High carriage of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes by ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from animal waste dumps.

BACKGROUND: There has been a rise in the consumption of fluoroquinolones in human and veterinary medicine recently. This has contributed to the rising incidence of quinolone resistance in bacteria. This study aimed at the determination of the antibiotic resistance profile of ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli (FQEC) isolated from animal waste obtained from the waste dumps of an agricultural farm and their carriage of genes encoding PMQR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Isolation of ESBL-producing E. coli from animal waste samples was done on CHROMagar ESBL, while presumptive isolates were purified, and identified via the detection of uidA gene. Susceptibility to a panel of ten antibiotics was done using the disc diffusion method, and detection of PMQR genes (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, aac(6')-lb-cr, qepA and oqxAB) was done using monoplex and duplex PCR. Twenty-five ESBL-producing and FQEC were obtained from the cattle (6), piggery (7) and poultry (12) waste dumps of the farm. There was 100% resistance to cefpodoxime, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and penicillin by the isolates. The resistance to the other antibiotics was streptomycin (48%), ceftazidime (24%), while no isolate resisted amoxicillin-clavulanate and imipenem. The frequencies of PMQR genes detected were; qnrA (96%), oqxAB (96%), qnrB (92%), while  qnrS was detected in 88% (22) of the isolates. Aminoglycoside acetyltransferase (aac(6')-lb-cr) and quinolone efflux pump (qepA) were each detected in 20 (80%) of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that animal wastes disposed indiscriminately into dumps could be a budding 'hotspot' for multidrug resistant, ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli carrying multiple genes encoding resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Biological and chemical contamination of illegal, uncontrolled refuse storage areas in Poland.

This study focused on assessing the microbiological and chemical contamination of air, soil and leachate in uncontrolled refuse storage areas in central Poland. The research included an analysis of the number of microorganisms (culture method), endotoxin concentration (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), heavy metals level (atomic absorption spectrometry), elemental characteristics (elemental analyser), cytotoxicity assessment against A-549 (human lung) and Caco-2 (human colon adenocarcinoma) cell lines (PrestoBlue™ test) and toxic compound identification (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry). Microbial contamination differed depending on the dump and the group of tested microorganisms. The number of bacteria was: 4.3 × 102 - 1.8 × 103 CFU m-3 (air); 1.1 × 103 - 1.2 × 106 CFU mL-1 (leachate); 1.0 × 106 - 3.9 × 106 CFU g-1 (soil). Respectively, for air and soil the number of fungi was: 2.2 × 102 - 4.6 × 102 CFU m-3; 1.8 × 102 - 3.9 × 103 CFU g-1. Metal levels (Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Al, Hg, Cd, Cu, Cr) were higher than in the control sample; however, the average concentrations did not exceed the permissible standards. The cytotoxicity of soil and leachate samples depended on the dump, sample and cell line tested. The leachates were more cytotoxic than soil extracts. Compounds belonging to pesticides, surfactants and biocides, chemicals and/or polymer degradation products, medicinal drugs and insect repellents were found. The detection of potential pathogens in the air, soil and leachate, the presence of toxic compounds and the confirmation of the cytotoxic effect of leachate and soil on human cell lines justify the need for further research on the risks posed by illegal dumps. These studies should aim at developing a unified assessment method and a method to minimise the risk of contaminants spreading in the environment, including harmful biological agents.

Implications of solid waste dumps on the microplastic abundance in groundwater in Kollam, India.

