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Augustsson A, Lundgren M, Qvarforth A, Engström E, Paulukat C, Rodushkin I, Moreno-Jiménez E, Beesley L, Trakal L, Hough RL. Urban vegetable contamination - The role of adhering particles and their significance for human exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165633. [PMID: 37474053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
While urban-grown vegetables could help combat future food insecurity, the elevated levels of toxic metals in urban soils need to be met with measures that minimise transfer to crops. This study firstly examines soil/dust particle inclusion in leafy vegetables and its contribution to vegetable metals (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn), using vegetable, soil and dust data from an open-field urban farm in southeastern Sweden. Titanium concentrations were used to assess soil/dust adherence. Results showed that vegetables contained 0.05-1.3 wt% of adhering particles (AP) even after washing. With 0.5 % AP, an adult with an average intake of vegetables could ingest approximately 100 mg of particles per day, highlighting leafy vegetables as a major route for soil/dust ingestion. The presence of adhering particles also significantly contributed to the vegetable concentrations of As (9-20 %), Co (17-20 %), Pb (25-29 %), and Cr (33-34 %). Secondly, data from an indoor experiment was used to characterise root metal uptake from 20 urban soils from Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the UK, and the Czech Republic. Combining particle adherence and root uptake data, vegetable metal concentrations were calculated for the 20 urban soils to represent hypothetical field scenarios for these. Subsequently, average daily doses were assessed for vegetable consumers (adults and 3-6 year old children), distinguishing between doses from adhering particles and root uptake. Risks were evaluated from hazard quotients (HQs; average daily doses/tolerable intakes). Lead was found to pose the greatest risk, where particle ingestion often resulted in HQs > 1 across all assessed scenarios. In summary, since washing was shown to remove only a portion of adhering metal-laden soil/dust particles from leafy vegetation, farmers and urban planners need to consider that measures to limit particle deposition are equally important as cultivating in uncontaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Augustsson
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - M Lundgren
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - A Qvarforth
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - E Engström
- Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden; ALS Laboratory Group, ALS Scandinavia AB, Luleå, Sweden
| | - C Paulukat
- Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - I Rodushkin
- Division of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden; ALS Laboratory Group, ALS Scandinavia AB, Luleå, Sweden
| | - E Moreno-Jiménez
- Department of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Beesley
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, Peel Building, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK; Department of Environmental Geosciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - L Trakal
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - R L Hough
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, UK
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2
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Investigation on Pollution Control Device (PCD) in iron foundry industry to reduce environmental chemicals. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271032. [PMID: 35877599 PMCID: PMC9312380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Right from the olden days, many products have been made according to foundry practices in order to generate prosperity in the societies in which they operate while reaping these types of benefits through the operation of foundries. It is alarming that the emissions released by foundries affect human health. Therefore, foundries installed Pollution Control devices (PCDs), in accordance with this development; researchers examined the effectiveness of these PCDs in controlling emissions from foundries in different parts of the world. The emission control obtained by installing these PCDs is explained in this article based on the data gathered from the survey. The cartridge filter equipped with an induction furnace reduced the concentration of SPM to less than 20 mg/Nm3. This result of the investigation indicates that the cartridge filter built into the induction furnace achieves the best efficiency in controlling contaminants from iron foundries. Interestingly, the operation of the cartridge filter has yet to be documented. Therefore, the construction operation, the performance of the cartridge filter, and its efficiency in achieving contaminations control in foundries are described. This will provide useful information on the use of cartridge filters in an induction furnace to reduce Iron foundry emissions.
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McDonough AM, Bird AW, Luciani MA, Todd AK. Establishing trace element concentrations for lichens and bryophytes in the ring of fire region of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Ontario, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:226. [PMID: 35218420 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Peatlands dominate the landscape of the Hudson Bay Lowlands in Ontario, Canada. Recently, mineral deposits of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) were discovered in the region and anticipated future industrial mining operations have the potential to impact the environment. Lichens and bryophytes are considered excellent biomonitors and indicators of deposition, deriving their nutrients directly from the atmosphere. Trace element concentrations in lichens and bryophytes have not been reported in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Here, we seek to determine the baseline trace element concentrations of six non-vascular species (Evernia mesomorpha, Bryoria spp., Cladonia stellaris, Cladonia stygia, Sphagnum fuscum, and Sphagnum capillifolium) common to the region, explore linear relationships of trace elements with iron (Fe) as a signature of particulates with geogenic origin, and calculate trace element enrichment factors. Thalli, foliage, and peat (0-30 cm) were collected from 55 locations between 2013 and 2018 and analyzed for trace elements. Thalli and foliar concentrations are among the lowest reported in the broader literature and differ substantially from peat. Fe concentrations were significantly correlated (Pearson's r ≥ 0.8) with aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), and vanadium (V) in all six species. Enrichment factors show some anthropogenic deposition effects non-vascular organism chemistry. Most trace element concentrations in lichens and bryophytes are indicative of long-range atmospheric transport of dust, but some is attributed to industry, with only minimal inclusions from the local area. Epiphytic lichens are well suited for ongoing atmospheric biomonitoring as industrialization commences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M McDonough
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada.
