Virulence characterization of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli isolates from wholesale produce.

The 13 Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from wholesale spinach and lettuce consisted mostly of serotypes that have not been implicated in illness. Among these strains, however, were two O113:H21 that carried virulence genes common to this pathogenic serotype (stx(2), ehxA, saa, and subAB), suggesting that their presence in ready-to-eat produce may be of health concern.

Eolian transport of geogenic hexavalent chromium to ground water.

A conceptual model of eolian transport is proposed to address the widely distributed, high concentrations of hexavalent chromium (Cr(+6)) observed in ground water in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Concentrations (30 to more than 1000 microg/L Cr(+6)) extend over thousands of square kilometers of ground water systems. It is hypothesized that the Cr is derived from weathering of chromium-rich pyroxenes and olivines present in ophiolite sequence of the adjacent Oman (Hajar) Mountains.

Tire-wear particles as a source of zinc to the environment.

Tire-tread material has a zinc (Zn) content of about 1 wt %. The quantity of tread material lost to road surfaces by abrasion has not been well characterized. Two approaches were used to assess the magnitude of this nonpoint source of Zn in the U.