Wskaźnikowe składniki mineralne w tkance płucnej osób narażonych na pyłowe zanieczyszczenia powietrza w konurbacji katowickiej

The aims of the work was to compare mineral components found in lung tissues of inhabitants of the Katowice Conurbation with dust components of atmospheric pollution in this region. Mineral components of dust reaching lungs can show characteristic features, depend on sources of their emission. Thus they can be considered as emission indicators. In this project the mineral indicators are called these components of mineral substance in lung tissue, which phase and chemical composition together with other particular features can help in the identification of their possible source. Mineralogical investigations with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and chemical analyses (ICP) were carried out on 34 human lung tissues coming from donors exposed to dust contaminants in the Katowice Conurbation. Samples, from 13 women and 21 men without any cancer cells, were taken as the section material from persons which in their work were not exposed to dust contaminants, and which deceased as a result of accidents. The carried out mineralogical research enabled to find several mineral components in lung tissue. Biogenic carbonates were dominant, including calcite and Mg-calcite. Most of other components were the same as those present in phases of the polluted Katowice Conurbation. Among them were such minerals as: amorphous aluminosilicates with spherical particle shapes, mullite, trydimite, iron oxides (magnetite, hematite, and wustite), other simple oxides, iron sulphides, barite and REE phosphates. They were considered mineral indicators pointing out to anthropogenic origin related to hard coal combustion and processing. Quartz, micas, feldspars, amphiboles and pyroxenes were regarded as indicators of emission from natural sources. The presence of lead and zinc sulphides is related to exploitation or processing of zinc and lead ores. Particles of metallic iron and alloys were included to anthropogenic indicators connected to metallurgical industry. Ferrihydrite and goethite are thought to be products of reaction of lung fluids with mineral particles rich in iron. Calcium phosphate was only rarely found in healthy lung tissues, thus this mineral component was included into biogenic indicators of pathogenic mineralization. In was found that the amount of mineral substances present in lung tissues increases with age. It can be caused by the occurrence of autogenic mineralization related to physiological processes and accumulation of pollution, mainly of anthropogenic origin, as well as increasing pathogenic mineralization, i.e. so called latent mineralization caused by incorporation of some metals into lung tissue. Chemical analyses of selected main elements (Ca, Na Fe, and P) indicated that their concentrations are not related to sex but possibly to age. Among selected minor elements occurring in lung tissue (Zn, Al, K, and Mg) the highest variability of concentrations was shown by zinc and aluminum. It was found that the amount of zinc in lung tissue decreases with age whereas alumina amount increases. It is believed that the age increase of aluminum contents can indicate dissolution of aluminosilicates and accumulation of aluminum in lung tissues. It suggests that aluminum forms latent mineralization. Analysis of selected trace elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Sr and Mn) shows that their concentrations are not related to sex. Presence of Pb and Cd in lung tissues confirms toxic metal occurrence in the air of the Katowice Conurbation. This work indicates the need to carry out investigations enabling identification of minerals formed in a human organism, which can help in better understanding the influence of environmental factors on human health. The development of these research methods give possibility of close interdisciplinary cooperation of mineralogists, geochemists and physicians

