Soil Contamination Rate Research Articles

Seroepidemiological investigation of Toxocara canis in a female Greek pregnant population in the area of Athens

The purpose of this study was to investigate the of areas where the soil is contaminated by Toxocara ova and also to assess seroepidemiological positivity in a Greek pregnant women population (ELISA IgG test). Materials and Methods: The authors carried out an examination of soil samples collected from different areas of Athens and Piraeus (Kazakos method). Blood serum was only collected from pregnant women living and conducting activities in places close to the places where the soil sample’s were collected for at least a decade (ELISA IgG assay). Results: The authors suggest a correlation between the positive response in the ELISA assay IgG antibodies and the activities of people where soil was contaminated by Toxocara eggs. In conclusion, the prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in a population of Greek pregnant women was found to be a rate of 17.16% and the soil contamination rate of 17.08%.

The Importance of Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) to Evaluate the Soil Contamination

Heavy metals are natural constituents of soils and their concentration varies depending on parental materials. In the last years, the content of heavy metal in soils has increased due to human activities as: distribution of fertilizers, pesticides, industries, waste disposal and air pollution. Due to these activities the life capacity of soils decreased; especially where the natural background is already high because of natural parental material richness in heavy metal. As a matter of fact it is very important to distinguish between the natural background values and anthropogenic inputs, and to understand that the background values change from area to area and with the scale of the area investigated. There is currently a wide variety of methods used to evaluate soil contamination. To evaluate the soil contamination rate different indexes like Enrichment Factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) can be applied. These indexes are used to assess the presence and intensity of anthropogenic contaminant deposition on surface soil.

Soil Contamination With Oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in Isfahan, Central Iran

Background: Cryptosporidium, a coccidian parasite, is the causative agent of watery diarrhea in humans and animals. The disease is mostly self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals, yet severe infection can occur in children and immunocompromised patients. The parasite is mostly transmitted to humans by water, yet it can also be transmitted by soil. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine soil contamination rate of parks of Isfahan, Iran, with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 soil samples from 28 public parks of 14 regions of Isfahan (central Iran) were collected during summer 2014. The soil samples were concentrated using the sucrose floatation technique, which was followed by preparation of microscopic slides. The slides were stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and were examined microscopically for presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts using 100X oil immersion objective. Results: Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were observed in 31 out of 140 soil samples (22.14%). Also, all 14 regions (100%) and 17 out of 28 public parks (60.71%) were contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Conclusions: Despite the climate temperature of Isfahan city, the soli of parks were highly contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp.

Mobilization of biomass for energy from boreal forests in Finland & Russia under present sustainable forest management certification and new sustainability requirements for solid biofuels

Forest biomass is one of the main contributors to the EU's renewable energy target of 20% gross final energy consumption in 2020 (Renewable Energy Directive). Following the RED, new sustainability principles are launched by the European energy sector, such as the Initiative Wood Pellet Buyers (IWPB or SBP). The aim of our study is the investigation of the quantitative impacts from IWPB's principles for forest biomass for energy only. We deploy a bottom up method that quantifies the supplies and the costs from log harvest until forest chip delivery at a domestic consumer. We have a reference situation with existing national (forest) legislation and voluntary certification schemes (scenario 1) and a future situation with additional criteria based on the IWPB principles (scenario 2). Two country studies were selected for our (2008) survey: one in Finland with nearly 100% certification and one in Leningrad province with a minor areal share of certification in scenario 1. The sustainable potential of forest resources for energy is about 54 Mm3 (385 PJ) in Finland and about 13.5 Mm3 (95 PJ) in Leningrad in scenario 1 without extra criteria. The potential volumes reduce considerably by maximum 43% respectively 39% after new criteria from the IWPB, like a minimum use of sawlogs, stumps and slash for energy, and by an increased area of protected forests (scenario 2A Maximum extra restrictions). In case sawlogs can be used, but instead ash recycling is applied after a maximum stump and slash recovery (scenario 2B Minimum extra restrictions), the potential supply is less reduced: 5% in Finland and 22% in Leningrad region. The estimated reference costs for forest chips are between €18 and €45 solid m−3 in Finland and between €7 and €33 solid m−3 in the Leningrad region. In scenario 2A, the costs will mainly increase by €7 m−3 for delimbing full trees (Finland), and maximum €0.3 m−3 for suggested improved forest management (Leningrad region). In scenario 2B, when ash recycling is applied, costs increase by about €0.3 to €1.6 m−3, depending on the rate of soil contamination. This is an increase of 2%, on top of the costs in scenario 2A.

