The occurrence of disinfection by‐products in Taiwan drinking water

In this study, samples were taken from six conventional water treatment plants for disinfection by‐products analysis. Results from the analysis revealed that trihalomethanes (THMs) concentrations in all samples were below regulatory levels (100 μg/L). Although the national standard for haloacetic acids (HAA5) has not yet been promulgated in Taiwan, samples from two water plants contained HAA5 concentrations exceeding the USEPA limit (MCL of HAA5 of Stage 1, 60 μg/L). THMs and HAA5 were found to be the major disinfection by‐products in all water treatment plants. It was noted that the concentration of HAA5 in most samples was higher than that of the trihalomathanes. However, the formation potential of THM (THMFP) was found to be higher than that of HAA (HAAFP). Good correlation also was found between THMFP (or THMFP) and HAA5 (or THMs). In evaluating the performance of the treatment processes, it was found that conventional water treatment processes followed by activated carbon were effective in removing disinfection by‐products (DBPs) from source water with pre‐ozonation. The treatment processes were at their optimum performance in removing contaminants when O₃/TOC₀ was held at 0.75.     

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans in outdoor air of North‐Rhine‐Westphalia,Germany

Measurements of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) in outdoor air of North‐Rhine‐Westphalia were carried out. Fifty‐six samples were taken at different sites in areas of different land use and emission structures. A special filter system allowed analysis of the gas and particle phases separately. It was found that higher chlorinated PCDD/PCDF (7 or 8 chlorine atoms) are collected on glass fiber filter and lower chlorinated PCDD/PCDF (tetra‐ and penta‐CDD/CDF) are absorbed on polyurethane foam. The following isomers were determined: OCDD, OCDF and 11 isomers with chlorine substitution in 2,3,7,8‐position as well as the sum of TCDD, PeCDD, HxCDD, HpCDD, TCDF, PeCDF, HxCDF, HpCDF and the sum of PCDD (4–8) and PCDF (4–8). No 2,3,7,8‐TCDD could be detected but 2,3,7,8‐TCDF was found at 15 sites. Mean concentration in the Rhine‐Ruhr‐District for the sum of PCDD (4–8) and PCDF (4–8) was 3.2pg/m³ and 5.5pg/m³ respectively. Detection limit for TCDD and PCDD/PCDF (5–8) was 0.1–0.2 pg/m³ and 0.005–0.015 pg/m³ respectively. There is no significant indication that 2,3,7,8‐chlorinated isomers of PCDD/PCDF are predominantly decomposed by photochemical reactions in outdoor air.     

Quantitative characterization of Cu binding potential of dissolved organic matter （DOM） in sediment from Taihu Lake using multiple techniques

Dissolved organic matter （DOM） plays an important role in heavy metal speciation and distribution in the aquatic environment especially for eutrophic lakes which have higher DOM concentration. Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater and a high eutrophic lake in the downstream of the Yangtze River, China. In the lake, frequent breakout of algae blooms greatly increased the concentration of different organic matters in the lake sediment. In this study, sediment samples were collected from various part of Taihu Lake to explore the spatial difference in the binding potential of DOM with Cu. The titration experiment was adopted to quantitatively characterize the interaction between Cu（II） and DOM extracted from Taihu Lake sediments using ion selective electrode （ISE） and fluorescence quenching technology. The ISE results showed that the exogenous DOM had higher binding ability than endogenous DOM, and DOM derived from aquatic macrophytes had a higher binding ability than that derived from algae. The fluorescence quenching results indicated that humic substances played a key role in the complexation between DOM and Cu（II） in the lake. However, because of the frequent breakout of algae blooms, protein-like matters are also main component like hnmic matters in Taihu Lake. Therefore, the metals bound by protein-like substances should be caused concern as protein-like substances in DOM were unstable and they will release bound metal when decomposed.     

Feathers of white stork Ciconia ciconia chicks in North‐Eastern Greece,as indicators of geographical variation in mercury contamination

Variations in mercury contamination of ecosystems were assessed among areas of northeast Greece by sampling and analysing feathers of White Stork chicks. Mercury concentrations in stork chick feathers were highest in an area known to be affected by riverborne mercury pollution, and were lowest in an inland area away from rivers or lakes. Although regurgitated pellets indicated a predominantly terrestrial diet among White Stork adults, variation in mercury concentrations among localities seemed to relate to pollution of aquatic rather than terrestrial foods of storks. Toxic thresholds of mercury in this species are unknown, but the highest concentrations, observed in chicks from the Axios Delta (up to 4.1 μg.g^‐1 in feathers) were well above levels having toxic effects in gamebirds. Mercury concentrations in chick feathers increased slightly with chick age and with brood size, but these trends were small by comparison with variations among localities.     

