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Landfills, old and abandoned mines, industrial sites, heaps, sludge ponds and other sources of pollution represent environmental threats and are characterized as chemical time bombs. This work is focused on the evaluation of soil contamination by risk elements using various indices (geoaccumulation index--Igeo, enrichment factor--EF, contamination factor--Cif and degree of contamination--Cd). These selected agrarian problem areas are located in Slovakia, especially in the air pollution field of landfills consisting of power plant fly ash, tannery and footwear wastes, leachate (lúženec), iron ore slag, waste from metallurgy and sludge ponds in which coal sludge waste is deposited and waste from ore treatment. Nine research sites in the agrarian region of Slovak Republic were monitored. Ten risk elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd and Hg) and pH/H2O were included in this study and were determined in surface soils (of 0.05 m to 0.15 m) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Our study showed the highest exceedance of the limit values of risk elements in the order Ni (51.85 times) > Co (25.47 times) > Cd (13.70 times) > Cu (12.78 times) > Cr (8.37 times) > Fe (8.26 times) > Hg (7.94 times) > Zn (5.71 times) > Pb (4.63 times). The content of risk elements increased based on the average values of Igeo in the order of Cr < Hg < Zn < Pb < Ni < Cu < Cd. Igeo values for cadmium indicated mild-to-extreme contamination at all sites. We found the most significant enrichment in the order of Cd > Cu > Pb > Ni > Zn > Hg > Cr. EF values for cadmium indicated extremely high enrichment; the Cif and Cd values indicated a very high degree of soil contamination near the nickel smelter landfill, an industrial metallurgical plant and old but active mines. The studied areas pose a serious danger not only to the soil but also to groundwater and biota due to the prevailing low soil reaction, which increases the mobility of toxic elements. The study provides important results for the development of effective strategies for the control and remediation of endangered areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An improved method was proposed which integrates the distribution of metal speciation simulated by chemical equilibrium model, different exposure models and average daily intake dose modified by analytic hierarchy process for human health risk assessment of metal species (MS). With the rapid development of economic and urbanization, the metals pollution had become more serious in industrial areas. Adverse effects of soil contaminants on human health in typical industrial area should be assessed to evaluate the risks of soils in these areas. The method was applied to study nickel (Ni) species health risks in soil of industrial areas. The pH possessed significant impact to determine distribution/existence and solubility of Ni species, followed by DOC. The non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) of Ni species were less than 1 in each sampling points, except Ni2+. In addition, the carcinogenic risk (CR) of different Ni species were less than 10−6, except for FANi and Ni2+. Highlights • An improved method to assess health risk of metal species in soil was proposed. • The approach is based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Visual MINTEQ. • An application of the method for Ni species in soil of industrial area was studied. • The distribution/priority health risks of MS were mainly described by pH. • HQ and CR only of Ni2+ were all more than acceptable levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is extensively used in industry for processes such as washing, stripping, extraction, heating and cooling. Growing world population, rising price of freshwater and stricter environmental regulations have motivated efforts for efficient water management and utilisation in industry. Even though research on Water Integration at Total Site have been well-documented, there are still a few critical issues that need to be adequately addressed. Complex water exchange networks that have typically resulted from superstructure optimisation at Total Site can be costly and less favourable for practical implementation. In this paper, the concept of one-way centralised water reuse header (CWRH) is applied for Water Integration at Total Site for a simpler and easy-to-manage inter-plant water reuse and exchange. Process plants are assumed located along the centralised water reuse header, and water is exchanged along the one-way pipeline. The CWRH system can be operated by a third-party, allowing the operator to protect users’ proprietary information and confidential data. Total Site Centralised Water Integration (TS-CWI) is developed to target the minimum freshwater requirement and wastewater generation across Total Site. The methodology is illustrated using a case study comprising of five plants located along two centralised water reuse headers. Results demonstrate that the Total Site freshwater requirement and wastewater generation are reduced by 72.3%, (from 2,540 t/h to 702.4 t/h) and that the TS-CWI resulted in a much simpler Total Site Water Network that led to significant reductions in piping and pumping costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental planning and management can have positive effects on development of some land uses including industrial areas that have a major effect on economic, social and environmental conditions. Considering the most important problems associated with modeling, the fundamental methods and functions of site-selection laid inside the geographical information system are not accounted for the multi-purpose experimental programs. The main purpose of this study is to present a systematic pattern for environmental management using genetic algorithm and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process in geographical information system in order to reduce uncertainty. Through fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, the weight of criteria was calculated after extracting the criteria by Delphi technique and identifying all the effective criteria and factors involved in site selection. After preparation of intended layers, each map was prepared in the form of raster layers on geographical information system. Information layers were combined after being valued and finally the map of suitable areas was prepared. Finally, the conformity of all the obtained maps was checked out with field conditions. In this study, the genetic algorithm was used as an optimization method applied for natural selection. It was also attempted to find better solutions among others. The results showed the best site for developing industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the goals of the French national campaign called “Etablissements Sensibles (Sensitive Establishments)” is to evaluate indoor air degradation in schools because of vapor intrusion of volatile compounds from soil gases towards the indoor air, related to the presence of former industrial sites on or near the establishment. During this campaign, as recommended by the United States of Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), indoor air quality was evaluated from soil gas concentrations using generic attenuation factors, and extra investigations into soil gases and indoor air were performed when the estimated values exceeded target indoor air concentrations. This study exploits matched data on subsurface soil gases and indoor air that came from the “Sensitive Establishments” campaign. It aims to consolidate and refine the use of attenuation factors as a function of environmental variables acquired routinely during environmental assessments. We have been able to select the measured environmental variables that have the most influence on vapor intrusion using Principal Components Analysis and hypotheses tests. Since the collected data are mainly related to weak sources (only 15% schools required risk management measures related to vapor intrusion), halogenated volatile organic compounds (HVOC) were selected as tracer compounds for vapor intrusion for this study. This choice enables the exclusion or minimization of background sources contributions. From the results we have calculated the descriptive statistics of the attenuation factors distribution for the subslab-to-indoor air pathway and refined the attenuation factors for this pathway through an easily