Different Levels Of Pollution Research Articles

Elimination of endocrine disrupting phenolic compounds via feathers and claws in seabirds moulting in the Baltic and Russian Arctic

This paper investigates the effectiveness of phenol derivatives removal from bird organisms via claws and remiges, and performs a preliminary assessment of the usefulness of these epidermal products for environmental biomonitoring and estimating bird exposure levels. Concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and alkylphenols: 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) were determined in claws and remiges of long-tailed ducks Clangula hyemalis and razorbills Alca torda, obtained during a by-catch in the winter period (2014–2016) in the Southern Baltic region. For razorbills, the Baltic is a permanent habitat, while long-tailed ducks are migratory and stay in the Southern Baltic only during the non-breeding season. Their remiges are replaced in the Arctic seas of Siberia.The removal of phenol derivatives, depending on the compound and the epidermal product, ranges from 12 % to 34 %. Among these compounds, in both bird species, the highest degree of elimination was observed for 4-NP in remiges (<0.1–656.0 ng.g−1 dw) as well as claws (<0.1–338.6 ng.g−1 dw). On the other hand, the least removed compound in both the long-tailed duck and the razorbill was 4-t-OP. The removal of phenol derivatives from claws in both bird species was at the same level. However, 4-NP concentrations were found to be statistically significantly higher in razorbill remiges compared to those of the long-tailed duck (p < 0.05).Comparison of concentrations in the remiges of the long-tailed duck and the razorbill, moulted in two different environments with different levels of pollution and distances from sources, indicated that the Baltic Sea is approximately 3 times more polluted with 4-NP than the marine areas of the Russian Arctic. This demonstrates the potential for the use of 4-NP and remiges as indicators of environmental pollution with phenol derivatives.

Cytogenetic Effects in Children Exposed to Air Pollutants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and micronuclei (MN) frequency in children. This work was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration and the PRISMA guidelines and recommendations. Articles published before November 2021 were identified by an advanced search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A critical appraisal using a specific tool was conducted to assess the quality of each included study. All analyses were carried out by using the Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). One hundred and forty-five references were firstly identified, and, at the end of selection process, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies carried out a direct evaluation through the use of air samplers, whereas the other ones accessed environmental databases (n = 2) or used other tools (n = 3). In two cases, exposure was not directly investigated, with children sampled in two different areas with well-known different levels of pollution. The overall effect size (ES) was 1.57 ((95% CI = 1.39; 1.78), p-value < 0.00001) (total evaluated subjects: 4162), which highlighted a statistically significant association between outdoor air pollution and MN frequency in children. As a high MN frequency has been associated with a number of pathological states and a higher risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases, our results should be taken into consideration by policy makers to design and implement interventions aimed at reducing the introduction of pollutants in the atmosphere as well as at minimizing the exposure extent, particularly in children.

Establishment of background pollution levels and spatial analysis of moss data on a regional scale

The determination of background pollution levels is fundamental for the interpretation of the results obtained from environmental biomonitoring. In this paper we propose a new probabilistic method, based on a Gaussian mixture model, for determining the distribution of regional background levels of different pollutants. The distribution of the reference level is used to categorize the observations as “background” or “above-background” and spatial statistical techniques are then applied to determine the probability of the background level being exceeded. To exemplify its use, we applied the method to concentrations of five potentially toxic elements (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) measured in the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum. The proposed method was applied to data resulting from sampling at ca. 150 sampling stations in a regular grid (15 × 15 km) in Galicia (NW Spain). Sampling was carried out in June in 2000 and 2002, and in March and September in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2014. The proposed method yielded consistent results for all of the different sampling surveys, and the pollution levels were found to be closely related to the sources of pollution identified in the study region. In short, although not an optimal solution, the proposed method seems to be suitable and realistic for the qualitative assessment of regional pollution.

