Traces of DU in samples of environmental bio-monitors (non-flowering plants, fungi) and soil from target sites of the Western Balkan region

This paper reports results of gamma and alpha spectrometric measurements for mosses, lichens, fungi and soil samples from areas in the Balkans targeted by depleted uranium (DU). Samples were collected in 2002 and 2003 in the vicinity of several villages, principally Han Pijesak (Bosnia and Herzegovina, hit by DU in 1995) and Bratoselce (South Serbia, hit by DU in 1999) and in lesser numbers from Gornja Stubla, Kosovo (which is identified as a high natural radon/thoron area) and Presevo close to the Kosovo border. In the course of gamma spectrometric measurements some results suggested samples with unusual high uranium contents which might be considered to be a signature for the presence of DU, although many samples had very high detection limits. Alpha spectrometric measurements directly proved the presence of DU for five samples, all from directly targeted places. These were samples of mosses, lichens and soil. For some samples homogeneity tests were applied which showed a rather even distribution of DU in these samples. No trace of DU was found in any sample from a dwelling.     

The effect of mating frequency on female lifetime fecundity in the bulb mite, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizoglyphus robini </Emphasis>(Acari: Acaridae)

We investigated the influence of mating frequency on lifetime reproductive success in females of the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini. This species is highly promiscuous, and its colonial lifestyle promotes mating frequencies of at least several times a day. We manipulated mating frequencies either by keeping females continuously in the presence of a male, with males replaced every second day, or by exposing females to a new male for 4 h every second day (4 h is enough for a male to complete at least one copulation). We used males that were isolated from females either for 2 days, and thus had large reserves of sperm and seminal fluid, or for 2 h. We found that females with continuous access to a male had lower lifetime egg output than those exposed to males intermittently. This effect was mediated through decreased fecundity and not longevity. Male mating history had no significant effect on female fecundity or longevity. These results confirm that mating frequencies observed in bulb mite colonies exceed those necessary for sperm replenishment, and suggests that frequent mating is costly to females. We discuss possible explanations for the maintenance of mating frequencies that are detrimental to females.     

Investigation of acetaminophen adsorption with a biosorbent as a purification method of aqueous solution

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical compounds are considered emerging environmental pollutants that have a potential harmful impact on environment and human health. In this study, the spiky green horse-chestnut shell was used for the biosorption and removal of acetaminophen from aqueous solution. It was analysed how the parameters, like contact time, pH, mass of biosorbent and temperature, influence the effectiveness of acetaminophen removal from aqueous solutions. The equilibrium was quickly achieved after 10?min (～60%). The amount of acetaminophen adsorption slightly increased with the increase of the mass of biosorbent, and for example for an aqueous solution containing 10?mg/L of acetaminophen adsorption was increased from 62% to 81%. The promising results obtained at pH ranged between 2 and 9, which shows that the adsorption of acetaminophen did not depend on the pH and it may be a consequence of the predominant microporous sorbent and its surface charge. The result is better correlated to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model of type 2 (r ²?=?0.9992) than pseudo-first-order. A sorption mechanism of acetaminophen on biosorbent was also proposed. The sorption of acetaminophen over biosorbent is mainly preceded by hydrophilic interactions between hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in pharmaceutical molecules and hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the surface of biosorbent.     

New indicator species in the Baltic zooplankton in 1972

The occurrence of zooplankton species, indicating a salinewater influx from the North Sea into the Baltic Sea in 1972, is described. Particular attention is paid to 8 species so far unknown in this region (Ectopleura dumortieri, Rosacea plicata, Tomopteris kefersteini, Aetideus armatus, Centropages typicus, Eucalanus elongatus, Metridia lucens, Electra pilosa). The appearance of these zooplankters in the Southern Baltic Sea is discussed in relation to the hhdrographic changes taking place in this area in 1972. Based on these data, assessments are made regarding the intensity of dynamic exchange processes in the Baltic and North Atlantic waters in 1972.     

Hydrogenolysis of chlorobenzene,dichlorobenzenes and chlorotoluenes by in situ generated and gaseous hydrogen in alkaline media and the presence of Pd/C catalyst

A method for dechlorination of chloroaromatic compounds at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by an in situ generated––in reaction of Al particles with water––or gaseous hydrogen in alkaline media and the presence of Pd/C catalyst was thoroughly investigated, having in mind its possible application in utilization of organochlorine waste. Conversion degree to dechlorinated compounds depended on the constitution of substrates and ranged between 88% and 96% when in situ hydrogen was used (at substrate (chlorine) to catalyst molar ratio 550:1 and over twofold stoichiometric excess of Al relative to substrate (chlorine); the process lasted ca. 26 h until all Al was consumed), or 90–97% if gaseous hydrogen was purged. Effectiveness of dechlorination was markedly affected by stirring, i.e. size of the stirrer and speed of revolution. Prospects for application of the method described were briefly outlined.     

