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Strieker S, Radon K, Forster F, Örnek ÖK, Wengenroth L, Schmotz W, Sonnemann F, Hoopmann M, Hepp M, Nowak D, Weinmann T, Rakete S. Biomonitoring of lead in blood of children living in a former mining area in Lower Saxony, Germany. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29971-29978. [PMID: 38594562 PMCID: PMC11058760 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to lead substantially decreased over the past decades. However, soil of former mining areas still contains high lead levels. We therefore performed a biomonitoring study among children living in two former mining communities in Lower Saxony, Germany. In these communities, soil contains lead levels of 1000 to 30,000 mg/kg. Overall, 75 children (6-10 years of age) attending the two primary schools of the study area took part in the study. Parents completed a short questionnaire on sociodemographics, and children provided capillary whole blood samples. We analysed lead using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometer. We compared the results to current German (20 μg/l for boys, 15 μg/l for girls) and US (35 μg/l) reference values. Potential associations between questionnaire information and lead results were tested using lead as continuous outcome and using lead dichotomized at the reference values. Finally, we analysed spatial patterns of elevated biomonitoring results. Of all children, 48% exceeded the German reference values for lead (5% expected) and 8% the US reference value (2.5% expected). Children 6-8 years of age were more likely to exceed German reference values (63%) than 9-10 year old children were (32%; pFisher = 0.01). No other questionnaire information was statistically significantly associated with biomonitoring results. Additionally, we did not find any indication of spatial clustering. In conclusion, we observed elevated blood lead levels in primary school children living in a former mining area. In the next step, exposure pathways need to be identified to implement effective public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Strieker
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Forster
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Özlem Köseoglu Örnek
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nursing Science, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Laura Wengenroth
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Walter Schmotz
- District of Goslar, Department of Construction & Environment-Soil Protection and Waste Monitoring, Goslar, Germany
| | - Finn Sonnemann
- District of Goslar, Department of Construction & Environment-Soil Protection and Waste Monitoring, Goslar, Germany
| | | | - Martin Hepp
- District of Goslar, Department of Public Health Services, Goslar, Germany
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Weinmann
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Rakete
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
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Alankarage D, Betts A, Scheckel KG, Herde C, Cavallaro M, Juhasz AL. Remediation options to reduce bioaccessible and bioavailable lead and arsenic at a smelter impacted site - consideration of treatment efficacy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122881. [PMID: 37935301 PMCID: PMC10843775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, smelter contaminated soil was treated with various soil amendments (ferric sulfate [Fe2(SO4)3], triple superphosphate [TSP] and biochar) to determine their efficacy in immobilizing soil lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). In soils incubated with ferric sulfate (0.6M), gastric phase Pb bioaccessibility was reduced from 1939 ± 17 mg kg-1 to 245 ± 4.7 mg kg-1, while intestinal phase bioaccessibility was reduced from 194 ± 25 mg kg-1 to 11.9 ± 3.5 mg kg-1, driven by the formation of plumbojarosite. In TSP treated soils, there were minor reductions in gastric phase Pb bioaccessibility (to 1631 ± 14 mg kg-1) at the highest TSP concentration (6000 mg kg-1) although greater reductions were observed in the intestinal phase, with bioaccessibility reduced to 9.3 ± 2.2 mg kg-1. Speciation analysis showed that this was primarily driven by the formation of chloropyromorphite in the intestinal phase following Pb and phosphate solubilization in the low pH gastric fluid. At the highest concentration (10% w/w), biochar treated soils showed negligible decreases in Pb bioaccessibility in both gastric and intestinal phases. Validation of bioaccessibility outcomes using an in vivo mouse assay led to similar results, with treatment effect ratios (TER) of 0.20 ± 0.01, 0.76 ± 0.11 and 1.03 ± 0.10 for ferric sulfate (0.6M), TSP (6000 mg kg-1) and biochar (10% w/w) treatments. Results of in vitro and in vivo assays showed that only ferric sulfate treatments were able to significantly reduce As bioaccessibility and bioavailability with TER at the highest application of 0.06 ± 0.00 and 0.14 ± 0.04 respectively. This study highlights the potential application of ferric sulfate treatment for the immobilization of Pb and As in co-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileepa Alankarage
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia.
