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Inhalation of particulate matter (PM) has been linked to serious adverse health effects, such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. In the present study, coarse (PM10-2.5), accumulation mode (PM2.5-0.25), and quasi-ultrafine (PM0.25) particulates were collected inside twelve educative centers of Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain) during two seasons (cold and warm). Chemical characterization of PM, as well as risk assessment were subsequently conducted in order to evaluate respiratory and digestive risks during school time for children. Levels and chemical composition of PM were very different among the 12 centers. Average PM levels were higher during the cold season, as well as the concentrations of most toxic metals. In most schools, PM levels were below the daily PM10 threshold established in the regulation (50 μg/m3), with the exception of school number 1 during the cold season. On average, and regardless of season, coarse PM was highly influenced by mineral matter, while organic matter and elemental carbon were prevalent in quasi-ultrafine PM. The concentrations of the toxic elements considered by the legislation (As, Cd, Pb, and Ni) were below their correspondent regulatory annual limits. Calculated risks were below the safety thresholds, being fine fractions (PM2.5-0.25 and PM0.25) the main contributors to both digestive and respiratory risks.

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were analyzed in 40 plasma samples of individuals living in zones under potential influence of the emissions of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). Samples corresponded to subjects of different gender, age and specific areas of residence. The levels of PCDD/Fs were compared to those obtained in a baseline study (1998), as well as in previous surveys (2002, 2007 and 2012). The current mean concentration of PCDD/Fs in plasma was 6.79 pg I-TEQ/g lipid, which was significantly lower than the baseline concentration (27.0 pg I-TEQ/g lipid). A significant decrease was also observed in comparison to the results obtained in 2002 and 2007 (15.7 and 9.4 pg I-TEQ/g, respectively), while the current PCDD/F levels were similar to those obtained in 2012 (6.18 pg I-TEQ/g lipid). This important reduction in plasma PCDD/F levels is in accordance with the decreasing trend in the daily dietary intake of PCDD/Fs, which diminished from 210.1 pg I-TEQ (baseline) to 8.54 pg WHO-TEQ (current). OCDD was the predominant congener in plasma, while 2,3,7,8-TeCDD and 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF showed the lowest levels. Based on the above results, as well as other recent data on the levels of PCDD/Fs in human milk, we conclude that the presence of the HWI does not mean additional and significant risks –as regards to PCDD/F exposure-for the population living in the neighborhood of the facility.

This paper was aimed at reviewing recent studies related with the impact on environment and human health of metals and PCDD/Fs near cement plants. It has been particularly focused on the impact of cement plants located in Catalonia, Spain, which have been monitored by our research for more than ten years. Environmental monitoring studies were performed under different cement plant conditions. While some of our studies examined temporal trends of the levels of the above indicated pollutants, the main goal of other surveys was to assess the impact of implementing alternative fuels in the facilities. Even one of the studies was performed before and after the cement plant temporally ceased its industrial activity. The impact of cement plants burning alternative fuels on the emissions of metals and PCDD/Fs elsewhere was also reviewed. Regarding the cement plants in Catalonia, no significant differences were found, neither in the long-term follow-up studies, nor when alternative fuels are used, nor when a cement plant temporally stopped its activity. These results are in agreement with those reported for several stack emissions of other cement plants working under different conditions. We conclude that emissions of metals and PCDD/Fs by cement plants working with the best available techniques (BAT), should not cause a significant negative impact neither on the surrounding environment, nor on the human health of the population living in the neighborhood.

In 2009, a cement plant located in Alcanar (South Catalonia, Spain) started co-processing a special kind of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) called ENERFUEL™. In April 2014 and 2017, 5 and 8 years after RDF co-processing, the concentrations of metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V and Zn) and PCDD/Fs were measured in samples of soils, herbage and air collected in the vicinity of the facility. The comparison of the current concentrations with those obtained in a baseline study (2008), when fossil fuels were used solely, has shown that the environmental concentrations of metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs were not significantly modified. The concentrations of metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs in soil, vegetation and air of Alcanar are in the low part of the ranges found around other cement plants in Catalonia (in general, below 50th percentile). Non-carcinogenic risks due to exposure to metals, metalloids and PCDD/Fs were lower than the safety value (HQ

A combined assessment on the levels and distribution profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace elements in soils from Pyramiden (Central Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago) is here reported. As previously stated, long-range atmospheric transport, coal deposits and previous mining extractions, as well as the stack emissions of two operative power plants at this settlement are considered as potential sources of pollution. Eight top-layer soil samples were collected and analysed for the 16 US EPA priority PAHs and for 15 trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, V and Zn) during late summer of 2014. The highest levels of PAHs and trace elements were found in sampling sites located near two power plants, and at downwind from these sites. The current PAH concentrations were even higher than typical threshold values. The determination of the pyrogenic molecular diagnostic ratios (MDRs) in most samples revealed that fossil fuel burning might be heavily contributing to the PAHs levels. Two different indices, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), were determined for assessing soil samples with respect to trace elements pollution. Samples collected close to the power plants were found to be slightly and moderately polluted with zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg), respectively. The Spearman correlation showed significant correlations between the concentrations of 16 PAHs and some trace elements (Pb, V, Hg, Cu, Zn, Sn, Be) with the organic matter content, indicating that soil properties play a key role for pollutant retention in the Arctic soils. Furthermore, the correlations between ∑16 PAHs and some trace elements (e.g., Hg, Pb, Zn and Cu) suggest that the main source of contamination is probably pyrogenic, although the biogenic and petrogenic origin of PAHs should not be disregarded according to the local geology.

