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To assess the heavy metals concentration in the coastal sediments of the southern Kuwait coast, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Co, Cd and Cr were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Whereas, the south of Kuwait coast is characterized by the presence of tourist resorts, and commercial and oil exports harbors. Moreover, environmental indicators were used to help in evaluating the degree and the intensity of pollutants in these sediments. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) revealed that the sediments of hard all Hamara and Al-Khiran coasts are moderately polluted by Cu, while Ras Al-Zour and Ras Al-Jula'ia coasts are moderately polluted by Cd. Moreover, the enrichment factor (EF) indicated that the sediments of Hadd Al-Hamara coast are severely enriched with Ni, Cr and Pb, while the Al-Khiran coast is moderate severely enriched with the same metals. Ras Al-Zour and Ras Al-Jula'ia coasts are severely enriched with Ni and very severely enriched with Pb. Simultaneously, all studied sites are extremely severely enriched with Cu and Cd. These results were confirmed by the results of the contamination factor (CF) and the soil pollution index (SPI) indicated that Hadd Al-Hamara and Al-Khiran coasts are highly contaminated with Cu and Cd, while Ras Al-Zour and Ras Al-Jula'ia coasts are highly contaminated with Cd. Generally, the pollution load index showed that the sediments of all studied sites are no heavy metal pollution (PLI < 1). Pollutants might be originated from commercial wastes and construction activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine pollution caused by heavy metals has emerged as a significant environmental concern, garnering increased attention in recent years. The accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of marine organisms poses substantial threats to both marine ecosystems and human populations that rely on seafood as a primary food source. Fish and crustaceans are effective biomonitors for assessing heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments. In this study, we determined the concentrations of several heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and tin (Sn), in four fish species (Mugil cephalus, Mugil capito, L. aurata, and Morone labrax) and five crustacean species (S. rivulatus, Cerastoderma glaucum, Paratapes undulatus, R. decussatus, Callinectes sapidus, and Metapenaeus Stebbingi) from Temsah Lake during both winter and summer seasons. To evaluate the potential ecological and health risks associated with consuming these fish and crustacean species, we calculated the metal pollution index (MPI), weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) values. The results revealed a noticeable increase in metal levels during the summer compared to winter in the studied samples. Moreover, the concentration of heavy metals in the muscles of the species generally exceeded those in the liver and gills. The MPI values indicated that Morone labrax exhibited the highest values during winter, while L. aurata showed the highest values during summer. Mugil cephalus demonstrated the lowest MPI values in both seasons. The EWI values for the studied metals were found to be lower than the corresponding tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values. Additionally, under average exposure conditions, the THQ and HI data were generally below one for most study species in the area. The calculated CR values for investigated metals in the studied species indicated acceptable carcinogenic risk levels. Therefore, this suggests that consuming studied species within Temsah lake does not present any potential health hazards for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the influence of pollution on the quality of sediments and the risks associated with El-Qusier and Safaga Cities, Red Sea, Egypt, during 2021, divided into four sectors, using multiple pollution indices. To achieve that, we evaluated the metal pollution index (MPI), contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI), contamination security index (CSI), and anthropogenicity (Anp%). Moreover, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are used for human health hazards. Results indicated that Mn and Fe recorded the highest concentrations, whereas Cd had the lowest. El-Quseir City sediments were found the following metal ions: Fe > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cu > Co > Pb > Cd, where the order in the Safaga City was: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd. MPI > 1, this is alarming in the study area due to heavy metal pollution. In addition, Cf < 1 in all metals except Cd with contamination degree CD ranged from low to considerable contamination in El-Qusier city. In contrast, contamination ranged from significant to very high in Safaga city. PLI < 1 is lower than the reference at all monitored stations. CSI values ranged from relatively low to moderate. Besides Cd, data reflect each element's low environmental danger (EriMe40). This study's risk index (RI) is low to moderate in Sector 1 and high to extremely high in Sector 2. HQ and HI index < 1 means it is safe for human health in order: HI ingestion > HI dermal. CSR for different pathways was recorded as dermal > ingestion, in which total CSR for all paths is considered harmful, and the cancer risk is troublesome and higher than the reference ranges of 1 × 10–6–1 × 10–4. In conclusion, the examined heavy metals provide environmental hazards across the assessed locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the concentration of nitrates in aquifer systems reduces water quality and causes serious diseases and complications for human health. Therefore, it is important to monitor nitrate levels in groundwater resources and identify contaminated aquifers. In this research, multiple artificial neural network (ANN) structures and a genetic algorithm (GA) were combined to predict groundwater nitrate levels using its affecting factors in Mazandaran plain (north of Iran). Five ANN algorithms were trained, and their performances were evaluated during the training, cross-validating, and testing stages. Then, GA was combined with the ANNs, and the process of training, cross-validation, and testing was repeated with the same data. The results showed the factors of distance from industrial centers (R = − 0.57), population density (R = 0.56), and groundwater depth (R = − 0.15) are the most important factors in groundwater nitrate contamination. Further, a modular neural network (MNN) model showed the highest performance among the networks used in nitrate concentration modeling. Additionally, combining ANNs with GA enhanced the performance of the models in predicting nitrate concentration. The MSE and R-srqr of the MNN model in the test stage were estimated to be 0.2 and 0.7, respectively. After combining with GA, these values were improved to 0.1 and 0.8, respectively. Finally, the zoning map of nitrate pollution in groundwater was prepared using the ANN-GA hybrid model in the GIS environment. The cost-effective methodology presented in this study can be used to predict the spatial and temporal changes of nitrates in the study area and other areas with similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) supplemented with optimization algorithms for modeling and mapping groundwater quality in an extensive unconfined aquifer in Northern Iran, a task traditionally performed through labor-intensive and costly water sampling and lab analysis. A comprehensive collection of groundwater samples from monitoring wells scattered across the region facilitated the calculation of the Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) for each well. These GWQI readings were subsequently categorized into four distinct quality classes very poor, poor, good, and excellent. Key variables impacting groundwater quality were identified, including proximity to industrial and residential areas, population density, aquifer transmissivity, precipitation, evaporation, geology, and elevation. These factors were compiled and processed within a GIS environment. To establish a relationship between the GWQI and these determinants, an ANN model was employed. This was enhanced by the application of two optimization algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), to determine the optimal weight and structure of the ANN model. The study's results indicated that the ANN-PSO model (overall accuracy = 0.88) surpassed both the standard ANN (overall accuracy = 0.71) and ANN-GWO (overall accuracy = 0.83) models in accuracy. The region with the best and poorest groundwater quality was identified in the west and the northern section of the study area respectively. The feature