Environmental Protection Agency Standards Research Articles

Hydrological Transport and Fate of Brackish and Inorganic Contaminants with Anthropogenic Influence

The objective of our study is to estimate the contamination concentrations in the Permian Basin, US. A total of 481 observation samples were chosen within the following study areas: Andrews, Martin, Midland, Ector, Crane, and Upton Counties. The Dockum, Pecos Valley, Edwards-Trinity Plateau, and Ogallala aquifers were evaluated for inorganic contaminants. Level reports for parameters such as Arsenic (As), Nitrate (NO3−), Fluoride (F), Chloride (Cl), total dissolved solids (TDS), and Uranium (U) were provided by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) analyzed with other counties. We demonstrated the average level in each county with different time periods: 1992–2005 and 2006–2019. Our results were compared with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and concluded the safety of water consumption in the study areas. We concluded that inorganic pollutants resulted mainly from human impacts such as agriculture, fertilizers, and energy developments. This research offers significant information about inorganic pollutants and brackish aquifers in the Permian Basin, US, contributing to our understanding of how groundwater resources respond to contaminations in dry regions. With freshwater becoming scarcer in arid climates such as the Permian Basin, US, it is important to ensure successful water management in these dry and arid locations.

Exploratory Data Analysis of the Groundwater Contaminants at the Former Panna Maria Uranium Recovery Facility.

The former Panna Maria mill was a uranium recovery facility that operated from 1979 to December 1992. Sulfuric acid leach was used to process several tons of ore daily. Therefore, the groundwater was sampled at the site to monitor the concentration of background chemical pollutants. The purpose of this study was to perform exploratory data analysis to evaluate whether the arsenic, nickel, selenium, sulfate, and uranium concentrations were in accord with state-regulated groundwater drinking standards at the site. To accomplish this, a substitution method was used to replace concentration values that were below measurable ranges of well monitoring units. Additionally, random forest regression was employed to account for missing not-at-random values in the dataset. Groundwater samples collected in wells before the facility began operations were used to determine an upper bound on background pollutants consistent with US Environmental Protection Agency Standards. The upper tolerance limit comprising 90% of the groundwater sample at a confidence coefficient of 95% was used to establish alternate concentration limits for each chemical based on well data from the National Uranium Resource Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance program. Results obtained in this analysis establish a baseline on the chemical concentrations in the background groundwater at the former Panna Maria mill.

Survey on the quality of outlet biosolids and sludge heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plants of Mazandaran province

Background: Sewage sludge is rich in fecal coliforms, Salmonella, parasite eggs, and heavy metals that can cause disease in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of outlet biosolids and sludge heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Mazandaran province and to compare them with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Methods: This study was carried out on the sludge of the treatment plants of Sari, Joybar, Babol, Babolsar, Nowshahr, and Nowshahr-Chalus sludge compost plants. In this study, physical, chemical, and biological properties of sludge samples including retention time, pH, total solids (TS), color, heavy metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) as well as the density of fecal coliform, Salmonella and parasite eggs were determined and reported. Results: Biosolids of Joybar, Babol, Babolsar, and Nowshahr-Chalus WWTP in terms of parasite eggs were in class A. Biosolids of Sari WWTP in summer after drying off naturally were located in Class A, and in summer and spring, were located in Class B based on the US EPA criteria. The average concentration of heavy metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) was lower than the EPA standard. Conclusion: The results showed that mostly the treated sewage sludge in Mazandaran WWTPs were in Class B of the EPA guideline. The concentration of heavy metals in the biosolids of these WWTPs is lower than the EPA regulation and the use of these biosolids in agriculture is not limited for these metals.

