Browsing by Author "Isinkaralar, K."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 44

A Comparative Study About Physical Properties of Copper Oxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Fagus orientalis L. as Bioindicator
(Springer Nature, 2024) Isinkaralar, K.; Isinkaralar, O.; Özel, H.B.; Şevik, H.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have recently begun to be used extensively in many areas of our lives. It is stated that the resulting NPs pollution will affect even the most remote ecosystems on the Earth. Therefore, determining the effects of NPs on diverse ecosystems is a research topic of interest. From this perspective, current researches on NPs affecting forest ecosystems and forest trees are very scarce. The aim of this investigation was to reveal the inhibitory and toxic properties of CuO and ZnO-NPs on oriental beech seed germination parameters and identify the toxic threshold values of CuO and ZnO-NPs. Therefore, the oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) seeds obtained from ten populations (P1 to P10) were treated with CuO and ZnO-NPs as single compounds at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/L and germination rate (GR), germination percentage (GP), root collar diameter (RCD), plumula length (PL), radicle thickness (RT) and radicle diameter (RD) were determined for 35 days. The water containing CuO-ZnO NPs as a single compound at 1000 mg/L negatively affected all growth in general. The significant decrease in our study occurred at P9. The CuO-ZnO NPs were reduced in GP, RCD, PL, RT, and RD as 3.5–4.2%; 11.2–0.1%; 9.1–36.4%; 23.07–38.46%; and 39.29–17.86%, while GR enhanced as 21.46–20.09%. It was found that water with a low concentration of NP (200 mg/L) is suitable for irrigation of seeds grown in soil media and does not have a significant toxic effect on the growth and uptake of metal ions. The findings and limitations of the present research allow us to assess the feasibility of reusing NP-contaminated water in agriculture. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand the toxic effects of NP mixtures on growth and absorption mechanisms.
A Comparative Study About Physical Properties of Copper Oxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Fagus orientalis L. as Bioindicator
(2024.01.01) Isinkaralar, K.; Isinkaralar, O.; Ozel, H.B.; Sevik, H.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have recently begun to be used extensively in many areas of our lives. It is stated that the resulting NPs pollution will affect even the most remote ecosystems on the Earth. Therefore, determining the effects of NPs on diverse ecosystems is a research topic of interest. From this perspective, current researches on NPs affecting forest ecosystems and forest trees are very scarce. The aim of this investigation was to reveal the inhibitory and toxic properties of CuO and ZnO-NPs on oriental beech seed germination parameters and identify the toxic threshold values of CuO and ZnO-NPs. Therefore, the oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) seeds obtained from ten populations (P1 to P10) were treated with CuO and ZnO-NPs as single compounds at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/L and germination rate (GR), germination percentage (GP), root collar diameter (RCD), plumula length (PL), radicle thickness (RT) and radicle diameter (RD) were determined for 35 days. The water containing CuO-ZnO NPs as a single compound at 1000 mg/L negatively affected all growth in general. The significant decrease in our study occurred at P9. The CuO-ZnO NPs were reduced in GP, RCD, PL, RT, and RD as 3.5-4.2%; 11.2-0.1%; 9.1-36.4%; 23.07-38.46%; and 39.29-17.86%, while GR enhanced as 21.46-20.09%. It was found that water with a low concentration of NP (200 mg/L) is suitable for irrigation of seeds grown in soil media and does not have a significant toxic effect on the growth and uptake of metal ions. The findings and limitations of the present research allow us to assess the feasibility of reusing NP-contaminated water in agriculture. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand the toxic effects of NP mixtures on growth and absorption mechanisms.
