Highest Average Concentration Research Articles

The influence of benzene air pollution on leukemia incidence and mortality rates

Abstract The following study identifies areas where adverse conditions related to benzene pollution are concurrent with leukaemia incidence and mortality (C91–C95). Moreover, it determines the similarities between benzene and leukaemia levels, as well and rules defining their co-occurrence. The analysis covered the period of 2015–2017. Data were obtained from Dane.gov.pl (number of leukaemia cases), the Polish National Cancer Registry website (number of deaths), the Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office (population data) and the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection and the Air Quality Portal (data on air quality). Based on the conducted analysis, it was concluded that the following poviat towns have an unfavourable epidemic situation related to leukaemia: Kielce (incidence), Rzeszów (incidence), Elbląg (mortality); meanwhile, high leukaemia incidence and mortality co-occurred with high average benzene concentration in 2015–2017 in the following poviat towns: Kielce, Rybnik, Płock and Rzeszów. It was found that leukaemias belonging to the three-character ICD-10 categories C94, C95 and C92 show the highest rate of co-occurrence with benzene concentration. In addition, two main rules for the co-occurrence of benzene pollution and leukaemia were identified. It was also noted that it is necessary to continue the research for a longer time period, especially in the poviat towns of Kielce and Rzeszów.

Microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for multi-element determination and location in ceramic tableware

In the present study, the microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) complementary techniques are used to determine and locate metals in ceramic tableware samples. For quantitative analysis by MIP OES, a new method for sample treatment is proposed, preparing the samples using ultrasonic decomposition aided by an acid mixture containing HNO3 and HF. The highest average concentrations were found in the group of Brazilian samples for most of the analytes. The accuracy of the quantitative method was assessed by comparing the results with two methods described in the literature. No significant differences were detected. Aiming at qualitative analysis and analyte locating by LIBS, a sample fragment was already sufficient for the analysis, being possible to observe that Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na and Ti are present in the ceramic mass and decorated surface, while Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn are found only on the sample surface. Besides, according to LIBS results, it would be essential to pay attention to pigmentation, which contains most of the potentially toxic elements, at locations in direct contact with food to minimize the risk of leaching and avoid human contamination. This study shows that MIP OES and LIBS can be used complementarily to improve the analytical information used to control the ceramic tableware quality and safety. The conclusions of this work can be extended to several other types of samples where both the average contents and the location of the elements are relevant.

Elemental Characterization of African Locust Beans (Parkia biglobosa) in Igbope, Oyo State of Nigeria

African locus beans (Parkia biglobosa) tree is a perennial legume tree that grows naturally in Africa and one of the trees the Forest Rangers enforced that farmers must preserve in their farmland because of its usefulness. Parkia biglobosa when fermented can be used to produce Iru and other useful products. This work employed the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) in the determination of major, minor and trace element constituents of leaves, seeds, stem in Parkia biglobosa from Igbope, using a 2.5 MeV proton ion beam analysis (IBA) facility. The samples contain nineteen (19) elements namely; Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, Y and Ba. Calcium has the highest average concentration 17183.2±25.8 ppm in the stem, followed by Sulphur 15361.7±20.0 ppm in the seed. The seed that is locally fermented to produce Iru has a higher concentration of Fe 1266.8±12.3 ppm. The results showed that Parkia biglobosa analysed in this work consist of several micro, major and trace elements of importance to human health. The plant is also free of harmful elements that can be hazardous to human health when consumed or used as herbal medicine.

Potential ecological risk, in-situ phytoextraction potential of Lycopersicon esculentum, and pollution indices of selected toxic metals in Hausawan - Kaba, Kano State, Nigeria

