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In order to decipher element mobility in UHP meta-sedimentary rocks in the continental subduction zone, major and trace element compositions are investigated for a continuous profile from a representative UHP region in the Dabie Mountains. Among the lithologic contact zone, contents of K, Ca, LREE, and LILE exhibit varying degrees of downward trends in both marble and eclogite toward the contact zone, indicating that marble and their associated eclogite can release a large amount of K, Ca, and a small number of LILEs and LREEs. Titanite is the main Ti phase in both marble and eclogite. Titanite rims around rutile can occasionally be seen in eclogite. Contents of Ti and HFSE exhibit a well-coupled relation among marble and eclogite, indicating that substantial Ti and HFSEs were migrated from eclogite to marble, in accord with the capacity of a melt medium. Rutiles and titanites in marble exhibit a relatively limited variation in Nb/Ta ratios (12.9–16.2), similar to those of titanites in eclogite (14.2–16.7), which demonstrates that rutiles and titanites in marble were sourced from eclogite because of short-distance migrations of Ti and HFSEs. According to the P-T path and the temperature and pressure conditions of the peak metamorphism reported by previous studies, the eclogite associated with marble may not form supercritical fluids in the subduction zone because of the addition of carbonate minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential contamination of shale gas wastewater generated from hydraulic fracturing to water resources is of growing concern, yet minimum attention has been paid to the impact of shale gas wastewater on the trace elements of the receiving waters. In this study, we analyzed the levels of 50 trace elements of a river that receives effluent from a shale gas wastewater treatment facility in the Sichuan Basin, China. Sixteen trace elements were detected in the surface water sample from the effluent discharge site, all of which were of higher concentrations than the upstream background level. Among the 16 shale gas wastewater-related elements, Sr, Ba, and Li were of elevated levels in the downstream water samples (24.9–44.2%, 5.0–8.0 times, and 17.8–22.8 times higher than the upstream background level, respectively). Shale gas wastewater effluent may be related to the accumulation of Sr, Ba, Li, and Cs in riverbed sediments near and/or downstream of the effluent discharge site and may lead to elevated pollution level of Sr and Li in downstream sediments. The ecological risk of the riverbed sediments was of medium to high level, with Cd contributing to the most risk, while shale gas wastewater-related elements are of low potential risk throughout the river. Our results suggested that shale gas wastewater effluent discharge had limited impacts on the trace elements of the receiving river within two years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), a group of mixtures with different carbon chain lengths and chlorine contents, are widely used as plasticizers and flame retardants in various indoor materials. CPs could be released from CP-containing materials into the ambient environment and then enter the human body via inhalation, dust ingestion and dermal absorption, resulting in potential effects on human health. In this study, we collected residential indoor dust in Wuhan, the largest city in central China, and focused on the co-occurrence and composition profiles of CPs as well as the resultant human risk via dust ingestion and dermal absorption. The results indicated that CPs with C9–40 were ubiquity in indoor dust with medium-chain CPs (MCCPs, C14–17) as the main components (6.70–495 μg g–1), followed by short-chain CPs (SCCPs, C10–13) (4.23–304 μg g–1) and long-chain (LCCPs, C≥18) CPs (3.68–331 μg g–1). Low levels (not detected–0.469 μg g–1) of very short-chain CPs (vSCCPs, C9) were also found in partial indoor dust. The dominant homolog groups were C9 and Cl6–7 groups for vSCCPs, C13 and Cl6–8 groups for SCCPs, C14 and Cl6-8 groups for MCCPs, and C18 and Cl8–9 groups for LCCPs. Based on the measured concentrations, vSCCPs, SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs posed limited human health risks to local residents via dust ingestion and dermal absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neoproterozoic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen is important for understanding the tectonic history of South China. As a volcanic‐sedimentary sequence developed in the Nanhua rift, the Banxi Group preserves the records of important magmatic and tectonic events linked to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. In this study, we report the results from whole‐rock major‐ and trace‐element concentrations, with zircon LA‐(MC)‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb ages, trace elements and Lu‐Hf isotopic compositions of sandstones from the Banxi Group. The rocks are characterized by high SiO2 (65.88%–82.76%, with an average of 75.50%) contents, moderate (Fe2O3T + MgO) (1.81%–7.78%, mean: 3.79%) and TiO2 (0.39%–0.54%, mean: 0.48%), low K2O/Na2O (0.03–0.40, mean: 0.10) ratios and low Al2O3/SiO2 (0.11–0.24, mean: 0.15) ratios. The sandstones have high ΣREE contents (mean: 179.1 ppm), with chondrite‐normalized REE patterns similar to the upper crust and PAAS, showing enriched LREE ((La/Yb)N mean: 14.85), sub‐horizontal HREE curves and mild Eu (Eu/Eu*: 0.75–0.89, mean: 0.81) negative anomalies. Their geochemical characteristics resemble those of passive continental margin sandstones. Most of the zircons are magmatic in origin and yield a U‐Pb age distribution with three peaks: a major age peak at 805 Ma and two subordinate age peaks at 1990 Ma and 2470 Ma, implying three major magmatic sources. The Neoproterozoic zircons have ɛHf(t) values ranging from –47.4 to 12.4 (mostly –20 to 0), suggesting a mixture of some juvenile arc‐derived material and middle Paleoproterozoic heterogeneous crustal sources. The Hf model ages of middle Paleoproterozoic zircons (∼1990 Ma) with negative ɛHf(t) values (–12.65 to –6.21, Ave. = –9.8) concentrated around the Meso‐Paleoarchean (mean TDMC = 3.3–3.1 Ga). For late Neoarchean detrital zircons (∼2470 Ma), ɛHf(t) values are divided into two groups, one with negative values (–9.16 to –0.6) with model ages of 3.5–2.9 Ga, the other featuring positive values (1.0 to 3.9) with model ages of 2.9–2.7 Ga, recording a crustal growth event at ∼2.5 Ga. Neoproterozoic zircons show volcanic arc affinities with partly intraplate magmatic features. We propose that the Banxi Group formed in a rift basin within a passive continental margin setting, which derived detritus from felsic to intermediate rocks from the Yangtze Block and a small amount of arc volcanic rocks. The middle Paleoproterozoic detrital zircon data suggest Columbia‐aged basement lies beneath the western Jiangnan orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoproterozoic mafic magmatic rocks are widely distributed in the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt. Understanding the petrogenesis and tectonic settings of these mafic rocks has significant implications for the regional tectonic evolution and the assembly and breakup of supercontinent Rodinia. In this research, two Neoproterozoic diabase samples (Baotan and Huaihua) were investigated by zircon and baddeleyite U–Pb dating with the ages of 805 Ma and 788 Ma, respectively. The Baotan samples are depleted in HFSE, enriched in LILE and have enriched Sr–Nd isotope compositions (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.731620 to 0.745440, εNd(t) = – 3.7 to – 7.6). We suggest that they were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle in a convergent tectonic setting, which was metasomatized by contemporaneous slab–derived hydrous fluids. On the contrary, the Huaihua diabase samples have trace element patterns similar to oceanic island basalts but little HFSE depletion and slightly enriched Sr–Nd isotopes (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.703101 to 0.705006, εNd(t) = – 0.1 to – 1.6). We infer that they originated from partial melting of a convective asthenospheric mantle under an extensional environment, which was previously metasomatized by slab–derived melts. In combination with other geological observations, we proposed a geodynamic evolution model for the South China Block from the mid–Neoproterozoic orogenesis to the late Neoproterozoic intracontinental rifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation products of triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) may be more persistent and toxic than their parent compound, yet their occurrence in aquatic environments is poorly understood. In this study, we identified three transformation products in sediment samples from Taihu Lake and compared their concentrations with the parent compound triclosan. Triclosan in Taihu Lake was at low level, ranging from 0.086 to 1.1 ng/L in surface water and 0.0058–8.3 ng/g in sediments. The three detected transformation products included methyl triclosan, chlorinated triclosan derivatives, and methyl chlorinated triclosan derivatives. Those transformation products constituted 0.73–87.5% of the total triclosan (total triclosan is the sum of triclosan, methyl triclosan, chlorinated triclosan derivatives, and methyl chlorinated triclosan derivatives on a molar basis), indicating that the ecological risk of transformation products should be considered in addition to the parent compound. Different transformation products had distinct spatial distributions. Chlorinated triclosan derivatives had the highest concentration in samples from the northwest region (0.016–0.21 ng/g) of the lake and were positively correlated with triclosan, which may indicate the possible transformation from triclosan to chlorinated triclosan derivatives. Methyl triclosan and methyl chlorinated triclosan derivatives were generally higher in samples from the center of the lake (0.22–0.28 ng/g for methyl triclosan and 0.017–0.021 ng/g for methyl chlorinated triclosan derivatives, respectively), indicating the possible occurrence of in situ microbial methylation of triclosan and chlorinated triclosan