Technogenic magnetic particles in alkaline dusts from power and cement plants

During this study, we investigated the mineralogical characterization of technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) contained in alkaline industrial dust and fly ash emitted by coal burning power plants and cement plants. The reaction of tested dust samples varied between values of pH 8 and pH 12. Their magnetic properties were characterized by measurement of magnetic susceptibility (χ), frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility (χfd), and temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses included scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, microprobe analysis and X-ray diffraction. The TMPs in fly ash from hard coal combustion have the form of typical magnetic spherules with a smooth or corrugated surface as well as a skeletal morphology, composed of iron oxides (magnetite, maghemite, and magnesioferrite) that occurred in the form of incrustation on the surface of mullite, amorphous silica, or aluminosilicate particles. The TMPs observed in fly ash from lignite combustion have a similar morphological form but a different mineralogical composition. Instead of magnetite and magnesioferrite, maghemite and hematite with lower χ values were the prevailing magnetic minerals, which explains the much lower magnetic susceptibility of this kind of ash in comparison with the ash from hard coal combustion, and probably results from the lower temperature of lignite combustion. Morphology and mineralogical composition of TMPs in cement dust is more diverse. The magnetic fraction of cement dust occurs mostly in the form of angular and octahedral grains of a significantly finer granulation (<20 μm); however, spherules are also present. Avery characteristic magnetic form for cement dust is calcium ferrite (CaFe3O5). The greatest impact on the magnetic susceptibility of cement dust results from iron-bearing additives (often waste materials from other branches of industry), which should be considered the most dangerous to the environment. Stoichiometric analysis of micro-particles confirmed the presence of heavy metals such as Pb, Mn, Cd, and Zn connected with TMPs, which are carriers of magnetic signals in atmospheric dust. Therefore, in some cases, their presence in topsoil when detected by magnetic measurement can be treated as an indicator of inorganic soil contamination

Chemical and mineral composition of ashes from wood biomass combustion in domestic wood-fired furnaces

The paper presents the results of studies on ashes produced from burning wood biomass in closed wood-fired furnaces, in individual household furnaces (Silesian Province, Poland). Dry sieve analysis and detailed granulometric analysis were performed with the Analysette 22 Micro Tec plus analyser. Content of the basic elements (Al, Si, P, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe) and potentially toxic elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Hg) was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Relative enrichment factors ( REFs) were calculated for the elements (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, As, Hg, and Cr), and the emissions (E) of Pb, Cd, Hg, and As to the environment were estimated. The carbon content (40.2%–45.8%), H (3.7%–6.1%), O (46.2%–50.2%), N (0.12%–0.32%), and S (0.11%–0.96%) in wood biomass varies and depends on the wood species and drying period. The content of volatile parts in wood biomass ranges between 69.3 and 81%. Ash content varies between 2.6 and 18.3%. The wood calorific value ranges from 13.6 MJ/kg to 17.4 MJ/kg. Moisture content in the wood biomass ranges from 13.7% (briquette) to 46.7% (fresh birch). Identification of mineral composition and phases yields a high share of calcite, monetite, fairchildite, and quartz in the examined ashes. The combustion of wood biomass in fireplaces results in increased emissions of Pb and Cd to the atmosphere and may be the cause of introducing pollutants to waters and soils during ash storage

Barium concentration in cast roe deer antlers related to air pollution caused by burning of barium-enriched coals in southern Poland

Concentrations of Ba, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Mn were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy in freshly cast antlers from male roe deer of different ages (2 to 4 years old and older than 4 years) collected in Balin near Chrzanów and in the vicinity of Żywiec, S Poland. Barium content ranged from 124 to 196 ppm (mean 165 ppm) in the Balin 12 samples and from 207 to 351 ppm (mean 287 ppm) in 3 antlers from Żywiec. The concentration of Ba was comparable to that of Zn (134–275 ppm, mean 169 ppm). Elevated concentrations of Ba in antlers most probably originated from direct uptake of airborne barite nanocrystals through the respiratory system and/or by digestion of barite-rich dust particles deposited on plants. Burning of Ba-enriched coals is regarded as the principal source of Ba in the investigated areas inhabited by roe deer. Increased concentrations of Ba in antlers from the Żywiec area compared to Balin reflect particularly high air pollution caused by coal-burning mostly for domestic purposes combined with an unfavorable topography that impedes efficient air circulation

Variability in the concentration and composition of pollen grains and atmospheric dusts and their impact on human health in Sosnowiec : [abstract]

