Bhupander Kumar

Probabilistic health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in urban soils from a tropical city of India

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in urban soils, and their risk for humans was evaluated and presented in this article. The average concentration of ∑16PAHs, ∑carcinogenic PAHs, ∑28PCBs and ∑dioxin-like PCBs was 631.6 ± 244.5 μg kg−1, 568.8 ± 238.8 μg kg−1, 11.57 ± 2.00 μg kg−1 and 2.58 ± 0.34 μg kg−1, respectively. Environmental and human health risk assessment parameters such as benzo(a)pyrene total potency equivalent (BaP TPE), index of additive cancer risk (IACR), life time average daily dose (LADD) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) have been estimated and discussed. The average benzo(a)pyrene total potency equivalent (BaP TPE) estimate was 0.194 mg kg−1 and ranging between 8.9×10−4 to 0.87 mg kg−1. The incremental life time cancer risk (ILCR) of PAHs through soil ingestion for adults and children was estimated as 8.1×10−6 and 4.2×10−5, respectively. However, the cancer risk (ILCR) from non-dioxin-like PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs for adults and children ranged between 3.31×10−8 to 1.741×10−7 and 1.46×10−5 to 7.56×10−5, respectively. These estimated risks were lower than acceptable limits, based on incremental cancer risk from soil exposure. Overall, index of additive cancer risk (IACR) and hazard quotient (HQ) for PAHs and PCBs was lower than safe limit of 1, indicating no environmental and human health risk from PAHs and PCBs in this area of study.

Distribution, partitioning, bioaccumulation of trace elements in water, sediment and fish from sewage fed fish ponds in eastern Kolkata, India

Concentrations of trace elements were measured in water (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Al), sediment (Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Al, Zn, Fe, and Co), and muscle tissue of nine selected fish species (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) collected from eastern Kolkata (India) estuarine-sewage fed fish ponds. In water, trace elements existed in particulate phase (60–80%) with Fe as the predominant element followed by Al > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu. The partitioning coefficients (Kd ) of the trace elements are low and fairly stable. The Pearson product moment correlation among the elements in the particulate and dissolved phase of the water column was calculated and most of the elements are correlated well (p ≤ 0.005). The trace element concentrations in sediments were in the following order: Al ≥ Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Co. Contamination factors (CFs) of trace elements in sediments were in the order of Pb ≥ Cu > Zn > Fe > Mn ≥ Ni ≥ Co > Al > Cr and Pollution Load Index ranges were 0.33–0.56. The CFs for Pb, Cu, and Zn are 0.92, 0.88, and 0.73, respectively, shows natural as well as anthropogenic inputs of these elements into the Kolkata sewage fed fish ponds. Accumulation of trace elements in muscle tissue of nine selected fish species were, Fe > Zn ≫ Cu > Mn Silver carp contained high Cu and Fe, American rohu contained high Zn concentration while Nylontica species contained high Mn concentration. Bio-concentration factor and bio-accumulation factor of elements, (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in fish, showed positive and negative accumulation factors when calculated against elements in the dissolved and suspended particulate matter phase of water, respectively. Iron (Fe), Mn, and Zn concentration in fish tissue were greater than WHO/FAO certified values; therefore, regular monitoring of trace elements is warranted for fish tissue collected from these estuarine-sewage fed fish ponds.

Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Bank Sediments from along the Yamuna River in Delhi, India

ABSTRACT The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri glacier of the Himalayas and travels 22 km in the Delhi region. The river is used for various purposes in Delhi including drinking water supply. Twenty-eight polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners were measured in bank sediments along the river, and their ecotoxicological risk was evaluated. Concentrations of ∑28PCBs varied from 0.20–21.16 ng g−1 (dry wt.) with mean and median values of 6.63 ng g−1 and 5.84 ng g−1 (±0.69 ng g−1), respectively. The concentration of 12 dl-PCBs concentrations varied from 0.04–2.86 ng g−1 with a mean of 1.04 ± 0.11 ng g−1, and their toxic equivalency ranged between <0.01–28.67 pg WHO-TEQ g−1 with a mean of 10.77 ± 1.06 pg WHO-TEQ g−1. CB-37, CB-44, CB-114, and CB-118 congeners were dominant among all PCBs congeners. The tri-PCBs (49%) were the main contributors to the PCB homolog followed by tetra-PCBs (35%), and penta-PCB (14%). Because there are no environmental guidelines in India for PCBs in river and marine sediments, concentrations of PCBs and their toxic equivalents were compared in a screening-level assessment with established freshwater sediment quality guidelines and found lower than those guideline values, which suggests no adverse ecotoxicological effect.