derivatives and the accumulation of those methylated analogues in Taihu Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-nine surface sediments from Chaohu Lake in China and from its six main tributaries were sampled to investigate the concentrations of two important polycyclic musks (PCMs), 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta(g)-2-benzopyran (galaxolide, HHCB) and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (tonalide, AHTN), as well as the concentration of 4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta(g)-2-benzopyran-1-one (galaxolidon, HHCB-lactone), which is the main degradation product of HHCB. Except for the high concentrations of AHTN and HHCB measured in the Nanfei River (879 ng/g dw and 5,513 ng/g dw, respectively), the levels of AHTN and HHCB in the river sediments were 7.08–44.9 ng/g dw and 20.6–268 ng/g dw, respectively, which are slightly lower than those documented in various areas worldwide. The concentrations of AHTN and HHCB in the sediments of Chaohu Lake were one or two orders of magnitude lower than those in the tributary rivers and showed a clear regional distribution. The concentrations of HHCB-lactone were comparable to those of HHCB and presented a significant positive correlation with the concentrations of HHCB, suggesting that the HHCB-lactone originated directly from the degradation of HHCB in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or in the natural environment. The diagnostic ratios of HHCB/AHTN and HHCB-lactone/HHCB and the enantiomeric fractions (EFs) of these PCMs showed that the direct origins of the target PCMs in the study area were municipal and industrial wastewaters discharged from adjacent cities or point sources and that the HHCB-lactone in sediment originated from the natural degradation of HHCB in the rivers and the lake. The results of the risk assessment showed that the PCMs in the watershed sediments were unlikely to pose a threat to aquatic species. However, the effluents of industrial and municipal wastewaters that are discharged into the Nanfei River should be investigated in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are a group of emerging organic pollutants attracting increasing concern. In this study, 32 sediment samples were collected from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and adjacent Daya Bay (DYB) in China and were investigated for the occurrence and distribution of PHCZs. Total concentration of sedimentary PHCZs (∑PHCZs) ranged from 0.79 to 3.08 ng/g in PRE and 0.89 to 1.95 ng/g in DYB, both containing 3,6-dichlorocarbazole as the main component. Higher concentrations of ∑PHCZs were found in the rivers-mouth and inner part of the PRE indicating their main origins from anthropogenic activities. Notably, concentrations of brominated carbazoles (BCZs) gradually increased offshore, which suggests the potential bio-transformation of BCZs under a saline environment. The toxic equivalent of PHCZs was estimated at 0.13–0.34 pg TEQ/g suggesting limited dioxin-like effects on local organisms. [Display omitted] • Polyhalogenated carbazoles are ubiquity in the Pearl River Estuary and Daya Bay. • The 3,6-dichlorocarbazole was predominant component in sediment. • Polyhalogenated carbazoles originated mainly from terrigenous sources. • The results suggest potential biotransformation of low-halogenated carbazoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the occurrence and distribution of 18 antibiotics in surface water from Dongting Lake, as well as in influents and effluents from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and a swine farm. The total concentrations of target antibiotics in surface water ranged from limit of quantification to 3107 and 5.32–107 ng L−1 in the dry season and wet season, respectively. Among these studied antibiotics, ciprofloxacin (CIP) and lomefloxacin were as the main components in the dry season, while CIP, oxytetracycline, and chlortetracycline were the main components in the wet season. The concentrations of target compounds exhibited obvious temporal-spatial variation characteristic in the studied region, suggesting their different emission sources related to pig breeding, aquaculture, and human activities, as well as possible degradation in the aquatic system. We estimated that the daily total input and output masses of antibiotics in the influent and effluent from the swine farm were 12.1 mg d−1 pig−1 and 7.49 μg d−1 pig−1, while they were 103 μg d−1 inhabitant−1 and 22.9 μg d−1 inhabitant−1 in the WWTP. The risk assessment results indicated that CIP posed a moderate or high risk to algae in most locations in Dongting Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influent, effluent and sludge samples were collected from eight industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Pearl River Delta, China. Samples were investigated for the occurrence of 10 organophosphate esters (OPEs) and 7 organophosphate diesters (Di-OPs). Most of the 10 OPEs were detected at total concentrations of OPEs (∑OPEs) ranging from 65.8 to 2842 ng L−1 in influent samples and exhibited different composition profiles. The results indicated that OPEs were widely used with different proportions in versatile OPE-containing products. Meanwhile, ∑OPEs in effluent were found in the range of 6.37–2710 ng L−1; these residuals were subsequently transported to municipal WWTPs for further treatment and posed extra pressure on the plants. Seven Di-OPs, possible degradation products of the OPEs, were also detected in influent, effluent and sludge. The results suggested that OPEs underwent degradation during rigorous industrial manufacturing procedures, such as thermal processes, highly alkaline pH, or processes that involved metal/metal oxide. In addition, high levels of dibutyl phosphate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate and diphenyl phosphate were found in influent suggesting their possible industrial application. Image 1 • Industrial wastewater related to OPE-products were analyzed. • OPEs and Di-OPs in wastewater suggest their industrial usage and degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weighted mean age of ca. 114 Ma for the sample provides the best estimate of the depositional age of the upper part of the Shahezi Formation in the CCSD-SK-IIe borehole. Previous age estimates for the Shahezi Formation were indirectly constrained by the geochronological studies of volcanic rocks in the overlying Yingcheng Formation and the underlying Huoshiling Formation, which indicate that the Shahezi Formation was formed between the late Berriasian Age and the middle Aptian Age. 1 (Color online) Lower Cretaceous Shahezi Formation and age data of the Songliao Basin revealed by the CCSD-SK-IIe borehole. [Extracted from the article]

The largest lake transgression event (LTE) associated with lake anoxic events (LAE) and periodic seawater incursion events (SWIE) in the Songliao Basin, northeastern China, occurred during deposition of the Cretaceous Nenjiang Formation. The Yaojia-Nenjiang Formation boundary (YNB) marks the beginning of the LTE, as well as LAE and SWIE. However, there is an absence of direct radioisotopic dating, and therefore the age of the YNB, as well as the beginning of LTE, together with their relationship with other geological events, is strongly debated. Here we present a new SIMS U-Pb zircon age from the lowermost Nenjiang Formation. The bentonite bed located 9.88 m above the YNB of the X1-4 borehole was analyzed. Twenty-five analyses of 25 zircons were conducted, which produced a weighted mean age of 85.5±0.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.87). Based on the average sediment accumulation rate, the age of the YNB is suggested to be 85.7 Ma, indicating that the LTE began in the Early Santonian. The new ages provide a precise chronostratigraphic framework for climatic and geological events. Our new results imply that the beginning of the LTE, LAE and SWIE occurred almost simultaneously with short-term sea level rise, and probably had a close relationship with OAE3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to metal(loid)s can lead to adverse effects on nervous system in children. However, little is known about the possible interaction effects of simultaneous exposure to multiple metal(loid)s on children's intelligence. In addition, relationship between blood lead concentrations (<100 μg/L) and the intelligence of children over 5 years needs further epidemiological evidence. We recruited 530 children aged 9–11 years, including 266 living in a town near an industrialized area and 264 from another town in the same city in South China as a reference. The levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in blood (BPb, BCd, BAs, BHg) and urine (UPb, UCd, UAs, UHg) were assessed, as well as children's intelligence quotient (IQ). A significant decrease in IQ scores was identified in children from the industrialized town ( p  < .05), who had statistically higher geometric mean concentrations of BPb, BCd, UPb, UCd and UHg (65.89, 1.93, 4.04, 1.43 and 0.37 μg/L, respectively) compared with children from the reference town (37.21, 1.07, 2.14, 1.02 and 0.30 μg/L, respectively, p  < .05). After adjusting confounders, only BPb had a significant negative association with IQ (B = −0.10, 95% confidence interval: −0.15 to −0.05, p  < .001), which indicated that IQ decreased 0.10 points when BPb increased 1 μg/L. Significant negative interactions between BAs and BHg, positive interaction between UPb and UCd on IQ were observed ( p  < .10), and BPb <100 μg/L still negatively affected IQ ( p  < .05). Our findings suggest that although only BPb causes a decline in children's IQ when simultaneously exposed to these four metal(loid)s at relatively low levels, interactions between metal(loid)s on children's IQ should be paid special attention, and the reference standard in China of 100 μg/L BPb for children above 5 years old should be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the pollutant status and the retention mechanism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils and sediment from bank–water-level-fluctuating zone (WLFZ)–water systems in Hanfeng Lake, Three Gorges, China. The concentrations of the 16 PAHs ranged from 21.8 to 1324 ng g−1dry wt for all 20 soil and sediment samples. These concentration levels were remarkably lower than those in soils and sediment collected domestically and worldwide. PAHs with two and three rings were found to be dominant in all the samples, with phenanthrene being most abundant. The spatial distribution of PAHs in bank soil, WLFZ soil, and sediment implied that the transfer and fate of PAHs in the bank soil–WLFZ soil–sediment systems were influenced by both water dynamic factors and physicochemical properties of PAHs. Diagnostic ratio analysis and principal component analysis suggested that the PAHs in the areas of Hanfeng Lake were primarily (>75%) derived from coal combustion and vehicle emissions . Use of natural gas, improving gasoline/diesel quality and phasing out old and nonstandard vehicles and ships are proposed to control PAH contamination and protect drinking water safety in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

