Preliminary studies of a fast screening method for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil by using solvent microextraction-gas chromatography

Solvent microextraction (SME) was applied to the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from spiked and real environmental soil samples with different matrices. Soil sample was mixed with 7 mL of acetone and 14 mL of water to allow partitioning of the PAHs from the soil to the liquid phase. A 2 microL octane drop suspended from a microsyringe needle tip was then immersed into the stirred solution-soil mixture for extraction. After an 11 min extraction, the octane drop was withdrawn into the syringe and injected directly into the GC for identification and quantification. The whole analysis procedure took 27 min, with an extraction time of 11 min, and a GC separation time of 16 min. A second extraction could be undertaken whilst the GC is running, hence the GC run time currently limits the sample throughput. In this method, a small amount of organic solvent was used for the extraction process, which produced little waste. The limits of detection for lower molecular weight (< 230) PAHs range from 0.13 to 0.36 mg kg-1, and for higher molecular weight (> 250) PAHs are estimated to be between 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg-1, with RSD values generally under 20%. Due to the small volumes of organic solvent used, the consumable cost per extraction is only US$ 0.12. This is the first report of the application of SME to solid samples, and the first report of the use of SME for the analysis of PAHs.     

A ten channel fibre-optic device for distributed sensing of underground hydrocarbon leakage

With millions of fuel storage tanks and oil pipelines installed around the world, there is inevitably frequent leakage of potentially hazardous hydrocarbons. As many of these installations are below ground, it can often be many years before the extent of the leak is discovered. We have previously reported the development of a sensor for the detection of such subterranean leaks, using infrared reflectometry to interrogate a hydrocarbon sensitive membrane. However, a single sensor cannot provide any information about the flow rate or direction of the leak. This paper describes the extension of the technology to a multi-channel distributed sensing system, using optical fibres capable of distributing the sensors over large subterranean areas. Results are reported from the evaluation of the device, which consisted of monitoring the movement of different hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel and insulating oil) through a vertical sand-filled vessel.     

Study of the relationships between bone lead levels and its variation with time and the cumulative blood lead index, in a repeated bone lead survey

The study aims were to: (i) investigate long term human lead metabolism by measuring the change of lead concentration in the tibia and calcaneus; and (ii) assess whether improved industrial hygiene was resulting in a slow accumulation of lead in an exposed workforce. 109Cd excited K X-ray fluorescence was used to measure tibia lead and calcaneus lead concentrations in 101 workers in a secondary lead smelter. 51 subjects had had similar bone lead measurements 5 years previously. Most of the other subjects had been hired since the first survey. Measurements of whole blood lead were available for the large majority of subjects. Tibia lead concentrations fell significantly (p<0.001) in the 51 subjects with repeated bone lead measurements, from a mean of 39 microg Pb (g bone mineral)(-1) to 33 microg Pb (g bone mineral)(-1). The change correlated negatively with the initial tibia lead concentration, producing an estimate for an overall half-life of 15 years, with a 95% confidence interval of 9 to 55 years. Adding continuing lead exposure and recirculation of bone lead stores to the regression models produced half-life estimates of 12 and 9 years, respectively, for release of lead from the tibia. The repeat subjects showed no net change in calcaneus lead (64 microg Pb (g bone mineral)(-1) initially, 65 microg Pb (g bone mineral)(-1) 5 years later). Subjects not measured previously had average lead concentrations of 15 microg Pb (g bone mincral)(-1) in the tibia and 13 microg Pb (g bone mineral)(-1) in the calcaneus. The rate of clearance of lead from the tibia (9 to 15 years) is towards the more rapid end of previous estimates. The lack of a significant fall in the calcaneus lead was surprising. Attempts should be made to repeat this observation. If confirmed, it would have implications for models of lead metabolism. The relatively low lead concentrations in the non-repeat subjects are reassuring. However, observation after a longer period of employment would be desirable.     

