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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bounded to street dust are a severe environmental and human health danger. This study provides preliminary information on the abundance of PAHs in street dust from Rafsanjan city, Iran, where industrial emissions are high and data are lacking. Seventy street dust samples were collected from streets with different traffic loads. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Standard Methods 8270D and 3550C were used for the measurement of PAHs using GC mass spectroscopy. The total concentration of PAHs was 1443 ng g-1, with a range of 1380-1550 ng g-1. Additionally, the concentration of carcinogenic PAHs (∑carcPAHs) ranged from 729.5 to 889.4 ng g-1, with a mean value of 798.1 ng g-1. Pyrene was the most abundant PAH, with an average concentration of 257 ng g-1. Source identification analyses showed that vehicle emissions along with incomplete combustion and petroleum were the main sources of PAHs. The ecological risk status of the studied area was moderate. Spatial distribution mapping revealed that the streets around the city center and oil company had higher PAH levels than the other sectors of Rafsanjan. The results indicated that dermal contact and ingestion of contaminated particles were the most important pathways compared to inhalation. The mean incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was 1.4 × 10-3 and 1.3 × 10-3 for children and adults, respectively. This implies potentially adverse health effects in exposed individuals. The mutagenic risk for both subpopulations was approximately 18 times greater than the one recommended by USEPA. Our findings suggest that children are subjected to a higher carcinogenic and mutagenic risk of PAHs, especially dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DahA), bounded to street dust of Rafsanjan. Our study highlights the need for the development of emission monitoring and control scenarios.
Milad Mirzaei Aminiyan; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Hassan Etesami; Seyyed Erfan Khamoshi; Raziyeh Hajiali Begloo; Farzad Mirzaei Aminiyan. Occurrence and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dust of an emerging industrial city in Iran: implications for human health. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleMilad Mirzaei Aminiyan, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Hassan Etesami, Seyyed Erfan Khamoshi, Raziyeh Hajiali Begloo, Farzad Mirzaei Aminiyan. Occurrence and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dust of an emerging industrial city in Iran: implications for human health. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMilad Mirzaei Aminiyan; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Hassan Etesami; Seyyed Erfan Khamoshi; Raziyeh Hajiali Begloo; Farzad Mirzaei Aminiyan. 2021. "Occurrence and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dust of an emerging industrial city in Iran: implications for human health." Environmental Science and Pollution Research , no. : 1.
This study evaluated the short-term responses of physiological and psychological indices and examined the human senses that are mostly engaged during a green space and urban exposure in residents of Athens, Greece. The forest had beneficial effects for human physiology, anxiety and mood states and was also associated with all five senses and positive reactions, while the opposite was observed in the urban center. The difference of pre- and post-green space exposure salivary cortisol was correlated with the participants’ environmental profile and body mass index. Green spaces can alleviate stress and improve overall mood, while helping individuals experience their surroundings with all five senses.
Argyro Kanelli; Panayiotis Dimitrakopoulos; Nikolaos Fyllas; George Chrousos; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Engaging the Senses: The Association of Urban Green Space with General Health and Well-Being in Urban Residents. Sustainability 2021, 13, 7322 .
AMA StyleArgyro Kanelli, Panayiotis Dimitrakopoulos, Nikolaos Fyllas, George Chrousos, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Engaging the Senses: The Association of Urban Green Space with General Health and Well-Being in Urban Residents. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (13):7322.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArgyro Kanelli; Panayiotis Dimitrakopoulos; Nikolaos Fyllas; George Chrousos; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. 2021. "Engaging the Senses: The Association of Urban Green Space with General Health and Well-Being in Urban Residents." Sustainability 13, no. 13: 7322.
Little information exists on the effects of shipping and handling on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in environmental samples. Thus, we evaluated the integrity of dried wastewater extracts and the sensitivity of our high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) instrument to perform such analyses by monitoring 13 representative PFASs in samples extracted, evaporated, and stored at room temperature up to one month. Relative to zero-day recoveries of six detected PFASs ranged between 94 and 124% (RSD <38%) for influents, between 88 and 126% (RSD <18%) for effluents after 28 days. Larger variabilities are tentatively associated with the lack of specific mass-labeled standards and the interactions between analytes and remaining matrix components over time. In a second stage, a mix of local and international dry-shipped wastewater samples were analyzed and the same PFASs were quantified. Up to six PFASs were identified, with median concentrations ranging from 1.3 (perfluoro butyl sulfonate (PFBS)) to 7.7 ng/L (perfluoro hexanoic acid (PFHxA)) and from 1.5 (PFBS) to 13.8 ng/L (PFHxA) in local influents and effluents respectively; and from 0.7 (perfluoro hexyl sulfonate (PFHxS)) to 52.8 ng/L (PFHxA) and from 0.5 (PFHxS) to 21.4 ng/L (PFHxA) in Greek influents and effluents, respectively. The importance of this study lies on the need to consider the wider recovery shifts and expanded variability ranges of PFASs derived from the transport and storage times of dried extracts, particularly when applied to HRMS and wide-scope screening approaches.
Ana Miralles-Marco; Miaomiao Wang; June-Soo Park; Georgia Gatidou; Maria-Christina Nika; Samantha Bialorucki; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Nikolaos S. Thomaidis; Athanasios S. Stasinakis; Myrto Petreas. Exploring the integrity of targeted PFASs in extracted wastewater samples during transport and storage stages. Chemosphere 2021, 282, 131065 .
