Occurrence Of Arsenic Research Articles

Effect of arsenic on reflectance spectra and chlorophyll fluorescence of aquatic plants

Arsenic pollution of groundwater is a serious problem in many regions of Latin America that causes severe risks to human health. As a consequence, non-destructive monitoring methodologies, sensitive to arsenic presence in the environment and able to perform a rapid screening of large polluted areas, are highly sought-after. Both chlorophyll – a fluorescence and reflectance of aquatic plants may be potential indicators to sense toxicity in water media.In this work, the effects of arsenic on the optical and photophysical properties of leaves of different aquatic plants (Vallisneria gigantea, Azolla filiculoides and Lemna minor) were evaluated. Reflectance spectra were recorded for the plant leaves from 300 to 2400nm. The spectral distribution of the fluorescence was also studied and corrected for light re-absorption processes. Photosynthetic parameters (Fv/Fm and ΦPSII) were additionally calculated from the variable chlorophyll fluorescence recorded with a pulse amplitude modulated fluorometer.Fluorescence and reflectance properties for V. gigantea and A. filiculoides were sensitive to arsenic presence in contrast to the behaviour of L. minor. Observed changes in fluorescence spectra could be interpreted in terms of preferential damage in photosystem II. The quantum efficiency of photosystem II for the first two species was also affected, decreasing upon arsenic treatment. As a result of this research, V. gigantea and A. filiculoides were proposed as bioindicators of arsenic occurrence in aquatic media.

Arsenic speciation in rice-based food for adults with celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) may affect up to 1% of the Western population. It is a disease whose diagnosis has been made mainly in childhood, but now the profile has changed, with one out of five newly diagnosed individuals being over 65 years old. The only treatment for this population is a gluten-free diet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse the occurrence of arsenic (As) in gluten-free products, basically those rice-based, intended for celiac adult consumers. The current study demonstrated that these rice-based products contained important contents of total arsenic (t-As) (up to 120 μg kg−1) and inorganic arsenic (i-As) (up to 85.8 μg kg−1). It was estimated that the contents of t-As and i-As in rice used as the main ingredient of these foods were as high as 235 and 198 μg kg−1, respectively. The estimated daily intake of i-As was 0.46 and 0.45 μg kg−1 bw in women and men of 58 and 75 kg of body weight (bw), respectively. These values indicate that a health risk to these consumers cannot be excluded. Finally, legislation is needed to delimit the safety intake by health agencies and to improve the labelling of these special rice-based foods for celiac adult consumers. The label should include information about percentage, geographical origin and cultivar of the rice used; besides and if companies want to clearly prove the safety of their products, the exact content of i-As should also be included.

Low dose of arsenic trioxide triggers oxidative stress in zebrafish brain: Expression of antioxidant genes

Occurrence of arsenic in the aquatic environment of West Bengal (India), Bangladesh and other countries are of immediate environmental concern. In the present study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) was used as a model to investigate oxidative stress related enzyme activities and expression of antioxidant genes in the brain to 50µg/L arsenic trioxide for 90 days. In treated fish, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated diene (CD) showed a triphasic response attaining a peak at the end of the exposure. In addition, a gradual increase in GSH level was noted until 60 days and at 90 days, a sudden fall was recorded which heightened arsenic toxicity. However, GSH level does not correlate well with the glutathione reductase (GR) activity. Generation of ROS in zebrafish brain due to As2O3 exposure was further evidenced by significant alteration of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activity, which converts H2O2 to water and helps in detoxication. Moreover, enhanced mRNA level of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in As2O3 exposed zebrafish indicates a protective role of Nrf2. kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a negative regulator of Nrf2, inversely correlates with the mRNA expression of Nrf2. As2O3 induced toxicity was also validated by the alteration in NRF2 and NRF2 dependent expression of proteins such as heme oxygenase1 (HO1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone1 (NQO1). The mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx1), catalase (Cat), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-Sod), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn Sod) and cytochrome c oxidase1 (Cox1) were also up regulated. The expression of uncoupling protein 2 (Ucp2), an important mitochondrial enzyme was also subdued in arsenic exposed zebrafish. The oxidative stress induced by arsenic also cause reduced mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) present in the inner mitochondrial membrane and thereby indicating onset of apoptosis in treated fish. It is concluded that even a low dose of arsenic trioxide is toxic enough to induce significant oxidative stress in zebrafish brain.

