Removal of trichloroethylene from water by cellulose acetate supported bimetallic Ni/Fe nanoparticles

In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) supported Ni/Fe nanoparticles were prepared and the ability of these nanoparticles to remove trichloroethylene (TCE) from water was studied. The effects of TCE reduction by the nanoparticles and sorption by the CA support were accounted for separately in the model. CA supported post-coated Ni/Fe nanoparticles were used to investigate the effect of metal particle composition on the observed reduction rate constant. The results show that the metal mass normalized observed reduction rate constant was proportional to the Ni content in the post-coated Ni/Fe nanoparticles in the range of 0-14.3 wt.%. This constant reached a maximum between 14.3 and 21.4 wt.% and decreased with further increase in Ni content. CA supported co-reduced Ni/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles gave poorer performance compared to CA supported post-coated Ni/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles at the same Ni content in Ni/Fe nanoparticles.     

Study of transportation and distribution of PCBs using an ecologically simulated growth chamber

This study was designed to investigate the transportation, distribution, and bioaccumulation of PCBs in various environmental media and compartments using an ecologically simulated growth chamber. Spatial and temporal trends of PCBs in the growth chamber were discussed. The release of PCB congeners in soil was affected by the amount of rainfall with the transporting direction moving away from PCBs contaminated point. Two pathways of PCBs accumulation in plants were the uptake of roots and the deposition on shoots/leaves. There were 29 PCB congeners been found in the lalang grass. Higher concentrations of lower chlorinated PCBs were identified than higher chlorinated PCBs because of relatively higher vapor pressure for lower chlorinated congeners. After 10months of monitoring, PCBs were detected in water samples which were contributed by the release of PCBs from leached soil. Analysis of sediment showed that the percentages of low- and mid-chlorinated biphenyls were decreased 1% and 13%, respectively compared to the increase (14%) of high-chlorinated biphenyls. The increase of high-chlorinated PCBs was possibly caused by their low hydrophilicity which had resulted higher adsorption rate in sediment. All of five species of fish had been found significant amount of PCBs accumulation ( summation operatorPCBs: 21.7-102.1 microg/g-lipid). The concentrations of PCBs in fish were varied significantly among species. The range of bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) among different species of fish could be as much as 5 times depending on the consumption habits of fish. The mass balance of PCBs distribution in the growth chamber was also discussed.     

Photodegradation of bisphenol A in simulated lake water containing algae, humic acid and ferric ions

The photodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA), a suspected endocrine disruptor (ED), in simulated lake water containing algae, humic acid and Fe3+ ions was investigated. Algae, humic acid and Fe3+ ions enhanced the photodegradation of BPA. Photodegradation efficiency of BPA was 36% after 4h irradiation in the presence of 6.5 x 10(9) cells L(-1) raw Chlorella vulgaris, 4 mg L(-1) humic acid and 20 micromol L(-1) Fe3+. The photodegradation efficiency of BPA was higher in the presence of algae treated with ultrasonic than that without ultrasonic. The photodegradation efficiency of BPA in the water only containing algae treated with ultrasonic was 37% after 4h irradiation. The algae treated with heating can also enhance the photodegradation of BPA. This work helps environmental scientists to understand the photochemical behavior of BPA in lake water.     

Organochlorine contaminants in complete clutches of Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) eggs from Belize

Seven complete clutches of Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) eggs were collected in northern Belize and examined for organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues. The primary OC detected, p,p-DDE, was found in every egg analyzed (n=175). Other OCs detected included p,p-DDT, p,p-DDD, methoxychlor, aldrin, and endosulfan I. Concentrations of individual OCs ranged from 4 ppb (ng chemical/g egg wet weight) to greater than 500 ppb. A statistical evaluation of p,p-DDE levels in three complete clutches was used to derive the minimum number of eggs needed from a clutch to precisely determine the mean p,p-DDE concentration representative of that clutch. Sample sizes of 8 (80% confidence level) and 11 (90% confidence level) were determined to yield an accurate estimate of contaminant levels in a full clutch of eggs. The statistically recommended sample size of 11 eggs (at 90% confidence level) was successfully tested on the four additional clutches.     

Burkholderia sp.FDS-1降解硝基苯酚类化合物的特性研究

从长期受农药污染的土壤中分离到1株高效杀螟硫磷降解菌株Burkholderia sp.FDS^-1,它能以3-甲基-4-硝基苯酚(MNP)为唯一碳源和氮源进行生长.该菌能在9h内将0.6mmol.L-1MNP完全转化成邻甲基对苯二酚(MHQ),并能继续降解MHQ.该菌降解MNP的最适温度和pH分别为30℃和7.0,菌株降解MNP的速率和起始接种量呈正相关.降解MNP的酶为诱导酶.     

应用重组孕激素基因酵母测定饮用水中内分泌干扰物的方法

研究了用重组孕激素受体基因酵母测定饮用水中内分泌干扰物的方法,并利用该种方法检测了南方某水厂不同处理工艺过程水样对孕激素受体活性的抑制水平.结果表明,重组孕激素受体基因酵母能够与孕激素专一性的结合,诱导产生明显的剂量-效应关系,EC₅₀值为0.5 nmol/L,具有较高灵敏度;环境内分泌干扰物五氯酚和壬基酚具有孕激素受体抑制活性,其IC₅₀值分别为2.4μmol/L和3.7μmol/L;重组孕激素受体基因/报道基因的酵母技术是一种筛选和定量分析具有孕激素受体抑制活性的内分泌干扰物的快速、有效方法.结合固相萃取的前处理技术,重组孕激素受体基因酵母对水厂不同处理工艺水样检测出明显的孕激素受体抑制活性,抑制率均大于58%,表明重组孕激素受体基因酵母检测技术能够快速监测和鉴别水样中具有抑制孕激素受体活性的物质.     

