Analysis of Organic Micropollutants in Sediment Samples of the Venice Lagoon, Italy

Surface sediment samples were collected at six locations of the Lagoon of Venice reflecting potential different contamination sources and representative of different hydrological situations. Analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), linear alkylbenzenes (LABS) and coprostanol have been carried out by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess the influence of various pollution sources: urban, industrial and combustion processes. PAHs, PCBs, coprostanol, and LABS showed the highest levels in the sample collected within the city of Venice (Canal Grande) indicating a very heavy contamination due to combustion sources and to the domestic waste waters directly entering the canals of the city. The highest levels of PCDD/PCDFs were found in samples collected near the industrial area of Porto Marghera. The investigation on the PCDD/PCDFs homologue profiles suggested the presence of two different sources for these pollutants, one due to combustion processes and another one due to the chemical processes of Porto Marghera.     

Volatile Organic Compounds in the Ambient Air of Rousse,Bulgaria

Volatile organic compounds in the ambient air were measured at four locations in Rousse, Bulgaria for a one year period. A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer equipped with a cryogenic concentrator was used to analyse the air samples. Forty one compounds (aromatic hydrocarbons and halogen-derivatives of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons) were analysed by EPA method TO-14. Aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, styrene, isomers of xylene and isomers of trimethyl benzene were the most frequently occurring pollutants. Styrene, isomers of xylene and isomers of trimethyl benzene frequently exceeded the concentration limits. Among the halogen derivatives, the concentration of chloroform was always very high. A concept called ‘degree of pollution’ was proposed to clarify the contribution of each pollutant to the total air-pollution. Suggestions were made on the need to introduce an integral tolerance parameter to describe the total impact on air-pollution.     

Assessment of the Impact Produced by the Traffic Source on VOC Level in the Urban Area of Canosa di Puglia (Italy)

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) have been monitored in 12 sites of Canosa di Puglia, a city located in the Southern of Italy, in order to identify the main VOC source—vehicular traffic or industrial—and to evaluate the critical situations in the city. Monitoring, carried out by using Radiello® diffusive samplers, has been planned taking into account the traffic density and the architecture of the city. From the study of the data it has been emerged that, among all considered VOC, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are the pollutants at higher concentration. However no critical situation has appared from the present monitoring. Maps of daily benzene and toluene concentrations have shown that the most significant pollution phenomena happens in the center of the urban area which is in a valley with narrow roads and high buildings that do not allow an efficient dispersion of pollutants. The study of the diagnostic ratios between the toluene and benzene concentrations in the several areas (average T/B?=?3.4) and the high Pearson’s coefficient among the pollutants, and in particular between benzene and toluene concentrations (r?=?0.9505), have suggested that in urban area these pollutants are emitted from the same source: the vehicular traffic.     

Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Oxides Pollution in Moscow

Major factors (emissions and meteorology) controlling pollution patterns in Moscow are discussed in the context of different types of urban land use. Nitrogen oxide pollution is one of the main air quality problems in the city. Power generation is the major source of nitrogen oxides: in 1994, it accounted for 63% of the total NOx emissions with transport contributing 30%. CO emissions are produced almost entirely by road transport. An increase in CO levels has been observed since 1990 in line with growing car ownership. Analyses of seasonal and diurnal variations in CO, NO and NO2 concentrations are presented. Meteorological conditions during an intense pollution episode are analysed in the context of the characteristics of the main sources of pollution. The occurrence of high levels of CO concentrations is associated with high pressure systems, surface-based inversions and low wind speeds. High concentrations of NO2 are caused by fumigation of the surface with pollutants emitted by power plants. The passage of warm weather fronts, the decay of elevated temperature inversions, and stronger winds are identified as meteorological condition leading to NO2 build-up.     

