Indicators Of Environmental Pollution Research Articles

Analysis of Indicators of the Electrical Power Production Enterprises’ Pollution and Harm Risk Degree in Terms of the Paris Agreement

Abstract In the current decade, electricity consumption will increase by more than 16%. The main resources for electricity generation are oil – 2.53%; gas – 22.9%; coal – 35.98%; nuclear industry – 9.84%; hydraulic power regeneration – 15.01%; renewable sources – 12.85%; other – 0.89%. This causes global warming of the planet due to greenhouse gases increased emissions into the atmosphere. A resource capable to cover the thermal energy field’s balance is the nuclear energy. To compare the resources’ polluting capacity, it is necessary to introduce a general indicator that takes into account their properties. This study proposes an integrated approach based on the formation of groups of indicators reflecting greenhouse gas emissions; power consumption; economic activity, air quality, etc. For comparison needs, all indicators are normalized in dimensionless form and compiled with reference to their specific weight. Calculations of the pollution index for fossil resources and nuclear energy, carried out using this algorithm proved that the nuclear power, with a careful consideration of all possible polluting radionuclides (11 components), exceeds this indicator for gas by 22%, but is lower than ciphers for coal and oil by 36 and 26%, respectively. For two latters only 3 specific components being taken into account. Therefore, it seems advisable to use the considered complex indicator of environmental pollution to assess the resource safety level for electricity generation.

Biomagnetic Monitoring of Urban Pollution: The Case of Aburrá Valley, Colombia

This study aims to identify the most polluted areas and sites using the magnetic signal of ornamental plant leaves as an indicator of environmental pollution. Systematic sampling was conducted with 98 sampling sites described according to urban land use, such as road hierarchy and road surface, soil group, collected plant species, and municipality. The magnetic parameters analyzed were low- and high-frequency magnetic susceptibility and the isothermal remanent magnetization acquisition curves in order to calculate the magnetic enhancement factor. For the analysis of variance, a Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to compare urban land uses. Subsequently, the magnetic enhancement factor in dust and surface soil was used to prepare maps of environmental pollution for each urban area. Analyses of the different magnetic parameters of the dust deposited on leaves show that low-coercivity ferrimagnetic minerals dominated the magnetic signal, probably magnetite of anthropic origin, and were closely linked to vehicular traffic and, to a lesser extent, industrial activities.

The synergy of renewable energy consumption, green technology, and environmental quality: Designing sustainable development goals policies

AbstractGreen technology (GT) and the utilization of renewable energy (RE) are widely acknowledged as a catalyst for energy efficiency, economic growth, and a tool for combating environmental degradation. Although various studies have examined the ecological repercussions of these two improvements, they have primarily used traditional pollution indicators (namely, carbon emissions and ecological footprint) and ignored nations with the highest cleaner energy adoption. To bridge this gap, the present research seeks to analyze the relationship between GT, RE consumption, economic growth, trade, and load capacity factor in the top‐10 renewable economies. In addition to environmental pollution indicators, the study utilizes the load capacity factor as a novel proxy for environmental quality and investigates the load capacity curve hypothesis using the Cross‐sectional‐autoregressive distributed lag model from 1990 to 2021. According to the empirical findings, all explanatory variables have a significant long‐term effect on the load capacity. More precisely, GT and RE consumption contribute to the sustainability of the ecosystem, while trade increases the ecological deficit. Furthermore, the findings do not support the validity of the load capacity curve hypothesis, implying that the environmental restorative benefits of economic well‐being may not manifest in the latter stages of economic growth. Given these findings, policymakers in the top‐10 renewable economies should seize the environmental prospects offered by GT and RE and update trade and growth policies in a way that promotes biocapacity while simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint to reach the long‐term sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 7 and 13.

