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This study investigates heavy metal contamination in soils, irrigation water, and agricultural produce (fruits: Vitis vinifera (grape), Cucumis melo var. saccharimus (melon), and Citrullus vulgaris. Schrade (watermelon); vegetables: Lycopersicum esculentum L. (tomato), Cucurbita pepo (zucchini), Daucus carota (carrot), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Convolvulus Batatas (potato), and Capsicum annuum L. (green pepper)) in the Boumerdes region of Algeria. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in soil and food samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Health risks associated with these metals were evaluated through the estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risks (using target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and hazard index (HI)), and carcinogenic risks (cancer risk factor (CR)). Statistical analyses, including cluster analysis (CA) and Pearson correlation, were conducted to interpret the data. The results revealed the highest metal transfer as follows: Cd was most significantly transferred to tomatoes and watermelons; Cr to carrots; Cu to tomatoes; and Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn to lettuce. Among fruits, the highest EDI values were for Zn (2.54·10−3 mg/day) and Cu (1.17·10−3 mg/day), with melons showing the highest Zn levels. For vegetables, the highest EDI values were for Fe (1.68·10−2 mg/day) and Zn (8.37·10−3 mg/day), with potatoes showing the highest Fe levels. Although all heavy metal concentrations were within the World Health Organization's permissible limits, the HI and TTHQ values indicated potential health risks, particularly from vegetable consumption. These findings suggest the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure food safety and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the physical and chemical properties of dune and aeolian sands in the region of southern Algeria. The sand sampling were done from three major routes along the distance of 1210 Km, from 15-20 m far from the main road edge each 10 km. A total of 120 sand samples were collected seasonally from (0-20 cm) depth, during the period from autumn 2016 to summer of 2017. Adding to the physical and chemical analysis, the particles of Aeolian and dune sand samples were subjected to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the chemical composition of metallic oxides and concentration of some metallic trace elements (MTE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste incineration is just beginning to develop in Algeria, and waste pollution is caused by PCDD/Fs and VOCs emissions that should be monitored and quantified. This study presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (BTEXs, PCDDs and PCDFs), and their average concentrations were evaluated by emissions stack monitoring of an industrial waste incinerator (ECFERAL Company). For the BTEXs collection, the active sampling was deployed in the vicinity of the ECFERAL Company. However, the PCDD/Fs collection was accomplished by active sampling using an isokinetic sampler in the gas release from the incinerator chimney. The BTEX results of samples by GC/FID analysis showed that the average level was 77.3 Āg.m-3, while the recorded atmospheric level of PCDD/Fs varied from 21 to 774 pg TEQ m-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PM10 samples were collected at urban and rural sites in Algiers-Boumerdes, and three monitoring campaigns were done in summer and autumn 2007 and summer 2008. Quartz fiber filters of 47 mm diameter were used as collection substrates. The resulting samples were analysed for inorganic ions, elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC). Sulphate and particulate organic matter (POM) were the two most abundant constituents in all aerosol samples. Sulphate accounted for an average of 17.38-19.04% of the total urban aerosol and 20.80% of the total aerosol at the rural site, while the POM represent between 44.51 and 47.61% of the total mass aerosol identified in all sites studied, with a high contribution of POM recorded at the rural site. WSOC was a significant portion of OC, accounting for about one-third of OC. fraction at the urban sites in all campaign samplings, and 56% of OC at the rural site in summer 2008. Sulphate (SO42), anmionium (NH4+), and nitrate (NO3-) were the predominant ionic species in all sites studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VOCs have been monitored in the region of Algiers (Algeria), by using Analyst-I as passive sampler. Both in- door (namely workplaces, laboratories, and coffee shop) and outdoor environments (a wide traffic characterized road and a tunnel) were investigated. After exposition to the air the VOCs collection devices were extracted with carbon disulfide, and chemical characterization was performed by applying gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization or mass spectrometer detection (CC-PD and GC-MSD, respectively). The CC column adopted for the purpose (i.e., a HP-PONA Methyl Siloxane phase type) provided a good separation of the meta and para isomers of xylene. The Contents of benzene and toluene in the air ranged from 8 to 54 μg m-3 and from 4 to 323 μg m-3, respectively, in the workplaces (indoors); concurrently, concentrations as high as 40 ÷ 89 μg m-3-3 and 117 ÷ 286 μg m-3 were detected Out- doors (workplace and tunnel) ambient air: The maximum value of benzene was found inside the oil laboratory. The active sampling method, i.e. gas aspiration through a VOC trap, was carried out in parallel to the diffusive devices, to estimate the exposure to VOCs at workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of extractable organic fraction of atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) were measured in northern Algeria during summer and autumn 2007. Three monitoring campaigns were done in July, September and October in two urban and one rural areas. The chemical analysis shows that the detected organic groups are n-alkanes, poly- cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) and highly-polar chemicals including caffeine, nicotine and oxygenated-PAHs. In addition to that, the potential sources of pollution were investigated by analyzing the n-alkane carbon preference index (CPI). Also, the selected diagnostic ratios of PAH and NPAH concentrations were studied. The aerial concentrations of the total n-alkanes did not vary widely over the entire period (144 to 170 ng m-3), while total PAHs ranged from 12 to 24 ng m-3. Despite their recognized semi-volatile properties caffeine and nicotine, chosen respectively as tracers of recreational drink consumption and tobacco smoke, reached surprisingly high concentration in the air both in summer and autumn. Indeed, they accounted together for ∼12% of the total identified PM components in the Rouiba urban area during summer, and from 37 to 65 % in autumn at all the three sites studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]