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Benkraiem R, El-Khatib Y, Fan J, Goutte S, Klein T. Optimal risk management considering environmental and climatic changes. Risk Anal 2024. [PMID: 38622068 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14306] [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] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Climate change presents challenges to policy and economic stability, necessitating effective trading strategies to reduce environmental risks. This article addresses gaps in existing studies by using a Markov-switching model to consider climate risk. Backward stochastic differential equations are used to optimize utility with three hedging strategies based on the concept of risk aversion. Numerical scenarios confirm the model's superiority in incorporating exogenous events, with our risk-averse strategy outperforming classical approaches. Our strategy outperforms classical strategies by taking a flexible risk trading when investors face risk-averse behavior due to climate risk events. The findings presented in this article have important implications for the development of more resilient investment portfolios and can contribute to climate policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Youssef El-Khatib
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jun Fan
- University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China
| | - Stéphane Goutte
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMI SOURCE, IRD, UVSQ, Guyancourt, France
- Paris School of Business, Paris, France
| | - Tony Klein
- Faculty of Business and Economics, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
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Yun X, Zhang L, Wang W, Gu J, Wang Y, He Y, Ji R. Composition, Release, and Transformation of Earthworm Tissue-Bound Residues of Tetrabromobisphenol A in Soil. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:2069-2077. [PMID: 38237036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09051] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Earthworms accumulate organic pollutants to form earthworm tissue-bound residues (EBRs); however, the composition and fate of EBRs in soil remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the fate of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)-derived EBRs in soil for 250 days using a 14C-radioactive isotope tracer and the geophagous earthworm Metaphire guillelmi. The EBRs of TBBPA in soil were rapidly transformed into nonextractable residues (NERs), mainly in the form of sequestered and ester-linked residues. After 250 days of incubation, 4.9% of the initially applied EBRs were mineralized and 69.3% were released to extractable residues containing TBBPA and its transformation products (TPs, generated mainly via debromination, O-methylation, and skeletal cleavage). Soil microbial activity and autolytic enzymes of earthworms jointly contributed to the release process. In their full-life period, the earthworms overall retained 24.1% TBBPA and its TPs in soil and thus prolonged the persistence of these pollutants. Our study explored, for the first time, the composition and fate of organic pollutant-derived EBRs in soil and indicated that the decomposition of earthworms may release pollutants and cause potential environmental risks of concern, which should be included in both environmental risk assessment and soil remediation using earthworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lidan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianqiang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yujie He
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of The Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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de Souza Fernandes Duarte E, Salgueiro V, Costa MJ, Lucio PS, Potes M, Bortoli D, Salgado R. Fire-Pollutant-Atmosphere Components and Its Impact on Mortality in Portugal During Wildfire Seasons. Geohealth 2023; 7:e2023GH000802. [PMID: 37811341 PMCID: PMC10558046 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000802] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed fire-pollutant-meteorological variables and their impact on cardio-respiratory mortality in Portugal during wildfire season. Data of burned area, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 or 2.5 μm (μm) or less (PM10, PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, aerosol optical depth and mortality rates of Circulatory System Disease (CSD), Respiratory System Disease (RSD), Pneumonia (PNEU), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Asthma (ASMA), were used. Only the months of 2011-2020 wildfire season (June-July-August-September-October) with a burned area greater than 1,000 ha were considered. Principal component analysis was used on fire-pollutant-meteorological variables to create two indices called Pollutant-Burning Interaction (PBI) and Atmospheric-Pollutant Interaction (API). PBI was strongly correlated with the air pollutants and burned area while API was strongly correlated with temperature and relative humidity, and O3. Cluster analysis applied to PBI-API divided the data into two Clusters. Cluster 1 included colder and wetter months and higher NO2 concentration. Cluster 2 included warmer and dried months, and higher PM10, PM2.5, CO, and O3 concentrations. The clusters were subjected to Principal Component Linear Regression to better understand the relationship between mortality and PBI-API indices. Cluster 1 showed statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) correlation (r) between RSDxPBI (r RSD = 0.58) and PNEUxPBI (r PNEU = 0.67). Cluster 2 showed statistically significant correlations between RSDxPBI (r RSD = 0.48), PNEUxPBI (r PNEU = 0.47), COPDxPBI (r COPD = 0.45), CSDxAPI (r CSD = 0.70), RSDxAPI (r CSD = 0.71), PNEUxAPI (r PNEU = 0.49), and COPDxAPI (r PNEU = 0.62). Cluster 2 analysis indicates that the warmest, driest, and most polluted months of the wildfire season were associated with cardio-respiratory mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ediclê de Souza Fernandes Duarte
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra—ICT (Pólo de Évora)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Earth Remote Sensing Laboratory (EaRSLab)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Departamento de FísicaEscola de Ciências e Tecnologia (ECT)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
| | - Vanda Salgueiro
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra—ICT (Pólo de Évora)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Earth Remote Sensing Laboratory (EaRSLab)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Departamento de FísicaEscola de Ciências e Tecnologia (ECT)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
| | - Maria João Costa
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra—ICT (Pólo de Évora)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Earth Remote Sensing Laboratory (EaRSLab)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Departamento de FísicaEscola de Ciências e Tecnologia (ECT)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
| | - Paulo Sérgio Lucio
- Departamento de Ciências Atmosféricas e ClimáticasUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do NorteNatalBrazil
| | - Miguel Potes
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra—ICT (Pólo de Évora)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Earth Remote Sensing Laboratory (EaRSLab)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Departamento de FísicaEscola de Ciências e Tecnologia (ECT)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
| | - Daniele Bortoli
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra—ICT (Pólo de Évora)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Earth Remote Sensing Laboratory (EaRSLab)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Departamento de FísicaEscola de Ciências e Tecnologia (ECT)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
