Environmental Protection Agency Standards Research Articles

Ozone management in Colorado: Why aren’t we there yet?

ABSTRACT Since 2004, the state of Colorado in the United States of America has created multiple nonattainment State Implementation Plans (SIPs) that are supposed to comprise air pollution mitigation actions, that have so far been unsuccessful at ensuring Front Range Communities have reduced ozone levels to below the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. By interviewing eight stakeholders and decision-makers involved in ozone SIP rulemaking and drawing on secondary literature, this paper examines shortcomings in the SIP process in Colorado. We found that ozone precursor measurement and the modeling of attainment could be improved by better factoring in uncertainties in emissions inventories and conducting appropriate sensitivity analyses that would require more investment of state staff time and resources. Structural issues with the way the process is organized in Colorado limit optimum overlap between state: Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) and quasi-state: Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) agencies during the SIP process. Specifically, although the RAQC is currently charged with developing and submitting SIPs to the State for approval, it does not have the power to implement control strategies for several key sources and therefore does not have the authority to propose key policies to be included in the SIP. In recent years, Colorado SIPs have largely focused on the bare minimum emissions controls to demonstrate attainment via modeling. Interviewees recommend that state political leaders take more of a leadership role to lower ground-level ozone levels and bring the Denver Metropolitan Area/North Front Range back into attainment with EPA standards. Implications We evaluate why the State Implementation Plan (SIP) process has failed to achieve the attainment of the ozone standards in the Denver Metropolitan and North Front Range Area. Specifically, through interviewing several experts we identified several problems, namely: 1) errors in emissions inventories and modeling of ozone levels that have resulted in incorrect determinations that the ozone standards would be met with proposed emissions controls, and 2) structural problems in the way the SIP process is organized in Colorado, and the lack of political leadership.

Mineral pollutants and coliform contamination in groundwater pose health risks to consumers: a spatiotemporal study in a mining-impacted area

The presence of mineral pollutants, combined with bacterial contamination, has significantly impacted groundwater quality and led to various health-related issues in mining-impacted areas. Therefore, we measured the concentration of fluoride (F-), phosphate (PO43-), sulphate (SO42-), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), the total coliforms (TCs), and physiochemical characteristics in groundwater samples of South Khorasan, Eastern Iran. For this, we collected water samples from 100 wells in spring and autumn across this mining-impacted area. We then measured the concentrations of mineral pollutants and assessed their associated health risks to children and adults using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) models and spatiotemporal zoning maps in ArcGIS. The concentrations of PO43-, NH4+, SO42-, NO3-, and F- were 0.70 ± 0.34, 0.82 ± 0.9, 175.45 ± 123, 15.26 ± 9.41, and 0.53 ± 0.68 mg/L in spring, and 0.71 ± 3.18, 4.68 ± 31, 306.72 ± 615.80, 19.30 ± 15.61, and 0.72 ± 0.65 mg/L in autumn, respectively. PO43-, NH4+, and SO42- exceeded both the World Health Organization (WHO) and EPA, but NO3- exceeded only EPA standards. TCs in both seasons exceeded the standards set by the EPA and WHO. The hazard quotient (HQ) values indicated non-carcinogenic risks for F⁻ and NO3⁻, while posing no risks NH4⁺ and PO43⁻ in both adults and children during autumn and spring.Hazard index (HI) was greater than 1 for all minerals in both children and adults in autumn and spring. No correlation was observed between mineral compounds and TCs in the study area, yet the water samples were highly contaminated by coliform with a significant risk to adults and children. In essence, both mineral pollutants and TCs potentially pose serious risks to human, and more efforts are required to improve the quality of water in this area.

Ambient Air Pollution Exposure and Outcomes in Patients Receiving Lung Transplant

