Effects of particle size on chemical speciation and bioavailability of copper to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to copper nanoparticles

To investigate the role of particle size on the oxidation, bioavailability, and adverse effects of manufactured Cu nanoparticles (NPs) in soils, we exposed the earthworm Eisenia ferida to a series of concentrations of commercially produced NPs labeled as 20- to 40-nm or < 100-nm Cu in artificial soil media. Effects on growth, mortality, reproduction, and expression of a variety of genes associated with metal homeostasis, general stress, and oxidative stress were measured. We also used X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy to characterize changes in chemical speciation and spatial distribution of the NPs in soil media and earthworm tissues. Exposure concentrations of Cu NPs up to 65 mg kg(-1) caused no adverse effects on ecologically relevant endpoints. Increases in metallothionein expression occurred at concentrations exceeding 20 mg kg(-1) of Cu NPs and concentrations exceeding 10 mg kg(-1) of CuSO4. Based on the relationship of Cu tissue concentration to metallothionein expression level and the spatial distribution and chemical speciation of Cu in the tissues, we conclude that Cu ions and oxidized Cu NPs were taken up by the earthworms. This study suggests that oxidized Cu NPs may enter food chains from soil but that adverse effects in earthworms are likely to occur only at relatively high concentrations (> 65 mg Cu kg(-1) soil).     

Lanthanum cobaltite perovskite supported onto mesoporous zirconium dioxide: nature of active sites of VOC oxidation

Novel catalytic nano-sized materials based on LaCoO(x) perovskite nanoparticles incapsulated in the mesoporous matrix of zirconia were prepared, characterized by physicochemical methods and tested in complete methanol oxidation. LaCoO(x) nanoparticles were prepared inside the mesopores of ZrO(2) by decomposition of bimetallic La-Co glycine precursor complexes. The catalysts have been studied by diffuse-reflectance FTIR-spectroscopy using such probe molecules as CO, CD(3)CN and CDCl(3) to test low-coordinated metal ions. At low temperatures of decomposition of complexes (up to 400°C), low-coordinated Co(3+) ions predominate in the LaCoO(x) nanoparticles, whereas basically Co(2+) ions are found upon increasing the decomposition temperature to 600°C. The novel nano-sized perovskite catalysts exhibit a very high catalytic activity in the abatement of volatile organic compounds present in air, like methanol and light hydrocarbons.     

Sustainable development of deep-water seaport: the case of Lithuania

Introduction  

In 2003, the Japan International Cooperation Agency carried out a development feasibility study of Klaipeda Seaport (Lithuania). The focus in this study was the evaluation of environmental impacts of the port expansion because it is located in an ecologically sensitive area. While the Japanese researchers focused on the environmental impact analysis, they did not provide unambiguous conclusions. The problems remained unresolved and required further, more detailed consideration and deeper analysis.     

Determination of microbiological contamination,antibacterial and antioxidant activities of natural plant hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) pollen

The aim of our study is to determine microbial contamination, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of 14 pollen samples of Corylus avellana collected from different locations in Slovakia. Microbiological analysis was carried out in two steps: microbiological assays and studies of antibacterial activity of pollen extracts. The antimicrobial properties of pollen extracts were carried out with the disc-diffusion method. Methanol (70%), ethanol (70%) and distilled water were used for pollen extracts. Five strains of bacteria such as gram-negative (Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica CCM 3807, Escherichia coli CCM 2024, and Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus CCM 2461 and Bacillus thuringiensis CCM 19T) were tested. Antioxidant activity of pollen extracts was determined by the DPPH method. Bacterial analysis includes the determination of the total bacterial count ranged from 4.08 to 4.61 log CFU g^?1, mesophilic aerobic bacteria ranged from 3.40 to 4.89 log CFU g^?1, mesophilic anaerobic bacteria ranged from 3.20 to 4.52 log CFU g^?1, coliform bacteria ranged from 3.30 to 4.55 log CFU g^?1, yeasts and filamentous fungi ranged from 3.00 to 3.56 log CFU g^?1. Microscopic filamentous fungi Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Paecylomyces spp. were isolated from hazelnut pollen. Yersinia enterocolitica was the most sensitive strain among ethanolic and methanolic pollen hazelnut extracts. Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain against aqueous hazelnut pollen extracts. We determined the following sensitivity against ethanol pollen extracts respectively: Yersinia enterocolitica?>?Salmonella enterica?>?Staphylococcus aureus?>?Bacillus thuringiensis?>?Escherichia coli. Methanol pollen extracts had shown following sensitivity: Yersinia enterocolitica?>?Salmonella enterica?>?Escherichia coli?>?Staphylococcus aureus?>?Bacillus thuringiensis. Aqueous extracts had shown the following sensitivity: Staphylococcus aureus?>?Salmonella enterica?>?Escherichia coli?>?Bacillus thuringiensis?>?Yersinia enterocolitica. Hazelnut pollen extracts have over 82% antioxidant capacity in samples from non-urban zones. An elevated level of antioxidant potential in the pollen is determined by its biological properties conditioned by biologically active substances. DPPH method allowed characterizing pollen as a source of antioxidants.     