AMA StyleAna Miralles-Marco, Miaomiao Wang, June-Soo Park, Georgia Gatidou, Maria-Christina Nika, Samantha Bialorucki, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Athanasios S. Stasinakis, Myrto Petreas. Exploring the integrity of targeted PFASs in extracted wastewater samples during transport and storage stages. Chemosphere. 2021; 282 ():131065.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Miralles-Marco; Miaomiao Wang; June-Soo Park; Georgia Gatidou; Maria-Christina Nika; Samantha Bialorucki; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Nikolaos S. Thomaidis; Athanasios S. Stasinakis; Myrto Petreas. 2021. "Exploring the integrity of targeted PFASs in extracted wastewater samples during transport and storage stages." Chemosphere 282, no. : 131065.
Non-indigenous fish species (NIFS) can cause severe ecological impacts on the invaded ecosystems and are considered as one of the leading factors of freshwater biodiversity loss. Unraveling the spatial overlap between NIFS and critically endangered (CR) fish species can contribute to targeted conservation actions to minimize the potential negative effects. In this study, we applied geostatistical analyses to investigate the spatial overlap of NIFS against fish species that are designated under the CR status according to the IUCN and the Hellenic Zoological Society (HZS) Red Lists. Distributional data (presence–absence) from 800 records of 52 NIFS were compiled for both lentic and lotic ecosystems of Greece. Our results indicate that freshwater ecosystems under high NIFS richness were located mainly in lowland areas and often near large cities and ecosystems with well-developed commercial and recreational fisheries. On the contrary, low NIFS richness was observed in mountainous regions and in relatively small river basins. Overlapping areas of CR species with moderate to high NIFS richness (1.5–4.3 NIFS per 1 km2) were relatively high (~50%). A quarter of the overlapping areas (24.8%) fall within NATURA 2000 network, where legal management bodies could implement specialized programs to minimize the negative impacts. However, the majority of CR fish species’ distribution remains in unprotected areas indicating that protected areas should be re-designed to include areas containing freshwater species under the highest threatened category. Our findings demonstrate that whole assemblages of fishes are rapidly changing as NIFS spread into Greece and many freshwater ecosystems of outstanding biodiversity conservation value are under significant invasion pressure.
Nicholas Koutsikos; Leonidas Vardakas; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Stamatis Zogaris. Patterns of Spatial Overlap between Non-Indigenous and Critically Endangered Freshwater Fishes from a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. Diversity 2021, 13, 233 .
AMA StyleNicholas Koutsikos, Leonidas Vardakas, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Stamatis Zogaris. Patterns of Spatial Overlap between Non-Indigenous and Critically Endangered Freshwater Fishes from a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. Diversity. 2021; 13 (6):233.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNicholas Koutsikos; Leonidas Vardakas; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Stamatis Zogaris. 2021. "Patterns of Spatial Overlap between Non-Indigenous and Critically Endangered Freshwater Fishes from a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot." Diversity 13, no. 6: 233.
Electroplating is a widely used group of industrial processes that make a metal coating on a solid substrate. Our previous research studied the concentrations, characteristics, and chemical composition of nano- and microparticles emitted during different electroplating processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental toxicity of particulate matter obtained from five different electrochemical processes. We collected airborne particle samples formed during aluminum cleaning, aluminum etching, chemical degreasing, nonferrous metals etching, and nickel plating. The toxicity of the particles was evaluated by the standard microalgae growth rate inhibition test. Additionally, we evaluated membrane potential and cell size changes in the microalgae H. akashiwo and P. purpureum exposed to the obtained suspensions of electroplating particles. The findings of this research demonstrate that the aquatic toxicity of electroplating emissions significantly varies between different industrial processes and mostly depends on particle chemical composition and solubility rather than the number of insoluble particles. The sample from an aluminum cleaning workshop was significantly more toxic for both microalgae species compared to the other samples and demonstrated dose and time-dependent toxicity. The samples obtained during chemical degreasing and nonferrous metals etching processes induced depolarization of microalgal cell membranes, demonstrated the potential of chronic toxicity, and stimulated the growth rate of microalgae after 72 h of exposure. Moreover, the sample from a nonferrous metals etching workshop revealed hormetic dose-response toxicity in H. akashiwo, which can lead to harmful algal blooms in the environment.
Konstantin Pikula; Konstantin Kirichenko; Igor Vakhniuk; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Aleksei Kholodov; Tatiana Orlova; Zhanna Markina; Aristidis Tsatsakis; Kirill Golokhvast. Aquatic toxicity of particulate matter emitted by five electroplating processes in two marine microalgae species. Toxicology Reports 2021, 8, 880 -887.
AMA StyleKonstantin Pikula, Konstantin Kirichenko, Igor Vakhniuk, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Aleksei Kholodov, Tatiana Orlova, Zhanna Markina, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Kirill Golokhvast. Aquatic toxicity of particulate matter emitted by five electroplating processes in two marine microalgae species. Toxicology Reports. 2021; 8 ():880-887.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKonstantin Pikula; Konstantin Kirichenko; Igor Vakhniuk; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Aleksei Kholodov; Tatiana Orlova; Zhanna Markina; Aristidis Tsatsakis; Kirill Golokhvast. 2021. "Aquatic toxicity of particulate matter emitted by five electroplating processes in two marine microalgae species." Toxicology Reports 8, no. : 880-887.