Medical waste management in Al-Kut City

This research investigates solid waste management in Al-Kut City. It included the collection of medical and general solid waste generated in five hospitals different in their specialization and capacity through one week, starting from 03/02/2012. Samples were collected and analyzed periodically to find their generation rate, composition, and physical properties. Analysis results indicated that generation rate ranged between (1102 – 212) kg / bed / day, moisture content and density were (19.0 % - 197 kg/ m3) respectively for medical waste and (41%-255 kg/ m3) respectively for general waste. Theoretically, medical solid waste generated in Al-Kut City (like any other city), affected by capacity, number of patients in a day, and hospital specialty The research exposed the incorrect ways used in collecting, storing, waste transport, and inefficient incinerators processing .Laboratory test for six ash collected samples indicated high concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr) , having the rang of (51.0 – 62.0) mg / l of lead, (3.0 – 8.5) mg / l for cadmium, and (43.0 -69.0) mg / l for chrome. In comparison with the US Environmental Protection Agency standards, these samples are higher than the recommended levels that may threat groundwater. A comprehensive and integrated solution there must be to manage medical waste, with the participation of all parties concerned, especially, the Ministry of Health, environment authorities concerned, and the participation of civil society organizations. A color-code trash bags and containers are recommended by the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency to be used in hospitals that propose red bags for collecting medical waste while black bags for general waste provided that they are resistant to tearing seeping and should be provided in sufficient numbers.

Assessment of concentration of the potentially toxic elements and associated human health risk from particulate matter exposure along road intersections in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

The harmful health effect of suspended particulate matter (PM10) is mostly associated with its mass concentrations and chemical compositions. Therefore, this study focuses on the determination of the particulate matter (PM10) concentrations and their potentially toxic elements (PTEs) composition from different road networks in Ibadan southwestern, Nigeria. In addition, human health risk assessment was estimated from the PTE data. The PM10 samples were collected from different road networks such as national highway roads (NHR), inner-city major roads (ICR), and remote roads (RRD) in Ibadan, Nigeria. The sampling was carried out with a high-volume air sampler (model #15000 manufactured by Science Resource, Walboro, USA) with a PM10 cut-off on a Whatman cellulose filter during the harmattan period. The PM10 concentrations and PTEs compositions (Al, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, La, Mo, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) were determined by gravimetry and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) methods (VISTA-MPX manufactured by Varian Incorporation), respectively. The PM10 concentrations in all three road networks were more than 3 folds higher than World Health Organization (WHO), United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and United Kingdom Environmental Protection Agency (UKEPA) standards (50 µg/m3) for 24 h. The maximum average contents of Ba, Cd, Cu, La, Mn, Pb, and V, were observed at NHR, while that of Al, Fe, Mo, and Zn, were found at ICR. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 (Ba, Cd, Cu, La, Mo, Pb, and V) and PC4 (Zn) were characterised by elemental markers of both exhaust emission and non-exhaust emissions, while PC2 (Mn) and PC3 (Al, Fe) were characterised by crustal elements. The Enrichment factor (EF) analysis classified all the PTEs as moderately to very highly enriched, especially in NHR and ICR, except Al, Fe, and to some extent Mn. Both the maximum and average hazard quotient (HQ) levels of Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn were < 1, which was within the permissible level. Also, the carcinogenic risk (CR) was also within the permissible limit.

Improving the Method for Measuring Bromine Compounds in Flue Gas

The method detection limit (MDL) using UV-VIS spectrometry (UV/VIS) is the primary method to detect bromine compounds in the flue gas. However, the level of bromine compounds in the flue gas is 0.6 ppm, reaching 20% of the emission limit of 3.0 ppm, which limits the analysis of low-concentration samples. As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency and official test standards for water pollution, bromine compound analysis was performed using ion chromatography (IC). Hydrogen chloride was analyzed using IC, referencing official test standards for air pollution. Therefore, 0.1 M NaOH and distilled water (D.W.) were applied to the absorption solution of the IC analysis sample. Validation was conducted for IC (D.W.), IC (0.1 M NaOH), and UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH) to improve the analysis method for bromine compounds in the flue gas. The linearity (R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) of the calibration curve for IC (D.W.) satisfied the R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; (0.98 or more) value calculated in the UV/VIS of the official test standards for air pollution. However, the R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; of UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH) and IC (0.1 M NaOH) was not satisfied. In IC (D.W.) analysis results, the average values of MDL, MLQ (minimum level of quantification), accuracy and precision were 0.127 ppm, 0.403 ppm, 3.7%, and 102.9%, respectively. MDL and MLQ showed the lowest concentration compared to the other two methods, and had high accuracy and precision. Regarding the recovery rate by the absorbing liquid, IC (D.W.) was the highest at 93.55%, followed by UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH) and IC (0.1 M NaOH). This study analyzed bromine compounds in flue gas with higher accuracy and precision using the IC (D.W.) method compared to IC (0.1 M NaOH) and UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH).

