Sorption and oxic degradation of the explosive CL-20 during transport in subsurface sediments

The abiotic sorption and oxic degradation processes that control the fate of the explosive CL-20, Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, in the subsurface environment were investigated to determine the potential for vadose and groundwater contamination. Sorption of aqueous CL-20 is relatively small (K(d) = 0.02-3.83 cm3 g(-1) for 7 sediments and 12 minerals), which results in only slight retardation relative to water movement. Thus, CL-20 could move quickly through unsaturated and saturated sediments of comparable composition to groundwater, similar to the subsurface behavior of RDX. CL-20 sorption was mainly to mineral surfaces of the sediments, and the resulting isotherm was nonlinear. CL-20 abiotically degrades in oxic environments at slow rates (i.e., 10s to 100s of hours) with a wide variety of minerals, but at fast rates (i.e., minutes) in the presence of 2:1 phyllosilicate clays (hectorite, montmorillonite, nontronite), micas (biotite, illite), and specific oxides (MnO2 and the ferrous-ferric iron oxide magnetite). High concentrations of surface ferrous iron in a dithionite reduced sediment degraded CL-20 the fastest (half-life < 0.05 h), but 2:1 clays containing no structural or adsorbed ferrous iron (hectorite) could also quickly degrade CL-20 (half-life < 0.2 h). CL-20 degradation rates were slower in natural sediments (half-life 3-800 h) compared to minerals. Sediments with slow degradation rates and small sorption would exhibit the highest potential for deep subsurface migration. Products of CL-20 oxic degradation included three high molecular weight compounds and anions (nitrite and formate). The 2-3.5 moles of nitrite produced suggest CL-20 nitro-groups are degraded, and the amount of formate produced (0.2-1.2 moles) suggests the CL-20 cage structure is broken in some sediments. Identification of further degradation products and CL-20 mineralization rates is needed to fully assess the impact of these CL-20 transformation rates on the risk of CL-20 (and degradation product) subsurface movement.     

Concentrations of dioxins and related compounds in the blood of Fukuoka residents

Blood samples of 152 residents (male 75 and female 77) aged 20-60 years in Fukuoka, Japan, were analyzed for dioxin toxic compounds of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), non-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (non-ortho PCBs) and mono-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (mono-ortho PCBs) as well as 35 PCB congeners and 12 chlorinated pesticides by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. Average concentrations of dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQ) from PCDDs, PCDFs, non-ortho PCBs, mono-ortho PCBs and their total in the blood of 152 residents were 10.28, 5.56, 7.75, 4.57 and 28.15 ppt in lipid, respectively. These total TEQ levels were comparable to the blood TEQ levels of normal Japanese (n=735). Lipid basis total TEQ levels progressively increased in the males from 17.1 ppt at age 20s to 47.5 ppt at age 50s and in the females from 19.5 ppt at age 20s to 54.5 ppt at age 50s. Dioxin toxic contribution of PCBs to total TEQ was increased from 31% at age 20s to 55% at age 50s. Average concentrations of total 35 PCBs and total 12 pesticides in the blood of 151 residents were 386 and 1079 ppb in lipid, respectively. Average concentrations (ppb in lipid) of total PCBs and total pesticides also progressively increased in the males from 213 and 444 at age 20s to 868 and 2140 at age 50s, respectively, and in the females from 199 and 588 at age 20s to 550 and 1977 at age 50s, respectively. The levels of TEQ, PCBs, hexachlorobenzene, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, dieldrin, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, trans-nonachlor and cis-nonachlor were positively correlated with each other in most of the combinations, and the highest correlations (r>0.8) were observed between total TEQ and PCBs in both sexes.     

