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Pollution represents a high risk to plants, animals, and human beings, causing an imbalance and affecting the environment. Soil is considered a universal sink, containing the highest load of environmental pollution. Puchuncaví-Ventanas sector, decreed as a saturated contamination zone in 1993, is considered one of the most affected areas by industrial pollution and belongs to one of the 5 sacrifice zones of Chile. The localities of Puchuncaví and Ventanas have heavy metal pollution levels that exceed up to 99% of the limits allowed by Canadian standards. The objective of this study was to characterize heavy metal tolerance and removal potential of filamentous fungi isolated from polluted soils for their use in decontamination systems and in situ soil improvement. Six fungal strains were selected based on their tolerance and a high capability to accumulate heavy metals, achieving copper bioaccumulation of 84% (Mortierella sp. strain LG01), 49% (Clonostachys sp. strain CQ23) and 48–77.5% (Trichoderma sp. strain LM01A). Trichoderma sp. strain LM01A was able to remove 41% of copper from contaminated soil under ex situ conditions. Some fungal strains belong to beneficial fungal genera, which are used as bioproducts in agriculture. The results of this study highlighted the use of Trichoderma sp. in soils contaminated, which may be of special interest in agriculture due to the large amounts of copper sulfate still applied as a pesticide in Chile and the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located in the Puchuncaví Valley (PV) in central Chile is one of the most important and oldest industrial complexes (ICs) in the country. The PV is affected by anthropogenic emissions from the IC where the most important industry is a copper smelter and refinery. In this context, this study assessed the profile, concentration, and enrichment factors of the trace elements, both in the soil and in Cupressus macrocarpa leaves from this high-pollution-load area. The soil and leaf samples were taken from five selected sites, located between 0.8 and 15 km away from the IC. A total of 24 elements were analyzed by ICP-MS and examined by enrichment factor (EF), and PCA source analysis. Leaf concentrations of Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, K, and Sr showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites (p-value < 0.05). In soil, element concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cr, Cu, K, Li Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Ti showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites (p-value < 0.05). The source analysis of EFs in the samples of both soil and leaves detected three and four factors, respectively, related mainly to the industrial complex's copper smelter and refinery, coal-fired power plants, and geogenic sources. According to the PCA, the leaf EFs of anthropogenic elements from copper smelting showed that La Greda (LG, site closest to the IC) was significantly enriched in the elements Cu, Zn, As, Mo, and Pb, while the EF in the soil from LG showed high enrichment in Cu and significant enrichment in Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most developing countries lack sufficient legal and management infrastructure to dispose of urban solid waste (USW). The continuous increase of USW generation requires evaluating different treatments for developing countries based on the life cycle assessment methodology to compare the environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gases and leachate. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and gasification processes are presented as potential solutions for USW treatment due to their efficiency in producing energy for local requirements. This study aimed to compare both technologies for Temuco and Padre Las Casas cities in Southern Chile that show severe air pollution and USW management problems. The results indicated that gasification had a better environmental performance than HTC when the conversion of 1 ton of organic fraction USW was analyzed. However, since HTC achieved higher energy efficiency, it had a lower environmental impact than gasification, considering the production of 1 MWh. For a definitive choice of the technology to be used, it is necessary to compare other variables, including economic and social aspects, to provide a holistic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the uptake of selected trace elements (Cu, Sb, As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, Mn, Ni, V, and Co) from soil and their accumulation in the biomass samples (leaves and flowers) of three selected native plants (namely Oenothera picensis, OP; Sphaeralcea velutina, SV; and Argemone subfusiformis, AS) around an industrial area (Puchuncaví-Ventanas) located in the Puchuncaví valley, in the central region of Chile. Primary emission sources in the area come from a copper refinery, coal-fired power plants, and a set of 14 other different industrial facilities. Trace element measurements in the native plants of this area and the ability to transfer of these pollutants from soil to plants (transfer factor) have been assessed in order to identify the potential use of these plant species