Water pollution caused by microplastics has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potential ecological and human health risks. However, there are very limited studies and a general lack of consensus regarding the presence and negative impacts of microplastics in groundwater. Due to their small size, microplastics can easily be transported at surface as well as subsurface levels, potentially reaching the groundwater table and contaminating the groundwater system This contamination is expected to occur more rapidly in landfill areas and other locations where plastic waste is dumped. In this study, we examined well water samples collected from areas near various dumping sites to assess the abundance and characteristics of microplastics. An average of 12 items/L of microplastics were found in groundwater wells near eight dumping sites in Kollam Corporation. The predominant shape of microplastics in the groundwater samples was fibres, followed by flakes, with black being the predominant colour. The areal extent of solid waste dumping was observed to have an influence on the abundance of microplastics. Additionally, the pH of groundwater near heavy dumping sites was found to be in the acidic range, indicating the intrusion of leachate from dumps into groundwater. The study revealed that the leachate from solid waste dumps is the primary source of microplastics in groundwater. Furthermore, a risk assessment of the microplastic pollution was carried out using an index namely Microplastic Pollution Index and the areas of high risks were identified. The locations having heavy solid waste dumping and those near coastal areas were observed to be at high risk, thereby indicating that both the leachate from dumps and sea water intrusion can cause higher microplastic pollution risk in the groundwater system. The findings of this study are expected to support managers in formulating and implementing effective solid waste management plans to mitigate microplastic pollution in the groundwater system.

Assessment and abatement of the eco-risk caused by mine spoils in the dry subtropical climate.

The highly rugged mountainous land topography of the Novorossiysk industrial agglomeration (NW Caucasus, Krasnodar Krai, Russia) and arid climate limit the restoration abilities of disturbed mine lands. Abandoned waste-rock dumps of a marl quarry occupy an area of ca. 150,000 m2 next to the cement plant, residential districts, and a commercial seaport. To assess the eco-risk, topsoil horizons of urban and mine-site Technosols and background Rendzinas were sampled and analyzed; measurements of particulate matter fractions PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10 were conducted throughout the agglomeration. Fugitive dust emission from the unreclaimed marl dumps raises the PM2.5 content in the air by a factor of 2.68 on average. The high sorption capacity of the fine eluvium results in the accumulation of urban emissions by the dust and contributes to the subsequent soil pollution; the Cumulative Pollution Index of pedochemical anomalies reaches the high-risk level over the areas of up to 5 km2. Environmental threats caused by the mine dumps can be assessed more reliably by means of land zoning based on accumulated environmental damage indicators and the debris flow and waterspout risk calculation. To abate the technogenic impact caused by the mine spoils, reclamation actions must be taken including soil stabilization on sensitive sites by application of geosynthetic cover, hydroseeding of the mixture of soil improvers and seeds of herbaceous plants on the slopes, and anti-erosion plantation of cades (Juniperus oxycedrus L.) and smoke trees (Cotinus coggygria Scop.) at subhorizontal surfaces.

Application potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty for the remediation of red mud-treated soil: an analysis via determining alterations in essential oil content and composition.

NOVELTY STATEMENT: The present study is of significant importance because phytoremediation of metals in red mud using essential oil-bearing plants such as Chrysopogon zizanioides (commonly known as vetiver) is a potential alternative for on-site management of the waste in most economical and sustainable way. Vetiver is a potential metal tolerant plant with high economic value; therefore the present study was accomplished to evaluate the impacts of metals in red mud on essential oil content and composition, used for remediation and stabilization of dumps. Novelty of the study is that, it aimed to utilize red mud along with sewage-sludge to cultivate vetiver which offers twin benefits, i.e. phytoremediation of metals in red mud coupled with improved quantity and quality of high valued essential oil without metal contamination.

Assessing the environmental risk and pollution status of soil and water resources in the vicinity of municipal solid waste dumpsites.

