovasi, Turkey, and studies have been carried out in many different areas; however, no study has been conducted to examine the heavy metal content in street dusts. Therefore, in this study, 20 heavy metals, namely Si, Fe, Al, Zn, Mn, Ti, Cr, Ba, Pb, Ni, Sr, V, Co, Cd, Sb, As, Sn, Mo, Sc and Ag, in the street dusts of Dilovasi were investigated at 40 sampling points. Samples were analyzed with ICP-MS and ICP-OES. The concentrations were from 0.01 mg/kg for Ag to 42,645.48 mg/kg for Si. The Igeo values were in the range of 0.02 for Ag and 8.03 for V. The average EF value was 29.67, which indicates a very high pollution level. ERI was found as 300.74. This value being 300-600 indicates a considerable ecological risk level for the region. According to PCA, the predominant anthropogenic contribution of metal pollution in this area was due to traffic and vehicle-related activities and industrial activities and their waste. Metal pollution from residential areas and natural resources was relatively low, but it was another source of pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Ulutaş
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jeong H, Ryu JS, Ra K. Characteristics of potentially toxic elements and multi-isotope signatures (Cu, Zn, Pb) in non-exhaust traffic emission sources. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118339. [PMID: 34637824 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-exhaust emissions (e.g., particles from brake pads, asphalt, curb, road paint, tire) are important sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution in urban environments and are potential causes of PTEs pollution in road dust. We present the PTEs concentrations (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb) of non-exhaust emission sources and pollution degree of PTEs. Isotopic signatures of Cu, Zn, and Pb were also analyzed to distinguish these sources. Among PTEs, the Cu concentration in all brake pads was significantly high and brake pads from Korea showed remarkably high Sb concentrations. Asphalt had a higher Pb concentration than other non-exhaust emission sources. Mean of δ65CuAE647, δ66ZnIRMM3702, and 206Pb/207Pb values of non-exhaust emission sources in this study ranged from -0.49‰ to +0.19‰, -0.24‰ to +0.16‰, and 1.1535 to 1.4471, respectively. Non-exhaust emission sources could be discriminated by plotting the concentration and isotopic composition of Cu. Cu isotopic compositions (δ65CuAE647) were clearly distinguished between brake pads including domestic and imported products and tires. Zn isotope values (δ66ZnIRMM3702) of brake pads, tires, and asphalt overlapped, but discriminated from road paint and curb. Our results indicate that the combination of Cu and Zn isotopic signatures can distinguish various non-exhaust traffic emissions, especially brake pads and tires.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeryeong Jeong
- Marine Environmental Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Busan, 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science (Oceanography), KIOST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Sik Ryu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Kongtae Ra
- Marine Environmental Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Busan, 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science (Oceanography), KIOST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chemical Composition of PM2.5 in Wood Fire and LPG Cookstove Homes of Nepali Brick Workers. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12070911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Household air pollution is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, largely due to particles ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5). The toxicity of PM2.5, however, depends on its physical properties and chemical composition. In this cross-sectional study, we compared the chemical composition of PM2.5 in brick workers’ homes (n = 16) based on use of wood cooking fire or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cookstoves. We collected samples using RTI International particulate matter (PM) exposure monitors (MicroPEMs). We analyzed filters for 33 elements using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and, for black (BC) and brown carbon (BrC), integrating sphere optical transmittance. Wood fire homes had significantly higher concentrations of BC (349 µg/m3) than LPG homes (6.27 µg/m3, p < 0.0001) or outdoor air (5.36 µg/m3, p = 0.002). Indoor chlorine in wood fire homes averaged 5.86 µg/m3, which was approximately 34 times the average level in LPG homes (0.17 µg/m3, p = 0.0006). Similarly, potassium in wood fire homes (4.17 µg/m3) was approximately four times the level in LPG homes (0.98 µg/m3, p = 0.001). In all locations, we found aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, silicon, and titanium in concentrations exceeding those shown to cause respiratory effects in other studies. Our findings suggest the need for multi-faceted interventions to improve air quality for brick workers in Nepal.
Collapse
|