analysis identified precipitation and population as the critical factors influencing groundwater quality in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the bioaccumulation, ecological, and health risks associated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs), including Pb, Hg, Cd, As, and Cr in Hare Island, Thoothukudi. The results revealed that the concentration of PTMs in sediment, seawater, and S. wightii ranged from 0.095 to 2.81 mg kg−1, 0.017 to 1.515 mg L−1, and 0.076 to 5.713 mg kg−1, respectively. The highest concentrations of PTMs were found in the S. wightii compared to seawater and sediment. The high bioaccumulation of Hg and As in S. wightii suggests that it can be used as a bioindicator for these elements in this region. The ecological risk indices, which include individual, complex, biological, and ecological pollution indices, suggest that Hare Island had moderate contamination with Hg and Cd. However, there are no human health risks associated with PTMs. This study examines the current ecological and health risks associated with PTMs and emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the environmental contamination of stream sediments due to geogenic and anthropogenic sources is of growing concern. In this study, the heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in 22 superficial sediments in Wadi Asal, Red Sea, Egypt, were explored to assess sediment sources, the mobility of chemical species, and the degree of contamination in sediments. Therefore, the total heavy metal values in the fine fraction (< 63 μm), a five-step sequential extraction on selective samples, risk assessment, and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied. The mobility of heavy metals in Wadi Asal sediments, according to non-residual fraction percent, declines in the following order: Cd (90.9%) > Pb (85.2%) > Co (84.4%) > Cu (80.8%) > Zn (75.9%) > Ni (48.4%) > Cr (39.6%); indicating the high mobility of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Co. The mean metal contamination factor (CF) order is Cd (10.96) > Ni (3.91) > Cr (2.77) > Zn (2.18) > Pb (2.10) > Co (1.12) > Cu (0.70). The Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) is decreased in the following order: Cd (2.19) > Ni (0.78) > Cr (0.55) > Zn (0.44) > Pb (0.42) > Co (0.22) > Cu (0.14). The risk assessment code (RAC) revealed very high to high risk for Cd, Co, and Pb. The results pointed out that the metals Cr, Co, Cu, and Ni are from geogenic sources, while Zn, Cd, and Pb are from anthropogenic sources due to Pb–Zn mining activities. Based on the threshold effect level (TEL), Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb have adverse effects on living organisms. According to these findings, the area along Wadi Asal and the downstream regions on the beach are highly polluted and heavy metal monitoring in sediments and aquatic organisms is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove areas are considered the most retention zone for heavy metal pollution as it work as an edge that aggregates land and sea sediments. This study aims to examine if the heavy metals' existence in the mangrove sediment is related to contamination or natural resources. In addition, it gives an interpretation of the origin of these metals along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. Twenty-two samples of mangrove sediments were collected and then, analyzed for metals (Mn, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cd, Ag, and Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Integration between the in-situ data, contamination indices, and remote sensing and geographical information science (GIS), and multivariate statistical analysis techniques (PCA) were analyzed to assess and clarify the spatial origin of heavy metals in sediment at a regional scale. The average concentration of heavy metals from mangrove sediments were shown to be substantially lower than the referenced value, ranging from moderate to significant except the levels of Ag were very high. The heavy metals concentrations were expected to be naturally origin rather than anthropogenic and that be confirmed by mapping of Red Sea alteration zones spots. These alteration zones are parallel to mangrove sites and rich by several mineralization types including heavy metals that are carried by flooding to the coastline. Remote sensing and GIS techniques successfully contributed to interpreting the pattern of the origin of heavy metals and discharging systems that control the heavy metals concentration along the Red Sea coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals accumulated in the sediment constitute a potential source of pollution having a higher pollutant load than the overlying seawater. In order to determine anthropogenic impacts on the heavy metal enrichment and contamination in surface sediments, either reference/background values of the metals in the pristine condition or reference metal values of the earth's crust are widely used. In this study, the metal pollution indices Enrichment Factor, Geoaccumulation Index, Contamination Factor and Pollution Load Index were used to determine the levels and sources of metal pollution (Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Cadmium and Lead) in the coastal surface sediments of the Mersin Bay. The study findings indicated that the coastal surface sediments of the Mersin Bay are highly enriched by Chromium, Nickel and Cadmium due to anthropogenic pressures and weathering and erosion of the rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Considering that having professional ethics in the clinical area is an important principle for establishing communication between the clinical team and patients, the present study was conducted to investigate the adherence of medical interns of Jundishapur University of Ahvaz to the principles of clinical professional ethics. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 121 medical trainees of Jundishapur University in 2022. The sampling method was a simple random sampling. The Qasimzadeh Standard Professional Ethics Questionnaire containing 16 questions in eight dimensions, was used to collect information. Results In the studied statistical population, 68 (56.2) were men, 108 (89.3) were single, and 13 (10.7) were married. Additionally, the average age of the participants was 24.20. Individuals who passed the medical ethics course had a higher average total score and a higher average score on both dimensions of justice and responsibility than those who did not take the course (P=0.010). Furthermore, they scored the lowest in the responsibility dimension (6.8) and the highest in the honesty dimension (7.9). Conclusion Based on the statistical tests, there was overall high compliance with all the requirements. There is a high level of ethical awareness among medical trainees who participate in this research. In addition, the medical ethics course increases the level of professional ethics. As a result, by promoting professional ethics education, it is possible to increase students’ level of knowledge and compliance with professional ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined potentially toxic elements (PTE) of water and sediments in the Darband and Samana streams of Hangu District. Darband and Samana streams are the main fluvial ecosystems of Hangu District, Pakistan, directly or indirectly affecting more than 0.52 Million people. Water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed for PTE utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Water characteristics of Darband and Samana streams were noted within the WHO drinking water guidelines, except for Turbidity and sulfate. Most water characteristics showed higher values in the Samana stream than in the Darband stream. Similarly, most of PTE showed higher concentrations in sediments collected from the Samana stream than the Darband stream. For ecological risk evaluation, several pollution indices were employed to assess the eco-toxicological consequences. The highest contamination factor (CF) value of 15 and 20 were exhibited by molybdenum (Mo) in the Samana and Darband streams showing very high contamination. Similarly, the pollution load index (PLI) showed that 24% of the sediment samples were polluted (PLI > 1). Furthermore, a high ecological risk in a range of 160 < ERI < 320 was observed for Mo, while a low ecological risk ERI < 40 was by As for the Darband and Samana streams sediments. Statistical techniques revealed that various anthropogenic sources primarily contaminated in water and sediment. Therefore, this study recommends regular monitoring PTE contaminations in the area to avoid any health hazards in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to assess the heavy metals environmental impact