Increasing contamination of the environment by toxic compounds such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is one of the major causes of reproductive defects in both sexes. Estrogen/androgen pathways are of utmost importance in gonadal development, determination of secondary sex characteristics and gametogenesis. Most of the EDCs mediate their action through respective receptors and/or downstream signaling. The purpose of this review is to highlight the mechanism by which EDCs can trigger antagonistic or agonistic response, acting through estrogen/androgen receptors causing reproductive defects that lead to infertility. In vitro, in vivo and in silico studies focusing on the impact of EDCs on estrogen/androgen pathways and related proteins published in the last decade were considered for the review. PUBMED and PUBCHEM were used for literature search. EDCs can bind to estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and androgen receptors or activate alternative receptors such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), GPR30, estrogen-related receptor (ERRγ) to activate estrogen signaling via downstream kinases. Bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, polychlorinated biphenyls and phthalates are major toxicants that interfere with the normal estrogen/androgen pathways leading to infertility in both sexes through many ways, including DNA damage in spermatozoids, altered methylation pattern, histone modifications and miRNA expression.
Saira Amir; Syed Shah; Charalampos Mamoulakis; Anca Docea; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Athanasios Zachariou; Daniela Calina; Felix Carvalho; Nikolaos Sofikitis; Antonios Makrigiannakis; Aristidis Tsatsakis. Endocrine Disruptors Acting on Estrogen and Androgen Pathways Cause Reproductive Disorders through Multiple Mechanisms: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 1464 .
AMA StyleSaira Amir, Syed Shah, Charalampos Mamoulakis, Anca Docea, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Athanasios Zachariou, Daniela Calina, Felix Carvalho, Nikolaos Sofikitis, Antonios Makrigiannakis, Aristidis Tsatsakis. Endocrine Disruptors Acting on Estrogen and Androgen Pathways Cause Reproductive Disorders through Multiple Mechanisms: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (4):1464.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSaira Amir; Syed Shah; Charalampos Mamoulakis; Anca Docea; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Athanasios Zachariou; Daniela Calina; Felix Carvalho; Nikolaos Sofikitis; Antonios Makrigiannakis; Aristidis Tsatsakis. 2021. "Endocrine Disruptors Acting on Estrogen and Androgen Pathways Cause Reproductive Disorders through Multiple Mechanisms: A Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 4: 1464.
Flame retardants (FRs) constitute a large group of different substances, some of which have been phased out of the market due to health concerns, while others are still used in many common consumer products to prevent fire hazards. This review addressed the determinants of FRs in non-occupationally exposed individuals based on surveys and questionnaire data. For this literature review, three databases (Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Knowledge) were searched by applying suitable terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, producing a final selection of 78 articles for review. Based on these surveys there is epidemiological evidence for a significant association (p < 0.05) among human exposure and demographic factors, as well as a significant correlation between exposure to FRs and behavioural and environmental factors. Age, gender, housing characteristics, electrical and electronic equipment and mouthing behaviour (in children) play a leading role in human exposure to FRs as published studies demonstrated. However, the methodological differences among studies such as population size, questionnaire design and statistical analysis did not reveal a complete pattern of human exposure routes. Risk perception and communication are also discussed based on limited available data. Knowledge gaps and future perspectives relating to standardized protocols, elucidation of contamination sources, and risk response of health information from different target groups were also identified.
Olga S. Arvaniti; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Determinants of flame retardants in non-occupationally exposed individuals – A review. Chemosphere 2020, 263, 127923 .
AMA StyleOlga S. Arvaniti, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Determinants of flame retardants in non-occupationally exposed individuals – A review. Chemosphere. 2020; 263 ():127923.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOlga S. Arvaniti; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. 2020. "Determinants of flame retardants in non-occupationally exposed individuals – A review." Chemosphere 263, no. : 127923.
Raw and treated leachate samples were collected from different landfills in Greece and analyzed for several groups of emerging contaminants using high resolution mass spectrometric workflows to investigate the possible threat from their discharge to the aquatic environment. Fifty-eight compounds were detected; 2−OH-benzothiazole was found at 84 % of the samples and perfluorooctanoic acid at 68 %. Bisphenol A, valsartan and 2−OH-benzothiazole had the highest average concentrations in raw leachates, after biological treatment and after reverse osmosis, respectively. In untreated leachates, Risk Quotients > 1 were calculated for 35 and 18 compounds when maximum and average concentrations were used, indicating an ecological threat for the aquatic environment. Leachates’ biological treatment partially removed COD and NH4+-N, as well as 52.3 % of total emerging contaminants. The application of reverse osmosis resulted in a 98 % removal of major pollutants, 99 % removal of total emerging contaminants and a significant decrease of ecotoxicity to Lemna minor. Beside the decrease of the detected micropollutants during treatment, RQs > 1 were still calculated for 13 and 3 compounds after biological treatment and reverse osmosis, respectively. Among these, special attention should be given to 2−OH-benzothiazole and bisphenol A that had RQ values much higher than 1 for all tested organisms.
Maria-Christina Nika; K. Ntaiou; K. Elytis; V.S. Thomaidi; G. Gatidou; O.I. Kalantzi; N.S. Thomaidis; A.S. Stasinakis. Wide-scope target analysis of emerging contaminants in landfill leachates and risk assessment using Risk Quotient methodology. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2020, 394, 122493 .