[Display omitted] • Two fluids were involved in the U mineralization process in the Shazhou U deposit. • These two fluids show distinct U content and Br/Cl, Rb/Na, K/Na, and Rb/Cs ratios. • The U-poor fluid was derived from mafic magma that formed mafic dikes in wall rocks. • The U-rich fluid was from basinal brines sourced from meteoric water. The volcanic-related type U mineralization in South China has been associated with the crustal extension occurred since the late Cretaceous. Uranium deposits of this type are spatially related to the Cretaceous red-bed basins and synchronous mafic magmatism. However, the contribution of basinal brines or mantle-derived fluids to the U mineralization is not well understood. This study examines the role of different hydrothermal fluids involved in the U mineralization process and traces their sources by using LA-ICP-MS analysis of fluid inclusions from the Shazhou deposit in the Xiangshan district, which is one of the largest volcanic-related type U ore-fields in the world. Two types of fluids were involved in the U mineralization process. One fluid was of higher salinity, enriched in U, Mo, and Cl, such that having low Br/Cl (0.3–1.0 × 10-3) similar to the basinal brines sourced from meteoric water. The other fluid was of lower salinity, enriched in Th and Sr, yet depleted in U and Mo, with Br/Cl ratios of 1.5–2.5 × 10-3, overlapping the range of mantle-derived fluids associated with the mafic dikes intruded into the felsic wall rocks at the U mineralization age. The high-U fluid and the low-U fluid also show distinct Rb/Na, K/Na, and Rb/Cs, indicating their respective origins of basinal brines and mantle-related fluids. The chemical variation of ore-forming fluids at the Shazhou deposit was comparable to the scenario at the Zoujiashan deposit, as reported in previous studies, suggesting similar fluid evolution history related to U mineralization in the west and the north of the Xiangshan U orefield. Our study suggests in situ analysis of Br/Cl of fluid inclusions can be a useful proxy to discriminate multiple hydrothermal fluids associated with volcanic-related type U mineralization in South China and to individually trace their origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A life cycle assessment (LCA) has been performed for the grid-connected electricity generation from a metallurgical route multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) photovoltaic (PV) system in China. The energy payback time (EPBT), environmental impacts and total environmental impact indexes were calculated. Based on the contribution analysis, it can find out the most critical stage (or process) and the greatest environmental impact. Meanwhile, the main cause of them were traced respectively. The sensitivity analysis reveals that aluminum consumption makes the most obvious influence. However, PV station retirement affects the result significantly by recycling the important materials. The total environmental impact indexes of solar grade silicon (SoG-Si) production via metallurgical route were compared with purification via modified Siemens process. Results show that the metallurgical route is with obvious advantage. Among the renewable energy, photovoltaics with the minimal environmental impact is only 3.33% of coal-fired power generation. The environmental impact of current work is about 56–66% of other nations’ PV results. In order to promote the green and sustainable development of the Chinese PV industry, there is usually a brief comment or relevant suggestion for improvement after each analysis and comparison in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, resource and environmental issues are more prominent than ever before, and we human beings face many challenges in this regard. Organosilicon is an indispensable new material in science and technology, national defense, and other fields. However, the current research on the life cycle assessment of organosilicon is still blank. Therefore, the life cycle assessment method was used to evaluate the environmental impact of direct synthesis of organosilicon monomer. At the same time, the methods of improving the production process of silicone monomer were studied and the carbon flow diagram of the synthesis process of silicone monomer was drawn. In the ECER-135 (Chinese Thirteenth Five-year Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Overall Index) results, SO 2 (Sulfur Dioxide) contributed the most (51.69%). As for the overall index, the MS-SP (Metallurgical Silicon Smelting and Silicon Powder Processing Stage) process contributes the most (69.56%), and SM-MD (Synthesis of Organosilicon Monomer and Crude Monomer Distillation Stage) contributes mainly in SO 2 , GWP (Global Warming Potential), RI (Respiratory Inorganics), and other aspects. The pollution to the environment in the production process of organosilicon monomer can be reduced by steam improvement and control of petroleum coke sulfur content. Contribution of each unit stage to the environmental impacts. [Display omitted] • Conducting a life cycle assessment of direct synthesis of organosilicon monomer. • Serving as to put forward corresponding improvement measures. • The carbon flow diagram of silicone monomer synthesis process is drawn. • Fills a gap in the environmental impact of organosilicon monomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations and distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) were investigated in 28 sediment samples collected from Taihu Lake, Eastern China. The results showed that all three classes of compounds were detected in 28 sediment samples but that PBDEs were the main contaminants in the study area. The total PBDE concentrations ranged from 3.77 to 347 ng/g dry weight (dw) with a mean value of 72.8 ng/g dw, whereas the concentrations ranged from 0.168 to 2.66 and from 0.012 to 1.30 ng/g dw for HBCD and TBBPA, respectively. In all of the sediment samples, BDE-209 was the predominant congener, accounting for 95.9 to 98.6 % of the total PBDEs, which indicated that commercial mixtures of deca-BDEs were the main sources of PBDE contamination. Higher concentrations of PBDEs were found in samples collected from Meiliang Bay and Gonghu Bay near the inflow river, which suggested that inflow runoff might play an important role in the PBDE levels in Taihu Lake sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor and outdoor air samples were collected from two industrialized cities (Guangzhou and Foshan) in Southern China to determine the concentrations and diastereoisomer profiles of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in built environments. The mean concentrations of total HBCDs in air were 5.43 pg m−3 in homes, 8.21 pg m−3 in offices, 48.2 pg m−3 in other workplaces and 33.3 pg m−3 in the air outdoors. These HBCD levels are slightly higher than or comparable with those at the remote or urban sites in the United States, but are significantly lower than those in the European atmosphere. Diastereoisomer profiles of the samples indicated that α-HBCD was the dominant isomer, with a relative abundance ranging from 53.2% to 83.0%, which is notably different from its fractions in the air samples from the UK and the domestic technical-grade mixtures. Analysis of the gas-particle distribution showed that HBCDs were present predominantly (87.6–99.9%) in the particle phase. The estimated average daily human exposure to HBCDs via inhalation was 0.39 ng day−1 for adults, which is one order of magnitude lower than the values (5.0 and 5.47 ng day−1) for the UK adults reported in two other studies. Further air and dust sampling and continued monitoring are needed to improve our understanding of human exposure to HBCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • In situ Sr-Nd isotopes of apatite are effective in tracing origins of ore forming fluids in the Shazhou U deposit. • The reducing U-poor fluid was derived from mantle-derived magma which formed the mafic dikes in wall rocks. • The oxidizing U-rich fluid originated from percolation of meteoric water in the adjacent red-bed basins. • The Late Cretaceous mafic magmatism and red-bed basins are two key factors controlling U mineralization in South China. The origin of ore-forming fluids of volcanic related U deposits remains controversial. This study reports in situ elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of apatite associated with U mineralization from the Shazhou volcanic related U deposit in South China, which provides a new perspective to constrain the origin and evolution of its ore-forming fluids. Hydrothermal apatites from the hematized rocks and U-mineralized rocks show distinct textures and chemical features, indicating two types of fluids involved in the U mineralization process. The hematitization fluid was oxidizing and enriched in U and Cl. A reducing fluid with lower Cl/F and U was introduced and mixed with the oxidizing hematitization fluid to cause U precipitation. Apatite from the hematized rocks has a lower 87Sr/86Sr (0.709246–0.714383) than that of apatite in U ore veins (0.710383–0.719318). The εNd(t) of apatite in the hematized rocks is from −7.6 to −9.4, whereas apatite in U ore veins has higher εNd(t) ranging from −1.2 to −8.4, close to