Assessing the estrogenic potency in a Portuguese wastewater treatment plant using an integrated approach

The estrogenic potency of a wastewater treatment plant(WWTP) was evaluated using chemical and biological analyses,which showed that after the station treatment processes some of the selected endocrine disruptor compounds(EDCs) were still present in the treated effuent(e.g.,bisphenol A,alkylphenols,estrone) .Thus,the most common endocrine EDCs were identified and quantified and the overall estrogenicity of the treated effuent assessed by integrating the results.Male goldfish(Carassius auratus) were used as biological indicators in a 28-day experiment.Vitellogenin(Vtg) ,gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices,steroids(17β-estradiol and 11-ketotestosterone) and histopathology were biomarkers used in fish to evaluate WWTP treated effuent estrogenicity,in combination with instrumental analyses.The results showed a significant increase(P0.01) in plasma and liver Vtg,which were significantly correlated(r=0.66;P0.01) .The gonadosmatic index was significantly(P0.01) reduced in exposed fish.The steroid analyses revealed significant elevations in 17β-estradiol and depressed 11-ketotestosterone concentrations.The histological examinations show changes in exposed fish gonads,such as regressed testes and in some cases(43%to 75%) the development of ovo-testis in fish exposed to 50% and 100% treated effuent.     

Evaluation of the levels and sources of trace elements in urban particulate matter

An assessment of air quality of Belgrade, Serbia, was performed by determining the trace element content in airborne daily PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 samples collected from a central urban area. The ambient concentrations of Zn were the highest in PM_2.5 (1,998.0 ng m⁻³). Multivariate receptor modelling (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) has been applied to determine the contribution of different sources of specific metallic components in airborne particles. The obtained results showed that vehicle traffic and fossil fuel combustion in stationary objects were the main sources of trace metals in Belgrade urban aerosols.     

Radiolytic decomposition of multi-class surfactants and their biotransformation products in sewage treatment plant effluents

Electron beam irradiation (EBI), as one of the most efficient advanced oxidation processes, was applied to the treatment of sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent, with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of radiolytic decomposition of multi-class surfactants. Target compounds, included several high-volume surfactant groups, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and their biotransformation products, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), alkyl sulfates (AS), alkylether sulfates (AES), coconut diethanol amides (CDEA), alcohol ethoxylates (AEO) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs). EBI treatment of STP effluent (total concentration of APEO-derived compounds 265mugl(-1), being APE(2)C the most abundant by-degradation products) resulted in efficient decomposition of all alkylphenolic compounds; elimination of 94% longer ethoxy chain nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO, n(EO)=3-15) was obtained when 3kGy were applied. Slightly less efficient decomposition of short ethoxy chain oligomers (NPEO(1) and NPEO(2)) was observed, resulting in disappearance of about 80% of the initially present compounds. LC-MS analysis of treated wastewater suggested that the mechanism of EBI degradation of APEOs is a combination of two parallel pathways: a progressive shortening and oxidation of the ethoxy chain, which resulted in a formation of short ethoxy chain oligomers and APECs and central fission that resulted in formation of PEGs. Decomposition of APECs at 1kGy initially yielded APs, which were subsequently eliminated applying higher radiation doses. With a radiation dose of 2kGy about 95% of NPE(1)C and 97% of NPE(2)C were decomposed. Similar elimination rates were obtained for octylphenolic compounds. Radiolytic treatment applied was also very effective in removing PEGs formed as by-products from APEO degradation, as well as in decomposing other surfactants, such as linear LAS, AS and AES.     

