Characterization of persistent organic contaminants in the atmosphere of Gadani's ship breaking yards and its surrounding: Implications for sustainable ship recycling practices.

Gadani is internationally renowned for its extensive ship-breaking operations, positioning it as one of the globe's primary ship-breaking hubs. A comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the presence of organic contaminants in the air within Gadani, encompassing the areas surrounding ship-breaking facilities, proximate residential settlements, and adjacent roadways. Passive air samplers were employed to collect a total of 30 air samples. The analytical results unveiled a notably elevated concentration of specific organic compounds, with a pronounced prevalence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at the ship-breaking yard. Notably, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and DDE were detected at substantially lower levels. In particular, sites in close proximity to ship-breaking activities exhibited elevated concentrations of PCBs (Σ7PCB 0.065429 to 7.345714 ng/sample), PAHs (Σ8PAH 2.44 to 134.23 ng/sample), and SCCPs (0.18 to 25.6 ng/sample). Conversely, DDTs and DDE demonstrated higher concentrations near residential settlements. The evaluation of Molecular Diagnostic Ratios for PAHs revealed anthracene/anthracene + phenanthrene ratios of 0.88, 0.69, and 0.5 for ship-breaking areas, roadside locations, and community surroundings, respectively. Furthermore, the benz[a]anthracene/benz-[a]anthracene + chrysene molecular ratios were measured at 0.77 (ship-breaking sites), 0.82 (roadside), and 0.83 (community), respectively. The molecular ratio of fluoranthene/fluoranthene + pyrene at ship-breaking sites was 0.23, while roadside and community ratios were 0.36 and 0.89, respectively. These findings underscore the significant contribution of ship-recycling activities to the atmospheric release of SCCPs, PCBs, and PAHs, emphasizing the global imperative for responsible ship recycling practices.

Pedological formations on old mountain geomorphological surfaces of central Spain.

The chemo-morphological properties of soils on ancient landforms (quarzitic pliocene alluvial fans, pleistocene terraces), namely "rañizos", on middle-high mountains (Eastern-Central System, Iberian Peninsula, Rio Negro, Cogolludo) were investigated. Several properties were analyzed by standard procedures. A detailed soil diagnostics and classification on "rañizos" were done, unlike those widely studied on "rañas" (similar landform), by identifying parallel pedogenetic processes in both formations. The genetic and geographic features of Alfisols, Ultisols and Inceptisols are closely related to the nature of their parent materials, based on quartzite and quartz conglomerates, sometimes with an arkosic matrix, red shale, polygenic gravels and pebbles. Soil features were determined by genuine soil-forming inherent lithological rock properties. Other driving factors were flat topography and enough soil formation time to allow intense pedogenesis. The main soil-forming processes were intense weathering, clay enrichment horizons with illuviation, red color caused by iron oxide dehydration and signs of pseudogleyzation processes. Such pedological formations can be considered endemisms; that is, "rare" soils and, up to a point, "relict". The soil reaction is acid/slightly acid with low base saturation. Despite lying on mountains, soils are characterized by moderate-low organic matter content. Soil conditions and climate provide good vine production requirements despite acidity levels. A common feature of all Rio Negro soils is the presence of gravel (size up to 3-5 cm), which is evenly distributed on arable layers. The results can be used to assess vineyard soil use in a potential Pago (Protected Denomination of Origin) and to extend the database of vineyard soils from poorly studied Mediterranean continental mountain regions.

Morphological and physio-biochemical responses under heat stress in cotton: Overview.

Cotton is an important cash crop in addition to being a fiber commodity, and it plays an essential part in the economies of numerous nations. High temperature is the most critical element affecting its yield from fertilization to harvest. The optimal temperature for root formation is 30 C -35 °C; however, root development ends around 40 °C. Increased temperature, in particular, influences different biochemical and physiological processes associated with cotton plant, resulting in low seed cotton production. Many studies in various agroecological zones used various agronomic strategies and contemporary breeding techniques to reduce heat stress and improve cotton productivity. To attain desired traits, cotton breeders should investigate all potential possibilities, such as generating superior cultivars by traditional breeding, employing molecular techniques and transgenic methods, such as using genome editing techniques. The main objective of this review is to provide the recent information on the environmental factors, such as temperature, heat and drought, influence the growth and development, morphology and physio-chemical alteration associated with cotton. Furthermore, recent advancement in cotton breeding to combat the serious threat of drought and heat stress.