that of mafic dikes intruded into the volcanic rocks. In situ Sr-Nd isotopes of apatite indicate the oxidizing fluid originated from the red-bed basins, whilst the origin of the reducing fluid was related to the mantle-derived mafic dikes. The reducing fluid has experienced assimilation by the metamorphic basement rocks to gain higher radiogenic strontium. This study demonstrates that in situ elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of apatite are effective in identifying different ore-forming hydrothermal fluids and constraining their origins and chemical evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro bioassays are useful techniques for the determination of biological effects in sediment samples containing complex mixtures of contaminants. In this study, 28 surface sediment samples from Taihu Lake, East China, were collected for toxicity assessment using a battery of in vitro bioassays. The battery included a two-hybrid yeast bioassay for estrogenic and thyroidal effects, the H4IIE rat hepatoma cell bioassay for aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor (Ah-agonists)-mediated effects as measured by ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, and the SOS/umu bioassay for genotoxic effects. Toxicities were expressed as 17β-estradiol equivalents (EEQs), T (3,5,3′-triiodothyronine) equivalents (T-EQs), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin equivalents (TEQs), and induction ratios (IRs) of β-galactosidase activity. The results showed that total estrogenic effects in sediment samples ranged from 0.0011 to 12.4 pg EEQ/g sediment [dry weight (d.w.)], the thyroidal effects ranged from 0.35 to 24.8 pg T-EQ/g sediment (d.w.), the Ah-agonist effects varied from 2.70 to 37.8 pg TEQ/g sediment (d.w.), and the weight of soil required for the extracts to lead to a positive result (IR 2.0) in the SOS/umu bioassay was between 1.98 and 15.3 mg (d.w.) per well. Significantly positive correlations were only found between lgT-EQs and lgEEQs, which indicated similar spatial distributions of estrogenic and thyroidal effects in Taihu Lake. These results suggested that the applied battery of in vitro bioassays represented an efficient (fast and cost-effective) screening system for the identification of emerging contaminants in Taihu Lake and provided meaningful information for further analysis and risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-nine sediment samples were collected from Lake Chaohu, a shallow eutrophic lake in Eastern China, and were analyzed for 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to determine the spatial distribution and exposure risks of PAHs. Three receptor models, the principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) model, the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, and the Unmix model, were used in combination with the PAHs diagnostic ratios to investigate the potential source apportionment of PAHs. A clear gradient in the spatial distribution and the potential toxicity of PAHs was observed from west to east in the sediments of Lake Chaohu. ∑PAH concentrations and the TEQ were in the range of 80.82-30 365.01 ng g d.w. and 40.77-614.03, respectively. The highest values of the aforementioned variables were attributed to urban-industrial pollution sources in the west lake region, and the levels decreased away from the river inlets. The three different models yielded excellent correlation coefficients between the predicted and measured levels of the 15 PAH compounds. Similarly, source apportionment results were derived from the three receptor models and the PAH diagnostic ratios, suggesting that the highest contribution to the PAHs was from coal combustion and wood combustion, followed by vehicular emissions. The PMF model yielded the following contributions to the PAHs from gasoline combustion, diesel combustion, unburned petroleum emissions, and wood combustion: 34.49, 24.61, 16.11, 13.01, and 11.78 %, respectively. The PMF model produced more detailed source apportionment results for the PAHs than the PCA-MLR and Unmix models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New fossil-bearing horizons at the Gezidong and Jiaxikou localities, eastern Inner Mongolia, referred to as the Moqi fossil bed, yield a diverse fossil assemblage coined herein as "Moqi Fauna". The Moqi Fauna provides important insights into the evolution of some vertebrate clades, such as frogs and salamanders, and their Early Cretaceous diversification. In this paper, we report an improved chronology of the Moqi fossil bed based on SIMS and high-precision CA-ID-IRMS U-Pb zircon analyses of three tuff samples from horizons that are interstratified with the fossil-bearing layer at two localities. The SIMS U-Pb dating method applied on zircons from three samples gave dates of 117.8 ± 0.9/1.5 Ma, 117.7 ± 1.0/1.5 Ma, and 118.3 ± 1.2/1.7 Ma, respectively. Two high-precision CA-ID-IRMS U-Pb weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of, 119.20 ± 0.38/0.38/0.72 Ma and 118.67 ± 0.13/0.14/0.28 Ma were also obtained. These findings indicate the age of the Moqi Fauna is ca. 119.20 Ma to 118.67 Ma. Comparison of the Moqi Fauna with the well-known Jehol Biota, as well as the Fuxin Biota of a slightly younger age, suggests that the Moqi Fauna was a distinct fauna which shows a potential link with the Jehol Biota. • We report the exceptional "Moqi Fauna" in eastern Inner Mongolia, China. • The "Moqi Fauna" is characterized by new and diverse fossil assemblages. • Mesozoic frog and salamander preserved together. • The Moqi fossil-bearing bed is precisely dated to 119.20–118.67 Ma. • Our study allows to better understand the vertebrate evolution and Early Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legacy halogenated compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and emerging organo-halogen pollutants such as Dechlorane Plus (DP), were detected in fish from an old industrial region in Northeast China. PCBs and PBDEs were detected in all of the samples, with concentrations ranging from 38.15 to 170.51 ng/g lipid weight, and 9.40–39.69 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. DP was detected in more than 90% of the samples with concentrations ranging from not detected (ND) to 470 pg g/g lipid weight. Compared with similar data in other areas of the world, PCBs, PBDEs and DP in fish from Liaohe River were at medium or low level. An unusually high percentage of PCB-209 was first reported in the fish samples collected from China. Other halogenated pollutions, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, octachlorostyrene, chlorinated anisole, chlorinated thioanisole, triclosan-methyl, and other pesticides, have also been identified in the fish samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Breast milk has been widely used as a bioindicator to assess the extent of human exposure to PBDEs via various exposure routes. In this study, 48 breast milk samples were collected from primiparous women in Shanghai city, and 14 PBDEs congeners (BDE-28, −47, −99, −100, −153, −154, −183, −196, −197, −203, −206, −207, −208, and −209) were quantified using gas chromatography-electron capture negative ionization-mass spectrometry. The mean concentration of total PBDEs was 8.6ng/g lipid weight, and ranged from 1.8 to 26.7ng/g lipid weight. These concentration levels were similar to those reported in Europe and Asia, but one order of magnitude lower than those in North America. The congener profiles in this study exhibited a specific pattern in human milk found worldwide, BDE-153 and BDE-28 accounted for a relatively higher proportion of lower brominated BDEs (from tri- to hepta-BDEs), whereas higher brominated BDEs (from octa- to deca-BDEs) contributed more than 70% of the total PBDEs. The Spearman''s correlation coefficient among higher brominated BDEs showed a positive relationship, and concentration levels of higher brominated BDEs were statistically different between office workers and housewives. Due to relatively higher proportion of PBDEs from octa- to deca-BDEs were detected, air inhalation and dust ingestion might be the major exposure routes of higher brominated BDEs. Further research is needed to clarify the major exposure route of higher brominated BDEs to humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The concentrations and distribution of seven organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers (OPs) were investigated in 28 sediment samples collected from Taihu Lake. The analytes were ultrasonically extracted, enriched using solid-phase extraction, and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicated that the analytes were all detected in the sediments. The total concentrations of seven OPs ranged from 3.38 to 14.25 µg/kg, and tris (2-chloroiso-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) were the dominant compounds, with concentrations ranging from < limit of quantification to 2.27 µg/kg, 0.62 to 3.17 µg/kg, and 1.03 to 5.00 µg/kg, respectively. The highest concentration of total assessed OPs (14.25 µg/kg) was found at GH-5, with tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) as the main component at the sampling site. This result implied that there is an obvious emission source nearby at Suzhou City; in addition, human activities also play an important role in the concentration of OPs in the sediment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1478-1484. © 2012 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) have been considered candidate persistent organic pollutants, however, environmental data on their presence in China, a major world market, are limited. In this study, airborne particle-bound HBCDs in Shanghai, China were quantified with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and their total concentrations varied from 3.21 to 123 pg/m3. The industrial area showed about three times higher HBCD levels than the urban areas. Gamma-HBCD dominated in particle-associated HBCDs in the industrial area, while α-HBCD was the major diastereomer of the urban areas, which is quite different from the pattern of technical products. Besides α-, β- and γ-HBCDs, δ-HBCD was also detected in all samples (0.09–6.31 pg/m3), while no ɛ-HBCD