Air-pollutant dispersal patterns and vegetation damage in the vicinity of three aluminium smelters in Norway.

Dispersal patterns for fluoride and damage to vegetation was studied near three aluminium smelters in Norway. Leaf samples from three broad-leaved species (Betula pubescens Ehrh., Salix caprea L. and Sorbus aucuparia L.) were collected and leaf injury and the plants overall vitality were evaluated systematically in areas with different distance and direction from the emission sources. Both dispersal patterns and the distribution of damages were mainly determined by the predominant wind direction in the growing season and partly by topography. Damage was restricted to the areas closest to the smelters, within 2 km from the emission sources. Even with the average F- emission as low as 7.1 kg h-1, serious damage to vegetation was observed in built-up areas within 1 km south of the smelter in Mosj?en. Regression analysis showed a correlation between leaf injury and fluoride content in leaves within a locality, but great variation between localities. Leaf injury appeared at concentrations as low as 30 mg kg-1 in some species. An average leaf injury of 1 (scale 0-9) appeared at approximately 100 mg kg-1 in the vicinity of the northernmost smelter, Mosj?en, compared to approximately 150 and 300 mg kg-1 at Husnes and Ovre Ardal, respectively. Fluoride uptake and leaf injury differed among species. Approximately 100 species, mostly woody plants were evaluated for leaf injury and overall vitality. Conifers such as Pinus sylvestris L. and Picea omorika (Pan_) Purk. were sensitive. Except for Populus tremula L., most broad-leaved indigenous species were less sensitive. Species composition in natural areas as well as vegetation use in gardens were affected by pollution. In old gardens at the polluted site Ovre Ardal both the number of plant species and the area used for edible plants was lower compared to old gardens in an unpolluted nearby community. In newer gardens the use of both ornamentals and edible plants was more similar.     

Lead isotopes in soils near five historic American lead smelters and refineries

This survey of soil lead in the vicinity of old industrial sites examines how the stable isotope patterns vary among the sites according to the sources of the lead ore processed at each site. Lead smelters and refineries, which closed down decades ago, are the basis of this investigation. Samples were taken from near five old factory sites in Collinsville and Alton (Illinois), Ponderay (Idaho), East Chicago (Indiana) and Omaha (Nebraska). Historical records were searched for accounts of the sources of the lead. Lead concentrations were measured by atomic absorption flame spectrophotometry, and stable isotopic analysis was done by plasma ionization mass spectrometry. At every site visited, remnants of the old factories, in terms of soil lead pollution, could be found. In spite of potential complications of varying smelter feedstock sourced from mines of different geological age, it was possible to match the isotopic patterns in the soils with the documented sources of the ores. The Collinsville and Alton sites resembled Missouri lead. The Ponderay value was higher than major Bunker Hill, Idaho deposits, but closer to the minor, nearby Oreille County, Washington ores. Mostly Utah ore was used in East Chicago. The Omaha soil reflects lead from Mexico, Colorado and Montana.     

Lead and cadmium composition in indoor dust

Pb and Cd levels in different size fractions of indoor dust have been analyzed by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) after digestion with HNO₃ and HF using a microwave oven. The relationship between Pb and Cd levels with dust size have been investigated and the metal levels in different sources of indoor dust are compared. In addition, the Pb and Cd composition in different size fractions of dust have been investigated by a sequential extraction method. Dusts are dominated by particulate matter < 500 μm. Pb levels in office dust in the particulate fraction > 75 μm are clearly shown to be higher than that in domestic dust. Generally, for domestic premises, Pb and Cd levels increase with a decrease in the particle size and with an increase in house age, while for office dust, the Pb level increases with an increase of particle size. For domestic houses, most of the metals are bound to carbonate and FeMn oxides in fine dust. For office dust, the situation is more complicated, with a clear increase in Pb in the organic and residue fractions in coarse dust.     

