Environmental & Analytical Toxicology

Haze air pollution with high levels of PM has frequently took place in many areas of China in the past few years. However, the health effect of shirt-term exposure to haze air pollution has not been thoroughly characterized. This study aimed to determine the acute effect of haze exposure on respiratory system of healthy adult subjects, specifically on airways and lung function. Thirty healthy adult subjects were recruited and airway inflammation and lung function alterations examined under control and haze air pollution (157.33 μg/m for mean concentration of PM ) conditions, respectively. Airway inflammation was assessed by sputum induction while lung function was measured using spirometry. It was shown that 24-h exposure to haze air pollution could increase the levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the percentages of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the sputum (<0.05). In contrast, the proportion of macrophages in the sputum from haze-exposed subjects decreased significantly (<0.05). In addition, short-term exposure to haze could decrease forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV ), vital capacity (VC), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), but not FEV1/FVC. In summary, short-term exposure of healthy adult subjects to haze air pollution induces airway inflammation and lung function impairment.

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), produced by harmful cyanobacteria, seriously endangers animals and humans. Biodegradation appears as the major pathway for natural MC-LR attenuation. To elucidate the regulatory function of mlrA gene of Novosphingobium sp. THN1 (i.e., THN1-mlrA gene) in MC-LR biodegradation, this study constructed a recombinant bacterium and succeeded in heterlogously expressing the mlrA of THN1 strain (i.e., THN1-MlrA enzyme). The recombinant mlrA exhibited the activity for smoothly degrading 20 μg mL-1 of MC-LR at an average rate of 0.16 μg mL-1 h-1 within 80 h. Mass spectrum analysis confirmed that recombinant mlrA hydrolyzed cyclic MC-LR by cleaving the peptide bond between Adda and arginine residue and generated linearized MC-LR as primary intermediate. Such linearization for MC-LR catalyzed by THN1-MlrA enzyme was particularly important during MC-LR biodegradation process, because it opened the highly-stable cyclic structure of MC-LR and caused substantial detoxification. These findings for the first time manifested that mlrA gene homolog of Novosphingobium genus conserved its original catalytic function as described elsewhere. This study expanded the knowledge on the function of mlrA homologs from various natural habitats, and facilitated the understanding on the fate and biological attenuation mechanisms of MC-LR in Lake Taihu, China, where THN1 strain is indigenous.

This paper encompasses the toxicity of abundant and trace elements present on the earth. Generally, the less abundant elements are more toxic. But even the biologically essential elements become toxic above a critical concentration. The synergistic influence of a metal on toxicity of another is also discussed for mercury selenium and zinc-cadmium pairs. A general observation is made that for biologically important elements a single oxidation states are considerably more toxic. It is known that some elements viz., C, H, O, Na, K, N, P, S, Mg, Ca, Cl are major essentials for life and B, F, Si, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Sn and I are the trace elements essential for life. Cr (III) for example is essential for glucose and lipid metabolism, Mn(II) is a co-factor in a number of enzymatic reactions, Fe has major role in haemoglobin formation, Co(II) is a component of vit. B12, NI(II) has been found to be essential for mammals and Mo is an important co-factor for xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase as a consequence of its different oxidation states. A minimum concentration of these elements is essential for proper growth of body, but beyond certain level of concentration these elements also become toxic. The threshold concentration is comparatively higher for the compounds of metals which have some biological function but for other metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Sb etc) the tolerance limit is very low. These metals get accumulated in body because they are not biodegradable.

Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged by Nigerian Government to develop and sustain the economy and promote employment. They range from process industries, fabrication workshops, service centres, food and drink premises, and several others. A majority of these sprawled up in urban areas though they are also seen in peripheral and rural areas. These centres play significant role in the national economy. At the same time, they also produce a variety of end products and byproducts in solid, liquid or gaseous forms which affect the environment negatively by polluting air, water and soil. This has resulted in eutrophication of water bodies, contamination of groundwater, soil and affected quality of life in the cities. There are well laid out pollution control regulations and guidelines in the country. The Federal Ministry of Environment, The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with five Zonal offices implement these regulations. But in spite of these, SMEs sector which is mostly private driven escapes from being questioned on their poor environmental upkeep and disposal of untreated waste products. This paper has drawn examples from selected major urban areas in Nigeria and highlights some of the issues, challenges and possible mitigation measures to safeguard the fragile Nigerian environment.