江西省土壤典型有机污染物的水平和来源及其健康风险

筛选有机氯农药(六六六和滴滴涕)和多环芳烃作为典型土壤有机污染物,以江西省为例,开展了污染评价、源识别以及健康风险评价研究。结果表明:(1)所有样品中总六六六均未超过我国土壤环境质量二级标准,有8个样品中总滴滴涕超过该标准,另外,7.9%的样品中总多环芳烃超过荷兰土壤环境质量标准中最高允许浓度阈值;(2)接近29%的样品中六六六来自于当前林丹的使用,滴滴涕主要来源于近期输入,而对于多环芳烃而言,其中66%的样品中多环芳烃来源于石油源,34%的样品来源于燃料燃烧;(3)有机氯农药和多环芳烃对人体健康的风险都在可接受的范围内。     

Seasonal Abundance of Particle-Phase Organic Pollutants in an Urban/Industrial Atmosphere

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); their derivatives nitro, and methyl-PAHs; n-alkanes; and organic acids were investigated in the aerosol samples collected during two field campaigns conducted at three sampling stations in an industrialized city in southern Italy. The main sources affecting the atmosphere and its toxicity were investigated by means of the diagnostic ratios of: specific particulate-phase PAHs, marker compounds among nitro-PAHs, alkanes, and acids, the dominant wind direction, daily and seasonal abundance of carcinogenic organic substances. The potential importance of the non-regulated pollutants to assess the air quality was confirmed; in fact the carcinogenic organic compounds showed to have scarce correlation with particulate matter (PM) concentration. An exceptionally high variability of toxic compounds at a daily scale was due to meteorological condition causing periods of extremely high pollution levels.     

上海市土壤中持久性毒害污染物和盐分含量特征研究

Some farmland soils in Shanghai had high salinity levels, suggesting secondary salinization of the soils. The soil problems in Shanghai were studied, including the salinity and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N) concentrations, heavy metal pollution characteristics, and organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residual levels and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contents. Accumulation of NO₃^--N in vegetable soils was the most significant among different functional soils. Heavy metal pollution was significant in the samples collected from the sewage-irrigated land and roadside. The identification of the metal sources through multivariate statistical analysis indicated that Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr in urban soils were from the traffic pollutants; excessive application of fertilizer and irrigation were the main reasons for the metal pollution in agricultural soils; Ni in the observed soils was controlled by parent soils. OCPs could still be detected in farmland soils but degraded greatly in last 20 years after prohibition of their usage. PAHs with 2-3 rings were the main components in industrial soils. The concentrated PAHs in the investigated soils were likely from petroleum and coal combustion.     

Monitoring BTEX and Aldehydes in Car Exhaust from a Gasoline Engine During the Use of Different Chemical Cleaners by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography

All commercial gasoline fuels build up deposits on the spark plugs, injectors, oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, and inside the combustion chamber, which will lower the engine's performance and increase air pollution. As a result, fuel-based detergents have been developed to prevent and remove unwanted deposits. Unfortunately, many of the detergents use high amounts of aromatic solvents, which result in a greater risk of exposure to aromatic compounds like benzene. In this study, car exhaust was analyzed for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), as well as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde during engine cleaning service using different chemical cleaners. A special device was designed for sampling from car exhaust using solid phase microextraction. The extracted compounds were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector. The cleaning products were rated with regard to the amount of pollutants produced during the cleaning service.     

土壤和沉积物中烃类污染物的主要来源与识别标志

土壤、沉积物中烃类污染物的来源十分复杂,其输入方式主要包括矿物油直接输入、大气颗粒物沉降、通过水介质输入、工业固体废弃物、城市垃圾和生活废弃物排放及天然有机质生物化学降解产物等。不同来源的烃类污染物组成上存在一定的差别,可根据这些差别判识环境中烃类污染物的来源。介绍了不同污染源的烃类污染物中正构烷烃、类异戊间二烯烷烃、单甲基取代支链烷烃、烷基环己烷、甾萜烷烃及芳香烃类化合物的组成与分布特征,综合评述了不同污染源的分子标志物特征及主要识别标志。     

Long-Range Atmospheric Transport and Local Pollution Sources on PAH Concentrations in a South European Urban Area. Fulfilling of the European Directive

