Effect of Sediment Humic Substances on Sorption of Selected Endocrine Disruptors

Characterizing sorption processes is essential to understand the environmental distribution and toxicity potential of endocrine disruptors in terrestrial and aquatic systems. The sorption behaviors of three endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A (BPA), 17β-estradiol (E2), and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2)) on sediments were investigated using batch techniques. Samples were taken from some representative reaches in several major Chinese rivers. More attention has been paid to the effect of sediment organic components on the sorption of BPA, E2, and EE2. The results show that the sediment organic carbon-normalized partition coefficients (K _oc (sed)) for three endocrine disruptors are in the order of EE2 > E2 > BPA, which corresponds to the octanol-water partitioning coefficients (logK _ow) of the compounds. Moreover, the K _oc values for humic substances (K _oc (hs)) are comparable with the K _oc (sed) values and highly dependent on the physico-chemical properties of humic substances in sediments. The UV absorptivity at 272 nm (A ₂₇₂), which suggests the abundance of aromatic rings in humic substance structure, correlates well with the K _oc (hs) values. In addition, the infrared spectra of the humic substances extracted from sediments show four strong bands centered at 3,400 cm⁻¹, 1,625 cm⁻¹, 1,390 cm⁻¹, and 1,025 cm⁻¹. The K _oc (hs) values have a positive linear relation with the peak area ratio for peak at 1,025 cm⁻¹ and a negative linear relation with the peak area ratio between peaks at 1,625 cm⁻¹ and 1,025 cm⁻¹. Hence, the hydrogen bonds play a critical role to the sorption of selected endocrine disruptors.     

Effects of Nitrogen Supply on the Sensitivity to O3 of Growth and Photosynthesis of Japanese Beech (Fagus crenata) Seedlings

To obtain basic information for evaluating critical levels of O₃ under different nitrogen loads for protecting Japanese beech forests, two-year-old seedlings of Fagus crenata Blume were grown in potted andisol supplied with N as NH₄NO₃ solution at 0, 20 or 50 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and exposed to charcoal-filtered air or O₃ at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times the ambient concentration from 16 April to 22 September 2004. The O₃ induced significant reductions in the whole-plant dry mass, net photosynthetic rate at 380 μmol mol⁻¹ CO₂ (A ₃₈₀), carboxylation efficiency (CE) and concentrations of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and total soluble protein (TSP) in the leaves. The concentrations of Rubisco and TSP were negatively correlated with the concentration of leaf acidic amino acid, suggesting that O₃ enhanced the degradation of protein such as Rubisco. The N supply to the soil did not significantly change the whole-plant dry mass and A ₃₈₀, whereas it significantly increased the CE and concentrations of Rubisco and total amino acid. No significant interactive effects of O₃ and N supply to the soil were detected on the growth, photosynthetic parameters and concentrations of protein and amino acid in the leaves. In conclusion, N supply to the soil at ≤50 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ does not significantly change the sensitivity to O₃ of growth and net photosynthesis of Fagus crenata seedlings.     

Benthic Infaunal Composition and Distribution at an Intertidal Wetland Mudflat

Benthic infaunal communities at Mai Po Inner Deep Bay mudflat, Hong Kong were investigated between August 2002 and August 2003. A total of 55 species belonging to 8 Phyla from more than 99,074 specimens were recorded. The species richness varied between 13 at Station B in August 2002 and 28 at Station D in August 2003 with an average of 21 across the mudflat and the species diversity was low [H′(log₂) = 0.7–3.5 with an average H′ = 2.4]. Seasonal variations were also observed through abundance and biomass across the mudflat among the seasons. The abundance density was between 8,977 individuals m⁻² at Station D in February 2003 and 77,256 individuals m⁻² at Station B in November 2002 and the overall average density was 25,274 individuals m⁻² for the four stations. The benthic infauna were dominated by pollution tolerant species at this wetland mudflat.     