Концентрация химических элементов в хвое Larix gmelinii и листьях Betula pendula

In the Trans-Baikal Territory, mining enterprises significantly pollute the environment with chemical elements. In these conditions, monitoring the state of the environment, including with the help of indicator plants, is of great importance. Among the woody plants, Gmelin larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) are the most common in the region. Using the example of the Bystrinskoe Cu–Au–Fe skarnporphyry deposit, the concentrarion of 46 chemical elements in the needles of Gmelin larch and the leaves of silver birch, as well as the content of these elements in the soil, has been studied. The aim of the study is to identify plant species differences in the accumulation of elements and the prospect for using plants as indicators of environmental pollution. Scientific work has been carried out on 11 sample plots in natural plant communities near the enterprise’s facilities in August 2022. Soil and plant samples have been collected at the same time, at the same sites. The chemical analysis of the samples has been carried out using the “Methodology for measuring the metal content in solid objects by inductively coupled spectrometry” (FER 16.1:2.3:3.11–98). Differences in the concentration of elements in plants in relation to the clarke of terrestrial plants have been established. A statictically significant higher concentration of K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Ba, Zn, Na, Rb, Ni, Co, Ga, Sn, Y, Zr, Cd and Nb has been found in birch leaves compared to larch needles, and, conversely, a higher concentration of Sc, W and Hg – in larch needles than in birch leaves. Significant differences between plants have been established in the biological absorption coefficient of Se, P, Sn, Ca, Mn, Sr, Cd, Mg, K, W, Ni, Zn, Sc, Rb, Na and Nb. Knowledge about the peculiarities of accumulation of chemical elements in plant organs can be used for biomonitoring environmental pollution and, possibly, for phytoremediation of contaminated soils.

Changes in global trade patterns increase global inequality towards Sustainable Development Goals

Reaching the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs) is influenced by a country's position in global value chains and its involvement in international trade. Here, we assess how changes in global trade patterns (CGTP) during 2004 and 2014 impacted 13 SDG indicators in 141 countries/regions which are further divided into four income groups. Trade pattern is characterized by the direction, composition, and magnitude of trade, indicating an economy imports what types (composition) and magnitudes of goods or services from where (direction). We find that CGTP aggravated socioeconomic and environmental inequality between countries in two ways: 1) the amount of indicators that significantly worsened due to CGTP decreased from 8 indicators (2004–2007) to 1 (2011–2014) for high-income and upper-middle-income countries, but increased from 5 to 14 for lower-middle-income and low-income countries; 2) CGTP led to a coupling of value added with most natural resource consumption and environmental pollution indicators for low-income countries, while they strengthened decoupling or reducing coupling for other countries. The findings imply one key to achieving SDGs is to address the inequality between rich and poor countries through implementing policy interventions that influence import and vertical supply chain thereby shifting the trade patterns towards environmental-economic decoupling in poor countries.

Relationship Between Financial Development and Carbon Emissions: Empirical Evidence from Türkiye with Fractional Frequency Fourier Approaches

Abstract This study empirically analyzes the relationship between carbon emissions, one of the most important indicators of environmental pollution, and financial development. Using data from Türkiye for the period 1995-2019, the fractional frequency Fourier ADL cointegration method -previously unused in similar studies- is employed for the analysis. The results, which also account for economic growth, demonstrate a cointegration relationship between the variables. Additionally, the FMOLS method is utilized for model estimation, concluding that financial development and growth lead to increased carbon emissions. The study suggests that loans provided to the financial sector should be directed towards technological investments that reduce carbon emissions

Evaluating the Stages of Environmental Pollution and Vital Indicators in the Qayyarah Refinery Area, Mosul, Iraq

Oil spills can have varying degrees of impact on the aquatic environment depending on factors such as the type of oil spilled, the volume released, and the ecosystem affected because crude oil and refined petroleum contain harmful substances such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals. When released into the water, these substances can have immediate and long-term effects on marine life. This research aims to find the factors affecting the degree of pollution from oil spills on the aquatic environment and the areas adjacent to the Qayyarah refinery in northern Iraq. Combines the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and the analytical hierarchy process to evaluate the degree of pollution from oil spill incidents in the areas adjacent to the refinery. The statistical analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences and that the value of the correlation coefficient was positive between exchanged cadmium, residual cadmium, exchanged lead, where the lead exchange rate ranged correlation coefficient at a minimum R² 0.674 and a clear increase in the number of bacteria indicating contamination the total number of bacteria coli, fecal coliform bacteria, and fecal strep bacteria (where the numbers of coliform bacteria ranged 102 × 102- (cells/011 mL, and fecal coliform bacteria were between 160 × 102 cells/011 mL. These rates are environmental and vital indicators of the presence of significant levels of organic pollution and evidence of the presence of microorganisms dangerous to the health of residents and living organisms.

