Geochemistry of soil around a fluoride contaminated area in Nayagarh District,Orissa, India: Factor analytical appraisal

Fluoride contamination in soil was studied in the vicinity of a hot spring in Nayagarh district of Orissa. Both bulk soil from 0 to 30 cm depth and profile soils from 0 to 90 cm depth were analyzed for total fluoride (F_t) and 0.01 M CaCl₂ extractable fluoride (F_ca), major elements, pH, EC and Organic Carbon (OC). High concentrations of both F_t and F_ca were observed in the area surrounding the hot spring and the village of Singhpur. Principal factor analysis (PFA) on the parameters of the bulk soils suggests that two major chemical processes due to three factors, control the soil geochemistry of the area. Factor-1 contributes 37.11% of the total variance and is strongly loaded with Al, Si, Fe, F_tand F_ca, and explains the fluoride enrichment of the soil, whereas the second and the third factors contribute 16.6 and 12.2%, respectively and explain the controlling process of carbonate precipitation and soil alkalinity. Multiple regression analysis of the scores of the factors was performed to derive a fluoride contamination index in soil. The magnitude of the factor effect on the contamination index follows the order of Factor-1 > Factor-2 > Factor-3. The spatial distribution of the contamination index is used to classify the area into highly contaminated, moderately contaminated and uncontaminated zones.     

Characterization, dissolution and solubility of synthetic svabite [Ca5(AsO4)3F] at 25�C45��C

Svabite is a secondary arsenate mineral, calcium fluoride arsenate [Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F], in the apatite group of phosphates. Its dissolution and subsequent release of aqueous species play an important role in the cycling of arsenic and fluoride in the environment, but the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of svabite dissolution have never been investigated. In the present study, svabite was prepared by precipitation and characterized by various techniques, and then dissolution of synthetic svabite was studied at 25, 35 and 45°C in a series of batch experiments. In addition, the aqueous concentrations from the batch dissolution were used to calculate the solubility product and free energy of formation of svabite. The results of the X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicated that the synthetic, microcrystalline svabite with apatite structure used in the experiments has not changed after dissolution. For the dissolution of svabite [Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F] in ultrapure water, F⁻ ions were initially found to dissolve preferentially when compared with calcium and arsenate. Preferential dissolution of arsenate when compared with that of calcium was also observed. Dissolution of svabite in aqueous medium appeared to be always non-stoichiometric at the beginning, but when a dissolution equilibrium or steady state was reached at 25 and 35°C, the solid dissolved almost stoichiometrically. The release of calcium, arsenic and fluoride to solution increased with decreasing temperature. The mean K _sp value was calculated for Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F of 10^−39.21 (10^−39.18 ~ 10^−39.24) at 25°C; the free energy of formation ΔG _f ^o [Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F] was −5210.46 kJ/mol.     

Comparative toxicities of 10 widely used biocides in three freshwater invertebrate species

Owing to their widespread use in wooden products, industrial products, cosmetics, and personal care products, biocides are frequently detected in wastewater and surface water. In this study, I examined the acute toxicities of 10 commonly used biocides, namely methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone, dichlorooctylisothiazolinone, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, triclosan, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, climbazole, and clotrimazole, in the water flea (Daphnia similis), freshwater planarians (Dugesia japonica) and green neon shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata). Among the 10 tested biocides, dichlorooctylisothiazolinone was the most toxic to both D. similis and N. denticulata, whereas pracolstrobin was the most toxic to Du. japonica. By contrast, the least toxic biocides for D. similis, Du. japonica, and N. denticulata were climbazole, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, and methylisothiazolinone, respectively. The 48-h nominal LC₅₀ values of all the biocides, except for benzisothiazolinone and climbazole, in D. similis were mostly less than 1 mg/L. In addition, the 96-h nominal LC₅₀ values of all the biocides, except for methylisothiazolinone and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, in Du. japonica was less than 1 mg/L. These results indicate the biocides with low LC₅₀ values are relatively toxic to freshwater organisms.     

