Title: Science of the Total Environment

Title: Science of the Total Environment

ISO Abbreviated Title: Sci. Total Environ.

JCR Abbreviated Title: Sci Total Environ

ISSN: 0048-9697

Issues/Year: 26

Journal Country Netherlands

Language: Multi-Language

Publisher: Elsevier Science BV

Publisher Address: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Subject Categories:

Environmental Sciences: Impact Factor 1.126, 40/126 (1999), Impact Factor 1.252, 35/127 (2000), Impact Factor 1.925, 24/134 (2004), Impact Factor 2.224, 22/140 (2005), Impact Factor 2.182, 38/160 (2007), Impact Factor 2.578, 33/163 (2008), Impact Factor 2.905, 31/180 (2009)

Lester, J.N., Harrison, R.M. and Perry, R. (1979), The balance of heavy metals through a sewage treatment works. I. Lead, cadmium and copper. Science of the Total Environment, 12 (1), 13-23.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env12, 13.pdf

Abstract: Concentrations of lead, cadmium and copper have been determined in the sewage sludges, sewages and effluent of a sewage treatment works. Treatment at this works is by primary sedimentation prior to biological treatment in a diffused air activated sludge plant. By analysis of composite samples corresponding to a 24-h input of raw sewage to the works, a mass balance of metals through the works has been estimated. The partition of the metals from raw sewage into the settled sewage and primary sludge, and from the settled sewage into the activated sludge and final effluent has been quantified.

Shamberger, R.J. (1981), Elenium in the environment. Science of the Total Environment, 17 (1), 59-74.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env17, 59.pdf

Abstract: Selenium is one of the most widely distributed elements of the earth’s crust. Much of the selenium in the earth’s crust occurs associated with sulfide minerals. The presence or absence of selenium in any soil is dependent upon the composition of the parent material, and is also dependent upon leaching or processes subsequent to soil formation, that may have added selenium. Selenium can be easily oxidized from Se⁰ to Se⁺⁴ or Se⁺⁶. Selenium is usually recovered as a by-product of the refining of the sulfide ores of other metals such as copper. The greatest amounts of selenium are used for the manufacture of the photoelectric cell.

Selenium is taken up by plants as selenate, selenite or organic selenium. Se⁷⁵ selenite in 30 minutes was translocated primarily to selenomethionine. In sheep or pigs the duodenum is the main site of Se⁷⁵ absorption. Selenium is excreted in the feces, the urine, and the expired air, the amounts and proportions depending upon the level and form of the intake, the nature of the rest of the diet, and the species. A dietary intake of 0.1 g/g Se provides a satisfactory margin of safety for grazing sheep and cattle. In humans, the recommended daily allowance for selenium is between 100 to 200 g/day. The toxicity of selenium to animals varies with the amounts of chemical forms of selenium ingested, with the duration and continuity of intake, and with the type and nature of the diet, especially its protein and sulfate content.

Deficiency of selenium results in selenium responsive diseases in various animal species, such as muscular dystrophy, exudative diathesis and hepatosis dietetica. Selenium also prevents several type of chemically induced cancer in animals, and, where more selenium occurs in the environment, human cancer death rates are lower. Selenium deficient rats and lambs develop abnormal electrocardiograms accompanied by blood pressure changes. Human heart disease mortality is also lower in the high selenium areas. In China, a large clinical trial is underway showing that selenium prevents a congestive heart failure in children from severely selenium deficient areas.

? Zielhuis, R.L. and Haring, B.J. (1981), Water hardness and mortality in the Netherlands. Science of the Total Environment, 18 (1), 35-45.