Elevated ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution exposure has been associated with poor health outcomes across several domains, but its associated outcomes among lung transplant recipients are poorly understood. To investigate whether greater PM2.5 exposure at the zip code of residence is associated with a higher hazard for mortality and graft failure in patients with lung transplants. This retrospective cohort study used panel data provided by the United Network for Organ Sharing, which includes patients receiving transplants across all active US lung transplant programs. Adult patients who received lung transplants between May 2005 and December 2016 were included, with a last follow-up of September 10, 2020. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to May 2023. Zip code-level annual PM2.5 exposure was constructed using previously published North American estimates. The primary outcome was time to death or lung allograft failure after lung transplant. A gamma shared frailty Cox proportional hazards model was used to produce unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) to estimate the association of zip code PM2.5 exposure at the time of transplant with graft failure or mortality. Among 18 265 lung transplant recipients (mean [SD] age, 55.3 [13.2] years; 7328 female [40.2%]), the resident zip code's annual PM2.5 exposure level was greater than or equal to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard of 12μg/m3 for 1790 patients (9.8%) and less than the standard for 16 475 patients (90.2%). In unadjusted analysis, median graft survival was 4.87 years (95% CI, 4.57-5.23 years) for recipients living in high PM2.5 areas and 5.84 years (95% CI, 5.71-5.96 years) for recipients in the low PM2.5 group. Having an annual PM2.5 exposure level greater than or equal to the EPA standard 12 μg/m3 was associated with an increase in the hazard of death or graft failure (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.18; P < .001) in the unadjusted analysis and after adjusting for covariates (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15; P = .02). Each 1 μg/m3 increase in exposure was associated with an increase in the hazard of death or graft failure (adjusted HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P = .004) when treating PM2.5 exposure as a continuous variable. In this study, elevated zip code-level ambient PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increased hazard of death or graft failure in lung transplant recipients. Further study is needed to better understand this association, which may help guide risk modification strategies at individual and population levels.

Ambient air pollution and survival in childhood cancer: A nationwide survival analysis.

Particulate matter consisting of fine particles measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5), a component of air pollution, has been linked to adverse health outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the association between ambient PM2.5 exposure and survival in children with cancer in the United States. Individuals aged birth to 19 years who were diagnosed with cancer between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2019, were selected from the National Cancer Database. The association between the annual PM2.5 level at the patient's zip code of residence at the time of diagnosis and overall survival was evaluated using time-varying Cox proportional hazards models (crude and adjusted for diagnosis year and age). To address concerns that exposure to air pollution is correlated with other social determinants of health, the authors tested the association between PM2.5 levels and survival among sociodemographic subgroups. Of the 172,550 patients included, 27,456 (15.9%) resided in areas with annual PM2.5 concentrations above the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) annual PM2.5 standard of 12 μg/m3. Residing in these high-pollution areas was associated with worse overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.012-1.10). Similarly, when PM2.5 was evaluated as a linear measure, each unit increase in PM2.5 exposure was associated with worse survival (aHR, 1.011; CI, 1.005-1.017). Exposure to PM2.5 at levels above the EPA standards was also significantly associated with worse overall survival among sociodemographic subgroups. Exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with worse overall survival among children with cancer, even at levels below EPA air quality standards. These results underscore the importance of setting appropriate air quality standards to protect the health of this sensitive population. The authors investigated how living in areas with high air pollution (defined as particulate matter consisting of fine particles measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter; PM2.5) affects the overall survival of children with cancer in the United States. The results indicated that children living in areas with higher PM2.5 levels, and even at levels below prior and current US Environmental Protection Agency standards, had lower survival rates than children living in areas with lower levels of PM2.5. This finding emphasizes the need for stricter air quality standards to better protect children, particularly those with serious health conditions like childhood cancer.

An Investigation of Water Resource Management in the Beverage Industry

According to studies, industrial water use comprises production processes, auxiliary processes, kitchen use, and outdoor use. Reducing industrial water use is dependent on the implementation of administrative, engineering, mechanical, and human controls. The objectives of this research were to assess the water use of a Soft Drink Plant; determine the water use ratio for a two-year period; and determine the plant’s compliance with local and international regulations for wastewater discharge. We also determined the level of success of implementing a water minimisation plan, whether there was an improvement in the Water Use Ratio, and compliance of the industry with local and international discharge regulations. The sequential transformative strategy was used to collect and analyse data so as to ascertain water usage and disposal, and a semi-structured interview was conducted to validate the non-existence of heavy metals in the wastewater discharged from the soft drink plant. The Soft Drink Plant’s Water Minimisation Plan 2013-2016 achieved a high level of success overall, with 74.42% of the activities implemented by the assigned completion dates. However, three of the five measures implemented recorded low levels of success. Paired sample t-tests revealed statistically significant differences in the water use ratio obtained for the periods 2013-2014, 2014-2015, and 2013-2015, although the differences were relatively small (t (df)=2.242, p=0.047; t (df)=2.592, p=0.025; and t (df)=6.250, p=0.000) for the respective periods. Six of the eleven tested parameters were statistically different when compared to the Coca-Cola Operating Requirements and Environmental Protection Agency standards, indicating a high variation in effluent discharge.