Single and multiple daily dose toxicokinetics of fluoride after oral administration of sodium fluoride along with aluminum sulfate in goats

Our previous study suggested that toxicokinetic parameters of fluoride were significantly changed on the 30th day as compared with 1st day, after repeated oral administration of sodium fluoride alone for 30 days in goats. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether aluminum sulfate has ameliorative effect on the toxicokinetics of fluoride. For this, sodium fluoride (20 mg kg^?1 b. wt.) along with aluminum sulfate (150 mg kg^?1 b. wt.) was administered in goats for 30 days to investigate its effect on toxicokinetics of fluoride on days 1 and 30. The fluoride levels against time were adequately described by one compartment open model. The peak plasma level of fluoride was observed at 2 h. The toxicokinetics data revealed a nonsignificant decrease in β (elimination rate constant) and C _max (the maximum plasma concentration) and increase in t _1/2 K _a (absorption half-lives), t _1/2 β (elimination half-lives), area under the plasma (AUC) concentration versus time curve and mean residence time (MRT) was observed for the last dose from their respective first dose values. On the basis of changes in the toxicokinetic parameters, it was concluded that repeated oral administration has cumulative effect on plasma fluoride level and concurrent oral administration of aluminum sulfate has ameliorative action on the toxicokinetics of fluoride in goats.     

Removal of dyes from water using crosslinked aminomethane sulfonic acid based resin

A new polymeric resin with amino sulfonic acid pendant functions has been prepared for the extraction of acidic and basic dyes from water. Beaded polymer supports were prepared by suspension polymerization of vinyl benzyl chloride (0.9 mol) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (0.1 mol). The resulting copolymer beads were modified with amino methane sulfonic acid. The dye adsorption capacity of the resin was found as 0.16 g dye/g resin for ramazol black and 0.15 g dye/g resin for crystal violet. The pH depending measurements and dye sorption kinetics of the resin were also investigated.     

Potential fluoride contamination in the drinking water of Marks Nagar,Unnao district,Uttar Pradesh,India

This study was conducted in the summer season (May, 2007). The fluoride concentration along with other physico-chemical parameters in ground water samples was determined in Marks Nagar of Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh (India), since it is the only source of drinking water for the villagers. The fluoride concentration in the water varied from 0.8 to 13.9 mgl⁻¹ with a mean of 4.02 mgl⁻¹. The correlation analysis revealed that fluoride had a positive correlation with pH, CO₃, HCO₃, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), whereas a negative correlation with Ca and Mg was found. A soil profile was also dug in the area to assess depth-wise fluoride content in the soil. The soil samples and underneath calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) concretion were analyzed for fluoride content. The percent of soluble fluoride to total fluoride in the soil varied from 25.15 to 4.76% down the soil profile. The soluble fluoride was found to decrease with the increase in the clay content in the soil. The total leachable fluoride in CaCO₃ concretions was found to be 6.08%. It was inferred from this study that the soil and underneath layer of CaCO₃ concretions may be the potential source of fluoride contamination in the shallow drinking water sources of the area.     

内质网应激在不同钙水平下对母鼠氟暴露后仔鼠脑海马细胞的作用

为探讨内质网应激在不同饲料钙水平下对母鼠氟暴露后仔鼠脑海马细胞的作用,选用SD雌性大鼠75只,雄性大鼠25只,雌鼠随机分为对照组(DZ)、染氟组(RF)、低钙组(LG)、染氟低钙组(LF)和染氟高钙组(HF)。雌鼠染毒3个月,交配产仔,检测胎鼠与14日龄、28日龄仔鼠脑海马内质网应激伴侣分子BIP、CHOP和CRT蛋白表达水平。结果显示,与DZ组比,胎鼠、14日龄仔鼠RF组、LF组BIP、CHOP和CRT蛋白表达均显著升高,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.01),HF组BIP、CHOP和CRT蛋白表达均升高,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05),28日龄仔鼠RF组BIP、CHOP蛋白表达显著升高,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.01),CRT蛋白表达升高,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05),LF组BIP、CHOP和CRT蛋白表达均显著升高,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.01),HF组BIP、CHOP和CRT蛋白表达均显著升高,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05)。与RF组比,胎鼠与14日龄、28日龄仔鼠LF组BIP、CHOP和CRT蛋白表达水平升高,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.01),胎鼠、14日龄仔鼠HF组BIP、CHOP和CRT蛋白表达水平下降,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05),28日龄仔鼠BIP、CHOP蛋白表达水平下降,差异具有统计学意义(P 0.05)。研究表明,内质网应激可能参与了母鼠氟暴露致仔鼠脑损伤,高钙饲料可缓解母鼠氟暴露致仔鼠脑海马神经细胞的损伤,低钙饲料则进一步加剧了母鼠氟暴露致仔鼠脑海马神经细胞损伤。     