Lead poisoning in monkeys during pregnancy and lactation

Twenty-two female monkeys (Macaca irus) were given lead acetate by an intramuscular route during pregnancy and/or lactation.A high dose of lead (5 mg Pb²⁺/kg/day) can induce abortions and death in pregnant monkeys.At a lower dose (1 mg Pb²⁺/kg/day), the foetus can be exposed to lead via placenta and/or maternal milk. Studies using optical microscopy showed the typical renal lesions in mothers treated during pregnancy (five months) and an erythrodiapedesis in cerebral matter of the new-born at birth.     

有色金属矿山地质环境质量现状评价方法研究

文章在资料统计分析的基础上,对有色金属矿山地质环境质量现状定量评价方法展开研究。选取7个典型评价指标,建立评价指标体系,确定各指标的评价方法和指标值,采用层次分析法计算指标权重,最终采用综合指数法对现状进行定量评价和分级,并将评价方法应用于实际矿山地质环境质量评价中,获得了较好的一致性。     

Lead and cadmium contents in cereals and pulses in north-eastern China

It is known that, unlike Japanese, Koreans or southern Chinese who depend on rice as a major source of energy for daily life, people in north-eastern China rely not only on rice, but on wheat and other cereals and to a lesser extent also on pulses. Cereal and pulse samples were collected from open markets in north-eastern China, and analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS) for two potentially hazardous heavy metals — lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). The average Pb level in cereals (31.3 ng Pb/g as a geometric mean) and that of pulses (25.7 ng Pb/g) were similar to each other with no significant difference. Among the cereals, Pb contents were higher in foxtail millet (54.3 ng/g) and lower in maize (35.4 ng Pb/g; grain and flour in combination), wheat flour (28.8 ng Pb/g) and rice flour (22.7 ng Pb/g). Lead levels in two important types of pulses, kidney bean and soybean (24.6 and 30.8 ng Pb/g, respectively), were comparable to the levels in rice and wheat. In contrast, Cd levels were substantially higher in pulses (55.7 ng Cd/g) than in cereals (9.2 ng Cd/g), and among the pulses, Cd in soybean (55.7 ng Cd/g) was significantly higher than that in kidney bean (23.8 ng Cd/g). The possible public health implication of the Pb and Cd levels, especially the high Pb level in foxtail millet (54.3 ng Pb/g) and the high Cd level in soybean (73.5 ng Cd/g), is discussed.     

Lead poisoning in cattle--transfer of lead to milk.

The transfer of lead to milk in cattle in relation to blood lead levels and the uptake of lead in edible tissues was studied for an accidental exposure over 1 or 2 days to lead in excessive amounts from the licking of burnt storage batteries. The degree of exposure was monitored by determination of blood lead levels. Milk and blood samples were taken from eight cows, without acute symptoms of lead poisoning, during a period of 18 weeks. Two weeks after the accidental exposure, lead levels (mean +/- SD) in milk were 0.08 +/- 0.04 mg kg-1 and in blood 0.36 +/- 0.04 mg kg-1 in six of the cows. The relationship between lead concentration in blood and those in milk was found to be exponential and could be expressed by the equation: log y = 3.19x - 2.36 (r = 0.85, p less than 0.001), where y and x are the lead concentrations in milk and blood, respectively. The lead level in milk was relatively constant up to a blood lead level of 0.2-0.3 mg kg-1, and increased sharply at higher blood levels. The biological half-life of lead in blood was shown to be approximately 9 weeks. In eight acutely sick cows, which were emergency slaughtered, the range of lead levels in edible muscle tissue was 0.23-0.50 mg kg-1 wet weight. Very high concentrations were found in the kidneys, with a range of 70-330 mg kg-1, and in the livers, with a range of 10-55 mg kg-1. Four of the cows were pregnant, in the first or second month of gestation, during the episode of exposure. The lead exposure was not found to disturb the gestation or development of the fetuses.     