Assessment of Noise Levels and Perceptions of Its Health Impact at Kejetia Market in Ghana.

Noise pollution in developing countries such as Nigeria and Ghana is causing adverse effects on citizens, including hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, adverse social behavior, and cardiovascular diseases. This study assessed noise levels at the Kejetia Market in Ghana and the perceptions of health impact. A sound level meter (JD-801A) was used to measure the noise levels at the various points in the market. Results showed that noise exposure levels were not within Ghana Environmental Protection Agency standards 2008, with sources including loud music, advertisements, human congestion, and vehicles. Respondents perceived noise pollution sources as annoyance, mental stress, sleep disturbances, lack of concentration, hearing, and cardiovascular effects. The study suggests that stakeholders and authorities should educate the public on the health effects of noise pollution.

Hydrological Transport and Fate of Brackish and Inorganic Contaminants with Anthropogenic Influence

The objective of our study is to estimate the contamination concentrations in the Permian Basin, US. A total of 481 observation samples were chosen within the following study areas: Andrews, Martin, Midland, Ector, Crane, and Upton Counties. The Dockum, Pecos Valley, Edwards-Trinity Plateau, and Ogallala aquifers were evaluated for inorganic contaminants. Level reports for parameters such as Arsenic (As), Nitrate (NO3−), Fluoride (F), Chloride (Cl), total dissolved solids (TDS), and Uranium (U) were provided by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) analyzed with other counties. We demonstrated the average level in each county with different time periods: 1992–2005 and 2006–2019. Our results were compared with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and concluded the safety of water consumption in the study areas. We concluded that inorganic pollutants resulted mainly from human impacts such as agriculture, fertilizers, and energy developments. This research offers significant information about inorganic pollutants and brackish aquifers in the Permian Basin, US, contributing to our understanding of how groundwater resources respond to contaminations in dry regions. With freshwater becoming scarcer in arid climates such as the Permian Basin, US, it is important to ensure successful water management in these dry and arid locations.

Exploratory Data Analysis of the Groundwater Contaminants at the Former Panna Maria Uranium Recovery Facility.

The former Panna Maria mill was a uranium recovery facility that operated from 1979 to December 1992. Sulfuric acid leach was used to process several tons of ore daily. Therefore, the groundwater was sampled at the site to monitor the concentration of background chemical pollutants. The purpose of this study was to perform exploratory data analysis to evaluate whether the arsenic, nickel, selenium, sulfate, and uranium concentrations were in accord with state-regulated groundwater drinking standards at the site. To accomplish this, a substitution method was used to replace concentration values that were below measurable ranges of well monitoring units. Additionally, random forest regression was employed to account for missing not-at-random values in the dataset. Groundwater samples collected in wells before the facility began operations were used to determine an upper bound on background pollutants consistent with US Environmental Protection Agency Standards. The upper tolerance limit comprising 90% of the groundwater sample at a confidence coefficient of 95% was used to establish alternate concentration limits for each chemical based on well data from the National Uranium Resource Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance program. Results obtained in this analysis establish a baseline on the chemical concentrations in the background groundwater at the former Panna Maria mill.

Survey on the quality of outlet biosolids and sludge heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plants of Mazandaran province

Background: Sewage sludge is rich in fecal coliforms, Salmonella, parasite eggs, and heavy metals that can cause disease in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of outlet biosolids and sludge heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Mazandaran province and to compare them with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Methods: This study was carried out on the sludge of the treatment plants of Sari, Joybar, Babol, Babolsar, Nowshahr, and Nowshahr-Chalus sludge compost plants. In this study, physical, chemical, and biological properties of sludge samples including retention time, pH, total solids (TS), color, heavy metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) as well as the density of fecal coliform, Salmonella and parasite eggs were determined and reported. Results: Biosolids of Joybar, Babol, Babolsar, and Nowshahr-Chalus WWTP in terms of parasite eggs were in class A. Biosolids of Sari WWTP in summer after drying off naturally were located in Class A, and in summer and spring, were located in Class B based on the US EPA criteria. The average concentration of heavy metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) was lower than the EPA standard. Conclusion: The results showed that mostly the treated sewage sludge in Mazandaran WWTPs were in Class B of the EPA guideline. The concentration of heavy metals in the biosolids of these WWTPs is lower than the EPA regulation and the use of these biosolids in agriculture is not limited for these metals.

