Search

Perovskite has received extensive attention due to its excellent properties, just like photoelectric, while the instability has always troubled us to the wide application of perovskite materials. Herein, we proposed to use SiO2 and POE to encapsulate perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs). In this work, we have successfully prepared a series of perovskite composite materials and films with different concentration ratios. Due to the protection of POE, the luminous intensity of CsPbBr3@POE composite film remained above 90% after stayed in the water for 42 days. The lead concentration of CsPbBr3@POE composite film was 0.8 μg/mL after 48 h of immersing in deionized water. Namely, packaging PNCs in POE could effectively prevent Pb from overflowing reduce Pb pollution. Besides, the composite films showed a wide colour gamut with 117% of NTSC colour gamut, which shows that this composite material has a development prospect in the WLED field.

The release of pollutant such as lead (Pb) from factories, agriculture wastes, and domestic wastes into the environment has threatened the freshwater ecosystem. Therefore, there is a crucial need for a quick and efficient method for early detection of Pb in the aquatic environment. The aim of this study is to determine the changes of physicochemical parameters (pH, conductivity and dissolve oxygen) in the surrounding water body caused by Chlorella vulgaris that were exposed to Pb, as a mean of Pb bio-detection. The microalgae were exposed to different concentrations of Pb (1, 0.1 and 0.01 mg/L) and for each exposure, the physicochemical parameter changes in the surrounding water body were recorded at 0 hour (initial exposure), 1 hour, 2 hours, 6 hours and 24 hours by using the portable multiparameter meter. The results showed that the pH values of the water decreases as the concentration of metal exposure increases. On the other hand, the conductivity and dissolved oxygen showed a decreased in their values as the exposure time increases. This phenomenon could be attributed to the inhibition of the photosynthesis by the C. vulgaris as well as the ability of the algae to accumulate Pb and thus lowering the physicochemical parameters. Therefore, C. vulgaris serves as a good bioindicator for Pb pollution.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of Atrichum undulatum to soil Pb contamination and check its affectivity as an indicator of Pb pollution indicator. Methodology: Soil and plant samples were collected and characterized. Plants were grown in different levels of Pb contaminated soil (35, 70,140 and 280 mg kg-1, respectively). After 35 days, the plant samples were cut and ground to determine physiological and biochemical parameters. Results: Soil available Pb accounted for approximately 15–24% of total Pb, and the ratio of available Pb decreased with increase in treatment concentration. All the above mentioned parameters were closely related to soil Pb stress, especially when soil Pb concentration was higher than 140 mg kg-1. A. undulatum had a low tolerance to Pb and distinct responses to soil Pb pollution, with visible symptoms such as damaged sporophytes and gametophytes. When soil Pb concentration was in low concentration (70 and 140 mg kg-1), the leaves turned yellow and brown. When soil Pb concentration increased to 280 mg kg-1, the seta softened and kinked and eventually, the plants withered and died. Interpretation: Changes in physiological and biochemical parameters of tested plants such as chlorophyll, soluble protein and MDA content were related to soil Pb stress, especially to soil bioavailable Pb content, and corresponded well to changes in soil Pb pollution level. The results suggest that A. undulatum can be used as indicators to monitor and evaluate Pb pollution in soil.