Full Text: 1981\Sci Tot Env18, 35.pdf

Abstract: In 1975 central water softening was discouraged by the Public Health Council because of the statistical negative association found in 23 communities between the hardness of drinking water and death rate from Ischemic Heart Disease (I.H.D.) over the period 1958-1970. Further studies were carried out during the last decade by a specially assigned interdisciplinary Working Group of the Health Aspects of Central Water Softening. Recent studies showed that the release of metals (Pb and Cu) from household water distribution pipes was positively correlated with water calcium. Furthermore a significant negative correlation was found between hardness and pH for these types of water. The hypothesis that the Ca and Mg deficiency in areas with soft drinking water increases the risk of I.H.D. death rate was supported by the finding that food looses more Ca and Mg when it is cooked in soft water as compared to cooking in hard water. In contrast with earlier statistical investigations no significant relations were found over the period 1970-1977 between I.H.D. mortality and hardness of drinking water in 30 municipalities. The disappearance of the statistical relation could not be attributed to changes in water hardness. However, investigation of a group of 17 municipalities of which mortality and water quality data are known for three periods, 1958-1962, 1965-1970 and 1971-1977, showed that the inverse statistical relation between I.H.D. mortality and water hardness still existed but with decreasing significance of correlation coefficients. The provisional conclusion of the Working Group is that other factors than water hardness overrule to a large extent the potential effect on I.H.D. mortality. Central water softening down to 2-3 meq/l Ca probably will have no observable effect on mortality. Other studies are still continuing. In 1981 a final report will be presented to the Minister of Health and Environmental Protection.

? Amavis, R. and Smeets, J. (1981), Directive of the European Communities relating to the quality of water for human consumption. Science of the Total Environment, 18, 293-300.

Full Text: 1981\Sci Tot Env18, 293.pdf

Abstract: A draft directive relating to the quality of water for human consumption was submitted on 22 July 1975 to the Council of Ministers of the European Communities. The submission of this proposition was requested by the Council of Ministers in the Action Programme of the European Communities on the environment, approved by them on 22 November 1973. The objective is the protection of public health by establishing standards to be respected by the Member States. This directive was adopted by the Council of Ministers of the European Communities June 30, 1980. This report deals with technical aspects of this directive and gives some additional comments.

Robberecht, H., Vangrieken, R., Vansprundel, M., Vandenberghe, D. and Deelstra, H. (1983), Selenium in environmental and drinking waters of Belgium. Science of the Total Environment, 26 (2), 163-172.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env26, 163.pdf

Abstract: The tetravalent and hexavalent selenium content of water samples can be determined by conventional energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence after different preconcentration steps. Selenium values of nearly three-hundred different environmental and drinking water samples in Belgium are reported. The results are quite low, ranging from the detection limits up to 1 g l⁻¹. The concentration levels are compared to literature data and the speciation is discussed.

The contribution of drinking water to the daily intake of selenium in Belgium ranges from less than 0.2 to 5%.

Bedding, N.D., McIntyre, A.E. and Lester, J.N. (1983), Organic contaminants in the aquatic environment. III. Public health aspects, quality standards and legislation. Science of the Total Environment, 27 (2-3), 163-200.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env27, 163.pdf

Abstract: Literature on the health aspects and possible risks of the presence of organic micropollutants in water and waste waters is reviewed and the quality standards and legislation pertaining to certain organic compounds which have been promulgated by some countries and international organisations are assessed and compared. It is evident from the literature that different standards may be applied to waters which are designated for particular uses and that quality standards for protection of the aquatic environment (aquatic organisms) are generally more stringent than those applied to drinking water. Quality standards developed by different countries and organisations display a broad similarity in most cases, but differ where various approaches have been employed in determining the toxicity of and hazards presented by individual compounds. It is concluded that such legislation will become more comprehensive in the future, with the inclusion of more substances and recommendations for treatment procedures.

Fergusson, J.E. and Schroeder, R.J. (1985), Lead in house dust of christchurch, New Zealand: Sampling, levels and sources. Science of the Total Environment, 46 (1-4), 61-72.

Full Text: 1985\Sci Tot Env46, 61.pdf

Abstract: Lead in house dust was determined in different areas of Christchurch, New Zealand. The mean lead level in newer (post-1950) areas of the city was 460 g g⁻¹, whereas in older (pre-1950) areas it was 830 g g⁻¹. These levels also relate to the type of building material (brick or wood, respectively) and type of paint used (non-lead or lead paint, respectively). For the newer areas of the city, it was estimated that ~90% of the lead was derived from petrol additives (via street dust and aerosol), whereas in the older areas, ~50% of the lead was estimated to come from petrol lead and 45% from paint lead.