A 12 months study on urban atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contained in the particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 microns (PM10) was carried out in Zaragoza (Spain) from July 12th, 2001 to July 26th, 2002 by using a high-volume air sampler able to collect the PAH supported on a Teflon-coated fibre glass filter. Samples were analysed by using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). PAH of high molecular weight, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (IcdP), benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP) and coronene (Co) were the most abundant compounds. The concentrations of benz[a]pyrene equivalent carcinogenic power (BaP-eq) showed a mean value of 0.7 ng/m³ with 22.5% of the samples exceeding the 1.0 ng/m³ guide value established by the European Directive. These episodes were mainly produced during cold season. Regarding meteorological variables, a positive effect of the prevalent wind “cierzo” (NW direction) over the Zaragoza city was confirmed from the environmental point of view. The NE, E and S directions, corresponding to highway and industrial areas were the directions showing the high PAH atmospheric concentrations. Despite the proximity of a high-level traffic highway, stationary sources related to industry were the dominant source of PAH in the sampled area. Vehicular emissions and natural gas home heating also contributed to PAH concentrations. The predominance of local pollution sources versus long-range transport on PAH concentrations was shown. However, the contribution of long-range transport of anthropogenic origin from other European areas was reflected for specific dates on PAH concentrations and PM10 levels.     

PAHs and Petroleum Markers in the Atmospheric Environment of Alexandria City,Egypt

To evaluate the chemical fingerprint of hydrocarbons in airborneorganic matter in the arid environment of Alexandria City, Egypt,the compositions of aliphatic and aromatic compounds were determined in suspended particulate material collected from a street undergoing heavy traffic in central Alexandria and in bulkdeposition samples collected from a site representing an area increasingly influenced by human and industrial activities. Qualitative and quantitative characterizations of individual compounds were based on gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. More than 100 organic compounds are quantified in each sample, including n-alkanes, isoprenoids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), sulfur-bearing heterocyclics, steranes/diasteranes, terpanes and aromatic steroids. The use of hydrocarbon profilesand ratios for identifying sources and processes is discussed.The molecular distribution of alkanes revealed that the mainsource of these compounds is from petroleum contamination withtrace input of vascular plant wax. The PAH profiles, especiallythe relative abundance of alkyl-PAHs and sulfur-containing heterocyclics, showed that PAHs are chiefly derived from trafficsources. The results further indicated that diesel vehicles aremore important PAH sources than gasoline vehicles. In addition,the source fingerprint of fossil fuel biomarkers such as steranes, terpanes and aromatic steroids agreed well with thefingerprint of unburned lubricating oil, which are probably contributed to vehicle exhaust emissions.     

苏南某焦化厂场地土壤和地下水特征污染物分布规律研究

以苏南某焦化厂为研究对象,在对污染区域初步识别的基础上,采集了0～4.5 m深的22个土壤样品和2个地下水样品,利用GC/MS等检测了多环芳烃类、总石油烃、苯系物、重金属,总氰化物、挥发酚、硫化物的含量,并研究了其在不同功能区土壤和地下水中的特征分布。结果表明：（1）该焦化场土壤和地下水受到了不同程度的污染,其中炼焦炉周边、焦油和洗油储罐区、焦油和粗苯加工车间是污染最严重的区域;（2）土壤中主要超标污染物是多环芳烃、总氰化物、总石油烃、单环芳香烃、二苯呋喃、苯胺、硫化物、挥发酚和一些苯酚类化合物;（3）地下水重点污染区域粗苯车间受到总氰化物、苯胺、苯酚类、萘、总石油烃、单环芳香烃的严重污染,污水处理站区域地下水主要污染物包括总氰化物、萘、总石油烃、苯。     