Medical waste management in Al-Kut City

This research investigates solid waste management in Al-Kut City. It included the collection of medical and general solid waste generated in five hospitals different in their specialization and capacity through one week, starting from 03/02/2012. Samples were collected and analyzed periodically to find their generation rate, composition, and physical properties. Analysis results indicated that generation rate ranged between (1102 – 212) kg / bed / day, moisture content and density were (19.0 % - 197 kg/ m3) respectively for medical waste and (41%-255 kg/ m3) respectively for general waste. Theoretically, medical solid waste generated in Al-Kut City (like any other city), affected by capacity, number of patients in a day, and hospital specialty The research exposed the incorrect ways used in collecting, storing, waste transport, and inefficient incinerators processing .Laboratory test for six ash collected samples indicated high concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr) , having the rang of (51.0 – 62.0) mg / l of lead, (3.0 – 8.5) mg / l for cadmium, and (43.0 -69.0) mg / l for chrome. In comparison with the US Environmental Protection Agency standards, these samples are higher than the recommended levels that may threat groundwater. A comprehensive and integrated solution there must be to manage medical waste, with the participation of all parties concerned, especially, the Ministry of Health, environment authorities concerned, and the participation of civil society organizations. A color-code trash bags and containers are recommended by the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency to be used in hospitals that propose red bags for collecting medical waste while black bags for general waste provided that they are resistant to tearing seeping and should be provided in sufficient numbers.

Assessment of concentration of the potentially toxic elements and associated human health risk from particulate matter exposure along road intersections in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

The harmful health effect of suspended particulate matter (PM10) is mostly associated with its mass concentrations and chemical compositions. Therefore, this study focuses on the determination of the particulate matter (PM10) concentrations and their potentially toxic elements (PTEs) composition from different road networks in Ibadan southwestern, Nigeria. In addition, human health risk assessment was estimated from the PTE data. The PM10 samples were collected from different road networks such as national highway roads (NHR), inner-city major roads (ICR), and remote roads (RRD) in Ibadan, Nigeria. The sampling was carried out with a high-volume air sampler (model #15000 manufactured by Science Resource, Walboro, USA) with a PM10 cut-off on a Whatman cellulose filter during the harmattan period. The PM10 concentrations and PTEs compositions (Al, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, La, Mo, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) were determined by gravimetry and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) methods (VISTA-MPX manufactured by Varian Incorporation), respectively. The PM10 concentrations in all three road networks were more than 3 folds higher than World Health Organization (WHO), United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and United Kingdom Environmental Protection Agency (UKEPA) standards (50 µg/m3) for 24 h. The maximum average contents of Ba, Cd, Cu, La, Mn, Pb, and V, were observed at NHR, while that of Al, Fe, Mo, and Zn, were found at ICR. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 (Ba, Cd, Cu, La, Mo, Pb, and V) and PC4 (Zn) were characterised by elemental markers of both exhaust emission and non-exhaust emissions, while PC2 (Mn) and PC3 (Al, Fe) were characterised by crustal elements. The Enrichment factor (EF) analysis classified all the PTEs as moderately to very highly enriched, especially in NHR and ICR, except Al, Fe, and to some extent Mn. Both the maximum and average hazard quotient (HQ) levels of Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn were < 1, which was within the permissible level. Also, the carcinogenic risk (CR) was also within the permissible limit.