The atmospheric Pb emissions (1901–2019), from one of the world’s largest non-ferrous metallurgical complexes (Met-Mex in Torreon, Mexico), were estimated based on historical records of modifications in the design, processes, and production volumes. Eight historical periods, with differing amounts of Pb emissions, were distinguished: (1) Essentially no controls (1901–1960); (2) migration to limited controls (1961–1972) by conversion to a Pb-Zn smelter-refining complex and installation of SO2 collectors in 1961–1963; (3) completion to limited control (1973–1977) by the installation of a third H2SO4 collector and a low-efficiency filtration system; (4) maintenance of limited control with no changes (1978–1987); (5) migration to strict control (1988 to 1998) by updating H2SO4 collectors and installation of fertilizer and SO2 liquid extraction plants; (6) completion to strict control (1999–2000) by the installation of state-art technology filtration systems and roofing working areas; (7) migration to abatement (2001–2003) by implantation of good management practices; and (8) maintenance of abatement following good management practices (2004–2019). Based on differences between those periods, we reconstructed the evolution of the Pb emission reduction efficiency (ER in %) and Pb emission factors (EF in gram/ton) for the Torreon complex. Pb emitted by the complex over the past 118 years totaled 23,350–27,580 t, with most of it (63–75%) occurring when emission controls were negligible (pre-1960 period). In comparisons with other facilities worldwide (e.g., the USA, Canada, and Europa), the modification in Met-Mex for control the Pb emission occurred several years. Emissions from the primary Pb-Zn smelter-refining are released mostly to the atmosphere from the sintering, smelting, drossing, and refining. While Pb emissions from the facility have declined by over an order of magnitude to contemporary levels (≤ 12.6 t/year), the current Pb rates still account for atmospheric Pb levels that are 2–3 times higher the USEPA standard and still constitutes a major health threat in Torreon.

Little is known about the particles attached on the surfaces of coarse ( 150 μm) road-deposited sediments (RDS), which are potential contributors of stormwater pollution. Therefore, the size distributions and heavy metal (including Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni) pollution of RDS were evaluated taking these attached particles into consideration. Moreover, the relationships of RDS contamination with traffic types were further discussed. The results showed that 22, 22-38.5, 38.5-150, 150 μm RDS and attached particles accounted for 2.1 ± 1.8%, 8.5 ± 5.7%, 50.7 ± 6.8%, 38.6 ± 8.3%, and 2.0 ± 1.2% of total RDS mass, respectively. The size distributions of attached particles were comparable to that of representative stormwater particles, suggesting their great potential to contribute stormwater particles by desorption. The Zn pollution of attached particles was remarkable, which was significantly higher than that of both fine ( 150 μm) and coarse ( 150 μm) RDS. The Cu and Pb pollution were comparable to that of fine RDS, which were significantly higher than that of coarse RDS. Conversely, the Cr and Ni pollution were comparable to that of coarse RDS, which were significantly lower than that of fine RDS. Traffic types were found to be closely related with RDS contamination, and thus are indicative of specific RDS pollution. For example, electrombile in old residential area is indicative of abnormal Pb pollution due to past emissions of leaded gasoline; lorry is indicative of remarkable Zn pollution of 22 μm RDS due to abrasion of tires and metallic substances. Accordingly, traffic type is accessible to identify the typical pollutants in RDS to promote effective RDS management.

Lead (Pb) soil contamination in urban environments represents a considerable health risk for exposed populations, which often include environmental justice communities. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA), Pb pollution is a major concern primarily due to extensive historical Pb-smelting/processing activity and legacy use of Pb-based paints and leaded gasoline. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) organized and/or compiled community-driven soil sampling campaigns to investigate Pb content in surface soils across Philadelphia. Using these data (n = 1277), combined with our own dataset (n = 1388), we explored the spatial distribution of Pb content in soils across the city using ArcGIS. While assessing Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP)-code level data, we found strong correlations between factors, such as the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (% EBLL) and % minority population as well as between % EBLL and % children in poverty. We developed a “Lead Index” that took demographics, median measured Pb-in-soil content, and % EBLLs into account to identify ZIP codes in need of further assessment. Our results will be used to help lower the Pb-exposure risk for vulnerable children living in disproportionately burdened communities.

