The relationship between geochemical background values of MgO and SiO₂ and regional population longevity: evidence from Yunnan, China.

The relationship between the geographic environment and human health has been a long-standing focus of scientific inquiry. Sn as an essential trace element for the human body, play vital roles in individual health and may influence longevity. However, the extent to which the statistical characteristics of population longevity are associated with elemental geochemical background values at a regional scale remains an important question. Based on the geochemical survey data of Yunnan Province and Chinese census data, the article utilizes Arcgis spatial analysis and mathematical statistics to explore the relationship between ω(Sn) and regional longevity level. The results of the study show that: (1) There is a close correlation between ω(Sn) and regional longevity levels. Within Yunnan Province, regions with high ω(Sn) have higher levels of longevity index and Ultra-octogenarian Index. (2) Spearman’s correlation coefficient shows that ω(Sn) is significantly positively (P < 0.01) correlated with both the longevity index and the Ultra-octogenarian Index; Linear regression further reveals that ω(Sn) always has a significant positive influence on the longevity index. For the Ultra-octogenarian Index, although the strength of the influence of ω(Sn) is not as significant as that of the longevity index, its influence on the healthy longevity of the population cannot be ignored. At the county scale in Yunnan Province, there is a significant positive correlation between ω(Sn) and longevity index, which may be related to the exposure of Sn in the natural environmental background into the human body and thus affecting the incidence of cancer, but the biogeochemical cycling mechanism of its association with longevity still needs to be further investigated.

Geochemical background and baseline values are important parameters for understanding the geochemical characteristics of soil elements, but the research degree of these two parameters is lacking in Hebei Province. Therefore, data from the multi-purpose regional geochemical survey and land quality geochemical assessment in Hebei Province from 2004 to 2018 were collected, covering approximately 71% of the land area of the whole province. Based on the data of surface soil and deep soil, scientific and robust methods including median value and median absolute deviation were used to calculate the geochemical background values, geochemical baseline values, as well as variation ranges of 54 indexes (Ag, Al2O3, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, CaO, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe2O3, Ga, Ge, Hg, I, K2O, La, Li, MgO, Mn, Mo, N, Na2O, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, pH, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, SiO2, Sn, Sr, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr, total carbon (TC), and organic carbon (Corg)) in Hebei Province and 11 prefecture-level cities. The change rate in geochemical background for each index was also calculated. The results showed that the geochemical background and baseline values of most soil chemical elements in Hebei Province were lower than those nationwide, but the values of Ba, Br, Cl, MgO, Na2O, P, pH, S, Sr, and TC were higher, with CaO being the highest. Compared with those in north China, there was no significant difference in the geochemical background and baseline values for the 54 indexes, with the ratios of 0.83-1.17 and 0.79-1.19, respectively. Significant changes in the geochemical background for Corg, Hg, N, P, S, and Se were observed in Hebei Province, indicating that these indexes were greatly influenced by human factors. Preliminary analysis suggests that coal burning emissions and agricultural chemical use were two very important inducing factors.

Resources in deserts and sandy landscapes have potential for development, but existing surveys and sampling have not collected desert soil samples. As such, the geochemical background of these spaces remains unexplored due to the vastness and desolation of deserts. Therefore, researching the geochemical background values and geochemical baseline values of deserts is of long-term significance. Our research indicates that in addition to macrostructural environmental divisions, microelement geochemistry can also be used for geological unit zoning. In this paper, geochemical background and geochemical baseline values of 61 desert elements were calculated using the iterative method, frequency histograms method, and multifractal concentration-area method. It also analyzes the distribution characteristics of major, trace, and rare earth elements, and divides the 12 desert sand regions into different geochemical zones. This paper determines, for the first time, the geochemical background values of elements in Chinese deserts, filling the gap in the study of desert background values. By combining machine learning methods, different deserts have been divided into three geochemical zones. This research will greatly enhance our ability to interpret the geochemical distribution and evolutionary patterns of desert elements in China, and it has important scientific significance and practical value for desert research.