| | - Rui Salgado
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra—ICT (Pólo de Évora)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Earth Remote Sensing Laboratory (EaRSLab)Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada (IIFA)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
- Departamento de FísicaEscola de Ciências e Tecnologia (ECT)Universidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
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Suzuki R, Tsubota-Utsugi M, Sasaki R, Shimoda H, Fujino Y, Ikaga T, Kano T, Sakata K. [ Environmental risks to housing and living arrangements among older survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake and their relationships with housing type: The RIAS Study]. Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi 2023; 70:99-111. [PMID: 36310063 DOI: 10.11236/jph.21-146] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective Over the course of their lives, people spend most of their time in the home environment. The Community-based Integrated Care System 2018 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan declared the importance of "housing" and "living arrangements" as essential elements to enable older adults to live independently and to protect their privacy and dignity in their communities. The present study aims to clarify the relationship between current housing type and "housing" and "living arrangements" among older survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE).Methods We used data obtained from 3,856 participants, aged 65 years or older, in the Research project for prospective Investigation of health problems Among Survivors of the GEJE (RIAS). Housing types were categorized as follows: "same housing," "temporary housing," "disaster public housing," "new housing" (in a different area), and "others." Healthy housing scores were calculated using a housing health checklist from the Nationwide Smart Wellness Housing Survey in Japan. "Living arrangements" were assessed based on residential status, social network, and social capital. To determine the risks associated with each "housing" and "living arrangement" category, we used multivariate logistic and linear regression models.Results The number of participants in each housing type was as follows: 2,531 in "same housing," 146 in "temporary housing," 234 in "disaster public housing," 844 in "new housing," and 101 in "others." Compared with those living in "same housing," those living in "disaster public housing," "new housing," and "others" had a significantly higher healthy housing score, whereas those living in "temporary housing" had a lower score. However, with regards to "living arrangements," the number of residents who were living alone was significantly higher among those in "disaster public housing," and those living in "disaster public housing" as well as "new housing" had low social capital compared with those living in "same housing." The likelihood of having a poor social network was substantially higher for those living in "disaster public housing." Sub-scale analyses indicated that "disaster public housing" was associated with less family support, whereas "new housing" was associated with less support from friends.Conclusion The present results indicate that older survivors-regardless of whether they live in the existing community-find it challenging to establish new social capital and social networks in a new location without the presence of "someone" they knew before the disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruriko Suzuki
- Faculty of Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Sciences, Iwate University of Health and Medical Sciences.,Faculty of Social Welfare, Iwate Prefecture University
| | - Megumi Tsubota-Utsugi
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Ryohei Sasaki
- Department of Human Sciences, Center for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iwate Medical University
| | - Haruki Shimoda
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Yoshihisa Fujino
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Ikaga
- Department of System Design Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University
| | - Toru Kano
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Iwate Prefecture University
| | - Kiyomi Sakata
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine
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Hu Y, Ji JS, Zhao B. Deaths Attributable to Indoor PM 2.5 in Urban China When Outdoor Air Meets 2021 WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:15882-15891. [PMID: 36278921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03715] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization reduced the recommended level of annual mean PM2.5 concentrations to 5 μg/m3 in 2021. Previously, the guideline was geared toward ambient air pollution, and now it explicitly applies to indoor air pollution. However, the disease burden attributed to different indoor emission sources has been overlooked, particularly in urban areas. Our objective was to estimate the mortality attributable to indoor PM2.5 in urban areas in China. Our model estimated 711 thousand (584-823) deaths and 2.75 trillion (2.26-3.19) CNY economic losses attributable to PM2.5 in urban China in 2019, in which indoor sources contributed 394 thousand (323-457) deaths and 1.53 trillion (1.25-1.77) CNY losses. There would still be 536 thousand (427-638) PM2.5-attributable deaths and 2.07 trillion (1.65-2.47) CNY losses each year when the outdoor PM2.5 is 5 μg/m3, of which 485 thousand (386-578) deaths and 1.87 trillion (1.49-2.23) CNY are attributable to indoor sources. Despite cleaner outdoor air and no solid fuels being used, considerable health hazards and economic losses are attributable to indoor PM2.5. Measures to reduce PM2.5 exposure in humans from both indoor and outdoor sources are required to achieve a substantial reduction in deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Liu X, Lu Q, Du M, Xu Q, Wang D. Hormesis-Like Effects of Tetrabromobisphenol A on Anaerobic Digestion: Responses of Metabolic Activity and Microbial Community. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:11277-11287. [PMID: 35905436 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) has extensive applications in various fields; its release into ecosystems and the potential toxic effects on organisms are becoming major concerns. Here, we investigated the effects of TBBPA on anaerobic digestion, whose process is closely related to the carbon cycles under anaerobic conditions. The results revealed that TBBPA exhibited dose-dependent hormesis-like effects on methane production from glucose, i.e., the presence of 0.1 mg/L TBBPA increased the methane production rate by 8.79%, but 1.0-4.0 mg/L TBBPA caused 3.45-28.98% of decrement. We found that TBBPA was bound by the tyrosine-like proteins of the extracellular polymeric substances of anaerobes and induced the increase of reactive oxygen species, whose slight accumulation stimulated the metabolism activities but high accumulation increased the apoptosis of anaerobes. Owing to the differences between individual anaerobes in tolerance, TBBPA at 0.1 mg/L stimulated the acidogenesis and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, whereas higher levels (i.e., 1.0-4.0 mg/L) severely restrained all of the processes of acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. Along with the accumulation of bisphenol A (BPA) produced from TBBPA by Longilinea sp. and Pseudomonas sp., the methanogenic pathway was partly shifted from acetate-dependent to hydrogen-dependent direction, and the activities of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase and acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase were inhibited, while acetate kinase and F420 were hormetically affected. These findings elucidated the mechanism of anaerobic syntrophic consortium responses to TBBPA, supplementing the potential environmental risks of brominated flame retardants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuran Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Qi Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Mingting Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Qing Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
