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Wilson TK, Zishiri OT, El Zowalaty ME. Molecular detection of virulence genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wild pigeons ( Columba domestica livia) in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. One Health 2024; 18:100656. [PMID: 38179313 PMCID: PMC10765103 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to determine virulence determinants among S. aureus isolated from wild pigeons and houseflies around hospital areas in the Greater Durban area, South Africa. Following enrichment and bacterial growth, DNA extraction using the boiling method was performed. Overall, 57 out of 252 samples (22.6%) were positive for S. aureus. Six known virulence genes were tested, where five known virulence determinants were positive and none of the S. aureus isolates were positive to coagulase (coa) gene. The highest prevalence rates were found in the genes encoding haemolysins, with the hla and hld genes having 8 (14%) and 9 (15.8%) positive isolates respectively. The sea, LukS/F-PV, and spa genes had 5 (8.8%), 4 (7%), and 2 (3.5%) positive isolates respectively. These results demonstrated the detection of pathogenic S. aureus from hospital environment in Durban, South Africa which may account for the emergence staphylococcal infections. The findings of the present study highlights the significant role of wild pigeons and houseflies as potenital infectious disease vectors in a One Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor K. Wilson
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Oliver T. Zishiri
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Mohamed E. El Zowalaty
- Veterinary Medicine and Food Security Research Groups, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi Women's Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi 41012, United Arab Emirates
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Li Y, Zhang R, Ma G, Shi M, Xi Y, Li X, Wang S, Zeng X, Jia Y. Bacterial community in the metal(loid)-contaminated marine vertical sediments of Jinzhou Bay: Impacts and adaptations. Sci Total Environ 2024; 923:171180. [PMID: 38402990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Metal(loid) discharge has led to severe coastal contamination; however, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding its impact on sediment profiles and depth-resolved bacterial communities. In this study, geochemical measurements (pH, nutrient elements, total and bioavailable metal(loid) content) consistently revealed decreasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and metal(loid) levels with sediment depth, accompanied by reduced alpha diversity. Principal coordinate analysis indicated distinct community compositions with varying sediment depths, suggesting a geochemical influence on diversity. Ecological niche width expanded with depth, favoring specialists over generalists, but both groups decreased in abundance. Taxonomic shifts emerged, particularly in phyla and families, correlated with sediment depth. Microbe-microbe interactions displayed intricate dynamics, with keystone taxa varying by sediment layer. Zinc and arsenic emerged as key factors impacting community diversity and composition using random forest, network analysis, and Mantel tests. Functional predictions revealed shifts in potential phenotypes related to mobile elements, biofilm formation, pathogenicity, N/P/S cycles, and metal(loid) resistance along sediment profiles. Neutral and null models demonstrated a transition from deterministic to stochastic processes with sediment layers. This study provides insights into the interplay between sediment geochemistry and bacterial communities across sediment depths, illuminating the factors shaping these ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Guoqing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yimei Xi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xiaojun Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Shaofeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xiangfeng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
| | - Yongfeng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
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Li Y, Ma G, Xi Y, Wang S, Zeng X, Jia Y. Divergent adaptation strategies of abundant and rare bacteria to salinity stress and metal stress in polluted Jinzhou Bay. Environ Res 2024; 245:118030. [PMID: 38151148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how abundant (AT) and rare (RT) taxa adapt to diverse environmental stresses is vital for assessing ecological processes, yet remains understudied. We collected sediment samples from Liaoning Province, China, representing rivers (upstream of wastewater outlet), estuaries (wastewater outlets), and Jinzhou Bay (downstream of wastewater outlets), to comprehensively evaluate AT and RT adaptation strategies to both natural stressors (salinity stress) and anthropogenic stressors (metal stress). Generally, RT displayed higher α- and β-diversities and taxonomic groups compared to AT. Metal and salinity stresses induced distinct α-diversity responses in AT and RT, while β-diversity remained consistent. Both subcommunities were dominated by Woeseia genus. Metal stress emerged as the primary driver of diversity and compositional discrepancies in AT and RT. Notably, AT responded more sensitively to salinity stress than RT. Stress increased topological parameters in the biotic network of AT subcommunities while decreasing values in RT subcommunities, concurrently loosening interactions of AT with other taxa and strengthening interactions of RT with others in biotic networks. RT generally exhibited greater diversity of metal resistance genes compared to AT. Greater numbers of genes related to salinity tolerance was observed for the RT than for AT. Compared to AT, RT demonstrated higher diversity of metal resistance genes and a greater abundance of genes associated with salinity tolerance. Additionally, deterministic processes governed AT community assembly, reinforced by salinity stress. However, the opposite trend was observed in the RT, where the importance of stochastic process gradually increased with metal stresses. The study is centered on exploring the adaptation strategies of both AT and RT to environmental stress. It underscores the importance of future research incorporating diverse ecosystems and a range of environmental stressors to draw broader and more reliable conclusions. This comprehensive approach is essential for gaining a thorough understanding of the adaptive mechanisms employed by these microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Guoqing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yimei Xi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Shaofeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xiangfeng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China.
