Total HI Research Articles

First forensic quantification, source-identification and health risk estimation of volatile organic carbons in the anthropogenically impacted Omi-Asoro Stream in Ilesa, Nigeria

This study quantified the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Omi-Asoro Stream located in Ilesa town, Nigeria, to understand their sources and health risks to humans. The VOCs were measured in 2023 according to the US EPA equilibrium headspace method using a gas chromatograph (GC) and detected by a flame ionization detector (FID). Their human health risk assessments via ingestion and dermal contact were also estimated. The results showed that dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged 0.5–4.8 mg/L. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was exceptionally high (March: 181.3 ± 45.5 mg/L; July: 180.7 ± 25.7 mg/L) in the industrial waste discharge area. Twenty-two and eighteen sets of VOCs were detected in March and July, respectively. 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) was the predominant VOC in the stream accounting for 18% (March) and 19% (July). DBCP, 1,2-dichlorobenzene+nbutylbenzene (oDCB+bBZ) and hexachlorobutadiene+1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (HCBD+TCB) were ubiquitous in the stream with 100% detection frequency. Disinfectants/fumigants, cleaning agents, industrial solvents, agrochemicals and plastic materials were the main sources of the VOCs. No individual VOC posed a non-carcinogenic risk (HI) in both months of the study. However, the total HI via ingestion route in March posed a non-carcinogenic health risk to children (HIsum = 1.03). BDCM, TeCA, TCP and pDCB posed a high carcinogenic risk to humans via ingestion with values in the range of (0.00219–5.07) × 10−2 for both months. TCP also posed a high carcinogenic risk (range of 10−4) via dermal contact to humans. The highly impaired water quality of the stream was due to industrial, agricultural and other anthropogenic activities.

Environmental surveillance in Jinan city of East China (2014–2022) reveals improved air quality but remained health risks attributable to PM2.5-bound metal contaminants

PM2.5-bound metal contaminants are associated with multiple chronic diseases in human. At global level, the contamination status has not been well controlled yet. Here we report findings from a long-term air pollution surveillance in Jinan city of Shandong, China. During 2014–2022, the dynamics and trends of PM2.5-bound heavy metal contaminants were monitored in an industrial area and a downtown area. The surveillance targets included: antimony (Sb), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se). The human exposure and health risks were calculated and we found that the health risks of most contaminants showed peak values in autumn and winter. But Al, Mn, Hg and Be were found to result in highest health risk in spring or summer in the downtown area. In the industrial area we identified 100% alarming health index >1 (ranged from 1.12 to 3.35) in autumn and winter. In winter the total non-carcinogenic HI was all above 1 (peak value 2.21). Mn and As together posed >85% non-carcinogenic risk. As and Cd were ranked as major drivers of carcinogenic risks (5.84 × 10−6 and 2.78 × 10−6). Pd and Cd both showed non-negligible environmental levels but risk assessment model for their air-exposure associated non-carcinogenic risks are not yet available. This study updates air pollution data and status for air pollution status in China. This study provides valuable 9 year long-term reference to experimental and field studies in the related fields.

Effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of sweetpotato var NSIC SP30

Sweetpotato yield may be increased through effective crop management practices including plant spacing and fertilization. This study was conducted in an alluvial soil (Inceptisol) to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arranged in RCBD with three replications. Three plant spacing treatments were designated as the main plot D1(75cmx25cm), D2(100cmx25cm), and D3(100cmx50cm). The rates of NPK application were designated as the subplot: F0(no NPK), F1(40-40-60kg ha-1 NPK), F2(60-60-90kg ha-1 NPK), and F3(80-80-120kg ha-1 NPK). Plant spacing significantly affected the number of lateral vines, weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, and the total root yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. An interaction effect was observed between the plants spaced at 100cmx50cm with NPK application resulting in more medium-sized roots. Plants spaced at 75cmx25cm produced the highest total root yield of 7.67t ha-1. Application of NPK significantly influenced the length of main vines, fresh herbage yield, the weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, root diameter, total root yield, LAI and HI. A higher yield of marketable roots 7,208.85kg ha-1 and a total root yield of 8.51t ha-1 were observed for plants applied with 40-40-60 kg ha-1 NPK. The growth and yield performance of NSIC Sp30 is better when plants are spaced at 75cmx25cm with 53,333 plants ha-1 and fertilized with 40-40-60kg ha-1 of NPK.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metal concentration in surface water of Sosian river, Eldoret town, Uasin-Gishu County Kenya