Accumulation analysis and overall measurement to represent airborne toxic metals with passive tree bark biomonitoring technique in urban areas
(2024.01.01) Isinkaralar, K.; Isinkaralar, O.; Koc, I.; Cobanoglu, H.; Canturk, U
Authorities have long proved the utility of bioindicators in monitoring the state of environmental pollution. Some biological indicators can measure environmental pollutant levels, and many tree species have been tested for suitability for monitoring purposes. The differences in morphological characteristics in the trees have demonstrated the effects of human activities on different materials. Measuring bark and wood biomass from contaminated sites was identified and directly compared with those from a clean site or areas characterized by distinct contamination sources. However, preliminary results demonstrate the approach's potential in the realization of strategies for disease control and promoting health to reduce environmental and health inequalities in at-risk urban areas. Picea orientalis L. and Cedrus atlantica Endl., especially their bark, can be regarded as a more robust storage of Cu (37.95 mg/kg) and Mn (188.25 mg/kg) than Pinus pinaster, Cupressus arizonica, and Pseudotsuga menziesii, which and is therefore a better bioindicator for Cu and Mn pollution. Considering the total concentrations as a result of the study, the pollution is thought to be caused by environmental problems and traffic in the region. The deposition of Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn elements was found P. menziesii (60, 443, 58, and 258 mg/kg) and P. orientalis (76, 1684, 41, and 378 mg/kg) and seems to reflect atmospheric quite clearly compared to P. pinaster, C. arizonica, and C. atlantica. Ni and Zn concentrations have significantly increased since 1983, and P. menziesii and P. orientalis can be potentially valuable bioindicators for emphasizing polluted fields.
Accumulation analysis and overall measurement to represent airborne toxic metals with passive tree bark biomonitoring technique in urban areas
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Isinkaralar, K.; Isinkaralar, O.; Koc, I.; Cobanoglu, H.; Canturk, U.
Authorities have long proved the utility of bioindicators in monitoring the state of environmental pollution. Some biological indicators can measure environmental pollutant levels, and many tree species have been tested for suitability for monitoring purposes. The differences in morphological characteristics in the trees have demonstrated the effects of human activities on different materials. Measuring bark and wood biomass from contaminated sites was identified and directly compared with those from a clean site or areas characterized by distinct contamination sources. However, preliminary results demonstrate the approach’s potential in the realization of strategies for disease control and promoting health to reduce environmental and health inequalities in at-risk urban areas. Picea orientalis L. and Cedrus atlantica Endl., especially their bark, can be regarded as a more robust storage of Cu (37.95 mg/kg) and Mn (188.25 mg/kg) than Pinus pinaster, Cupressus arizonica, and Pseudotsuga menziesii, which and is therefore a better bioindicator for Cu and Mn pollution. Considering the total concentrations as a result of the study, the pollution is thought to be caused by environmental problems and traffic in the region. The deposition of Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn elements was found P. menziesii (60, 443, 58, and 258 mg/kg) and P. orientalis (76, 1684, 41, and 378 mg/kg) and seems to reflect atmospheric quite clearly compared to P. pinaster, C. arizonica, and C. atlantica. Ni and Zn concentrations have significantly increased since 1983, and P. menziesii and P. orientalis can be potentially valuable bioindicators for emphasizing polluted fields.
Adsorption effectiveness and properties of an enriched activated carbon from residual biomass materials for non-polar benzene in gaseous environment
(2024.01.01) Isinkaralar, K.; Turkyilmaz, A.; Hosseini-Bandegharaei, A.; Prakash, C.
During the last century, benzene (C6H6) has been a highly studied substance, with some acute and chronic exposures leading directly to hematologic effects detected in humans. This work reports on preparing and examining biomass-derived activated carbons (HPACs) featuring high benzene adsorptive capacity. The fundamental goal of this paper is to propose a green approach for generating HPACs from Heracleum platytaenium Boiss. (Cow parsnip) as woody biomass using a low-cost approach. The characterization showed that chemical activation elicits more enhanced mesoporous structure, a higher degree of graphitization, and bulk porous structure with higher specific surface area and pore volume. To minimize the use of chemicals in the manufacture of high-performance HPACs, an essential pre-pyrolysis step was implemented prior to the chemical activation of biomass by NaOH. The samples were carbonized at different temperatures (500-900 degrees C) and named as HPAC500, HPAC600, HPAC700, HPAC800, and HPAC900. Considering micropore volume and total surface area, HPAC600 was superior, and maximum benzene adsorption capacities were: HPAC600 (127 mg/g) > HPAC700 (117 mg/g) > HPAC800 (101 mg/g) > HPAC500 (80 mg/g) > HPAC900 (59 mg/g) at selected conditions. Freundlich, Langmuir, and pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models were used to mathematically describe HPAC600-vapor benzene sorption on HPAC600. The kinetic findings fitted PFO with optimal values of R-2 = 0.999, and the isotherm model adsorption fitted Freundlich model (R-2 = 1.000). The finding revealed that H. platytaenium is a useful material for producing adsorbents, and successful testing outcomes demonstrate that H. platytaenium products serve as a suitable benzene absorbent.
