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My main teaching and research interests lie in the area where applied environmental chemistry meets human health risk assessment. Before joining Massey University (Wellington New Zealand), I worked as both an academic in Chemistry at the University of Waikato (1991-2001), and a scientific advisor to the Waikato Regional Council (2002-2011). During my time at Massey I've also served as a central government Senior Policy Analyst. My background covers a range of applied chemistry areas including environmental chemistry, human and environmental risk assessment, analytical chemistry and forensic science. From work with local government I have broad experience with the technical aspects of applied resource management including regional analysis of air, soil and water quality for state of the environment (SoE) purposes, scientific assessment of resource consents, management of contaminated sites and chemical emergencies, development of regional and national policy in the environmental chemistry area, and provision of expert evidence.
Management and regulatory agencies face a wide range of environmental issues globally. The challenge is to identify and select the issues to assist the allocation of research and policy resources to achieve maximum environmental gain. A framework was developed to prioritize environmental contamination issues in a sustainable management policy context using a nine-factor ranking model to rank the significance of diffuse sources of stressors. It focuses on contamination issues that involve large geographic scales (e.g., all pastoral soils), significant population exposures (e.g., urban air quality), and multiple outputs from same source on receiving environmental compartments comprising air, surface water, groundwater, and sediment. Factor scores are allocated using a scoring scale and weighted following defined rules. Results are ranked enabling the rational comparison of dissimilar and complex issues. Advantages of this model include flexibility, transparency, ability to prioritize new issues as they arise, and ability to identify which issues are comparatively trivial and which present a more serious challenge to sustainability policy goals. This model integrates well as a planning tool and has been used to inform regional policy development.
Nicholas Kim; Matthew Taylor; Jonathan Caldwell; Andrew Rumsby; Olivier Champeau; Louis Tremblay. Development and Deployment of a Framework to Prioritize Environmental Contamination Issues. Sustainability 2020, 12, 9393 .
AMA StyleNicholas Kim, Matthew Taylor, Jonathan Caldwell, Andrew Rumsby, Olivier Champeau, Louis Tremblay. Development and Deployment of a Framework to Prioritize Environmental Contamination Issues. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (22):9393.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNicholas Kim; Matthew Taylor; Jonathan Caldwell; Andrew Rumsby; Olivier Champeau; Louis Tremblay. 2020. "Development and Deployment of a Framework to Prioritize Environmental Contamination Issues." Sustainability 12, no. 22: 9393.
Background Thyroid dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment, mood disturbance, and postnatal depression. Sufficient thyroid hormone synthesis requires adequate intake of iodine, selenium, and iron. Iodine deficiency was historically a problem for New Zealand, and initiatives were introduced to overcome the problem: (1) mandatory fortification of all bread (except organic) with iodized salt (2009) and (2) provision of subsidized iodine supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women (2010). Subsequent to these initiatives, most adults and children have adequate iodine status; however, status among breastfeeding women and their infants remains unclear. This paper outlines the methodology of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study: an observational longitudinal cohort study of breastfeeding women and their infants. Objective This study will determine (1) women’s iodine intake and status among supplement users and nonusers; (2) women’s intake and status of iodine, selenium, and iron relating to thyroid function; (3) associations between women’s selenium status, thyroid function, and postnatal depression; (4) infants’ iodine and selenium status relating to first year neurodevelopment. Methods Breastfeeding women aged over 16 years with a healthy term singleton infant were recruited from Manawatu, New Zealand. Participants attended study visits 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Maternal questionnaires investigated supplement use before and after birth, iodine knowledge, and demographic information. Dietary assessment and urine, blood, and breast milk samples were taken to measure iodine, selenium, and iron intake/status. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used repeatedly to screen for postnatal depression. Thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and antithyroid peroxidase) were measured in blood samples, and thyroid gland volume was measured by ultrasound at 6 months postpartum. Infant iodine and selenium concentrations were determined in urine. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire was used to assess infant development at 4, 8, and 12 months. Results Data collection was completed. Biological samples analysis, excluding nail clippings, is complete. Data analysis and presentation of the results will be available after 2020. Conclusions This study will provide data on the current iodine status of breastfeeding women. It will also provide a greater understanding of the three essential minerals required for optimal thyroid function among breastfeeding women. The prospective longitudinal design allows opportunities to examine women’s mental health and infant neurodevelopment throughout the first year, a crucial time for both mothers and their infants. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615001028594; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=369324 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/18560
Ying Jin; Jane Coad; Shao J Zhou; Sheila Skeaff; Cheryl Benn; Nicholas Kim; Rachael L Pond; Louise Brough. Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation in New Zealand (MINI Project): Protocol for an Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study. JMIR Research Protocols 2020, 9, e18560 .