Evaluation of the Air Pollution Tolerance Index of 12 Plant Species Growing in Environments with Different Air Pollution Levels

Background and objective Particulate matter (PM) is the most dangerous form of air pollution, and causes many diseases. Plants act as bio-filters to help reduce PM in the atmosphere. PM also influences the growth of plants, so selecting suitable plant species for specific environmental conditions is very important. The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was used to determine the tolerance level of each plant species to air pollution. The purpose of this study was to determine the tolerance to air pollution of various plant species in order to identify plant species that can be grown in polluted environments; this was achieved by evaluating the APTI of plants. This study analyzed the biochemical parameters of 12 plant species at two sites with different air pollution levels (urban forest and roadside) to assess and compare the APTI of plant species. Methods The healthy leaves of 12 plant species (6 broad leaves and 6 needle leaves) that are commonly used in landscapes in Korea were chosen for this study. The same plant species were collected from two sites with different pollution levels and were analyzed immediately; one site was an urban forest (Chungcheongbuk-do Forest Environment Research Institute) with an area of 25 ha and featuring high vegetation coverage, while the other was at a high-traffic roadside next to a crossroads near the Cheongju Express Bus Terminal. We used the leaf samples to analyze four biochemical parameters of each plant: leaf extract pH (pH), relative leaf water content (RWC), total chlorophyll (TChl), and ascorbic acid. Finally, based on these values, APTI values were calculated. Results The APTI values were different between all 12 plant species at both sites with different levels of pollution. APTI had a significant correlation with the biochemical parameters of plants. Plants in the urban forest and at the roadside showed APTI values ranging from 6.89–9.37 and 7.57–9.94, respectively. The APTI of the roadside plant species tended to be higher than that of the plants from the urban forest. Among 12 plant species, Acer palmatum, Acer buergerianum, and Pinus densiflora had high APTI values. These plant species can serve as biofilters in environments with high air pollution. Conclusion The APTI of the 12 plant species in this study can aid in the selection of suitable plant species from environments with different levels of air pollution. The high APTI of some roadside plant species may show their tolerance under environmental pollution-related stress, or demonstrate their adaptability to the polluted environment. In the future, we need to examine more plant species under various environmental conditions to understand their tolerance levels to air pollution and to correlate plants with air pollution. Further, more studies on other air pollutants that can influence plant growth, such as SO2 and NOx, should be conducted.

Heavy metals in system “atmospheric air - water - soil - crop products”

The article presents results of heavy metals (HMs) monitoring in system “atmospheric air - water - soil - crop production” on three territories with different levels of pollution where agricultural fields and livestock complexes are situated. Highly hazardous Cd, Pb, Zn and moderately hazardous Cu are priority HMs for Ryazan region. A direct relationship has been established between the concentration of heavy metals on territories of different ecological conditions, as evidenced by the high concentration ratios of toxicants in environmental objects. The total pollution of facilities in JSC Avangard in Ryazan district, located within the regional center of Ryazan, is 13 % and 33 % higher in comparison with other two farms, which is explained by the entry of HMs into the environment with emissions and discharges of enterprises, their sedimentation into other environments.

Effects on mortality and morbidity among the population living close to the Valmadrera (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy) incinerator

assessment of the health effects on the resident population around the incinerator for municipal solid waste in Valmadrera (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy) in relation to the exposure level to the pollutants produced by the plant. historical cohort study, based on the resident population from 2003 to 2016 in the study area. With a dispersion model, based on PM10 emitted by the plant, three areas of exposure (high, medium, low) were defined and, on the basis of the residence of the cohort, different exposure levels were attributed to the subjects. The association between level of exposure and health effects were estimated by comparing the high and medium exposure levels with the low exposure level, using a Cox model, adjusted for age and socioeconomic deprivation index. mortality rates, hospitalization rates, cancer incidence rates, and perinatal outcomes were analysed for the main causes potentially associated with exposure to incineration plants. the subjects enrolled in the cohort were 106,056 (1,000,242 person-years). There were no statistically significant excesses of risk for almost all the outcomes investigated. Excessive mortality and hospitalization were found for liver/biliary cancers (HR women: 2.57; 95%CI 1.15-2.79; HR men: 2.22; 95%CI 1.10-4, 84). In the municipality where the plant is located, an excess prevalence (OR 1.78; 95%CI 1.43-2.21) of hepatitis C was found. the results suggest the absence of a relationship between residence in areas with different levels of pollutants emitted by the plant and the onset of almost all diseases. The associated causes do not have aetiological plausibility with exposure to pollutants from waste incineration. In particular, for liver/liver and biliary cancer, the association with infectious causes rather than exposure to environmental pollutants is more plausible.