Lead and cadmium contamination of soil and vegetables in the Upper Silesia region of Poland

Studies of the lead and cadmium content of soils and vegetables from 126 allotments in 12 towns in a polluted region of Poland are described. Metal concentrations in parsley, celery, carrots and red beet were determined using AAS. In most cases, metal concentrations in soils and vegetables exceeded accepted standards and concentrations found in rural regions. A total of 756 vegetable samples were studied and only 170 met the standard for lead and 17 for cadmium. The lowest lead content was found in parsley roots and the highest in celery leaves. Cadmium content between species did not differ greatly and the highest concentrations were recorded for celery. The metal intake by the consumer was also calculated using questionnaire data concerning vegetable consumption. In relation to the reference area, the metal intake in the polluted area was 2-5 times higher for lead and 2-16 times higher for cadmium. The main species responsible for the high metal concentrations were carrots and red beet. Replacing carrots and red beet with the same species grown in an unpolluted region would reduce the consumer's metal intake from vegetables considerably.     

Significance of elevated urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity in chronic cadmium poisoning

N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) concentration were measured in the urine of inhabitants of a cadmium-polluted area (Cd), including patients with, or suspected, "itai-itai" disease and control subjects. Urinary NAG activity increased with increasing beta 2-m concentration up to about 100 U/g creatinine; above this value the NAG activity did not increase with increasing beta 2-m concentration. Urinary NAG activity thus represents another useful indicator of renal tubular damage caused by Cd poisoning since the mechanisms for the excretion of NAG and beta 2-m into urine are thought to be different.     

Biomarker of chronic cadmium exposure in a population residing in the vicinity of a zinc producing plant

Measurements of cadmium (Cd) in air, soil and moss have shown elevated concentrations in residential areas close to a zinc smelter in Norway. This study aimed to evaluate whether men and women residing in the area with elevated Cd concentrations in air and soil had increased levels of Cd and microproteins in urine.An invitation to participate was mailed to 200 persons residing close to the zinc smelter and to 200 controls from an area more than 4 km away from the smelter. They were asked to complete a questionnaire, and to deliver a urine sample for analysis of cadmium (CdU), mercury (HgU), lead (PbU) and α1-microglobulin (ProteinHC). Two hundred and six participants (response rate 52%), between 19 and 88 years of age, were included. Results were analysed by multiple-adjusted linear and logistic regression.CdU was not significantly different between individuals in the two residence areas. Only ten individuals had CdU concentrations exceeding European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) critical value of 1 μg/g creatinine, whereas 35 persons (22% of the women vs. 11% of the men) had CdU concentrations higher than 0.66 μg/g creatinine, which EU suggested to be sufficiently protective for the general population. Smoking was the predominant contributing factor to values of elevated CdU. There was a tendency of higher CdU, although not statistically significant, amongst people regularly consuming fruit, berries and vegetables grown in their own garden near the smelter area. Home address in the polluted area was not a significant determinant. There was a positive correlation between CdU and ProteinHC in urine, but no significant difference was found for ProteinHC between residents from polluted area and controls.In spite of demonstrated industrial emissions of cadmium, the results do not indicate elevated cadmium exposure or kidney damage in the polluted area compared to the control area.     

Absence of cadmium in the blood of horses fed oats grown on municipal sludge-amended soil

Effluents from a number of industries which are typically treated in municipal sewage plants result in cadmium-containing sludge. Disposal of such sewage sludge by application to agricultural land can result in uptake of cadmium by crops. In this study, oats were grown on soils which had been amended with sewage sludge from Syracuse, New York. The cadmium concentration in the sludge-grown oats was 1.79 ppm dry weight. Horses were fed the sludge-grown oats for 6 weeks during which time blood samples were taken for the determination of cadmium. No significant differences (p greater than 0.05) were found in the concentration of cadmium in the blood of the horses consuming the oats compared with that in the blood before feeding began (control). The well-known efficient accumulation of renal cadmium by horses may account for a lack of significantly increased cadmium in blood during the feeding period.     