Municipal solid waste management remains a major challenge for many developing countries where unsanitary and environmentally damaging practices, such as open dumping and burning of wastes, are consistently utilized as means of waste disposal. This study aimed to assess the impact of local dumpsites in a region in Southern Lebanon and to assess/determine the level of pollution they cause on local ecosystems and the concomitant risks to public health. Accordingly, soil and water samples were collected from the seven dumpsites that were investigated over the course of two seasons. Several biological, chemical, and physical parameters were examined, with the results being utilized to calculate a number of environmental indices. Results indicated that several soil parameters including TN (700-2400 mg/kg), pH (8.3-8.7), COD (39-1995 mg/kg), and sulfate levels (17.8-301.6 mg/kg) were altered by the dumpsites. Heavy metal concentrations varied between dumpsites; however, the most commonly prevalent metals across all dumps were Fe (992-41,500 mg/kg), Cr (17.4-139.5 mg/kg), Zn (24.1-177.4 mg/kg), Cu (9.42-148.2 mg/kg), and Mn (25.2-776.5 mg/kg), though recorded concentrations exceeded permissible limits only in certain instances. Evidently, soil samples collected at dumpsites had higher concentrations compared to the samples collected away from dumpsites reaching 27 times more in certain locations. The altered parameters have a direct effect on soil fertility and, if biomagnified, could disrupt crop yields and impact human health. Physiochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations in water samples were not significantly altered and were found to be within permissible limits. However, it is crucial to develop a monitoring and remediation plan to decrease the percolation of leachate to water resources.

The toxicity of respirable South African mine tailings dust in relation to their physicochemical properties.

INTRODUCTION: Decades of mining in South Africa has given rise to hundreds of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and several tonnes of waste. These TSFs have contributed to air pollution due to the lack of proper rehabilitation measures. Currently, it is not known whether tailings emissions could be the cause of respiratory-related ill effects. In addition, the physicochemical properties that may govern their toxicity have not yet been identified. AIM: The aim of this research was to determine the toxicity of tailings dust and identify the physicochemical properties likely to govern toxicity. METHODS: Dust samples were collected from five TSFs in the Gauteng and North West Provinces of South Africa and sieved to enrich the airborne particle fraction more likely to be inhaled. Thereafter, their physicochemical characteristics were assessed i.e. size distribution, specific surface area, shape, surface elemental composition, mineral composition, total elemental composition and surface activity. In addition, the toxicity and cellular internalization of the particles were assessed using the BEAS-2B epithelial and U937 monocytic-macrophage cell lines.Results: The results showed that all tailings dusts showed toxicity, particularly in the BEAS-2B cell line. This toxicity could have been governed by either their elemental composition, e.g. high transition elements e.g. Fe, Cu, Cr and V in the dusts from TSF 4, or a combination of other physicochemical properties, e.g. higher quartz content, lower size and higher surface area in the dusts from TSF 1. CONCLUSION: These results provide mechanistic evidence to support future epidemiological studies attempting to link tailings dust exposure to adverse health effects.

Non-allergic rhinitis and associated risk factors among the elderly in communities close to gold mine dumps in Gauteng and North West provinces in South Africa: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether non-allergic rhinitis among the elderly was associated with living close to mine dumps METHODS: Elderly persons (n = 2397) residing in communities 1-2 km (exposed) and ≥ 5 km (unexposed) from five preselected mine dumps in Gauteng and North West provinces in South Africa were included in the cross-sectional study, using a previously validated modified ATS-DLD-78 questionnaire from the British Medical Research Council. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of non-allergic rhinitis in this study was 23.99%. In the unexposed, it was found to be 18.82% and 27.08% exposed communities. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that having non-allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with living in exposed communities (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.37-2.17), being an ex-smoker (OR 1.75; 95 CI 1.35-2.26), being a smoker (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.02-1.62), history of occupational exposure to dust/chemical fumes (OR 1.58; 1.30-1.93) and use of gas as the main residential heating/cooking fuel type (OR 1.61; 1.01-2.57). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of non-allergic rhinitis was observed in the elderly living in exposed communities. The adverse association was observed between residing in communities close to mine dumps and non-allergic rhinitis.