| | - Aaron Betts
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kirk G Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Carina Herde
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Preclinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories, Adelaide, 5086, Australia
| | - Michelle Cavallaro
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Preclinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories, Adelaide, 5086, Australia
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia
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Bertram J, Ramolla C, Esser A, Schettgen T, Fohn N, Steib J, Kraus T. Blood lead monitoring in a former mining area in Euskirchen, Germany: results of a representative random sample in 3- to 17-year-old children and minors. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:20995-21009. [PMID: 36264474 PMCID: PMC9584279 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23632-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal residues in former mining areas can pose a burden to the local environment and population even decades after closure of the mining sites. In the North Rhine-Westphalian (Germany) communities of Mechernich and Kall, both parts of the district of Euskirchen, lead residues are a source of health concerns for local residents. A statistically representative collective of both communities depending on sex, age, and area of residence was created, mirroring the local underage population. The blood lead levels (BLL) of 182 children and minors in the two adjacent communities were assessed via ICP-MSMS. The results were compared to German lead reference values, valid for the general underage population. In total, 32 (17.6%) of the subjects investigated exceeded the according reference values of 15 µg/L and 20 µg/L, respectively, depending on sex and age, thus pointing out an additional lead burden affecting children in the area. Potential lead sources contributing to the BLL were evaluated using a questionnaire. Factors that showed significant impact on the BLL were, other than age, sex, height, and weight, the factors occupancy, time spend in the garden, garden hand-to-mouth contact, consumption frequency of homegrown products, and lifestyle factors. The data presented enable both residents and the local authorities to further reduce lead exposure and to take appropriate personal and public action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bertram
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Christian Ramolla
- Public Health Department Euskirchen, District of Euskirchen, Germany
| | - André Esser
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nina Fohn
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jasmina Steib
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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An interdisciplinary team-based approach for significantly reducing lower-level lead poisoning in U.S. children. Toxicol Rep 2022; 10:76-86. [PMID: 36590868 PMCID: PMC9794881 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Child lead poisoning damages central nervous system, immune, and renal function, and is the longest-standing public health epidemic in U.S. history. While primary prevention is the ultimate goal, secondary intervention is critical for curbing effects among children already exposed. Despite the lowering of child blood lead level (BLL) reference value in 2012 and again in 2021, few changes to secondary intervention approaches have been discussed. This study tested a novel interdisciplinary approach integrating ongoing child BLL-monitoring with education and home mitigation for families living in neighborhoods at high-risk of child lead exposure. In children ages 6 months to 16 years, most of whom had lowest range exposures, we predicted significantly reduced BLLs following intervention. Methods Twenty-one families with 49 children, were offered enrollment when at least 1 child in the family was found to have a BLL > 2.5 µg/dL. Child BLLs, determined by ICPMS, were monitored at 4- to 6-month intervals. Education was tailored to family needs, reinforced through repeated parent engagement, and was followed by home testing reports with detailed case-specific information and recommendations for no-cost/low-cost mitigation. Results Ninety percent of enrolled families complied with the mitigation program. In most cases, isolated, simple-to-mitigate lead hazard sources were found. Most prevalent were consumer products, found in 69% (11/16) of homes. Lead paint was identified in 56% (9/16) of homes. Generalized linear regression with Test Wave as a random effect showed that children's BLLs decreased significantly following the intervention despite fluctuations. Conclusion Lower-level lead poisoning can be reduced through an interdisciplinary approach that combines ongoing child BLL monitoring; repeated, one-on-one parent prevention education; and identification and no-cost/low-cost mitigation of home lead hazards. Biannual child BLL monitoring is essential for detecting and responding to changes in child BLLs, particularly in neighborhoods deemed high-risk for child lead poisoning.