obtained parameter, building age. Qualitative comparison of attenuation factors according to the building age shows that attenuation factors observed for building less than 50 years are lower than attenuation factors for buildings 50 years old and above. These results show the utility of creating databases for consolidating and refining attenuation factors and therefore improving their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a practical water resources-related index methodology (Hydric Index for Location of Industrial Facilities – HILIF) to provide preliminary guidance for location-based decision-making processes for new industrial sites, based on the likely effects on water resources in river watersheds, as applied to the conceptual phase of a project design. The framework of HILIF is established on the integration of three hydric factors: consumptive water availability, river carrying capacity, and flood vulnerability and effects of the drainage project. The proposed methodology for the application of HILIF is founded on Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) using fuzzy logic (fuzzy MADM) to combine seven indicators into nine possible recommendation levels. Additionally, in order to illustrate the HILIF methodological approach, a case study of a project design using a cyclical analysis based on a hypothetical scenario was developed. In this context, three alternative sites (AA, BB, and CC) were considered for a nitrogen fertilizer plant in the Contas River Basin in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The results demonstrate that the HILIF methodology can support the conceptual project design by identifying the most adequate site alternatives for an industrial location within an integrated hydric perspective. In addition, the possibility of implementing modifications during the initial conceptual project was observed through cyclical analysis using multiple rounds for the same locational alternatives. For the present case study, the locational alternative preferred by project designers (Alternative CC) shifted from a classification of Not Indicated (NI) in the first round of HILIF application to a Fairly-Good Recommendation in the second round after modifications in the initial conceptual project. Thus, Alternative CC became nearly as adequate as Alternative BB, which was the best alternative site in terms of water, classified as a Good Recommendation in the first HILIF round. On a complementary basis, the results generated by the application of HILIF can also be utilized to support further complex studies for licensing proposes within the context of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, data on several metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) in soil and isopod Porcellio laevis taken at 21 sites from the most important industrial areas in Tunisia (Bizerte, Nabeul, Zaghouan, Sfax and Gabes) were presented. Heavy metal concentrations in both soil samples and isopods were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Soil contamination was estimated using the contamination factor (CF). On the other hand, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was determined to estimate metal accumulation in isopods. The CF values show that the level of contamination varies between sampled soils, which may be due to the source of pollution at each site. The BAF values allow defining the order of accumulation in P. laevis which was classified for the majority of the sampled sites as a macro-concentrator of Cu and Zn and a deconcentrator of Cd with some exceptions. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted between soil properties (pH, OM and CaCO) and metal concentrations in soils. Through PCA, we obtained four groups in which soils were distinguished by their physicochemical properties and their metal concentrations. Moreover, linear multiple regressions with a downward stepwise procedure were conducted to test the relationships between the physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations in both soils and isopods. Thus, positive correlations (0.78 < R < 0.99) were obtained for Pb considering dataset from the groups 1, 2 and for Zn with data of groups 2 and 3. Finally, results showed that P. laevis could be used as a bio-indicator for monitoring and reducing the impact of pollution in terrestrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the concentrations of ambient fine particulates and particulate-bound mercury Hg(p) at sampling sites in various areas in central Taiwan during a sampling period from January to April 2015. A Wilbur PM2.5sampler was used to collect PM2.5from ambient air and a DMA-80 direct mercury analyzer was used to analyze the concentration of mercury Hg(p) that was attached to PM2.5. The results show that the mean PM2.5and Hg(p) concentrations were highest in March. The Chinese Lantern Festival and the “Faithful Pilgrims Who Follow Matsu through Taiwan” are hosted in this month. Many fireworks and firecrackers are let off at this time, releasing particulate matter into the atmosphere, increasing the concentrations of atmospheric particulate pollutants. The highest average PM2.5concentrations were measured in January. A dust storm in Mainland China may have been responsible for this result. February saw the lowest mean PM2.5recorded in this study, possibly because commercial districts and factories were closed in February for Chinese Lunar New Year. April saw the highest mean wind speed, diluting particulate pollutants in ambient air. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Due to increased demand for an understanding of CH4 emissions from industrial sites, the subject of cross sensitivities caused by absorption from multiple gases on δ13CH4 and C2H6 measured in the near-infrared spectral domain using CRDS has become increasingly important. Extensive laboratory tests are presented here, which characterize these cross sensitivities and propose corrections for the biases they induce. We found methane isotopic measurements to be subject to interference from elevated C2H6 concentrations resulting in heavier δ13CH4 by C23.5%° per ppm C2H6 = ppm CH4. Measured C2H6 is subject to absorption interference from a number of other trace gases, predominantly H2O (with an average linear sensitivity of 0.9 ppm C2H6 per % H2O in ambient conditions). Yet, this sensitivity was found to be discontinuous with a strong hysteresis effect and we suggest removing H2O from gas samples prior to analysis. The C2H6 calibration factor was calculated using a GC and measured as 0.5 (confirmed up to 5 ppm C2H6). Field tests at a natural gas compressor station demonstrated that the presence of C2H6 in gas emissions at an average level of 0.3 ppm shifted the isotopic signature by 2.5 °, whilst after calibration we find that the average C2H6 : CH4 ratio shifts by C0.06. These results indicate that, when using such a CRDS instrument in conditions of elevated C2H6 for CH4 source determination, it is imperative to account for the biases discussed within this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deva-Hunedoara conurbation is a bipolar structure located in central-western Romania composed of 49 settlements. It is located in the center of Hunedoara County. The long history of industrial activities in the area resulted in an abundance of environmental impacts which has significant negative consequences on the local population. Intense industrial activity, regarded as the base for the urban development of the conurbation, dates back to the 1840's when the first steel mill was constructed in the region. The main sources of environmental impact are represented by the decaying industrial centres of Hunedoara, Simeria and Călan and the newly developed industrial sites located on the major transport networks. A secondary source of environmental impact is represented by the various small enterprises. Coupled with various other human activities and with the general state of the environment, the impact generated by industry and other economic activities represents a great threat to overall development of the conurbation. In assessing the environmental impact on within the conurbation we proposed the use of the RIAM method with a modified matrix which is best suited for our area of study. With this matrix we assessed the environmental impact of industrial and commercial areas, transportation and utility systems and several other aspects related to human activities (health and