Title of the dissertationConcept for sustainable development of tourist destination (on the example of Varna municipality)SupervisorProf. Svetla Rakadjiiska, University of Economics - Varna, BulgariaInstitution awarding the Ph. D. DegreeInstitute of Economics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, SofiaDate of defence17th April 2008Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalThe main goal is to develop a concept for sustainable development of tourist destinations, and the specific mechanism for its implementation. The author's thesis is that achieving the necessary sustainable development of tourist destination requires clear concepts and specific mechanisms. These are elaborated on the basis of analysed sustainable development of the destination, taking into account specific environment and pre-conditions, in order to achieve a balance between the destination development and preservation of its natural and social environment.Objectives1. Presenting a concept for solving negative impacts of tourism development at the tourist destination.2. Defining a solution for preventing and eliminating the negative consequences of tourism development in the destination, while keeping or increasing its competitiveness and attractiveness.3. Defining a specific methodology and mechanism for the implementation of the solution for a balance between tourism development and long term development of the destination.Methodology1. Theoretical and comparative analysis.2. Methods of deduction and induction.3. Survey of 50 respondents, including representatives of tourist organisations, the local government, public institutions and NGOs. The survey was conducted in Varna municipality.4. Analysis of sustainable development of the tourist destination implementing a specially elaborated methodology.Results1. Elaborated concept for development of tourist destinations based on the theory of sustainable development.2. Elaborated specific mechanism for sustainable development of the tourist destination identified as a key determinant for sustainable development of the tourist destination.3. Created appropriate methodology for the analysis and assessment of sustainable development of the tourist destination.4. The methodology for analysis and assessment of sustainable development of the tourist destination as implemented and tested for Varna Municipality.5. The directions for sustainable development of Varna tourist destination are determined.Theoretical conclusionsThe idea of sustainable development is fundamental for tourism transformation, because the negative impacts on the natural and social environment are minimised fostering positive short and long-term economical and social benefits. Sustainable development of tourism can be better achieved when the specific characteristics and problems are raised and addressed, meaning they should be considered at the local level, namely the tourist destination.To achieve balance between the development of the tourist destination and preservation of the environment, key resources and values, that are critical for having a sustainable destination, should be identified and protected. This includes the elaboration of specific mechanism for sustainable development of the tourist destination, for example the preservation of the irreversible natural and social capital.Practical application of the dissertationThe concept of sustainable development of the tourist destination can be used for:- solving the problem of de-coupling the tourism development from its destructive exploitation of natural and social capital without decreasing the well-being of local population;- creating a strategy for the development of the tourist destination based on the principles of sustainable development.Content of the dissertationAbstract of chapter oneIn the first chapter, the concept of sustainable development of tourist destinations is elaborated. …

Kazakhstan, with its significant natural and cultural potential, faces difficulties in the field of sustainable development of tourist destinations, including due to mass tourism, which has a negative impact on the ecosystem and traditional way of life of local communities. This problem hinders the sustainable development of tourist destinations and reduces the attractiveness of tourist resources within the boundaries of the tourist area. In accordance with global trends, soft tourism is one of the important tools that can ensure the sustainable development of domestic tourist destinations. The article examines the concept of soft tourism as a tool that allows for the sustainable development of destinations in the regions of Kazakhstan. The authors analyzed the basic principles of soft tourism in modern conditions and considered ways of their application in the development of domestic tourist territories. The study examined, using statistical analysis methods, the hypotheses that soft tourism today is the main means of sustainable development of destinations, and modern tourists are interested in the transition from mass tourism to soft tourism, and try to take responsibility for the environment. As a result of the study, the authors identified the importance of soft tourism in ensuring sustainable development of the destination and noted its economic and social significance.