Maximum permissible concentrations for chemical elements in soils (MPCs) of Russia, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands and the USA are compared. In Russia, general sanitary, water-transferred and translocation MPCs are created; in Germany, general sanitary and translocation, and in the Netherlands, the USA and Canada, general sanitary. It is found that the Russian MPCs for total contents of chemical elements are adequate for Mn and V, American, for Co, Cu, and Pb; Dutch, for Pb and Zn; Canadian, for Ba, Co, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn, and German, for Cr, Ni, and Pb by taking into account the typical levels of elements in the background soils across the world. The methodologically closest Russian and Dutch standard rates of total contents of chemical elements are compared in this paper with the typical levels for background Retisols gleic, Phaeozems, and Chernozems in the center of Western Siberia. It is established that use of the Dutch MPCs for the soils under study gives fewer cases of false Pb pollution, but in all the soils under consideration the Dutch MPCs for Ba is exceeded. False pollution by total Zn is observed in the top-soil; by Cr, Cu and V, in subsoil horizons of Retisols gleic as well as by Cr, Ni and V, in most samples of Phaeozems and Chernozems. It is concluded that for the soils under consideration the utilization of Russian MPCs gives fewer cases of false pollution by V. But in the background Retisols gleic, Russian MPCs for Mn and Pb accumulated in the biogeochemical barrier in the top-soil horizons are exceeded. Russian MPCs for metal mobile fraction are the most correct for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb. The MPCs for mobile fraction of biogenic Mn and Zn are underestimated. Background levels (mg/kg in subindex) of total concentration (mobile fraction extracted by acetate-ammonium buffer) are proposed for Ba404–515, Co12–19(0.001–0.23), Cr143–188(0.001–0.72), Cu32–41(0.01–0.72), Mn423–874(0.09–64), Ni30–62(0.003–1.3), Pb18–27(0.003–0.87), V112–170 иZn55–104(0.004–0.42) in Retisols gleic on Tobol Upland, Phaeozems on Ishym Upland, and Chernozems in the Trans-Ural region.

Lead pollution (Pb) as a negative impact of battery smelting has a bad effect on human health. Children are at the greatest risk as a result of the lead pollution. Involvement of parents in carrying out mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of air pollution is important to be improved. This study aims to determine perception, participation, and factors affecting the parents of the students in mitigating the impact of lead pollution. The respondents of the study using survey methods are are parents of the students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Baitussa’adah, Curug, Tangerang. The data was analyzed by using the Likert scale, scoring, and logit regression analysis. The data were collected from 174 respondents. Result from Likert analysis showed that in general the parents of the students had a good understanding related to the lead pollution in the air. The majority or 69% of the respondents have a moderate level of participation in mitigating the effects of lead pollution in the air. Furthermore, the research results also showed that the willingness of the community to carry out mitigation actions was influenced by family income, knowledge on lead pollution, as well as length of time for activities carried out outside the home. Mitigation actions against lead pollution in the need to be done by the community, especially by the parents of the students.

Due to rapid growth of industrialization and human activities, such as mining and smelting, lead (Pb) has become a major environmental contaminant. As Pb can pose risks to human health, preventing Pb pollution in wheat is important for food safety, requiring accurate verification of pollution sources. Pb concentrations and isotope ratio levels in soil, in the atmosphere, and wheat tissue (root, stem, leaf, grain) in an area of high-Pb deposition (in the vicinity of a Pb smelter in Jiyuan city) and an area of low deposition (the northwest suburb of Zhengzhou city) were examined. The Pb isotope ratio and the binary mixed model were used to quantify the contribution of soil and atmospheric deposition to Pb content in wheat tissues. Results show that Pb content in soil, atmospheric deposition, and wheat in the high deposition area were significantly higher than those in the low deposition area. Pb content in soil, atmospheric deposition, wheat roots, stems, leaves, and grains in the high-deposition area were 355.32 ± 14.78, 5477.90 ± 187.85, 158.72 ± 9.56, 21.36 ± 1.72, 26.49 ± 1.96, and 0.94 ± 0.02 mg kg-1, respectively. Pb content in the low-deposition area were 6.10 ± 0.75, 78.50 ± 4.35, 2.47 ± 0.23, 1.03 ± 0.07, 2.11 ± 0.13, and 0.08 ± 0.01 mg kg-1, respectively. The Pb isotope ratio recorded obvious differences between soil and atmospheric deposition in the two areas. Combined with the significant correlation between Pb isotopes in various tissues of wheat and environmental media, and analysis of the isotopic composition characteristics of wheat and environmental media, in the high-deposition area, the contribution rate of atmospheric deposition in wheat roots, stems, leaves, and grains was 14%, 66%, 84%, and 77%, respectively. And the soil contribution rate was 86%, 34%, 16%, 23%, respectively. In the low-deposition area, the contribution rate of atmospheric deposition in wheat roots, stems, leaves, and grains was 49%, 73%, 93%, and 83%, respectively. And the soil contribution rates were 51%, 27%, 7%, and 17%, respectively. In the low-Pb deposition area, the contribution rate of atmospheric deposition in wheat was higher than that in the high-deposition area. Atmospheric deposition was the main source of Pb in grains, leaves, and stems of wheat in different depositional areas. Pb in wheat roots mainly derives from soil, and the Pb contribution rate of soil to wheat roots in the high-deposition area was significantly higher than that in the low-deposition area.