safety, unemployment, human density, etc.). For the final interpretation of the environmental impact we used the IDWIM - Inverse Distance Weight Interpolation Method to generate maps of impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the concentrations of PAHs in Cluj-Napoca's city atmosphere using moss as biomonitors. Samples from different neighborhoods of Cluj-Napoca city were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The concentrations of individual PAHs ranged from 0.61 µg kg¯¹ (chrysene) to 353.6 µg kg¯¹ (Indeno(1,2,3 -cd)pyrene), and the ΣPAHs ranged from 92.61 µg kg¯¹ to 353.6 µg kg¯¹ with a mean value of 329.23 µg kg¯¹.Residential areas characterized by both low population density and traffic intensity had the lowest concentration levels of ΣPAHs in moss samples, below 200 µg kg¯¹. Levels of concentration between 200 and 300 µg kg¯¹ were obtain in similar residential areas, but with more intense traffic. The locations that had PAHs concentration levels in moss exceeding 300 µg kg¯¹ are either industrial areas or neighborhoods with intense traffic. In all the study's locations the main emission source, according to PAHs diagnostic ratios, is pyrogenic, mainly originating from traffic emissions. The FL/ (FL+PYR) and FLA/ (FLA+ PYR) ratios indicate that in some cases there also is a petrogenic source. In a cross examination however, it can easily be seen that the main apportion for all the location is from pyrogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the evidence on adverse pregnancy outcome associated with living close to polluted industrial sites, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of published epidemiological studies. A systematic literature search has been performed on all epidemiological studies published in developed countries since 1990, on the association between residential proximity to industrial sites (hazardous waste sites, industrial facilities and landfill sites) and adverse pregnancy outcome (low birth weight, preterm birth, small for gestational age, intrauterine growth retardation, infant mortality, congenital malformation). Based on 41 papers, our review reveals an excess risk of reproductive morbidity. However, no studies show significant excess risk of mortality including fetal death, neonatal or infant mortality and stillbirth. All published studies tend to show an increased risk of congenital abnormalities, yet not all are statistically significant. All but two of these studies revealed an excess risk of low birth weight. Results for preterm birth, small for gestational age and intrauterine growth retardation show the same pattern. There is suggestive evidence from the post-1990 literature that residential proximity to polluted sites (including landfills, hazardous waste sites and industrial facilities) might contribute to adverse reproductive outcomes, especially congenital malformations and low birth weight-though not mortality. This body of evidence has limitations that impede the formulation of firm conclusions, and new, well-focused studies are called for. The review findings suggest that continued strengthening of rules governing industrial emissions as well as industrial waste management and improved land use planning are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road dusts and agricultural soil samples were collected from eight sites close to steel mills, chemical plants, and municipal solid waste incinerator in suburban Shanghai. Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) priority controlled list were analyzed quantitatively using GC-MS. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 0.79 to 6.2 μg g in road dust samples with a mean value of 2.38 μg g and 0.26 to 0.54 μg g in agricultural soils with an average of 0.36 μg g. The most abundant individual PAHs were phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, and benzo(b)fluoranthene in dust samples and phenanthrene, fluoranthene, chrysene, and benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo (k) fluoranthene in soil samples. Dominant compounds were four-ring and five- to six-ring PAHs, which accounted for 41.5 and 31.5 % in dusts and 33.9 and 41.1 % in soils. The spatial distribution of PAHs in dusts and soils was consistent. The wind direction could affect the spatial distribution of PAHs. Organic matter contents were found to be significantly positively correlated with PAH concentrations in both dusts and soils while grain size of particles had no correlation with PAH concentrations and could not significantly influence the distribution of PAH concentrations. PAH isomer ratios showed that combustion of grass, wood, and coal was important sources of PAHs in road dusts and agricultural soils. Toxic equivalent concentrations indicated seven kinds of carcinogenetic PAHs were major toxic equivalent concentration (TEQ) contributors, accounting for 98 % of TEQ, in the road dusts and agricultural soils. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) estimation results showed that the PAHs in the dusts and soils had potential cancer risk for both children and adults only by direct ingestion exposure. The TEQ and ILCR values of PAHs in road dusts were much higher than those in soils, which suggested that PAHs in road dusts could be an important source of PAHs in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient PM air samples were collected at two industrial sites and one urban residential site in the mining city of Panzhihua, China, from April, 2014, to January, 2015. Mass concentrations of ten trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, V, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in PM were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results showed Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn and V were the most abundant elements from the industrial sites. Concentrations for Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn and Cu at industrial sites greatly exceeded the air quality standards of the World Health Organization and the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection. Principal component analysis indicated that the main sources of the trace metals were steel smelting, fuel combustion, geological and mineral dust. Four different clusters of particles (i.e., mineral, calcium-containing, soot and aluminosilicate) were identified by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Chromium (Cr) was found to present the highest excess cancer risk, implying the potential for carcinogenic health effects in local inhabitants. Manganese (Mn) presented a non-carcinogenic health risk to children and adults, while the other metals were within acceptable limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of PM were collected over a 12 month period at two sites approximately 5 km apart. Site 1 was an urban site in the center of the city of Rijeka, Croatia, and Site 2 was an industrial site in the proximity of a shipyard, located in the southeastwards direction from the city. No significant differences in airborne concentrations of PM or secondary inorganic ions were found between the two sites. Therefore, the sampling continued only at Site 1. The dominant airborne compound was ammonium sulfate, being approximately six times more abundant in the summer (S) months than ammonium nitrate. This ratio was lower in the winter (W) months, being approximately 1.5 at both sites. Seasonal distribution of secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA), particularly SO is emphasized in 2008-2009 with W/S <1, most likely caused by local emissions, meteorology and long-range transport. In spite of closing down the petroleum refinery facilities in mid-2008, no significant decline in airborne concentrations of sulfates, nitrates or ammonium were observed during the period from 2007 to 2009 at the site nearest to the refinery (Site 1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to remove fog often causes various troubles in our daily lives, the novel defog blower equipped the roller brush made of recycled horse's mane hair was developed. This work presents the overview of new defog devices and the experimental data obtained at two different kinds of defogging experiments. In the model experiment carried out at the enclosed cleanroom (W 5.9 m×L 5.1 m×H 2.4 m) targeted a vinyl house, fog was dissipated in less than 30 seconds in case with wind entrainment and two minutes 45 seconds in case without wind entrainment after running of the newly