Automated indirect fluoride determination by ICP-OES using discontinuous-flow analysis

An automated method for the indirect determination of fluoride by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using discontinuous-flow analysis has been developed. A modified flow injection analysis system was used for sample preparation. The method is based on the determination of excess cerium(III) ion after precipitation of CeF₃. Separation of the precipitate is performed online on a syringe membrane filter that is cleaned each analysis cycle by 1 M nitric acid, ensuring a long life-time for the filter. As a result of the short reaction time, a detection limit of 9.5 mg L^?1 was obtained. The precision (RSD) of the proposed method is 1.02% at fluoride concentration of 28 mg L^?1. The applicability of the technique for groundwater monitoring of fluoride-contaminated area is demonstrated.     

Solar photocatalytic decomposition of two azo dyes on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composites

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/TiO₂ composite photocatalysts with high photoactivity were prepared by sol-gel process and further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and UV-vis absorption spectra. Compared to pure TiO₂, the combination of MWCNTs with titania could cause a significant absorption shift toward the visible region. The photocatalytic performances of the MWCNTs/TiO₂ composite catalysts were evaluated for the decomposition of Reactive light yellow K-6G (K-6G) and Mordant black 7 (MB 7) azo dyes solution under solar light irradiation. The results showed that the addition of MWCNTs enhanced the adsorption and photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ for the degradation of azo dyes K-6G and MB 7. The effect of MWCNTs content, catalyst dosage, pH, and initial dye concentration were examined as operational parameters. The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of two dyes was found to follow a pseudo-first-order rate law. The photocatalyst was used for seven cycles with photocatalytic degradation efficiency still higher than 98%. A plausible mechanism is also proposed and discussed on the basis of experimental results.     

Analysis of polymeric quaternary ammonium salts as found in cosmetics by metachromatic polyelectrolyte titration

Metachromatic polyelectrolyte titration was investigated as a means of analyzing polymeric quaternary ammonium salts (polyquaterniums) of relatively low charge density used as ingredients in cosmetics. They are of possible toxicological concern, but little is known of their environmental fate and behavior. With o-toluidine blue as the indicator, determination of the concentration of a range of polyquaterniums of commercial importance and cosmetic origin was possible. Using a visual endpoint, normalities as low as 3 × 10^?5 N could be determined, while with a spectrophotometric endpoint, the technique was effective to approximately 3 × 10^?6 N. The concentrations (g L^?1) to which these normalities correspond depend on the charge density of the polymer. Polyquaterniums are frequently used in association with anionic surfactants in cosmetic formulations and the presence of an anionic surfactant even in excess did not affect results although the color change was less stable. Titration in the presence of prepared humic acid was also possible.     

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂对黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂1,2-苯并异噻唑-3-酮（BIT）和甲基异噻唑啉酮（MIT）虽已在多种行业中广泛使用,但目前有关其毒性尤其对水体中生物毒性的数据还较少。鉴于BIT和 MIT在水体中普遍存在,本文研究了这两种污染物对两栖动物黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性。黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪分别暴露系列浓度的BIT和 MIT,观察化学品对其生长、发育和运动的影响,计算96小时半数致死浓度（96 h-LC₅₀）和96小时半数致畸浓度（96 h-TC₅₀）,确定最小生长抑制浓度（MCIG）。结果发现,BIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为2.99 mg?L^-1和0.60 mg?L^-1,MCIG小于0.40 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为6.44 mg?L^-1。MIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为5.30 mg?L^-1和2.36 mg?L^-1,MCIG为2.59 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为7.58 mg?L^-1。根据《化学农药环境安全评价准则报批稿》中两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性的分级标准,判定BIT和MIT的毒性等级为中等。该毒性数据为异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂的环境管理提供参考。     