Enhanced uptake of As, Zn, and Cu by Vetiveria zizanioides and Zea mays using chelating agents

Vetiveria zizaniodes (vetiver) is commonly known for its effectiveness in soil and sediment erosion control. It can tolerate to extreme soil conditions and produce a high biomass even growing in contaminated areas. Zea mays (maize) can also produce a very high biomass with a fast growth rate and possesses some degree of metal tolerance. A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using vetiver and maize for remediation of arsenic (As)-, zinc (Zn-), and copper (Cu)-amended soils and evaluate the effects of chelating agents on metal uptake by these plants. Vetiver had a better growth (dry weight yield of root and shoot) than maize under different treatment conditions. The effects of different chelating agents on As, Zn, and Cu extraction from soil to soil solution were studied. Among the nine chelating agents used, it was noted that 20 mmol NTA could maximize As and Zn bioavailability, while 20 mmol HEIDA could maximize Cu bioavailability in the soil solution. The surge time in maximizing metal uptake ranged from 16 to 20 days which indicated that timing on plant harvest was an important factor in enhanced metal accumulation. In general, vetiver was a more suitable plant species than maize in terms of phytoextraction of metals from metal-contaminated soil. Application of NTA in As-amended soil and HEIDA in Cu-amended soil at the rate of 20 mmol kg(-1) increased 3-4-fold of As and Cu in shoot of both plants, whereas application of NTA (20 mmol kg(-1)) increased 37- and 1.5-fold of Zn accumulation in shoot of vetiver and maize, respectively. The potential environmental risk of metal mobility caused by chelating agents used for phytoextraction should not be overlooked.     

Neurochemical and electrophysiological diagnosis of reversible neurotoxicity in earthworms exposed to sublethal concentrations of CL-20

Background, aim, and scope

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) is a relatively new energetic compound sharing some degree of structural similarity with hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), a known neurotoxic compound. Previously, we demonstrated using a noninvasive electrophysiological technique that CL-20 was a more potent neurotoxicant than RDX to the earthworm Eisenia fetida. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CL-20 exposure and subsequent recovery on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) to further define the mechanism of reversible neurotoxicity of CL-20 in E. fetida.

Materials and methods

We used a noninvasive electrophysiological technique to evaluate neurotoxicity in CL-20-treated worms, and then measured how such exposures altered levels of whole-body mAChR in the same animals.

Results and discussion

A good correlation exists between these two types of endpoints. Effect on mAChR levels was most prominent at day 6 of exposure. After 7 days of recovery, both conduction velocity and mAChR were significantly restored. Our results show that sublethal concentrations of CL-20 significantly reduced mAChR levels in a concentration- and duration-dependent manner, which was accompanied with significant decreases in the conduction velocity of the medial and lateral giant nerve fibers. After 7-day post exposure recovery, worms restored both neurochemical (mAChR) and neurophysiological (conduction velocity) endpoints that were reduced during 6-day exposures to CL-20 concentrations from 0.02 to 0.22 µg/cm².

Conclusions and perspectives

Our findings support the idea that CL-20 induced neurotoxic effects are reversible, and suggest that CL-20 neurotoxicity may be mediated through the cholinergic system. Future studies will investigate other neurotransmission systems such as GABA, glutamate, and monoamine. Ion channels in the nerve membrane should be examined to further define the precise mechanisms underlying CL-20 neurotoxicity.     

Bioavailability and plant accumulation of heavy metals and phosphorus in agricultural soils amended by long-term application of sewage sludge

Amendment of agricultural soils with municipal sewage sludges provides a valuable source of plant nutrients and organic matter. Nevertheless, addition of heavy metals and risks of eutrophication continue to be of concern. Metal behaviour in soils and plant uptake are dependent on the nature of the metal, sludge/soil physico-chemical properties and plant species. A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate plant production and heavy metal uptake, soil heavy metal pools and bioavailability, and soil P pools and possible leaching losses, in agricultural soils amended with sewage sludge for at least 10 years (F20) compared to non-amended soils (control). Sewage sludge application increased soil pH, N, Olsen-extractable-P, DOC and exchangeable Ca, Mg and K concentrations. Total and EDTA-extractable soil concentrations of Cu and Zn were also significantly greater in F20, and soil metal (Cu, Mn and Zn) and P fractionation altered. Compared to the control, in F20 relative amounts of acid-extractable (Mn, Zn), reducible (Mn, Zn) and oxidisable (Cu, Zn) metal fractions were greater, and a dominance of inorganic P forms was observed. Analyses of F20 soil solutions highlighted risks of PO4 and Cu leaching. However, despite the observed increases in metal bioavailability sewage sludge applications did not lead to an increase in plant shoot concentrations (in wild plants or crop species). On the contrary, depending on the plant species, Mn and Zn tissue concentrations were within the deficiency level for most plants.     