for phytoremediation. Preliminary results showed a high concentration of trace elements in the OP, SV, and AS samples. The concentration of these elements in the plants was found to be inversely correlated to the distance of the primary emission sources. Moreover, the high concentrations of trace elements such as Cu, As, Cr and V, upon the toxic limits in the native plant species, suggest the need for continuous monitoring of the region. The OP species was identified as the plant with the highest capacity for trace elements accumulation, which also showed higher accumulation potential in whole aerial parts than in leaves. Transfer factor values suggested that these native plants had phytoremediation potential for the elements Cu, Pb, As, Ni, and Cr. This study provides preliminary baseline information on the trace element compositions of important native plants and soil in the Puchuncaví-Ventanas area for phytoremediation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black Carbon (BC) is indicated as the main atmospheric pollutant that obscures snow surfaces and absorbs solar energy, which accelerates the melting of ice/snow and produces glacier retreat. The case of Chile is of particular interest because it has most part of the Andean cryosphere, which has responded strongly to climate change through a retreat of their glaciers, having implications in the availability of freshwater for the inhabitants and economic activities. In this work, the aim was to investigate and quantify for the first time the impact that BC could have on the differences observed in the glacial retreat in the study area, decoupling this impact of the climatic and glaciological factors, through which it has not been possible to explain the difference in glacier behavior in the zone. In this case, two glaciers with comparable characteristics from the Central Andes of Chile were studied: Olivares Alpha Glacier (OAG) and Bello Glacier (BG). The spatio-temporal evolution (2004-2014) was studied using remote sensing images (Landsat). This information was analyzed together with measured data of BC concentrations in air and snow for the year 2014. Results showed important differences in glacier retreat, −27.6% for OAG vs. −5.1% for BG (2004–2014), together with a significantly higher impact of BC in OAG than BG. Regarding the sources of the measured BC, considering that both glaciers are at a similar distance from Santiago, it can be considered that there is another source influencing OAG, which could be the mountain mining activities, considering the small distance existing between this glacier and the mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaciers in Chilean Central Andes have significatively retreated, at least, in the last 60 years. From 2004 to 2014, the largest retreat in the area (−0.15 km2 yr−1) was observed at Olivares Alpha Glacier (OAG). Previous glacier fluctuation studies proposed that two open-pit mines distant 7 km from the glacier could be the cause of its enhanced retreat. However, this had not been yet tested due to the lack of measured data. Here, we investigated the impact that major air pollutants emitted by local mining activities could have on the differences observed in OAG glacial retreat compared with a glacier of similar size and altitude with no nearby anthropogenic sources: Bello Glacier (BG), which has a reported lower retreat (−0.02 km2 yr−1). Results revealed a link between anthropogenic air pollutants and glacial retreat rates, meaning that glacial retreat is decoupled from climatic and glaciological factors. Considering that both glaciers are located in the same climatic setting, the anthropogenic air pollutants deposited onto the OAG surface appear to be forcing positive feedback in which the pollutants deposition best explain the differences in the glacier retreat. With the results of this study, it has been calculated that the impact of mining in OAG could be responsible for 82% of its total retreat since between 2004 and 2014, and only the remaining 18% would correspond to the impact of climate change. • Evidence of the link between air pollutants and glacier retreat in the Chilean Andes. • Between 2004 and 2014 OAG showed a 28% of area decrease, while BG area decrease was 5%. • OAG showed higher levels of atmospheric and deposited pollutants than BG. • OAG showed lower levels of snow albedo than BG. • Long-range transport was not a contribution to measured levels of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seasonal snow precipitation in the Andes mountain range is evaluated as an environmental indicator of the composition of atmospheric emissions in Santiago de Chile metropolitan area, by measuring a set of representative trace elements in snow samples by ICP-MS. Three late winter sampling campaigns (2003, 2008 and 2009) were conducted in three sampling areas around Cerro Colorado, a Central Andes mountain range sector NE of Santiago (36km). Nevados de Chillán, a sector in The Andes located about 500km south from the metropolitan area, was selected as a reference area. The experimental results at Cerro Colorado and Nevados de Chillán were compared with previously published data of fresh snow from remote and urban background sites. High