Cotruvo, J.A. (1985), Organic micropollutants in drinking water: An overview. Science of the Total Environment, 47, 7-26.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env47, 7.pdf

Abstract: Biological contamination is still the most significant public health risk from drinking water even in industrialized countries. High potential for organic chemical transport to drinking water continues to exist even with source protection because of the multitude of chemical types and quantities. Drinking water is usually not a unique source nor the most significant contributor to total exposure from synthetic organic chemicals but it might be one of the most controllable. The major public concern with drinking water contamination has been possible contribution to cancer risks from organic micropollutants. Even though the actual risks are probably small in most cases it is clearly within the public interest to prevent adulteration of water supplies and to protect their quality for the future so that these concerns or risks can be avoided. A risk assessment/management decision model is suggested which may assist the process of making rational assessments of these contamination problems and control decisions that consciously consider all of the available data in a consistent manner.

Toft, P. (1985), The control of organics in drinking water in Canada and the United States (standards, legislation and practice). Science of the Total Environment, 47, 45-58.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env47, 45.pdf

Abstract: Both the United States and Canada have a federal form of government, but approaches used in the two countries to ensure the safety of drinking water supplies differ. The Environmental Protection Agency currently enforces regulations for 10 organic chemicals (including 6 pesticides) under the Safe Drinking Water Act and provides advice on others through its health advisory program. Canada, however, does not have similar legislation, but rather provides health-related guidelines for 21 organic chemicals (including 16 pesticides) which are used by the provincial agencies responsible for drinking water supplies. Both countries are in the process of revising their standards and will include a variety of additional synthetic organic chemicals. Where possible, standards are set using a calculated acceptable daily intake usually derived from animal feeding experiments. Procedures for setting standards for carcinogens involve a blend of risk estimation coupled with consideration of the feasibility of reducing the risk in light of socio-economic factors. Most drinking water treatment plans in North America utilize ‘conventional’ treatment. Some now employ modifications in order to minimize trihalomethane formation. A few use aeration or granular activated carbon to remove synthetic organic chemicals.

Hayes, R.B. (1988), Review of occupational epidemiology of chromium chemicals and respiratory cancer. Science of the Total Environment, 71 (3), 331-339.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env71, 331.pdf

Abstract: Several epidemiologic studies have investigated the association between cancer risk and employment in chromium producing and using industries. Strong and consistent associations have been found between employment in the primary chemical producing industry and the risk for respiratory cancer. Workers employed in chromate pigment production and possibly spray painters of chromate pigment paints appear to be at excess risk of respiratory cancer. Chrome platers may also be at excess risk, although the evidence is limited. A few studies indicate that chromium alloy welding may also be an exposure source of concern. Some studies of ferrochromium alloy workers have shown an excess risk for respiratory cancer, although the risk may in part be due to concomitant exposures. The evidence indicates that the hexavalent form of chromium is the primary agent of chromium carcinogenesis. Solubility and other characteristics of chromium compounds may also play a role in determining risk.

Bratakos, M.S., Zarifopoulos, T.F., Siskos, P.A. and Ioannou, P.V. (1988), Total selenium concentration in tap and bottled drinking-water and coastal waters of Greece. Science of the Total Environment, 76 (1), 49-54.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env76, 49.pdf

Abstract: The total selenium concentration in various waters from all over Greece was determined fluorimetrically. The concentration in most of the drinking water, either from the tap or bottled, was within the range 100–200 ng l⁻¹ and showed no great seasonal fluctuations. Most Greeks receive 0.2–0.4 g selenium per day from drinking water. Coastal surface water contains 100–250 ng Se l⁻¹, while higher concentrations are found at locations regarded as polluted

Raghupathy, L., Harada, M., Ohno, H., Naganuma, A., Imura, N. and Doi, R. (1988), Methods of removing external metal contamination from hair samples for environmental monitoring. Science of the Total Environment, 77 (2-3), 141-151.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env77, 141.pdf