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Chaudhari B, Panda B, Šavija B, Chandra Paul S. Microbiologically Induced Concrete Corrosion: A Concise Review of Assessment Methods, Effects, and Corrosion-Resistant Coating Materials. Materials (Basel) 2022; 15:ma15124279. [PMID: 35744337 PMCID: PMC9228145 DOI: 10.3390/ma15124279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbiologically induced concrete corrosion (in wastewater pipes) occurs mainly because of the diffusion of aggressive solutions and in situ production of sulfuric acid by microorganisms. The prevention of concrete biocorrosion usually requires modification of the mix design or the application of corrosion-resistant coatings, which requires a fundamental understanding of the corrosion process. In this regard, a state-of-the-art review on the subject is presented in this paper, which firstly details the mechanism of microbial deterioration, followed by assessment methods to characterize biocorrosion and its effects on concrete properties. Different types of corrosion-resistant coatings are also reviewed to prevent biocorrosion in concrete sewer and waste-water pipes. At the end, concluding remarks, research gaps, and future needs are discussed, which will help to overcome the challenges and possible environmental risks associated with biocorrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavesh Chaudhari
- Centre for Intelligent Cyber Physical Systems, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Biranchi Panda
- Centre for Intelligent Cyber Physical Systems, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-3612582684
| | - Branko Šavija
- Microlab, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands;
| | - Suvash Chandra Paul
- Department of Civil Engineering, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh;
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Rodríguez-Miranda R, Palomo-Cordero L, Padilla-Mora M, Corrales-Vargas A, van Wendel de Joode B. [Playful Learning: a tool for Environmental Education]. Rev Cienc Ambient 2022; 56:209-228. [PMID: 35822176 PMCID: PMC9273103 DOI: 10.15359/rca.56-1.10] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Playful learning for environmental education represents a participatory pedagogical mediation that considers the socio-environmental realities in which persons are immersed. OBJECTIVE To promote environmental education, through playful, participatory, and flexible methods, to prevent pesticide exposure. METHODOLOGY Using geographic information systems, the distances between schools and bananas plantations were calculated. A playful and constructivism methodology was designed for primary school students (6 - 8.5 years), and their legal guardians. Subsequently, 148 workshops were developed in 37 rural Costa Rican schools, in which 2757 children and 387 adults participated. RESULTS Thirty-eight percent (38 %) (n=14) of the schools were located at less than 100 meters from banana plantations. Playful communication generated a participatory environment, in which local needs were identified and collective knowledge was built about the effects of pesticide exposure on the environment and human health. Participants were able to identify the main preventive actions to reduce pesticide exposure. CONCLUSIONS Playful, participatory, and flexible methodologies in environmental education facilitate the process of sensitizing first cycle primary school students and their parents from rural communities about the risks of exposure to pesticides. The methodology used can be easily adapted for application in other environmental science studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reichel Rodríguez-Miranda
- Asistente de investigación en Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA) del Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET) de la Universidad Nacional (UNA), Costa Rica
| | - Luis Palomo-Cordero
- Asistente de investigación en Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA) del Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET) de la Universidad Nacional (UNA), Costa Rica
| | - Michael Padilla-Mora
- Académico e investigador de la División de Educación Básica (DEB), Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Educación (CIDE) de la Universidad Nacional (UNA), Costa Rica
| | - Andrea Corrales-Vargas
- Investigadora en Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA) del Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET) de la Universidad Nacional (UNA), Costa Rica
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Académica e investigadora en Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA) del Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET) de la Universidad Nacional (UNA), Costa Rica
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Fuhrimann S, Wan C, Blouzard E, Veludo A, Holtman Z, Chetty-Mhlanga S, Dalvie MA, Atuhaire A, Kromhout H, Röösli M, Rother HA. Pesticide Research on Environmental and Human Exposure and Risks in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Literature Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 19:259. [PMID: 35010520 PMCID: PMC8750985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
On the African continent, ongoing agriculture intensification is accompanied by the increasing use of pesticides, associated with environmental and public health concerns. Using a systematic literature review, we aimed to map current geographical research hotspots and gaps around environmental and public health risks research of agriculture pesticides in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies were included that collected primary data on past and current-used agricultural pesticides and assessed their environmental occurrence, related knowledge, attitude and practice, human exposure, and environmental or public health risks between 2006 and 2021. We identified 391 articles covering 469 study sites in 37 countries in SSA. Five geographical research hotspots were identified: two in South Africa, two in East Africa, and one in West Africa. Despite its ban for agricultural use, organochlorine was the most studied pesticide group (60%; 86% of studies included DDT). Current-used pesticides in agriculture were studied in 54% of the study sites (including insecticides (92%), herbicides (44%), and fungicides (35%)). Environmental samples were collected in 67% of the studies (e.g., water, aquatic species, sediment, agricultural produce, and air). In 38% of the studies, human subjects were investigated. Only few studies had a longitudinal design or assessed pesticide's environmental risks; human biomarkers; dose-response in human subjects, including children and women; and interventions to reduce pesticide exposure. We established a research database that can help stakeholders to address research gaps, foster research collaboration between environmental and health dimensions, and work towards sustainable and safe agriculture systems in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fuhrimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Chenjie Wan
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Elodie Blouzard
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Adriana Veludo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zelda Holtman
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (Z.H.); (M.A.D.); (H.-A.R.)