designed defog blower. When the demisting blower was run in a duct, it has an excellent mist sweeping qualities as well as a great removal effect for the background particles (89.5% and 65.4% scavenging rates for fine and coarse particles, respectively). It can be therefore said that the mist eliminator presented in this paper is ideal for use in the sealing space like a vinyl house and the industrial sites where required to remove both harmful mist and particle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of air quality in complex industrial and urban regions is essential in setting effective policies for sustainable development of society and assisting to improve the environment and thereby support health and safety. In this study, a CFD model fluidyn-PANACHE, dedicated to the dispersion of hazardous gases in complex industrial and urban sites, is critically validated with tracer observations from EMU experiment for two distinct types of sources in two geometrically different environments: (i) Case-A1 (release from an open door in courtyard area of a simple L-shaped building), and (ii) Case-C1 (continuous release over the larger distances around an industrial site featuring numerous buildings and complex local topography). The steady RANS solution is used first to get quick results and comparison with the experimental data shows a good agreement between the modelled and measured concentrations. Nevertheless, in order to examine the performance of the solver, unsteady RANS simulations are performed. A detailed statistical analysis shows that the performance of fluidyn-PANACHE against both Cases of EMU observations is well within the acceptable bounds of statistical measures for air quality applications. It is observed that in a simple geometry with lesser complexity in Case-A1, steady and unsteady simulations give similar performance against the tracer observations and predicts ≈68% points within a factor of two. In a more complex industrial site in Case-C1, unsteady RANS is performing slightly better than the steady simulation and it predicts ≈80.0% points within factor of two, which is higher than ≈67.0% points from the steady simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human beings working or living near an industrial site where toxic chemicals such as As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn and or their compounds are used or indiscriminately discharged into the environment, are constantly exposed to such chemicals via ingestion (drinking or eating), dermal contact or inhalation (breathing). However, in developing countries such as Ghana, limited data on levels of the aforementioned chemicals in whole blood and serum of human beings as a result of exposure to the aforementioned chemicals from mining communities and non-mining communities is preventing effective policy formulation to protect human health. Hence, this study was undertaken to measure the levels of the aforementioned toxic chemicals in whole blood and serum of 300 resident adults from mining (Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality Assembly (TNMA) and Prestea Huni Valley District (PHVD)) and non-mining (Cape Coast Metropolis) communities in Ghana, using neutron activation analysis (NAA). Blood samples were taken from 200 resident adults (105 males and 95 females) from mining and 100 resident adults (60 males and 40 males) from non-mining communities in the study area following the completion of an informed consent and the issuance of ethical clearance by the Ghana Health Service Ethical Committee. The mean concentrations for As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in whole blood of residents from mining communities were as follows: 38 ± 320 μg/L, 63 ± 0.23 μg/L, 303 ± 117 μg/L, 3300 ± 953, 195 ± 90 μg/L, 28 ± 14 μg/L and 1405 ± 458 μg/L, respectively; while the levels of measured toxic chemicals in the serum of resident adults from mining communities were as follows: 65 ± 14 μg/L, 358 ± 22 μg/l, 134 ± 12 μg/L, 3590 ± 254 μg/L, 401 ± 113 μg/L, 58 ± 5.8 μg/L and 49 ± 31 μg/L, respectively, for As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn and were found to have exceeded the permissible WHO guideline values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the frame of a long-standing action of remediation of industrial soil and prevention of water pollution, a monitoring of the drinking water of the Italian town of Colleferro was performed by the ISS. The town has 22,000 inhabitants and is adjacent to a big industrial site where HCH was produced. Industrial wastes were buried in the site, eventually contaminating superficial aquifers, while a canal serving the industrial plant spread the contamination into the Sacco river and thence to the agricultural soil and to cow milk. The contamination of superficial aquifers engendered fears of pollution of the deep aquifers whence the town draws its drinking water. The results of the monitoring indicate that there is no risk for the population from consumption of the water. In one of the wells the ε-HCH was the main isomer reaching a concentration of 66 ng/L: so far the presence of this isomer in water was never reported. The paper also summarily reports the main features of soil and superficial groundwater pollution in the area and briefly describes the main actions taken by the authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the problems left by a company that manufactured chrome-plated products for 20 years, without controlling its waste, until it was closed by the authorities in 1978. The raw material used was chromite (FeCrO). The presence of chromium in the groundwater has been observed in recent years. Hence, there is a need to understand the adsorption capacity of the soils and to explain the presence of chromium in the groundwater. The soils at the site are sandy silts with a minor presence of clay and fine sands, which would lead to an initial expectation of high adsorption. We analyzed the adsorption capacity of hexavalent chromium (Cr) in the soils based on adsorption isotherms, determined the charge of the soil particles, and evaluated Gibbs free energy. The adsorption capacity was evaluated for three soil samples (S1, S2, and S3), obtained from the core of a well drilled in 2009, at the site where the manufacturing plant was located and at two more sites within its radius of influence, in the direction of the underground water flow to ascertain that the chromium adsorption data obtained are representative for the aims of the study. Concentrations of total Cr and Cr were analyzed throughout the core of the drilled wells, as well as the soil mass contained therein. The average concentration of total Cr was 43.5 mg/kg, with a total mass of 21.1 g; whereas for Cr, the average concentration was 4.37 mg/kg with a mass of 2.12 g. A rough estimate with these values indicates that in the affected area (16,000 m) and at a depth of 65 m, where the current groundwater level starts, there will be 18.53 tons of total Cr and 1.86 tons of Cr. Adsorption isotherms were drawn and the linear, Freundlich, and Langmuir models applied; the Freundlich model was the best fit for two of the soils (S1 and S2), while for soil S3 it was the linear model. According to the values for the partition coefficient, K, obtained, the three soils showed low adsorption values. The net surface charge for each of the soils was determined, observing that for a broad pH range the charge was negative, which contributed to the low sorption of hexavalent chromium in the soils. The average Cr adsorbed was 0.34 mL/g. Although this value represents a very low adsorption, it is sufficient to reveal the presence of chromium, even after more than 30 years, in the soil particles, particularly considering the reduction of groundwater level, which implies that the zone where the saturated zone had been is currently not saturated, and that chromium remained adsorbed. Lastly, the AGº thermodynamic parameter was calculated for each soil. In all cases, the value for the Gibbs free energy was positive, reflecting that the processes are not spontaneous, which concurs with the low adsorption results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an age where urban agglomerations are shaped by rapid economic and demographic changes, post-industrial sites are interpreted as symbols of the failure of the industrial age and location of essential, sustainable and environmentally just renewal. Both understandings are based on constructions of “culture” and “nature” as dichotomic and normative. This paper proposes an alternative framework that constructs post-industrial sites as locations for the ongoing negotiation of human and non-human processes, as passive ground and active agent in the constant and continuous remaking of place. Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord and the High Line in New York City are highly visible examples that engage and showcase successional ecologies in fundamentally different ways, but both ultimately posit “ecology” as the redemptive agent for emergentpost-postindustrial places. While Duisburg-Nord engages emergent ecologies as an exploratory, open-ended and fluid interaction between human intervention and non-human process, the High Line replaces actual successional ecologies with artificial ones based on picturesque traditions. These representations and aesthetications of ecological processes construe both sites as icon and instrument of deterministic-hegemonial and transgressive-marginal agendas, emphasising their role in postmodern and post-colonial discourses on the nature of urbanity and sustainable urban renewal – discourses central to current ideas of “landscape urbanism” and “ecological urbanism”. The “right to the city”, in contemporary parlance, implicitly comprises a “right to urban nature”. “Aesthetics of (ecological) performance” vs. “(ecological) performance of aesthetics” will serve as a key dialectic in the analysis of the relationship between environmental aesthetics and environmental justice as it is played out on post-industrial sites and attempts to construe versions and visions of “urban nature”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After reductions of fugitive and diffuse emissions by an industrial complex, a follow-up study was performed to determine the time variability of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the lifetime cancer risk (LCR). Passive samplers (3 M monitors) were placed outdoors ( n = 179) and indoors ( n = 75) in industrial, urban, and control areas for 4 weeks. Twenty-five compounds including n-alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and terpenes were determined by GC/MS. The results show a significant decrease of all VOCs, especially in the industrial area and to a lesser extent in the urban area. The median outdoor concentration of benzene in the industrial area declined compared to the former study, around 85 % and about 50 % in the urban area, which in the past was strongly influenced by industrial emissions. Other carcinogenic compounds like styrene and tetrachloroethylene were reduced to approximately 60 %. VOC concentrations in control areas remained nearly unchanged. According to the determined BTEX ratios and interspecies correlations, in contrast to the previous study, traffic was identified as the main emission source in the urban and control areas and showed an increased influence in the industrial area. The LCR, calculated for benzene, styrene, and tetrachloroethylene, shows a decrease of one order of magnitude in accordance to the decreased total VOC concentrations and is now acceptable according to values proposed by the World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are many applications that need to study human health effects caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. Risk analysis for industrial sites, study of population health impacts of atmospheric pollutants, and operations research for assessing the potential impacts of chemical releases in military contexts are some examples. Because of safety risks and the high cost of field trials involving hazardous chemical releases, computer simulations are widely used for such studies. Modelling of atmospheric transport and dispersion of chemicals released into the atmosphere to determine the toxic chemical concentrations to which individuals will be exposed is one main component of these simulations, and there are well established atmospheric dispersion models for this purpose. Estimating the human health effects caused by the exposure to these predicted toxic chemical concentrations is the other main component. A number of different toxicity models for assessing the health effects of toxic chemical exposure are found in the literature. Because these different models have been developed based on different assumptions about the plume characteristics, chemical properties, and physiological response, there is a need to review and compare these models to understand their applicability. This paper reviews several toxicity models described in the literature. The paper also presents results of applying different toxicity models to simulated concentration time series data. These results show that the use of ensemble mean concentrations, which are what atmospheric dispersion models typically provide, to estimate human health effects of exposure to hazardous chemical releases may underestimate their impact when toxic exponent, n, of the chemical is greater than one; the opposite phenomenon appears to hold when n < 1. The results also show that some toxicity models that disregard biological recovery processes may predict greater toxicity than the explicitly parameterised models. Despite the wide variety of models of varying degrees of complexity that is available, we find that it is challenging or impossible to pick the ‘best’ model because of the lack of validation data. While it may be extremely challenging to create this validation data, there may be opportunities for more indirect validation or more simplistic checks of realism. Additional investigations of this nature in the future may at least help rank or put further constraints on the applicability of each of these models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Trace metals in PM 2.5 were measured at one industrial site and one urban site during September, 2010 in Ji'nan, eastern China. Individual aerosol particles and PM 2.5 samples were collected concurrently at both sites. Mass concentrations of eleven trace metals (i.e., Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, and Pb) and one metalloid (i.e., As) were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The result shows that mass concentrations of PM 2.5 (130 μg/m 3 ) and trace metals (4.03 μg/m 3 ) at the industrial site were 1.3 times and 1.7 times higher than those at the urban site, respectively, indicating that industrial activities nearby the city can emit trace metals into the surrounding atmosphere. Fe concentrations were the highest among all the measured trace metals at both sites, with concentrations of 1.04 μg/m 3 at the urban site and 2.41 μg/m 3 at the industrial site, respectively. In addition, Pb showed the highest enrichment factors at both sites, suggesting the emissions from anthropogenic activities existed around the city. Correlation coefficient analysis and principal component analysis revealed that Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were originated from vehicular traffic and industrial emissions at both sites; As, Cr, and part of Pb from coal-fired power plant; Ba and Ti from natural soil. Based on the transmission electron microscopy analysis, we found that most of the trace metals were internally mixed with secondary sulfate/organic particles. These internally mixed trace metals in the urban air may have different toxic abilities compared with externally mixed trace metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toluene is a harmful substance still being used as a solvent and catalyst in many industries that can increase the level of urinary hippuric acid (UHA). This study was designed to examine the level of toluene and UHA among workers of industrial site in seven companies in Sidoarjo, Indonesia and to analyze the risk factors for abnormal UHA. Methods: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted during August to September 2008. The locations were selected based on the fact that toluene was utilized in the production process of these companies. Urinary hippuric acid was analyzed with screen spectrophotometer 3000 on obtained urine samples from workers. Urinary hippuric acid of higher than 1.6 g/g creatinine was considered as abnormal. Workers' characteristics were collected via questionnaires completed by the workers. Toluene in workplace air was obtained with the reagent tube and the samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: In total, 96 subjects were studied. Workers examined in