Spectral Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter in Sediments from Yuanhe River Basin

Dissolved organic matter （DOM） plays an important role in indicating the pollution of the water environment, and sediment is the main source of endogenous pollution of the water environment. Research on the spectral characteristics of DOM in sediments was important for the interpretation of water environment pollution. In this study, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy combined with the parallel factor analysis （PARAFAC） were used to analyze the fluorescent components, sources, and influencing factors of DOM in sediments from the Yuanhe River Basin. The results showed that the average of ω（TN）, ω（TP）, and ω（OM） in sediments from the Yuanhe River Basin were 0.52, 0.66, and 21.22 g·kg-1, respectively. The concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus increased along the flow direction. In addition, the sediment DOM from the Yuanhe River Basin mainly originated from terrestrial sources. The chromophoric DOM concentration and aromaticity of DOM from the downstream reaches were significantly higher than those from the upstream and midstream reaches. Based on PARAFAC, four fluorescent components of DOM in sediments from the Yuanhe River Basin were identified, including three humus-like components （C1, C3, and C4） and one protein-like component （C2）. The sediment DOM was dominated by humus-like materials. Moreover, the fluorescent intensity of the fluorescent components was higher in the downstream reaches. Redundancy analysis revealed that the physicochemical properties of sediments in the mainstream and downstream reaches played a more significant role in the spectral properties of DOM. Phosphorus pollution and the terrestrial humus-like substance of sediment DOM were homologous. These results indicated that the spectral properties of DOM were the indicator of water environmental pollution in the region with strong anthropogenic influence.

Особливості діагностики та лікування жінок з синдромом полікістозних яєчників в умовах підвищеного рівня експонування нікелем

Abstract. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) refers to endocrinopathies that women of reproductive age could have. These disorders can be caused by both endogenous (endocrine disorders, chronic infections, stress, etc.) and exogenous factors (environmental, smoking, etc.). Aim. Determination of serum nickel values in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and investigation of the mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of nickel on the reproductive system. Explore potential sources of nickel exposure and develop recommendations for the prevention and treatment of PCOS caused by increased levels of nickel exposure. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted on the bases of State Institution “O.M. Lukianova Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of NAMS of Ukraine” 52 women who were diagnosed with PCOS were selected for the study. The control group consisted of 38 women of reproductive age without reproductive system pathology. Determination of serum nickel values in women with PCOS was performed using a Bruker MS 820 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (Australia) using special ICP-MS Expert software. The study of indicators of environmental pollution with nickel was carried out by processing data published in open sources of information. Results. Women with PCOS showed elevated serum nickel values (median ‒ 0.036 mg/l, 95-percentile ‒ 0.194 mg/l), which significantly exceeded the control group (median ‒ 0.001 mg/l, 95-percentile ‒ 0.097 mg/l, p=0.0012). The study of exposure possible sources showed that elevated levels of nickel were found in drinking water from surface water sources. Contamination of surface waters and soils used in agriculture was also detected. The authors propose a set of measures for the prevention and treatment of complications caused by nickel exposure. Conclusions. Nickel exposure occurs mainly by alimentary and inhalation. When exposed to nickel, there is a violation of the function of the endocrine system, activation of inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. In women with PCOS with an increased level of nickel exposure, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures aimed at reducing the level of exposure, accelerating nickel excretion and treating complications that have occurred. Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome, nickel, exposure, principles of prevention and treatment.