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Bertram J, Ramolla C, Esser A, Schettgen T, Fohn N, Kraus T. Blood Lead Monitoring in a Former Mining Area in Euskirchen, Germany-Volunteers across the Entire Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6083. [PMID: 35627620 PMCID: PMC9141156 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
After centuries of mining in the district of Euskirchen, that is, in the communities of Mechernich and Kall, the lead concentration in the soil remains high, often exceeding regulatory guidelines. To clarify the lead body burden among residents in the region, a human biomonitoring study on a voluntary basis was initiated in which the blood lead level (BLL) was assessed. A questionnaire was distributed to evaluate lead exposure routes and confounders. Overall, 506 volunteers participated in the study, of whom 7.5% were children and adolescents, 71.9% were adults from 18 to 69 years, and 19.4% were residents 70 years or older. While the BLLs in the adult population were inconspicuous, among the children and adolescents investigated, 16.7% of the children between 3 and 17 years had BLLs above the recently revised German reference values for BLL in children. These results point towards a higher lead exposure in children living in the region. The hierarchical regression analysis based on the BLL and the questionnaire revealed the significant influence of the factors age, sex, smoking, construction age of the real estate, occupancy, and intensive contact with soil on the BLL. Measures to reduce lead exposure include a focus on improved personal and domestic hygiene to minimize lead intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bertram
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Christian Ramolla
- Public Health Department, District of Euskirchen, 53879 Euskirchen, Germany;
| | - André Esser
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Nina Fohn
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
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Sinnett D, Bray I, Baranyi G, Braubach M, Netanyanhu S. Systematic Review of the Health and Equity Impacts of Remediation and Redevelopment of Contaminated Sites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5278. [PMID: 35564674 PMCID: PMC9100537 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Globally there is a vast legacy of contaminated sites from past industrial, commercial and military activity, waste disposal, and mineral extraction. This review examined the extent to which the remediation of contaminated sites reduces health risks to new and existing populations. (2) Methods: Standard academic databases were searched for papers that reported on health-related outcomes in humans following remediation and redevelopment of contaminated sites. Title/abstract screening, followed by full-text screening identified sixteen papers that met the eligibility criteria. (3) Results: Most studies were set in the United States of America and reported changes in blood lead concentrations in children, following soil remediation and, in some cases, public health campaigns to reduce exposure. Two further studies examined the impacts of remediation on soil contaminated with chromium and sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). (4) Conclusions: Overall, the evidence suggests that remediation via removal, capping, and replacing soil, and planting vegetation is effective at reducing concentrations of lead and chromium in blood and urine in children. There is also evidence that sediment dredging can reduce PCB concentrations in umbilical cords in infants. Study designs are relatively weak and some recommendations are provided for those wishing to examine the health impacts of remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Sinnett
- Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments & WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Isabelle Bray
- Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing & WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK;
| | - Gergő Baranyi
- Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health (CRESH), Institute of Geography, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, UK;
| | - Matthias Braubach
- European Centre for Environment and Health, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany; (M.B.); (S.N.)
| | - Sinaia Netanyanhu
- European Centre for Environment and Health, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany; (M.B.); (S.N.)
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Caballero‐Gómez H, White HK, O’Shea MJ, Pepino R, Howarth M, Gieré R. Spatial Analysis and Lead-Risk Assessment of Philadelphia, USA. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2021GH000519. [PMID: 35340281 PMCID: PMC8934574 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Childhood lead poisoning is an issue that continues to plague major U.S. cities. Despite efforts by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to curtail systemic childhood lead poisoning, children continue to be identified with elevated blood lead levels. The persistence of elevated blood lead levels in children is concerning because lead poisoning has been linked to decreases in academic achievement and IQ, with associated repercussions for entire communities. This paper reports the results of an analysis of the spatial distribution of houses with lead paint (i.e., pre-1978), demolitions, and occurrence of historic smelters, in West and North Philadelphia, relative to elevated blood lead level data, to determine which lead sources act as primary lead-risk factors. The presence of lead paint in homes and the number of demolitions of older properties were found to have the highest correlations to elevated blood lead levels for children in Philadelphia. Using lead-risk factors including lead paint, housing code violations, demolitions, and owner-occupied housing units, a lead-risk assessment was performed at the census tract level to identify future soil sampling sites and high-risk neighborhoods in Philadelphia. These sites of high risk for lead exposure, and in particular the census tracts 175 and 172, should be prioritized for lead poisoning prevention initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Caballero‐Gómez
- Department of ChemistryHaverford CollegeHaverfordPAUSA