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa
| | - Shala Chetty-Mhlanga
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (Z.H.); (M.A.D.); (H.-A.R.)
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), Kampala 12590, Uganda;
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.V.); (S.C.-M.); (M.R.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hanna-Andrea Rother
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (Z.H.); (M.A.D.); (H.-A.R.)
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa
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Abstract
Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been developed quickly and have attracted considerable attention for use in the detection and removal of various pollutants. Understanding the environmental risks of ZIFs is a prerequisite to their safe application by industry and new chemical registration by governments; however, the persistence and recovery of toxicity induced by ZIFs remain largely unclear. This study finds that typical ZIFs (e.g., ZIF-8 and ZIF-67) at a concentration of 0.01-1 mg/L induce significant algal growth inhibition, plasmolysis, membrane permeability, chloroplast damage, and chlorophyll biosynthesis, and the above alterations are recoverable. Unexpectedly, a persistent decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) is observed due to the quenching of hydroxyl free radicals. The adverse effects of ZIF-8 are weak and easily alleviated compared with those of ZIF-67. ZIF-8 is internalized mainly by caveolae-mediated endocytosis, while ZIF-67 is internalized mainly by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Omics studies reveal that the downregulation of mRNA associated with oxidative phosphorylation and the inhibition of chlorophyll and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in mitochondria are related to the persistence of phytotoxicity. These findings highlight the phenomena and mechanisms of the persistence and recovery of phytotoxicity, indicating the need to reconsider the environmental risk assessments of ZIFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Li Mu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Key Laboratory for Environmental Factor Control of Agro-Product Quality Safety (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Agro-Environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
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11
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Guo Y, Wang J. Spatiotemporal Changes of Chemical Fertilizer Application and Its Environmental Risks in China from 2000 to 2019. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:11911. [PMID: 34831667 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemical fertilizers are important inputs in agricultural production. They not only increase crop yield but also bring many negative effects, such as agricultural non-point source pollution. Therefore, a scientific understanding of the regional differences in chemical fertilizer application and its environmental risks is of significance to promote China’s agricultural development. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal pattern of chemical fertilizer application intensity (CFAI) in China since 2000, evaluated the environmental risks of provincial CFAI, and investigated the internal mechanism behind them. The results showed that the total amount and intensity of chemical fertilizer application in China from 2000 to 2019 presented a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. In 2000 and 2019, provincial CFAI in eastern China was generally higher than that in central and western China, and the environmental risks of provincial CFAI were spatially characterized by “high in the north and low in the south”. Factors such as poor soil conditions, unreasonable farming structure and backward fertilization methods are the main reasons for the continuous increase in the total amount and intensity of chemical fertilizer application, while the construction of ecological civilization and the transformation of society and economy are the main reasons for their decline. Finally, measures such as targeted fertilization, adjusting the use structure of chemical fertilizers, improving fertilization methods and replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers are proposed to promote the quantity reduction and efficiency increase of chemical fertilizer application in China.
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Cortés S, Burgos S, Adaros H, Lucero B, Quirós-Alcalá L. Environmental Health Risk Perception: Adaptation of a Population-Based Questionnaire from Latin America. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18168600. [PMID: 34444349 PMCID: PMC8394931 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Environmental risk assessments and interventions to mitigate environmental risks are essential to protect public health. While the objective measurement of environmental hazards is important, it is also critical to address the subjective perception of health risks. A population’s perception of environmental health hazards is a powerful driving force for action and engagement in safety and health behaviors and can also inform the development of effective and more sustainable environmental health policies. To date, no instruments are available to assess risk perception of environmental health hazards in South America even though there are many concerning issues in the region, including mining. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to adapt and validate an environmental health risk perception questionnaire in a Chilean population affected by mining activity among other risks frequently reported in Latin American countries and included the collection of information on trust on public information sources. METHODS: We adapted an Australian risk perception questionnaire for validation in an adult population from a Chilean mining community. This adaptation included two blinded translations (direct, inverse), a pre-test study (n = 20) and a review by environmental health experts. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) was used to identify factors within major domains of interest. The Bartlett test of sphericity, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and the Cronbach α test were used to assess the instrument’s validity and reliability. The instrument was pilot tested in 205 adults from a mining community in Chañaral. RESULTS: The final adapted questionnaire proved to be a good instrument to measure risk perception in a community chronically exposed to mining waste. For community risks, four factors explained 59.4% of the variance. “Global Issues” (30.2%) included air pollution, contamination of mining, ozone layer depletion and vector diseases. For personal risks, the first two components explained 59.5% of the variance, the main factor (36.7%) was “unhealthy behaviors within the household”. For trust in information, the first factor (36.2%) included as main sources “Media and authorities”. The Cronbach α ranged between 0.68 and 0.75; and the KMO test between 0.7 to 0.79 for community and personal risks and trust. CONCLUSIONS: The final questionnaire is a simple, reliable and useful instrument that can assist in evaluating environmental health risk perceptions in Latin American countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cortés
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Soledad Burgos
- School of Public Health, University of Chile, Santiago, 7500011, Chile;
| | - Héctor Adaros
- Hospital Jerónimo Méndez Arancibia, Chañaral 1490000, Chile;
| | - Boris Lucero
- The Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences Research Center (CINPSI Neurocog), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3466076, Chile;
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
