Abiotic samples

High PCN levels have been reported in abiotic samples from contaminated areas [4, 234, 235], Remarkably high PCN concentrations (61000ngg 1 dry weight) have been reported in sediment samples from Trenton located on the Detroit River (Michigan, USA) where several chemical manufacturing plants are located [236]. 

The biotic and abiotic samples were collected during the 1992-1993, 1993 1994, 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 austral summer seasons around Potter Cove, King George Island and South Shetland Islands (Figure 6.2). Samples collected during the mentioned austral summers included ... 

PCDDs are ubiquitous in the environment and have been measured in air, water, soil, sediments, and food. In Canada, all animals have been and continue to be exposed to these substances. Plasma dioxin levels of Canadian villagers are about eight times higher than the levels in urban residents, and this is attributed to the consumption of contaminated wildlife. Many PCDDS, in addition to 2,3,7,8-TCDD, are present in biological and abiotic samples. In general, wherever high levels of dioxins have been detected in the environment, a local application of... 

A variety of spectrographic, colorimetric, polarographic, and other analytical techniques are used for routine measurement of silver in biological and abiotic samples. The detection limit of silver in biological tissues with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectrometry is 0.02 xg/kg and sometimes as low as 0.005 xg/kg. In air, water, and soil samples, the preferred analytical procedures include flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, plasma emission spectroscopy, and neutron activation. Sensitive anodic stripping voltammetry techniques have recently been developed to measure free silver ion in surface waters at concentrations as low as 0.1 xg/L. 

Caldwell provided the justification for publishing the article (Caldwell et al. 2012) and stated that after the accidents at Fukushima aud Chernobyl there is an urgent need to characterize the bio-availability and transport potential of radionuclides such as uranium that are associated with the nuclear fuel cycle. This information cannot be solely inferred from abiotic sampling when considering the interacting chemical, biological and physical processes as they influence contaminant behavior within an ecosystan. The accumulation of radionuclides in plants reflects the level of contamination and is indicative of the bioavailability of these contaminants in the food chain. Furthermore, certain plants can serve as selective biomonitors of radionuclides. 

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