this study suffered from watery eyes, shortness of breath, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and skin irritation. Urinary hippuric acid level was normal in 91 workers (95%). Five subjects had abnormal levels of urinary hippuric acid. Levels of toluene in workplace air at all companies were below the ratified governmental regulatory threshold value (< 50 ppm) with the maximum level of 28.1 ppm. Abnormal HPA was higher in workers with older ages, lower educational attainments and not using the personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion: Toluene concentration in the air of the ink, paint and printing companies in Sidoarjo, Indonesia was within ratified limit. Workers with older ages, lower educational attainment and not using the PPEs are probably more vulnerable to toluene toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution is associated with public health concerns. The study was conducted at the vicinity of the Tejgaon industrial area (8 km²) adjacent to Dhaka City Corporation. To investigate the seasonal extent of soil-water ecosystems pollution with chromium discharged from the industries, municipality, and slums, and its transfer co-efficiency into plants or crops. Composite soil, plant and water were randomly collected from industrial sites by GPS guided sampling procedure during wet and dry seasons, processed, and analyzed. Soils were analyzed for particle size distribution (sand, silt and clay), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon, water-soluble, ammonium acetate extractable, DTPA extractable and total chromium. Plant samples were analyzed for total Cr concentration. Water samples were analyzed for pH, EC, and dissolved Cr concentration. During wet season, the average Cr concentration was 0.16, 0.72, 1.51 and 68 mg/kg, and in the dry season the concentrations were 6.60, 12.44, 23.1 and 248.3 mg/kg as water-soluble, NH4OAc and DTPA extractable and total, respectively. Total Cr concentration was 248.3 mg/kg, which was more than 2 times higher than the tolerable limit. Plant samples accumulated more and tolerated higher amounts of Cr during dry season. During dry season, more than 47% of water samples were found above the WHO standard level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compare the environmental performance of voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) with different attributes. Using club theory, we argue that the differential performance of VEPs is due in part to their specific design attributes that will either enhance or diminish their ability to improve both targeted and untargeted environmental impacts. We analyze two VEPs in Mexico, the global standard ISO 14001 and the local standard Clean Industry. These two VEPs differ in the stringency of the standards and in their ability to sanction noncompliant facilities. These differences ensure that firms adopting the local standard are less likely to shirk their responsibilities and enhance potential spillover effects on untargeted environmental emissions. Our empirical results support our hypotheses and show that the local Clean Industry program is more effective in improving both targeted (toxic emissions) and untargeted environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions). © 2012 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present study was to determine the lead (Pb) distributions in blood and prevalence of elevated Pb exposure among children, age ranged (5-10 years), residing near industrialized region of Hyderabad city, Pakistan. For comparison, biological samples of children of same age group from non-industrial area were also analyzed. The Pb concentration in blood samples was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, prior to microwave assisted acid digestion. The results showed that significantly higher proportion of children living in the vicinity of industrial area, had blood Pb levels (BLL) in the range of 15.4-35.6 µg/dL, and 8.51-16.7 µg/dL for those of non-industrial area. The blood Pb level was higher in boys of both groups as compared to girls of same age group, but the difference was not significant (p=0.178). Negative correlation was observed between BLL and hemoglobin levels (p<0.001), while positive correlation was observed between BLL and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fugitive dust emissions from stockpiles in an open storage yard of industrial sites and the subsequent atmospheric dust dispersion have brought about many environmental and economic problems. From the operational point of view, stockpile configuration and the pile’s layout parameters have to be considered due to the area restriction in a given location when designing an open storage system for bulk material like coal or iron ore. This paper employs CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) approach to describe the flow over the oval pile with flat-topped geometry under different wind directions. The results are compared to EPA experimental value to validate the simulation. Different pile arrangement scenarios with a constant material volume and a fixed height are comprehensively investigated. Data obtained are then integrated to estimate dust emissions of stockpiles by using the EPA estimation mode. Results suggest that changing pile arrangement space as well as pile configuration can reduce dust emissions in the open storage yard. It is found that, for the range of wind conditions and pile layouts tested, the eroded dusts produced by the flat-topped oval stockpile is 13–60% lower than the values of conical piles. In a real yard where many piles are stocked with specific arrangement spaces, a shadow effect created by the upward piles makes the exposure of downwind piles less to the wind erosion. Results show that compact arrangement among the flat-topped piles along dominant wind direction has a good overall protecting effect from wind and favors to minimize the eroded dusts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present paper demonstrates some results of the system for modelling of toxic air pollution due to possible accidents in industrial sites. The emergency response system is designed to help the relevant authorities in making important decisions, concerning the evacuation of the population in case of toxic air pollution due to accidents in industrial sites. The system is based on the following models: WRF, used as meteorological pre-processor; SMOKE - the emission pre-processor; CMAQ - the chemical transport model (CTM) of the system. The numerical results demonstrate the good performance of the models and the practical value of the preparedness and fast decision mode of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Daytime and nighttime PM2.5 samples were collected between August 5 and 16, 2009 and between January 24 and February 4, 2010 in an industrial complex site (site A) and an e-waste recycling site (site B) to determine the seasonal and diurnal variations of nitrated (nitro-) and oxygenated (oxy-) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The two sites show similar composition for nitro- and oxy-PAHs although the composition of parent PAHs was quite different. 3+2-Nitrofluoranthene (3+2NFL) was the most abundant nitro-PAH, while 9,10-anthraquinone (Anquin), benzanthrone (Bzone) and 6H-benzo[cd]pyrene-6-one (Bpone) were the three major oxy-PAHs species. The concentrations of Σnitro-PAHs and Σoxy-PAHs were about 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than those of Σparent PAHs. Most of the nitro- and oxy-PAHs show notable seasonal variation. 