The separation of catalyst after photocatalytic reactions conducted in the presence of TiO2/FeCl3/UV

One of the problems connected with wastewater treatment by the photocatalytic method in the presence of TiO2 suspension is necessity of the later catalyst separation. The method proposed by us for this purpose, consists in the usage of coagulation of TiO2 suspension with the aid of FeCl3, particularly in the cases when addition of the salt is used in order to intensification of the photocatalytic process. The effects of the TiO2 separation were studied from the mixtures, after photocatalytic Acid Orange 7 degradation, with dosage of FeCl3 at different stages of the process. The coagulation was carried out at different pH values as well as different FeCl3 concentrations. It was stated that nearly 100% of separation and simultaneously, nearly 100% of decolouration of the examined Acid Orange 7 solutions after their illumination in the presence of TiO2/FeCl3 and coagulation which was produced only by increasing of pH of the obtained mixtures, were nearly possible.     

The use of the barbell cluster ANOVA design for the assessment of environmental pollution: a case study, Wigierski National Park, NE Poland

This report presents an assessment of chemical variability in natural ecosystems of Wigierski National Park (NE Poland) derived from the calculation of geochemical baselines using a barbell cluster ANOVA design. This method enabled us to obtain statistically valid information with a minimum number of samples collected. Results of summary statistics are presented for elemental concentrations in the soil horizons-O (Ol + Ofh), -A and -B, 1- and 2-year old Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) needles, pine bark and Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. (lichen) thalli, as well as pH and TOC. The scope of this study also encompassed S and C stable isotope determinations and SEM examinations on Scots pine needles. The variability for S and trace metals in soils and plant bioindicators is primarily governed by parent material lithology and to a lesser extent by anthropogenic factors. This fact enabled us to study concentrations that are close to regional background levels.     

Cadmium,zinc, copper and metallothionein levels in the kidney and liver of humans from central Poland

Cd, Zn, Cu, and metallothionein (MT) levels have been determined in the renal cortex and liver of 70 persons who died in Lodz and its surroundings in the years 1985–1989. The mean concentrations were: 44.9±28.6 µg Cd/g, 52.0±16.7 µg Zn/g, 2.4±1.0 µg Cu/g, 0.79±0.40 µmol Hg/g, and 3.5±1.8 µg Cd/g, 66.7±30.5 µg Zn/g, 4.9±2.1 µg Cu/g, 0.50±0.38 µmol Hg/g wet tissue in renal cortex and liver, respectively, with mean age 54.0±13.8. Smokers showed 2.4 times higher levels of Cd in the renal cortex than non-smokers. The mean body burden of Cd was 33.4±17.3 mg. Smoking increases it twofold from 22.0 mg in non-smokers to 41.8 mg in smokers.This work was supported by the grant CPBR 11.12(C-56/86) from the Institute of Rural Medicine, Lublin, Poland.Deceased.     

Prevalence of Human Parainfluenza Viruses and Noroviruses Genomes on Office Fomites

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of office fomites in respiratory (human parainfluenza virus 1—HPIV1, human parainfluenza virus 3—HPIV3) and enteric (norovirus GI—NoV GI, norovirus GII—NoV GII) viruses transmission by assessing the occurrence of these viruses on surfaces in office buildings. Between 2016 and 2017, a total of 130 surfaces from open-space and non-open-space rooms in office buildings located in one city were evaluated for HPIV1, HPIV3, NoV GI, and NoV GII viral RNA presence. Detection of viruses was performed by RT-qPCR method. Study revealed 27 positive samples, among them 59.3% were HPIV3-positive, 25.9% HPIV1-positive, and 14.8% NoV GII-positive. All tested surfaces were NoV GI-negative. Statistical analysis of obtained data showed that the surfaces of office equipment including computer keyboards and mice, telephones, and desktops were significantly more contaminated with respiratory viruses than the surfaces of building equipment elements such as door handles, light switches, or ventilation tracts (χ ² p = 0.006; Fisher’s Exact p = 0.004). All examined surfaces were significantly more contaminated with HPIVs than NoVs (χ ² p = 0.002; Fisher’s Exact p = 0.003). Office fomites in open-space rooms were more often contaminated with HPIVs than with NoVs (χ ² p = 0.016; Fisher’s Exact p = 0.013). The highest average concentration of HPIVs RNA copies was observed on telephones (1.66 × 10² copies/100 cm²), while NoVs on the light switches (1.40 × 10² copies/100 cm²). However, the Kruskal–Wallis test did not show statistically significant differences in concentration levels of viral RNA copies on surfaces between the all tested samples. This study unequivocally showed that individuals in office environment may have contact with both respiratory and enteric viral particles present on frequently touched surfaces.