and determine the consequent human health risks in the highly anthropized and rapidly expanding area of Al-Khafji in Arabian Gulf. Specifically, the study evaluated the health risks in adults and children caused by carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic metals through skin contact pathway. The pollution indices, including the Soil Pollution Index (SPI), Contamination Degree (CD), and Pollution Load Index (PLI), were calculated for all collected sediments, indicating low or locally moderate contamination levels. The potential non-carcinogenic risk resulting from dermal exposure to single or multi-metal contamination was found to be within the acceptable safe limit for both adults and children. The highest levels of Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) were recorded for Fe (1.02E-05 for adults and 4.75E-05 for children), and the highest Hazardous Risk Index (HRI) was observed for As (1.48E03 for adults and 6.92E03 for children). Likewise, the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) for adults and children associated with As and Cr indicated no current potential carcinogenic health risks, with the highest LCR levels being 6.87E-07 and 3.2E-06, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the level of heavy metals (HMs) pollution (Pb, Cd, Ni, V and Cr) in the sediments of the coastal waters of Hormozgan province, 45 sediment samples were collected from Bandar Abbas beach (7 stations), Qeshm Island (5 stations) and between Hormuz-Lark (3 stations) in 2022. The concentration of HMs in sediments was measured by atomic absorption. The results showed that the concentration of V, Ni and Cr metals in the sediments of Bandar Abbas is higher than the other two studied areas, and the concentration of Cd in the sediments of Qeshm Island and Pb in the sediments of Hormuz-Lark was higher. The average concentration of studied metals is as follows: Cr > Ni > V > Pb > Cd. The degree of contamination of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island was in moderate degree of contamination and Hormuz-Lark sediments were in low degree of contamination. The average ecological risk index is as follows: Qeshm Island > Bandar Abbas > Hormuz-Lark. The average enrichment factor of the studied metals was the highest in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and Hormuz-Lark islands, respectively. The highest average enrichment factor in the studied areas was related to Ni and Cr. Various industrial pollutant sources and municipal sewage of Qeshm and Bandar Abbas in the vicinity of the sampling stations have been the cause of the high concentration of the studied metals as well as pollution indicators. Based on sustainable development, in order to control the pollution of HMs in the sediments, the contaminant sources should be controlled and managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal variability of phytoplankton in the northern part of the Gulf of Suez (Suez Bay), considering the contribution of physicochemical parameters of bay water in shaping the dynamics, and eutrophication assessment. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected seasonally at nine stations in the Suez Bay during the period from the winter to autumn of 2012. A total of 423 phytoplankton species were identified, comprised mainly of 224 diatoms, 127 dinoflagellates, 33 cyanophytes, 20 chlorophytes, and 9 euglenophytes; the rest of the species (10 species) belong to other six groups. Of these, 28 species were potentially harmful. The total phytoplankton abundance exhibits a significant seasonal variation, with the autumn being the most fertile season, followed by the winter due to the proliferation of diatom species Thalassionema nitzschioides and Proboscia alata f. gracillima, respectively. While the seasonal species richness indicates that the winter attained the highest number of species, followed by summer. Generally, the major diatom genera were Chaetoceros (16 species), Navicula (15 species), Nitzschia (15 species), and Amphora (14 species), while dinoflagellates were principally composed of the genera Protoperidinium (34 species), and Tripos (26 species). Water temperature, pH, salinity, nitrate, and nitrite were the most important explanatory parameters in regard to phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a concentration. In addition, the phytoplankton stability exhibited a significant positive relationship with the mean values of dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand and the variability of salinity and phosphate, while a negative relationship was observed with ammonia and nitrite and the variability of nitrate. Based on the trophic index (TRIX), the bay water was classified as mesotrophic (moderately polluted) for almost the entire year except in the autumn as it turned eutrophic. The results explored the potential importance of the environmental heterogeneity in the bay as a key structuring mechanism of phytoplankton abundance and biomass, influenced by anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban surface deposited sediments (USDS) are unique indicators of local pollution that pose a potential threat to the living environment and human health. Ekaterinburg is a highly populated metropolitan area in Russia with rapid urbanization and industrialization activities. In Ekaterinburg's residential areas, about 35, 12, and 16 samples are represented by green zones, roads, driveways, and sidewalks, respectively. The total concentrations of heavy metals was detected using a chemical analyzer inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Zn, Sn, Sb, and Pb have the highest concentrations in the green zone, while V, Fe, Co, and Cu represent the utmost values on roads. Moreover, Mn and Ni are the prevailing metals in the fine sand fraction of driveways along with sidewalks. Broadly, the high pollution in the studied zones is generated by anthropogenic activities and traffic emissions. The potential ecological risk (RI) was observed in high risk (IR > 600), even though the results of all heavy metals reveal no adverse health effects from the considered noncarcinogenic metal for adults and children by different exposure pathways except the children's exposure to Co in case of the dermal contact, where the HI values of Co for children in the studied zones are higher than the proposed level (> 1). In all urban zones, the total carcinogenic risk (TLCR) values are predicted as a high potential inhalation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-nine sediment samples were collected from the Hurghada Bay, a heavily polluted bay on the Red Sea of Egypt, to inspect the environmental quality status and anthropogenic consequences on benthic foraminifera. Some foraminiferal species showed deformations in their apertures and coiling directions as a response to environmental stresses. In addition, the FoRAM index, an index used for evaluating the growth of coral reefs, indicated a hazard in the proximity of nearshore stations. To elucidate the relationships between the biological response and chemistry of sediments, eight heavy metals concentrations (Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, As, Cr, Ni, and Mn) were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometers (ICP-AES). Interestingly, two groups of benthic foraminiferal associations were illustrated using multivariate statistical analyses. Group I have extremely high heavy metal concentrations, an enriched total organic matter (TOM)%, high deformation percentages, and mud content. Moreover, it is dominated by Ammonia tepida which is regarded as an opportunistic species. Group II includes low to moderately polluted stations, highly enriched living foraminiferal assemblages, and is dominated by the sensitive rotaliids Neorotalia calcar and Amphistegina lobifera. Alternatively, four geochemical indices, EF, CF, Igeo, and PLI, are used to assess the contamination level that shown ominous spots for the nearshore stations of the Hurghada Bay. The pollution indices (HQ and HI) were also conducted to evaluate the risks of carcinogenic heavy metals on human health. Our findings demonstrated that ingestion and dermal exposure have greater carcinogenic hazards for adults and children than inhalation. The lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) is significantly higher than the permissible limit and follows this order: Pb > As > Cr > Cd > Ni. To that end, developing strategies to lessen the negative impact of pollution on human health and/or the Red Sea's biodiversity is an inevitable issue in the present day and future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential toxic element (PTE) contamination in the Persian Gulf has become an important health concern in recent decades. This investigation aimed