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate how a choice of different background values may affect assessing the anthropogenic heavy metal pollution in sediments from Tisza River (Serbia). The second objective of this paper is to underline significance of using geochemical background values when establishing quality criteria for sediment. Enrichment factor(EF), geoaccumulation index (I geo), pollution load index(PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI)were calculated using different background values. Three geochemical (average metal concentrations in continental crust, average metal concentrations in shale, and average metal concentrations in non-contaminated core sediment samples) and two statistical methods (delineation method and principal component analyses) were used for calculating background values. It can be concluded that obtained information of pollution status can be more dependent on the use of background values than the index/factor chosen. The best option to assess the potential river sediment contamination is to compare obtained concentrations of analyzed elements with concentrations of mineralogically and texturally comparable, uncontaminated core sediment samples. Geochemical background values should be taken into account when establishing quality criteria for soils, sediments, and waters. Due to complexity of the local lithology, it is recommended that environmental monitoring and assessment include selection of an appropriate background values to gain understanding of the geochemistry and potential source of pollution in a given environment.

The experiment was conducted to appraise the level of Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contamination in 15 sediment samples of upstream of Turag river, at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were 178.0, 18.3, 0.8, 155.4, 194.1, 54.8, 13679 and 5501.6 µg g-1 and the pH and EC ranged from 2.01-7.85 and 391-3910µS cm-1, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were compared with geochemical background and standard values of previous report on the Turag and other rivers in Bangladesh. The average concentrations of Cr, Zn and Ni in sediments of the Turag are almost twice of the geochemical background i.e. average worldwide shale standard and continental upper crust. Cadmium is about three times higher than the geochemical background values. Chromium and Ni concentration exceeded the severe effect level (SEL), where as Cd, Zn and Cu exceeded toxicity reference values (TRV). The average Enrichment Factors (EFc) for Mn, Cd, Cr and Ni reflected moderate to extremely contaminated pollution. The pollution load index (PLI) varied from 1.65 to 3.21. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) for Mn of 11 locations and Cd for a single location were greater than 2.0, and exhibited moderately to strongly polluted sediment quality. The Igeo for Zn in two locations and Ni in one location were greater than 1.0, indicated moderately polluted sediment quality. Sediment pollution load signaled alarming condition for city dwellers and aquatic ecosystem of the Turag river. Pollution sources to be sealed immediately and continuous monitoring on pollution prevention and cleanup operation is suggested.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 78-85, 2016

Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais (CPRM, the Brazilian geological survey) has carried out geochemical surveys focused on the Carajás region, the largest mineral province in Brazil. One of these surveys covered the area of Canaã dos Carajás, where 257 soil samples, including 32 duplicate samples, were collected from the B-horizon of soils within an area of c. 3500 km 2 . The &lt;0.177 mm fraction of these samples was ground and digested with aqua regia and then analysed for 53 elements by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The statistical treatment of the data allowed the development of multi-element geochemical maps based on interpolation techniques and the establishment of geochemical background values in soils. Different methods of obtaining the geochemical threshold values are presented and compared. The geochemical behaviour of 43 elements, including potentially toxic elements, is discussed. Geochemical background values were established using different statistical methods and the most significant results were obtained from the iterative 2 σ technique. The influence of the geogenic contribution in the study area is largely dominant over anthropogenic effects. There is no conclusive evidence of contamination related to human activity at the time when the geochemical survey was carried out. This paper provides multi-element geochemical maps and background values in the most prominent Brazilian mining province.

A study was conducted to assess the level of Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contamination in the sediment samples of the Buriganga river, at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Total 14 sediment samples were collected from different areas of upstream of the Buriganga river. The mean concentrations of total Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn in the sediment samples were 173.4, 31.4, 1.5, 153.3, 481.8, 344.2, 12989 and 4036 ?g g-1, respectively. The range of pH and EC of sediment were 5.87-8.21 and 230-707 ?S cm-1, respectively. The mean value of organic matter in sediment samples was 13.4%. Heavy metal concentrations in sediment were compared with geochemical background and standard values, previous report on the Buriganga river and other rivers in Bangladesh. The average concentration of Cr, Pb and Ni in sediments of the Buriganga river is almost twice of the geochemical background i.e. average worldwide shale standard and continental upper crust value, Cd and Zn is about five times and Cu content is about ten times higher than the geochemical background values. Average concentration of Cr, Cu and Ni exceeded the severe effect level (SEL) values, where as Pb, Cd and Zn exceeded toxicity reference values (TRV). However, the concentration of heavy metal in the sediment samples of the Buriganga river for the year 2009 of the same river reported by corresponding author was relatively higher than this study average. The average Enrichment factors (EFc) for Zn, Cu, Mn and Cd reflects extremely contaminated pollution level which implies that these metals originated from point source of pollution and very severely enriched in river sediments. The pollution load index (PLI) of sediments of the studied region varied from 1.61-7.51. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) for Cu of five locations was greater than 3.0, which exhibited strongly polluted sediment quality. The Igeo for Mn in 11 locations and Zn in 12 sites were greater than 1.0, indicated moderately polluted sediment quality. Heavy metal pollution intensity in the Buriganga river water and sediments signaled alarming condition for city dwellers and aquatic ecosystem of the river. Sustainable steps and continuous monitoring on pollution prevention and cleanup operation is suggested to minimize pollution.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 229-238, December 2015