How financial inclusion affects the collaborative reduction of pollutant and carbon emissions: The case of China

To explore whether financial inclusion affects the collaborative reduction of pollutant and carbon emissions, we analyze the impact of financial inclusion on these emissions using a sample of 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2017. This study further discusses the impact of financial inclusion in terms of asymmetry, heterogeneity, and the mediating mechanism. Our empirical results reveal that financial inclusion achieves the collaborative reduction of pollutant and carbon emissions. This further proves the negative impact of financial inclusion on pollutant emissions, which is universal in different geographical locations with different levels of pollution. The impact of financial inclusion on carbon emissions is asymmetric and varies geographically. Increasing financial inclusion has an indirect impact on the collaborative reduction of pollutant and carbon emissions through the energy consumption effect and the energy structure effect. Besides, increased financial inclusion may reduce carbon emissions by improving the renewable energy sector. Furthermore, the direct effect of financial inclusion on carbon emissions is insignificant. Accordingly, financial inclusion should be considered a priority in China's provincial and national development strategies because of its usefulness in promoting the collaborative reduction of pollutant and carbon emissions.

Variância de parâmetros de qualidade da água e análise de agrupamentos na bacia hidrográfica do rio Goiana, Pernambuco

A qualidade das águas superficiais consiste em um tema de interesse da comunidade científica, dos órgãos gestores e de toda sociedade civil, principalmente devido a velocidade de degradação dos corpos hídricos. Dessa forma, objetivou-se nesse estudo realizar a análise sobre alguns dos principais parâmetros da qualidade da água na bacia hidrográfica do rio Goiana. Os parâmetros analisados (pH, oxigênio dissolvido, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio, turbidez, amônia, fósforo total, coliformes termotolerantes e condutividade elétrica) correspondem a pontos amostrais em sete localidades inseridas dentro da bacia hidrográfica do rio Goiana, distribuídas em seis períodos distintos, considerando a estação chuvosa, e seca. Os dados foram submetidos a avaliação de variância e ao teste de Fisher, com nível de significância de p ≤ 0,05, bem como análise de agrupamentos. Considerando os efeitos da sazonalidade, os testes estatísticos realizados permitiram concluir que na estação chuvosa, os parâmetros de pH (p = 0,0097) e oxigênio dissolvido (p = 0,0352) apresentaram médias com valores estatisticamente distintos, já no período seco, isso ocorreu com a turbidez (p = 0,0058). Deste modo, constata-se que pode haver diferenças na qualidade da água em determinados pontos, entre as estações do ano, em detrimento do comportando da precipitação local. Em relação aos agrupamentos estabelecidos, houve algumas diferenças, considerando a sazonalidade, obtendo 2 ou 3 agrupamentos para os pontos em estudo, evidenciando diferentes níveis de poluição, principalmente nas proximidades de áreas urbanas. Diante disso, os resultados obtidos são essenciais para auxiliar na elaboração de políticas públicas para mitigação de impactos ambientais.Palavras-chave: recursos hídricos, análise de água, efeitos da sazonalidade, ferramentas estatísticas. Variance of water quality parameters and cluster analysis in Goiana river watershed, Pernambuco A B S T R A C TThe quality of surface water is a subject of interest to the scientific community, the management bodies and all civil society, mainly due to the speed of degradation of water bodies. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze some of the main water quality parameters in the Goiana river basin. The parameters analyzed (pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, turbidity, ammonia, total phosphorus, thermotolerant coliforms and electrical conductivity) correspond to sampling points in seven locations within the Goiana river watershed, distributed over six distinct periods, considering the rainy season and the dry season. The data were submitted to variance evaluation and Fisher's test, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05, as well as cluster analysis. Considering the effects of seasonality, the statistical tests performed allowed us to conclude that in the rainy season, the parameters pH (p = 0.0097) and dissolved oxygen (p = 0.0352) presented means with statistically different values, whereas in the dry season, this occurred with turbidity (p = 0.0058). Thus, it can be seen that there may be differences in water quality at certain points, between the seasons of the year, as a result of the behavior of the local rainfall. In relation to the groupings established, there were some differences, considering the seasonality, obtaining 2 or 3 groupings for the points under study, showing different levels of pollution, especially near urban areas. Therefore, the results obtained are essential to assist in the development of public policies for the mitigation of environmental impacts.Keywords: water resources, water analysis, seasonality effects, statistical tools