Adsorption of gas-styrene on activated carbon from agro-waste of Silybum marianum L. as a sustainable precursor
(2023.01.01) Isinkaralar, K.; Mamyrbayeva, K.; Hosseini-Bandegharaei, A.
Styrene adsorption has always been a research focus in the field of the gas environment due to its widespread usage. Removal of styrene using activated carbon has been verified because of the physicochemical properties of SMACs prepared by activating Silybum marianum L. waste powder. Hence, a series of novel SMACs were synthesized from NaOH, KOH, and H3PO4 ratio of 1:1-5 w/w and pyrolyzing at 450-950 degrees C and then washed activated carbon with HCl and NaOH. SMAC82, SMAC137, and the optimal AC (SMAC249) had the largest styrene adsorption capacity, 229, 170, and 136 mg/g for 700 ppm of styrene. Styrene is a typical model for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere, and the findings demonstrated that it is rapidly absorbed into SMAC82, SMAC137, and SMAC249 through strong physical sorption. The calculated adsorption amounts showed that the styrene capture processes were feasible for adsorption within a suitable contact time and with excellent equilibrium adsorption capacities. Also, the results showed that the highest removal efficiency at 25 degrees C by the adsorption of SMAC82, SMAC137, and SMAC249 was 92%, 88%, and 86%, respectively. The efficiency results of SMAC82, SMAC137, and SMAC249 show that the styrene breakthrough at 25 degrees C compared to that of 35 and 45 degrees C increases approximately two times. Overall, this SMAC82 presented an excellent separation performance for styrene removal and can be a potential option for industrial applications of other VOCs in gas-phase, indicating good adsorption ability.
Adsorption of gaseous naphthalene on carbonaceous sorbent: perspective of affecting factors
(2023.01.01) Isinkaralar, K.
The innovative and sustainable adsorption technologies for gas phase naphthalene (GPNAP) have attracted attention as a successful method. To remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons effectively, biomass-based activated carbon was produced by chemical activation. The adsorption behavior of naphthalene onto produced activated carbon was also investigated by the BET-specific surface areas, total pore volumes, and average pore sizes. The resulting DCAC800 has successfully prepared a very high surface area (607.5 m(2)/g) by the weight ratio of 1:3 as the H2SO4 activation agent and the pyrolysis of the resultant material at 800 degrees C under an N-2 atmosphere. It has been determined that when the humidity in the environment is increased from 30 to 90% RH, it causes a loss of efficiency between 64-71% for DCAC500, DCAC600 DCAC700 DCAC800, and DCAC900. The adsorption experiments at 30% RH showed that the DCAC800 had a strong adsorption affinity to naphthalene and the maximum adsorption amount was shown to reach up to 296 mg/g in a fixed-bed reactor.
Assessing spatial thermal comfort and adaptation measures for the Antalya basin under climate change scenarios
(2024.01.01) Isinkaralar, O.; Sharifi, A.; Isinkaralar, K.
