Environmental Health Commons^™

Heavy Metal Contamination Of Mangrove Sediments And The Associated Biota In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Sd Mremi, Jf Machiwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Mangrove wetlands are efficient in trapping pollutants that may have detrimental effects on mangrove dependent food chains. Mangrove ecosystems that are within urban areas are likely to suffer more from chemical pollution than those in rural areas. Heavy metals in mangrove plant parts, sediments and crabs from mbweni, msimbazi and mtoni mangrove ecosystems in Dar es salaam were analysed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, in order to assess the impact of heavy metal pollution on mangrove biota. Sediment samples from msimbazi and mtoni mangrove areas which are located within the city, had higher levels of pb, zn and cu than …

Enhancement Of Disease And Pathology By Synergy Of Trichuris Suis And Campylobacter Jejuni In The Colon Of Immunologically Naive Swine, Linda S. Mansfield, David T. Gauthier, Sheila R. Abner, Kathryn M. Jones, Stacey R. Wilder, Joseph F. Urban

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, has different age distribution and disease expression in developing and developed countries, which may be due to the endemnicity of infection and the age of acquisition of immunity. Differences in disease expression are not solely dependent on the C jejuni strain or virulence attributes. Another modulating factor in developing countries may be endemic nematode infections such as Trichuris, which drive type 2 cytokine responses and down-regulate type I immune responses. In this study, three-day-old germfree pigs given dual infections with Trichuris suis and C jejuni had more frequent, more severe …

Optimization Of Edxrf For The Study Of Heavy Metal Pollution Of Lake Victoria, Nk Mahommed, In Makundi

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study reports on the optimisation and calibration of the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer installed in the Department of Physics, University of Dar es Salaam. The spectrometer was subsequently utilized to determine concentrations of heavy metals in water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms.) found growing along the shore of Lake Victoria. The optimal conditions and detection limits were determined experimentally by variation of the excitation parameters. The study found that the use of a collimator with two apertures of diameter 4 mm each placed 8 mm apart and made of materials that do not interfere with elements to …

Assessment Of Heavy Metal Pollution In The Lupa Gold Field, Sw Tanzania, S. R. Mnali

Tanzania Journal of Science

The concentrations of AS, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg and Pb were determined in water, stream sediments, soil, and mine tailings from Lupa Gold Field (LGF), SW Tanzania, in order to assess their pollution levels. As, Cd and Cr were determined by automated Graphite Furnace Absorption Spectrophotometry. Cu and Pb were analysed by Air-Acetylene Flame, while Hg was analysed by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The mean concentrations obtained were: As: 0.44 ppb (water), 1.2 ppm (sediments), 0.44 ppm (soil) and 5.2 ppm (tailings); Cd: 0.03 ppb (water), 0.03 ppm (sediments), 0.03 ppm (soil) and 0.50 ppm (tailings); Cr: 1.4 ppb …

Workplace Pollution: Nuclear Safety, Ethics, And The Exploitation--Avoidance Argument, Kristin Shrader-Frechette

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

The author reviews evidence of poor worker health and safety practices in United States Department of Energy nuclear facilities in contending that less protective standards for workplace hazards constitute an environmental injustice not rectified by a hazard pay premium.

Review Of: Risk In The Modern Age: Social Theory, Science And Environmental Decision Making (Maurie J. Cohen, Ed.), Amy Cutler

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Review of the book: Risk in the Modern Age: Social Theory, Science and Environmental Decision Making (Maurie J. Cohen, ed., St. Martin's Press 2000). List of Figures and Tables, List of Contributors, Preface, Index. ISBN 0-312-22216-5 [264 pp. $65.00. Hardbound, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010].