Heavy metal pollution in surface waters has become a major worldwide issue as people tend to settle where there is readily available source of water like a river. This research evaluates the causes, concentration and associated health risks of heavy metals in River Sosiani as it passes through the town of Eldoret. Seven water samples were collected and analysed for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb. The results disclosed that Pb concentrations were estimated to be in the range of 0.06 mg/l to 0.23 mg/l, higher than the permitted limit by WHO of 0.01 mg/l. Cu and Zn concentration levels were below the permissible limits. The chronic daily intake (CDI) indicated that total hazard quotient of non-cancer risk of Pb was above one and the total HI values for children were greatly elevated compared to those of adults in the studied area. This showed a high risk in exposure to Pb. Health human risk was assessed and the incremental life cancer risk (ILCR) values of Pb for children and adults in all sites were found to be negligible with values below 10−6. However, there is higher cancer and non-cancer risk for children than adults as far as lead metal is concerned. Therefore, measures should be taken in accordance with the standards to prevent potential risk of the river pollution.•Human activities make a significant contribution to heavy metal pollution to surface waters which is a threat to humans.•Water from Sosiani River is not safe for use domestically as far as lead metal levels are concerned.•The results of this study can be used by decision makers to develop measures which can improve the quality of water in the river catchment.

Hydrocarbon Potential and Depositional Environment of the Shiranish Formation in Northern Iraq

Shiranish Formation at three localities in Northern Iraq (Pulkana, Dokan, and Sufaya) was studied to determine hydrocarbon generation potential and conditions of the depositional environment. For this purpose, 15 rock samples were collected from subsurface sections (Pulkana and Sufaya oil fields) and 5 surface samples from the Shiranish outcrop in the Dokan area. These samples were subjected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis analysis, in addition to biomarker analysis of the bitumen extract of one sample. Total organic carbon, S2, and hydrogen index values of the Formation samples from the Sufaya oil field, and the Dokan outcrop were generally low; indicating that Shiranish Formation is non-hydrocarbon source rocks. On the other hand, the Total organic carbon, S2, and HI of the Shiranish Formation for Pulkana oilfield samples are generally high; indicating that Shiranish Formation can be regarded as a fair source of rocks. Tmax and biomarker data indicate that the organic matter of the Shiranish Formation is immature-early mature. Moreover, the hydrogen index, oxygen index, and biomarker data indicate that the Shiranish Formation contains type II and II/III and was deposited under an anoxic depositional environment at Pulkana. At Sufaya and Dokan, Shiranish Formation contains type III and IV kerogen deposited in a more oxic environment.

Carcinogenic and human health risk assessment of children's and adults' exposure to toxic metal(oid)s from air PM10 in critical sites of the Republic of Serbia.

With global urbanization and industrialization, air pollution has become an inevitable problem. Among air pollutants, toxic metals bound to particulate matter (PM) have a high hazardous potential, contributing to the development of several diseases, including various types of cancer. Due to PM pollution, Serbia is considered to be among the most polluted countries in Europe. Therefore, the objective of the study was to assess and characterize the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of children's and adults' exposure to metal(oid)s (Pb, Cd, Ni, and As) bound to PM10 in five of the most polluted areas in the Republic of Serbia (Subotica, Smederevo, Bor, Valjevo, and Kraljevo). Non-carcinogenic (HQ and HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated using USEPA methodology. Our results show that PM10 concentrations exceeded the annual limit of 40μg/m3 at four out of five monitoring sites (ranging from 44.33 to 63.25μg/m3). Results obtained from Bor monitoring station show that safe limits were exceeded for both children and adults, indicating an unacceptable risk (> 1) obtained for inhalation exposure to the As (HQ = 6.14) and Cd (HQ = 1.17), while total HI was 7.43, which characterized the risk as unacceptable. For the same station, the CR value was 1.44E-04 (> 1 × 10-4). In other sites, the risks were acceptable. The characterized risk from exposure to the toxic elements via PM10 in critical locations in Serbia contributes to improving air quality by requiring regulatory organs to take new actions and adopt new measures to reduce air pollution.

