Estimating the environmental impact of micro-pollutants in the low Ebro River (Spain): an approach based on screening toxicity with Vibrio fischeri

The aim of this study was to assess the likely impacts on the ecosystems due to agricultural, human, and industrial activities carried out in an ecologically important area of the Ebro River (Spain). For it, a screening site specific ecological risk assessment was conducted. Considering the presence of high levels of potentially toxic substances, such as metals and chlorinated organic compounds, aqueous and organic extracts were used to assess toxicity in sediments by using the photo-luminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox) as screening response variable. Sediment samples collected during 2005-2006 in the last course of the Ebro River and its Delta have been analyzed. Toxic responses have shown strong relationships to the levels of pollutants in the area. Moreover, various sites presented some toxicity level, probably because of other factors associated with reducing environments into the sediments. Results indicate that Microtox bioassay is an appropriate tool to perform risk assessment studies at screening level.     

Impact of pyrolysis temperature and activation on oily sludge-derived char for Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study investigated the Pb(II) and Cd(II) sorption from aqueous solution by oily sludge-derived char (OSDC) prepared at different pyrolysis...     

Concentrations of dioxin-like PCB congeners in unweathered Aroclors by HRGC/HRMS using EPA Method 1668A

We have determined the congener compositions of nine commercial Aroclor products of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the sub-part-per-million level using high-resolution gas chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry according to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1668A. These Aroclor composition data should allow improved characterization and risk assessment of PCB contamination at hazardous waste sites, particularly for dioxin-like PCB congeners. By combining the data on the concentrations of each dioxin-like congener with its World Health Organization toxicity equivalency factor, we have established dioxin toxic equivalent concentrations for each pure Aroclor product.     

Concentrations of p,p'-DDE in plasma of nestling Wood Storks from Georgia

We determined the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and total PCBs in plasma of nestling Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) from two colonies in Georgia in 2000. Of 20 compounds analyzed for, only p,p'-DDE was quantified in reportable concentrations, ranging from <2.0-174.0 ng/g wet weight (ww). Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were significantly greater (P<0.0001) in plasma of nestlings from an inland colony, Chew Mill (x 16.9 ng/g,ww) than a coastal colony, Harris Neck (x 1.2 ng/g,ww). Concentrations from nestlings from Chew Mill were significantly different among sampling weeks (P=0.01), with week 8 being significantly greater than weeks 1, 2, and 5. While the Chew Mill colony had much greater concentrations of p,p'-DDE in plasma of nestlings than the Harris Neck colony, reproduction was greater there (1.8+/-1.0 SD fledged young per nesting attempt) than Harris Neck (1.4+/-1.0 SD fledged young per nesting attempt). While concentrations of p,p'-DDE determined in plasma of nestling Wood Storks are an indirect measure of adult exposure to environmental toxicants, concentrations reported would not be considered detrimental to reproduction in these colonies.