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PubMed2006

Distribution of PAEs in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, China.

Samples of water, sediment and suspended particulates were collected from 13 sites in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River in China. Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) concentrations in different phases of each sample were determined by Gas Chromatogram GC-FID. The results are shown as follows: (1) In the Xiao Langdi-Dongming Bridge section, PAEs concentrations in water phase from the main river ranged from 3.99 x 10(-3) to 45.45 x 10(-3) mg/L, which were similar to those from other rivers in the world. The PAEs levels in the tributaries of the Yellow River were much higher than those of the main river. (2) In the studied branches, the concentration of PAEs in sediment for Luoyang Petrochemical Channel (331.70 mg/Kg) was the highest. The concentrations of PAEs in sediment phase of the main river were 30.52 to 85.16 mg/Kg, which were much higher than those from other rivers in the world. In the main river, the concentration level of PAEs on suspended solid phases reached 94.22 mg/Kg, and it reached 691.23 mg/Kg in the Yiluo River - one tributary of the Yellow River. (3) Whether in the sediment or on the suspended solid phases, there was no significant correlation between the contents of PAEs and TOC or particle size of the solid phase; and the calculated Koc of Di (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) in the river were much less than the theoretical value, which inferred that PAEs were not on the equilibrium between water and suspended solid phases/sediment. (4) Among the measured PAEs compounds, the proportions of DEHP and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) were much higher than the others. The concentrations of DEHP exceeded the Quality Standard in all the main river and tributary stations except those in the Mengjin and Jiaogong Bridge of the main river. This indicates that more attention should be paid to pollution control and further assessment in understanding risks associated with human health.

China↗
PubMed2000

Adhesion and pollution particle-induced oxidant generation is neither necessary nor sufficient for cytokine induction in human alveolar macrophages.

Adhesion of human monocytes (MOs) results in the rapid transcriptional activation of cytokine genes that are dependent on nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. Several pathways leading to activation of NF-kappaB have been described, including those involving reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) and members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase superfamily. To investigate the involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation (TP) and oxidant generation in interleukin (IL)-8 and GRO messenger RNA induction, MOs and human alveolar macrophages (AMs) were adhered to plastic or exposed to a particulate pollutant, residual oil fly ash (ROFA). Both stimuli caused rapid TP and ROI production in MOs and AMs. However, neither NF-kappaB translocation nor IL-8 gene induction occurred in adhered or ROFA-exposed AMs. Analysis of MAP kinase activation found phosphorylation of Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 in the AMs, but not of extracellular regulated kinase/MAP kinase (ERK/MAPK). AMs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide activated ERK/MAPK, in addition to JNK and p38, and showed translocation of NF-kappaB. In contrast to AMs, MO adhesion or exposure to ROFA particles in suspension rapidly activated p38, JNK, and ERK/MAPK, and activated NF-kappaB binding as well as IL-8 mRNA expression. Pretreatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein or herbimycin A before adherence had no effect on transcriptional activation in MOs, whereas adherence and ROFA-induced oxidant generation was inhibited in both MOs and AMs. Taken together, these data indicate that NF-kappaB activation or generalized transcriptional activation of cytokine genes are independent of changes in oxidant stress imposed on phagocytes by adhesion. Furthermore, the data suggest that certain environmental responses in AMs may be uncoupled from activation of NF-kappaB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Accumulation of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in various genotype Ipomoea aquatica-paddy soil system].

Various genotypes of Ipomoea aquatica were pot-cultured on paddy soils with different pollution level of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and the concentrations of DEHP in plant and soil were determined by GC/MS. The results showed that the concentration of DEHP in plant varied directly with soil pollution level, and different genotypes of Ipomoea aquatica had significantly different concentrations of DEHP, which varied directly with leaf area. Soils grown with various genotypes of Ipomoea aquatica also had significantly different DEHP concentrations. The soil DEHP bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) of various Ipomoea aquatica genotypes were all under 1.0 and in inverse proportion to soil pollution level. The BCFs varied significantly among the genotypes of Ipomoea aquatica, with a relatively higher value for those genotypes with middle size leaves.