This study established background (pre-industrial) values of copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), and uranium (U) in Baltic Sea sediments. The indicated background values could help identifying the spatial and temporal anthropogenic loads of these elements (metals and metalloids) in the Baltic Sea. In this study, 137 sediment samples were collected from cores obtained from 13 monitoring stations in the Gulf of Bothnia (Bothnian Bay and Sea) and the entire Baltic Proper. To understand the extent of contamination, we used direct and combined methods to define the geochemical background values as inputs for the geochemical index (Igeo) calculation. The obtained values were then compared with the background values established by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. From the direct method, Cu, Co, As, and U had background values of 39, 21.5, 12.4, and 6.3 mg kg−1 DW. Copper and U exhibited concentrations above the background values in surface sediment in the western and eastern Baltic Proper (maximum Igeo indicates moderate contamination). Arsenic was above background concentrations in the Baltic Sea and highest in the Gulf of Bothnia (maximum Igeo indicates strong contamination). Cobalt concentrations were within the range of background values (no contamination).

Previous studies have reported that centenarians escape the major agerelated diseases. No studies on prevalence and severity of osteoarthritis (OA) in longevity population have previously been reported. Because OA is associated with morbidity and mortality, we hypothesized that radiographic hand OA would generally be less prevalent and would develop at a later age in longevity populations vs non-longevity populations. Aim was to evaluate the prevalence and mode of development of radiographic hand OA in three longevity populations (Abkhazians, Azerbaijanis and Georgians) and in one non-longevity population (Russians). Crosssectional observational study. Longevity index was calculated as a ratio of the number of individuals aged >90 years vs the number of people aged >60, expressed per mil (‰). A population with longevity index >40‰was considered as a longevity population. Radiographic hand OA was evaluated using the left hand radiograms in 14 joints according to Kellgren and Lawrence's (K-L) grading system. Each individual was characterized by the total number of affected (K-L≥2) joints (NAJ). Prevalence of hand OA was defined as the presence of at least one affected joint. Statistical analyses included prevalence estimation, linear, logistic and polynomial regressions, and ANOVA. A significant difference (p<0.003) in age standardized prevalence of hand OA was found between each pair of studied samples, except between Russians and Georgians and between Azerbaijanis and Abkhazians (p>0.05). The lowest age-standardized prevalence was found in Abkhazians, followed by Azerbaijanis and Georgians. The highest prevalence was found in Russians. ANOVA showed significant differences (p<0.01) between the age-adjusted means of NAJs. The lowest age-adjusted NAJ was found in the Abkhazian population, followed by Azerbaijanis and Georgians. The highest NAJ was found in Russians. We observed that the pattern of radiographic hand OA in longevity populations differs from the pattern in non-longevity populations. On average, first joints with OA appear at an older age, and progression of hand OA, measured by NAJ, is slower.

