Household Pollutants Research Articles

Interactions between dietary habits and home environmental exposures on respiratory symptoms in Romanian school children: an analysis of data from the SINPHONIE project.

In this study, we investigated the interactions between household pollutants and dietary habits on children's respiratory health. Our cross-sectional study collected self-reported information including health symptoms (allergy-like, asthma-like, and flu-like symptoms), home characteristics, dietary habits, and demographic information from questionnaires administered to parents of 280 school children in Romania. Unconditional logistic regression and stratified analyses were used to assess the interactions between dietary factors and environmental exposures on health symptoms among children, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and co-exposures. We found that frequency of fruit consumption had significant interaction with residing near heavy traffic on allergy-like symptoms among children (p = 0.036). However, no association was observed by frequency of fruit consumption. Although no significant interaction was observed, we found that students with infrequent fruit consumption and residing near heavy traffic roads had elevated odds of asthma-like (POR 6.37; 95% CI 1.22, 33.29) and flu-like symptoms (POR 3.75; 95% CI 1.12, 11.86) than those who frequently consumed fruits. Likewise, low vegetable consumption was associated with increased asthma-like symptoms (POR 2.93; 95% CI 1.04, 8.24). Increased odds of asthma-like symptoms were observed among school children that resided near heavy traffic roads and frequently consumed milk (POR 2.80; 95% CI 1.24, 6.31) and yoghurt (POR 2.86; 95% CI 1.05, 7.75) compared to those that infrequently consumed dairy. Our findings suggest thatfrequent fruit and vegetable consumption may mitigate the negative effects of exposure to heavy traffic near dwelling on respiratory symptoms in Romanian children.

Mysid (Crustacea: Mysidacea) Distribution in the Bolgoda Estuarine System and Lunawa Lagoon, Sri Lanka

Mysids are one of the most abundant and important fauna in estuarine hyperbenthic communities. They form important links in estuarine food chains and play a critical role in the cycling of energy within estuarine systems. Therefore, it is important to recognize the distribution of estuarine mysids in Sri Lanka. The present study was undertaken in Bolgoda estuarine system and Lunawa lagoon, in order to find out the distribution of mysids in these brackish water systems. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted, in Bolgoda North Lake, Panadura estuary of the Bolgoda estuarine system and the Lunawa lagoon from April 2012 to February 2013. The samples were collected using a hand held dip net, during day time at low tide along an eighty meter transect at the boundary of the estuarine waters. Mesopodopsis zeylanica was the only mysid species observed from the low water areas of the lagoon along the boundary of the stream. In each collection, it was recorded, higher percentages of females than the males. Mysids were recoded only from unpolluted areas and they were absent, where Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) was widespread. The findings of this analysis could be used to establish the fact that boundary condition and polluted condition are having a great effect on presence of mysids. It may be due to their specific niche requirements and specialized habitats. Accordingly, mysids serve as pollution indicator species in estuarine ecosystems. An immediate management strategy is required in protecting the Bolgoda estuarine systems from dumping household pollutants as well as other pollutants and complete elimination of the invader plants like E. crassipes, in order to protect estuarine biodiversity.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENT Volume-6, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2016/17, page: 23-30

Influence of Anthropogenic Pollution on the Abundance Dynamics of Some Freshwater Invertebrates in the Coastal Area of Cameroon

The abundance dynamic of some freshwater invertebrates in relation with the abiotic factors of the medium was studied from March 2013 to March 2014 on the main streams of the Wouri and Sanaga basins. Individuals of Copepoda, Atyidae, Chironomidae and Physidae were collected, identified and counted. Samplings were carried out monthly; meanwhile measurements of the environmental variables were taken. Results of the physico-chemical analyses revealed that water of the Sanaga basin is globally well oxygenated (77%-92%) and faintly mineralized (14-107 µS/cm), excepted in the stations receiving household pollutants. Inversely, in the Wouri basin, waters are hypoxic with high content of organic matters (27.79 ± 9.43 mg/L). During rainy season (June-September), there is a dilution-dispersion of the organic matter due to stormwaters. Concerning biological analyses, the families of Physidae and Chironomidae were more abundant in urban stations than in stations situated in suburban area, especially during low water level period, showing that they are well adapted to anthropogenic and organic pollutions. The hypoxic conditions of urban waterways do not favor the proliferation of sensitive taxa such as Atyidae and Copepoda. These taxa preferred well oxygenated waters with rapid flow, and are more abundant during rainy season in stations located in suburban area or which are less subjected to anthropogenic disturbances.

Toxicological relevance of endocrine disruptors in the Tagus River estuary (Lisbon, Portugal).

The Tagus is the longest Iberian river, notwithstanding, the levels of natural and xenoestrogenic endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) were never measured in its estuary. Suspecting for their presence, we made a major survey of 17 EDCs that include: (i) natural (17β-oestradiol and estrone) and pharmaceutical oestrogens (17α-ethynylestradiol); (ii) industrial and household pollutants (octylphenols, nonylphenols and their mono and diethoxylates, and bisphenol A); (iii) phytoestrogens (biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein); and (iv) the phytosterol (sitosterol). Water samples from the Tagus estuary were taken from nine locations every 2months over a 1-year period and analysed by gas chromatography. Oestrogens, industrial/household pollutants were consistently higher at two sites-at Tagus River mouth and close to the Trancão tributary, both at Lisbon region. The overall oestrogenic load, in ethynylestradiol equivalents, was 13ng/L for oestrogens, 2.3ng/L for industrial/household pollutants and 43ng/L for phytoestrogens; well in the range of toxicological significance. Water physicochemical parameters also indicated anthropogenic pollution, mainly at the two above-referred sampling sites.