was found. Airborne β- and γ-HBCDs were racemic in most studied areas due to their chiral signatures showing no significant difference from commercial mixture. Fractions of (+)-α-HBCD (0.417–0.467), however, suggested the enrichment of (−)-α-HBCD and the involvement of enantioselective bioprocesses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in 60 surface soils from two e-waste recycling sites (Qingyuan and Guiyu, China) and their surrounding areas to assess the extent and influence of PBDEs from e-waste recycling sites on the surrounding areas. A total of 32 surface soils from industrial areas in South China were also investigated for comparison. The mean concentrations of total PBDEs in the e-waste recycling sites of Guiyu and Qingyuan were 2,909 and 3,230 ng/g dry weight, respectively, whereas the PBDE concentrations decreased dramatically (1-2 orders of magnitude) with increasing distance from the recycling site, suggesting that the e-waste recycling activities were the major source of PBDEs in the surrounding areas. Decabromodiphenyl ethers accounted for 77.0 to 85.8% of total PBDEs in e-waste recycling areas, whereas it accounted for 90.2% in industrial areas. Principal component analysis showed that the major source of PBDEs in e-waste recycling areas were a combination of penta-, octa-, and deca-BDE commercial formulations, whereas deca-BDE commercial formulations were the major source of PBDE congeners in industrial areas. The inventories of PBDEs gave preliminary estimates of 6.22 tons and 13.4 tons for the e-waste recycling areas and industrial areas. The results suggested that significantly higher PBDEs in the e-waste recycling sites have already affected surrounding areas negatively within a relatively large distance. Because of the environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of PBDEs, improving the recycling techniques employed at such facilities and developing e-waste management policies are necessary. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2688-2696. © 2011 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, atmospheric particles from Shanghai, the biggest city and the most important industrial base in China, were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP). Concentrations of ∑20PBDEs and DP both exhibited the changing trend of industrial area > urban areas. Jiading District had the highest levels of particulate PBDEs and DP with values of 744 ± 152 pg/m3 and 5.48 ± 1.28 pg/m3, respectively. Compared with similar data in other areas of the world, PBDEs in Shanghai were at medium pollution level, while DP was at lower level, which reflected their different production and use in Shanghai. The results from multiple linear regression analysis suggested that deca-BDE mixture was the most important contributor of particulate PBDEs in Shanghai. The fractions of anti-DP showed no significant differences to those of the technical mixtures (p > 0.05), which suggested that no obviously stereoselective process occurred in ambient air around Shanghai. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mean particulate polybrominated dibenzo- p-dioxins/furans (PBDD/Fs) levels for Guangzhou were in the range of 225-2244 fg/m and showed the spatial trend of background < suburb areas < urban area < industrial area, suggesting the industrial and urban sources of PBDD/Fs. The most abundant congeners were 2,3,7,8-TBDF, 1,2,3,7,8-PeBDF and 2,3,4,7,8-PeBDF. The mean toxicity equivalency quantities (TEQs) of PBDD/Fs were in the range of 89.3-456 fg I-TEQ/m for Guangzhou, which were several times higher than that of the background area (49.1 fg I-TEQ/m). The rough inhalation risk evaluation showed that the residents in Guangzhou were in relatively higher exposure levels of PBDD/Fs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dechlorane Plus (DP) is a highly chlorinated flame retardant. Levels of DP were measured in surface soils from e-waste recycling areas and industrial areas in South China. Higher DP levels were found in e-waste recycling areas (undetectable–47.4 ng/g) than those in industrial areas (0.0336–4.65 ng/g) in South China. The highest DP concentration (3327 ng/g) was found at the e-waste recycling site in Qingyuan, while DP levels fell dramatically with increasing distance away from the recycling site, suggesting that the e-waste recycling activities are an important source of DP emissions. The mean ratios of anti-DP to total DP (fanti ) for different sampling areas ranged from 0.58 to 0.76 and showed no significant difference from the ratio for the technical DP products (t-test, p > 0.05). Further intensive studies are needed to investigate the process of DP degradation and its degradation products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Valanginian and Hauterivian stages of the Early Cretaceous are an important time interval for the co-evolution of key vertebrate taxa and flowering angiosperm, as well as for the diversification of dinosaurs and early birds on continents. Among these, the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota in northern China provides the most valuable fossil evidence. Lower Cretaceous terrestrial strata in the Luanping Basin, northern China, is notable for its continuous sedimentary sequence and preservation of the early Jehol Biota, thus providing crucial evidence for probing into terrestrial ecosystem and paleoclimatic change. In this study, we present a chronology for the Lower Cretaceous Dabeigou and Dadianzi formations based on SIMS U–Pb zircon analyses and previous biostratigraphy and lithostratigraphy from the Zhangjiagou section in the Luanping Basin, northern China. The lowest Dabeigou Formation yields age of 134.1 ± 1.0 Ma, and the upper Dadianzi Formation is constrained to 127.8 Ma, respectively. Previous geochronologic, biostratigraphic studies, and our new geochronology show that the Dabeigou and Dadianzi formations in the Luanping Basin are coeval with the Huajiying Formation in the Sichakou basins, representing the early Jehol Biota evolution, and thus are undoubtedly deposited earlier than the Yixian Formation in western Liaoning. Our findings, combining with the fossil evidence and geochemistry data show that the early evolution of the early stage of the Jehol Biota is constrained to ~132 Ma, characterized by a positive carbon isotope excursion (CIE) and increased biodiversity. The cooler temperature than the underlying sediments attribute to the primary productivity and thus helps the Jehol Biota to thrive. • We report a new chronology for the Lower Cretaceous in the Luanping Basin. • It's consistent with the early Jehol Biota preserves in the Senjitu-Sichakou basins. • Our findings show an age gap between the early–middle Jehol Biota. • Our data allow reconstructing chrono-stratigraphic columns around the Jehol area. • Testing the link between paleoclimatic change and the development of the Jehol Biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in western Liaoning Province, northeastern China contains important vertebrate fossils of the late Jehol Biota, e.g., the four-winged non-avian dinosaur Microraptor. This formation documents the late phase of the Jehol Biota, producing the most abundant fossil records of the Mesozoic birds. However, the precise age constraints on the fossiliferous layers of this formation remain scarce and chronological consensus of this formation has not been reached, limiting our understanding of the evolutionary history of the Jehol Biota and its time-spatial distribution. Here we present secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb zircon analysis results of four tuff samples interbedded within the Jehol fossil-bearing layers from the Jiufotang Formation outcrops at the Sanmendian and Xiaotaizi sections in the Jianchang Basin, western Liaoning. Stratigraphic correlation between two outcrop sections is achieved by combining lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, and SIMS U-Pb zircon dating results. One tuff bed SMD17-1 closed to the boundary of the Yixian/Jiufotang formations from the Sanmendian section yielded an age of 122.0 ± 0.9 Ma, and three tuff beds XTZ17-1, XTZ17-2, and XTZ17-3 from the Xiaotaizi section dated to 118.9 ± 0.8 Ma, 118.8 ± 0.6 Ma, and 118.6 ± 1.1 Ma, respectively. These ages suggest that the Jiufotang Formation in Jianchang Basin was deposited at ca. 122.0–118.9 Ma, the latest Barremian–Aptian stage of the Lower Cretaceous and provides stringent constraints on the Mesozoic vertebrates discovered in the Jianchang Basin. Furthermore, the late Jehol Biota documents in the Jiufotang Formation has been placed between ~123 and ~119 Ma based on our new chronology and previous radiometric dates. It is critical to evaluate the evolutionary history of various important Mesozoic taxa discovered from the Jehol Biota and explore the patterns and modes of major vertebrate lineages documented in this interval. • • We report a new chronology from the Jiufotang Formation in Jianchang Basin, NE China. • • The fossiliferous horizons have precisely constrained to 122.0–118.9 Ma. • • Age calibration for the diversification of mammals and birds of late Jehol Biota. • • Updated age of the Jiufortang Formation for Palaeobiology Database (paleodb.org /). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongguashan Cu-Au deposit located in the eastern portion of the Tongling mining district, the Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (LYRB), Eastern China is a typical one associated with the Qingshanjiao quartz monzodiorite, including porphyry, skarn, and stratabound ores. In order to constrain the petrogenesis of the intrusive rocks and associated Cu-Au mineralization, detailed analyses of the zircon geochronology and geochemistry, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes, and zircon Lu-Hf isotopes were performed. Magmatic zircons from quartz monzodiorite yield U-Pb ages of 136–138 Ma, revealing their formation ages of early Cretaceous. Geochemical characteristics of the quartz monzodiorites (SiO 2 = 63.6–66.2 wt%, high Sr, low Y and Yb concentrations) discriminate their adakitic affinity. They are enriched in LILE and LREE, depleted in HFSE and HREE, and has no or slightly negative Eu anomalies. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the monzodiorites may be primarily derived from the magma mixing of mantle- and LCC-derived melts. The relatively low ε Nd (t) values (−11.7 to −10.7) and high (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios (0.7075 to 0.7078) may be plausibly interpreted by contamination of enriched mantle materials and/or continental crust. The high radiogenic Pb isotopes with (206Pb/204Pb) i = 17.98–18.09, (207Pb/204Pb) i = 15.51–15.53, and (208Pb/204Pb) i = 38.18–38.26 plot in the field of MORB, near the intersection of EM-1 and EM-2, and are considerably different from those of the upper and lower continental crust and the Dabie adakites, which exclude major contamination from the continental crust. Ti-in-zircon temperatures and calculated Ce4+/Ce3+ values fall within the field between MH and FMQ. The results indicate that the intrusive rocks and associated large-scale Cu-Au mineralization in the Dongguashan deposit are resulted from the magma mixing of mantle- and LCC-derived melts. in a lower magma temperature, yet higher fO 2 and water content environment. [Display omitted] • Identified the petrogenesis and metallogenic significance of the Dongguashan Cu-Au deposit. • Emphasized magma mixing role in generating intrusive rocks. • Dongguashan adakitic rocks with higher f O 2 benefit to Cu-Au mineralization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 24 surface water samples were collected from Dongting Lake, China, in the wet and dry seasons, then the concentrations, composition profiles and spatio-seasonal variations of nine organophosphate triesters (OPEs) and five organophosphate diesters (Di-OPs) were determined. Significantly higher total OPE concentrations (∑OPEs) were observed in the wet season (49.5–148 ng L−1) than in the dry season (5.00–45.7 ng L−1) suggesting higher input via tributaries discharge as well as wet deposition in the studied region. Whereas lower levels of TnBP and (triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) in wet season reflected their possible degradation under solar irradiation. Comparable levels of total Di-OPs (∑Di-OPs) were found in the wet season (3.41–13.9 ng L−1) and dry season (1.01–12.3 ng L−1). Tri(2-chloroethyl) phosphate and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate were the main OPE components, while diphenyl phosphate, di-n-butyl phosphate and bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate were the main Di-OP components. High levels of OPEs and Di-OPs were found in Datong Lake suggesting possible local emissions potentially related to fishery activity in the land-locked lake. Samples at river mouths to the lake also have higher levels of target OPEs and Di-OPs, the results disclosed obvious discharges from tributaries in Hunan Province. Negligible non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were determined based on the measured concentrations in source waters. A limited ecological risk aquatic organisms in the Dongting Lake was identified, with most risk from TPHP. [Display omitted] • Organophosphate tri-/di esters were ubiquitous in surface water in Dongting Lake. • TPHP and TnBP might be degraded in wet season under solar irradiation. • High level of TPHP in Datong Lake was potentially linked to aquaculture. Organophosphate tri-/di-esters were detected in surface water in Dongting Lake suggesting their versatile emission sources and possible degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Cretaceous Dalazi Formation in the Yanji Basin, eastern Jilin Province is of particular interest because it contains key fresh water fossil taxa, oil and gas resources, a potential terrestrial Albian–Cenomanian boundary, and regional unconformities. However, the lack of a precise chronology for the non-marine strata has precluded a better understanding of the regional stratigraphic correlation and terrestrial processes. Here, we report magnetostratigraphic and U–Pb geochronologic results of a sedimentary sequence from the Xing'antun section in the Yanji Basin. Thirty-two zircons from the tuff sample were analyzed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS); the U–Pb zircon dating method yielded a weighted mean of 206Pb/238U age of 105.7 ± 0.8 Ma (2σ, internal error). Paleomagnetic results show that the Dalazi Formation is of normal polarity, which was correlated to the early chron C34n constrained by the SIMS U–Pb zircon geochronologic data, further demonstrating that the terrestrial sedimentary sequence of the upper Dalazi Formation is of late Albian age. The established geochronologic framework allows the regional correlation of the Dalazi Formation in the Yanji Basin to the strata from other terrestrial sequences in northeastern China. The similar geodynamic and geologic background between the Yanji Basin and other terrestrial rift basins in northeastern China suggests that the unconformity between the Dalazi and Longjing formations may represent syn-rift and post-rift stages in the Yanji Basin, and thus the switch from extension to contraction during the mid-Cretaceous, precisely constrained to ~106–101 Ma based on our new chronology and previously published high-precision U–Pb dating of the lower Longjing Formation. It is most likely attributable to the docking of the west Pacific plate along the East Asian continental margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation (DNAm) plays a significant role in deleterious health effects inflicted by fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) on the human body. Recent studies have reported that DNAm of imprinted control regions (ICRs) in imprinted genes may be a sensitive biomarker of environmental exposure. Less is known about specific biomarkers of imprinted genes after PM 2.5 exposure. The relationship between PM 2.5 and its chemical constituents and DNAm of ICRs in imprinted genes after short-term exposure was investigated to determine specific human biomarkers of its adverse health effects. A panel study was carried out in healthy young people in Guangzhou, China. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the influence of PM 2.5 and its constituent exposure on DNAm while controlling for potential confounders. There was no significant correlation between DNAm and personal PM 2.5 exposure mass. DNAm changes in eight ICRs (L3MBTL1 , NNAT , PEG10 , GNAS Ex1A , MCTS2 , SNURF / SNRPN , IGF2R , and RB1) and a non-imprinted gene (CYP1B1) were significantly associated with PM 2.5 constituents. Compared to non-imprinted genes, imprinted gene methylation was more susceptible to interference with PM 2.5 constituent exposure. Among those genes, L3MBTL1 was the most sensitive to personal PM 2.5 constituent exposure. Moreover, transition metals derived from traffic sources (Cd, Fe, Mn, and Ni) significantly influenced DNAm of the imprinted genes, suggesting the importance of more targeted measures to reduce toxic constituents. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that imprinted genes (RB1) may be correlated with pathways and diseases (non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, and bladder cancer). The present study suggests that screening the imprinted gene for DNAm can be used as a sensitive biomarker of PM 2.5 exposure. The results will provide data for prevention of PM 2.5 exposure and a novel perspective on potential mechanisms on an epigenetic level. Image 1 • Imprinted gene methylation is more susceptible to interference from constituents. • L3MBTL1 is the most sensitive to personal PM 2.5 constituent exposure. • Study findings provide novel data for prevention of PM 2.5 exposure. Screening imprinted gene for DNAm can be used as a sensitive biomarker of PM 2.5 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to phthalates poses potential to damage multiple organs and system in the body. However, limited data are available regarding effects of seasonal exposure levels of phthalates and indicators reflecting inflammatory response. We designed a pilot study with repeated measures. We recruited 106 eligible habitants from Wuhan city, China. They completed questionnaires, physical examinations and provided urine specimens in winter and summer seasons. We found that urinary levels of low-molecular-weight phthalate metabolites were higher in summer than in winter (all P < 0.01). In winter, an interquartile range increase (1.264 μg/L) in 3-day moving average of high-molecular-weight phthalate metabolites corresponded to a 13.634% (95% CI: −22.331, −3.941) decrease in mean platelet volume, 25.879% (95% CI: −37.424, −12.204) for lymphocyte count or 10.862% (95% CI: −18.716, −2.125) for platelet count (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). However, in summer, an interquartile range increase (1.215 μg/L) in urinary levels of high-molecular-weight phthalate metabolites corresponded to an 8.743% (95% CI: 4.217, 13.467) increase in platelet distribution width value or a 4.597% (95% CI: 2.335, 6.780) for mean platelet volume value at 3-day lag (both P < 0.01). In conclusion, phthalate exposure exhibited the potential for the activation of platelet function, particularly in winter. Seasonal variations of phthalate exposure should be considered when assessing health risk. • Urinary LMW phthalate metabolite levels were higher in summer than in winter. • Activated platelet function was accompanying with elevated HMW metabolites. • Urinary HMW metabolites were negatively associated with WBC and LYM in winter. • Daily intake of DEHP exhibited a lag effect on platelet function. • HMW phthalate exposure had stronger inflammatory effect in winter than in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a group of emerging organic pollutants, chlorinated paraffins (CPs) have attracted rising global attention due to their persistence and toxicity. In this study, we have investigated the concentration levels and profiles of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in soils and sediments from Dongguan City, an industrial area in South China, and have also screened very short-chain chlorinated paraffins (vSCCPs) by means of ultra-high resolution liquid chromatograph coupled with an Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer. The results indicated