Speciation of heavy metals in coastal water of Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf

Fuel storage tanks are one of the main sources of water pollution as well as loss of crude oil and oil products in refineries.  In the process of utilization of these tanks, considerable amounts of hydrocarbons may find their way into the coastal water, which eventually lead to loss of valuable hydrocarbons. Oil type, climatic condition and characteristics of oil tanks are among the main variables in computing evaporative losses. The present study brings out the results of a project that was carried out to investigate the adverse effects of oil terminal on coastal waters of Qeshm Island and aims to elaborate on speciation of metals in coastal waters. For this purpose, 12 stations were sampled. Water chemistry software was used to draw Eh-pH diagrams. Along with the speciation of heavy metals, cluster analysis was carried out by MVSP software. According to the results, HSC diagrams showed that Cu and Cd were present as free ions. Lead, manganese, cobalt, zinc and nickel were respectively present as PbOH, MnOH, ZnOH, CoOH and NiOH in the Persian Gulf. Speciation of Cu and Ni was in the form of Cu2O and NiO. Vanadium was also present in combination with hydroxide. Since all the studied elements were within the water stability range, they were stable, and there were no environmental risks of contamination and toxicity. The results of cluster analysis did not show any relation between Eh and pH. This clearly showed that Eh-pH was governed by different mechanisms in coastal waters of Qeshm Island. Vanadium and Ni concentration was governed by pH, while Cu and Cd concentration was controlled by Eh

Oral erythromycin is ineffective in the treatment of pityriasis rosea

Background: Despite the availability of various medical treatments for pityriasis rosea, a large percentage of patients fail to achieve satisfactory results. Erythromycin is reported to be effective in the treatment of pityriasis rosea. Methods: We designed a placebo-controlled study on 184 patients with pityriasis rosea attending the outpatient dermatology department at Hazrat-e-Rasul Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Adult patients were treated with 200 mg of erythromycin 4 times daily and children were treated with 20 to 40 mg/kg daily in 4 divided doses. Controls were given a placebo (an emollient cream) that was not identical in appearance. Subjects were seen at follow-up visits 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after starting treatment. Results: Both groups were comparable with regard to sex, age, and mean duration of disease at the time of attending the clinic. We found no significant difference between the 2 treatment groups at weeks 4, 6, and 8 after beginning of treatment. (p>.05 Chi2). Conclusion: In this study, prescription of oral erythromycin did not promote complete clearing of lesions. Copyright © 2008 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology

Role of estuarine natural processes in removal of trace metals under emergency situations

Estuaries are well known for their potential in removing metal from fresh water to provide micro-nutrients to aquatic life. In the present investigation, we have tried to bring out the metal removal potential of estuaries during accidental spills. For this purpose artificial river water containing high concentration of Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb were mixed with sea water at different salinity regimes. Water samples were taken from a station on the main branch of Tajan River that flows in to the Caspian Sea. For this purpose, solutions with a concentration of 5 mg/L of each studied metal (Mn,Cu, Zn, Pb) were prepared in Tajan River water. The salinity regimes include 3, 6, 8, 10 and 11 ppt. It was noted that metal concentration decreased by increasing salinity. Metals were flocculated at different rates: Cu (88%) > Ni (86%) > Pb (84%) > Mn (74%).Thus, as average about 80% of total elemental content flocculates. Hence, it was concluded that a large amount of micro nutrients is carried by the river and flocculated in the estuary where the river water mixes with the sea water which may play a vital role in supplying nutrients to the aquatic animals. Cluster analyses have shown that Mn and Ni are governed by EC, pH and salinity

Usina hidrelétrica na amazônia e impactos socioeconômicos sobre os pescadores do município de Ferreira Gomes – Amapá

Socioeconomic impacts of the construction of the Ferreira Gomes Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHEFG) were analyzed in communities of fishermen affected before and after the filling of the reservoir. The study occurred between 2014 and 2015, in the municipality of Ferreira Gomes-AP. Data were collected using forms (Nsample=48) and a comparative analysis was performed to evaluate their significance (Mann-Whitney, p<0.05). The results showed that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) did not adequately predict impacts in the fisheries sector. The comparative tests confirmed a) six variables with significant variation (p<0.05): monthly income, number of trips to fish, fishing difficulties, environmental conditions of the Araguari River, socioeconomic and environmental impacts; and b) a variable at the limit of significance (p≈0,056): fish trade. We concluded that the reparatory measures did not reestablish the socioenvironmental conditions, generating conflicts not foreseen.Os impactos socioeconômicos da construção da Usina Hidrelétrica de Ferreira Gomes (UHEFG) foram analisados ​​em comunidades de pescadores afetados antes e depois do enchimento do reservatório. O estudo ocorreu entre 2014 e 2015, no município de Ferreira Gomes-AP. Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulários (Nsample = 48) e uma análise comparativa foi realizada para avaliar sua significância (Mann-Whitney, p <0,05). Os resultados mostraram que o Estudo de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) não previu adequadamente os impactos no setor pesqueiro. Os testes comparativos confirmaram a) seis variáveis ​​com variação significativa (p <0,05): renda mensal, número de viagens para pescar, dificuldades de pesca, condições ambientais do rio Araguari, impactos socioeconômicos e ambientais; e b) uma variável no limite de significância (p≈0,056): comércio de pescado. Concluímos que as medidas reparatórias não restabeleceram as condições socioambientais, gerando conflitos não previstos