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Ma Y, Lin X, Li X, Yan J. Evolution of fusion and PCDD/F-signatures of boiler ash from a mechanical grate municipal solid waste incinerator. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 280:130922. [PMID: 34162107 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Boiler ash formed at different temperature ranges in a typical mechanical grate incinerator is collected and systemically studied, with the aim of providing a reference for ash disposal and revealing the formation routes and distribution of polychlorinated ρ-dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Key physical and chemical properties are carefully analyzed, including chemical component, ash fusion temperatures (AFTs), crystalline phases, chemical species, and PCDD/Fs. Several fouling and slagging indices are introduced and their relationships with AFT are revealed. The fouling index (Fu) and a slagging index (Rb/a×Na) are well fitted with ash flow temperatures, with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.82 and 0.82, respectively; these could be better potential indices for disposal applications of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash. CC/C-C/C-H (69.25-80.93%) and inorganic chlorine (94.23-98.68%) are the dominant carbon and chlorine species, respectively. The increasing AFT is mainly attributed to the changing components, the increasing proportions of crystalline CaSO4, NaCl and KCl and the decreasing crystallinity and content of SiO2. Twice as much PCDD/Fs is generated by the low-temperature heterogeneous reaction (6.71-19.22 ng/g) than by the high-temperature homogeneous reaction (0.59-6.71 ng/g). The proportions of highly chlorinated homologues increase and gradually become the main component. Principal component analysis reveals that PCDD/Fs is positively correlated with Cl, Cu, Pb, Sn, Sb, Zn and CC/C-C/C-H but negatively correlated with less volatile elements, e.g., Ni, Mn, Al, Ti, Si, and Cr. These results can benefit further research on boiler ash disposal and PCDD/F formation routes in the post-combustion area of incinerators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Waste Incineration Technology and Equipment, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Waste Incineration Technology and Equipment, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Xiaodong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Waste Incineration Technology and Equipment, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jianhua Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Waste Incineration Technology and Equipment, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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ANN-Based Integrated Risk Ranking Approach: A Case Study of Contaminants of Emerging Concern of Fish and Seafood in Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041598. [PMID: 33567765 PMCID: PMC7915293 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Seafood, one of the most important food commodities consumed worldwide, is considered a high-quality, healthy, and safe food option. However, marine ecosystems are the ultimate destination for a large group of chemicals, including contaminants of emerging concern, and seafood consumption is a major pathway of human exposure. With growing awareness of food safety and food quality, and increased demand for information on the risk of contaminants of emerging concern, there is a need to assess food safety issues related to harmful contaminants in seafood and ensure the safety of marine food resources. In this study, the risks of emerging compounds (endocrine disruptors, brominated flame retardants, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and toxic elements) in fish and seafood were analyzed according to their PBT (persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity) properties as well as in terms of their concentration levels in seafood. A hazard index (HI) was estimated for each compound by applying an artificial neural network (ANN) approach known as Self-Organizing-Maps. Subsequently, an integrated risk rank (IRI) was developed considering the values of HI and the concentrations of emerging compounds in seafood species gathered from the scientific literature. Current results identified HHCB, MeHg, NP, AHTN and PBDE209 as the top five highest ranked compounds present in seafood, according to the 50th percentile (mean) of the IRI. However, this ranking slightly changed when taking into account the 99th percentile of the IRI, showing toxic elements, methylmercury and inorganic arsenic, as having the highest risk. The outcome of this study identified the priority contaminants and should help in regulatory decision-making and scientific panels to design screening programs as well as to take the appropriate safety measures.
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Xu P, Chen Z, Wu L, Chen Y, Xu D, Shen H, Han J, Wang X, Lou X. Health risk of childhood exposure to PCDD/Fs emitted from a municipal waste incinerator in Zhejiang, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 689:937-944. [PMID: 31280174 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the body burdens of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and their associated health impacts toward school-age children living near a municipal waste incinerator (MWI). A total of 82 children from the exposure area and 49 from the control area were recruited. We measured blood PCDD/F levels, conducted comet assays, calculated the percentage of 5-methylcytosine (%5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (%5-hmC), performed flow cytometry, measured hormonal levels, and analyzed hematological parameters. We also examined 17 congeners of PCDD/Fs in environmental samples, namely, eggs, rice, water, soil, and PM2.5. The mean blood levels of ΣPCDD/Fs and TEQ-ΣPCDD/Fs were statistically higher in the exposure group than in the control group (3.40 vs. 2.77 pg/g wet weight and 0.40 vs. 0.28 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight, respectively; p < 0.05). By contrast, the %5-mC and %5-hmC levels were statistically lower in the exposure group than in the control group (1.15% vs. 4.66% and 0.22% vs. 0.30%, respectively; p < 0.01), whereas the mean % tail DNA was statistically higher in the exposure group than in the control group (10.10% vs. 8.28%, p < 0.01). The mean blood levels of ΣPCDD/Fs and TEQ-ΣPCDD/Fs were both negatively correlated with %5-mC (r = -0.245 and r = -0.217, respectively; p < 0.01) but not with %5-hmC and % tail DNA (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the mean ΣPCDD/F levels in eggs and soil obtained from the exposure area were statistically higher than those of the samples obtained from the control area (31.08 vs. 4.32 pg/g dry weight and 1026.04 vs. 674.97 pg/g dry weight, respectively). In conclusion, children living near the MWI may suffer genetic and epigenetic modifications, such as DNA damage or global DNA hypomethylation due to the MWI-emitted PCDD/Fs and other contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Zhijian Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Lizhi Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Jianlong Han
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China.
| | - Xiaoming Lou
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China.