The concrete damages of climate change are intensifying, and adaptation efforts of actors around the world are increasing, especially in coastal regions. Recommending adaptation measures for specific regions and sectors and determining long-term strategies for mitigating global climate change is essential for reducing vulnerability to climate change. This research aims to estimate the changes in climatic parameters and thermal comfort zones to determine concrete targets and offer suggestions for sectors affected by possible changes. The changes that will occur until 2100 in the Antalya basin, which is located in the southernmost part of T & uuml;rkiye and is a significant hub for agricultural production and tourism, were monitored spatially using Discomfort Index (DI) and Effective Temperature taking wind velocity (ETv). The Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP): SSP 245 and SSP 585 predict that the quite cool areas prevailing in the area, according to ETv, will shrink by 24% and 46%, respectively, and the prevailing cold areas, according to DI, will shrink by 45% and 56%, respectively. By 2100, 5% of the area, according to SSP 245, and 25%, according to SSP 585, will turn into hot areas and move away from the comfort level. The fact that critical regions are areas with high vitality in terms of coastal tourism shows the need to prioritize adaptation policies. These discoveries are discussed in the context of critical issues such as water scarcity and food security, contributing to policy-making for effective management by suggesting specific adaptation measures.
Assessing spatial thermal comfort and adaptation measures for the Antalya basin under climate change scenarios
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024) Isinkaralar, O.; Sharifi, A.; Isinkaralar, K.
The concrete damages of climate change are intensifying, and adaptation efforts of actors around the world are increasing, especially in coastal regions. Recommending adaptation measures for specific regions and sectors and determining long-term strategies for mitigating global climate change is essential for reducing vulnerability to climate change. This research aims to estimate the changes in climatic parameters and thermal comfort zones to determine concrete targets and offer suggestions for sectors affected by possible changes. The changes that will occur until 2100 in the Antalya basin, which is located in the southernmost part of Türkiye and is a significant hub for agricultural production and tourism, were monitored spatially using Discomfort Index (DI) and Effective Temperature taking wind velocity (ETv). The Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP): SSP 245 and SSP 585 predict that the quite cool areas prevailing in the area, according to ETv, will shrink by 24% and 46%, respectively, and the prevailing cold areas, according to DI, will shrink by 45% and 56%, respectively. By 2100, 5% of the area, according to SSP 245, and 25%, according to SSP 585, will turn into hot areas and move away from the comfort level. The fact that critical regions are areas with high vitality in terms of coastal tourism shows the need to prioritize adaptation policies. These discoveries are discussed in the context of critical issues such as water scarcity and food security, contributing to policy-making for effective management by suggesting specific adaptation measures.
Assessment of metals (Ni, Ba) deposition in plant types and their organs at Mersin City, Türkiye
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Koç, İ.; Canturk, U.; Isinkaralar, K.; Ozel, H.B.; Sevik, H.
The increase in heavy metal concentrations in the air, especially after the Industrial Revolution, is notable for the scientific world because of the adverse effects that threaten environmental and human health. Among the trace elements, nickel (Ni) is carcinogenic, and all barium (Ba) compounds are toxic. Trace elements are critical for human and environmental health. Their threat further increases, especially in the urban areas and surroundings with a high population. In urban areas, the trace element contamination in the airborne can be reduced using plants. However, which plant and plant organs absorb trace elements could not be determined. In the present study, Ni and Ba concentrations in the branch, wood, and leaf samples of 14 species collected from the city center of Mersin province were determined. As a result, broad-leaved species' Ni and Ba concentrations in their leaf sample were generally higher than other species. Almost all species had the lowest Ni and Ba concentrations in their wood samples. Among these 14 species, it was found that Ni concentration was very high, especially in non-washed leaves of Platanus orientalis, Photinia serrulata, and Citrus reticulate, and Ba concentration was very high in Citrus reticulata, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Laurus nobilis, and Acer hyrcanum. Using broad-leaved species in urban areas where pollution is at high levels will significantly contribute to reducing Ni and Ba pollution. It is recommended that these points be considered in future urban landscaping projects
Assessment of metals (Ni, Ba) deposition in plant types and their organs at Mersin City, Türkiye
(2024) Koç, İ.; Canturk, U.; Isinkaralar, K.; Ozel, H.B.; Sevik, H.