AMA StyleMaria-Christina Nika, K. Ntaiou, K. Elytis, V.S. Thomaidi, G. Gatidou, O.I. Kalantzi, N.S. Thomaidis, A.S. Stasinakis. Wide-scope target analysis of emerging contaminants in landfill leachates and risk assessment using Risk Quotient methodology. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2020; 394 ():122493.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria-Christina Nika; K. Ntaiou; K. Elytis; V.S. Thomaidi; G. Gatidou; O.I. Kalantzi; N.S. Thomaidis; A.S. Stasinakis. 2020. "Wide-scope target analysis of emerging contaminants in landfill leachates and risk assessment using Risk Quotient methodology." Journal of Hazardous Materials 394, no. : 122493.
N. Jones; Chrisovaladis Malesios; M. Aloupi; M. Proikaki; Thomas A. Tsalis; M. Hatziantoniou; P. G. Dimitrakopoulos; A. Skouloudis; Jens Holtvoeth; I. Nikolaou; Athanasios Stasinakis; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; G. Gatidou; E. Zkeri; M. Koulousaris; K. I. Evangelinos. Exploring the role of local community perceptions in sustainability measurements. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology 2019, 26, 471 -483.
AMA StyleN. Jones, Chrisovaladis Malesios, M. Aloupi, M. Proikaki, Thomas A. Tsalis, M. Hatziantoniou, P. G. Dimitrakopoulos, A. Skouloudis, Jens Holtvoeth, I. Nikolaou, Athanasios Stasinakis, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, G. Gatidou, E. Zkeri, M. Koulousaris, K. I. Evangelinos. Exploring the role of local community perceptions in sustainability measurements. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology. 2019; 26 (6):471-483.
Chicago/Turabian StyleN. Jones; Chrisovaladis Malesios; M. Aloupi; M. Proikaki; Thomas A. Tsalis; M. Hatziantoniou; P. G. Dimitrakopoulos; A. Skouloudis; Jens Holtvoeth; I. Nikolaou; Athanasios Stasinakis; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; G. Gatidou; E. Zkeri; M. Koulousaris; K. I. Evangelinos. 2019. "Exploring the role of local community perceptions in sustainability measurements." International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology 26, no. 6: 471-483.
1.Chemosensory communication between flowers and pollinators is a fundamental component of terrestrial biodiversity, given the importance of olfaction to foraging animals. In this respect, exploring chemically‐mediated interspecific interactions in natural assemblies may provide novel insights into the eco‐functional significance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for plant−insect coevolution. However, multispecies datasets of associations between plant semiochemicals and arthropods are still very rare and tend to lack community‐context. Here, we present the first insect – floral VOC meta‐network using plant–pollinator visitation data and the plants’ floral scent blends, collected in a Mediterranean scrubland. 2.We assembled the insect–VOC meta‐network by substituting each plant species in the plant–pollinator network with the blend of VOCs it emits. Furthermore, we identified the modules of the network, i.e. the most densely connected insect–VOC groups. After describing the role of the species in the network we focused on the bees of the community, and by building phylogenetically‐informed GLS models, we found the species traits predicting the degree of chemical specialization. 3.Modularity analysis of the meta‐network revealed tight associations between several classes of VOCs and pollinator groups. Linkage patterns suggest positive associations between (i) Megachilidae bees and sesquiterpenes, (ii) Apidae and Andrenidae bees and benzenoids/phenylpropanoids, and (iii) wasps, C6 green‐leaf volatiles and specific terpenoids. Benzenoids were found to be the least influential and most specialized chemical class in the community, whereas sesquiterpenes represented the most influential one. Furthermore, the degree of chemical generalization of the bees in the meta‐network was significantly associated with their ecological generalization, body mass and phenology, whereas their contribution to the network's structure was related to their level of sociality. 4.Synthesis. Our findings help to disclose the eco‐functional significance of the floral volatile landscape and contribute novel testable hypotheses on the behavioral trends and chemical niches of pollinators in a natural community. The insect–volatilome meta‐network is thus shown to be advantageous for detecting and visualizing patterns of chemically‐mediated interspecific interactions. Given the ubiquity of chemosensory biocommunication, our approach can be applied for investigating various types of ecological interactions in community‐contexts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Aphrodite Kantsa; Robert A. Raguso; Themistokles Lekkas; Olga‐Ioanna Kalantzi; Theodora Petanidou. Floral volatiles and visitors: A meta‐network of associations in a natural community. Journal of Ecology 2019, 107, 2574 -2586.
AMA StyleAphrodite Kantsa, Robert A. Raguso, Themistokles Lekkas, Olga‐Ioanna Kalantzi, Theodora Petanidou. Floral volatiles and visitors: A meta‐network of associations in a natural community. Journal of Ecology. 2019; 107 (6):2574-2586.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAphrodite Kantsa; Robert A. Raguso; Themistokles Lekkas; Olga‐Ioanna Kalantzi; Theodora Petanidou. 2019. "Floral volatiles and visitors: A meta‐network of associations in a natural community." Journal of Ecology 107, no. 6: 2574-2586.
