Non-industrial Areas Research Articles

Residents' Self-Reported Health Effects and Annoyance in Relation to Air Pollution Exposure in an Industrial Area in Eastern-Estonia.

Eastern Estonia has large oil shale mines and industrial facilities mainly focused on electricity generation from oil shale and shale oil extraction, which produce high air pollution emissions. The “Study of the health impact of the oil shale sector—SOHOS” was aimed at identifying the impacts on residents’ health and annoyance due to the industrial processing. First, a population-wide survey about health effects and annoyance was carried out. Second, the total and oil shale sectors’ emitted concentrations of benzene, phenol, and PM2.5 were modelled. Third, the differences between groups were tested and relationships between health effects and environmental pollution studied using multiple regression analysis. Compared to the control groups from non-industrial areas in Tartu or Lääne-Viru, residents of Ida-Viru more frequently (p < 0.05) reported wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, a long-term cough, hypertension, heart diseases, myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes. All health effects except asthma were reported more frequently among non-Estonians. People living in regions with higher levels of PM2.5, had significantly higher odds (p < 0.05) of experiencing chest tightness (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.26), shortness of breath (1.16, 1.03–1.31) or an asthma attack (1.22, 1.04–1.42) during the previous year. People living in regions with higher levels of benzene had higher odds of experiencing myocardial infarction (1.98, 1.11–3.53) and with higher levels of phenol chest tightness (1.44, 1.03–2.00), long-term cough (1.48, 1.06–2.07) and myocardial infarction (2.17, 1.23–3.83). The prevalence of adverse health effects was also higher among those who had been working in the oil shale sector. Next to direct health effects, up to a quarter of the residents of Ida-Viru County were highly annoyed about air pollution. Perceived health risk from air pollution increased the odds of being annoyed. Annoyed people in Ida-Viru had significantly higher odds of experiencing respiratory symptoms during the last 12 months, e.g., wheezing (2.30, 1.31–4.04), chest tightness (2.88, 1.91–4.33 or attack of coughing (1.99, 1.34–2.95).

A comparison of selenium concentrations in selected organs of wild boar (Sus scrofa) from industrialized and non-industrialized regions of Poland

The aim of this study was to compare selenium concentration in the liver and kidneys of wild boar inhabiting industrialized and non-industrialized regions of Poland. Selenium concentrations in organs were determined using spectrofluorometric method. In all the animals studied, Se concentrations were a few times lower than in kidneys which may indicate too low content of this element either in the boar’s diet or the presence of a poorly absorbable form of Se. No statistically significant differences were noted in the mean Se concentrations in the liver and kidney of wild boar from industrialized and non-industrialized areas. In the case of wild boar, it seems that the level of selenium in their organs is more dependent on geochemical conditions in the specific feeding ground than on the scale of regional industrialization, and that this situation is most likely related to the specificity of wild boar feeding.

Blood lead levels in pregnant women referring to midwifery clinic in a referral center in Tehran.

Background:Lead effects on children and pregnant women are grave, and screening tests would be logical to detect high blood lead levels (BLLs) in early stages.Materials and Methods:Blood samples were taken from the pregnant mothers who referred to midwifery clinic with further phone interview postdelivery.Results:In 100 patients evaluated, the mean age was 29 ± 5 years (median interquartile range gestational age of 33 [24, 37] weeks). There was a significant correlation between polluted residential area and median BLL (P = 0.044) and substance exposure (P = 0.02). The median BLL was significantly lower in those without a history of lead toxicity in the family (P = 0.003). The only factor that could predict the BLL levels lower than 3.2 and 5 μg/dL was living in the nonindustrial area. All pregnant women delivered full-term live babies.Conclusion:Positive history of lead toxicity in the family and living in polluted areas may pose a higher BLL in pregnant women.