Mortality due to tumours of the digestive system in towns lying in the vicinity of metal production and processing installations

Background

Releases to the environment of pollutants from industrial metal production and processing installations can pose a health problem to humans, owing to the toxic substances that such emissions contain.

Objectives

To investigate whether there might be excess mortality due to tumours of the digestive system among the population residing near Spanish metal production and processing installations included in the European Pollutant Emission Register.

Methods

Ecological study designed to examine mortality due to malignant tumours of the digestive system (oral cavity and pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and colon-rectum) at the municipal level, over the period 1994-2003. Population exposure to pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from town of residence to the pollution source. Using mixed Poisson regression models, we analysed: risk of dying from cancer in a 5-kilometre zone around installations by year of commencement of operations; effect of pollution discharge route (air or water) and type of industrial activity; and risk gradient within a 50-kilometre radius of such installations.

Results

Excess mortality (relative risk, 95% confidence interval) was detected in the vicinity of pre-1990 installations for colorectal cancer (1.05, 1.02-1.08 in men; 1.04, 1.00-1.07 in women) and liver cancer (1.06, 1.00-1.12 in men), with this risk being concentrated in installations that released pollution to air. On stratifying by type of industrial activity, statistically significant associations were also observed between the remaining tumours and certain metal production and processing activities. There was also a gradient effect in the proximity to a number of installations.

Conclusions

The results support the existence of an association between risk of dying due to some tumours of the digestive system and residential proximity to the Spanish metal production and processing installations studied.     

Lead and cadmium in red deer and wild boar from different hunting grounds in Croatia

The concentration and relations of Cd and Pb as environmental risk factors were studied by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the liver, kidney and muscle of free ranging wild boar (n = 94) and red deer (n = 45) from hunting grounds in four counties of north-east Croatia. In all four counties, the levels of Cd found in the kidney of red deer ranged from 2.28 to 5.91 mg/kg, and in wild boar from 3.47 to 21.10 mg/kg. The mean renal concentration of Cd was significantly higher in wild boar than in red deer from all four study areas. The mean hepatic (0.11 to 0.49 mg/kg, respectively) and muscle (0.01 to 0.04 mg/kg, respectively) Cd concentrations were similar in both species. The mean renal Cd concentration in wild boar and red deer exceeded 1 mg/kg in all four counties, ranging from 67.0% to 91.4% and from 45.5% to 69.2%, respectively. Also, the hepatic Cd/renal Cd ratio was lower than 1 in all animals. In all four counties, renal Pb concentration ranged from 0.058 to 3.77 mg/kg in red deer and from 0.056 to 11.60 mg/kg in wild boar. Hepatic Pb concentration was similar in both species (0.061 to 0.202 mg/kg in wild boar and 0.077 to 0.108 mg/kg in red deer). Because of the high Cd level in the organs of wild boar and red deer, further research is needed to identify the source of contamination in order to preserve the health of animals and humans.     

Aspects of the aquatic chemistry of cadmium and zinc in a heavy metal contaminated lake

Concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) were determined at several sites in Palestine Lake, Indiana, and in the stream (Williamson Ditch) which transports metal-bearing wastes to the lake. Average dissolved Cd and Zn concentrations in the lake were as high as 17.3 μg 1^-1 and 293 μg 1^-1, respectively, while corresponding suspended levels were 30.3 μg Cd 1^-1 and 270 μg Zn 1^-1. Average levels of both Cd and Zn in the dissolved fraction exceeded those in the suspended fraction, except at one site in the lake where suspended Cd was higher. During anaerobic conditions occurring in lake's hypolimnion, a marked decrease in the dissolved fraction and concomitant increase in the suspended fraction of both Cd and Zn were noted. A cadmium-specific ion electrode was used to determine the chemical forms of dissolved Cd present in the lake. Free Cd²⁺ was the dominant form; however, Cd-organic complexes sometimes comprised a significant portion of the total dissolved Cd.     