AMA StyleYing Jin, Jane Coad, Shao J Zhou, Sheila Skeaff, Cheryl Benn, Nicholas Kim, Rachael L Pond, Louise Brough. Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation in New Zealand (MINI Project): Protocol for an Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study. JMIR Research Protocols. 2020; 9 (8):e18560.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYing Jin; Jane Coad; Shao J Zhou; Sheila Skeaff; Cheryl Benn; Nicholas Kim; Rachael L Pond; Louise Brough. 2020. "Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation in New Zealand (MINI Project): Protocol for an Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study." JMIR Research Protocols 9, no. 8: e18560.
Obesity is a public health problem in Micronesia. The objective of the study was to assess obesity, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) among adults, and determine the appropriate BMI cut-points in Kiribati. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 483 adults randomly selected from South Tarawa (ST) and Butaritari (BT). Weight, height, BF% and physical activity level (PAL) was measured using standard methods. Linear and quadratic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between BF% and BMI whilst controlling for age and gender. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were used to assess whether for the Kiribati population alternative BMI cut-off points for obesity are needed. Approximately 75% of participants were obese using standard BMI and BF% cut-offs, with the highest prevalence observed in South Tarawa. BF% was significantly (p < 0.001) and positively associated with age (males, r = 0.78; females, r = 0.67; p < 0.001) and BMI. Based on ROC-curve analyses the BMI cut-offs for predicting high BF% among I-Kiribati people were 24.5 kg/m2 for males and 32.9 kg/m2 for females. In conclusion, the majority of adults in Kiribati were either obese or overweight and had high BF%. We suggest that ethnic-specific BMI cut-points to define obesity for the population of Kiribati may be more appropriate than the currently used international cut-points.
P. E. Eme; B. Burlingame; Nicholas D. Kim; S. Foliaki; C. Wham; J. Douwes. Obesity measures in the Kiribati population: a need to reclassify body mass index cut-points. BMC Public Health 2020, 20, 1 -7.
AMA StyleP. E. Eme, B. Burlingame, Nicholas D. Kim, S. Foliaki, C. Wham, J. Douwes. Obesity measures in the Kiribati population: a need to reclassify body mass index cut-points. BMC Public Health. 2020; 20 (1):1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleP. E. Eme; B. Burlingame; Nicholas D. Kim; S. Foliaki; C. Wham; J. Douwes. 2020. "Obesity measures in the Kiribati population: a need to reclassify body mass index cut-points." BMC Public Health 20, no. 1: 1-7.
Selenium (Se) plays an important role in selenoproteins as an antioxidant, and is involved in thyroid function, mental health and child development. Selenium is low in the local food supplies in NZ. Low selenium intake has been reported in women of childbearing age and postmenopausal women, however, there is little research relating to breastfeeding women and their infants. The study investigates maternal and infant selenium intake and status during the first year postpartum, and possible relationships to postnatal depression and anxiety. The Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study is an observational longitudinal cohort study. In total 87 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs were recruited and followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum. Maternal selenium intake was estimated from a four-day diet diary (4DDD). Selenium concentrations were measured in maternal spot urine, breastmilk and plasma; and infant spot urine samples. Postnatal depression was screened by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire. Median maternal selenium intake was 62 (50, 84) μg/day, with 56 % below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of 65 μg/day. At 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum, median maternal urinary selenium:creatinine ratios were 29.0 (22.4, 42.0), 29.5 (23.1, 28.4), and 30.9 (24.3, 35.3) μg/g; median infant urinary selenium concentrations (IUSC) were 8 (6,13), 11 (6, 15), and 24 (10, 40) μg/L; median breastmilk selenium concentrations (BMSC) were 13 (11, 14), 11 (9, 11) and 12 (11, 13) μg/L; 18 %, 11 % and 14 % of women reported probable minor depression based on the EPDS scores equal or above 10. Estimated median infant selenium intake at 3 and 6 months were 9 (8, 11) and 8 (7, 10) μg/day with 85 % and 93 % below the Adequate Intake of 12 μg/day. Median maternal plasma selenium was 105.8 μg/L at 6 months postpartum. Minor depression at three months postpartum was significantly different across tertiles of plasma selenium concentrations (p = 0.041). Suboptimal selenium intake was observed among breastfeeding mothers and their infants in the MINI study. Potentially, some women had insufficient selenium status. Relation between selenium status and risk of postnatal depression and anxiety was inconclusive.Further research is required to explore effects on maternal thyroid function and infant neurodevelopment among women with inadequate selenium intake and status.
Ying Jin; Jane Coad; Rachael Pond; Nick Kim; Louise Brough. Selenium intake and status of postpartum women and postnatal depression during the first year after childbirth in New Zealand – Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 2020, 61, 126503 .