snow concentrations of a range of anthropogenic marker elements were found at Cerro Colorado, probably derived from Santiago urban aerosol transport and deposition combined with the effect of mining and smelting activities in the area, whereas Nevados de Chillán levels roughly correspond to urban background areas. Enhanced concentrations in surface snow respect to deeper samples are discussed. Significant differences found between the 2003, 2008 and 2009 anthropogenic source markers profiles at Cerro Colorado sampling points were correlated with changes in emission sources at the city. The preliminary results obtained in this study, the first of this kind in the southern hemisphere, show promising use of snow precipitation in the Central Andes as a suitable matrix for receptor model studies aimed at identifying and quantifying pollution sources in Santiago de Chile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Black carbon (BC) has been identified as one of the primary contributors to climate change, primarily due to its exceptional capacity to absorb solar radiation. This leads to a reduction in the albedo of ice and snow surfaces, consequently accelerating their melting. In this work, measurements of atmospheric BC are presented, carried out from October 2016 to December 2019 in Portillo, Chilean Central Andes, in the NUNATAK-1 laboratory refuge (3000 m.a.s.l). This site is close to the Chile-Argentina border and is situated along a heavily trafficked road connecting the two countries. Owing to weather conditions, this route operates on a seasonal schedule, remaining open 24 h during warmer months, while in winter, traffic is restricted to the hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Access to vehicles is prohibited during periods of heavy snowfall. BC concentrations were continuously monitored by a Multi-Angle Absorption Photometer (MAAP). The variability and temporal cycles of BC levels were investigated in relation to local vehicular activity and meteorological parameters, through multiple linear regression analysis. Results show that vehicular traffic variations led to a systematic pattern in the atmospheric BC measured, with a preponderant role of meteorological factors. During the summer months, BC levels reached their peak (mean of 0.77 μg m−3), with maximum values recorded during the nighttime and early morning hours. In line with this finding, summer counted the highest number of vehicles circulating in the area. In contrast, the winter months exhibited lower average BC atmospheric concentrations compared to summer months (0.35 μg m−3), characterized by a distinct hourly profile. In a complementary way, forward trajectories using the HYSPLIT model were performed for various meteorological conditions. The findings indicated that emissions from the study area had the potential to extend to neighboring glaciers. This impact on the basins' hydrology, vital and fragile components of the Andean region, magnifies climate change effects in these cryospheric zones. Notably, the latest IPCC report highlights limited research on aerosol effects on mountain snow and glaciers. This study also presents the first estimates of high-altitude BC source assessments in Chile and South America. These insights could enhance global atmospheric models in mountainous regions, enhancing their accuracy and utility. [Display omitted] • Long-term and high-resolution atmospheric BC was measured in the Chilean Andes. • Vehicular emissions were the primary local source of BC, with modeling suggesting potential impact on nearby glaciers. • Long-range transport was not a significant contribution to BC measured levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CTLA-4 plays a key role in T cells regulation. We analysed the CTLA-4 +49A/G and −318C/T polymorphisms in 178 cases of type 1 diabetes and their parents (534 individuals) from Santiago, Chile. A significant overall association with T1D (p =0.028) was observed, possibly due to an overtransmission of the G–T haplotype. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chile is a fast-growing country with important industrial activities near urban areas. In this study, the mass and elemental concentrations of PM[sub10] and PM[sub2.5] were measured in five major Chilean urban areas. Samples of particles with diameter less than 10 µm (PM[sub10]) and 2.5 µm (PM[sub2.5]) were collected in 1998 in Iquique (northern Chile), Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Rancagua (central Chile), and Temuco (southern Chile). Both PM[sub10] and PM[sub2.5] annual mean concentrations (PM[sub10]: 56.9-77.6 µg/m³; PM[sub2.5]: 22.4-42.6 µg/m³) were significantly higher than the corresponding European Union (EU) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards. Moreover, the 24-hr PM[sub10] and PM[sub2.5] U.S. standards were exceeded infrequently for some of the cities (Rancagua and Valparaíso). Elements ranging from Mg to Pb were detected in the aerosol samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). For each of the five cities, factor analysis (FA) was applied to identify and quantify the sources of PM[sub10] and PM[sub2.5]. The agreement between calculated and measured mass and elemental concentrations was excellent in most of the cities. Both natural and anthropogenic sources were resolved for all five cities. Soil and sea were the most important contributors to coarse particles (PM[sub10]-PM[sub2.5]), whereas their contributions to PM[sub2.5] were negligible. Emissions from Cu smelters and oil refineries (and/or diesel combustion) were identified as important sources of PM[sub2.5], particularly in the industrial cities of Rancagua, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar. Finally, motor vehicles and wood burning were significant sources of both PM[sub2.5] and PM[sub10] in most of the cities (wood burning was not identified in Iquique). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Punchuncaví Valley is one of the most polluted areas in central Chile affected by anthropogenic emissions from the Ventanas Industrial Complex (IC) where the most important industry is the copper smelter and refinery. In this context, this research aims were to assess the usefulness of the Cupressus macrocarpa as a biomonitor. The leaf samples were taken from five selected sites, located between 0.8 and 15 km away from the source. A total of 34 elements were analyzed in leaf samples by ICP-MS and examined by enrichment factor (EF), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA). Leaf concentration of As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Dy, Er, Gd, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, P, Pb, Pr, S, Sb, Sr, Ti, Yb and Zn showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites (p-value < 0.05). A clear trend to increase the concentration of Cu, Sb, S, As, Cd and Pb with the proximity to the IC. Besides, high values of Cu (93.4–369 mg kg−1) and As (7.6–12.7 mg kg−1) were observed near to industrial area exceed the phytotoxic levels reported in plants with EF > 3000% for Cu and >1300% for As. The application of PCA and HCA identified 6 factors related to the industrial complex, traffic and geogenic sources, providing the greatest variance the component related to industrial activity mainly with copper smelter and refinery. According to the results, the C. macrocarpa leaves are a good biomonitor to evaluate the high pollution load for anthropogenic elements in industrial areas. Image 1 • C. macrocarpa leaves were used to evaluate air pollution by trace elements in high polluted areas. • Relevant elements were analyzed by ICP-MS and treated by means of chemometric tools. • The main anthropogenic sources in evaluated area was copper smelting and refinery. • Cu showed an enrichment factor >3000% in leaves close to Industrial Complex. • Cu and As near to industrial area exceed the phytotoxic levels reported in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions from road traffic are one of the most important sources of soot aerosols and they can affect the surfaces in the area. In the case of snow surfaces, this effect may lead to changes in the radiative forcing and snow melt, also influenced by particle transport such as particle diffusion and advection. An experimental campaign in The Andes, Chile, was carried out measuring the radiance and irradiance of the snow perpendicularly to a road with high traffic load, together with the meteorological conditions (to identify the diffusion and advection phenomena), the aerosol size distribution, the concentration of particles (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10), and the concentration of black carbon (BC) in both, the atmosphere and the snowpack. The aim of the study was to quantify the contribution of four factors affecting the albedo (black carbon -BC- concentration in snow, grain size, cloudiness, and roughness) by comparing the measured albedo of the contaminated snow surface with that of the same surface prior to contamination, considered as a reference. Results showed a trade-off between diffusion and advection. Close to the road, diffusion was predominant, leading to an increase in BC concentration and a reduction in snow albedo. On the contrary, far from the road, where winds are channeled along the centre of the valley, advection of particles became dominant, leading to another increase in particle concentration and another reduction in snow albedo. Among the factors contributing to reduce the snow albedo, BC concentration dominates at all distances from the road, although the effect of the grain size becomes as significant as that of BC in the centre of the valley, with the effects of surface roughness and cloudiness remaining minor. This information can be used in snow models to get a better knowledge of the effect of particle deposition on albedo reductions. [Display omitted] • The main parameters affecting snow albedo reduction were identified and quantified. • Conditions with restricted traffic, no clouds, and flat surface served as reference. • Main contributions: soot content, grain size, surface roughness and cloudiness. • A trade-off between diffusion-advection particle transport mechanisms was observed. • The absorption Ångström exponent was useful to identify the sources of aerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates soil pollution by elemental contaminants and compares ecological risk indexes related to industrial activities for the case