Revising the EPA dilution-attenuation soil screening model for PFAS

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been shown to be ubiquitous in the environment, and one issue of critical concern is the leaching of PFAS from soil to groundwater. The risk posed by contaminants present in soil is often assessed in terms of the anticipated impact to groundwater through the determination of soil screening levels (SSLs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a soil screening model for determining SSLs. However, the model does not consider the unique retention properties of PFAS and, consequently, the SSLs established with the model may not represent the actual levels that are protective of groundwater quality. The objective of this work is to revise the standard EPA SSL model to reflect the unique properties and associated retention behavior of PFAS. Specifically, the distribution parameter used to convert soil porewater concentrations to soil concentrations is revised to account for adsorption at the air-water interface. Example calculations conducted for PFOS and PFOA illustrate the contrasting SSLs obtained with the revised and standard models. A comparison of distribution parameters calculated for a series of PFAS of different chain length shows that the significance of air-water interfacial adsorption can vary greatly as a function of the specific PFAS. Therefore, the difference between SSLs calculated with the revised versus standard models will vary as a function of the specific PFAS, with greater differences typically observed for longer-chain PFAS. It is anticipated that this revised model will be useful for developing improved SSLs that can be used to enhance site investigations and management for PFAS-impacted sites. SynopsisThe widely used EPA SSL model is revised for PFAS applications to account for adsorption at the air-water interface.

Ambient Air Quality Assessment in Karachi, Sindh Pakistan

Pakistan’s urban air pollution is amongst the utmost severity in the world that causes acute damage to the economy and human health. This study was designed for the assessment of ambient air quality in different areas of Karachi. The data were collected as pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season from main industrial zones of Karachi, S.I.T.E area, North Karachi industrial area, Korangi industrial area and Landhi industrial area in the year of 2017-2019. These zones are also a blend of industrial, residential, commercial and heavy traffic zones with dense populations. Ambient air data were collected for different pollutants like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matters (TSPM, PM10 and PM2.5). It is observed that in pre-monsoon, there is quite high intensity of particulate matter (TSPM, PM10 &amp; PM2.5) present in the air, whereas CO and NO2 values found in all four zones are moderate in the air samples as prescribed by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) standards. It is observed specifically in Landhi, S.I.T.E Area and Korangi industrial area which are more prone to the exposure of these pollutants. In post-monsoon, the intensity of particulate matters (TSPM, PM10 &amp; PM2.5), CO and NO2 values in all four zones are less to moderate than the values of pre-monsoon due to the seasonal effects. Study data shows that three major zones; Landhi, Korangi and S.I.T.E. industrial areas are at a high exposure to gases and other toxic elements. North Karachi is at the least risk because of having a small scale of industries present. The PM10 &amp; PM2.5 levels average about 2 - 3-fold greater than the SEPA standards. High levels of ambient air pollutants cause severe health problems and chronic diseases on human health. Therefore the implementation of rules and regulations regarding ambient air pollutants should be more rigorous.

The state-of-the-art of practice of traffic noise regulations in Ghana

Noise pollution is one of Ghana’s environmental risks and it has become the norm in metropolitan areas to the point where residents in these locations experience noise nuisance and may be at risk of hearing loss. Most developed and developing countries have established traffic noise standards as a control mechanism to reduce traffic noise exposure emissions. This study aims to investigate current practices of traffic noise regulations and policy. Various agencies responsible for the control of noise pollution and the urban road sector were interviewed about traffic noise standards and practices, and it was observed that these agencies’ noise practices were based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established guidelines, which did not include transportation noise regulation. Except for a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), regulation that allows a certain vehicle horning system for specific vehicle users, this study discovered that this policy is not fully implemented. A preliminary survey was conducted to collect traffic field data and inhabitants’ perceptions of traffic noise. Of the 30 respondents, 26 respondents (86.7%) affirmed that they experience traffic noise pollution at various locations, while 23 respondents (76.7%) reported various health effects due to exposure to traffic noise. This can be related to the observed noise levels which exceeded the dissatisfaction score of 5 (89 dB(A)), and also Leq value (109.1 dB(A)) was greater than the environmental permissible limit of the EPA standard of 70 dB(A). This indicates that roadside residents suffer from noise annoyance. It is recommended that transport, and environmental-related agencies work unanimously to ensure that effective control of traffic noise pollution is developed, enforced, and implemented.

