Pollution Zones Research Articles

Microplastic Pollution and Possible Sources in Datça-Bozburun Special Environmental Protection Area

Microplastic (MPs) pollution emerges as a significant environmental issue that poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health on a global scale. Present study investigated MPs pollution in the Datça-Bozburun Special Environmental Protection Area (SEPA) located in the south-eastern Mediterranean coastline of Türkiye. Samples were collected from 17 stations revealed that the abundance of MP contaminations ranged from 10 MPs.m-3 in pristine areas to 56.7 MPs.m-3 in the most polluted zone and average size of 1.49±1.11 mm was detected. Fiber particles were the most common type, accounting for 92.9% of the pollution. The most common polymer types are ethylene/propylene copolymer and polyethylene terephthalate, accounting for 37.5% and 16.7% of the sample, respectively. The analyses conducted regarding the terrestrial land use information of the sampling area have identified potential pollution sources in six sampling areas due to anthropogenic activities. It was found that a high population density significantly influenced pollution levels in three of these areas. In the other three areas, pollution was shaped not only by the dense population but also by agricultural practices and the presence of a port. Besides that, two heavily polluted stations lacked significant land use activities, suggesting that regimes effective in the region might play a role in transporting MP particles to the area. Our result indicated that MPs pollution in the SEPA is a concern, and further research is needed to better understand the sources and pathways of MPs contamination in this critical base for biodiversity of Türkiye`s Mediterranean coastline.

Эколого-технологические аспекты выпуска угольной продукции потребителям арктических районов Республики Саха (Якутия)

Integrated development of the Russian Arctic regions constitutes a very complex long-term strategy aimed not only at exploring and developing new territories and mining useful minerals, but also at preserving the unique natural environment and improving the resource-saving technologies adapted to extreme climatic conditions. Production and use of coal for heat energy generation cause significant damage to the environment and represent one of the most dangerous human activities. For this reason, there is a need to assess the impact of the coal supply chain on the growth of the localized pollution zones in the natural ecosystems of the Arctic. Coal produced in the harsh conditions of the Far North loses its original quality, especially due to its transshipment, storage, and long-term transportation. The original particle size distribution primarily changes, significantly increasing the share of fine coal. An analysis of the coal supply chain to consumers in the Arctic regions of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) revealed that using low-grade coals with a high content of fines results in significant emissions of harmful solid substances. By studying satellite images and calculating the natural loss of coal, an assessment of the pollution zones was made, based on which a comprehensive set of measures was developed to reduce the causes of pollution with coal dust and combustion by-products in the Arctic territories of the Republic.

New concept on the transformation of the zone of oil product pollution of the geological environment near of the «Olexandria» Arboretum (Bila Tserkva city, Ukraine)

In Ukraine, numerous geological environment sites are contaminated with lost oil products. Among them, there are many that have a long history of pollution transformation and accumulation. Due to the lack of long-term monitoring, much of the pollution history remains unknown, resulting in inadequate conceptual models that have a negative impact on the design of remediation projects. This article examines a solution to this problem, focusing on studies of the territory of the former Bila Tserkva aircraft repair plant (BARP), bordering the State Arboretum «Olexandria». Since 1990, various organizations have assessed geological contamination and proposed remediation strategies for the factory site and surrounding areas. The article provides information on the main results of the performed research. Emphasis is placed on clarifying the reasons for the sharp difference in the data of hydrogeological investigations conducted in 1990 and 2007. Initially, in 1990, liquid petroleum products (aviation kerosene) were detected only at the site of natural groundwater discharge in the upper reaches of the Western Ravine within the arboretum. On the plant’s territory, where there were undoubtedly sources of pollution and migration pathways of petroleum products in the soil, the presence of pollution was recorded only by the specific smell and color of core samples. However, during prospecting and exploration work in 2007 in the same area, three clearly defined lenses of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) were discovered in sub-moraine sands. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that the surface of groundwater, measured in 1990, dropped from a layer of moraine loams, where the mobility of light oil products is considered negligible, to sub-moraine sands, which are characterized by a much higher permeability.It should be noted that in the western part of the plant’s territory, where aviation fuel storage tanks were located, traces of contamination were found not only in sub-moraine sands and moraine loams, where the groundwater level fluctuates, but also in soils lying on the moraine. This supports the assumption that in the past, there were emergency releases (losses) of a large volume of fuel into the unsaturated soil layer and the subsequent relatively rapid lateral spread of the oil product in the aeration zone.

