Personal Research Database

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env181, 215.pdf

Abstract: A simple method for the spectrochemical analysis of water samples by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry is described. Samples from drinking water coolers in 32 schools in Riyadh were collected at a specific time during a typical school day and analyzed for aluminum (Al), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Go), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) to ascertain the water quality. The analysis of drinking water showed high concentrations of metals and in some cases exceeded the guideline limits recommended by EEC and WHO.

Keywords: Drinking Water, Analysis, Drinking Water Coolers, Riyadh, Indian Childhood Cirrhosis, Aluminum, Disease, Implantation, Association, Metabolism, Toxicity, Vanadium, Cancer, Norway

Weihe, P., Grandjean, P., Debes, F. and White, R. (1996), Health implications for Faroe islanders of heavy metals and PCBs from pilot whales. Science of the Total Environment, 186 (1-2), 141-148.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env186, 141.pdf

Abstract: In the Faroe Islands marine food constitutes a considerable part of the diet. In addition to fish, both meat and blubber from pilot whales are included in the diet. Muscle tissue of pilot whales caught in the Faroe Islands contains an average mercury concentration of 3.3 micrograms/g (16 nmol/g), about half of which is methylmercury. In some years an evenly distributed annual catch of pilot whales would make the average dietary intake of mercury close to an excess of the Provisional Temporary Weekly Intake of 0.3 mg recommended by WHO. In one out of eight consecutive births, the mercury concentration in maternal hair exceeded a limit of 10 micrograms/g where a risk of neurobehavioral dysfunction in the child may occur, the maximum was 39.1 micrograms/g. Mercury concentrations in umbilical cord blood showed a similar distribution with a maximum of 351 micrograms/l. The large variation in mercury exposure is associated with differences in the frequency of whale dinners. The average PCB concentration in pilot whale blubber is very high, i.e. about 30 micrograms/g. With an estimated daily consumption of 7 g of blubber, the average daily PCB intake could therefore exceed 200 micrograms, i.e. close to the Acceptable Daily Intake. In Scandinavia, the average daily PCB intake is about 15-20 micrograms. To obtain an improved scientific basis for public health action, two major prospective studies have been initiated. A birth cohort of 1000 children has been examined at approximately 7 years of age for neurobehavioral dysfunctions associated with prenatal exposure to mercury and PCB. Preliminary analyses of the data show that several neurobehavioral tests are associated with mercury exposure parameters. With emphasis on prenatal exposures to PCB, another cohort has been generated during 1994-95, and this cohort will be followed closely during the next years.

Zevenbergen, C., van Reeuwijk, L.P., Frapporti, G., Louws, R.J. and Schuiling, R.D. (1996), A simple method for defluoridation of drinking water at village level by adsorption on Ando soil in Kenya. Science of the Total Environment, 188 (2-3), 225-232.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env188, 225.pdf

Abstract: In this paper a new and simple defluoridation method is presented using local Kenyan soil derived from volcanic ash (e.g. Ando soils or soils with ‘andic’ properties) as a fluoride sorbent. The ability of Kenyan Ando soil to adsorb fluoride was determined experimentally. These results were extended to possible technical application using a one dimensional solute transport model. Based on the results it is concluded that the use of Ando soils appears to be an economical and efficient method for defluoridation of drinking water on a small scale in rural areas of Kenya and other regions along the Rift Zone. Further research is warranted to evaluate its practical applications and social acceptance.

Keywords: Defluoridation Method, Fluoride Adsorption, Ando Soil, Fluorosis

? Chlopecka, A. (1996), Assessment of form of Cd, Zn and Pb in contaminated calcareous and gleyed soils in southwest Poland. Science of the Total Environment, 188 (2-3), 253-262.

Full Text: 1996\Sci Tot Env188, 253.pdf

Abstract: A knowledge of the total amount of trace metals in soils is generally not sufficient to assess environmental impacts of metal contamination. Quantification of different metal forms enables evaluation of their behavior and of their eventual bioavailability in the soil environment. Calcareous and gleyed soils contaminated by Cd, Pb and Zn found in the heavily industrialized area of Tarnowskie Gory (Upper Silesia, Poland) were examined by sequential extraction analysis to assess the forms of these metals in a range extending from background levels to concentrations well in excess of those prescribed as the maximum tolerable limits for Polish soils. Cadmium ranged from 0.41 to 25.5, Pb from 12.7 to 1730 and Zn from 13.9 to 2800 mu g g(-1) soil, respectively. In general, the metals were associated with more mobile forms in the contaminated soils and particularly in the gleyed soils which tended to be acidic is nature.