A novel sensor for monitoring leakage of petroleum and other liquid hydrocarbons into soil environments

This paper describes the use of a potentially implantable infrared reflectometer for the qualitative detection of petroleum and a number of other hydrocarbon solvents. A rugged, low-power, re-useable sensor was evaluated in the laboratory for its ability to detect petrol in soil. A hydrophobic fluoropolymer was used as the sensing surface due to its high selectivity for petroleum hydrocarbons. The photocurrent reflected by this surface from a near IR source was measured to test for petroleum saturation within the membrane, which in turn was an indicator of petroleum in the surrounding soil. The simplicity in the sensor design enabled a stable, low cost detection method for petroleum and other hydrocarbons, ideal for use in sub-surface applications.     

Performance evaluation of a sorbent tube sampling method using short path thermal desorption for volatile organic compounds

Air sampling, using sorbents, thermal desorption and gas chromatography, is a versatile method for identifying and quantifying trace levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Thermal desorption can provide high sensitivity, appropropriate choices of sorbents and method parameters can accommodate a wide range of compounds and high humidity, and automated short-path systems can minimize artifacts, losses and carry-over effects. This study evaluates the performance of a short-path thermal desorption method for 77 VOCs using laboratory and field tests and a dual sorbent system (Tenax GR, Carbosieve SIII). Laboratory tests showed that the method requirements for ambient air sampling were easily achieved for most compounds, e.g., using the average and standard deviation across target compounds, blank emissions were < or = 0.3 ng per sorbent tube for all target compounds except benzene, toluene and phenol; the method detection limit was 0.05 +/- 0.08 ppb, reproducibility was 12 +/- 6%, linearity, as the relative standard deviation of relative response factors, was 16 +/- 9%, desorption efficiency was 99 +/- 28%, samples stored for 1-6 weeks had recoveries of 87 +/- 9%, and high humidity samples had recoveries of 102 +/- 12%. Due to sorbent, column and detector characteristics, performance was somewhat poorer for phenol groups, ketones, and nitrogen containing compounds. The laboratory results were confirmed in an analysis of replicate samples collected in two field studies that sampled ambient air along roadways and indoor air in a large office building. Replicates collected under field conditions demonstrated good agreement except for very low concentrations or large (> 41 volume) samples of high humidity air. Overall, the method provides excellent performance and satisfactory throughput for many applications.     

Young northern pike,yellow perch and crayfish as bioindicators in a mercury contaminated watercourse

Young-of-the-year and yearling northern pike (Esox lucius), yearling yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and adult crayfish (Orconectes virilis) were collected in the mercury-contaminated Wabigoon/English/Winnipeg River System, Ontario, and analyzed for total mercury. Analysis of mercury concentrations in these organisms produced consistent geographical trends; i.e. mercury concentrations in biota downstream of Dryden > English River system > Winnipeg River system > control sites. In the Wabigoon River system the bioavailability of mercury increases with distance downstream of the historical point source. Mercury concentrations in the biota studied were highly correlated with mercury concentrations in fish species which are of sport and commercial interest. The locations where young fish obtain their bodyburdens are known typically within 100 m. The biota studied compare favourably with the criteria proposed by Phillips (1980) as prerequisites for biological indicators. The wide distribution of young pike, perch and crayfish in North America, Europe and Asia may enhance their appeal as biomonitors.The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. No endorsement should be inferred.     

Temporal variation in a coral reef community at Pattaya Bay,Gulf of Thailand

Changes in the fringing coral reef community of a small island (Ko Nok) at Pattaya Bay, Gulf of Thailand, were examined at the beginning and at the end of a 3-year period using 7m×7m permanent quadrats for benthic organisms, and visual census along 100m transects for fish. The coral community was dominated by Porites lutea in terms of colony number and areal cover throughout the period. Variations in the community structure parameters on opposite sides of the island indicated increasing dissimilarity with time. Little variation in live coral cover was noted, but colony number and species diversity declined on both sides. The abundance of edible fish species dropped while that of non-edible species increased over the 3-year period, indicating selective removal of the former category through fishing. Impacts from both human and natural influences are implicated in these changes.