Study of hybrid performance of the methods applied for recycling Aq Qala-industrial park effluent

Aim: Currently, recycling of secondary effluent can be used sustainably as a new water source to minimize the water consumption in areas which are exposed to water crisis. Hence, it is necessary to appraise hybrid advanced treatment technologies performance and to determine the best alternative for reusing secondary effluent of industrial park in full-scale. Materials and Methods: The secondary effluent (biological-treated) of the centralized industrial park wastewater treatment plant (Aq Qala, Golestan province, Iran) is introduced into combined systems such as (1) sand filter (SF) and membrane bioreactor (MBR), (2) SF, MBR and granular activated carbon (GAC) (3) SF and GAC (4) SF, MBR, GAC, and reverse osmosis (RO), as the hybrid advanced scenarios. Results: The effluent of SF/MBR/GAC/RO showed the highest quality (>99% removal efficiency). In this scenario, pH, silica, manganese, iron, total suspended solids, turbidity, total coliform, and chemical oxygen demand (COD), alkalinity, hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, and sulfate were determined 6.93 ± 0.19, 1.4 ± 0.6 mg/L, not detectable (ND), ND, <2 ± 0.2 mg/L, <1 Nephelometric Turbidity unit (NTU), ND and <2 ± 0.2 mg/L, 54.8 ± 1 2.5 mg/L, 50 ± 17 mg/L, 100 ± 14.89 mg/L, 68 ± 10.9 mg/L, and 44 ± 3.67 mg/L were observed in the range of product water standard for sensitive industries. Also, the maximum of efficiency of SF/MBR, SF/MBR/GAC, and SF/GAC systems was obtained 97.75% (as total coliforms), 62.65% (as COD), and 55.8% (as COD), respectively. Other parameters removed slight about 2% to 40%. However, hardness, alkalinity, and manganese concentrations not reduced after these systems (0% efficiency). Conclusions: The hybrid system of SF/MBR/GAC/RO was produced a clean and suitable water supply for the sensitive industries (e.g., intermediate-pressure boilers, cooling water, textile, etc.) of Aq Qala industrial park according to the environmental protection agency standards.

Impact of Cassava Processing Mill Effluent on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

The research aims reviewed impact of the Cassava Processing Mill Effluent (CME) on the physco-chemical properties of soils. Collected samples of three chosen areas at the Igbatoro community, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria and labeled as A B C. Soil samples free from cassava mill effluent were likewise gathered from two unique areas marked D and E to serve as control samples at an interval of 15 cm depth from the top. Chemical changes occurred in the soil because of the release of effluent from cassava handling plants; the soil samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory utilizing the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method. The accompanying physical and chemical parameters were investigated; soil texture, soil porosity, particle size, TOC, pH, electrical conductivity, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, K, Ca, and Na. Results were compared with the result obtained from the control site Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Analysis shows that the soil samples with CME exceeds the WHO and FEPA standards. The result shows that the CME has contaminated the soil and made it unsatisfactory for agricultural purposes; this also affected the environment and the soil organic matter. Based on WHO and FEPA standard regulations, these metals exhibit hazardous concentrations. There was no huge expansion in Pb and Cr grouping of CME samples with the control tests. The chemical concentration of CME and its consequences for the soil propose its true capacity as a bio fertilizer particularly for K and Na contents. Findings shows that the effluent has great effect on the surrounding soil, and which leads to soil pollution, remediation should be practice.

Effect of non-engineered municipal solid waste landfills located in the Zagros forest on heavy metals pollution in forest soils and leaf of Brant’s oak (Quercus brantii)