Keywords: Calcareous, Gleysols, Rendzina, Hydromorphic, Sequential Extraction, Heavy Metals, Upper Silesia, Cadmium, Lead, Zinc, Copper, pH

Pimentel, D. (1996), Green revolution agriculture and chemical hazards. Science of the Total Environment, 188, S86-S98.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env188, S86.pdf

Sheail, J. (1997), The institutional development of river management in Yorkshire. Science of the Total Environment, 194-195, 225-234.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env184-195, 225.pdf

Abstract: The paper draws on the archives of the relevant river-management bodies of Yorkshire, in Northern England, in illustrating how the preoccupations, aspirations and knowledge of policy makers and their respective engineers affected the pace and direction of watercourse and catchment management during the last 150 years.

Edwards, A.M.C., Freestone, R.J. and Crockett, C.P. (1997), River management in the Humber catchment. Science of the Total Environment, 194-195, 235-246.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env184-195, 235.pdf

Abstract: The Humber Estuary receives runoff from a fifth of the area of England, much of which is densely populated and industrialised. The river systems have been much altered by abstractions, effluent discharges, inter-river water transfers and changes to the physical habitat of channels. The riverine inputs of water, sediment and contaminants have a major influence on the environment of the Humber and the North Sea. Residual flow conditions are important for protecting uses of the rivers and the estuary. Some of the rivers have had a long history of pollution, although much investment in effluent treatment is in progress to improve water quality and ecology and to achieve environmental quality standards for dangerous substances specified in international legislation. The aim is for a more sustainable management of the river systems, balancing the interests of their legitimate users.

? Chlopecka, A. (1997), Assessment of form of Cd, Zn and Pb in contaminated calcareous and gleyed soils in Southwest Poland (vol 188, pg 253, 1996). Science of the Total Environment, 196 (3), 263.

Full Text: 1997\Sci Tot Env196, 263.pdf

Sheets, R.W. (1997), Extraction of lead, cadmium and zinc from overglaze decorations on ceramic dinnerware by acidic and basic food substances. Science of the Total Environment, 197 (1-3), 167-175.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env197, 167.pdf

Abstract: Dinnerware decorated with overglaze designs can release toxic metals into food substances in amounts high enough to constitute health hazards. When dishes made in the US before 1970 were filled with 4% acetic acid for 24 h, lead concentrations of up to 610 g/ml and cadmium concentrations of up to 15 g/ml were measured. Acetic acid leachates from more than half the dishes tested for lead (78 of 149) contained levels exceeding the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowable concentration of 3.0 g/ml. One-fourth of dishes tested for cadmium (26 of 98) exceeded the FDA limit of 0.5 g/ml. High concentrations of lead, cadmium and zinc were also released into 1% solutions of citric and lactic acids. Significant amounts of these metals were extracted by basic solutions of sodium citrate and sodium tripolyphosphate, as well as by commercial food substances including sauerkraut juice, pickle juice, orange juice, and low-lactose milk. Relative concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium released depend on the leaching agent used. Citric acid leachates contain higher lead: cadmium and zinc: cadmium (but lower lead: zinc) ratios than do acetic acid leachates from nominally identical dishes. Repeated extractions with acetic acid show that even after 20 consecutive 24-h leachings many dishes still release lead in concentrations exceeding FDA limits.

Keywords: Cadmium, Glazed Ceramic Dinnerware, Lead, Toxic Metals, Zinc

Jung, M.C. and Thornton, I. (1997), Environmental contamination and seasonal variation of metals in soils, plants and waters in the paddy fields around a Pb-Zn mine in Korea. Science of the Total Environment, 198 (2), 105-121.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env198, 105.pdf

Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate the extent and degree of heavy metal contamination of paddy fields influenced by metalliferous mining activity. Paddy soils, rice plants and irrigation waters were sampled along six traverse lines in the vicinity of the mine and nearby control site. Soil samples were taken 30, 80 and 150 days after rice transplanting, to study seasonal variation of their chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations. Sampling of rice plants and irrigation waters was also undertaken with seasons. The analysis of the samples were carried out using ICP-AES for 25 elements including Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Physical and chemical properties of soils (pH, loss-on-ignition, cation exchange capacity and texture) and waters (pH, Eh and temperature) were also measured. The properties of soils were similar to the average Korean soils, with the exception of some samples taken in the vicinity of the mine. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in paddy soils, rice plants and irrigation waters sampled in the immediate vicinity of the mine were relatively high due to the seepage of metals from mining dump sites. Although there was variation between sampling sites, soil pH values under reducing conditions were on average higher than those under oxidising conditions. Relatively low content of organic matter and low cation exchange capacity of soils were found at 80 days after rice transplanting (P < 0.05). No seasonal variations in metal concentrations were found in paddy soils throughout the period of the rice growing, in which soils ranged from flooded reducing conditions through most of the growing season to drained oxidising conditions before and at harvest. Relatively high metal concentrations were found in the rice stalks and leaves under oxidising conditions. The sequential extraction analysis of selected soil samples confirmed that high proportions of exchangeable fractions of the metals were found under oxidising conditions. It was shown that Cd and Zn concentrations in rice leaves and stalks and rice grain increased with increasing metal concentrations in paddy soils to a greater extent than for Cu and Pb. This difference in uptake is in agreement with the greater proportions of Cd and Zn, compared with Cu and Pb, in the exchangeable soil fraction extracted with MgCl₂. Average daily intake from locally grown rice by the residents was estimated to be 121 micrograms Cd and 126 micrograms Pb. Thus, long-term metal exposure by regular consumption of the rice poses potential health problems to residents in the vicinity of the mine, although no adverse health effects have as yet been observed.

Soto, M., Ireland, M.P. and Marigómez, I. (1997), The contribution of metal/shell-weight index in target-tissues to metal body burden in sentinel marine mollusks. 1. Littorina littorea. Science of the Total Environment, 198 (2), 135-147.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env198, 135.pdf

Abstract: Accumulation and tissue distribution of Cu and Zn in target organs of Littorina littorea have been investigated. Weight changes in particular organs were associated with either Cu or Zn exposures and therefore, metal/shell-weight indices were used instead of metal concentrations to investigate metal accumulation and mobilisation. A regulatory mechanism was observed on exposure to low levels of Cu, but regulation did not occur between 8 and 80 µg Cu/l seawater. Conversely, Zn was well-regulated up to a concentration of 80 µg Zn/l seawater. Zn/Cu index increased linearly at increasing Zn exposure levels and decreased linearly at increasing Cu exposure levels. The gills are not target tissues reflecting environmental levels of either Cu or Zn, however, copper levels were elevated in gills after exposure to 80 µg Cu/l seawater for 29 and 41 days. On the other hand, the highest concentration of Cu in the kidney was found after exposure to 8 µg Cu/l seawater for 41 days. Higher exposures resulted in lower Cu concentrations. According to metal/shell-weight indices, Cu and Zn were not significantly accumulated in the digestive gland/gonad complex (DGGC) until a certain threshold value was reached (exposure level >400 µg . day/1). On the other hand, DGGC weight was significantly reduced and, concomitantly, Zn and Cu concentrations raised. However, the metal concentration values increased beyond those resulting simply from a weight reduction. In conclusion, dissimilar mechanisms performed by different cell types in the different organs, together with metal-induced weight changes, would account for the existence of different patterns of metal accumulation and tissue distribution. It is therefore suggested that the suitability of winkles as indicators of Cu and Zn pollution should be reconsidered on the basis of measurements of metal burdens at tissue and cell levels. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Keywords: Metals, Accumulation, Tissue Distribution, AAS, Mobilization, Excretion, Mussel Mytilus-Edulis, Heavy-Metals, Sublethal Concentrations, Crassostrea-Virginica, Digestive Gland, Cancer-Pagurus, Polluted Sites, Shell-Weight, Food-Chain, Cadmium

Schuhmacher, M., Domingo, J.L., Llobet, J.M., Müller, L. and Jager, J. (1997), Levels of PCDDs and PCDFs in grasses and weeds collected near a municipal solid waste incinerator. Science of the Total Environment, 201 (1), 53-62.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env201, 53.pdf