Historical and geographical aspects of the increasing perfluorooctanoate and perfluorooctane sulfonate contamination in human serum in Japan

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) have recently received attention due to their widespread contamination in the environment, as well as in wildlife and humans. We measured the PFOS and PFOA concentrations in historically recorded human serum samples at an age range between 20 and 59 years collected in Kyoto, 20 persons per each time point (n=100), and also the PFOS and PFOA concentrations in human serum samples at an age range between 20 and 59 years from 10 locations throughout Japan (n=200). The historical samples collected from 1983 to 1999 demonstrated that the PFOA concentrations in males and females from Kyoto have increased 4.4-fold and 4.3-fold at a rate of increase of 0.49 ng/ml/year and 0.42 ng/ml/year, respectively. In contrast, serum concentrations of PFOS reached a plateau in the late 1980s. There are also regional differences in both the PFOS and PFOA serum concentrations. The concentrations in serum [geometric mean (geometric standard deviation)] (ng/ml) in 2003-2004 ranged from 7.6(1.6) in the town of Matsuoka in Fukui prefecture to 27.8(1.6) in Kyoto city, and ranged from 2.3(1.5) in Matsuoka to 14.5(1.3) in Osaka city for PFOS and PFOA, respectively.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in forest soils: depth distribution as indicator of different fate

We determined 20 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 12 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Oi, Oe, and Oa horizons and at 0-5 and 15-20 cm mineral soil depth of 16 Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands in north Bavaria. The sum of PAH concentrations increased along the line Oi (mean+/-SD: 841+/-330 microg kg(-1))相似文献   

Application of TLC for confirmation and screening of pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and cereal grains: Part 2. Repeatability and reproducibility of Rf and MDQ values

This paper illustrates the effect of major factors influencing the reproducibility of thin layer chromatography (TLC) separation and detection under largely differing environmental and laboratory conditions. The optimum conditions for reproducibility and detection sensitivity was obtained on 20 x 20 cm layer in the retention factor (Rf) range of 0.2-0.7 by applying the sample in spots of 3-4 mm diameter at 2 cm from the edge of the plate. The reproducibility rapidly decreased below Rf = 0.2. Above Rf = 0.2 the within-laboratory reproducibility of 219 pesticides obtained in ethyl acetate silica gel elution system by several laboratories was typically below 10%. The among-laboratories reproducibility of the average retention factors was generally below 12%. The minimum detectable quantities (MDQ) of 219 pesticide residues were determined with nine detection methods. The MDQ values largely varied depending on the mode of detection. Bioassay methods enabled the detection down to 0.1-10 ng, while 20-100 ng could be achieved with the chemical reagents. Higher MDQ values are also reported in order to assist the identification of compounds potentially present. The between-laboratories reproducibility of MDQ values was typically 1-5 MDQmin.     

Effect of start of main injection timing on performance,emission, and combustion characteristics of a VGT CI engine fueled with neem biodiesel

The performance of engine parameters is more influenced with fuel injection strategies namely start of main injection timing (SoMI). An experimental analysis was performed to find the optimum SoMI timing based on performance, emission, and combustion characteristics. Base fuel of diesel and neem biodiesel was used as test fuels. The neem biodiesel was prepared by esterification and transesterification process. It is found from literature that neem biodiesel blend NB20 with diesel gives optimum performance and emission characteristics; therefore, NB20 blend was used for experiments. A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) compression ignition (CI) engine was used to conduct the experiments. Engine performance parameters were estimated and compared with a base fuel of diesel and with NB20 blends. In this experimentation, fuel injection pressure (FIP) of 800 bar and engine speed of 1700 rpm were considered. SoMI timing was varied from 2° to 10° bTDC with an increment of 2° bTDC timing. Cylinder pressure (CP) and heat release rate (HRR) were estimated and found that are higher for diesel fuel compared to NB20 blend at different SoMI timings. The addition of neem biodiesel NB20 blend to diesel fuel decreases the exhaust emissions except NOx emissions. The BSFC was considerably reduced and BTE was improved almost equivalent to the diesel fuel for NB20. From the results, it is concluded that 10° bTDC SoMI timing provides 13% improvement in BTE, 21% decrement in BSFC, and 7.5% reduction in CO₂ emissions.

