Photocatalytic demulsification of oil/water emulsions containing nonionic surfactant

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Separation of oil-water (OW) emulsions is investigated using a photocatalytic demulsification approach. Experiments were conducted using two types of...     

Dynamics of heavy-metal transfer between biotic (Cytheria chione and Cerastoderma edule) and abiotic (water and sediment) components in marine environment (Bay of Martil, Moroccan Mediterranean coast)

This study deals with the transfer of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Ti, Zn, and Cu) between abiotic and biotic components (Cytheria chione and Cerastoderma edule) in the inshore intertidal zones of Tetouan/Martil over 2 yr of investigation (1992-1994). Analysis of the heavy-metal accumulation kinetics in Cytheria chione and Cerastoderma edule shows that their highest contents occur during the spring-summer period when an important proliferation of the plankton biomass occurs. However, the accumulation of Cd is higher during the period between winter and spring. In general, heavy-metal concentrations are higher at Cytheria chione than at Cerastoderma edule. These results, according to previous studies, suggest the presence of significant correlations and dynamic reciprocal transfer of heavy metals among seawater, sediment, and molluscs. They also suggest that the level of contamination of decreasing heavy metals follows the sequence: sediment, organisms, and water. Among the molluscs investigated, the variability of the thallium (Tl) contents is difficult to detect due to the very weak presence of this metal in the analysed tissues.     

Short-term, real-time forecasting of hourly ozone, NO2 and NO levels by means of multiple linear regression modelling

Conclusions  The results are at least as good as those obtained with much more sophisticated models. Furthermore, the models can be easily run on a simple PC. This approach may provide a good diagnostic network (as seen in Bilbao) with real-time, short-term prognostic capabilities for a given location. The models have been built for Bilbao and are applicable only in this location. However, using the same methodology, similar results could be obtained in other environments if a good diagnostic network is available. The full paper is published in the Internet journal ‘Gate to EHS (Environmental and Health Science)’, in June 2001, and can be called up and cited by way of the DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/ehs2001.06.009     

Biochemical interaction of six op delayed neurotoxicants with several neurotargets

Abstract

Five organophosphorous insecticides: Leptophos, EPN, Cyano‐fenphos, trichloronate and salithion proved to cause irreversible ataxia not only to chicken but also to mice and sheep. TOCP was included as a reference. Cyanofenphos blocked the catecholamine B‐receptor binding activity with ³H‐norepinephrine at a level similar to that of the specific inhibitor propranolol in the mouse heart preparation. In the lamb heart preparation, the B‐receptor was more sensitive to Leptophos, salithion and TOCP than to propranolol. The six compounds and their oxons were screened for their in‐vitro inhibition to monamine oxidase (MAO), acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and neurotoxic esterase (NTE) in the brain of either mouse, lamb or chicken. It is believed that their AChE inhibition stands for their acute toxicity, while NTE inhibition is responsible for their paralytic ataxia.     

Residues of organochlorine pesticides in fishes in Sudan

Abstract

Cotton‐producing areas of the Centrol Sudan, bordered by the Blue and the White Nile, have been subjected to repeated applications of pesticides. This region is irrigated by a series of canals, the Gezira canals, which hold large amounts of fresh water. Lake Nubia at the Sudan‐Egypt border is another important fresh water reservoir and fisheries ground. Fish from both the Gezira and Lake Nubia showed elevated concentrations of pesticides, suggesting that continued pesticides application would endanger the equatic fauna of this region and the proposed fresh water fishery.     

Phytoplankton-nutrient relationships in years with various water levels in the Pasłęka River in the vicinity of the hydroelectric power station (North-east Poland)

Relationships between abundance of basic net phytoplankton taxonomic groups (cyanobacteria, diatoms, and chlorophytes) and nutrient concentrations in water were studied on the Pas??ka River in years with varied water levels. In high water level conditions, large amounts of orthophosphates and total nitrogen from the catchment could favor development of cyanobacteria and chlorophytes. The species could be allochthonic. At low water levels, the factor stimulating phytoplankton development could be nutrients coming from mineralization of accumulated organic matter. The highest nutrient concentrations could favor diatom development. In such conditions, dominant taxa were autochthonic. In terms of numbers, F. capucina was dominant, and in terms of biomass—genus Spirogyra sp. It could come from plant periphyton inhabiting the concrete drops of the dam included in the river’s development in the vicinity of the hydroelectric power station.     

Development of composites using residue from laminated packaging with discarded foundry sand

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - In recent years, the use of residue for the production of new composite materials has gained prominence as it enables reuse of materials and...     

Characterization of the benthic vegetation in the Farwà Lagoon (Libya)

This study forms part of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Vegetation in the Mediterranean SEa (United Nation Environmental Program). It was carried out in June 2000 in the Farwà Lagoon, Libya. The mapping of the main benthic vegetation was achieved by compiling the field observations (transect method), and remote sensing of SPOT satellite images. The phytobenthos in the Farwà lagoon covers an area of 1820 ha (65%). Three benthic macrophyte species dominate, namely the marine phanerogamsCymodocea nodosa andPosidonia oceanica, and the algaCaulerpa prolifera. DeadPosidonia oceanica leaves (litter) form veritable mounds in the vicinity of the openings leading to open sea. These leaves, which come from the coastal sea, are brought into the lagoon by currents and tides; their decomposition will lead to high oxygen consumption and the release of hydrogen sulphide. The phenological data ofPosidonia oceanica shoots sampled in the lagoon are similar to those from other stations in the Mediterranean. Conversely, the lepidochronological parameters of shoots sampled in the central part of the lagoon exhibit values that are substantially higher than those generally recorded in the Mediterranean. The mean number of leaves produced annually is 9.9 (mean value for the Mediterranean: 7.5) and the rhizome growth rate is of 35.7 mm.yr⁻¹ (mean value for the Mediterranean: 7.5 mm.yr⁻¹). This hypersaline environment would seem to provide optimum growth conditions for the speciesPosidonia oceanica.     

Lessons from Norovirus Outbreak in Warsaw,Poland, December 2012

Efficient foodborne outbreak investigations are important for identification of gaps in food safety and public health practice. This article reports on an investigation of a gastroenteritis outbreak linked to catering food following a Christmas reception at the National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene (NIPH-NIH) in Warsaw in December 2012. Of 192 employees eating food at the catering event, 97 (50.5 %) developed symptoms. Persons eating dishes with recipes containing frozen carrots were five times more likely to develop gastrointestinal symptoms compared to those who did not eat carrots. Laboratory analysis identified norovirus in stool samples taken from symptomatic persons. Leftover food was not available for testing. The investigators did not collect stool specimens from food handlers and did not conduct trace backs for the suspected food ingredients. This investigation underlines the need for a revision of an existing procedures and importance of their complementation with detailed instructions for the local public health authorities for effective completion of foodborne outbreaks investigations in Poland.