Mixture of metals and herbicides in rivers may pose relevant risks for the health of surrounding communities. Humans may be exposed to river pollution through intake of contaminated water and fish, as well as irrigated agricultural products. The aim of this study was to assess the human health risks of environmental exposure to metals and herbicides through water and fish intake in the Pardo River. Metals (Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Tl, Sn, V, and Zn) were analyzed in river water and in edible fish. Herbicides (ametryn, atrazine, diuron, hexazinone, simazine, and tebuthiuron) were analyzed in river water. Seasonal variances were also studied. Aluminum, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn levels in river water were higher than the USEPA benchmarks. Non-carcinogenic risks due to pollutants mixture exposure were above the limit, and carcinogenic risks of As exposure were >10−6 in the sampling points during the rainy season. Metal levels in fish were lower than the Brazilian legislation and do not pose a threat to public health. Herbicides were detected in four sampling points, with atrazine concentrations (range 0.16–0.32 μg/L) below the Brazilian standard (2.0 μg/L), but above the European Union standard (0.1 μg/L). Considering the water supply needs of cities located in the Pardo River Basin and the persistence of metals and herbicides, the present study indicated that there was a seasonal influence on non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health, especially in the rainy season. Studies for water treatment plants implantation should consider the risks of exposure to persistent substances, in order to protect the population.

The photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be an important degradation pathway of PAHs in regions with a high solar radiation. The present investigation was aimed at studying the photodegradation of PAHs after their deposition on surface soils with different textures. Photodegradation by-products were also identified and semi-quantified, as well as correlated with the decrease of parent compounds. The experiment was performed by deploying soil samples spiked with a mixture of the 16 US EPA priority PAHs in a methacrylate box, exposed to solar radiation for 7 days, meaning a solar energy of 102.6 MJ m − 2 . As hypothesized, the individual PAHs were volatilized, sorbed and/or photodegraded, depending on their physicochemical properties, as well as the soil characteristics. Low and medium molecular weight PAHs were more sorbed and photodegraded in fine-textured Regosol soil, while a higher volatilization was observed in the coarse-textured Arenosol soil. In contrast, high molecular weight PAHs were more photodegraded in Arenosol soil. Specially low half-lives were noted for anthracene and benzo( a )pyrene, agreeing with previous findings at laboratory scale. Nine by-products were identified, including oxy-, nitro- and hydro-PAHs, whose toxic and mutagenic potential might be higher than the 16 priority PAHs.

Inhalation of particulate matter (PM) has been linked to serious adverse health effects, such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. In the present study, coarse (PM

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are airborne pollutants that are deposited on soils. As climate change is already altering temperature and solar radiation, the global warming is suggested to impact the environmental fate of PAHs. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of climate change on the PAH photodegradation in soils. Samples of Mediterranean soils were subjected to different temperature and light radiation conditions in a climate chamber. Two climate scenarios were considered according to IPCC projections: 1) a base (B) scenario, being temperature and light intensity 20 °C and 9.6 W/m2, respectively, and 2) a climate change (CC) scenario, working at 24 °C and 24 W/m2, respectively. As expected, low molecular weight PAHs were rapidly volatilized when increasing both temperature and light intensity. In contrast, medium and high molecular weight PAHs presented different photodegradation rates in soils with different texture, which was likely related to the amount of photocatalysts contained in both soils. In turn, the hydrogen isotopic composition of some of the PAHs under study was also investigated to verify any degradation process. Hydrogen isotopes confirmed that benzo(a)pyrene is degraded in both B and CC scenarios, not only under light but also in the darkness, revealing unknown degradation processes occurring when light is lacking. Potential generation pathways of PAH photodegradation by-products were also suggested, being a higher number of metabolites formed in the CC scenario. Consequently, in a more or less near future, although humans might be less exposed to PAHs, they could be exposed to new metabolites of these pollutants, which might be even more toxic. Keywords: Climate change, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Photodegradation, Metabolites, Hydrogen isotopes

Since 1999, a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) is operating in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). In 1996–1998, when the facility was being built, we started a monitoring program aimed at evaluating the impact of the emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) by the HWI on the environment and the human health. This study aimed at determining the current concentrations of PCDD/Fs in breast milk samples of women living nearby the HWI and at comparing these levels and profiles with those obtained in the baseline (1996–1998) and previous surveys (2002, 2007 and 2012). Furthermore, the association between the dietary intake of PCDD/Fs and the congener profiles in breast milk was also explored. Twenty milk samples were collected from women living in Tarragona downtown and near the industrial area where the HWI is placed. The content of PCDD/Fs was analyzed by following a procedure derived from the US EPA methods 1613 and 8290A. The mean concentration of PCDD/Fs was 2.26 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat. No significant differences were found between women living in industrial and urban areas (1.67 pg vs. 2.48 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat). Interestingly, a notable significant reduction (81%) was observed with respect to the concentrations found in the baseline study. The profiles of PCDD/Fs in breast milk were similar independently on the area and period of collection, being mainly influenced by the intake of fish, meat, oils and fats. The decreasing trend of PCDD/Fs in human milk agrees with the reduction observed in the dietary intake of these pollutants. It was also concluded that the current levels of PCDD/Fs in human milk levels are not influenced by the HWI stack emissions. Keywords: PCDD/Fs, Profiles, Breast milk, Biomonitoring, Hazardous waste incinerator

In this study, we analyzed the sources of ambient PM inorganic and organic components near a cement plant using fossil fuels as well as alternative fuels, such as sewage sludge and biomass. Source apportionment methodologies, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate curve resolution by alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), and carbon isotope analysis (δ13C) were used to determine the potential sources and their contributions. Four sources of PM10 main tracer compounds constituents were identified: Marine and secondary inorganic aerosol, cement plant/industrial, traffic and crustal. The contributions of those sources varied significantly depending on the period of the year. However, the inorganic tracer PM species in the area were mainly released by combustion sources, namely traffic and the activity of the cement plant, especially in winter months. The analyses of tracer organic compounds also indicated combustion sources, i.e., biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion, as the predominant contributors to ambient air PM (62, 59 and 69%, in PM10, PM2.5 and PM1, respectively). Organic dust was a significant source of PM10 (33%) while its contribution was found to be minor in the finest fractions (9 and 2% in PM2.5 and PM1, respectively). Results of δ13C corroborated a significant contribution of combustion sources, traffic or biomass fuel as well as a higher influence of mineral (calcite) powder in larger particles. © Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research., This study was financed by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), as part of the projects CTM2012-32778 (F. S?nchez-Sober?n received a doctoral scholarship as part of the project above mentioned), CTM2015-65303 and CGL2014-57215-C4-1-R, as well as by the Catalan Government, through the projects 2014SGR90 and 2014SGR1456. The authors also want to thank LAFARGE CEMENTOS SAU for their help during the sampling.