Extraction of arsenic from arsenic-containing cobalt and nickel slag and preparation of arsenic-bearing compounds

The arsenic extraction from the arsenic-containing cobalt and nickel slag, which came from the purification process of zinc sulfate solution in a zinc smelting factory, was investigated. The alkaline leaching method was proposed according to the mode of occurrence of arsenic in the slag and its amphoteric characteristic. The leaching experiments were conducted in the alkaline aqueous medium, with bubbling of oxygen into the solution, and the optimal conditions for leaching arsenic were determined. The results showed that the extraction rate of arsenic was maximized at 99.10% under the optimal conditions of temperature 140 °C, NaOH concentration 150 g/L, oxygen partial pressure 0.5 MPa, and a liquid-to-solid ratio 5:1. Based on the solubilities of As2O5, ZnO and PbO in NaOH solution at 25 °C, a method for the separation of As in the form of sodium arsenate salt from the arsenic-rich leachate via cooling crystallization was established, and the reaction medium could be fully recycled. The crystallization rate was confirmed to reach 88.9% (calculated on the basis of Na3AsO4) upon a direct cooling of the hot leachate down to room temperature. On the basis of redox potentials, the sodium arsenate solution could be further reduced by sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas to arsenite, at a reduction yield of 92% under the suitable conditions. Arsenic trioxide with regular octahedron shape could be prepared successfully from the reduced solution, and further recycled to the purification process to purify the zinc sulfate solution. Also, sodium arsenite solution obtained after the reduction of arsenate could be directly used to purify the zinc sulfate solution. Therefore, the technical scheme of alkaline leaching with pressured oxygen, cooling crystallization, arsenate reduction by SO2 gas, and arsenic trioxide preparation, provides an attractive approach to realize the resource utilization of arsenic-containing cobalt and nickel slag.

Influences on domestic well water testing behavior in a Central Maine area with frequent groundwater arsenic occurrence

In 2001 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a new standard for arsenic (As) in drinking water of 10μg/L, replacing the old standard of 50μg/L. However, for the 12% of the U.S. population relying on unregulated domestic well water, including half of the population of Maine, it is solely the well owner's responsibility to test and treat the water. A mailed household survey was implemented in January 2013 in 13 towns of Central Maine with the goal of understanding the population's testing and treatment practices and the key behavior influencing factors in an area with high well-water dependency and frequent natural groundwater As. The response rate was 58.3%; 525 of 900 likely-delivered surveys to randomly selected addresses were completed. Although 78% of the households reported that their well has been tested, half of it was more than 5years ago. Among the 58.7% who believe they have tested for As, most do not remember the results. Better educated, higher income homeowners who more recently purchased their homes are most likely to have included As when last testing. While households agree that water and As-related health risks can be severe, they feel low personal vulnerability and there are low testing norms overall. Significant predictors of including As when last testing include: having knowledge that years of exposure increases As-related health risks (risk knowledge), knowing who to contact to test well water (action knowledge), believing that regular testing does not take too much time (instrumental attitude), and having neighbors who regularly test their water (descriptive norm). Homeowners in As-affected communities have the tendency to underestimate their As risks compared to their neighbors. The reasons for this optimistic bias require further study, but low testing behaviors in this area may be due to the influence of a combination of norm, ability, and attitude factors and barriers.

Arsenic in the multi-aquifer system of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: analysis of large-scale spatial trends and controlling factors.