In recent years, many factors such as climate change and drought have changed the Zagros forests in western Iran. Also, unsuitable use of the forest is now threatening the long-term survival of Zagros forests by local natives. The municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal of Ilam city (in the west of Ilam province) is located in the Zagros forests. In this study, the effects of the Ilam landfill on soil and Oak tree (leaf) contamination with heavy metals (HMs) were investigated. 31 points around the landfill (at different distances from the landfill) were considered for sampling, and also 6 points were selected in forest areas that are far away from pollution sources as control areas. The forest soils and oak leaves were randomly collected from the control area and landfill. The soil and tree leaf samples were analyzed for cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, nickel, magnesium, and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Several pollution indices, the Kriging method, and principal component analyses were applied for evaluating the contamination level spatial distribution, and possible sources of heavy metals. The concentrations of chromium, cobalt, and nickel in landfill soils were 531.6, 43.87, and 408.8, respectively, which were 5–10 times higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. The concentrations of chromium and nickel in oak leaves were 2.83 and 5.91, respectively, which are higher than the permissible limit. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in metal soil concentrations between (lead, cobalt, zinc, and copper) the control area and landfill (with was 2 times higher than in the control). Higher values of soil pollution indices were obtained for the landfill sites than for the control sites. The findings of the spatial distribution confirmed that the heavy metals from the landfill significantly affected the soils of the Zagros forest. The presence of heavy metals in soil and leaf samples shows that contamination is due to leachate migration from an open dumping site. Regular monitoring around this non-engineered landfill is required.Graphical abstract

Monsoon Effect on Heavy Metal and Chemical Composition in Parastromateus niger of the Oman Sea: Health Risk Assessment of Fish Consumption.

This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (copper, zinc, and lead) and chemical compositions (fat, protein, moisture, and ash) in the Parastromateus niger muscle of the Oman Sea in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine heavy metal concentrations in fish muscle tissue. Chemical composition contents were measured using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Zinc was the most abundant heavy metal in two seasons (0.077 ± 0.005μg/g), followed by copper (0.033 ± 0.005μg/g) and lead (0.015 ± 0.005μg/g). The mean concentrations of all heavy metals of muscle in pre-monsoon were higher than in post-monsoon. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb were lower than the maximum permissible limits (MPL) of international standards for human consumption established by FAO, FAO/WHO, WHO, and MAFF. The protein and fat content in fish muscle collected in pre-monsoon was higher than in post-monsoon. A significant difference between protein, fat, moisture, and ash values was recorded in two seasons (P < 0.05). The human health risk of heavy metals was evaluated according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of each heavy metal in two seasons was lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI). THQ (target hazard quotient) and TTHQ (total target hazard quotient) values were lower than the threshold limit of 1.0, indicating a non-carcinogenic risk for consumers. TR (target carcinogenic risk) value for Pb was much lower than the unacceptable risk level (10-4); therefore, the consumption of muscles of Parastromateus niger did not significantly pose a human health risk.

Insights into manganese ferrite anchored graphene oxide to remove Cd(II) and U(VI) via batch and semi-batch columns and its potential antibacterial applications

The bioaccumulation, non-biodegradability, and high toxicity of Cd(II) and U(VI) in water is a serious concerns. Manganese ferrite/graphene oxide (GMF) nanocomposites were synthesized, characterized, and used to efficiently remove Cd(II) and U(VI) from an aqueous solution in this study. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, respectively, confirmed the formation of GMF and the adsorptive removal mechanism. The XRD results revealed an amorphous structure when MnFe2O4 was loaded onto the GO surface. XPS results suggest that C = C, C−OorOH, and metal oxides are responsible for the removal of Cd(II) and U(VI) via electrostatic and chemical interaction. According to the Brunauer Emmett and Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization analysis, GMF has a high surface area (117.78 m2/g) and a spherical shape with even distribution. The kinetics data were successfully reproduced by a pseudo-second-order non-linear model indicating the complexity of the sorption mechanism was rate-limiting. The maximum Langmuir uptake ability of GMF for Cd(II) and U(VI) was calculated to be 232.56 mg/g and 201.65 mg/g, respectively. Using external magnetic power, the prepared GMF can easily separate from the aqueous solution and can keep both metal ions under Environmental protection agency standards in water for up to six cycles of re-use of GMF. Finally, the GMF nanocomposite demonstrated significant promise as an adsorbent for removing Cd(II) and U(VI) from actual contaminated water samples. The antibacterial test was expanded to include gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus to better understand GMF's bacterial inhibition efficacy.