In order to trace the source of Pb pollution in wheat, the contribution ratio of soil and atmospheric fallout source was quantified based on stable isotope ratios. Results showed that the average Pb content of soil was significantly lower than that of fallout, and Pb in the fallout had a higher weak acid fraction than soil. Pb in wheat had a distinct distribution in its tissues and the content of Pb in wheat roots was significantly higher than it in shoots. The 206Pb/207Pb ratio of soil was significantly higher than that in atmospheric fallout (p

Since heavy metal pollution is widespread in street dust in China, the effects of heavy metals in street dust on human health cannot be ignored. However, studies estimating heavy metal pollution in street dust nationwide are limited. In this study, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in street dust at 3877sites throughout China were obtained from the published scientific literature. Based on these data, the contamination levels, spatial distributions, sources and potential health risks of heavy metals in street dust were comprehensively estimated. The results revealed that Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb levels are generally higher in the southeast provinces than in northwest China. In addition, traffic emissions and industrial activities are determined to be the two main sources of heavy metal pollution in street dust. The health risk assessment indicated that ingestion is the most important pathway of exposure to metal pollution in street dust for both children and adults, followed by dermal contact and inhalation. The spatial distribution of health risks suggested that the health risks are more serious in southeast China than in northwest China. The noncarcinogenic risks posed by Pb are relatively higher than those posed by the other three metals for both children and adults. Meanwhile, none of the hazard index (HI) values exceeded the safe level (1.0), with the exception of Pb in Daye city for children (HI = 1.074). The HI values for children were higher than those for adults. Therefore, children should be prioritized for protection from heavy metal pollution. Keywords: Street dust, Heavy metal pollution, Spatial distribution, Health risk, China

The purpose of this study is to explore the degree and spatial distribution of dust heavy metal pollution in Tianshui City, the health risks, and the sources of heavy metals. The geoaccumulation index and health risk assessment are used to study pollution levels and human health risks, and Cu, Zn, and Pb pollution are found to be serious. The total exposure of children to dust and heavy metals is 8.329 × 10−3 mg·kg−1·d−1, which is 4.66 times that of adults. The effect of carcinogenic heavy metal exposure is more significant for adults than for children. The total non-carcinogenic risk quotient to children via multiple pathways is 2.1690, which is higher than that of adults. Children’s Pb non-carcinogenic risk quotient is 4.79 times that of adults, and children are more sensitive than adults to the health risks of Pb pollution. The GeoDetector and Unmix 6.0 models are used for source analysis, revealing that Zn, Pb, and As pollution originate primarily from urban transportation systems, V is sourced from soil-forming parent materials, and Mn, Ni, Cu, and Co arise from mixed sources. Therefore, the treatment of heavy metal pollution in cities needs to focus more on the urban transportation system.

Atmospheric deposition is the primary source of external environmental media for lead (Pb) influx in wheat grains. However, the mechanisms of Pb grain absorption remains unclear. We explored this mechanism through comparative experiments, involving defoliating leaf blades (TG) and a control group (CK) of field wheat after the anthesis stage. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis displayed that leaves and ears can directly absorb atmospheric deposition Pb through stomata. Compared with CK, the yield, grain Pb content, and grain Pb accumulation of TG wheat were significantly decreased by 13.25%, 22.10%, and 32.58%, respectively. Combined with the Pb isotope analysis, the ear had the highest contribution to grain Pb followed by leaf and root. Simultaneously, the absorption rate of grain Pb demonstrated a dynamic trend of "N" shape. Dominant contribution periods of the root, leaf, and ear organs to grain Pb accumulation were different. Unlike the root system, the contribution of the aboveground to grain Pb increased gradually, and the contribution of leaf and ear to grain Pb were mainly concentrated in the early and late filling stage, respectively. Our findings can provide a theoretical basis for the control of Pb pollution in grains.