Abstract: Human exposure to trace elements has become a major environmental issue with the growing industrialization and urbanization around the world. Hair samples are the most conveniently obtainable biopsy material and they have been identified as good indicators of the metal pollution in an environment. For their effective use, however, it is necessary to exclude the effect of external contamination of the hair surface by metals. The present investigation compares the different methods of washing hair samples prior to further treatment for elemental analysis. Deionized water, solvents (acetone, ether and carbon tetrachloride), non-ionic detergent, ionic detergent (sodium lauryl sulfate), chelating agent (EDTA-2Na), ultrasonics and combinations of these agents were used in the experiments. EDTA was found to be the most suitable of these washing agents for removing external contaminant metals. Further elucidation, however, is needed before a standard method of hair washing can be established.

Doi, R., Raghupathy, L., Ohno, H., Naganuma, A., Imura, N. and Harada, M. (1988), A study of the sources of external metal contamination of hair. Science of the Total Environment, 77 (2-3), 153-161.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env77, 153.pdf

Abstract: Sources of external metal contamination of hair were examined experimentally by exposing hair samples to soil, hot water from a water boiler for domestic use and household dust and fumes in a kitchen. Copper concentration in the hair increased markedly only when the hair was exposed to hot water from the boiler. Iron concentration in the hair increased markedly after exposure to wet soil, and increased slightly after exposure to hot water from the boiler. There was a slight decrease in zinc in the hair after exposure to wet or moist soil, and a significant increase after exposure to hot water from the boiler. When the hair was exposed to household dust and fumes, zinc showed a slight increase but copper and iron showed no change at all. The experiments with soil demonstrated the importance of water in the movement of iron from soil to hair and the role played in this process by biological factors such as soil bacteria.

Admiraal, W., de Ruyter van Steveninck, E.D. and de Kruijf, H.A. (1989), Environmental stress in five aquatic ecosystems in the floodplain of the River Rhine. Science of the Total Environment, 78, 59-75.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env78, 59.pdf

Abstract: General theories of stress ecology were applied to aquatic communities in the floodplain of the polluted River Rhine. These communities inhabited (i) a brackish section of the Ems-Dollard estuary with large intertidal flats, (II) the coastal waters of the North Sea and the adjacent Wadden Sea, (iii) a former estuary of the Rivers Rhine and Meuse: the newly endiked Lake Grevelingen, (iv) the shallow Loosdrecht Lakes, and (v) the lower River Rhine. These systems are characterized by natural perturbations, such as suspension of sediments and flushing of the shallow waters. Organic pollution, eutrophication and chemical pollution reinforce the natural tendency to severe selection in the communities, in extreme cases leading to an abundance of small and opportunistic species participating in relatively simple food chains. Signs of ecosystem distress, as defined by Rapport et al., were detectable in all five ecosystems. The application of the theory of Odum et al. on stimulation and inhibition of ecosystems helped in identifying the positive impact of man. The role of stress in natural aquatic ecosystems in the delta, together with observations on ecological recovery under reduced man-made perturbation, suggest that there is scope for effective water management that exploits the resilience of these ecosystems.

Shrestha, K.P. and Ruiz de Quilarque, X. (1989), A preliminary study of mercury contamination in the surface soil and river sediment of the Roscio District, Bolivar State, Venezuela. Science of the Total Environment, 79 (3), 233-239.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env79, 233.pdf

Abstract: The present study constitutes a comparison of mercury in surface soil and river sediments of a contaminated and an uncontaminated area of Venezuela. In the contaminated area, gold prospectors have been using mercury to separate gold from auriferous sand and rock powders for many years. The baseline level of mercury in the river sediments of the uncontaminated area (Manzanares River, Sucre State) was 0.06 micrograms g^-1, while in the contaminated area in the Roscio District of Bolivar State the concentration varied from 0.12 to 129 micrograms g^-1. In the river sediments the average level of mercury was 0.71 micrograms g^-1 and in the surface soil of the working areas 37 micrograms g^-1, which shows a significant increase in the mercury level in the contaminated areas. This high level of mercury in the soil and sediments constitutes a serious risk to public health in the contaminated area, where the local people use the water for drinking and other domestic purposes, moreover, they also consume fish from these rivers.