Soil Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors among Schoolchildren in Government and Private Primary School in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Soil transmitted helminth infections are among the most common human infections. They are distributed throughout the world with high prevalence rates in tropical and sub-tropical countries mainly because of lack of adequate sanitary facilities, inappropriate waste disposal systems, lack of safe water supply, and low socio-economic status. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted from December 2011 to June 2012 to determine and assess the prevalence of soil transmitted helminths and their associated factors among government and private primary school children. Stool samples were collected from 369 randomly selected children and examined microscopically for eggs of soil transmitted helminth following McMaster techniques. Soil samples were collected from different parts of the school compound and microscopic examination was performed for eggs of the helminths using sodium nitrate flotation technique. The overall prevalence rate of soil transmitted helminth infections in private and government schools was 20.9% and 53.5% respectively. T. trichiura was the most common soil transmitted helminth in both schools while hookworm infections were identified in government school students only. Type of school and sex were significantly associated with soil transmitted helminth. Soil contamination rate of the school compounds was 11.25% with predominant parasites of A. lumbricoides. Higher prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infection was found among government school students. Thus, more focus, on personal hygiene and sanitary facilities, should be given to children going to government schools.

배추 산지 토양의 뿌리혹병균 오염

본 연구는 가을 배추 산지로 알려진 지역의 토양내 P. brassicae 의 오염 조사를 통하여 배추 뿌리혹병 방제의 기초 기술을 확립하고자 수행하였다. 배추과 작물에 뿌리혹을 유발하는 P. brassicae를 검출하기 위한 PCR primer를 개발하였다. PbbtgF761과 PbbtgR961의 primer 세트는 P. brassicae에 특이적인 245 bp 크기의 밴드를 증폭하였다. 가을 배추 재배지로 알려진 해남군은 33곳 중 10곳, 영암군 및 영광군은 13곳 중 5곳, 고창군은 6곳 중 1곳, 홍성군은 12곳 중 2곳, 당진시는 17곳 중 5곳이 P. brassicae에 오염된 것으로 나타났다. 토양내 P. brassicae에 의한 오염률 조사에서 해남군 30.3%, 영암군 및 영광군 38.5%, 고창군 16.7%, 홍성군 16.7%, 당진시 29.4%로 나타났다. 배추 뿌리혹이 육안으로 확인된 6곳은 PCR 검정에서 토양내 P. brassicae를 100% 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서 토양내 P. brassicae의 오염을 PCR 진단을 통해 화학적 방제여부를 결정하는 지표로 활용할 수 있을 것이다. This research was performed to establish basic technology for Chinese cabbage clubroot chemical control by investigating the soil contamination of Plasmodiophora brassicae in major producing regions of fall Chinese cabbage. PCR primers were developed to detect P. brassicae, a causal agent of Chinese cabbage club-root that generally occurs in Cruciferae family. A primer set, PbbtgF761 and PbbtgR961, specifically amplified a 245 bp fragment from P. brassicae only. At places well known for fall Chinese cabbage, 10 out of 33 in Haenam-gun, 5 out of 13 in Yeongam-gun and Yeonggwang-gun, 1 out of 6 in Gochang-gun, 2 out of 12 in Hongseong-gun, and 5 out of 17 in Dangjin-si resulted positive for P. brassicae contamination. The results show that the soil contamination rate of P. brassicae was 30.3% in Haenam-gun, 38.5% in Yeongam-gun and Yeonggwang-gun, 16.7% in Gochang-gun, 16.7% in Hongseong-gun, and 29.4% in Dangjin-si. The six places where Chinese cabbage clubroot was visible by naked eye were 100% confirmed by the PCR test of the P. brassicae contaminated soil. Thus, simple PCR test may be utilized as an index to decide on chemical control of P. brassicae.

Frequency of geohelminths in public squares in Pelotas, RS, Brazil

The frequency of parasitic contamination of public areas in the municipality of Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, was studied between June 2010 and May 2011, when soil samples were collected from eight city squares. Out of 400 samples submitted to centrifugal floatation technique in solution of sodium dichromate with density of 1.35, 176 (44%) proved positive for at least one parasite; 29 (16.5%) samples were multi-infested. The results showed that there was a significant soil contamination rate in all the parks included in the study. The positivity rate was higher for hookworms eggs (13.5%) and Toxocara eggs (8.8%); Trichuris, Ascaris and Capillaria eggs were also detected. This study shows the risks to which the population is exposed in relation to zoonotic geohelminths, and suggests that sanitation and health education measures should be implemented in the municipality.