that total SCCP concentrations ranged from 6.75 to 993 ng/g (mean 172 ng/g) in soils and from 4.00 to 613 ng/g (mean 153 ng/g) in sediments, respectively. Higher MCCP levels were observed with a range of 23.9–2427 ng/g (mean 369 ng/g) in soils and 14.0–1581 ng/g (mean 493 ng/g) in sediments, respectively. The results indicated that MCCPs dominated over SCCPs in the studied region. The dominant homologues in soils and sediments were C 13 Cl 6–7 and C 14 Cl 7–8 , C 13 Cl 7 , and C 14 Cl 7–8 , respectively. Furthermore, six vSCCP homologues (C 8 Cl 7–8 and C 9 Cl 5–8) in soils and four vSCCPs (C 9 Cl 5–8) in sediments have been identified. Because of their higher detection frequencies, further studies should focus on the transformation mechanisms and toxicities of these vSCCPs in environmental media and biota. Image 1 • MCCPs were dominant congeners in soils and sediments. • Congeners with more carbon and chlorine atoms tend to presence in sediments. • Some C9-CPs was ubiquitous in soils and sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations and spatial distributions of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in marine sediment samples in the western Taiwan Strait were investigated and analyzed for the first time. The total OPE concentration (∑OPE) in sediments was in the range of 5263–34,232 pg/g (dry weight), with an average value of 12,796 pg/g. Generally, there was a higher abundance of non-halogenated OPEs than halogenated OPEs and aryl OPEs, with tributyl phosphate, tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, and tri-(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate being the main components. The ∑OPE concentrations in the western coastal and northern sampling sites were relatively high. The results indicated that OPEs in the study region originated mainly from terrestrial river inputs and local emission sources, as well as exogenous influxes by ocean currents. Unlabelled Image • Organophosphate esters were found in coastal sediment in the Taiwan Strait • Organophosphate esters originated mainly from terrestrial river discharges • More than 13.0 tones organophosphate esters were deposited in the Taiwan Strait [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence is available about the associations of phthalates or their metabolites with blood lipids, however, the mixture effects of multiple phthalate metabolites on blood lipid traits remain largely unknown. In this pilot study, 106 individuals at three age groups of <18, 18- and ≥60 years were recruited from the residents (n = 1240) who were randomly selected from two communities in Wuhan city, China. The participants completed the questionnaire survey and physical examination as well as provided urine samples in the winter of 2014 and the summer of 2015. We measured urinary levels of nine phthalate metabolites using a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We estimated the associations of individual phthalate metabolite with blood lipid traits by linear mixed effect (LME) models, and assessed the overall association of the mixture of nine phthalate metabolites with blood lipid traits using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models. LME models revealed the negative association of urinary mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) with total cholesterol (TC) as well as of urinary mono-benzyl phthalate or urinary MEHP with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). BKMR models revealed the negative overall association of the mixture of nine phthalate metabolites with TC or LDL-C, and DEHP metabolites (especially MEHP) had a greater contribution to TC or LDL-C levels than non-DEHP metabolites. The findings indicated the negative overall association of the mixture of nine phthalate metabolites with TC or LDL-C. Among nine phthalate metabolites, MEHP was the most important component for the changes of TC or LDL-C levels, implying that phthalates exposure may disrupt lipid metabolism in the body. Image 1 • A mixture of nine phthalate metabolites was negatively associated with TC or LDL-C. • Several phthalate metabolites were negatively related to TC or LDL-C. • DEHP metabolites had prominent effects on TC or LDL-C than non-DEHP metabolites. Exposure to multiple phthalates was negatively related to blood TC or LDL-C values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalates link to oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which exert cellular aging. However, modification effect of seasonal factor on the association of PAHs or phthalates exposure with relative telomere length (RTL) or mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) has remained unclear. In this pilot study, 106 subjects were from an urban population (n = 1240) who lived in the two districts in Wuhan city, China. Participants completed physical examinations and provided 191 blood samples for RTL and mtDNA-CN analysis and 627 urine samples for monohydroxylated-PAHs (OH-PAHs) and phthalate metabolites measurements in the winter and summer seasons. We assessed the associations of urinary OH-PAHs or phthalates metabolites with RTL or mtDNA-CN by linear regression analysis and linear mixed-effect models. We found that urinary OH-PAHs were positively associated with mtDNA-CN at lag 2 day and 3-day moving average, but negatively related to RTL at lag 0, lag 1 and lag 2 day and 3-day moving average (p < 0.05). Urinary phthalate metabolites were negatively associated with mtDNA lag 0, lag 1 and lag 2 day and 3-day moving average, but positively related to RTL at lag 0 day (p < 0.05). Seasonal factor modified the association of urinary OH-PAHs with mtDNA-CN as well as urinary phthalate metabolites with RTL. In vitro experiment showed that under certain conditions, benzo[a]pyrene increased mtDNA-CN at 48 h and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate did RTL at 24 h in HepG2 cells. Seasonal variations in the metabolisms of PAHs or phthalates in human body may affect the relation of PAHs or phthalates exposure with cellular aging. • Higher OH-PAHs linked to increased mtDNA-CN and telomere shortening in winter. • Higher phthalates levels decreased mtDNA-CN in winter but increased RTL in summer. • Seasonal factor modified the relations of PAHs or phthalates to mtDNA-CN or RTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Cretaceous fluvial-lacustrine deposits in the Luanping Basin (northern Hebei Province, China) contain records of the famous Jehol Biota and are important for understanding the terrestrial response to hyperthermal events and their correlation with oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). In this study, we critically review the lithostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, and biostratigraphic studies of these strata to establish an integrated stratigraphic framework and their correlative relationship with contemporaneous strata in western Liaoning. The phased evolution of Jehol Biota and the corresponding changes in the paleoclimate and paleoenvironment are discussed, and putative terrestrial correlatives with Early Cretaceous OAEs are identified. This study provides a stratigraphic basis for future investigation of Cretaceous events in East Asia and worldwide. • Lower Cretaceous integrated stratigraphy of Luanping Basin were established. • The Dabeigou to Nandian formations recorded early to late phases of Jehol Biota. • Origin of the Jehol Biota benefits by warm and humid climate. • The Dabeigou Formation records the terrestrial response of the Weissert event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Liaoning Province, Northeastern China, the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota records significant evolution and radiation of fauna in terms of diversity, abundance and complexity. The alluvial-to-fluvial Lujiatun and lacustrine Jianshangou beds of the lower Yixian Formation yield exceptionally well-preserved three-dimensional and articulated dinosaur and mammal fossils, and two-dimensional primitive birds/feathered dinosaurs, respectively. Published 40Ar/39Ar ages for the two fossil beds have uncertainties of ± 0.4 to 1.0 Ma (± 2 σ analytical uncertainty), and these reflect the measurement of large, and potentially heterogeneous, populations of feldspar crystals. More precise constraints on the timing and duration of biological radiation recorded by this sequence can further quantify evolutionary patterns and rates of diversification of important Early Cretaceous animals and plants. Single crystal 40Ar/39Ar fusion experiments on sanidine from intercalated ash beds yield dates that constrain the deposition of the Jianshangou and Lujiatun fossil beds to between 125.374 ± 0.085 and 125.572 ± 0.120 Ma, and 125.541 ± 0.099 and 125.793 ± 0.127 Ma, respectively. These ages indicate that the lower part of Jianshangou fossil bed was deposited nearly contemporaneously with the Lujiatun fossil bed. Thus, mass mortality events reflected by dinosaur fossil concentrations in the Lujiatun fossil bed and feathered dinosaur/primitive bird fossils in the Jianshangou fossil bed were nearly coeval and short-lived. These 40Ar/39Ar ages, combined with astrochronologic and paleomagnetic results from the lacustrine sediments in the Jianshangou fossil bed, not only refine the duration and rapid radiation of primitive birds and feathered dinosaurs in the deposit, but also suggest that the distribution of magnetic polarity chron boundaries within the Barremian stage in the current geologic time scale (GTS 2020) requires a revision. • The lower part of JSG and LJT fossil member deposited nearly contemporaneously. • Strata preserving primitive birds/feathered dinosaurs paced by short eccentricity. • Duration of biological radiations recorded by the 11 m strata is ∼460 to 610 kyr. • Timing of magnetic boundaries within Barremian stage in GTS 2020 requires revision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota in northern China is a terrestrial lagerstätte that contains exceptionally-preserved fossils, including birds, dinosaurs, pterosaurs, mammals, insects, and flowering plants. The biota underwent three developmental phases, with relatively limited biodiversity in an early phase that rapidly diversified in a middle