A preliminary assessment of the potential environmental and human health impact of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine as a result of space activities

A preliminary assessment of the potential environmental and human health impact of UDMH as a result of space activities has been carried out applying a theoretical approach in comparison with selected experimental data. The theoretical framework includes QSAR, ADME and PASS modelling as well as studies on the possible atmospheric dispersion of UDMH as calculated applying the OML-Multi model. The possible impact on the environment and the human health has been elucidated and it has been concluded that UDMH especially inside the fall region of burned-out rocket stages constitute a significant threat to both environmental and human health, the latter as a results of the carcinogenic, mutagenic, convulsant, teratogenic and embryotoxic characteristics of UDMH in addition to the general toxic characteristics of the compound.     

Semicontinuous PM2.5 sulfate and nitrate measurements at an urban and a rural location in New York: PMTACS-NY summer 2001 and 2002 campaigns

Several collocated semicontinuous instruments measuring particulate matter with particle sizes < or =2.5 microm (PM2.5) sulfate (SO4(2-)) and nitrate (NO3-) were intercompared during two intensive field campaigns as part of the PM2.5 Technology Assessment and Characterization Study. The summer 2001 urban campaign in Queens, NY, and the summer 2002 rural campaign in upstate New York (Whiteface Mountain) hosted an operation of an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer, Ambient Particulate Sulfate and Nitrate Monitors, a Continuous Ambient Sulfate Monitor, and a Particle-Into-Liquid Sampler with Ion Chromatographs (PILS-IC). These instruments provided near real-time particulate SO4(2-) and NO3- mass concentration data, allowing the study of particulate SO4(2-)/NO3- diurnal patterns and detection of short-term events. Typical particulate SO4(2-) concentrations were comparable at both sites (ranging from 0 to 20 microg/m3), while ambient urban particulate NO3- concentrations ranged from 0 to 11 microg/m3 and rural NO3- concentration was typically less than 1 microg/m3. Results of the intercomparisons of the semicontinuous measurements are presented, as are results of the comparisons between the semicontinuous and time-integrated filter-based measurements. The comparisons at both sites, in most cases, indicated similar performance characteristics. In addition, charge balance calculations, based on major soluble ionic components of atmospheric aerosol from the PILS-IC and the filter measurements, indicated slightly acidic aerosol at both locations.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in grey seals during their first year of life--are they thyroid hormone endocrine disrupters?

Blubber biopsy and blood samples were collected from weaned grey seal pups and juveniles in 1998 and 1999. The relationship between the concentration of total PDBEs in the blubber and the circulating concentrations of serum proteins, minerals and thyroid hormones was investigated. Fifty-four post-weaned pups were sampled and 55 first year juveniles, of which 13 were recaptured post-weaned pups. The median concentration of total PBDEs in the pups' blubber was 170 and 460 ng g(-1) in the first-year animals. Total blubber PBDEs contributed significantly to the prediction of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations, after controlling for age and condition. Cholesterol and albumin concentrations were also positively related to blubber PBDEs. The results of this study suggest a link between thyroid hormones and exposure to PBDEs in grey seals during their first year of life. Such an association is not alone sufficient evidence for a cause and effect relationship, however it is in accordance with the hypothesis that these compounds are endocrine disrupters in grey seal pups.     

