Priority Pollutant List Research Articles

Protection of Eggplant Seed Germination from the Inhibitory Effect of o-Cresol by Bioaugmentation of Soil with Pseudomonas monteilii Strain

Bulk production and widespread end use of cresol isomers in various industrial processes result in their ubiquitous presence in the environment. Cresols are highly toxic to both fauna and flora and are included in the list of priority pollutants. This study presents the effect of o-cresol on germination of 10 different vegetable crop seeds as tested by the standard Filter Paper Method. The seeds of eggplant and long-podded cowpea were found to be highly sensitive. The most sensitive eggplant seeds were subjected to further studies in soil. Germination percentage and the seedling vigor were drastically reduced in the presence of o-cresol even at a concentration as low as 50 mg kg−1 soil. A number of abnormalities in the seedlings such as stunted root and shoot growth, non-emergence of primary leaves, and negative geotropic growth were observed. Standard 2, 3, 5-tetrazoliumtrichloride test showed marked reduction in the viability of eggplant seeds proportionate to the concentration of o-cresol (0 through 200 mg L−1) they were exposed to, which reached zero at 175 mg o-cresol L−1, indicating the inhibition of the respiratory enzymes of the seeds. Contrary to earlier reports on the effect of phenolics on the hydrolytic enzymes of germinating seeds, in the present case an enhanced activity of amylase was observed in the presence of o-cresol (50 and 150 mg kg−1 soil), whereas the protease activity was partially inhibited at higher concentration. The inhibition of seed germination by o-cresol was revoked by bioaugmentation of the soil with the cresol-degrading Pseudomonas monteilii S-CSR-0014 (2.3 x 108 CFU g−1 wet soil) enabling normal seed germination and seedling growth. The inoculated bacterium degraded 50 and 150 mg o-cresol kg−1 soil efficiently, with concomitant growth. It can be concluded that by bacterial bioaugmentation of o-cresol-contaminated soils the inhibition of germination of crop seeds could be eliminated effectively enabling healthy seedling growth.

Improvement of social and hygienic monitoring system based on inter-regional analysis of morbidity (on example of North-Caucasian Federal District)

At the present stage, carrying out laboratory monitoring of the presence and concentrations of all known harmful chemicals within the framework of socio-hygienic monitoring is technically impossible, due to their extremely large number. At the same time, for most chemical compounds and elements, the nature and degree of their impact on human health, as well as the pathologies caused by them, have been scientifically established [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. The so-called ecologically dependent diseases are most determined with environmental quality parameters [11]. The paper presents the results of the use of an inter-regional comparative analysis of the incidence of the child population by individual environmentally dependent pathologies, which makes it possible to identify priority classes of diseases and nosological forms for the region, the occurrence and development of which is caused by air pollution. Considering the nature of the incidence of these pathological conditions as an indicator of the possible presence of harmful substances in the atmospheric air, this approach can be used to compile a list of priority pollutants to be controlled in a particular region, which will increase the reliability of assessing the quality of the air environment in the framework of social and hygienic monitoring.

Synthesis of Magnetic Multiwalled Carbon Nano Tubes and Investigation of isotherm and kinetic models for cleanup of Carbaryl pesticide

<p>Abstract: Water is the main factor of movement and transport of pesticides and contamination of water by these pollutants is one of the most important challenges due to their widespread use and increased concentrations. Moreover, these compounds are on the U.S.EPA Priority Pollutant list because of the potential of accumulation and the property of damaging effects. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube-based magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and used as an affective adsorbent for carbaryl pesticide. The properties of the synthesized Fe3O4@MWCNTs were characterized by TEM images and XRD analysis. The obtained data were studied by isotherm and kinetic models. Carbaryl adsorbed onto the synthesized adsorbent was compatible with the Langmuir isotherm (R2 =0.993). The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of the pesticide onto the Fe3O4-MWCNTs was obtained at 68.2 mg/g. The kinetic studies of the reactions showed that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second order model with R2 ≥0.99 for all initial carbaryl concentrations. The adsorbent was extracted by magnet reused several times (six rounds) with a reasonable efficiency. The Fe3O4-MWCNTs have great potential for adsorption of carbaryl from water and wastewater due to high efficiency, easy separation and reusability.</p>

Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Heregovački pršut-Traditionally Smoked Prosciutto.