Particulate matter (PM) is widely recorded as a source of diseases, being more harmful those particles with smaller size. PM is released to the environment as a consequence of different activities, being one of them cement production. The objective of this pilot study was to characterize PM of different sizes around cement facilities to have a preliminary approach of their origin, and evaluate their potential health risks. For that purpose, three fractions of PM (10, 2.5, and 1) were collected in the nearby area of two cement plants with different backgrounds (urban and rural) in different seasons. Subsequently, main components, outdoor and indoor concentrations, exposure, and human health risks were assessed. Greatest levels of PM 1 , organic matter, and metals were found in urban location, especially in winter. Consequently, environmental exposure and human health risks registered their highest values in the urban plant during wintertime. Exposure was higher for indoor activities, expressing some metals their peak values in the PM 1 fraction. Non-carcinogenic risks were below the safety threshold (HQ −5 , except for Cr (VI), which exceeded it in both locations, but being in the range considered as assumable (10 −6 –10 −4 ).

Heat treatment of harvested fruit has been demonstrated to be an effective and a safe approach for managing postharvest decay. In the present study, the effect of a hot water treatment (HT) (45. °C for 10. min) on the response of apple to blue mold infection was investigated. HT was applied to 'Ultima Gala' apples using 2 different methods. Wounded apples were: (1) inoculated with a Penicillium expansum spore suspension and then heat-treated after 1, 4 and 24. h (Inoc-HT); or (2) first heat-treated and then inoculated with a P. expansum spore suspension after 1, 4 and 24. h (HT-Inoc). All treated/inoculated apples were stored at 20. °C for 6 days. Significant reductions in fruit rot incidence, up to 100%, were observed using the Inoc-HT protocol at 4 and 24. h while a 30% reduction in blue mold incidence was found at 1 and 4. h using the HT-Inoc method. In vitro experiments showed no evident lethal effect of HT at 45. °C for 10. min on the germination of P. expansum conidia, indicating that this pathogen has a high heat tolerance. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in fruit response to heat treatment, an apple microarray was used to conduct a global transcriptional analysis of gene expression in apple at 0, 15, 30. min, 1, 4, 8 and 24. h after the heat treatment. The results provided evidence that at 1 and 4. h after heating, the HT apples had the highest number of differentially expressed genes. A significant upregulation of heat shock proteins, heat shock cognate protein, and heat shock transcription factor genes, involved in thermotolerance were observed. This indicates that the apple fruit respond to the heat treatment in a programmed manner and suggests that the genes responsible for thermotolerance may also be involved in the induced resistance response.

none 4 no Kiwifruit, wounded at the equator or by pedicel removal, to simulate the stem end wound, were treated with Aureobasidium pullulans (L1 and L8 strains) and subsequently inoculated with conidia of Botrytis cinerea. Fruits were stored at -1 °C in normal refrigeration (NR) or in controlled atmosphere (CA) (2% O2; 4.5% CO2). After 4 months, both antagonists significantly reduced the disease in all experiments, L1 better than L8. In NR, their efficacy was higher than 80%. In CA, the disease reduction was lower: between 30% (L1) and 60% (L8). The ability of both strains to compete with the pathogen for nutrients was tested in kiwifruit juice (0.5%) by in vitro experiments. Antagonists significantly reduced pathogen conidia germination in water and in juice. An HPLC analysis was performed to define the amino acid composition of kiwifruit juice upon L1 and L8 treatment. L1 and L8 greatly increased the concentration of both glutamic and aspartic acids and stimulated the production of new amino acids, although at low concentrations. Each amino acid displayed an antifungal effect against mycelium growth of B. cinerea. Finally, L1 and L8, cold tolerant and active strains in CA, can be effectively applied to control the stem end rot of kiwifruit in long storage. none Di Francesco, A.; Mari, M.; Ugolini, L.; Baraldi, E. Di Francesco, A.; Mari, M.; Ugolini, L.; Baraldi, E.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the photocatalytic capability of amorphous α-Fe2O3 to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Solutions containing 16 US EPA priority PAHs were spiked with Fe2O3 and incubated in a climate chamber at stable conditions of temperature (20°C) and light (9.6 W·m−2) for 28 days. In addition, samples without Fe2O3 were also incubated. PAHs levels were monitored by means of GC–MS, and their toxicity was assessed using Microtox® bioassay. Fe2O3 had a significant photocatalytic effect on fluorene, phenanthrene, and benzo(a)pyrene, the photodegradation rate of the latter being 71% and 50% in presence and absence of Fe2O3, respectively. On the other hand, photolysis was significantly higher than photocatalysis for benzo(a)anthracene and dibenzo(ah)anthracene. Photodegradation of anthracene was notably the same regardless of Fe2O3 presence. Remaining PAHs were not photodegraded, neither with, nor without Fe2O3. These results indicated that, in some cases, Fe2O3 might act as a shield for PAHs by hindering their photodegradation. Other factors, such as the chemical structure of the Fe2O3, and also the absence of the soil matrix components (i.e., humic acid, other metals oxides, and texture) could also play a role. Photodegradation trends were supported by changes of EC50 values, suggesting the formation of more bioavailable or toxic PAHs by-products when Fe2O3 and light were present.