CELL DESIGN FOR GEARBOX ASSEMBLY

Urgency of the research. Automation is the next step in increasing productivity and performance. It represents the autonomous management of the entire system as well as the assembly or production process. This completely eliminates a human factor from the work process. Target setting. Today's robots and manipulators are now autonomous. Automated systems can be found in almost all industries. They are an indispensable part of non-productive environments, but we can also find them in non-industrial areas as well. Their dynamic development extends to service robotics. For their productivity, they have reached a high level, but their development is constantly advancing by refining their subsystems, introducing new functional principles, or upgrading compo-nents and elements involved in the construction of these mechanisms. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. To meet the requirements of automatition cells, it was slowly being applied to flexible production systems. These are systems that consist of computers and are connected by means of control units. They are characterized by complexity, flexibility and, above all, the multiplicity of elements. Such flexible systems based on the modularity, that systems are composed of individual modules and subsystems that can be adapted as needed. Uninvestigated parts of general issues defining. Design of automated robotic workplaces, based on the intensive development of functional and especially kinematic structures of the workplace as a whole. The research objective. To what extent is it possible for the work process to be mechanized or automated depends also on the level of development of the used equipment. In today's development stage, design of automated device is also automated. The statement of basic materials. This article focuses on the design of the manipulator, whose main task is to perform the assembly. Analysis of the task illustrates the principle design of the solution, which is also the starting point for the design of the universal manipulator. Current requirements of application practice for robotic technology have caused increased requirements for its functions, characteristics and parameters which cannot be always covered by the traditional approach to its design and construction. Conclusions. In this article describes in more detail the knowledge and division of the proposed devices and mechanisms, which provides an initial understanding of design. By analyzing the problem and defining the necessary parameters, the design of the manipulator was developed. Festo's design software also helped to make the right choice.

Organic Chemical Concentrations in Eggs and Nestlings of Cavity Nesting Birds at and around Los Alamos National Laboratory

In 1943, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was established as part of the Manhattan project to design atomic weapons. LANL now operates as a multidisciplinary research institution. As part of an ongoing assessment of siterelated ecological risk, organochlorine pesticides, their metabolites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) were evaluated in western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) and ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) eggs relative to a developed but non-industrial reference area; PCBs and TEQs were also evaluated in nestlings. Chemicals were below detection limits in the majority of samples. Western bluebird eggs collected from the study area had significantly lower concentrations of dieldrin, oxychlordane, and trans-nonachlor when compared with eggs from the reference area. No differences were observed in concentrations of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and heptachlor epoxide. Ash-throated flycatcher eggs contained higher total TEQ concentrations when compared with western bluebird eggs; however, no differences in concentrations of DDE, DDT, dieldrin, or total PCBs were observed. No differences were observed in total PCBs or TEQs in nestlings between the two species. Western bluebird eggs contained higher levels of total PCBs and TEQs when compared with nestlings; no differences were observed in total PCBs or TEQs between ash-throated flycatcher eggs and nestlings. Chemical concentrations detected in eggs of both species were below levels that are associated with adverse effects reported in the scientific literature, suggesting that concentrations of organic chemicals observed here appear to be at levels causing negligible risks to local bird populations.

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Drinking Water from wells located in the Industrial Areas of Kano Metropolis

Physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were carried out on well water samples from the eight selected locations within the industrial area of Kano Metropolis namely Bompai, Sharada, Chalawa and Jaba (a non-industrial area) serving as control, using the standard methods. The results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The physicochemical parameters monitored included pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, DO, BOD, Turbidity, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, zinc, iron, lead, manganese and chromium. The mean bacterial counts, coliform and faecal coliform counts ranged from 1.7 x103 cfu/ml, 18MPN/100ml, and 11MPN/10ml in BW2, (from Bompai), 3.2 x 102 cfu/ml, 33MPN/100ml, and 13MPN/100ml in CW1 (from Chalawa) and 7.0 x 10 cfu/ml, 11MPN/100ml and 4MPN/100ml in NW1 (from Jaba) respectively. Cultural, morphological and biochemical characterization of bacterial genera revealed the presence of E. coli, Pseudomonas sp., Shigella sp., Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp. and Enterobacter sp. The samples displayed elevated mean value of lead (0.14mg/l), EC (590.9 us/cm), TDS (119.13mg/l), DO (4.67mg/l), BOD (1.25mg/l), Zinc (1.76mg/l), Iron (0.6mg/l), Manganese (0.44mg/l) and Chromium (0.57mg/l). The result shows that out of the eight (8) wells sampled, only one (1) i.e NW2 is safe for drinking. Hence there is need for improved hygiene and regular hygiene education.

