Acute toxicity and genotoxicity of five selected anionic and nonionic surfactants

The results of four toxicity bioassays of selected anionic and nonionic surface active agents were presented. Three widely used anionic surfactants that belong to alkyl sulphates (AS), alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS) and alkylpolyoxyethylene sulphates (AES) as well as nonionic surfactants: polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers (AE) and polyoxylethylene alkylphenyl ethers (APE) were tested. Three different toxicity assays to aquatic organisms: Physa acuta Draparnaud, Artemia salina and Raphidocelis subcapitata were applied. Additionally, the genotoxicity test with Bacillus subtilis M45 Rec- and H17 Rec+ strains was performed. The obtained results showed that none of the surfactants studied was genotoxic at the concentration 1000 mg l(-1). On the basis of toxicity tests to aquatic organisms all tested anionic surfactants were harmful (LC50 between 10 and 100 mg l(-1)), whereas nonionic ones were toxic (LC50 between 1 and 10 mg l(-1)) or even highly toxic (LC50 below 1 mg l(-1)). Moreover, the bigger was the molecular weight of the tested compound, the higher toxicity was observed.     

A model-based assessment of the environmental impact of land-use change across scales in Southern Amazonia

Regional Environmental Change - This article describes the design of a new model-based assessment framework to identify and analyse possible future trajectories of agricultural development and...     

Accumulation,speciation and localization of silver nanoparticles in the earthworm Eisenia fetida

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in agriculture and many consumer products has led to a significant release of Ag in the environment. Although...     

Correction to: Can preferential credit programs speed up the adoption of low-carbon agricultural systems in Mato Grosso,Brazil? Results from bioeconomic microsimulation

Regional Environmental Change - The published online version contains incorrect data in Figure 7.     

Treatment of landfill leachates with biological pretreatments and reverse osmosis

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Landfill leachates from municipal landfills are usually heavily contaminated and thus require treatments before direct discharge into natural waters. Selecting the...     

Environmental benefits from geothermal energy use with a well doublet located in the Szczecin Trough (NW Poland)

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - The article presents environmental aspects related to the use of geothermal waters of the Lower Jurassic in the area of the Szczecin Trough. The research...     

Lessons learnt from a crisis event: How to foster a sound safety culture

Recent events in the nuclear industry have blamed a declining safety culture both on the utility and regulatory side as the major responsible. Confidence in the nuclear industry can be dramatically affected by such events. In this context, the present paper analyses a recent crisis event that involved a research reactor. It shows the time history of the event and how its escalation brought to a temporary shut down of the reactor. In-depth analysis of the event pointed out safety culture deficiencies within the organization. The paper presents the key elements in the ensuing organizational change process and describes the different phases (short and long term approaches), players and measures involved in the process that the organisation set up to address deficiencies and improve safety culture. The case represents an interesting example from which important lessons can be learnt. In particular, staff motivation in terms of involvement in improvement activities is considered central in managing safety.     

Release of particles and metals into seawater following sediment resuspension of a coastal mine tailings disposal off Portmán Bay,Southern Spain

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Portmán Bay in Southern Spain is one of the most extreme cases in Europe of anthropogenic impact on the marine ecosystem by the disposal of mine...     

Occupational Exposure to Harmful Chemical Substances While Processing Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins

Air pollutants emitted while processing phenol-formaldehyde resins have been investigated. Gas chromatography-mass-selective detection was used to separate and identify chemical compounds. It was determined that workers were exposed to formaldehyde in all workplaces. Besides, phenol, acetaldehyde, acrylaldehyde, 2-furaldehyde, xylene, ethylbenzene, toluene, tetrachlorethene, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate were found during the production of frictional materials; and 2-furaldehyde, phenol, naphthalene, 2-furan-methanol, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the production of abrasive materials. Quantitative analyses were performed with gas chromatogra-phy and high performance liquid chromatography. Assessment of occupational exposure indicated that chemical compounds emitted during the investigated processes might be dangerous for human health, mainly because of suspected carcinogenic compounds: formaldehyde and PAHs.     

Ensuring Cleanliness in Operating Theatres

High cleanliness of a hospital environment is necessary to ensure safe working conditions for the medical staff, a correct process of hospitalization and to protect hospital visitors, an aspect rarely mentioned. A supply of air cleaned in highly-effective air filters to hospital wards with air conditioning systems and exhaust of infected air will help in maintaining the required standards of cleanliness. This article presents information on recommended classes of air and surface cleanliness, with special focus on operating theatres and suites.