Anthropogenic pollution due to inappropriate treatment of agricultural and industrial waste has been posing an ecological threats worldwide. However, an increasing pressure and demand for sustainability in farming, brought about the use of many hazardous chemicals and industrial wastes, such as the use of tannery sludge as an effective organic manure. This study was initiated as a follow up investigation to assess the potential ecological risk; the level of metal pollution in soil and Lycopersicon esculentum (L. esculentum) and its potentiality for in-situ phytoextraction in Hausawan - Kaba, Kano State, Nigeria. The suspected sludge, soil and plants grown in three different farms; farmland-1, farmland-2, and farmland-3 (control) in the study area were collected. The concentration of Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) were spectrophotometrically detected. In addition, Bioaccumulation Factors (B.F), Pollution Index (P.I), Ecological Risk Index (ERI) and Potential Ecological Risk (PER) index of metals in three different sampling sites were calculated. The results indicated that PER value and concentration of metals in soil from farmland-1 is higher than that of farmland-2 and control site. Cd was observed to be the major contributor of ERI and had the highest average concentration in soil and plant samples. The results also showed that properties of soil such as pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and organic matter content influenced the metal concentrations. Bioaccumulation Factor (B.F) > 1 observed for the plants manifested their phytoremediation potential. Therefore, the study concluded that based on the PER analysis, the study area is a potentially “low ecological risk” environment and the L. esculentum has a great potential to uptake large quantity of Cd, Pb and Cr in its root system; translocate to shoots and can be evidently used as hyperaccumulator for in-situ phytoextraction when cultivated in a soil contaminated with either Cr, Cd and/or Pb.

Spatial characteristics of ecological and health risks of toxic heavy metal pollution from road dust in the Black Sea coast of Turkey

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxic heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) concentrations of dust samples from the Black Sea coastal road in the north of Turkey. The Black Sea coastal road was represented by 50 sampling sites. The highest average concentrations were identified in Ordu for Cd (0.4 mg kg−1), Cu (132 mg kg−1), and Zn (457 mg kg−1), Samsun for Cr (59 mg kg−1) and Ni (46 mg kg−1), and Artvin for Pb (59 mg kg−1). The analysis of the environmental pollution risk levels of heavy metals was evaluated with the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution assessment indexes (CF and NIPI) and pollution load indexes (PLI and PLIzone). The mean values of Igeo were found in the following decreasing order: Zn (1.2) > Cu (0.5) > Cd (0.2) > Pb (−0.4) > Cr (−0.6) = Ni (−0.6). According to pollution assessment indexes (CF and NIPI), and pollution load indexes (PLI and PLIzone), there were relatively high levels of environmental pollution in Samsun, Ordu, and Artvin provinces, compared to other provinces in the study area. Furthermore, it was identified that the significant contribution of the monomial potential ecological risk (Ei) originated from Cu in Rize (57.6%), Artvin (46.6%), Giresun (40.2%), Pb in Trabzon (31.1%), and Cd in Ordu (71.8%) and Samsun (62.6%). The mean potential ecological risk (PER) values of Ordu and Samsun were categorized as considerable risk. The health risks of toxic heavy metals in road dust for adults and children were evaluated in two different categories, as non-carcinogenic (hazard index, HI), and carcinogenic health risks (total cancer risk, TCR), considering the three possible exposure pathways. In the study area, the mean of HI and TCR for children and adults were found in the negligible non-carcinogenic health risk (HI < 1) and the lower cancer risk range (10−6 <TCR ≤ 10−4), respectively.

Determination and evaluation of mercury concentration in fish in the São Francisco River Watershed, Brazil

The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of mercury in 13 species of fish with different eating habits, captured in the Três Marias Reservoir, São Francisco Basin, from March 2012 to April 2013. The results obtained showed that the species with carnivorous eating habit presented the highest average concentrations of mercury in muscle, especially Serrasalmus brandtii (pirambeba) and Pygocentrus piraya (piranha), with concentrations of 0.4147 ± 0.2744 μg g-1 and 0.17774 ± 0.2980 μg g-1, respectively. Considering the average concentrations, all the species studied showed levels of mercury below the maximum limit of 0.5 μg g-1 in non-predatory fish and 1.0 μg g-1 in predatory fish, established by the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Taking each species into account, the minimum and maximum values of mercury in the muscular and hepatic tissues showed a wide dispersion. In 4% of the specimens of pirambeba and 7% of piranha, the contents of mercury in muscle exceeded the limit established by ANVISA for predatory fish, and therefore, were unfit for human consumption. The other species did not present muscle samples with Hg content above that established by law. Due to its carnivorous eating habit and its wide distribution in the São Francisco Basin, Serrasalmus brandtii can be considered a biomonitor, capable of bioaccumulating mercury, thus indicating the level of contamination in the aquatic environment in which it lives.

