A geologically-based approach to map arsenic risk in crystalline aquifers: Analysis of the Tampere region, Finland

The study illustrates the critical role of accurate geological structural mapping to delineate crystalline aquifer zones more prone to high health risk due to elevated dissolved As in drinking wells. The analysis revisits the results from more than 1200 groundwater samples collected over ten years from domestic wells across the Tampere region (Finland). It is demonstrated that the highest dissolved As concentrations in the region (up to 2230 μg/L) are exclusively found near major faults and deformation zones (FDZs) detected via geophysical and geological surveys, and that a clear correlation exists between dissolved concentrations and the distance from the FDZs (r). Almost all values exceeding the drinking water limit (10 μg/L) occur at r < 8 km, while concentrations above 100 μg/L occur at r < 4 km. Solid-phase As concentrations in bedrock show less dependency on FDZ than aqueous concentrations. This behavior is explained considering different mechanisms, which include enhanced sulfide oxidation and fracture connectivity, promoting preferential transport of dissolved As to FDZs and mixing of waters from different redox zones, mobilizing preferentially As(III) or As(V). Fe hydro-oxides may also precipitate/dissolve preferentially because of FDZs, while residence time may influence the contact time between water and As-bearing minerals. It is concluded that the accurate mapping of FDZs, and in general of structural geology, provides an important preliminary information to identify where localized, site-specific characterization of hydrogeology and geochemistry is more urgent to reduce As-related health risk from groundwater intake. Keywords: Arsenic risk, Crystalline bedrock, Fractured aquifers, Heterogeneity, Finlan

Elevated plasma phospholipid n-3 docosapentaenoic acid concentrations during hibernation

Factors for initiating hibernation are unknown, but the condition shares some metabolic similarities with consciousness/sleep, which has been associated with n-3 fatty acids in humans. We investigated plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles during hibernation and summer in freeranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) and in captive garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus) contrasting in their hibernation patterns. The dormice received three different dietary fatty acid concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) (19%, 36% and 53%), with correspondingly decreased alphalinolenic acid (ALA) (32%, 17% and 1.4%). Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids showed small differences between summer and hibernation in both species. The dormice diet influenced n-6 fatty acids and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations in plasma phospholipids. Consistent differences between summer and hibernation in bears and dormice were decreased ALA and EPA and marked increase of n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and a minor increase of docosahexaenoic acid in parallel with several hundred percent increase of the activity index of elongase ELOVL2 transforming C20-22 fatty acids. The highest LA supply was unexpectantly associated with the highest transformation of the n-3 fatty acids. Similar fatty acid patterns in two contrasting hibernating species indicates a link to the hibernation phenotype and requires further studies in relation to consciousness and metabolism

Elevated plasma phospholipid n-3 docosapentaenoic acid concentrations during hibernation

Factors for initiating hibernation are unknown, but the condition shares some metabolic similarities with consciousness/sleep, which has been associated with n-3 fatty acids in humans. We investigated plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles during hibernation and summer in freeranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) and in captive garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus) contrasting in their hibernation patterns. The dormice received three different dietary fatty acid concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) (19%, 36% and 53%), with correspondingly decreased alphalinolenic acid (ALA) (32%, 17% and 1.4%). Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids showed small differences between summer and hibernation in both species. The dormice diet influenced n-6 fatty acids and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations in plasma phospholipids. Consistent differences between summer and hibernation in bears and dormice were decreased ALA and EPA and marked increase of n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and a minor increase of docosahexaenoic acid in parallel with several hundred percent increase of the activity index of elongase ELOVL2 transforming C20-22 fatty acids. The highest LA supply was unexpectantly associated with the highest transformation of the n-3 fatty acids. Similar fatty acid patterns in two contrasting hibernating species indicates a link to the hibernation phenotype and requires further studies in relation to consciousness and metabolismpublishedVersio

Healing in the Sámi North

There is a special emphasis today on integrating traditional healing within health services. However, most areas in which there is a system of traditional healing have undergone colonization and a number of pressures suppressing tradition for hundreds of years. The question arises as to how one can understand today’s tradition in light of earlier traditions. This article is based on material collected in Sámi areas of Finnmark and Nord-Troms Norway; it compares local healing traditions with what is known of earlier shamanic traditions in the area. The study is based on 27 interviews among healers and their patients. The findings suggest that although local healing traditions among the Sámi in northern Norway have undergone major transformations during the last several hundred years, they may be considered an extension of a long-standing tradition with deep roots in the region. Of special interest are also the new forms tradition may take in today’s changing global society

Arseenin luontaiset pitoisuudet Pirkanmaalla

vokMAAMP

Arsenic in soil horizons of arable and forest land in the Tampere region, Finland

vokMAAMP

Variation in groundwater manganese in Finland

Published: 03 July 202

Arsenic and other elements in agro-ecosystems in Finland and particularly in the Pirkanmaa region

Hanke: Risk Assessment and Risk Management Procedure for Arsenic in the Tampere Region.Nimekkeen selvennys: Arseeni ja eräitä muita alkuaineita Suomen maatalousekosysteemeissä, etenkin Pirkanmaalla.vokMAA. Yksikön huom.: MAA, MPLMP

Regional health risk assessment of natural and antropogenic arsenic : case study in Pirkanmaa, Finland

vokei kopiota. Yksikön huom.: MAA, MPLMP