Evaluation of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) biodegradability in sediment by solid‐phase extraction and HPLC analysis

The linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) sorption on environmental sediments has been known long ago. Their high concentrations reflect the massive input of these chemicals from household and industrial uses. However few attempts were made to identify biodegradation metabolites of LAS in sediment. In this report, a method for the determination of these compounds in sediment samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. The first step of our work was performed by solid‐phase extraction with octadecyl‐bonded silica (C18) mini‐columns and provided a suitable recovery of LAS (90 ± 5%) and most metabolites. Furthermore, laboratory investigations led to study the behaviour of LAS in sediment. The environmental samples used for this purpose were collected from a pond (named étang de Bolmon) located in the French Mediterranean coast. Our results were in agreement with an aerobic biodegradation process of LAS that occurred only with high values of sediment redox potential and needed the samples to be vigorously shaken to ensure adequate mixing and suspension of particulate material. In a stagnant sediment or under anaerobic conditions, LAS is not degraded. p‐Sulfophenylacetic acid and p‐sulfocinnamic acid were evidenced as predominant metabolites and were found not to be persistent.     

PCB and PCT levels in cultivated and free‐living mussels of galicia (North west Spain)

PCB and PCT residues were measured in free‐living (FM) and cultivated mussels (CM) from ten sites in Galicia by gas chromatography with electron capture detector and capillary column. The level of PCB₁₂₆₀ and PCT₅₄₆₀ in FMs increases going from Muros‐Noya to Vigo estuarine bay. There was a trend of increase from north to south.     

Chemical and bacterial quality monitoring of the Nile River water and associated health risks in Qena–Sohag sector,Egypt

The River Nile is the primary source of freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes in Egypt. Thus, the water quality in this river concerns the health of local inhabitants. The present study reveals seasonal variations of various physicochemical and heavy metals parameters and microbial load of water at 15 sites from Qena to Sohag cities, Egypt. The water is fresh with TDS?≤?270 and 410 mg L^?1 in summer and winter, respectively. Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn concentrations were within drinking water specification in both seasons except Cr and Cd in summer. Viable numbers of total coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci were recorded in both seasons with fecal streptococci's disappearing in winter. The concentrations of salts and ions in winter were higher than summer due to decreased water quantity and flow rate in this season. On the other hand, heavy metals and bacteria were higher in summer owing to the rain and weathering of upstream rocks and increasing of human activities during the summer. The calculated water quality index (WQI) depicted that the chemical quality of water was poor for drinking and treatment, especially biological treatment, which is required before the water is supplied for drinking. Human health risk assessment factors such as probable daily intake, hazard quotient, and carcinogenic risk indicated high risks of Cr, Cd, and Ni for adults and children in both seasons. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks are mainly posed by Cr. The WQI values for the other water uses indicated the marginal quality for aquatic life, fair for irrigation, and fair in summer to good in winter for livestock consumption. The irrigation water quality parameters indicated that the water could be used to irrigate all soils and crops except the hazard of biological contamination. The water–rock interaction controls water chemistry besides the contribution of human activities. The agricultural, industrial, and municipal wastewaters were the main contributors to water pollution and should be treated before discharge into the Nile River. Source and drinking water should be monitored continuously to prevent related human waterborne diseases.

     

Groundwater quality in the major industrial area of Thessaloniki,Greece part 1: Chemical composition‐geochemical processes

Adsorption rates of Sb(V) ions on an activated alumina (AA) were analyzed by batchwise experiments, while the continuous adsorption, desorption, regeneration of AA, and multiple reuse cycles were studied by flow column tests. The adsorption rates increased quickly with the increases of shaking speed and operation temperature. The adsorbed Sb(V) ions were desorbed easily by a 50 mM NaOH solution, and a 41–90 times concentrated Sb(V) solution was yielded correspondingly. AA was effectively regenerated by desorption operation and ca. 93% of the initial adsorption capacity was retained after six times adsorption/desorption cycles.     

Progress in study of Salix characteristics and its application in sediment phytoremediation北大核心CSCD

For its difficulty in remediation and possibility of vicious spiral formation, contaminated sediment becomes a hot spot of recent pollution control study. Among all methods, phytoremediation is widely used in treatment of polluted sediment because of its high efficiency and sustainability. The fast-growing willow, a perennial woody plant with long vegetative season and great adaptation in harsh environments, has been suggested to be a low-cost and ecologically sound solution for the phytoremediation of contaminated sediment. This article introduces the characteristics of Salix and the ecological significance of Salix adaption to harsh environment, and reviews research progress and mechanisms including phytoextraction, phytotransformation, phytostabilization, phytodegradation and phytovolatilization of Salix. It also analyzes the effect of Salix in accumulating heavy metal, degrading organic matter and changing the characteristic of sediment, to point out the potential application of Salix in phytoremediation of polluted sediment. The article also puts forward the existing problems and possible solutions in phytoremediation by Salix of sediment, including paying more attention to field experiment, extending of the test cycle, emphasizing on optimal allocation of remediation plant communities.     