phase; however, the relationship between this biological radiation and climate remains uncertain. In this paper, we study fossils from the early-to-middle phases of the Jehol Biota preserved in the Lower Cretaceous (middle Valanginian-lower Barremian) Dabeigou and Dadianzi formations of Hebei Province to ascertain climatic impact on biotic evolution. The occurrence of a cool to warm climate turnover during the deposition of these strata is inferred based on a synthesis of geochemical and paleontological evidence. Palaeogeographic distribution of the middle phase of the biota is wider and positioned more southerly than that of the early phase, possibly indicating that the biota in the early and middle phases lived in boreal and temperate climate realms, respectively. Biotic diversity shows an increasing trend from the early phase to the middle phase of the Jehol Biota, closely coinciding with the cool to warm turnover of the climate. The body sizes of some taxa in the middle phase were significantly smaller than those in the early phase, which is also interpreted as a climatic effect. This study represents the first attempt to correlate the response of terrestrial evolution of the Jehol Biota to climate change, with a focus on Early Cretaceous paleotemperatures. • The Lower Cretaceous of northern Hebei record early-middle stages of Jehol Biota. • Climate change from cool to warm during early development of Jehol Biota. • Warming climate enabled the diversification of the Jehol Biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Seasonal associations of urinary phthalate and sex hormone levels were found. • Diet and exercise were associated with sex hormones levels. • Exercise, red meat and urinary phthalates exhibited additive effect on hormones. Abstract Phthalate can affect sex hormones secretion. Exercise and diet habits affect sex hormones levels. However, interaction of phthalates exposure and diet or exercise habits with sex hormones is unclear. We enrolled 106 residents aged 11–88 years (48 males and 58 females) from two communities, Wuhan city, China during the winter of 2014 and summer of 2015. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle by a questionnaire in two seasons. Participants provided the blood and urine samples over 3 consecutive days for measuring sex hormones and urinary phthalate metabolites. We assessed the associations of urinary phthalate metabolites levels, lifestyle with hormones levels, the interaction of phthalate exposure and lifestyle with hormones levels using multivariate binary logistic regression models. High urinary mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxyhexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) levels and no exercise had an additive interaction on abnormal serum progesterone (PROG) levels in winter as well as on abnormal serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in summer. High urinary MEOHP levels and red meat intake (>1 time/day) had an additive interaction with abnormal levels of serum FSH only in the winter. Phthalates exposure may confer differential susceptibility to abnormal hormones levels in individuals with no exercise or eating meat >1 time/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TIE was used to comprehensively evaluate toxicity of FPW to freshwater organisms. • Salinity, solid particulates, and organics were the major contributors to FPW toxicity. • Target and nontarget analyses detected various organic contaminants in fish tissue. • Transcriptome sequencing verified organic-induced toxicity in exposed zebrafish. • Treated FPW failed mitigating adverse outcomes associated with organic contaminants. Hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW) from shale gas extraction processes is a highly complex medium with potential threats to the environment. Current research on ecological risks of FPW in China is limited, and the link between major components of FPW and their toxicological effects on freshwater organisms is largely unknown. By integrating chemical and biological analyses, toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was used to reveal causality between toxicity and contaminants, potentially disentangling the complex toxicological nature of FPW. Here, FPW from different shale gas wells, treated FPW effluent, and a leachate from HF sludge were collected from southwest China, and TIE was applied to obtain a comprehensive toxicity evaluation in freshwater organisms. Our results showed that FPW from the same geographic zone could cause significantly different toxicity. Salinity, solid phase particulates, and organic contaminants were identified as the main contributors to the toxicity of FPW. In addition to water chemistry, internal alkanes, PAHs, and HF additives (e.g., biocides and surfactants) were quantified in exposed embryonic fish by target and non-target tissue analyses. The treated FPW failed to mitigate the toxicity associated with organic contaminants. Transcriptomic results illustrated that organic compounds induced toxicity pathways in FPW-exposed embryonic zebrafish. Similar zebrafish gene ontologies were affected between treated and untreated FPW, again confirming that sewage treatment did not effectively remove organic chemicals from FPW. Thus, zebrafish transcriptome analyses revealed organic toxicant-induced adverse outcome pathways and served as evidence for TIE confirmation in complex mixtures under data-poor scenarios. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in dated sediment cores collected from the fifth largest freshwater lake in China, Lake Chaohu, to investigate PCB temporal trends, accumulation, and environmental fate. Total PCB concentrations in Lake Choahu sediments ranged from 0.03 to 24.11 ng g −1 (d.w.). PCB 209 was the dominant congener, accounting for 45.5%–83.9% of total PCBs detected after the mid-20th century. All PCB congeners were positively correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations. TOC-normalized PCB concentrations exhibited three stages of variation over time: a slight increase from their emergence in the early 20th century, followed by a rapid increase since the late 1950s (peaking in the late 1980s), before a general decrease to the present. Both compositional PCB patterns and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a source switch from commercial PCBs to other sources. Major contributions of PCB209 to total PCBs in Lake Chaohu sediments is a highlight of this study, with results showing that PCB209 was derived from the upstream city of Hefei, and the production of phthalocyanine-type pigments is the likely source of PCB209. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WSOC played an important role in apoptosis than DCM-extracted fraction in PM 2.5. • The aromatic and double-bond carbon structure in WSOC contributes to apoptosis. • The WSOC from secondary products of motor vehicle exhaust is the risk drivers for apoptosis. • The WSOC from coal and corn residues burning is the risk drivers for apoptosis. Identify risk drivers is the key condition in air pollution control, and biological effect-directed analysis is the most commented method for combing chemical identify and human health. The water-soluble organic matter contained in PM 2.5 plays an important role in human health, while it is also the most difficult to identify its chemical information. Exploring the structural characteristics and pollution sources of its key toxic components is the optimized strategy to meet this question. In this study, the induction of apoptosis by the water-soluble fractions (WSF) of PM 2.5 samples collected in 10 major cities in China over a period of 1 year was observed in vitro in Beas-2b cells. Organic carbon structures were examined using nuclear magnetic resonance; air potential sources were identified using δ13C and 14C isotopic markers. Apoptosis induction by WSF in PM 2.5 was generally stronger in northern cities than in southern cities, and in winter than in summer. Organic compounds with aromatic and double-bond carbon structures from secondary products of motor vehicle exhausts, coal-derived emissions, and emissions derived from the burning of core residues may be primarily responsible for apoptosis induction by PM 2.5. Our results will contribute to understanding the toxic substances contained in WSF and provide basic data for accurate pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• QuEChERS extraction greatly reduce sample preparation time and solvent depletion. • LCCPs was online purified by 2DLC system before instrumental analysis. • Suspect screening strategy was adopted for LCCPs identification in sediments. In this study, a method was established for the analysis of long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) in sediment based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction and two-dimensional liquid chromatography-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (2DLC Orbitrap HRMS). Compared with other reported methods, this method greatly reduces sample preparation time (2 h) and solvent consumption. The QuEChERS extraction method presented satisfactory recoveries, 90.5–95.2, 84.7–86.6, and 81.4–83.4% of 5, 50, and 200 ng/g LCCPs with 49% Cl spiked into sediments. Meanwhile, no matrix effects were found in the LCCPs analysis after online purification by the 2DLC system. With the current commercial LCCP standards and a mixture of three chlorinated paraffins (CPs) industrial products, a suspect screening strategy was established and accurate identification of LCCPs (including vLCCPs, which carbon chain length greater than 20) under the plight that the reference standards for vLCCPs are currently unavailable. A total of 21 C 18–20 -LCCP and 22 vLCCP congeners were identified in sediment samples collected from Dongting Lake, China. The total concentrations of LCCPs in six sediment samples ranged from 1.69 to 18.0 ng/g (median 6.66 ng/g) and was dominated by C 18 groups (mean, 28.8%), C 19 groups (mean, 19.1%) and C 21 groups (mean, 16.9%). Taken together, the successful application of this method to analyze sediment samples shows great potential for the analysis of LCCPs in environmental samples in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]