Local meteorological conditions, dynamics of seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii in cats (Felis catus) and oocyst burden in a rural environment

The aim of this study was to analyse the spatio-temporal dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii infection in long-term monitoring of domestic cats (8-15 years) in three populations living in rural France. Overall seroprevalence was 52.7% (modified agglutination test > or =1:40). Incidence was 0.26-0.39 seroconversions/cat per year, and the estimated rate of soil contamination by T. gondii oocysts ranged between 31 and 3600 oocysts/m2 per year, depending on the population. Incidence risk in cats was related to mean precipitation, explaining both the spatial and temporal variability in risk: local conditions explained differences between the three study sites and incidence risk increased during rainy years. This study brings rare quantitative information on the level of contamination of the environment by T. gondii oocysts, and suggests that the spatio-temporal distribution of incidence risk in cats may reflect both the influence of rain on prey populations and infectivity of T. gondii oocysts.

CONTAMINAÇÃO DO SOLO DE ÁREAS COMUNITÁRIAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE CARAT INGA, MG, BRASIL, POR OVOS DE Toxocara sp. E CISTO S DE Entamoeba sp.

In this study, conducted between February and September 2007, soil samples of six different locations – two public squares, two recreation clubs and two schools – situated in the municipality of Caratinga in Minas Gerais State, Brazil were examined. A total of 18 samples of soil was examined monthly. The diagnostic techniques applied were spontaneous sedimentation and the Faust method. In 89.6% of the collected samples eggs of Toxocara sp. and/or cysts of Entamoeba sp. were observed. Lectures about helminths were held in the two schools, and, at this occasion, the results of this study were presented to the pupils. The data show a high rate of soil contamination, indicating an increased risk of infection with parasites for the population.

ENHANCEMENT OF URANIUM PHYTOACCUMULATION FROM CONTAMINATED SOILS

Chelation and complexation of uranium (U) and soil acidification were evaluated as practical ways to solubilize, detoxify, and enhance U accumulation by plants. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) were selected as potential U accumulators for U phytoextraction in one U mine tailing soil (469 mg U kg -1 ) and nine acid and calcareous soils (pH 4.7 to 8.1) contaminated with different rates (100 to 600 mg U(VI)kg -1 ) of uranyl nitrate (UO 2 (NO 3 ) 2 .6H 2 O). To enhance U phytoextraction, organic chelates were added to soils alone or as complexed-U forms of CDTA, DTPA, EDTA, and HEDTA, and citric and oxalic acids at rates of 1 to 25 mmol kg -1 , to soils with 4-week old seedlings. Dry matter production, U concentration in shoots and roots, and soil pH were measured. Contaminated soils were also evaluated for U desorption and by fractionation. Uranium desorption was performed with 2 to 20 mmol kg -1 of citric acid, CDTA, DTPA, and HEDTA. Uranium fractions [(exchangeable, carbonate, manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), organic, and residual)] were determined after 4 weeks of incubation. Plant dry matter production and U accumulation varied with soil contamination rate, chelate, organic acid form and rate, and soil type. The highest U concentration was in plants growing in calcareous soils and the lowest in clayey acid soils with high Fe and Mn oxides and organic matter content. Addition of citric and oxalic acids increased U accumulation and U translocation to the shoots significantly. Addition of 20 mmol of citric acid kg -1 to loamy acid soils reduced the soil pH to below 5.0 and increased U concentration in shoots to 1400 mg U kg -1 or by 150-fold, but addition of complexed-U forms had little effect on U translocation to shoots. Citric acid was the most effective chelate in desorption and plant accumulation of U. Uranium phytoacumulation was limited to acid soils with low adsorptive potential and to alkaline soils with carbonate minerals.

A review of edible mushroom radioactivity

Abstract The review deals mainly with the situation in Europe where wild-growing mushrooms are widely consumed as a delicacy and some species have been found to be extensively contaminated by radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. The natural isotope 40K usually causes activities of 0.8–1.5 kBq kg−1 dry matter. Activities of 137Cs, from nuclear weapons testing, below 1 kBq kg−1 dry matter, were commonly reported until 1985. The situation changed dramatically after the Chernobyl accident and activities up to tens of kBq kg−1 dry matter of 137Cs and to a lesser extent of 134Cs were observed in the following years in some edible species. Among the heavily accumulating species belong Xerocomus (Boletus) badius, Xerocomus chrysenteron, Suillus variegatus, Rozites caperata and Hydnum repandum. Activity concentrations have been affected by several environmental factors, such as rate of soil contamination with fallout, the horizon from which mycelium takes nutrients, soil moisture and time from the disaster. Wild mushroom consumption contributed up to 0.2 mSv to the effective dose in individuals consuming about 10 kg (fresh weight) of heavily contaminated species per year. The radioactivity of cultivated mushrooms is negligible. Contamination can be considerably decreased by soaking or cooking of dried or frozen mushroom slices. Animals, such as deer, eating mushrooms, have elevated levels of radionuclides in their tissues.