Air pollution by monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAH) is a highly concerned great threat in modern world due to the high carcinogenicity and genotoxicity to all living beings. Most of these MAH releasing processes are oil refining processes and vehicular emission. These air trapped pollutants deposit on ground level and phyllosphere takes special place as a ground level exposure surface for these pollutants. Continuous deposition lead to make a MAH degrading microbial consortium in the phyllosphere and these microorganisms can be used as an efficient bioremediators in remediating MAH contaminants which is an environmental friendly solution compared to chemical remediations. The phyllosphere of plant species Ixora chinensis, Ervatamia divaricata, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Amaranthus cruentus which are highly abundant along the roadsides of polluted areas in Sri Lanka are rich with several species of bacteria belong to many genera and they were able to degrade toluene and xylene efficiently. The species of Alcaligenes feacalis, Alcaligenes DN25, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus methylotrophicus were able to degrade toluene and xylene efficiently. All these strains harbor plasmids conferring them resistance to ampicillin. Curing of the plasmids of A. feacalis and Alcaligenes sp. DN25 drastically reduced the ability in degrading these toluene and xylene. Upon transformation of plasmids of these two Alcaligenes sp. into E. coli JM109 enabled it to degrade the two hydrocarbons efficiently. But transformation and curing process of two Bacillus sp. into the E. coli JM109 was unsuccessful. Plasmid encoded toluene and xylene degradation of two Alcaligenes sp. suggested the presence of required catabolic genes in these plasmids. PCR amplification with degenerate primers and comparison of their nucleotide sequences with Genbank sequences indicated that plasmids of A. feacalis, Alcaligenes sp. DN25 and B. cereus harbor the genes xylQ involved in toluene and xylene degradation. RFLP and nucleotide sequence comparisons of xylQ amplicons revealed that both of these genes in two bacterial strains (A. feacalis and Alcaligenes sp. DN25) are homologous. But that was heterologous to the xylQ gene of B. cereus. Hence the results clearly showed the potential of A. feacalis, Alcaligenes sp. DN25 and B. cereus in degrading toluene and xylene and also the potential of using them in remediating aromatic hydrocarbonic contaminants.

Presence (+) or absence (-) of planktonic species is the direct indication of differences in physicochemical characteristics of water because all living microorganisms appear, survive, develop and multiply in suitable specific habitats within an aquatic ecosystem. Planktonic species as indicators with relation to physicochemical parameters were studied to assess water quality of ten selected (S1-S10) sampling stations along Nyalenda swamp (S1), River Kisat (S2-S5) and part of Winam (Nyanza) Gulf (S6-S10) within Lake Victoria Catchment in Kisumu County, Kenya (East Africa). There are 14 genera (Amphora, Aulacoseira, Closterium, Cyclotella, Cymbella, Diatoma, Fragillaria, Gomphocymbella, Navicula, Nitzschia, Pinnularia, Stephomodiscus, Surillela and Synedra) composed of 28 planktonic species. During the field study, Genus Nitzschia is represented by its five species but only four species N. lucastris; N. palea; N. recta and N. sub-acicularis together with other three genus and four species which are Cymbella cistula; Cymbella sp; Diatoma hiemiale; Navicula granatum are present with 100% frequency in all the ten sampling stations (S1-S10) and very well adapted within wide range of pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, alkalinity, total nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Six species belong to five genera: Aulacoseira ambigua; Aulacoseira nyassensis; Cyclotella kutzinghiana; Diatoma elongatum; Navicula sp; and Surilella ovalis appeared with 80% frequency. There are six genera: Amphora, Cyclotella, Cymbella, Fragillaria, Navicula and Synedra represented by two species each, while other five genera including Closterium, Gomphocymbella, Pinnularia, Stephomodiscus and Surillela are represented with one single species each. There are two species of genus Amphora but only one Amphora sp appeared with 70% frequency. Three planktonic species: Nitzschia dessipata, Synedra cunningtonii, and Synedra ulna are with 60% frequency; three species: Amphora ovalis; Fragilaria aethiopica; and Stephomodiscus astraca appear with 50% frequency; two species: Aulacoseira schroidera and Cyclotella ocellata are with 30% frequency; and three species: Closterium aciculare, Diatoma valgare, and Pinnularia viridis appeared with 20% frequency and lastly, other two remaining species: Fragillaria longissimi and Gomphocymbella beccari are present only in sampling station (S5) with 10% frequency. Each planktonic species is an indicator species of its own low or high levels of physicochemical parameters. Study revealed that mean monthly values of physicochemical levels of pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and silicate show significant difference (p=0.001 ≤ 0.05) but electrical conductivity (381.25 μS/cm to 839.65 μS/cm), turbidity (32.37 NTU to 134.98 NTU), total nitrogen (388.56 μg/l to 908.88 μg/l), phosphorus (329.21 μg/l to 1246.38 μg/l) levels are higher than permissible standards of WHO, EU, KEBS and NEMA. Based on these results, these water bodies are polluted and not good source for drinking water. It is recommended that planktonic species should be used in the field as quick bio-indicator(s) to assess the water quality of any global aquatic ecosystem(s).