Heavy Metals In Green Vegetables And Soils From Vegetable Gardens In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, O C Othman

Tanzania Journal of Science

Edible portions of five varieties of green vegetables, namely amaranth, chinese cabbage, cowpea leaves, leafy cabbage and pumpkin leaves, collected from several areas in Dar es Salaam, were analyzed for lead, cadmium, chromium, zinc, nickel and copper. Except for zinc, the levels of heavy metals in the vegetables grown at Tabata area were much higher than in the vegetables from Ukonga and Kiwalani. Amaranth and pumpkin leaves had more than 60% higher content of heavy metals, especially copper, chromium and lead, than the other vegetables. All vegetables from Tabata, Buguruni and Sinza had lead-levels higher then the FAO/WHO recommended permissible …

Implementing A Community-Based Social Marketing Project To Improve Agricultural Worker Health, Joan D. Flocks, Leslie Clarke, Stan Albrecht, Carol Bryant, Paul Monaghan, Holly Baker

UF Law Faculty Publications

The Together for Agricultural Safety project is a community-based social marketing project working to reduce the adverse health effects of pesticide exposure among fernery and nursery workers in Florida. In 3 years, the collaboration between university and community researchers has embodied many of the principles of community-based research while completing multiple stages of formative data collection required for a social marketing project. This hybrid approach to developing a health intervention for a minority community has been successful in its early stages because the community partners are organized, empowered, and motivated to execute research activities with the assistance of academic partners. …

Casco Bay Watershed Wetlands Characterization, State Planning Office

Maine Collection

Casco Bay Watershed Wetlands Characterization

State of Maine Executive Department - State Planning Office

Augusta, Maine, May 2001

Contents: Abstract / Background / Getting Started / Designing the System / The Characterization / The Prioritization / Results / Cautions / Significance of the Approach / Literature Cited / Figure 1 - Biophysical Regions of Maine / Appendix A: Steering Committee Members / Appendix B: Field Verification Form / Appendix C: Contacts

Over A Decade Of Comparative Risk Analysis: A Review Of The Human Health Rankings, David M. Konisky

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

The author reviews a method for undertaking a cross-project comparison of comparative risk analyses to understand which environmental problem areas have been cited most as often posing the severest risks.

Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Free-Ranging Deer In Nebraska, David G. Renter, Jan M. Sargeant, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Jeff D. Hoffmann, Jerry R. Gillespie

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

In order to determine the prevalence and distribution of the human pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7, in free-ranging deer, hunters were asked to collect and submit fecal samples from deer harvested during a regular firearm season (14–22 November 1998). Prior to the season, 47% of the hunters with permits in the southeastern Nebraska (USA) study area indicated a willingness to participate in the study. Approximately 25% of successful hunters in the area submitted deer fecal samples. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was cultured from four (0.25%) of 1,608 total samples submitted. All of the fecal samples that were properly identified (1,426) and all …

Heavy Metals And Organic Pollutants In Sediments Of Dar Es Salaam Harbour Prior To Dredging In 1999, J F Machiwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Heavy metals and organic contaminants were analysed in the sediments of the inner area of the Dar es Salaam harbour. Complementary analytical parameters, such as, the organic carbon content and the silt/clay fraction of the sediments showed good positive correlation (r = 0.64). Stations that had high content of fine grain material in the sediment also indicated relatively high level of organic carbon and pollutants. The Florida criteria (MacDonald 1993) for assessment of pollution of tropical marine sediments was adopted in oredr to evaluate the extent of pollution in Dar es Salaam harbour sediments. The Florida criteria is one of …

Validation Of Passive Air Sampling Monitors Onboard United States Navy Submarines, Larry A. Mcfarland

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

An operating submarine creates a unique air quality mixture of compounds that result from a combination of human metabolism, construction materials, materials brought onboard and compounds created through the interaction of ship systems. A comprehensive study of submarine atmospheres is ongoing during deployments of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. As part of the overall effort, a paired air sampling comparison field validation was conducted to compare the air sampling effectiveness of passive diffusive monitors compared to more traditional active air sampling methods when sampling for acrolein, formaldehyde and ozone in the enclosed submarine atmosphere. Acrolein monitors containing 2-hydroxymethylpiperidine (HMP) impregnated glass …

Environmental Guidelines For New And Existing Piggeries, A Latto, John Noonan, R. J. Taylor

Bulletins 4000 -

These guidelines apply to the management of Western Australia piggeries in Western Australia, including intensive Growing pigs under intensive conditions where the and extensive operations, straw-based housing and animals spend their entire life cycle indoors, is an combinations of these (otherwise referred to as semi- important part of the Western Australian and intensive housing).