Effects of Nitrogen Deposition on Bryophyte Species Composition of Calcareous Grasslands

Regular additions of NH₄NO₃ (35–140 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and (NH₄)₂SO₄ (140 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) to a calcareous grassland in northern England over a period of 12 years have resulted in a decline in the frequency of the indigenous bryophyte species and the establishment of non-indigenous calcifuge species, with implications for the structure and composition of this calcareous bryophyte community. The lowest NH₄NO₃ additions of 35 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ produced significant declines in frequency of Hypnum cupressiforme, Campylium chrysophyllum, and Calliergon cuspidatum. Significant reductions in frequency at higher NH₄NO₃ application rates were recorded for Pseudoscleropodium purum, Ctenidum molluscum, and Dicranum scoparium. The highest NH₄NO₃ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ additions provided conditions conducive for the establishment of two typical calcifuges – Polytrichum spp. and Campylopus introflexus, respectively. Substrate-surface pH measurements showed a dose-related reduction in pH with increasing NH₄NO₃ deposition rates of 1.6 pH units between the control and highest deposition rate, and a further significant fall in pH, of >1 pH unit, between the NH₄NO₃ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ treatments. These results suggest that indigenous bryophyte composition may be at risk from nitrogen deposition rates of 35 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ or less. These effects are of particular concern for rare or endangered species of low frequency.     

Suspension Polymerization of Poly(l-lactide-co-p-dioxanone) in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Biodegradable copolymers of l-lactide(l-LA) and p-dioxanone(PDO) were synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) with stannous octoate as the ring-opening catalyst and a fluorocarbon polymer surfactant as an stabilizer. Fine powderous products were achieved when more than 90% (w/w) l-LA was fed. Scanning electron micrographic images and laser diffraction particle size analysis of the products showed the mean diameter of particles greatly increased as the content of PDO increased. The obtained polymers had the number-average molecular weights ranging from 15,000 to 26,000 g mol⁻¹ (polydispersity index ranging from 1.3 to 2.1) according to the gel permeation chromatography measurements. The polymer structure was characterized by NMR spectroscopy, indicating the formation of copolymers. Thermal properties of the obtained polymers investigated using differential scanning calorimetry showed that the morphology of products was directly relevant to the crystallinity of the copolymers. The polymerization of l-LA and PDO copolymers in scCO₂ is also proposed as a novel production technique for high-purity, biodegradable polymers.     

Formation and decomposition of tetrafluoroborate ions in the presence of aluminum

The formation and decomposition of tetrafluoroborate ions (BF₄⁻) in H₃BO₃-Al³⁺-F⁻ solutions were investigated via experiments and thermodynamic calculations. The concentration of the formed BF₄⁻ increased with decreasing pH, raising the total fluoride concentration and lowering the total aluminum ion concentration. Once formed, BF₄⁻ was stable under neutral and alkaline conditions. Fluoride in the form of BF₄⁻ was converted to fluoroaluminate ions by adding an aluminum compound under acidic conditions. A method for removing fluoride in the form of BF₄⁻ is proposed whereby fluoroaluminate ions formed by the reaction of BF₄⁻ with aluminum are decomposed with calcium ions. This process was applied to the treatment of wastewater from flue gas desulfurization plants, and resulted in a satisfying level of reduction in the range of the fluoride emission limit of 8 mg/l.     

Biodegradation of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Produced from Cupriavidus necator with Different Concentrations of Oleic Acid as Nutritional Supplement

The environmental impact caused by the disposal of plastics has motivated the development of biodegradable materials. Recent studies showed that supplementation with oleic acid (OA) in cultures producing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), increased the polymer productivity. However only few studies have shown the properties and biodegradation profile of the polymer obtained. This research investigated the influence of OA concentration on the biodegradation of the P(3HB) obtained from cultures of Cupriavidus necator. The crystallinity of the casting films determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was reduced from 70% (0 g L⁻¹ of OA) to 52% (3.0 g L⁻¹ of OA). A reduction of 11 °C in the melting temperature was observed with 3.0 g L⁻¹ of OA. The kinetic of biodegradation was: 3.0 > 1.5 > 0.9 > 0.3 > 0 g L⁻¹ of OA.     

