The Open Environmental Research Journal最新文献

{"title":"Larvicidal Potency of Ashes of Two Insecticidal Plants against the Activities of Anopheles coluzzii and Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes","authors":"C. Ojianwuna, V. Enwemiwe, Eric Esiwo, Sarah E. Ifeta, Dorcas Russia, Scholastica I. Atisele","doi":"10.2174/0118742130281350240513065257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118742130281350240513065257","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 Insecticidal plants are widely studied materials that have intense applications in various fields of vector, pest, and disease control. They are among the recommended strategies to tackle the already established resistance in mosquitoes causing prevailing diseases in the world, especially in Africa.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The study aimed to assess the biological potency of ashes of scent leave (Ocimum gratissimum) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) against the larvae of Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Larvae of mosquitoes were sourced, and plant ashes were prepared and exposed to 20 larvae of both mosquitoes in 1g, 2.5g, 5g, 10g, and 15g concentrations. Treatment concentrations were formulated by mixing ashes in 100ml of water in triplicate. Mortality, acute toxicity, and sub-chronic toxicity data were obtained.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Mosquito larval mortality increased with time at all concentrations of test plants, and sub-chronic toxicity showed complete mortality in all treatments. Acute toxicity of Culex larvae was highest in 15g of lemon grass and complete mortality was recorded after 30 minutes of exposure. There was no acute toxicity recorded with scent leave exposure. The Lethal Dose (LD50) for Anopheles mosquitoes recorded with scent leave ashes was 0.319g (y=1.928x+0.96; R2=0.221, p= 0.407), and for Culex mosquitoes, it was recorded to be 0.424g with lemon grass exposure (y=1.86x+0.69; R2=0.221, p= 0.240). Remarkably, lemon grass at a concentration of 1.250g and 3.247g caused 95% toxicity in Anopheles (y=15.85x-0.25; R2=0.633, p> 0.05) and Culex (y=2.918x-0.18; R2=0.388, p= 0.254) mosquitoes, respectively. LT50 of mosquitoes was between 21.3 minutes and 1451.4 minutes, whereas LT95 was between 37.1 minutes and 1740.4 minutes, respectively. No adult mosquito emergence was recorded.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Ashes of both plants, especially lemon grass, could be considered better materials for local treatment of the mosquito breeding sites.\u0000","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"55 47","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141928816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decolourisation of Metal-azo Dyes in Wastewaters by Sodium Peroxodisulphate: A Template for Experimental Investigations","authors":"Philip C.W. Cheung, Daryl R. Williams, Donald W. Kirk, Pamela J. Murphy, Stephen J. Barton, James Barker","doi":"10.2174/25902776-v16-e230216-2022-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/25902776-v16-e230216-2022-2","url":null,"abstract":"Background: It has long been recognized that the presence of azo metal complex dyes and their non-complexed counterparts in wastewaters, which is due to their manufacturing and use in the textile industries, renders natural waterways intensely coloured, and is therefore aesthetically unacceptable. Azo dye moieties are also known to be precursors of human carcinogenicity. Objective: This work aimed at the decolourisation of metal-azo dyes present in wastewaters so that pollution of natural bodies of water can be prevented. Decolourisation is indicative of the destruction of the metal-ligand complex, allowing the retrieval of transition metal ions, which are also water contaminants. Fracturing of the azo bond itself minimizes the potential for the carcinogenicity of these dyes. Methods: Decolourisation is achieved by the oxidative action of free radicals furnished by Na 2 S 2 O 8 , the sodium salt of peroxodisulphuric acid (Marshall’s acid). Raman spectroscopy characterizes the dye (ligand) known as “Eriochrome Black T (EBT)” by a peak at 1425 cm -1 . Dismantling of its molecular structure by peroxodisulphate will lead to decolourisation accompanied by the collapse of the peak. Concomitantly, as EBT ligands fracture and cease to chelate, metallic ions are released, oxidized to a higher oxidation state, and precipitated as insoluble compounds in alkaline media. Results: The concentration of metallic ions in the aqueous phase has been found to be substantially reduced. The successfully treated dye solutions are mostly clear and colourless; their Beer-Lambert absorbances are in the range of 0.02 ≤ absorbance ≤ 0.05. The treatment of Ni(II), Co(II) and Fe(II)-EBT solutions is straightforward; the Cu(II) and Cr(III)-EBT solutions require additional treatment to be included in the above absorbance range. The Cr(III)-EBT is the least responsive to treatment. Fracturing of the azo bond is evinced by Raman Spectroscopy. Conclusion: A template to investigate the feasibility of decolourisation of metal-complex dye solutions is pioneered and recommended.","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"363 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135778185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterisation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in the Cocoa-producing Owena River Basin of Nigeria by a QuEChERS Method Coupled to Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry","authors":"P. W. Cheung, R. Busquets, P. Hooda, Adeniyi K. Aseperi, James Barker, Ayodeji O. Adegun, T. Akinnifesi, I. Ololade, Sinmi Abosede","doi":"10.2174/25902776-v16-e230217-2022-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/25902776-v16-e230217-2022-1","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 Neonicotinoids (hereafter called “neonics”) are systemic insecticides used for the protection of agricultural crops. However, their dispersion in nature has been the subject of global concern due to reports of adverse effects on some living organisms. One of the applications of neonics in Nigeria is to protect the cocoa cash crop.