AMA StyleYing Jin, Jane Coad, Rachael Pond, Nick Kim, Louise Brough. Selenium intake and status of postpartum women and postnatal depression during the first year after childbirth in New Zealand – Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. 2020; 61 ():126503.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYing Jin; Jane Coad; Rachael Pond; Nick Kim; Louise Brough. 2020. "Selenium intake and status of postpartum women and postnatal depression during the first year after childbirth in New Zealand – Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study." Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 61, no. : 126503.
BACKGROUND Thyroid dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment, mood disturbance, and postnatal depression. Sufficient thyroid hormone synthesis requires adequate intake of iodine, selenium, and iron. Iodine deficiency was historically a problem for New Zealand, and initiatives were introduced to overcome the problem: (1) mandatory fortification of all bread (except organic) with iodized salt (2009) and (2) provision of subsidized iodine supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women (2010). Subsequent to these initiatives, most adults and children have adequate iodine status; however, status among breastfeeding women and their infants remains unclear. This paper outlines the methodology of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study: an observational longitudinal cohort study of breastfeeding women and their infants. OBJECTIVE This study will determine (1) women’s iodine intake and status among supplement users and nonusers; (2) women’s intake and status of iodine, selenium, and iron relating to thyroid function; (3) associations between women’s selenium status, thyroid function, and postnatal depression; (4) infants’ iodine and selenium status relating to first year neurodevelopment. METHODS Breastfeeding women aged over 16 years with a healthy term singleton infant were recruited from Manawatu, New Zealand. Participants attended study visits 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Maternal questionnaires investigated supplement use before and after birth, iodine knowledge, and demographic information. Dietary assessment and urine, blood, and breast milk samples were taken to measure iodine, selenium, and iron intake/status. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used repeatedly to screen for postnatal depression. Thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and antithyroid peroxidase) were measured in blood samples, and thyroid gland volume was measured by ultrasound at 6 months postpartum. Infant iodine and selenium concentrations were determined in urine. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire was used to assess infant development at 4, 8, and 12 months. RESULTS Data collection was completed. Biological samples analysis, excluding nail clippings, is complete. Data analysis and presentation of the results will be available after 2020. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide data on the current iodine status of breastfeeding women. It will also provide a greater understanding of the three essential minerals required for optimal thyroid function among breastfeeding women. The prospective longitudinal design allows opportunities to examine women’s mental health and infant neurodevelopment throughout the first year, a crucial time for both mothers and their infants. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615001028594; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=369324 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/18560
Ying Jin; Jane Coad; Shao J Zhou; Sheila Skeaff; Cheryl Benn; Nicholas Kim; Rachael L Pond; Louise Brough. Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation in New Zealand (MINI Project): Protocol for an Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleYing Jin, Jane Coad, Shao J Zhou, Sheila Skeaff, Cheryl Benn, Nicholas Kim, Rachael L Pond, Louise Brough. Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation in New Zealand (MINI Project): Protocol for an Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYing Jin; Jane Coad; Shao J Zhou; Sheila Skeaff; Cheryl Benn; Nicholas Kim; Rachael L Pond; Louise Brough. 2020. "Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation in New Zealand (MINI Project): Protocol for an Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)." , no. : 1.
Background and Objectives: This study assessed the nutritional status among householders in urban South Tarawa and rural Butaritari in Kiribati. Methods and Study Design: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed energy and nutrient intakes, food variety scores, and dietary diversity scores of men and women from 468 households randomly selected in South Tarawa (n = 161) and Butaritari (n = 307) using a 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient adequacy ratios and mean adequacy ratios of selected nutrients were also determined from 3-day weighed food records collected among participants living in a further 28 households from South Tarawa (n = 29) and Butaritari (n = 44). Results: Based on the 24-hour dietary recall, the average energy intake for men and women was 2536 kcals and 2068 kcals, respectively. Carbohydrate (CHO), fat, and protein intakes for men and women were 332.5 g, 76.5 g, and 130.4 g and 291.7 g, 55.1 g, and 103.5 g, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of household Food Variety Score and Dietary Diversity Score was 3.90 ± 1.25 and 5.44 ± 1.92, respectively. Intakes of vitamin A, calcium, and iron, and zinc were notably deficient in both locations, with the urban participants having lower intakes of vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, magnesium, and potassium than their rural counterparts. Mean sodium intakes exceeded recommendations for all age groups in South Tarawa except children aged 4 to 6 years. Conclusions: Food consumption patterns of the households in South Tarawa and Butaritari reflected high consumption of nontraditional diets and refined foods, which manifested in inadequate micronutrient intake estimates and low dietary diversity: strong risk factors for noncommunicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Paul Eze Eme; Nick D. Kim; Jerone Douwes; Barbara Burlingame; Sunia Foliaki; Carol Wham. Are Households in Kiribati Nutrition Secure? A Case Study of South Tarawa and Butaritari. Food and Nutrition Bulletin 2020, 41, 131 -146.