Comparative Study of Mineral and Phytochemical Analysis of Soil and Lactuca sativa Grown in the Vicinity of Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (Sokoto Cement) and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (Kwalkwalawa)

Environmental pollution is a major issue which confronts industry and business in today’s world on daily basis. Industrial activities are the leading cause of metals emission, often associated with soil and plant metal concentration in adjacent regions. Cement industry is one of the 17 most polluting industries listed by the central pollution control board (CPCB). Impact of dust deposition from Cement Company of Northern Nigeria on the proximate and phytochemical concentrations of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was studied. A comparative study of heavy metal concentration and phytochemicals of Lactuca sativa and soil samples from Kalambaina (Industrial area) and Kwalkwalawa (non-Industrial area) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and standard analytical procedures respectively. Result of quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in all parameters. Heavy metal values of Pb(0.012±0.002 mg/g), Zn(0.043±0.003 mg/g), and Ca(706.860±14.980 mg/g) in Lactuca sativa collected from Kalambaina revealed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) when compare to samples collected from Kwalkwalawa and WHO standard. In addition, the heavy metal concentration in soil collected from Kalambaina showed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) when compare to samples collected from Kwalkwalawa; with the highest value recorded in Ca (974.25±48 mg/g) which might be as a result of activities in the cement industry. Conclusively, plants grown at cement industries might not be safe for consumption

Heavy metal pollutants in selected organs of African giant rats from three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria: evidence for their role as an environmental specimen bank.

An assessment of the concentration of heavy metals in the liver, brain, kidney, bone, and lungs of African giant rats (AGRs) from three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria having different industrial activities was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Twenty adult AGRs from cities in mangrove/freshwater swamp, rainforest, and woodland/tall grass savanna agro-ecological zones of Nigeria were used for this study. AGRs were euthanized, carefully dissected, and the brains, liver, lungs, bone, and kidneys were harvested, digested, and analyzed for concentrations of vanadium (V), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). All data generated were evaluated for statistical significance using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple post-test comparison. Results showed the major environmental heavy metal pollutants of the mangrove/freshwater swamp to be vanadium and selenium while those of woodland/tall grass savanna agro-ecological zones were lead, selenium, and zinc. The vanadium concentration was more than twofold higher in the observed tissues of AGR from the mangrove/freshwater swamp, and this may be related to increased exploitation of minerals and the activities of militants in pipeline vandalization in this zone. Interestingly, the highest concentration of this metal was seen in the lungs suggestive of a respiratory route of exposure. Among the potential adverse effects derived from exposure to metals, developmental toxicity is a serious risk. This type of investigation can assist in knowing the level of animal and human exposure to environmental pollutants both in highly industrialized and non-industrialized areas and is more ideal in environmental monitoring. This study therefore suggests AGR as model for ecotoxicological research and environmental specimen banks (ESBs) in this part of Africa.

Economics of Small Scale Dairy Farming in Urban Areas of Bangladesh - Constraints and Opportunities

The present study was undertaken to assess the economic performance of small scale dairy farming in two selected urban areas - Gazipur (Industrial area) and Dinajpur (Non-industrial area). A total of 100 small-scale dairy farms were chosen as sample for the study taking 50 dairy farms from the urban areas of each district adopting simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through direct interview with the small dairy farm operator using pre-designed interview schedule. The findings showed that the gross cost (mean) of rearing animals was Tk. 169.91/farm/day in Dinajpur as against Tk. 262.90 in Gazipur, net return/day/animal was Tk.51.53 for dairy farm in Dinajpur and Tk. 79.28 for dairy farm in Gazipur, average milk production/farm /year was 1435 liters in Dinajpur and that was 1775 liters in Gazipur. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was found to be 1.68 for dairy farm in Dinajpur and 1.84 for dairy farm in Gazipur which implies that small-scale dairy industry is a profitable enterprise. The major constraints faced by the dairy owners were identified as paucity of green grass, high price and unavailability of feed and medicine, lack of grazing land, inadequate veterinary services, lack of training and technical know how and lack of institutional credit facilities. Small scale dairy industry could be the main sources of providing nutrition to the urban people and as a means of earning extra- income for the small farm-holders if appropriate measures are taken.