Sorption‐desorption kinetics of some organochlorine insecticides in silt‐water suspensions

Kinetic (batch) sorption and desorption experiments for some organochlorine insecticides in silt‐water suspensions are described. The effect of possible experimental artifacts on the results is examined. The influence of the silt/water ratio on the linear sorption coefficient and on the “nonextractable”; solute fraction is determined. The sorption process is described in terms of some kinetic models.     

Comparison of zooplankton community of different areas in Changjiang River estuary北大核心CSCD

To compare the zooplankton communities in the South Branch, North Branch, North Channel and offshore of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary, two cruises were carried out in the autumn of 2009 and the spring of 2010. A total of 27 species of zooplankton were identified in the spring, including 17 in the offshore, 11 in the south branch, 9 in the north branch, and only 5 in the North Channel. In autumn, altogether 71 species were collected, including 6 in the south branch, 11 in the north branch, 8 species in the North Channel area and 63 in the offshore. Either in the spring or autumn, the average species numbers of the offshore were the highest. Additionally, species numbers of the offshore were significantly higher than that in other areas (P < 0.05) for both seasons. There were no significant differences between the species number of the South Branch and the North Branch (P > 0.05). The species number and diversity index of the inner area were lower than that of the offshore. The average diversity index of offshore area was still the highest in both spring (1.69) and autumn (3.73). In spring, the diversity index of the North Channel was the lowest among four areas, while in autumn, that of the South Branch was the lowest (0.49). In spring, Sinocalanus sinensis was the dominant species of the South Branch, North'Branch and North Channel (> 50% of the total collection by number). The dominant species of offshore area were Tortanus vermiculus and Labidocera euchaeta. While in autumn, the dominant species were different for each area. In the South Branch, the most important species was S. dorrii (93.55% of the total collection by number). The main species was S. dorrii in the South Branch area, S. stenellus and T. vermiculusin in the North Branch and Subeucalanus subcrassus in the offshore (< 30% of the total collection by number). Numbers of species and diversity index seemed to vary among different areas of Changjiang estuary. The underline mechanisms of the regional variation in species number were mainly the salinity and suspended sediment concentrations. Generally speaking, zooplankton was more abundant in the polyhaline water. Diversity index was largely affected by both species number and abundance percentage. The zooplankton community was mainly influenced by the Changjiang diluted water and offshore water mass through affecting the salinity. In autumn, the Kuroshio flowed northward carrying polyhaline water, and brought subtropical species to the offshore of the Changjiang estuary. Since the North Channel is located in the estuarine turbidity zone, suspended sediment concentration of that area is higher than the other areas, which might limit the distribution of some species. To sum up, salinity is the most important factor causing the difference of zooplankton community among different areas in the Changjiang estuary. Besides, water masses and estuarine turbidity also influence the zooplankton community.     

Determination of carazolol in pharmaceutical formulations by gas‐liquid‐chromatography (GLC)

A gas‐liquid‐chromatographic procedure for the quantitative determination of authentic carazolol and carazolol in tablets (Conducton^(R)?) has been described. Carazolol in tablets was extracted with absolute alcohol before injecting onto the gas Chromatograph. The concentration range adopted varied between 0.2 mg to 1.0 mg/ml of carazolol in alcohol solution. The results obtained were 97.6%±3.2 and 98.4%±2.6 for the stated and added amounts respectively.     

Presence of Cd‐binding proteins in pre‐exposed and not pre‐exposed cadmium brine shrimp Artemia

The presence of metal binding proteins has been variously suggested as indicating involvement in uptake, storage, transport and elimination of toxic metals and in the routine metabolism of metals in mammals and a variety of marine invertebrates. This report describes results on the characterization of Cd‐BPs obtained from cadmium pre‐exposed and not pre‐exposed Anemia. The effect of pre‐exposure in the Cd‐binding protein induction in Artemia is discussed.     

Effect of fluoride content in drinking water in Tricity on its concentration in urine of pre‐school children

Fluorides were analysed in drinking water and in urine of pre‐school children from different districts of Tricity (Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot). Concentration of fluorides in urine was found to depend on their content in drinking water. The two years (1997–98) study was made for 15 preschool children populations; each numbering in 10–20 individuals. The fluorides were determined by flouroselective electrode potentiometry.     

Study of the levels of N‐methylcarbamate pesticides in waters of the river Huelva

A study on the levels of N‐methylcarbamate pesticides and some degradation products in waters of the river Huelva was carried out. This river constitutes the main water supply of the city of Seville at the south west of Spain with a population of almost one million inhabitants. N‐methylcarbamates were extracted from the water by using C‐18 solid phase cartridges. High performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was used to carry out the determinations. Residues of carbaryl, methiocarb sulphoxide and α‐naphthol were found in some of the analysed water samples.     