AMA StylePaul Eze Eme, Nick D. Kim, Jerone Douwes, Barbara Burlingame, Sunia Foliaki, Carol Wham. Are Households in Kiribati Nutrition Secure? A Case Study of South Tarawa and Butaritari. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 2020; 41 (1):131-146.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaul Eze Eme; Nick D. Kim; Jerone Douwes; Barbara Burlingame; Sunia Foliaki; Carol Wham. 2020. "Are Households in Kiribati Nutrition Secure? A Case Study of South Tarawa and Butaritari." Food and Nutrition Bulletin 41, no. 1: 131-146.
The underlying values and priorities that drive policy responses depend largely on the constructs that researchers and decision makers select to measure and the metrics used. Despite much recent attention being given to sustainable diets and food systems and to the importance of clearly measuring sustainability to meet targets, to achieve goals, and to appraise dietary and environmental policies, it is not commonly agreed how the different indicators of sustainable diets are assessed. The evidence base for assessment of these indicators are frequently weak, fragmented, and arbitrary. The aim of this paper was to compare a range of published methods and indicators for assessing sustainable diets and food systems in order to harmonise them. Keyword and reference searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Knowledge. Fifty-two studies (21 proposed methods and 31 used methods) that combined environment, nutrition and health, and socioeconomic aspects of sustainable diets were reviewed. The majority (over 90%) of the studies focused on high-income countries. Twenty-eight studies assessed the environmental effects of different dietary practices, eight of the studies examined the nutrition and health indicators used for assessing sustainable food systems, and seven studies assessed the social and economic costs of diets. A classification of the elements was developed, and common elements are proposed for standardizing. These elements were categorized into nutrition and health indicators, environment indicators, and socioeconomic indicators. Standardized or harmonized indicators can be used for consistency and applicability purposes and to support, implement, and monitor relevant policies.
Paul Eze Eme; Jeroen Douwes; Nicholas Kim; Sunia Foliaki; Barbara Burlingame. Review of Methodologies for Assessing Sustainable Diets and Potential for Development of Harmonised Indicators. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 1184 .
AMA StylePaul Eze Eme, Jeroen Douwes, Nicholas Kim, Sunia Foliaki, Barbara Burlingame. Review of Methodologies for Assessing Sustainable Diets and Potential for Development of Harmonised Indicators. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (7):1184.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaul Eze Eme; Jeroen Douwes; Nicholas Kim; Sunia Foliaki; Barbara Burlingame. 2019. "Review of Methodologies for Assessing Sustainable Diets and Potential for Development of Harmonised Indicators." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 7: 1184.
Paul Eze Eme; Barbara Burlingame; Jeroen Douwes; Nicholas D. Kim; Sunia Foliaki. Quantitative estimates of dietary intake in households of South Tarawa, Kiribati. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2019, 28, 131 -138.
AMA StylePaul Eze Eme, Barbara Burlingame, Jeroen Douwes, Nicholas D. Kim, Sunia Foliaki. Quantitative estimates of dietary intake in households of South Tarawa, Kiribati. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2019; 28 (1):131-138.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaul Eze Eme; Barbara Burlingame; Jeroen Douwes; Nicholas D. Kim; Sunia Foliaki. 2019. "Quantitative estimates of dietary intake in households of South Tarawa, Kiribati." Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 28, no. 1: 131-138.
Cadmium (Cd) exposure is not easily avoidable; it is a common contaminant found in many food sources, accumulates throughout life and, in high doses, is a significant health hazard for humans. Women are highly vulnerable to Cd because of their relatively higher absorption rate than men. High levels of Cd accumulated in the mother could potentially cause harm to both the mother and new-born child. The foetal genome is vulnerable to external signals; Cd partially crosses the placental barrier and can impact on foetal development, potentially, through epigenetic mechanisms causing changes to foetal gene expression. This review explores current research on Cd induced methylation changes to maternal and foetal genomes. Cd is significantly associated with differential methylation of both maternal and foetal genomes. Some studies have described infant sex-specific changes in DNA methylation in association with maternal Cd burden. However, research on methylation changes to the foetal genome due to prenatal Cd exposure is scarce. More research is required to explore the impact of maternal Cd accumulation on differential methylation of the foetal genome.
Panchamee Dharmadasa; Nick Kim; Michelle Thunders. Maternal cadmium exposure and impact on foetal gene expression through methylation changes. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2017, 109, 714 -720.
AMA StylePanchamee Dharmadasa, Nick Kim, Michelle Thunders. Maternal cadmium exposure and impact on foetal gene expression through methylation changes. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2017; 109 ():714-720.
Chicago/Turabian StylePanchamee Dharmadasa; Nick Kim; Michelle Thunders. 2017. "Maternal cadmium exposure and impact on foetal gene expression through methylation changes." Food and Chemical Toxicology 109, no. : 714-720.