As a growing percentage of the population is working in office buildings worldwide, air quality in these indoor environments is becoming of particular importance for assessing health impacts from exposure to different pollutants. Apart from the common indoor air pollution sources, the presence of a variety of electronics such as printers, copier machines and other equipment in office buildings may present a high health risk because of their emissions of gases and particles. The aim of this study is to review and compare available measurements of the most commonly reported indoor particulate matter (PM) fractions in office environments and the methodological approaches that were used for the assessment of air quality and associated health effects. Data from forty-nine studies conducted in twenty-four countries around the world were included in this review. Half of these studies report measurements of indoor air pollution concentrations at a fixed point, with half of those using portable devices for assessing the personal exposure of employees in a direct way. The results showed that indoor concentrations for all air pollutants were higher than those measured outdoors, and that they increased during working hours. The average PM levels in offices ranged from 14 to 333 μg/m3 for particles having diameters up to 10 μm (PM10), and 4–227.44 μg/m3 for particles having diameters up to 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Results also showed that many health effects like eye irritation, dry throat, runny nose, sneezing, cough, tiredness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headache, dizziness, and skin irritation reported through questionnaires by employees were associated with these pollutants, while being influenced by gender and environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity.
Ioannis Nezis; George Biskos; Konstantinos Eleftheriadis; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Particulate matter and health effects in offices - A review. Building and Environment 2019, 156, 62 -73.
AMA StyleIoannis Nezis, George Biskos, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Particulate matter and health effects in offices - A review. Building and Environment. 2019; 156 ():62-73.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIoannis Nezis; George Biskos; Konstantinos Eleftheriadis; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. 2019. "Particulate matter and health effects in offices - A review." Building and Environment 156, no. : 62-73.
An increased number of studies have been published on the adverse effects of ambient air pollution on birth outcomes. The aim of this review is to identify and update the growing body of literature of epidemiological evidence on the association of ambient particulate matter (PM) and term birth weight and explore the determinants that may affect the vulnerability of exposure to air pollution. We systematically searched Web of Knowledge and PubMed for English-language studies published in peer review journals up to October 2018. Eligible studies were those investigating exposure to ambient particulate air pollution measured as PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm), PM10 (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm), PM2.5-10 (aerodynamic diameter from 2.5 to 10 μm), ultrafine particles, TSP (Total Suspended Particulates), black smoke, black carbon or any related measure of PM addressing the impact of particulate air pollution on term birth weight outcomes. A total number of 84 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most types of particulates were associated with low birth weight and particularly with decreases in term birth weight, but there were many inconsistencies in the included studies. Future research should focus on understanding which chemical constituents and sources of PM are associated with term low birth weight, elucidating the biological pathways that underline the associations between maternal exposure to air pollution and neonatal health, as well as considering potential effect modification by characteristics of the built environment, such as proximity to traffic and green spaces. Establishing similar guidelines among research design in studies will promote comparability of published results.
Stergiani Tsoli; George B. Ploubidis; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Particulate air pollution and birth weight: A systematic literature review. Atmospheric Pollution Research 2019, 10, 1084 -1122.
AMA StyleStergiani Tsoli, George B. Ploubidis, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Particulate air pollution and birth weight: A systematic literature review. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 2019; 10 (4):1084-1122.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStergiani Tsoli; George B. Ploubidis; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. 2019. "Particulate air pollution and birth weight: A systematic literature review." Atmospheric Pollution Research 10, no. 4: 1084-1122.
Rainbow trout is ranked as one of the world's worst alien invasive species; in Europe, however, the extent of established populations remains localized and poorly reported. This study aims to assess rainbow trout establishment in Greece and explores the factors affecting the success or failure of establishment. Fish samples and site‐specific environmental attributes collected during the past 17 years (2001–2017) were analysed. All available literature on the distribution patterns of rainbow trout were reviewed in parallel to those of the Greek native Salmo trout species and demographic criteria were applied to infer potential establishment. Data indicating poor persistence of populations and population structure support the argument that recruitment of rainbow trout is extremely limited in Greece. Lack of suitable environmental conditions is not the main factor leading to the failure of rainbow trout to become established. Genetic factors affecting reproduction, possibly through a combination of outbreeding depression resulting from the admixture of unrelated intraspecific lineages, and maladaptive behaviour resulting from domestication in captivity, remain probable causes of poor establishment for the Greek populations of rainbow trout. Overall, the threat of rainbow trout as a highly invasive species in Greece is lower than suggested by recent risk assessments.
Nicholas Koutsikos; Leonidas Vardakas; Stamatis Zogaris; Costas Perdikaris; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Alcibiades N. Economou. Does rainbow trout justify its high rank among alien invasive species? Insights from a nationwide survey in Greece. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 2019, 29, 409 -423.
AMA StyleNicholas Koutsikos, Leonidas Vardakas, Stamatis Zogaris, Costas Perdikaris, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Alcibiades N. Economou. Does rainbow trout justify its high rank among alien invasive species? Insights from a nationwide survey in Greece. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. 2019; 29 (3):409-423.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNicholas Koutsikos; Leonidas Vardakas; Stamatis Zogaris; Costas Perdikaris; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Alcibiades N. Economou. 2019. "Does rainbow trout justify its high rank among alien invasive species? Insights from a nationwide survey in Greece." Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 29, no. 3: 409-423.
