Cr Values Research Articles

Determination of the Selected Heavy Metal Content and Its Associated Health Risks in Selected Vegetables Marketed in Bahir Dar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction. Fresh vegetables are of a great value and the most common foods in the human diet around the world. They contain minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, antimetabolites, protein, carbohydrates, and water. However, they are a major source of heavy metals, which contain both essential and toxic heavy metals over a wide range of concentrations. The study sites serve as a regional commercial center, where vegetables such as cabbages, onions, carrots, potatoes, beetroots, lettuce, and tomatoes were irrigated year round and sold to consumers. The aim of the study was to determine the level of cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead and to estimate the health risks associated with their daily intake of vegetables marketed in Bahir Dar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. The concentrations of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were determined, and their health risks were estimated using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TCR) for selected heavy metals by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. A total of 5 kg composite samples for each type of vegetable were collected by simple random sampling from an open market in Bahir Dar town, Northwest Ethiopia, and subsamples (1.25 kg) were digested via the wet digestion method. Results. The average concentrations of Cr and Cu in all selected vegetables were lower than the maximum limit of expected values. However, the concentration (mg.kg−1) of Pb in carrots, potatoes, and beetroots exceeded the safe limit of 0.3 mg·kg−1 set by the FAO/WHO and the concentration of Cd (mg·kg−1) in carrots, which is higher than the FAO/WHO limit, 0.2 mg·kg−1, in dry weight. The health index (HI) values (mg·kg−1 day−1) of all vegetables except carrots were lower than one. The TCR values for Pb, Cd, and Cr in all vegetables exceeded the US-EPA recommended threshold risk limit, but the TCR value of carrot was above the moderate risk limit (>1 × 10−3) set by the US-EPA. Conclusion. This study indicated that the concentration level of lead and cadmium in potatoes, onions, carrots, and beetroots marketed in Bahir Dar town is not safe for use by the local community. The consumption of carrots in the study area may cause both noncancerous and cancerous health risks. Therefore, regular monitoring of these toxic metals in vegetables should be carried out to prevent heavy metal toxicity associated with the consumption of those vegetables marketed in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia.

The HBM4EU chromates study - Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practices.

Within the EU human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU), a targeted, multi-national study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was performed. Cr(VI) is currently regulated in EU under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and under occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. It has recently been subject to regulatory actions to improve its risk management in European workplaces. Analysis of the data obtained within the HBM4EU chromates study provides support both for the implementation of these regulatory actions and for national enforcement programs and may also contribute to the updating of occupational limit values (OELs) and biological limit values for Cr(VI). It also provides useful insights on the contribution of different risk management measures (RMMs) to further reduce the exposure to Cr(VI) and may support the evaluation of applications for authorisation under REACH. Findings on chrome platers' additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure highlight the need to also pay attention to this substance group in the metals sector. A survey performed to evaluate the policy relevance of the HBM4EU chromates study findings supports the usefulness of the study results. According to the responses received from the survey, the HBM4EU chromates study was able to demonstrate the added value of the human biomonitoring (HBM) approach in assessment and management of occupational exposure to Cr(VI). For future occupational studies, we emphasise the need for engagement of policy makers and regulators throughout the whole research process to ensure awareness, relevance and uptake of the results in future policies.

Arıtma Çamurunun Kadife Çiçeği (Tagetes erecta L.) Yer minesi (Verbena hybrida) Bitkileri ve Toprak Üzerine Etkileri

