Purpose Recent evidence indicates that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is emerging as an important risk factor for atherosclerosis-related diseases, including stroke. Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for stroke, and some studies suggest that exposure to POPs is also a risk factor for HTN. We hypothesized that POPs increase the environmental burden of stroke with comorbid HTN. Methods A population-based study of hospitalization rates for stroke with comorbid HTN in populations presumably exposed to POPs, based on the zip code of residence, was conducted. Data on hospitalizations for stroke with comorbid HTN were obtained from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System for 1993-2004. Relative risks, with 95% confidence intervals (RR, 95% CI), of hospitalization were estimated by multiple Poisson regression analysis. Results RR of hospitalization for stroke with comorbid HTN was 13.4% higher in populations residing in zip codes containing or abutting environmental sources of POPs (RR = 1.134; 95% CI, 1.036-1.241; p = 0.006). Also, hospitalization rates were significantly higher in males than in females (RR = 1.397; 95% CI, 1.357-1.437; p < 0.001), in African Americans than in Caucasians (RR = 3.902; 95% CI, 3.617-4.208; p < 0.001), and in older age groups (p for trend < 0.001). These statistically significant findings of the effect of demographic factors are highly consistent with the current knowledge of stroke and serve as indirect quality indicators for our model. Conclusions Results of our study support the hypothesis that exposure to POPs increases the environmental burden of both stroke and HTN.

Introduction More attention has been paid to tetracycline contamination in view of its rapid increasing concentration in the environment. Therefore, it is important to set up rapid, simple, and accurate methods for monitoring tetracycline ecotoxicity. Methods In the present study, a hydroponics experiment was conducted to examine toxic effects of tetracycline at the concentration range of 0.5 to 300 mg L⁻¹ on growth, antioxidative, and genetic indices of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Results The results indicated that tetracycline at 0.5-10 mg L⁻¹ could stimulate seed germination, cell mitotic division, and growth of wheat seedlings and did not induce a significant increase in the activity of antioxidative enzymes. However, tetracycline at the high concentrations (10-300 mg L⁻¹) could significantly inhibit these parameters in the concentration-dependent manner, including germination percentage (≥100 mg L⁻¹), shoot height (≥100 mg L⁻¹), root length (≥50 mg L⁻¹), and mitotic index (≥50 mg L⁻¹), and increased the activity of antioxidative enzymes (≥25 mg L⁻¹) in the dose-dependent manner, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. Tetracycline at 5 mg L⁻¹ and above significantly augmented chromosome aberration frequency and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. On the other hand, MDA has positive correlation with the inhibition rates of seed germination, root length, shoot length, mitotic index, and antioxidative enzyme activities. Conclusion Tetracycline may have potential physiological, biochemical, and genetic toxicity to plant cells, and chromosome aberration and MDA might be sensitive bioindicators for tetracycline contamination than the other plant characteristics.

Purpose Climate warming can change the geographic distribution and intensity of the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as malaria. The transmitted parasites usually benefit from increased temperatures as both their reproduction and development are accelerated. Lower Saxony (northwestern Germany) has been a malaria region until the 1950s, and the vector species are still present throughout Germany. This gave reason to investigate whether a new autochthonous transmission could take place if the malaria pathogen was introduced again in Germany. Materials and methods The spatial distribution of potential temperature-driven malaria transmissions was investigated using the basic reproduction rate (R ₀) to model and geostatistically map areas at risk of an outbreak of tertian malaria based on measured (1961-1990, 1991-2007) and predicted (1991-2020, 2021-2050, 2051-2080) monthly mean air temperature data. Results From the computations, maps were derived showing that during the period 1961-1990, the seasonal transmission gate ranges from 0 to 4 months and then expands up to 5 months in the period 1991-2007. For the projection of future trends, the regional climate models REMO and WettReg were used each with two different scenarios (A1B and B1). Both modelling approaches resulted in prolonged seasonal transmission gates in the future, enabling malaria transmissions up to 6 months in the climate reference period 2051-2080 (REMO, scenario A1B). Discussion The presented risk prognosis is based on the R ₀ formula for the estimation of the reproduction of the malaria pathogen Plasmodium vivax. The presented model focuses on mean air temperatures; thus, other driving factors like the distribution of water bodies (breeding habitats) or population density are not integrated. Nevertheless, the modelling presented in this study can help identify areas at risk and initiate prevention. The described findings may also help in the investigation and assessment of related diseases caused by temperature-dependent vectors and pathogens, including those being dangerous for livestock as well, e.g. insect-borne bluetongue disease transmitted by culicoids.