Organic matter enrichment mechanism of Youganwo Formation oil shale in the Maoming Basin

The Youganwo Formation oil shale located in the Maoming Basin represents a large commercially valuable lacustrine oil shale resource and a potential bio-shale gas reservoir in South China. With the aim of deepening the understanding of factors that influence organic matter enrichment, this research conducted a geochemical investigation to reconstruct the depositional paleoenvironment of bioproductivity, preservation and dilution. Youganwo Formation oil shale is mainly deposited in semi-deep to deep-lake environments with relatively warm and humid paleoclimate in the subtropical-temperate zone. The total organic carbon (TOC) content (1.46–11.85%), S2 values (4.79–115.80 mg HC/mg rock) and HI (328–1040 mg HC/mg TOC) indicate that the oil shale has a good oil source rock potential. TOC content, (S1 + S2) values and vitrinite reflectance values show that its marginally mature organic matter (OM) belongs to kerogen type I-III with good oil-generating potential.A 3rd order sequence was identified in the Yougnwo formation. Subsequently, the multiple factors including bioproductivity, preservation and dilution that control the OM enrichment of oil shale within system tracts were discussed. Moderate-quality oil shales (Oy-1) were developed in the transgressive systems tract (TST) in an oxidizing condition with abundant detrital input. High-quality oil shales (Oy-2) were deposited during the high-stand systems tract (HST) with increased accommodation space, improved preservation conditions, warm and humid climate, higher water bioproductivity and minimum detrital matter input. During the regressive systems tract (RST, Oy-3), higher detrital matter input and fresher water led to lower TOC values. Among these multiple factors, dilution condition was the major one that influences OM abundance and variation on the basis of sufficient organic matter input. Thus, OM enrichment models of Oy-1, Oy-2 and Oy-3 sub-members were established. The OM enrichment and quality in oil shale were controlled by the combined effect of bioproductivity, preservation, and dilution.

Gill and hepatic histological alterations in Sciades herzbergii resulting from trace element contamination in the Port of São Luiz, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, through changes in the gills and livers of Sciades herzbergii, the environmental contamination to which estuarine organisms are exposed in two areas in São Marcos Bay - MA. Two collection areas located in São Marcos Bay were selected for this study: A1, an area close to the Port Complex, and A2, an area on Caranguejos Island (included in the Environmental Protection Area of Baixada Maranhense). Collections were carried out during rainy and dry periods. Sediments (for trace element analyses), surface water (for physico-chemical analyses), and specimens of S. herzbergii (for biometric measurements and identification of branchial and hepatic histopathology) were collected. Physico-chemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity) were within limits established by Brazilian legislation. Arsenic (in A1) and nickel (in A1 and A2) were above the legal standards in both periods. The highest percentage of histological alterations in the gills (aneurysms, lamellar fusion and detachment of the epithelium) occurred in the port area, in the rainy (93%) and dry (74%) periods. Liver alterations (melanomacrophage centers and necrosis) occurred only in specimens from the same area, in the rainy (41%) and dry (36%) periods. The highest histological indices of gill and liver changes were recorded in A1. This result was further supported by the total HI value of the lesions, which was higher in the port area compared to A2 (less impacted area), suggesting that the environmental conditions in that location are less favorable for the well-being of these organisms. Permanent environmental monitoring of the area is necessary to control environmental impacts efficiently.

Hydrochemical evaluation of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes using multivariate indices along Indus Suture Zone, North Pakistan.

The present study is aimed to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics, spatial distribution and suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes along the Indus Suture Zone (ISZ), north Pakistan. Physicochemical parameters and hazardous trace elements (HTEs) like Cd, Co, Cu and Mn were determined following standard methods. The mean and median concentrations were found below the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines values. Hydrochemical results indicate that groundwater sources were mainly attributed to rock-water interaction category. Piper diagram shows that most of the groundwater samples fall in Ca-HCO3─ class presenting weak-alkaline proportion type. The drinking water quality index (DWQI) ranking was categorized as good to excellent, indicating the overall quality of the groundwater may pose no health hazard concern. Based on irrigation WQI (SAR, Na%, MAR, KR), the groundwater was found fit for irrigation except SAR whereas 36% of the groundwater samples fall within the poor class. The total HI values through dermal contact exceeded the safe non-carcinogenic threshold of HI = 1. Therefore, there is required an effective groundwater monitoring and management facility in the study area to safeguard residents from various illnesses associated with varying HTEs concentrations in drinking water. The major response actions needed for groundwater bodies restoration are including the installation of a continuous groundwater monitoring network and control of agricultural fertilizers that seems to be the most effective and tangible for immediate action.