| | - Yongfeng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
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Pałka I, Saniewska D, Bielecka L, Kobos J, Grzybowski W. Uptake and trophic transfer of selenium into phytoplankton and zooplankton of the southern Baltic Sea. Sci Total Environ 2024; 909:168312. [PMID: 37926260 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and displays a narrow range of concentration between essentiality and toxicity. Se plays an important role in ameliorating mercury toxicity in organisms. Despite this there are only a few reports concerning Se concentration in plankton, the first link in the trophic chain that determines the uptake and transfer of Se to subsequent trophic levels. This paper aimed to determine Se concentration in water, phytoplankton, and zooplankton in the Baltic Sea, and factors affecting Se absorption from the environment and its transfer to higher trophic levels. Sea water and plankton samples were collected from the Gulf of Gdańsk during 5 cruises (4 seasons: 2019-2022) at 4 research stations. An additional cruise was undertaken in July 2020 in the open waters of the southern Baltic Sea. The median Se concentrations in the Gulf of Gdańsk was 0.25 μg·dm-3. While the median of Se concentration in phytoplankton was 1.11 μg·g-1 and in zooplankton was 1.25 μg·g-1. The biomass of organisms in the phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Gulf of Gdańsk showed an important role in shaping Se concentration. Seasonal trends in Se concentration in zooplankton could be the result of taxa composition changes, changes to dietary intake of Se, changes in growth dilution, or potentially some combination of factors. The highest biomagnification rate occurred in the summer. In contrast, in autumn and winter, when plankton biomass was dominated by the ciliate species Mesodinium rubrum, the highest Se concentration in plankton was measured. Further scientific studies are needed into the active biocomponents of the Se concentration process, including Se speciation, to more fully understand the dynamics of Se concentrations in the pelagic food webs of this and other freshwater and marine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Pałka
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Marine Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Luiza Bielecka
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Marine Ecosystems Functioning, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Justyna Kobos
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Marine Biotechnology, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Waldemar Grzybowski
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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Massey H, Denton H, Burlingham A, Violato M, Bibby-Jones AM, Cunningham R, Ciccognani S, Robertson S, Strauss C. OUTdoor Swimming as a nature-based Intervention for DEpression (OUTSIDE): study protocol for a feasibility randomised control trial comparing an outdoor swimming intervention to usual care for adults experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:122. [PMID: 37443045 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is common and the prevalence increasing worldwide; at least 1 in 10 people will experience depression in their lifetime. It is associated with economic costs at the individual, healthcare and societal level. Recommended treatments include medication and psychological therapies. However, given the long waiting times, and sometimes poor concordance and engagement with these treatments, a greater range of approaches are needed. Evidence for the potential of outdoor swimming as an intervention to support recovery from depression is emerging, but randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating clinical and cost-effectiveness are lacking. This study seeks to investigate the feasibility of conducting a definitive superiority RCT, comparing an 8-session outdoor swimming course offered in addition to usual care compared to usual care only, in adults who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Feasibility questions will examine recruitment and retention rates, acceptability of randomisation and measures, and identify the primary outcome measure that will inform the sample size calculation for a definitive full-scale RCT. This study will also explore potential facilitators and barriers of participation through evaluation questionnaires, focus-group discussions and interviews. METHODS/DESIGN To address these aims and objectives, a feasibility superiority RCT with 1:1 allocation will be undertaken. We will recruit 88 participants with mild to moderate symptoms of depression through social prescribing organisations and social media in three sites in England. Participants will be randomised to either (1) intervention (8-session outdoor swimming course) plus usual care or (2) usual care only. Both groups will be followed up for a further 8 weeks. DISCUSSION If findings from this feasibility RCT are favourable, a fully powered RCT will be conducted to investigate the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Findings from the definitive trial will provide evidence about outdoor swimming for depression for policymakers and has the potential to lead to greater choice of interventions for adults experiencing symptoms of depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current controlled trial registration number is ISRCTN 90851983 registered on 19 May 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Massey
- Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Spinnaker Building, Portsmouth, PO1 2ER, UK.