     

Preliminary ecotoxicological characterization of a new energetic substance, CL-20

A new energetic substance hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (or CL-20) was tested for its toxicities to various ecological receptors. CL-20 (epsilon-polymorph) was amended to soil or deionized water to construct concentration gradients. Results of Microtox (15-min contact) and 96-h algae growth inhibition tests indicate that CL-20 showed no adverse effects on the bioluminescence of marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri and the cell density of freshwater green algae Selenastrum capricornutum respectively, up to its water solubility (ca. 3.6 mg l(-1)). CL-20 and its possible biotransformation products did not inhibit seed germination and early seedling (16-19 d) growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) up to 10,000 mg kg(-1) in a Sassafras sandy loam soil (SSL). Indigenous soil microorganisms in SSL and a garden soil were exposed to CL-20 for one or two weeks before dehydrogenase activity (DHA) or potential nitrification activity (PNA) were assayed. Results indicate that up to 10,000 mg kg(-1) soil of CL-20 had no statistically significant effects on microbial communities measured as DHA or on the ammonium oxidizing bacteria determined as PNA in both soils. Data indicates that CL-20 was not acutely toxic to the species or microbial communities tested and that further studies are required to address the potential long-term environmental impact of CL-20 and its possible degradation products.     

染料结构-光催化降解活性关系初步研究

以近20种水溶性染料为研究对象,选择正辛醇-水分配系数(Kow)、分子最高占据轨道能(EHOMO)及分子最低空轨道能(ELUMO)等理化参数,建立了染料的定量结构-光催化降解反应活性关系模型,得到定量关系式为:lgk＝0.016 28×lgKow 0.132 46×(ELUMO-EHOMO)-2.148 56,很好地表示反应活性与结构之间的定量关系,为水溶性染料的光催化降解活性预测提供了有效的工具.     

Occurrence of alternative flame retardants in indoor dust from New Zealand: indoor sources and human exposure assessment

Due to worldwide restrictions on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), the demand for alternative flame retardants (AFRs), such as organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), novel brominated FRs (NBFRs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), has recently increased. Little is known about human exposure to NBFRs and OPFRs and that their levels in dust have been scarcely evaluated worldwide. To increase the knowledge regarding these chemicals, we measured concentrations of five major NBFRs, ten OPFRs and three HBCD isomers in indoor dust from New Zealand homes. Dust samples were taken from living room floors (n=34) and from mattresses of the same houses (n=16). Concentrations (ngg(-1)) of NBFRs were: 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) (<2-175), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) (<5-1430), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) (<2-2285) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) (<2-640). For OPFRs, concentrations (ngg(-1)) ranged between: tri-ethyl-phosphate (TEP) (<10-235), tri-n-butyl-phosphate (TnBP) (<20-7545), tris-(2-chloroethyl)-phosphate (TCEP) (<20-7605), tris-(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) (20-7615), tri-(2-butoxyethyl)-phosphate (TBEP) (50-27325), tris-(2,3-dichloropropyl)-phosphate (TDCPP) (20-16560), tri-phenyl-phosphate (TPhP) (20-35190), and tri-cresyl-phosphate (TCP) (<50-3760). HBCD concentrations fell in the range <2-4100ngg(-1). BTBPE, DBDPE, TBPH, TBEP, and TnBP showed significant positive correlation (p<0.05) between their concentrations in mattresses and the corresponding floor dust (n=16). These data were used to derive a range of plausible exposure scenarios. Although the estimated exposure is well below the corresponding reference doses (RfDs), caution is needed given the likely future increase in use of these FRs and the currently unknown contribution to human exposure by other pathways such as inhalation and diet.     