A new integrated source-specific risk model and site-specific blood lead levels (BLLs) of 0–6 children were introduced to comprehensive understand the status of the toxic metals in soil-dust-plant total environment from a Coal-Gas industrial city, NW China. 144 samples were collected and ten toxic metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr, Pb, and Zn) were screened by XRF and ICP-MS. It was found that the occurrences of toxic metals deferred in the different medium, such as Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn observed the trend of accumulating in soil and plant compared to clustered distributions of Cr, Mn and Ni preferred to accumulate in dust. However, few bioaccumulations observed in Ulmus pumila L. Toxic metals distributions in majority of sites influenced by coal combustion mixed sources and industrial activities posed the high integrated ecological risks and caused significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic integrated risks for local 0–6 children identified by new integrated source-specific risk model, especially observed in the priority contaminants Co and Pb. The site-specific BLLs confirmed that younger children fewer than 4 lived in the north region were more vulnerable to priority Pb pollution as their BLLs above 50 μg/L, almost up to 80 μg/L. Although proportions of source-specific risks to toxic metals changed in soil and dust, the critical sources from coal combustions and industrial activities posed the most important contribution to the local risks. Therefore, effective strategies targeting at critical sources on coal industries should be conducted to reduce risks, and mostly emphasize on the north hotspot areas.

In the Anthropocene era, an immersion of toxic substances, i.e., trace metals, has been enhanced in the marine environment not only due to urban sprawl and industrial development but predominantly owing to incongruous management and lack of sustainable approaches. The coastal region of Pakistan shares a similar obstacle as most of the developing countries confronted. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate concentrations of eight metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni, Co, Pb, Cr, and Cd) in sediment and Dotillid crab, Ilyoplax frater, at three tidal creeks in Karachi, Pakistan. All metals in sediments and crabs were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer. The sediment pollution was evaluated by contamination degree (CD) and potential ecological risk index (RI). After depicting the metal pollution in sediments, metal accumulation, and contamination in benthic crab were investigated through total metal concentrations in crabs, accumulation factor (AF), correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The results exhibited substantial differences in the concentrations of Zn, Ni, Pb, Cr, and Cd among the tidal creek sediments. Contamination factors indicated that the Cd and Pb had the highest sharing in sediment pollution, and the tidal creeks classified as moderately contaminated. All metal accumulations in Dotillid crabs showed notable spatial variations, and accumulation factors (AFs) for most of the metals were > 1.0, signifying the strong bioaccumulation of metals in crabs. Particularly, Cu, Co, and Cd levels were considerably greater (two to three times) in Dotillid crabs compared to creek’s sediments, even though they don’t share any relationship between two matrixes. Hydrographical and sedimentological traits also revealed significant interactions with metal levels in sediments and crabs. A substantial association was also noticed in Fe, Ni, and Pb between sediments and crabs. Interestingly, most of the metal AFs showed a notable inverse correlation with the environmental matrix. Exceptionally, a strong positive correlation found between the Pb concentration in crabs and sediments suggested that I. frater probably acts as an indicator of Pb pollution.

The concentrations of Pb and Cd in the needles and twigs of fir and spruce collected from 26 sites in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau were measured and analyzed in this study. The mean concentrations of Cd and Pb were 0.034 and 1.291 mg/kg, respectively, in the needles and 0.101 and 2.511 mg/kg, respectively, in the twigs. These concentrations increased significantly with needle and twig age and peaked at 5 years. The twigs were significantly enriched in Pb and Cd compared with the needles. The spatial distributions of Pb and Cd were determined using the inverse-distance-weighted spatial interpolation method on the basis of the mean concentration of the elements in the needles and twigs from each site. The highest concentrations of Pb and Cd in twigs and needles were found in Yunnan Province and Gongga Mountain. They showed a tendency to decline from Yunnan Province to the northern direction, as well as from Gongga Mountain to the western area. Principal component analysis showed that Pb and Cd originated from the anthropogenic activities in this area. The mining activities and climatic factors may be the main sources of Pb and Cd in this area. Combining the HYSPLIT (The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model and PCA, the results implied that exterior Pb and Cd sources from Southeast Asia and the eastern developed cities in China can infiltrate the ecosystem through long-range transportation and accumulate in timberline forests, with atmospheric deposition in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. This plateau suffers from severe Pb pollution but slight Cd contamination.