Groundwater exploitation is rising in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, potentially exacerbating arsenic contamination from natural sources. We investigate trends and controls on contamination patterns throughout the Delta's multi-aquifer system as observed in a spatially exhaustive data set of arsenic measured in >40,000 wells, 10.5% of which exceed the WHO drinking water standard for arsenic (10 μg/L). We relate strong trends in the distribution of contamination among well samples to explanatory variables derived from 3D ancillary physicochemical data sets using logistic regression models. Parsimonious models describe much of the observed variability in arsenic occurrence, which differs considerably between subsets of wells tapping shallow versus deeper aquifer groups. In the shallowest Holocene-Pleistocene aquifers, arsenic occurrence is best described by distance to the Mekong river channels and delta front, depth, and location within fault-bounded zones of the region. The same model, however, fails to explain observations in the deeper group of Pliocene-Miocene aquifers. Among these deeper units, arsenic occurrence is rare except among older wells in near-river, heavily pumped areas. Our analysis is the first to examine both natural and anthropogenically mediated contributions to the distribution of arsenic throughout the Mekong Delta's multi-aquifer system, with implications for management of similarly affected basins throughout Southeast Asia.

Geological factors controlling occurrence and distribution of arsenic in groundwaters from the southern margin of the Duero Basin, Spain

Groundwater from springs and boreholes on the southern edge of the Cenozoic Duero Basin (DB) of Spain has concentrations of arsenic (As) which are commonly above the EC drinking-water limit of 10μg/L and reach observed values up to 241μg/L. Groundwater compositions within the sedimentary aquifer vary from Ca-HCO3 type, variably affected by evaporation and agricultural pollution at shallow levels, to Na-HCO3 compositions in deeper boreholes of the basin. Groundwater conditions are mainly oxidising, but reducing groundwaters exist in sub-basins within the aquifer, localised flow paths likely being influenced by basement structure. Arsenic concentrations are spatially variable, reaching up to 38μg/L in springs of the Spanish Central System(SCS) basement aquifer and up to 62μg/L in springs from the DB. Highest As concentrations are associated with the Na-HCO3 compositions in deep boreholes (200-450m depth) within the DB. These have high pH values (up to 9.6) whichcan give rise to associated elevated concentrations of V and U (up to 64 and 30μg/L, respectively). In the deep borehole waters of the DB, oxidising flows derived from the mineralised igneous-metamorphic basement and discharging via major faults, and are considered the origin of the higher concentrations. Compositions are consistent with desorption of As and other anionic species from metal oxyhydroxides in an oxic environment. Under locally reducing conditions prevalent in some low-flow parts of the DB, an absence of detectable dissolved As is coincident with low or undetectable SO4 concentrations, and consistent with loss via formation of authigenic sulphide minerals. Mitigation measures are needed urgently in this semi-arid region where provision of alternative sources of safe drinking water is logistically difficult and expensive.

Identifying sources and controlling factors of arsenic release in saline groundwater aquifers

Abstract. An integrated hydrogeochemical study was carried out to realize the occurrence of arsenic (As) in a saline aquifer. Saline groundwater was mostly concentrated in the uppermost aquifer, and non-saline water was in the lower aquifer in the study area. High As concentrations were found in both the uppermost and lower aquifers. No correlation among salinity, well depth and As concentration was observed. Various forms of Fe oxyhydroxides were identified in the magnetic fractions, which were concentrated by high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) technique, revealing that the redox cycling of Fe occurred in the subsurface. High levels of Fe, HCO3-, DOC and NH4+ concentrations accompanying alkaline pH in the As-rich groundwater were consistent with the mechanism triggered by the microbially mediated reductive dissolution of Fe oxyhydroxides. A proposed threshold value of 50μg L-1 As concentration was used as an indicator for identification of active proceeding reductive dissolution of As-bearing Fe oxyhydroxides in the saline aquifer. Desorption behaviors of As were relevant to its valence in the sediments and the co-existence of anions. Experimental and numerical results showed that additions of Cl- and SO42-, which represent the main anions of saline water, had minor effect on leaching sedimentary As. Although bicarbonate addition resulted in less As desorption than that of phosphate on a molar basis, the contribution of bicarbonate to the total release of As was greater than phosphate due to the much higher concentration of bicarbonate in shallow groundwater and the associated microbial mediation. Collectively, the chemical effect of saline water on the As release to groundwater is mild in the coastal aquifer.