О РАСПРОСТРАНЁННОСТИ ФОНОВЫХ И ТЕХНОГЕННО-ЗАВИСИМЫХ КОНЦЕНТРАЦИЙ ТЯЖЁЛЫХ МЕТАЛЛОВ В РЕЧНЫХ ВОДАХ

Features of the prevalence of Cd and Pb dissolved forms in the water of sections of the Oka river and other rivers of the Russian Plain are considered. The influence of anthropogenic wastewater (industrial, municipal and agricultural) containing heavy metals is clearly manifested only in certain sections of the rivers of central Russia (Oka River, Volga River, and Moscow River) against the background of natural landscape and geochemical processes. An attempt is made to develop approaches to assessing the degree of anthropogenic influence on the water composition of various river sections, including those remote from pollution zones. An ecological and geochemical lead-cadmium indicator is proposed, which makes it possible to assess the anthropogenic impact and divide river sections into 3 categories (strong, medium and weak pollution, respectively). The river sections with low anthropogenic pollution have high values of this indicator corresponding to waters with the background (or close to background) concentration. A decrease in the indicator values means an increase in the role of anthropogenic effluents

Phenological multivariance of Betula pendula Roth in an anthropogenically transformed environment

Abstract The article presents the results of long-term biomonitoring based on the phenology of the arboreal species Betula pendula of the city of Yoshkar-Ola, Russia. The phenological multivariance of B. pendula was studied for the first time at different stages of the ontogenesis of the generative period, in the gradient of atmospheric air pollution by industrial and automotive toxicants. The rhythm of seasonal development of B. pendula depends on both individual and age characteristics, as well as on the influence of conditions of a specific urban microclimate and environmental pollution. Middle-aged generative individuals of B. pendula are characterized by earlier periods of the onset of phenophases, rapid leaf unfolding, prolonged flowering, yellowing of leaves and, in general, the growing season, compared with young and old generative trees. The asynchrony of seasonal development is characteristic mainly for trees located in the zone of medium pollution. Under conditions of a specific microclimate and air pollution, heterogeneity within ontogenetic groups B. pendula increases. The adaptation of B. pendula individuals to adverse weather factors and urban conditions is determined by the diversity of phenorhythmogroups in the generative period of ontogenesis.

Surface water potential zones delineation and spatiotemporal variation characteristics of water pollution and the cause of pollution formation in Brahmani River Basin, Odisha

Waste water reuse is an effective method for reducing the quantity of wastewater that enters the environment. As a result, the appropriateness was assessed in accordance with its composition and the global criteria for drinking water quality. This study aims to evaluate the quality of surface water of Brahmani River, Odisha, by adapting multivariate statistical approaches, namely Cluster Analysis (CA) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods such as Simple Additive Weighting (SAW). Again, Geographical Information System (GIS) is employed to assess the drinking water's quality in relation to its application. Around 15 physicochemical parameters, gathered from seven distinct sites, following a period of 2022 till 2024. The results showed high values of EC, SO42−, NO3−, PO43−, F− and Ca2+, in three stations, while other studied parameters are within the permissible limits defined by WHO standards. The CA three distinct classifications of sites namely, low, medium, and high, based on how comparable the various physicochemical traits and pollutant levels were throughout the sampling locations. Sites H-(4–6) were included in cluster 1, site H-(3) and (7) classified under Cluster 2 and finally, H-(1–2) indicated as Cluster 3. Thus, as stated by CA, 42.86 % of tested water samples were fall into the group of good quality and about 57.14 % of examined locations resides in the poor category of water. The findings indicate which characteristics, as determined by the CA technique, were accountable for the alteration in the water quality and raise the potential of runoff from cities, farms, and industries. Subsequently, MCDM techniques has been implemented to facilitate rapid comprehension of surface water behavior and address problems with water resource management. The obtained SAW index ranges from 0.5 to 0.94. Here, H-(1), (2), and (7) grouped as highly polluted zone, and they seemed to be connected to runoff from farms and untreated industrial and municipal trash as well as local pollution sources. From this innovative study, it is found that even though the water is fit for drinking at 3 places, it is medium to highly suitable for human consumption. Therefore, there needs to be treated in some way before being used in addition to being protected against contamination. Most often, the findings indicate that appropriate management actions are important to restore the water quality of this catchment in order to support a robust and promising aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, the significance of this restoration for objective ecological policy and decision-making processes is underscored.