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Abdellatef E, Kamal NM, Tsujimoto H. Tuning Beforehand: A Foresight on RNA Interference (RNAi) and In Vitro-Derived dsRNAs to Enhance Crop Resilience to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147687. [PMID: 34299307 PMCID: PMC8306419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Crop yield is severely affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Plants adapt to these stresses mainly through gene expression reprogramming at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recently, the exogenous application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) and RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a sustainable and publicly acceptable alternative to genetic transformation, hence, small RNAs (micro-RNAs and small interfering RNAs) have an important role in combating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. RNAi limits the transcript level by either suppressing transcription (transcriptional gene silencing) or activating sequence-specific RNA degradation (post-transcriptional gene silencing). Using RNAi tools and their respective targets in abiotic stress responses in many crops is well documented. Many miRNAs families are reported in plant tolerance response or adaptation to drought, salinity, and temperature stresses. In biotic stress, the spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) provides an intelligent method of using dsRNA as a trigger to silence target genes in pests and pathogens without producing side effects such as those caused by chemical pesticides. In this review, we focus on the potential of SIGS as the most recent application of RNAi in agriculture and point out the trends, challenges, and risks of production technologies. Additionally, we provide insights into the potential applications of exogenous RNAi against biotic stresses. We also review the current status of RNAi/miRNA tools and their respective targets on abiotic stress and the most common responsive miRNA families triggered by stress conditions in different crop species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eltayb Abdellatef
- Commission for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, National Center for Research, P.O. Box 2404, Khartoum 11111, Sudan;
- Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan;
- Behavioural and Chemical Ecology Unit, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Nasrein Mohamed Kamal
- Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan;
- Agricultural Research Corporation, P.O. Box 30, Khartoum North 11111, Sudan
| | - Hisashi Tsujimoto
- Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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Pineo H, Zhou K, Niu Y, Hale J, Willan C, Crane M, Zimmermann N, Michie S, Liu Q, Davies M. Evidence-informed urban health and sustainability governance in two Chinese cities. Build Cities 2021; 2:550-567. [PMID: 34853832 PMCID: PMC7612054 DOI: 10.5334/bc.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable development is best supported by intersectoral policies informed by a range of evidence and knowledge types (e.g. scientific and lay). Given China's rapid urbanisation, scale and global importance in climate mitigation, this study investigates how evidence is perceived and used to inform urban health and sustainability policies at central and local levels. Well-informed senior professionals in government/scientific agencies (12 in Beijing and 11 in Ningbo) were interviewed. A thematic analysis is presented using deductive and inductive coding. Government agency participants described formal remits and processes determining the scope and use of evidence by different tiers of government. Academic evidence was influential when commissioned by government departments. Public opinion and economic priorities were two factors that also influenced the use or weight of evidence in policymaking. This study shows that scientific evidence produced or commissioned by government was routinely used to inform urban health and sustainability policy. Extensive and routine data collection is regularly used to inform cyclical policy processes, which improves adaptive capacity. This study contributes to knowledge on the 'cultures of evidence use'. Environmental governance can be further improved through increased data-sharing and use of diverse knowledge types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Pineo
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Ke Zhou
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Yanlin Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Joanna Hale
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Catherine Willan
- Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Melanie Crane
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nici Zimmermann
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Qiyong Liu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Davies
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources, University College London (UCL), London, UK
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15
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Kruppa K, Krüger E, Vorster C, der Linde JV. Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Associated Risks in Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2021; 59:568-576. [PMID: 34056938 DOI: 10.1177/10556656211018952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and review published data on the risks associated with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). DESIGN A systematic review of literature was performed on electronic databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Literature on risks associated with CL/P in LMICs, from 2010 to 2020, were included. RESULTS Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies adopted an observational study design. Biological and environmental risks were identified. Maternal and paternal age (n = 7) and low socioeconomic status (n = 5) were the most prominently associated environmental risk factors. A strong association was identified between family history of cleft (n = 7) and CL/P occurrence. CONCLUSION Environmental risk factors are now being investigated more than biological risk factors in LMICs, aiding health care workers in the early identification of possible cumulative effects of risks in CL/P. Contextually relevant tools are recommended to promote early identification of at-risk infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Kruppa
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Esedra Krüger
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Carlien Vorster
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jeannie van der Linde
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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16
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Rivera-Parra JL, Beate B, Diaz X, Ochoa MB. Artisanal and Small Gold Mining and Petroleum Production as Potential Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination in Ecuador: A Call to Action. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:2794. [PMID: 33801864 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mining and petroleum production are the source of many elements and base materials fundamental for our modern way of life. The flip side of these keystone industries is the environmental degradation they can cause if not properly managed. Metallic mining and petroleum production can contaminate the local ecosystem with sediments, chemicals used in the industrial processes and heavy metals, part of the metallic ore or oil reservoir. The objective of this project was to analyze the spatial distribution of the presence of different potentially hazardous elements that make up the metallic deposits and oil reservoirs in Ecuador, focused mainly on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) districts. Additionally, we were interested in analyzing this information under the local political and administrative contexts which are key to determining how likely it is that mismanagement of the local mineral deposits and petroleum exploitation projects will end up causing environmental degradation. An extensive and intensive literature search was conducted for information on the presence and concentration of 19 potentially harmful elements. We analyzed data on 11 metallic deposits throughout Ecuador and a major oilfield in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. We used geographic information systems to analyze the spatial distribution of these reservoirs and their mineral compositions. The results indicated a widespread distribution and high concentration of elements potentially harmful for human health, such as mercury, cadmium and arsenic, throughout the metallic deposits in Ecuador. This is particularly true for long-exploited ASGM districts, such as Ponce-Enríquez, Portovelo-Zaruma and Nambija. This study highlights the importance of understanding geological diversity and its potential risks to better protect the biological diversity and public health of its inhabitants. Furthermore, we consider our work not as a call to stop ASGM mining nor petroleum production, but on the contrary as a strong call to plan every mining and petroleum production project considering these risks. Moreover, our work is a call to action by the local government and authorities to stop corruption and fulfill their duties overseeing the activities of mining and petroleum companies, stopping illegal mining, helping ASGM communities to improve their environmental standards, finding alternative income sources and protecting the local environment.