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Patil DM, Phalak GA, Mhakse ST. Boron-containing UV-curable oligomer-based linseed oil as flame-retardant coatings: synthesis and characterization. IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13726-018-0652-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Vinceti M, Malagoli C, Werler MM, Filippini T, De Girolamo G, Ghermandi G, Fabbi S, Astolfi G, Teggi S. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with changing patterns of exposure to the emissions of a municipal waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 164:444-451. [PMID: 29574254 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.024] [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: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incinerators emissions contain pollutants that, despite their low concentration, might adversely affect reproductive health. In the present study, we examined rates of miscarriage and birth defects among women who resided or were employed in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator plant from 2003 to 2013. In 2009, a progressive shutdown of the old incineration lines and operation of a new line caused considerably higher atmospheric release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly of dioxins, due to these irregular operating conditions, technological renovation, and increased capacity. We used dioxin emission levels, based on a dispersion model, to define exposure status of the residing population to air pollutants emitted by the waste incinerator. In women who resided in areas characterized by higher emission exposures compared with a referent area, the relative risk (RR) of miscarriage was 1.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-1.32) based on 62 cases overall, with little evidence of a dose-response relation. RRs were similarly null for both 2003-2008 and 2010-2013 periods (RR 1.12 (95% CI 0.80-1.53) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.63-1.48), respectively). Concerning birth defects in the offspring of women residing in the exposed area, no evidence of increased risk emerged, since the prevalence ratio at birth was 0.64 (95% CI 0.29-1.26), with comparable results in the 2003-2008 and 2010-2013 period. Corresponding analyses carried out in municipal residents who worked in the exposed area confirmed these findings. We also did not detect abnormally high rates of miscarriage and birth defects in the exposed cohorts in the single year 2009. Overall, these results do not suggest an effect of exposure to the emissions of the municipal solid waste incinerator we investigated on two indicators of reproductive health. However, the limited statistical stability of the estimates and the absence of individual-based information on some potential confounders suggest caution in the interpretation of study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN Research Center of Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology and Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Carlotta Malagoli
- CREAGEN Research Center of Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology and Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Martha M Werler
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN Research Center of Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology and Center for Neurosciences and Neurotechnology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianfranco De Girolamo
- Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Communication, Department of Public Health, Local Health Unit of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Grazia Ghermandi
- School of Environmental Engineering and Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Fabbi
- School of Environmental Engineering and Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianni Astolfi
- IMER Registry, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sergio Teggi
- School of Environmental Engineering and Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Domingo JL, García F, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M. Autopsy tissues as biological monitors of human exposure to environmental pollutants. A case study: Concentrations of metals and PCDD/Fs in subjects living near a hazardous waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:269-274. [PMID: 28110241 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring is of tremendous importance to prevent potential adverse effects derived from human exposure to chemicals. Blood and urine are among the biological monitors more frequently used. However, biological matrices such as breast milk, hair, nails, saliva, feces, teeth, and expired air are also often used. In addition, and focused mainly on long-term exposure, adipose tissue and other human tissues like bone, liver, brain or kidney, are also used as biological monitors of certain substances, especially for long-term biomonitoring. However, for this kind of tissues sampling is always a limiting factor. In this paper, we have examined the role of autopsy tissues as biological monitors of human exposure to environmental pollutants. For it, we have used a case study conducted near a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Catalonia (Spain), in which the concentrations of metals and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), have been periodically determined in autopsy tissues of subjects living in the area under potential influence of the facility. This case study does not show advantages -in comparison to other appropriate biomonitors such as blood- in using autopsy tissues in the monitoring of long-term exposure to metals and PCDD/Fs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Nwosu UG, Khachatryan L, Youm SG, Roy A, Dela Cruz ALN, Nesterov EE, Dellinger B, Cook RL. Model System Study of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals Formation in a Semiconducting Polymer Modified Copper Clay System at Ambient Temperature. RSC Adv 2016; 6:43453-43462. [PMID: 28670444 PMCID: PMC5489243 DOI: 10.1039/c6ra08051k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper systematically investigates how environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are formed in a phenol contaminated model soil. Poly-p-phenylene (PPP) modified and copper-loaded montmorillonite (MMT) clays were developed and used as models of soil organic matter and the clay mineral component, respectively, with phenol being employed as a precursor pollutant. The polymer modification of the clays was carried out via surface-confined Kumada catalyst-transfer chain-growth polymerization. The presence and location of the polymer were confirmed by a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction data. EPFRs were formed by the Cu(II)-clay (Cu(II)CaMMT) and poly-p-phenylene-Cu(II)clay (PPP-Cu(II)CaMMT) composite systems under environmentally relevant conditions. The g-factor and concentration of EPFRs formed by the Cu(II)CaMMT and PPP-Cu(II)CaMMT systems were found to be 2.0034 and 1.22 × 1017 spins/g and 2.0033 and 1.58 × 1017spins/g, respectively. These g-factors are consistent with the formation of phenoxyl radicals. Extended X-Ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis shows that there are distinct differences in the local stuctures of the phenoxyl radicals associated with only the Cu(II) redox centers and those formed in the presences of the PPP polymer. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) results provided evidence for the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) in the EPFR forming process. The 1/e lifetimes of the formed EPFRs revealed a decay time of ~20 h for the Cu(II)CaMMT system and a two-step decay pattern for the PPP-Cu(II)CaMMT system with decay times of ~13.5 h and ~55.6 h. Finally, the generation of reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radical; •OH) by these clay systems was also investigated, with higher concentrations of •OH detected for the phenol-dosed Cu(II)CaMMT and PPP-Cu(II)CaMMT systems, compared to the non-EPFR containing undosed PPP-Cu(II)CaMMT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugwumsinachi G Nwosu
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States
- Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Lavrent Khachatryan
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States
- Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Sang Gil Youm
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States
| | - Amitava Roy
- Center for Advanced Microstructures & Devices, Louisiana State University, 6980 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806, United States
| | - Albert Leo N Dela Cruz
- Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Evgueni E Nesterov
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States
| | - Barry Dellinger
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States
- Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Robert L Cook
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States
- Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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Nwosu UG, Roy A, dela Cruz ALN, Dellinger B, Cook R. Formation of environmentally persistent free radical (EPFR) in iron(III) cation-exchanged smectite clay. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2016; 18:42-50. [PMID: 26647158 PMCID: PMC4743249 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00554j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) have been found at a number of Superfund sites, with EPFRs being formed via a proposed redox process at ambient environmental conditions. The possibility of such a redox process taking place at ambient environmental conditions is studied utilizing a surrogate soil system of phenol and iron(III)-exchanged calcium montmorillonite clay, Fe(III)CaM. Sorption of phenol by the Fe(III)CaM is demonstrated by Fourier-transformed infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, as evidenced by the peaks between 1345 cm(-1) and 1595 cm(-1), and at lower frequencies between 694 cm(-1) and 806 cm(-1), as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, as shown by an increase in interlayer spacing within Fe(III)CaM. The formation and characterization of the EPFRs is determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, showing phenoxyl-type radical with a g-factor of 2.0034 and ΔHP-P of 6.1 G at an average concentration of 7.5 × 10(17) spins per g. EPFRs lifetime data are indicative of oxygen and water molecules being responsible for EPFR decay. The change in the oxidation state of the iron redox center is studied by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, showing that 23% of the Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II). X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) results confirm the XANES results. These findings, when combined with the EPFR concentration data, demonstrate that the stoichiometry of the EPFR formation under the conditions of this study is 1.5 × 10(-2) spins per Fe(II) atom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugwumsinachi G Nwosu
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. and Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
| | - Amitava Roy
- Centre for Advanced Microstructures & Devices, Louisiana State University, 6980 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806, USA
| | - Albert Leo N dela Cruz
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. and Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
| | - Barry Dellinger
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. and Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
| | - Robert Cook
- Louisiana State University, Department of Chemistry, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. and Louisiana State University Superfund Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
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Domingo JL, Rovira J, Vilavert L, Nadal M, Figueras MJ, Schuhmacher M. Health risks for the population living in the vicinity of an Integrated Waste Management Facility: screening environmental pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 518-519:363-370. [PMID: 25770949 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We performed a screening investigation to assess the human health risks of the Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF: mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) plant plus municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI); Ecoparc-3) of Barcelona (Spain). Air concentrations of pollutants potentially released by the MBT plant (VOCs and bioaerosols) and the MSWI (trace elements, PCDD/Fs and PCBs) were determined. Trace elements, PCDD/Fs and PCBs were also analyzed in soil samples. The concentrations of trace elements and bioaerosols were similar to those previously reported in other areas of similar characteristics, while formaldehyde was the predominant VOC. Interestingly, PCDD/F concentrations in soil and air were the highest ever reported near a MSWI in Catalonia, being maximum concentrations 10.8 ng WHO-TEQ/kg and 41.3 fg WHO-TEQ/m(3), respectively. In addition, there has not been any reduction in soils, even after the closure of a power plant located adjacently. Human health risks of PCDD/F exposure in the closest urban nucleus located downwind the MSWI are up to 10-times higher than those nearby other MSWIs in Catalonia. Although results must be considered as very preliminary, they are a serious warning for local authorities. We strongly recommend to conduct additional studies to confirm these findings and, if necessary, to implement measures to urgently mitigate the impact of the MSWI on the surrounding environment. We must also state the tremendous importance of an individual evaluation of MSWIs, rather than generalizing their environmental and health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lolita Vilavert
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - María J Figueras
- Microbiology Unit, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Schuhmacher M, Fàbrega F, Kumar V, García F, Nadal M, Domingo JL. A PBPK model to estimate PCDD/F levels in adipose tissue: comparison with experimental values of residents near a hazardous waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 73:150-157. [PMID: 25118088 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in 15 samples of adipose tissue from subjects who had been living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI). The results were compared with levels obtained in previous surveys carried out in 1998 (baseline study), 2002 and 2007. The current (2013) concentrations of PCDD/Fs in adipose tissue ranged from 2.8 to 46.3 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat (mean and median concentrations: 11.5 and 7.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat, respectively), being significantly lower (64%) than those observed in 1998. In contrast, no significant differences in the mean PCDD/F concentrations were noted in the period 2002-2013. The significant decrease of the PCDD/F content in fat, also noted in other biological monitors such as plasma and breast milk, is in agreement with the reduction in the dietary intake of PCDD/Fs found in the same area of study. Similarly to other investigations across Europe, an increase of PCDD/F levels in adipose tissue in relation to age was observed, while no significant differences were noted according to gender. A multicompartmental physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was also applied to estimate the levels of PCDD/Fs in adipose tissue. When comparing the modeled and experimental concentrations of PCDD/Fs in that tissue, very similar values were obtained for the four surveys, which indicates this can be a reliable tool to predict the internal dose of PCDD/Fs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francesc Fàbrega
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Medicina Legal de Catalunya (IMLC), Divisió de Tarragona, Av. President Companys 10, 43005 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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Nadal M, Fàbrega F, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. PCDD/Fs in plasma of individuals living near a hazardous waste incinerator. A comparison of measured levels and estimated concentrations by PBPK modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:5971-5978. [PMID: 23627713 DOI: 10.1021/es400498q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The construction of the first and, until now, only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain finished in 1998. To assess its potential impact on the population living in the vicinity, a surveillance program was established. It includes the periodical biomonitoring of PCDD/Fs body burden. On the basis of this program, in 2012 we determined the levels of PCDD/Fs in plasma of nonoccupationally exposed individuals living near the HWI. The results were compared with those of the baseline study, and with those of two previous surveys (2002 and 2007). A multicompartment, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was also applied to estimate the levels of PCDD/Fs in plasma. The model was validated by comparing the results with our experimental data (baseline, 2002, 2007, and 2012). The current mean concentration was 6.18 pg I-TEQ/g lipid, with a range between 2.03 and 18.8 pg I-TEQ/g lipid. In 1998 (baseline), the mean concentration of PCDD/Fs in plasma was 27.0 pg I-TEQ/g lipid (reduction of 77%, p < 0.001). Significant reductions were also noted in our previous 2002 and 2007 surveys, with mean concentrations of 15.7 and 9.36 pg I-TEQ/g lipid, respectively. However, the comparison between simulated (using the PBPK model) and experimental results was very successful, as PCDD/F values in plasma were very similar (7.95 vs 6.18 pg I-TEQ/g lipid). The levels of PCDD/Fs in plasma of nonoccupationally exposed individuals living near the HWI here assessed are comparatively lower than most recently reported values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Mari M, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Body burden monitoring of dioxins and other organic substances in workers at a hazardous waste incinerator. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2013; 216:728-34. [PMID: 23419586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The construction in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia) of the first, and up till now the only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain, finished in 1999. In this study, we measured the concentrations of a number of organic substances determined in blood and urine of the HWI workers. Samples of 18 men and 9 women, classified according to their respective workplaces, were collected in 2011, after approximately 12 years of regular operations in the facility. The current results were compared with those of the baseline survey, as well as with the most recent surveys performed in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Plasma analyses were carried out for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), while the levels of 2,4- and 2,5-dichlorophenol (DCP), 2,4,5- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) were measured in urine samples. In plasma, the mean concentrations were the following: 10.8μg/kg lipid for HCB; 0.8μg/kg lipid for PCB28; 0.3μg/kg lipid for PCB52; 0.5μg/kg lipid for PCB101; 42.2μg/kg lipid for PCB138; 18.5μg/kg lipid for PCB153, and 51.2μg/kg lipid for PCB180. For PCDD/Fs, the mean concentration was 4.6ng I-TEQ/kg lipid (4.7ng WHO-TEQ/kg lipid). These levels, as well as those found in urine samples, are in agreement with the data of previous surveys performed in the same area. The current results in HWI workers do not show any evident sign of occupational exposure to PCDD/Fs and other organic substances. However, these results must be considered only as an indication of potential exposure, as the study presents notable limitations, such as the reduced number of participants and the lack of data relative to the air concentrations of chemicals. Consequently, general conclusions cannot be derived and the results should not be used as a basis for the implementation of industrial hygiene measures in other HWIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Mari
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Lonati G, Zanoni F. Probabilistic health risk assessment of carcinogenic emissions from a MSW gasification plant. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 44:80-91. [PMID: 22364891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Health risk assessment due to the atmospheric emissions of carcinogenic pollutants (PCDD/Fs and Cd) from a waste gasification plant is performed by means of a probabilistic approach based on probability density functions for the description of the input data of the model parameters involved in the assessment. These functions incorporate both the epistemic and stochastic uncertainty of the input data (namely, the emission rate of the pollutants) and of all the parameters used for individual exposure assessment through the pathways of inhalation, soil ingestion and dermal contact, and diet. The uncertainty is propagated throughout the evaluation by Monte Carlo technique, resulting in the probability distribution of the individual risk. The median risk levels nearby the plant are in the 10(-8)-10(-10) range, ten-fold lower than the deterministic estimate based on precautionary values for the input data; however, the very upper percentiles (>95th) of the risk distribution can exceed the conventional 10(-6) reference value. The estimated risk is almost entirely determined by the Cd exposure through the diet; the pathways arising from PCDD/Fs exposure are without any practical significance, suggesting that the emission control should focus on Cd in order to reduce the carcinogenic risk. Risk variance decomposition shows the prevailing influence on the estimated risk of the Cd concentration at the emission stack: thus, for a more accurate risk assessment the efforts should focus primarily on the definition of its probability density function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Lonati
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Idraulica, Ambientale, Infrastrutture viarie, Rilevamento, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milan, Italy.
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Giné Bordonaba J, Vilavert L, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Monitoring environmental levels of trace elements near a hazardous waste incinerator: human health risks after a decade of regular operations. Biol Trace Elem Res 2011; 144:1419-29. [PMID: 21710372 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9128-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In 1998, we initiated an environmental surveillance program of the only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain. The concentrations of a number of metals (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, and V) were analyzed in soil and vegetation samples collected around the facility. Since then, periodical measurements of these same elements have been performed in both matrices. In 2009 and 2010, soil and vegetation samples were again collected, and the levels of the above elements were determined. In general terms, the temporal trends in metal concentrations were not homogeneous, showing significant changes between the baseline and the latest surveys. Metal levels in soil and herbage samples analyzed in the current survey were similar to recent data reported for other urban and industrial areas, being notably lower than the reference values set by national regulatory organisms. Moreover, more than 10 years after regular operations of the HWI, exposure to metals would not mean, either now or in past surveys, any carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic health risks for the population living in the neighborhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Giné Bordonaba
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, IRTA, Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
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Sarkar A, Patil S, Hugar LB, vanLoon G. Sustainability of current agriculture practices, community perception, and implications for ecosystem health: an Indian study. ECOHEALTH 2011; 8:418-431. [PMID: 22124700 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-011-0723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In order to support agribusiness and to attain food security for ever-increasing populations, most countries in the world have embraced modern agricultural technologies. Ecological consequences of the technocentric approaches, and their sustainability and impacts on human health have, however, not received adequate attention particularly in developing countries. India is one country that has undergone a rapid transformation in the field of agriculture by adopting strategies of the Green Revolution. This article provides a comparative analysis of the effects of older and newer paradigms of agricultural practices on ecosystem and human health within the larger context of sustainability. The study was conducted in three closely situated areas where different agricultural practices were followed: (a) the head-end of a modern canal-irrigated area, (b) an adjacent dryland, and (c) an area (the ancient area) that has been provided with irrigation for some 800 years. Data were collected by in-depth interviews of individual farmers, focus-group discussions, participatory observations, and from secondary sources. The dryland, receiving limited rainfall, continues to practice diverse cropping centered to a large extent on traditional coarse cereals and uses only small amounts of chemical inputs. On the other hand, modern agriculture in the head-end emphasizes continuous cropping of rice supported by extensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Market forces have, to a significant degree, influenced the ancient area to abandon much of its early practices of organic farming and to take up aspects of modern agricultural practice. Rice cultivation in the irrigated parts has changed the local landscape and vegetation and has augmented the mosquito population, which is a potential vector for malaria, Japanese encephalitis and other diseases. Nevertheless, despite these problems, perceptions of adverse environmental effects are lowest in the heavily irrigated area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanu Sarkar
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada.