ABSTRACT 
 This study was carried out to determine effects of granular sewage sludge treatments on plant nutrients contents and heavy metal levels of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) and garden verbena (Verbena hybrida) ornamental plants. Pot-experiments conducted under greenhouse conditions and experimental treatments included 0% (control), 3% SS, 6% SS and 9% SS treatments. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) values for Ni, Cd, Cr and Hg of marigold and Cd and Hg of garden verbena were ≥0.2 indicating that these plants could be used for remediation contaminated soils. In marigold and garden verbena plants, the greatest plant N, P, K, Mg and Ca value were respectively obtained from 9% SS and 6% SS treatments. In marigold plants, the greatest Na (784 mg kg-1) was obtained from 9% SS treatment, Fe (2236 mg kg-1) from 9% SS, Cu (7.4 mg kg-1) from 9% SS, Zn (136 mg kg-1) from 6% SS, Mn (142 mg kg-1) from 6% SS and B (42 mg kg-1) from the control treatments. In garden verbena plants, the greatest Na (696 mg kg-1) was obtained from 6% SS treatment, Fe (1700 mg kg-1) from 6% SS, Cu (12 mg kg-1) from 6% SS, Zn (115 mg kg-1) from 6% SS, Mn (100 mg kg-1) from 3% SS and B (47 mg kg-1) from the control treatments. In terms of heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, As and Hg), toxicity impacts were not encountered in marigold and garden verbena plants. Soil heavy metal (Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, As and Hg) levels were all below the threshold values.

Energy and exergy analysis of a liquid desiccant heat and mass transfer loop with natural convection: The effect of heat sink and heat source temperature

Desiccant systems, as a promising air conditioning technology have opened new aspects as a replacement for vapor compression systems. The liquid desiccant energy exchanger system with natural convection flow is proposed here; the system is a loop with two hollow fiber membrane air-desiccant exchanger of shell-and-tube type that works as the humidifier and regenerator. The LiCl aqueous solution as desiccant directed over the fibers and the air is inside the fibers; the water stream flows outside the modules to provide the required heat exchange. The heat sink and source as merged subparts of the exchangers have a major influence on system performance. The system is examined from the energetic and exergetic viewpoints at different heat sink and heat source temperatures. Keeping the fixed air flow rate and using the standard air properties, the cold and hot water temperatures of 15–25 °C and 50–70 were employed and the effectiveness coefficients including the latent, sensible and total and 2nd law efficiency evaluated. It was shown that the values of NTU and Cr* depend on each other and attenuating effect of NTU reduction is higher than enhancing effect of Cr* increase on effectiveness values. The prominent factor on exergy performance which hinders the effect of the other parameters is the solution flow rate. Also, the highest and lowest values of 2 nd law efficiency are 81% and 5% which are for temperature pairs of (52, 20) and (65,25), respectively.

The Effect Of Service Quality, Product Quality And Store Atmosphere On Customer Satisfaction

The food service business is a business that continues to grow and the competition is tight, in this case Rosella Coffee 1.1, which is one of the providers of the food service business, must develop and compete in a healthy and strong manner. Based on observations made by Rosella Coffee 1.1 which has a new operational time of almost 1 (one) year, Rosella Coffee 1.1 needs to conduct at least a survey of customers regarding the services provided, because the income received is still quite small and the recording of income is still not maintained on data- the data. This study aims to determine how the influence of service quality, product quality, and store atmosphere on customer satisfaction at Rosella Coffee 1.1. The method used is quantitative using a survey which has 140 respondents using purposive sampling technique and the questionnaire is the main data. The analysis of this research uses the SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) method which is a statistical analysis technique to build and test models in the form of cause-and-effect relationships.The results of this study indicate that there is an effect of service quality on customer satisfaction with a CR value of 2.582 and p 0.010. Meanwhile, product quality has no effect on customer satisfaction with CR values ​​of 0,000 and p 1,000. And store atmosphere has an influence on customer satisfaction with a CR value of 3.896 and p 0.000.

Laboratory investigation on the retention performance of a soil-bentonite mixture used as an engineered barrier: insight into the effects of ionic strength and associated heavy metal ions.