Heavy metal pollution and health risk assessment of soils from open dumps in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

We assessed heavy metal pollution and potential health risk by ingestion of soil in six open dumps in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA), Argentina. For the determination of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cr, soil samples were taken from the first 10 cm using sampling grids installed between the boundaries of the waste final disposal sites and the beginning of the urban area. Soil samples were considered contaminated if at least one metal exceeded the maximum levels established by the Argentine regulation. Potential health risk by soil ingestion was calculated using deterministic analysis for both adults and children and stochastic analysis only for children. In 39.8% (N = 171) of the soil samples, the concentration of at least one metal was above the guide levels. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn exceeded maximum permissible values in all open dumps. Except for Hg, heavy metal concentrations differed significantly among open dumps. Hazard indexes > 1 were obtained for the children's population using both deterministic and stochastic models. The most sensitive variables in the stochastic model were exposure frequency and soil ingestion rate, together explaining 70% of the variation in the forecasts. The calculated risks were highly dependent on Pb concentrations. The determination of blood lead concentration in children and the assessment of other exposure routes are needed in areas of open dump influence in MABA.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and esophageal carcinoma in Handan-Xingtai district, North China: a preliminary study based on cancer risk assessment.

Extremely high risk of esophageal carcinoma (EC) occurs in Handan-Xingtai district of North China. In spite of various preventive measures and epidemiological investigations that have been conducted for years, incidence and mortality of EC are still in the highest level of China. The etiology of EC remains unclear in the region. Previous studies of our research group proposed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that derived from numerous coal gangue dumps and atmospheric particulates were major contaminants in these regions. In consideration of mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic characteristics of PAHs, the authors hypothesized that severe exposure to PAHs could preform as a causative factor for EC. Therefore, four data sets documented in our previous studies were employed in this paper. To quantitatively evaluate the carcinogenic risk imposed by sixteen priority PAHs, incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) via three exposure pathways were calculated. The results showed that total ILCRs for adult group ranged from 2.08E-05 to 8.63E-02, with an average of 2.00E-02. Total ILCRs for childhood group ranged from 1.09E-05 to 4.48E-02, with an average of 1.04E-02. Total ILCR value of 94% samples exceeded 10-4, indicating a particularly high carcinogenic risk to local residents. Furthermore, ingestion and dermal contact conducted as principal pathways of exposing to PAHs for each population group, rather than inhalation. It can be speculated that severely exposing to PAHs may be a pathogenesis of EC in Handan-Xingtai district. The rigorous supervise and governance are imperative to avoid severe exposure to PAHs that derived from coal gangue dumps.

Municipal solid waste-derived biochar for the removal of benzene from landfill leachate.

The potential of biochar, produced from fibrous organic fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW), for remediation of benzene, one of the frequently found toxic volatile organic compounds in landfill leachate, was investigated in this study based on various environmental conditions such as varying pH, benzene concentration, temperature and time. At the same time, landfill leachate quality parameters were assessed at two different dump sites in Sri Lanka: Gohagoda and Kurunegala. MSW biochar (MSW-BC) was produced by slow temperature pyrolysis at 450 °C, and the physiochemical characteristics of the MSW-BC were characterized. All the leachate samples from the MSW dump sites exceeded the World Health Organization permissible level for benzene (5 µg/L) in water. Removal of benzene was increased with increasing pH, with the highest removal observed at ~pH 9. The maximum adsorption capacity of 576 µg/g was reported at room temperature (~25 °C). Both Freundlich and Langmuir models fitted best with the equilibrium isotherm data, suggesting the involvement of both physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms. Thermodynamic data indicated the feasibility of benzene adsorption and its high favorability at higher temperatures. The values of [Formula: see text] suggested physical interactions between sorbate and sorbent, whereas kinetic data implied a significant contribution of chemisorption. Results obtained from FTIR provided clear evidence of the involvement of functional groups in biochar for benzene adsorption. This study suggests that MSW biochar could be a possible remedy for benzene removal from landfill leachate and at the same time MSW can be a potential source to produce biochar which acts as a prospective material to remediate its pollutants while reducing the volume of waste.

Assessment of metal and metalloid contamination in soils trough compositional data: the old Mortórios uranium mine area, central Portugal.