Phthalate esters are the most commonly used plasticizers worldwide which are additionally used as solvents and fixatives in fragrances and additives in cosmetics and personal care products. Phthalates are classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their presence in the human body has been linked to health diseases and disorders in fetuses, infants, children, and adults. Routes of human exposure include ingestion, inhalation, skin absorption, and intravenous injection. Food, water or drinks in general, can be contaminated with phthalates during production, processing and packaging. Bottle material, storage time, storage temperature, and pH affect the contamination of water, beverages, and drinks with these plasticizers. Infants are exposed to phthalates via consumption of contaminated breast milk due to maternal exposure to the pollutants and toys or children's articles which are placed in mouth. Baby products such as lotions, powders, and shampoos have also been found to be contaminated with phthalates. Indoor air can be polluted with phthalates due to the presence of plastic products, although the mechanisms of indoor air and dust pollution are not well understood. Of particular concern is also the fact that the film surrounding pharmaceutical pills and medical devices used in blood transfusion and hemodialysis are considered to be sources of phthalates for humans. Great concern has been raised with regards to the exposure of newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). When phthalates enter human body they are metabolized to hydrolytic (primary) and oxidative (secondary) metabolites and conjugated with glucuronic acid before excretion in urine or feces. Phthalates or their metabolites are distributed in biological fluids and organs in the human body and they have been detected in the circulatory system, urine, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, saliva, sweat, hair, nails, and meconium. Thyroid hormones and reproductive hormones are the most sensitive hormones to EDCs. Human biomonitoring studies associate exposure to phthalates with impaired semen quality and decreased sex-hormone levels causing infertility problems in reproductive age. Data on the toxicity of phthalates on female reproductive system are equivocal and the parameters that several studies examine are pubertal and menarche onset, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Endocrine disruptors act as adjuvants to immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent mechanisms and allergen-specific T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses promoting allergic asthma. Phthalates are suspected as allergens in children when both prenatal and postnatal exposure has occurred. Neurobehavioral disorders and impaired mental development in children has been linked with prenatal exposure to phthalates which can be explained by impaired maternal thyroid activity during pregnancy affected by the action of EDCs that can lead to neurodevelopmental deficits, neurophysical disorders, and mental retardation in children. Researchers have associated urinary phthalates in children with higher blood pressure after statistical standardization for age, gender, and height. Animal studies have tried to elucidate further the cardiovascular toxicity of phthalates. Due to the worldwide concern on human exposure to phthalates and the associated health effects, strategies to address the issue are being developed and include strict regulation as well as replacing the use of phthalates with alternative plasticizers, use of plastics that do not require the addition of phthalates or use of organic plastics.
Aristidis M. Tsatsakis; Ioanna Katsikantami; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Çiğdem Sevim; Konstantinos Tsarouhas; Dimosthenis Sarigiannis; Manolis N. Tzatzarakis; Apostolos K. Rizos. Phthalates: Exposure and Health Effects. Encyclopedia of Environmental Health 2018, 163 -173.
AMA StyleAristidis M. Tsatsakis, Ioanna Katsikantami, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Çiğdem Sevim, Konstantinos Tsarouhas, Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Manolis N. Tzatzarakis, Apostolos K. Rizos. Phthalates: Exposure and Health Effects. Encyclopedia of Environmental Health. 2018; ():163-173.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAristidis M. Tsatsakis; Ioanna Katsikantami; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Çiğdem Sevim; Konstantinos Tsarouhas; Dimosthenis Sarigiannis; Manolis N. Tzatzarakis; Apostolos K. Rizos. 2018. "Phthalates: Exposure and Health Effects." Encyclopedia of Environmental Health , no. : 163-173.
Mediterranean lotic waters such as rivers, streams and springs are poorly monitored for non-indigenous fish species (NIFS). Since these systems are stressed by multiple anthropogenic pressures, it is important to build robust procedures to track NIFS distribution and spread. This study applies a multi-faceted assessment of NIFS in the lotic ecosystems of Greece at different spatial scales by providing: a) a historical review of temporal patterns and arrival pathways of fish introductions in river basins of Greece (140 basins) across 100 years; b) an analysis of occurrence and abundance data of NIFS assemblages at the lotic site scale (644 electrofished sites); c) the mapping of NIFS distributional patterns at river basin (75 basins) and regional scales (7 freshwater ecoregions); and, d) a vector analysis of fish translocations using an ecoregional framework. In total, 55 NIFS were recorded (25 alien and 30 translocated); however, there is a low incidence of NIFS in lotic waters at the site scale (30 NIFS recorded in the field samples; 10 alien and 20 translocated). NIFS introductions in Greece appear to be influenced by specific socio-historical periods, indicating a gradual increase since late 1970s. Despite this increase, our study provides evidence that only four alien species are currently widespread and common in the rivers and streams of Greece: Gambusia holbrooki, Carassius gibelio, Pseudorasbora parva, and Lepomis gibbosus (in order of recorded abundance). NIFS tend to be absent or distributed in very low numbers in upland streams and in smaller river basins. However, the issue of translocated fish species is shown to be a sorely neglected problem that is difficult to track. This review tests a readily transferable screening procedure, contributes to the application of the European Union Regulation on Invasive Alien Species; it suggests gaps and uncertainties, and proposes conservation and management actions.
Nicholas Koutsikos; Stamatis Zogaris; Leonidas Vardakas; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Elias Dimitriou; Alcibiades N. Economou. Tracking non-indigenous fishes in lotic ecosystems: Invasive patterns at different spatial scales in Greece. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 659, 384 -400.