Diethylhexyl Phthalate↗
PubMed1997

Industrial workers' health and environmental pollution under the new international division of labor: the Taiwan experience.

Using Taiwan as an example, this paper conducts a historical analysis of the relationship between economic development in the new international division of labor and environmental pollution and industrial workers' health. Three industries-asbestos, plastic, and dye-were chosen for case studies. We trace the emergence of each industry in Taiwan and study each industry's protection of workers' health and environmental quality. Under the new international division of labor, the state's prioritization of economic development leads to lenient regulation. Under such state policies, employers have few incentives to invest in the protection of their workers' health and in the control of environmental pollution. Workers and the public are constrained in their efforts to protect their own health and prevent environmental pollution. This situation is exemplified by the deplorable working conditions and inadequate environmental pollution controls in the asbestos, plastic, and dye industries. Workers' health and the public's health are greatly compromised by economic development in the new international division of labor.

Asbestos↗
PubMed2002

Airborne occupational exposure, ABO phenotype and risk of ischaemic heart disease in the Copenhagen Male Study.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that long-term occupational exposure to airborne pollutants is a stronger risk factor for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in men with blood type O than in men with other ABO phenotypes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and prospective study taking into account potential confounders. SETTING: The Copenhagen Male Study. SUBJECTS: 3321 men aged 53-74 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Lifetime prevalence of myocardial infarction and incidence of IHD in an 8-year follow-up among men without overt cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: Among men with phenotypes other than O no association was found between airborne pollutant exposure and IHD risk. Among men with blood type O (P = 1417, 42%), 4.7% had a history of myocardial infarction, as compared with 5.7% among men with other phenotypes (P = 1904, 58%). Long-term occupational exposure (> 5 years of exposure) to various airborne pollutants: soldering fumes, welding fumes and plastic fumes was associated with a significantly increased lifetime prevalence of myocardial infarction. Odds ratios (95% confidence limits) for these factors were 3.0 (1.6-5.8), P = 0.002, 2.1 (1.05-4.2), P = 0.05, and 8.3 (2.6-27.0), P = 0.003. In an 8-year follow-up a similar though weaker association was found with a significantly increased risk for those exposed long term to soldering fumes: 1.8 (1.0-3.2), P = 0.05. CONCLUSION: The finding of a quite strong interplay between airborne pollutants, ABO phenotypes, and risk of IHD, may open up new possibilities for clarifying the roles of the ABO blood group and air pollution as cardiovascular risk factors.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed2005

[Progress in phthalate ester toxicity in the female reproductive system].

Phthalates are high-production-volume synthetic chemicals with ubiquitous environmental pollution because of their use in plastics and other common consumer products. Epidemiological evidence suggests the relation between women-exposure and the potential health hazards of Phthalates. Here we review research about how phthalates interact with the female reproductive system in vivo, in vitro models, embryo development toxicity and the mechanisms of female toxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of biodegradable plastics and elastomers, in bacteria and plants.

In response to problems associated with plastic waste and its effect on the environment, there has been considerable interest in the development and production of biodegradable plastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polyesters that accumulate as inclusions in a wide variety of bacteria. These bacterial polymers have properties ranging from stiff and brittle plastics to rubber-like materials. Because of their inherent biodegradability, PHAs are regarded as an attractive source of nonpolluting plastics and elastomers that can be used for specialty and commodity products. The possibility of producing PHAs in large scale and at a cost comparable to synthetic plastics has arisen from the demonstration of PHA accumulation in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the bacterial PHA biosynthetic genes. Synergism between knowledge of the enzymes and genes contributing to PHA synthesis in bacteria and engineering of plant metabolic pathways will be necessary for the development of crop plants that produce biodegradable plastics.

Acids, Acyclic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Knee-deep and rising: America's recycling crisis.

