Changes in the Composition of the Soil Bacterial Community in Heavy Metal-Contaminated Farmland.

The structural changes of microorganisms in soil are the focus of soil indicators research. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the composition of the soil bacterial community in heavy metal-contaminated soil. A total of six soil samples (two sampling times) were collected from contaminated farmland at three different depths (surface, middle, and deep layer).

Effectiveness of engineering interventions in decreasing worker exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols.

Machine industry accounts for the highest proportion of primary industry in Taiwan. Long-term exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols may pose significant threats to the health of workers. The aims of this study were to verify the efficacy of intervention methods in reducing airborne bacterial concentrations as well as effects on aerosol particle size distribution.

Effects of Reductants on Phytoextraction of Chromium (VI) by Ipomoea aquatica.

Reductants are often used to reduce Cr(VI) in chemical treatments, yet the effects of the reductants on Cr(VI) phytoremediation are not fully understood. This study investigates the effects of different reductants on Cr(VI) phytoremediation by Ipomoea aquatica in simulated solution with 3 mg L(-1) of Cr(VI), pH0 of 6, and an incubation time of 5 days. Results indicate that the applications of S2O3(2-), Fe0, and Fe2+ at low doses notably increased root Cr concentrations, which were obviously higher than that those in the control (Cr6+ alone).

Evaluation of acute toxicity and teratogenic effects of disinfectants by Daphnia magna embryo assay.

Three common disinfectants were selected in this study to investigate their toxicity to Daphnia magna. The methods used in this study included the traditional acute toxicity test, new embryo toxicity test, and teratogenic test. The study concluded that the acute toxicity of the three disinfectants to young daphnids and embryos were hypochlorite > formaldehyde > m-cresol.

Assessment of occupational health hazards in scrap-tire shredding facilities.

Occupational hygiene conditions in scrap-tire shredding facilities were assessed to identify potential health risk factors for workers and provide a basis for developing future control measures. Specifically, noise, volatile organics and particulate levels were measured at two plants. Particulate/dust levels were measured via filter collection, and were analyzed gravimetrically.