Hercegovački pršut as a traditional dry-cured smoked ham (prosciutto) produced by using an open fire that can be potentially contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and can pose a health risk for consumers. The aim of this research was to identify the types and concentrations of 16 PAHs in 34 samples of traditionally smoked prosciutto. Out of 16 investigated PAHs, identified in the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) list of priority pollutants, 14 compounds were detected. Average levels of cancerogenic benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and PAH4 (benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), chrysene (Chry), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)) ranged from <LOQ (level of quantification) to 5.08 μg/kg and 0.45 μg/kg to 22.67 μg/kg. Two analyzed samples exceeded currently prescribed values according to the Bosnia and Herzegovina legislation for BaP concentrations and one sample for PAH4 content. PAH16 concentrations were on average between 2.92 μg/kg and 87.6 μg/kg. The highest PAH concentrations were found in samples from the Herzegovina-Neretva canton. The results of the research highlight the importance of standardizing smoking procedures and manufacturing practice, in the production of Hercegovački pršut, in order to reduce the PAH content.

Interannual Survey on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Seawater of North Nanao Bay, Ishikawa, Japan, from 2015 to 2018: Sources, Pathways and Ecological Risk Assessment

To improve the understanding of the emission sources and pathways of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the coastal environments of remote areas, their particulate and dissolved concentrations were analyzed on a monthly basis from 2015 to 2018 in surface waters of Nanao Bay, Japan. The concentration of the targeted 13 species of PAHs on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) priority pollutant list in dissolved and particle phases were separately analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a fluorescence detector. Particulate and dissolved PAHs had average concentrations of 0.72 ng∙L−1 and 0.95 ng∙L−1, respectively. While most of the samples were lower than 1 ng∙L−1, abnormally high levels up to 10 ng∙L−1 were observed in the winter of 2017–2018 for particulate PAHs. Based on the isomer ratios of Flu to Flu plus Pyr, it was possible to determine that the pyrogenic loads were greater than the petrogenic loads in all but four out of 86 samples. The predominant environmental pathway for PAHs in winter was determined to be long-range atmospheric transportation fed by the East Asian winter monsoon, while for the summer, local sources were more relevant. By the risk quotients method, it was determined that PAHs in surface seawater presented a very low risk to marine life during the interannual survey.

Monitoring of Cadmium (II) Ions in Seawater from Suez Bay, Egypt

Cd(II) ion is one of the highly toxic metal ions on the priority pollutant list, therefor this study is focused on the monitoring of Cd(II) ions in Suez Bay water, Egypt. The level of Cd (II) ions in Suez Bay water are ranging from 0.02 to 0.58 μg/L with insignificant difference in the local mean values; while it was significant (p<0.05) for the seasonal variations. Annual mean of the Cd ions in the present study are higher than the background level for open ocean and coastal water.

Biomonitoring of 45 inorganic elements measured in plasma from Spanish subjects: A cross-sectional study in Andalusian population