Lead (Pb) exposure increases the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Child-specific activities and land use scenarios may lead to elevated opportunities for Pb exposure through the soil. Therefore, we investigated hair and fingernail Pb concentrations among young children in northern Taiwan, in relation to soil Pb pollution and land use characteristics. We also explored the effect of the Pb exposure burden and land use scenarios on neurobehavioral development. In total, 139 healthy children under 3 years of age were recruited in October 2011 to April 2014. Pb levels in hair and fingernail samples were determined using an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer. Pb concentrations in soils and land use types surrounding the children's homes were accessed by a geographic information system to identify any associations with hair Pb levels. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III) were used to evaluate the cognitive, language, and motor development of the children. A multivariable regression model was performed to assess the effects of soil Pb levels and land-use status on Pb exposure in children, as well as associations of Pb exposure and land-use scenarios with neurodevelopmental abilities. Geometric mean Pb concentrations in hair, fingernails, and soil were 2.9 ± 4.8 μg/g, 0.8 ± 5.1 μg/g, and 20.8 ± 4.3 mg/kg, respectively. The multivariable analysis indicated that soil Pb concentrations and green areas around residences had potential links with Pb exposure among children in northern Taiwan. Hair Pb concentrations were negatively associated with expressive language scores. Soil Pb exposure was positively associated with hair Pb concentrations. Land use types around the children's homes in northern Taiwan were associated with their neurodevelopment. Increased green areas were negatively associated with hair Pb concentrations. Living near a highway may have had negative impacts on gross motor scores. A healthy residence can avoid potential health risks for children during their early life.

The impact of soil lead (Pb) pollution on survival, growth, and reproduction of the collembolan,Folsomia candida, and Pb compartmentation in its gut and remaining body parts were studied by exposing animals to laboratory-spiked soil. The survival, growth, and reproduction ofF. candidawere significantly reduced by increasing soil Pb concentration. The LC(50)values of survival based on total and CaCl2-extractable Pb concentration in soil were 2562 mg kg(-1)and 351 mg kg(-1), respectively. The EC(50)values of reproduction were 1244 mg kg(-1)and 48 mg kg(-1), respectively. The Pb concentration in whole body, gut, and remaining body parts was significantly increased with the increase of soil Pb concentration and followed an exponential increase when the soil Pb concentration was equal to or above a threshold (1000 mg kg(-1)for whole body and remaining body part, 500 mg kg(-1)for gut). Below this threshold, these relationships were linear. The Pb concentration in the gut was higher than whole body and remaining body part ofF. candida, and the threshold of internal Pb concentration at whichF. candidacan compensate was in the range 7-13 mg Pb kg(-1)dry animal (corresponding to soil Pb concentration 500-1000 mg Pb kg(-1)dry soil). The results indicate that reproduction ofF. candidawas a more sensitive indicator of lead toxicity than survival and growth. Pb was mainly accumulated in the gut ofF. candida.We discuss the internal Pb concentration as an indicator of adverse effects in the risk assessment of soil Pb pollution.