Natural attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons—a study of biodegradation effects in groundwater (Vitanovac,Serbia)

The role of natural attenuation processes in groundwater contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons is of intense scientific and practical interest. This study provides insight into the biodegradation effects in groundwater at a site contaminated by kerosene (jet fuel) in 1993 (Vitanovac, Serbia). Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), hydrochemical indicators (O₂, NO₃^?, Mn, Fe, SO₄^2?, HCO₃^?), δ¹³C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and other parameters were measured to demonstrate biodegradation effects in groundwater at the contaminated site. Due to different biodegradation mechanisms, the zone of the lowest concentrations of electron acceptors and the zone of the highest concentrations of metabolic products of biodegradation overlap. Based on the analysis of redox-sensitive compounds in groundwater samples, redox processes ranged from strictly anoxic (methanogenesis) to oxic (oxygen reduction) within a short distance. The dependence of groundwater redox conditions on the distance from the source of contamination was observed. δ¹³C values of DIC ranged from ??15.83 to ??2.75‰, and the most positive values correspond to the zone under anaerobic and methanogenic conditions. Overall, results obtained provide clear evidence on the effects of natural attenuation processes—the activity of biodegradation mechanisms in field conditions.     

Polyacetal Polyols for Polyurethanes

The synthesis of telechelic polyacetals with terminal hydroxyl groups (polyacetal polyols), by the reaction of triethylene glycol divinyl ether with dipropylene glycol in the presence of trimethylolpropane or other triols or diols as starters, in acidic catalysis, has been studied. The synthesized liquid polyacetal triols and polyacetal diols were characterized by hydroxyl number, viscosity, acidity, number average molecular weight (M_n), weight average molecular weight (M_w), molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n), FT-IR spectra. The obtained polyacetals were transformed in cast elastomers by the reaction with the isocyanate Mondur CD (modified diphenyl methane diisocyanate) with properties very close to the elastic polyurethanes obtained by using conventional polyether triols, copolymers propylene oxide–ethylene oxide. The polyacetal polyols are suitable for the synthesis of elastic polyurethanes (polyurethane elastomers, flexible polyurethane foams). Polyacetals are well known biodegradable polymers. Therefore, the polyurethanes based on polyacetal polyols are expected to be biodegradable.     

Protection from wintertime rainfall reduces nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions during the decomposition of poultry and horse manure-based amendments

Manure-based soil amendments (herein “amendments”) are important fertility sources, but differences among amendment types and management can significantly affect their nutrient value and environmental impacts. A 6-month in situ decomposition experiment was conducted to determine how protection from wintertime rainfall affected nutrient losses and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in poultry (broiler chicken and turkey) and horse amendments. Changes in total nutrient concentration were measured every 3 months, changes in ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃^?) concentrations every month, and GHG emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) every 7–14 days. Poultry amendments maintained higher nutrient concentrations (except for K), higher emissions of CO₂ and N₂O, and lower CH₄ emissions than horse amendments. Exposing amendments to rainfall increased total N and NH₄⁺ losses in poultry amendments, P losses in turkey and horse amendments, and K losses and cumulative N₂O emissions for all amendments. However, it did not affect CO₂ or CH₄ emissions. Overall, rainfall exposure would decrease total N inputs by 37% (horse), 59% (broiler chicken), or 74% (turkey) for a given application rate (wet weight basis) after 6 months of decomposition, with similar losses for NH₄⁺ (69–96%), P (41–73%), and K (91–97%). This study confirms the benefits of facilities protected from rainfall to reduce nutrient losses and GHG emissions during amendment decomposition.

Implications: The impact of rainfall protection on nutrient losses and GHG emissions was monitored during the decomposition of broiler chicken, turkey, and horse manure-based soil amendments. Amendments exposed to rainfall had large ammonium and potassium losses, resulting in a 37–74% decrease in N inputs when compared with amendments protected from rainfall. Nitrous oxide emissions were also higher with rainfall exposure, although it had no effect on carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Overall, this work highlights the benefits of rainfall protection during amendment decomposition to reduce nutrient losses and GHG emissions.     