Airborne allergy is an important problem in terms of public health, both in Europe and Poland. Symptoms occur in allergic persons every year with varied severity depending on the aeroalergens concentration in the air. Increased number of airborne allergies was stated in urbanized areas, which is associated with higher air pollution. Environmental pollution has a significant impact on the growth of allergic diseases. Organic and inorganic substances, motor exhaust fumes accumulate on the surface of pollen grains and are inhaled with them (Fragment tekstu)

The impact of ambient atmospheric mineral-dust particles on the calcification of lungs

For the first time, it is shown that inhaled ambient air-dust particles settled in the human lower respiratory tract induce lung calcification. Chemical and mineral compositions of pulmonary calcium precipitates in the lung right lower-lobe (RLL) tissues of 12 individuals who lived in the Upper Silesia conurbation in Poland and who had died from causes not related to a lung disorder were determined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Whereas calcium salts in lungs are usually reported as phosphates, calcium salts precipitated in the studied RLL tissue were almost exclusively carbonates, specifically Mg-calcite and calcite. These constituted 37% of the 1652 mineral particles examined. Mg-calcite predominated in the submicrometer size range, with a MgCO3 content up to 50 mol %. Magnesium plays a significant role in lung mineralization, a fact so far overlooked. The calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) content in the studied RLL tissue was negligible. The predominance of carbonates is explained by the increased CO2 fugacity in the RLL. Carbonates enveloped inhaled mineral-dust particles, including uranium-bearing oxides, quartz, aluminosilicates, and metal sulfides. Three possible pathways for the carbonates precipitation on the dust particles are postulated: (1) precipitation of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), followed by its transformation to calcite; (2) precipitation of Mg-ACC, followed by its transformation to Mg-calcite; (3) precipitation of Mg-free ACC, causing a localized relative enrichment in Mg ions and subsequent heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth of Mg-calcite. The actual number of inhaled dust particles may be significantly greater than was observed because of the masking effect of the carbonate coatings. There is no simple correlation between smoking habit and lung calcification

Wybrane problemy pacjenta po zabiegu odbarczenia szczytowo-potylicznego w przebiegu zespołu Chiariego typ I

Introduction. The Chiari type I Malformation is a malformation of the hindbrain and skull. It refers to moving down the tonsils of the cerebellum through a large opening to the upper part of the spinal canal.Case Report. The patient aged 27 was subjected to a peak-occipital decompression procedure in the course of the Chiari type I Malformation due to the results of imaging examinations and reported complaints.Discussion. The neurosurgical treatment for both the patient and his family is a source of stress and fear of further functioning in the environment. During hospitalization, the patient should be surrounded by the care and interest of the therapeutic team members.Conclusions. Symptoms of Chiari Malformation type I may affect patients of different ages despite the fact that it is an inborn defect. Nursing care of the patient after the peak-occipital decompression treatment in the course of the Chiari type I Malformation aims at preventing typical complications of the postoperative period and minimizing the risk of neurological deficits. (JNNN 2018;7(3):124–129)Wstęp. Zespół Chiariego typ I to malformacja tyłomózgowia i czaszki. Odnosi się do przesunięcia w dół migdałków móżdżku przez otwór wielki do górnej części kanału kręgowego.Opis przypadku. Pacjent lat 27 został poddany zabiegowi odbarczenia szczytowo-potylicznego w przebiegu zespołu Chiariego typ I z uwagi na wyniki badań obrazowych oraz zgłaszane dolegliwości.Dyskusja. Zabieg neurochirurgiczny zarówno dla pacjenta jak i dla jego rodziny jest źródłem stresu i lęku przed dalszym funkcjonowaniem w środowisku. W okresie hospitalizacji pacjent powinien być otoczony opieką i zainteresowaniem członków zespołu terapeutycznego.Wnioski. Objawy zespołu Chiariego typ I mogą dotyczyć pacjentów w różnym wieku pomimo, że jest to wada wrodzona. Opieka pielęgniarska nad pacjentem po zabiegu odbarczenia szczytowo-potylicznego w przebiegu zespołu Chiariego typ I zmierza do profilaktyki typowych powikłań okresu pooperacyjnego i minimalizowania ryzyka deficytów neurologicznych. (PNN 2018;7(3):124–129