Factors affecting temporal variability of arsenic in groundwater used for drinking water supply in the United States

The occurrence of arsenic in groundwater is a recognized environmental hazard with worldwide importance and much effort has been focused on surveying and predicting where arsenic occurs. Temporal variability is one aspect of this environmental hazard that has until recently received less attention than other aspects. For this study, we analyzed 1245 wells with two samples per well. We suggest that temporal variability, often reported as affecting very few wells, is perhaps a larger issue than it appears and has been overshadowed by datasets with large numbers of non-detect data. Although there was only a slight difference in arsenic concentration variability among samples from public and private wells (p=0.0452), the range of variability was larger for public than for private wells. Further, we relate the variability we see to geochemical factors—primarily variability in redox—but also variability in major-ion chemistry. We also show that in New England there is a weak but statistically significant indication that seasonality may have an effect on concentrations, whereby concentrations in the first two quarters of the year (January–June) are significantly lower than in the second two quarters (July–December) (p<0.0001). In the Central Valley of California, the relation of arsenic concentration to season was not statistically significant (p=0.4169). In New England, these changes appear to follow groundwater levels. It is possible that this difference in arsenic concentrations is related to groundwater level changes, pumping stresses, evapotranspiration effects, or perhaps mixing of more oxidizing, lower pH recharge water in wetter months. Focusing on the understanding the geochemical conditions in aquifers where arsenic concentrations are concerns and causes of geochemical changes in the groundwater environment may lead to a better understanding of where and by how much arsenic will vary over time.

Occurrence of inorganic arsenic in edible Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) products

The present study reports arsenic speciation analysis in edible Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) products. The study focused on the extraction, and accurate quantification of inorganic arsenic (iAs), the most toxic form of arsenic, which was selectively separated and determined using anion exchange LC–ICPMS. A wide variety of edible Shiitake products (fresh mushrooms, food supplements, canned and dehydrated) were purchased and analysed. A cultivated Shiitake grown under controlled conditions was also analysed. The extraction method showed satisfactory extraction efficiencies (>90%) and column recoveries (>85%) for all samples. Arsenic speciation revealed that iAs was the major As compound up to 1.38mgAskg−1dm (with a mean percentage of 84% of the total arsenic) and other organoarsenicals were found as minor species. Shiitake products had high proportions of iAs and therefore should not be ignored as potential contributors to dietary iAs exposure in populations with a high intake of Shiitake products.

Investigating arsenic (As) occurrence and sources in ground, surface, waste and drinking water in northern Mongolia

Elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water are found in several parts of Asia. Prolonged intakes of even low concentrations typically have serious health effects. This research paper integrates results of various studies on arsenic contamination of ground, surface, waste and drinking water in north-central Mongolia. Samples were analyzed with the ARSOlux biosensor and the Arsenator field test kit as well as different spectrometric methods (ICP-MS, ICP-OES). Altogether 309 samples were tested for their arsenic concentration, 44 of them with more than one technique. In the study region, the enrichment of heavy metals in surface waters is often linked to mining and coal combustion. The highest concentration of arsenic (As) was detected in the effluent of a gold mine (up to 2,820 μg L−1) and in the ash basin of a thermal power plant (up to 1,170 μg L−1). Five of 54 drinking water samples and 16 of 184 river samples were found to contain As levels above the World Health Organization (WHO) maximum permissible limit (10 μg L−1), with a maximum of 300 μg L−1 As. In addition, elevated levels of uranium were detected. The degree and extent of As concentrations exceeding WHO standards were previously unknown and demonstrate the necessity for a more intensive screening as well as possible interventions concerning the intake of arsenic-contaminated drinking water. Preliminary results indicate that the ARSOlux biosensor technology is well suited for a precise quantification of arsenic content at low detection limits in regions where access to central laboratories is difficult.