| | - Adam W Bird
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Michael A Luciani
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Aaron K Todd
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada
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Brila I, Lavrinienko A, Tukalenko E, Ecke F, Rodushkin I, Kallio ER, Mappes T, Watts PC. Low-level environmental metal pollution is associated with altered gut microbiota of a wild rodent, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 790:148224. [PMID: 34380250 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mining and related industries are a major source of metal pollution. In contrast to the well-studied effects of exposure to metals on animal physiology and health, the impacts of environmental metal pollution on the gut microbiota of wild animals are virtually unknown. As the gut microbiota is a key component of host health, it is important to understand whether metal pollution can alter wild animal gut microbiota composition. Using a combination of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantification of metal levels in kidneys, we assessed whether multi-metal exposure (the sum of normalized levels of fifteen metals) was associated with changes in gut microbiota of wild bank voles (Myodes glareolus) from two locations in Finland. Exposure to increased metal load was associated with higher gut microbiota species diversity (α-diversity) and altered community composition (β-diversity), but not dispersion. Multi-metal exposure and increased levels of several metals (Cd, Hg, Pb and Se) were associated with differences in the abundance of microbial taxa, especially those within the families Clostridiales vadinBB60 group, Desulfovibrionaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae and Ruminococcaceae. Our data indicate that even low-level metal pollution can affect the diversity of microbiota and be associated with deterministic differences in composition of host gut microbiota in wild animal populations. These findings highlight the need to study a broader range of metals and their cocktails that are more representative of the types of environmental exposure experienced by wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilze Brila
- Ecology and Genetics Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland; Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland.
| | - Anton Lavrinienko
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
| | - Eugene Tukalenko
- Ecology and Genetics Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland; Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland; National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv 04050, Ukraine
| | - Frauke Ecke
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ilia Rodushkin
- Division of Geosciences, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden; ALS Laboratory Group, ALS Scandinavia AB, Aurorum 10, 977 75 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Eva R Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland; School of Resource Wisdom, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
| | - Tapio Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
| | - Phillip C Watts
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
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Kousehlar M, Widom E, Kuentz D. Osmium isotope geochemistry of steel plant emissions using tree bark biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 272:115976. [PMID: 33172700 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We report for the first time the Os isotopic composition of tree bark samples from a steel town. Osmium concentrations and 187Os/188Os isotopic ratios of ashed bark samples range from 1.40 to 24 ppt and 0.70 to 1.54, respectively, with the lowest 187Os/188Os recorded in samples close to the steel plant. Compositional variations in the bark samples can be explained by mixing between at least two sources with different Os isotopic signatures: a radiogenic source consistent with crust-derived materials and a relatively less radiogenic source consistent with mantle-derived chromite. The exact origin of the radiogenic Os component cannot be constrained, as background signatures and crustal materials used in the steel industry (e.g., coal and iron ore) likely have overlapping radiogenic signatures. Cr shows a similar distribution pattern to Os, indicating that both metals have a common origin, which provides further evidence that the Os budget in the bark samples is controlled primarily by the chromite used in the steel manufacturing. This study shows that Os isotopes are an effective tool for tracing steel production-related emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoomeh Kousehlar
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA.