STUDY OF THE SAFETY OF GRAIN POST-ALCOHOLIC GRAIN

Introduction. When producing alcohol, only the starch is extracted from the grain; the remainder of the grain containing various biologically active substances (BAS): proteins and amino acids, reducing substances, uronides, flavonoids, lipids, vitamins and provitamins, with added enzymes is called post-alcohol grain grains, its volume is 12-13 times greater than the volume of alcohol and practically not used. To substantiate the prospects for the pharmaceutical use of grains, two areas of processing have been proposed: to obtain total biologically active substances (“Biobardins”) and in-dividual betaine hydrochlorides with different pharmacological properties. The assumption that the cause of grains spoilage is labile biologically active substances, the isolation of which will determine the stability of grains, requires experimental confirmation. The purpose of the work is to study the chemical and microbiological safety of grains (wheat, corn, barley, millet) before and after its processing (after obtaining Biobardins and betaines). Material and methods. The object of the study is various types of grain grounds (wheat, corn, barley, millet) produced in 2021–2022 by distilleries in the Stavropol Territory. We studied the chemical safety of industrial waste according to the integral and most informative indicator of anthropogenic environmental pollution - the indicator “chemical oxygen consumption” (COC), determined by dichromatometry. Microbiological quality control of grain grounds was carried out in accordance with the requirements of general pharmacopoeial monograph GPM.1.2.4.0002.18 “Microbiological purity” of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XIV. Results. The indicator of “chemical oxygen consumption” (COC), which characterizes the chemical safety of waste and determined by dichromatome-try, decreased by 4.1 times (by 75.6%) when obtaining Biobardinov from stillage (from 54503 to 13205 mg O/l), and when obtaining betaines - 3.5 times (by 71.4%) (from 54503 to 15490 mg O/l). In both options, the recycled grains corresponds to non-hazardous industrial waste. According to the results of specific qualitative reactions, the processed grains contains no biologically active substances characteristic of the original grains: proteins and amino acids, reducing sugars, uronides. Microbiological control of the processed grains also confirmed its microbiological safety in terms of the content of aerobic bacteria, enterobacteria, fungi and the absence of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella. Conclusion. Thus, the use of various types of post-alcohol grain grains as pharmaceutical raw materials for the production of total and individual medicines made it possible to solve 2 problems: to use grains as a medicinal raw material and to reduce the technogenic impact of grains on the en-vironment.

Decabromodifenyl Ether (BDE-209) in Surface Soils from Warsaw and Surrounding Areas: Characterization of Non-Carcinogenic Risk Associated with Oral and Dermal Exposure.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used for many years as flame retardants. Due to their physicochemical and toxicological properties, they are considered to be persistent organic pollutants (POPs). BDE-209 is the main component of deca-BDE, the one PBDE commercial mixture currently approved for use in the European Union. The aim of this study was to analyse BDE-209 in surface soil samples from Warsaw and surrounding areas (Poland) as an indicator of environmental pollution with PBDEs, and to characterise the associated health risk. A total of 40 samples were analysed using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-µECD). Concentrations of BDE-209 in soil ranged from 0.4 ng g-1 d.w. (limit of quantification) to 158 ng g-1 d.w. Overall, 52.5% of results were above the method's limit of quantification. The highest levels were found at several locations with heavy traffic and in the vicinity of a CHP plant in the city. The lowest concentrations were observed in most of the samples collected from low industrialized or green areas (<0.4 to 1.68 ng g-1 d.w.). Exposure to BDE-209 was estimated for one of the most sensitive populations, i.e., young children. The following exposure routes were selected: oral and dermal. No risk was found to young children's health.

A Comprehensive Machine and Deep Learning Approach for Aerosol Optical Depth Forecasting: New Evidence from the Arabian Peninsula

AbstractAccurate forecasting of environmental pollution indicators holds significant importance in diverse fields, including climate modeling, environmental monitoring, and public health. In this study, we investigate a wide range of machine learning and deep learning models to enhance Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) predictions for the Arabian Peninsula (AP) region, one of the world’s main dust source regions. Additionally, we explore the impact of feature extraction and their different types on the forecasting performance of each of the proposed models. Preprocessing of the data involves inputting missing values, data deseasonalization, and data normalization. Subsequently, hyperparameter optimization is performed on each model using grid search. The empirical results of the basic, hybrid and combined models revealed that the convolutional long short-term memory and Bayesian ridge models significantly outperformed the other basic models. Moreover, for the combined models, specifically the weighted averaging scheme, exhibit remarkable predictive accuracy, outperforming individual models and demonstrating superior performance in longer-term forecasts. Our findings emphasize the efficacy of combining distinct models and highlight the potential of the convolutional long short-term memory and Bayesian ridge models for univariate time series forecasting, particularly in the context of AOD predictions. These accurate daily forecasts bear practical implications for policymakers in various areas such as tourism, transportation, and public health, enabling better planning and resource allocation.