- R&D Department, Sussex Education Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Brighton & Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK.
| | - Hannah Denton
- R&D Department, Sussex Education Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Brighton & Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
| | - Amy Burlingham
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mara Violato
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna-Marie Bibby-Jones
- R&D Department, Sussex Education Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Brighton & Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
| | - Rebecca Cunningham
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sandy Ciccognani
- R&D Department, Sussex Education Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Brighton & Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
| | - Sam Robertson
- R&D Department, Sussex Education Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Brighton & Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
| | - Clara Strauss
- R&D Department, Sussex Education Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Brighton & Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Pevensey Building, Brighton & Hove, Falmer, BN1 9QH, UK
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6
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Vigneron A, Cruaud P, Lovejoy C, Vincent WF. Genomic insights into cryptic cycles of microbial hydrocarbon production and degradation in contiguous freshwater and marine microbiomes. Microbiome 2023; 11:104. [PMID: 37173775 PMCID: PMC10176705 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyanobacteria and eukaryotic phytoplankton produce long-chain alkanes and generate around 100 times greater quantities of hydrocarbons in the ocean compared to natural seeps and anthropogenic sources. Yet, these compounds do not accumulate in the water column, suggesting rapid biodegradation by co-localized microbial populations. Despite their ecological importance, the identities of microbes involved in this cryptic hydrocarbon cycle are mostly unknown. Here, we identified genes encoding enzymes involved in the hydrocarbon cycle across the salinity gradient of a remote, vertically stratified, seawater-containing High Arctic lake that is isolated from anthropogenic petroleum sources and natural seeps. Metagenomic analysis revealed diverse hydrocarbon cycling genes and populations, with patterns of variation along gradients of light, salinity, oxygen, and sulfur that are relevant to freshwater, oceanic, hadal, and anoxic deep sea ecosystems. RESULTS Analyzing genes and metagenome-assembled genomes down the water column of Lake A in the Canadian High Arctic, we detected microbial hydrocarbon production and degradation pathways at all depths, from surface freshwaters to dark, saline, anoxic waters. In addition to Cyanobacteria, members of the phyla Flavobacteria, Nitrospina, Deltaproteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Verrucomicrobia had pathways for alkane and alkene production, providing additional sources of biogenic hydrocarbons. Known oil-degrading microorganisms were poorly represented in the system, while long-chain hydrocarbon degradation genes were identified in various freshwater and marine lineages such as Actinobacteria, Schleiferiaceae, and Marinimicrobia. Genes involved in sulfur and nitrogen compound transformations were abundant in hydrocarbon producing and degrading lineages, suggesting strong interconnections with nitrogen and sulfur cycles and a potential for widespread distribution in the ocean. CONCLUSIONS Our detailed metagenomic analyses across water column gradients in a remote petroleum-free lake derived from the Arctic Ocean suggest that the current estimation of bacterial hydrocarbon production in the ocean could be substantially underestimated by neglecting non-phototrophic production and by not taking low oxygen zones into account. Our findings also suggest that biogenic hydrocarbons may sustain a large fraction of freshwater and oceanic microbiomes, with global biogeochemical implications for carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen cycles. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Vigneron
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Centre d'études nordiques (CEN), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, CNRS / Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Perrine Cruaud
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Connie Lovejoy
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, CNRS / Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Québec Océan, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Warwick F Vincent
- Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre d'études nordiques (CEN), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, CNRS / Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Ferrero L, Scibetta L, Markuszewski P, Mazurkiewicz M, Drozdowska V, Makuch P, Jutrzenka-Trzebiatowska P, Zaleska-Medynska A, Andò S, Saliu F, Nilsson ED, Bolzacchini E. Airborne and marine microplastics from an oceanographic survey at the Baltic Sea: An emerging role of air-sea interaction? Sci Total Environ 2022; 824:153709. [PMID: 35150686 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is one of the most important problems of the Earth. They have been found in all the natural environments, including oceans and the atmosphere. In this study, the concentrations of both atmospheric and marine MPs were measured over the Baltic along a research cruise that started in the Gdansk harbour, till the Gotland island, and the way back. A deposition box (based on a combination of active/passive sampling) was used to collect airborne MPs while, marine MPs concentrations were investigated during the cruise using a dedicated net. Ancillary data were obtained using a combination of particle counters (OPC, LAS and CPC), Aethalometer (AE33 Magee Scientific), spectrofluorometer (sea surface samples, Varian Cary Eclipse), and meteorological sensors. Results showed airborne microplastics average concentrations higher in the Gdansk harbour (161 ± 75 m-3) compared to the open Baltic Sea and to the Gotland island (24 ± 9 and 45 ± 20 m-3). These latter values are closer to the ones measured