Effects of biodiesel on emissions of regulated air pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under engine durability testing

An 80,000-km durability test was performed on two engines using diesel and biodiesel (methyl ester of waste cooking oil) as fuel in order to examine emissions resulting from the use of biodiesel. The test biodiesel (B20) was blended with 80% diesel and 20% methyl ester derived from waste cooking oil. Emissions of regulated air pollutants, including CO, HC, NO_x, particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured at 20,000-km intervals. The identical-model engines were installed on a standard dynamometer equipped with a dilution tunnel used to measure the pollutants. To simulate real-world driving conditions, emission measurements were made in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) FTP transient cycle guidelines. At 0 km of the durability test, HC, CO and PM emission levels were lower for the B20 engine than those for diesel. After running for 20,000 km and longer, they were higher. However, the deterioration coefficients for these regulated air pollutants were not statistically higher than 1.0, implying that the emission factors do not increase significantly after 80,000 km of driving. Total (gaseous+particulate phase) PAH emission levels for both B20 and diesel decreased as the driving mileage accumulated. However, for the engine using B20 fuel, particulate PAH emissions increased as engine mileage increased. The average total PAH emission factors were 1097 and 1437 μg bhp h⁻¹ for B20 and diesel, respectively. For B20, the benzo[a]pyrene equivalence emission factors were 0.77, 0.24, 0.20, 7.48, 5.43 and 14.1 μg bhp h⁻¹ for 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-ringed and total PAHs. Results show that B20 use can reduce both PAH emission and its corresponding carcinogenic potency.     

Interaction of Endosulfan and malathion with blue-green algae Anabaena and Aulosira fertilissima

The growth of Anabaena and Aulosira fertilissima was adversely affected by endosulfan even at 1 microg ml(-1). The inhibition was significantly above 50% at 20 microg ml(-1) throughout the incubation. Anabaena survived up to 500 microg ml(-1) of malathion, but was completely bleached in the presence of 50 microg ml(-1) of endosulfan. Aulosira was more sensitive to malathion than Anabaena and recovered to control levels only at 10 microg ml(-1). The morphology and hetercyst frequency were not altered in Anabaena. Aulosira cultures were dull brown in colour at 20 microg ml(-1) of endosulfan with the filaments clumping, instead of the usual mat formation. Both malathion and endosulfan considerably lowered (14)C uptake and nitrogenase activities in Aulosira. Nitrogen fixation was unaffected in Anabaena as the amounts of ethylene produced were equal to, or above, control levels. The impact of these insecticides on photosynthesis in Anabaena was only slight.     

The effect of ageing on the toxicity of zinc for the potworm Enchytraeus albidus.

Different extractable zinc fractions and the ecotoxicity of zinc in Enchytraeus albidus were assessed using freshly spiked artificial soils and spiked soils which had been aged for 8 weeks. Standard artificial Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)-soils were aged in four different ways: (1) storing at 20 degrees C; (2) percolation followed by storing at 20 degrees C; (3) alternately heating at 60 degrees C and storing at 20 degrees C; and (4) alternately freezing at -20 degrees C and storing at 20 degrees C. Ageing had no clear influence on the pore water concentration, the water soluble and the calcium chloride extractable fraction of zinc in the artificial soils. Similarly, the 21d LC50 and the 42d EC50(reproduction) for E. albidus were not influenced by the different treatments. This absence of zinc fixation in the artificial soil during ageing was probably due to the use of kaolinite clay in OECD-soil.     

Aggregation and ecotoxicity of CeO₂ nanoparticles in synthetic and natural waters with variable pH, organic matter concentration and ionic strength

The influence of pH (6.0-9.0), natural organic matter (NOM) (0-10 mg C/L) and ionic strength (IS) (1.7-40 mM) on 14 nm CeO₂ NP aggregation and ecotoxicity towards the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was assessed following a central composite design. Mean NP aggregate sizes ranged between 200 and 10000 nm. Increasing pH and IS enhanced aggregation, while increasing NOM decreased mean aggregate sizes. The 48 h-E_rC20s ranged between 4.7 and 395.8 mg CeO₂/L. An equation for predicting the 48 h-E_rC20 (48 h-E_rC20 = −1626.4 × (pH) + 109.45 × (pH)² + 116.49 × ([NOM]) − 14.317 × (pH) × ([NOM]) + 6007.2) was developed. In a validation study with natural waters the predicted 48 h-E_rC20 was a factor 1.08-2.57 lower compared to the experimental values.     