| | - Elisabeth Widom
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - David Kuentz
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
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6
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Sproson AD, Selby D, Suzuki K, Oda T, Kuroda J. Anthropogenic Osmium in Macroalgae from Tokyo Bay Reveals Widespread Contamination from Municipal Solid Waste. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:9356-9365. [PMID: 32551548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human activity is influencing the global osmium cycle, driving the Os isotopic composition (187Os/188Os) of the hydrosphere and associated sedimentary material to lower values. Here, we present the Re and Os abundance and isotope systematics of macroalgae, a proxy for seawater, from Tokyo Bay to elucidate the potential sources of anthropogenic Os to the Pacific Ocean. Macroalgae from the Uraga Channel, which connects Tokyo Bay to the Pacific Ocean, record relatively low Os abundances (∼10.1 pg/g) and an 187Os/188Os of ∼0.9, indicative of surface ocean seawater. Contrastingly, macroalgae within the bay closest to central Tokyo record the highest Os abundances (∼22.8 pg/g) and lowest 187Os/188Os values (∼0.47), suggesting contamination from human activity. To determine the source of anthropogenic Os, we have developed the first Os emission inventory, based on the East Asian Air Pollutant Emission Grid database (EAGrid2010). The close relationship (R2 = 0.67 and p-value = <0.05) between Os inventories and macroalgal data suggests that municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) are the dominant source of Os to Tokyo Bay. Projections for Japan estimate that 26-18+38 ng Os/m2/yr is released from MSWI smokestacks, leading to a concentration in precipitation of 26-18+38 fg/g, identifying MSWIs as a major contributor of anthropogenic Os to the hydrological cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Sproson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 263-0022, Japan
| | - David Selby
- Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, School of Earth Resources,China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei, China
| | - Katsuhiko Suzuki
- Submarine Resources Research Center, JAMSTEC, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Oda
- Global Modelling and Assimilation Office, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, 20771 Maryland, United States
- Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research, Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, 21046-2132 Maryland, United States
| | - Junichiro Kuroda
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 263-0022, Japan
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7
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Platinum Group Elements in Geosphere and Anthroposphere: Interplay among the Global Reserves, Urban Ores, Markets and Circular Economy. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10060558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Industrial and strategic significance of platinum group elements (PGEs)—Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt—makes them irreplaceable; furthermore, some PGEs are used by investors as “safe heaven” assets traded in the commodity markets. This review analyzes PGEs from various aspects: their place in the geosphere, destiny in the anthroposphere, and opportunity in the economy considering interactions among the exploration, recycling of urban ores, trade markets, speculative rhetoric, and changes required for successful technological progress towards the implementation of sustainability. The global market of PGEs is driven by several concerns: costs for extraction/recycling; logistics; the demand of industries; policies of waste management. Diversity of application and specific chemical properties, as well as improper waste management, make the recycling of PGEs complicated. The processing approach depends on composition and the amount of available waste material, and so therefore urban ores are a significant source of PGEs, especially when the supply of elements is limited by geopolitical or market tensions. Recycling potential of urban ores is particularly important in a long-term view disregarding short-term economic fluctuations, and it should influence investment flows in the advancement of innovation.
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8
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Ecke F, Benskin JP, Berglund ÅMM, de Wit CA, Engström E, Plassmann MM, Rodushkin I, Sörlin D, Hörnfeldt B. Spatio-temporal variation of metals and organic contaminants in bank voles (Myodes glareolus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136353. [PMID: 31955071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination with metals and organic compounds is of increasing concern for ecosystem and human health. Still, our knowledge about spatial distribution, temporal changes and ecotoxicological fate of metals and organic contaminants in wildlife is limited. We studied concentrations of 69 elements and 50 organic compounds in 300 bank voles (Myodes glareolus), Europe's most common mammal, sampled in spring and autumn 2017-2018 in five monitoring areas, representing three biogeographic regions. In addition, we compared measured concentrations with previous results from bank voles sampled within the same areas in 1995-1997 and 2001. In general, our results show regional differences, but no consistent patterns among contaminants and study areas. The exception was for the lowest concentrations of organic contaminants (e.g. perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS), which were generally found in the northern Swedish mountain area. Concentrations of metals and organic contaminants in adults varied seasonally with most organic contaminants being higher in spring; likely induced by diet shifts but potentially also related to age differences. In addition, metal concentrations varied between organs (liver vs. kidney), age classes (juveniles vs. adults; generally higher in adults) as well as between males and females. Concentrations of chromium and nickel in kidney and liver in the northernmost mountain area were lower in 2017-2018 than in 1995-1997 and in three of four areas, lead concentrations were lower in 2017-2018 than in 2001. Current metal concentrations (except mercury) are not expected to negatively affect the voles. Concentrations of hexachlorobenzene displayed highest concentrations in 2001 in the mountains, while it was close to detection limit in 2017-2018. Likewise, PFOS concentrations decreased in the mountains and in south-central lowland forests between 2001 and 2017-2018. Our results suggest that season, age class and sex need to be considered when designing and interpreting results from monitoring programs targeting inorganic and organic contaminants in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Ecke