in the sea (79 ± 18 m-3). The MPs composition was investigated using μ-Raman (for the airborne ones) and FTIR (for marine ones); similar results (e.g. polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalates, polyurethane) were found in the two environmental compartments. The concentrations and similar composition in air and sea suggested a linkage between the two compartments. For this purpose, the atmospheric MPs' equivalent aerodynamic diameter was calculated (28 ± 3 μm) first showing the capability of atmospheric MPs to remain suspended in the air. At the same time, the computed turnover times (0.3-90 h; depending on MPs size) limited the transport distance range. The estimated MPs sea emission fluxes (4-18 ∗ 106 μm3 m-2 s-1 range) finally showed the contemporary presence of atmospheric transport together with a continuous emission from the sea surface enabling a grasshopper long-range transport of microplastics across the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ferrero
- GEMMA and POLARIS Centre, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Scibetta
- GEMMA and POLARIS Centre, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Piotr Markuszewski
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81-712 Sopot, Poland; Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Przemysław Makuch
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | | | - Adriana Zaleska-Medynska
- Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sergio Andò
- GEMMA and POLARIS Centre, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy; Laboratory for Provenance Studies, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- GEMMA and POLARIS Centre, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - E Douglas Nilsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Bolzacchini
- GEMMA and POLARIS Centre, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
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Suzuki S, Ogo M, Takada H, Seki K, Mizukawa K, Kadoya A, Yokokawa T, Sugimoto Y, Sato-Takabe Y, Boonla C, Anomasiri W, Sukpanyatham N. Contamination of antibiotics and sul and tet(M) genes in veterinary wastewater, river, and coastal sea in Thailand. Sci Total Environ 2021; 791:148423. [PMID: 34412390 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Water systems in Southeast Asia accumulate antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from multiple origins, notably including human clinics and animal farms. To ascertain the fate of antibiotics and ARGs in natural water environments, we monitored the concentrations of these items in Thailand. Here, we show high concentrations of tetracyclines (72,156.9 ng/L) and lincomycin (23,968.0 ng/L) in pig farms, followed by nalidixic acid in city canals. The city canals and rivers contained diverse distributions of antibiotics and ARGs. Assessments of targeted ARGs, including sul1, sul2, sul3, and tet(M), showed that freshwater (pig farm wastewater, rivers, and canals) consistently contained these ARGs, but these genes were less abundant in seawater. Although sulfonamides were low concentrations (<170 ng/mL), sul1 and sul2 genes were abundant in freshwater (minimum 4.4 × 10-3-maximum 1.0 × 100 copies/16S), suggesting that sul genes have disseminated over a long period, despite cessation of use of this class of antibiotics. Ubiquitous distribution of sul genes in freshwater appeared to be independent of selection pressure. In contrast, water of the coastal sea in the monitored area was not contaminated by these antibiotics or ARGs. The density of Enterobacteriales was lower in seawater than in freshwater, suggesting that the number of ARG-possessing Enterobacteriales falls after entering seawater. From the pig farms, through rivers/canals, to the coastal sea, the occurrence of tetracyclines and tet(M) exhibited some correlation, although not a strong one. However, no correlations were found between concentrations of total antibiotics and ARGs, nor between sulfonamides and sul genes. This is the first comprehensive study showing Thai features of antibiotics and ARGs contaminations. The pig farm is hot spot of antibiotics and ARGs, and sul genes ubiquitously distribute in freshwater environments, which become less abundant in seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Suzuki
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Mitsuko Ogo
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Hideshige Takada
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako Seki
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoruko Mizukawa
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Kadoya
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Taichi Yokokawa
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Yuta Sugimoto
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Yuki Sato-Takabe
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Chanchai Boonla
- Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wilai Anomasiri
- Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Al Imran H. Rohingya Boat Refugees at Bay of Bengal and Obligations of the South East Asian States Under Soft Law. Liverp Law Rev 2021; 43:1-31. [PMID: 34642510 PMCID: PMC8497684 DOI: 10.1007/s10991-021-09286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol are the only binding international instruments under which the parties of the instruments agree to protect refugees. However, there are gaps in the existing protection mechanisms for refugees at sea. Moreover, the South East Asian States are non-parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention; the States argue that they have no treaty obligation to accept Rohingya boat refugees. In this context, this article revisits the traditional view of 'soft laws', suggesting a fresh look at 'soft laws' regarding boat refugees. This article argues that even though the States are non-parties to international refugee law, the South East Asian States are members of the UN General Assembly, IMO, and ExCom. These international bodies have adopted numerous resolutions, guidelines and conclusions on refugee protection at sea; therefore, the States have international obligations to boat refugees according to Article 38(1)(C) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice 1945, the general principle of international law.