This study aimed at evaluating the potential impact of a cement plant after 4 years of the employment of alternative fuel. In June 2015, concentrations of PCDD/Fs and metals were determined in soils, vegetation and air in order to measure potential changes with respect to previous surveys before (July 2011) and after (June 2013) the employment of alternative fuel. Risks to human health were also assessed. In soils, metal levels were similar to those observed in June 2013 (p0.05). In comparison with July 2011, the increment was only statistically significant for As and Cd (p0.05). A notable increase in levels of PCDD/Fs was noted when current levels in soils (1.14 ng WHO-TEQ per kg) were compared with those observed in July 2011 (0.37 ng WHO-TEQ per kg) (p0.05) and June 2013 (0.41 ng WHO-TEQ per kg) (p0.05). This increase was mainly caused by the increase in PCDD/F levels at one sampling site, which showed the heterogeneity of PCDD/F levels in soils, possibly as a result of different point emissions over the years. On the other hand, temporal trends in levels of metals and PCDD/Fs in vegetation showed a clear decrease, which indicated that the particle fraction of these pollutants would potentially be removed from leaf surfaces by wash-off. In air, levels were similar to those found in previous surveys. The results of PCA showed that the change in fuel had not affected the environmental profiles of metals and PCDD/Fs around the cement plant. The exposure of the population living in the surroundings of the plant was measured and it was shown that diet was the major contributor for both metals and PCDD/Fs, with percentages of over 97%, the only exceptions being As and Pb, for which dietary intake accounted for 43% and 71% of the total exposure, respectively. Environmental non-cancer and cancer risks were within the limits considered as acceptable by international standards.

From the mid-1990s, a network of surveillance and prevention of atmospheric contamination has been running to control the levels of airborne pollution in urban and industrial (petrochemical) areas of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). Airborne concentrations of SO2, NO2, O3, H2S, and CO, as well as PM10, are routinely analyzed and used to establish the air quality. However, only single substances, rather than the global incidence of all contaminants as a whole, are taken into account. Moreover, specific data from the population are not considered. In the present study, a modified version of a previously developed fuzzy-based risk evaluation technique was developed. The method was fed with real monitoring data, instead of theoretical results from modeling. Hazard (air levels) and Exposure parameters (location sensitivity and population density) were used to create fuzzy sets and, subsequently, to generate a risk map. This tool was subsequently applied to the case-study of the petrochemical area of Tarr...

Since 2008, sewage sludge is being used as alternative fuel in a cement plant placed in Vallcarca (Catalonia, Spain). To evaluate the temporal trend of the environmental levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and a number of metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn), as well as the potentially associated human health risks, samples of soil, herbage, and air were collected around the facility, after approximately one year of the permanent partial substitution of fuel. The temporal evolution of the pollutant levels was assessed by comparing the measured concentrations (2009) with those from samples collected in previous surveys (2003 and 2006) at the same sampling sites. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in herbage and soil were 0.10 and 1.11 ng I-TEQ·kg−1 dw, respectively, values very similar to those found in our previous surveys. For metals, although a clear tendency could not be observed, there were fluctuations through time. In this study, the levels of metals, which had not been analyzed in previous campaigns, were also determined in air, additionally to soil and vegetation. Airborne metal concentrations were similar to those found in other industrial areas worldwide. The human health risks for the population living around the cement plant were comparable to those obtained in previous studies, when petroleum coke was exclusively used as combustible, being in both cases tolerable according to the international standards. Keywords: PCDD/Fs, Heavy metals, Environmental samples, Cement plant, Sewage sludge

From 2008 to 2009, we evaluated the environmental impact of a cement plant (Montcada i Reixac, Catalonia, Spain) that is located close to densely populated areas. The potential health risks for the population living in the neighborhood were also assessed. The levels of various heavy metals and the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined in soil, vegetation, and air samples collected at different directions and distances from the facility. Three 6-monthly consecutive campaigns were performed to establish temporal and seasonal trends. Multivariate statistical techniques, such as principal component analysis, were used. Human exposure to metals and PCDD/Fs, as well as the associated carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks, were also calculated. Environmental pollutant concentrations, especially those found in urban sites, were noted to be slightly higher than those recently reported around other cement plants in Catalonia. A seasonal pattern was observed, with higher values recorded during the colder sampling periods. Despite this, the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks derived from human exposure to metals and PCDD/Fs were within the ranges considered acceptable by international regulatory organisms.

Data concerning atmospheric lifetime and relative source contributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are fragmentary and contradictory. In this study, two datasets of measurements of atmospheric PAH (sum of particulate and gaseous phases), one from a national network, the other from a more local three-site study, were analysed and used to infer processes affecting PAH in the atmosphere, and their sources. PAH congener profiles measured at urban and rural locations were remarkably similar suggesting that atmospheric decay processes are relatively slow. This allows the use of such profiles to elucidate sources. A spatial analysis of two PAH datasets showed a clear influence of industry and road traffic upon local PAH concentrations. When Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to UK national network data, it showed a clear influence of steel industry emissions and of home heating emissions from coal and oil in Northern Ireland. These sites also showed different winter/summer concentration ratios to the main group of sites. In the data from Birmingham (UK), PCA identified separate factors relating to gasoline and diesel vehicles, as well as the influence of wood combustion on "Bonfire night", and a factor related to home heating emissions which shows up only in the cold season.

The only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain has been operating in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia) since 1999. Before its construction, a surveillance program was initiated to monitor the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the neighborhood of the facility. In 2008, 40 soil and 40 vegetation samples were collected and PCDD/F levels determined. The median PCDD/F concentration in soil was 0.49 ng international toxic equivalents (I-TEQ)/kg. Although it meant a nonsignificant decrease of 44% with respect to the preoperational survey, important fluctuations of the levels of PCDD/Fs through time were found in some specific sites. Therefore, a new survey was performed 1 year later (2009) by deleting those sampling sites with inconstant values, which mostly coincided with urban zones. In 2009, the median level of PCDD/Fs in soils was found to be 0.42 ng I-TEQ/kg. In contrast, median PCDD/F levels in vegetation were 1.11 ng I-TEQ/kg, a significant increase compared with previous surveys (range of the median 0.21-0.25 ng I-TEQ/kg). However, this increase was uniformly observed in the entire sampling area, suggesting that lack of rainfall was a key parameter for decreasing plant dilution and wash-up of pollutants on vegetation. This indicates that in surveillance programs, information must be obtained from different sources because the use of a single compartment may yield significant misinterpretation when evaluating temporal trends of environmental pollutants. Human health risks derived from exposure to PCDD/Fs were also assessed for the local population. The results indicated that current concentrations of these contaminants do not pose any additional carcinogenic or noncarcinogenic risk for those people living near the HWI.