This study assessed the levels of physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals in ambient air around Ihetutu community in Ishiagu, Nigeria, to evaluate the impact of prolonged Pb-Zn mining and several other related activities on air quality in the area. Particulates, heavy metals, microclimatic and gaseous parameters in ambient air were analyzed for the assessment. Sampling and quality measurements were done during rainy, late rainy, dry and late dry seasons between 2018 and 2019, from study and control areas. Samples were analyzed for particulates and heavy metals in the laboratory while microclimatic and gaseous parameters were measured in-situ using standard field equipment and procedures. Mean and seasonal concentrations of parameters were determined to evaluate the ambient air quality at various locations in the study area. Results showed high mean values of some parameters including; ambient temperature (35.19oC), Relative Humidity (65.78%), SO2 (0.33ppm), NO2 (0.30ppm), PM10 (89.73µg/m3), Cu (0.03mg/L), Zn (0.06mg/L), Fe (0.39mg/L), Mn (2.28mg/L), Ni (0.04mg/L) and Pb (0.05mg/L). Highest Noise level in the study area was 60.40 dB(A). SO2 and NO2 were below detection limits during the dry seasons, but with mean levels above daily average limits of DPR, NESREA, and WHO, due to their high levels during the rainy seasons, except at Amaonye Square. CO mean levels were above FMEnv daily average limit but within DPR limit. PM10 mean values were within NESREA recommended daily average limit while dry season values were above. Zn and Fe pollution along the stations were in the order of SAS3>SAS4>SAS5, while Pb pollution was SAS3>SAS4=SAS5. Generally, trend of heavy metal pollution was Mn>Fe>Pb>Zn>Cd=Cu=Ni. Highest positive correlation within the heavy metals was between Zn and Fe (r = 1.000). There were also no statistically significant differences in means of the parameters among sampling stations (p>0.05). The results revealed pollution of ambient air in the area by heavy metals and gaseous substances, especially around the mining sites and high traffic areas. Proper monitoring of the operations of mining companies and other artisan activities is recommended, to ensure that ambient air status in the area is excellent and within standard guidelines.

Protecting soil from Pb contamination has been a programme for a long time in China. However, research on lead pollution in wetlands remains rare. To understand the characteristics of Pb pollution in Beijing and the sources of contamination of different soil samples in wetlands, we collected samples during all four seasons from two soil horizons and analyzed their Pb concentrations and Pb isotope ratios. The average concentrations of Pb varied from 65.44 mg/kg in spring to 106.11 mg/kg in winter. Concentrations in autumn were significantly lower than those in spring and summer and were notably different between A and B Horizons (59.42 and 71.47 mg/kg, respectively). The Pb isotopic compositions show that Pb pollution results from a mixing of geogenic and anthropogenic materials. The ratios of

Among the broad applicability of peptides in numerous aspects of life and technologies, their interactions with lead (Pb), one of the most harmful substances to the environment and health, are constantly explored. So far, peptides were developed for environmental remediation of Pb-contaminations by various strategies such as hydrogelation and surface display. They were also designed for Pb detection and sensing by electrochemical and fluorescent methods and for modeling natural proteins that involve in mechanisms by which Pb is toxic. This review aims at summarizing selected examples of these applications, manifesting the enormous potential of peptides in the combat against Pb pollution. Nevertheless, the absence of new medicinal treatments against Pb poisoning that are based on peptides is noticeable. An overview of previous achievements utilizing Pb-peptide interactions towards various goals is presented and can be therefore leveraged to construct a useful toolbox for the design of smart peptides as next-generation therapeutics against Pb.

Assessing metal distributions in cities is an important aspect of urban environmental quality management. Western honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their products are biomonitors that can elucidate small‐scale metal distribution within a city. We compare range and variations in trace element (TE) concentrations and lead (Pb) isotopic compositions of honey, bee tissue, bee pollen, and propolis collected throughout Metro Vancouver (BC, Canada). Honey, bee, and bee pollen results have similar TE and isotopic trends; samples collected in urban and industrialized areas exhibit elevated concentrations of anthropogenically influenced TE (e.g., Pb, Zn, V, and Ti) and a less radiogenic Pb isotopic composition (i.e., lower 206Pb/207Pb and elevated 208Pb/206Pb) relative to their suburban and rural counterparts. For example, 206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/206Pb in honey range from 1.126, 2.131 and 1.184, 2.063; extremes measured in honey from urban and suburban/rural areas, respectively. Except for propolis, measured and interpolated (kriged) results in all materials reflect the immediate zoning or land use setting near the hive, providing kilometer‐scale geospatial resolution, suitable for monitoring urban systems. Statistical analysis reveals that no systematic variations or intra‐ or inter‐annual trends exist in TE concentrations or Pb isotopic compositions, including among sampling and field methods (i.e., old vs. new hive equipment and honey from the brood nest box vs. honey super). The results of this systematic study using honeybees and hive products in Metro Vancouver provide a robust, current baseline for future comparison of local land use and environmental policy change., Key Points Honeybees and their products can help monitor metal distributions in urban environmentsPb isotopes and trace element concentrations in hive matrices are geospatially and temporally reproducible over several yearsTypical hive management practices (reusing equipment or splitting hives) do not hinder biomonitoring utility of hive products