Problems of the coasts erosion in the North–Eastern Black Sea Region

The seacoasts protection does not stand standard solutions. Every part of a shore needs to be creatively approached and its hydrodynamic, lithodynamic, geological, geomorphological and other peculiarities must be thoroughly studied for each particular situation. It takes a complex scientific approach considering not only local features, but also the reaction of the whole lithodynamic system in limits of which the coast protective activity is planned with consideration of calculated hydrodynamic parameters (waves, sea level, etc.).     

Screening and characterization of extremophiles in spacecraft assembly environment北大核心CSCD

Spacecrafts need to strictly control microorganisms before entering space flight. The Spacecraft Assembly, Integration, and Test Center (AITC) is an important environmental source for spacecrafts to carry microorganisms. The assembly clean room has characteristics of ventilation, dryness, and lack of nutrients that are not conducive to the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, except for extremophiles. In this study, based on the internal air and surface environment of the AITC in China, 13 strains of bacteria were identified by plate culture and 16S sequence analysis, and their extreme environmental tolerance, antibiotic resistance, and film-forming ability were tested. All these bacteria belonged to the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla, and nine strains belonged to the Bacillus genus. All 13 strains of bacteria were salt-tolerant, acid-tolerant, and alkali-tolerant, and 69.2% of the bacteria survived heat shock at 80 ℃. Among these, one strain of Sphingomonas sp. JCM7513 isolated from the surface environment was insensitive to all the tested antibiotics and had strong drug resistance, while the other 12 strains were sensitive to most β-lactam antibiotics but had strong resistance to tetracyclic antibiotics and erythromycin. Most of the isolated bacteria exhibited strong biofilm-forming abilities. The study showed that there are a certain number of extremophiles in the spacecraft assembly environment. To protect spacecrafts from biological corrosion and planetary protection forward pollution, more effective monitoring and elimination methods are needed. © 2022 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Aqueous high‐temperature chemistry of arsenic‐containing compounds in water at 300°C

Arsenic compounds, and especially organo‐arsenic derivatives, are highly toxic and many have been manufactured as chemical warfare agents. This study was designed to provide background information relevant to the potential application of aquathermolysis techniques for the detoxification of such potent military warfare agents. Six arsenic‐containing compounds with structural features which mimic known agents were studied in neutral superheated water: 4‐aminophenylarsine oxide, 4‐arsanilic acid, 4‐nitrophenylarsonic acid, 5, 10‐dihydro‐10‐ethylphenarsazine, tetraphenylarsonium chloride hydrate, and (3‐cyanopropyl)dimethyl(2‐phenethyl)arsonium bromide. Most of these compounds were moderately susceptible to hydrolysis for 1h at 300°C. o‐ and p‐Aminosubsituted arsenic compounds were more reactive than compounds with an electron‐withdrawing group substituent. Aromatic C—As bonds were more resistant to cleavage than aliphatic C—As bonds.     

Effects of the Ellagic acid on the N‐Acetyltransferase activity and Acetylation of 2‐aminofluorene in the rat

The effects of the ellagic acid on the in vitro and in vivo acetylation of 2‐aminofluorene were investigated in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. For in vitro examination, cytosols with or without ellagic acid co‐treatment showed different percentage of 2‐aminofluorene acetylation. For in vivo examination, pre‐treatment of male rats with ellagic acid (10 mg/kg) 24h prior to the administration of 2‐aminofluorene (50 mg/kg) resulted in a 26% and 29%, respectively, decrease in the urinary and fecal recovery of N‐acetyl‐2‐aminofluorene, and a 37% decrease in the metabolic clearance of 2‐aminofluorene to N‐acetyl‐2‐aminofluorene. This is the first demonstration that ellagic acid decrease the N‐acetylation of carcinogens in vitro and in vivo.     

Metal speciation in sediments of polluted and non‐polluted lakes

A five‐step extraction procedure for metal speciation studies (copper, lead, nickel, manganese and zinc) was applied to the analysis of lake sediments characterised by different environmental features. A different partition of metals into the several metal forms was observed. Both the metal fraction sorbed or co‐precipitated on hydrous Mn‐oxides (especially lead and zinc) and that bound to organic matter (especially copper) are high in some samples. A prevalently anthropogenic origin of these metals may be hypothesised on the basis of existing knowledge of the equilibrium and change phenomena occurring among water, particulate and sediments. Conversely, the non‐solubilised forms of metals are abundant in the sediments of lakes that are certainly not polluted. The concentration of manganese is very high in the sediments of Antarctic lakes; sequential extractions show its lithogenic origin. In conclusion, a knowledge of the different types of metal associations in sediments and their percentage can facilitate understanding of both natural and anthropogenic metal enrichment of aquatic systems.