Transport of geogenic phosphorus to a groundwater-dominated eutrophic lake

The estimation of groundwater-driven lacustrine dissloved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) loading is a challenging task associated with uncertainties related to simplifications used in the empirical and numerical methods. A multi-disciplinary approach can result in a better understanding of a system and therefore the improved estimate of external DIP loading into lakes. Groundwater discharge and DIP loading to a naturally eutrophic lake were estimated using three methods based on field measurements: (1) the lake segment approach, (2) three-dimensional (3D) flow and transport modelling, and (3) integrating mapped water chemistry with the 3D flow model. Field measurements and 3D flow modelling show the groundwater contribution to the lake water budget 75–81%. The in situ measured spatial distribution of the groundwater discharge rate, based on seepage meters and a conservative tracer (Cl−) budget approach, is well reproduced by the 3D flow model. DIP fluxes between the aquifer and the surface water vary between 220 and 351 kg yr−1. The integrated approach is associated with the lowest degree of uncertainty and therefore predicts the spatial distribution of the mass loading into the lake with the highest degree of accuracy. 3D hydrological information is crucial to estimate the magnitude of DIP transport. Despite the high measured and simulated DIP concentration in groundwater beneath gyttja covering the lake bottom, the actual contribution of this area into annual groundwater-driven DIP loading is low due to low groundwater discharge rates. DIP loading is concentrated instead in the narrow littoral high discharge zones. Low release rate of DIP within the old lake bottom (0.14 µg L−1) predicted with the use of the zero-order release term in MT3DMS results in a high average DIP concentration in the groundwater (60 µg L−1) and is one of the major factors responsible for the long-term lake eutrophication.

Seasonal variation of nitrogen biogeochemical processes constrained by nitrate dual isotopes in cascade reservoirs, Southwestern China.

The increase of affected river reaches by reservoirs has drastically disturbed the original hydrological conditions, and subsequently influenced the nutrient biogeochemistry in the aquatic system, particularly in the cascade reservoir system. To understand the seasonal variation of nitrogen (N) behaviors in cascade reservoirs, hydrochemistry and nitrate dual isotopes (δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-) were conducted in a karst watershed (Wujiang River) in southwest China. The results showed that NO3--N accounted for almost 90% of the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) concentration with high average concentration 3.8 ± 0.4 mg/L among four cascade reservoirs. Higher N concentration (4.0 ± 0.8 mg/L) and larger longitudinal variation were observed in summer than in other seasons. The relationship between the variation of NO3--N and dual isotopes in the profiles demonstrated that nitrification was dominated transformation, while assimilation contributed significantly in the epilimnion during spring and summer. The high dissolved oxygen concentration in the present cascade reservoirs system prevented the occurrence of N depletion processes in most of the reservoirs. Denitrification occurred in the oldest reservoir during winter with a rate ranging from 18 to 28%. The long-term record of surface water TDN concentration in reservoirs demonstrated an increase from 2.0 to 3.6 mg/L during the past two decades (~ 0.1 mg/L per year). The seasonal nitrate isotopic signature and continuously increased fertilizer application demonstrated that chemical fertilizer contribution significantly influenced NO3--N concentration in the karst cascade reservoirs. The research highlighted that the notable N increase in karst cascade reservoirs could influence the aquatic health in the region and further investigations were required.

Monitoring and risk assessment of pesticide residue in plant-soil-groundwater systxem about medlar planting in Golmud.