External training load by accelerometery analysis during pick and roll in male amateur basketball

Accelerations and decelerations appear continuously in basketball. Limit and control how and when they occur and the relation with external load can be very useful.The objective of this study is to determine the type of accelerations and decelerations produced by the offensive players during screens situations. Secondly to determine if there are any relationships between players.389 screens situations (n = 389) were recorded using WIMU PRO® technology and a video camera. Each screen was classified according to six criteria. The following variables were analysed: accelerations 1 m / s² and 2 m / s² (Accel LOW), decelerations -1 m / s² -2 m / s² (Decel LOW), accelerations +2 m / s² (Accel HI), decelerations -2 m / s² (Decel HI), ∑ Accel and Decel LOW (Total LOW), ∑ Accel and Decel HI (Total HI), ∑ Accel and decel LOW and HI (Totals). Subsequently, a normality test and the Krurskal-Wallis non-parametric test was performed.Significant differences (p <0.05) were obtained in all the variables analysed from the position, screen and player criteria. No differences were observed in any of the variables in the exercise, continuation and defense criteria.

Health risk assessment associated with heavy metals through fractioned dust from coal and chromite mines in Pakistan.

Heavy metals exposure through dust emissions pose a health risk to workers in coal and chromite mines. The processes involved in mining are noteworthy for the generation of heavy metal-contaminated dust which causes human health implications, especially to the workers that are mainly exposed to such toxins. This study determined pollution levels in coal and chromite mines and calculated the health risk of workers being exposed to heavy metal-contaminated dust. We used fractioned dust with particle sizes < 75, 75-106, and 107-150µm to assess the pollution levels, anthropogenic impacts, geo-accumulation index, and enrichment factor for selected coal and chromite mines. Through a probabilistic approach, Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine health risks. The findings revealed that the smallest size dust fraction (< 75μm) contained the highest metal concentrations. Ingestion was considered a prominent exposure route contributing to health risk. In the dust fraction (< 75μm), chromite mines exhibited the highest Cr (340.6mg/kg) and lowest Cd (8.4mg/kg) concentrations. In coal mines, Mn (284.9mg/kg) and Cd (2.1mg/kg) were measured highest and lowest, respectively. Pollution assessment revealed dust to be moderately polluted. Health risk assessment showed that Cr in chromite mines exhibited a mean HI value of 1.16E + 00 that was higher than the safe level (HI > 1) having the potential to cause significant health risk to workers. In coal mines, the estimated total HI was 6E-1. Sensitivity analysis revealed concentration and exposure time to be the most influential parameters contributing to risk. Therefore, governmental and nongovernmental organizations must develop dust pollution control guidelines and mitigation measures to safeguard the health of mineworkers by limiting heavy metal exposure.

Studies on the breeding potential and entomological indices of dengue vector Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the district Ghaziabad of Uttar Pradesh, India.

The female Aedes mosquito is a vector of many arboviruses-borne diseases. The evidence and information regarding their breeding habitats are vital for implementing appropriate control policies. An entomological survey was done at three sites in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India viz. Indirapuram, Vasundhara, and Vaishali to generate the first boundary line information of breeding sites of Aedes aegypti larvae for the early prevention and control interventions for dengue management. A total of 2994 containers were checked in 1169 households at the time of the survey for breeding sites of Aedes mosquito during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon period, out of which 667 containers were found positive in 518 positive households. The total HI, CI, and BI were 44.31, 22.27, and 57.05 respectively. The maximum and minimum breeding indices were found during monsoon and pre-monsoon respectively. The most preferred containers for Aedes breeding were cement tanks for lotus plants in nurseries, drums, and small and large size pots for storage of water and ornamental plants mostly in 8 plant nurseries. Breeding of Aedes was found in nurseries and desert coolers which were the primary breeding containers found during the survey. The containers found positive during surveys were emptied or destroyed with the help of the local community and the breeding status of nurseries was informed to the health authorities of Ghaziabad to take necessary action against the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquitoes.