Background : Because osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with morbidity and mortality, we hypothesized that radiographic hand OA would generally be associated with chronic systemic morbidity and it will be less prevalent in longevity populations than in non-longevity populations. Aims : 1) to evaluate the association between chronic systemic morbidity and radiographic hand OA; 2) to compare the prevalence and the mode of the development of radiographic hand OA in three longevity populations (Abkhazian, Azerbaijani and Georgian) vs. two non-longevity populations (Russian and Chuvashians). Methods : Radiographic hand OA was evaluated using the left hand radiograms in 14 joints according to the Kellgren and Lawrence’s (K-L) grading system. Each individual was characterized by the total number of affected (K-L≥2) joints (NAJ). The prevalence of hand OA was defined as the presence of at least one affected joint. Morbidity data were attained from their medical records and divided into 9 categories by a research physician. The longevity index was calculated as a ratio of the number of individuals aged >90 years versus the number of people aged >60, expressed in per mills (‰). The population with the longevity index >40‰ was considered as the longevity population. Statistical analyses included the prevalence estimation and ANOVA. Results : Radiographic hand OA was statistically significantly and positively associated with the ischemic heart disease. A significant difference in the age standardized prevalence of hand OA was found between each pair of the studied samples, except between the Chuvashians, Russians and Georgians and between the Azerbaijanis and Abkhazians. The lowest prevalence was found in the Abkhazians followed by the Azerbaijanis and Georgians. The highest prevalence was found in the Chuvashians. ANOVA showed significant differences between the age-adjusted means of NAJs. The lowest age-adjusted NAJ was found in the Abkhazian population followed by the Azerbaijanis and Georgians. The highest NAJ was found in the Chuvashians. Conclusions : The results of our study showed association between ischemic heart diseases and hand OA. Longevity populations showed lower hand OA prevalence and NAJ compared to a non-longevity population, that can be interpreted as that longevity populations age slower. Additional follow-up studies are needed to verify this hypothesis.

Based on background concentrations of elements in soils and the sixth population census data of China, this study discussed the distribution characteristics of soil elements and longevity population at province level in China. Percentages of the aging population are high in Southwest China and the eastern coastal region but low in western and northwestern regions. Provinces in South and Southwest China gain a high level of longevity, while the northern part of China has a low level of longevity. The background concentration of Se in soil has a significant positive correlation with longevity index, while Ba and Ni have a significant negative correlation with longevity indexes. By regression analysis, longevity index C/100,000 can be expressed as C/100,000 = 1.679-0.205 Ni + 0.413 Co + 0.006 Se (with R (2) = 0.402 and p < 0.01), C/65+ can be expressed as C/65+=3.425-0.262 Ni + 0.435 Co + 0.006 Se (with R (2) = 0.369 and p < 0.01).

The enrichment factor (EF) is one of the most commonly used indices for determining the source of air, water and soil pollution. However, concerns have been raised about the accuracy of the EF results because the formula leaves the choice of background value to the researcher's discretion. The EF was used in this study to assess the validity of such concerns and to determine heavy metal enrichment in five soil profiles with different parent materials (alluvial, colluvial, and quartzite). Moreover, the upper continental crust (UCC) and specific local background values (sub-horizons) were used as the geochemical backgrounds. When UCC values were applied, the soils were moderately enriched in Cr (2.59), Zn (3.54), Pb (4.50) and Ni (4.69), and significantly enriched in Cu (5.09), Cd (6.54) and As (6.64). Using the sub-horizons of the soil profiles as a background value, it was found that the soils had "moderate enrichment" by As (2.59) and "minimally enrichment" by Cu (0.86), Ni (1.01), Cd (1.11), Zn (1.23), Cr (1.30), and Pb (1.50). As a result, the UCC reported an inaccurate conclusion indicating that soils were 3.84 times more heavily polluted than they were. In addition, the statistical analyses performed in this study (Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis) revealed that the percentage of clay in the soil horizons and the cation exchange capacity had strong positive relationships (r ≥ 0.670, p < 0.05) with certain heavy metals (Al, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb and Cd). These findings indicated that sampling from the "lowest horizons" or "parent materials" of the soil series would yield the most accurate results in determining the geochemical background values in agricultural areas.

Geochemical mapping and background concentrations of iron and potentially toxic elements in active stream sediments from Carajás, Brazil – implication for risk assessment