to meta-analyses of potential toxic elements including lead (Pb), inorganic arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and mercury (Hg) in the coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf. In this study, an attempt was made to retrieve papers conducted on the concentration of PTE in the coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf by searching in international databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PubMed. Meta-analysis concentration of PTE in the coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf was conducted using random effects model based on the country subgroup. Additionally, non-dietary risk assessment including non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact routes and ecological risk assessment was estimated. Seventy-eight papers with 81 data-reports (1650 sample size) were included in our meta-analysis. The rank order of heavy metals in coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf based on pooled concentration was Ni (65.44 mg/kg) > Pb (58.35 mg/kg) > As (23.78 mg/kg) > Cd (1.75 mg/kg) > Hg (0.77 mg/kg). The highest concentration of As, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Hg was observed in the coastal sediment of Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, respectively. Although the Igeo index in coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf was in grade 1 (uncontaminated) and grade 2 (slightly contaminated) but total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) of adults and adolescent was higher than 1 value in Iran, Saudi Arabic, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Total cancer risk (TCR) for adults and adolescent due to As was higher than 1E-6 in Iran, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar but TCR for adolescents due to As was higher than 1E-6 in Saudi Arabic. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the concentration of PTE and implementation of programs to reduce the emission of PTE from resources in the Persian Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hong Kong is an urbanized coastal city which experiences substantially different metal loads from anthropogenic activities. This study was aimed at analyzing the spatial distribution and pollution evaluation of ten selected heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, Fe, V) in the coastal sediments of Hong Kong. The distribution of heavy metal pollution in sediments has been analyzed using the geographic information system (GIS) technique, and their pollution degrees, corresponding potential ecological risks and source identifications, have been studied by applying the enrichment factor (EF) analysis, contamination factor (CF) analysis, potential ecological risk index (PEI), and integrated multivariate statistical methods, respectively. Firstly, the GIS technique was used to access the spatial distribution of the heavy metals; the result revealed that pollution trend of these metals was decreased from the inner to the outer coast sites of the studied area. Secondly, combining the EF analysis and CF analysis, we found that the pollution degree of heavy metals followed the order of Cu > Cr > Cd > Zn > Pb > Hg > Ni > Fe > As > V. Thirdly, the PERI calculations showed that Cd, Hg, and Cu were the most potential ecological risk factors compared to other metals. Finally, cluster analysis combined with principal component analysis showed that Cr, Cu, Hg, and Ni might originate from the industrial discharges and shipping activities. V, As, and Fe were mainly derived from the natural origin, whereas Cd, Pb, and Zn were identified from the municipal discharges and industrial wastewater. In conclusion, this work should be helpful in the establishment of strategies for contamination control and optimization of industrial structures in Hong Kong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three coastal lagoons on the Sefidrud Delta, Caspian Sea, were investigated to evaluate heavy metal pollution in sediments. Amirkola Lagoon is located in the eastern part of the delta (abandoned delta lobe) and is aged more than 500 years, whereas Kiashahr and Zibakenar lagoons are in the western or active part delta lobe and formed in the last decades. One hundred six sediment samples and three sediment cores were taken from studied lagoons. The samples were analyzed by ICP-OES. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cdeg), pollution load index (PLI), and Potential ecological risk index (RI) were employed to determine heavy metal pollution for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Two-step cluster analysis, analysis of variance, and T-test technique) was used to discriminate the pollution sources. Based on contamination indices, the Kiashahr and Zibakenar lagoons show significant to moderate contamination with Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, and V, whereas the Amirkola Lagoon samples show the lowest metal contamination. PLI values demonstrated metal contamination in the Kiashahr and Zibakenar lagoons but no contamination in the Amirkola Lagoon. Although there was a notable rise in RI values from Amirkola to two other lagoons, all indicated low ecological risk. Statistical methods designated the unique interpretation of contaminant sources. Although the same geogenic origin of sediments in the Sefidrud Delta and lagoons deposits, Co, Zn, and Pb show anthropogenic sources in the newly-formed Kiashahr and Zibakenar lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater quality is typically measured through water sampling and lab analysis. The field-based measurements are costly and time-consuming when applied over a large domain. In this study, we developed a machine learning-based framework to map groundwater quality in an unconfined aquifer in the north of Iran. Groundwater samples were provided from 248 monitoring wells across the region. The groundwater quality index (GWQI) in each well was measured and classified into four classes: very poor, poor, good, and excellent, according to their cut-off values. Factors affecting groundwater quality, including distance to industrial centers, distance to residential areas, population density, aquifer transmissivity, precipitation, evaporation, geology, and elevation, were identified and prepared in the GIS environment. Six machine learning classifiers, including extreme gradient boosting (XGB), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and Gaussian classifier model (GCM), were used to establish relationships between GWQI and its controlling factors. The algorithms were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and statistical efficiencies (overall accuracy, precision, recall, and F-1 score). Accuracy assessment showed that ML algorithms provided high accuracy in predicting groundwater quality. However, RF was selected as the optimum model given its higher accuracy (overall accuracy, precision, and recall = 0.92; ROC = 0.95). The trained RF model was used to map GWQI classes across the entire region. Results showed that the poor GWQI class is dominant in the study area (covering 66% of the study area), followed by good (19% of the area), very poor (14% of the area), and excellent (< 1% of the area) classes. An area of very poor GWQI was observed in the north. Feature analysis indicated that the distance to industrial locations is the main factor affecting groundwater quality in the region. The study provides a cost-effective methodology in groundwater quality modeling that can be duplicated in other regions with similar hydrological and geological settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal variations of five heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn) in the beach sediments along the Tamil Nadu coast sourced from various anthropogenic activities were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Various pollution monitoring indices were computed to clearly understand the metal pollution status along the Tamil Nadu coastline. The metal concentrations in sediments were typically higher in the summer season than in the monsoon season. In the monsoon season, metal concentration followed a decreasing order of Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Cd, and in the summer season, the order was Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. During the monsoon season, freshwater runoff from the rainfall dilutes the sediments and their trace element load. However, due to a lack of freshwater influx during the summer season, the heavy metals in the sediments get concentrated and showed elevated levels. Geo-accumulation index, ecological risk index, pollution load index, and contamination degree clearly depict that Cd and Pb have higher accumulation and pose greater hazard when compared with other