Soils from the old Mortórios uranium mine area were studied to look for contamination, as they are close to two villages, up to 3 km away, and used for agriculture. They are mainly contaminated in U and As and constitute an ecological threat. This study attempts to outline the degree to which soils have been affected by the old mining activities through the computation of significant hot clusters, Traditional geostatistical approaches commonly use raw data (concentrations) accepting that the analyzed elements represent the soil's entirety. However, in geochemical studies these elements are just a fraction of the total soil composition. Thus, considering compositional data is pivotal. The spatial characterization, considering raw and compositional data together, allowed a broad discussion about not only the concentrations' spatial distribution, but also a better understanding on the possibility of trends of "relative enrichment" and, furthermore an insight in U and As fate. The highest proportions (compositional data) on U (up to 33%), As (up to 35%) and Th (up to 13%) are reached in the south-southeast segment. However, the highest concentrations (raw data) occur in north and northwest of the studied area, pointing out to a "relative enrichment" toward the south-southeast zone. The Mondego Sul area is mainly contaminated in U and As, but also in Co, Cu, Pb and Sb. The Mortórios area is less contaminated than the Mondego Sul area.

Health Risk Assessment Associated with Abandoned Copper and Uranium Mine Tailings.

This study aims to investigate the dose rate and pollution level of Ciudanovita, Lisava, Anina, and Moldova Noua mining tailing dumps. In order to accomplish this, soil samples were collected according to LUCAS 2009/2012, in the summer of 2017. To start with, these samples were measured in situ for dose rate and revealed some interesting aspects, following this, they were investigated in the laboratory using different physico-chemical methods for more complex data. Therefore, two techniques have been used for structural investigation that revealed some particularities in terms of morphology, color and shape (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy) and, two for chemical composition (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry), which provided the qualitative confirmation of chemical groups involved in soil composition along with the heavy and radioactive metals presence (i.e. Pb, U, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Mn), expressed also by contamination factor.

A comparison of satellite-based indices for hazard assessment of MSW open dumps using spatial analysis.

This study compares the suitability of different satellite-based vegetation indices (VIs) for environmental hazard assessment of municipal solid waste (MSW) open dumps. The compared VIs, as bio-indicators of vegetation health, are normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and modified soil adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) that have been subject to spatio-temporal analysis. The comparison has been made based on three criteria: one is the exponential moving average (EMA) bias, second is the ease in visually finding the distance of VI curve flattening, and third is the radius of biohazardous zone in relation to the waste heap dumped at them. NDVI has been found to work well when MSW dumps are surrounded by continuous and dense vegetation, otherwise, MSAVI is a better option due to its ability for adjusting soil signals. The hierarchy of the goodness for least EMA bias is MSAVI> SAVI> NDVI with average bias values of 101 m, 203 m, and 270 m, respectively. Estimations using NDVI have been found unable to satisfy the direct relationship between waste heap and hazardous zone size and have given a false exaggeration of 374 m for relatively smaller dump as compared to the bigger one. The same false exaggeration for SAVI and MSAVI is measured to be 86 m and -14 m, respectively. So MSAVI is the only VI that has shown the true relation of waste heap and hazardous zone size. The best visualization of distance-dependent vegetation health away from the dumps is also provided by MSAVI.

Assessment of Ziziphus mauritiana grown on fly ash dumps: Prospects for phytoremediation but concerns with the use of edible fruit.

A field study was carried out on fly ash (FA) dumps of Panki Thermal Power Station to assess the phytoaccumulation of elements in various plant parts of edible fruit tree Ziziphus mauritiana. Of the twelve analyzed elements, the highest concentration was found for Fe followed by Mn > Se > Zn > Mo > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd >Ni > As > Co in rhizospheric substrate of Z. mauritiana grown on FA dumps. Metal accumulation, bioconcentration factor, and translocation factor for each metal were calculated in various parts of the edible fruit tree. Significant variations of metal accumulations were observed among various plant parts. Accumulation of toxic elements was higher in roots, and it gradually declined toward the aerial parts of the plant corresponding to its distance from the ground. The concentration of some elements in fruit tree was found to be above prescribed limits in edible parts. Therefore, the present study suggested that additional care should be undertaken, if edible fruit trees are considered for phytoremediation or afforestation programs of FA dumps.