Heavy metals and other toxic elements are frequently detected in humans. Rare earth elements (REE) have arisen as a novel group of substances considered as emerging pollutants due to its dependence for high tech industry. We designed a study aimed to conduct the biomonitoring a total of 45 inorganic elements in the population of Andalusia (Spain). A total of 419 participants were recruited and their plasma samples analyzed. Concentration of elements, including elements in the ATSDR's priority pollutant list and REE were measured by ICP-MS in the blood plasma of participants. Arsenic, copper, lead, selenium, antimony, strontium, and bismuth were detected in ˃98% of subjects. Median values of arsenic, mercury and lead were 1.49, 1.46, and 5.86 ng/mL, respectively. These concentrations did not exceed reference values published by international agencies. We observed a positive correlation between age and plasma concentrations of arsenic, mercury, antimony and strontium. Sum of elements was lower in the group of subjects younger than 45 years old (P = 0.002). Positive correlations were observed between body mass index (BMI) and plasma concentrations of barium, cerium, osmium, tin, and ytterbium. 7 out of 26 REEs showed a percentage of detection ≥ 90%. Bismuth, yttrium, and cerium were quantified at the highest concentrations (median value = 7.7, 0.19, and 0.16 ng/mL, respectively). We found that plasma levels of 6 REEs were higher among males, and a positive correlation between REEs and age was detected. The present results suggest a potential interaction with the human physiology that deserves additional research. Given the high persistence of these elements in the environment, and the significant technological dependence on them, future studies are needed to elucidate the potential sources of exposure and possible adverse effects on health, especially in the most vulnerable populations.

Emerging contaminants and antibiotic resistance in the different environmental matrices of Latin America

This review aims to gather and summarize information about the occurrence of emerging contaminants and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental matrices in Latin America. We aim to contribute to future research by compiling a list of priority pollutants adjusted to the needs and characteristics of Latin America, according to the data presented in this study. In order to perform a comprehensive research and secure a representative and unbiased amount of quality data concerning emerging contaminants in Latin America, the research was performed within the Scopus® database in a time frame from 2000 to July 2019. The countries with higher numbers of published articles were Brazil and México, while most studies were performed in the surroundings of Mexico City and in Southern and Southeastern Brazil. The main investigated environmental matrices were drinking water and surface water. The presence of antibiotic resistance was frequently reported, mainly in Brazil. Monitoring efforts should be performed in other countries in Latin America, as well as in other regions of Brazil and México. The suggested priority list for monitoring of emerging contaminants in Latin America covers: di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol-A (BP-A), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), triclosan (TCS), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), tetracycline (TC), amoxicillin (AMOX), norfloxacin (NOR), ampicillin (AMP) and imipenem (IMP). We hope this list serves as a basis for the orientation of the future research and monitoring projects to better understand the distribution and concentration of the listed emerging substances.

Phthalate Ester Contamination in Intensively Managed Greenhouse Facilities and the Assessment of Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Risk: A Regional Study

The contamination status and the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks from six phthalate esters (PAEs), nominated as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), were investigated in 40 typical greenhouses in three large-scale intensive greenhouse production areas in Jingmen city, Hubei province, central China. The total concentrations of PAEs in 40 soil samples and 80 vegetable samples ranged from 919 ± 134 to 7015 ± 475 µg kg−1 (dry weight, DW), and from 387 ± 63, to 11,683 ± 1313 µg kg−1 (DW), respectively. No carcinogenic risk was detected. The heat-map of the hazard quotient (HQ) values indicates the non-carcinogenic risks to children from di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), at two sampling sites out of the 40, and from diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (20 to young children and three to older children and adults) at 23 of the sites. The contamination risk from PAEs at Pengdun is of concern because only two of the 14 sampling sites selected there showed the non-carcinogenic risk to humans was unclear. The results of this study help to close a long-term knowledge gap resulting from a shortage of experimental data on PAE contamination in intensive greenhouse vegetable production in central China. The inclusion of DEHP in the Chinese list of priority pollutants is recommended, due to its increasing contamination and risk. This study provides valuable information for protected agricultural soil management and risk avoidance. It is a timely reminder to take PAE contamination and associated health risks into consideration, during the planning and introduction of intensively-managed greenhouse production systems.

Distribution, toxicity, and origins of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils in Ulsan, South Korea.