Predicting the Consequences of an Emergency at a Railway Station

Purpose. The paper considers the problem of determining the size of the damage zones in the event of an emergency at a railway station due to a tanker fire. The task of forecasting is to determine the zones of thermal pollution, as well as chemical and mechanical pollution. The main objective of the study is to create numerical models for calculating the zones of mechanical and thermal pollution in the event of a fire at a railway station. Methodology. To analyze the size and intensity of zones of thermal, chemical, and mechanical environmental pollution in the event of an extreme situation at a railway station, we used the equations of heat and mass transfer and Newton's second law for modeling mechanical environmental pollution. To solve the equations, numerical methods such as Euler's method and finite difference schemes were used. On the basis of the developed numerical models, a computer code was created to conduct a computational experiment. Findings. Modern computer models for assessing the zones of chemical, thermal, and mechanical pollution in the event of an extreme situation have been developed. The results of computer modeling are presented. Originality. A set of numerical models for computer simulation of heat and mass transfer processes and dynamics of point motion has been created, which allows conducting a computational experiment to determine the contamination zones during a fire at a railway station. Practical value. A computer code was developed on the basis of the created mathematical models. This code is a tool for solving important problems in the field of environmental safety and civil protection. The computer code makes it possible to quickly determine the intensity and size of environmental pollution zones in the event of an extreme situation.

Effect of cloud chemistry on seasonal variations of sulfate and its precursors in China

Cloud chemistry is of paramount importance in the secondary production of atmospheric aerosols, influencing the spatial-temporal distribution of gases and aerosols in the atmosphere. Using WRF/CUACE (China Meteorological Administration Unified Atmospheric Chemistry Environment), this study assesses the seasonal impacts of cloud chemistry on the concentrations of SO2, sulfate, as well as two oxidizers, H2O2 and O3, in the most east-central areas of China, including four key pollution zones (the North China Plain (NCP), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), the Pearl River Delta (PRD), and the Sichuan Basin (SCB)). Near the surface, H2O2-oxidation was the dominant pathway for cloud chemistry in four key pollution zones in four seasons. H2O2 consumption is most pronounced in summer, especially in the SCB and NCP, while O3 consumption peaks in autumn, particularly in the PRD and southeastern coastal areas. While at higher altitudes, oxidation by O3 and H2O2 is compatible with the cloud chemistry process. Near the surface, cloud chemistry consumes SO2 ranging from approximately 0.1 ppb–5.0 ppb, resulting in the generation of about 6.0–25.0 μg m−3 of sulfate. Higher SO2 reduction and sulfate increase are in both summer and winter, especially for the SCB and NCP in summer, and the SCB in winter. Vertically, the cloud chemistry process primarily concentrates its influence on SO2 and sulfate concentrations below 5 km, particularly within the turbulent zone of the troposphere below 2 km in all the four pollution zones and four seasons. The most notable seasonal variation occurs in the NCP compared to other zones. This study also shows that cloud chemistry effectively improves the seasonal simulation accuracy of SO2 and sulfate, resulting in improved correlation and a notable reduction in RMSE.

Modeling of Non-Stationary Mass Transfer Process in Groundwater

Purpose. Infiltration of contaminated water and accidental spills of chemically hazardous substances into groundwater lead to the formation of large zones of man-made pollution in aquifers. Therefore, it is important to develop protection systems against groundwater pollution. To analyze the effectiveness of such protection systems at the design stage, it is necessary to have scientifically based information on the dynamics of changes in groundwater contamination zones. Such information can be obtained using the method of mathematical modeling. The study aims to create a numerical model for calculating the non-stationary process of geomigration when using chemical protection of groundwater from pollution. Methodology. To describe the dynamics of groundwater flows, two filtration equations are considered, which allow mathematical modeling of the filtration process both for solving planned problems and for solving problems of specialized filtration. A two-dimensional geomigration equation was used to analyze changes in groundwater quality. This equation takes into account the convective transfer of impurities in the filtration flow, dispersion, and the intensity of impurity infiltration into the groundwater flow. This equation is also used to calculate the movement of the neutralizer in groundwater. The numerical integration of the filtration equation was performed using finite difference methods. An implicit splitting scheme was used to numerically integrate the geomigration equation. Findings. A fast-applicable numerical model for calculating groundwater dynamics has been built. The model is also a platform for solving another important task – the calculation of geomigration processes. A numerical model for calculating the unsteady-state geomigration process is proposed, which makes it possible to assess not only the process of formation of contamination zones in the groundwater flow, but also to determine the effectiveness of the method of neutralizing the impurities in the groundwater flow. Originality. Effective numerical models for rapid assessment of changes in groundwater dynamics and quality under the influence of anthropogenic sources have been developed. These models take into account a set of important physical factors that affect the process of geomigration and the process of neutralizing the impurity in the groundwater flow. Practical value. A computer program has been developed that allows determining the effectiveness of the process of neutralizing an aggressive impurity in groundwater by a computational experiment to protect it from anthropogenic pollution.