The increase in heavy metal concentrations in the air, especially after the Industrial Revolution, is notable for the scientific world because of the adverse effects that threaten environmental and human health. Among the trace elements, nickel (Ni) is carcinogenic, and all barium (Ba) compounds are toxic. Trace elements are critical for human and environmental health. Their threat further increases, especially in the urban areas and surroundings with a high population. In urban areas, the trace element contamination in the airborne can be reduced using plants. However, which plant and plant organs absorb trace elements could not be determined. In the present study, Ni and Ba concentrations in the branch, wood, and leaf samples of 14 species collected from the city center of Mersin province were determined. As a result, broad-leaved species' Ni and Ba concentrations in their leaf sample were generally higher than other species. Almost all species had the lowest Ni and Ba concentrations in their wood samples. Among these 14 species, it was found that Ni concentration was very high, especially in non-washed leaves of Platanus orientalis, Photinia serrulata, and Citrus reticulate, and Ba concentration was very high in Citrus reticulata, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Laurus nobilis, and Acer hyrcanum. Using broad-leaved species in urban areas where pollution is at high levels will significantly contribute to reducing Ni and Ba pollution. It is recommended that these points be considered in future urban landscaping projects.
Assessment of metals (Ni, Ba) deposition in plant types and their organs at Mersin City, Türkiye
(2024.01.01) Koç, I.; Canturk, U.; Isinkaralar, K.; Ozel, H.B.; Sevik, H.
The increase in heavy metal concentrations in the air, especially after the Industrial Revolution, is notable for the scientific world because of the adverse effects that threaten environmental and human health. Among the trace elements, nickel (Ni) is carcinogenic, and all barium (Ba) compounds are toxic. Trace elements are critical for human and environmental health. Their threat further increases, especially in the urban areas and surroundings with a high population. In urban areas, the trace element contamination in the airborne can be reduced using plants. However, which plant and plant organs absorb trace elements could not be determined. In the present study, Ni and Ba concentrations in the branch, wood, and leaf samples of 14 species collected from the city center of Mersin province were determined. As a result, broad-leaved species' Ni and Ba concentrations in their leaf sample were generally higher than other species. Almost all species had the lowest Ni and Ba concentrations in their wood samples. Among these 14 species, it was found that Ni concentration was very high, especially in non-washed leaves of Platanus orientalis, Photinia serrulata, and Citrus reticulate, and Ba concentration was very high in Citrus reticulata, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Laurus nobilis, and Acer hyrcanum. Using broad-leaved species in urban areas where pollution is at high levels will significantly contribute to reducing Ni and Ba pollution. It is recommended that these points be considered in future urban landscaping projects.
Assessment of Societal Health Risks: Spatial Distribution and Potential Hazards of Toxic Metals in Street Dust Across Diverse Communities
(Springer Nature, 2024) Isinkaralar, O.; Isinkaralar, K.; Ambade, B.
On a global scale, the urban design of city centers is a topic of discussion concerning various aspects such development and its impact on public health. This research examines the health effects of urban agglomeration in city centers with compact, close development. In this work, the potentially toxic metals in street dust were studied by collecting and measuring street dust samples, measuring trace metal concentrations, and using index assessment, spatial analysis, correlation analysis, and health risk assessment models. Eskişehir, located in the part of Central Anatolia close to the Aegean region, west Türkiye, has been widely recognized as one of the most popular, known for having many narrow and old buildings in urban environments. The present paper investigates the atmospheric dust-related chemical speciation, urban environmental pollution, and human health risks in Eskişehir City by studying 66 dust samples collected at 11 points in the selected streets in August 2023. the study found that the concentrations of trace elements followed the order Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Cu. The primary source of these high levels is believed to be traffic-related contamination involving Cd, Pb, and Ni. The assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks has shown that the significant sources of potential toxic metals exposure for both children and adults are i) through ingestion and ii) dermal contact. The Hazard index (HI) for selected metals decreased in the order Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cu for both children and adults without imposing possible non-carcinogenic risk (HI<1). On the contrary, Cr posed cancer risks above the safety threshold (> 10-4) through ingestion. Based on the available findings, Eskişehir still suffers from considerable environmental and ecological degradation and severe health risks due to street dust contamination. However, while high pollution was detected in the city center, where there is commercial land use, low values were observed in the region, rich with the water surface, bicycle paths, landscape design, and where traffic is slowed down
Assessment of Societal Health Risks: Spatial Distribution and Potential Hazards of Toxic Metals in Street Dust Across Diverse Communities
(2024.01.01) Isinkaralar, O.; Isinkaralar, K.; Ambade, B.