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Previous studies on pesticide-related pollution in Nigeria focused mainly on organochlorines, but research on neonics is sparse, and the knowledge gap needs to be filled. This work aimed at confirming the presence of four neonics, namely, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam, within the Owena River Basin.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Neonics were extracted from cocoa-growing soil, river water, and sediments by a modified QuEChERS method, followed by clean-up of the extractant by dispersive solid phase extraction and analysis by an optimized liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analytical procedure. The overall performance of these developed methods was then evaluated by set criteria.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.0005 to 0.002 μg/g and 0.002 to 0.005 μg/g, respectively. The recovery for the four target analytes exceeded 75% across all matrices from laboratory-prepared samples. It was discovered that the average concentrations of three of the four neonics of interest in the individual media were: 10.34 nmol/g in cocoa-producing soil, 1.03 nmol/g in river sediment, and 1.08 nM (1.08 x 10-3 nmol/g) in surface river water. No imidacloprid was identified in any of these three environmental compartments.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The concentration of neonics in the river water, i.e., 0.23 µg/L (230 ng/L), is identical to that of the maximum value recommended in the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life.\u0000","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125188321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal Variation in Abundance and Distribution of Butterflies in a Southern Nigerian National Park","authors":"Chioma C. Ojianwuna, Polycarp A. Umoru","doi":"10.2174/25902776-v15-e221226-2021-16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/25902776-v15-e221226-2021-16","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the butterfly diversity in Okomu National Park, Nigeria in order to make available information on butterfly species in this protected area. Background: Butterflies are a taxonomically important group for predicting the health of the environment. Objective: In order to establish butterfly abundance and distribution in Okomu National Park, a temporal variation study was conducted for a period of twenty-four months (July 2012 to June 2014). Methods: Eight transects (Disturbed habitat (DIS), Forest Edge/Plantation (FE/P), Moderately Open Forest (MOF), Forest Along Road/Moist Patches (FAR/MP), Riparian Habitat (RIP), Closed Canopy (CC), Shrub (SHR) and Grassland (GRA) were mapped out from the four ranges (Igwonwan, Arakhuan, Julius Creek and Babui) using visual level of disturbance and degree of canopy closure for transect walk, butterfly net and baited trap methods of butterfly sampling. Environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall) were concurrently sampled with butterflies. Results: A total of 143 species and 6,310 individuals of butterflies were obtained from the families; Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae. Nymphalid (3103: 49.2%) and Pieridae (2269: 36.0%) predominated and Hesperiidae was recorded lowest (8: 0.1%). Significant differences were observed in the abundance of butterflies in the transects (p< 0.05). Rainfall was positively correlated with butterfly abundance. Butterfly abundance was higher in rainy season compared to dry season except in RIP where a reverse trend was observed. Abundance was higher in FAR/MP (1633: 25.9%) and MOF (1251: 19.8%) compared to other transects, and was lowest in SHR (295: 4.7%). Conclusion: It can be concluded that butterflies in Okomu forest is abundant and stable, and as such continuous effort is required to conserve butterfly flora and fauna in this park.","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"30 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135311192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decolourisation of Metal-Azo Dyes in Wastewaters by Sodium Peroxodisulphate: A Template for Experimental Investigations","authors":"P. W. Cheung, Daryl R. Williams, D. Kirk, P. Murphy, S. Barton, James Barker","doi":"10.2174/25902776-v16-e230201-2022-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/25902776-v16-e230201-2022-2","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 It has long been recognized that the presence of azo metal complex dyes and their non-complexed counterparts in wastewaters, which arise from their manufacturing and their use in the textile industries, renders natural waterways intensely coloured, and is therefore aesthetically unacceptable. Azo dye moieties are also known to be precursors of human carcinogenicity.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 This work aimed at the decolourisation of metal-azo dyes present in wastewaters so that pollution of natural bodies of water can be prevented. Decolourisation is indicative of the destruction of the metal-ligand complex, allowing the retrieval of transition metal ions, which are also water contaminants. Fracturing of the azo bond itself minimizes the potential for carcinogenicity of these dyes.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Decolourisation is achieved by the oxidative action of free radicals furnished by Na2S2O8, the sodium salt of peroxodisulphuric acid (Marshall’s acid). Raman spectroscopy characterizes the dye (ligand) known as “Eriochrome Black T (EBT)” by a peak at 1425 cm-1. Dismantling of its molecular structure by peroxodisulphate will lead to decolourisation accompanied by the collapse of the peak. Concomitantly, as EBT ligands fracture and cease to chelate, metallic ions are released, oxidized to a higher oxidation state, and precipitated as insoluble compounds in alkaline media.