Chromate Dissociation From Primer Paint In Simulated Lung Fluid, Tiffany J. R. Morgan

Theses and Dissertations

OSHA has proposed a new strontium chromate exposure standard that would potentially cause Air Force paint facilities to be in violation of the proposed standard if adopted. This proposed reduction make the continued use of chromate containing primer paints very difficult. There is currently no acceptable replacements for chromate containing primer paints on AF aircraft. This study suggests that paint particles with chromate bound in primer paint may be unavailable for bodily absorption if inhaled and a reduced standard for painting applications may be unnecessary. Primer paint overspray was collected into simulated lung fluid (SLF) and allowed 6 hr, 24 …

Comparing The Epa Indoor Air Quality Personal Computer Model And Field Data, Arash Behravesh, Wilbur A. Spaul

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

The authors recommend caution in using an EPA model for reconstructing past exposure events as well as for predicting future exposures.

Frequency Of Use And Perceived Credibility Of Information Sources And Variations By Socioeconomic Factors Among Savannah River Stakeholders, Bryan L. Williams, Alex Vallei, Sylvia Brown, Michael Greenberg

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

The authors examine the factors effecting credibility of risk communication in the communities surrounding the Savannah River Nuclear Weapons Site.

Pfiesteria Piscicida And Dinoflagellates Similar To Pfiesteria, Harold G. Marshall

Virginia Journal of Science

Pfiesteria pisiccida is a microscopic, unicellular organism that is classified as both a mixotrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellate, which has been associated with both fish deaths and a cause of human illness (Burkholder et al., 1992; Glasgow et al., 1995; Burkholder and Glasgow, 1997). This species possesses a complex life cycle that includes motile forms (e.g. zoospores, gametes, amoebae) and a cyst stage that may remain dormant in the sediment (Burkholder et al., 1995b). Pfiesteria piscicida is known to have toxin and non-toxin producing populations, where cyst transformation into the toxic motile zoospores may be initiated by the presence of certain …

Media Coverage Of Epa's Draft Dioxin Reassessment Report, Sharon M. Friedman, Megan A. Fitzpatrick, Brenda P. Egolf

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Using content analysis, the authors examine the utility of news media in democratic decision making.

The Accuracy Of Nitrous Oxide Passive Dosimeters As Compared With An Infra-Red Spectrographic Reference Method, Susan Allen

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

Nitrous oxide is a gas often used in dental, surgical and veterinary operations as an anesthetic agent. Employees stationed in proximity of fugitive gas emissions may potentially suffer adverse health effects from chronic exposure to this agent. Passive dosimeters can be worn in the breathing zone of potentially affected personnel during exposure periods, then later analyzed to quantify nitrous oxide exposure. This study sought to establish the accuracy of several commercially available passive monitoring devices for nitrous oxide by comparison against an infra-red spectrophotometric reference method.

The Relationship Between Ohio River Bass Tournament Success Rates, Forage Fish Abundance And Environmental Conditions, Jeffrey V. Ginger

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Due to increasing pressure from Ohio River bass anglers with regard to decreasing catch rates in 1981,1990, and 1997, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) initiated a study of black bass populations. The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), in conjunction with state and Federal agencies, has collected population data on Ohio River fishes at lock chambers and has measured various water quality parameters since 1957. That data coupled with Ohio River bass tournament data collected by the DNR since 1975 and other fishery data sets provided a historic look into the variability of angler success. These …

Water Quality Relationships To Concentrations Of Pfiesteria-Like Organisms In Virginia Estuaries For 1998, Everett P. Weber, Harold G. Marshall

Virginia Journal of Science

A series of statistical analyses were performed to identify the relationship between abundance of dinoflagellates grouped as Pfiesteria-like organisms and a set of 25 water quality variables from May through October of 1998 at 41 estuarine locations. Although regions were identified in relation to seasonal density of cells present, there were no strong relationships to specific water quality variables. Factors that may have influenced these results included: a) several species were included in the group analyzed and this composite did not respond as a unit to changing environmental conditions; b) cell concentrations were low and there were a large …

Review Of: Allan Mazur, A Hazardous Inquiry: The Rashomon Effect At Love Canal, Thomas G. Field Jr.