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Expósito N, Rovira J, Sierra J, Folch J, Schuhmacher M. Microplastics levels, size, morphology and composition in marine water, sediments and sand beaches. Case study of Tarragona coast (western Mediterranean). Sci Total Environ 2021; 786:147453. [PMID: 33964765 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean Sea has been proposed as the sixth greatest accumulation zone for marine litter and the most affected regarding to microplastics (MPs). Tarragona (Catalonia, NE Spain) coastal region suffers high pressure due to urbanization, tourism, industrial harbour and petrochemical/plastic industries. The present study aims to quantify and characterize in size, morphology and composition the MPs present in sandy beaches, marine sediments, and surface seawaters of Tarragona coastal region. MPs mean abundance were 1.30 items/m3 in surface seawaters, 32.4 items/kg in marine sediments, and 10.7 items/kg in sandy beaches. Polyester fibres were dominant MPs in bottom sediments and seawater meanwhile polyethylene and polypropylene fragments were the main MPs in beaches. The fibres balls associated with bottom sediments, organic matter and plankton were abundant, masking the real quantity of fibres in each reservoir. The abundance by volume of seawater MPs was higher to those found in oceanic areas and similar to other areas of Mediterranean Sea, corroborating that Western Mediterranean Sea as a region of MPs accumulation. MPs composition and abundance suggested the input of numerous land-base-sources, WWTP (wastewater treatment plants) effluents discharges, and emissaries as the most important. Marine MPs pollution were studied from an integrative point of view, that includes superficial sea water, sand from beaches and sediments. The dynamics of MPs in Tarragona coast were characterized by seawater as the media that receive and facilitate dispersion and fragmentation. The shoreline acts as an intermediate reservoir with constant weathering and active exchange with seawater surface and the sediments acts as a significant sink for medium MPs sizes. It is necessary to develop protocols and guidelines for MPs analysis to obtain harmonized and comparable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Expósito
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Jordi Sierra
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Soil Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jaume Folch
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Matsuura R, Kanehara R, Kadoya A, Suzuki S. Adsorption of sulfonamides to marine diatoms and arthropods. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 82:103557. [PMID: 33338605 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sulfonamides are frequently detected in the environment, where these compounds adsorb to soil particles and are retained in the environment. However, adsorption of sulfonamides to planktonic particles in the sea is not known. Here we demonstrate that sulfonamides adsorb to a diatom (Chaetoceros) and an arthropod (Artemia), albeit at low levels, under laboratory conditions. In both plankton, sulfamethazine (SMT) was more readily adsorbed than was sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The adsorption occurred quickly and the concentration on the plankton was stable for at least 24 h (Chaetoceros) or 5 h (Artemia). These data suggest that marine plankton may retain sulfonamides, although the adsorbed concentration per cell or individual is not high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Matsuura
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Reina Kanehara
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Aya Kadoya
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Satoru Suzuki
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan.