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂对黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂1,2-苯并异噻唑-3-酮（BIT）和甲基异噻唑啉酮（MIT）虽已在多种行业中广泛使用,但目前有关其毒性尤其对水体中生物毒性的数据还较少。鉴于BIT和 MIT在水体中普遍存在,本文研究了这两种污染物对两栖动物黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性。黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪分别暴露系列浓度的BIT和 MIT,观察化学品对其生长、发育和运动的影响,计算96小时半数致死浓度（96 h-LC₅₀）和96小时半数致畸浓度（96 h-TC₅₀）,确定最小生长抑制浓度（MCIG）。结果发现,BIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为2.99 mg?L^-1和0.60 mg?L^-1,MCIG小于0.40 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为6.44 mg?L^-1。MIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为5.30 mg?L^-1和2.36 mg?L^-1,MCIG为2.59 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为7.58 mg?L^-1。根据《化学农药环境安全评价准则报批稿》中两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性的分级标准,判定BIT和MIT的毒性等级为中等。该毒性数据为异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂的环境管理提供参考。     

The systemic heart of Octopus vulgaris: effects of exogenous arachidonic acid and capability for arachidonate metabolism

The actions of exogenous arachidonic acid on the performance of the isolated and perfused systemic heart of Octopus vulgaris (collected in the Bay of Naples in 1992), and the potential of this heart for eicosanoid synthesis are described. Arachidonic acid induces positive chronotropic and inotropic effects. The positive inotropic effect is apparent only at the lowest concentration used (10^–7 M) and in the paced heart preparations, in which a negative relationship between stroke volume and heart rate has been demonstrated. Using 10^–5 M arachidonate, which induces the greatest chronotropic effect, a reduction of inotropism is evident which is due to the above negative relationship between stroke volume and heart rate. These effects are scarcely affected by the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin (IM) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), respectively. On the coronary system of this heart arachidonic acid displays a potent vasoconstrictory action (ca. 100 percent increase of coronary resistance). This effect is potentiated by IM and reduced by NDGA. ¹⁴C-arachidonate is metabolized by the octopus ventricle homogenate into the lipoxygenase products (assayed as hydroxy acids) more actively than into cyclooxygenase products (prostanoids: PGE₂, PGD₂, PGF₂ and 6-keto-PGF₁). On the other hand, the Ca-ionophore A23187 enhances the production of cyclooxygenase metabolites much more than of lipoxygenase metabolites.     

Evaluation of vitamin E and calcium effects on fluoride toxicity-induced fertility impairment

Chronic fluoride (Fl) toxicity is a serious public health problem globally where drinking water contains more than 1 ppm of Fl. Sodium fluoride (NaF) produced male reproductive system toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the amelioration of Fl toxicity-induced fertility impairment by vitamin E and calcium during the withdrawal period. The study was carried out on 70 adult male albino rats divided into five main groups: group I control; subdivided into group Ia (maintained on standard diet and water ad libitum for 60 days) and group Ib (maintained on standard diet and water ad libitum for 120 days), group II was administered NaF and subdivided into group IIa (administered NaF for 60 day and sacrificed) and group IIb (administered NaF for 60 day then maintained on standard diet and water ad libitum for a further 60 days), and treated groups III, IV, and V were administered NaF. Rats were maintained during withdrawal from NaF, on vitamin E (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 60 days), calcium (50 mg kg^?1 day^?1 orally for 60 days), and both vitamin E and calcium, respectively. The duration of NaF administration was 60 days at a dose 20 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for all treated groups. The following parameters were determined: body and organ weights, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, fertility test, and hormone assays: testosterone, in vitro testosterone production, luteinizing hormone, and follicular stimulating hormone. The combined administration of vitamin E and calcium during withdrawal from NaF showed significant improvement from chronic FL-induced toxicity on male reproductive organs.     

