Lloyd R. Wilson

Measurements of gaseous HONO, HNO3, SO2, HCl, NH3, particulate sulfate and PM2.5 in New York, NY

Simultaneous measurements of gaseous HONO, HNO3, HCl, SO2, and NH3 for a period of 1 year from July 1999 to June 2000 and fine-fraction particulate (<2.5 μm) sulfate (SO42−) from January 1999 to November 2000 were made at Bronx and Manhattan in New York City with an annular denuder system followed by ion chromatography. The hourly PM2.5 mass was measured with a Rupprecht and Patashnick TEOM Series 1400a real-time monitor for approximately 2 years (January 1999–November 2000) at the same sites. Concentrations at the two sites were highly correlated, with Manhattan being slightly higher than at the Bronx. The concentrations of HNO3, HCl, NH3 and SO42− were higher during summer than winter, the summer/winter ratios at Manhattan being 3.9, 3.1, 1.5, and 1.9, respectively. The concentrations of HONO and SO2 were lower during summer than winter, the summer/winter ratios at Manhattan being 0.48 and 0.44, respectively. Gaseous HONO concentrations were higher than that of HNO3 except in summer, when the HNO3 was higher. The annual mean concentration of PM2.5 was 15.2 μg/m3 at the Bronx, and 15.5 μg/m3 at Manhattan (based only on days when data were available from both sites). The monthly mean concentrations at Manhattan ranged from 13.2 to 21.7 μg/m3 and were highest in June and July 1999, and lowest in March and April. The monthly mean fraction of PM2.5 as SO42− ranged from 0.17 to 0.31, with the highest values observed during June–September. The hourly mean concentrations of PM2.5 showed a bimodal pattern, with peaks at around 7–8 AM and 8–9 PM. In general, the second maximum is lower than the morning one, but during summer this is reversed. The contributions from regional and local emissions and the influence of atmospheric transport and chemical reactions on the observed concentrations are discussed in a compendium paper.

Neurobehavioral and somatic effects of perinatal PCB exposure in rats.

Developing rats were exposed to PCBs via provision of diets containing 0.02 (no PCB added), 2.5, 26, or 269 ppm Aroclor 1254 to sperm-positive female rats from mating to weaning of their pups. Provision of the 269 ppm diet decreased the number of impregnated rats that delivered a litter and lowered pup birth weight, and most pups died within 7 days of birth. Pregnancy success, pup birth weight, and dam body weight and food intake were not altered in the 2.5 and 26 ppm conditions. Preweaning pup growth was reduced in the 26 ppm condition and slightly reduced in the 2.5 ppm condition. The ontogeny of negative geotaxis, auditory startle, and air righting was delayed in pups from the 26 ppm condition. Pups in the 2.5 ppm condition had slightly delayed development of auditory startle. PCB exposure did not affect the duration of forepaw suspension or age at eye opening. Maximal electroshock seizure tests on postweaning rats showed that perinatal PCB exposure decreased seizure severity of both the 2.5 and 26 ppm groups as indicated by increased durations of forelimb and hindlimb flexion and decreased duration of hindlimb extension. PCB exposure increased pup liver weights at birth and dam and pup liver weights at weaning. Spleen and thymus weights were lower in PCB-exposed pups, while brain weights were unaffected. Analytical determination of PCB levels in brain showed greater maternal transfer of PCBs during lactation than during gestation. Elevated PCB levels were detectable in brains of perinatally exposed adult rats. The results indicate that perinatal PCB exposure of rats alters neurobehavioral and somatic ontogeny.

A congener analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls accumulating in rat pups after perinatal exposure

Rat pups were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from conception to weaning. Exposure occurred via feeding dams adulterated certified chow that was designed to contain 0, 3, 30, and 300 Μg/gm Aroclor® 1254. Tissue samples from rat pups and dams were analyzed for 67 different PCB congeners at birth and weaning to describe their accumulation during gestation and lactation. Bioaccumulation of PCB congeners was calculated as a function of their concentration in feed or milk. These data indicated that PCB congeners could be divided into three different groups. The “a” group was not avidly bioaccumulated. Congeners in the “b” group accumulated to widely different concentrations. This group contained primarily penta- and hexachlorinated biphenyls. The analysis of two families of pentachlorobiphenyls containing one ring with −2,3,4, or −2,4,5 chlorine substitutions indicated that molecular structure and not physico-chemical properties,e.g., gas Chromatographic retention time, determined bioaccumulation. The “c” group were all highly chlorinated congeners and bioaccumulated to nearly equal levels. Most congeners were concentrated in the milk when compared to the feed. When bioaccumulation data from pups at birth and weaning were compared, exposure was much greater during lactation than during gestation. The congener analysis showed that the same congeners were most avidly bioaccumulated during the periods of gestation and lactation, indicating that the increased accumulation during lactation was due to a higher effective dose.

