Development of a accelerated solvent extraction and gel permeation chromatography analytical method for measuring persistent organohalogen compounds in adipose and organ tissue analysis

A new analytical method has been developed for the quantification of 59 different persistent organohalogen compounds, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PCB metabolites, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in biological organ tissues. The optimum extraction and cleanup procedures were examined using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), automated gel permeation chromatography (GPC) on Biobeads S-X3 and automated solid phase extraction (SPE) on silica-gel. The target compounds were divided into two fractions, non-polar compounds and more polar compounds, which in the latter fraction was subsequently methylated using diazomethane. Detection can be achieved by GC/MS in negative chemical ionization (NCI) mode. The average recoveries of the compounds spiked in swine liver, heart, kidney, and cattle adipose tissues were considered satisfactory, and it was confirmed that the method could be used in routine analysis.     

Formation behavior of PCDD/Fs in PVC pyrolysis with copper oxide

Formation and decomposition behaviors of PCDD/Fs during pyrolysis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with CuO have been investigated. These reactions proceed simultaneously, and the rate of decomposition exceeds that of formation with further retention. More 2,3,7,8-TCDD is formed when the dechlorination of PCDD/Fs proceeds significantly. Homologue profile patterns of PCDD/Fs show that the fractions of O8CDD and H6CDFs are relatively larger within PCDDs and PCDFs, respectively. Extremely large amounts of PCDD/Fs are obtained with the long retention time at 200 degrees C. The formation of PCDD/Fs decreases drastically with increase in the molar ratio of CuO/PVC. The acceptability of thermodynamic calculations on the formation of PCDD/Fs is also investigated. The thermodynamic calculated tendency of the effect of oxygen on the formation of PCDD/Fs agrees well with the experimental results, although absolute values of the amount of PCDD/Fs are much different.     

Bioconcentration factor of relatively low concentrations of chlorophenols in Japanese medaka

Bioconcentration factors (BCF) for pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were determined at five different concentrations of the chemicals, between 0.1 and 10 microg/l (PCP), 0.3 and 30 microg/l (2,4-DCP), in the ambient water. Medaka were exposed to each chemicals in a continuous-flow system during the embryonic development period and 60 days after hatching from eggs collected in the laboratory. Both the exposure time and the aqueous concentrations are much more realistic and closer to natural aquatic environments than those used in conventional BCF studies. The BCF values of PCP were from (4.9+/-2.8)x10(3) at the aqueous concentration of 0.074+/-0.028 microg/l to (2.1+/-1.4)x10(3) at 9.70+/-0.56 microg/l. The BCF value of 2,4-DCP were from (3.4+/-3.0)x10(2) at 0.235+/-0.060 microg/l to 92+/-27 at 27.3+/-1.6 microg/l. Generally, BCF values increased as the aqueous concentrations of PCP or 2,4-DCP decreased. This finding suggests that a relatively low and realistic aqueous concentration of these compounds is necessary to more accurately determine their BCF values in natural aquatic environments. Conventional BCF experiments at higher aqueous concentrations may underestimate the BCF values.     

Classification of the sugarcane residues and their characteristics—an environmental assessment of mortar with addition of sugarcane residues

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - The use of agro-residue in resource-limited regions can be a smart way for civil construction to reduce costs, reduce emissions of pollutant gases...     

Canopy compass in nocturnal homing of the subsocial shield bug, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parastrachia japonensis</Emphasis> (Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae)

In contrast to an open environment where a specific celestial cue is predominantly used, visual contrast of canopies against the sky through the gap, known as canopy cues, is known to play a major role for visually guided insect navigators in woodland habitats. In this paper, we investigated whether a subsocial shield bug, Parastrachia japonensis, could gauge direction using canopy cues on a moonless night. The results show that they could perform the round trip foraging behaviour even in an experimental arena with only an artificial round gap opened in the ceiling of the arena and adjust their homing direction for a new azimuth when the gap was rotated. Thus, P. japonensis can use slightly brighter canopy cues as a compass reference but not complex landmarks during nocturnal homing behaviour.     

Interspecific mating of the introduced bumblebee <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bombus terrestris</Emphasis> and the native Japanese bumblebee <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bombus hypocrita sapporoensis</Emphasis> results in inviable hybrids

The bumblebee Bombus terrestris is not only an effective pollinator, but also a potential invasive alien species outside its native range. Recently, nearly 30% of queens of the Japanese native species Bombus hypocrita sapporoensis and B. hypocrita hypocrita were estimated to copulate with B. terrestris males in the field, suggesting that indigenous bumblebees could be genetically deteriorated through hybrid production with the introduced species. In this study, we evaluated hybrid production between the introduced B. terrestris and the indigenous B. hypocrita sapporoensis under laboratory conditions. The hatching rate of eggs derived from interspecific matings was 0% and 8.6% depending on the direction of the cross, which was significantly lower than that from intraspecific matings of B. terrestris (76.9%) and B. hypocrita sapporoensis (78.9%). Genetic studies using microsatellite markers revealed that both haploid and diploid individuals were present in the egg stage, whereas all hatched larvae were haploid. In addition, histological studies revealed that eggs derived from interspecific matings terminated development 2 days after oviposition. These results strongly suggested that eggs derived from interspecific matings are inviable due to post-mating isolation mechanisms. Mass release of exotic pollinators could cause serious population declines of native bumblebee species.     