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12
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Kalinchuk V, Aksentov K, Karnaukh V. Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) in the surface air over the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kuril-Kamchatka sector of the Pacific Ocean in August-September 2017. Chemosphere 2019; 224:668-679. [PMID: 30849628 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The northwestern Pacific Ocean including the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk is one of the least studied regions in terms of mercury behavior and distribution in the sea-atmosphere system. In August and September 2017, we determined gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) in the surface air over this water areas along a 12,000 km cruise. Concentrations varied from 1.07 to 2.74 ng m-3, with an average value of 1,68 ± 0.23 ng m-3 (N = 1853). The average concentrations for the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kuril-Kamchatka sector of the Pacific Ocean were 1.61 ng m-3, 1.71 ng m-3 and 1.61 ng m-3, respectively. The maximum concentrations were observed in the Sea of Okhotsk during periods when air masses arrived from the southern and central Kuril Islands. We believe that the reason for that was volcanic activity. The minimum concentrations were registered in air masses arriving from the northeastern Russia and from open sea areas. In the Sea of Okhotsk we measured Hg(0) concentrations near the cyclone eye and did not register any increase due to increased turbulence. This fact contradicts the previously expressed hypothesis that a strong turbulence above the sea surface causes enhanced Hg(0) concentrations in the air. Apparently there are additional or completely different influencing factors which could provide such increase. Also we found that the diurnal Hg(0) cycle in the Sea of Japan was the opposite of the diurnal Hg(0) cycle in the Sea of Okhotsk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Kalinchuk
- V.I.Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia.
| | - Kirill Aksentov
- V.I.Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - Viktor Karnaukh
- V.I.Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
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de Keijzer C, Tonne C, Sabia S, Basagaña X, Valentín A, Singh-Manoux A, Antó JM, Alonso J, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Sunyer J, Dadvand P. Green and blue spaces and physical functioning in older adults: Longitudinal analyses of the Whitehall II study. Environ Int 2019; 122:346-356. [PMID: 30503316 PMCID: PMC6571017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of the health benefits of exposure to natural environments, including green and blue spaces. The association with physical functioning and its decline at older age remains to be explored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the longitudinal association between the natural environment and the decline in physical functioning in older adults. We based our analyses on three follow-ups (2002-2013) of the Whitehall II study, including 5759 participants (aged 50 to 74 years at baseline) in the UK. Exposure to natural environments was assessed at each follow-up as (1) residential surrounding greenness across buffers of 500 and 1000 m around the participants' address using satellite-based indices of greenness (Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)) and (2) the distance from home to the nearest natural environment, separately for green and blue spaces, using a land cover map. Physical functioning was characterized by walking speed, measured three times, and grip strength, measured twice. Linear mixed effects models were used to quantify the impact of green and blue space on physical functioning trajectories, controlled for relevant covariates. We found higher residential surrounding greenness (EVI and NDVI) to be associated with slower 10-year decline in walking speed. Furthermore, proximity to natural environments (green and blue spaces combined) was associated with slower decline in walking speed and grip strength. We observed stronger associations between distance to natural environments and decline in physical functioning in areas with higher compared to lower area-level deprivation. However, no association was observed with distance to green or blue spaces separately. The associations with decline in physical functioning were partially mediated by social functioning and mental health. Our results suggest that higher residential surrounding greenness and living closer to natural environments contribute to better physical functioning at older ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen de Keijzer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cathryn Tonne
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Séverine Sabia
- INSERM, U1153, Epidemiology of Ageing and Neurodegenerative diseases, Paris, France; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antònia Valentín
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Archana Singh-Manoux
- INSERM, U1153, Epidemiology of Ageing and Neurodegenerative diseases, Paris, France; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Josep Maria Antó
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Alonso
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; IMIM-Parc Salut Mar, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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Castro M, Fernandes JO, Pena A, Cunha SC. Occurrence, profile and spatial distribution of UV-filters and musk fragrances in mussels from Portuguese coastline. Mar Environ Res 2018; 138:110-118. [PMID: 29709294 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The increasing production and consumption of Personal Care Products (PCPs), containing UV-filters and musk fragrances, has led to its widespread presence in the aquatic environment which can cause harmful effects to the aquatic organisms due to its intrinsic toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the degree of contamination of wild mussels along the entire Portuguese coastline, continually exposed in their habitat to different contaminants. For this purpose, approximately 1000 mussel specimens were sampled during one year in seven different locations, along the Portuguese coastline. Simultaneous quantification of five UV-filters and seven musks in mussels was achieved by a Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction procedure combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Ten out of the twelve target analytes were found in the analysed samples, highlighting the presence of AHTN (tonalide), EHS (2-ethylhexylsalicylate) and EHMC (2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate) in all positive samples (93%). Overall, the results obtained indicate a widespread contamination of wild mussels along Portuguese coastline, all over the year. UV-filters were more frequently detected (90%) than musk fragrances (70%) and also quantified at higher levels, with average total concentrations reaching 1155.8 ng/g (dw) against 397.7 ng/g (dw) respectively. A high correlation was observed between the most densely populated and industrialized locations and the higher levels of musks and UV-filters found. In other hand, lower levels of PCPs were found in protected areas. As expected, an increase in UV-filters levels was observed after the summer, likely due to the intense period of recreational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Castro
