The effect of aluminium on histopathological and behavioral changes in the planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.) in laboratory conditions was studied. The planarians were treated with seven concentrations of aluminium sulfate for five days and compared to three control groups of animals. Microscopical, histological and morphometric methods were used. The results showed distinguished morphological changes on the planarian body as well as behavioral changes: various depigmentations, disordered locomotion, twisting of the body parts, hardly reacting to the mechanical stimuli, body contractions, deformations and mortality. Histomorphometric analyses showed changes in the size and number of neoblasts and reticular cells. Changes in epithelial cells and segments, parenchyma and muscular layer were also noticed. Concentrations of 600 and 1100 mg/L caused most distinct changes in behavior, morphological and histological structure of planarians. The highest concentrations caused irreversible changes. Considering high LC₅₀ (1100 mg/L), the used concentrations of aluminium presented no actual environmental threat to planarian populations in nature, but showed the extent of damages in a possible concentrated aluminium environment.

The chemical, mineralogical, and leaching behavior of three dominant Greek forest species ashes (Pinus halepensis, Pistacia lentiscus, and Olea europaea), before and after treating forest species with diammonium phosphate (DAP) 5% and 10% weight to weight, have been studied using a new five-step shake leaching method at pH = 6. For the analysis of ashes (prior and after leaching) and leachants, the following analytical techniques were used: atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. The presence of DAP obstructs the extraction process of some metal ions (i.e., Na, K) contained in ashes by converting the soluble carbonate salts to the less soluble phosphates (i.e., Na₂CO₃ [rightward arrow] Na₃PO₄). On the contrary, DAP enhances the mobility of some other metals (i.e., Ca) by forming more soluble compounds [i.e., CaCO₃ [rightward arrow] Ca₃(PO₄)₂]. In addition, the presence of DAP lowers the pH of leachates, causing dissolution of some toxic elements (i.e., Mn, Pb, Zn). Unexpectedly, DAP prevents the leachability of Cr from ash. The above study concerns the environmental effects (soil and ground and underground water streams) caused by the use of chemical retardants on forest fires.

It is well established that the livestock sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia (NH₃) emissions. In this paper, the evolution of livestock NH₃, methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and particulate matter (PM) emissions is presented for the period 1960-2005 in Greece and the factors influencing the emission fluxes (such as livestock population changes, manure management systems in use) are examined and analyzed. Emission estimates are based on the updated EMEP/CORINAIR methodology together with the revised IPCC guidelines; newly published, Greece-specific emission factors are used. The emissions level from livestock is evaluated and compared with the corresponding emissions from other anthropogenic sources in Greece. Geographical analysis concerning the distribution of animals and the subsequent NH₃ emissions is performed. Main results indicate high levels of emissions from 1960 to 1995, while emissions from 1995 to 2005 show a stabilizing trend.

Two soils with explosives and metals were evaluated for the degradation efficiency of explosives by native microorganisms under anaerobic conditions. The commercially available method Daramend®, amended with zero-valent iron (ZVI), was compared with a horse-manure-amended compost and a treatment with ZVI alone. In a moderately contaminated soil, Daramend® and ZVI treatment gave significantly higher removal rates compared to compost and control treatments (Tukey's test, P < 0.05). The largest overall decrease in ecotoxicity, measured with bioluminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), was achieved with ZVI treatment. In a more contaminated soil, no degradation of contaminants and no decline in soil toxicity could be distinguished after the same time period. Problems with establishment of anaerobic conditions during parts of the remediation process and low microbial activity due to acute toxicity of contaminants are plausible explanations. Redistribution that could potentially lead to mobilization of the co-contaminant Pb was not observed in either of the soils during the biological treatments.

Effects of elevated arsenic (As) concentrations on hydroponic Kalmi (Ipomoea aquatica L.) were investigated. Plants were treated with 0, 10, 25, and 50 μM As in the greenhouse for 14 days. Arsenic was added from sodium meta-arsenite (NaAsO₂). Visible toxicity symptom could not easily be recognized without visible growth reduction. Little brown spots on the leaf blade were found at 50 μM As treatment. Dry matter yields decreased by 18.8%, 43.2%, and 78.2% in leaves; 23.6%, 56.4%, and 81.8% in stems; and 11.0%, 28.6%, and 63.7% in roots in the 10-, 25-, and 50-μM As treatments, respectively. Arsenic concentrations increased in leaves (except in 50 μM As treatment), stems, and roots with increasing As concentrations in the medium. Roots contained 12.7, 11.3, and 10.5 times higher As concentrations as compared to stems and 15.5, 15.9, and 52.8 times higher as compared to leaves in the 10-, 25-, and 50-μM As treatments, respectively. Arsenic concentration followed the trend of roots > stems > leaves. Kalmi concentrated unaccepted levels of As in leaf and stem tissues for human consumption in the As-treated plants. Based on 10% dry weight (DW) reduction, the critical toxicity level (CTL) of As in the leaves was 7.02 and 23.6 μg g⁻¹ DW in stems.