Characteristic of the Volatile Arsenic in Natural Gas and its Novel Determination Method

The occurrence of volatile arsenic in natural gas, could lead to the poisoning of catalyst in processing equipment, and pose a serious threat to human health. In order to detect the total volatile arsenic in natural gas, this paper analyzed the characteristic and original mechanism of the volatile arsenic first, then a novel method was carried out by using silver nitrate solution, saturated potassium persulfate solution and concentrated nitric acid solution as sorption solution, followed by volatile arsenic determination with ICP-MS .The result showed that 2% silver nitrate solution had a good adsorption effect to volatile arsenic, and the recoveries of arsenic ranged from 87%~103%, which basically met the demand for the rapid detection of volatile arsenic in natural gas.

Understanding the translation of scientific knowledge about arsenic risk exposure among private well water users in Nova Scotia

Arsenic is a class I human carcinogen that has been identified as the second most important global health concern in groundwater supplies after contamination by pathogenic organisms. Hydrogeological assessments have shown naturally occurring arsenic to be widespread in groundwater across the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Knowledge of arsenic risk exposure among private well users in these arsenic endemic areas has not yet been fully explored but research on water quality perceptions indicates a consistent misalignment between public and scientific assessments of environmental risk. This paper evaluates knowledge of arsenic risk exposure among a demographic cross-section of well users residing in 5 areas of Nova Scotia assessed to be at variable risk (high-low) of arsenic occurrence in groundwater based on water sample analysis. An integrated knowledge-to-action (KTA) methodological approach is utilized to comprehensively assess the personal, social and local factors shaping perception of well water contaminant risks and the translation of knowledge into routine water testing behaviors. Analysis of well user survey data (n=420) reveals a high level of confidence in well water quality that is unrelated to the relative risk of arsenic exposure or homeowner adherence to government testing recommendations. Further analysis from the survey and in-depth well user interviews (n=32) finds that well users' assessments of risk are influenced by personal experience, local knowledge, social networks and convenience of infrastructure rather than by formal information channels, which are largely failing to reach their target audiences. Insights from interviews with stakeholders representing government health and environment agencies (n=15) are used to reflect on the institutional barriers that mediate the translation of scientific knowledge into public awareness and stewardship behaviors. The utilization of local knowledge brokers, community-based networks and regulatory incentives to improve risk knowledge and support routine testing among private well users is discussed.

Distribution and Abundance of Arsenic in the Soils and Sediments of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Lack of high-spatial-resolution soil and sediment arsenic data for Hawai‘i has generated substantial disagreement between researchers and regulators regarding the magnitude of natural levels of arsenic in Hawai‘i and rendered difficult the defining of areas of anthropogenically elevated arsenic. Our earlier research into the occurrence of arsenic in terrestrial and marine environments revealed widely disparate concentrations of arsenic with no apparent spatial pattern. To better understand the distribution and abundance of arsenic in soils and sediments of O‘ahu, we collected an additional 64 samples at locations chosen to represent different environments with varying degrees of human impact. We found surface arsenic values that ranged from 0.28 to 740 ppm with a median concentration of 8.1 ppm, which is above the global median of 5 ppm and US soil median of 5.2 ppm. Higher concentrations of arsenic (up to 913 ppm) were encountered at depth in soil cores. The median arsenic in streambed sediments from one of our earlier studies of 6.1 ppm was comparable to the conterminous US median of 6.3 ppm; however, we encountered arsenic concentrations as high as 43.9 ppm (median = 8.60 ppm, n = 75) in marine sediments in recent work off the leeward coast of O‘ahu. Overall, arsenic in the soils and sediments of O‘ahu is elevated relative to world and national values, but there still is no readily discernible pattern in the distribution of arsenic to explain these elevated values.