This study was conducted to investigate the concentrations, distributions, toxicities, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soils from different areas in Ulsan, South Korea. Samples were collected from 41 sites, including a waste treatment facilities area (WA), traffic facilities area (TA), child playground area (CA), industrial area (IA), railroad facilities area (RA), ore and iron scraps fields area (OA), and residential area (ReA). Ulsan was chosen for research area because it used to be an environmental hot spot in South Korea, and 16 PAHs in the US EPA priority pollutant list were selected. The concentration of total PAHs (t-PAHs) ranged from 61.7 to 12,421μg/kg, and the average concentration of t-PAHs was 706.9μg/kg. The distribution of PAHs by ring number indicated that the portion followed the order of 4 rings > 5 rings > 3 rings > 6 rings > 2 rings. According to PAH origin indices, LMW/HMW (low molecular weight 2-3 ring PAHs over high molecular weight 4-6-ring PAHs), phenanthrene/anthracene ratio and fluoranthene/pyrene ratio, benzo(g,h,i)perylene/indeno (1,2,3-c,d)pyrene ratio, vehicular emissions, and the combustion of fossil fuel were the sources of PAHs. The strong correlation (R2 = 0.995) between t-PAHs and total carcinogenic PAHs (t-PAHcarc) indicated that the concentration of t-PAHcarc increased in proportion with that of t-PAHs. The toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQs) of PAHs in the soils ranged from 44.0 to 1929.9μgTEQ/kg. It is imperative to set regulatory levels for PAHs for periodic monitoring and rapid remediation action of contaminated soils, because there are no national standards in South Korea for 15 PAHs with the exception of benzo(a)pyrene.

The effect of pH on the acute toxicity of phenanthrene in a marine microalgae Chlorella salina

Phenanthrene is one of the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in continental shelf environment of China and is on the EPA’s Priority Pollutant list. In this study, the effects of phenanthrene on marine algal growth rate were determined after 96-h exposure at pH 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, and 10.0 in seawater of salinity 35. Two measuring techniques to assess growth inhibition were also compared using prompt fluorescence and microscopic cell count. The results showed that the toxicity of phenanthrene increased significantly (p < 0.05) with decreasing pH, with the nominal concentration required to inhibit growth rate by 50%, EC50, decreasing from 1.893 to 0.237 mg L−1 as pH decreased from 9.0 to 6.0, with a decrease higher than 55% from 10.0 to 9.0. In addition, the nominal EC50 values calculated in this study were at the same range of some environmental concentrations of phenanthrene close to areas of crude oil exploration. Based on the two measuring techniques, the results showed that cell count and fluorescence measurement were significantly different (p < 0.05), and the nominal EC50 values calculated with cell count measurement were significantly higher than fluorescence measurement at pH 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0. In conclusion, the present studies confirmed that acidification of seawater could affect the toxicity of phenanthrene to this species of microalgae, and which encouraged further studies involving responses of marine organisms to ocean acidification.

Fluorene oxidation by solar-driven photo-Fenton process: toward mild pH conditions.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are on the list of priority pollutants to be eliminated from the environment due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic action, chemical stability, and resistance to biodegradation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degradation of fluorene, a well-known PAH, in aqueous solutions (0.03 and 0.08mgL-1), by means of a solar-driven conventional (PF) and modified photo-Fenton mediated by ferrioxalate complexes (PFF). Photolysis was also employed for comparison purposes. PF reaction was evaluated at different pH values (2.8, 3.5, and 4.0) and iron concentrations (2, 5, 10, and 20mgL-1). On the other hand, PFF studies were conducted at mild pH conditions (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0) and iron content of 2mgL-1, keeping initial iron/oxalate molar ratio at 1:3. In both PF and PFF, the initial hydrogen peroxide/iron molar ratio was maintained at 5. In the presence of methanol as cosolvent for fluorene dissolution, the PF reaction was hampered and no consumption of H2O2 was observed during the reaction carried out at constant pH (2.8). This led to low degradation rates, similar to those achieved by photolysis. Under the same pH but using acetonitrile as cosolvent for fluorene dissolution, fluorene degradation was found to be proportional to the iron content used in the PF experiments. On the other hand, at an invariable iron concentration of 5mg Fe2+ L-1, the increase in pH was accompanied by a decrease in the molar fraction of the most photoactive iron complex (FeOH2+) and ferric hydroxides precipitation, leading to a reduction in the fluorene degradation rate. With regard to the PFF tests, similar fluorene degradation performance was achieved at pH 4 and 5, while at pH 6 iron precipitation became relevant and the degradation rate was slightly slower. PFF has shown to be more efficient than the PF under the same pH (4) and iron concentration (2mgL-1). Moreover, even at near neutral pH (6), fluorine degradation was shown to be feasible by using ferrioxalate complexes.