Monitoring of air for microbial and metal contamination at selected sites in the vicinity of Johannesburg, South Africa.

A preliminary survey was undertaken to identify air contamination in the vicinity of industrial, residential and hospital sites. In many developing countries, poor town planning has resulted in growth of residential and commercial sites in close proximity to the industrial works, without the provision of a buffer zone. As prevailing winds blow across the industrial works to the other areas, undesirable pollution may be experienced. Before steps are taken to reduce factory emissions, the impact of the industry on the surrounding area needs to be clearly defined. In this study, the total particulate matter and the level of microbial contamination at the selected sites is reported. The elemental composition of the particulate matter is described.     

Lead and cadmium exposures from canned and non-canned beverages in Nigeria: a public health concern

The lead and cadmium levels of canned and non-canned foods purchased in Nigeria were studied. Fifty samples of these beverages were digested in nitric acid and were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The cadmium levels ranged from 0.003-0.081 mg/L for the canned and 0.006-0.071 mg/L for non-canned beverages. About 85.71% of the canned beverages had cadmium levels that exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.005 mg/L set by US EPA while 82.7% non-canned beverages had cadmium levels exceeding the MCL. The mean and median levels of cadmium exceeded the MCL in both the canned and non-canned beverages. Whereas only 79.3% of the non-canned beverages showed lead levels that exceeded the US EPA's MCL of 0.015 mg/L, 100% of the canned beverages had lead levels that were greater than the MCL. The range of the lead in the canned beverages was 0.002-0.0073 and 0.001-0.092 mg/L for the non-canned beverages. The mean and median values of lead exceeded the MCL in both the canned and non-canned beverages. The calculated amount of lead and cadmium in three beverages were 0.204 mg (204 microg) and 0.177 mg (177 microg), respectively. These represent the estimated intake of a consumer who takes three of the products selected randomly in a week; assuming an average volume of one liter (1 L) for each product. Taken together 86% and 84% of the 50 beverages (canned and non-canned) studied in March, 2005 in Nigeria failed to meet the US EPA criteria for acceptable lead and cadmium levels in consumer products.     

Spatial patterns of cadmium and lead deposition on and adjacent to National Park Service lands in the vicinity of Red Dog Mine, Alaska

Heavy metal escapement associated with ore trucks is known to occur along the DeLong Mountain Regional Transportation System (DMTS) haul road corridor in Cape Krusenstern National Monument, northwest Alaska. Heavy metal concentrations in Hylocomium splendens moss (n = 226) were used in geostatistical models to predict the extent and pattern of atmospheric deposition of Cd and Pb on Monument lands. A stratified grid-based sample design was used with more intensive sampling near mine-related activity areas. Spatial predictions were used to produce maps of concentration patterns, and to estimate the total area in 10 moss concentration categories. Heavy metal levels in moss were highest immediately adjacent to the DMTS haul road (Cd > 24 mg/kg dw; Pb > 900 mg/kg dw). Spatial regression analyses indicated that heavy metal deposition decreased with the log of distance from the DMTS haul road and the DMTS port site. Analysis of subsurface soil suggested that observed patterns of heavy metal deposition reflected in moss were not attributable to subsurface lithology at the sample points. Further, moss Pb concentrations throughout the northern half of the study area were high relative to concentrations previously reported from other Arctic Alaska sites. Collectively, these findings indicate the presence of mine-related heavy metal deposition throughout the northern portion of Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Geospatial analyses suggest that the Pb depositional area extends 25 km north of the haul road to the Kisimilot/Iyikrok hills, and possibly beyond. More study is needed to determine whether higher moss heavy metal concentrations in the northernmost portion of the study area reflect deposition from mining-related activities, weathering from mineralized Pb/Zn outcrops in the broader region, or a combination of the two. South of the DMTS haul road, airborne deposition appears to be constrained by the Tahinichok Mountains. Heavy metal levels continue to diminish south of the mountains, reaching a minimum in the southernmost portion of the study area near the Igichuk Hills (45 km from the haul road). The influence of the mine site was not studied.     