Improving the Method for Measuring Bromine Compounds in Flue Gas

The method detection limit (MDL) using UV-VIS spectrometry (UV/VIS) is the primary method to detect bromine compounds in the flue gas. However, the level of bromine compounds in the flue gas is 0.6 ppm, reaching 20% of the emission limit of 3.0 ppm, which limits the analysis of low-concentration samples. As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency and official test standards for water pollution, bromine compound analysis was performed using ion chromatography (IC). Hydrogen chloride was analyzed using IC, referencing official test standards for air pollution. Therefore, 0.1 M NaOH and distilled water (D.W.) were applied to the absorption solution of the IC analysis sample. Validation was conducted for IC (D.W.), IC (0.1 M NaOH), and UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH) to improve the analysis method for bromine compounds in the flue gas. The linearity (R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) of the calibration curve for IC (D.W.) satisfied the R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; (0.98 or more) value calculated in the UV/VIS of the official test standards for air pollution. However, the R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; of UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH) and IC (0.1 M NaOH) was not satisfied. In IC (D.W.) analysis results, the average values of MDL, MLQ (minimum level of quantification), accuracy and precision were 0.127 ppm, 0.403 ppm, 3.7%, and 102.9%, respectively. MDL and MLQ showed the lowest concentration compared to the other two methods, and had high accuracy and precision. Regarding the recovery rate by the absorbing liquid, IC (D.W.) was the highest at 93.55%, followed by UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH) and IC (0.1 M NaOH). This study analyzed bromine compounds in flue gas with higher accuracy and precision using the IC (D.W.) method compared to IC (0.1 M NaOH) and UV/VIS (0.1 M NaOH).

Revising the EPA dilution-attenuation soil screening model for PFAS

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been shown to be ubiquitous in the environment, and one issue of critical concern is the leaching of PFAS from soil to groundwater. The risk posed by contaminants present in soil is often assessed in terms of the anticipated impact to groundwater through the determination of soil screening levels (SSLs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a soil screening model for determining SSLs. However, the model does not consider the unique retention properties of PFAS and, consequently, the SSLs established with the model may not represent the actual levels that are protective of groundwater quality. The objective of this work is to revise the standard EPA SSL model to reflect the unique properties and associated retention behavior of PFAS. Specifically, the distribution parameter used to convert soil porewater concentrations to soil concentrations is revised to account for adsorption at the air-water interface. Example calculations conducted for PFOS and PFOA illustrate the contrasting SSLs obtained with the revised and standard models. A comparison of distribution parameters calculated for a series of PFAS of different chain length shows that the significance of air-water interfacial adsorption can vary greatly as a function of the specific PFAS. Therefore, the difference between SSLs calculated with the revised versus standard models will vary as a function of the specific PFAS, with greater differences typically observed for longer-chain PFAS. It is anticipated that this revised model will be useful for developing improved SSLs that can be used to enhance site investigations and management for PFAS-impacted sites. SynopsisThe widely used EPA SSL model is revised for PFAS applications to account for adsorption at the air-water interface.

Ambient Air Quality Assessment in Karachi, Sindh Pakistan

Pakistan’s urban air pollution is amongst the utmost severity in the world that causes acute damage to the economy and human health. This study was designed for the assessment of ambient air quality in different areas of Karachi. The data were collected as pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season from main industrial zones of Karachi, S.I.T.E area, North Karachi industrial area, Korangi industrial area and Landhi industrial area in the year of 2017-2019. These zones are also a blend of industrial, residential, commercial and heavy traffic zones with dense populations. Ambient air data were collected for different pollutants like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matters (TSPM, PM10 and PM2.5). It is observed that in pre-monsoon, there is quite high intensity of particulate matter (TSPM, PM10 &amp; PM2.5) present in the air, whereas CO and NO2 values found in all four zones are moderate in the air samples as prescribed by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) standards. It is observed specifically in Landhi, S.I.T.E Area and Korangi industrial area which are more prone to the exposure of these pollutants. In post-monsoon, the intensity of particulate matters (TSPM, PM10 &amp; PM2.5), CO and NO2 values in all four zones are less to moderate than the values of pre-monsoon due to the seasonal effects. Study data shows that three major zones; Landhi, Korangi and S.I.T.E. industrial areas are at a high exposure to gases and other toxic elements. North Karachi is at the least risk because of having a small scale of industries present. The PM10 &amp; PM2.5 levels average about 2 - 3-fold greater than the SEPA standards. High levels of ambient air pollutants cause severe health problems and chronic diseases on human health. Therefore the implementation of rules and regulations regarding ambient air pollutants should be more rigorous.