Conventional and Zero Tillage with Residue Management in Rice-Wheat System in the Indo-Gangetic Plains: Impact on Thermal Sensitivity of Soil Organic Carbon Respiration and Enzyme Activity.

The impact of global warming on soil carbon (C) mineralization from bulk and aggregated soil in conservation agriculture (CA) is noteworthy to predict the future of C cycle. Therefore, sensitivity of soil C mineralization to temperature was studied from 18 years of a CA experiment under rice-wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). The experiment comprised of three tillage systems: zero tillage (ZT), conventional tillage (CT), and strip tillage (ST), each with three levels of residue management: residue removal (NR), residue burning (RB), and residue retention (R). Cumulative carbon mineralization (Ct) in the 0-5 cm soil depth was significantly higher in CT with added residues (CT-R) and ZT with added residues (ZT-R) compared with the CT without residues (CT-NR). It resulted in higher CO2 evolution in CT-R and ZT-R. The plots, having crop residue in both CT and ZT system, had higher (p < 0.05) Van't-Hoff factor (Q10) and activation energy (Ea) than the residue burning. Notably, micro-aggregates had significantly higher Ea than bulk soil (~14%) and macro-aggregates (~40%). Aggregate-associated C content was higher in ZT compared with CT (p < 0.05). Conventional tillage with residue burning had a reduced glomalin content and ß-D-glucosidase activity than that of ZT-R. The ZT-R improved the aggregate-associated C that could sustain the soil biological diversity in the long-run possibly due to higher physical, chemical, and matrix-mediated protection of SOC. Thus, it is advisable to maintain the crop residues on the soil surface in ZT condition (~CA) to cut back on valuable C from soils under IGP and similar agro-ecologies.

An approach for evaluating the bioavailability and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements using edible and inedible plants-the Remance (Panama) mining area as a model.

Mining affects the environment, particularly through the persistence of accumulation of tailings materials; this is aggravated under tropical climatic conditions, which favours the release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) bioavailable to the local flora and fauna and supposing a risk to human health. The Remance gold mine (Panamá), exploited intermittently for more than 100 years, and has remained derelict for over 20 years. Within the area live farmers who carry out subsistence agriculture and livestock activities. The objective of this study has been to study the transference of PTEs in the local agricultural soil-plants system, with the goal of identifying their bioavailability to perform a human risk assessment. The results obtained of the Bioaccumulation coefficient in local plants show very weak to strong absorption of As (< 0.001-1.50), Hg (< 0.001-2.38), Sb (0.01-7.83), Cu (0.02-2.89), and Zn (0.06-5.32). In the case of Cu in grass (18.3 mg kg-1) and plants (16.9 mg kg-1) the concentrations exceed the maximum authorised value in animal nutrition for ruminants (10 mg kg-1). The risk to human health for edible plants exceeds the non-carcinogenic risk for rice, corn, cassava, and tea leaves for Sb (HQ 19.450, 18.304, 6.075, 1.830, respectively), the carcinogenic risk for Cu (CR = 2.3 × 10-3, 7.7 × 10 -4, 1.1 × 10-3, 1.0 × 10-3, respectively), and the carcinogenic risk for As in rice, corn and tea leaves (CR = 8 × 10-5, 3 × 10-5, 3 × 10-5, respectively). Urgent measures are needed to alleviate these effects.

Environmental challenges related to cyanidation in Central American gold mining; the Remance mine (Panama).