Kohonen's self-organizing maps (SOM) is one of the most popular artificial neural network models. In this study, SOM were used to assess the potential relationships between polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) congener profiles in environmental (soil, herbage, and ambient air) and biological (plasma, adipose tissue, and breast milk) samples, and the emissions of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain. The visual examination of PCDD/F congener profiles of most environmental and biological samples did not allow finding out any differences between monitors. However, the global SOM analysis of environmental and biological samples showed that the weight of the PCDD/F stack emissions of the HWI on the environmental burden and on the exposure of the individuals living in the surroundings was not significant in relation to the background levels. The results confirmed the small influence of the HWI emissions of PCDD/Fs on the environment and the population living in the neighborhood.

In recent years, the cremation ratio of cadavers has increased dramatically in many countries. Crematories have been identified as sources of various environmental pollutants, being polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and mercury those raising most concern. In contrast to other incineration processes for which the number of studies on their toxic emissions is considerable, references related to PCDD/F and mercury emissions from crematories and their health risks are very limited. In this paper, the scientific information concerning these issues, using the databases PubMed, Scopus and Scirus, is reviewed. Results show that in comparison with PCDD/F emissions from other sources, those corresponding to crematories are significantly lower, while those of mercury should not be underrated. Keywords: Crematories, Toxic emissions, Dioxins and furans, Mercury, Health risks

Since 2002, the chemical/petrochemical industrial zone of Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain) is being annually monitored. As part of the environmental surveillance program, in this study the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Pb and V) were determined in soil and vegetation samples collected in 4 areas of Tarragona County (chemical, petrochemical, urban/residential, and unpolluted). Moreover, the airborne concentrations of the same micropollutants were determined in each area. In soil samples, significant higher levels of PCNs and higher concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PAHs were found in the urban zone. PCDD/F levels in vegetation samples significantly decreased from 2002. The concentrations of Cr in soil samples, as well as V levels in vegetation samples collected in the vicinity of an oil refinery were significantly higher than those found in the unpolluted zones. A significant and progressive increase in V concentrations was also noted. The current results clearly indicate that the petrochemical industry is still being an important focus of inorganic pollution for the surrounding environment. In air, the higher amount of the 7 carcinogenic PAHs suggests a relatively greater impact on the petrochemical and urban areas. The temporal trend of the global pollution was also studied an Integral Risk Index was applied. Keywords: Petrochemical industrial complex, Micropollutants, Soil, Vegetation, Air

In 2005 and 2006, the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were measured in air samples collected in an industrial area of Sant Adrià del Besòs (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain) where a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) is placed, and in a background/control area. In general terms, concentrations of all environmental pollutants were higher at the industrial site. No significant seasonal/temporal variations were observed in any of the areas. No Pearson correlation was found between the PCDD/F concentrations and the environmental conditions of the two sampling periods considered. Principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to get information on the relationship among samples, pollutants, and emission sources. The results indicate that the MSWI of S. Adrià de Besòs is not a significant emission source of the above compounds for the area under its direct influence. Moreover, a notable difference in the PCDD/F congener profiles was found between ambient air and stack gas emissions, indicating that the current levels of PCDD/Fs are more related to other potential emissions sources rather than to those from the MSWI.

To determine the blood and urine concentrations of a number of metals and organic substances in workers at a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Catalonia, Spain, 8 years after regular operations in the facility. To compare these concentrations with the baseline (1999) levels and with those obtained in previous (2000 and 2005) surveys. The employees were divided into three groups according to their specific workplaces. Plasma analyses of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), as well as urinary analyses of 2,4- and 2,5-dichlorophenol (DCP), 2,4,5- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) were carried out. Blood concentrations of manganese and mercury, and urinary levels of nickel were also determined. For organic compounds in plasma, the comparison of the current levels with those of previous surveys did not show any significant increase for any of the compounds analyzed. In contrast, plasma levels of PCBs 28, 52 and 101 were significantly lower than the respective baseline concentrations, while especially notable was the significant reduction in the levels of PCDD/Fs in plasma of plant workers, which decreased from 26.7 pg I-TEQ/g lipid in the baseline survey to the current 2.5 pg I-TEQ/g lipid. According to the results of the present study, there are no evident signs of occupational exposure to a number of metals and organic substances in the workers of the HWI.

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were determined in air samples collected at four sampling sites located in two zones of Barcelona (Spain): near a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) and a combined cycle power plant (3 sites), and at a background/control site. Samples were collected using high-volume active samplers. Moreover, 4 PUF passive samplers were deployed at the same sampling points during three months. For PCDD/Fs, total WHO-TEQ values were 27.3 and 10.9 fg WHO-TEQm(-3) at the urban/industrial and the background sites, respectively. The sum of 7 PCB congeners and the Sigma PCN levels were also higher at the industrial site than at the background site. In order to compare active and passive sampling, the accumulated amounts of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PCNs in the four passive air samplers, as well as the total toxic equivalents in each sampling site were also determined. To assess the use of PUF passive samplers as a complementary tool for PCDD/F, PCB and PCN monitoring, sampling rates were calculated in accordance with the theory of passive air samplers. PUF disks allowed establishing differences among zones for the POP levels, showing that they can be a suitable method to determine POP concentrations in air in areas with various potential emission sources. Although both particle and gas phase were sorbed by the PUFs, data of gas phase congeners are more reproducible.

