Production of Candida utilis on slop by-product of fermentation industries

The slop (vinas) liquor, a major by-product a alcohol fermentation industries, has been used as growth medium for production of the torula yeast, Candida utilis. Supplementation of the slop with 0.2% ammonium sulphate and 1% to 5% molasses improved the cell yield significantly. The crude slop gave better results than the diluted or centrifuged liquors. Under optimal conditions, more than 15 grams of yeast were obtained on dry weight basis. The application feasibility of these results is presented.

Arsenic pollution at Obuasi Goldmine, town, and surrounding countryside

Human hair samples from mine workers and Obuasi citizens; various food items; drinking and washing water from Obuasi town; vegetation and soils from the countryside bordering on the goldmine; and geological materials from the mining process were collected and analyzed by volumetric, gravimetric, colorimetric, and neutron activation methods in order to assess the degree of arsenic pollution brought about as a result of the goldmining operations at Obuasi.

Trace analysis of organic volatiles in water by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with glass capillary columns

Traces of volatile organic materials in water have been concentrated by gas phase stripping and adsorption onto a porous polymer. A simple all-glass sampling device is proposed which allows efficient concentration at elevated temperatures. Sample transfer from absorbent into a gas chromatographic column is effected by a simple one-step procedure involving heat desorption. The capacity of the absorbent has been determined for a number of model substances which are found in water. Under the sampling conditions used, compounds being less volatile than benzene are usually quantitatively retained, with some exceptions. Separations were effected with highly efficient glass capillary columns. Water samples, collected from a small number of locations, included both tap water and untreated waters. A number of volatiles have been determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in drinking water and in a river which flows through an industrialized area. The drinking water examined contains a large number of chlorinated and brominated compounds whereas the river water is largely free from this class of substances. Derivatives of camphor and terpenes have been identified in this particular river.

[Asbestos pollution: criticism on methods and experiences in the city of Bari (author's transl)]

The author deals with an air sampling and identification technique for asbestos fibers. By means of such technique measurements were made in the city of Bari, where there is also an asbestos-cement manufacturing plant. The obtained results are reported and some critical remarks done.

Epidemic lead absorption near an ore smelter. The role of particulate lead

Blood lead levels were determined on a random sample of persons in all age groups living near a lead-emitting smelter in El Paso, Texas. A blood lead level of greater than or equal to 40 mug per 100 ml, which was considered indicative of undue lead absorption, was found in 53 per cent of the children one to nine years old living within 1.6 km of the smelter and in 18 per cent of those from 1.6 to 6.6 km; beyond that distance in older persons levels were lower. Children in the first 1.6 km with blood levels of greater than or equal to mug per 100 ml were exposed to 3.1 times as much lead in dust as children there with lower blood values (6447 vs 2067 ppm). There was also airborne lead exposure (8 to 10 mug per cubic meter, annual mean). Paint, water, food, and pottery were less important as sources. The data suggest that particulate lead in dust and air accounted for most of the lead absorption in El Paso children. The smelter was the principal source of this lead, especially within 1.6km of itself.

Measurement of the influence of a cement kiln stack on a surrounding residential community by injection of an identification particulate

An identification particulate, barium sulfate, was injected into the kiln stack of a large cement plant in order to determine the effect of the particulate effluent of this stack on the immediately surrounding residential community. Meteorological conditions at the time of the injection favored deposition of the stack plume fallout directly over the location of a 7.75-km2 area in which both dustfall and suspended particle samplers were located. Dustfall data are reported for a 24-hour period to permit collection of all possible BaSO4-relatable stack emission. Collected particulate was analyzed for calcium and barium by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Collected dustfall particulates showed no stack effluent effect; collected suspended particulates exhibited a content of stack-relatable material in the amount of 1% of the total observed weight.

Hexachlorobenzene contamination: its effects in a Louisiana population

Plasma hexachlorobenzene (HCB) residues in a Louisiana population exposed through the transportation and disposal of chemical waste containing HCB averaged 3.6 plus or minus 4.3 parts per billion (ppb) in a sample of 86 people. The highest level was 345 ppb in a waste disposal facility worker while the highest level in the general population was 23 ppb. There was no evidence of cutaneous porphyria by history or skin examination. Males had significantly higher residues than females (4.71 vs. 2.79 ppb) but there were no age differences. A possible association between HCB residues and coproporphyrin and lactic dehydrogenase was found. Only 2 of 48 meals sampled were positive for HCB. There was a correlation between HCB levels in household dust and plasma levels. Perchloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride production workers had plasma HCB levels of up to 233 ppb.

Industrial air pollution: possible effect on lung cancer

Higher lung cancer mortality rates occurred in males living in certain heavily industrialized areas of Los Angeles County, California. These areas were characterized by elevated concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and other polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons of primarily industrial origin in the soil and air.

Toxic trace elements: preferential concentration in respirable particles

The toxic trace elements arsenic, antimony, cadmium, lead, selenium, and thallium were found to be most concentrated in the smallest respirable particles emitted from coal-fired power plants. These elements, or their compounds, are probably volatilized during combustion and preferentially adsorb or condense onto the small particles which can most easily pass through conventional control equipment.