Shooting ranges continue to pose environmental and human health risk due to the accumulation of toxic Pb emanating from munitions. Remediation of Pb pollution at shooting ranges has been carried out through application of various techniques of which chemical stabilization is the most common. In some instances, field chemical stabilization has achieved Pb decontamination of the soils to concentrations below the maximum contaminant limits as set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO). However, the effectiveness of chemical additives to Pb stabilization depends to a great extent on the physicochemical properties of the soils. This review aims to: (i) discuss the effectiveness of chemical stabilization towards Pb remediation of polluted shooting range soils, (ii) establish the chemical reactions that take place between Pb and the chemical amendment and (iii) understand the influence of the soil physicochemical properties on the effectiveness of the chemical amendment.

The level of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) was detected and analyzed in the shell and soft tissue of gastropod Lanistes carinatus and in water and sediment from the southern part of Lake Manzala during summer 2017. Concentrations of heavy metals in water were lower than those in sediment, soft tissue or shell of gastropod. All detected heavy metal concentrations were higher in soft tissue than in shell. The biowater accumulation factor (BWAF) of these metals was high, suggesting a higher rate of heavy metal accumulation by this species in water. The biosediment accumulation factor (BSAF) of Pb in soft tissue was higher than 1, hence the usage of this species as a bio indicator for Pb pollution. There wasn’t any significant direct relation between the metal content in water, sediment and in gastropod L. carinatus. Age, growth rate, feeding habits of organisms, hardness and pH of water and availability of metal, suggested to be effective factors in the bioaccumulation of metals. Although the concentration of Cd and Pb were higher in soft tissue than shell, coefficients of variance (CV%) in shell were higher than those in soft tissue; this reflects a long-term accumulation of Cd and Pb by shell of L. carinatus. Keywords: Lake Manzala, Lanistes carinatus, Heavy metals, Bioaccumulation

Jeong, H.; Ra, K.; Kim, K.-T.; Kim, E.-S.; Lee, S.-Y., and Choi, M.-S. 2018. Tracing the pollution source using Pb isotopes in sediments of the coastal region surrounding the national industrial complex, Korea. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 1456–1460. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.166 sediment samples from Ulsan Bay and Shihwa Lake that is special management sea area were collected in 2014 not only to study the spatial distribution and pollution assessment of Pb but also to identify anthropogenic pollutions for Pb isotopes. The mean Pb concentrations of road-deposited sediments were higher than those of stream and coastal sediments in the study area. In all sediment samples, Ulsan showed an average concentration of 2 to 4 times higher than that of Shihwa. Pb concentrations in coastal sediments of more than 50 % were below the threshold effect level (TEL) of Korean marine sediment quality guidelines. The high exceedance of probable effect levels (PEL) showed in large harbors and near industrial facilities. Road-deposited sediments in Ulsan and Shihwa exceeded the class 2 (potentially toxic to benthic organisms) of Korean freshwater sediment quality guidelines. For both study areas, Pb isotope ratios tend to decrease with increasing Pb concentrations in sediments. In the case of Ulsan, high concentrations and low 206Pb/207Pb isotopic ratios were observed nearby the smelter and lead ore import harbor, indicating that Pb was released into the road surface during transportation using the vehicle and then moved to the marine area through the stream. However, Shihwa has a lot of small facilities (>19,000), it is difficult to clearly identify Pb pollution sources.