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Vilavert L, Nadal M, Mari M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Monitoring temporal trends in environmental levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans: results from a 10-year surveillance program of a hazardous waste incinerator. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 59:521-531. [PMID: 20401654 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-010-9523-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain has been operating in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia) since 1999. Before its construction, a surveillance program was initiated to monitor the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the neighborhood of the facility. In 2008, 40 soil and 40 vegetation samples were collected and PCDD/F levels determined. The median PCDD/F concentration in soil was 0.49 ng international toxic equivalents (I-TEQ)/kg. Although it meant a nonsignificant decrease of 44% with respect to the preoperational survey, important fluctuations of the levels of PCDD/Fs through time were found in some specific sites. Therefore, a new survey was performed 1 year later (2009) by deleting those sampling sites with inconstant values, which mostly coincided with urban zones. In 2009, the median level of PCDD/Fs in soils was found to be 0.42 ng I-TEQ/kg. In contrast, median PCDD/F levels in vegetation were 1.11 ng I-TEQ/kg, a significant increase compared with previous surveys (range of the median 0.21-0.25 ng I-TEQ/kg). However, this increase was uniformly observed in the entire sampling area, suggesting that lack of rainfall was a key parameter for decreasing plant dilution and wash-up of pollutants on vegetation. This indicates that in surveillance programs, information must be obtained from different sources because the use of a single compartment may yield significant misinterpretation when evaluating temporal trends of environmental pollutants. Human health risks derived from exposure to PCDD/Fs were also assessed for the local population. The results indicated that current concentrations of these contaminants do not pose any additional carcinogenic or noncarcinogenic risk for those people living near the HWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Vilavert
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Rovira J, Mari M, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Environmental monitoring of metals, PCDD/Fs and PCBs as a complementary tool of biological surveillance to assess human health risks. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 80:1183-1189. [PMID: 20598343 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The results of an environmental program around the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) of Mataró (Catalonia, Spain), which was designed to assess the potential impact of the facility on the close environment and the health of the population living in the vicinity, are here reported. Metals, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed in soil and air samples collected in/around the facility. In soils, Mn and Zn showed the highest metal concentrations (ranges: 136-648 mg kg(-1) and 29.6-97.8 mg kg(-1), respectively), while total concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were 0.14-0.46 ng WHO-TEQ kg(-1) and 167-3340 ng kg(-1), respectively. In air, the highest metal levels corresponded to Cu (range: 26.9-52.9 ng m(-3)) and Mn (range: 6.92-19.3 ng m(-3)), while those of PCDD/Fs and PCBs ranged 0.008-0.015 pg WHO-TEQ m(-3) and 9.20-42.1 pg m(-3), respectively. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks derived of exposure to metals, PCDD/Fs and PCBs did not exceed the threshold values. Complementarily analyzed with the results obtained in the concurrent biomonitoring study and the stack emissions, data indicate that the MSWI of Mataró does not mean significant human health risks derived of emissions of metals, PCDD/Fs and PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Rovira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Mari M, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Application of self-organizing maps for PCDD/F pattern recognition of environmental and biological samples to evaluate the impact of a hazardous waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:3162-3168. [PMID: 20235610 DOI: 10.1021/es1000165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Kohonen's self-organizing maps (SOM) is one of the most popular artificial neural network models. In this study, SOM were used to assess the potential relationships between polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) congener profiles in environmental (soil, herbage, and ambient air) and biological (plasma, adipose tissue, and breast milk) samples, and the emissions of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain. The visual examination of PCDD/F congener profiles of most environmental and biological samples did not allow finding out any differences between monitors. However, the global SOM analysis of environmental and biological samples showed that the weight of the PCDD/F stack emissions of the HWI on the environmental burden and on the exposure of the individuals living in the surroundings was not significant in relation to the background levels. The results confirmed the small influence of the HWI emissions of PCDD/Fs on the environment and the population living in the neighborhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Mari
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenc 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Ferré-Huguet N, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Monitoring metals in blood and hair of the population living near a hazardous waste incinerator: temporal trend. Biol Trace Elem Res 2009; 128:191-9. [PMID: 19011766 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-008-8274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 10/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, and V were determined in hair of 96 school children and in blood of 144 adults living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia, NE Spain). The results were compared with those obtained in previous (1998 and 2002) surveys performed in the same area. Data were analyzed in terms of age, sex, and specific place of residence. Current mean concentrations in hair ranged between not detected (ND) (As, Be, and Tl) and 1.31 microg/g for Cr. In blood, Be, Hg, Mn, Sn, and Tl levels were under the respective detection limits. The mean blood concentrations of the remaining elements ranged from 0.34 microg/dL for Cd, to 2.40 microg/dL for Pb. Significant differences in hair and blood in relation to gender were only noted for Pb in blood. In general terms, metal concentrations in hair and blood from subjects living in Tarragona County are lower than most levels reported for other countries in recent years.
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Schuhmacher M, Kiviranta H, Ruokojärvi P, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in breast milk of women from Catalonia, Spain: a follow-up study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2009; 35:607-613. [PMID: 19162323 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2008.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Revised: 12/06/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in breast milk from women living in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Catalonia, Spain. The results were compared with the levels obtained in two previous surveys carried out in 1998 (baseline study) and 2002. The current concentrations of PCDD/Fs in breast milk ranged from 45 to 143 pg/g fat (2.8 to 11.2 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat), while total PCBs ranged from 114 to 617 pg/g fat (2.8 to 17.6 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat). PBDE concentrations (sum 15 congeners) ranged from 0.57 ng/g fat to 5.9 ng/g fat, with a mean value of 2.5 ng/g fat. A general decrease of the concentrations for PCDD/Fs and both planar and total PCBs was observed. Regarding to PBDE concentrations in breast milk, similar levels between the 2002 and the present study were noted. The levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in milk of women living in urban areas were higher than those corresponding to the industrial zones (38% and 40%, respectively). However, the current PBDE levels were slightly lower (13%) in the urban than in the industrial zone. For PCDD/Fs and PCBs, the current decreases are in accordance with the reduction in the dietary intake of these pollutants found in recent studies carried out in the same area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Rovira i Virgili University, San Lorenzo 21, E-43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Schuhmacher M, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Environmental monitoring of PCDD/Fs and metals in the vicinity of a cement plant after using sewage sludge as a secondary fuel. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 74:1502-8. [PMID: 19150726 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2008] [Revised: 11/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In 2005, the partial substitution (20%) of fossil fuel by sewage sludge was tested in a Spanish cement plant. In order to establish the environmental impact for the surroundings, in 2006, the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn) were monitored in soil and vegetation samples collected near the cement plant. The temporal trends in the pollutant levels were studied by comparing the concentrations with those obtained in a previous survey (2003) in the same sampling sites. Very slight changes of the PCDD/F concentrations in both monitors were registered in the period 2003-2006 (0.17-0.15 and 0.94-1.10 ng I-TEQ kg(-1) dw in herbage and soil, respectively). In turn, there was a notable heterogeneity in the evolution of metal levels, which varied according to each particular element. Anyhow, the current levels of organic and inorganic pollutants are in the low part of the range in comparison with other zones impacted by cement plants, as well as industrial and urban areas worldwide. The human health risks derived from the exposure to PCDD/Fs and metals were also assessed. Although the cancer risks due to PCDD/Fs slightly increased, a reduction of the total carcinogenic risks, including metals, was noted. In conclusion, there were not observed impact changes for the environmental and the local population as a consequence of using sewage sludge as secondary fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, "Rovira i Virgili" University, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Nadal M, Domingo JL, García F, Schuhmacher M. Levels of PCDD/F in adipose tissue on non-occupationally exposed subjects living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 74:1471-1476. [PMID: 19150731 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2008] [Revised: 11/18/2008] [Accepted: 11/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The potential adverse effects on human health of hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs) are a subject of concern. The construction of the first and till now only HWI in Spain finished in 1999. In 2007, after approximately 9 years of regular operations in the facility, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) were determined by HRGC/HRMS in samples of adipose tissue of 15 autopsied subjects living in the area under potential impact of the HWI (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia). These data were compared with the levels found in two previous surveys performed in 1998 (baseline) and 2002. The current mean PCDD/F concentration in adipose tissue was 14.6 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat (range: 3.3-55.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat). It means significant changes (a reduction of 64% and an increase of 47%) in the mean PCDD/F levels in comparison to those found in 1998 and 2002: 40.1 and 9.9 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat, respectively. Women showed higher levels of PCDD/F than men (23.8 vs 11.2 pg WHO-TEQ/g of fat). The increase in the last 5 years would not be directly attributable to exposure to PCDD/F emitted by the HWI, as other biological monitors such as human plasma and milk decreased during the same period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, ''Rovira i Virgili" University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Huang HY, Jeng TY, Lin YC, Ma YC, Kuo CP, Sung FC. Serum Dioxin Levels in Residents Living in the Vicinity of Municipal Waste Incinerators in Taiwan. Inhal Toxicol 2008; 19:399-403. [PMID: 17365045 DOI: 10.1080/08958370601174842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study used data obtained from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration to measure the dioxin exposure and the body burden for residents living in the vicinity of 19 municipal waste incinerators (MWIs). A survey was conducted in 1999-2003 for the residents. Approximately 16 ambient air samples and a 60-ml blood samples of 84 to 92 residents aged 18-65 yr were collected randomly in four zones (A, B, C, D) for each MWI site based on the atmospheric dispersion model (ADM). Zone A was defined with the highest pollution level, followed by zones B and C, and zone D (background level). Congeners of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined for each sample. We summarized the PCDD/Fs levels in air samples and serum specimens by zone for these 19 sites. The mean ambient levels of PCDD/Fs fitted the ADM, the highest from zone A and the lowest from zone D (2.74 vs. 0.13 pg I-TEQ/Nm3). However, the mean serum concentration in zones A was not distinct from that in zones D (18.7 vs. 19.0 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid). The age-specific average serum concentration increased from 13.27 pg WHO-TEQ/g in 18- to 25-yr-old subjects to 23.46 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid in 56- to 65-yr-old subjects. In conclusion, the serum PCDD/Fs levels among residents did not adhere to the dispersion model for incineration emissions. The dose-response of serum PCDD/Fs by age suggests that the body burden of the chemicals is mainly associated with other sources instead of with inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yan Huang
- Institute of Environmental Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Nadal M, Perelló G, Schuhmacher M, Cid J, Domingo JL. Concentrations of PCDD/PCDFs in plasma of subjects living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator: follow-up and modeling validation. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 73:901-6. [PMID: 18715608 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 07/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In 2007, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) were determined in plasma of non-occupationally exposed subjects living near the only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain (Constantí, Tarragona County, Catalonia). These data were compared with the levels found in two previous surveys performed in 1998 (baseline) and 2002. The current mean PCDD/PCDF concentration in plasma was 9.36pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid (range: 1.76-23.44pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid). It means a significant reduction of the mean PCDD/PCDFs levels in plasma in comparison to the concentrations found in 1998 and 2002 (27.01 and 15.70pg I-TEQg(-1) of lipid, respectively). This important decrease agrees well with the notable reduction in the dietary intake of PCDD/PCDFs recently noted for the population of the same area (210.1pg I-TEQd(-1), 63.8pgWHO-TEQd(-1), and 27.8pgWHO-TEQd(-1), in 1998, 2002 and 2007, respectively). The current data were also used to predict theoretical PCDD/PCDF concentrations in plasma by executing a single-compartment empirically-based pharmacokinetic model on the basis of the daily intake of these pollutants by the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, "Rovira i Virgili" University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Levels of metals and organic substances in workers at a hazardous waste incinerator: a follow-up study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2008; 82:519-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-008-0350-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2008] [Accepted: 08/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Two angular dioxygenases contribute to the metabolic versatility of dibenzofuran-degrading Rhodococcus sp. strain HA01. Appl Environ Microbiol 2008; 74:3812-22. [PMID: 18441103 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00226-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus sp. strain HA01, isolated through its ability to utilize dibenzofuran (DBF) as the sole carbon and energy source, was also capable, albeit with low activity, of transforming dibenzo-p-dioxin (DD). This strain could also transform 3-chlorodibenzofuran (3CDBF), mainly by angular oxygenation at the ether bond-carrying carbon (the angular position) and an adjacent carbon atom, to 4-chlorosalicylate as the end product. Similarly, 2-chlorodibenzofuran (2CDBF) was transformed to 5-chlorosalicylate. However, lateral oxygenation at the 3,4-positions was also observed and yielded the novel product 2-chloro-3,4-dihydro-3,4-dihydroxydibenzofuran. Two gene clusters encoding enzymes for angular oxygenation (dfdA1A2A3A4 and dbfA1A2) were isolated, and expression of both was observed during growth on DBF. Heterologous expression revealed that both oxygenase systems catalyze angular oxygenation of DBF and DD but exhibited complementary substrate specificity with respect to CDBF transformation. While DfdA1A2A3A4 oxygenase, with high similarity to DfdA1A2A3A4 oxygenase from Terrabacter sp. strain YK3, transforms 3CDBF by angular dioxygenation at a rate of 29% +/- 4% that of DBF, 2CDBF was not transformed. In contrast, DbfA1A2 oxygenase, with high similarity to the DbfA1A2 oxygenase from Terrabacter sp. strain DBF63, exhibited complementary activity with angular oxygenase activity against 2CDBF but negligible activity against 3CDBF. Thus, Rhodococcus sp. strain HA01 constitutes the first described example of a bacterial strain where coexpression of two angular dioxygenases was observed. Such complementary activity allows for the efficient transformation of chlorinated DBFs.