Biochemistry biomarkers and metal levels as indicators of environmental pollution in Danio rerio exposed to the Sorocaba River (S.P.), Brazil.

Metal contamination of the environment poses a significant threat to human health and can cause significant damage to aquatic ecosystems. Danio rerio was exposed to Sorocaba River water for 96 h from two different sites in summer (S) and winter (W). Concentrations of Al, Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn were determined in the exposure water and in sediment. At the end of the exposure, the concentrations of Al, Cu and Mn at the Ibiúna point (P1) and Mn at the Itupararanga point (P2) decreased compared to the initial concentrations in the water. In summer and winter, the highest concentrations of Cu and Mn were found in the sediment. Exposure to the Sorocaba River water caused various responses both in summer and winter. For example, GPx decreased in winter, Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) increased in summer, and Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) decreased in both seasons in the viscera. In winter, SOD Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) increased, while GPx and GST (winter) decreased in muscle; regarding viscera carbonyl proteins, there was an increase in the summer at P2. Acetylcholinesterase activity decreased in the brain in winter at P2 and NOS decreased in the summer-exposed groups and increased in the winter P2-exposed group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) decreased in viscera (S, P1) and increased in muscle (S, P1 and P2). The glucose and triglycerides increased in muscle, both in summer and winter. Correlation analysis revealed associations between biomarkers from different organs. These alterations suggest that the fish experienced oxidative stress in response to exposure to the Sorocaba River, contaminated with metals, highlighting their vulnerability to environmental pollutants.

Organic eggs as an indirect indicator of agricultural environmental pollution – preliminary research

This study aimed to analyse the heavy metal content in eggs and feeding stuffs dedicated to organically reared birds as an indirect indicator of agricultural environment pollution. The material consisted of 180 table eggs, from caged hens and two organic farms (OF) with different locations. Feed samples were also collected. The samples were mineralised and the content of Ca, Na Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Cu (in yolks) and Pb, Cd, As, Cr (in yolks and feed) was determined. The home-produced feed mixtures contained higher doses of heavy metals (HM) compared to their commercial equivalents. Although no high levels of HM contamination were found in the feed compounds, their content in the eggs was significantly higher than in the feed. Also, depending on the region of the study, metal concentration levels can vary significantly. Due to the area-limited nature of poultry production sites, eggs obtained in specific areas can serve as an indirect and non-invasive bioindicator of environmental HM pollution. The analyse of correlations between particular elements allows to assess the impact and extent of pollutant emitters and to model the areas designated for OF to ensure that the produced food is as safe as possible.

Комплексная оценка экологического состояния участка трансграничной реки Нарвы

A comprehensive study of the ecological state on the transboundary Narva River (Russia –Estonia border) downstream of Ivangorod, Kingisepp District, Leningrad Region, was carried out. It included the determination of chemical indicators of pollution of the natural river water, with an emphasis on some heavy metals content in water, sediments and soft tissues of local filter-feeding mollusks; the latter were used as bioindicators of river pollution in this location. Zn was determined in maximum concentrations in bottom sediments, then Cu, to a lesser extent Pb, Cd and Ni. The coefficient of metal bioconcentration calculated in soft tissues of mollusks showed maximum for Zn and Cu, to a lesser extent for Pb, Cd and minimum for Ni. However, such values have no negative effect on local biota as shown by physiological testing of bivalves from study site. The functional assessment of bivalves by non-invasive cardiac rhythm recording made it possible to characterize their functional status and adaptive capabilities as good. The relative abundance of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria in the digestive tract of mollusks from the Narva River has been determined as an indicator of environmental pollution by oil products. It was noted that the number of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria does not exceed the values characteristic of the reference waters of the Eastern Gulf of Finland. Based on the totality of the studies, it was concluded that the river waters in the studied location can be characterized as slightly polluted and its ecological status as of a good quality.