Application of nanotechnology to ambient air quality and safety in niger delta, Nigeria

An assessment of the extent of pollutants present in the ambient air in the Niger Delta relative to permissible levels has been reviewed with respect to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Man’s activities such as deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, transportation, oil exploration and exploitation, gas flaring, unlimited usage of pesticides and herbicides, for sustenance in the region have led to the degradation of the ambient air quality drastically. Results of some ambient air quality assessments show that levels of concentrations of carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxide and total particulate matter exceed existing Federal Environmental Protection Agency Standards. These pollutants are a threat to ambient air quality and safety of water, plants, animals and humans. These environmental pollutants are found as mixture in the air and are very difficult to remediate using existing conventional technologies. Overcoming this Promethean Paradigm requires latest technologies that control reactions at the nanoscale using engineered nanomaterials. Nanomaterials having relatively larger surface area per unit mass, utilizes their unique physical and chemical characteristics to combat environment air pollution through pollution prevention, remediation and sensing of pollutants. Therefore using nanotechnology facilitates green manufacturing resulting in cleaner, more efficient industrial processes, improved ability to detect and eliminate pollution thus improving ambient air quality in the Niger Delta. In any case, a comprehensive risk assessment of the safety on human health and environmental impact should be adequately evaluated at all stages of nanotechnology applications.

Prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and risk factors among children living in Patna, Bihar, India 2020.

Childhood lead exposure remains a key health concern for officials worldwide, contributing some 600,000 new cases of intellectually disabled children annually. Most children affected by high exposure to lead live in low- and middle-income countries. The leaded gasoline phase out in India was completed in 2000. Yet, in 2020, an estimated 275 million children aged 0 to 9 years had blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥ 5 μg/dL known to adversely affect intelligence and behavior. Lead sources reported in India include spices, cookware, paint, traditional medicines and cosmetics, and lead-acid battery recycling and repair. However, their relative contribution has not been characterized. More than 200 lead pollution sites related to battery recycling and repair activities were identified in Bihar and Jharkhand, India. Ninety percent of the recycling sites had soil lead concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency's standards. We compared blood and environmental lead levels in two groups of children in Patna, Bihar. Households in proximity to battery recycling operations (Proximal n = 67) versus households distal to these operations (Distal n = 68). The average age of children was 40 months; 46% were female. Overall, the geometric mean (GM) BLL was 11.6 μg/dL. GM BLLs of children in Proximal and Distal households were not significantly different (10.2 μg/dL vs. 13.1 μg/dL respectively; p≤0.07). About 87% children, 56 Proximal and 62 Distal had BLLs ≥5 μg/dl. Lead concentrations in environmental samples were significantly higher in Proximal households (soil mean 9.8 vs. 1.6 μg/ft2; dust mean 52.9 vs. 29.9 μg/ft2 p<0.001; Proximal vs. Distal respectively) whereas concentrations in all spices were higher in Distal households (mean 46.8 vs 134.5 ppm p<0.001; Proximal vs. Distal respectively), and turmeric (mean 59.4 vs. 216.9 ppm Proximal vs. Distal respectively). In multivariate analyses for all children lead in spices and turmeric and number of rooms in the house were significant while for the Proximal group only lead in spices remained in the model. The predictive value of these models was poor. For the Distal group, a model with lead concentration in spices, turmeric and soil and number of rooms in the house was a much better fit. Of the 34 water samples collected, 7 were above the Indian standard of 10 ppb for lead in drinking water (2 in the Proximal area, 5 in the Distal area). Children in Patna, Bihar, India are exposed to multiple sources of lead, with lead levels in house dust and loose, locally sourced spices the most likely to increase blood lead levels. A holistic approach to blood lead testing and source identification and remediation are necessary to prevent lead exposure.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in harvested rainwater in Warri and Agbarho, Nigeria

ABSTRACT. The aim of this research was to provide an overview of current knowledge, by assessing the possible contamination sources of harvested rainwater by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), its effects and possible human health risk assessment. Random sampling technique was used to collect eight rainwater samples from different roofing materials made from (asbestos, zinc, aluminium and thatch) in Warri and Agbarho (AGB). The samples were extracted using a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) system according to the established procedures of United States Environmental Public Agency (USEPA). Under the optimized conditions, the ranges of extraction recoveries and solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up of the PAHs in the harvested rainwater were in the range of 71-90%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the determination of the sixteen priority PAHs in the samples. The total concentration of PAHs for each of the roof types in Warri Refinery Petrochemical Company (WRPC) are: 0.036±0.012, 0.047±0.020, 0.045±0.018 and 0.0023±0.008 ppm for aluminium, zinc, asbestos and thatch roof, respectively. In addition, total concentration of PAHs for each of the roof types in AGB are: 0.046±0.020, 0.024±0.009, 0.023±0.008 and 0.021±0.007 ppm for aluminium, zinc, asbestos and thatch roof. The PAHs analysed exceeded the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA) standards of contamination.&#x0D; &#x0D; KEY WORDS: AGB, GC-MS, Harvested Rainwater, LLE, PAHs, WRPC&#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 779-789. &#x0D; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.5