study of Puchuncaví-Ventanas: a relevant industrial zone located in central Chile. Selected elements (As, Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg, V, Mn, Zn, Sr, Sb, Cr, Co, Cu, K, and Ba) were analyzed during a long-term period (yearly sampling campaigns during 2007–2011), at 5 sampling stations representing different degrees of impact. PCA and cluster analysis allowed identifying a copper smelter and a coal-fired power plant complex as major pollution sources. Geoaccumulation index (I geo ), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (C f ), contamination degree (C deg ), and integrated pollution index (IPI) are critically discussed for quantitative ecological risk assessment. I geo , EF and C f indexes are producing comparable environmental information, showing moderate to high pollution risks in the area that demands further monitoring and adoption of prevention and remediation measures. Capsule Long term assessment of elemental pollution around an industrial area. New insight on ecological risk indexes for trace element pollution in soils, by critical comparison among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santiago, Chile, is one of the most polluted cities in South America. As a response, over the past 15 yr, numerous pollution reduction programs have been implemented by the environmental authority, Comisión Nacional del Medio Ambiente. This paper assesses the effectiveness of these interventions by examining the trends of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its associated elements. Daily fine particle filter samples were collected in Santiago at a downtown location from April 1998 through March 2003. Additionally, meteorological variables were measured continuously. Annual average concentrations of PM2.5 decreased only marginally, from 41.8 µg/m³ for the 1998-1999 period to 35.4 µ/m³ for the 2002-2003 period. PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the annual U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard of 15 µg/m³. Also, approximately 20% of the daily samples exceeded the old standard of 65 µg/m³, whereas approximately half of the samples exceeded the new standard of 35µg/m³ (effective in 2006). Mean PM2.5 levels measured during the cold season (April through September) were three times higher than those measured in the warm season (October through March). Particulate mass and elemental concentration trends were investigated using regression models, controlling for year, month, weekday, wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity. The results showed significant decreases for Pb, Br, and S concentrations and minor but still significant decreases for Ni, Al, Si, Ca, and Fe. The larger decreases were associated with specific remediation policies implemented, including the removal of lead from gasoline, the reduction of sulfur levels in diesel fuel, and the introduction of natural gas. These results suggest that the pollution reduction programs, especially the ones related to transport, have been effective in reducing various important components of PM2.5. However, particle mass and other associated element levels remain high, and it is thus imperative to continue the efforts to improve air quality, particularly focusing on industrial sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Naturalized grapevines selected from hyper-arid Chile were assessed as rootstocks • Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grafted vines were submitted to deficit irrigation • R32 rootstock induced higher performance through root traits in both cultivars • Major scion-driven transcriptional changes occurred at rootstock level • R32 was for near-iso / anisohydric vines as adaptive strategy to climate constrains Viticulture is facing water deficit problems related to climate change, new extremes in heat and precipitation regimes and drought events. Rootstocks use was assessed as strategy for enhancing performance of Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) and Syrah (Sy) under water deficit. Vines were grafted onto naturalized grapevines selected from hyper-arid Chile, and compared to own-grafted and commercial Ruggeri 140. Plants were submitted to optimal (100 % ETc) and deficit (30 % ETc) irrigation throughout two seasons at field conditions. Functional traits along both seasons were determined. Water deficit reduced all growth and physiological traits especially in CS. R32 rootstock induced significantly higher values for most traits irrespective of cv and seasons associated to higher root growth. Transcriptomic analysis was further performed in both cultivars grafted over R32 rootstock by RNA-Seq, determining that gene up-regulation extent was higher in Sy. More stable transcriptional landscape was determined in CS than Sy, which might be linked to its hydric strategy. Unexpectedly, major differences in transcriptional behaviour were detected in R32 rootstock, revealing major transcriptional changes occurring at root level, suggesting scion-driven transcriptional regulation in response to stress. Finally, R32 rootstock can be considered for both near iso and anisohydric grapevines as adaptive strategy for climate constrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]