Lead and cadmium levels of commonly administered pediatric syrups in Nigeria: A public health concern?

Fifty different pediatric syrups were randomly sampled from patent medicine stores and pharmaceutical shops within Awka, in Anambra State between November 2007 and May 2008. Syrups were ashed before digestion using conc. aqua regia, HCl:HNO₃ (3:1) and lead and cadmium were assayed with AAS 205A. Results revealed that 60 and 98% of the sample size had lead and cadmium respectively. The lead levels ranged from 0.01 in chloroquine to 1.08 mg/l in magcid suspension. The highest level of cadmium was seen in magcid suspension with concentration of 2.45 mg/l while lowest concentration of 0.01 in emzolyn and colipan. About 41.2% of the locally made syrup had none detectable levels of lead while all the syrup had detectable levels of cadmium.Lead levels ranged from 0.01 mg/l in cadiphen manufactured in Dholka, India to 0.09 in maxiquine made in England. About 68.8% of the imported syrups of the imported syrups had non detectable levels of lead. Chloramphenicol and zentel albendazole syrups had 0.60 and 0.88 mg/l of cadmium respectively. Bellis cough syrup showed the lowest level (0.01 mg/l) of cadmium. Only erythromycin suspension representing 6.3% had non detectable level of cadmium of the imported syrups. Due to the Cd and Pb levels found, we suggest that the behaviour scenario (here, self administration without medical assistance) should be properly taken under control. Along with this, contamination sources or vulnerable practices during syrups preparation should be also assessed in a tiered approach, towards the minimization of noxious presence in syrups and the promotion of quality of Nigerian-made products.     

Lead, cadmium, mercury and selenium in Greenland marine biota and sediments during AMAP phase 1

Lead, cadmium, mercury and selenium levels in the Greenland marine environment from the first phase of the AMAP are presented. Samples were collected in 1994-1995 covering four widely separated regions in Greenland. Samples included sediments, soft tissue of blue mussel; and liver of polar cod, shorthorn sculpin, glaucous gull, Iceland gull and ringed seal. Concentrations of lead were found to increase with the size of blue mussel, but not with the age of gulls or ringed seal. Both cadmium and mercury concentrations were found to increase with the size/age of all species. Selenium concentrations decreased with increasing size of blue mussel, but increased with the age of gulls and ringed seal. Element levels found are within the range of those found in previous studies in Greenland. Relative to global background levels, lead levels must be considered low, whereas levels of cadmium, mercury and selenium in Greenland marine biota are high. Significant differences in element levels in sediments and biota among regions in Greenland were seen in several cases. There was a tendency for the highest lead and mercury concentrations to be found in east Greenland, whereas the highest cadmium concentrations were found in central west Greenland. However, the geographical differences among the media did not show a consistent pattern.     

The combined effect of tobacco and alcohol consumption on the level of lead and cadmium in blood

This study deals with the person-to-person variation in the levels of lead and cadmium in the blood of 6437 subjects (2883 men and 3554 women). The lead level (Pb-B) is clearly higher in men than in women, and the cadmium level (Cd-B) is a little higher in men than in women. Only the Pb-B varies according to age for both sexes. The results reveal that the consumption of alcohol could play an important part in the variation of lead and cadmium levels in the blood; the consumption of alcohol is associated with an increase in Pb-B but a decrease in Cd-B. These variations involving alcohol consumption remain significant regardless of smoking habits. On the other hand, an increase in Pb-B and Cd-B has been noted among smokers and, to a lesser degree, among former smokers, compared with non-smokers.