A possible simplification of the Goss-modified Abraham solvation equation

Abraham solvation equations find widespread use in environmental chemistry and pharmaco-chemistry. Recently Goss proposed a modified Abraham solvation equation. For various partitioning processes, the present study investigates the consequences for the fit when the Abraham solvation parameter V is left out of this modified solvation equation. For air-organic solvent partition, the Abraham solvation parameter V can be omitted from the Goss-modified Abraham solvation equation without any loss of statistical quality. For air–water partitioning, organic biphasic system partitioning, as well as water-organic solvent partitioning, omitting the V parameter from the Goss-modified Abraham solvation equation leads to only a small deterioration of statistic quality.     

Critical remarks on the use of terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) for monitoring of airborne pollution

Duplicate samples of the two terrestrial moss species Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi, which are widely used to monitor airborne heavy metal pollution, have been collected from eight catchments spread over a 1,500,000 km2 area in northern Europe. These were analysed for a total of 38 elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and cold vapour-atomic absorption spectometry techniques. Results show that the moss species can be combined without interspecies calibration for regional mapping purposes. For the majority of elements the observed within-catchment variation is large--big composite samples over a large area should thus be collected when moss is to be used for monitoring purposes. For the majority of elements the input of dust governs moss chemistry. For a reliable 'contamination' signal over a sizeable area a major source is needed. Some elements show a dependence on climate/vegetation zone. In coastal areas the input of marine aerosols will alter the chemical signal obtained from moss samples.     

Chiral organochlorine pesticides in the atmosphere

We measured the enantiomeric fractions (EF) of various organochlorine pesticides in air samples from Indiana, Arkansas, and Louisiana collected in 2002–2003. Enantiomeric fractions for o,p′-DDD are reported here for the first time, and they suggest preferential depletion of one enantiomer over the other, with a mean value of 0.44. For the chlordanes, the EFs followed the same trends as reported in previous studies. EF values for trans-chlordane (TC) were slightly below 0.5, and values for cis-chlordane (CC) were slightly above 0.5. For cis-heptachlor epoxide (HEPX), the EF values averaged 0.65, indicating a clear preferential depletion of the (−)-enantiomer. For TC and CC, no clear distinction could be made between the values measured among the three sites, suggesting that it is not possible to use these EF values as “source signatures”. For HEPX, the Indiana site had significantly higher EF values than did the Arkansas site; this difference may reflect differences in the historic use of heptachlor in these two regions.     

On the road from environmental biomonitoring to human health aspects: monitoring atmospheric heavy metal deposition by epiphytic/epigeic plants: present status and future needs

For the past few years, a strong and intensive combined study by analytical scientists and biologists on bioindication and biomonitoring has developed. To achieve a more public-related prophylactic healthcare feature derived from these biotechniques in the future, the collaboration between analytical scientists, ecotoxicologists and especially human toxicologists has to be strongly intensified and promoted. For this purpose, different forms of education and teaching of students on an international level combined with common research projects encompassing the different scientific fields and philosophies are important keys for common success.     

Comparative analysis of the growth impact of pollution and energy use in selected West African nations

We adopt the FMOLS and Granger causality technique to analyse the effect of energy use and carbon emissions on output growth in selected West African economies, which includes Nigeria, Gambia and Ghana, from 1970 to 2019. Findings confirm that energy use enhances growth in the three selected West African economies. But in terms of significance, energy consumption is significant in Nigeria and Gambia at a 1% level of significance while it is insignificant for the Gambia. CO₂ emission positively and significantly propels economic growth for the three selected West African economies. For Nigeria, causality evidence shows no direct influence among the variables. For Ghana, we find a bi-causal association between output growth and carbon emissions and a unidirectional causality from pollution to energy consumption. For Gambia, economic growth causes CO₂ emissions. We recommend that the West African government reinforce their stand on a sustainable growth path through energy conservation.

     

Monoterpenes emitted to air from industrial barking of Scandinavian conifers

Monoterpenes released to air were determined during single-log barking of timber at a saw-mill and during tumble drum barking of pulpwood at a TMP mill. Characteristic proportions of fourteen compounds were assessed by adsorbent sampling and gas chromatography. For Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), the bicylic monoterpenes alpha-pinene and 3-carene predominated. For Norway spruce (Picea abies), alpha-pinene followed by beta-pinene were the major components. The proportions of beta-phellandrene and myrcene from spruce were remarkably high from barking compared to wood processing. Environmental aspects on the emissions are discussed.     