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Nadal M, Kumar V, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Applicability of a neuroprobabilistic integral risk index for the environmental management of polluted areas: a case study. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2008; 28:271-286. [PMID: 18419648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2008.01018.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we developed a GIS-Integrated Integral Risk Index (IRI) to assess human health risks in areas with presence of environmental pollutants. Contaminants were previously ranked by applying a self-organizing map (SOM) to their characteristics of persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in order to obtain the Hazard Index (HI). In the present study, the original IRI was substantially improved by allowing the entrance of probabilistic data. A neuroprobabilistic HI was developed by combining SOM and Monte Carlo analysis. In general terms, the deterministic and probabilistic HIs followed a similar pattern: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and light polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were the pollutants showing the highest and lowest values of HI, respectively. However, the bioaccumulation value of heavy metals notably increased after considering a probability density function to explain the bioaccumulation factor. To check its applicability, a case study was investigated. The probabilistic integral risk was calculated in the chemical/petrochemical industrial area of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain), where an environmental program has been carried out since 2002. The risk change between 2002 and 2005 was evaluated on the basis of probabilistic data of the levels of various pollutants in soils. The results indicated that the risk of the chemicals under study did not follow a homogeneous tendency. However, the current levels of pollution do not mean a relevant source of health risks for the local population. Moreover, the neuroprobabilistic HI seems to be an adequate tool to be taken into account in risk assessment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Andersson M, Ottesen RT. Levels of dioxins and furans in urban surface soil in Trondheim, Norway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2008; 152:553-8. [PMID: 17765370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2007] [Accepted: 07/12/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A study was conducted on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in surface soil in order to determine the concentration levels and possibly distinguishing between known and potential sources. The concentration levels are low (0.16-14 ng I-TEQ kg(-1)). The results show a clear pattern where the highest concentration levels were found in the oldest parts of the city. A number of sources were recognised in the soil samples through congener profiles, not all of them active, although similar congener profiles make it extremely difficult to distinguish between different sources. Estimations show that the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) and domestic wood burning are the largest PCDD/F pollution sources within the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andersson
- Geological Survey of Norway, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Martí-Cid R, Bocio A, Domingo JL. Dietary exposure to PCDD/PCDFs by individuals living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: temporal trend. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 70:1588-95. [PMID: 17905408 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2007] [Revised: 08/02/2007] [Accepted: 08/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) were measured in foodstuffs randomly acquired in July 2006 in various locations of Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain), which are near a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI). A total of 35 composite samples, belonging to various food groups (vegetables, pulses, cereals, fruits, fish and seafood, meat and meat products, eggs, milk, dairy products, and oils and fats) were analyzed by HRGC/HRMS. The dietary intake of PCDD/PCDFs was subsequently determined and compared with a previous survey performed in 2002. For calculations, recent data on consumption of the selected food items were used. Total dietary intake of PCDD/PCDFs for the general population of Tarragona County was estimated to be 27.81 pg WHO-TEQ/day, value notably lower than that found in the 2002 study, 63.80 pg WHO-TEQ/day. Fish and seafood (28%), oils and fats (22%), eggs (17%), and dairy products (11%) were the most important contributors to this intake, while pulses (1%), milk (2%), vegetables (3%) and fruits (3%) showed the lowest contribution to total WHO-TEQ. The current PCDD/PCDF intake is also considerably lower than the intake estimated in 1998 for the population of the same geographical area, 210.1 pg I-TEQ/day, when a baseline study was carried out during the construction of the HWI. The present intake is also compared with the dietary intakes of PCDD/PCDFs recently (2006-2007) reported for a number of regions and countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Martí-Cid
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Rovira i Virgili University, San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Spain
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Ferré-Huguet N, Martí-Cid R, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Risk assessment of metals from consuming vegetables, fruits and rice grown on soils irrigated with waters of the Ebro River in Catalonia, Spain. Biol Trace Elem Res 2008; 123:66-79. [PMID: 18322656 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-008-8113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 02/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were determined in samples of various edible vegetables (artichoke, cauliflower, lettuce, tomato), fruits (apple, mandarin, orange, pear) and rice grown in soils irrigated with water from the Ebro River in Tarragona Province (Catalonia, Spain). Although all food items were randomly acquired in various localities of the area, the local origin was always verified. Arsenic was only detected in rice (all samples) and apple (one sample), while Cd and Hg could not be detected in any of the samples. In general terms, metal concentrations were quite similar or lower than the levels recently reported in the literature. The health risks caused by metal exposure from consuming these agricultural products were assessed for the Catalan population living in the zone under evaluation. For all elements, when the lower bound values were considered, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) was <1, while using the Upper bound values, only for As (children and male seniors) HQ was >1. The intake of the analyzed elements through consumption of the nine selected food items does not mean additional health risks for the consumers of the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Ferré-Huguet
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, "Rovira i Virgili" University, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Floret N, Lucot E, Badot PM, Mauny F, Viel JF. A municipal solid waste incinerator as the single dominant point source of PCDD/Fs in an area of increased non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence. CHEMOSPHERE 2007; 68:1419-26. [PMID: 17524454 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 02/19/2007] [Accepted: 04/04/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Since 1971, a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) with high dioxin emission levels has been in operation in Besançon, France. We recently found a 2.3-fold risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the highest exposure zone using a Gaussian-type dispersion model as a proxy for dioxin exposure. However, the sources of PCDD/Fs in this area are a matter of controversy. The aim of this survey was therefore to examine the nature of the PCDD/F soil contamination in the surroundings of the MSWI to characterize whether more than one potential emission source could explain the presence of the PCDD/Fs. PCDD/F congener profiles were determined in 75 soil samples collected in the vicinity of the MSWI. They were compared according to the most environmentally impacted zones and to various spatial contrasts. PCDD/F concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 28.06 pg WHO-TEQ g(-1). Two different clustering algorithms identified the same main cluster (consisting of 73 samples). The remaining two soil samples composed either one, or two clusters. All clusters showed similar congener profiles. Moreover, no contrast was observed for congener distributions between complex and simple topographies, inside and outside the city boundary, the two most and the two least exposed areas, reflecting a common fingerprint. Congener profiles indicate that the area under influence of the MSWI is not subject to other point sources of PCDD/Fs. Since, the most polluting combustion chambers were recently shut down and replaced by a new one with up-to-date pollution control, slowly decreasing dioxin concentrations in the soils are to be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Floret