The paper presents the first comprehensive account of congener profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in intertidal bivalve mollusks [Meretrix meretrix, Macoma birmanica, and Sanguilonaria (Soletellina) acuminata] of Sunderban mangrove wetland (India). The main aim of this work was to use the bivalves as bioindicators of the contamination of the 16 USEPA PAH. The PAH profile in bivalves is largely dominated by a petrogenic fingerprint, with over-imposition of pyrolytic PAH sources, as evidenced by diagnostic molecular ratios. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of individual compounds from the sediments were calculated, and it reveals overall higher values in the visceral mass of the bivalves. S acuminata showed significantly higher levels of PAHs, especially the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs, compared to the other two species as a sensitive indicator of trace organic stress in future monitoring programs.

In the present paper, electrocoagulation (EC) has been employed for the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of a distillery wastewater (biodigester effluent) in a batch EC reactor using aluminum electrode. The individual and interactive effects of the four main independent parameters have been studied on the COD removal efficiency using a central composite experimental design. The parameters studied are current density (j): 44.65-223.25 A/m²; initial pH (pH ₀): 2-8; inter-electrode distance (g): 1-3 cm; and electrolysis time (t): 30-150 min. Pareto analysis of variance of the results showed a high coefficient of determination value (R ² = 0.9693) and satisfactory prediction for second-order regression model. Maximum COD removal efficiency of 52.23% was obtained with j = 120 A/m², pH ₀ = 6.0, g = 1 cm, and t = 150 min.

Nineteen soil samples (SE Spain) with very different chemical physical properties and developed over different parent materials were contaminated by adding increments of an acidic solution from oxidised pyrite tailings. The quantities of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb precipitated by the soil samples were directly and significantly related to the pH-buffering capacity. However, when the contamination caused the pH to fall below 3.0 the soil tended to release a fraction of the element adsorbed, which increased as the pH decreased. The quantity of each precipitated element at which the action value for each element is reached, was also directly related to the pH-buffering capacity. Nevertheless, in carbonate-rich soils, the precipitated Cu and Zn maintained a relatively high level of bioavailability, while Cd reached a critical level with a content exceeding 25 mg kg⁻¹, regardless of the pH-buffering capacity.

The constructions of Cultural and Architecture Patrimony are influenced by pollutants. Many of degenerative processes in the materials which constitute them have their origin in pollutants. That is the reason why a physical-chemical characterisation of the particulate pollutants in the air has been carried out. The deposition and, as a consequence of that, the interaction of the pollutants with the different materials of the monuments depend on the reactivity of the chemical elements that form the atmospheric particulate. Studies of both, bulk dust deposition and total suspended matter, a mineralogical and chemical characterisation of them have been made. Lastly, starting from these data, it can be established that the interactions and degenerative processes are taking place in the monuments of the studied locations. In the present work, the methodology carried out in the study of the particulate atmospheric pollutants, which are capable of accumulating on monuments and buildings with artistic and historical interest in the area of Castellon, is displayed. By means of a network of captors, important samples of sedimentary and suspension atmospheric pollutants, total suspension particles (TSP) were obtained. Firstly, by gravimetric methods, we have obtained the concentration levels of these kinds of pollutants in milligrams per day in busk dust samples and micrograms per cubic meter in TSP. Due to the fact that the corrosivity of these pollutants fundamentally depends on their compositions, the study has been completed with a mineralogical and chemical characterisation. By X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, we have analysed the particles of the two kinds of samples. The chemical analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-atomic spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (multielement analysis techniques) in TSP samples and in the soluble fraction of the depositing particulate matter. The results have shown as main compounds: clay minerals, calcite, and carbonaceous matter coming from non-perfect combustion of vehicles. The chemical analysis indicates a high Ca/S ratio and high levels of concentration in chemical elements associated to this representative industrial cluster of ceramics industry in Europe.

A study was conducted to determine nitrogen budget and ammonia volatilization in Japanese paddy fields supplemented with liquid cattle waste (LCW). A series of four, 2 x 10 m experimental plots was established in a paddy field with silty clay soil planted with forage rice (Oryza sativa L.). In addition to 195 kg N ha⁻¹ of chemical or compost-based basal fertilizer, LCW was applied as an additional fertilizer at total nitrogen rates of 0, 255, 255, and 405 kg N ha⁻¹ to the four plots C195, T450-1, T450-2, and T600, respectively. The mass balance showed that after application of LCW, 32-39% of total input nitrogen was assimilated into aboveground parts of rice plants, 11-15% leached downward, 2.5-4.0% was lost via ammonia volatilization, 1.6-5.1% was retained in roots or was adsorbed onto soil, and approximately 30-40% was lost via denitrification. Compared to animal waste slurries applied to unsaturated soils, nitrogen loss via ammonia volatilization was relatively lower, probably due to the dilution effect of floodwater. Nitrogen loss via denitrification was markedly higher in areas where LCW was applied compared to areas without LCW application. On the other hand, nitrogen leaching downwards represented a substantial loss and may be an environmental concern. However, after LCW application only, the ammonium ion was detected, at a maximum nitrogen concentration of 11.4 mg L⁻¹. In this system, therefore, nitrogen has a different fate to that in animal waste slurries applied to unsaturated soil. In that situation, the major nitrogen form in leaching water is nitrate nitrogen, which moves readily into groundwater.