The impact of the implementation of the green bond policy on enterprises’ innovation performance

The institutional construction of green financial bonds in China began at the end of 2015 and developed rapidly in 2016 and 2017. Based on the background of sustainable development, this article explores the implementation significance of the green bond policy from environmental protection, financial development, and technological innovation. Specifically, the incentive effects of the green bond policy on the technological innovation of enterprises with different levels of pollution are investigated in terms of the difference-in-differences model. According to the analysis, after the implementation of the green bond policy, there is a greater difference in the innovation capabilities between the medium- and high-pollution enterprises and the low-pollution enterprises. Solvency has a negative impact on innovation incentives, profitability and enterprise size have a positive impact on innovation incentives, while development capabilities and age have little effect. Finally, suggestions are put forward to improve the incentive mechanism of green bonds and establish the policy effect evaluation system, so as to promote the sustainable development of enterprises and the high-quality development of green bonds. These results shed light on the significance of green bond policy implementation and point out the direction of enterprise transformation and upgrading in the future.

Pollution impact on microbial communities composition in natural and anthropogenically modified soils of Southern Russia

Metagenomic studies of soil microbocenoses are extremely relevant nowadays. The study of pollution impact on soil microbiomes is of particular interest. The structure of microbial communities in soils with different levels of pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) was studied. High bacterial biodiversity was found in all the studied soil samples, but its lowest values are found in soil samples taken on the territory of technogenically polluted Lake Atamanskoye. Assessment of soil pollution showed the highest content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) for the soils Lake Atamanskoye. The high content of pollutants negatively affects the abundance of representatives of the phyla Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Nitrospirae. Such phyla as Proteobacteria, Candidate Divisions TM7, OD1, WPS-2, Chlamydiae, Cyanobacteria are characterized by positive direct correlation with the content of pollutants, especially with PAHs. A cooperative effect of decrease in the number of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria with an increase in Armatimonadetes probably corresponds to PTEs contamination. The proportion of Candidate Division OD1, Chlamydiae, Cyanobacteria, and Candidate Division WPS-2 was increased in the soil microbiome under the influence of severe combined pollution. Pollutants negatively affect the abundance of dominant unclassified_o__Gaiellales and unclassified_o__WD2101 genera. Iamia, Salinibacterium, Arthrobacter, Kaistobacter, Thiobacillus genera are characterized by a low abundance, but they are presumably the most resistant to soil pollution. It was revealed that the level of soil pollution largely determines the composition and diversity of bacterial communities in the soils of the studied territories. Operating taxonomic units have been established that have prognostic value for assessing the state, level of soil pollution, and their biological safety.

Experimental effects of cadmium on physiological response of Callinectes danae (Crustacea, Portunidae) from environments with different levels of Cd contamination

Cadmium (Cd) can adversely affect aquatic life, altering reproductive and molting processes in crustaceans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Cd on reproduction and molting in the crab Callinectes danae. Adult females were obtained from environments with different levels of pollution: low (LC), medium (MC), and high contaminated (HC) areas. Animals from LC, MC, and HC areas were exposed to 0, 0.5, and 2 mg L−1 of CdCl2 for 3 h. Cd bioaccumulation, oxidative stress (evaluated by antioxidant enzymes activity), and lipid peroxidation (LPX) were analyzed in mature ovaries (stage II), gills, and hepatopancreas. The expression levels of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) and molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) genes were quantified in the eyestalks, while 17β-estradiol (E2) and melatonin concentration were measured in the hemolymph. Cd bioaccumulated mainly in the hepatopancreas and gills, with increased E2, LPX, and antioxidant enzymes in HC compared to the LC region. Decreased CHH and MIH transcripts were observed in the animals from HC regions compared to LC and MC areas. Physiological differences were recorded, especially for bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and hormone levels, in animals sampled in HC areas compared to LC and MC regions. In conclusion, the physiological damage triggered by Cd could be reduced due to higher levels of melatonin and antioxidant enzymes in HC areas.