Nawar, S.S. and Doma, H.S. (1989), Removal of dyes from effluents using low-cost agricultural by-products. Science of the Total Environment, 79 (3) 271-279.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env79, 271.pdf

Abstract: The adsorption capacity of agricultural by-products, namely peat and rice hulls, for acidic and basic dyes has been investigated and compared with that of activated carbon. The effect of contact time, pH and adsorbent particle size were studied. Fixed-bed flow experiments were performed to simulate industrial conditions on a small scale. Economic evaluation indicates that peat and rice hulls have high adsorptive capacities, as well as being very cheap.

Kronberg, L. and Christman, R.F. (1989), Chemistry of mutagenic by-products of water chlorination. Science of the Total Environment, 81-82, 219-230.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env81-82, 219.pdf

Abstract: The strong Ames mutagen 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2 (5H)-furanone (MX) and its geometric isomer E-2-chloro-3-(dichloromethyl)-4-oxobutenoic acid (E-MX) have been shown to be present in chlorinated drinking waters. MX accounts for approximately 30% and E-MX for a few percent of the overall mutagenicity. MX and E-MX are unstable in water and undergo both pH dependent isomerization (MX in equilibrium E-MX) and hydrolytic degradation. Alternative methods of disinfection have been found to produce mutagenicity, and MX and E-MX but to a lesser extent than disinfection with chlorine. The MX analogues 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-2 (5H)-furanone (red-MX) and 2-chloro-3-(dichloromethyl)-2-butenedioic acid (ox-MX) have also been identified in chlorinated water. However, the relatively low mutagenicity of these compounds suggests that their contribution to the overall mutagenicity of chlorinated water is of only moderate significance.

Hongve, D. (1989), Anion exchange as a potential method for removal of humus in drinking water treatment. Science of the Total Environment, 81-82, 249-256.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env81-82, 249.pdf

Abstract: Removal of humus by anionic exchange is a potential process for small waterworks in Norway. The interaction between humic substances and a strong base anion exchange resin has been studied and the results are used for characterization of the humic substances. Thirty per cent of the organic matter were removed from the water during the first six seconds of contact with the resin. This fraction had a higher negative charge and lower molecular weight than the average for the water sample. With increasing contact time, fractions with a decreasing charge density and increasing colour and molecular weight were removed. The unabsorbed DOC fraction had a net positive charge. The anion exchange process results in a reduction in pH, and dissolved iron and aluminium are transformed from organic complexes to inorganic species. This may represent an obstacle for the practical use of the process.

Gjessing, E.T., Riise, G., Petersen, R.C. and Andruchow, E. (1989), Bioavailability of aluminium in the presence of humic substances at low and moderate pH. Science of the Total Environment, 81-82, 683-690.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env81-82, 683.pdf

Abstract: Fish kills have been observed in lakes with low pH and high Al content. The monomeric inorganic Al seems to be the most acute toxic fraction. Humic lake waters, situated in acidified areas, often have high values of aluminium. However, the fraction of Al bound to humus is regarded as a relatively nontoxic form of Al. As pH is decreasing, the physical and chemical properties of humus change. The molecular size, electronegativity and colour decrease. An important question in this matter is the potential change in bioavailability of ‘Al-humus’ as pH decreases. The bioavailability of the Al-humus complex was studied, in relation to surface water acidification and in relation to drinking water and human health. The work is based on the octanol/water partition coefficient (Khow), estimated by measuring the UV absorption at 254 nm. Al concentration is determined in the water phase and in the octanol phase. The results show that the amount of organic material soluble in the octanol phase relative to the amount in the aqueous phase increases with decreasing pH, while no Al is detected in the octanol phase. It is concluded that Al is only weakly bound to humus and consequently Al complexed with humus is of minor concern in bioaccumulation.

Markert, B. and Weckert, V. (1989), Use of Polytrichum formosum (moss) as a passive biomonitor for heavy metal pollution (cadmium, copper, lead and zinc). Science of the Total Environment,