The Anopheles gambiae species complex and Kdr resistance gene at the periphery of Douala, Cameroon

This study was conducted from May to June 2015 in Yassa (industrialized area) and Logbessou (non-industrialized area), two peri-urban areas of the city of Douala, Cameroon with the aim of an assessment of the spatial distribution of the gambiae complex, the determination of their resistance to insecticides and the distribution of the Kdr mutation. Mosquito larvae were collected by the dipping method and nursed to adult stage. The sensitivity of adult Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations to DDT and pyrethroids was assessed following WHO protocol. All tested mosquitoes were identified by PCR SINE. Only survivors were used to search for the Kdr mutation. In both areas, the gambiae complex included An. coluzzii and An. gambiae sympatric in their breeding sites. However, An. gambiae was predominant in Logbessou (88%) and An. coluzzii in Yassa (68%). Tests with deltamethrin, permethrin and DDT revealed mortality rates below 90% regardless of the area of origin of the mosquitoes. PCR diagnosis of Kdr mutation showed that over 95% of survivors harbored the Kdr gene in both sites, with resistant allele frequencies ranging from 0.96 to 1.0 in An. gambiae and from 0.89 to 0.96 in An. coluzzii. The strong resistance of An. coluzzii and This study was conducted from May to June 2015 in Yassa (industrialized area) and Logbessou (nonindustrialized area), two peri-urban areas of the city of Douala, Cameroon with the aim of an assessment of the spatial distribution of the gambiae complex, the determination of their resistance to insecticides and the distribution of the Kdr mutation. Mosquito larvae were collected by the dipping method and nursed to adult stage. The sensitivity of adult Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations to DDT and pyrethroids was assessed following WHO protocol. All tested mosquitoes were identified by PCR SINE. Only survivors were used to search for the Kdr mutation. In both areas, the gambiae complex included An. coluzzii and An. gambiae sympatric in their breeding sites. However, An. gambiae was predominant in Logbessou (88%) and An. coluzzii in Yassa (68%). Tests with deltamethrin, permethrin and DDT revealed mortality rates below 90% regardless of the area of origin of the mosquitoes. PCR diagnosis of Kdr mutation showed that over 95% of survivors harbored the Kdr gene in both sites, with resistant allele frequencies ranging from 0.96 to 1.0 in An. gambiae and from 0.89 to 0.96 in An. coluzzii. The strong resistance of An. coluzzii and This study was conducted from May to June 2015 in Yassa (industrialized area) and Logbessou (nonindustrialized area), two peri-urban areas of the city of Douala, Cameroon with the aim of an assessment of the spatial distribution of the gambiae complex, the determination of their resistance to insecticides and the distribution of the Kdr mutation. Mosquito larvae were collected by the dipping method and nursed to adult stage. The sensitivity of adult Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations to DDT and pyrethroids was assessed following WHO protocol. All tested mosquitoes were identified by PCR SINE. Only survivors were used to search for the Kdr mutation. In both areas, the gambiae complex included An. coluzzii and An. gambiae sympatric in their breeding sites. However, An. gambiae was predominant in Logbessou (88%) and An. coluzzii in Yassa (68%). Tests with deltamethrin, permethrin and DDT revealed mortality rates below 90% regardless of the area of origin of the mosquitoes. PCR diagnosis of Kdr mutation showed that over 95% of survivors harbored the Kdr gene in both sites, with resistant allele frequencies ranging from 0.96 to 1.0 in An. gambiae and from 0.89 to 0.96 in An. coluzzii. The strong resistance of An. coluzzii and An. gambiae to insecticides highlights the need for developing new mosquito insecticides.