Presence of microplastics and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in sea cucumbers under different anthropogenic influences in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)

ABSTRACT Microplastics and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a matter of concern, especially in aquatic environments. In this study, we compared the presence of microplastics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the intestine of the sea cucumber Holothuria sanctori at sites under different levels of pollution in Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands, Spain, eastern Atlantic). We sampled animals at two offshore sites (controls) under low organic pollution and at a site under high organic pollution, i.e. directly affected by sewage water. From a total of 79 collected animals, 133 Gram-negative bacteria were isolated; 20 were Enterobacteriaceae, and the rest Non-Fermenting Bacilli (NFB). We detected Enterobacteriaceae resistant to critically important antimicrobials, such as ceftazidime or fluoroquinolones, particularly at the polluted site. In addition, we observed a significantly higher number (□2 orders of magnitude) of microplastics in the gut of sea cucumbers sampled at the polluted site, relative to the two controls. Our preliminary results point towards integrating microbiological and ecological approaches to analyse the mutual influence of both pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.

Urbanization and CO2 emissions intensity in Africa

The pace of urbanization in the world will very quickly become a major problem for development in all its dimensions. This dynamic, also observed in Africa, could have serious consequences for macroeconomic and environmental balances. This paper examines the relationship between urbanization and the intensity of CO2 emissions on a panel of 48 African countries over the period 1980–2016. Using an augmented STIRPAT model, we found that if urbanization is a highly significant factor for pollution in Africa, the effect is heterogeneous for different levels of pollution. This effect is more pronounced in resource-rich countries; the difference in the quality of institutions helping to reinforce the heterogeneity. Additional tests reveal the existence of simultaneous threshold effects of pollution concerning urbanization and the level of development. Finally, the overall effect of urbanization on global warming is positive and significant. Based on these outcomes, we suggest a set of policies.

Evaluation and treatment of waste water effect on groundwater quality (the University of Anbar area as a case study)

This research focuses on studying the impact of different sources of wastewater, such as do-mestic, industrial, agricultural, etc. upon groundwater. The swamp of contaminated water collec-tion within the Al-Anbar University area was taken as a case study for this research. This swamp has a pond that works as a collection basin for different sources of wastewater mainly domestic waste coming from leakage of contaminated water from the septic-tank of the residential com-plex of students. This contaminated water will leak over time within the folds of soil due to per-meability and the effect of land attraction and reach the levels of groundwater.The presence of polluted water near groundwater is an environmental hazard and harmful because this leakage water has different diseases and germs, which could pose a danger to human health. Different samples of these sources were taken from different places at different times and some physical, chemical, and biological tests were then conducted. Wastewaters characterization was also investigated in this study to make an assessment for water quality and find out a proper treatment method. Data obtained from this study show different levels of pollutants, which could highly affect groundwater quality. A proper and advanced treatment method was also proposed in this study, depending on the wastewater characterization results. The purpose of this research is wastewater treatment using the physical method with coagulation and Flocculation processes with local coagulants to reduce pollutants impact on groundwater.The results showed the addi-tion of alum at 35 mg/l increased the removal efficiency by 80.7% at the settling time of 60 min, and the addition of 35 mg/l of the lime increased the removal efficiency by 63.9% at the same settling time.It has been proven that the use of alum is more effective than lime for sedimenta-tion suspended matter. The optimum dosage and settling time are 20 mg/l and 60 min respec-tively.

Embedding wasted hairs in Ti/PbO2 anode for efficient and sustainable electrochemical oxidation of organic wastewater

Despite of the hazardous risk of Pb2+ leakage, lead dioxide has been attributed as a quasi-ideal anode material with high oxygen evolution potential, excellent conductivity, good stability and low cost in electrochemical oxidation wastewater treatment technique. In this study, a novel Ti/PbO2 anode was fabricated by embedding raw materials that are readily and cheaply available, i.e., hairs. The structure-activity relationship of the new electrode was firstly revealed by material and electrochemical characterizations. Then different levels of pollutants (azo dye, phenol and maleic acid) were used to investigate the electrochemical oxidation performance of the new electrode. Finally, the accelerated electrode lifetime and Pb2+ leakage tests were carried out. Results showed that the embedded hairs changed the preferential crystallographic orientation of PbO2 and decreased the grain size. Hairs introduced additional roughness and active sites, and decreased the electrode impedance, especially under 5 mg/cm2 of embedding amount. The removal efficiencies of different target pollutants were enhanced more or less by embedding appropriate amount of hairs, depending on the current density, but loading excessive hairs had a negative effect. The accumulation of intermediate products during phenol degradation was also changed by the hairs. The new electrode could undergo ∼550 h of harsh electrolysis. It is also relieved that the Pb2+ leakage was found to be suppressed during this long-term electrolysis process.