Quantitative assessment of the Japanese “local production for local consumption” movement: a case study of growth of vegetables in the Osaka city region

This study aimed to assess Japan’s recent “local production for local consumption” (LPLC) movement, with a special focus on vegetables in the Osaka city region of central Japan. After collecting statistics and spatial data, we conducted a multi-scale analysis of vegetable production and consumption along with the associated energy consumption, using geographical information system software at three spatial scales along the vegetable flow paths: national, regional, and local. Vegetables consumed in the Osaka city region came from prefectures throughout Japan, and we mapped the foodshed within this region at 1-km spatial resolution, as well as the distribution of farmland, farmers’ and other markets. We also conducted a scenario analysis for reduced energy consumption through organic farming and the utilization of abandoned farmland near a city to replace food imports from distant areas. We found that the large majority of vegetables consumed in the Osaka city region currently come from remote prefectures, and that this is associated with a high level of energy consumption. Inside the Osaka city region, peri-urban vegetable farming contributes to regional vegetable provision, resulting in an approximately 70 % production/consumption ratio within an 80-km radius of the urban center; if all of the area of abandoned farmland were restored to production, this ratio would increase to approximately 75 %. Organic farming activities that bring together farmers and urbanites are emerging in many parts of the study area, contributing to increased LPLC. Scenario analysis suggested that a decrease of more than 1 × 10⁶ GJ of energy inputs could be achieved through wider adoption of local organic farming for local consumption and complete utilization of abandoned farmland in the Osaka city region.     

Application of lean flammability limit study and large eddy simulation to burner development for an oxy-fuel combustion system

Previously, we developed a model to predict lean flammability limit L and flame propagation velocity Sb for pulverized coal. In the present paper, we have extended the model to apply it in development of oxy-fuel combustion systems. The basic model consists of two particles. One of the two particles burns first, then, the other particle is ignited by the heat of combustion of the one burning particle. We analyzed at what distance the first burning particle could ignite the next particle, and how fast the first burning particle could ignite the next particle. The model was verified both for air and oxy-fuel combustion conditions. Next, a method to support burner development was examined by using the model. Local Sb and L near the ignition points of the burner could be analyzed from the concentration and temperature profiles of CFD results. Flame stability was judged by the calculated Sb and L profiles, and past results of blow-off limits obtained with actual- and pilot-scale experiments. A DS^®T-burner was developed by Hitachi Power Europe, and installed at the Schwarze Pumpe pilot plant. Combination of the technique and large eddy simulation was applied to confirmation of the system.     

Silver speciation in liver of marine mammals by synchrotron X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopies

The chemical form of Ag in the livers of five species of marine mammals was examined using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopies. The XAFS analysis suggested that Ag(2)Se was present in the livers of the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), and Baird's beaked whale (Berardius bairdii), whereas Ag(2)S was present in the livers of the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata). XRF spectroscopy results revealed that the distribution patterns of Ag and Se in a thin section of the liver of the Franciscana dolphin were the same; this also implied that Ag was associated with Se in the liver. Thus, the interaction of Ag with Se or S may offer significant protection against the toxicity of Ag in marine mammals. The formation of either Ag(2)Se or Ag(2)S might depend on the Hg levels in the liver. Ag(2)Se was observed in liver samples with relatively high Ag/Hg ratio, whereas liver samples with low Ag/Hg ratio contained Ag(2)S.     

Leachability and phytoavailability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from different bio-composts under chloride- and sulfate-dominated irrigation water

Concerns over increased phosphorus (P) application with nitrogen (N)-based compost application have shifted the trend to P-based composed application, but focusing on one or two nutritional elements does not serve the goals of sustainable agriculture. The need to understand the nutrient release and uptake from different composts has been further aggravated by the use of saline irrigation water in the recent scenario of fresh water shortage. Therefore, we evaluated the leachability and phytoavailability of P, N, and K from a sandy loam soil amended with animal, poultry, and sludge composts when applied on a total P-equivalent basis (200 kg ha(-1)) under Cl(-) (NaCl)- and SO4(2-) (Na2SO4)-dominated irrigation water. Our results showed that the concentration of dissolved reactive P (DRP) was higher in leachates under SO(4)(2-) than Cl(-) treatments. Compost amendments differed for DRP leaching in the following pattern: sludge > animal > poultry > control. Maize (Zea mays L.) growth and P uptake were severely suppressed under Cl(-) irrigation compared with SO4(2-) and non-saline treatments. All composts were applied on a total P-equivalent basis, but maximum plant (shoot + root) P uptake was observed under sludge compost amendment (73.4 mg DW(-1)), followed by poultry (39.3 mg DW(-1)), animal (15.0 mg DW(-1)), and control (1.2 mg DW(-1)) treatment. Results of this study reveal that irrigation water dominated by SO4(2-) has greater ability to replace/leach P, other anions (NO3(-)), and cations (K+). Variability in P release from different bio-composts applied on a total P-equivalent basis suggested that P availability is highly dependent on compost source.