Soil and water samples from surroundings of selected Electricity Transformer installations belonging to the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc, Jos were analyzed for different congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) widely used as coolants. The EPA 3550 and 3510 methods were used for the sampling, preparation and extraction of the soil and water samples respectively. The extracts were cleaned up using column chromatography packed with silica gel (120 mesh). Thereafter, it was concentrated for characterization and quantification using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy Detector (GC-MSD). Fifteen (15) congeners were identified and quantified in the soil samples. The result obtained shows C52 to have the highest concentration with the value of 5.84 mg/kg. The range for the concentrations of the various congeners identified are: C18 (0.00-0.05 mg/kg), C20 (0.27-0.70 mg/kg), C28 (0.28-0.39 mg/kg), C29 (0.28-0.39 mg/kg), C44 (0.15-0.54 mg/kg), C52 (0.09-5.84 mg/kg), C101 (0.38-0.51 mg/kg), C137 (0. 45-1.79 mg/kg), C142 (0.00-0.55 mg/kg), C153 (0.37-1.20 mg/kg), C170 (0.15-1.59 mg/kg), C180 (0.00-0.47 mg/kg) and C194 (0.00-0.32 mg/kg). Similarly, for the water samples only C20, C28, C29, C101, C105 and C153 were identified and quantified. The result shows C153 having the highest concentration with the value of 0.57 mg/l followed by C105 (0.48 mg/l), C101 (0.37 mg/l), C28 and C29 have same concentration of 0.28 mg/l. From thirty samples analyzed, the result of the soils is below the Canadian Reference maximum allowable limit while that of water has some values higher than the recommended allowable limit. The studies showed various concentrations are link with ages of Transformer installation, as those installed earlier had more congeners with higher concentrations than the recent ones.

The work presented an analysis of drinking water samples collected from different ground handpumps at 102 sites in Galore area of Dist. Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India. The samples have been analysed for three physicochemical parameters like, pH, conductivity and iron content. The results showed that pH ranged from 5.9 to 8, conductivity from 120 to 790 μS/cm and iron content from zero to 3.54 mg/l. The measured parameters of only 33 sites water samples were within the WHO standard drinking quality values whereas in the remaining 69 sites water samples beyond the standard values. In general, the present investigation found that the quality parameters were at the level of pollution at almost more than 65% sites.

The characterization of crude being physical, elemental, compositional and bulk parameter analyses is an investigative approach into the properties of crude oil. This study shows the properties of Afiesere crude oil in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The parameters investigated are density, specific gravity, API gravity, vapour pressure, kinematic viscosity, moisture content, gum content, cloud point, pour point, flash point, metallic constituents (V, Ni), elemental (N2,O2,S2) and compositional (aliphatic and heavier) hydrocarbons using ASTM/IP procedural methods. The results show density (0.9440 g/cm3), specific gravity (0.9450), API gravity (18.2°), vapour pressure (7 kPa), kinematic viscosity (80.4 cSt), moisture (3175 ppm), gum content (71,000 ppm), cloud point (-2°C), pour point (-10°C), flash point (95°C), Vanadium (0.05 ppm), Nickel (0.39 ppm), N2 (0.11%), O2 (<0.5%), S2 (1.25%), aliphatic hydrocarbons (0.032-2.804%), heavier hydrocarbons (0.210-1.737%). The outcome of these results can be used effectively to predict the transportation, storage and/or refining of the crude oil being analysed.