The state-of-the-art of practice of traffic noise regulations in Ghana

Noise pollution is one of Ghana’s environmental risks and it has become the norm in metropolitan areas to the point where residents in these locations experience noise nuisance and may be at risk of hearing loss. Most developed and developing countries have established traffic noise standards as a control mechanism to reduce traffic noise exposure emissions. This study aims to investigate current practices of traffic noise regulations and policy. Various agencies responsible for the control of noise pollution and the urban road sector were interviewed about traffic noise standards and practices, and it was observed that these agencies’ noise practices were based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established guidelines, which did not include transportation noise regulation. Except for a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), regulation that allows a certain vehicle horning system for specific vehicle users, this study discovered that this policy is not fully implemented. A preliminary survey was conducted to collect traffic field data and inhabitants’ perceptions of traffic noise. Of the 30 respondents, 26 respondents (86.7%) affirmed that they experience traffic noise pollution at various locations, while 23 respondents (76.7%) reported various health effects due to exposure to traffic noise. This can be related to the observed noise levels which exceeded the dissatisfaction score of 5 (89 dB(A)), and also Leq value (109.1 dB(A)) was greater than the environmental permissible limit of the EPA standard of 70 dB(A). This indicates that roadside residents suffer from noise annoyance. It is recommended that transport, and environmental-related agencies work unanimously to ensure that effective control of traffic noise pollution is developed, enforced, and implemented.

Impact of Cassava Processing Mill Effluent on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

The research aims reviewed impact of the Cassava Processing Mill Effluent (CME) on the physco-chemical properties of soils. Collected samples of three chosen areas at the Igbatoro community, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria and labeled as A B C. Soil samples free from cassava mill effluent were likewise gathered from two unique areas marked D and E to serve as control samples at an interval of 15 cm depth from the top. Chemical changes occurred in the soil because of the release of effluent from cassava handling plants; the soil samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory utilizing the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method. The accompanying physical and chemical parameters were investigated; soil texture, soil porosity, particle size, TOC, pH, electrical conductivity, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, K, Ca, and Na. Results were compared with the result obtained from the control site Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Analysis shows that the soil samples with CME exceeds the WHO and FEPA standards. The result shows that the CME has contaminated the soil and made it unsatisfactory for agricultural purposes; this also affected the environment and the soil organic matter. Based on WHO and FEPA standard regulations, these metals exhibit hazardous concentrations. There was no huge expansion in Pb and Cr grouping of CME samples with the control tests. The chemical concentration of CME and its consequences for the soil propose its true capacity as a bio fertilizer particularly for K and Na contents. Findings shows that the effluent has great effect on the surrounding soil, and which leads to soil pollution, remediation should be practice.

Effect of non-engineered municipal solid waste landfills located in the Zagros forest on heavy metals pollution in forest soils and leaf of Brant’s oak (Quercus brantii)

In recent years, many factors such as climate change and drought have changed the Zagros forests in western Iran. Also, unsuitable use of the forest is now threatening the long-term survival of Zagros forests by local natives. The municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal of Ilam city (in the west of Ilam province) is located in the Zagros forests. In this study, the effects of the Ilam landfill on soil and Oak tree (leaf) contamination with heavy metals (HMs) were investigated. 31 points around the landfill (at different distances from the landfill) were considered for sampling, and also 6 points were selected in forest areas that are far away from pollution sources as control areas. The forest soils and oak leaves were randomly collected from the control area and landfill. The soil and tree leaf samples were analyzed for cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, nickel, magnesium, and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Several pollution indices, the Kriging method, and principal component analyses were applied for evaluating the contamination level spatial distribution, and possible sources of heavy metals. The concentrations of chromium, cobalt, and nickel in landfill soils were 531.6, 43.87, and 408.8, respectively, which were 5–10 times higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. The concentrations of chromium and nickel in oak leaves were 2.83 and 5.91, respectively, which are higher than the permissible limit. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in metal soil concentrations between (lead, cobalt, zinc, and copper) the control area and landfill (with was 2 times higher than in the control). Higher values of soil pollution indices were obtained for the landfill sites than for the control sites. The findings of the spatial distribution confirmed that the heavy metals from the landfill significantly affected the soils of the Zagros forest. The presence of heavy metals in soil and leaf samples shows that contamination is due to leachate migration from an open dumping site. Regular monitoring around this non-engineered landfill is required.Graphical abstract

Monsoon Effect on Heavy Metal and Chemical Composition in Parastromateus niger of the Oman Sea: Health Risk Assessment of Fish Consumption.