On a global scale, the urban design of city centers is a topic of discussion concerning various aspects such development and its impact on public health. This research examines the health effects of urban agglomeration in city centers with compact, close development. In this work, the potentially toxic metals in street dust were studied by collecting and measuring street dust samples, measuring trace metal concentrations, and using index assessment, spatial analysis, correlation analysis, and health risk assessment models. Eski & scedil;ehir, located in the part of Central Anatolia close to the Aegean region, west T & uuml;rkiye, has been widely recognized as one of the most popular, known for having many narrow and old buildings in urban environments. The present paper investigates the atmospheric dust-related chemical speciation, urban environmental pollution, and human health risks in Eski & scedil;ehir City by studying 66 dust samples collected at 11 points in the selected streets in August 2023. the study found that the concentrations of trace elements followed the order Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Cu. The primary source of these high levels is believed to be traffic-related contamination involving Cd, Pb, and Ni. The assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks has shown that the significant sources of potential toxic metals exposure for both children and adults are i) through ingestion and ii) dermal contact. The Hazard index (HI) for selected metals decreased in the order Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cu for both children and adults without imposing possible non-carcinogenic risk (HI<1). On the contrary, Cr posed cancer risks above the safety threshold (> 10-4) through ingestion. Based on the available findings, Eski & scedil;ehir still suffers from considerable environmental and ecological degradation and severe health risks due to street dust contamination. However, while high pollution was detected in the city center, where there is commercial land use, low values were observed in the region, rich with the water surface, bicycle paths, landscape design, and where traffic is slowed down.
Bio-climatic Comfort and Climate Change Nexus: A Case Study in Burdur Basin
(2023.01.01) Isinkaralar, O.; Isinkaralar, K.; Sevik, H.; Küçük, Ö.
Aim of study: Climate change triggers many problems, such as loss of biodiversity on land and sea, destruction of forest areas, poverty, inequality, and economic development. One of the most vital indicators of quality of life and sustainable development is temperature, humidity, and wind conditions, which are in the range of bio-climatic comfort values. The changes in these parameters due to global warming threaten vitality and affect the use of space and quality of life in cities. The study aimed to model the evolution of bioclimatic comfort zones with the effect of climate change in the research area.Area of study: The research was carried out in the Burdur Basin of Turkiye, which is an area that includes the underground and surface water bodies and the lakes region within its borders.Material and Methods: Models were produced at 20-year intervals until 2100. The spatio-temporal variations are generated according to the IPCC's SSPs 245 and SSPs 585 scenarios. The discomfort index (DI) and Effective warming wind speed (ETv) were used to determine bioclimatic comfort.Main Results: According to the DI, 87.4% of the area will be in the cold zone today, while in 2100, 50.5%, according to the SSP245, and 98.3%, according to the SSP 585 will be in the comfort zone. According to ETv, 92.7% of the area is quite cool today; by 2100, 90% of the site will be classified as slightly cool according to SSP 245, and 89.3%, according to SSP 585 will turn into mild areas. Research highlights: The results of the research reflect the spatial impact of climate change and are significant in terms of holistic risk management at the basin scale
Biomonitoring with the Use of the Herbal Plant Taraxacum officinale as a Source of Information on Environmental Contamination
(2024) Respondek, Z.; Isinkaralar, O.; Świsłowski, P.; Isinkaralar, K.; Rajfur, M.