Mine tailings are a potential source of environmental pollution because they typically contain potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and the residue of chemical compounds used during extraction processes. The Remance gold mine (NW Panama) is a decommissioned mine with mining activity records dating from the 1800s and several periods of abandonment. Very little remediation work has been performed, and waste is exposed to climatic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the PTEs and cyanide contents in mine waste after mining operations ceased some 20 years ago, and to evaluate the degree of pollution and the environmental risks they pose with the use of the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and the Ecological Risk Index (RI). Although the total cyanide (T-CN) concentration (1.4-1.9 mg kg-1) found in most of the study area falls within the limits of gold mining tailing values for American sites (1.5-23 mg kg-1), it is worth noting that the values of the tailings of the last used mining operation exceed it (25.2-518 mg kg-1) and persist at the site. The PLI and RI suggest that the tailings from the mine and mine gallery sediments represent a source of pollution for soils and surrounding areas given their high content of PTEs (As, Cu, Sb, Hg) and T-CN, which pose serious ecological risks for biota. Therefore, it is necessary to draw up a remediation plan for this area.

Ecological and Health Risk Assessments of an Abandoned Gold Mine (Remance, Panama): Complex Scenarios Need a Combination of Indices.

The derelict Remance gold mine is a possible source of pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In the study area, diverse mine waste has been left behind and exposed to weather conditions, and poses risks for soil, plants and water bodies, and also for the health of local inhabitants. This study sought to perform an ecological and health risk assessment of derelict gold mining areas with incomplete remediation, including: (i) characterizing the geochemical distribution of PTEs; (ii) assessing ecological risk by estimating the pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI); (iii) assessing soil health by dehydrogenase activity; and iv) establishing non-carcinogenic (HI) and carcinogenic risks (CR) for local inhabitants. Soil health seems to depend on not only PTE concentrations, but also on organic matter (OM). Both indexes (PLI and RI) ranged from high to extreme near mining and waste accumulation sites. As indicated by both the HI and CR results, the mining area poses a health risk for local inhabitants and particularly for children. For this reason, it will be necessary to set up environmental management programs in the areas that are most affected (tailings and surrounding areas) and accordingly establish the best remediation strategies to minimize risks for the local population.

Occurrence and environmental constraints of gray monazite in red soils from the Campo de Montiel area (SW Ciudad Real province, south central Spain).

Monazite ((Ce, La, Nd, Th) PO4) is a rare and strategic mineral that occurs naturally as an accessory and minor mineral in diverse igneous and metamorphic rocks. This mineral does not frequently form mineable ore deposits and it has different typologies, including those formed by endogenous processes (generally "yellow monazite" mineralizations) and those formed by exogenous processes ("gray monazite" mineralizations). The mineral is an important ore of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which have been identified by the European Union as critical raw materials. Monazite can be considered a weathering-resistant mineral, and the mobility of the REE and associated elements is low. The study reported here concerns a mineralogical and geochemical assessment of the occurrence and risks associated with the presence of concentrations of monazite in a typical, well-developed, and representative red Mediterranean soil, in order to establish the associated risk with their future mining. The results confirmed that monazite ore is particularly poor in radioactive elements, and it is concentrated in the most surficial soil horizons. The chemical mobility of REEs present in the soil, as assessed by selective extraction with ammonium acetate in acidic media, follows the order Y > Dy > U > Tb > Gd > Eu > Sm > La > Th > Ce. The mobility of REEs contained in monazite proved to be higher than that of the REE compounds in the upper horizons of the soil profile suggesting the immobilization in other REE-containing minerals, while light REEs show lower mobility rates than heavy REEs, due to an immobilization of LREE by sorption with iron oxy-hydroxides. Further studies are required in order to obtain better speciation data for REEs in soils aimed to identify soluble and insoluble compounds.

Mineralogical and Geochemical Nature of Calcareous Vineyard Soils from Alcubillas (La Mancha, Central Spain).