Human Health Risks Associated with Potentially Harmful Elements from Urban Soils of Hamedan City, Iran

Previous studies have shown that certain urban elements and arsenic are significantly concentrated in the surface soils of Hamedan, the largest city in western Iran. This study was carried out to assess the non-cancer and cancer risks ‎from exposure to these potentially harmful elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) for Hamedan residence. In so doing, thirty-one urban and three background soil samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and the Risk Assessment Model established by the USEPA was applied to assess the health risk. It was found that the hazard index values for all the concerned ‎elements are below 1, which indicates negligible to low non-carcinogenic risk for the exposed population. Nevertheless, some close to threshold values were recognized for As, Cr, and Pb implying that these elements have the potential to cause non-cancer risk for Hamedan citizens in case of long-term overexposure. The contribution of HQ-ingestion to total HI was the highest while the health effect associated with the inhalation exposure was trivial. Children were found to be more susceptible to potentially harmful elements than adults. ‎The cancer risk calculation revealed that both children and adults are at increasing risk of developing ‎cancer over a lifetime through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. All of the verified elements exceeded the ‎tolerable level (1×10-6) of cancer risk however arsenic and chromium were found to be the most carcinogenic ‎elements followed by Pb, Ni, and Cd. The carcinogenic risks were moderate for adults and high for ‎children. This study indicates the necessity of designing effective strategies to reduce elemental ‎pollution and to mitigate adverse human health effects of PHEs in Hamedan.‎

Assessment of non-carcinogenic health risk of heavy metal pollution: evidences from coal mining region of eastern India.

Various developmental projects and economic actions such as mining, industries, urban expansion, and agricultural activities contribute toxic heavy metals into the soils and it adversely affects to human health and broadly the environment. For the scientific study (coal mining region of Eastern India) around 120 soil samples were collected from top (0 - 20 cm) and subsurface soil (20 - 50 cm) of coal mining, semi mining and non mining type of land use sites to assess ten heavy metals applying standard methods and indices for the assessment of pollution load and human health risk. Statistical analysis clearly indicated that Fe, Mn, Zr are the most dominantly distributed in the study region. Coefficient of variance (CV)showed that there was very less variation in the metal values among samples of any particular landuse site. Correlation coefficient (0.05% level of significance) depicts that metals were very strongly correlated with each other in every site of Neturia block. Igeo (Geo- accumulation index) values of Fe and As indicated moderate to low pollution in the topsoil of study area. It is because of their regional background value. Enrichment Factor (EF) also showed thatcontamination of Fe ismainly supplied by natural factors (EF < 2)i.e., weathering of parent rock in all over the study area. All other heavy metals indicated their anthropogenic sources (EF > 2)on top and subsurface soil both of three landuse site. Degree of contamination (Cdeg), modified degree of contamination (mCdeg), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) clearly suggest that topsoil of coal mining sites is most polluted than two other sites. Subsurface soil of mining sites also indicated comparatively higher pollution load than subsoil of semi mining or non mining sites. PLI values have been classified into four groups i.e., high pollution (> 6), medium pollution (6 -3), low pollution (3 - 1) and no pollution (< 1) zone. There was no PLI value < 1 in topsoil of the study area. But subsurface soil of non mining site indicated no pollution to the soil. Spatial mapping using Inverse Distance Weightage (IDW) on Arc GIS 10.4 software showed clear variation of metal concentration and pollution load to the top and subsoil of the study area. Human health risk of non - carcinogenic typeisdue to heavy metals intake of topsoil through three exposure pathwaywhich indicates the health risk of HI dermal> HI ingestion> HI inhalation for both the adult and children. Mean values of total HI showed that children are more prone to health risk in comparison with adult. There was no soil sample that exceeds its HI values > 1 for adults and thus no obvious health risk was found from soil heavy metals for adults.On the other hand, topsoil of mining sites indicated HI values >1;therefore, children are prone to health risk in this site. The present investigation suggests that coal mining region is highly polluted by their heavy metal burden on soil. Industrial and semi urban areas of semi mining region are also affected by heavy metal dust to its soil. Agricultural activities in non-mining region indicated lower pollution than other landuse sites. Remedial measures are highly needed to control heavy metal pollution of different landuse sites at colliery region to sustain environmental quality and human health as well. Modern scientific technologies and public awareness should be very useful on this way.