Mathematical Modeling of the Process of Acid Rain Formation in Case of Emissions from Thermal Power Plants

Purpose. It is known that acid rain has a negative impact on the environment. The formation of acid precipitation in the atmosphere occurs as a result of the chemical interaction of fuel combustion products and atmospheric humidity. Acid rain leads to crop losses, deterioration of soil fertility, and acidification of water in reservoirs. The development of scientifically based methods for studying the intensity of such acidic pollution of the air and soil surface in regions with significant emissions from thermal power plants remains an urgent problem. To solve this problem, it is important to use mathematical modeling, since it is impossible to determine the impact of emissions from thermal power plants on the formation of acid rain experimentally. Therefore, the main goal of the work is to create a mathematical model for predicting the formation of acid rain in the event of emissions from thermal power plants. Methodology. To predict the process of acid rain formation, a three-dimensional equation of convective diffusion transport of a pollutant is used, which takes into account the wind speed profile, atmospheric stratification, emission intensity of an impurity, and wind direction. This equation is also used to describe the process of water vapor transport in atmospheric air. To describe the process of acid formation in atmospheric air, a stoichiometric relationship is used. The numerical integration of the modeling equation of transfer was carried out using the splitting method. Findings. A multifactorial numerical model was built that allows determining the zones where acid rain is formed. The problem of predicting the formation of acid rain in the case of emissions from thermal power plants on the basis of the constructed numerical model is considered. Originality. A numerical model is proposed to predict the occurrence of acid rain due to emissions from thermal power plants. The model is multifactorial and takes into account convection, atmospheric diffusion, and an uneven wind profile. A computer code has been created that allows for rapid assessment of acid pollution zones. Practical value. The developed computer code for analyzing the zones of acidic pollution of the environment in the case of industrial emissions makes it possible to predict the intensity of such pollution in various meteorological conditions.

The ecological and sanitary-hygienic assessment of the river systems located in the technogenic polluted zone of the Caucasus

The Caucasus is characterized by the large and at the same time increasing load from exploited metal and non-metallic mines. The sanitary-hygienic and toxic danger to people and the environment is quite high. There are 44 metal ores in the Syunik Region, and more than 90 non-metal deposits. In 2018, 12 metal and 29 non-metallic deposits were granted with the use rights for the purpose of mineral extraction. Also, geological survey permission was granted for 12 metal deposits. Currently, there are 12 operating and conserved tailings filled with about 400 million m3 of tailings, which are equipped with many heavy metals and other dangerous substances, as the result of the exploitation of the metal mines in Syunik. The present study focuses on the ecological assessment of the waters of the Voghji and the Khalaj Rivers that are located in the technogenic polluted zone of the Caucasus. The research revealed that along with the increase of the volumes of the Kapan-Qajaran copper-molybdenum mines, as well as the increase of the rock dumps and tailings, the organoleptic-chemical indicators of the waters of the Voghji and the Khalaj Rivers had increased. The quantity of the suspended particles and the heavy metals in the waters of these rivers had increased 1.5 and 2.0 times or by 58–100 % and 19.5 − 29.8 %, respectively, in the last 10 years. The trends are also observed in the values of the sulfates, the total dissolved salts, and the electrical conductivity, which are due to the chemical composition of the ores and the improper management of the acid drainage. The content of the heavy metals in the waters of the mentioned rivers is 9 − 20 times higher than the permissible limit density, and the degree of the mineralization is above the permissible limit. Thus, the waters of these rivers, after mixing with the effluent from the mining industry, are not guaranteed to be used for irrigation. Considering that the mobility of the heavy metals decreases several times in the alkaline environment (pH 8.5 − 9.0), it is recommended that the mining industry constantly adds lime (CaO) to the acid drainage of the mines so that the pH of the water become lower: from acid to alkaline (pH 8.5 − 9.0) and only after that, the water could be used for irrigation of the agricultural crops. This is possible for many types of heavy metals, including when using other wastewater treatment measures: engineering, physicochemical and biological.