The mineralogical and geochemical patterns of calcareous vineyard soils located in Alcubillas (La Mancha, Central Spain) have been evaluated; also their variability has been studied. The information provided by this study supports the assessment of geochemical spatial variability, the origin of these soils, their elements and the factors that control their distribution. The presence of quartz, calcite, feldspar and, in particular, illite and kaolinite is due to their inheritance from surrounding lithologies (and pedological processes), which mostly include limestones, marls and other sedimentary rocks, as well as metasedimentary rocks of Hercynian origin. Furthermore, since the presence and accumulation of certain trace elements in vineyard soils is a relevant global hazard (in particular with respect to wine production quality), the spatial distributions of Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, Rb, Sr, V and Zr (carried out using geostatistical techniques and geometry-based interpolation methods) were investigated in order to determine the origin of these trace elements. The presence of these elements can be interpreted as being due to geogenic, pedogenic and, in certain cases, anthropic influences. The nature of certain agricultural practices, including the use of fertilizers, phytosanitary products and machinery, could explain the local increases in some trace element contents.

Cd and Pb bioaccumulation in Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) in relation to the role of metal contents in wetland sediments.

The Choghakhor Wetland in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province (Iran) has a significant role in maintaining water and sediment quality, because the wetland acts as a sink for contaminants that can pollute the aquatic ecosystem and affect human health. The present study uses a simple geostatistical technique to investigate the spatial variability of Cd and Pb in the Choghakhor Wetland to link the spatial variations of sediments to heavy metal contents in Myriophyllum spicatum. It was hypothesized that the heavy metal contents in the Choghakhor Wetland sediments impacted the concentration values in macrophytes. The value of heavy metals in sediments ranges from 0.54- to 1.84-µg/g dry weight (dw) for Cd, and from 1.32- to 2.46-µg/g dw for Pb, with a mean value of 1.12- and 1.82-µg/g dw, respectively. The mean value of Cd and Pb was 1.14- and 1.67-µg/g dw, respectively, in the aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum, with corresponding ranges of 0.9-1.83-µg/g dw and 1.33-1.95-µg/g dw. There was a spatial structure in the Cd and Pb contents in the wetland sediments, with lower contents in the northern zone despite the values quantified in the south. We observed a direct spatial relationship between the Cd content in sediments and the Cd concentration in M. spicatum, and confirmed an effect of plant uptake for Cd. However, there were no significant differences between Pb in sediments and Pb in samples of M. spicatum, which implied that other factors like discharged industrial waste could also affect the accumulation of metals in plants. It can be concluded that spatial patterns indicated differences in the territory of the sediment Cd content at the Choghakhor Wetland localization in association with sediment enrichment. However, it was surprising that Pb did not show this pattern despite anthropic pressure.

Assessment of urban environmental quality through the measurement of lead in bryophytes: case study in a medium-sized city.

The use of bryophytes as an indicator of environmental quality has been addressed on numerous occasions and in different places of the world under a variety of conditions. However, in Latin America their use is still limited. In the study described here, the presence and distribution of the bioaccumulation of lead in bryophytes has been evaluated in both contaminated and uncontaminated sites in Villavicencio (Colombia) and its surroundings. Villavicencio is a medium-sized city that is similar in size to many other cities in Latin America. A total of 52 samples of bryophytes were collected, of which 43 belong to points distributed in urban areas of the city (residential, commercial, highway), and the remaining nine are from uncontaminated areas (reference) taken in the surroundings of the city. The samples were treated with acid (nitric and hydrochloric) and subsequently measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. It was found that Pb concentrations in the commercial sector are between 1 and 6 times higher than in the residential and highway sectors. Spatial distribution maps of lead over the sampled territory were created using Arc-GIS 10.1. It is noteworthy that the values obtained are higher than those found in European cities.

Impact of a tire fire accident on soil pollution and the use of clay minerals as natural geo-indicators.

Following the occurrence of a fire at a tire landfill in the surrounding area of Madrid City (Spain), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace elements present in soils were analyzed to assess the impact of the fire. The capacity of the soils' clay mineral fraction to reflect this air pollution incident was studied. Fourteen soil samples were collected at different distances under the smoke plume, and they were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analyses. Clay minerals content showed a strong correlation with the pollutants potentially released in the tire fire, acenaphthene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(a)fluoranthene. Trace metals Zn and Se were related to the proximity of the tire fire without any relationship with clay minerals content. This work suggests the use of natural clay minerals as potential PAHs geo-indicators in response to air pollution, complementary to current air and biological analyses.