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - J O Fernandes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - A Pena
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Group of Bromatology, Pharmacognosy and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - S C Cunha
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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Li S, Shi W, Liu W, Li H, Zhang W, Hu J, Ke Y, Sun W, Ni J. A duodecennial national synthesis of antibiotics in China's major rivers and seas (2005-2016). Sci Total Environ 2018; 615:906-917. [PMID: 29017132 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of 94 antibiotics in water and sediments from seven major rivers and four seas in China during 2005-2016 was reviewed. Twelve antibiotics were most frequently detected in both water and sediment samples, including 3 sulfonamides (SAs), 2 tetracyclines (TCs), 4 fluoroquinolones (FQs), and 3 macrolides (MLs). Their median concentrations were below 100ng/L and 100ng/g in river water and sediments, respectively. The highest median concentrations were found in water (1.30-176ng/L) and sediments (0.15-110ng/g) in the Hai River, due to its larger population density, higher consumption of antibiotics, and lower water flow. The concentrations of TCs and FQs were higher in the Pearl River sediments, due to their extensive use in aquaculture. The Yangtze River showed lower median concentrations of antibiotics in both water (1.33-17.3ng/L) and sediments (0.31-14.8ng/g), resulting from its larger catchment size, and higher precipitation and water flow. The Yellow River exhibited lower median concentrations of antibiotics in sediments (0.04-9.04ng/g), probably due to low organic matter content in sediments and high suspended particle content in water. Organic carbon normalized distribution coefficients (Koc) of antibiotics were positively correlated with the octanol/water partition coefficients (Kow) of antibiotics, and the correlation for MLs with a macrocyclic lactone ring was different from that of SAs, FQs, and TCs, likely due to their much larger molecular size. Among China's major rivers, the Hai River had the highest ecotoxicological risk from antibiotics to algae, invertebrate, fish, and plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wanzi Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Resources Environment and Tourism, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Huimin Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Environmental Science, and Policy Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Jingrun Hu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yanchu Ke
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
| | - Jinren Ni
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China; State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
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16
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Saniewska D, Bełdowska M, Bełdowski J, Saniewski M, Gębka K, Szubska M, Wochna A. Impact of intense rains and flooding on mercury riverine input to the coastal zone. Mar Pollut Bull 2018; 127:593-602. [PMID: 29475702 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to determine the impact of intense rains and flooding on mercury riverine input to the coastal zone. This study focused on four small rivers (Reda, Zagórska Struga, Płutnica, Gizdepka), typical of the Southern Baltic region, with no significant mercury sources. Samples were collected for 16months during average flow conditions and during selected meteorological events: floods, downpours, thaws and droughts. Results showed decreased retention of mercury during intense rainfalls, thus demonstrating mercury elution from the catchment. Floods and melting snow also have a tremendous impact on the outflow of mercury from the catchment. Development of urban infrastructure and farmlands increases the outflow of mercury from the catchment too, making such areas a significant source of mercury in the river. On the other hand, areas with natural character, predominated by forests, stimulate retention of mercury that reaches them through dry and wet atmospheric deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Saniewska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, Maritime Branch, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Gębka
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Marta Szubska
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
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Griffiths A, Leonars R, Hadley L, Stephenson M, Teale R. Smoke on the water-Oral fluid analysis at sea. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:361-366. [PMID: 28802951 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study outlines the operational challenges and findings of an illicit drug oral fluid testing program carried out on the skippers (those in charge) of water vessels in Queensland, Australia. Between 2010 and 2016, 953 tests of skippers were conducted on water (waterside) for three proscribed illicit drugs; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), methylamphetamine (MA) and 3,4-methylendioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA). 126 (13%) of the skippers tested returned an on-site positive during waterside testing, 125 were confirmed positive for one or more illicit drug by subsequent laboratory analysis, whilst one skipper did not provide an oral fluid sample for confirmatory analysis. The skippers were entirely male (100%) with an average age of 39 years (range 17-59). THC was by far the most common drug detected (91%); MA was detected in 22% of skippers and a combination or THC and MA in 14% of specimens. MDMA was identified only once during the study, this being in combination with THC. As a single waterside operation can take more than a week, operational pre-planning becomes essential. Aspects of the operation such as, weather, shift times, food, testing consumables, sleeping quarters, hygiene, liaison between different agencies and multiple other factors need to be taken into account prior to commencement. A waterside operation must be mobile and, in Queensland at least, able to cover a large area of water. There is also a much lower volume of vessels likely to be encountered at sea compared to a roadside operation targeting motor vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Griffiths
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Health Support Queensland, Department of Health, 39 Kessels Road Coopers Plains, Queensland, 4120, Australia
| | - Richard Leonars
- Roadside Drug Testing Unit, Road Policing Command, Queensland Police Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lenore Hadley
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Health Support Queensland, Department of Health, 39 Kessels Road Coopers Plains, Queensland, 4120, Australia
| | - Mark Stephenson
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Health Support Queensland, Department of Health, 39 Kessels Road Coopers Plains, Queensland, 4120, Australia.