Farm worker and consumers are vulnerable to the potentially toxic pesticides accumulated in the environment and food. Nonetheless, few studies have investigated the pesticide pollution and risk in the medlar planting site at a large scale. Hereupon, this study focused on the pesticide contamination distribution, their potential risk assessment of contaminated sites and dietary. The 11 pesticide pollution sources were collected from the five systems of fruit, leaf, soil, groundwater, and honey based on a systematic review in medlar planting site. Seventy-six samples were analyzed by chromatography technique. Residues of 4 (36.7%) compounds were found in the samples. The most distributed pesticides were imidacloprid for all samples, followed by avermectin for leaf, soil, groundwater, and honey, and carbendazim for leaf, glyphosate for soil, and those with the highest average concentrations were carbendazim (3.8-8.4 mg/kg of leaf) and glyphosate (0.21-1.3 mg/kg of soil). The vertical migration characteristic of imidacloprid was relatively stable, and the residual concentration gradually declined with the increase of burial depth. However, glyphosate tended to accumulate gradually or was close to the surface concentration with the increase of burial depth. The distribution of abamectin had no obvious regularity. Imidacloprid was lower than the MRL in fruit and honey. Imidacloprid, avermectin, and glyphosate no MRL in soil and groundwater are set. Using the monitoring data, potential health risk come from fruit, soil, and groundwater was evaluated. The HI and HQ could be considered safe for pesticide residues in fruit, soil, and groundwater. Even if these results are in general safe to eat, the effects of insecticide on human health, especially on genetic toxicity, have gradually aroused more attention. To minimize the increasing human health risk, this study suggests that authorities must regulate the usage of agrochemicals, to strengthen the controls for effective implementation of the pesticide bans.

Distribution and Speciation of Heavy Metals in Water and Sediments of the Coastal Marine Areas of Tanzania

The present study investigated the concentration and species of heavy metals As, Hg, Cr, Pb and Zn in water and As, Hg, Cr, Pb and Zn in sediments collected along the coastal marine areas of Tanzania so as to determine their behaviour and remobilization potential in the environment and the degree of their availability to edible aquatic biota for monitoring purposes. Sequential extraction revealed the presence of a significant proportion of heavy metals Cr, Pb and Zn bound to available fractions of sediments. Arsenic had the highest concentration in non available residual fractions. PCA analysis found that As-Hg, Cr-Pb were strongly correlated and that the two may be derived from the same source most likely from storm water drainage of waste water discharges, while Zn may have come from the different source like watershed erosion. Further, PCA clearly confirms the same. Generally, Zn among all heavy metals analysed was the most available to aquatic biota due to its higher average concentrations in the acid soluble fraction, followed by chromium. However, high percentages of metal species studied in Tanzania coastal marine areas were found in non available fractions which indicated that the edible aquatic biota was safe for human consumptions.

The influence of agriculture on the chemical composition of aerosols in the coastal zone of the Southern Baltic Sea (Gdynia)

In order to improve soil quality, size, and appearance of plants, various types of fertilizers are used in Poland. They are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. Plants are fertilized before sowing, during germination, and during crop growth. Such agricultural activity can have a negative effect on the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols, which can be transported with air masses far away from the agricultural sources regions. The aim of the research was to estimate the influence of agriculture on the chemical composition of aerosols of various sizes (&lt;0.45 to 10 µm) in the atmosphere of the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea. The samples were collected in Gdynia, from 11/05/2016 to 17/08/2016, only outside traffic hours (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) and only when air masses were transported from over agricultural areas. Aerosols were collected using Tisch Environmental high-flow impactor. The ions (NO3?, PO43-, K+, Ca2+) were determined by Metrohm ion chromatography (881 Compact IC pro). The obtained results allowed us to conclude that the highest mean concentrations of NO3?, K+, Ca2+occurred in aerosols below 0.45 µm in diameter (0.26, 0.04 and 5.85 µg·m-3, respectively). Phosphates showed the highest average concentration (0.191 µg·m-3) in aerosols with a diameter from 1.5 to 3.0 µm. The concentration of calcium and nitrates was the highest in the days when advection from Western Kashubia was dominant. In turn, the highest concentrations of phosphates and potassium occurred on the days when air masses were transported from Vistula ?u?awy. All episodes occurred in the spring when agricultural activity related to fertilizing farmland was the highest and the average wind speed was lower than 5 m·s-1, which indicates local to the regional origin of the analyzed compounds in aerosols.