Long-range air pollution and its impact on heavy metal accumulation in dippers Cinclus cinclus in Norway

Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and zinc are deposited in Norway as long-range transported air pollution, while copper deposition is of mainly local origin. This study examined whether the deposition influences the metal concentrations in dippers Cinclus cinclus. The lead concentration in dippers reflected the deposition pattern of long-range air pollution, with higher concentrations in Southern Norway than Central Norway and a significant decrease (>/=40%) between 1987 and 1994. For cadmium, copper and zinc there were no geographical or temporal variations in metal concentrations. For zinc, this lack of geographic and temporal variation probably reflects the fact that it is a homeostatically regulated metal. For both cadmium and copper, local sources are probably more important than long-range sources. Zinc and copper was at higher level in livers of females than in males during the egg laying period. The concentrations of zinc and copper in livers were positively correlated.     

Microbial processes as key drivers for metal (im)mobilization along a redox gradient in the saturated zone

Two sites representing different aquifer types, i.e., Dommel (sandy) and Flémalle (gravelly loam) along the Meuse River, have been selected to conduct microcosm experiments. Various conditions ranging from aerobic over nitrate- to sulphate reducing were imposed. For the sandy aquifer, nitrate reducing conditions predominated, which specifically in the presence of a carbon source led to pH increases and enhanced Zn removal. For the calcareous gravelly loam, sulphate reduction was dominant resulting in immobilization of both Zn and Cd. For both aquifer types and almost all redox conditions, higher arsenic concentrations were measured in the groundwater. Analyses of different specific microbial populations by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed the dominance of denitrifiers for the Dommel site, while sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) were the prevailing population for all redox conditions in the Flémalle samples.     

Determination of critical pollutant levels in wild populations, examples from organochlorine insecticides in birds of prey

In assessing effects of pollutants on wild organisms, ecological concern is not so much with the protection of individuals, but with the maintenance of self-sustaining populations. Measures of the toxicity of chemicals made under laboratory conditions are thus of limited use when applied to populations in the field. For wild populations the critical level of any pollutant is that level which will lead to population decline (LPD). Among a range of species, this level may bear no consistent relationship to the LD(50) (or LC(50)). In some British birds of prey, whose numbers had been reduced mainly by HEOD poisoning, it was possible to determine the level of HEOD in the birds below which population recovery occurred. For Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, this was equivalent to a geometric mean HEOD level in livers of birds found dead of about 1.0 microg g(-1) (in wet weight). For Peregrines, it was equivalent to a geometric mean HEOD level in addled eggs of 0.7 microg g(-1) (wet weight).     

Determination and analysis of sorption of 137Cs to soils in Hong Kong reservoir

Soils from a local reservoir had been analyzed for their physical and chemical properties, distribution coefficients Kd and sorption rates for 137Cs. It was found that soils in Hong Kong were relatively low in organic matter and more acidic than those in some other countries. In sorption experiments, the rates of decrease in water activity concentration were initially very high, higher for larger mass of soils added, and then slowed down. The larger the mass, the shorter was the time for equilibrium. Three isotherms had been obtained by varying one of the three parameters (initial water activity concentration, slurry ratio and particle size) at a time. For constant initial water activity concentration and random sizes, percent sorption increased with slurry ratio. For soils of constant mass and random sizes. percent sorption decreased with increasing initial water activity concentration. For constant initial water activity concentration and slurry ratio, percent sorption increased with decreasing size of soil particles. A simple logistic model was developed to explain some of the findings.     

Relationship between bioconcentration in fish and steric factors of hydrophobic chemicals

Most polychlorinated naphthalones (PCN) accumulate rapidly according to their hydrophobicity. The uptake and ellmination rate constants are comparable to those of chlorinated benzenes and biphenyls.For most PCN-congeners the resulting bioaccumulation factors show an increase with increasing hydrophobicity. For higher K_d,oct-values (>10⁵) however, no further increase of K_c is observed (K_c. max. = 3.5.10⁴).For the two hepta- and the octachloronaphthalenes no detectable concentrations are found in the fishes, although no restricted blo-availability could be expected. Based on these observations and on data obtained from the literature. a loss of membrane permeation is suggested for hydrophobic molecules with widths over 9.5 Å.In addition a membrane permeation model, as part of the accumulation process of hydrophobic chemicals. Is proposed, which is based on diffusion and partition processes.     

Methods of Organic Solvent Analyses Used in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Air Pollution Control District has enacted a solvent law termed Rule 66. It places limitations on both solvent emissions and formulations used within its jurisdiction. Two types of analytical procedures were developed in conjunction with the rule. For emissions, a total combustion method is used whereby organic source vapors are catalytically converted to CO₂ and reported in terms of carbon content. For liquid formulations, a column chromatographic screening analysis is first performed to measure categories of compounds: oxygenates, aromatics, olefins, and paraffins. This helps to select the starting conditions for the lengthier GC procedure which provides the ultimate analysis of individual compounds.     

Spatial distribution of drinking and irrigation water quality indices of Ghizer River Basin,northern Pakistan

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Determining the water contamination of a river that threatens the dependent ecological community is a pillar for sustainable management. For this...     