- Now at University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - H. K. White
- Department of ChemistryHaverford CollegeHaverfordPAUSA
| | - M. J. O’Shea
- Department of Earth and Environmental ScienceUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - R. Pepino
- Department of Earth and Environmental ScienceUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - M. Howarth
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - R. Gieré
- Department of Earth and Environmental ScienceUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental ToxicologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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Dobrescu AI, Ebenberger A, Harlfinger J, Griebler U, Klerings I, Nußbaumer-Streit B, Chapman A, Affengruber L, Gartlehner G. Effectiveness of interventions for the remediation of lead-contaminated soil to prevent or reduce lead exposure - A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150480. [PMID: 34844314 PMCID: PMC8655614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of soil remediation to prevent or reduce lead exposure. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, the Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Web of Science, and Scopus from 1980 to February 15, 2021. We also performed reference list checking, hand-searched websites, and contacted experts. Eligible studies evaluated the effect of soil remediation to prevent or reduce lead exposure in humans of any age. We screened all records dually; one investigator performed the data extraction; a second checked for completeness and accuracy. Two investigators independently rated the risk of bias of included studies and graded the certainty of evidence. We synthesized findings narratively. RESULTS We identified 6614 potentially relevant publications, all focused on children, of which five studies (six records) fulfilled our prespecified inclusion criteria. The number of evaluated participants ranged from 31 to 1425, with follow-up periods of 11 months to one year. The primary soil remediation method was the replacement of the upper layer with clean soil. Outcomes were limited to blood lead levels (BLL), dust lead levels, and soil lead levels. The largest study, a controlled before- after study (n = 1425) reported favorable effects of soil remediation compared to no intervention. This finding was consistent with results from two cross-sectional studies and one uncontrolled before-after study. One year post-remediation, the mean reduction in BLL was 2.1 μg/dL (p < 0.0001) greater in the intervention group than in the control group. Two randomized controlled trials with a total of 511 participants showed no statistically significant incremental effect of soil remediation when combined with paint and/or dust abatement. The certainty of evidence for all outcomes was low. CONCLUSION Soil remediation appears to reduce BLL in children when used as a single intervention. The incremental benefit of soil remediation when part of other interventions is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea-Iulia Dobrescu
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria.
| | - Agnes Ebenberger
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Julia Harlfinger
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Ursula Griebler
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Irma Klerings
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Barbara Nußbaumer-Streit
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Andrea Chapman
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Lisa Affengruber
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Wood BM, Cubbin C. Neighborhood Poverty in Combination with Older Housing Is Associated with Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Study on Ubiquitous Lead Risk among 1 Million Births in Texas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1578. [PMID: 35162602 PMCID: PMC8835573 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether housing age in combination with neighborhood poverty, as a proxy for fetal exposure to heavy metal lead, is associated with adverse birth outcomes. We linked population-level birth certificate data for Black, Hispanic, White and Other women, stratified by nativity, from 2009-2011 in Texas (n = 1,040,642) to census the tract-level median housing age/poverty level from the American Community Survey, 2007-2011. Tracts with median housing age values before 1975 with a poverty level of 20% or more were considered to be neighborhoods with a high risk of exposure to deteriorating lead-based paint. We estimated multilevel models to examine the relationship between neighborhood housing age/poverty level and each dependent variable (preterm birth, low birth weight, small-for-gestational age). The odds of adverse birth outcomes were significantly higher for mothers living in high-poverty neighborhoods with median housing built before the lead-based paint ban. Increased awareness of-and improved methods of alleviating- ubiquitous lead-based paint exposure in Texas may be necessary interventions for positive developmental trajectories of children. Allocating federal funds for place-based interventions, including universal lead paint mitigation, in older, high-poverty neighborhoods may reduce the disproportionate risk of adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Marie Wood
- The Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
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Cooper CM, Langman JB, Sarathchandra D, Vella CA, Wardropper CB. Perceived Risk and Intentions to Practice Health Protective Behaviors in a Mining-Impacted Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7916. [PMID: 33126668 PMCID: PMC7672644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Effective risk communication strategies are critical to reducing lead exposure in mining-impacted communities. Understanding the strength of the associations between perceived risk and individuals' behavioral intentions to protect their health is important for developing these strategies. We conducted a survey within three communities of northern Idaho, USA (n = 306) in or near a Superfund Megasite with legacy mining contamination. Survey data were used to test a theoretical model based on the Health Belief Model. Respondents had higher intentions to practice health protective behaviors when they perceived the risk of lead contamination as severe and recognized the benefits of practicing health protective behaviors. Women reported higher behavioral intentions than men, but age and mining affiliation were not significantly associated with behavioral intentions. Although managing lead hazards in communities impacted by mining is challenging due to widely distributed contamination, effective health risk messages, paired with remediation, are powerful tools to protect the health and safety of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M. Cooper