Geochemical distribution of heavy metals in sediments from sewage fed fish ponds from Kolkata Wetlands, India

Abstract Kolkata wetlands are the largest sewage fed wetlands in the world. They have been used for aquaculture since 1960. Geochemical distribution of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni and Al) has been studied in surface sediments using single and sequential extractions techniques. The metal concentrations in sediments were in the following order: Fe>Al> Mn>Zn>Cu> Pb>Cr> Ni, and the average concentrations were 29 μg g−1, 54 μg g−1, 328 μg g−1, 32747 μg g−1, 169 μg g−1, 38 μg g−1, 25 μg g−1 and 23371 μg g−1 dry weights for Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni and Al, respectively. Water-soluble percentages of the trace elements are quite low (<0.01–3.75%) but in the presence of chelating agents in the sediments increase the bioavailability of trace elements (2–58%). About 40% of trace elements are in the stable form as a residual fraction of the sediment and more than 50% (nonresidual fraction) metal contamination of the Kolkata wetland sediments were from anthropogenic inputs. The contamination risks of Cr, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Ni are high as their potential availabilities are 70.96%, 58.01%, 63.13%, 55.62%, and 52.15% respectively. The mean concentration of most of the heavy metals in sediments does not exceed the recommended reference values. Zinc and lead concentrations were greater than background level and Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines but lower than Probable Effect Level. Therefore a regular program for monitoring the distribution of heavy metals in water, sediments and biota should be imposed on sewage fed fish ponds of the Kolkata wetland ecosystem.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Residential Soils from an Indian City near Power Plants Area and Assessment of Health Risk for Human Population

This article deals with the distribution, composition profiles, and possible sources of sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in residential soils from Korba district in Chhattisgarh State, India. Sixteen priority PAHs in soils were analyzed after ultrasonic extraction, silica gel column chromatographic cleanup, and quantitation was performed using HPLC-DAD. The concentrations of ∑16PAHs were within acceptable limits of soil quality guidelines and the study area got classified as weakly contaminated. The concentration of probable human carcinogenic PAHs in soils accounted for 10% of ∑16PAHs. The concentration of Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP) accounted 1% to total PAHs. Benzo(a)pyrene Toxicity Equivalency (BaPTEQ) for 16 PAHs was 30 ± 12 μg BaPTEQ kg−1. The composition profiles and molecular ratios of PAHs suggested mixed pyrogenic sources of PAHs from combustion of coal, wood, and vehicular exhaust emissions. Human health risk was assessed by calculating the lifetime average daily dose (LADD) and incremental life time cancer risk (ILCR) for human adults and children. Estimated ILCR was within safe limit (10−6−10−5), indicating low risk to human population. Potential risk to contaminated ground water from leaching of carcinogenic PAHs was assessed by estimating the Index of Additive Cancer Risk (IACR).

DDT and HCH (Organochlorine Pesticides) in Residential Soils and Health Assessment for Human Populations in Korba, India

ABSTRACT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and their isomers’ levels in residential soils were determined for the assessment of health risk in Korba, India. Observed concentrations of total HCH and total DDT in soils were more or less comparable with other parts of India and the world. ΣHCH and ΣDDT concentrations ranged between 0.9–20 μg kg−1 and 2–315 μg kg−1, respectively, which were lower than recommended soil quality guidelines indicating low ecotoxicological risk. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic impacts of HCH and DDT on human populations through soil ingestion were evaluated and presented. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for adults and children ranged between 7.8 × 10−10–1.6 × 10−7 and 4.1 × 10−9–8.2 × 10−7, respectively. Non-cancer health hazard quotient (HQ) ranged between 5.9 × 10−7–1.8 × 10−3 and 3.1 × 10−6–9.4 × 10−3, respectively, for adults and children. The estimated ILCR and HQ were within the safe acceptable limits of 10−6–10−4 and ≤1.0, respectively, indicating low risk to human populations from exposure to organochlorine pesticides (HCH and DDT) in the study area.

Estimation of Toxicity Equivalency and Probabilistic Health Risk on Lifetime Daily Intake of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Urban Residential Soils