DETECTION OF SOME ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN LARGE AFRICAN SNAILS FROM OJE MARKET, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Snails (Mollusca: Achatinadae) are crucial fauna species on earth that serve the functions of food and biological indicators of environmental pollution. Numerous chemical discharges from agricultural applications of pesticides and industrial outlets could destroy human body parts and deplete the environment. This study assessed the occurrence of some organochlorine pesticides in giant African snails from Oje Market, Ibadan, Nigeria. Aldrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and heptachlor epoxide levels were measured in snails taken at random from thirty (30) sample points in the Oje market in Ibadan. Snails were weighed, labeled, and then divided into three groups of ten (10). The forte extraction method was used, and gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC/ECD) was used to analyze the various pesticide types in the snail sample. The mean concentration of heptachlor epoxide is 41.65 mg/kg, higher than aldrin and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (9.44 mg/kg and 4.17 mg/kg, respectively). The concentrations of pesticides range from 4.27 mg/kg - 21.77 mg/kg for aldrin, 2.80 mg/kg to 6.92 mg/kg for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and 22.87 mg/kg to 75.15 mg/kg for heptachlor epoxide. The Pearson correlation coefficient between Aldrin and DDT is 0.939, while that of Aldrin and Heptachlor epoxide is 0.945, and that of Heptachlor epoxide and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is 0.981. The analysis revealed a solid positive correlation between the concentration of pesticides. The pesticide levels observed in the snail samples exceeded those of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Therefore, snails' consumption should be monitored to avoid toxicity in humans.

Assessment of Hydro-Geochemical Indices of Periyar River in Eloor Industrial Belt (Kerala), India to Identify Potential Environmental Impacts

The study investigated the role of hydrogeochemical parameters that act as indicators of environmental pollution in industrial areas of Periyar River, Kerala India. A total of 20 water/sediment samples collected along the industrial stretch of Eloor-Vypin area during the premonsoon season of the year 2020. Among the hydrochemical parameters, extent of pollution was imparted by the assessment of nutrients and heavy metals concentration. The micro nutrients such as silicate (640-3440μg/L), ammonia (4.42-894.2μg/L), phosphate (28.65-132.41μg/L), nitrite (3.12-30.14μg/L), and nitrate (50.13-851.97μg/L) were found to have higher enrichment at locations near the industrial areas of the study. The identified heavy metals, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Th having concentrations ranging from 1.0-152.4, 1.2-49.2, 1.2-31.7, 3.0-26.2, 1.1-13.3, 0.1-3.2μg/L, respectively. Various pollution indices suggest that the sediments having low to moderate level heavy metal contamination. The conditions may be worsen in the future if the industrial activities are continued in an unregulated manner. Keywords: Industrial Pollution; Heavy Metals; WQI; Hydrochemical Studies; Contamination Factor

Study of current benthic foraminifera as environmental bioindicators in the mediterranean coasts, northwest Morocco

In this project, we introduce a novel methodology for analysing the environmental conditions in the coastal area of Martil (Tétouan, Morocco) using benthic foraminifera as bio-indicators of marine ecological status. Benthic foraminifera have emerged as reliable indicators of environmental pollution, Their sensitivity to environmental changes, wide geographic presence, and short life cycle make them ideal for indicating the ecological status. Our study focused on the Mediterranean coastal region, along a radial perpendicular to the coast, at different depths, at the mouth of the Martil River, in addition to a control sample collected in the Azla region at a depth of 25 meters. Abiotic parameters like pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured on-site, complemented by detailed sedimentary analyses in the laboratory. A meticulous protocol was followed for the study of microfauna, particularly benthic foraminifera, involving washing, extraction, sorting, species identification, statistical counting, and microscopic imaging. Utilizing CA and AHC analyses, we identified factors influencing benthic foraminifera distribution, such as sediment depth and grain size variations. Specific indices derived from foraminifera data allowed us to assess stress levels accurately. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into evaluating the ecological health of Morocco's coastal marine ecosystems, paving the way for informed conservation efforts and sustainable management practices.