Soil-bentonite (S-B) materials are promising backfill materials for use as engineered barriers in heavy metal-contaminated sites. The effects of contaminant exposure on the retention performance of the S-B barrier remain unrevealed. In this study, based on the pollution status of an abandoned ferroalloy factory located in southern China, the retention performance of the S-B mixture toward Cr(VI) and Zn(II) was studied through adsorption and diffusion experiments sequentially; the separate effect of ionic strength (binary solution) and the combined effect of ionic strength and associated heavy metal ion (ternary solution) were discussed. In NaCl-Cr(VI)/Zn(II) binary solutions, the adsorption of Zn(II) onto the S-B mixture is larger than that of Cr(VI). Kd, Qmax, and ɛacc (accessible porosity) of Cr(VI) increase through increasing ionic strength, while Zn(II) shows the opposite trend; De (effective diffusion coefficient) values for both Cr(VI) and Zn(II) increased with increasing ionic strength and follow a sequence of Cr(VI) > Zn(II), indicating a better retention performance of the S-B mixture to Zn(II). For a given ionic strength, the adsorption of Zn(II) was larger than that of Cr(VI), which can be attributed to the retention specificity of the S-B mixture to anion and cation. In Cr(VI)-Zn(II)-NaCl ternary solutions, the adsorptions of Cr(VI) and Zn(II) are enhanced in varying degrees when compared with their binary solution, which probably could be attributed to the ion bridge role of Cr(VI)/Zn(II) to connect each other that relatively increased the adsorption capacity of S-B material. This work will contribute to an in-depth understanding of the retention performance of the S-B mixture in complicated chemical environments and facilitate the selection of future remediation strategies.

Effect of substrates on the potential of Phragmites australis to accumulate and translocate selected contaminants from landfill leachate

The choice of constructed wetlands substrate is a very important issue, there is still a lack of studies that analyse the effect of different types of substrate on the efficiency of the accumulate and translocate contaminants from landfill leachate. Therefore, the objectives of study were to evaluate the effect of substrate on the potential of Phragmites australis to accumulate and translocate selected contaminants from leachate. The lowest translocation was recorded for Fe and Cu, and the highest for K and Ni. Translocation between root and shoots for most parameters (total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, K and Mn) was high (TF > 1.0). However, for Fe, Cu, Cr and Ni translocation was low in most variants (TF < 1.0). Only for Cr there were statistically significant differences between the substrates. The obtained bioaccumulation factor values for Cu, Cr and Ni show that P.australis does not have a good ability to phytoaccumulate heavy metals from leachate.

Grain size analysis and ecological risk assessment of metals in the sediments of Konsin River and Igboho dam reservoir, Oyo State, Nigeria, under agricultural disturbances.

A large amount of agrochemicals and organic manures are applied on agricultural lands which is one of the major pathways of metal contamination in sediments. The present study was an attempt to appraise the grain-size of sediments and metal status of the Konsin River and Igboho dam reservoir sediments using several indexes as contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), potential ecological risk index (PERI), pollution load index (PLI), and statistical analysis. A total of seven sampling sites were chosen based on prevalent anthropogenic features and analyzed for the concentration of metals, viz., Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. The finding from this study showed high presence of very rough grains at the upstream and sand particles at the downstream. The average values of Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn range from 0.00 - 2.00, 19.50 - 49.90, 20.80 - 65.30, 593.90 - 2532.90, 22,133.60 - 46,058.60, 19.60 - 66.10, and 81.60 - 191.30mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of metals in the sediments followed the increasing order of Cd < Cu < Cr < Pb < Zn < Mn < Fe. The observation from this study showed higher affinity of metals to less particle size. The mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were above the toxicity reference value. The Igeo and EF indicated that most of the sites were moderately to strongly polluted due to Cd while the calculated PLI showed progressive deterioration of the environment in most sites. The Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the presence of metals in the sediments were from anthropogenic and unidentified sources. The status of metals in the study area portends a serious ecological threat to the sediment biota and occupants of the agrarian communities that depend on the water and its produce for survival.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water from the Fuhe River, South China