| | - Richard Teale
- Roadside Drug Testing Unit, Road Policing Command, Queensland Police Service, Queensland, Australia
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Kautsky U, Saetre P, Berglund S, Jaeschke B, Nordén S, Brandefelt J, Keesmann S, Näslund JO, Andersson E. The impact of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste on humans and the environment over the next one hundred thousand years. J Environ Radioact 2016; 151 Pt 2:395-403. [PMID: 26183806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In order to assess the potential radiological risk to humans and the environment from a geological repository for radioactive waste, a safety assessment must be performed. This implies that the release and transfer of radionuclides from the repository into the surface environment are calculated and that the effects in the biosphere are evaluated for an assessment period up to one hundred thousand years according to Swedish regulations. This paper discusses the challenges associated with the modelling of surface ecosystems over such long time scales, using the recently completed assessment for the extension of the existing repository for the low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste (called SFR) in Forsmark, Sweden as an applied example. In the assessment, natural variation and uncertainties in climate during the assessment period were captured by using a set of climate cases, primarily reflecting different expectations on the effects of global warming. Development of the landscape at the site, due to post-glacial isostatic rebound, was modelled, and areas where modelling indicated that radionuclides could discharge into the biosphere were identified. Transfers of surface water and groundwater were described with spatially distributed hydrological models. The projected release of radionuclides from the bedrock was then fed into a biosphere radionuclide transport model, simulating the transport and fate of radionuclides within and between ecosystems in the landscape. Annual doses for human inhabitants were calculated by combining activity concentrations in environmental media (soil, water, air and plants) with assumptions on habits and land-use of future human inhabitants. Similarly, dose rates to representative organisms of non-human biota were calculated from activity concentrations in relevant habitats, following the ERICA methodology. In the main scenario, the calculated risk for humans did not exceed the risk criteria or the screening dose rate for non-human biota, indicating that the repository design is sufficient to protect future populations and the environment. Although the combination of radionuclides, land-uses/habitats, type of most exposed population and area of exposure that contribute most to the total dose shifts over time, the total calculated dose shows limited variability. Significant reductions in the dose only occur during submerged periods and under periglacial climate conditions. As several different water and food pathways were equally important for endpoint results, it is concluded that it would be difficult to represent the biosphere with one or a set of simplified models. Instead, we found that it is important to maintain a diversity of food and water pathways, as key pathways for radionuclide accumulation and exposure partly worked in parallel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik Kautsky
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Peter Saetre
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Berglund
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ben Jaeschke
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Nordén
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Brandefelt
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Keesmann
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens-Ove Näslund
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Andersson
- SKB, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Mngmt. Co., POB 250, SE-101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
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Simon F, Gautret P, Nicolas X, Ausset P, De Pina JJ, Demortière E. Crossing the Gulf of Aden: cutaneous infections in African migrant shipwreck survivors. Travel Med Infect Dis 2013; 11:431-4. [PMID: 23911893 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2013.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Skin and soft tissue infections were observed in migrants from Somalia who crossed the Gulf of Aden, crowded on a drifting boat for 14 days. Thirty-three percent of survivors of this hazardous journey had skin infections. Seven were hospitalized for severe Staphylococcus aureus cutaneous infections associated with intracellular dehydration. Migrants face infectious risks during their precarious travel, including severe cutaneous infections that require specific medical and surgical treatment by the emergency services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Simon
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Laveran Military Teaching Hospital, Marseille, France
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