Cumulative health risk assessment of disinfection by-products in drinking water by different disinfection methods in typical regions of China

Disinfection was essential to keep human healthy from microorganisms in drinking water. Meanwhile, disinfection by-products (DBPs) have been proved to be associated with some adverse health effects. The DBP levels were different in drinking water disinfected by different methods and may cause diverse health risks. However, studies in this field and systematic analysis about risk characteristics are limited. We estimated the health risks of DBPs exposure in drinking water through multi-pathways, and systematically analyzed the characteristics of different disinfection methods and influence factors of health risk of DBPs in China. Drinking water samples were collected and analyzed for DBPs from some representative water treatment plants in several typical regions in China. We adopted the additive method to estimate the health risks of DBPs exposure in drinking water through multi-pathways, and used descriptive and hierarchical analysis to understand their characteristics and influence factors. The concentrations of the six DBPs in drinking water ranged from 1.6 μg/L to 13.3 μg/L. The cumulative cancer risk of DBPs exposure through multi-pathways was 8.63 × 10−5. The total HI of DBPs exposure was 1.70 × 10−1. The health risks of DBPs in drinking water disinfected by chlorine dioxide and sodium hypochlorite were lower than by other disinfection methods. The health risk of DBPs in drinking water was dominated by risk through oral and inhalation route. The health risks in wet season were higher than that in dry season. There is no significant difference in health risk for males and females, but children experienced higher health risks than adults. Our study suggested the situation of that a large population experienced the high cancer risk of DBPs in drinking water in typical regions of China. It was suggested that potential higher risk should be concerned, and possible measures could be considered to decrease the health risks.

Degradation of Fipronil and Its Metabolites during Processing of Yunnan Black Tea and Dietary Exposure Assessment

The purpose of this study was to investigate the residual degradation of fipronil and its metabolites during the processing of black tea and its dietary exposure risk. In this study,ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and TPT SPE columns were used to establish a high-sensitivity and rapid determination method for fipronil and its metabolites in black tea. In the negative ion MRM monitoring mode,the linear range of fipronil and its metabolites was 0.5~100 μg/mL,the linear relationship was good,and the minimum detection limit was 0.4 μg/kg. The average recovery rate under different additive concentrations was 84.4%~95.5%,which met the requirements of trace detection. By spraying fipronil and its metabolites in the fresh leaves of the black tea,and simulating the processing of the indigo tea,and sampling and measuring the content of fipronil and its metabolites in the main steps of the processing of the indigo tea,the results showed that the content of fipronil and its metabolites was continuously reduced during the processing of Yunnan black tea,and fipronil and its metabolites were largely degraded in the two steps of rolling and drying,and the degradation rates of these two steps ranged from 37.5% to 41.2% and 65.1% to 70.1%,respectively. The results of HQ calculation showed that the dietary exposure risk of fipronil and its metabolites was low,while the total hazard index HI was greater than 1,and the dietary risk was unacceptable. At present,fipronil and its metabolites have been banned in tea. It is less likely to use four pesticides in sapling tea,but should be taken seriously.

New H i observations of KK 69. Is KK 69 a dwarf galaxy in transition?

We present new HI data of the dwarf galaxy KK 69, obtained with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) with a signal-to-noise ratio that almost double previous observations. We carried out a Gaussian spectral decomposition and stacking methods to identify the cold neutral medium (CNM) and the warm neutral medium (WNM) of the HI gas. We found that 30% of the total HI gas, which corresponds to a mass of approx. 10^7 Mo, is in the CNM phase. The distribution of the HI in KK 69 is not symmetric. Our GMRT HI intensity map of KK 69 overlaid onto a Hubble Space Telescope image reveals an offset of approx. 4 kpc between the HI high-density region and the stellar body, indicating it may be a dwarf transitional galaxy. The offset, along with the potential truncation of the HI body, are evidence of interaction with the central group spiral galaxy NGC 2683, indicating the HI gas is being stripped from KK 69. Additionally, we detected extended HI emission of a dwarf galaxy member of the group as well as a possible new galaxy located near the north-eastern part of the NGC 2683 HI disk.