Chronological Variation of Metals in Reclaimed Coal Mine Soil and Tissues of Eucalyptus Hybrid Tree After 25 Years of Reclamation, Jharia Coal Field (India).

Fast-growing metal-accumulating woody trees are potential candidates for phytoremediation of coal mine overburden (OB) dumps. The present study assessed chronological variation in metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co) concentration in reclaimed mine soil (RMS) and tissues (leaf, stem bark, stem wood, root bark and root wood) of Eucalyptus hybrid tree between 3 and 25-year old OB dumps (RMS3 and RMS25) from Jharia coal field (India). Total metal concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu in RMS25 were 1.55, 3.46, and 1.44 times lower (p < 0.05), respectively, than RMS3. Higher concentrations of total (110%-565%) and available form (DTPA-extractable) of metals (109%-480%) were observed in RMS25 than in control soil. Pb selectively accumulated in stem bark, Zn and Mn in leaves, and Cu and Co in root wood. Metal concentrations were higher (1.04-4.15 times at p < 0.05) in tree tissues growing on RMS25 than in RMS3. This study concluded that Eucalyptus hybrid could be utilized for reclamation of coal mine OB dumps.

Investigations on fine fraction of aged municipal solid waste recovered through landfill mining: Case study of three dumpsites from India.

Reclamation of the dumps/landfills having huge quantities of decades-old garbage (aged waste or legacy waste) in an environmentally sound manner is one of the major challenges faced by the developing nations in general and in particular by urban local bodies in India. The article presents the feasibility of landfill mining operation specifically to recover soil-like material at old dumpsites of India for re-use in geotechnical applications. Aged municipal solid waste was collected from three dumpsites of India and initial tests were conducted on the soil-like material of the municipal solid waste. Initial tests results of grain size distribution, compositional analysis, organic content, total dissolved solids, elemental analysis, heavy metal analysis and colour of the leached water from finer fraction of aged municipal solid waste are presented. From the preliminary investigation, it was found that organic content in 15-20-year-old dumpsites varies between 5%-12%. The total dissolved solids ranges between 1.2%-1.5%. The dark coloured water leaching out from aged waste, with reference to local soil, is one of the objectionable parameters and depends on the organic content. The concentration of heavy metals of the finer fraction were compared with the standards. It was found that copper, chromium and cadmium are present at elevated levels in all the three dumpsites. The study concluded that the bulk of the soil-like material from aged municipal solid waste landfills can be used as cover material for landfills at the same site. However, some treatment in terms of washing, thermal treatment, blending with local soil, biological treatment, etc., is required before it can be re-used in other geotechnical applications.

Supplementary feeding and endoparasites in threatened avian scavengers: Coprologic evidence from red kites in their wintering stronghold.