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The concentration of metallic ions in the aqueous phase has been found to be substantially reduced. The successfully treated dye solutions are mostly clear and colourless; their Beer-Lambert absorbances are in the range of 0.02 ≤ absorbance ≤ 0.05. The treatment of Ni(II), Co(II) and Fe(II)-EBT solutions is straightforward; the Cu(II) and Cr(III)-EBT solutions require additional treatment to be included in the above absorbance range. The Cr(III)-EBT is the least responsive to treatment. Fracturing of the azo bond is evinced by Raman Spectroscopy.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 A template to investigate the feasibility of decolourisation of metal-complex dye solutions is pioneered and recommended.\u0000","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"43 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128150601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population Exposure to Particulate Matter and COVID-19: An Ecological Study for Health Promotion","authors":"M. Sarmadi, S. Rahimi, M. Arefi, Arash Aghabeigi, Sama Yektay, Daryoush Sanaei","doi":"10.2174/25902776-v15-e221117-2021-15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/25902776-v15-e221117-2021-15","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 Finding evidence of the association between ambient pollution and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections is complicated and vague.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Before widespread vaccination, this brief study investigated the COVID-19 dissemination and its relationship with the particulate matter.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 We used the reported cases and deaths per capita and PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm) in 245 cities in the United Kingdom (UK) and United State of America (USA) based on publicly available secondary data. We performed correlation and regression analyses of variables to explore the association between COVID-19 and PM2.5. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The analysis revealed that PM2.5 positively correlated with cases (Unstandardized Coefficient (b):150.04, P=0.006) and deaths per capita (b: 3.87, P=0.005)) in total cities, after adjusting median age and population density. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The findings showed that the spread of the disease may be affected by the PM2.5 concentration. \u0000","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"149 2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125878932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Temporal Variation in Abundance and Distribution of Butterflies in a Southern Nigerian National Park","authors":"C. Ojianwuna, P. A. Umoru","doi":"10.2174/25902776-v15-e220830-2021-16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/25902776-v15-e220830-2021-16","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 The aim of this study was to determine the butterfly diversity in Okomu National Park, Nigeria in order to make available information on butterfly species in this protected areas.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Butterflies are a taxonomically important group for predicting the health of the environment.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 In order to establish butterfly abundance and distribution in Okomu National Park, a temporal variation study was conducted for a period of twenty-four months (July 2012 to June 2014).\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Eight transects (Disturbed habitat (DIS), Forest Edge/Plantation (FE/P), Moderately Open Forest (MOF), Forest Along Road/Moist Patches (FAR/MP), Riparian Habitat (RIP), Closed Canopy (CC), Shrub (SHR) and Grassland (GRA) were mapped out from the four ranges (Igwonwan, Arakhuan, Julius Creek and Babui) from visual level of disturbance and degree of canopy closure for transect walk, butterfly net and baited trap methods of butterfly sampling. Environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall) were concurrently sampled with butterflies.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 A total of 143 species and 6,310 individuals of butterflies were obtained from the families; Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae. Nymphalid (3103: 49.2%) and Pieridae (2269: 36.0%) predominated and Hesperiidae was recorded low (8: 0.1%). Significant differences were observed in the abundance of butterflies in the transects (p< 0.05). Rainfall was positively correlated with butterfly abundance. Butterfly abundance was higher in rainy season compared to dry season except in RIP where a reverse trend was observed. Abundance was higher in FAR/MP (1633: 25.9%) and MOF (1251: 19.8%) compared to other transects, and was lowest in SHR (295: 4.7%).\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 It can be concluded that butterfly in Okomu forest is abundant and stable, and as such continuous effort is required to conserve butterfly flora and fauna in this park.","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117180226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CO2 Mitigation in the Power Sector of Thailand: Analyses of Cleaner Supply-side Options Beyond the Paris Agreement","authors":"Lyheang Chhay, B. Limmeechokchai","doi":"10.2174/1874213001912010015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874213001912010015","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 The drastically increasing share of fossil fuel supply to meet the rapidly growing electricity demand resulting in increasing Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, is the major concern in Thailand. In 2015, fossil fuels used in electricity generation in Thailand accounted for around 85.3% of the total electricity generation.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The aim of the study is to analyze carbon dioxide mitigation options under the cleaner supply-side option beyond the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) of Thailand.