metals. The rivers flowing in the region also transport the heavy metals from the mainland to the estuaries and coastal environments. Metal levels along the Tamil Nadu coast are influenced by various anthropogenic activities persistent along the coastline. Some of the activities that cause metal contamination are mining, milling, electroplating, furnishing, pharmaceutical industries, fishing, harbor activities, urban runoff, and agricultural runoff, which release a variety of toxic metals into the coastal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in water bodies has posed a menace to human health. Thus, water resources should be protected from PTEs, and their effect on the exposed population should be investigated. In the present investigation, the concentrations of PTEs such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and iron(Fe) in the drinking water of Shiraz, Iran, were determined for the first time. In addition, hazard quotient, hazard index, cancer risk, and sensitivity analysis were applied to estimate the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic impacts of Pb, Hg, Mn, and Fe on exposed children and adults through ingestion. The mean concentrations (µg/L) of Pb, Hg, Mn, and Fe were 0.36, 0.32, 2.28, and 8.72, respectively, in winter and 0.50, 0.20, 0.55, and 10.36, respectively, in summer. The results displayed that Fe concentration was more than the other PTEs. PTE concentrations were lower than the standard values of the Environment Protection Agency and World Health Organization. Values of the degree of contamination and heavy metal pollution index for lead, mercury, manganese, and iron were significantly low (< 1) and excellent (< 50), respectively. Based on the Spearman rank correlation analysis, positive and negative relationships were observed in the present study. The observations of the health risk assessment demonstrated that mercury, lead, iron, and manganese had an acceptable level of noncarcinogenic harmful health risk in exposed children and adults (hazard quotients < 1 and hazard index < 1). The carcinogenic risk of lead was low (< E − 06), which can be neglected. Monte Carlo simulation showed that water intake rate and mercury concentration were the most critical parameters in the hazard index for children and adults. Lead concentration was also the most crucial factor in the cancer risk analysis. The results of the present study proved that the drinking water of Shiraz is safe and healthy and can be confidently consumed by people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high efficiency sample preparation procedure based on sequential ultrasound-assisted digestion was proposed and applied for acid digestion in edible seaweed samples. The quantitative determination of cadmium and lead were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The digestion parameters such as solvent system, sample mass, pre-sonication time, sonication time, and digestion temperature were optimized. The efficiency of the proposed ultrasound-assisted digestion procedure was evaluated by comparing with conventional acid digestion procedure. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of 0–250 µg L− 1 for Cd, and 0–1000 µg L− 1 for Pb were obtained with correlation coefficient > 0.999. The limit of detection for Cd and Pb were 0.58 and 8.87 µg L− 1, respectively. The limit of quantification for Cd and Pb were 1.92 and 29.58 µg L− 1, respectively. Relative standard deviations were 2.4 and 2.9% for 10 µg L− 1 Cd and 100 µg L− 1 Pb, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for analysis of trace Cd and Pb in sea grapes and some commercial seaweed products consumed in Thailand. All analyzed samples were contaminated with Cd. The contamination of Pb were found in two thirds of studied seaweed samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyzed soil samples from flood-prone Unions in two Coastal Upazilas of Bangladesh using Proton Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) techniques with Van de Graaff Accelerator for detecting heavy trace elements and Gamma spectrometry techniques. The findings indicate that while Potassium (averaging 19,62 μg/g for Sutarkhali; 21364.67 μg/g for Amtoli) and Calcium (averaging 36,923.92 μg/g for Sutarkhali; 30404.33 μg/g for Amtoli) levels were high naturally, the levels of Lead (averaging 71.8 μg/g for Sutarkhali; 171.44 μg/g for Amtoli), and Chromium (averaging 6.87 μg/g for Sutarkhali; 340.22 μg/g for Amtoli) were posing a serious risk to the inhabitants. The evaluation contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (ERI) and health risk assessment indicate severe heavy metal pollution in both regions, with young children being particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Nonetheless, the radiation levels were below the safe limit set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated contamination and ecological risks caused by selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, etc.) in the Mid-Black Sea coastal sediments and their effects on human health. The pollution levels were evaluated using comprehensive ecological and pollution indices to quantify their exposure risks posed to human health using the United States Environmental Protection Agency risk assessment model. The result revealed that the mean concentration of Cr (536.14 mg/kg) and Ni (257.8 mg/kg) among the selected heavy metals in sediment was above the PEC value, indicating that they have negative impacts on the ecosystem. According to the local background values, those obtained from the Cf, Cd, Igeo, SEF, PLI, PERI, etc., indexes demonstrated that heavy metal pollution in this region ranged from pollution-free to moderate pollution, with the largest contribution of Cr and Ni. Hence, they must be performed long-term dynamic monitoring of Ni and Cr to avoid ecological risks and protect the ecosystem's health. On the other hand, since the non-carcinogenic health risk (HI) of selected heavy metals in adults is less than 1, it has been determined that there is no health risk, while the HI value is greater than 3 in children. Accordingly, it indicates a very high health risk for children. This study also presents that cancer risk for heavy metals was higher than the acceptable limit (1 × 10–6) for adults and children. The results of this study have important guiding significance for selecting evaluation methods for heavy metal pollution in sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal sediments in the Mong Cai area were collected and analyzed for grain size, heavy metals, total organic carbon, and isotopes (210Pb, 226Ra, δ15N, δ13C) to assess sediment quality. The most common sediments were fine sand in surface sediment, very fine sand in core C1, and very coarse and coarse silt in core C2. The total organic carbon was highest in C2 next to the surface and lowest in C1, with content levels of 1.81%, 0.40%, and 0.31%, respectively. The chronology in C1 was 1877–2019 (142 years, 0–5 0 cm), with an average sedimentation rate of 0.71 cm/year. In C2, the chronology was 1944–2019 (75 years, 0–14 cm), with an average sedimentation rate of 0.27 cm/year. These δ13C and δ15N in the sediment reflect the source of the organic matter mix from the marine and terrigenous sediments. All studied heavy metals were lower than the ISQGs, with the exception of As in C1 and C2, which were higher. C1 showed a decline in As over time, while C2 As levels increased between 1996 and 2019. In terms of heavy metal pollution indexes, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed that C1 and C2 were unpolluted to moderately polluted with As, with Li and Pb in C2; the enrichment factor (EF) was moderately enriched with As; the contamination factor (CF) was moderately contaminated (Pb, Cd, Fe, Mo, and Li) in C2 and C1 (Cd, As, Li) and considerably contaminated (As) in C2. The risk factor (ER) of As showed a moderate potential ecological risk in C2. The degree of contamination (CD) ranged from moderate to considerable (C1, C2), and the ecological risk (RI) was low. Although CD ranged from moderate (C1) to considerable (C2), most contamination was concentrated at the bottom of the cores. RI was low. The Mong Cai sediment quality does not currently affect the coastal area's ecosystem and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was selected according to its variability in resources and its important location parallel to an important protectorate. This coastal zone is characterized by different land use/cover activities (water, industrial site, agricultural areas, bare land, vegetative areas, fish farms, and sabkha). Twelve sites were selected along this part of the Mediterranean deltaic coast, each distance between every site is nearly 5 km. water and sediment samples were collected for the