7-Nitrobenz[a]anthracene (7NBaA), Bzone and benzo[a]anthrancene-7,12-dione (Bzdion) demonstrated a pronounced diurnal variation. The occurrence of nitro- and oxy-PAHs in the two sites can be accounted by direct emission and atmospheric secondary formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Assessment of spatial variation of fugitive dust sources, particularly road dust track-out from industrial sites and its subsequent re-suspension is difficult with fixed air quality monitoring stations given their sparse distribution and the highly localized nature of road dust. Mobile monitoring was employed to measure levels of road dust in the industrial area of the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Results of this monitoring were used in a Fugitive Dust Control workshop held for local stakeholders, where fugitive dust control solutions were presented. After the workshop, the City of Hamilton and cooperative industrial groups executed enhanced street cleaning and individual industries and facilities performed on-site control activities. Post-workshop mobile air monitoring was performed for comparison to the initial values to determine effectiveness of these approaches. A regression model testing the difference pre- and post-workshop yielded a statistically significant difference in PM10 measurements demonstrating improvement. The average value of PM10 prior to the workshop was 114μg/m3. Post-workshop the average value dropped to 73μg/m3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study focuses on characterising the risk of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by means of inhalation in people living in the vicinity of the largest chemical production site in the Mediterranean area. Eighty-six VOCs were initially selected for this study based on their adverse environmental and health effects. The monitoring campaign was conducted for 276days in three different locations around the chemical site. The analytical method used for the characterisation was based on European standard method EN-14662-2, which consists of the active sampling of air for 24h in charcoal tubes, followed by extraction with carbon disulphide and GC–MS analysis. Forty-four VOCs with toxicological data available concerning their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects were quantified during the monitoring campaign. None of the quantified VOCs showed average concentrations exceeding their chronic reference concentrations and, therefore, no non-carcinogenic health effects are expected as a result of this exposure. However, the global average cancer risk due to VOC exposure in the area (3.3×10−4) was found to be above the values recommended by the WHO and USEPA. The influence of the analytical method was also evaluated by comparing cancer risk estimates using a thermal desorption (TD) method based on method EN-14662-1. The results of the 24-h samples for the solvent extraction method were compared with the average of 12 daily samples of 2-h for the TD method for 24 sampling days. Although the global estimated lifetime cancer risk was statistically comparable for both methods, some differences were found in individual VOC risks. To our knowledge, this is the first study that estimates the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks posed by the inhalation of VOCs in people living near a chemical site of this size, and compares the estimated cancer risk obtained using two different standard analytical methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The assessment of the risks associated with contamination by elevated levels of pollutants is a major issue in most parts of the world. The risk arises from the presence of a pollutant and from the uncertainty associated with estimating its concentration, extent and trajectory. The uncertainty in the assessment comes from the difficulty of measuring the pollutant concentration values accurately at any given location and the impossibility of measuring it at all locations within a study zone. Estimations tend to give smoothed versions of reality, with the smoothing effect being inversely proportional to the amount of data. If risk is a measure of the probability of pollutant concentrations exceeding specified thresholds, then the variability is the key feature in risk assessment and risk analysis. For this reason, geostatistical simulations provide an appropriate way of quantifying risk by simulating possible 'realities' and determining how many of these realities exceed the contamination thresholds, and, finally, provides a means of visualizing risk and the geological causes of risk. This study concerns multivariate simulations of organic and inorganic pollutants measured in terrain samples to assess the uncertainty for the risk analysis of a contaminated site, an industrial site in northern Italy that has to be remediated. The main geostatistical tools are used to model the local uncertainty of pollutant concentrations, which prevail at any unsampled site, in particular by means of stochastic simulation. These models of uncertainty have been used in the decision-making processes to identify the areas targeted for remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When simulating concentration fields in the direct vicinity of plants emitting heavy metals by using the bi-Gaussian model IFDM and the reported emissions, the simulated concentrations were much lower than the measured ones. Detailed analysis of these results showed that this was due to building downwash. We show that it is possible for a bi-Gaussian model to simulate correct concentration levels by inserting extra virtual sources. It is shown that inverse modelling can be used to produce detailed and validated concentration maps of the surroundings of the industrial site and that building downwash has an important effect on local concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal behavior of environmentally sensitive polymetallic contaminants in groundwaters from Ankaleshwar industrial estate (AIE) India was studied. The potentially toxic elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Mo and Ni) demonstrated accentuated enrichment signatures during post-monsoon, besides colossal spatial variability on temporal scale. GIS-based accrual factor raster mapping facilitated the spot-specific quantitative and comparative appraisal of metallic distensions during post-monsoon with a decreasing hierarchy of seasonal augmentation Ni > Cu > Mn > Fe > Co > Mo > Cr. High inconsistencies and spot (pixel) strict exceedingly high accrual factors over these maps concur with diverse land use and surface-polluting sources. Inter-annual adiabatic extension of heavy metals in groundwaters implies their widespread availability in soil and atmospheric backgrounds in the region. Dissimilar performance with contrasting accretion patterns of redox-sensitive metals (Fe and Mo) is revealed by three-component color composites. Heavy metal hyper-accrual realms warrant an immediate demand for upgrading the existing waste management methodologies and aquifer remediation, as the region is highly cultivated and groundwater is the sole source of water supply for drinking, agricultural and other purposes. [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]

Today, more regulatory provisions are in place for protecting low-income minority populations who shoulder a disproportionate amount of environmental risk. Recognized as communities of “environmental justice,” industrial facilities located within these areas bear greater legal liabilities for and societal scrutiny of their environmental impacts. The authors offer compelling evidence that, in an effort to avoid regulatory and societal claims that they are disproportionately harming minority and ethnic populations, businesses operating inside environmental justice communities tend to adopt an environmental management system (EMS). The article probes whether industries actually improve the environment as a consequence of EMS adoption or whether such systems are simply used to avoid greater governmental scrutiny without necessarily reducing overall environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine needle samples from two pine species ( Pinus pinaster Ait. and Pinus pinea L.) were collected at 29 sites scattered throughout Portugal, in order to biomonitor the levels and trends of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The values obtained for the sum of all PAHs ranged from 76 to 1944 ng/g [dry weight (dw)]. Despite the apparent matrix similarities between both pine species, P. pinaster needles revealed higher mean entrapment levels than P. pinea (748 and 399 ng/g (dw) per site, respectively). The urban and industrial sites have the highest average of PAH incidence [for P. pinea, 465 and 433 ng/g (dw) per site, respectively, and for P. pinaster, 1147 and 915 ng/g (dw)], followed by the rural sites [233 ng/g and 711 ng/g (dw) per site, for P. pinea and P. pinaster, respectively]. The remote sites, both from P. pinaster needles, show the least contamination, with 77 ng/g (dw) per site. A predominance of 3-ring and 4-ring PAHs was observed in most samples, with phenanthrene having 30.1% of the total. Naphthalene prevailed in remote sites. Rainfall had no influence on the PAHs levels, but there was a relationship between higher wind speeds and lower concentrations. PAH molecular ratios revealed the influence of both petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which evaluates worksite environment changes after a multilevel intervention in eating in Seattle, Washington. Methods used in the study is the Checklist of Health Promotion Environments at Worksites and a logistic regression. Results show that the intervention is only associated with the changes in the physical activity and nutrition information environments.