Regional sources of particulate sulfate, SO2, PM2.5, HCl, and HNO3, in New York, NY

Abstract Simultaneous measurements of gaseous HONO, HNO3, HCl, SO2, and NH3 from July 1999 to June 2000 and fine-fraction particulate (

Uptake of polychlorobiphenyl congeners by purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) on the banks of the Hudson river

Transport of 42 polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners by purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in two ecosystems is reported. The contaminated site was beside the Hudson River at Albany, New York, and the control site was two miles distant on wasteland. By transplanting and translocating the plants between the sites, systemic uptake from the roots and uptake from the air were determined. Uptake from ambient air was also measured with a 0.2-m3 field sampling chamber. The dominant route of uptake by the plant was via the roots. At high ambient concentrations (140 ng/m) PCB was scavenged from the air by the plants. At low ambient concentrations (8 ng/m3) 2-chlorobiphenyl and 2,2′-dichlorobiphenyl were emitted by the plants.

A survey of twenty community water systems in New York State for PCDDs and PCDFs

Abstract Two tetrachlorodibenzofurans (TCDFs) were found at concentrations of 1 part-per-quadrillion (ppq) in finished drinking water from one of 20 community water systems in New York State. A follow-up study also revealed that tetra- to octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs) and chlorinated dibenzofurans (CDFs) were present at part-per-trillion (ppt) to part-per-billion (ppb) concentrations in sediments taken from the same community water system and at ppq in raw water entering the plant.

A study of air pollutants and acute asthma exacerbations in urban areas: status report.

A study to try to better understand the interactions between various air contaminants and acute asthma exacerbations is described. The study evaluates temporal associations between a panel of air contaminants and acute asthmatic exacerbations as measured by emergency room visits for asthma in communities in the Bronx and Manhattan in New York City (NYC). In addition, ambient levels of various air pollutants in two NYC communities are being compared. Almost 2 years of daily data have been collected for most of the air contaminants to be investigated. The air contaminants measured include gaseous compounds (ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, aldehydes, nitrous acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and ammonia), particulate matter components (metals, elemental and organic carbon, sulfate, hydrogen ion, pollen, mold spores and particle mass and number).

Quality assurance/quality control assessment for a collaborative study of 2,3,7,8-TCDD bioaccumulation in Lake Ontario

Abstract Sediments and fish from Lake Ontario and from a laboratory exposure study could be analyzed with an accuracy of ±50% at a detection limit of 1 pg/g with improvements in accuracy at higher concentrations.

A review of potable water accessibility and sustainability issues in developing countries - case study of Uganda

Abstract Providing sources of sustainable and quality potable water in Uganda is a significant public health issue. This project aimed at identifying and prioritizing possible actions on how sustainable high quality potable water in Uganda’s water supply systems could be achieved. In that respect, a review of both the current water supply systems and government programs on drinking water in Uganda was completed. Aspects of quantity, quality, treatment methods, infrastructure, storage and distribution of water for different water systems were evaluated and compared with the existing water supply systems in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, for purposes of generating feasible recommendations and opportunities for improvement. Uganda utilizes surface water, groundwater, and rainwater sources for consumption. Surface water covers 15.4% of the land area and serves both urban and rural populations. Lake Victoria contributes about 85% of the total fresh surface water. Potable water quality is negatively affected by the following factors: disposal of sewage and industrial effluents, agricultural pesticides and fertilizers, and surface run-offs during heavy rains. The total renewable groundwater resources in Uganda are estimated to be 29 million m3/year with about 20,000 boreholes, 3000 shallow-wells and 200,000 springs, serving more than 80% of the rural and slum communities. Mean annual rainfall in Uganda ranges from 500 mm to 2500 mm. Groundwater and rainwater quality is mainly affected by poor sanitation and unhygienic practices. There are significant regional variations in the accessibility of potable water, with the Northeastern region having the least amount of potable water from all sources. Uganda still lags behind in potable water resource development. Priorities should be placed mainly on measures available for improvement of groundwater and rainwater resource utilization, protection of watersheds, health education, improved water treatment methods and distribution in rural areas, and pollution control and monitoring. Implementing these changes can promote potable water accessibility especially to the poor populations living in rural and urban slum areas because they comprise the majority (80%) of Uganda’s population.

Harmful Algal Bloom–Associated Illnesses in Humans and Dogs Identified Through a Pilot Surveillance System — New York, 2015

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are photosynthetic, aquatic organisms found in fresh, brackish, and marine water around the world (1). Rapid proliferation and accumulation of potentially toxin-producing cyanobacteria characterize one type of harmful algal bloom (HAB). HABs have the potential to cause illness in humans and animals (2,3); however, the epidemiology of these illnesses has not been well characterized. Statewide in 2015, a total of 139 HABs were identified in New York, 97 (70%) of which were confirmed through laboratory analysis; 77 independent beach closures were ordered at 37 beaches on 20 different bodies of water. To better characterize HAB-associated illnesses, during June-September 2015, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) implemented a pilot surveillance system in 16 New York counties. Activities included the collection of data from environmental HAB reports, illness reports, poison control centers, and syndromic surveillance, and increased outreach to the public, health care providers, and veterinarians. During June-September, 51 HAB-associated illnesses were reported, including 35 that met the CDC case definitions*; 32 of the cases occurred in humans and three in dogs. In previous years, New York never had more than 10 HAB-associated illnesses reported statewide. The pilot surveillance results from 16 counties during a 4-month period suggest that HAB-associated illnesses might be more common than previously reported.