With rapid developments in society and economy, the concentrations of heavy metals in surface water in South China have increased significantly, which poses a serious threat to the regional water security. In this study, the Fuhe River watershed in South China was selected as the study area to analyze physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr) concentrations in river water in the dry and rainy seasons, in 2019, with the purpose of exploring their spatial–temporal variations and main influences and assessing the potential health risks of heavy metals. The pH value of river water varied from 5.82 to 7.97, and it fluctuated less overall in the dry season, but it oscillated greatly in the rainy season and was lower, especially in the lower reach of the Fuhe River. The electrical conductivity (EC) value changed between 33 μS/cm and 128 μS/cm and increased and fluctuated along the river flow in the two periods. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in river water showed obvious differences between the two periods. The concentrations of Cd and Cu were lower with the ranges from 0.001 μg/L to 0.67 μg/L and from 1 μg/L to 12 μg/L, respectively, in the dry season than in the rainy season, while there were inverse cases for other heavy metals. Along the river flow, the Cr concentration was stable, whereas other heavy metals showed increasing trends. It was noted that the concentrations of heavy metals in the Fuhe River were, on average, lower than the Chinese drinking standard values, with the concentration of Pb in the dry season significantly higher than the drinking standard value of the World Health Organization (WHO). Principal component analysis and correlation analysis showed that rock weathering and anthropogenic inputs were the main controlling factors of Cu and Zn in the Fuhe River, and human activities were mainly responsible for Pb, Cr, and Cd concentrations. The health risk assessment results showed that the non-carcinogenic risk (HQingestion) value of Pb was greater than 1 in most sampling points in the middle and lower reaches in the dry season, suggesting a significant non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children by direct ingestion. The minimum carcinogenic risk (CRingestion) value of Cr was more than 10−4 in the rainy and dry seasons, and the CRingestion value of Cd in some sampling points was more than 10−4 in the rainy season, indicating significant cancer risks to adults and children. For areas with significant pollution and health risks in the Fuhe River watershed, it is urgent to strengthen the controls of industrial, agricultural, and urban wastewater discharge.

Is the Slag Heap of a Former Ferrochromium Plant a Significant Environmental Hazard?

This study assessed the possible impact of a former ferrochromium plant in Siechnice (Lower Silesia, Poland) on water reservoirs and living organisms. The metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe, and Cr) in the sediments were determined, along with ecotoxicological studies that were conducted on both the sediments and the surface water of three water bodies that border the slag heap. The samples of the sediments and water were taken at different distances from the landfill area. The studies also covered a human health risk assessment. The highest concentrations of all the studied elements were observed in the sediments taken from the water reservoir closest to the landfill. In the case of the sediments, a 30% death rate for Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracodtoxkit F) was recorded at the same site. Additionally, at this site, the ecotoxicological studies on the surface water revealed the highest mortality for Daphnia magna (Daphtoxkit F magna) and the lowest values of LC50 for algae (Algaltoxkit). The health risk assessment of the sediments was estimated by calculating the noncarcinogenic health risk using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), and the carcinogenic risk was calculated using the excessive risk of cancer development (ECR) measurement. The hazard index (HIing) for Cr exceeded 1 for children, which suggests that possible adverse health effects might occur for humans. The ECR values calculated for Cr and Pb were above the range limit of 10−6. The value for Cr was the highest for the sediments from the closest water reservoir to the landfill for both children and adults. Studies prove that the water reservoirs located near landfills pose potential ecological risks, and the risk is the highest where the distance is the shortest from the slag heap. In prospective human health risk assessments, the sediments from the closest water body pose a potential carcinogenic health risk to humans, especially to fish consumers, i.e., the residents of neighboring areas who might experience severe health problems from the intake of Cr and Pb through fish consumption. Significant steps should be taken to reduce Cr concentrations in the sediments to minimize the risk of human health adverse effects.

Spatial Distribution Pattern and Pollution Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soil in Guangxi

Farmland soil is an indispensable natural resource in agricultural production. A macro analysis of the spatial distribution and pollution level of heavy metals can provide a scientific basis for future farmland pollution control. Based on the measured data of heavy metals in farmland soil in Guangxi since 2014, the spatial distribution characteristics of 6 heavy metals in farmland soil, namely Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu, were discussed, and the pollution status was evaluated using the geo accumulation index method. The results showed that the average values of Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu in farmland soil were higher than the background values of farmland soil in Guangxi. The average contents of Pb, As, Cd, Zn in farmland soil exceeded the soil environmental quality standard (GB15618-2018), and Cr and Cu did not exceed the standard; The spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals in farmland soils in Guangxi are obviously different. Generally, the content of heavy metals in the middle and north regions is higher than that in the south regions; The land accumulation index is in the order of Zn>Pb>Cd>As>Cu>Cr, in which the average <i>I_geo</i> values of As, Cu and Cr in farmland soil are all less than 0, while affected by local mining activities, the average <i>I_geo</i> values of Zn, Pb and Cd in soil are higher.