土壤中多环芳烃的分布特征及其来源分析

利用气相色谱法分析了南充市10个不同功能区表层土壤中美国环保署规定的16种优控多环芳烃（PAHs）的含量和组分特征,运用同分异构体比率揭示了其污染来源。研究表明,该区土壤中PAHs的含量在9.1～2269.1μg·kg-1之间,而且工业区的残留量大于农业区和居民区的残留量。按PAHs的环数来分,在工业污染区PAHs的含量总的趋势是四环〉二环〉三环〉五环〉六环;农业和居民区二环〉三环〉五环〉四环〉六环。该污染状况与国内外相关研究比较,处于中等污染水平。煤、木材和化石的燃烧是该地区土壤中PAHs污染的主要来源,苯并（a）蒽和菲是主要的超标化合物。     

Sediment Pollution, Transport, and Abatement Measures in the City Canals of Delft, the Netherlands

This paper presents an overview of a long-term study on sediment pollution in the city canals of Delft, the Netherlands. This pollution was most evident for the inner city canal system, with copper, lead, zinc, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as main pollutants. Sediments of the outer city canals generally had a much better quality. Pollution levels, mutual correlations, and spatial variations were investigated for the various sediment parameters. Also, heavy metal binding forms onto Delft sediments were assessed with the help of sequential extraction techniques; results were found to be in line with expected preferential physicochemical binding processes. Input of sediments into the Delft inner city canals was shown to be largely driven by busy shipping traffic on the main canal surrounding the inner city. Mass balances for the inner city were used to quantify internal and external pollution sources; 65?C85?% of the heavy metal pollution can be attributed to sources outside the Delft area. As shown by factor and cluster analyses, it is highly probable that these external sources derive from the river Rhine. A gradual improvement of the sediment quality has set in; it is expected that, due to further pollution abatement measures, this improvement will continue over the years to come. With respect to the ship-induced sediment input into the inner city canals, it was estimated that a reduction of ship velocities to <1.5?m/s will bring down the sediment input mentioned above to about 85?%.     

Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils of an Arid Urban Ecosystem

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental pollutants produced by incomplete combustion sources such as home heating, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions. PAH concentrations in soils are influenced by source inputs and environmental factors that control loss processes and soil retention. Many studies have found higher concentrations of these pollutants in soils within cities of temperate climates that have a centralized urban core. Less is known about the factors regulating PAH abundance in warm, arid urban ecosystems with low population densities but high traffic volumes. The relative importance of sources such as motor vehicle traffic load and aridland ecosystem characteristics, including temperature, silt, and soil organic matter (SOM) were explored as factors regulating PAH concentrations in soils near highways across the metropolitan area of Phoenix, AZ (USA). Highway traffic is high compared with other cities, with an average of 155,000 vehicles/day. Soils contained low but variable amounts of SOM (median 2.8?±?1.8% standard deviation). Across the city, median PAH concentrations in soil were low relative to other cities, 523?±?1,886 ??g/kg, ranging from 67 to 10,117 ??g/kg. Diagnostic ratio analyses confirmed that the source of PAHs is predominantly fuel combustion (i.e., vehicle emissions) rather than petrogenic, biogenic, or other combustion sources (coal, wood burning). However, in a multiple regression analysis including traffic characteristics and soil properties, SOM content was the variable most strongly related to PAH concentrations. Our research suggests that dryland soil characteristics play an important role in the retention of PAH compounds in soils of arid cities.     

Investigation of Soil Concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants, Trace Elements, and Anions Due to Iron–Steel Plant Emissions in an Industrial Region in Turkey

The spatial distribution of several air pollutants emitted from iron–steel industries in Hatay-Iskenderun industrial region in Turkey was investigated by measuring their concentrations in soil. Collected soil samples (n?=?20) were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs; i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polychlorinated naphthalenes), anions, and trace elements. Generally, all measured POP concentrations and marker trace elements for iron–steel industry (Zn, Pb, and Cu) were high relative to those reported previously for rural and urban areas around the world, and they were comparable to those measured recently in a similar industrial region (Aliaga, Izmir, Turkey). For all investigated POPs, elements, and anions, the highest concentrations were measured at points located north of the iron–steel industries where their emissions are transported by the prevailing southerly winds. The spatial distribution and levels of POPs, elemental, and anionic concentrations indicated that the iron–steel plants in Hatay-Iskenderun region are important sources for these pollutants. Statistically significant relationships between several organic and inorganic pollutants further confirmed that they are emitted by common sources (iron–steel plants).     