Abstract: This work summarizes the results of a series of comprehensive studies on particulate matter (PM10) carried out in County Cork, Ireland from 2005 to 2006. Monitoring sites were selected in accordance with different climatic and geographic conditions as well as anthropogenic influences, varying from rural background to industrial sites. Measurements were carried out with gravimetric high-volume samplers coupled with validated elemental analyses using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy, ion chromatography and flow injection analysis. Mean daily values, chemical compositions and source apportionment analyses were obtained and discussed as a function of the diverse monitoring sites and varying climatic episodes. High PM10 episodes are recorded during continental air mass impacts on Ireland, with a 50% increase in particulate concentration from the average values recorded in 2005. Chemical specification data, carried out by Principle Component Analysis (PCA) shows an increase in the crustal mineral load for most of the study sites. Furthermore, a high marine aerosol load is evident in coastal and urban study sites. The daily mean PM10 levels of 34 μg m−3 for an industrial region and 20 μg m−3 for coastal – rural site, with the urban site recording 14 μg m−3 are indicative of the Irish atmospheric air quality (allowing for local variations and weather). The natural background contribution in this region is estimated to be 3 μg m−3. The contribution from natural re-suspension and marine aerosol measured in this study can account for up to 56% of the 2010 EU annual limit value (20 μg m−3 PM10) under directive European Community (1999/30/EC). This contribution will account for up to 28% of the revised annual limit (40 μg m−3 PM10) under directive (2008/50/EC). The study demonstrates, that it could be challenging for a country such as Ireland whose national air pollution levels are low, as well as for other EU member states to meet the air quality limit in directive European Community (1999/30/EC). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case study on heavy metal contamination near an industrial area in Bucharest, Romania. The environmental pollution was related to children's health in the vicinity near companies processing different, nonferrous solid wastes, alloys and lead batteries. Furthermore, the study collected water, soil, and atmospheric deposition samples from different locations with results of highest lead values in the samples that are found near the industrial site.

The chemical composition of PM and PM samples collected during two seasonal monitoring campaigns at residential, urban and industrial Apulia Region- sites was investigated. Ionic fraction, carbonaceous compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons were determined for all samples. High correlations among PM data collected in the investigated sites suggested the regional character of particulate matter. It was also confirmed by five days back trajectories analysis. Moreover, no significant seasonal trend in PM mass concentration was observed in the investigated sites. These results, relevant for the area under investigations, were not observed in the North of Italy and Europe and allow to conclude that PM and PM cannot be considered 'good' indicators for the evaluation of local anthropic contributions to air quality. On the contrary, the high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons found in Taranto sampling sites suggested that PAHs can be a better indicator for this purpose. This result is also relevant in order to weigh the importance of industrial area and to suggest right policy control to decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The governance activities of capital and the state include attempts to control the timing and spacing of social activities such as the production of environmental risks and settlement of different social groups. The supervisory activities that have shaped the environmental and social history of the Botany/Randwick area are identified here, to examine how the HCB waste risk developed in that community. The analysis shows that multiple environmental risks and an ethnically diverse, working class community have been brought together in space to create environmental injustice. Analysing the governance of one environmental risk like hexachlorobenzene (HCB) waste may not increase understanding about communities facing multiple environmental risks or the supervisory processes that lead to the unfair accumulation of risks for particular places or social groups. Lessons from the environmental justice movement suggest that reframing problems like HCB waste management at Botany/Randwick as distributive justice issues may contribute to governance arrangements that better manage multiple risks and pollution sources in space affecting marginalised communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated juvenile Achatina achatina snails exposed as sentinels in plastic cages for 12 weeks to compare lead pollution at dump sites of abandoned battery factory (Niger Delta, Nigeria). Results indicated 0.56, 20.37, 200.42 and 1200.30 μg/g soil lead at control, storage, dried effluent and waste dump sites, respectively. There were significant ( p < 0.05) depression in snail growth with increasing level of lead pollution. Snails were tolerant of all levels of lead pollution with no mortalities. This novel approach provides a basis for use of snail data in environmental pollution assessment of industrial sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atmospheric concentrations of several reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs) including H2S, CH3SH, DMS, CS2, and DMDS were measured concurrently from a series of field campaigns covering multiple locations in the surroundings of a large industrial region (August 2004 to September 2005). These field studies have been designed and undertaken to inspect the concentrations of RSCs in ambient air. The RSC concentrations were found to occur in a highly variable range. H2S (1.06 ± 2.07 ppb) was found to be the most abundant RSC followed by CS2 (0.84 ± 0.54 ppb), DMDS (0.36 ± 1.21 ppb), DMS (0.24 ± 0.83 ppb), and CH3SH (0.11 ± 0.23 ppb). The RSC levels measured at the study area were comparable to those observed previously from other polluted environmental settings. When these RSC data were examined further in terms of spatial (industrial vs. non-industrial sites) and seasonal (summer vs. winter seasons) grouping schemes, differences in their concentration levels were statistically insignificant in most cases. In contrast, there were fairly strong variations in temporal patterns over a diurnal cycle. If these RSC concentration data were converted to diagnose the malodor strengths, their effects were in most cases insignificant with minor contribution towards odor nuisances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ambient air and dry deposition, and soil samples were collected at the Aliaga industrial site in Izmir, Turkey. Atmospheric total (particle+gas) ∑41-PCB concentrations were higher in summer (3370±1617pgm−3, average+SD) than in winter (1164±618pgm−3), probably due to increased volatilization with temperature. Average particulate ∑41-PCBs dry deposition fluxes were 349±183 and 469±328ngm−2 day−1 in summer and winter, respectively. Overall average particulate deposition velocity was 5.5±3.5cms−1. The spatial distribution of ∑41-PCB soil concentrations (n =48) showed that the iron-steel plants, ship dismantling facilities, refinery and petrochemicals complex are the major sources in the area. Calculated air–soil exchange fluxes indicated that the contaminated soil is a secondary source to the atmosphere for lighter PCBs and as a sink for heavier ones. Comparable magnitude of gas exchange and dry particle deposition fluxes indicated that both mechanisms are equally important for PCB movement between air and soil in Aliaga. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]