AMA StyleNicholas Koutsikos, Stamatis Zogaris, Leonidas Vardakas, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Elias Dimitriou, Alcibiades N. Economou. Tracking non-indigenous fishes in lotic ecosystems: Invasive patterns at different spatial scales in Greece. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 659 ():384-400.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNicholas Koutsikos; Stamatis Zogaris; Leonidas Vardakas; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Elias Dimitriou; Alcibiades N. Economou. 2018. "Tracking non-indigenous fishes in lotic ecosystems: Invasive patterns at different spatial scales in Greece." Science of The Total Environment 659, no. : 384-400.
The increasing penetration of nano-products to the market is raising big concerns about the potential toxic and environmental effects of their constituent engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). Contradictory toxicity test results reported in the literature thus far can be explained by differences in the ENP production methods, which can strongly affect nanoparticle purity and therefore the outcome of the tests. In this paper we investigate the toxicity of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by spark ablation, a gas-phase technique that can deliver well-defined nanoparticles of extremely high purity, on Lemna minor. Our results show that AgNPs exhibit a toxic behavior at concentrations as low as 5 μg L−1, which is considerably lower compared to the threshold concentrations reported in other studies. This difference can be attributed to the high purity of the ENPs used in our measurements, which can release higher concentrations of toxic Ag+ ions upon dilution in the test solutions.
P. Minogiannis; M. Valenti; V. Kati; O.-I. Kalantzi; G. Biskos. Toxicity of pure silver nanoparticles produced by spark ablation on the aquatic plant Lemna minor. Journal of Aerosol Science 2018, 128, 17 -21.
AMA StyleP. Minogiannis, M. Valenti, V. Kati, O.-I. Kalantzi, G. Biskos. Toxicity of pure silver nanoparticles produced by spark ablation on the aquatic plant Lemna minor. Journal of Aerosol Science. 2018; 128 ():17-21.
Chicago/Turabian StyleP. Minogiannis; M. Valenti; V. Kati; O.-I. Kalantzi; G. Biskos. 2018. "Toxicity of pure silver nanoparticles produced by spark ablation on the aquatic plant Lemna minor." Journal of Aerosol Science 128, no. : 17-21.
Polyurethane foam passive samplers were deployed between May 2016 and January 2017 to evaluate concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), selected alternative flame retardants (AFRs) and total hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) (sum of α-, β-, and γ-HBCDD). The PUF air samplers were deployed in semi–urban, urban, industrial and landfill sites in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The acquired results presented a clear semi urban–industrial–urban–landfill concentration gradient for all BFRs measured. Taking into account 2 sampling periods (cold and warm periods) (n = 16), the atmospheric concentrations of ∑9PBDEs, HBCDDs and ∑AFRs were 100–2820 pg m−3, 12–117 pg m−3 and 41–4660 pg m−3, respectively, for the sparsely populated residential area, densely populated residential area, industrial area and the landfill area. In all cases, BDE 47, 99, and 209 were the most dominant congeners with high detection frequencies. The highest calculated daily exposure dose in Gauteng Province atmosphere was 0.61 and 1.54 ng kg −1 – bw d −1 for adults and children respectively. The estimated total intake of PBDEs was 0.47–33.4 ng kg −1 – bw d −1, which was generally below the lowest adverse effect limit (LOAEL), suggesting that the residents of Gauteng Province may not be significantly affected as a result of their exposure to these pollutants through inhalation. However, this does not necessarily suggest that the pollutants are harmless to human health, since they have the tendency to bioaccumulate in biological systems. Incidentally, this is the first study from Africa to report on the atmospheric concentrations of PBDEs, HBCDDs and AFRs in urban, landfill and industrial areas. The findings from this study further highlight the contributory role of landfills as potential sources of BFRs into the atmosphere.
Zainab J. Katima; Olubiyi I. Olukunle; Olga-Loanna Kalantzi; Adegbenro P. Daso; Jonathan O. Okonkwo. The occurrence of brominated flame retardants in the atmosphere of Gauteng Province, South Africa using polyurethane foam passive air samplers and assessment of human exposure. Environmental Pollution 2018, 242, 1894 -1903.
AMA StyleZainab J. Katima, Olubiyi I. Olukunle, Olga-Loanna Kalantzi, Adegbenro P. Daso, Jonathan O. Okonkwo. The occurrence of brominated flame retardants in the atmosphere of Gauteng Province, South Africa using polyurethane foam passive air samplers and assessment of human exposure. Environmental Pollution. 2018; 242 ():1894-1903.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZainab J. Katima; Olubiyi I. Olukunle; Olga-Loanna Kalantzi; Adegbenro P. Daso; Jonathan O. Okonkwo. 2018. "The occurrence of brominated flame retardants in the atmosphere of Gauteng Province, South Africa using polyurethane foam passive air samplers and assessment of human exposure." Environmental Pollution 242, no. : 1894-1903.
The use of disc diffusion susceptibility tests to determine the antibacterial activity of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is questionable because their low diffusivity practically prevents them from penetrating through the culture media. In this study, we investigate the ability of such a test, namely the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, to determine the antimicrobial activity of Au and Ag ENPs having diameters from 10 to 40 nm on Escherichia coli cultures. As anticipated, the tests did not show any antibacterial effects of Au nanoparticles (NPs) as a result of their negligible diffusivity through the culture media. Ag NPs on the other hand exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity that was independent of their size. Considering that Ag, in contrast to Au, dissolves upon oxidation and dilution in aqueous solutions, the apparent antibacterial behavior of Ag NPs is attributed to the ions they release. The Kirby-Bauer method, and other similar tests, can therefore be employed to probe the antimicrobial activity of ENPs related to their ability to release ions rather than to their unique size-dependent properties. ᅟ
Angeliki Kourmouli; Marco Valenti; Erwin Van Rijn; Hubertus J. E. Beaumont; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Andreas Schmidt-Ott; George Biskos. Can disc diffusion susceptibility tests assess the antimicrobial activity of engineered nanoparticles? Journal of Nanoparticle Research 2018, 20, 1 -6.