Land-use-dependent spatial variation and exposure risk of heavy metals in road-deposited sediment in Villavicencio, Colombia.

Urbanization-induced land-use changes cause several environmental problems, especially in developing countries due to a lack of sufficient urban planning. This study was performed in a medium-size city of Villavicencio, Colombia. Copper, lead, nickel, zinc, chromium, manganese, and cadmium in road-deposited sediment (RDS) from different land uses were determined. Multiple geo- and statistical approaches of geographic information system mapping, Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis H, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analyze (PCA) were employed to assess the influence of land use on the metals' spatial distribution. The enrichment of given metals in RDS was evaluated by geo-accumulation (Igeo) and pollution load (PLI) indexes. The exposure human health risk was assessed by hazard index (HI). Results show that the average contents of the given metals decreased in the order of commercial > residential > highway > government institutions and public parks areas. Commercial areas thereafter always have the highest metals enrichment (Igeo) and pollution level (PLI). HI assessment indicates that child has a higher health risk than adult due to the exposure to metals in RDS. HCA analysis reveals that surface roughness had a more direct influence than land-use type on metals' distribution. Kruskal-Wallis H test further suggests land-use type had a significant influence on certain metals' spatial variation. Two potential (group) sources of geochemical and vehicular sources, along with leaded petrol and paintings, were inferred to be the main contributors to metals in RDS by PCA analysis.

Geochemical distribution of major and trace elements in agricultural soils of Castilla-La Mancha (central Spain): finding criteria for baselines and delimiting regional anomalies.

Castilla-La Mancha (central Spain) is a region characterized by significant agricultural production aimed at high-quality food products such as wine and olive oil. The quality of agricultural products depends directly on the soil quality. Soil geochemistry, including dispersion maps and the recognition of baselines and anomalies of various origins, is the most important tool to assess soil quality. With this objective, 200 soil samples were taken from agricultural areas distributed among the different geological domains present in the region. Analysis of these samples included evaluation of edaphological parameters (reactivity, electrical conductivity, organic matter content) and the geochemistry of major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence. The dataset obtained was statistically analyzed for major elements and, in the case of trace elements, was normalized with respect to Al and analyzed using the relative cumulative frequency (RCF) distribution method. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of analytical data was characterized and analyzed using the kriging technique, with a correspondence found between major and trace elements in the different geologic domains of the region as well as with the most important mining areas. The results show an influence of the clay fraction present in the soil, which acts as a repository for trace elements. On the basis of the results, of the possible elements related with clay that could be used for normalization, Al was selected as the most suitable, followed by Fe, Mn, and Ti. Reference values estimated using this methodology were lower than those estimated in previous studies.

Incidence of bacterial diseases associated with irrigation methods on onions (Allium cepa).

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, diseases of bacterial origin in onions have increased and this has led to significant losses in production. These diseases are currently observed in both the Old and New Worlds. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the irrigation method influences the incidence of diseases of bacterial origin. RESULTS: In cases where the inoculum was natural, the initial incidence of soft bacterial rot did not manifest in any treatment in the first year, whereas, at the end of the conservation period, all treatments had increased incidences of infection. Sprinkler irrigation (8%) was statistically differentiated from the other treatments, for which the final incidence was similar (4.5%). For all irrigation treatments, the final incidence of bacterial soft rot decreased or remained stable towards the end of the cycle, with the exception of sprinkler irrigation in 2015, which increased. CONCLUSION: From the results of the present study, it can be inferred that the irrigation method does have an influence on the incidence of diseases of bacterial origin in the post-harvest stage for onions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Heavy metal accumulation related to population density in road dust samples taken from urban sites under different land uses.