The greater Wellington region, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to large earthquakes because it is cut by active faults. Bulk water supply pipelines cross the Wellington Fault at several different locations, and there is considerable concern about severe disruption of the provision of reticulated water supplies to households and businesses in the aftermath of a large earthquake. A number of policy initiatives have been launched encouraging householders to install rainwater tanks to increase post-disaster resilience. However, little attention has been paid to potential health hazards associated with consumption of these supplies. To assess health hazards for householders in emergency situations, six 200-litre emergency water tanks were installed at properties across the Wellington region, with five tanks being allowed to fill with roof-collected rainwater and one tank being filled with municipal tapwater as a control. Such tanks are predominantly set aside for water storage and, once filled, feature limited drawdown and recharge. Sampling from these tanks was carried out fortnightly for one year, and samples were analysed for E. coli, pH, conductivity, a range of major and trace elements, and organic compounds, enabling an assessment of the evolution of water chemistry in water storage tanks over time. Key findings were that the overall rate of E. coli detections in the rain-fed tanks was 17.7%, which is low in relation to other studies. We propose that low incidences of may be due to biocidal effects of high zinc concentrations in tanks, originating from unpainted galvanised steel roof cladding. Lead concentrations were high compared to other studies, with 69% of rain-fed tank samples exceeding the World Health Organisation’s health-based guideline of 0.01 mg/L. Further work is required to determine risks of short-term consumption of this water in emergency situations.
Carol Stewart; Nick D. Kim; David M. Johnston; Mostafa Nayyerloo. Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Roof-Collected Rainwater in Urban Areas in Emergency Situations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 1012 .
AMA StyleCarol Stewart, Nick D. Kim, David M. Johnston, Mostafa Nayyerloo. Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Roof-Collected Rainwater in Urban Areas in Emergency Situations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (10):1012.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarol Stewart; Nick D. Kim; David M. Johnston; Mostafa Nayyerloo. 2016. "Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Roof-Collected Rainwater in Urban Areas in Emergency Situations." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 10: 1012.
The greater Wellington region, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to large earthquakes because it is cut by active faults. Bulk water supply pipelines cross the Wellington Fault at several different locations, and there is considerable concern about severe disruption of the provision of reticulated water supplies to households and businesses in the aftermath of a large earthquake. A number of policy initiatives have been launched encouraging householders to install rainwater tanks to increase post-disaster resilience. However, little attention has been paid to potential health hazards associated with consumption of these supplies. To assess health hazards for householders in emergency situations, six 200-litre emergency water tanks were installed at properties across the Wellington region, with five tanks being allowed to fill with roof-collected rainwater and one tank being filled with municipal tapwater as a control. Such tanks are predominantly set aside for water storage, and once filled, feature limited drawdown and recharge. Sampling from these tanks was carried out fortnightly for one year, and samples analysed for E. coli, pH, conductivity, a range of major and trace elements, and organic compounds, enabling an assessment of the evolution of water chemistry in water storage tanks over time. Key findings were that the overall rate of E.coli detections in the rain-fed tanks was 17.7%, which is low in relation to other studies. We propose that low incidences of E.coli may be due to biocidal effects of high zinc concentrations in tanks, originating from unpainted galvanised steel roof cladding. Lead concentrations were high compared to other studies, with 69% of rain-fed tank samples exceeding the World Health Organisation’s health-based guideline of 0.01 mg/L. Further work is required to determine risks of short-term consumption of this water in emergency situations.
Carol Stewart; Nick D. Kim; David M. Johnston; Mostafa Nayyerloo. Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Roof-Collected Rainwater in Urban Areas in Emergency Situations. 2016, 1 .
AMA StyleCarol Stewart, Nick D. Kim, David M. Johnston, Mostafa Nayyerloo. Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Roof-Collected Rainwater in Urban Areas in Emergency Situations. . 2016; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarol Stewart; Nick D. Kim; David M. Johnston; Mostafa Nayyerloo. 2016. "Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Roof-Collected Rainwater in Urban Areas in Emergency Situations." , no. : 1.
A risk ranking model was developed to provide a systematic evaluation of the range and quantity of 28 elemental contaminants applied to land in New Zealand and applied to mineral P fertilisers. The methodology is transparent, flexible and robust and allows contamination issues to be ranked according to their real or potential impact. The quantitative ranking model is based on the relative importance of each element in relation to accumulation in soil, transfer to water or uptake by plants, toxicity to soil organisms, plants and people, and the contribution of any radioactive isotopes. The highest risk score for potential environmental significance of P fertiliser borne trace element contaminants was found for uranium, followed (in decreasing order) by cadmium, mercury, boron, fluoride, selenium, arsenic, silver and rare earth elements. The lowest score (rank 28) was attributed to strontium.
Matthew Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim; Geerd Smidt; Chris Busby; Sam McNally; Brett Robinson; Sylvia Kratz; Ewald Schnug. Trace Element Contaminants and Radioactivity from Phosphate Fertiliser. Phosphorus in Agriculture: 100 % Zero 2016, 231 -266.