Poly(hydroxyalkanoate) Biosynthesis from Crude Alaskan Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) Oil

Six strains of Pseudomonas were tested for their abilities to synthesize poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) polymers from crude Pollock oil, a large volume byproduct of the Alaskan fishing industry. All six strains were found to produce PHA polymers from hydrolyzed Pollock oil with productivities (P; the percent of the cell mass that is polymer) ranging from 6 to 53% of the cell dry weight (CDW). Two strains, P. oleovorans NRRL B-778 (P = 27%) and P. oleovorans NRRL B-14682 (P = 6%), synthesized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) with number average molecular weights (M_n) of 206,000 g/mol and 195,000 g/mol, respectively. Four strains, P. oleovorans NRRL B-14683 (P = 52%), P. resinovorans NRRL B-2649 (P = 53%), P. corrugata 388 (P = 43%), and P. putida KT2442 (P = 39%), synthesized medium-chain-length PHA (mcl-PHA) polymers with M_n values ranging from 84,000 g/mol to 153,000 g/mol. All mcl-PHA polymers were primarily composed of 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid (C_8:0) and 3-hydroxydecanoic acid (C_10:0) amounting to at least 75% of the total monomers present. Unsaturated monomers were also present in the mcl-PHA polymers at concentrations between 13% and 16%, providing loci for polymer derivatization and/or crosslinking. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.     

Topographical imaging as a means of monitoring biodegradation of poly(hydroxyalkanoate) films

Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) are a class of bacterially-derived polymers that are naturally biodegradable through the action of extracellular depolymerase enzymes secreted by a number of different bacteria and fungi. In this paper we describe the development of topographical imaging protocols (by both scanning electron microscopy; SEM, and confocal microscopy; CM) as a means of monitoring the biodegradation of solution cast films of poly(3-hydroxybutanoate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (P3HB/3HHx) and medium-chain-length (mcl-) PHA. Pseudomonas lemoignei and Comamonas P37C were used as sources for PHA depolymerase enzymes as these bacteria are known to degrade at least one of the polymers in question. SEM revealed the bacterial colonization of the film surfaces while CM permitted the comparative assessment of the roughness of the film surfaces upon exposure to the two bacterial strains. By dividing the total surface area of the film (A′) by the total area of the scan (A) it was possible to monitor biodegradation by observing differences in the topography of the film surface. Prior to inoculation, P3HB/3HHx films had an A′/A ratio of 1.06. A 24-h incubation with P. lemoignei increased the A′/A ratio to 1.47 while a 48- and 120-h incubation with Comamonas resulted in A′/A ratios of 1.16 and 1.33, respectively. These increases in the A′/A ratios over time demonstrated an increase in the irregularity of the film surface, indicative of PHA polymer breakdown. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.     

Emission inventory of deca-brominated diphenyl ether (DBDE) in Japan

Atmospheric emissions of deca-brominated diphenyl ether (DBDE) in Japan were estimated based on the material flow of DBDE products and their emission factors. In 2002, the demand for DBDE in Japan was 2200 ton/year and the stock level was about 60 000 ton. The DBDE flow into the waste stream was estimated to be about 6000 ton/year and the flow out through second-hand product exports was more than 700 ton/year. Home appliance recycling facilities dismantle and crush domestic wastes containing about 600 ton of DBDE annually. Material recycling of crushed plastics is not commonly practiced as yet. Emission factors from plastics processing (2 × 10⁻⁹–1 × 10⁻⁷), textile processing (9 × 10⁻⁷), home appliance recycling (8 × 10⁻⁹–5 × 10⁻⁶), and waste incineration (1 × 10⁻⁷–2 × 10⁻⁶) were estimated using field measurement data. The DBDE emission rate through house dust during the service life of final products (2 × 10⁻⁷–9 × 10⁻⁷ per year) was estimated using the DBDE concentration in dust and the amount of dust in used televisions. Emission factors from previous studies were also used. The estimated total DBDE emission was 170–1800 kg/year. These results suggest the necessity of characterizing emissions during the service life of products, which is essential information for formulating an appropriate e-waste recycling strategy.     

Trends in Chemical Composition of Wet-only Precipitation at Rural French Monitoring Stations Over the 1990–2003 Period