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Review of: Allan Mazur, A Hazardous Inquiry: The Rashomon Effect at Love Canal (Harvard University Press 1998). Abbreviations,, appendices: Chron- ology and The Basics of Toxicology, bibliography, chronology, figures, index, photos, references. LC 97-44639; ISBN 0-674-74833-6 [255+xiv pp. $26.00 Cloth, 79 Garden Street; Cambridge MA 02138.]

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of The Sandstone-Yalgoo-Paynes Find Area, Western Australia, A L. Payne, A M E Van Vreeswyk, K A. Leighton, H J. Pringle, P Hennig

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of the Sandstone-Yalgoo-Paynes Find area, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1992 and 1993, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the area’s natural resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed covers about …

Heavy Metal Toxicity In Bioremediation: Microbial Cultures And Microscopy, Jason B. Goodbody

Theses and Dissertations

This research employed a variety of microscopy and spread plating techniques to observe the effects of heavy metal treatments on a toluene-selected bacterial population. Microbial colonies were cultured on spread plates and the resulting numbers were compared to respiration data. The mechanisms of reproduction were demonstrated to be more sensitive to metal treatments than were the mechanisms of respiration. Phase contrast, Gram stain, fluorescent microscopy, were used to compare and document a wide variety of bacteria resulting from different metal treatments as well as from environmental changes within the source bioreactor. The removal of sensitive bacteria and the selection of …

An Examination Of Environmental Sensitivity Among Supporters Of An Outdoor Recreation Area, Rodney James Blackman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The environment as an issue has been prominently before the public for over three decades. Yet the question of how much people know about the natural environment and how committed they are to the environment has seldom been considered in research literature. Research of this nature is needed because without it individuals interested in the preservation and conservation of the environment cannot be sure how their efforts to increase people's environmental sensitivity should be applied. The purpose of this study was to examine the level and extent of environmental sensitivity among supporters of an outdoor recreation area/facility in northeast Iowa. …

An Analysis Of Two Tests For Diesel Contamination In The Environment When Considering The Impact On Hydrocarbon Degrading Bacteria, Chris Wedding

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Bauxite Residue As A Soil Amendment In The Peel-Harvey Coastal Plain Catchment - Report On Results Of 1995 Environmental Monitoring Program, Mark Rivers

Natural resources published reports

This report was submitted in accordance with the recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) who have stated that a monitoring program shall be undertaken by Agriculture Western Australia within six months of the widespread use of bauxite residue as a soil amendment. Although this widespread use of bauxite residue has not yet formally commenced, pre-emptive monitoring has been undertaken in order to gain some understanding of the general environmental characteristics of the Peel-Harvey catchment and, in particular, the characteristics and quality of the water flowing through the catchment.

It represents the second annual report submitted to the EPA describing …

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)/Hepatitis B Virus (Hbv) Risk Perception Related To Needlestick Injuries At A Medical School In Norfolk, Virginia, Ronald B. Hartman

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

A limited number of studies have been conducted to assess the perceptions of risk of medical students and residents for acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) via percutaneous (needlestick) injuries while performing clinical training. The purpose of this study is to investigate these perceptions of risk, and to determine whether there is an association between a high perception of risk and a low incidence of needlestick injury. The method of investigation was a four-page survey questionnaire. The instrument was investigated for reliability by use of a pilot study with a small group of medical students and …

A Test Of An Alternate Calibration Matrix For Niosh Method 7300, Robert T. Vitek

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the analytical results (when determining cadmium, lead, and zinc concentrations) for air sample filters prepared and analyzed according to N:OSH Method 7300, differ significantly, from those obtained when the instrument is calibrated using EPA Method 200.7 acid matrix standards. The null hypothesis was that no statistically significant difference, measured at the 95% confidence level, would exist between results obtained from the two calibration standards. Careful standard and sample preparation, the use of an internal standard, and the application of working standard and working internal standard correction factors served to isolate the …