Lu, X.Q. and Johnson, W.D. (1997), The reaction of aquatic humic substances with copper(II) ions: An SER study of complexation. Science of the Total Environment, 203 (3), 199-207.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env203, 199.pdf

Abstract: The reaction of copper(II) ions with humic substances (HS) isolated from swamp water has been studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy at different HS: Cu molar ratios over the pH range from 3 to 13. Three distinct HS-Cu complexes have been detected at different HS: Cu molar ratios. At a HS: Cu molar ratio of 0.003, a complex with a g_z.pSlash, value of 2.40 forms. This can be attributed to a complex [Cu(H₂O)₅]L, with one oxygen donor ligand. This complex is very sensitive to pH and a precipitate is formed at pH 7, suggesting that the complex is a mixed HS-Cu-H₂O complex. Increasing the HS: Cu molar ratio to 0.03 leads to the formation of a complex with a g_z.pSlash, value of 2.35 [Cu(H₂O)₄]L₂. At a HS: Cu molar ratio of 0.6, a complex with a g_&z.pSlash, value of 2.31 [Cu(H₂O)₂]L₄ forms. This HS-Cu complex is pH resistant up to pH 10 and an inner sphere bond complex must have formed. The stability constants of HS-Cu complexes formed at different molar ratios were estimated from the corresponding ESR parameter g_&z.pSlash, values. The ESR results are consistent with calculated species distributions of copper ions under similar conditions. This calculation shows that at a lower concentration of humic substances, the percentage of the complex formed decreases with an increase of pH and this complex does not exist at pH above 7, while at a higher concentration of humic substances, HS-Cu complexes with high stability are dominant in solution up to pH 10.

Keywords: Copper(II) ions, Humic Substances, ESR spectroscopy

Vedrina-Dragojević, I. and Dragojević, D. (1997), Trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene in ground waters of Zagreb, Croatia. Science of the Total Environment, 203 (3), 253-259.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env203, 253.pdf

Abstract: At the end of 1986 the presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons was detected in the ground water of the industrial area of Zagreb, Croatia. Concentrations of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene were close to or exceeded maximum admissible concentrations prescribed by the Public Health Regulations for drinking water (30 µg/l for trichloroethene and 10 µg/l for tetrachloroethene). The pumping-site situated within the area had been temporarily closed until a water-treatment plant based upon adsorption on activated carbon was built. Analysis of the results of adsorption of the investigated chlorinated hydrocarbons on activated carbon in granules confirmed a remarkably better adsorption of tetrachloroethene compared to trichloroethene. By constant monitoring and replacing of saturated carbon at the appropriate time, the concentrations of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene in drinking water consumed by approx. 20% of the city population never exceeded maximum admissible concentrations in the course of 10 years. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Keywords: Activated Carbon-Fibers, Drinking-Water, Adsorption, Toxicity, Quality, Trichloroethene, Tetrachloroethene, Ground Water, Drinking Water, Liquid-Liquid Extraction Gas Chromatographic Method

Zacheus, O.M. and Martikainen, P.J. (1997), Physicochemical quality of drinking and hot waters in Finnish buildings originated from groundwater or surface water plants. Science of the Total Environment, 204 (1), 1-10.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env204, 1.pdf

Abstract: The physicochemical quality of drinking and hot waters of 67 buildings in different parts of Finland was studied. Some of the buildings used processed groundwater and some processed surface water. Drinking water samples were taken from the first tap after the water was led into the building. Hot water samples were taken from taps and showers and from circulating hot water systems. Thy physicochemical quality of drinking water was affected by the origin of raw water used in the water plants. Drinking water from surface water plants contained more organic matter and less metals than water from groundwater plants. The quality goal for total organic carbon (TOC, < 2 mg l^-1) was exceeded by all drinking water samples. In groundwaters, the variation in the content of non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) was great, probably because artificial groundwaters processed from surface waters were included in this group. Unlike in natural waters, the correlation between KMnO₄-number and NPOC in the processed waters was weak. This result shows that KMnO₄-number is an inaccurate estimate for organic carbon in processed waters. Corrosion of pipe materials was seen as elevated concentrations of iron and copper. In general, the physicochemical quality of drinking and hot waters in the buildings was rather similar.