Влияние факторов водной среды на минерализацию цианобактерий и зеленых водорослей (Республика Коми)

This article describes crystallization formed in the exogenous mucous sheath of phototrophic microorganisms living in the surface waters of the south area of the Komi Republic. The mineralization of colonies of cyanobacteria of the Gloeotrichia sp. and green algae Chaetophora elegans was studied. The waters of rivers in the Northern Dvina basin have been studied as habitats for the microorganisms. They have a different composition: HCO3 Ca–Mg, typical for the taiga zone of a temperate continental climate; SO4–HCO3 Ca–Mg and Cl–Na (in the zone of technogenic pollution). Using the example of these neutral — weakly alkaline ultrafresh — salty (0.2—2.8 g/L) waters, it is shown that the geochemistry of the aquatic environment is one of the most important factors influencing the minerogenesis. Calcite, vaterite, quartz and halite were identified in dried colonies of microorganisms within the extracellular polymeric substance using the methods of X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, microprobe analysis and IR spectroscopy. The morphological features of microminerals are presented depending on the type of microorganisms. Calcium carbonate crystals and aggregates are formed within the exogenous mucous sheath of algae and cyanophytes. The carbon isotope composition of carbonates (13C –7.5 and –3.8 ‰ PDB) indicates their organic nature. The formation of minerals, morphological features of crystals and the degree of biomineralisation of colonies of phototrophic microorganisms are conditioned by the physicochemical parameters of the aquatic environment. The possibilities of chemogenic precipitation of carbonates from the studied natural waters were assessed.

RISK-ORIENTED APPROACH TO THE ASSESSMENT OF WORKING CONDITIONS OF WORKERS WITH INCREASED THERMAL EXPOSURE

Problem statement. The issue of studying the working conditions of workers with increased heat exposure is considered. Diseases provoked by harmful working conditions have a rather long incubation period, so their manifestation is not always easy to recognize and there are difficulties in establishing the root cause of occupational disease. The purpose of the article. Development and implementation of risk assessment methodology based on the joint action of harmful and hazardous industrial factors and regularities of their intensity decrease with distance from the source. Methodology. The impact of occupational and heterogeneous industrial factors on the employee's health, taking into account the time of action and the impact of their joint action in quantitative form, can be fairly objectively assessed on the basis of the Weber-Fechner law through the calculation of the integral index of potential risk. Structural analysis was used to determine the structure and causes of occupational diseases. Correlation analysis was carried out to find out the nature of relationships between the levels of influence of factors of the industrial environment to assess the conditions and nature of labor at the workplaces of workers, at whose workplaces the increased thermal stress was installed. Probabilistic-statistical methods were used for data processing - to determine the algorithm of transformation of environmental parameters into an indicator of occupational risk for workers with harmful working conditions. Development of a model for determining the zones of transformation of occupational risk through mutual influence on the industrial risk of the processing of research results needed the application of formalization methods. A software system for the formation of aggregated for multivariate analysis of information was used, which made it possible to build a three-dimensional model of changes in the values of the indicator of occupational risk in the space between the workplaces of employees located in the welding department. Scientific novelty. The applied risk-oriented approach using the methods of occupational and industrial risk assessment for electric welders' workplaces allows to take into account the harm to the worker's organism from the factors of the industrial environment. The established regularities allow to determine the zones of transformation of occupational risk through mutual influence into production risk, which is the justification of measures to reduce injuries and occupational diseases. Practical value. On the example of labor conditions at the workplaces of electric welders the methodology of risk assessment is developed and tested taking into account the joint action of harmful and hazardous industrial factors and regularities of their intensity decrease with distance from the source. The given risk-oriented approach allows to fulfill all the requirements and recommendations set forth in ISO 45001: its application to the working conditions of workers of hot professions (welders) allows to carry out a quantitative assessment of occupational and industrial risk at their workplaces, in particular for preparation for certification under ISO 45001. Conclusions. An effective tool for theoretical analysis of pollution zones formed during an extreme situation at gas stations has been created. The results of computational experiments are presented. The methodology of risk assessment based on the fundamental Weber-Fechner law for objective assessment of the impact of occupational and heterogeneous industrial factors on the employee's health in quantitative form through the calculation of the integral index (potential risk), which will allow to assess the working conditions at workplaces and objectively determine the class of working conditions, has been developed and implemented.