Sources and Health Risks of Atmospheric Polychlorinated Biphenyls in an Urban/Industrial Areas, Northwest China

A passive air sampler was used to monitor the concentration and contamination profile of 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the atmosphere over the urban and industrial area of Gaolan, a city in northwest China, during the non-heating and heating seasons of 2018, and the sources, pollutant transport, and the health risks of PCB exposure were analyzed and assessed using principle component analysis, trajectory modeling, and inhalation exposure modeling. The atmospheric concentration in the study area ranged from 110.2 to 429.9 pg·m-3, and the highest average concentration was found at the industrial estate. Tetra-PCBs and penta-PCBs were the dominant homologue groups, and the percentage of tetra-PCBs increased in the heating season. Combustion and industrial thermal processes, PCB-containing electrical equipment, and the combined source of volatilization from paint, combustion, and industrial thermal processes were considered to be the main sources, and the source of combustion and industrial thermal processes contributed the largest proportion of PCBs at 40.8%. Largely, the emission of UP-PCBs would significantly influence PCB pollution in the study area. Trajectory analysis results illustrated that PCBs emitted from sources in the study area would be transmitted to Lanzhou City atmospherically; local pollution would be the main source of PCBs contamination in the study area during the non-heating season, while the atmospheric input of PCBs transmitted from the northwest region would be another source during the heating season. Health risk analysis showed that the non-cancer risk of PCBs exposure was low in all age groups; however, lifetime cancer risks exceeded 10-6. PCBs emitted from combustion and industrial thermal processes sources would have a strong impact on resident exposure to PCBs, and adverse health effects would be caused due to long-term inhalation exposure of the inhabitants to PCBs contamination in the study area.

Temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of ozone in Taiyuan City in 2018

To understand the spatial-temporal characteristics of ozone in Taiyuan, the ozone concentration data of Taiyuan National Control Point in 2018 were analyzed. The results show that, in 2018, the data of ozone as the main pollutant in Taiyuan did not exceed the annual average standard. The monthly distribution of ozone was inverted “V” and the highest average concentration appeared in July. The diurnal variation of ozone didn’t show an anti-weekend effect. In terms of spatial distribution, the difference between all the eight points was not obvious.

POOL WATER OVERCHLORINATION IN TIMIS COUNTY, ROMANIA: CASE-STUDY

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study conducted was to investigate residual chlorine concentrations in pool water from Timis County, Romania over two years (2016-2017).&#x0D; MATERIAL OF STUDY consisted of a sample of 50 pools from Timis County from which were collected and analyzed 154 water tests.&#x0D; THE METHOD was an observational inquiry (case-study) of the residual chlorine concentrations considering spatial and temporal distribution and comparing with actual standards (4 groups of residual chlorine concentrations were considered).&#x0D; RESULTS: Average concentrations of residual chlorine exceeded 0,5mg/l in 30 investigated pools. Monthly mean concentrations of residual chlorine exceeded 0.5mg/l 20 of the 24 months of the investigation period. The maximum value of residual chlorine monthly mean concentration was recorded in July, 2017 and the highest average concentration at the pool I3. An Anova Oneway analysis indicated a statistically significant difference (F=30.312, Sig.0.000) between the 4 groups of residual chlorine concentrations: over 1.5 mg/l / (0-0.5mg/l, Sig.000; 0.5-1mg/l, Sig.0.001, 1-1.5mg/l, Sig.0.009).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: There is an over-chlorination of pool water of Timis County, Romania, with spatial and temporal variation and statistically significant differences between groups of residual chlorine concentrations.

A radionuclide outlier identification and correlation analysis on low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste

In this paper, we collected the analysis data of radionuclide concentrations and performed verification analysis on the data integrity and outliers in radioactive waste. These analysis results investigated the correlation between the radionuclide concentration data. As a result of analyzing the characteristics and outliers of the radioactive waste radionuclide data by using the collected original and repackaged drum information, the several generation facilities with high average radionuclide concentrations were identified. As a result of discriminating radioactive concentration outliers by standardizing the values for each nuclide, it was confirmed that the I-129(2.45), Mn-54(2.31) and Nb-94(2.31) nuclides had outliers. Also, it was found that there was a significant interaction of concentration in the middle class of Cs-137 and Tc-99 according to the waste generation facility and middle-class classification. We expect to be able to efficiently manage and dispose the radioactive waste inventory through analyzing the radionuclide related data.