Analysis of non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of elemental impurities in vitamin C supplements.

Elemental impurity exposure that may occur in the use of supplements has the potential to pose a risk to human health. Vitamin C supplements are among the most commonly used supplements on a daily basis and in the long-term due to the pharmacological properties of vitamin C. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risk of elemental impurities that may cause contamination in orally administered vitamin C supplements. Ten elemental impurities (Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Co, V, Ni, Cr, Sb, and Sn) in 12 supplements were analyzed using ICP-MS. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) values of elemental impurities were calculated for non-carcinogenic risk assessment. Cancer risk (CR) was additionally calculated for elemental impurities with carcinogenic properties detected in the samples. Low levels of Cr and Hg were detected in some samples. While the HQ values of sample 1, sample 2, sample 8, and sample 9 for Hg were calculated as 0.054, 0.096, 0.064, and 0.086, respectively, the HQ values of sample 5, sample 10, and sample 11 for Cr were calculated as 0.011, 0.017, and 0.014, respectively. Since only Hg or only Cr was detected in samples with elemental impurity, the HI values in the samples are the same as the HQ values. Since the HQ and HI values calculated from the samples are not≥1, there is no elemental impurity at a level that will hazard human health through supplement use. Other carcinogenic elements were not detected in the samples except Cr. In sample 5, sample 10, and sample 11, the CR values for Cr were 1.767.10-5, 2.571.10-5, and 2.089.10-5, respectively. In probability simulation, while HQ and CR values of Cr did not exceed the allowable value, the HQ level for Hg in the 95% slice was higher than the allowable value. There is no risk to human health and there is no critical difference between the supplements considering the elemental pollutant content among the vitamin C supplements of different trademarks. However, in order to keep the Hg level, which has a potential risk capacity, at low limits, it is recommended that the necessary risk-reducing measures be taken by the authorities and further studies be carried out.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Water Sediment and Study on Pollution Mechanism—Taking the Weihe River Basin in China as an Example

To ensure the ecological security of the basin, data on the heavy metal content in the sediments of the Weihe River Basin were collected to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals based on descriptive statistics and geostatistics. The geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk assessment were conducted, and the number of pollution sources and the contribution rate were determined by combining correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and APCS-MLR. The results showed that the mean values of As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Hg, Cu, and Cd were 15.42, 27.27, 88.05, 31.05, 75, 0.13, 29.47, and 1.05 mg·kg−1, respectively. Igeo is in the order of Cd &gt; Hg &gt; As &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Ni. Cd had the highest potential ecological risk factor, followed by Hg with a critical risk proportion of 12.6%. The traceability analysis showed that the heavy metals come from mixed, industrial, and agricultural sources, among which Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Cu are affected by soil-forming parent materials and industrial comprehensive sources, As is affected by agricultural sources, and Hg and Cd are affected by industrial sources. Industrial and living sources are the main sources of the heavy metals. The results of the study can provide a basis for formulating relevant pollution prevention and control measures in the Weihe River Basin.

Exposure and health risks of metals in imported and local brands' lipsticks and eye pencils from Bangladesh.

Elemental contamination in cosmetics is a serious health concern as it can pose a cumulative effect on the user's body over a long period. The prime motive of the study was to assess the concentration of 10 concerning chemical elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) in imported and local lipsticks and eye pencil samples collected from retail outlets in central Bangladesh (Dhaka city) and to assess their dynamic health risks for users. A total of 18 lipsticks and 24 eye pencils were studied and concentrations of chemical elements were examined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risk assessment was performed for dermal and ingestion routes of the contaminants. The results reveal that the concentrations of the examined elements vary with colors, brands, and origins. Pb and As concentrations were found below the permissible limit but Cr concentration in some samples exceeded the allowable limit in cosmetics. Cd was not detected in any samples; however, other examined elements such as Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe were detected in considerable concentrations. Elements like Mn, Zn, and Fe were found at high levels. In the case of lipstick samples, elemental concentrations followed the order of Fe > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As, while the order was Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Co > Pb > As for eye pencil samples. Results of the hazards quotient (HQ) indicate that there were no non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks of elements in samples for dermal exposure. But the cancer risk values of Cr (HQ > 1 for ingestion) in brown color lipsticks and Ni indicate that lipsticks have some carcinogenic effects if they enter the user's body. Dermal cancer risk for eye pencils has also been calculated and for Pb, Cr, Ni, and As; the values were found within the acceptable ranges of 10-6-10-4. It is suggested that the allowable limit of all toxic elements in cosmetics must be established. Furthermore, continuous monitoring is urgently needed for personal care products like lipsticks and eye pencils commonly available in the local markets in the country like Bangladesh.

Adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) on woody-activated carbons

To provide guidance for the selection of woody-activated carbon in the treatment of wastewater containing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), the adsorption tests on two varieties of commercial woody-activated carbon powder from different manufacturers were carried out. The physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of activated carbon were studied by using elemental, chemical, and instrumental analyses. The adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) was discussed by investigating the factors affecting the removal of hexavalent chromium. The two kinds of woody-activated carbon have microporous and mesoporous structures. Commercial woody-activated carbon No.1 (ACI) has a more extensive specific surface area and a better-developed pore structure. While ACI exhibits a higher adsorption capability when the content of Cr(VI) is high, commercial woody-activated carbon No.2 (AC) can remove hexavalent chromium fast when the concentration is low. A rise in pH value is not helpful for the materials to remove Cr(VI) from solutions. For Cr(VI) removal, the optimum pH value is 2. The adsorption of Cr(VI) by AC and ACI followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isothermal adsorption equation. The maximum adsorption value of Cr(VI) is 154.56 mg/g for AC and 241.55 mg/g for ACI. There is chemical adsorption during the Cr(VI) removal. A lot of Cr (Ⅲ) was formed by Cr(VI). The abundance of pores and the reducing ability of the materials are essential for the removal of Cr(VI).

The role of serum and urinary markers in predicting obstructing ureteral stones and reducing unjustified non-contrast computerized tomographic scans in emergency departments.

The reported yield of non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) in assessing flank pain and obstructive urolithiasis (OU) in emergency departments (EDs) is only ~ 50%. We investigated the potential capability of serum and urinary markers to predict OU and improve the yield of NCCT in EDs. All consecutive ED patients with acute flank pain suggestive of OU and assessed by NCCT between December 2019 and February 2020 were enrolled. Serum white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine (Cr) levels, and urine dipstick results were analyzed for association with OU, and unjustified NCCT scan rates were calculated. NCCTs diagnosed OU in 108 of the 200 study patients (54%). The median WBC, CRP, and Cr values were 9,100/µL, 4.3mg/L, and 1mg/dL, respectively. Using ROC curves, WBC = 10,000/µL and Cr = 0.95mg/dl were the most accurate thresholds to predict OU. Only WBC ≥ 10,000/µL (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.6-8.3, p = 0.002) and Cr ≥ 0.95mg/dl (OR = 5, 95% CI 2.3-11, p < 0.001) were associated with OU. Positive predictive value and specificity for detecting OU among patients with combined WBC ≥ 10,000 and Cr ≥ 0.95 were 83% and 89%, respectively. Patients negative to the serum markers criteria underwent significantly more unjustified NCCTs (p = 0.03). The negative predictive value of the serum criteria for justified NCCT scanning was 81%. WBC and Cr may be valuable serum markers in predicting OU among patients presenting to EDs with acute flank pain. They may potentially reduce the number of unjustified NCCT scans in the ED setting.