Thiocyclam is a broad-spectrum nereistoxin analogue insecticide which widely used for agricultural applications. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of green tea (as a principal source of antioxidants) on Thiocyclam-Induced Reproductive Toxicity, Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity in adult Male Rats. Forty adult male rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control, Thiocyclam (ThC, 15.98 mg/kg b.w.), green tea extract (GTE, 2% w/v as the sole beverage) and (ThC+GTE) group. After 65 days of treatment, blood samples and testicular tissue were collected for measuring the oxidative stress parameters, testosterone level and DNA damage, whereas the reproductive organs were weighed, and Semen analysis and testicular histopathological studies was done. The results revealed that Thiocyclam administration induce a significant reduction in sperm count, sperm motility as well as testosterone level, while increased sperm abnormality. In addition to increased testicular tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced GSH content and testicular DNA damage evidenced by comet assay. The histological examination of testes revealed degenerative change and disorganization of seminiferous tubules with incomplete spermatogenesis. On the contrary, GTE played a potential protective effect against Thiocyclam induced oxidative stress as well as alleviate the reproductive toxicity by improving the oxidative status, decrease oxidative DNA damage, improving semen characteristics and protective effect against testicular damage, highlighting the protective and therapeutic potentiality of green tea against pesticide-induced reproductive toxicity and its health benefits.

The effects of ambient ozone concentrations on the yield and nutritional quality of Mung bean (MN-98) grown in Northern Pakistan was assessed using EDU. Passive samplers results revealed that ozone was significantly lower (24.2 ppb) in April compared to May, June (49 ppb). The mean pods number/plants, length/plant, and biomass of both fresh and dry weight of EDU and NEDU treated plants were all significantly not different. The mean biomass for EDU leaves was (4.0 g) and significantly reduced compared to NEDU (2.8 g). The mean root length and shoot biomass of EDU plants compared to NEDU treated plants remained unchanged. However, the total biomass of EDU plants were significantly higher (10.0 g) compared to NEDU (7.3 g). The overall plant biomass was 30% significantly higher than N-EDU plants. The nutritional quality parameters (Ash, Moisture, Fats, Fiber and Protein) reduced significantly in NEDU seeds compared to EDU. The %moisture contents of seeds was (F=0.017; p<0.05), %Ash (F=3.987; p<0.05), %Protein (F=3.467; p<0.05) %Fats (F=2.574; p<0.05), %Fiber content was positively affected by EDU treatment. It was concluded that ozone is directly affecting the growth and quality of summer crops grown in Pakistan that can affect the future food security of the region.

This research aimed to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd) pollutants in coastal sediment, Semarang, to create a statistical model based on the result of test that would be obtained from costal sediments samples, to make permite statements about pollution and change that occurs on the state of the environment in the urban catchment, creating database on pollution control in the region and in the future to maintain biodiversity (to give the industrial activities-pollution permits-by official bodies for the protection of the environment in the state). This research would be conducted in 2017 with the location of sampling and water quality measurement conducted at Usman Janatin Street, Semarang. The sample analysis would be conducted at the Diponegoro University Integrated Laboratory. In this research was focused on deep and width. According to some previous studies such as study done by Mancuso et al. that stated the TAL metals analysis results gave a wide scope of the concentration of metals in coastal urban area. Based on the analysis and result, the conclusion as follows: There was relationship between levels of heavy metals and external environment. The relationship was positive, it means the higher levels of heavy metals, the external environment would be more polluted. The lower levels of heavy metals, the external environment would be low polluted. The internal levels of coastal sediment could be used as an index to infer the state of the environment. This heavy metals determination tool could be used to support policy and decision-making.