The long-term monitoring of precipitation and its chemical composition are important for identifying trends in rain quality and for assessing the effectiveness of pollution control strategies. A statistical test has been used to the atmospheric concentrations measured in the French rural monitoring network (MERA) in order to bring out spatio-temporal trends in precipitation quality in France over the period 1990–2003. The non-parametric Mann–Kendall test which has been developed for detecting and estimating monotonic trends in the time series was used and applied in our study at annual values of wet-only precipitation concentrations. The emission data suggest that SO₂ and NO _x emissions decreased (−3.3 and −2.0% year⁻¹, respectively) contrary to NH₃ emissions that increased slightly (+0.2% year⁻¹) over the period 1990–2002 in France. On the national scale, the pH values have a significant decreasing trend of −0.025 ± 0.02 unit pH year⁻¹. and concentrations in precipitation have a significant decreasing trend, −3.0 ± 1.6 and −3.3 ± 0.6% year⁻¹, respectively, corresponding with the downward trends in SO₂ emissions in France (−3.3% year⁻¹). A good correlation (R ² = 0.84) between SO₂ emissions and concentrations was obtained. The decreasing trend of was more significant (−5.4 ± 5.2% year⁻¹) than that of (−1.3 ± 2.4% year⁻¹). Globally, the concentration of the major ions showed a clear downward trend including marine and alkaline ions. In addition, the relative contribution of HNO₃ to acidity precipitation increased by 51% over the studied period.     

Mechanical–Thermal Properties and VOC Emissions of Natural-Flour-Filled Biodegradable Polymer Hybrid Bio-Composites

The mechanical–thermal properties and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of natural-flour-filled, biodegradable polymer bio-composites were investigated according to variation in porous inorganic filler types. At a porous inorganic filler content of 3%, the tensile and flexural strengths of the hybrid bio-composites were not significant changed. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal expansion of the bio-composites were slightly decreased. Furthermore, the incorporation of the porous inorganic materials into bio-composites slightly increased the E’ values of the hybrid bio-composites over the entire temperature range, although the tan δ_max temperature (T _g) of the hybrid bio-composites was not significantly changed. At a porous inorganic filler content of 3%, the various odor and VOC emissions of the hybrid bio-composites were significantly decreased because the various oxidation and thermal degradation gases of the natural flour and matrix were absorbed in the pore structures of the porous inorganic fillers and thereby prevented the migration into the final products.     

Biodegradation of an Epoxy-Based Thermoplastic Polyester, Poly(Hydroxy Ester Ether) in a Laboratory-Scale Compost System

An epoxy-based thermoplastic polyester, poly(hydroxy ester ether), was incubated under aerobic conditions in a laboratory-scale compost system for 168 days to evaluate its potential for biodegradation. Radiolabeled test polymer [uniformly ¹⁴C ring-labeled, poly(hydroxy ester ether)] was incorporated into a mature compost and a sludge-amended compost at a loading of 3 mg test polymer/g compost. ¹⁴C-Cellulose was used as the positive control and a biologically inhibited control reactor was used to assess abiotic degradation of the test polymer. Degradation of the test polymer was assessed by measuring the amount of ¹⁴C-CO₂ from each of the test reactors. In addition, at selected time intervals subsamples of the compost were collected and serially extracted with water, methanol, and dimethylformamide to monitor degradation of the ¹⁴C-test polymer and provide a partial characterization of the degradation intermediates. Extensive degradation of ¹⁴C-poly(hydroxy ester ether) was observed in the test reactors with degradation half-life of the parent polymer (t _1/2) of approximately 32 days. By the end of the study, only 2% of the total ¹⁴C activity in the test reactors was attributed to intact polymer, with most of the measurable ¹⁴C activity converted to either ¹⁴C-CO₂ (26% of total ¹⁴C activity) or nonextractable products (accounting for 60% of the total activity). In contrast to the test reactors, only 3% of the ¹⁴C-poly(hydroxy ester ether) added to the biologically inhibited control reactor was mineralized to ¹⁴C-CO₂. The results obtained from the microbially active and biologically inhibited compost systems indicate that the poly(hydroxy ester ether) polymer was degraded, at least in part, by a biologically mediated process.     

Laboratory Measurement of Dry Deposition of Ozone onto Northern Chinese Soil Samples

We used laboratory experiments to investigate surface resistance (R _c) to dry deposition of ozone (O₃) on different types of soil samples collected from the arid deserts and the Loess Plateau of northern China. Furthermore, we measured the factors that affected R _c, which depends on the physical and chemical interaction between trace constituents and the deposition surface, and evaluated deposition velocity (V _d). There was little influence of geometric surface area, soil weight, or O₃ concentration on V _d of O₃. The effect of relative humidity (RH) (i.e. moisture content of the soil) on O₃ uptake was in agreement with results reported in the literature: a distinct RH dependence of V _d and little uptake under water-saturated conditions were observed. R _c values for all the soil samples examined were in the range 0.21–3.3 s mm⁻¹ and were exponentially related to the surface area of the particles and the organic carbon content of each soil sample at RH of both <10 and 60%.     