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17
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Lam EJ, Montofré IL, Álvarez FA, Gaete NF, Poblete DA, Rojas RJ. Methodology to Prioritize Chilean Tailings Selection, According to Their Potential Risks. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17113948. [PMID: 32498407 PMCID: PMC7313090 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For centuries, Chile has been a territory with significant mining activity, resulting in associated social benefits and impacts. One of the main challenges the country faces today is the presence of a great number of mine tailings containing heavy metals, such as Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, As, Cd, and Fe, which make up a potential risk for the population. This study is intended to develop a methodology for determining tailings requiring urgent treatment in Chile, based on risks associated with heavy metals. Geochemical data from 530 Chilean tailings were compared to the Dutch norm and the Canadian and Australian soil quality guidelines for residential use. Additionally, criteria about residents and water bodies were used, considering a 2-km area of influence around tailings. To do this, QGIS (Böschacherstrasse 10a CH-8624 Grüt (Gossau ZH), Zurich, Switzerland), a geospatial tool, was used to geolocate each deposit, considering regions, communes, rivers, lakes, and populated areas. To evaluate potential ecological contamination risks, Hakanson’s methodology was used. Results revealed the presence of 12 critical tailings in Chile that require urgent treatment. From the 530 tailings evaluated, 195 are located at less than 2 km from a populated area and 154 at less than 2 km from a water body. In addition, 347 deposits require intervention: 30 on Cu, 30 on Cr, 13 on Zn, 69 on Pb, 138 on As, 1 on Cd, and 5 on Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Lam
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile; (N.F.G.); (D.A.P.); (R.J.R.)
- Correspondence: (E.J.L.); (I.L.M.)
| | - Italo L. Montofré
- Mining Business School, ENM, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile;
- Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile
- Correspondence: (E.J.L.); (I.L.M.)
| | - Fernando A. Álvarez
- Mining Business School, ENM, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile;
- Administration Department, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile
| | - Natalia F. Gaete
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile; (N.F.G.); (D.A.P.); (R.J.R.)
| | - Diego A. Poblete
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile; (N.F.G.); (D.A.P.); (R.J.R.)
| | - Rodrigo J. Rojas
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta CP 1270709, Chile; (N.F.G.); (D.A.P.); (R.J.R.)
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18
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Wang Z, Shu X, Zhu H, Xie L, Cheng S, Zhang Y. Characteristics of biochars prepared by co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and cotton stalk intended for use as soil amendments. Environ Technol 2020; 41:1347-1357. [PMID: 30300096 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2018.1534891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The safe disposal and utilisation of sewage sludge can be challenging because of the potential environmental risks posed by heavy metals in the sludge. Conversion of sewage sludge and agriculture biomass into biochars that can be used to improve or remediate contaminated soils is a promising solution to this problem. In this study, biochars were produced via co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and cotton stalk (1:1, w/w) at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 600°C. Then, the potential environmental risks of heavy metals and properties of the biochars were investigated. The addition of cotton stalk promoted the migration and transformation of heavy metals from bioavailable to stable fractions, which significantly reduced the potential environmental risks of heavy metals in biochars. Moreover, compared with biochars obtained via pyrolysis of sewage sludge alone, the pH values, C contents, and adsorption capacities of biochars increased, while the yields, ash contents, specific surface areas and molar H/C ratios decreased. In summary, co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and cotton stalk is a feasible method for alleviating the potential environmental risks of heavy metals in biochars used to treat soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipu Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinqian Shu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Henan Zhu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Like Xie
- Experimental Testing institute of Petro China Xinjiang Oilfield Company, Karamay, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenhang Cheng
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxiu Zhang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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19
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Bobkova AH, Trotska MV. Safe natural environment as guarantee of exercising the right to health. Wiad Lek 2019; 72:1571-1575. [PMID: 32012510] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The right to health is one of the most important human rights and its proper exercising allows for the exercise of other rights. One of the guarantees of this right is the safe natural environment, which, on the one hand, allows to maintain the health at the proper level without worsening it, and, on the other hand, to improve and prevent negative consequences concerning it. The proper state of the natural environment is reflected through the relevant qualitative characteristics of each of the natural resources that are included in it, and in aggregate, reflected in the corresponding natural interactions between them. THE AIM The study is aimed at inquiring into the right to health and importance of the safe natural environment in order to provide it. MATERIAL AND METHODS Statutory regulation and scientific positions of scholars in the field of the above-mentioned issue are studied in this article. The study analyzes generalized information from scientific journals by means of scientific methods from a medical and legal point of view. This article is based on dialectical, comparative, analytic, synthetic and comprehensive research methods. Within the framework of the systematic approach, as well as analysis and synthesis, the concept of the right to health and its place in the provision of the safe natural environment is researched. REVIEW The right to health is regarded as a person’s awareness of the existence of appropriate ways, means and conditions that enable them to take care of their physical and psychological state by carrying out appropriate actions or refraining from doing so, thereby preventing or eliminating negative consequences that may threaten or do threaten their proper state of health. Along with others, the safe natural environment is a prerequisite that allows their full enjoyment of the right to health. CONCLUSIONS The right to health is regarded as a person’s awareness of the existence of appropriate ways, means and conditions that enable them to take care of their physical and psychological state by carrying out appropriate actions or refraining from doing so, thereby preventing or eliminating negative consequences that may threaten or do threaten their proper state of health. Along with others, the safe natural environment is a prerequisite that allows their full enjoyment of the right to health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryna V Trotska