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 In this study, the Long-range Energy Planning (LEAP) model is used to analyze the share of electricity generation and CO2 mitigation from four main different scenarios, namely Business-as-Usual (BAU), Renewable Energy (RE), Carbon Capture Storage (CCS), and Carbon Tax (CT) scenarios during 2015 to 2050. The BAU scenario is constructed following the power development targets of the Power Development Plan in 2015.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The results illustrate that in the BAU scenario, electricity generation and carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector will increase by 57.7% and 37.3%, respectively in 2050 as compared to 2015. The imposition of carbon tax of $20/tCO2 from 2020 and an increase to $500/t CO2 by 2050 will have a high potential to reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector as compared with other scenarios.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Results show that except for the RE scenarios considering the lower share of solar and biomass, all scenarios would help Thailand in achieving the target of INDC by 2030. Results provide that the share of imported electricity is higher with the imposition of carbon tax as compared to the scenarios with the promotion of renewable energy, CCS and EV technology.\u0000","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130114789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Airborne Carcinogenic Trace Elements Distribution Associated with Long Term Exposure in Makkah Population","authors":"H. Adly, S. A. Saleh, A. Saati, Samir h Fatani","doi":"10.2174/1874213001912010007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874213001912010007","url":null,"abstract":"More than 4 million international pilgrims visit Makkah each year during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Since trace elements are natural ingredients that endure general biogeochemical cycling, conversion functions between environmental loadings, mass levels, and exposed receptors.This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of carcinogenic trace element levels related to long term exposure.Particulate Matter (PM10) sampling was conducted at six locations (Al-Haram, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Aziziyah, Al Nuzhah, and Al Awali). On-site measurement parameters included ambient temperature, wind speed, and direction over 37 weeks. Samples were investigated for Cd, Cr, As, Be, and Ni levels with inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Quality assurance measures were achieved separately by analyzing a control sample to certify reliability, reproducibility, and linearity for each analysis.Average particulate matter concentration for a one-year period presented significant variability, which exceeded the WHO guidelines for average exposure (25.0 µgm-3). PM10 average concentrations during round-1 (Spring), round-2 (Summer), round-3 (Autumn) and round-4 (Winter) were 120.1 ± 52.2 µgm-3, 223.4 ± 30.4 µgm-3, 77.6 ± 36.72, and 89 ± 62.7 µgm-3, respectively. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, As, Be, and Ni were found to be 0.098, 0.008, 0.26, 0.03, and 0.012 µgm-3, respectively.PM10 concentration was highly correlated (p-value <0.005) with Cd, Cr, As, Be, and Ni; thereby indicating the influence of manufacturing discharges and pollutants transported over long-distances. Higher ambient air temperatures may cause atmospheric instability in low air dispersion around Makkah. This highlights the importance of continuous air monitoring and calculation of dose exposure levels of both PM10 and trace elements.","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"48 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121229876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Silica Dust in Mining Workers in Eastern Iran","authors":"F. Golbabaei, A. Gholami, Gholamheidar Teimori-Boghsani, M. Yaseri, M. Kianmehr","doi":"10.2174/1874213001912010001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874213001912010001","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 Silica dust is present in almost all mining operations and can cause various health problems such as silicosis in workers. The present study aimed to determine the total and respirable dust levels and the crystalline silica content of the soil in the breathing zone of workers in Iranian mines.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016-2017 on six Iranian silica mines. Dust sampling was performed according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method No. 0600. The samples were collected from the respiratory zone of workers at 114 stations in different units of the mines. The silica content was measured using the standard NIOSH method No. 7601. The crystalline silica content in bulk samples collected from the soil was determined by using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy method.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 The highest concentration of crystalline silica dust was 2.81±0.49 mg/m3 and was observed in the air of crushing unit of mine no. 6, and the lowest was 0.08±0.208 mg/m3 and was measured in the management/administration unit of mine no.1. The mean silica content in the solid surface of the mines was 91%. The total and respirable dust levels in all units of the mines except management/administration were higher than the permissible limit. The free silica content of all collected samples was substantially higher than the permissible limits, and in some cases, it was as much as 100 times above the standard level, which reflects the extremely high risk of working in these mines.\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 Exposure of workers with crystalline silica dust in all units was higher than the standard recommended limits. It is imperative to adopt immediate measures based on technical, managerial, and personal protection solutions to reduce the exposure of workers to silica.\u0000","PeriodicalId":110993,"journal":{"name":"The Open Environmental Research Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121489642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}