Ameliorating effects of hormone and Cu on salt stressed Brassica nigra (L.) Koch with reference to growth and biochemical characteristics

The ameliorating effects of exogenous hormone and calcium were investigated in salt-stressed black mustard seedlings (Brassica nigra L.). The seedlings were subjected to various treatments: control (nutrient solution), salt stress, kinetin/abscisic acid (ABA)/calcium chloride (CaCl₂). Sodium chloride (NaCl) inhibited shoot length (45–55%) and root (<75%). Further, alterations in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were consistent with changes in levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (MDA). The beneficial effects of ABA and CaCl₂ in ameliorating salt stress may be attributed to the reduction of membrane peroxidation and increased glutathione (GSH) levels. These observations suggest that oxidative stress resulting from salt stress in B. nigra may result in production of antioxidative enzymes to counteract oxidative damage, and the enzymes may contribute to the ability of B. nigra to survive adverse conditions. Data indicate that hormone and ion in the order of kinetin > ABA > calcium alleviate the adverse impact of salt on B. nigra.     

The determination of fluoride in water in the presence of organic acids and iron using a fluoride-selective electrode

Surface waters in Scotland, notably from upland catchment areas, are commonly enriched in iron and organic acids. This study investigated the impact of these species on the direct potentiometric determination of fluoride using a fluoride-selective electrode. As the electrode technique is commonly used to monitor the fluoride content of potable waters, it is important that these effects are evaluated if such waters are to be fluoridated. The determination method used was that defined by Nicholson (1983) and Nicholson and Duff (1981) to minimise errors. This employs the TISAB III-TAC buffer system with the following composition (in 1L): 58.0 g sodium chloride, 57.0 mL glacial acetic acid, 4.0 g CDTA, 243.0 g tri-ammonium citrate adjusted to pH 5.4 with 10 M sodium hydroxide. Experimental solutions of fluoride with organic acid or iron were prepared, and the effect on fluoride concentration determined for each combination. Concentrations used: fluoride: 0.1, 1.0 mg L⁻¹; humic acid: 5, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 mg L⁻¹; oxalic acid: 5, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 mg L⁻¹; iron(III): 1, 10, 100, 500 mg L⁻¹; Humic acid (HA) concentrations had no impact on the determination of fluoride at the 1.0 mg L⁻¹ level. However, with 0.1 mg L⁻¹; F⁻, an increase in the apparent fluoride concentration was observed when HA > 1,000 mg L⁻¹; this increased with increasing HA content to a maximum of ∼600%. Oxalic acid (OA) generally had no impact on the fluoride determinations at the 1.0 mg L⁻¹; level, but at an OA concentration of 10,000 mg L⁻¹; fluoride concentrations were reduced by ∼50%. At 0.1 mg L⁻¹ F⁻, increasing OA concentrations produce a steady increase in the fluoride concentration of up to 200% with 1,000 mg L⁻¹; OA, greater OA contents produce a fall in the fluoride content. Iron had no effect on the fluoride determinations at both the 0.1 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹ levels. The causes of the apparent increases in fluoride concentration have not been determined, although fluoride contamination by the reagents has been ruled-out. However, the results demonstrate that the defined method and buffer system is suitable for the determination of fluoride in the presence of iron and organic acids at naturally occurring levels, and that fluoride will not be masked from detection.     

Inhibitory effect of arachidonic acid on venom acetylcholinesterase

The venom of krait (Bungarus sindanus), an Elapidae snake, contains high level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The effect of arachidonic acid on krait (Bungarus sindanus) venom AChE (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) was studied using kinetic methods. This study evaluated for the first time whether arachidonic acid acts as potential AChE inhibitor of krait venom. Kinetic studies, using Line-Weaver Burk and Dixon plots, indicated that the inhibition produced by arachidonic acid was non-competitive, i.e., both k_m and V _max fell with increase in the concentration of arachidonic acid. The concentration of arachidonic acid required to inhibit 50% of enzymatic activity was found to be 1.9?µM while the inhibitory constant (K_i ) was 1.4?µM. The present results suggest that essential fatty acid (arachidonic acid) may also be used as an inhibitor of snake venom AChE.     

