Aj Pyatt

A public health problem? : Aspects and implications of the ingestion of copper and lead contaminated food by Bedouin

Large metalliferous spoil and smelting tip sites, generated during the Nabatean, Roman and Byzantine periods, continue to exist in southern Jordan and still exert important effects on both plants and animals (including humans) inhabiting the area. Humans are exposed to both copper and lead pollution as a consequence of the inhalation and ingestion of heavy metals, which often involves significant bio‐accumulation through trophic levels. This paper explores aspects of an important source of severe dietary contamination which has potential public health implications in terms of effects on the health of exposed individuals.

Accumulation of lead and zinc from a metalliferous spoil tip stream by the algae Ulothrix sp. and Spirogyra sp

Algae collected from a stream/drainage channel passing through a metalliferous spoil tip in North Wales, U.K. were found to have a massively enhanced lead and zinc content. Prolonged washing of the thalli of the algae resulted in the mobilisation and loss of a substantial proportion of these cations.

Aspects of the Ecology of an upland Arctic periglacial site

Aspects of the Ecology of an upland periglacial site adjacent to Sulitjelmabreen (Norway) are described. Marked changes in the vegetation and abiotic factors with increasing distance from the glacier are reported. The vegetation was generally limited in diversity and yielded an Ecosystem of low productivity.