Effects of walnut husk washing waters and their phenolic constituents on horticultural species

INTRODUCTION: The reuse of wastewaters for agricultural purposes is a common practice in many countries and is increasingly recommended by organizations that promote sustainable development. Yet, it is restricted by the potential negative impact of these materials on soil and crops. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the environmental impact of walnut husk washing waters (WHWW) and their organic fractions, in order to conceive their agricultural exploitation. DISCUSSION: Phytotoxicity tests and morphological investigations on representative plant species of horticultural interest indicated that WHWW and their organic fractions can elicit a concentration-dependent stimulating effect on the growth of radish, lettuce cv. cavolo Napoli with effects up to 165 %. An opposite inhibitory effect up to 70 % was observed on spinach and lettuce cv. Gentilina. Proapoptotic effects were observed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide assay in the species inhibited by WHWW treatment. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the WHWW revealed the presence of a main component which was extracted selectively in organic solvents and purified by preparative chromatography. Complete spectral analysis allowed identification as 4,8-dihydroxy-1-tetralone, commonly known as regiolone. Regiolone exhibited the same concentration-dependent activity on root elongation with a stimulation in the case of radish up to 135 % with respect to control. These results open perspectives in the exploitation of WHWW and the main phenolic constituent readily available by a straightforward isolation procedure as a natural fertilizer for specific crops.     

Ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction of fragrance allergens in water

A method based on ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction (USAEME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been developed for the analysis of regulated fragrance allergens in water. Extraction conditions such as the type of solvent, extraction temperature, irradiation time, and salting-out effect were optimized using a multivariate approach. Compounds were extracted during 2 min in an acoustically emulsified media formed by 100 μL chloroform and 10 mL sample. The USAEME process provided an efficient and exhaustive extraction (enrichment factor ～100) and, after centrifugation, the extract was ready for GC analysis. Validation was performed using spiked ultrapure water as well as other most complex matrices such as sewage water. Recoveries between 75% and 110% were generally obtained, and precision was characterized by RSD values <10% in most cases. The limits of detection (LODs) were at the sub-nanogram per millilitre level. The proposed procedure was applied to the determination of allergens in several real samples including tap water, baby bathwater, recreational place water, public washing place water, and sewage water. The presence of some of the target compounds was confirmed in all the samples excluding tap water, demonstrating the ubiquity of this group of cosmetic and personal care products ingredients.     

Fish from industrially polluted freshwater as the main source of organochlorinated pollutants and increased frequency of thyroid disorders and dysglycemia

In a certain area of Michalovce district in East Slovakia, heavy industrial pollution by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) developed in 1955-1984 and very high PCB levels in environmental and human samples are still persisting. Recently, a total of 2045 adults from this and the surrounding background pollution area have been examined using questionnaire data, thyroid volume by ultrasound (ThV), urinary iodine and serum levels of 15 PCB congeners, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 2,2'-2-bis(4-chlorobiphenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (DDE), 2,2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), alpha-, beta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOab) and fasting glucose. As based on our previous findings of strikingly high level of PCBs in fish from high pollution area (e.g. mean level of 375430 ng/g lipid) and considerably lower, but still relatively high level in background pollution area (e.g. mean PCB level of 5150 ng/g), the information on the frequency of fish meals and approximate annual consumption of fish from local waters was obtained by questionnaires. The association of contaminated fish consumption with very high blood levels of PCBs, DDE and HCB and increased ThV as well as with increased frequency of positive TPOab, high values of FT4 and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was found. These associations were also confirmed in 16 marital pairs from high pollution area with very high PCB level in both members associated with high fish consumption. It was concluded that, due to persistent heavy pollution of waters, soil and food chain namely by PCBs, but also by pesticides (e.g. DDE and HCB) resulting from their previous extensive use in agriculture, the fish from local waters still remains the most important source of these toxic pollutants which results in considerable adverse health effects.     

Assessment of potentially harmful elements pollution in the Calore River basin (Southern Italy)

The geographical distribution of concentration values for harmful elements was determined in the Campania region, Italy. The study area consists of the drainage basin of the River Calore, a tributary of the river Volturno, the largest Southern Italian river. The results provide reliable analytical data allowing a quantitative assessment of the trace element pollution threat to the ecosystem and human health. Altogether 562 stream sediment samples were collected at a sampling density of 1 site per 5 km². All samples were air-dried, sieved to <100 mesh fraction and analyzed for 37 elements after an aqua regia extraction by a combination of ICP-AES and ICP-MS. In addition to elemental analysis, gamma-ray spectrometry data were collected (a total of 562 measurements) using a hand-held Scintrex GRS-500 spectrometer. Statistical analyses were performed to show the single-element distribution and the distribution of elemental association factor scores resulting from R-mode factor analyses. Maps showing element distributions were made using GeoDAS and ArcGIS software. Our study showed that, despite evidence from concentrations of many elements for enrichment over natural background values, the spatial distribution of major and trace elements in Calore River basin is determined mostly by geogenic factors. The southwestern area of the basin highlighted an enrichment of many elements potentially harmful for human health and other living organisms (Al, Fe, K, Na, As, Cd, La, Pb, Th, Tl, U); however, these anomalies are due to the presence of pyroclastic and alkaline volcanic lithologies. Even where sedimentary lithologies occur, many harmful elements (Co, Cr, Mn, Ni) showed high concentration levels due to natural origins. Conversely, a strong heavy metal contamination (Pb, Zn, Cu, Sb, Ag, Au, Hg), due to an anthropogenic contribution, is highlighted in many areas characterized by the presence of road junctions, urban settlements and industrial areas. The enrichment factor of these elements is 3–4 times higher than the background values. The southwestern area of the basin is characterized by a moderate/high degree of contamination, just where the two busiest roads of the area run and the highest concentration of industries occurs.     

Ecotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment of losartan after UV/H2O2 and UVC/photolysis treatments

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Losartan potassium (LOS) is one of the most antihypertensives used in the world, and its presence in environmental matrices can cause impacts to...     

The electro-oxidation of tetracycline hydrochloride in commercial DSA® modified by electrodeposited platinum

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) electro-oxidation by commercial DSA® and commercial DSA® modified by platinum electrodeposition was...     

An online platform supporting the analysis of water adaptation measures in the Alps

Climate change may result in reduced water supply from the Alps – an important water resource for Europe. This paper presents a multilingual platform that combines spatial and multi-criteria decision-support tools to facilitate stakeholder collaboration in the analysis of water management adaptation options. The platform has an interactive map interface that allows participants to select a location of their interest within the Alpine Arc. By utilising the decision-support tool, stakeholders can identify suitable adaptation solutions for different geographical units, according to their experience and preference. The platform was used to involve experts across Alpine borders, domains and decision-making levels, as well as a group of university students. The experts favoured the planning instruments for saving water, while the students inclined towards the measures that would improve water conservation. The initial results confirmed the suitability of the platform for future involvement of decision-makers in spatio-temporal analyses of adaptation pathways in the Alps.