The aim of this study was to assess the level of contamination of the common dandelion--with selected metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) and to demonstrate that this plant can be used in passive biomonitoring of industrial sites. Two sample transects (the first was near a forest, an area potentially uncontaminated by analytes [A], while the second ran near a steel mill, a contaminated area [B]), each about 1.5 km long, located in Ozimek, Opole Province, Poland, were used in this study. Metals in plant and soil samples were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Based on the analysis of the obtained results to determine the concentration of metals, plants at site A were more contaminated with Mn (240 mg/kg d.m.) and those at site B with Fe (635 mg/kg d.m.). Mean Pb values (8.39 mg/kg d.m.) were higher at the industrial site (B) and statistically significant at the forest site (A), together with Mn and Fe at the < 0.001 level. The values for showed that Cu (0.473) and Zn (0.785) accumulated to an average degree on both transects. This shows that dandelion is heavily loaded with these metals. Both dandelion and soil samples showed the highest concentrations of Mn, Fe, and Zn, especially in the polluted area B, which is the result of pollution not only from the smelter (dust from electric arc furnaces in steel smelting, extraction installations in production halls transmitting pollutants into the air from molding sand, or waste from molding and core masses dumped on the heap and blown by the wind from the landfill) but also from the high anthropopressure caused by human activity-for example, heating processes or road transport. Our results confirmed that can be successfully used as a herbal plant in passive biomonitoring to assess the quality of the environment, but it must be collected from uncontaminated areas if we want to use it like a medicinal plant.
Biomonitoring with the Use of the Herbal Plant Taraxacum officinale as a Source of Information on Environmental Contamination
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Respondek, Z.; Isinkaralar, O.; Świsłowski, P.; Isinkaralar, K.; Rajfur, M.
The aim of this study was to assess the level of contamination of the common dandelion—Taraxacum officinale—with selected metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) and to demonstrate that this plant can be used in passive biomonitoring of industrial sites. Two sample transects (the first was near a forest, an area potentially uncontaminated by analytes [A], while the second ran near a steel mill, a contaminated area [B]), each about 1.5 km long, located in Ozimek, Opole Province, Poland, were used in this study. Metals in plant and soil samples were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Based on the analysis of the obtained results to determine the concentration of metals, plants at site A were more contaminated with Mn (240 mg/kg d.m.) and those at site B with Fe (635 mg/kg d.m.). Mean Pb values (8.39 mg/kg d.m.) were higher at the industrial site (B) and statistically significant at the forest site (A), together with Mn and Fe at the p < 0.001 level. The BCF values for T. officinale showed that Cu (0.473) and Zn (0.785) accumulated to an average degree on both transects. This shows that dandelion is heavily loaded with these metals. Both dandelion and soil samples showed the highest concentrations of Mn, Fe, and Zn, especially in the polluted area B, which is the result of pollution not only from the smelter (dust from electric arc furnaces in steel smelting, extraction installations in production halls transmitting pollutants into the air from molding sand, or waste from molding and core masses dumped on the heap and blown by the wind from the landfill) but also from the high anthropopressure caused by human activity—for example, heating processes or road transport. Our results confirmed that Taraxacum officinale can be successfully used as a herbal plant in passive biomonitoring to assess the quality of the environment, but it must be collected from uncontaminated areas if we want to use it like a medicinal plant.
Biomonitoring with the Use of the Herbal Plant Taraxacum officinale as a Source of Information on Environmental Contamination
(2024.01.01) Respondek, Z.; Isinkaralar, O.; Swislowski, P.; Isinkaralar, K.; Rajfur, M.