Source patterns and contamination level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban and rural areas of Southern Italian soils

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants. They have been identified as a type of carcinogenic substance and are relatively widespread in environment media such as air, water and soils, constituting a significant hazard for human health. In many parts of the world, PAHs are still found in high concentrations despite improved legislation and monitoring, and it is therefore vital defining their profiles, and assessing their potential sources. This study focused on a large region of the south of Italy, where concentration levels, profiles, possible sources and toxicity equivalent quantity (TEQ) level of sixteen PAHs were investigated. The survey included soils from five large regions of the south of Italy: 80 soil samples (0-20cm top layer) from urban and rural locations were collected and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total PAHs and individual molecular compounds from the US Environmental Protection Agency priority pollutants list were identified and measured. Results showed that 16 PAHs varied significantly in urban and rural areas, and different regions presented discordant characteristics. Urban areas presented concentrations ranging from 7.62 to 755ngg-1 (mean = 84.85ngg-1), whilst rural areas presented ranges from 1.87 to 11,353ngg-1 (mean = 333ngg-1). Large urban areas, such as Rome, Naples and Palermo, exhibited high PAHs total concentration, but high values were also found in rural areas of Campania region. Different PAHs molecular ratios were used as diagnostic fingerprinting for source identification: LWMPAHs/HWMPAHs, Fluo/(Fluo + Pyr), BaA/(BaA + Chr), Ant/(Ant + Phe) and IcdP/(IcdP + BghiP). These ratios indicated that PAHs sources in the study area were mainly of pyrogenic origin, i.e. mostly related to biomass combustion and vehicular emission. On the other hand, values in Sicilian soils seemed to indicate a petrogenic origin, possibly linked to emissions from crude oil combustion and refineries present in the region. Finally, results allowed to calculate the toxicity equivalent quantity (TEQBAP) levels for the various locations sampled, highlighting that the highest values were found in the Campania region, with 661 and 54.20ngg-1, in rural and urban areas, respectively. These findings, which could be linked to the presence of a large solid waste incinerator plant, but also to well-documented illegal waste disposal and burning, suggest that exposure to PAH may be posing an increased risk to human health in some of the studied areas.

Development of a Chemosensor for the In Situ Monitoring of Thallium in the Water Network

Thallium is an emerging contaminant, which can be retained in scale encrustation within the pipeline and then released to drinking water. It is included in the Priority Pollutant List of the U.S. EPA. In this study, a sample from the water pipeline of Pietrasanta (Italy), affected by the contamination of thallium, is characterized by SEM-EDS, TGA, and FT-IR. Fluorescence spectroscopy is then proposed as the optimal technique for the detection of the contaminant. The functionality of a previously reported fluorescent calix[4]arene-based chemosensor is verified first on a standard solution of thallium nitrate and then on the sample under investigation. The quenching of the fluorescence of the sensor during the complexation of thallium is confirmed, identifying an ON-OFF sensor with high sensitivity, able to detect concentrations as low as 10−6 M and with high potential of development for the in situ and fast monitoring of the pollutant in the water network.