Effect of Crystalline and Amorphous Structures on Biodegradability of Poly(Tetramethylene Succinate)

The effect of orientation in the amorphous and crystalline regions on the biodegradability of PTMS [poly(tetramethylene succinate)] was studied using the amorphous orientation function, birefringence, and crystallinity. The crystalline and amorphous intrinsic lateral sonic moduli, E _t,c ⁰ and E _t,am ⁰ , were 2.61 × 10³ and 0.41 × 10³ MPa, respectively. Using the data on birefringence, crystalline and amorphous orientation function (f and f _am), crystallinity, and sonic modulus of the oriented PTMS fibers, the intrinsic birefringence of the crystalline ( _c ⁰ ) and amorphous ( _am ⁰ ) regions were evaluated to be 0.0561 and 0.0634, respectively. The biodegradabilities of oriented PTMS films were reduced as the elongation increased, i.e., the amorphous orientation increased. At low elongation (100 and 150%), however, biodegradabilities remained unchanged when the degradation test was performed in activated sludge, which was attributed to the amorphous orientation occurring even at 100% elongation, though the amorphous orientation direction was perpendicular to the fiber axis.     

Sonophotocatalytic Degradation of Chitosan in the Presence of Fe(III)/H2O2 System

The degradation of chitosan by means of ultrasound irradiation and its combination with homogeneous photocatalysis (photo-Fenton) was investigated. Emphasis was given on the effect of additive on degradation rate constants. 24 kHz of ultrasound irradiation was provided by a sonicator, while an ultraviolet source of 16 W was used for UV irradiation. To increase the efficiency of degradation process, degradation system was combined with Fe(III) (2.5 × 10⁻⁴mol/L) and H₂O₂ (0.020–0.118 mol/L) in the presence of UV irradiation and the rate of degradation process change from 1.873 × 10⁻⁹−6.083 × 10⁻⁹ mol^1.7 L s⁻¹. Photo-Fenton process led to complete chitosan degradation in 60 min with the rate increasing with increasing catalyst loading. Sonophotocatalysis in the presence of Fe(III)/H₂O₂ was always faster than the respective individual processes. A synergistic effect between ultrasound and ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of Fenton reagent was calculated. The degraded chitosans were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and average molecular weight of ultrasonicated chitosan was determined by measurements of intrinsic viscosity of samples. The results show that the total degree of deacetylation (DD) of chitosan change, partially after degradation and the decrease of molecular weight led to transformation of crystal structure. A negative order for the dependence of the reaction rate on total molar concentration of chitosan solution within the degradation process was suggested. Results of this study indicate that the presence of catalyst in the reaction medium can be utilized to reduce molecular weight of chitosan while maintaining the power of irradiated ultrasound and degree of deacetylation.     

Fate and behavior of metal(loid) contaminants in an organic matter-rich shooting range soil: Implications for remediation

This study investigates the fate and behavior of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), antimony (Sb), and arsenic (As) in a shooting range soil. The soil samples were collected from the surface (0–15 cm) and the subsurface (15–40 cm and 40–55 cm) of a grassy and wood chip covered impact area behind a firing position. Optical microscopy images indicate significant amounts of corroded bullet fragments and organic wood chips in the surface soil. Analysis by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed that metallic Pb was transformed into lead oxides (litharge PbO and massicot PbO) and lead carbonates (hydrocerussite Pb₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂, cerussite PbCO₃, and plumbonacrite Pb₅(CO₃)₃O(OH)₂). Rietveld quantification indicated the surface soil contained 14.1% metallic Pb, 17.9% hydrocerussite, 5.2% plumbonacrite, 5.9% litharge, and 3.9% massicot on a dry weight basis, or a total of 39.7% Pb, far in excess of lead concentrations typically found in US shooting range soils. Metallic Cu (bullet jacket material) appeared stable as no secondary minerals were detected in the surface soil. As and Sb concentrations were on the order of 1,057 mg/kg and 845 mg/kg respectively. The elevated soil pH coupled with high organic carbon content is thought to have caused downward migration of metals, especially for Pb, since 4,153 mg Pb/kg was observed at a depth of 55 cm. More than 60% of Pb was concentrated in the coarse soil (> 0.425 mm) fraction, suggesting soil clean-up possible by physical soil washing may be viable. The concentrations of Pb, As, and Sb in the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) extracts were 8,869 mg/L, 6.72 mg/L, and 6.42 mg/L respectively, were above the USEPA non-hazardous regulatory limit (As and Pb) of 5 mg/L. The elevated Sb and As concentrations draw concern because there is historically limited information concerning these metals at firing ranges and several values exceeded local soil cleanup criteria. As the high Pb concentrations appeared to be linked to the presence of organic-rich berm cover materials, the use of wood chips as berm cover to prevent soil erosion requires reconsideration as a shooting range management practice.     