Assessment of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Agricultural Soils around Kubanni Bridge area, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The level of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined from agricultural soil collected in Kubanni area of Zaria using standard methods. The result mean±SD of the heavy metals in the five study locations; (KP1- KP3) ranges from 4.05±0.18-1.25±0.32 for Lead, 4.43±0.11-0.03±0.01 for Cadmium,4.30±0.14 - 0.13±0.08 for Chromium, 3.32±0.25-1.03±0.13 for copper. And 1.80±0.01- 0.02±0.01 for Zinc. The results of the persistent organic pollutants in the five study locations KP1- KP3 showed the mean range (±SD) concentrations from7.08±0.02-0.13±0.01 (naphthalene), 7.00±0.08 - 0.02±0.01 (anthracene) and 7.31±0.21 - 0.02±0.01 (phenanthrene). There was appreciable number of heavy metals and PAH in the study area even though it was found to be below the permissible level set by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in most of the locations. There is the tendency of these residues from the soil to accumulate into crops grown in the studied area, which can constitute serious health risk.

Biostimulation of anaerobic digested wastewater using magnetic nanoparticles and an external magnetic field for biogas enhancement

AbstractEnergy‐driven wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have become an interesting research focus for environmental and process engineers. To meet the rigorous discharge limit standards imposed by the environmental protection agency (EPA) and South African national standards (SANS), the conventional treatment method has been improved and advanced technologies have been adapted. As such, studies on magnetized anaerobic digestion systems for wastewater treatment with the concept of energy generation have been explored. The present study evaluated the effect of an external magnetic field (MF) on biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests using magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) for wastewater treatment. Two BMP systems were compared, where both systems were dosed with Fe3O4 (MNP) and operated at 35 °C for 10 days. One of the systems (control) was not exposed to the magnetic field while the other system had 3 h of 20 mT magnetic field exposure on daily basis. The system exposed to the magnetic field showed better performance in terms of biogas enhancement and the treatability of the wastewater. About 85% chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater (350 mg.L–1 COD remaining) was degraded by the MF, which resulted in 72% color removal, 210 mL.day–1 biogas produced and 97% methane. On other hand, 75% COD was degraded by the control system, which resulted in 175 mL.day–1 biogas and 94% methane. Exposing the BMP system coupled with MNPs to an external magnetic field was found to be feasible and promising in terms of biogas production and color removal. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd.

Assessment of Bhatiari Lake water quality: Pollution indices, hydrochemical signatures and hydro-statistical analysis

This study aimed at evaluating the water quality of Bhatiari Lake (BL) for the first time based on water quality parameters, pollution indices, hydrochemical signatures and hydro-statistical analysis. Lake water samples were collected from the lake during April–May 2019 and wide ranges of parameters were considered for the investigation. Except for COD and Fe, all the parameters were within the permissible limit. COD crossed Bangladesh standards and testing institution (BSTI) and United States environmental protection agency (USEPA) standards. In contrast, Fe crossed World health organization (WHO), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and USEPA standards. Hydrochemical analysis indicated the water as soft-fresh where near neutral low-metal was noticed from the Ficklin-Caboi diagram. Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3- type water was confirmed from Piper and Chadha diagram, whereas Durov and Schoeller's diagram were indicated the influence of Mg2+-HCO3-. The trend of cations and anions were Ca2+> Mg2+> Na+>K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > NO3− > SO42− > PO43− as stated by pie chart. Most precipitation dominant water was confirmed from the Gibbs diagram. Principal component analysis (PCA), Cluster analysis (CA) and Correlation matrix (CM) indicated the co-existence of geogenic and anthropogenic sources for pollution. Good water quality was observed via an integrated approach namely degree of contamination (Cd), Single-Factor Pollution Index (SPI), Comprehensive pollution index (CPI), Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), Heavy metal pollution index (HPI), Nemerow's pollution index (NPI) and Ecological risk index (ERI). In addition, water quality index (WQI) remarked the water is excellent. Taken collectively, the present study indicates the BL water can be considered pollution-free.