Body burden of toxic metals and rare earth elements in non-smokers, cigarette smokers and electronic cigarette users

Smoking is considered an important source for inorganic elements, most of them toxic for human health. During the last years, there has been a significant increase in the use of e-cigarettes, although the role of them as source of inorganic elements has not been well established. A cross-sectional study including a total of 150 subjects from Brasov (Romania), divided into three groups (non-smokers, cigarette smokers and electronic cigarettes smokers) were recruited to disclose the role of smoking on the human exposure to inorganic elements. Concentration of 42 elements, including trace elements, elements in the ATSDR's priority pollutant list and rare earth elements (REE) were measured by ICP-MS in the blood serum of participants. Cigarette smokers showed the highest levels of copper, molybdenum, zinc, antimony, and strontium. Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users presented the highest concentrations of selenium, silver, and vanadium. Beryllium, europium and lanthanides were detected more frequently among e-cigarette users (20.6%, 23.5%, and 14.7%) than in cigarette smokers (1.7%, 19.0%, and 12.1%, respectively); and the number of detected REE was also higher among e-cigarette users (11.8% of them showed more than 10 different elements). Serum levels of cerium and erbium increased as the duration of the use of e-cigarettes was longer. We have found that smoking is mainly a source of heavy metals while the use of e-cigarettes is a potential source of REE. However, these elements were detected at low concentrations.

Semi volatile organic compounds in the snow of Russian Arctic islands: Archipelago Novaya Zemlya

Environmental contamination of the Arctic has widely been used as a worldwide pollution marker. Various classes of organic pollutants such as pesticides, personal care products, PAHs, flame retardants, biomass burning markers, and many others emerging contaminants have been regularly detected in Arctic samples. Although numerous papers have been published reporting data from the Canadian, Danish, and Norwegian Arctic regions, the environmental situation in Russian Arctic remains mostly underreported. Snow analysis is known to be used for monitoring air pollution in the regions with cold climate in both short-term and long-term studies. This paper presents the results of a nontargeted study on the semivolatile organic compounds detected and identified in snow samples collected at the Russian Artic Archipelago Novaya Zemlya in June 2016. Gas chromatography coupled to a high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer enabled the simultaneous detection and quantification of a variety of pollutants including those from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority pollutants list, emerging contaminants (plasticizers, flame retardants-only detection), as well as the identification of novel Arctic organic pollutants, (e.g., fatty acid amides and polyoxyalkanes). The possible sources of these novel pollutants are also discussed.GC-HRMS enabled the detection and identification of emerging contaminants and novel organic pollutants in the Arctic, e.g., fatty amides and polyoxyalkanes.

Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from Shengli Oil Field, China

The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) priority pollutant list, were studied in ten different soil samples from Shengli Oil Field, China. The total PAHs concentrations in the sampled soils attained 1214.9–2965.1 ng/g (2159.6 ng/g on average). The highest total PAHs concentration was in the soil with a huge content of oil sludge, while the lowest was in fine soil environment areas. The soil contamination with PAHs in the study areas was classified as severe. The major pollutants were naphthalene, phenathrene, fluorine (Flu), pyrene (Pyr), while the detected concentration of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(b)fluoranthene was relatively low. Among the 16 kinds of PAHs, the concentration increased in the order: 6 rings &amp;lt; 5 rings &amp;lt; 4 rings &amp;lt; 2 rings &amp;lt; 3 rings. The ratios of Flu/(Flu + Pyr) and indeno benzene(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (IP)/(IP + BaP) were 0.46–0.48, and 0.36–0.64, respectively. Our results suggest that the main sources of PAHs were petroleum extraction and petroleum combustion. In addition, a small amount of PAHs originated from combustion of grass, woods, and coal.