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa M M Berglund
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Engström
- ALS Scandinavia AB, Aurorum 10, SE-977 75 Luleå, Sweden; Division of Geosciences, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Merle M Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ilia Rodushkin
- ALS Scandinavia AB, Aurorum 10, SE-977 75 Luleå, Sweden; Division of Geosciences, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Dieke Sörlin
- ALS Scandinavia AB, Aurorum 10, SE-977 75 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Birger Hörnfeldt
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
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9
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Ecke F, Berglund ÅMM, Rodushkin I, Engström E, Pallavicini N, Sörlin D, Nyholm E, Hörnfeldt B. Seasonal shift of diet in bank voles explains trophic fate of anthropogenic osmium? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:1634-1639. [PMID: 29079088 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Diet shifts are common in mammals and birds, but little is known about how such shifts along the food web affect contaminant exposure. Voles are staple food for many mammalian and avian predators. There is therefore a risk of transfer of contaminants accumulated in voles within the food chain. Osmium is one of the rarest earth elements with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) as the most toxic vapor-phase airborne contaminant. Anthropogenic OsO4 accumulates in fruticose lichens that are important winter food of bank voles (Myodes glareolus). Here, we test if a) anthropogenic osmium accumulates in bank voles in winter, and b) accumulation rates and concentrations are lower in autumn when the species is mainly herbivorous. Our study, performed in a boreal forest impacted by anthropogenic osmium, supported the hypotheses for all studied tissues (kidney, liver, lung, muscle and spleen) in 50 studied bank voles. In autumn, osmium concentrations in bank voles were even partly similar to those in the graminivorous field vole (Microtus agrestis; n=14). In autumn but not in late winter/early spring, osmium concentrations were generally negatively correlated with body weight and root length of the first mandible molar, i.e. proxies of bank vole age. Identified negative correlations between organ-to-body weight ratios and osmium concentrations in late winter/early spring indicate intoxication. Our results suggest unequal accumulation risk for predators feeding on different cohorts of bank voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Ecke
- Department of Wildlife Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-90183 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Åsa M M Berglund
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Emma Engström
- ALS Scandinavia AB, Aurorum 10, SE-97775 Luleå, Sweden
| | | | - Dieke Sörlin
- ALS Scandinavia AB, Aurorum 10, SE-97775 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Erik Nyholm
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Birger Hörnfeldt
- Department of Wildlife Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-90183 Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Funari V, Meisel T, Braga R. The potential impact of municipal solid waste incinerators ashes on the anthropogenic osmium budget. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:1549-1555. [PMID: 26490532 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Osmium release from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators (MSWI), even if acknowledged to occur at least over the last fifteen years, remains overlooked in the majority of recent studies. We present the osmium concentration and (187)Os/(188)Os isotopic measurements of different kinds of bottom and fly ash samples from MSWI plants and reference materials of incinerator fly ash (BCR176 and BCR176R). The analysis of the unknown ash samples shows a relatively wide range of (187)Os/(188)Os ratios (0.24-0.70) and Os concentrations (from 0.026 ng/g to 1.65 ng/g). Osmium concentrations and isotopic signatures differ from those of other known Os sources, either natural or manmade, suggesting a mixture of both contributions in the MSWI feedstock material. Furthermore, the comparison between the BCR176 and the renewed BCR176R indicates a decrease in Os concentration of one order of magnitude over the years (from 1 to 0.1 ng/g) due to improved recycling efficiency of Os-bearing waste. The estimated annual amount of Os from a typical incinerator (using average Os values and MSWI mass balance) is 13.4 g/a. The osmium potentially released from MSWI smokestacks is predicted to be from 16 to 38 ng Os/m(2)/a, considering a medium size country having 50 MSWI facilities; therefore much higher than the naturally transported osmium from continental dust in the atmosphere (about 1 pg Os/m(2)/a). MSWI systems are considered one of the best options for municipal solid waste management in industrialised countries, but their contribution to the Os budget can be significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Funari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 1, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Thomas Meisel
- General and Analytical Chemistry, Montanuniversität Leoben, Franz-Josef-Str. 18, Leoben, Austria
| | - Roberto Braga
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 1, Bologna, Italy
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11
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Krishnaraj R. Contemporary and futuristic views of pollution control devices in foundries. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 120:130-135. [PMID: 26070042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Foundry practices are used in contemporary world to produce large volume of components and products. Foundry practices involve the melting of metals and pouring the molten metal into the cavities called molds. On solidification, the metals which assume the shape of molds are removed as castings. Foundries that employ these practices were growing in large number till the middle part of the twentieth century in the world. After the middle part of the twentieth century, the world community begun to realize that, foundries were emitting pollutants which were affecting the health of humans. In order to overcome this situation, several countries in the world promulgated laws stipulating the maximum level of pollutants that can emit by foundries. These laws affected the functioning and growth of foundries. In order to sustain amidst these constraints, foundries begun to install energy efficient melting technologies and pollution control devices (PCDs). In this back ground, this paper reports to assess the contemporary scenario and project the future needs for sustaining the foundries. During the conduct of this literature review, it was discernable that, research papers have reported three categories of researches. In the first category of research papers, the researches reporting the achievement of cleaner production technologies in foundries using PCDs have appeared. In the second category of research papers, the application of cleaner production technology in foundries located in different countries has been examined. In the third category of research papers, the application of efficient melting technologies and PCDs in different clusters of foundries located in different parts of world has been explored. Subsequently implementation technics of Environmental Management System in cleaner production technics in foundries has been described the analysis of the information and knowledge drawn from these three categories of papers has revealed that, researches exploring the sustenance of foundries situated in different parts of world are required to be carried out intensively in future. The outcome of these researchers will be useful to apply the cleaner production technologies that would be suitable for implementation in different foundry clusters to suit the different conditions prevailing with regard to the adoption of efficient melting technologies and PCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Krishnaraj
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Ambo University, Ethiopia.
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12
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Almécija C, Sharma M, Cobelo-García A, Santos-Echeandía J, Caetano M. Osmium and Platinum Decoupling in the Environment: Evidences in Intertidal Sediments (Tagus Estuary, SW Europe). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:6545-53. [PMID: 25923357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Catalytic converters in automobiles have significantly increased the input of platinum group elements (PGE) to the environment, and their coupled geochemical behavior has been proposed. To check this hypothesis, Pt and Os concentrations and (187)Os/(188)Os ratios were determined in sediment cores and interstitial waters from the Tagus Estuary (SW Europe) affected by different traffic pressure. Platinum concentration in surface sediments nearby the high traffic zone (up to 40 ng g(-1)) indicated severe contamination. Although lower than Pt, Os enrichment was also observed in surface sediments, with lower (187)Os/(188)Os ratios than in deeper layers. Dissolved Pt and Os in interstitial waters, 0.1-0.7 pg g(-1) and 0.03-0.10 pg g(-1), respectively, were higher than in typical uncontaminated waters. Results indicate two sources of Pt and Os into the Tagus Estuary salt marshes: a regional input associated with industrial activities, fossil fuel combustions, and regional traffic and a local source linked to nearby traffic density emissions. Estimations of Os and Pt released by catalytic converters support this two-source model. Differences in geochemical reactivity and range of dispersion from their sources lead to a decoupled behavior of Os and Pt, questioning the use of Os isotopes as proxies of PGE sources to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Almécija
- †Bioxeoquímica Mariña, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas IIM-CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
- ‡Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Mukul Sharma
- ‡Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Antonio Cobelo-García
- †Bioxeoquímica Mariña, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas IIM-CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Juan Santos-Echeandía
- †Bioxeoquímica Mariña, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas IIM-CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Miguel Caetano
- §IPMA-Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasilia, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal
- ∥CIIMAR, Marine and Environmental Research Center, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
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Sources of Platinum Group Elements in the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-44559-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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14
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Boullemant A. PM2.5 emissions from aluminum smelters: coefficients and environmental impact. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2011; 61:311-318. [PMID: 21416758 DOI: 10.3155/1047-3289.61.3.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
From 2004 to 2009, aiming to better understand implications for its smelters, Rio Tinto Alcan conducted a detailed study of PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter [PM] < or = 2.5 and 10 microm in aerodynamic diameter, respectively) in its facilities. This involved a two-level study: part 1, emission quantification; and part 2, assessment of aluminum smelter contribution to the surrounding environment. In the first part, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Other Test Method (OTM) OTM27 and OTM28 are assessed as relevant and efficient methods for measuring fine particle emissions from aluminum smelter stacks. Rio Tinto Alcan has also developed a safe and robust method called CYCLEX to measure PM2.5 and condensable particulate matter (CPM) at the roof vents of potrooms. This work aims to determine the PM2.5 emission coefficients of 17, 55, and 417 g x t(-1) of aluminum produced (including CPM) in anode baking furnace exhaust (fume treatment center), at potroom scrubber stacks (gas treatment centers), and at potroom roof vents, respectively. Results indicate that roof vents are the primary PM2.5 emitters (85% of all smelter emissions) and that 71% of all smelter PM2.5 comes from CPM. In the second part, preliminary inorganic speciation studies are conducted by scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and by isotopic ratios to track smelter emissions to their surrounding environment. This paper releases the first speciation results for an aluminum smelter, and the preliminary isotopic ratio study indicates a 3% impact in terms of PM2.5 emissions for a representative smelter in an urban area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiel Boullemant
- Rio Tinto Alcan, Arvida Research and Development Centre, Environmental Technologies, Jonquière, Quebec, Canada.