Macro-porosity and leaching of atrazine in tilled and orchard loamy soils

Atrazine is the most commonly detected herbicide in the groundwater. Leaching of atrazine largely depends on soil management practices. The aim of this study was to examine leaching of atrazine in tilled and orchard silty loam soils. The experimental objects included: conventionally tilled field (CT) with main tillage operations including pre-plow (10 cm) + harrowing, mouldboard ploughing (20 cm), and a 35 year-old apple orchard (OR) with a permanent sward. To determine leaching of atrazine soil columns of undisturbed structure were taken with steel cylinders of 21.5 cm diameter and 20 cm high from the depth of 0–20 cm. All columns were equilibrated at water content corresponding to field capacity (0.21 kg kg⁻¹). Atrazine suspended in distilled water was dripped uniformly onto the surface of each column. Then water was infiltrated and breakthrough times of leachates were recorded. Atrazine concentration in the leachates was determined by means of HPLC Waters. Macro-porosity and percolation rate were higher in OR than CT soil. Cumulative recovery % of the atrazine applied was 1.267% for OR and approximately one third more from the CT soil but the rate of leaching (per unit of time) was greater from the OR soil. The lower leaching under OR than CT can be due to a greater SOM and the presence of earthworm burrows with organic burrow linings that could adsorb atrazine and contribute to preferential flow allowing solutes to bypass parts whereas the greater rate of leaching due to a greater infiltration rate.The results indicate potential of management practices for minimizing atrazine leaching.     

Source and release mechanism of arsenic in aquifers of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

In order to elucidate the arsenic source and its release mechanism into groundwater in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, groundwater samples were collected from wells at different depths (20 to 440 m) and core samples (from 20 to 265 m depth) were analyzed. Based on the analytical results for groundwater and core samples, the As source in groundwater is considered to be pyrite (FeS(2)) in acid sulfate soil (ASS) under oxidizing conditions and hydrous ferric oxide (Fe(OH)(3)) under reducing conditions. Geochemical modeling demonstrated that As(III) is the dominant species and the presence of As-bearing sulfides, Fe-bearing sulfides and oxides phases may locally act as potential sinks for As. From variation between Fe and As concentrations in groundwater samples, the release mechanism of As is: dissolution of Fe(OH)(3) containing As under reducing conditions and oxidative decomposition of FeS(2) containing As under oxidizing conditions.     

Biological removal of gaseous ammonia in biofilters: space travel and earth-based applications

Gaseous NH3 removal was studied in laboratory-scale biofilters (14-L reactor volume) containing perlite inoculated with a nitrifying enrichment culture. These biofilters received 6 L/min of airflow with inlet NH3 concentrations of 20 or 50 ppm, and removed more than 99.99% of the NH3 for the period of operation (101, 102 days). Comparison between an active reactor and an autoclaved control indicated that NH3 removal resulted from nitrification directly, as well as from enhanced absorption resulting from acidity produced by nitrification. Spatial distribution studies (20 ppm only) after 8 days of operation showed that nearly 95% of the NH3 could be accounted for in the lower 25% of the biofilter matrix, proximate to the port of entry. Periodic analysis of the biofilter material (20 and 50 ppm) showed accumulation of the nitrification product NO3- early in the operation, but later both NO2- and NO3- accumulated. Additionally, the N-mass balance accountability dropped from near 100% early in the experiments to approximately 95 and 75% for the 20- and 50-ppm biofilters, respectively. A partial contributing factor to this drop in mass balance accountability was the production of NO and N2O, which were detected in the biofilter exhaust.     

Solubility and adsorption behaviors of chlorpyriphos-methyl in the presence of surfactants

In the present work changes in the adsorption of the pesticide chlorpyrifos-methyl (CLP-m) on soil colloids induced by application of surfactants were determined using a batch equilibrium method. The surfactants used were sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Tween 20, and dihexadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DHAB). The adsorption isotherms of CLP-m in aqueous medium and in surfactant solutions at concentration equal to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) fitted the Freunlich adsorption equation generally with R² values greater than 0.96. While the addition of SDS and DHAB decreased the pesticide adsorption, the addition of Tween 20 increased the pesticide adsorption. The increases or decreases in the adsorption in the experiment revealed that the behavior of CLP-m in soil water-systems mainly depends on the type of surfactant. Moreover water solubility of CLP-m changes by the three surfactants below and above their CMC were studied. While the solubility of CLP-m was enhanced by SDS both below and above the CMC, the solubility of the pesticide was enhanced by DHAB only above the CMC. Tween 20 did not influence the solubility of CLP-m.