Mapping and Estimation of Chemical Concentrations in Surface Soils using LANDSAT TM Satellite Imagery

Non

Cytotoxicity analysis of pre- and post-hurricane harvey soil samples collected from greater houston bayous

Rapid urbanization, anthropogenic pollution and frequent flooding events are affecting the soil and water quality along the streams and bayous of Houston. Soil acts as sink and reservoir of heavy metals and nutrients affecting human and animal health. The objectives of the study are 1) to analyze the effects of the metal and nutrient concentration of bayou flood plain surface soil samples on the gut cell cytotoxicity and 2) to evaluate the spatial and temporal difference in soil contamination on cell viability of colon cancer (HT-29) and normal colon epithelial (CCD 841 CoN) cell lines. To evaluate soil contamination between pre- and post-hurricane (Summer and Fall) conditions in six Bayous (Brays, Buffalo, Halls, Hunting, Greens and White Oak Bayous) of Harris County, Texas, in vitro bioassay analysis was applied to soil extracts. The MTT assay determined that, with increase in concentration of Bayou soil from 12.5% to 100%, the viability of CCD 841 CoN and HT-29 cells decreased significantly, across all sampling locations during both summer and fall seasons. Among all the bayous, the viability of CCD 841 CoN cells in summer and fall followed the pattern of White Oak \u3e Greens \u3e Halls \u3e Brays Bayou, where the viability of cells exposed to White Oak soils was 3–4 times higher than cells exposed to Brays Bayou soil at 100% soil concentration. The viability of HT-29 cells in both seasons followed the pattern of Greens \u3e White Oak \u3e Halls \u3e Brays Bayou, where the viability of cells exposed to Greens Bayou soil was more than 3–4 times higher than the cells exposed to Brays Bayou soil at 100% concentration. The higher concentration of metals and nutrients such as P, Zn, Cd, and Cu might have contributed to the significant cell lethality in Brays Bayou samples compared to other locations

The Effect of Saltwater Stress on the Performance of Cherry Tomatoes

Rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion in aquifers pose significant challenges for South Florida agriculture, leading to increased groundwater salinity and potential crop losses. Utilizing salttolerant crop species presents a potential solution for saline soils and regions with active saltwater intrusion. However, the effects of soil salinization through groundwater alone remains less studied. This research investigates the impact of short-term, below-ground saltwater stress on the growth, survival, and overall health of commonly grown cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The objectives of the study are to: 1) determine the impact of saline groundwater on tomato plant health and 2) compare the nutrient content of soil and tomato plant tissue exposed to varying concentrations of saline water. Established cherry tomato plants were exposed to varying concentrations of NaCl solution, simulating saltwater intrusion into groundwater. Over 28 days, plant height, leaf chlorophyll levels, and disease occurrences were monitored. It was found that the NaCl treatments did not significantly affect cherry tomato performance under the parameters of height, chlorophyll levels, or leaf nutrition when compared to the control group. This study suggests that cherry tomatoes can tolerate short-term exposure to NaCl in groundwater. Further exploration of more intense salt stress conditions from groundwater could be beneficial for utilizing this crop in areas with saline soils or polluted groundwater. Identification of salt-tolerant cherry tomato varieties can provide alternative crop options for non-arable land affected by high soil salinity

Characterization of chemical and bacterial concentrations in floor dust samples in southeast texas households

Indoor dust can be a major source of heavy metals, nutrients, and bacterial contamination in residential environments and may cause serious health problems. The goal of this research is to characterize chemical and bacterial contaminants of indoor, settled house dust in the Houston Metropolitan region. To achieve this, a total of 31 indoor dust samples were collected, along with household survey data, which were subsequently analyzed for elemental and bacterial concentrations. Microscopic and geospatial analysis was conducted to characterize and map potential hotspots of contamination. Interestingly Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations of all 31 indoor dust samples were significantly enriched and exceeded soil background concentrations. Furthermore, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the dust samples were significantly correlated to the enteric bacterial load concentrations. Human health assessment revealed that cancer risk values via ingestion for Cd, Cr, and Ni were greater than the acceptable range. Of our 31 dust sample isolates, three Gram-negative and 16 Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria were identified, capable of causing a wide range of dis-eases. Our results demonstrate that both chemical and bacterial characterization of indoor dust coupled with spatial mapping is essential to assess and monitor human and ecological health risks