PURPOSE: Real electroplating effluents contain multiple metals. An important point related with the feasibility of the bioremediation process is linked with the strategy to recover selectively metals. In this work, a multimetal solution, obtained after microwave acid digestion of the ashes resulted from the incineration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contaminated biomass, was used to recover selectively chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc. RESULTS: The acid solution contained 3.8, 0.4, 2.8, and 0.2 g/L of chromium(III), copper, nickel, and zinc, respectively. The strategy developed consisted of recovering copper (97.6%), as a metal, by electrolyzing the solution at a controlled potential. Then, the simultaneous alkalinization of the solution (pH 14), addition of H2O2, and heating of the solution led to a complete oxidation of chromium and nickel recovery (87.9% as a precipitate of nickel hydroxide). After adjusting the pH of the remaining solution at pH 10, selective recovery of zinc (82.7% as zinc hydroxide) and chromium (95.4% as a solution of cromate) was achieved. CONCLUSION: The approach, used in the present work, allowed a selective and efficient recovery of chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc from an acid solution using a combined electrochemical and chemical process. The strategy proposed can be used for the selective recovery of metals present in an acid digestion solution, which resulted from the incineration of ashes of biomass used in the treatment of heavy metals rich industrial effluents.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of sintering temperature on the physico-mechanical characteristics (such as water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, weight loss on ignition, firing shrinkage, and compressive strength), leachability, and microstructure of shale brick containing oil well-derived drilling waste (DW) was investigated. METHODS: The experiments were conducted at a temperature ranging from 950°C to 1,050°C with 30% DW addition. RESULTS: The results indicate that increasing the sintering temperature decreases the water absorption and apparent porosity and increases the shrinkage, density, and compressive strength of sintered specimens. Moreover, the physico-mechanical properties of samples sintered at 1,050°C meet the requirements of the MU20 according to GB/T 5101-2003 (in China). The heavy metal concentrations of the leachate are much lower than the current regulatory limits according to GB16889-2008. CONCLUSION: The results from XRD and SEM show that increasing sintering temperature results in an increase of the high temperature liquid phase, which may have a significant effect on the densification process of the samples.

INTRODUCTION: To use biomarkers in monitoring programmes, potential confounding factors must be considered. In the clam Scrobicularia plana, the influence of size and salinity on biomarkers at different levels of biological organisation has been examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biochemical (glutathione-S-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase, digestive enzymes, metallothionein), physiological (energy reserves) and behavioural (burrowing) responses were compared (a) in specimens of different sizes from the Loire estuary; (b) in specimens from the Belon estuary at two sites with salinities of 30.1 or 11.5. RESULTS: Amongst the biomarkers able to reveal pollution effects, several are influenced by the size of the clams (Ag, Cu, Ni and glycogen concentrations, GST and AChE activities, condition indices). Salinity differences induced variations of the same order of magnitude (GST, AChE) or even higher (lactate dehydrogenase, digestive enzymes in the crystalline style) than contamination-induced variations. In burrowing tests, the number of burrowed specimens was similar at both salinities after an experiment time <3 h. CONCLUSIONS: Size is a factor necessarily but easily controlled. Because the weight may be different in clams of identical size, correction factors may be used to minimise the influence of weight changes on biomarkers. A correction factor taking into account salinity levels can also be used. The protein concentrations in the clams did not differ with salinity, a very favourable outcome since all enzyme activities are classically expressed by reference to total protein concentrations. For burrowing tests, the number of burrowed specimens at a particular time is an endpoint that is preferable to measures of burrowing speed.

INTRODUCTION: Complex organic compounds found in oil and sediments linked with a particular source (such as algae, bacteria or vascular plants) are defined as biomarkers and are useful dating indicators in organic geochemistry. METHODS AND RESULTS: This paper presents the composition of the organic matter (OM) on marine surface sediments from a degraded Tunisian coast analysed by pyrolysis and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). High total OM contents (0.3–4.2%) were detected with high levels of saturated linear hydrocarbons. The aliphatic lipids had contributed with up to 11.7% of the total OM, and their distribution had consisted of resolved compounds (n-alkanes and fatty acid (FAs)) and an unresolved complex mixture. Hydrocarbons, primarily n-alkanes, were ranged from 368 to 3,886 μg g−1. The FAs (674–2,568 μg g−1) were dominated by derived primary production, and the short chain FAs (C16 and C18) were the most abundant throughout. The ubiquitous presence of petroleum contamination, mainly from offshore oil exploration, discharge of pollutants from rivers, shipping activities and atmospheric deposition was found in all samples. The Gabès littoral seems to be quite to very polluted near the industrial zone of Ghannouch. The C/H ratio (generally around 5.9), the thermal analysis and GC-MS of n-alkanes and FAs showed that the OM in the studied area was composed of anthropogenic/petrogenic, marine and continental sources. CONCLUSIONS: Our study represents an innovative approach to assessing environmental pollution. The evaluation of organic matter by examination of sterols, alkanes and fatty acids allows the identification of source, both anthropogenic and natural.