The influence of hard coal combustion in individual household furnaces on the atmosphere quality in Pszczyna (Poland)

This study aimed to determine the influence of ashes produced in the combustion of hard coal and eco-pea coal in individual household furnaces on the air quality in the region under analysis. To achieve this objective, we analysed the chemical and mineral composition of ashes, suspended and respirable dusts with particular attention being paid to phases containing potentially toxic elements (PTE) (As, Cd, Pb, Se, Ni, Ba, Tl, S, Th and U), and sulphur. The research methods used included powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Measurements were taken for PM concentrations, total suspended particulate matter (TSP), gaseous TVOC pollutants (volatile organic compounds) and soot at various altitudes and a mobile laboratory with measuring apparatus placed in the basket of a manned hotair balloon was used for the analysis. The use of Poland’s unique laboratory allowed us to obtain real-time measurements up to an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. Measurements using unmanned units such as drones do not enable such analyses. The research confirmed that PTE concentrations in ash and its mineral composition are varied. The PM10 and PM2.5 ashes are dominated by sodium chloride, particles containing C, and a substance composed of S+C+O+N+Na. Trace amounts of Pb and Zn sulphides are also present

Colheita e Análise de Águas de Consumo, Piscinas e Residuais

Com o objectivo de evidenciar a importância da avaliação da qualidade da água para a saúde humana, a saúde pública e o meio ambiente em si, o presente trabalho apresenta três casos de estudo, abordando as fases essenciais à monitorização de três tipos de água, nomeadamente, água de consumo, água de piscina e água residual. O relatório descreve as técnicas de colheita mais adequadas para cada tipo de água e parâmetro a analisar, fazendo referência aos recipientes de recolha/armazenamento e ao modo de conservação das amostras até ao momento da realização da análise. Apresenta também os métodos analíticos utilizados para determinação dos parâmetros organoléticos, físico-químicos e microbiológicos estudados; e as consequências que cada parâmetro tem, direta ou indiretamente, na saúde humana e no meio ambiente. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que a água residual analisada se encontra em conformidade com a legislação aplicada. No caso da água de piscina, verifica-se conformidade em todos os parâmetros analisados, excepto a condutividade eléctrica, os Germes a 37 °C e os Estafilococos totais. Quanto à água de consumo, verifica-se a conformidade em todos os parâmetros analisados, excepto o cloro residual livre. As análises efectuadas foram objecto de verificação por aplicação de métodos de controlo previamente definidos, podendo concluir-se que todos os ensaios realizados estiveram de acordo com o critério de aceitaçã

Mineralogical and Chemical Specificity of Dusts Originating from Iron and Non-Ferrous Metallurgy in the Light of Their Magnetic Susceptibility

This study aims at detailed characteristics and comparison between dusts from various iron and non-ferrous metal production processes in order to identify individual mineral phases, chemical composition, and their influence on the values of magnetic susceptibility. Various analytical methods used include inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy integrated with magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermomagnetic analysis. Metallurgical wastes that have arisen at different production stages of iron and non-ferrous steel are subjected to investigation. The analyzed dust samples from the iron and non-ferrous metallurgy differ in terms of magnetic susceptibility as well as their mineral and chemical composition. The research confirmed the presence of many very different mineral phases. In particular, interesting phases have been observed in non-ferrous dust, for example challacolloite, which was found for the first time in the dusts of non-ferrous metallurgy. Other characteristic minerals found in non-ferrous metallurgy dusts are zincite, anglesite, and lanarkite, while dusts of iron metallurgy contain mostly metallic iron and iron-bearing minerals (magnetite, hematite, franklinite, jacobsite, and wüstite), but also significant amounts of zincite and calcite