determination of these metal ions (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Co). The average concentrations of heavy metals are 56.50, 2.53, 24.77, 4.28, 0.88, 18.37, 0.97 and 0.06 µg/l in water and 7284.58, 132.60, 13.52, 2.99, 8.36, 4.84, 0.36 and 4.32 µg/g in sediments for Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Co, respectively. The concentrations of these metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd) are within the Australian guideline of marine sediments, but Zn, Cu, and Cd in water exceed these limits. Cadmium was the most abundant element in the coastal marine sediments. The heavy metal pollution index for marine water of the study area is within the normal limits except for site 12. The risk index of metals gives a low-risk category. The principal component analysis indicated that site 11 was related by dissolved Pb in seawater and Fe in sediments, this is maybe interpreted by the nature of sediment texture and different shipping activities. Mapping the spatial distribution of metals and their risk categories is an aid in monitoring environmental problems and quantifying their magnitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of water contamination, specially from anthropogenic contributions, is a global challenge due to its hazardous effects on marine organisms and human health. The present work aimed to document the state of heavy metal (HM) contamination and identify its potential sources in surface seawater along Ras Abu Ali Island, Arabian Gulf. Thirty-four seawater samples were collected and pollution indices, and multivariate statistical analyses were applied. The average concentration of HMS (μg/L) took the following descending order: Zn (11.44) > As (3.96) > Cu (3.77) > Ni (3.49) > Se (1.53) > Hg (0.65) > Co (0.27) > Pb (0.15) > Cd (0.08). The shallow southern part of the study area recorded the higher HM levels in comparison with the northern part faced to the open sea. The average values of Cu and Zn were greater than those reported from seawater in several coastal area of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, and Arabian Gulf. Levels of the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicated that 79.41% of the studied seawater samples fell under medium pollution and 20.59% fell under high pollution. However, all seawater samples are categorized under low contamination based on the degree of contamination (Cd). Multivariate analysis indicated anthropogenic sources for Pb, Hg, and Se, and mixed natural and anthropogenic sources for the remaining HMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sediments, cadmium (Cd) contamination is an increasingly severe global problem facing environmental protection and human health. The mobility and biological toxicity of Cd are related to its chemical fractions. In this work, the European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technology were integrated to identify the effect of grain size, pH, organic acids, inorganic anions, and cations on the chemical fractions of Cd in sediments. The result indicated that the sediments with the fine grain (< 63 μm) presented a good ability to combine Cd, while the coarse grains (> 250 μm) exhibited a more exchangeable/acid-soluble fraction (78.14 wt%). Besides, the amount of Cd released from the sediment decreased dramatically with pH from 2 to 6 and leveled off in the pH range of 8–10. The more mobile fractions (exchangeable/acid-soluble fraction (F1) and reducible fraction (F2)) were significantly affected by pH, implying that pH was an important factor influencing the release of Cd into the upper water environment. For organic acids, which mainly affect the release of Cd in the exchangeable and carbonate-bound fraction, the influence of organic acid on the mobility of Cd in sediments followed the order: ethylenediaminetetraacetate acid (EDTA) > citric acid (CA) > tartaric acid (TA) > oxalic acid (OA). The impact of SO42−, Cl−, CO32−, NO3−, Ca(II) and Mg(II) was not evident in the release of Cd from the sediment, while Al(III) and Fe(III) had a greater effect on the chemical fraction of Cd. The study outcomes provide fundamental knowledge for understanding the potential mobility of Cd in sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of anthropogenic contamination as well as to collect more data concerning the mineral composition of scleractinian corals from Southern Red Sea, Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen. The mass fractions of 31 elements were determined in the skeleton of nine coral colonies collected in the vicinity of the south-western coast of Yemen. All measurements were conducted by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The final results concerning the distribution of considered elements were comparable and, in some cases, inferior to those reported worldwide. The determined mass fractions of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Zn as Presumably Contaminating Elements (PCE) together with the mass fractions of the same elements previously reported in the literature regarding Red Sea Pleistocene corals permitted calculating the individual Contamination Factor (CF) and collective Pollution Load Index (PLI). In spite of high mass fraction values of Mn and Fe in only a few coral colonies, for all investigated places, the PLI values corresponding to studied areas were less than unit, suggesting the investigated areas could be considered as uncontaminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monastir Bay is a semi-enclosed lagoon in the southern Mediterranean. Several degradation characterizes this shoreline. Some punctual studies have shown that pollutants discharged were at the origin of environmental problems. However, the chronological evolution of pollution remained unclear. Thus, a long-term diagnosis (2003–2015) of the evolution of the lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) concentrations, level contamination, distributions, and possible source(s) of Monastir Bay will be able to organize the management of this part to ensure a minimum of its sustainable development. Based on the average concentrations of metals in surface sediments, the pollutant order was Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd in 2003 and 2005. Whereas in 2015, it was Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. The enrichment factor showed that northern sector was the most polluted. The 2003 pollution level decreased in 2005 and increased in 2015 where Cd caused highest risk. A significant difference of Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, and Fe concentrations of north and south sector in 2003 and 2005. But, no significant difference was in 2015. Hence, these pollutants brought by streams, drain, and the harbor depended on pollution level of their sources. The pollutants were redistributed in the north sector by the longshore drift N-S and from the coast to the large by the rip-current. However, in the southern sector because of the barrier (Dahr) and Ras Dimas spit, the pollutants almost stood in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the concentration levels of heavy metals such as Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Pb in sediment samples collected from 16 sampling locations in the Middle and Eastern Black Sea regions, Turkey, were measured using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). Various pollution parameters and methods, such as the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk index (RI), and geo-spatial distribution patterns, were used to assess the pollution status, ecological risks, and sources of metals in sediment in detail. The mean concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Pb were found to be 565.38, 46,000, 34.38, 104.06, 109.88, 87.31, and 32.31 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb exceeded the crustal shale value, with the exception of Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cr. According to the calculated pollution parameters, although minimal or moderate pollution was detected in the area investigated, it was determined that there was a very low ecological risk. Multivariate statistical analysis results showed that Cu, Zn, and Pb levels in the investigated region were slightly influenced by anthropogenic inputs such as mining and agricultural practices. In addition, the geo-spatial distributions of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Pb were found to be higher in this region due to the mining activities carried out in the Eastern Black Sea region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When is a belief justified? There are three families of arguments we typically use to support different accounts of justification: (1) arguments from our intuitive responses to