AMA StyleMatthew Taylor, Nicholas D. Kim, Geerd Smidt, Chris Busby, Sam McNally, Brett Robinson, Sylvia Kratz, Ewald Schnug. Trace Element Contaminants and Radioactivity from Phosphate Fertiliser. Phosphorus in Agriculture: 100 % Zero. 2016; ():231-266.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatthew Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim; Geerd Smidt; Chris Busby; Sam McNally; Brett Robinson; Sylvia Kratz; Ewald Schnug. 2016. "Trace Element Contaminants and Radioactivity from Phosphate Fertiliser." Phosphorus in Agriculture: 100 % Zero , no. : 231-266.
Application of phosphate (P) fertilizers to farmland is projected to be causing worldwide accumulation of fluorine (F) in agricultural soils and associated ecosystems, but wide-scale field data have been lacking. We report results of sampling across two large regions of New Zealand involving soils of 298 native and farmed properties. This has enabled the first wide-scale retrospective estimates of anthropogenic F enrichment in pastoral and horticultural soils. Results validate earlier projections: F accumulation in farmed soils has been comparatively rapid (mean increase 2.1 % per year) and widespread. Over 50 years, average total F concentrations in surface soils have doubled from ~220 to 440 mg/kg. Thresholds protective against chronic fluorosis in grazing animals are being substantively passed, indicating that land may be rendered unsuitable for pastoral production in the mid-term future: when sampled 44 % of dairy farm soil samples exceeded 500 mg/kg total F, and 10 % exceeded 650 mg/kg. Potential for F toxicity to plants and wildlife appear to be significant and marginal, respectively, at current soil F concentrations. Relationships between F and other elements suggest P fertilizers are also a source of several elements geochemically linked to F, and that anthropogenic F modifies soil aluminium (Al) chemistry, potentially opening a broad-scale Al exposure pathway to pollinating insects. Findings signal a need for systematic examination of the range of possible affects that may be linked to increasing soil F, which include various types of ecotoxicity, altered Al chemistry, reduced P availability, and potential for increased dietary intakes of F, Al and aluminofluoride (AlFx) species over time.
Nicholas D. Kim; Matthew D. Taylor; John Drewry. Anthropogenic fluorine accumulation in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions of New Zealand: comparison of field data with projections. Environmental Earth Sciences 2016, 75, 1 -15.
AMA StyleNicholas D. Kim, Matthew D. Taylor, John Drewry. Anthropogenic fluorine accumulation in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions of New Zealand: comparison of field data with projections. Environmental Earth Sciences. 2016; 75 (2):1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNicholas D. Kim; Matthew D. Taylor; John Drewry. 2016. "Anthropogenic fluorine accumulation in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions of New Zealand: comparison of field data with projections." Environmental Earth Sciences 75, no. 2: 1-15.
Matthew D. Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim; Roger M. Briggs; Amy Taylor; Danilo F. Guinto. An investigation into the process of dealumination in soils of the Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions of New Zealand. Applied Clay Science 2012, 64, 18 -24.
AMA StyleMatthew D. Taylor, Nicholas D. Kim, Roger M. Briggs, Amy Taylor, Danilo F. Guinto. An investigation into the process of dealumination in soils of the Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions of New Zealand. Applied Clay Science. 2012; 64 ():18-24.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatthew D. Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim; Roger M. Briggs; Amy Taylor; Danilo F. Guinto. 2012. "An investigation into the process of dealumination in soils of the Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions of New Zealand." Applied Clay Science 64, no. : 18-24.
Orchard soils can contain elevated concentrations of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p'-DDT), and heavy metals as a result of historical agrichemical applications. The bioavailability of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, As, Cd, Cu, and Pb from five field-aged New Zealand orchards and three grazing soils was assessed by using a 28-d bioassay with Aporrectodea caliginosa and chemical assays. Significant relationships were found between total soil and earthworm tissue concentrations for p,p'-DDE (p < 0.001), p,p'-DDT (p < 0.001), Cu (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.01). Two neutral salt solutions, 0.01 M CaCl(2) and 1 M NH(4)NO(3), were used as surrogate measures of the bioavailability of heavy metals. Copper was the only heavy metal for which significant correlations were found between neutral-salt-extractable and earthworm tissue concentrations (p < 0.001). Up to 28% of the aged DDT residues were released from the soils by Tenax over a 24-h extraction period. Significant relationships (p < 0.01) between the Tenax-extractable and earthworm tissue concentrations for p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT showed that Tenax provides a good surrogate measure of the bioavailability of these compounds to A. caliginosa. Surprisingly, there was a similarly significant relationship (p < 0.001) between the total soil and earthworm tissue concentrations for p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT, suggesting that total soil concentrations alone were sufficient to predict uptake by A. caliginosa. These results demonstrate that the aged agrichemical residues in orchard soils, and particularly p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT, remain highly bioavailable to A. caliginosa despite decades of weathering and continue to present an environmental risk.