Bull’s eye rot is an important postharvest disease affecting apples (Malus domestica) worldwide. Fruit infection occurs in the field, but rot lesions develop only after a period in cold storage (about 90 days). The disease is caused by fungi belonging to genus Neofabraea (N. vagabunda, N. malicorticis, N. perennans, and N. kienholzii) (Spotts et al. 2009). However, no data are available on the presence of species other than N. vagabunda in Italy. To verify the current causal agents of apple bull’s eye rot in the Emilia-Romagna region, a pathogen survey of apples stored in several local packinghouses and showing bull’s eye rot symptoms was carried out in 2014 and the causative agents identified. Small sections from the edges of rotten tissue of 100 fruits were placed on tomato agar (TA) and kept at 15°C. Sporulation was observed after 14 days of incubation. Mycelia originated from the single spore of 20 isolates were used for DNA extraction. PCR was used to amplify the β-tubulin (tub2) gene using primers F 5′-CTTTCTCCGTTGTCCCATCC-3′ and R 5′-GAACATTGCGCATCTGGTCC-3′ (Cao et al. 2013). After sequencing and sequence assembly, BLAST analysis showed that one isolate (M1) had 99% identity to N. malicorticis, while other isolates belonged to N. vagabunda. The sequence of N. malicorticis isolate was submitted to GenBank (accession no. KP263368). Morphological characteristics of N. malicorticis isolate were examined after 14 days of incubation on TA at 15°C. Colonies were circular, centrally umbonate, with abundant white floccose mycelium. Average growth rate was 22 ± 2 mm in 14 days. Conidia were one-celled, cylindrical, rounded at apex, aseptate, hyaline, and measured 6 to 16 μm (mean 10 ± 2.4 μm) × 2 to 5 μm (mean 3 ± 0.8 μm), similar to micro and intermediate conidia formed on oatmeal (Chen et al. 2015). To prove pathogenicity, Koch’s postulates were conducted on 10 ‘Cripps Pink’ apples, surface-sterilized, wounded, and inoculated with 20 μl conidial suspension (104 conidia ml–1). After 90 days of storage at 0°C, artificially infected apples showed lesions of 21 to 29 ± 1 mm diameter without conidiomata on peel surface (symptoms identical to those observed on apples that were originally obtained from cold storage). Water-only controls were symptomless. The pathogen was reisolated from decayed tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. malicorticis causing bull’s eye rot of apples in Italy. This finding suggests that, beside N. vagabunda, other species of Neofabraea may occur in Italy and this could represent an emerging problem on apples. Epidemiological studies performed on a wider scale could improve the knowledge of current Neofabraea species occurring in Italian orchards, leading to the adoption of specific control strategies to reduce fruit postharvest losses.

The postharvest phase has been considered an environment for successful application of biological control agents (BCAs). However, the interactions between fungal pathogen, host (fruit), and antagonist are influenced by several parameters such as temperature, oxidative stresses, oxygen composition and water activity that could determine the success of biocontrol. Knowledge of the modes of action of BCAs is essential in order to enhance their viability and increase their potential in disease control. The antagonists display a wide range of modes of action: antibiosis, competition for nutrients and space, parasitism and induction of resistance are considered the main ones. Their efficacy, however, is related to the host and the pathogen; sometimes, these mechanisms could act simultaneously, and it is therefore difficult to establish which is related to a specific antifungal action. The current review presents a brief summary of the research that has led to a better understanding of the mode of action of BCAs with particular emphasis on the most recent literature.

In 1998, we started a wide environmental surveillance program focused on evaluating the environmental impact of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) emitted by a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain) and assessing the potential health risks for the population living nearby. The HWI began regular operations in 1999. Since then, periodical surveys have been performed. We report here the results concerning PCDD/F levels in 40 soil and 40 herbage samples collected in years 2004 and 2005, respectively, in the vicinity of the HWI. The human health risks derived from exposure to PCDD/Fs were also assessed. PCDD/F concentrations in soils ranged from 0.06 to 12.60 ng I-TEQ/kg, with median and mean values of 0.65 and 1.14 ng I-TEQ/kg, respectively. In herbage, PCDD/F concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 1.57 ng I-TEQ/kg, with median and mean values of 0.31 and 0.40 ng I-TEQ/kg, respectively. A comparison of these results with those from the baseline surv...

Emissions of metals by municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) are still an issue of concern for the health of residents in the vicinity of these facilities. Since 1991 a MSWI has been operating in Tarragona (Spain). In 1997, a modernization of the flue gas cleaning systems of the MSWI was completed. Since then, periodically soil and herbage samples have been collected near the facility and the concentrations of the following elements determined: As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl, and V. In 2002, a 4-year environmental surveillance program was initiated. The mean concentrations of these elements in various surveys performed between 1997 and 2005, as well as the temporal trends are reported. Human health risks, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic, were also assessed. Risks for adults and children were separately evaluated. Children were chosen because they are one of the most susceptible groups of a population. According to the current results, in principle, no significant health risks for the p...

The aim of this study was to measure, 6 years after regular operations, the concentrations of a number of organic substances in blood and urine of 19 workers employed at a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain, and to establish the temporal variation with respect to baseline data and previously performed surveys. This facility was the first, and so far the only HWI in that country. The levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were analyzed in six composite plasma samples, while concentrations of di-, tri, and pentachlorophenols, as well those of 1-hydroxypyrene were measured in the urine of these workers. The current mean PCDD/F concentration, 10.4 ng I-TEQ/kg lipid, was significantly lower than that found in the baseline survey, 26.7 ng I-TEQ/kg lipid and similar to that found in the previous (2004) study (7.7 ng I-TEQ/kg lipid). PCDD/F levels in plasma were similar or even lower than those recently reported for various non-exposed populations. For the remaining analyzed substances in plasma and urine, there was not any significant increase in comparison with the levels found in the baseline survey. On the other hand, no marked differences between the concentrations of organic substances in plasma or urine were found according to the respective workplace (plant, laboratory and administration). The results of the present survey indicate that after 6 years of regular operation, the workers at the HWI are not occupationally exposed to PCDD/Fs and other organic substances in their workplaces.