Integrated risk assessment and human health hazards via dietary intake of OCPs from cereal crops cultivated across river chenab

The current study aimed to employ integrated risk assessment models to estimate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from Pakistan. GIS-based geostatistical technique was used to classify OCPs' polluted risk zones using risk indexes. The residual level of ∑OCPs detected in wheat and rice ranged from 1.78 to 12.46 ng g−1 and 4.92–18.19 ng g−1, respectively with the prevalence of DDD, DDE and HCH. The distribution pattern revealed a significantly higher concentration towards downstream region, suggesting industrial and agricultural activities as a pollution source in the area. Single pollution index (SPI) was employed for the identification of pollution zones. The findings of SPI for detected OCPs were found (0.7 < Pi < 1), respectively, depicting minimal pollution at the studied sites. Furthermore, risk assessment results reflected non-cancer risk (>1) for studied ∑OCPs. However, the suggested USEPA value for tolerable carcinogenic risk is < 10−6 (one in a million) which was found higher for DDD, DDE, HCH, CT, and HC in the current study. Consequently, the carcinogenic risk in the study area indicated the need for an assessment, monitoring, and reporting program grounded on laws that can reduce pollution and exposure levels to pesticides in Pakistan for good health and well-being.

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE USE OF PROTECTIVE SCREENS TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF AIR POLLUTION

The task of assessing the areas of chemical pollution near the highway, where protective screens of different geometric shapes are located, is considered. The purpose of the work is to develop numerical models for calculating pollution zones formed near protective screens, as well as conducting a laboratory experiment to analyze the patterns of formation of pollution zones near screens of a complex geometric shape. For mathematical modeling of the process of formation of pollution zones near the protective screen, the equation of convective-diffusion transfer of impurities is used. This equation takes into account atmospheric diffusion, wind speed, emission intensity of a chemically hazardous substance, the location of the emission source, and the shape of the protective screen. The Navier-Stokes equation and the Laplace equation for the velocity potential are used to solve the problem of aerodynamics. Finite-difference methods are used for numerical integration of modeling equations. A package of application programs was created on the basis of the developed numerical models. Numerical models and a package of programs have been built, allowing to study the process of the formation of areas of pollution near the highway in almost real time. The results of the computational experiment are presented.

The Role of Digital Elevation Models in Increasing the Accuracy of Geophysical Studies of Anthropogenic Metallic Pollution

The study focuses on improving the accuracy of geophysical investigations of anthropogenic metallic pollution using digital elevation models (DEMs). The methodology was tested at the Norilsk site, located in close proximity to the slag heaps of the nickel plant, based on DEM data obtained through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct a detailed geomorphological analysis of the area. Geophysical methods such as the natural field (NF) method and frequency sounding were also used to identify zones of potential metallic pollution, as well as the characteristics and spatial positions of predicted permafrost layers. The main emphasis is on the advantages of integrating geophysical methods with DEMs and derived cartographic materials to improve the accuracy and reliability of surface metallic pollution detection and mapping, considering the geocryological situation within the study area. Geophysical methods of natural field (NF) and frequency sounding were employed to determine the geoelectrical properties of the study area. Reconnaissance surveys and flight missions were conducted to create the digital elevation model and orthoimage, and a surface water runoff map was developed based on the generated rasters and their interpretation. Based on the obtained geophysical data, zones of possible metallic pollution spread from the slag heaps were identified, which were confirmed through DEM analysis by the geomorphology of the study site. The distribution of specific electrical resistance fields was also interpreted in consideration of the collected data and validated through borehole drilling. It is worth noting that the integrated approach helped reveal the need to revise the interpretation plan, as only through the analysis of the nature and intensity of metallic pollution could the abnormally low resistance values in areas far from thermokarst lakes, with relatively shallow permafrost depths, be explained. Additionally, it became possible to qualitatively assess the zones of dust material accumulation.