Blood and hoof biodistibution of some trace element (Lithium, Copper, Zinc, Strontium and, Lead) in horse from two different areas of Sicily

Background and purposeBiological monitoring of trace element horses is a well-known tool for investigating potential bioaccumulation in urbanized and industrialized geographical areas. Some biomaterials such as hoof are considered as an important indicator of environmental pollution. Hooves can store trace elements for a long time compared to blood and this represents a scientific key to long-term monitoring of exposure to environmental pollutants. In the present study, samples of equine hoof and blood were taken from an experimental group of horses living in an industrialized area of Sicily (Italy) and from a control group of horses housed in a non-industrialized area of Sicily to evaluate the bioaccumulation of different trace elements in different substrates. MethodsHoof and blood mineral concentration of Li- Lithium, Cu- Copper, Zn- Zinc, Sr- Strontium and, Pb- Lead was processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP–MS spectrometer. Student T-test was applied to evaluate the differences between groups and substrates. Correlation analysis between substrates and hematological parameters was performed. ResultsStatistical analysis showed a significant statistical difference for Li (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between blood and hoof in both groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for Li (p < 0.0001), Cu(p < 0.01), Zn (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between substrates in the experimental group. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference of blood Zn (p < 0.01) and hoof Pb (p < 0.01) concentration between groups. Our results revealed a statistically higher concentration of minerals in the blood substrate than in the hoof in both groups. Li (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.001) were positively correlated between control and experimental group in blood substrate. No correlations were found (P > .05) in hoof between groups for other elements. A positive correlation with WBC was observed in Cu concentration for hoof substrate (p < 0.02) in control group and for Zn in experimental group (p < 0.02). A positive correlation with HGB and HCT was observed for Cu hoof concentration (p < 0.02) in experimental group and PLT resulted positively correlated (p < 0.02) with Pb blood substrate in control group. ConclusionsHorses were not overexposed to these elements in the analyzed groups. The study highlights the role of a new bioaccumulation substrate such as the horse hoof identified as an analytical matrix for the monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in domestic animals.

Perchlorate in honey from China: Levels, pollution characteristics and health risk assessment

The release and accumulation of perchlorate into the environment have raised concerns about safety to food, however, the dietary risk of perchlorate in honey have not yet received attention. Herein, we investigated the pollution characteristics and assessed the human health risks of perchlorate in honey from China. A total of 151 honey samples collected from 20 provinces of China were analyzed, and overall detection frequencies was 95.4 %. The levels of perchlorate ranged from below limit of quantitation to 612 μg/kg, with a mean value of 34.5 μg/kg. Lychee honey samples had the highest mean perchlorate concentration (163 μg/kg). The mean concentration of perchlorate in the honey samples produced in South China was significantly higher than that in honey from Southwest China, East China and North China (P < 0.05). The health risk assessment showed that mean hazard quotient (HQ) values of different honey for children (ranged from 0.0108 to 0.400) and adults (ranged from 0.0123 to 0.453) were less than 1. This result indicated that mean pollution levels of perchlorate in various honey were unlikely to pose health risk. However, perchlorate concentrations in two lychee honey samples had associated HQ values were >1, suggesting potential health risks. This work not only offers valuable information for honey consumer, but also important reference for comparison of honey samples in the future. Environmental implicationPerchlorate contamination has become a hot environmental issue in connection with human health due to its potential thyroid toxicity and widespread occurrence in environment and foods. Honey not only was widely beloved by consumers worldwide but also considered a potential indicator of environmental pollution. Here, a national investigation and risk assessment of perchlorate levels in different types of honey from China was conducted. The results describe the perchlorate contamination were extensive in honey samples, mean levels of perchlorate in various honey were unlikely to cause health risks. However, significantly high level of contamination in lychee honey should be of concern.