SummaryReal-Time PCR was used to determine whether the levels of mRNAs coding for anti-oxidant enzymes varied in apple peel during post-harvest cold storage, and if these were correlated with the occurrence of apple scald symptoms. Levels of the scald-related compounds, αfarnesene and conjugated trienes (CT; particularly, CT281 and CT258), were determined in fruit peel of the scald-resistant apple ‘Belfort’ and the scald-susceptible apple ‘Granny Smith’ during storage. αFarnesene levels varied, irrespective of the incidence of scald, whereas the levels of CTs were correlated with the degree of scald. On the other hand, the level of H2O2 in ‘Granny Smith’ apple peel increased gradually, but significantly, from harvest during storage, whereas this value did not vary in ‘Belfort’ peel. In both apple cultivars, the levels of mRNA for Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) decreased with storage time, whereas the levels of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) mRNA did not vary. In ‘Granny Smith’ apples, mRNA levels for catalas...

In this paper we studied the exposure to three size fractions of outdoor particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) collected in an area influenced by a cement plant. For that purpose, three groups of population were evaluated (children, adults and retired) in two seasons (summer and winter). Outdoor measured PM concentrations, as well as physiological parameters and activity patterns of the three groups of population were used as input data in two different models. The first one was an indoor air quality model, used to elucidate indoor PM concentrations in different microenvironments. The second one was a dosimetry model, used to evaluate the internal exposure and the distribution of the different PM fractions in the respiratory tract. Results from the indoor air quality model showed that special attention must be paid to the finest particles, since they penetrate indoors in a greater degree. Highest pulmonary doses for the three PM sizes were reported for retired people, being this a result of the high amount of time in outdoor environments exercising lightly. For children, the exposure was mainly influenced by the time they also spend outdoors, but in this case due to heavy intensity activities. It was noticed that deposition of fine particles was more significant in the pulmonary regions of children and retired people in comparison with adults, which has implications in the expected adverse health effects for those vulnerable groups of population.

In recent years, the climate change impact on the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has become a topic of notable concern. Changes in environmental conditions such as the increase of the average temperature, or the UV-B radiation, are likely to influence the fate and behavior of POPs, ultimately affecting human exposure. The state of the art of the impact of climate change on environmental concentrations of POPs, as well as on human health risks, is here reviewed. Research gaps are also identified, while future studies are suggested. Climate change and POPs are a hot issue, for which wide attention should be paid not only by scientists, but also and mainly by policy makers. Most studies reported in the scientific literature are focused on legacy POPs, mainly polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides. However, the number of investigations aimed at estimating the impact of climate change on the environmental levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is scarce, despite of the fact that exposure to PAHs and photodegradation byproducts may result in adverse health effects. Furthermore, no data on emerging POPs are currently available in the scientific literature. In consequence, an intensification of studies to identify and mitigate the indirect effects of the climate change on POP fate is needed to minimize the human health impact. Furthermore, being this a global problem, interactions between climate change and POPs must be addressed from an international perspective.

The photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in two typical Mediterranean soils, either coarse- or fine-textured, was here investigated. Soil samples, spiked with the 16 US EPA priority PAHs, were incubated in a climate chamber at stable conditions of temperature (20 degrees C) and light (9.6 W m(-2)) for 28 days, simulating a climate change base scenario. PAH concentrations in soils were analyzed throughout the experiment, and correlated with data obtained by means of Microtox (R) ecotoxicity test. Photodegradation was found to be dependent on exposure time, molecular weight of each hydrocarbon, and soil texture. Fine-textured soil was able to enhance sorption, being PAHs more photodegraded than in coarse-textured soil. According to the EC50 values reported by Microtox (R), a higher detoxification was observed in fine-textured soil, being correlated with the outcomes of the analytical study. Significant photodegradation rates were detected for a number of PAHs, namely phenanthrene, anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, and indeno(123-cd)pyrene. Benzo(a)pyrene, commonly used as an indicator for PAH pollution, was completely removed after 7 days of light exposure. In addition to the PAH chemical analysis and the ecotoxicity tests, a hydrogen isotope analysis of benzo(a)pyrene was also carried out. The degradation of this specific compound was associated to a high enrichment in H-2, obtaining a maximum delta H-2 isotopic shift of +232 parts per thousand. This strong isotopic effect observed in benzo(a) pyrene suggests that compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) may be a powerful tool to monitor in situ degradation of PAHs. Moreover, hydrogen isotopes of benzo(a)pyrene evidenced a degradation process of unknown origin occurring in the darkness. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of CO 2 -enriched atmospheres on the infections of Botrytis cinerea in red chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. silvestre Bischoff) cv. 'Radicchio rosso di Chioggia' were studied during storage at 0°C up to 150 days. B cinerea growth, conidial germination and sclerotial production were evaluated also in vitro. Mycelial growth on PDA decreased linearly as CO 2 concentrations increased from 5, 10, 15 and 20%. A reduced production of sclerotia in air, by the colonies formerly exposed to various CO 2 concentrations, was also detected. Conidial germination and germ tube elongation was delayed with increased CO 2 and inhibited at 20% CO 2 . In artificially inoculated heads, lesion area caused by B. cinerea decreased with increasing concentrations of CO 2 up to 60 days of storage; later only 10 and 15% CO 2 were really effective, while after 120 days all the concentration tested showed a low efficacy. In naturally infected heads the effect of 5 and 10% CO 2 was remarkable even after 150 days of storage as it was prevented not only the growth of B. cinerea in each single head but also the disease spread to adjacent plant (nesting), thus reducing the overall losses. Phytotoxic effects combined with a higher vulnerability to rots were detected in heads kept at 15% CO 2 for 150 days.