Soil pollution is a key component of the land degradation process, but little is known about the impact of soil pollution on human health in the urban environment. The heavy metals Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Ni were analyzed by acid digestion (method EPA 3050B) and a total of 15 dust samples were collected from streets of three sectors of the city with different land uses; commercial, residential and a highway. The purpose was to measure the concentrations of heavy metals in road sediment samples taken from urban sites under different land uses, and to assess pollution through pollution indices, namely the ecological risk index and geoaccumulation index. Heavy metals concentrations (mg/kg) followed the following sequences for each sector: commercial sector Pb (1289.4)>Cu (490.2)>Zn (387.6)>Cr (60.2)>Ni (54.3); highway Zn (133.3)>Cu (126.3)>Pb (87.5)>Cr (9.4)>Ni (5.3); residential sector Zn (108.3)>Pb (26.0)>Cu (23.7)>Cr (7.3)>Ni (7.2). The geoaccumulation index indicated that the commercial sector was moderately to strongly polluted while the other sectors fell into the unpolluted category. Similarly, using the ecological risk index the commercial sector fell into the considerable category while the other sectors classified as low risk. Road dust increased along with city growth and its dynamics, additionally, road dust might cause a number of negative environmental impacts, therefore the monitoring this dust is crucial.

Surface geochemistry of soils associated to the Tinto River (Huelva, Spain).

The Tinto River (Iberian Pyritic Belt) is a unique ecosystem characterized by extreme acidity and abnormally high concentrations of heavy metals in water, sediments and alluvium, with high microbial diversity and low plant diversity. The low pH value, a direct consequence of the high amount of Fe and S derived from the bedrock, promotes the dispersion of heavy metals. Less mobile elements (Fe, As, Pb, Ag and Ti) show the highest concentrations in the mid stretches of the river while easily mobile metals (Cu, Zn and Cd) accumulate in the estuarine sediments. Tinto River soils show a scarcity of nutrients (Ca, K, P, Mg and Na) due to the lack of lithologic sources and to loss by acid washing. Sea water and phospho-gypsum deposits near Huelva contribute to increase the Na, Mg and P concentrations in the estuarine soils. As a whole these features represent an extreme habitat to which plants must adapt.

Humus quality after eucalypt reforestations in Asturias (Northern Spain).

The impact on soil properties of recent and ancient reforestations with Eucalyptus globulus Labill. has been studied in Cambisols and Leptosols under temperate semi-oceanic climate in Asturias (Northern Spain). Eucalypt forests showed a high potential of C accumulation in soil, mainly the ancient forest, where the organic matter concentration in the uppermost horizon (up to 415 C g x kg(-1)) was greater than in all neighbouring soil formations (climacic oak forests, up to 84 C g x kg(-1); Podsol under reforested pine forests, 287 C g x kg(-1); and Ulex shrub, 70 C g x kg(-1)). Nevertheless, there was a low concentration of available bases and a very low transformation degree of the organic matter in this eucalypt forest, only comparable to that of the Podsol. In order to analyse the major features of the biogeochemical behaviour of the sites under study, the humus fractions were isolated and the humic acid fraction was studied by derivative visible and infrared spectroscopies. Incubation experiments on whole soil samples were carried out to monitor stability against biodegradation of the organic matter under comparable conditions. In general, soils under eucalypt had a CO(2) production similar to or lower than the control sites, but the soil under the ancient eucalypt forest had a high potential for CO(2) release, similar to that of the neighbouring Podsol, what might be explained by the presence in these soils of high amounts of C accumulated in readily biodegradable forms. However, the mineralisation coefficients (CO(2) released per unit of soil C) indicated that the biodegradability of the soil humus has decreased significantly in the eucalypt-reforested sites, as it could correspond to an effective control of the biogeochemical processes caused by the antimicrobial products from the eucalypt litter. Compared to the original deciduous forests, the lower values of the E(4)/E(6) ratio in the humic acids from eucalypt forests and the lignin signature in the infrared spectra point to humification mechanisms based on the selective preservation of complex macromolecular substances derived from vascular plants. The second derivative of the visible spectra of the humic acid samples under study showed conspicuous valleys, which are ascribed to fungal-derived 4,9-dihydroxyperylene-3,10-quinone pigments. These valleys were in most eucalypt forests significantly shallower than in the original deciduous forests and may also represent an indicator of the impact of introduced vegetation on the structure of the soil microbial system and the mechanisms responsible for the formation of humic acids.