Uptake of cadmium and zinc by the mussel Mytilus edulis and inhibition by calcium channel and metabolic blockers

The mussel Mytilus edulis is extensively used to monitor metal contamination of estuarine and marine systems. Nonetheless, the mechanisms of metal uptake are poorly understood. To characterise the systems involved in cadmium and zinc uptake, the interaction between the two metals and the effects of different calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil) and inhibitors of active transport and metabolism (ouabain, sodium cyanide, 2,4 dinitrophenol) on the uptake of calcium, cadmium and zinc in Mytilus edulis have been studied. To separate direct from indirect effects of the inhibitors on metal uptake, their influence on the physiological condition of the mussels was also investigated. This was done by measuring clearance, respiration and excretion rates under the different exposure regimes and determining the scope for growth as an integrative index for physiological condition. The study has shown that the uptake of cadmium and zinc by Mytilus edulis can be modulated by calcium channel blockers and other inhibitors. The inhibitors also influenced physiological condition, but a significant correlation with the effects on metal uptake did not exist in most cases. Cadmium and zinc also inhibit each other's uptake, but the type of inhibition is not yet clear. The effects of the inhibitors on cadmium and zinc uptake are very different from the effects on calcium uptake, indicating that cadmium and zinc are preferentially taken up through other gateways. Overall, a significant degree of linear association is found between the effects of the inhibitors on the uptake of cadmium and zinc, suggesting common uptake routes. In addition, the effects of the calcium channel antagonist on the uptake of the metal ions are organ dependent, indicating that other types of channels are involved in the uptake of the metal ions in the gills and digestive system. Received: 16 February 1999 / Accepted: 23 September 1999     

Growth,food utilization and effect of social interaction in the European bass Dicentrarchus labrax

Fingerling and juvenile bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) fed on filleted saithe, Gadus virens, exhibited much higher K ₁ energy and nitrogen utilization efficiencies (growth as % energy or nitrogen intake) than those fed on trout pellets or shore crabs, Carcinus maenas, although the efficiency declined during prolonged feeding. Mean organic absorption efficiency for saithe was 99.5% and was independent of food intake but the efficiency for pellets and crab declined with increasing food intake from 99 to 92%. For each diet the regression of relative growth rate on food intake was linear up to the regression of relative growth rate on food intake was linear up to the highest feeding level and independent of body weight, enabling construction of a simple model for food transformation. The regression coefficient (equivalent to K ₃, the ratio of growth to food consumed in excess of maintenance) for saithe was about 3 times that for pellets in terms of energy and twice that for pellets in terms of nitrogen. The more efficient utilization of saithe for growth and of pellets for maintenance were related to differences in their nutritional value. With each diet, K ₃ and maximum K ₁ for energy were about twice those for nitrogen. Social interaction had a significant effect on food utilization in juvenile bass. Isolated fish showed poor growth and mean K ₁ efficiency in comparison with bass in pairs or groups. K ₃ efficiency and mainternance requirement were similar in individuals and groups, but were significantly greater in pairs. These results are related to behavioural observeations and environmental stress, and the limitations of extrapolating the results of laboratory feeding experiments on fish to other situations is discussed.     

Degradation and reduction of acute toxicity of environmentally persistent perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) using VUV photolysis and TiO2 photocatalysis in acidic and basic aqueous solutions

Degradation and toxicity reduction of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were investigated using TiO₂ adsorption, vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photolysis, and VUV/TiO₂ photocatalysis in acidic and basic aqueous solutions. Chemical analyses of PFOA and its selected by-products and an acute toxicity assessment using the luminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®) were conducted during and after the various treatment methods. PFOA was found to be best treated by VUV/TiO₂ at pH 4 with HClO₄, as illustrated by the almost complete degradation of PFOA within 360?min and rapid removal of acute microbial toxicity within 60?min. This difference in the efficiency may be attributed to the strong oxidation effectiveness of the radical species generated in acidic media and the electron scavenger effect of the addition of HClO₄ in VUV/TiO₂ photocatalysis. In addition, the proposed method could effectively decompose other perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA) species (C₃–C₇ perfluoroalkyl groups) if the initial intermediates formed were longer-chain species that degraded stepwise into shorter-chain compounds by VUV photolysis and VUV/TiO₂ photocatalysis in acidic and basic aqueous solutions.