Weather Types Affect Rain Microstructure: Implications for Estimating Rain Rate

Quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) through remote sensing has to take rain microstructure into consideration, because it influences the relationship between radar reflectivity Z and rain intensity R. For this reason, separate equations are used to estimate rain intensity of convective and stratiform rain types. Here, we investigate whether incorporating synoptic scale meteorology could yield further QPE improvements. Depending on large-scale weather types, variability in cloud condensation nuclei and the humidity content may lead to variation in rain microstructure. In a case study for Bavaria, we measured rain microstructure at ten locations with laser-based disdrometers, covering a combined 18,600 h of rain in a period of 36 months. Rain was classified on a temporal scale of one minute into convective and stratiform based on a machine learning model. Large-scale wind direction classes were on a daily scale to represent the synoptic weather types. Significant variations in rain microstructure parameters were evident not only for rain types, but also for wind direction classes. The main contrast was observed between westerly and easterly circulations, with the latter characterized by smaller average size of drops and a higher average concentration. This led to substantial variation in the parameters of the radar rain intensity retrieval equation Z–R. The effect of wind direction on Z–R parameters was more pronounced for stratiform than convective rain types. We conclude that building separate Z–R retrieval equations for regional wind direction classes should improve radar-based QPE, especially for stratiform rain events.

Molecular markers for fungal spores and biogenic SOA over the Antarctic Peninsula: Field measurements and modeling results

Biogenic organic aerosols are important components of atmospheric organic aerosols and play vital roles in atmospheric chemistry, global climate, and biogeochemical cycles of carbon. However, studies on biogenic organic aerosols in the vast regions of the Southern Ocean and over the coastal waters of the Antarctic, especially Antarctic Peninsula, are still extremely limited. To understand the concentrations, molecular composition and seasonality of biogenic organic aerosols in Antarctica, atmospheric aerosols were collected at the Palmer Station on the west Antarctic Peninsula experiencing dramatic climate warming. Molecular marker compounds of fungal spores and secondary organic aerosols formed from the photooxidation of isoprene and monoterpene were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Concentrations of sugar alcohols and biogenic SOA tracers both presented seasonal patterns with higher average concentrations in summer (90.7 and 122 pg m−3) than in winter (8.88 and 57.2 pg m−3). Sugar alcohols and biogenic SOA tracers were predominated by mannitol and isoprene oxidation products. Relative contributions of fungal-spore organic carbon (OC), isoprene-derived secondary OC (SOC) and monoterpene-derived SOC estimated with tracer-based methods were 26.2%, 55.6% and 18.2%, respectively. The observed seasonality of total biogenic SOA and some molecular species at the Antarctic Peninsula was further supported by the results from the global model CESM/IMPACT. Model results also suggest higher biogenic SOA in East Antarctica than that in West Antarctica, which is attributed to the influence of vertical atmospheric circulation. Our results of air-mass trajectory indicate the potential influence of marine emissions on the biogenic organic aerosols over the Antarctic Peninsula.

Spread Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Faecal Indicator Bacteria Contaminating an Urbanized Section of the Brda River