AMA StyleAngeliki Kourmouli, Marco Valenti, Erwin Van Rijn, Hubertus J. E. Beaumont, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Andreas Schmidt-Ott, George Biskos. Can disc diffusion susceptibility tests assess the antimicrobial activity of engineered nanoparticles? Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 2018; 20 (3):1-6.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngeliki Kourmouli; Marco Valenti; Erwin Van Rijn; Hubertus J. E. Beaumont; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Andreas Schmidt-Ott; George Biskos. 2018. "Can disc diffusion susceptibility tests assess the antimicrobial activity of engineered nanoparticles?" Journal of Nanoparticle Research 20, no. 3: 1-6.
The aim of this review is to present up-to-date research on children's exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in indoor environments. Large geographical variations were observed for all BFRs [polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)], with the highest concentrations of PBDEs measured in North America (BDE-47) and Europe (BDE-209), where higher concentrations of PBDEs are present in dust from houses, daycare centers and primary schools. In Asia the highest PBDE concentrations were measured in China, near e-waste recycling areas. In the Middle East, Australia and Africa BFR levels were low in most indoor spaces. Asian countries also have the highest concentrations of TBBPA and HBCDD, followed by European countries. Fewer studies have been conducted measuring novel and emerging BFRs (NBFRs or EBFRs), of which decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) has the highest concentration in indoor environments, especially in China. The vast majority of children's exposure studies have been conducted in houses, sampling either dust or air, and considerably fewer in schools, daycare centers, cars and public facilities, despite BFR levels being comparable to (or sometimes even higher than) house dust. Relatively fewer studies focused on children's tissues such as serum, and only two studied exposure via mouthing toys. Alternative noninvasive sampling matrices that may act as surrogates for exposure to BFRs such as handwipes and silicone wristbands have recently started to gain momentum, because of the ease of sampling, faster collection time and better correlations to serum than house dust. Feces sampling is another promising alternative to children's serum that warrants further research. While many studies have associated different indoor environment characteristics, there is a knowledge gap on the association between children's behaviour and activity patterns and their exposure to BFRs, as well as data on infant exposure to BFRs via baby products. Results from the studies showed that dust ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway for most studied BFRs compared to indoor air inhalation and dermal contact, especially for infants and toddlers who have higher exposures than older children.
Eleftheria Malliari; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Children's exposure to brominated flame retardants in indoor environments - A review. Environment International 2017, 108, 146 -169.
AMA StyleEleftheria Malliari, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. Children's exposure to brominated flame retardants in indoor environments - A review. Environment International. 2017; 108 ():146-169.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleftheria Malliari; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi. 2017. "Children's exposure to brominated flame retardants in indoor environments - A review." Environment International 108, no. : 146-169.
Modern agriculture provides the potential for sustainable feeding of the world's increasing population. Up to the present moment, genetically modified (GM) products have enabled increased yields and reduced pesticide usage. Nevertheless, GM products are controversial amongst policy makers, scientists and the consumers, regarding their possible environmental, ecological, and health risks. Scientific-and-political debates can even influence legislation and prospective risk assessment procedure. Currently, the scientifically-assessed direct hazardous impacts of GM food and feed on fauna and flora are conflicting; indeed, a review of literature available data provides some evidence of GM environmental and health risks. Although the consequences of gene flow and risks to biodiversity are debatable. Risks to the environment and ecosystems can exist, such as the evolution of weed herbicide resistance during GM cultivation. A matter of high importance is to provide precise knowledge and adequate current information to regulatory agencies, governments, policy makers, researchers, and commercial GMO-releasing companies to enable them to thoroughly investigate the possible risks.
Aristidis Tsatsakis; Muhammad Amjad Nawaz; Victor A. Tutelyan; Kirill Golokhvast; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Duck Hwa Chung; Sung Jo Kang; Michael D. Coleman; Nadezhda Tyshko; Seung Hwan Yang; Gyuhwa Chung. Impact on environment, ecosystem, diversity and health from culturing and using GMOs as feed and food. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2017, 107, 108 -121.
AMA StyleAristidis Tsatsakis, Muhammad Amjad Nawaz, Victor A. Tutelyan, Kirill Golokhvast, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Duck Hwa Chung, Sung Jo Kang, Michael D. Coleman, Nadezhda Tyshko, Seung Hwan Yang, Gyuhwa Chung. Impact on environment, ecosystem, diversity and health from culturing and using GMOs as feed and food. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2017; 107 ():108-121.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAristidis Tsatsakis; Muhammad Amjad Nawaz; Victor A. Tutelyan; Kirill Golokhvast; Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi; Duck Hwa Chung; Sung Jo Kang; Michael D. Coleman; Nadezhda Tyshko; Seung Hwan Yang; Gyuhwa Chung. 2017. "Impact on environment, ecosystem, diversity and health from culturing and using GMOs as feed and food." Food and Chemical Toxicology 107, no. : 108-121.