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels of groundwater in Ife north local government area of Osun state, Nigeria.

This study determined the presence and levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) of groundwater in Moro, Edun-Abon, Yakoyo and Ipetumodu communities in Ife-North Local Government Area of Osun State. This was with a view to create public awareness about the safety of groundwater as a source for domestic purposes (e.g., drinking, cooking etc.) in non-industrial area. Water samples were collected on seasonal basis, comprising of three months (August–October) in the wet season and three months (December–February) in the dry season. The PAHs in the water samples were extracted with n-hexane using liquid–liquid extraction method, while their qualitative identifications and quantitative estimations were carried out with the use of gas chromatography. Levels of PAHs detected showed predominance of light PAHs (less than four fused rings) for both wet and the dry seasons. Higher concentrations of PAHs were recorded during the wet season than the dry season. The study concluded that the groundwater in the communities was contaminated with light PAHs and the total PAHs in this area exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 10 μg L−1 recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) for safety of groundwater.

EPIDEMIOLOGIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN’S MORBIDITY FROM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE

The purpose of the work is a comparative characteristic of indicators efficiency of relative epidemiological risk of primary and general incidence in estimating medico-ecological situation and mass non-communicable diseases of the population. To achieve the goals and tasks a retrospective study of the child's incidence in the years 2000-2012 was carried out in the 33 administrative territories of the Irkutsk region based on the statistical reporting (Form №12). The relative risk of primary and general morbidity of all diseases and of 11 separate classes was calculated using regional background incidence rates obtained by the statistics. The intensity degree of medico-ecological situation on the territory was determined by the varied criteria on the basis of sigma - deviations, waviness and tendencies of dynamics development of incidence relative risks in time were revealed by a smoothed method of sliding simple average values for 3 years and according to polynomial approximation of the 5th order. The research was carried out in 5 cities with the developed industry and 5 nonindustrial areas. The analysis of the average, increased and high risk rates of the general and primary diseases incidence of separate classes in children during the considered period on the territory of the industrial cities and nonindustrial areas has shown that we gain a better understanding about a degree of medico-ecological situation intensity in the studied territories when sharing risk indicators of the general and primary incidence. Undulating risk dynamics of general and primary morbidity in the period under review differ depending on the area, the class of illnesses and morbidity. This reflects the particular cyclical fluctuations of states with respect to low and high resistance to the pathogenic factor effects. Joint use of the risk indicators of primary and general child's morbidity is necessary to carry out while analyzing data of social and hygiene monitoring to assess the intensity degree of medical and ecological situation and mass (with higher and high risk levels) non-communicable morbidity.

Prepartum blood lead concentrations linked to subsequent cyclicity in high-producing dairy cows in a non-industrial area

This study sought to identify the possible presence of lead (Pb) in blood and if detected to examine the relationship between blood Pb concentrations during the transition period and subsequent reproductive performance in high-producing dairy cows reared in a non-industrial area. Forty seven multiparous dairy cows were examined and/or sampled on Days 251–257 of gestation (visit 1,V1), the day of calving (V2) and on Days 8–14 (V3), 15–21 (V4), 22–28 (V5), 29–35 (V6), 36–42 (V7) and 50–56 (V8) postpartum. A mean level of 130±17ppm (± SD) of Pb was detected in feed samples. Blood samples were collected for Pb determination from V1 to V5 and lead was present in all collected blood samples. One unit increase in blood Pb concentration in the V1 sample led to a 0.3-fold reduction (P=0.02) in the likelihood of a cow being cyclic. Mean blood Pb concentrations were 0.97±0.11 and 2.6±0.1μg/L for cyclic (n=24) and non-cyclic (n=23) cows, respectively. Cows with a body condition score (BCS) loss of ≥0.75 units between V1 and V4 (n=24) showed higher Pb concentrations throughout the study period than the remaining cows (n=23; P <0.001). In conclusion, blood Pb levels were detected in all cows. Prepartum blood Pb concentrations were negatively related to subsequent cyclicity. Cows with higher Pb levels experienced a greater BCS loss during the transition period. Routine blood Pb tests could indicate a higher risk of anoestrus in cows with higher Pb concentrations.