Efficient water treatment achieved in recirculating aquaculture system using woodchip denitrification and slow sand filtration

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - For a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), a passive water treatment system was designed for efficient discharge nutrient removal and water reuse...     

Emissions and demonstration of an emission control technology for small two-stroke utility engines

Small utility engines represent an important contribution to the emissions inventory and have been subjected to increasingly stringent regulations in recent years. For this project, a Tanaka two-stroke engine was tested in its original condition and with a modified fuel/oil injection system. The modified fuel/oil injection system applied to the Tanaka two-stroke engine resulted in significant emissions reductions of approximately 52% for carbon monoxide (CO), 70% for total hydrocarbons (THC), 70% for particulate matter (PM), and 67% for the regulated THC + nitrogen oxides metric. This technology met the California Air Resources Board's 2000 model-year regulations for all pollutants, with the exception of slightly higher PM emissions. Two additional two-stroke engines were tested under a new condition and after at least 100 hr of use to examine the effects of deterioration on in-use, two-stroke engines. For one engine, CO and PM emissions more than tripled after 162 hr of operation in the field, with smaller increases also observed for THC (20%). For the second engine, significant repairs were required throughout the 100 operating hours, which counteracted the effects of the emissions deterioration and resulted in lower CO and THC emissions.     

Source diagnostics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban road runoff, dust, rain and canopy throughfall

Diagnostic ratios and multivariate analysis were utilized to apportion polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) sources for road runoff, road dust, rain and canopy throughfall based on samples collected in an urban area of Beijing, China. Three sampling sites representing vehicle lane, bicycle lane and branch road were selected. For road runoff and road dust, vehicular emission and coal combustion were identified as major sources, and the source contributions varied among the sampling sites. For rain, three principal components were apportioned representing coal/oil combustion (54%), vehicular emission (34%) and coking (12%). For canopy throughfall, vehicular emission (56%), coal combustion (30%) and oil combustion (14%) were identified as major sources. Overall, the PAH's source for road runoff mainly reflected that for road dust. Despite site-specific sources, the findings at the study area provided a general picture of PAHs sources for the road runoff system in urban area of Beijing.     

Application of natural oil in IPM of grapevine with special regard to predatory mites

Abstract

Oil products are widely used in orchards and on grapevine as pesticides, or adjuvants to pesticides. We aimed to get information on the efficacy of formulated rape seed oil against phytophagous mites in grapevine and its effect on predatory mites. Formulated rape seed oil (TELMION^R) from the Temmen GmbH, Germany was used in field trials at 0.5% and 1 %.

For phytophagous mites TELMION^R had an efficacy of 90,1% and 91,2% for 05% and for 1%, respectively. For Phytoseiidae there was no side effect at 0.5% and 1%. For Tydeiidae there was no side effect at 0.5% and a moderate toxicity (43.1%) at 1%. On the basis of our results TELMION^R seems to fit well into Integrated Pest Management or Organic Production in grapevine.     

Recycling research on spent fluorescent lamps on the basis of extended producer responsibility in China

Mercury is a physiological toxin released by spent fluorescent lamps (SFLs) and is considered a serious pollutant. As the world’s largest producer of fluorescent lamps, China suffers from SFL pollution because of inefficient recycling and management of SFLs. Drawing upon the most successful practices worldwide, this paper suggests the recycling of SFLs on the basis of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) system in China. Manufacturers and importers are the main parties responsible for the take-back, recycling, and disposal of SFLs in the EPR system. In view of the situation in China and to address the objectives of the EPR system, this paper recommends the implementation of a third-party take-back mode for small- and medium-scale enterprises and of a take-back mode for large enterprises to be carried out by original equipment manufacturers. This paper suggests an extended responsibility fund to finance and support the SFL recycling system and discusses in detail the different recycling network systems and fund flows of the two take-back modes. By conducting a case study, the authors determine that the subsidy rate for SFLs that a recycling company can obtain from the extended responsibility fund for recycling and disposing of lamps can be set at $1.35/kg. The authors also predict the levy level that fluorescent lamp manufacturers must submit.

Implications:For policymakers, a proper and effective way to manage and recycle spent fluorescent lamps (SFLs) is necessary. The recommended system and the predicted number values of the subsidy rate and levy level can be the basis in practice. For people, the proper management measures will reduce exposure from SFLs effectively, especially the risk of exposure to mercury. For society, the measures can help increase resource utilization rate. For manufacturers, an effective extended responsibility fund will motivate them to improve processing technique and green design.     

Trends in Fenton and photo-Fenton processes for degradation of antineoplastic agents in water matrices: current knowledge and future challenges evaluation using a bibliometric and systematic analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Antineoplastic agents present potential hazards to human health and the environment. For this reason, these compounds have attracted a great deal of...     

Reactivity of secondary phases in weathered limestone using isotopic tracers (D and 18O)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - For a long time, limestone has been massively used in stone building and monuments because of its easy extraction and common presence in the...