Pears are highly perishable products, especially during the post-harvest phase, when considerable losses can occur. Among the fungal diseases, blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum, grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea, Mucor rot caused by Mucor piriformis are common on pear fruits. Other (weak) pathogens like Phialophora malorum, Alternaria spp., and Cladosporium herbarum tend to infect wounds and senescent fruits. A post-harvest fungicide treatment can reduce decay but effectiveness decreases with the appearance of resistant strains. There is a clear need to develop new and alternative methods of controlling post-harvest diseases. The emerging technologies for the control of post-harvest fungal diseases are essentially threefold: application of antagonistic microorganisms, application of natural antimicrobial substances and application of sanitizing products. Two biological control products, Aspire (Candida oleophila I-182) (Ecogen, Langhorne, PA, USA) and Bio-Save 110 (Pseudomonas syringae) (EcoScience, Worcester, MA, USA; formerly Bio-Save 11) are currently registered in the USA for post-harvest application to pears. Other potential biocontrol agents have been isolated from fruit and shown to suppress post-harvest decay in pear. It is important that evaluation of these microorganisms be carried out in a product formulation because the formulation may improve or diminish antagonistic efficacy depending on the concentration of chemical product and the duration of exposure to the treatment. Plants produce a large number of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial effects on post-harvest pathogens. Detailed studies have been conducted on aromatic compounds, essential oils, volatile substances and isothiocyanates, with encouraging results. In particular, allyl-isothiocyanate used as a volatile substance, controls blue mould in 'Conference' and 'Kaiser' pear inoculated with a thiabendazole-resistant strain. Sanitizing products such as chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid and ozone have considerable fungicidal activity against P. expansum and M. piriformis, depending on the concentration of chemical product and the duration of exposure to the treatment. Sanitizing solutions can be integrated easily with current handling and storage practices; however, further research is required to define the effective procedures better.

Brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. is an important fruit postharvest decay causing severe losses in stone and pome fruits with a significant economic impact. In Italy, three Monilinia species (M. laxa, M. fructicola, and M. fructigena) are the causal agents of blossom and twig blight and brown fruit rot in stone fruit. M. polystroma has been observed on peaches in Italy (2) and has been reported in Czech Republic and Hungary (3), Poland (4), Serbia (5), and Switzerland (1) on pome fruits and apricots. In September 2013, stored var. Abate Fetel pears showing brown rot symptoms were observed in Emilia Romagna region. In 20% of the symptomatic pears, circular and brown to black decay spots were observed, covered by a large number of yellowish or buff-colored stromata, while decayed tissues remained firm, resembling M. polystroma symptoms. In another 13% of stored pears, the decayed tissues remained firm, and decay lesions were covered with numerous grayish pustules containing spores. Putative pathogens were isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C in darkness for 5 days. The colonies grown on PDA were yellowish, with irregular black stromatal crusts at the edges of the colonies after 10 to 12 days of incubation. Some colonies developed, at their margins, sporogenous tissue slightly elevated above the colony surface that was buff/pale luteous (4). Conidia developing from such cultures were one celled, ovoid or limoniform, smooth and hyaline, measuring 12.2 to 20.4 × 8.4 to 12.3 µm when grown on V8 juice agar (V8) at 22°C, and matched the description of those for M. polystroma. Other colonies, which developed a gray mass of spores in concentric rings with the reverse side black, were morphologically identified as M. fructicola. The colony margins were smooth edged, and the conidia were one-celled, limoniform, hyaline, and measuring 12.1 to 17.4 × 8.1 to 11.2 µm on V8 at 22°C. Isolate identificaton was obtained using the universal primers for Monilinia spp. (3). Pathogenicity was confirmed using surface-sterilized mature var. Abate Fetel and William pears wounded with a sterile needle, and inoculated with 20 µl of an M. polystroma or M. fructicola conidial suspension (103 spores/ml). After 7 days of incubation at 20°C, typical symptoms of Asiatic brown rot or brown rot developed on both the wounds of all inoculated pears, while controls remained symptomless. Mean colony diameters measured after 7 days were 47.3 mm for Asiatic brown rot and 44.1 mm for brown rot, and there were no significant differences in colony diameter after 7 days between M. polystroma and M. fructicola (α < 0.05). After 14 days, yellowish exogenous stromata appeared on the surface of pears infected by M. polystroma, whereas numerous grayish pustules containing spores appeared on pears inoculated with M. fructicola. Control pears still remained symptomless. The fungus isolated from inoculated fruit exhibited the same morphological features as the original isolates, and PCR/sequencing analysis using primers ITS1 and ITS4 confirmed the results of the universal primers (3) (GenBank Accession Nos. GU067539.1 and HQ893748.1). Although the presence of M. polystroma and M. fructicola has been documented in Italy, this is the first time these two species were observed on Italian pears. This report suggests a broader impact since M. polystroma and M. fructicola have not been previously reported on pears in Europe. Because of the importance of pears in the Italian fruit industry, knowledge about the occurrence of new pathogens will facilitate the adoption of adequate control strategies to reduce postharvest losses.

The concentrations of a number of metals were determined in the brain, bone, kidney, liver, and lung of 20 autopsied subjects who had lived, at least 10 years, in the neighborhood of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). Results were compared with those obtained in 1998 (baseline survey) and previous surveys (2003 and 2007). Arsenic, Be, Ni, Tl, and V showed concentrations below the corresponding detection limits in all tissues. Cadmium showed the highest levels in the kidney, with a mean value of 21.15 μg/g. However, Cd was found below the detection limit in the brain and bone. Chromium showed similar concentrations in the kidney, brain, and lung (range of mean values, 0.57–0.66 μg/g) and higher in the bone (1.38 μg/g). In turn, Hg was below the detection limit in all tissues with the exception of the kidney, where the mean concentration was 0.15 μg/g (range

The possibility of employing antagonistic bacteria for postharvest control of gray mold on pear was studied. Approximately 175 strains of bacteria were isolated from beneath the skin of various fruits and vegetables and 14 of these possessed high levels of antagonistic properties. They significantly reduced gray mold in cv Conference pear artificially inoculated withBotrytis cinereaand stored at 20°C for at least 9 days. Two strains, 3PPE (Bacillus pumilus) and 2TOE (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), were particularly active. They did not produce antibiotic substances and their application was compatible with iprodione-based antifungal treatments. The bacterial antagonist mixed with the fungicide at 50 ppm a.i. resulted in a greater control of the pathogen compared to the single ingredient. Holding bacteria-treated fruits at 20°C for 24 h before cold storage improved the efficacy of the bacteria against gray mold.