Contamination, toxicity and speciation of heavy metals in an industrialized urban river: Implications for the dispersal of heavy metals

Urban rivers are often utilized by the local residents as water source, but they can be polluted by heavy metals due to industrialization. Here, the concentrations, toxicity, speciation and vertical profiles of heavy metals in sediment were examined to evaluate their impact, dispersal and temporal variation in Dongbao River. Results showed that the sediment in the industrialized areas was seriously contaminated with Cr, Cu and Ni which posed acute toxicity. Heavy metals, except Cr and Pb, were mainly associated with non-residual fractions, indicating their high mobility and bioavailability. The non-industrialized areas were also seriously contaminated, suggesting the dispersal of heavy metals along the river. The surface sediment could be more contaminated than the deep sediment, indicating the recent pollution events. Overall, when the point sources are not properly regulated, intense industrialization can cause both serious contamination and dispersal of heavy metals, which have far-reaching consequences in public health and environment.

Tracing the sources of sulfur in Beijing soils with stable sulfur isotopes

Stable sulfur isotope analyses were applied in order to trace local sulfur sources and to identify sulfur turnover rates in Beijing soil. Anthropogenic sources and atmospheric deposition are the main processes responsible for the occurrence of sulfide, organic and sulfate sulfur in three soil profiles located in the vicinity of a steel company in Beijing, China. This input results in an atypical invariable sulfur isotopic composition along the vertical profiles. The δ34S values of soil sulfate from the industrial area revealed that both the topsoil and deep soil have been affected by industrial activities. Three soil profiles from non-industrial areas displayed vertical patterns in both sulfur abundance and sulfur isotopic composition, indicative for (close to) natural soils.Eight soil profiles collected in Beijing and their vertical distribution of different sulfur species, concentrations and sulfur isotopic compositions reveal both anthropogenic and natural contributions.

Sulphuric acid and aerosol particle production in the vicinity of an oil refinery

In this paper we introduce in-situ observations of trace gases, aerosol particles and their precursors in the vicinity of an oil refinery and industrial area in Kilpilahti, Southern Finland. We conducted a one-month measurement campaign near the oil refinery during summertime when the sulphur dioxide concentrations at the site are typically the highest. The source areas around the measurement location were divided into three sectors: oil refinery area, industrial area and non-industrial area. The atmospheric concentrations of aerosols and trace gases showed a large temporal variability, when exposed to the different source areas. The median sulphur dioxide concentrations for the oil refinery, industrial and non-industrial area were 1.88 ppbv, 0.75 ppbv and 0.38 ppbv, respectively, and the corresponding sulphuric acid concentrations were 11.5 × 106 molecules/cm3, 4.4 × 106 molecules/cm3 and 1.3 × 106 molecules/cm3. The observed concentrations were similar to what have been measured in urban or industrial sites. The ratio between sulphuric acid and sulphur dioxide was the highest when the air mass was coming from the oil refinery. The correlation between the sulphuric acid and 1–2 nm particle concentrations was significant, but the composition of the particles remained unknown as no neutral sulphuric acid clusters were detected with the mass spectrometer. Only a few new particle formation events were observed during the measurement period, and during these events a large fraction of the particle growth could be explained by sulphuric acid condensation.

Cadmium and lead occurrence in soil and grape from Murfatlar Vineyard

Abstract The study investigates the pollution with heavy metals of grapes and soil. The grapes nourish from the respective soil, with all existing substances: either nutrients or toxic materials. This link, between grapes and soil, made mandatory to focus on observing the level of toxic materials in both samples grapes and land. The aim of this research is to analyze the level of Cd and Pb in Vitis vinifera L. grape fruits and soil, by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) method. The grapes and the soil used in this work were sampled from the Murfatlar City, a nonindustrial area, placed far from the car traffic pollution. Cd and Pb were quantified, after the chemical mineralization of the samples using nitric acid. It can be noticed that the values of cadmium and lead concentrations in grapes were lower than the recommendable maximum limit.