- Water Resources Graduate Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Jeff B. Langman
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA;
| | | | - Chantal A. Vella
- Department of Movement Sciences and WWAMI Medical Education Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA;
| | - Chloe B. Wardropper
- Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA;
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Griffin J, Macgregor B, Greene N, Partridge CR, Bryson J, Schoof RA. Letter to the Editor regarding Davis B, McDermott S, McCarter M, Ortaglia A. 2019. Population-based mortality data suggests remediation is modestly effective in two Montana Superfund counties. Environ. Geochem. Health. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2020; 42:1229-1233. [PMID: 31673915 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-019-00438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Griffin
- Butte Resident, Butte-Silver Bow County, MT, USA
| | - B Macgregor
- Butte Resident, Butte-Silver Bow County, MT, USA
| | - N Greene
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8, Denver, CO, USA
| | - C R Partridge
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8, Denver, CO, USA
| | - J Bryson
- , Atlantic Richfield, Butte, MT, USA
| | - R A Schoof
- Ramboll US Corporation, 901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2820, Seattle, WA, 98164, USA.
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12
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Wheeler DC, Raman S, Jones RM, Schootman M, Nelson EJ. Bayesian deprivation index models for explaining variation in elevated blood lead levels among children in Maryland. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2019; 30:100286. [PMID: 31421801 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2019.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Lead exposure adversely affects children's health. Exposure in the United States is highest among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals who disproportionately live in substandard housing. We used Bayesian binomial regression models to estimate a neighborhood deprivation index and its association with elevated blood lead level (EBLL) risk using blood lead level testing data in Maryland census tracts. Our results show the probability of EBLL was spatially structured with high values in Baltimore city and low values in the District of Columbia suburbs and Baltimore suburbs. The association between the neighborhood deprivation index and EBLL risk was statistically significant after accounting for spatial dependence in probability of EBLL. The percent of houses built before 1940, African Americans, and renter occupied housing were the most important variables in the index. Bayesian models provide a flexible one-step approach to modeling risk associated with neighborhood deprivation while accounting for spatially structured and unstructured heterogeneity in risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Wheeler
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States.
| | - Shyam Raman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University-Bloomington, United States
| | - Resa M Jones
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University and Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health, United States
| | | | - Erik J Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University-Bloomington, United States
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13
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Gleason JA, Nanavaty JV, Fagliano JA. Drinking water lead and socioeconomic factors as predictors of blood lead levels in New Jersey's children between two time periods. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 169:409-416. [PMID: 30529142 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
As blood lead levels have decreased over time, the relative contributions of alternative lead sources warrant further examination. Much attention has been paid to the relative contribution of lead in drinking water, particularly after the discovery of contaminated drinking water in Flint, Michigan which has also renewed interest in the persistent socioeconomic and racial disparities in children's exposure to lead. As the environmental sources of lead exposure are shifting in importance over time, we decided to examine how demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors may confound or interact with each other, and whether these relationships have changed over time. The study population included all New Jersey resident children aged 6-26 months with at least one blood lead specimen collected between 2000 and 2004 (n = 288,758) or 2010 and 2014 (n = 326,530). Reported 90th percentile water lead data (in parts per billion) was summarized annually for each water system statewide. Children's blood lead levels have decreased over time from a statewide geometric mean of 2.47 µg/dL (95% CI 2.46, 2.48) between 2000 and 2004 to 1.57 µg/dL (95% CI 1.57, 1.57) between 2010 and 2014. Individual-level factors of child's age and season of blood draw and area-based measures of race, older housing, and poverty were predictors of children's blood lead levels. Conclusions regarding area-based measure of Hispanic ethnicity are limited and require further research. The narrow range and low levels of area-based lead concentrations in drinking water limits the ability to detect associations with blood lead levels. Racial disparities in blood lead continue to persist but economic disparities may be narrowing as blood lead concentrations continue to decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie A Gleason
- Environmental and Occupational Health Surveillance Program, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, NJ, USA.