Effect of air pollution on plant life in the city of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces a serious problem with air pollution, which has a negative impact on human health and tree health. Leaf damage, slow development, and decreased photosynthetic activity are just a few of the harmful effects on trees that have been linked to high concentrations of pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These consequences affect the aesthetic value of green spaces in addition to interfering with the functions of the ecosystem that trees offer, such as air filtration and carbon sequestration. Given the seriousness of the problem, the present study plan was implemented to evaluate the amount of pollutants such as SOx, NOx, O3, hydrocarbons, particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10 and suspended particulate matter in the air in several urban areas of Chittagong and to evaluate the amount of chlorophyll from the leaves of affected and without affected leaves so that it may understand how the photosynthesis process of plants is interrupted by air pollution. 2 Number Gate Circle, Akbarsha Lane Circle, Alongkar Mor Bus Stop, Barik Building Circle, BDR Field Circle, Halishahar Access Road, Artillery Center-North Halishahar, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute and CRB Circle were selected as sampling location based on their heavy traffic and crowdedness. For the analysis of chlorophyll, each plant leaves were collected in three sections such as unaffected, slightly affected, and affected for comparison. The data studied showed that the most polluted zone with particulate matter had a lower chlorophyll concentration in the surrounding tree leaves. This can indicate that particulate matter can hinder photosynthesis reactions.

Источники, токсичность и биоаккумуляция редкоземельных элементов в окружающей среде: обзор

The anthropogenic part of the rare earth elements (REE) cycle is becoming increasingly noticeable due to its increasing mining, using, accumulating in wastes. The aim of the work is to summarize current scientific data of the REE effect on living organisms in different habitats, including the mechanisms and specificity of their action, as well as bioaccumulation. Both REE’s natural geochemical anomalies and anthropogenic polluted zones are known. The REE soil accumulation in industrial areas is up to 2.3 µg/kg; in urban snow the REE content varies from 0.411 µg/kg to 1.463 µg/kg. The REE negative molecular mechanism provokes oxidative stress; the latter can be expressed as stimulation of vital functions at low doses of toxicants, and as inhibition of organisms with increasing concentrations. The REE toxic concentrations depends on the chemical element nature, as well as on set of environmental factors and the exposure target, but they are often 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than those of heavy metals. In the early 21th century, this served as a basis to consider REEs environmentally safety. But many sublethal and delayed effects of REEs including endocrine disorders and negative effects on the breeding potential of populations have now been shown. The complexity of REEs study is due to additive, antagonistic, or synergistic effects of their mixtures and combinations with other elements. Thus, a comprehensive study of rare earth elements remains an urgent task with preventive environmental importance. The vulnerable species identification, REEs delayed effects and the REEs co-action with other substances are the most promising scientific issues.

Quality Assessment of Water of the Lonar Crater in Rainy Season

Lonar crater is the natural water body and unique ecosystem with its own feature in Buldhana district of Maharashtra state in India. It is the crater formed by hyper velocity two million-ton meteorite the impacted on the earth. It was formed by hyper velocity meteorite impact and situated in the basaltic terrine. Lonar crater is the third largest natural saline-water lake in the world. The crater possesses the smallest forest sanctuary with great biological diversity. The crater is 150 meter in depth and is absolutely confined from all sides by the walls of the crater. There is not a single channel of water draining away from it, there by leaving the crater waters stagnant from thousands of years. Now a day’s many human activities create the pollution in and around the water body, due to which natural status of this crater may come in the danger zone of water pollution. In this connection the study were carried out in which water of Lonar crater were collected and analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics in rainy season to report the status of water quality of Lonar crater.

Investigation of pathogen-laden aerosol aerodynamics and ventilation rates on their long-range transmission: A study on the Fangcang shelter hospital

Although it is clear that respiratory pathogens are transmitted through droplets and physical contact in Fangcang shelter hospitals (FSHs), the potential for long-range transmission is poorly understood (Offord, 2020; WHO, 2020), and the effective ventilation rate for epidemic prevention in large public spaces is also not yet known. We investigated the pathogen-laden aerosol aerodynamics for the first time in the FSH using a model bacteria indication of the pathogen, concurrently examining ventilation rates on their long-range transmission. The study found that aerosols with sizes smaller than 3.3 μm could facilitate the long-range transmission of pathogens. Poor ventilation results in an increase in contamination levels, but excessive ventilation (12 ACH) may trigger a diminishing return phenomenon of ventilation within the FSH, and worsen aerosol deposition. For this FSH, an ideal ventilation rate was close to 10 ACH, and pathogen-laden aerosols were reduced by 29.54% and 26.77% in the pollution zone and surveyed patient shelter block (PSB), respectively, compared to the design values. Our study contributes to cleaner production in the FSH, as well as to the sustainability of healthcare services and the environment. Some of the findings can be generalized to some extent for similar large public spaces.