Occurrence of arsenic in fruit of mango plant (Mangifera indica L.) and its relationship to soil properties

Arsenic is a highly toxic element and its presence in foodstuffs will do harm to human health. In this study, the levels of arsenic in the fruits of three mango cultivars (Mangifera indica L.) from Hainan Island, China were investigated and their relationships to soil properties were discussed. The concentrations of arsenic in the mango fruits ranged from 0.6 to 50μgkg−1 (FW) with a mean value of 8.6μgkg−1. The transfer factors (TFs) of arsenic from soil to fruit varied between 0.0001 and 0.055 with a mean value of 0.0059. Both arsenic concentrations in the mango fruits and TFs were negatively correlated with soil Al2O3, Fe2O3, and MnO concentrations that could be described by a power model (y=axb), suggesting that soil Al–Fe–Mn oxides may play an important role in limiting the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of arsenic in the mango fruits. In addition, arsenic accumulations in the mango fruits were influenced by the soil pH. Mango fruits from the soils with pH between 4.8 and 5.5 had relatively high arsenic concentrations and TF values.

Characterization of arsenic-contaminated aquifer sediments from eastern Croatia by ion microbeam, PIXE and ICP-OES techniques

Groundwater arsenic contamination has been evidenced in eastern Croatia and hydrochemical results suggest that the occurrence of arsenic in the groundwater depends on the local geology, hydrogeology, and geochemical characteristics of the aquifer. In order to perform the sediment characterization and to investigate arsenic association with the other elements in the sediments, 10 samples from two boreholes (PVc-3 and Gundinci 1) in eastern Croatia were analyzed using two techniques: PIXE (without sample pre-treatment) and ICP-OES (after digestion), as well by ion microbeam analyses.The results of the PIXE and ICP-OES techniques showed quite good agreement; however, greater discrepancies were observed at the higher arsenic and manganese mass ratios. According to both techniques, higher As mass ratios were observed in the sediments from the PVc-3 core (up to 651mg/kg and 491mg/kg using PIXE and ICP-OES analyses respectively) than from the Gundinci 1 core (up to 60mg/kg using both techniques). Although arsenic association with Fe is expected, no correlation was observed. The microbeam analyses demonstrated that arsenic is associated with sulphides and iron in the most As-contaminated sample from the PVc-3 core, while this relationship was not evident in the most As-contaminated sample from the Gundinci 1 borehole.

Study on the influence of crown ether on arsenic behavior during coal pyrolysis

The influence of crown ether on behaviors of arsenic at different temperatures and residence time was investigated during the pyrolysis of Tuanbo (TB) coal. The modes of occurrence of arsenic were determined by sequential chemical extraction, density fractionation and demineralization. The results indicated that at the same temperature and residence time, the arsenic removal adding dibenzo-18-crown-6 was higher than that adding 18-crown-6, and were all higher than that of TB coal during pyrolysis. When temperature was 850 °C and residence time was 30 min, the arsenic removal of TB coal was 30.63%; at the same condition, the arsenic removal while adding 18-crown-6 was 33.21%, higher than that of TB coal; and the arsenic removal while adding dibenzo-18-crown-6 was 67.41%, significantly higher than that of TB coal. From the results, we can see that adding crown ether can improve the arsenic removal during coal pyrolysis, and especially be conducive to the arsenic which is mainly associated with sulfates & monosulfides and that in stable forms.

Occurrence of trivalent monomethyl arsenic and other urinary arsenic species in a highly exposed juvenile population in Bangladesh

Following reports of high cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of monomethyl arsonous acid (MMA(III)) and early reports of urinary MMA(III) in arsenic-exposed individuals, MMA(III) has often been included in population studies. Use of urinary MMA(III) as an indicator of exposure and/or health risk is challenged by inconsistent results from field studies and stability studies, which indicate potential artifacts. We measured urinary arsenic species in children chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water, using collection, storage, and analysis methods shown to conserve MMA(III). MMA(III) was easily oxidized in sample storage and processing, but recoveries of 80% or better in spiked urine samples were achieved. Attempts to preserve the distribution of MMA between trivalent and pentavalent forms using complexing agents were unsuccessful and MMA(III) spiked into treated urine samples actually showed lower stability than in untreated samples. In 643 urine samples from a highly exposed population from the Matlab district in Bangladesh stored for 3-6 months at ≤-70 °C, MMA(III) was detected in 41 samples, with an estimated median value of 0.3 μg/l, and levels of MMA(III) above 1 μg/l in only two samples. The low urinary concentrations in highly exposed individuals and known difficulties in preserving sample oxidation state indicate that urinary MMA(III) is not suitable for use as an epidemiological biomarker.