Profile of Heavy Metals and Antioxidant Defense in the Muscle Tissues of Pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) from Anthropogenically Transformed Areas in the Pomeranian Region (Northern Poland)

Pigeons can be successfully used as bioindicators of a contaminated environment. We studied the relationship between the functioning of the pro/antioxidant balance in muscle tissues (skeletal muscle and cardiac tissues) of pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) living in areas with different levels of pollution (Pomeranian Voivodeship, Northern Poland). The current study demonstrated the impact of the environment with preferential high Pb contamination in soil and feathers of pigeons on the formation of adaptive redox mechanisms in muscle tissues. An increase in the intensity of lipid peroxidation (estimated by the TBARS level) accompanied by enhancement of the oxidative modification of proteins (aldehydic and ketonic derivatives) and an important decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GR) in pigeon muscle tissue was observed. These changes in enzyme activities were dependent on the type of muscle tissue (skeletal muscle and cardiac tissues). Our results confirm the concept of the recalculation of the De Ritis ratio (AsAT/AlAT) in both types of muscles indicating the tendency to cardio- and hepatocellular damage and toxicity caused by heavy metals from the polluted environment.

Різноманіття епіпельних ціанобактерій басейну р. Пінанг, Малайзія, виявлене за допомогою метагеномного підходу на основі 16S

Cyanobacteria are the most widespread group of photosynthetic prokaryotes. They are primary producers in a wide variety of habitats and are able to thrive in harsh environments, including polluted waters; therefore, this study was conducted to explore the cyanobacterial populations inhabiting river tributaries with different levels of pollution. Sediment samples (epipelon) were collected from selected tributaries of the Pinang River basin. Air Terjun (T1) and Air Itam rivers (T2) represent the upper streams of Pinang River basin, while Dondang (T3) and Jelutong rivers (T4) are located at in the middle of the river basin. The Pinang River (T5) is located near the estuary and is subjected to saline water intrusion during high tides. Cyanobacterial community was determined by identifying the taxa via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence data. 16S rRNA gene amplicons generated from collected samples were sequenced using illumina Miseq, with the targeted V3 and V4 regions yielding approximately 1 mln reads per sample. Synechococcus, Phormidium, Arthronema and Leptolyngbya were found in all samples. Shannon-Weiner diversity index was highest (H’ = 1.867) at the clean upstream station (T1), while the moderately polluted stream (T3) recorded the lowest diversity (H’ = 0.399), and relatively polluted stations (T4 and T5) recorded fairly high values of H’. This study provides insights into the cyanobacterial community structure in Pinang River basin via cultivation-independent techniques using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence. Occurrence of some morphospecies at specific locations showed that the cyanobacterial communities are quite distinct and have specific ecological demands. Some species which were ubiquitous might be able to tolerate varied environmental conditions.