Cytotoxicity analysis of pre- and post-hurricane harvey soil samples collected from greater houston bayous

Rapid urbanization, anthropogenic pollution and frequent flooding events are affecting the soil and water quality along the streams and bayous of Houston. Soil acts as sink and reservoir of heavy metals and nutrients affecting human and animal health. The objectives of the study are 1) to analyze the effects of the metal and nutrient concentration of bayou flood plain surface soil samples on the gut cell cytotoxicity and 2) to evaluate the spatial and temporal difference in soil contamination on cell viability of colon cancer (HT-29) and normal colon epithelial (CCD 841 CoN) cell lines. To evaluate soil contamination between pre- and post-hurricane (Summer and Fall) conditions in six Bayous (Brays, Buffalo, Halls, Hunting, Greens and White Oak Bayous) of Harris County, Texas, in vitro bioassay analysis was applied to soil extracts. The MTT assay determined that, with increase in concentration of Bayou soil from 12.5% to 100%, the viability of CCD 841 CoN and HT-29 cells decreased significantly, across all sampling locations during both summer and fall seasons. Among all the bayous, the viability of CCD 841 CoN cells in summer and fall followed the pattern of White Oak \u3e Greens \u3e Halls \u3e Brays Bayou, where the viability of cells exposed to White Oak soils was 3–4 times higher than cells exposed to Brays Bayou soil at 100% soil concentration. The viability of HT-29 cells in both seasons followed the pattern of Greens \u3e White Oak \u3e Halls \u3e Brays Bayou, where the viability of cells exposed to Greens Bayou soil was more than 3–4 times higher than the cells exposed to Brays Bayou soil at 100% concentration. The higher concentration of metals and nutrients such as P, Zn, Cd, and Cu might have contributed to the significant cell lethality in Brays Bayou samples compared to other locations

The Impact of Using Geographic Information Systems Technology on Students\u27 Understanding of Epidemiology

To enhance/update our microbiology course, we employed a geographic information science and technology (GIST) infusion to improve students\u27 understanding of epidemiology and disease spread and to encourage students to earn a GIST certificate, making them more marketable in an increasingly competitive workplace. Following a 25-minute introductory GIST infusion lecture during a microbiology class session, a 1.5-hour GIST laboratory exercise was performed in which teams of students evaluated Centers for Disease Control (CDC) chlamydial disease incidence data. In addition to answering three quiz questions addressing the data, students created a map, using ArcGIS software, indicating which Texas counties experienced the highest rates of chlamydia in 2014. To determine the efficacy/value of our infusion, GIST survey data (pre- A nd post-infusion), GIST lab quiz scores, and answers to four GIST lecture exam questions were evaluated. In conclusion, our study was successful in improving understanding of what GIST is and how it could impact biological fields by improving attitudes about the likelihood of further GIST study leading to a certificate program, and by exposing biology undergraduates to GIST technologies and software, enabling student data mapping. Ultimately, our efforts could promote enhanced vocationalization of our biology program, thereby enhancing and broadening employment opportunities for our graduates

Characterization of Chemical and Bacterial Concentrations in Floor Dust Samples in Southeast Texas Households

Indoor dust can be a major source of heavy metals, nutrients, and bacterial contamination in residential environments and may cause serious health problems. The goal of this research is to characterize chemical and bacterial contaminants of indoor, settled house dust in the Houston Metropolitan region. To achieve this, a total of 31 indoor dust samples were collected, along with household survey data, which were subsequently analyzed for elemental and bacterial concentrations. Microscopic and geospatial analysis was conducted to characterize and map potential hotspots of contamination. Interestingly Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations of all 31 indoor dust samples were significantly enriched and exceeded soil background concentrations. Furthermore, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the dust samples were significantly correlated to the enteric bacterial load concentrations. Human health assessment revealed that cancer risk values via ingestion for Cd, Cr, and Ni were greater than the acceptable range. Of our 31 dust sample isolates, three Gram-negative and 16 Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria were identified, capable of causing a wide range of diseases. Our results demonstrate that both chemical and bacterial characterization of indoor dust coupled with spatial mapping is essential to assess and monitor human and ecological health risks