Alkoxy-silyl Induced Agglomeration: A New Approach for the Sustainable Removal of Microplastic from Aquatic Systems

The substance class of inert organic-chemical stressors (IOCS) describes organic-chemical (macro-) molecules, which demonstrate a high level of persistence upon entry in the ecosystem, and whose degradation is limited. These synthetically produced organic-chemical macromolecules, which are often derived from the polymerization of different monomers, are, in the form of plastics, indispensable in the everyday world. They enter the environmental compartments and cause great damage due to primary (industry, cosmetic, washing of textile), and secondary (degradation) entry. If these particles get into aquatic systems, this has fatal consequences for the ecosystem such as the death of marine animals, or bioaccumulation. Wastewater treatment plants are reaching their limits and require innovative ideas for the sustainable removal of microplastic. This article examines a new approach to the removal of polymers from aquatic systems (lab scale) by using sol–gel induced agglomeration reactions to form larger particle agglomerates. These enlarged agglomerates can be separated much more easily from the wastewater, since they float on the water surface. Separation systems, e.g. sand trap can easily be used. A further advantage is that the agglomeration can be carried out completely independently of the type, size, and amount of the trace substance concentration as well as of the external influences (pH value, temperature, pressure). Thus, this new type of particle separation can not only be used in sewage treatment plants, but can also be transferred to decentralized systems (e.g. implementation in industrial processes).

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Poly- and perfluorinated compounds in household consumer products

Several household consumer products were analyzed for their content of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH) by nanoflow ultra performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Among the investigated products, which are applied as sprays, were impregnating agents, cleaning agents, lubricants, and conditioners. In 14 of the 26 products analyzed, at least one polyfluorinated compound (PFC) was detected in 14 samples. 8?:?2 FTOH was the dominating PFC with concentrations up to 149?µg?mL^?1. The maximum concentration of PFOA was 14.5?µg?mL^?1, whereas PFOS was not detected in any sample. Investigated PFCs were mostly found in impregnating agents and lubricants, but were not detected in cleaning agents and conditioners. In FTOH-containing impregnating agents, similar ratios between 6?:?2 FTOH, 8?:?2 FTOH, and 10?:?2 FTOH were found. FTOH proportions in PFC-containing lubricants were similar as well. Total human exposure to PFC from consumer product aerosols for three different scenarios was estimated to be between 42.8 and 464?ng?kg^?1?per day.     

Thermal Gains Through Collective Metabolic Heat Production in Social Caterpillars of Eriogaster lanestris

 We investigated thermal characteristics of aggregations of social, tent-building caterpillars of the small eggar moth Eriogaster lanestris (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae). The highly synchronous behavior of individuals of the colony has important consequences for their thermal ecology. Air temperature in the tent fluctuates according to the caterpillars' activity: air temperature slowly rises about 2.5–3  °C above the surroundings when caterpillars aggregate in the tent after feeding and decreases rapidly when the larvae leave the tent. Thermal energy can be stored for a few hours when ambient temperature drops. Experiments show that metabolic heat production sufficiently explains this effect. As even minor additional heat gain may reduce developmental time, aggregating in the tent may thus confer selective advantages under overcast weather or at night, when behavioral thermoregulation through basking is not possible. Received: 24 November 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 26 January 2000