Environmental risk assessment of metals contaminated soils at silvermines abandoned mine site,Co Tipperary,Ireland

A centuries long history of mining and mineral processing has resulted in elevated Cd, Pb and Zn soil concentrations in the vicinity of the Silvermines abandoned mine site (AMS), Co. Tipperary, Ireland. A process for preliminary evaluation of environmental risk was developed and implemented. Potential pathways of metal compound transport and deposition were mapped and used to optimise the subsequent site investigation. Elevated soil metals are shown to be predominantly in areas where metal deposition in soil is associated with water related pathways (surface runoff, seasonal groundwater seepage and floodplains). Extensive areas of soil in the surrounding district are classified as contaminated on the basis of Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations, both total and potential bioavailable (EDTA-extractable). The most affected areas, with metal concentrations in soil comparable with that within the AMS, were floodplains located 2–3 km downstream from the site. Assessment of the sequential effects on grass and grazing animals indicates that Pb poses the greatest risk due to its high toxicity and high concentrations in soil (more than 10 000 mg kg^–1). Within floodplain areas grazing cattle may intake a lethal dose of Pb. On the basis of the investigation an approach to risk assessment was developed which allowed quantified assessment of the risks related to individual metals, areas of contamination and contamination targets.     

Transformation of lead compounds in the soil-plant system under the influence of Bacillus and Azotobacter rhizobacteria

ABSTRACT

The study was aimed at the migration and transformation of lead compounds in the rhizosphere, its accumulation in plants under the influence of the rhizosphere bacteria. For experiment, soil samples of the technogenous ecosystem contaminated differently by lead have been selected for plant growing. The samples were subdivided into control soil and the soil, inoculated by Azotobacter and Bacillus rhizobacteria. Lead concentrations have been analysed in easily exchangeable, carbonate, organic and Fe hydroxide-associated fractions as well in chelate forms and fulvic and humic acids. In soils, inoculated by rhizobacteria, there is an increased mobilisation of lead due to its decrease in humic acids and increase in fulvic acids. On technogenic soil, rhizobacteria initiate the immobilisation of Fe-hydroxide-bound, chelate-bound lead in the rhizosphere as well as lead occurring in roots. As a results, there is a decreased lead uptake by upper parts of plants. There is also a correlation between increasing soil alkalinity and increasing Pb accumulation in the roots of plants. The results of the experiment helped to understand more about the mechanisms of Pb compound behaviour under the influence of rhizobacteria that can be used for developing biotechnologies related to soil bioremediation and crop production.     

Uterine cavity lavage: Adding fish to conventional cytogenetics for embryonic sexing and diagnosing common chromosomal aberrations

This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy for early prenatal diagnosis of uterine cavity lavage at the level of the internal os and to assess the rate of maternal contamination. In phase I, uterine cavity lavage was performed in 38 women scheduled for pregnancy termination between 6 and 12 weeks. In addition to short- and long-term cultures, one-colour FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) with Y and X probes was used for fetal sexing. Two-colour FISH was used in all known male fetuses for the assessment of maternal contamination. In phase II, lavage was performed on 16 women. Fetal sex was diagnosed with direct labelled X and Y probes and common numerical chromosomal aberration was attempted with 18 and 21 direct labelled probes. Fetal sexing was successful in all cases in phases I and II. Out of 34 patients in which tissue was obtained, only FISH was done in six. Long-term cell cultures were successful in the other 28 cases, but complete karyotyping in 19 (56 per cent). No chromosomal aberration was found with the direct labelled probes 18 and 21 in FISH. Maternal contamination was assessed to be 5–10 per cent. This simple and easy-to-master technique is very effective in obtaining fetal cells early in pregnancy for genetic diagnosis, especially by FISH. However, the safety of the procedure must be tested in ongoing pregnancies.