Many obligate and facultative avian scavengers are increasingly dependent on food provided in supplementary feeding stations (SFS), which are managed for the conservation of these species. Deliberate feeding can influence disease-related host demography and population dynamics through physiological changes and density-dependent parasite acquisition and transmission, but information on this threat to avian scavengers is scarce. Due to their effects on host aggregation and density, we hypothesised that the predictability and concentration of food in SFS can exacerbate parasite infection. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the prevalence, richness, abundance and mixed infection of endoparasites (coccidia and helminths) in red kites Milvus milvus foraging on livestock carcasses (mostly of pigs and poultry) in overcrowded and confined conditions at SFS, relative to those foraging alone or in small groups on wild prey unevenly randomly distributed within large areas during winter, mostly wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). No clear differences were found between areas with and without SFS in the prevalence and abundance of oocyst of Eimeria. This coccidian genus appears to include parasites of the prey rather than the raptors, thus representing parasite transport or pseudo-parasitism rather than actual parasitism in the kites. A higher prevalence and richness of helminths, as well as mixed infections with several phyla, was found in kites exploiting SFS than in those feeding on wild prey in the area without SFS. The unsanitary conditions derived from the stack of livestock carcasses and the contamination of carrion with the faeces of multiple scavenger hosts can increase the accumulation and persistence of helminths eggs and intermediate hosts. The regular use and frequent confinement of large numbers of red kites at SFS can promote the spread of parasites to a large proportion of the European breeding population distributed across Spain during the winter. We encourage that carcasses of free roaming livestock can be left in the countryside, as well as the conservation management of wildlife exploited as food by red kites (especially wild rabbits), to attempt avoiding overcrowded and confined conditions at SFS. Further research is required to assess the impact of deliberate feeding on the spread of parasites and other disease agents in the threatened species SFS are intended to favour.

Indoor and outdoor PM10 levels at schools located near mine dumps in Gauteng and North West Provinces, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Few studies in South Africa have investigated the exposure of asthmatic learners to indoor and outdoor air pollution at schools. This study compared outdoor PM10 and SO2 exposure levels in exposed (1-2 km from gold mine dumps) and unexposed schools (5 km or more from gold mine dumps). It also examined exposure of asthmatic children to indoor respirable dust at exposed and unexposed schools. METHODS: The study was conducted between 1 and 31 October 2012 in five schools from exposed and five from unexposed communities. Outdoor PM10 and SO2 levels were measured for 8-h at each school. Ten asthmatic learners were randomly selected from each school for 8-h personal respirable dust sampling during school hours. RESULTS: The level of outdoor PM10 for exposed was 16.42 vs. 11.47 mg.m-3 for the unexposed communities (p < 0.001). The outdoor SO2 for exposed was 0.02 ppb vs. 0.01 ppb for unexposed communities (p < 0.001). Indoor respirable dust in the classroom differed significantly between exposed (0.17 mg.m-3) vs. unexposed (0.01 mg.m-3) children with asthma at each school (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The significant differences between exposed and unexposed schools could reveal a serious potential health hazard for school children, although they were within the South African Air Quality Standards' set by the Department of Environmental Affairs. The indoor respirable dust levels in exposed schools could have an impact on children with asthma, as they were significantly higher than the unexposed schools, although there are no published standards for environmental exposure for children with asthma.

Variation in White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) diet along a climatic gradient and across rural-to-urban landscapes in North Africa.

Assessing diet composition of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) breeding under North African conditions provides key information to understanding its trophic niche for conservation purpose. Since, climate controls productivities of foraging habitats and thus food availability for predators, this study examines how Storks' diet parameters varied following a climate gradient along with rural-to-urban landscapes in north-eastern Algeria. Feeding strategies to cope with severe conditions were discussed in light of climate aridity and urbanization and how these influence reproduction, population dynamics and distribution. While invertebrate prey accounted for 94 % of ingested individuals, the biomass intake was dominated by chicken remains scavenged from rubbish dumps (67 %) and small mammals (14 %). Generalized linear models revealed that prey numbers varied significantly between climatic regions and landscapes types, but no significant differences were observed for other dietary parameters, including prey biomass. The study showed high dietary similarity between study climates and landscapes, mainly among rural and urban colonies located in semi-arid and sub-humid areas, which differed from those in suburban and arid climate. Rarefaction and extrapolation curves indicated that prey species richness in White Stork diets was expected to be higher in urban colonies located in sub-humid climate. Despite low prey species diversity in arid regions, the White Stork demonstrates a broad trophic niche, which could be due to supplementary feeding from human refuse. This study suggests that regardless of the climate or landscape, White Storks ensure a constant food intake, despite prey biomass fluctuations, by adapting their diet. Foraging in diverse habitats, including trash dumps, ensures a sufficiently balanced diet to meet nutritional requirements.