Martín-Lagos, F., Navarro-Alarcón, M., Terrés-Martos, C., de la Serrana, H.L.G. and López-Martínez, M.C. (1997), Serum copper and zinc concentrations in serum from patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease. Science of the Total Environment, 204 (1), 27-35.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env204, 27.pdf

Abstract: A single cross-Keywords: Trace-Elements, Plasma Copper, Breast-Cancer, Ratio, Deficiency, Ceruloplasmin, Nutrient, Cardiopathy, Cancer, Copper, Zinc, Serum sectional study for serum copper and zinc levelswas evaluated in 20 patients with cancer (respiratory, digestive, haematological, gynaecological) and 21 patients withcardiopathy (acute myocardial infarction and ischemic cardiomyopathy). A control group of 84 healthy subjects was selected. The mean serum zinc levels in patients with gynaecological cancer and ischemic cardiomyopathy were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). However, the mean serum copper level was not statistically different among patients with cancer (P > 0.05) and cardiomyopathy (P > 0.05) than the control group. Male patients did not have statistically different values for serum Cu (P > 0.05) and Zn (P > 0.05) than those found in female patients. Patients’ age did not have any statistical influence (P > 0.05) on serum Cu and Zn levels. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Keywords: Cardiopathy, Cancer, Copper, Zinc, Serum, Trace-Elements, Plasma Copper, Breast-Cancer, Ratio, Deficiency, Ceruloplasmin, Nutrient

Neumann, C.M., Kauffman, K.W. and Gilroy, D.J. (1997), Methylmercury in fish from Owyhee Reservoir in southeast Oregon: Scientific uncertainty and fish advisories. Science of the Total Environment, 204 (3), 205-214.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env204, 205.pdf

Abstract: Data collected during 1987-1994 showed elevated levels of mercury (Hg) in fish tissue from the Owyhee Reservoir in southeastern Oregon. Sixty-five percent of the samples analyzed had total Hg levels exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health screening value of 0.6 mg/kg. Eighteen out of 89 (20%) fish tissue samples also had total Hg levels greater than the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) mercury action level of 1.0 mg/kg. The overall mean Hg content for all fish collected from the reservoir was 0.75 mg/kg wet weight (wet wt.). Fish muscle taken from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) had the highest mean Hg levels of 0.92, 0.87 and 0.82 mg/kg, respectively. In contrast, rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) had the lowest mean Hg content of 0.37 mg/kg. Increases in total Hg concentrations were found to be positively correlated with size for rainbow trout and yellow perch. A weak but significant correlation was also observed between total mercury content and age for smallmouth bass. Based on these data, in 1994 the Oregon Health Division (OHD) issued a fish consumption advisory for the Owyhee Reservoir using a conservative risk-based approach. The process of defining and communicating these consumption limits is the subject of this paper.

? Leggett, R.W. (1997), A model of the distribution and retention of tungsten in the human body. Science of the Total Environment, 206 (2-3), 147-165.

Full Text: 1997\Sci Tot Env206, 147.pdf

Abstract: Expanding industrial and military uses of tungsten could result in substantially increased levels of this metal in the environment in the next few years. Although occupational experiences and available toxicological studies on laboratory animals suggest that tungsten may have a relatively low order of toxicity, the data are weak and inconclusive. There is a need not only for more systematic studies of the behavior and effects of tungsten in different animal species but also for a reliable, biologically realistic biokinetic model for tungsten in man that can be used to relate concentrations of this metal in environmental media to concentrations in tissues of exposed persons and translate results of experimental studies into term of environmental exposures. This paper is intended as a first step toward development of such a biokinetic model. Information related to the biokinetics of tungsten in mammalian species is examined, a biologically meaningful compartmental model structure is proposed, provisional transfer rates between compartments are selected, areas are identified where additional biokinetic data on tungsten are most needed and suggestions are made for further research into the biokinetics of tungsten. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Keywords: Tungsten, Biokinetics, Model, Man, Distribution, Retention, Excretion, Metal Lung-Disease, Biological Function, Molecular-Basis, Calcium Tungstate, Xanthine-Oxidase, Biokinetic Model, Sulfite Oxidase, Treated Rats, Molybdenum, Elements

Asubiojo, O.I., Nkono, N.A., Ogunsua, A.O., Oluwole, A.F., Ward, N.I., Akanle, O.A. and Spyrou, N.M. (1997), Trace elements in drinking and groundwater samples in Southern Nigeria. Science of the Total Environment,