Purpose Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (α-, β- and γ- (Lindane)) were recently included as new persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention, and therefore, the legacy of HCH and Lindane production became a contemporary topic of global relevance. This article wants to briefly summarise the outcomes of the Stockholm Convention process and make an estimation of the amount of HCH waste generated and dumped in the former Lindane/HCH-producing countries. Results In a preliminary assessment, the countries and the respective amount of HCH residues stored and deposited from Lindane production are estimated. Between 4 and 7 million tonnes of wastes of toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative residues (largely consisting of alpha- (approx. 80%) and beta-HCH) are estimated to have been produced and discarded around the globe during 60 years of Lindane production. For approximately 1.9 million tonnes, information is available regarding deposition. Countries are: Austria, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Macedonia, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, The Netherlands, UK, USA, and former USSR. The paper highlights the environmental relevance of deposited HCH wastes and the related POPs' contaminated sites and provides suggestions for further steps to address the challenge of the legacy of HCH/Lindane production. Conclusion It can be expected that most locations where HCH waste was discarded/stockpiled are not secured and that critical environmental impacts are resulting from leaching and volatilisation. As parties to the Stockholm Convention are legally required to take action to stop further POPs pollution, identification and evaluation of such sites are necessary.

Background, aim, and scope Biowaste contains compounds of agricultural value such as organic carbon, nutrients, and trace elements and can partially replace mineral fertilizer (MIN) and improve the physical properties of the soil. However, the obvious benefits of land spreading need to be carefully evaluated against potential adverse effects on the environment and human health. Environmental contamination resulting from biowaste application is one of the key variables when assessing cost/benefits. This study provides data on the resulting concentration of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in the soil column as a result of the different types of fertilizers. Materials and methods In a long-term field experiment established in 1962, we investigated the influence of the application of biowaste-derived fertilizers such as sewage sludge (SSL), compost (COM), and farmyard manure (FYM) to a luvisol derived from loess on the contents of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs. Control plots amended only with MIN served as a basis to compare the biowaste-amended soils with soils affected only by atmospheric deposition, thus experimentally separating the two pathways of soil contamination. Samples of the soil column down to a depth of 90 cm were taken in 2001 and analyzed for PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs according to US-EPA methods 1613 and 1668, respectively. Results Thirty-nine years of experimental SSL and COM applications exceeding four times the maximal amount as laid down in German legislation resulted in a doubling of the international toxicity equivalent (I-TEQ) budget for PCDD/Fs and a threefold increase for DL-PCBs as compared to test plots amended with MIN only. As compared to MIN, the application of FYM had no effect on the PCDD/F and PCB content in soil. The average contribution of the DL-PCBs to the WHO-TEQ was 19% in the MIN and FYM plots and somewhat higher in the COM (23%) and in the SSL (27%) plots. Discussion Although the test plots received four times the maximum application of SSL as laid down in the German SSL ordinance and the investigated region represents the upper end of the topsoil concentrations typically found in Germany, the soils treated with SSL and COM were still a factor of 4 below the German guideline value of PCDD/Fs for arable land. No enhancement of translocation of PCDD/Fs and PCBs into the corresponding subsoils due to the presence of dissolved humic matter or other surfactants potentially present in the biowaste was observed. The similarity of congener patterns in all soils, irrespective of the type of fertilizer applied, points towards atmospheric deposition of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs as the main intake route in the soils. The higher levels in the SSL- and COM-amended soils can be explained by the fact that both biowastes are subject to atmospheric deposition occurring at their origin. In the case of COM, it is accumulation in the foliage, while in the case of SSL, atmospheric particulate from wet and dry deposition is collected in the wastewater treatment system via urban runoff. Conclusions It appears that the common practice of SSL applications in Germany does not pose a current threat to the agro-environment with regard to PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs. However, time trend data on PCDD/Fs in SSL-amended soils will be needed to obtain a prognosis about the long-term effect of biowaste applications on soil quality.

Vertical profiles of carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone retrieved from Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer have been analyzed during two super cyclone systems Mala and Sidr. Super cyclones Mala and Sidr traversed the Bay of Bengal (BOB) region on April 24-29, 2006 and November 12-16, 2007 respectively. The CO and ozone plume is observed as a strong enhancement of these pollutants in the upper troposphere over the BOB, indicating deep convective transport. Longitude-height cross-section of these pollutants shows vertical transport to the upper troposphere. CO mixing ratio ~90 ppb is observed near the 146-mb level during the cyclone Mala and near 316 mb during the cyclone Sidr. Ozone mixing ratio ~60-100 ppb is observed near the 316-mb level during both the cyclones. Analysis of National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis vertical winds (omega) confirms vertical transport in the BOB.