ABSTRACT In this study, toxicity equivalents and health risks, based on concentration of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban residential soils were estimated for the human population in Gwalior, India. Benzo(a)pyrene total potency equivalents (BaP TPE) were estimated for assessment of human health risk from direct contact with PAH-contaminated soil. Potential risk to contaminated groundwater from leaching of carcinogenic PAHs was assessed by estimating the index of additive cancer risk (IACR). On the basis of lifetime average daily intake of 16 PAHs through ingestion of PAH-contaminated soils, lifetime cancer risk to human adults and children was estimated. The concentration of probable human carcinogenic PAHs in soils accounted for 38% of ∑16PAHs. BaP TPE and index of additive cancer risk (IACR) were lower than guideline values of 0.6 mg kg−1 and <1, respectively. Estimated lifetime average daily intakes of PAHs via soil ingestion were lower than recommended dose. However, the ILCR for human adults was within acceptable limits recommended by regulatory agencies, but may need action for children in Gwalior, India.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in settled dust from informal electronic waste recycling workshops and nearby highways in urban centers and suburban industrial roadsides of Chennai city, India: Levels, congener profiles and exposure assessment.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were quantified in settled dust collected from informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workshops and nearby highways in the urban centers and roadside dust from the suburban industrial belt of Chennai city in India. Further dust samples were subjected to a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (FESEM/EDX) to characterize the shape, size and elemental composition of the dust particles. Geomean of total PCB concentration followed the following order: informal e-waste metal recovery workshops (53ngg-1)>e-waste dismantling sites (3.6ngg-1)>nearby highways (1.7ngg-1)>suburban industrial roadsides (1.6ngg-1). In e-waste workshops, tetra, penta and hexa-PCB homologs contributed two third of Σ26PCB concentration. Informal e-waste recycling workshops contributed more than 80% concentration of all the PCB congeners loaded in the first principal component. Predominance of dioxin like PCBs, PCB-l14, -118 and -126 in the e-waste metal recovery sites were presumably due to combustion and pyrolytic processes performed during recycling of electrical components. According to the morphology and elemental composition, settled dust from e-waste workshops were irregular particles heavily embedded with toxic metals and industrial roadside dust were distinct angular particles. FESEM revealed that average particle size (in Ferret diameter) increased in the following order: e-waste recycling workshops (0.5μm)<nearby highways (1.2μm)<industrial sites (4.3μm). Electronic waste recycling workshops engaged in metal recovery were found with maximum toxicity equivalents (TEQs) for dl-PCBs and potential cancer risk (10-6-10-4) for both adult and children.

Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment of Benzo(a)pyrene Levels in Agricultural Soils from the National Capital Region, Delhi, India

ABSTRACT Exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) for health risk was studied in soils from the Delhi region, India. The mean and median concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene were 0.031 and 0.029 (±0.002) mg/kg, respectively. The lifetime average daily dose (LADD) for adults and children was 1.7 × 10−8 mg kg−1 d−1 and 7.5 × 10−8 mg kg−1 d−1, respectively, with incremental life time cancer risk (ILCR) of 1.2 × 10−7 and 5.5 × 10−7, respectively. The Index of Additive Cancer Risk (IACR) was 0.084. Our screening-level risk assessment shows that the observed ILCR and IACR values are much lower than the guideline values of 10−6 − 10−4 (ILCR) and <1 (IACR), respectively, and therefore the measured B(a)P levels in soil may not portend environmental and human health risks.

Spatial distribution of persistent organic pollutants in the surface water of River Brahmaputra and River Ganga in India.

Abstract Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyles (PCBs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are discharged in surface water by various point and nonpoint sources thereby degrading the functioning of the ecosystem and threatening human health. Chlorinated pesticides such as Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) are effective pest control chemicals, used in agriculture and public health activities (malaria eradication, etc.) in India for the past several decades and are still in use. POPs can cause endocrine disruption and food chain biomagnification because of their lipophilicity and environmental persistence. This study aims to assess the environmental occurrence and spatial distribution of OCPs, PAHs and PCBs in the surface water of River Brahmaputra and Ganga ending at the of the Bay of Bengal.The order of organochlorine pesticides is as: heptachlor>HCHs>DDTs>dieldrin>aldrin>endosulfan. Diamond Harbour and Bakkhali were the two places with elevated level of all individual HCH isomers compared to all other sites. β-Endosulfan and α-Endosulfan were high at Dibrugarh than other sampling sites. This is due to the ongoing use of Endosulfan in the tea estates in Assam especially the estates close to the town of Dibrugarh. p,p′-DDT and o,p′-DDT levels indicate the fresh input of DDT in all the sampling sites. Heptachlor has been observed in 57% of the total samples reported in the present study.These reasons may attribute to high deposition of pesticides in the surface water of Ganga and Brahmaputra.In addition the catchments area of the Ganga River is surrounded by agricultural lands so a relatively higher residue of pesticides was prevalent. Σ27 PCBs varied from BDL to 142 (Avg±SD, 3.96±6.71) ng L-1. PCB-18, PCB-52 & PCB-44 showed the highest concentration levels for all the sampling sites. PCB-126 was observed in samples taken from sites close to the city limit of Kolkata and Assam which is an indication of higher toxic effect from this highly toxic congener. PCB-169 was prevalent in most of the sites. The total concentrations of PAHs varied from BDL to 31 (Avg±SD, 0.2±1.5) µg L-1. PAHs concentrationswere very low as PAHs are particle bound compounds.