Analysis of Technogenic Loading on the Air Basins of Individual Industrial and Municipal Aglomerations of Eastern Ukraine (Using Dnipro City as an Example)

Purpose. Estimation of atmospheric air pollution level in the Dnipro city in modern conditions and technogenic loading on the air basin of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Methods. Statistical. Results. Volumes of pollutant emissions from stationary sources are 4 times more than emissions from mobile sources. The maximum values of emissions of pollutants are noted for the enterprises of the processing and extractive industry. The estimation of the level of air pollution in Dnipro city was carried out. An increase in the level of contamination in Dnipro city was indicated during the study period. Substances for which the quality of atmospheric air constantly does not meet the standards include dust, nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde. The level of atmospheric air pollution can be classified as «polluted» and «highly polluted». The module of technogenic loading on the air basin of the Dnipropetrovsk region and Dnipro city was calculated. The rate of the technogenic loading in Dnipropetrovsk region from stationary sources considerably exceeds the mobile ones. In Dnipro city, the level of technogenic loading from stationary sources is an order of magnitude higher than the corresponding in the region. This indicates a significant level of technogenic loading on the Dnipro city air basin exactly from stationary sources. The volume of pollutant emissions from stationary sources in the region is an order of magnitude higher compared to the same in Dnipro city and the area of the region is two orders of magnitude larger. The reduction of the level of technogenic loading on the air basin of Dnipropetrovsk region as a whole was noted. Conclusion. Dnipropetrovsk region belongs to regions with significant industrial potential. The primary tasks for the improvement of the air basin are the development of measures to reduce emissions from stationary sources, as well as optimization of the monitoring system in order to determine the list of priority pollutants.

Direct inlet probe ion mobility spectrometry

Direct inlet probe (DIP) was used as an introduction and a pre-separation step for atmospheric pressure photoionization time-of-flight ion mobility spectrometry (APPI-TOF-IMS) for the first time. IMS is an analytical technique used to separate and identify ionized molecules in the gas phase and under atmospheric pressure based on their mobility. The utilization of DIP prior to IMS gives the possibility to introduce the analytes into the gas phase and provides an additional separation based on their vapor pressure. The proof-of-principle study was done on example of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with the ring number from 2 to 5, namely naphthalene, fluorene, anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[k]fluoranthene. All these compounds are included in EPA priority pollutant list. Moreover, benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[k]fluoranthene are marked by EPA as probably carcinogen compounds and also included into SCF and EU lists. To increase the sensitivity of DIP-APPI-IMS the analysis was performed using a dopant assisted ionization method (benzene, 74mgL−1 in N2). It was found that the heating rate of the interface plays a crucial role for the whole analytical procedure. To prove the ability of this method to analyze PAHs in the mixture, the mixtures containing up to five PAHs were analyzed. The LODs for the analyzed compounds obtained with DIP-APPI-IMS were found to be in the tens- or hundreds-of-microgram-per-liter range. The obtained results are promising enough to ensure the potential of DIP as an introduction and a pre-separation step for ion mobility based methods.

Development of a procedure for assessing the environmental risk of the surface water status deterioration

A procedure for estimation of the risk of violation of the water body status was presented. The procedure is based on defining environmental standards of surface water quality taking into account landscape and geographical features of river basins. A database of the systems of monitoring surface water was used to assess the risk of deterioration of the aquatic ecosystem. This enables automated calculation of the environmental risk. At the first stage, it is necessary to determine environmental standards (ES) on the basis of analysis and statistical processing of long-term monitoring data on the qualitative state and hydrological regime taking into account forecasting models. At the second stage, probability of violation of ecological standards is estimated by the ratio of the number of observations of the ecological state of the water body with violation of the ES to the total number of observations. Exceeding environmental standards makes it possible to assess the risk of well-being violation in aquatic ecosystems. Assessment of the environmental risk of deterioration of Udy River and Oskil River in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, has made it possible to make the list of priority pollutants and outline the main problems for which a complex of environmental measures should be worked out. Establishment of the risk of well-being violation in the aquatic ecosystem will contribute to the implementation of a flexible system for regulating water quality taking into account ever-changing socio-economic and environmental conditions. The proposed procedure for assessing the environmental risk of deterioration of the status of aquatic ecosystems is based on the normative basis, approaches and methods of environmental assessment of surface waters adopted in Ukraine and the EU