Occurrence of arsenic in two large shallow freshwater lakes in China and a comparison to other lakes around the world

Elevated levels of arsenic (As) have been found in lakes and rivers due to intensive anthropogenic activities. However, information on the occurrence of As in large freshwater lakes has scarcely been available. This study aimed at integrated exploration of the occurrence of As in multiple media of the limnetic ecosystems, mainly waters, sediments, macrophytes, invertebrates and fish in two large freshwater lakes (Taihu and Dianchi) during 2009–2010. The dissolved As concentrations in lake water for Lake Dianchi (3.08–10.48 μg L− 1) were significantly higher than the dissolved As concentrations in Lake Taihu (1.39–5.65 μg L− 1). The As concentrations in sediments by dry weight in Lake Dianchi (12.49–169.25 mg kg− 1) were also significantly higher than the As concentrations in Lake Taihu sediments (4.66–10.85 mg kg− 1). The highest As concentration observed for invertebrates was registered in a mussel species (Novaculina chinensis) at 25.0 mg kg− 1, and the lowest As concentration was observed in shrimp (Exopalaemon modestus) at 1.2 mg kg− 1 in Lake Taihu. Although different macrophyte species were sampled in the two lakes, a common pattern was observed for the As concentrations in the plants. Submerged plants had higher levels of As than floating plants. Arsenic concentrations in Lake Taihu Ceratophyllum demersum L. could be 12.0 mg kg− 1; in contrast, in Nymphoides peltatum, the As concentration was 1.4 mg kg− 1. Six common fish species were collected in Lakes Taihu and Dianchi. No significant differences in As concentrations in fish muscles from the two lakes were found, although As bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for fish muscles in Lake Taihu were much higher than the BAFs observed in Dianchi. This difference suggests that fish in Taihu and Dianchi have a balancing mechanism for As through metabolism, which might regulate As concentration in muscle tissues at relatively low levels. Overall, the occurrence of As in the two large shallow freshwater lakes in China is relatively lower in concentration than As levels in other lakes around the world, but human health risks from As contamination exist.

Antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial residues and bacterial community composition in urban wastewater

This study was based on the hypothesis that the occurrence of antimicrobial residues and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the sewage could be correlated with the structure and composition of the bacterial community and the antibiotic resistance loads of the final effluent. Raw and treated wastewater composite samples were collected from an urban treatment plant over 14 sampling dates. Samples were characterized for the i) occurrence of tetracyclines, penicillins, sulfonamides, quinolones, triclosan, arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium and mercury; ii) antibiotic resistance percentages for tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin and iii) 16S rRNA gene-DGGE patterns. The data of corresponding samples, taking into account the hydraulic residence time, was analyzed using multivariate analysis.Variations on the bacterial community structure of the final effluent were significantly correlated with the occurrence of tetracyclines, penicillins, sulfonamides, quinolones and triclosan in the raw inflow. Members of the class Epsilonproteobacteria presented positive correlations with those antimicrobials, whereas negative correlations were observed with Beta and Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes. Antibiotic resistance percentages presented different trends of variation in heterotrophs/enterobacteria and in enterococci, varied over time and after wastewater treatment. Antibiotic resistance was positively correlated with the occurrence of tetracyclines residues and high temperature. A relationship between antibiotic residues, bacterial community structure and composition and antibiotic resistance is demonstrated. Further studies, involving more wastewater treatment plants may help to elucidate this complex relationship.