- Department Of Constitutional, Administrative, Environmental And Labour Law, Poltava Law Institute Of Yaroslav The Wise National Law University, Poltava, Ukraine
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20
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Nobles CJ, Schisterman EF, Ha S, Buck Louis GM, Sherman S, Mendola P. Time-varying cycle average and daily variation in ambient air pollution and fecundability. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:166-176. [PMID: 29136143 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does ambient air pollution affect fecundability? SUMMARY ANSWER While cycle-average air pollution exposure was not associated with fecundability, we observed some associations for acute exposure around ovulation and implantation with fecundability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Ambient air pollution exposure has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and decrements in semen quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The LIFE study (2005-2009), a prospective time-to-pregnancy study, enrolled 501 couples who were followed for up to one year of attempting pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Average air pollutant exposure was assessed for the menstrual cycle before and during the proliferative phase of each observed cycle (n = 500 couples; n = 2360 cycles) and daily acute exposure was assessed for sensitive windows of each observed cycle (n = 440 couples; n = 1897 cycles). Discrete-time survival analysis modeled the association between fecundability and an interquartile range increase in each pollutant, adjusting for co-pollutants, site, age, race/ethnicity, parity, body mass index, smoking, income and education. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Cycle-average air pollutant exposure was not associated with fecundability. In acute models, fecundability was diminished with exposure to ozone the day before ovulation and nitrogen oxides 8 days post ovulation (fecundability odds ratio [FOR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72, 0.96 and FOR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.99, respectively). However, particulate matter ≤10 microns 6 days post ovulation was associated with greater fecundability (FOR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.54). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although our study was unlikely to be biased due to confounding, misclassification of air pollution exposure and the moderate study size may have limited our ability to detect an association between ambient air pollution and fecundability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS While no associations were observed for cycle-average ambient air pollution exposure, consistent with past research in the United States, exposure during critical windows of hormonal variability was associated with prospectively measured couple fecundability, warranting further investigation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment study contract nos. #N01-HD-3-3355, NO1-HD-#-3356, N01-HD-3-3358 and the Air Quality and Reproductive Health Study Contract No. HHSN275200800002I, Task Order No. HHSN27500008). We declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie J Nobles
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Drive Room 3119, MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Drive Room 3119, MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Sandie Ha
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Drive Room 3119, MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Drive Room 3119, MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Seth Sherman
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Drive Room 3119, MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6710B Rockledge Drive Room 3119, MSC 7004, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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Adesanya OA, Chiao C. Environmental Risks Associated with Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infection among Preschool Children in North-Western and South-Southern Nigeria Communities. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14111396. [PMID: 29144416 PMCID: PMC5708035 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14111396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The exposure-disease-stress model places young children in their physical and social contexts and considers the extent and intensity of associational links to symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI), taking in to account a range of biological, social, and environment components. This study uses the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to assess the individual and environmental risks present in the North-Western and South-Southern Nigerian communities and examines their associations with ARI symptoms. The descriptive findings show that the prevalence of ARI symptoms is significantly higher among preschool children in the North-Western province (5.7%) than in the South-Southern province (1.4%) (p < 0.001). In addition to regional differences, multilevel logistic models further indicate that the increased likelihood of a child suffering from ARI symptoms is significantly associated with the dry season (aOR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.02–1.97) and household poverty (aOR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01–1.99), even after adjusting for the cooking fuel used and various other characteristics of the children, households, and communities. These findings underscore the importance of taking into account environmental risks when addressing specific regional variations in ARI symptoms, because these determinants differ between communities in Nigeria. As it is imperative to achieve minimum levels of child health, in order to improve economic development across regions, future health policies aiming to promote child health will benefit from taking a region-specific perspective into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi Chiao
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong St., Taipei 112, Taiwan.
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22
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Abstract
Environmental health inequalities refer to health hazards disproportionately or unfairly distributed among the most vulnerable social groups, which are generally the most discriminated, poor populations and minorities affected by environmental risks. Although it has been known for a long time that health and disease are socially determined, only recently has this idea been incorporated into the conceptual and practical framework for the formulation of policies and strategies regarding health. In this Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH), “Addressing Environmental Health Inequalities—Proceedings from the ISEE Conference 2015”, we incorporate nine papers that were presented at the 27th Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE), held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2015. This small collection of articles provides a brief overview of the different aspects of this topic. Addressing environmental health inequalities is important for the transformation of our reality and for changing the actual development model towards more just, democratic, and sustainable societies driven by another form of relationship between nature, economy, science, and politics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Gouveia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 01246-903, Brazil.