Household pollutants detected around Antarctic stations

Australian Antarctic stations are leading chemical management efforts in Antarctica after the discovery that common household pollutants are dispersing from Casey station into the local environment.

Mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera): An Effective Indicator of Water Bodies Conditions in Jordan

In this article, the quality of running and standing water in Jordan is evaluated using mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) as biological indicators species. From March 2011 to April 2013, mayfly larvae were collected, from the study area that covers streams pouring into the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Six species were determined and distinguished from each other including Baetis monnerati, Baetis Sp, Nigrobaetis vuatazi, Cloeon gr simile, Caenis antoninae, Caenis sp. The results of this study showed that the Bestisdes group is commonly associated with Caenidae larvae in running freshwater bodies. Regarding their indicator values, Baetis monnerati as an indicator of clean to moderately polluted water and tolerance to saline water. Baetis Sp occur in clean freshwater but it is so rare that their values indicator in Jordan is low. Caenidae sp can tolerate some household pollutants while Caenis antoninae is a good indicator for standing to slow flowing clean to weakly polluted water. Cloeon gr simile could tolerate salty water and can be considered as a good indicator of unpolluted saline water. Only one species Nigrobaetis vuatazi was found to tolerate mineral water, with high Sr 2+ and Br - concentrations. In Jordan, species of Baetidae family show more tolerance to pollution than Caenidae family. Aquatic mayfly fauna are absent in eutrophic and thermal water bodies. The study concluded that mayfly fauna are qualified bio-indicators for water quality monitoring.

Annual fluctuations of endocrine-disrupting compounds at the lower end of the Lima River, Portugal, and in adjacent coastal waters.

The Lima River is a Spanish–Portuguese water body. Notwithstanding the fact that the river incorporates protected natural areas, levels of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) within its waters have never been measured; such EDCs include the following: natural and pharmaceutical oestrogens (17β-estradiol, E1, and 17α-ethynylestradiol), industrial and household pollutants (4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, and their monoethoxylates and diethoxylates, and bisphenol A), phytoestrogens (formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, genistein), and phytosterols (namely, sitosterol). To obtain an understanding of levels of EDCs, water samples were taken from eight sampling sites along the river every 2 months during a 1-year period (2011). The water samples were preconcentrated (Oasis HLB cartridges), cleaned (silica cartridges), and analysed using gas chromatography. Results showed that levels of oestrogens and industrial and household pollutants were higher in summer than in other seasons. Although oestrogens were more abundant (approximately 40 ng/L) on the southern margin of the river, levels of other pollutants were higher (approximately 124 ng/L) in the north. Phytoestrogens and sitosterol showed clear seasonal fluctuations with higher amounts of formononetin (approximately 389 ng/L), biochanin A (approximately 160 ng/L), and sitosterol (≥5 µg/L) measured in summer. The overall oestrogenic load, expressed in ethynylestradiol equivalents, was 18 ng/L for oestrogens, 0.5 ng/L for industrial and household pollutants, and 13 ng/L for phytoestrogens. Water physicochemical parameters indicate anthropogenic pollution because Σnitrites,nitrates (>1 mg/L) and phosphates (approximately 0.4 mg/L) were high. The study showed that the waters of the Lima River are subject to impacts and that levels of EDCs pose risks to the river’s biota.

The association of household pollutants and socio-economic risk factors with the short-term outcome of acute lower respiratory infections in hospitalized pre-school Nigerian children.

In a 9-month study of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), the short-term prognostic implications of socio-economic and household risk factors were examined in 103 hospitalized pre-school Nigerian children. Seventy-nine (77%) subjects were potentially exposed to the combustion products of kerosene stoves, 16 (16%) to wood smoke and five (5%) to the products of cooking gas combustion. Only 17 subjects (17%) were exposed to household cigarette smoke. A highly significant association (p < 0.005) was shown between household cooking fuel and the outcome of hospitalization: five (63%) of the eight who died were potentially exposed to wood smoke. The duration of hospitalization was only significantly associated with paternal income (p < 0.05). None of the other domestic risk factors was significantly related to outcome or duration of admission. These findings suggest an association between an adverse outcome of ALRI and domestic exposure to wood smoke. While the hospital-based source will not allow definite conclusions, the present findings underscore the need for community-based studies. The implications for future strategies of ARI control are discussed, with suggestions.

Effects of Changes in Water Use on Rural Landscape Integrity: Tortum Lake Watershed, Turkey

The effects of changes in water use of Tortum Lake watershed were studied. This study investigates the effects of changes in water use culture, and its reflection on landscape during the last 35 years time period. In the last 35 years of time period, factors which caused the changes in type of water use can be discussed and determined under four subjects, which are; (1) fountains constructed built in Tortum Lake watershed by General Directorate of Rural Services (KHGM) in 1975 (2) facilitating the transportation which increased the urban integration, widespread communication, establishing the drinking and usable water systems, (3) changes in water use of traditional agriculture system and establishment of trout production facilities, and (4) establishment of high plateau roads and spreading the recreational activities. From this study, evident changes in (1) structure of cultural and rural landscape (2) sort of traditional architecture (3) type of household water use, were observed. It was found that water resources are contaminated with household pollutants. Key words: Water use culture; rural landscape; Tortum Lake watershed. DOI: 10.3329/jard.v7i1.4434 J Agric Rural Dev 7(1&amp;2), 139-144, June 2009