This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (copper, zinc, and lead) and chemical compositions (fat, protein, moisture, and ash) in the Parastromateus niger muscle of the Oman Sea in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine heavy metal concentrations in fish muscle tissue. Chemical composition contents were measured using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Zinc was the most abundant heavy metal in two seasons (0.077 ± 0.005μg/g), followed by copper (0.033 ± 0.005μg/g) and lead (0.015 ± 0.005μg/g). The mean concentrations of all heavy metals of muscle in pre-monsoon were higher than in post-monsoon. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb were lower than the maximum permissible limits (MPL) of international standards for human consumption established by FAO, FAO/WHO, WHO, and MAFF. The protein and fat content in fish muscle collected in pre-monsoon was higher than in post-monsoon. A significant difference between protein, fat, moisture, and ash values was recorded in two seasons (P < 0.05). The human health risk of heavy metals was evaluated according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of each heavy metal in two seasons was lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI). THQ (target hazard quotient) and TTHQ (total target hazard quotient) values were lower than the threshold limit of 1.0, indicating a non-carcinogenic risk for consumers. TR (target carcinogenic risk) value for Pb was much lower than the unacceptable risk level (10-4); therefore, the consumption of muscles of Parastromateus niger did not significantly pose a human health risk.

Insights into manganese ferrite anchored graphene oxide to remove Cd(II) and U(VI) via batch and semi-batch columns and its potential antibacterial applications

The bioaccumulation, non-biodegradability, and high toxicity of Cd(II) and U(VI) in water is a serious concerns. Manganese ferrite/graphene oxide (GMF) nanocomposites were synthesized, characterized, and used to efficiently remove Cd(II) and U(VI) from an aqueous solution in this study. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, respectively, confirmed the formation of GMF and the adsorptive removal mechanism. The XRD results revealed an amorphous structure when MnFe2O4 was loaded onto the GO surface. XPS results suggest that C = C, C−OorOH, and metal oxides are responsible for the removal of Cd(II) and U(VI) via electrostatic and chemical interaction. According to the Brunauer Emmett and Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization analysis, GMF has a high surface area (117.78 m2/g) and a spherical shape with even distribution. The kinetics data were successfully reproduced by a pseudo-second-order non-linear model indicating the complexity of the sorption mechanism was rate-limiting. The maximum Langmuir uptake ability of GMF for Cd(II) and U(VI) was calculated to be 232.56 mg/g and 201.65 mg/g, respectively. Using external magnetic power, the prepared GMF can easily separate from the aqueous solution and can keep both metal ions under Environmental protection agency standards in water for up to six cycles of re-use of GMF. Finally, the GMF nanocomposite demonstrated significant promise as an adsorbent for removing Cd(II) and U(VI) from actual contaminated water samples. The antibacterial test was expanded to include gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus to better understand GMF's bacterial inhibition efficacy.

Application of nanotechnology to ambient air quality and safety in niger delta, Nigeria

An assessment of the extent of pollutants present in the ambient air in the Niger Delta relative to permissible levels has been reviewed with respect to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Man’s activities such as deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, transportation, oil exploration and exploitation, gas flaring, unlimited usage of pesticides and herbicides, for sustenance in the region have led to the degradation of the ambient air quality drastically. Results of some ambient air quality assessments show that levels of concentrations of carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxide and total particulate matter exceed existing Federal Environmental Protection Agency Standards. These pollutants are a threat to ambient air quality and safety of water, plants, animals and humans. These environmental pollutants are found as mixture in the air and are very difficult to remediate using existing conventional technologies. Overcoming this Promethean Paradigm requires latest technologies that control reactions at the nanoscale using engineered nanomaterials. Nanomaterials having relatively larger surface area per unit mass, utilizes their unique physical and chemical characteristics to combat environment air pollution through pollution prevention, remediation and sensing of pollutants. Therefore using nanotechnology facilitates green manufacturing resulting in cleaner, more efficient industrial processes, improved ability to detect and eliminate pollution thus improving ambient air quality in the Niger Delta. In any case, a comprehensive risk assessment of the safety on human health and environmental impact should be adequately evaluated at all stages of nanotechnology applications.