| | - Jaydeep V Nanavaty
- Child and Adolescent Health Program, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, NJ, USA.
| | - Jerald A Fagliano
- Environmental and Occupational Health Surveillance Program, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, NJ, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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Parviainen A, Marchesi C, Suárez-Grau JM, Garrido CJ, Pérez-López R, Nieto JM, Cobo-Cárdenas G. Unraveling the impact of chronic exposure to metal pollution through human gallstones. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:1031-1040. [PMID: 29929220 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the impact of chronic metal exposure derived from persistent pollution from mining activity using human gallstones as proxies. The samples were obtained from patients residing in geologically and environmentally contrasting areas in the Province of Huelva, SW Spain, allowing for the evaluation of the regional effect of metal pollution. The study group resides in the Iberian Pyrite Belt characterized by natural and anthropogenic metal pollution from mining activities, whereas the control group resides in the Ossa Morena Zone famous for its natural parks. A total of 68 gallstones were first classified based on their phase composition and structure and subsequently their chemical composition was studied using solution Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The metal concentrations increased in the cholesterol-rich gallstones from pure, to mixed and composite cholesterol stones along with the increasing amount of minor phases, such as bilirubinate, carbonate, and phosphate. These cholesterol stones did not show an evident enrichment tendency. On the contrary, pigment stones, composed of bilirubinate, carbonate, and phosphate phases, were rich in a variety of elements and the regional comparison showed that the pigment stones from the study area were enriched in sulfide-associated metal(loid)s, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, As, Ag, Sb, and Pb with respect to the control group. Inhalation of polluted airborne particulate matter is considered as one of the main exposure routes among the residents of the study area. Additionally, consumption of local water and locally produced food products such as fruit and vegetables and dermal contact may be possible sources of exposure, but no direct connection was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Parviainen
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (IACT), CSIC-UGR, Avda. de las Palmeras 4, E-18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain.
| | - Claudio Marchesi
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (IACT), CSIC-UGR, Avda. de las Palmeras 4, E-18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain; Department of Mineralogy and Petrology, University of Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva s/n, E-18002 Granada, Spain.
| | | | - Carlos J Garrido
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (IACT), CSIC-UGR, Avda. de las Palmeras 4, E-18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain.
| | - Rafael Pérez-López
- Department of Earth Sciences, Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Campus 'El Carmen', E-21071 Huelva, Spain.