This paper presents the spatio-temporal distribution of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in the river section subject to anthropogenic stress and describes spread patterns of antibiotic resistance in the studied bacterial groups. The analysis involved 58 strains of Escherichia coli and 61 strains of enterococci. Antibiotic resistance profiles were prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The results indicated a correlation between the location of a sampling site and the concentration of faecal bacteria. The highest average concentrations were recorded at the site located in the city centre, where the river is used mainly for recreation. Antibiotic resistance profiles showed that Escherichia coli had 100% sensitivity to tigecycline, levofloxacin and imipenem. The highest percentaage of strains (17%) were resistant to piperacillin. Enterococci were 100% sensitive to levofloxacin. No strains were vancomycin-resistant (VRE). The highest percentage of strains was resistant to imipenem (23%), and the lowest, to ampicillin (2%). The spatio-temporal distribution of antibiotic-resistant strains (ARS) indicated a high concentration of drug-resistant Escherichia coli (47%) in the summer season at the sampling site located in the last part of the river. At the same time, drug resistance in enterococci increased along the river course and was considerably higher in spring. There were no significant relationships between physico-chemical parameters of water and the levels of faecal bacteria. On the other hand, strong relationships were observed between the percentage of strains showing resistance to the applied antibiotics and physico-chemical and biological parameters of water. The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen concentration (r = − 0.9; p < 0.001) and BOD5 (r = − 0.85; p < 0.05). The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of enterococci was most strongly correlated with water pH (r = − 0.92; p < 0.001).

Association of anticardiolipin antibodies, complement and leptin with the severity of coronary artery disease expressed as syntax score.

Chronic inflammation plays a role in all stages of atherosclerosis leading to coronary artery disease (CAD), with elevated inflammatory markers being associated with the worse clinical outcome. The goal of the current study was to examine possible association between pro-inflammatory/pro-coagulant factors; anticardiolipin (aCL) autoantibodies, complement C3, C4 and leptin, and the severity of CAD expressed as SYNTAX score. Patients with symptoms of cardiac ischemia undergoing coronary angiography were recruited, and their blood levels of aCL-IgG, aCL-IgM, complement C3, C4 and leptin were assessed. Their association with the SYNTAX score, calculated based on coronary angiography findings, was analyzed. All patients had aCL antibody titer within the normal range. A significant positive association was found for aCL-IgG and SYNTAX score. Male patients had higher average aCL-IgG concentration and SYNTAX score than female patients. No association was found between SYNTAX score and C3 and C4. On the other hand, leptin was negatively associated with SYNTAX score. Our study demonstrates an association between the extent of CAD and aCL-IgG even in the absence of systemic autoimmune disease and at the aCL-IgG levels that are within the normal range. Also, association of lower leptin levels with more severe CAD suggests that its pro-inflammatory effects might not contribute to the pathogenesis of CAD, and that leptin might even exert protective effects on coronary vasculature.

Contamination, Spatial Distribution and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Surface Soil of Anhui Chaohu Economic Development Zone, China

Anthropogenic activities may result in the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, especially in economic development zones with frequent industrial activities. Therefore, the investigation and assessment of soil heavy metal pollution in economic development zones is one of the important measures for soil environmental management and sustainable development. This study used Nemero evaluation, Kriging interpolation, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis to investigate the contamination degree, spatial distribution, and origin of heavy metal in Anhui Chaohu Economic Development Zone (ACED), Anhui, East China. The result showed that different land use types can cause different levels and types of soil heavy metal pollution. The maximum concentrations of heavy metals in the study area all exceeded their background value but did not exceed the guide values. The highest average concentrations were found in Zn, followed by Cr and Ni. The concentrations of As in soils have the largest coefficient of variation (CV) at 38%. The concentration of heavy metals in different functional areas was varied, the areas with higher Ni, As, Cd, Zn, and Cr concentrations were mainly distributed in Hot Springs Resort (HSR), the relatively higher concentrations of Pb, Hg, and Cu were mainly distributed in Integrated Zone (IZ), while all heavy metal (except for Ni) have relatively higher content in the surface soil of Huashan Industrial Zone (HIZ). Origin analysis showed that soil As, Cd, and Zn in HSR surface soil were predominantly influenced by agricultural activities, while Ni and Cr were mainly controlled by parent material. Pb and Hg in IZ surface soil were predominantly originated from the vehicle and domestic exhaust, and Cu was mainly controlled by industrial pollutants. Industrial activity was the main source of soil heavy metals in HIZ. Although heavy metal in ACED surface soil did not reach pollution levels, the concentration of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Cu was significantly affected by anthropogenic activities, especially in HIZ, which the necessary attention of heavy metals needs to be given.