Sally Gaw; Grant Northcott; Nicholas D. Kim; Alistair Wilkins; Joanne Jensen. Comparison of earthworm and chemical assays of the bioavailability of aged 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, and heavy metals in orchard soils. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 2012, 31, 1306 -1316.
AMA StyleSally Gaw, Grant Northcott, Nicholas D. Kim, Alistair Wilkins, Joanne Jensen. Comparison of earthworm and chemical assays of the bioavailability of aged 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, and heavy metals in orchard soils. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 2012; 31 (6):1306-1316.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSally Gaw; Grant Northcott; Nicholas D. Kim; Alistair Wilkins; Joanne Jensen. 2012. "Comparison of earthworm and chemical assays of the bioavailability of aged 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, and heavy metals in orchard soils." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 31, no. 6: 1306-1316.
Total arsenic and four arsenic species; arsenite (iAsIII), arsenate (iAsV), dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) and monomethylarsonic acid (MAV), are reported in 28 geothermal features from the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) and Waikato region of New Zealand. Samples were collected for arsenic speciation analysis via a solid phase extraction (SPE) kit allowing the separation, stabilisation and pre-concentration of the species at the time of sample collection in the field. This is the first research to present data for arsenic species collected by this technique in geothermal waters from New Zealand. Total arsenic concentrations, determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ranged from 0.008 to 9.08 mg l−1 As. The highest levels were discovered in three features in Tokaanu (Taumatapuhipuhi, Takarea #5 and #6), with arsenic concentrations of 8.59, 8.70 and 9.08 mg l−1 As, respectively. Inorganic arsenic species were predominant in the geothermal waters, with arsenite contributing to more than 70% of the total arsenic in the majority of samples. Organic species were also determined in all samples, indicating the presence of microbial activity. A potential risk to human health was highlighted due to the high levels of arsenic, mainly as arsenite, in geothermal features linked to bathing pools. Further research is needed into dermal absorption as a potential route of arsenic exposure whilst bathing in these hot pools, as it may contribute to an occurrence of acute arsenic-related health problems.
Gillian Lord; Nicholas D. Kim; Neil I. Ward. Arsenic speciation of geothermal waters in New Zealand. Journal of Environmental Monitoring 2012, 14, 3192 -3201.
AMA StyleGillian Lord, Nicholas D. Kim, Neil I. Ward. Arsenic speciation of geothermal waters in New Zealand. Journal of Environmental Monitoring. 2012; 14 (12):3192-3201.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGillian Lord; Nicholas D. Kim; Neil I. Ward. 2012. "Arsenic speciation of geothermal waters in New Zealand." Journal of Environmental Monitoring 14, no. 12: 3192-3201.
An ongoing programme of soil quality assessment in the Waikato region of New Zealand is providing baseline data and allowing identification of the impacts of land use and associated key soil quality issues. In this paper, we review the strengths and weaknesses of key soil quality indicators and provide summary statistics for chemical, physical and biochemical parameters in both background and production soils of the Waikato Region. Statistical comparison of production to background soils, time related trends, relative surface enrichments, and correlations enable us to infer likely and potential impacts of human activity on the region’s soil resource. Five key issues that cause loss of soil resource have been identified. These are soil compaction, loss of soil organic matter, excessively high fertility levels, erosion risk, and accumulation of contaminants. In addition, evidence exists for accelerated attack or weathering of aluminosilicate minerals in farmed soils [dealumination, Australian Journal Soil Research (2009) vol. 47, 828–838], a process previously only recognized in soils adjacent to aluminium smelters.
M. D. Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim; R. B. Hill; R. Chapman. A review of soil quality indicators and five key issues after 12 yr soil quality monitoring in the Waikato region. Soil Use and Management 2010, 26, 212 -224.
AMA StyleM. D. Taylor, Nicholas D. Kim, R. B. Hill, R. Chapman. A review of soil quality indicators and five key issues after 12 yr soil quality monitoring in the Waikato region. Soil Use and Management. 2010; 26 (3):212-224.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. D. Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim; R. B. Hill; R. Chapman. 2010. "A review of soil quality indicators and five key issues after 12 yr soil quality monitoring in the Waikato region." Soil Use and Management 26, no. 3: 212-224.
George Cowie; Wade Lawson; Nicholas D. Kim. Australian dust causing respiratory disease admissions in some North Island, New Zealand hospitals. The New Zealand medical journal 2010, 123, 1 .
AMA StyleGeorge Cowie, Wade Lawson, Nicholas D. Kim. Australian dust causing respiratory disease admissions in some North Island, New Zealand hospitals. The New Zealand medical journal. 2010; 123 (1311):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorge Cowie; Wade Lawson; Nicholas D. Kim. 2010. "Australian dust causing respiratory disease admissions in some North Island, New Zealand hospitals." The New Zealand medical journal 123, no. 1311: 1.