| | - José Miguel Nieto
- Department of Earth Sciences, Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Campus 'El Carmen', E-21071 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Gema Cobo-Cárdenas
- Riotinto Hospital, Avda. La Esquila 5, E-21660 Minas de Riotinto, Huelva, Spain
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15
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Lee M, Chun Y, Griffith DA. Error propagation in spatial modeling of public health data: a simulation approach using pediatric blood lead level data for Syracuse, New York. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:667-681. [PMID: 28791510 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-0014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lead poisoning produces serious health problems, which are worse when a victim is younger. The US government and society have tried to prevent lead poisoning, especially since the 1970s; however, lead exposure remains prevalent. Lead poisoning analyses frequently use georeferenced blood lead level data. Like other types of data, these spatial data may contain uncertainties, such as location and attribute measurement errors, which can propagate to analysis results. For this paper, simulation experiments are employed to investigate how selected uncertainties impact regression analyses of blood lead level data in Syracuse, New York. In these simulations, location error and attribute measurement error, as well as a combination of these two errors, are embedded into the original data, and then these data are aggregated into census block group and census tract polygons. These aggregated data are analyzed with regression techniques, and comparisons are reported between the regression coefficients and their standard errors for the error added simulation results and the original results. To account for spatial autocorrelation, the eigenvector spatial filtering method and spatial autoregressive specifications are utilized with linear and generalized linear models. Our findings confirm that location error has more of an impact on the differences than does attribute measurement error, and show that the combined error leads to the greatest deviations. Location error simulation results show that smaller administrative units experience more of a location error impact, and, interestingly, coefficients and standard errors deviate more from their true values for a variable with a low level of spatial autocorrelation. These results imply that uncertainty, especially location error, has a considerable impact on the reliability of spatial analysis results for public health data, and that the level of spatial autocorrelation in a variable also has an impact on modeling results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monghyeon Lee
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd. GR31, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | - Yongwan Chun
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd. GR31, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Daniel A Griffith
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd. GR31, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
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Gottesfeld P, Were FH, Adogame L, Gharbi S, San D, Nota MM, Kuepouo G. Soil contamination from lead battery manufacturing and recycling in seven African countries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 161:609-614. [PMID: 29248873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lead battery recycling is a growing hazardous industry throughout Africa. We investigated potential soil contamination inside and outside formal sector recycling plants in seven countries. We collected 118 soil samples at 15 recycling plants and one battery manufacturing site and analyzed them for total lead. Lead levels in soils ranged from < 40-140,000mg/kg. Overall mean lead concentrations were ~23,200mg/kg but, average lead levels were 22-fold greater for soil samples from inside plant sites than from those collected outside these facilities. Arithmetic mean lead concentrations in soil samples from communities surrounding these plants were ~2600mg/kg. As the lead battery industry in Africa continues to expand, it is expected that the number and size of lead battery recycling plants will grow to meet the forecasted demand. There is an immediate need to address ongoing exposures in surrounding communities, emissions from this industry and to regulate site closure financing procedures to ensure that we do not leave behind a legacy of lead contamination that will impact millions in communities throughout Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry Gottesfeld
- Occupational Knowledge International, 4444 Geary Boulevard, Suite 208, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA.
| | - Faridah Hussein Were
- University of Nairobi, Chemistry Department in the College of Biological and Physical Sciences, P. O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Leslie Adogame
- Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev), 18, Olorunlogbon street, Anthony village, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - Semia Gharbi
- Association de l'Education Environnementale pour les Futures (AEEFG), 15 rue de Liban La Marsa, 2070 Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Dalila San
- Center for Industrial Studies, Safety and Environment (CEISA), Mozambique, Rua Joseph Ki-Zerbo n° 170, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Manti Michael Nota
- Occupational Knowledge International, 4444 Geary Boulevard, Suite 208, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
| | - Gilbert Kuepouo
- CREPD, Research and Education Center for Development (Centre de Recherche et d'Education pour le Développement), 3rd Floor, Ecotex Building, Madagascar Quarter P.O. Box 2970, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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17
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Song B, Zeng G, Gong J, Liang J, Xu P, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Cheng M, Liu Y, Ye S, Yi H, Ren X. Evaluation methods for assessing effectiveness of in situ remediation of soil and sediment contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 105:43-55. [PMID: 28500873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Soil and sediment contamination has become a critical issue worldwide due to its great harm to the ecological environment and public health. In recent years, many remediation technologies including physical, chemical, biological, and combined methods have been proposed and adopted for the purpose of solving the problems of soil and sediment contamination. However, current research on evaluation methods for assessing these remediation technologies is scattered and lacks valid and integrated evaluation methods for assessing the remediation effectiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive review with an environmental perspective on the evaluation methods for assessing the effectiveness of in situ remediation of soil and sediment contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals. The review systematically summarizes recent exploration and attempts of the remediation effectiveness assessment based on the content of pollutants, soil and sediment characteristics, and ecological risks. Moreover, limitations and future research needs of the practical assessment are discussed. These limitations are not conducive to the implementation of the abatement and control programs for soil and sediment contamination. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the evaluation methods for assessing the remediation effectiveness while developing new in situ remediation technologies in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jilai Gong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Piao Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Zhifeng Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Min Cheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Shujing Ye
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Huan Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaoya Ren
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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