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Abstract
Autism prevalence has increased rapidly in the United States during the past two decades. We have previously shown that the diffusion of information about autism through spatially proximate social relations has contributed significantly to the epidemic. This study expands on this finding by identifying the focal points for interaction that drive the proximity effect on subsequent diagnoses. We then consider how diffusion dynamics through interaction at critical focal points, in tandem with exogenous shocks, could have shaped the spatial dynamics of autism in California. We achieve these goals through an empirically calibrated simulation model of the whole population of 3- to 9-year-olds in California. We show that in the absence of interaction at these foci-principally malls and schools-we would not observe an autism epidemic. We also explore the idea that epigenetic changes affecting one generation in the distal past could shape the precise spatial patterns we observe among the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayuet Liu
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter S. Bearman
- Paul F. Lazarsfeld Center for the Social Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Crichton F, Chapman S, Cundy T, Petrie KJ. The Link between Health Complaints and Wind Turbines: Support for the Nocebo Expectations Hypothesis. Front Public Health 2014; 2:220. [PMID: 25426482 PMCID: PMC4227478 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide expansion of wind energy has met with opposition based on concerns that the infrasound generated by wind turbines causes health problems in nearby residents. In this paper, we argue that health complaints are more likely to be explained by the nocebo response, whereby adverse effects are generated by negative expectations. When individuals expect a feature of their environment or medical treatment to produce illness or symptoms, then this may start a process where the individual looks for symptoms or signs of illness to confirm these negative expectations. As physical symptoms are common in healthy people, there is considerable scope for people to match symptoms with their negative expectations. To support this hypothesis, we draw an evidence from experimental studies that show that, during exposure to wind farm sound, expectations about infrasound can influence symptoms and mood in both positive and negative directions, depending on how expectations are framed. We also consider epidemiological work showing that health complaints have primarily been located in areas that have received the most negative publicity about the harmful effects of turbines. The social aspect of symptom complaints in a community is also discussed as an important process in increasing symptom reports. Media stories, publicity, or social discourse about the reported health effects of wind turbines are likely to trigger reports of similar symptoms, regardless of exposure. Finally, we present evidence to show that the same pattern of health complaints following negative information about wind turbines has also been found in other types of environmental concerns and scares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Crichton
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Simon Chapman
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Tim Cundy
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Keith J Petrie
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
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Levian C, Ruiz E, Yang X. The pathogenesis of obesity from a genomic and systems biology perspective. Yale J Biol Med 2014; 87:113-26. [PMID: 24910557 PMCID: PMC4031785] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The recent obesity epidemic has imposed significant health, economical, and societal concerns. However, effective preventive and therapeutic strategies are currently lacking, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Recent genome-wide scans of genetic variants, transcriptome, and epigenome have uncovered >50 genetic loci that predispose individuals to obesity and revealed hundreds of genes with altered transcriptional activity and/or epigenetic variations in obesity-related tissues upon various environmental challenges such as high caloric diets, lack of physical activity, and environmental chemicals. These discoveries highlight the importance of genes involved in the control of energy homeostasis and food intake by the central nervous system, as well as genes contributing to lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, fat cell differentiation, and immune response in peripheral tissues, in obesity development. Future studies that are directed to obtain a more comprehensive, systems-level understanding of disease mechanisms and that test novel therapeutic strategies aiming at systems-level normalization of the obesity-related molecular alterations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xia Yang
- To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Xia Yang, PhD, Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; Tele: 310-206-1812; Fax: 310-206-9184;
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26
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Bonassi S, Taioli E, Vermeulen R. Omics in population studies: a molecular epidemiology perspective. Environ Mol Mutagen 2013; 54:455-460. [PMID: 23908054 DOI: 10.1002/em.21805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of striking developments in (bio)-technology, increasing availability of biobanked samples, and advances in biostatistics and bio-informatics allow an optimistic outlook for epidemiological research. In this special issue on Omics in Population Studies: A Molecular Epidemiology Perspective we explore and reflect on the potential of these new developments in both exposure science and clinical research since they provide the essential link between exposure and disease and may enable scientists to improve their understanding of disease origin and progression. As noted in this special issue, this is an exciting time for epidemiology. While cancer and other noncommunicable diseases rise in number worldwide, various new tools can be applied effectively to increase understanding of the underlying causes and potential for progression to improve their prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bonassi
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, Area of Systems Approaches and Non Communicable Diseases. IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Medical waste is a special category of waste with potential health and environment risks. The present study aimed to explore the current status of medical waste management in western China. Seventy-four healthcare facilities were selected to assess the general status of medical waste management based upon a designed questionnaire survey. The surveyed results showed that the quantities of average medical waste generation were 0.79, 0.59 and 0.61 kg bed(-1) day(-1) in tertiary, secondary and primary hospitals, respectively. The incomplete segregation of domestic and medical waste generated a higher quantity of medical waste in primary hospitals (0.61 kg bed(-1) day(-1)) than that in secondary hospitals. Furthermore, the effective implementation of the medical waste management system depended on national regulations, occupational safety, internal policies and administration and the qualifications and competence of the directors of the waste management department in the healthcare facilities. Therefore, sufficient training programmes and protective measures should be provided by healthcare facilities to all relevant personnel and adequate financial support and effective administrative monitoring should be performed by local authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Jun Zhang
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
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Petersen EJ, Huang Q, Weber WJ. Ecological uptake and depuration of carbon nanotubes by Lumbriculus variegatus. Environ Health Perspect 2008; 116:496-500. [PMID: 18414633 PMCID: PMC2290976 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 09/12/2007] [Accepted: 01/15/2008] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbon nanotubes represent a class of nanomaterials having broad application potentials and documented cellular uptake and ecotoxicological effects that raise the possibility that they may bioaccumulate in living organisms. OBJECTIVES Radioactively labeled nanotubes were synthesized using a novel methane chemical vapor deposition procedure. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and pyrene were spiked to sediment samples, and the respective uptake and depuration of these nanotubes and pyrene were assessed by the oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus. RESULTS (14)C-labeled carbon nanotubes were developed for these experiments to overcome significant previous limitations for quantifying nanotube materials in environmental and biological media. Biota-sediment accumulation factors for SWNTs and MWNTs were observed to be almost an order of magnitude lower than those for pyrene, a four-ringed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The depuration behaviors of the oligochaete suggested that the nanotubes detected in these organisms were associated with sediments remaining in the organism guts and not absorbed into cellular tissues as was the pyrene. The results suggest that, unlike PAHs, purified carbon nanotubes do not readily absorb into organism tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah J. Petersen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Qingguo Huang
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, Georgia, USA
| | - Walter J. Weber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Address correspondence to W.J. Weber Jr., Department of Chemical Engineering, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd., 4103 Engineering Research Bldg., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA. Telephone: (734) 763-2274. Fax: (734) 936-4391. E-mail:
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