In vitro cytotoxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes on human cell lines

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro toxicity of two multi-wall carbon nanotubes on four different cell lines: human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells, hepatocytes (Hep 3B cells), human embryonic kidney cells, and intestinal (P407 cells) cells. The adverse effects of carbon nanoparticles were analyzed after 24 h incubation with different cell lines using the trypan blue dye exclusion method. Incubation of carbon nanotubes with different cells produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of growth of the cells. The TC₅₀ or IC₅₀ values (toxic concentration 50, i.e., concentration of particles inducing 50% cell mortality) of two nanoparticles were (1) found to be in the range 23.5–30.5 µg mL^?1, and (2) less than that of quartz (known toxic agent, 28.8–66.9 µg mL^?1), indicating the greater cytotoxic effect of carbon nanoparticles than quartz particles.     

Removal of methylene blue by coupling black carbon adsorption with TiO2 photodegradation

In this study, the removal of methylene blue (MB) by the coupling of black carbon (BC) and TiO₂ was investigated. The effects of different parameters such as catalyst dose, sorbent, initial concentrations of dye, pH of the solutions, recycles on discoloration, and chemical oxidation demand (COD) reduction of MB were monitored to optimize the reaction conditions. The discoloration and COD conversation rate of MB obtained by the coupling process were 100% after 90?min irradiation. The synergistic effect of MB-adsorption on BC followed by degradation through TiO₂ photocatalysis was proved by FT–IR spectrophotometer. The BC as by-product of natural materials is a promising adsorbent for waste water treatment.     

Metals contamination in the foraging area of Milky Stork: evidence of anthropogenic inputs in the aquatic environment of Kuala Gula,Malaysia

The rapid decline of the wild Milky Stork population in Malaysia has led to the reintroduction of the captive bred species in Kuala Gula, Perak. The area is known as an important migratory stopover and sanctuary for both visitors and resident birds. Although Kuala Gula and its adjacent areas are regarded as pristine and unpolluted, recent study suggested that accumulation of certain pollutants is occurring in the aquatic environment of the area. Surface sediment samples from five foraging areas considered important to the reintroduced Milky Storks have been analyzed for metals contamination. The results show that elevations of Cu, Zn, and Pb ranging from 9.7 to 57 mg kg^?1, 71 to 120 mg kg^?1, and 28 to 47 mg kg^?1 have occurred, except for Cd (0.9–1.7 mg kg^?1). The accumulation of these metals is site-specific which reflects continuous anthropogenic inputs into the aquatic environment of Kuala Gula. In addition, metal levels in some areas have exceeded the effects range low values, and thus urgent action is needed to ensure good practice and sustainable management of Kuala Gula by responsible parties.     

Single walled carbon nanotubes induce cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in HEK293 cells

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential toxicity and general mechanisms involved in single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)-induced cytotoxicity using human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293) cells. Carbon nanotubes (coded as CNT) used in this study were synthesized by the chemical vapor deposition method. To elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying SWCNT-induced cytotoxicity, cell viability, cell membrane damage (lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) assay), reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and lipid peroxidation products levels were quantitatively assessed following SWCNT exposure for 48 hr using HEK293 cells. Exposure of cells to SWCNT at 3–300 μg/ml produced significant reduction in cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC₅₀ value of SWCNT was found to be 87.58 μg/ml. Exposure of HEK cells to SWCNT at 10–100 μg/ml resulted in concentration-dependent cell membrane damage, increased production of IL-8, elevated levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances like malondialdehyde and decreased intracellular GSH levels. In summary, exposure to SWCNT resulted in a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in cultured HEK293 cells that was associated with increased oxidative stress.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments held in experimental mesocosms

Sediment was collected from three locations along a pollution gradient in Narragansett Bay and transplanted to controlled mesocosms. Total hydrocarbons and eleven individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in these sediments over a period of 394 days. Total hydrocarbon concentrations increased in the “relatively uncontaminated”; (Rhode Island Sound) sediment that was held in the mesocosms, but did not change in the two other sediments. The concentrations of four PAHs: naphthalene, 2‐methyl naphthalene, 1‐methyl naphthalene and biphenyl, decreased in the “contaminated”; (Providence River) sediment during the experiment and the calculated half‐lives for these compounds were 287, 353, 321 and 333 days, respectively.     

Cesium inhibition of motor activity in comparison to Lithium and Rubidium †

The biochemical and toxicological significance of cesium is scarcely understood, and could be evaluated in comparison with lithium widely used as a psychotropic drug. Two male Wistar rat groups of 200–220 g are administered independently, lithium, sodium, rubidium and cesium chloride, in doses of 3mEq/Kg/day (0.024 Eq/L drinking water) during 29 days. Motor activity was measured after the injection of 70 mg pargyline/Kg animal i.p. as inhibitor of MAO A + B with an activimeter of Tedeschy type. Accumulative movements per minute are presented in function of time. Total brain proteins, alkaline and acid phosphatases and blood parameters, haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocytes, were determined.

The maximal increase of motor activity was seen in rats treated with RbCl 2 h after the pargyline administration and the diminution was Rb>Li>Cs. Cesium induced a decrease of the total serum protein concentration from 6.39 ± 0.1 to 5.8±0.5mg/100ml serum in controls. Acid and alkaline phosphatase were decreased in cesium treated rats. The three determined blood parameters, haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocytes, show also a decrement with cesium treatment compared to the control ones.     

Speciation and carcinogenic classification—some limits of assessment and prevention procedures—the case of “nickel”

The speciation of nickel is of the highest importance for the definition of lists of substances for regulatory activity in terms of prevention, regarding possible cancer risk. A review is made of the different attitudes of outstanding administrations in front of nickel speciation. Some of them show a maximum of care in chemical definition, others reflect a lack of scientific rigor leading to generic classifications, more or less abusive. The great complexity of the chemistry and physicochemistry of nickel imposes the “two‐level speciation concept” (chemical and physicochemical), at least for compliance with the “Good Laboratory Practice” as far as experimental toxicology is concerned. Recommendations are exposed for the attention of toxicologists and regulators who have been for some years now extremely solicited for prevention aims.     

Databanks of data sources for environmental chemicals

There exist a vast variety of data sources, either manual sources or computerized databases in the field of environmental chemicals. To facilitate the access and to retrieve the information wanted efficiently, we built up two “databanks of data sources”, one called “Databank of Manual Sources (DMAS)” and the other named “Databank of Databases (DADB)”. The set‐up of these databanks is explained and the load status statistics are shown. DMAS has 164 and DADB 106 hits.     

Regression models for octanol‐water partition coefficients,and for bioconcentration in fish

Octanol‐water partition coefficients (P) of a number of organochlorine insecticides (OCs) are presented. The merits of log‐log regressions between experimental ? values and calculated estimates of P, solute activity coefficients in water, solute molecular surface area data, and reversed‐phase liquid‐chromatographic net retention data, are critically evaluated for several classes of pollutants: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated benzenes, chlorinated biphenyls and OCs. Special attention is paid to the predictive accuracy of such semi‐empirical regressions in connection with possible effects of solute molecular shape and polarity.

Finally, bioconcentration and ‐accumulation of hydrophobic pollutants in fish are briefly discussed.