- Natural Environment - Man-Modified Environment Research Group, University of Franche-Comté, 1 rue Claude Goudimel, 25030 Besançon, France
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Ericson I, Gómez M, Nadal M, van Bavel B, Lindström G, Domingo JL. Perfluorinated chemicals in blood of residents in Catalonia (Spain) in relation to age and gender: a pilot study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2007; 33:616-23. [PMID: 17289145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2006] [Revised: 12/22/2006] [Accepted: 01/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Fluorinated organic compounds (FOCs) are a group of chemicals widely used as surfactants, lubricants, polymers, and fire-fighting foams. Recent studies have shown the ubiquitous distribution of FOCs in the environment, wildlife, and humans. We here report the results of a pilot study conducted to provide preliminary data on the levels of 13 FOCs in the blood of 48 residents in Catalonia, Spain, in relation to gender and age (25+/-5 and 55+/-5 years). The highest mean concentration was obtained for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 7.64 ng/ml), followed by perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, 3.56 ng/ml) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 1.80 ng/ml). Four other FOCs showed mean levels between 0.30 and 0.44 ng/ml, whereas those of the remaining 6 compounds were below the detection limit. Regarding gender, the blood levels of PFHxS and PFOA were significantly higher (p<0.05) in men than in women, while differences according to age were only noted for PFHxS (p<0.05) and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) (p<0.001), for which the levels were higher in the younger (25+/-5 years) group of subjects. A significant correlation between PFOS levels and those of the remaining detected FOCs (except PFDA) was found. In general terms, the current FOC concentrations were lower than those found in recent studies concerning levels of these chemicals in human blood and serum of subjects from different countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Ericson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Center, Department of Natural Sciences, Orebro University, SE-701 82 Orebro, Sweden
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Finnveden G, Björklund A, Moberg A, Ekvall T. Environmental and economic assessment methods for waste management decision-support: possibilities and limitations. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2007; 25:263-9. [PMID: 17612327 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x07079156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A large number of methods and approaches that can be used for supporting waste management decisions at different levels in society have been developed. In this paper an overview of methods is provided and preliminary guidelines for the choice of methods are presented. The methods introduced include: Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Life Cycle Assessment, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Cost-effectiveness Analysis, Life-cycle Costing, Risk Assessment, Material Flow Accounting, Substance Flow Analysis, Energy Analysis, Exergy Analysis, Entropy Analysis, Environmental Management Systems, and Environmental Auditing. The characteristics used are the types of impacts included, the objects under study and whether the method is procedural or analytical. The different methods can be described as systems analysis methods. Waste management systems thinking is receiving increasing attention. This is, for example, evidenced by the suggested thematic strategy on waste by the European Commission where life-cycle analysis and life-cycle thinking get prominent positions. Indeed, life-cycle analyses have been shown to provide policy-relevant and consistent results. However, it is also clear that the studies will always be open to criticism since they are simplifications of reality and include uncertainties. This is something all systems analysis methods have in common. Assumptions can be challenged and it may be difficult to generalize from case studies to policies. This suggests that if decisions are going to be made, they are likely to be made on a less than perfect basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göran Finnveden
- Environmental Strategies Research - fms, KTH, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Lonati G, Cernuschi S, Giugliano M, Grosso M. Health risk analysis of PCDD/F emissions from MSW incineration: comparison of probabilistic and deterministic approaches. CHEMOSPHERE 2007; 67:S334-43. [PMID: 17222443 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.05.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Incremental lifetime health risks due to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) emitted from municipal waste incineration (MSWI) facilities were evaluated for resident population in the area of the plant. Risk assessment was performed through a multipathway combined probabilistic/deterministic approach for analyzing the effects of uncertainty and intrinsic variability of the main PCDD/F emission related parameters on final predicted values. Exposure through direct inhalation of contaminated air, soil ingestion, soil dermal contact and diet were considered, with the propagation of the variability of input parameters throughout the evaluation performed with Monte Carlo simulation techniques. The application to a case study representative of two different technological scenarios (modern facilities equipped with BAT - Best Available Technology - and older incinerators) in a location site typical of Northern Italy situation results in median values of the maximum individual excess risk on the order of 10(-9) and 10(-7) for most recent and older plant configurations, respectively. Corresponding ratios for the 90th and 10th percentile values are around 7 and 9. Individual risk estimates derived for the same scenarios from conventional deterministic approaches, where large conservative assumptions are normally adopted for compensating the lack of knowledge about uncertainty, are essentially comparable with maximum values resulting from the probabilistic approach, thus leading to situations with extreme and very low probabilities of occurrence. PCDD/F health risks from MSWI emissions might thus result largely overestimated if real emission characteristics are not properly considered in the assessment procedure. Sensitivity analysis for identifying the contribution of different input parameters on final predicted risk variance indicates, for the area considered in the simulation, a prevailing influence of PCDD/F stack concentration, with exposures arising from soil deposition phenomena substantially negligible: this latter result further points out the requirements for a very careful identification of base input data values for PCDD/F stack concentrations, at least for those situations where plants are located nearby urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lonati
- DIIAR Sezione Ambientale, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. Da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
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