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Rauch S, Peucker-Ehrenbrink B, Kylander ME, Weiss DJ, Martinez-Cortizas A, Heslop D, Olid C, Mighall TM, Hemond HF. Anthropogenic forcings on the surficial osmium cycle. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:881-887. [PMID: 19995091 DOI: 10.1021/es901887f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Osmium is among the least abundant elements in the Earth's continental crust. Recent anthropogenic Os contamination of the environment from mining and smelting activities, automotive catalytic converter use, and hospital discharges has been documented. Here we present evidence for anthropogenic overprinting of the natural Os cycle using a ca. 7000-year record of atmospheric Os deposition and isotopic composition from an ombrotrophic peat bog in NW Spain. Preanthropogenic Os accumulation in this area is 0.10 +/- 0.04 ng m(-2) y(-1). The oldest strata showing human influence correspond to early metal mining and processing on the Iberian Peninsula (ca. 4700-2500 cal. BP). Elevated Os accumulation rates are found thereafter with a local maximum of 1.1 ng m(-2) y(-1) during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula (ca. 1930 cal. BP) and a further increase starting in 1750 AD with Os accumulation reaching 30 ng m(-2) y(-1) in the most recent samples. Osmium isotopic composition ((187)Os/(188)Os) indicates that recent elevated Os accumulation results from increased input of unradiogenic Os from industrial and automotive sources as well as from enhanced deposition of radiogenic Os through increased fossil fuel combustion and soil erosion. We posit that the rapid increase in catalyst-equipped vehicles, increased fossil fuel combustion, and changes in land-use make the changes observed in NW Spain globally relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Rauch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Goteborg, Sweden.
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16
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Chen C, Sedwick PN, Sharma M. Anthropogenic osmium in rain and snow reveals global-scale atmospheric contamination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:7724-8. [PMID: 19416862 PMCID: PMC2683094 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0811803106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Osmium is one of the rarer elements in seawater, with typical concentration of approximately 10 x 10(-15) g g(-1) (5.3 x 10(-14) mol kg(-1)). The osmium isotope composition ((187)Os/(188)Os ratio) of deep oceans is 1.05, reflecting a balance between inputs from continental crust (approximately 1.3) and mantle/cosmic dust (approximately 0.13). Here, we show that the (187)Os/(188)Os ratios measured in rain and snow collected around the world range from 0.16 to 0.48, much lower than expected (>1), but similar to the isotope composition of ores (approximately 0.2) that are processed to extract platinum and other metals to be used primarily in automobile catalytic converters. Present-day surface seawater has a lower (187)Os/(188)Os ratio (approximately 0.95) than deep waters, suggesting that human activities have altered the isotope composition of the world's oceans and impacted the global geochemical cycle of osmium. The contamination of the surface ocean is particularly remarkable given that osmium has few industrial uses. The pollution may increase with growing demand for platinum-based catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Chen
- Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, 6105 Sherman Fairchild Hall, Hanover, NH 03755; and
| | - Peter N. Sedwick
- Department of Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Old Dominion University, 4600 Elkhorn Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23529
| | - Mukul Sharma
- Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, 6105 Sherman Fairchild Hall, Hanover, NH 03755; and
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