This paper assesses a potentially interesting soil process, dealumination, as the mechanism for the increase observed in strong acid recoverable Al and associated elements in farmed soils compared with background soils in the Waikato Region of New Zealand. Waikato Regional Council has been measuring an established set of 7 soil quality chemical and physical parameters and concentrations of 33 elements as part of a Regional Soil Quality Monitoring program since 2003. Statistical comparison of farmed to background soils, relative surface enrichments, and inter-element correlations enable us to infer likely and potential sources of those elements which show some form of enrichment. Acid-recoverable Al is 1.5 times higher (P < 0.0001) in the Waikato region’s farmed soils than its background soils. This increase is not readily explained as an external source of recoverable Al (due to lack of enrichment at the soil surface). However, it could be explained as an increase in the concentration of acid-recoverable Al as a result of accelerated weathering or chemical attack of primary crystalline and short-range order aluminosilicates. In keeping with this interpretation, acid recoverable concentrations of several trace elements that are normally retained inside aluminosilicates (in residual phases) are also significantly higher in farmed than background soils but are not selectively enriched at the soil surface. These include (with enrichment-to-background factors) Li (2.5), La (2.1), Mn (1.5), and Ag, Bi, Mo, Sn, and Tl (1.4). Also, this process may contribute one-quarter of the observed increase in acid-recoverable U. If it is occurring, accelerated Al weathering may be a normal part of an increase in soil productivity, or may be facilitated by an external agent capable of attacking crystalline aluminosilicates. A candidate in the latter category is the F (and/or possibly free HF) in phosphate fertilisers, because this substantially increases Al species in soil porewater. Two specific mechanisms that could favour Al mobilisation from clay surfaces include partial dissolution by local areas of high acidity associated with fertiliser granules, and surface complexation and extraction by the fluoride and residual hydrofluoric acid present in phosphate fertilisers. Based on the high reactivity between F and both Al and Si, potential exists for significant production of SiF4(g) as another side-effect of phosphate fertiliser use.
M. D. Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim. Dealumination as a mechanism for increased acid recoverable aluminium in Waikato mineral soils. Soil Research 2009, 47, 828 -838.
AMA StyleM. D. Taylor, Nicholas D. Kim. Dealumination as a mechanism for increased acid recoverable aluminium in Waikato mineral soils. Soil Research. 2009; 47 (8):828-838.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. D. Taylor; Nicholas D. Kim. 2009. "Dealumination as a mechanism for increased acid recoverable aluminium in Waikato mineral soils." Soil Research 47, no. 8: 828-838.
Horticultural soils can contain elevated concentrations of selected trace elements and organochlorine pesticides as a result of long-term use of agrichemicals and soil amendments. A glasshouse study was undertaken to assess the uptake of weathered ΣDDT {sum of the p,p′- and o,p-isomers of DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane], DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene] and DDD[1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane]}, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) residues by lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and radish (Raphanus sativus) from field-aged New Zealand horticultural soils. Concentrations of ΣDDT, DDT, DDE, Cd, Cu, and Pb in lettuce increased with increasing soil concentrations. In radish, similar relationships were observed for ΣDDT, DDE, and Cu. The bioaccumulation factors were less than 1 with the exception of Cd and decreased with increasing soil concentrations. Lettuce Cd concentrations for plants grown on four out of 10 assayed soils were equivalent to or exceeded the New Zealand food standard for leafy vegetables of 0.1 mg kg−1 fresh weight. Concentrations of As, Pb, and ΣDDT did not exceed available food standards. Overall, these results demonstrate that aged residues of ΣDDT, As, Cd, Cu, and Pb in horticultural soils have remained phytoavailable. To be protective of human health, site-specific risk assessments and soil guideline derivations for residential settings with vegetable gardens need to consider the produce consumption pathway
Sally K. Gaw; Nicholas D. Kim; G. L. Northcott; Alistair L. Wilkins; Gavin Robinson. Uptake of ΣDDT, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, and Lead by Lettuce and Radish Grown in Contaminated Horticultural Soils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2008, 56, 6584 -6593.
AMA StyleSally K. Gaw, Nicholas D. Kim, G. L. Northcott, Alistair L. Wilkins, Gavin Robinson. Uptake of ΣDDT, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, and Lead by Lettuce and Radish Grown in Contaminated Horticultural Soils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2008; 56 (15):6584-6593.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSally K. Gaw; Nicholas D. Kim; G. L. Northcott; Alistair L. Wilkins; Gavin Robinson. 2008. "Uptake of ΣDDT, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, and Lead by Lettuce and Radish Grown in Contaminated Horticultural Soils." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56, no. 15: 6584-6593.