Assessment of mouse rodents’ dose from the CHNPP contaminated territories

The main feature of the nearest 5-km zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is the maximum concentration of fuel fallouts due to the accident in 1986. It is a unique testing ground for radiobiological research in the natural habitat of animals. At present, the background radiation level in the 5-km zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant fluctuates from 0.1 to 20 μSv/h. Besides, electrons from the decay of 90Sr and 137Cs add a significant contribution to the radiation background. Even though a large amount of experimental data on dose loads on the fauna of affected areas has been accumulated to date, the results obtained do not give an unambiguous idea of the dose dependences of radiobiological effects in natural ecosystems. In this work, we studied the total dose of irradiation of two murine rodents species: the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) and the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), living in territories of different levels of pollution near the destroyed power unit 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. We have assessed the density of radioactive contamination of the territory and study the isotopic composition of the fallout. Soil samples were taken to a depth of 30 cm, considering the depth of burrowing of mouse-like burrows is 10-15 cm. The 90Sr, 90Y, and 137Cs concentrations were measured using β- and γ-spectrometric methods for the selected soil samples. The 90Sr, 90Y, and 137Cs βactivity spectra were measured using a developed scintillation beta-spectrometer with a thin entrance window. Soil samples' gamma spectrometric studies were carried out using an anti-Compton device with an HPGe detector. The method for processing complex Xray and gamma-spectra in the energy range of 10-100 keV is developed. It takes into account the complexity of describing X-ray lines and providing a processing error of ≤1%. We calculated the murine rodents' radiation doses using the obtained data on the concentration of 90Sr, 90Y, and 137Cs activities in soil samples and animal bodies. The doses were calculated due to external irradiation with γ-quanta and electrons and internal irradiation with 137Cs and 90Sr electrons. For the first time, we obtained data on external electrons' contribution to the total dose of irradiation of murine rodents living in the contaminated territories of the 5-km zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Doses of internal irradiation and external γ-quanta are in good agreement with the data obtained for these territories earlier. It was found that the radiation dose is formed mainly due to external electrons for most rodents. Since many studies, including genetic and biochemical ones, are tied to the radiation dose, the correct account of the contribution of electrons to the radiation dose is, in many cases, critical.

The effect of deep percolation in agricultural lands on contaminant concentration of groundwater

Abstract: Balance management and the health improvement of the limited groundwater resources are unavoidable to prevent of water scarcity. The irrigation drainable water is the main factors of groundwater contamination that depended on leaching amount, type of surface contaminants and used fertilizer provided the different levels of pollution. In this research, the effect of deep percolation amount on nitrate concentration and salinity in Shahrekord plain is analyzed. The sensitivity of chemical parameters such as Ca, SO4, Cl, Na, K, HCO3 relative to season variation, also nitrate distribution in 80 to 86 years are investigated. For this subject, 10 agricultural areas were identified and estimated their discharge volume and deep percolation. The result show that the groundwater nitrate concentration in the summer season is depended on depletion volume from the effective limitation with R-squared value equal to 0.9, except two cases that NO3 is under the wastewater effect. Na, K and HCO3 in the winter season have a significant difference rather than summer. Also nitrate mapping indicated that the considerable part of groundwater nitrate is happen by leaching in the agricultural lands.

Разработка геоинформационных систем для управления окружающей средой и экологической безопасностью в районах эксплуатируемых нефтяных месторождений

The state of environmental protection of natural environment from negative processes has become an integral part of sustainable mining. The analytical review shows the ways of geoinformation system’s preparing a to ensure environmental safety during oil mining process on protected areas. Obtainment information for geoinformation database is based on technologies of aerial remote sensing, experimental modeling of biotic reactions to the impact of technogenic factors by biotesting methods. The geoinformation system should perform observations, assessments, search and regulatory forecasts, based on digital technologies, and develop individual measures for the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. Environmental stresses are usually caused by halogenesis, bitumization, air pollution and mechanogenesis. The use of geoinformation systems to collect information about the state of the natural environment is an essential feature of sustainable mining. Multispectral and panchromatic aerial photography by unmanned aerial vehicle has been successfully used to assess pollution, land degradation, and the effectiveness of land restoration. It is important to develop an unmanned aerial sensing technique for areas, where oil fields and protected are located. Biotesting of the consequences of technogenic transformation of ecosystem components is significantly related to the choice of optimal test objects for conducting experiments. Soil contamination with oil and its processed products affects the condition of all components: plants, microorganisms. It is advisable to develop a methodology for determining the patterns and levels of impact of residual oil and technogenic brines on local natural objects, local soil and water ecosystems based on the results of biotesting. Development of regulations for standard measures for remediation of ecosystems at different levels of pollution, during bitumization, halogenesis of land and water objects. The review shows that there are technological possibilities for creating GIS for monitoring the quality of the natural environment and environmental safety in the areas of oil fields. Digital maps of soils, watersheds, natural and technical systems, the development of technogenic processes and measures to restore the natural environment, allow to provide spatial modeling of natural and technogenic processes. Environmental quality management during oil mining process remains an important goal of geoecological researches.