Tracing the Dynamical Mass in Galaxy Disks Using H i Velocity Dispersion and Its Implications for the Dark Matter Distribution in Galaxies

Abstract We present a method to derive the dynamical mass of face-on galaxy disks using their neutral hydrogen (H i) velocity dispersion (σ H i ). We have applied the method to nearby, gas-rich galaxies that have extended H i gas disks and have low inclinations. The galaxy sample includes four large disk galaxies, NGC 628, NGC 6496, NGC 3184, and NGC 4214, and three dwarf galaxies, DDO 46, DDO 63, and DDO 187. We have used archival H i data from The H i Nearby Galaxy Survey (THINGS) and the LITTLE THINGS survey to derive the H i gas distributions and Spitzer mid-infrared images to determine the stellar disk mass distributions. We examine the disk dynamical and baryonic mass ratios in the extreme outer disks where there is H i gas but no visible stellar disk. We find that for the large galaxies, the disk dynamical and H i gas mass surface densities are comparable in the outer disks. But in the smaller dwarf galaxies, for which the total H i gas mass dominates the baryonic mass, i.e., M(H i) ≥ M(stars), the disk dynamical mass is much larger than the baryonic mass. For these galaxies, there must either be a very low-luminosity stellar disk which provides the vertical support for the H i gas disk or there is halo dark matter associated with their disks, which is possible if the halo has an oblate shape so that the inner part of the dark matter halo is concentrated around the disk. Our results are important for explaining the equilibrium of H i disks in the absence of stellar disks and is especially important for gas-rich, dwarf galaxies that appear to have significant dark matter masses associated with their disks.

Compound health risk assessment of cumulative heavy metal exposure: a case study of a village near a battery factory in Henan Province, China.

The concentrations of the heavy metals Hg, As, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in soil, groundwater, air, and locally produced grain (wheat and corn) and vegetables were determined in a village near a battery factory in Xinxiang, Henan Province, China. A multimedia, multipathway health risk assessment of heavy metal exposure was carried out using the health risk model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The results showed that the concentrations of Cd in soil, Cd and Pb in wheat, Hg in corn, Cd, Hg, and Pb in vegetables, and Cd and As in PM2.5, PM10, and TSP were all higher than the corresponding limits for heavy metals in China. The non-carcinogenic risks (HIs) for all environmental media were higher in children than in adults, and the carcinogenic risks (TCRs) of heavy metal exposure in other media except for soil were higher in adults than in children. The total HI and TCR in adults and children were higher than the standard limit values because of heavy metal exposure through soil, groundwater, PM10, grain and vegetables. Cd was the most significant heavy metal in terms of HI and TCR factors; among the evaluated pathways, the contribution of diet was the largest. The HI and TCR caused by dietary crops account for 96.7% and 98.9% of the total in adults and 90.2% and 96.2% of the total in children, respectively. To maintain the health of the residents in the study area, it is strongly recommended to stop planting edible agricultural products immediately, start buying grain and vegetables from outside the study area, and strictly strengthen the control of heavy metal pollution in the study area. The source apportionment results show that Cd, Ni and As were mainly from industrial sources, which was related to sewage irrigation and battery plant deposition, and Pb and Cr were mainly from agricultural activities.

Evaluating the climate change impact on water use efficiency of cotton-wheat in semi-arid conditions using DSSAT model

AbstractWater is the most important limiting factor of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems in semi-arid conditions of Southern Punjab. A two-year field experiment (comprising of cotton-wheat cropping) was conducted in Vehari (Southern Punjab) to calibrate and validate a DSSAT model in the climatic conditions of 1 × CO2 concentration (conc.) (current). The model simulation during calibration was good with errors up to 4.7, 4.4, 10.1, 6.4 and −5.4% for days to anthesis, days to maturity, total dry matter, yield and HI, respectively for the cotton-wheat cropping system. During model validation, the error percentages were also under reasonable limits. So, the model was run under 2 × CO2 conc. (future) conditions and it showed a difference of −7.3 to 19.7% anthesis days, maturity days, total dry matter, grain yield, crop ET and WUEGY with respect to current CO2 concentration. Simulation by DSSAT showed that the cotton cultivar MNH-886 and wheat cultivar Lassani-2008 were better utilizers of limited water resources under changed climatic conditions in semi-arid conditions of Vehari, which was due to their better water use efficiency. Wheat and cotton cultivars with high water use efficiency would enable crop growth to maintain high crop yields under increased CO2 and its associated consequences in future.