Historical Changes in Levels of Organic Pollutants in Sediment Cores from Brno Reservoir, Czech Republic

Results of a comprehensive study are presented on the spatial and depth-related distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in sediments of the Brno reservoir, Czech Republic. Based on sedimentological observations, three major historic phases were identified related to the evolution of the depositional environment, flow rate, and material input. Data on organic carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides showed specific distribution patterns in a 3-m-deep core. The analysis of the depth trends of the geochemical data combined with sedimentology made it possible to distinguish between remote sources of the pollutants, early weathering alterations of POPs, transport by river associated with organic matter as sorbent on one hand, and local sources weakly related to lithology on the other hand. The integrated sedimentological and environmental geochemical archive provided an improved dynamic view of the pollution in historical terms.     

The Effects of Fuel Evaporation and Biomass Burning on Toluene Concentrations in an Urban Area

Using an automated gas chromatography system coupled with an online sampling/thermal desorption module, benzene, toluene, and their alkylated derivatives were measured in Las Vegas, Nevada from 3 July to 28 August 2008. The levels of hydrocarbons were comparable to those typically found in urban environments. Statistically significant (at 95?% level) higher concentrations were measured on mid-week days as compared with those measured during weekends. This was correlated to a local traffic pattern rather than traffic on highways. The concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons also increased during periods when transport of smoke from wildfires in central and north California was identified by remote sensing but these levels were comparable to other days with volatile organic compounds concentrations. The high toluene/benzene ratios and the estimated photochemical age of air masses implied the contribution of other local sources. Fuel evaporation accounted for the vast majority of toluene enhanced concentrations in early July (as compared with those measured in June) for sites within the urban grid, but very little for sites located outside the urban area.     

黄河兰州段多环芳烃类有机污染物健康风险评价

近年来黄河兰州段的多环芳烃污染日渐严重。为研究黄河兰州段水体中多环芳烃类有机污染物对人体产生的潜在健康危害风险,根据黄河兰州段2004年11个采样点水质监测数据,应用美国环境保护局（USEPA）的健康风险评价方法对黄河兰州段多环芳烃类有机污染物通过饮水和皮肤接触途径进入人体的健康风险进行了初步评价。结果表明：黄河兰州段多环芳烃类有机污染物的非致癌风险指数值均小于1,其中萘的非致癌风险指数值在10^-3数量级,偏高于其他污染物。苯并（a）芘的致癌风险指数值在10^-4数量级以下。从位于西固八盘峡的1号采样点（S1）采集的水样中萘的非致癌风险指数值偏高。在所有采样点中,西固八盘峡的1号采样点（S1）污染较重,具有较高的健康风险。与国内其他地区相比,黄河兰州段萘的非致癌风险亦较高。常规的自来水处理工艺不能有效地去除源水中微量PAHs等有机污染物,因此地面水特别是饮用源水PAHs污染具有较大的健康风险。     

城市土壤多环芳烃的特征和来源解析研究进展

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mainly produced by combustion processes and consist of a number of toxic compounds.They are always emitted as a mixture and have become a major type of pollutants in urban areas.The degree of soil contamination by PAHs is of special concern in areas immediately in proximity to cities with heavy traffic,factories,older buildings,and infrastructure.The accumulation of soil PAHs is also affected by non-anthropogenic factors,such as climate,vegetation,and soil property.This paper reviews three typical source identification techniques,including diagnostic ratios,positive matrix factorization,and principle conrponents analysis.The advantages or disadvantages of these techniques are analyzed.It is recommended that multiple identification techniques be used to determine the sources in order to minimize the weaknesses inherent in each method and thereby to strengthen the conclusions for PAH source identification.