Prevalence of Parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease in Qena governorate/Egypt: a cross-sectional community-based survey

Background and purpose:In a previous study we found a high crude prevalence rate (CPR) for Parkinson's disease (PD) in Assiut governorate/Egypt. We therefore surveyed a second Nile valley governorate (Qena) to provide confirmatory evidence for the high prevalence rate of PD in Egypt.Subjects and methods:10 areas in Qena governorate were selected by random sampling to recruit 8027 inhabitants. Positive cases were identified using a modified screening questionnaire, the unified Parkinson disease rating scale (UPDRS), mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS) for PD.Results:Forty-four patients were identified with Parkinsonism, giving a CPR of 548/105 inhabitants. Among them, 35 patients were diagnosed as PD with CPR of 436/105; three cases were diagnosed as drug-induced Parkinsonism with CPR 37/105; two cases had atherosclerotic Parkinsonism with CPR 25/105.Age-specific CPR of PD among population aged ≥ 50 years old was 2534/105.The highest age-specific CPR was recorded among subjects ≥ 75 years old. The CPR showed a tendency to be higher in males than females, urban than rural areas and industrial than non-industrial areas (503 vs 363/105, 474 vs 389/105 and 655 vs 312/105, respectively). There was a significantly higher CPR among illiterate than literate persons (1982 vs 299/105 with P = 0.00001). About one quarter of patients had cognitive impairment. All cases had positive symptoms in at least one or more NMS Domains.Conclusion:The overall prevalence of PD disease is high in Nile valley governorates of Upper Egypt compared to other Arabic countries.

Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among the elderly population of Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt: a community-based study.

There are only a few reports which provide prevalence rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia specifically in Arabic countries. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of MCI and dementia among subjects aged ≥60 years using door-to-door survey in Qena Governorate/Egypt. We conducted a door-to-door survey with multistage probability random sampling. Screening of all subjects aged ≥60 years (n = 691) employed a simple questionnaire including changes in memory, behavior, and daily activity, Memory and Executive Screening test (MES)as well as the Mini-Mental State Examination. Suspected cases were referred to the hospital for full clinical examination, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, Hachinski Ischemic Score, neuroimaging, and laboratory investigations if indicated. Of the 691 participants, 12 cases had MCI, giving a crude prevalence rate (CPR) of 1.74/100 and 35 were identified as positive for dementia with a CPR of 5.07/100. The highest age-specific prevalence rates were recorded among subjects ≥85 years old (100/100). The CPRs were significantly higher in urban than rural areas (7.1 versus 3.27/100, respectively; p = 0.03), in industrial areas than non-industrial areas (13.23 versus 1.99; p = 0.00001), and in illiterate than literate participants (10.12 versus 2.25/100; p = 0.00001). Overall, the prevalence rate of MCI and dementia were lower in Qena/Egypt than in other countries. Advanced age, illiteracy, and living in an industrial area were found to be associated with dementia.

IMPACT OF INDUSTRIES ON GROUND WATER QUALITY BY COMPARISON BETWEEN HOSHANGABAD (NON INDUSTRIAL AREA) AND MANDIDEEP (INDUSTRIAL AREA), BHOPAL (INDIA)

India is a developing country, so the industrialization is increasing day by day. Industrialization shows the growth of country but these industries also effects the ground water quality, in a direct manner as well as indirect manner. My case study aim to show impact of industries on ground water quality by comparison between an industrial (Mandideep) and non-industrial (Hoshangabad) area. For this, four different source of different locations are selected for analyzing the parameter pH, Total Hardness, Sulphate,Chloride, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), T.D.S., T.H., T.A ,compared theses result to WHO and ISI standards and also these parameters compared between both the cities.