Thermal Stability and Degradation of Chitosan Modified by Acetophenone

N-(Methylphenylmethylidenyl) chitosan (MPMC) polymer was synthesized by chemical modification of chitosan. The chemical structure of the modified polymer was characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric reveals that the thermal stability of chitosan polymer is greater than MPMC polymer. The activation energies of thermal degradation of chitosan and MPMC polymers determined using Arrhenius relationship. Thermal degradation of MPMC polymer was studied and the products of degradation were identified by GC–MS technique. It seems that the mechanism of degradation of MPMC polymer is characterized by elimination of low-molecular weight radicals. Combination or recombination of H^· or OH⁻ with these radicals and random scission mechanism along the backbone chain are the main source of the degradation products.     

Ozone Deposition to a Coniferous and Deciduous Forest in the Czech Republic

Estimates of ozone concentration and deposition flux to coniferous and deciduous forest in the Czech Republic on a 1 × 1 km grid during growing season (April–September) of the year 2001 are presented. Ozone deposition flux was derived from ozone concentrations in the atmosphere and from its deposition velocities. To quantify the spatial pattern in surface concentrations at 1 km resolution incorporating topography, empirical methods are used. The procedure maps ozone concentrations from the period of the day when measurements are representative for the forest areas of countryside. The effects of boundary layer stability are quantified using the observed relationship between the diurnal variability of surface ozone concentration and altitude. Ozone deposition velocities were calculated according to a multiple resistance model incorporating aerodynamic resistance (R _a ), laminar layer resistance (R _b ) and surface resistance (R _c ). Surface resistance (R _c ) comprises stomatal resistance (R _sto ). R _sto was calculated with respect to global radiation, surface air temperature and land cover. Modelled total and stomatal ozone fluxes are compared with the maps describing equivalent values of AOT40 (accumulated exposure over threshold of 40 ppb). For forests, the critical level (9,000 ppbh May–July daylight hours) is exceeded over 50% of forested territory. This indicates the potential for effects on large areas of forest. There is significiant correspondence between the exposure index AOT40 and the total ozone flux, but the relation between the total ozone flux and AOT40 exposure index is not clear in all parts of the forest territory.     

Biodegradable Nanocomposites of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and Organically Modified Layered Silicates

The present article summarizes the development of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and organically modified layered silicates nanocomposite using a co-rotating twin screw extruder having a blown film unit. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) studies indicated an increase in d spacing of the nanoclays in the bio-nanocomposite hybrids revealing formation of intercalated morphology. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) also confirmed presence of partially exfoliated clay galleries as well as layers of intercalated structures within the PBAT matrix in the nanocomposite. Mechanical tests showed that the nanocomposite hybrids prepared using B109 nanoclay exhibited higher tensile modulus. Functionalization of PBAT matrix upon grafting with maleic anhydride (MA) resulted in further improvement in mechanical properties. The existence of interfacial bonds in grafted bio-nanocomposite hybrids are substantiated using FTIR spectroscopy. Thermal properties of nanocomposite hybrids employing DSC, TGA also revealed improved T_g, T_c and thermal stability over the virgin polymer. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) indicated an increase of storage modulus (E′) of PBAT biopolymer with incorporation of nanofiller. The biodegradability of PBAT bionanocomposite hybrids showed an increase in the rate of biodegradability with addition of Na⁺MMT due to hydrophilic nature of the nanoclay.