How Socio-Economic Conditions Influence Forest Policy Development in Central and South-East Europe

In this article, several findings on socio-economic conditions derived from national reports and a web-based questionnaire are discussed and related to the changing role of forestry and the future forest policy development. A number of Central and South-eastern European countries taking part in a SEE-ERA-NET project ReForMan project (www.reforman.de) participated in data acquisition: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, Serbia and Slovenia. The aim of the research was to illustrate the present structure of forestry sector, as well as investigate newly emerging topics in forestry of Central and South-eastern Europe. The results indicated certain patterns in attitudes and perceptions among stakeholders that can be related to socio-economic conditions defined for each country. Clear differences between member and non-member countries exist only in level of implementation of EU legislation. Results showed consensus on main threats to the forests among all countries, but also some country specifics in perceptions of factors influencing forestry, their importance and professional competencies. These results could be additionally explained by influence of historical conditions which shaped development of forest sector in SEE region especially in its organizational dimension as well as in perceived role of forestry expressed through recognition of main forest functions. The influence of European forest policy processes in the region is evident through adaptation of EU legislation and perceived implications of international processes on national levels. Based on this observation, two possible options for future development of the forestry sector can be foreseen: (i) focusing on the productive function of forests and fostering its' sustainable use; or (ii) putting an emphasis on environmental and social issues. In both cases supporting public participation in decision-making processes is recommendable. Another conclusion based on perceived medium to low professional competencies to cope with new topics, that there is lack of confidence and need for professional support in decisionmaking processes.     

Degradation and mineralization of sulcotrione and mesotrione in aqueous medium by the electro-Fenton process: a kinetic study

Introduction

The degradation and mineralization of two triketone (TRK) herbicides, including sulcotrione and mesotrione, by the electro-Fenton process (electro-Fenton using Pt anode (EF-Pt), electro-Fenton with BDD anode (EF-BDD) and anodic oxidation with BDD anode) were investigated in acidic aqueous medium.

Methods

The reactivity of both herbicides toward hydroxyl radicals was found to depend on the electron-withdrawing effect of the aromatic chlorine or nitro substituents. The degradation of sulcotrione and mesotrione obeyed apparent first-order reaction kinetics, and their absolute rate constants with hydroxyl radicals at pH?3.0 were determined by the competitive kinetics method.

Results and discussion

The hydroxylation absolute rate constant (k _abs) values of both TRK herbicides ranged from 8.20?×?10⁸ (sulcotrione) to 1.01?×?10⁹ (mesotrione) L?mol^?1?s^?1, whereas those of the TRK main cyclic or aromatic by-products, namely cyclohexane 1,3-dione , (2-chloro-4-methylsulphonyl) benzoic acid and 4-(methylsulphonyl)-2-nitrobenzoic acid, comprised between 5.90?×?10⁸ and 3.29?×?10⁹?L?mol^?1?s^?1. The efficiency of mineralization of aqueous solutions of both TRK herbicides was evaluated in terms of total organic carbon removal. Mineralization yields of about 97?C98% were reached in optimal conditions for a 6-h electro-Fenton treatment time.

Conclusions

The mineralization process steps involved the oxidative opening of the aromatic or cyclic TRK by-products, leading to the formation of short-chain carboxylic acids, and, then, of carbon dioxide and inorganic ions.     

Incorporating stakeholders’ preferences into a multi-criteria framework for planning large-scale Nature-Based Solutions

Hydro-meteorological risks are a growing issue for societies, economies and environments around the world. An effective, sustainable response to such risks and their future uncertainty requires a paradigm shift in our research and practical efforts. In this respect, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) offer the potential to achieve a more effective and flexible response to hydro-meteorological risks while also enhancing human well-being and biodiversity. The present paper describes a new methodology that incorporates stakeholders’ preferences into a multi-criteria analysis framework, as part of a tool for selecting risk mitigation measures. The methodology has been applied to Tamnava river basin in Serbia and Nangang river basin in Taiwan within the EC-funded RECONECT project. The results highlight the importance of involving stakeholders in the early stages of projects in order to achieve successful implementation of NBSs. The methodology can assist decision-makers in formulating desirable benefits and co-benefits and can enable a systematic and transparent NBSs planning process.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13280-020-01419-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Nitrated monoaromatic hydrocarbons (nitrophenols,nitrocatechols, nitrosalicylic acids) in ambient air: levels,mass size distributions and inhalation bioaccessibility

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Nitrated monoaromatic hydrocarbons (NMAHs) are ubiquitous in the environment and an important part of atmospheric humic-like substances (HULIS) and...