The aim of this study was to assess the level of contamination of the common dandelion-Taraxacum officinale-with selected metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) and to demonstrate that this plant can be used in passive biomonitoring of industrial sites. Two sample transects (the first was near a forest, an area potentially uncontaminated by analytes [A], while the second ran near a steel mill, a contaminated area [B]), each about 1.5 km long, located in Ozimek, Opole Province, Poland, were used in this study. Metals in plant and soil samples were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Based on the analysis of the obtained results to determine the concentration of metals, plants at site A were more contaminated with Mn (240 mg/kg d.m.) and those at site B with Fe (635 mg/kg d.m.). Mean Pb values (8.39 mg/kg d.m.) were higher at the industrial site (B) and statistically significant at the forest site (A), together with Mn and Fe at the p < 0.001 level. The BCF values for T. officinale showed that Cu (0.473) and Zn (0.785) accumulated to an average degree on both transects. This shows that dandelion is heavily loaded with these metals. Both dandelion and soil samples showed the highest concentrations of Mn, Fe, and Zn, especially in the polluted area B, which is the result of pollution not only from the smelter (dust from electric arc furnaces in steel smelting, extraction installations in production halls transmitting pollutants into the air from molding sand, or waste from molding and core masses dumped on the heap and blown by the wind from the landfill) but also from the high anthropopressure caused by human activity-for example, heating processes or road transport. Our results confirmed that Taraxacum officinale can be successfully used as a herbal plant in passive biomonitoring to assess the quality of the environment, but it must be collected from uncontaminated areas if we want to use it like a medicinal plant.
Does agricultural biomass matter for environmental sustainability? Enhanced adsorption capacity of BTEX mixture using powdered activated carbon by agricultural biomass
(2024) Isinkaralar, K.; Nurmakova, S.M.
The poor indoor air quality can be associated with the released volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from different sources. The extent of the concern may increase depending on the presence of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and exposure to them in the indoor air. Adsorption with activated carbon, which is a very effective method, is preferred to eliminate highly volatile gaseous pollutants and reduce the extend of their negative impact. In this work, the removal efficiency of a novel activated carbons (MSRACs), prepared from stems of Corylus colurna (CCBW) by chemical processes using H2SO4, H3PO4, and HCl, was scrutinized towards BTEX pollutants. The adsorbents acquired from this lignin-based waste were investigated from porosity and surface chemistry aspects. The highest surface area of 1424 m(2)/g and micropore volume of 0.46 cm(3)/g were attained after activation of MSRAC11 adsorbent sample by H2SO4-70wt%. The performances of the fabricated adsorbent samples were evaluated and the order of MSRAC11>MSRAC24>MSRAC36 was obtained in the multiple concentrations of BTEX. This study introduces an easy method for producing efficient adsorbents from lignin-based waste for filtering indoor air and designing BTEX-capturing systems for various applications.
Ecological and Health Risk Assessment in Road Dust Samples from Various Land Use of Düzce City Center: Towards the Sustainable Urban Development
(2024.01.01) Isinkaralar, K.; Isinkaralar, O.; Bayraktar, E.P.
Urban environmental risks are related to dynamic and long-term cross-processes arising from complex interconnected relationships. Although they have various sources, trace metals' ability to accumulate is relatively high compared to other pollutants. Therefore, for this reason, heavy metals can be found in high amounts in cities, especially in road dust. The targets of the present study are to appoint the levels and sources of trace metals in road dust samples collected from eleven areas in the D & uuml;zce city center. Because of their potential health risks, the five heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb) are the most commonly studied pollutants. The inhalation of them through the mouth and nose is almost negligible; however, ingestion is a higher potential health risk for children. The hazard index (HI) and geoaccumulation index (I-geo) are powerful tools used to assess the level of risk. Factors governing possible contamination mean values were evaluated in the following order: Pb (56.07 mg/kg) > Cu (43.45 mg/kg) > Ni (30.05 mg/kg) > Cr (26.58 mg/kg) > Cd (4.33 mg/kg). The noncarcinogenic risks of Pb poses are relatively higher than those posed by the other four metals for both children and adults. However, HI values of Cd, Pb, and Ni in children were 1.25-1.61, 2.93-3.74, and 1.00-1.14; Cd is 1.05-2.56. The HI values for children are relatively higher than for adults. This paper provides the most significant contribution to road dust is atmospheric deposition by industrial activities and traffic density. Regarding Pb, while I-geo is 0.66 in park areas and 0.61 in forest areas, it reaches 0.96 on highways. While Ni is calculated for I-geo as 0.52 in forest area, it gets 0.97 in industrial factory surroundings. The findings reveal the multidimensional results of land use policies regarding sustainable urban development. The stochastic model obtained is vital, especially in disadvantaged groups.