Every year, Americans generate 180 million tons of solid waste, 70% of which goes into landfills. Since 1979, the United States has exhausted more than two-thirds of its landfills; another one-fifth will close over the next five years. Solving the problem will require a new understanding between industry and government--an understanding that combines industry competence and government authority. But the two sides are mired in an unfortunate combination of good intentions and failed systems. A classic example that epitomizes the problem is the recycling of plastics. Two stories capture the sense of chaos that pervades the recycling of plastics. The first is a comedy of errors played out in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the city council passed a measure that would have banned all plastic packaging from the city. In this case, the government acted without the competence of industry. The second story involves McDonald's decision to abandon its polystyrene packaging and switch to plastic-coated paper. In this case, a single business's approach to recycling proved fruitless because of the lack of government authority. According to the authors, five principles provide the underpinnings to a new solid-waste management infrastructure: business and government are partners; the infrastructure is a system and must operate in balance; economics and politics must act as partners; all levels of government have roles to play; and generating less trash and recycling more depends on a workable system. Setting up the system will require an infrastructure that balances supply and demand, an advisory committee to manage the infrastructure, and a management system that uses incentives and disincentives to balance the system.

Commerce↗
PubMed2006

Toxicity study of maternal transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls and diethyl phthalate to 21-day-old male and female weanling pups of Wistar rats.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental pollutants known to act as xenoestrogens. PCBs and diethylphthalate (DEP) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants because both are used as plasticizers and in various other industrial applications. Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the interactive toxicity of DEP and PCB in 21-day-old male and female pups of Wistar rats. Healthy young male and female albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 75-100g (6-7 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups of six each. Group I male and female rats were fed a normal diet and water ad libitum. Group II and III male and female rats were given PCB (Clophen A60) and DEP dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at 50 mg/kg of the diet (2.85 mg/kg body wt) individually to each group. Group IV male and female rats received a mixture of DEP and PCB (Clophen A60), each dissolved in corn oil mixed with the diet at 50 mg/kg of the diet (2.85 mg/kg body wt). Hundred days after the treatment, females were mated with males for 10 days. Exposure to DEP and PCB was continued throughout mating, gestation until termination at weaning, which was 150 days of total treatment period of adults. The pups from each group were then segregated on the basis of their sex. Six male and female pups each (approx. 21 days old) from each group were chosen randomly and were killed for toxicity study. Liver-to-body weight ratio showed significant increase in the male and female pups of PCB- and PCB+DEP-treated rats, whereas male pups of DEP alone treated rats showed significant increase and female pups showed significant decrease as compared to controls and other treated groups. Significant increase in liver and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity in the male and female pups of the three treated groups was observed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly increased only in the serum of male and female pups of the three treated groups, whereas significant decrease in the liver of male pups of the three treated groups. In the female pups, significant decrease in liver ALP was observed only PCB- and PCB+DEP-treated groups. Histology of liver showed severe vacuolation and steatosis in the hepatocytes of PCB-treated male and female pups and in PCB+DEP-treated group, vacuolation, and steatosis was much more predominant as compared to the PCB and DEP alone treated groups. DEP alone treated groups, both male and female pups showed mild vacuolations in the liver. A synergistic interactive toxic effect of PCB and DEP was evident in both male and female pups in the following study.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2002

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) production potential of activated sludge treating wastewater.

The main purposes of wastewater treatment systems are to remove organic pollutants, but it would be very attractive if there were a way to recover the organic pollutants as valuable organic materials. One of the possible ways to recover organic pollutants in wastewater is to convert them into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are biodegradable plastics. In this study, 18 activated sludge samples in 4 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Tokyo, Japan, were evaluated for their potential to produce PHAs by aerobic batch experiments with excess supply of acetate as the sole carbon source. The activated sludge samples tested had the capability to accumulate PHA up to 18.8% of dry cell weight on average, with the range of 6.0% to 29.5%. The results showed that the maximum PHA content was dependent on the influent more than on the operational conditions of the activated sludge, and that conventional activated sludge produced PHA as much as anaerobic-aerobic activated sludge did. The PHA content achieved in this study is still low, and further improvement is needed to put into practice the recovery process of organic pollutants as biodegradable plastics by activated sludge.

Alkanes↗
PubMed2006

Ideal width of transects for monitoring source-related categories of plastics on beaches.