Spatial distribution, contamination characteristics and ecological-health risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in soils near a smelting area

Soil heavy metals (HMs) contamination stemming from smelting and mining activities is becoming a global concern due to its devastating impacts on the environment and human health. In this study, 128 soil samples were investigated to assess the spatial distribution, contamination characteristics, ecological and human health risk of HMs in soils near a smelting area by using BP artificial neural network (BP-ANN) and Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that the concentrations of all five HMs in the soil greatly exceeded the background value of study area with a basic trend: Pb > As > Cr > Cd > Hg, indicating a high pollution level. Arsenic and lead were the major pollutants in the study area with an exceedance rate of 78.95% and 28.95%, respectively. The toxic fume and dust emitted during the smelting process were identified as the major sources of HMs pollution in soil, while Cd pollution was mainly caused by agricultural activities near the study area. The probabilistic risk assessment suggested that the average HQ values of five HMs for children and adults exceeded the acceptable threshold with a trend: As > Pb > Cr > Cd > Hg. The average CR values of As, Cr and Pb for all population were greatly larger than the acceptable threshold (CR ≥ 1), indicating a high cancer risk. However, the CR values of Cd for adults and children were within the acceptable threshold (CR < 1), implying no cancer risk. The results of the present study can provide some insight into the contamination characteristics, ecological and human health risk of HMs in contaminated soils by mining and smelting activities, which can help prevent and control soil pollution and environmental risk.

Contamination And Health Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metals Form A Typical Pb-zn Smelter In Northwest China

Soil contamination by heavy metals due to metal smelting activities poses a serious threat to the ecological environment and to human health, as it is considered to be one of the most significant sources of soil pollution. The objective of this study was to analyze the pollution status and human health risks of heavy metals emitted from metal smelting activities of a Pb-Zn smelter. The results of mean values of Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Mn should be incorporated and mention the status in respect to background value. Contamination levels of heavy metals were evaluated using the potential ecological risk index (RI). Possible human health risks were assessed using the health risk assessment model developed by the US EPA. The results showed that the soils are seriously polluted, and migrated down the soil vertical profile. The index of RI indicated a very high potential ecological risk overall in the entire study area, especially for Cd. The health risk analysis showed that adults and children are exposed to significant non-carcinogenic health risks, and there are higher non-carcinogenic health risks for children than for adults. Additionally, the carcinogenic risks of Cr were higher than those of Cd for the two population groups, and children were more susceptible than adults. These results are useful for management, prevention, control and remediation of heavy-metal contamination. Meanwhile, this research provides methods, experiences, and reference to other study of similar heavy-metal soil pollution. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 995-1015, 2022 (December) Special

Combining Contamination Indices and Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Metal Pollution Evaluation during the Last Century in Lacustrine Sediments of Lacu Sărat Lake, Romania.

Integrated study of both water and sediment in lakes provides important information regarding the human impact on the environment. The current work is focused on the correlation between age, source, composition, and degree of human intervention over the last 178 years and health impact of sediments from Lacu Sărat Lake (Romania), one of the most important balneo-climateric resorts in the country. The novelty relies on the fact that this is the first time the temporal patterns of metal contamination and the human health effects associated with the metal exposure from sediment core samples have been assessed. The sediment contamination status was determined by evaluating several indices, such as the enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index, metal pollution index, and potential ecological risk index, etc. Results showed a significant accumulation of Cd, Cr, As and Ni and a major contribution of Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, Cr as well as Cu to the potential acute toxicity. The sediment quality guidelines emphasized a risk concerning the life and proper development of benthic organisms in Lacu Sărat Lake. Moreover, the incidental ingestion lifetime carcinogenic risk values for As and Cr suggest a potential risk of developing cancer. A strong human impact was observed especially between 1950 and 1990, which can be attributed to the rapid economic growth and intensive industrial development strategies pursued by the communist political regime in Romania.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR KEPUTUSAN INVESTASI TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN

This study aims to determine the effect of Dividend Policy, Sales and Liquidity Policy on Firm Value. The sample used in this study are industrial sector companies that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and issue financial reports and regularly distribute dividends in 2016-2020, so 35 samples were obtained using the purposive sampling method. By using panel data regression analysis method, the results of this study indicate that dividend and liquidity policies have a significant positive effect on firm value when the DPR and CR values ​​increase, it will affect the increase in firm value, while the sales policy variable as measured by net profit margin shows no significant effect. the value of the company, meaning that when the variable fluctuates, it will not affect the increase or decrease in the value of the company. The stock position of the sample company is in an overvalued position where the recommended investment decision is to sell shares.