Enhanced photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol by metal-modified titanium (IV) oxide

The effects of four metals (Ag, Au, Pt, and Cu) doped on TiO2 on the photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP) were investigated. The results of this study indicated that all four metals-doped TiO2 catalysts were able to enhance the efficiency of PCP photocatalysis with an optimum metallic content of 0.1 wt%. For the metal-doped TiO2 samples (Au, Pt, and Cu), the patterns of light absorption were significantly extended toward visible light spectra in the wavelengths between 400 and 800 nm. The photocatalysis of PCP was pH dependent with the maximum degradation rate achieved in the solution at pH 3. The formation of chloride ion corresponded with the concentration of PCP degraded which confirmed that dechlorination was the major pathway of PCP photocatalysis. The overall toxicities of PCP samples were reduced with the extension of light exposure using the microtox test. The results of PCP photocatalysis are also discussed based on the characteristics of metal/TiO2 including X-ray differential (XRD) patterns, Brunquer Emmett Teller (BET) specific area analysis, and Ultra Violet (UV)-Vis absorption spectra.     

Quantitation of Hydroxyl Radicals from Photolysis of Fe(III)-Citrate Complexes in Aerobic Water (5 pp)

Background For their high photoreactivity, Fe(III)-carboxylate complexes are important sources of H2O2 for some atmospheric and surface waters. Citrate is one kind of carboxylate, which can form complexes with Fe(III). In our previous study, we have applied Fe(III)-citrate complexes to degrade and decolorize dyes in aqueous solutions both under UV light and sunlight. Results have shown that carboxylic acids can promote the photodegradation efficiency. It is indicated that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes may cause the formation of some reactive species (e. g. H2O2 and ·OH). This work is attempted to quantify hydroxyl radicals generated in the aqueous solution containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes and to interpret the photoreactivity of Fe(III)-citrate complexes for degrading organic compounds. Methods By using benzene as the scavenger to produce phenol, the photogeneration of ·OH in the aqueous solution containing Fe (III)-citrate complexes was determined by HPLC. Results and Discussion In the aqueous solution containing 60.0/30.0 mM Fe(III)/citrate and 7.0 mM benzene at pH 3.0, 96.66 mM ·OH was produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light (l ≥ 313 nm) for 160 minutes. Effects of initial pH value and concentrations of Fe(III) and citrate on ·OH radical generation were all examined. The results show that the greatest photoproduction of ·OH in the aqueous solution (pH ranged from 3.0 to 7.0) was at pH 3.0. The photoproduction of ·OH increased with increasing Fe(III) or citrate concentrations. Conclusion In the aqueous solutions containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes, ·OH radicals were produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light. It can be concluded that Fe(III)-citrate complexes are important sources of ·OH radicals for some atmospheric and surface waters. Recommendations and Outlook It is believed that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes in the presence of oxygen play an important role in producing ·OH both in atmospheric waters and surface water where high concentrations of ferric ions and citrate ions exist. The photoproduction of ·OH has a high oxidizing potential for the degradation of a wide variety of natural and anthropogenic organic and inorganic substances. We can use this method for toxic organic pollutants such as organic dyes and pesticides.     

Determination and impact of volatile organics emitted during rush hours in the ambient air around gasoline stations

This study analyzes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the ambient air around gasoline stations during rush hours and assesses their impact on human health. Results from this study clearly indicate that methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), toluene, and isobutane are the major VOCs emitted from gasoline stations. Moreover, the concentrations of MTBE and toluene in the ambient air near gasoline stations are remarkably higher than those sampled on surrounding roads, revealing that these compounds are mainly released from gasoline stations. The concentration of VOCs near the gasoline stations without vapor recovery systems are approximately 7.3 times higher than those around the gasoline stations having the recovery systems. An impact on individual health and air quality because of gasoline station emissions was done using Integrated Risk Information System and Industrial Source Complex Short Term model.     

Distribution and dissipation pathways of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in the Yellow River: Site investigation and lab-scale studies

Spatial distribution of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs) and nonylphenol (NP) was investigated in a field study in Lanzhou Reach of the Yellow River. NPEOs and their metabolites were found in the river, with the maximum dissolved concentrations of 6.38 nmol/L for NPEOs, 0.19 nmol/L for nonylphenol ethoxy acetic acids (NPECs) and 0.79 nmol/L for NP, respectively. The maximum concentrations in the sediment and suspended particle samples were 1.50 and 5.09 nmol/g for NPEOs and NP, respectively. The effects of particles, light and microorganism on the dissipation of NPEOs in the river water were investigated based on lab-scale experiments. When natural particles were removed, 72% and 22% degradation of NPEOs were achieved at 120 h in non-sterile and sterile conditions with light, respectively. Different concentrations of NPECs were also observed in these experiments. When suspended particle matters (SPMs) were present, about 38-50% of NPEOs were sorbed to the particulate phase in only 1 h. As a result, the degradation of NPEOs and production of NPECs were inhibited. However, the combined sorption and degradation in the presence of SPMs resulted in lower dissolved NPEO concentrations than those in the absence of SPMs. Biodegradation was the most important pathway for NPEOs degradation in the river water, while NPECs seemed to be produced through both biological and abiological pathways.