vignettes that involve the concept; (2) arguments from the theoretical role we would like the concept to play in epistemology; and (3) arguments from the practical, moral, and political uses to which we wish to put the concept. I focus particularly on the third sort (3), and specifically on arguments of this sort offered by Clayton Littlejohn in Justification and the Truth-Connection (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2012) and Amia Srinivasan in 'Radical Externalism' (Philos Rev 129(3): 395–431, 2018) in favour of externalism. I counter Srinivasan's argument in two ways: (a) first, I show that the internalist's concept of justification might figure just as easily in the sorts of structural explanation Srinivasan thinks our political goals require us to give; and (b) I argue that the internalist's concept is needed for a particular political task, namely, to help us build more effective defences against what I call epistemic weapons. I conclude that we should adopt an Alstonian pluralism about the concept of justification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil samples were collected from ten sampling points surrounded the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to determine the metal concentration like As, Pb, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cu, and Zn. The metals concentrations in soil samples were determined by the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. The average metal concentrations in the study area were found in the following descending order: Zr (334.84 mg/kg) > Rb (179.35 mg/kg) > Pb (172.77 mg/kg) > Sr (138.86 mg/kg) > Zn (120.54 mg/kg) > Cu (16.96 mg/kg) > As (8.50 mg/kg) respectively. Moreover, the sampling sites were organized according to the total metal concentration as S7 > S3 > S4 > S5 > S11 > S2 > S9 > S1 > S10 > S8 > S12 > S6 respectively. This study showed that the average concentration of As, Sr, and Cu surpassed the suggested standard and average shale value (ASV) limits. In this study, the identification of the soil quality associated with the ecological and human health risk was evaluated using some important indices. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) deliberated that most of the sites were not contaminated except for S3 and S7, which were classified as strong contamination and strong to extreme contamination. The enrichment factor (EF) revealed that three sampling points of S3, S4, and S7 were enriched with Pb, which was consistent with the contamination factor (CF) suggested that the study area was contaminated by only Pb and Zn. It might happen due to excess battery rechargeable vehicles in the study area. However, this study revealed that the pollution load index (PLI) for most of the sampling points was lower than 1 (PLI < 1) suggesting good soil quality in the study area. The finding of PLI was similar to the potential ecological risk assessment, which signified that the study area was not in a harmful situation as it did not surpass the limit of 100. Subsequently, the assessment of human health risk suggested that both adults and children would not be exposed to the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks as these remained under the corresponded threshold limits (1 and 10−6 to 10−4 respectively). However, this study suggests an action plan for the continuation of further investigation for monitoring the soil quality change due to the nuclear power plant's present ongoing construction work and future operation in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic ostracods are deemed as one of the most useful micro-fauna for biomonitoring in shallow marine ecosystem, which are sensitive to environmental changes that can be reflected by their diversity and abundances. The pollution leads to high dominance index and low abundance ostracod communities. Therefore, eighteen sediment samples were collected from Ras Gharib and Quseir sites, along the Red Sea coast, to assess the ostracods response toward the anthropogenic environmental disturbances. Jugosocythereis borchersi, Alocopocythere reticulata, and Loxocorniculum ghardaqensis are the most abundant ostracods in the study localities. To evaluate the linkage between ostracods and contaminated sediments, metal concentrations in the sediments were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical-emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). We observed a significant spatial difference in elemental distribution in sediment samples, and some elements are of higher contributions than the average marine sediment composition. The quantitative analysis of benthic ostracod associations was processed statistically with geochemical data and differentiated the study area into two environments, based on the degrees of contamination. Quseir is encompassing the most contaminated stations. It is characterized by sediments richer in heavy metals, higher silt, and higher organic matter contents. Contaminated environments favor the presence of pollution-tolerant species (e.g., J. borchersi, C. torosa, L. ghardaqensis, G. triebeli, M. striata, A. reticulata, and partly, C. dimorpha). Conversely, Ras Gharib is less polluted with metals and organic matter, and is characterized by pollution-sensitive species (X. rhomboidea). Noteworthy, a low density of ostracods was observed at the expense of the diversity around contaminated stations of the Quseir site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim : In the medical community, professional ethics is very important, and has a wide range of topics under the title of “Medical Ethics”. Therefore, due to the importance of patients' rights and its promotion that can only be achieved by informing the public and educating dentists, a study was conducted to investigate the attitude of dentistry students of Sari toward professional ethics. Method & Material : In this descriptive study, the research population included all the last 3 years- of-course students of the Faculty of Dentistry of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences who were entered into the study by taking a census. The means of research was a researcher-made questionnaire based on studies related to this field for which the validity and reliability were evaluated in the previous studies. After completing the questionnaires, the results were statistically analyzed using SPSS 16 software. Result: 106 students participated in this study. The mean age of participants was 23.84 ± 2.51 . After analyzing the data obtained from the total scores of the questionnaires, the mean attitude of the students was 104.97 ± 9.87 which is in the Good attitude range. The frequency of moderate, good and very good attitude of students was 4.7%, 79.2%, and 16%, respectively. Conclusions: It seems, attitudes toward professional ethics would be desirable among dentistry students of Sari faculty of dentistry. Positive attitude is improved among females and in relationship with increasing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyse the spatial lithological and geochemical composition of beach sediments from two sites representing coastal areas with different geological and geomorphological frameworks, sediment availability and sediment transport pathways. The sandy beach surface sediments were sampled in spring 2018, the magnetic susceptibility was measured on-site and the grain size analysis was carried out and the geochemical composition of the samples determined in the laboratory (ICP-MS/ES). The results indicated that even though the sites differed in term of geology and geomorphology, the mean magnetic susceptibly and grain size did not differ significantly. On the contrary, the two sites showed significant differences in elemental composition. The factorial analysis revealed that there were two main groups of elements; the first was composed of Fe–V–Cr–Pb–As–K–Co–P–Ni–Al–Ga, mostly represented in the sediments of the Curonian Spit, and the second group was composed of Mn–Ca–Mg–Sr–Ti–Ba which defined the composition of the sandy beach sediments of the mainland coast. We interpreted the geochemical anomalies as having different causes. On the mainland coast, geochemical and lithological anomalies tend to form where the coastal erosive processes are active, while on the Curonian Spit, these anomalies are located where relict coarse sand dominates and the main unloading of sediments from the alongshore northward current occurs. These results allow the sediment transport process to be better understood and the sediments' provenance to be identified. In the future, they could also be used for coastal sediment transport modelling exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, 20 ichnospecies belonging to 8 ichnogenera were identified in bivalves, gastropods, and corals (n = 701) from