Although there is a consensus on the necessity of monitoring solid wastes pollution on beaches, the methods applied vary widely. Therefore, creating, testing and recommending a method that not only allows comparisons of places and periods, but also the detection of source signals, will be important to reach the objectives of the source-prevention principle. This will also allow the optimisation of time, resources, and processing of samples and data. A classification of the items found into specific categories was made according to their most probable source/use (fisheries, food packaging, hazardous, sewage/personal hygiene, beach user, general home). This study tested different widths of sampling transects to be used in the detection of plastics contamination on beaches, until all the categories were significantly represented. Each transect had its total width (50m) sub-divided into eight intervals of 0-2.5m; 2.5-5m; 5-10m; 10-15m; 15-20m; 20-30m; 30-40m; and 40-50m. The accumulated number of categories in the 50m (up to 2.5m; up to 5m and so on) was used to determine the minimal width necessary to qualitatively characterize the area regarding plastics contamination. The diversity of the categories was directly related to the area of the sampling transect. These results indicate that a significant increase in the number of categories in the first intervals tend to stabilize from 15-20m onwards.

Bathing Beaches↗
PubMed2004

Oxidation of bisphenol A, 17beta-estradiol, and 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol and byproduct estrogenicity.

A human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was used to investigate the cumulative estrogenicity profiles elicited during the oxidation of three estrogenic compounds [bisphenol A (BPA), 17beta-estradiol (E2), and 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol (EE2)]. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a method detection limit (MDL) of approximately 1 nM was used to measure the initial and final concentrations of test compounds during oxidation. Both chlorination and ozonation removed from 75% to >99% of the test compounds in distilled water. Increasing contact time and chlorination dose improved compound removal. Chlorination byproducts of BPA, E2, and EE2 elicited low levels of estrogenicity over an extended period of time. For equivalent molar oxidant dosages, ozone and chlorine had comparable residual proliferative effect values and >99% loss of the parent compounds. For oxidation studies of estrogenic chemicals, ammonium chloride was found to adequately quench residual chlorine without interfering with cell culture assay. Oxidation of test compounds with chlorine and ozone resulted in a similar estrogenicity trend, with a relative higher level of estrogenicity elicited during the early phases of oxidation, which gradually dissipated over the extended exposure time to a stable point. Oxidation with ozone resulted in the rapid transformation of test compounds, reaching a stabilized estrogenic level in 10 min, whereas for chlorination it took more than 120 min for elicited estrogenicity to stabilize.

Benzhydryl Compounds↗
PubMed1996

Mineralization kinetics of chemicals in soils in relation to environmental conditions.

The mineralization kinetics of the detergent n-dodecylbenzenesulfonate ([14C]LAS) and the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ([14C]DEHP) were studied in three fresh sampled soils of different type. Time series of 14CO2 evolution were fitted with various linear and nonlinear models. The kinetics could be represented best by a 3/2-order function with linear adaptation and three parameters: x1 describing the gradient of the exponential part of the curve, x2 the lag phase, and x3 the last, asymptotic part. These parameters as well as the maximal degraded amounts (A) were correlated with various environmental conditions. For LAS, A was similar in all three soils and was positively related to pH in two soils and to humidity in one soil (rendzina). The parameters x1-x3 were positively influenced by soil humidity in all three soils. The degraded amounts A, expressed as percentage of added dose, were independent of initial concentration. Both A and the parameters x1-x3 increased with increasing temperature. Degradation was negligible below 3 degrees C. For DEHP, the degradation was much slower than that of LAS and was most rapid and most complete in the rendzina soil. Relative degradation A was lower for higher initial application rates. Temperature influenced both A and the lag phase. Degradation was not significant below 10 degrees C.

Benzenesulfonates↗
PubMed2004

Plastic debris ingestion by sea turtle in Paraíba, Brazil.

Coastal gill net entanglement and debris intake are important threats to the survival of sea turtles. Two sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea and Chelonia mydas) were found stranded along the coast of Paraíba. After necropsy, plastic debris were found in the stomach. The debris is described. This is the first record of this sort of problem for the Paraíba littoral.

Animals↗