the Late Pleistocene coral reef along the Red Sea coast, northwest Saudi Arabia. The trace fossils were produced by clionid sponges (47.39%), endolithic bivalves (42.17%), polychaete annelids (5.42%), vermetid gastropods (3.81%), and acrothoracican barnacles (1.21%). The recognized ichnotaxa were Entobia geometrica, E. ovula, E. cf. goniodes, E. cf. retiformis, E. cretacea, Entobia isp., Gastrochaenolites torpedo, G. lapidicus, G. cf. dijugus, Gastrochaenolites isp., Oichnus paraboloides, O. simplex, Oichnus isp., Caulostrepsis taeniola, Caulostrepsis isp., Maeandropolydora cf. sulcans, Maeandropolydora isp., Renichnus isp., Centrichnus isp., and cf. Rogerella isp., Most bivalves and gastropods contain Entobia rather than Gastrochaenolites, which is commonly found in the larger and thicker corals. The content of the trace fossils indicated an Entobia ichnofacies formed in the coral reef during transgression. The habitat conditions changed gradually, from well-oxygenated, shallow, high-energy back-reef and reef crest bioeroding polychaetes and bivalves, to deep, low-energy reef slope dominated by boring sponges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental pollution indicators and multivariate statistical analysis were used to evaluate the potential ecological risk and the contamination of Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Co in surface sediments of the Egyptian Red Sea coast. The results revealed that the studied area suffers from high contamination of certain metals such as the Hurghada area (Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, and Cu), Quseir City area (Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni), and Safaga and Marsa Alam areas (Cd and Pb). Enrichment factor and principal components analysis reported that the pollution sources of Fe, Mn, and Co are related to natural weathering process while Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb are related to anthropogenic sources as landfill, plastic rubbish, fishing boats, phosphate operations, and tourist activities. Moreover, Co and Cd metals can come from both of natural and anthropogenic sources. The average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Co in sediments of the Egyptian Red Sea coast are higher than those in the coasts of the Red Sea (Saudi Arabia), Mediterranean Sea (Egypt and Libya), Bengal bay (India), and the Caspian Sea (Russia). However, the studied metal content is lower than the sediment quality guideline values except for Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues associated with mental state internalism and three case associated with it which includes Racist Dinner Table, Classist College, and Domestic Violence. It is stated that externalism is not a normative epistemology., but said to be both internalists and externalists. It also analyzes issues associated with blameworthiness and blamelessness, responsibility, action-guidance.

A comprehensive environmental assessment of the Abu Zenima coast, Egypt, was done by evaluating the heavy metal pollutant levels in sediments, marine seashells, and seawater. Environmental parameters as the geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, enrichment factor, soil pollution index and potential ecological risk index proved that the study area was very severely enriched with Cd, severely enriched with Pb, and moderately enriched with Zn. However, these pollutant levels were still lower than some standardized reference values. Furthermore, the bioaccumulation index indicated that gastropod shells had greater ability to concentrate Fe, Cd, Ni and Zn than pelecypod shells, which may be attributable to the shape of the gastropod shell. Regarding the seawater samples, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Fe levels were higher than their average oceanic metal concentrations. Moreover, the average concentrations of heavy metals in the studied area, especially those of Pb, Cd, and Zn, were higher than those the coasts of Rosetta, Kazakhstan, Russia, southeast India, and the North Adriatic Sea. The main sources of these pollutants were anthropogenic sources such as gypsum and manganese factories, kaolin deposits, sewage, industrial wastes, urban runoff and irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Co in molluscan shells and associated surface sediments from four sites on the Gulf of Aqaba and Red Sea coasts, Egypt, were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results revealed an apparent difference in the ability of each species regarding accumulating heavy metals in its shell. These results showed that Tridacna squamosa has the highest accumulation ability for Pb, Ni, and Zn, and Chama pacifica has the highest accumulation capability for Co and Cd, whereas Periglypta reticulata has the highest accumulation ability for Cu. The results also showed that there is a positive correlation between the concentration of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni and the size of shell. Simultaneously, there is a negative correlation with Fe, Mn, Co, and Cd. The results of bio-accumulation of molluscan species were consistent with the enrichment factors for sediments, where the Hurghada site was extremely enriched with Pb and very enriched with Cu, Zn, and Ni. Moreover, the Quseir site was extremely enriched with Cd and very enriched with Pb. The Um al-Sid site was severe enriched with Cd and Pb. Meanwhile, the Ras Mohamed site was severe enriched with Pb and nearly unpolluted with other metals. Heavy metals can enter the studied ecosystem by terrigenous and anthropogenic sources as a weathering process of the nearby beaches and mountains, ship maintenance, industrial activities, wastewater, and traffic exhaust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is the first study to specifically highlight a correlation between two different methods to monitor environmental pollution using hard corals as biomonitors. The first method involved comparing the concentrations of heavy metals in modern coral skeletons in both coasts of the Hurghada and Ras Mohamed nature reserve sites, whereas the second method involved comparing these concentrations in living coral species and the same Pleistocene ones. The results showed a similarity between the two monitoring methods. These results showed that the modern corals on the Hurghada site were enriched in all heavy metals in comparison with Ras Mohamed especially for Cu, Zn, Ni, and Co. The concentrations of these metals were higher than those in coasts of Red Sea (Saudi Arabia), Gulf of Aqaba (Jordan), Gulf of Mannar (India), Panama, Central America, and Australia. Furthermore, Hurghada coral skeletons suffered from higher concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Co than those in the earth's carbonate rocks. These elements may enter Hurghada's marine ecosystem by anthropogenic impacts as contamination from antifouling paint and oil spill from vessels. On the other hand, the Ras Mohamed site seems to be relatively unpolluted, except by Pb presumed to be due to oil spills from boat engines involved in extensive diving activities. The present work suggests that some coral species can be used as pollution biomonitoring as Stylophora pistillata for Cu and Co, Fungia scutaria for Zn and Cd, Pocillopora verrucosa for Pb, and Porites solida for Fe, Cu, and Ni. The microstructure and microarchitecture of the studied species play the essential role in the pollutant uptake, where the large reactive surface area and the amounts of intercrystalline porosity in coral skeletons are directly proportional to their amount of metal content. In spite of the mentioned results, the growth abnormality is not distinguished for the polluted recent species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution in river sediments is one of the most serious problems in the aquatic environment. In this study, thirty-two surface sediment and overlying water samples were collected to evaluate the nutrient levels and heavy metal contents (Mo, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Cr) in the Hai River and its tributaries, which is the largest river flowing into Bohai Bay. The enrichment degree and geoaccumulation value of the studied metals decreased in the same order of Cd > Cu > Pb > Mo > Ni > Zn > Cr, and the mean contents of Cu and Cd were 2.58 and 2.93 times as high as their background values in Tianjin. Cd contributed over 50% of the ecological risk at the thirty-two sites. Moreover, according to the results of multivariate statistical analyses, Cu and Cd were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources, the quality of overlying water except COD influenced the distribution of heavy metals, and Cd had no correlations with the other heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]