BACKGROUND: Air samples collected on three different urban sites in East of France (Strasbourg, Besançon, and Spicheren), from April 2006 to January 2007, were characterized to measure the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the particulate phase (PM10) and to examine their seasonal variation, diurnal variations, and emission sources. RESULTS: The average concentrations of ΣPAHs were 12.6, 9.5, and 8.9 ng m−3 for the Strasbourg, Besançon, and Spicheren sites, respectively. Strong seasonal variations of individual PAH concentrations were found at the three sampling sites, with higher levels in the winter that gradually decreased to the lowest levels in the summer. The diurnal variations of PAH concentrations in summer presented highest concentrations during the morning (04:00–10:00) and the evening (16:00–22:00) times, indicating the important contribution from vehicle emissions, in the three sampling sites. Furthermore, the ratio of BaP/BeP suggests that the photochemical degradation of PAHs can suppress their concentrations in the midday/afternoon (10:00–16:00), time interval of highest global irradiance. In winter, concentrations of PAH were highest during the evening (16:00–22:00) time, suggesting that domestic heating can potentially be an important source for particulate PAH, for the three sampling sites. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic ratios were used to identify potential sources of PAHs. Results showed that vehicle emissions may be the major source of PAHs, especially in summer, with a prevalent contribution of diesel engines rather than gasoline engines at the three sites studied, independently of the seasons.

PURPOSE: Removal of malathion from agricultural runoff was studied using novel copper-coated chitosan nanocomposite (CuCH)—a biopolymeric waste obtained from marine industry. METHODS: Synthesis and characterization of the adsorbent using different spectral techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller surface analyzer have been carried out. Equilibrium studies have been carried out to optimize the dose rate, pH, and the reaction time. Parathion and methyl parathion removal were also evaluated by CuCH in the batch mode. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and FTIR studies suitable mechanism for adsorption has been suggested. RESULTS: The particle size of the adsorbent ranged from 700 to 750 nm. The surface area was found to be 20 m2 g-1 with a pore volume of 0.11 cc g-1. The maximum adsorption capacity of malathion by CuCH was found to be 322.6 ± 3.5 mg g-1 at an optimum pH of 2.0. Presence of copper ions enhanced the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. The reaction was found to follow pseudo second-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.53 g mg-1 min-1. Evidence from FTIR indicated that copper ions form a dithionate complex with malathion during the adsorption stage. The adsorbent was found to remove malathion completely from spiked concentration of 2 mg l-1 in the agricultural run-off samples. It was also found that CuCH removed other organophospurous pesticides like methyl parathion and parathion under prevailing conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that CuCH could be applied for the removal of organophosphorous pesticides.

PURPOSE AND METHOD: ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite in core–shell structure was prepared by the synthesis and adsorption of polyaniline chains on the structure of ZnO nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the composition and structure of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was used as an active photocatalyst for photodegradation and removal of ampicillin in aqueous solution. RESULTS: UV–Vis spectroscopy studies showed that ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite absorbs visible light irradiation as well as ultraviolet spectrum, and therefore, it can be photoactivated under visible and ultraviolet lights. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite in degradation of ampicillin molecules in aqueous solution under natural sunlight irradiation was evaluated and compared with that of ZnO nanoparticles and pristine polyaniline. The ZnO/polyaniline core–shell nanocomposite exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to ZnO nanoparticles and pristine polyaniline. The effect of operating conditions (pH, ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite dosage, and ampicillin concentration) in the photocatalytic degradation of ampicillin using ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite was investigated. The optimum conditions for maximum efficiency of ampicillin degradation under 120 min sunlight irradiation were found as 10 mg L−1 dosage of ZnO/polyaniline nanocomposite, ampicillin concentration of 4.5 mg L−1, and solution pH = 5. Under optimum operating conditions, degradation efficiency was reached to 41% after 120 min of exposure to the sunlight irradiation.

INTRODUCTION: There is still interest in a unified methodology to quantify the mass of particulate material emitted into the atmosphere by activities inherent to open-pit mining. For the case of total suspended particles (TSP), the current practice is to estimate such emissions by developing inventories based on the emission factors recommended by the USEPA for this purpose. However, there are disputes over the specific emission factors that must be used for each activity and the applicability of such factors to cases quite different to the ones under which they were obtained. There is also a need for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM₁₀) emission inventories and for metrics to evaluate the emission control programs implemented by open-pit mines. STANDARDIZED EMISSION INVENTORY METHODOLOGY: To address these needs, work was carried out to establish a standardized TSP and PM₁₀ emission inventory methodology for open-pit mining areas. The proposed methodology was applied to seven of the eight mining companies operating in the northern part of Colombia, home to the one of the world’s largest open-pit coal mining operations (∼70 Mt/year). RESULTS: The results obtained show that transport on unpaved roads is the mining activity that generates most of the emissions and that the total emissions may be reduced up to 72% by spraying water on the unpaved roads. Performance metrics were defined for the emission control programs implemented by mining companies. It was found that coal open-pit mines are emitting 0.726 and 0.180 kg of TSP and PM₁₀, respectively, per ton of coal produced. It was also found that these mines are using on average 1.148 m² of land per ton of coal produced per year.

After entry into force of the Stockholm Convention and Aarhus Protocol and in order to implement the upcoming European legal background, the European countries are asked to apply control measures to reduce the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins and furans (PCDD/PCDF) and polychlorinated biphenyls as well as to establish POPs release inventories. In this perspective, development of measuring techniques of emissions is a focal issue in acquiring useful information. In this paper, results of various measurement campaigns at different municipal waste incineration (MWI) plants using long-term automated sampling of PCDD/PCDF are presented. The samples collected from both manual and automated campaigns were analyzed following the European Standard EN-1948:2006 by high-resolution gas chromatograph/high-resolution mass spectrometer. Performances of two different commercial systems have been investigated. Anomalous values occurred during one long-term campaign (22.16 pg I-toxic equivalent (TEQ)/Nm3), compared to average values (4–5 pg I-TEQ/Nm3) of the MWI. At this maximum value, a main occurrence of abnormal and instable operating conditions has been found. Sampling based on long-term basis was found to be more reliable to monitor PCDD/PCDF emissions than occasional short-term sampling. Nevertheless, the results of long-term campaigns demonstrate that emission levels detected in 15–30 days campaigns, when unsteady operating conditions can occur, as start-up and shut down, are not immediately comparable to the typical levels in a 6–8 h, when operating conditions are generally stable. Moreover, there are often differences observed in the congener profiles between short- and long-term campaigns.

GOAL, SCOPE, AND BACKGROUND: Many studies have focused on measuring fine and course particulate matter (PM) in urban and rural sites around the world. The aim of this research is to gain information on the size distribution of particles. The physical characteristics of PM in the urban air of Istanbul were determined. METHODS: PM sampling was carried out at five stations (Avcılar, Beşiktaş, Kilyos, Rasathane, and Göztepe) over a period of 2 years. PM filter samples were collected for eight different size ranges (<0.43, 0.43–1, 1–1.7, 1.7–2.6, 2.6–3.5, 3.5–5.2, 5.2–6.5, 6.5–8, and >8 μm) using a Cascade Impactor. The size distributions of the PM samples were determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The mean total PM concentrations were 48.6 ± 34.0, 34.8 ± 11.6, 28.6 ± 13.6, 21.5 ± 9.1, and 16.8 ± 5.1 μg/m3 for the Göztepe, Beşiktaş, Avcılar, Rasathane, and Kilyos stations, respectively. The total PM concentrations were found to be 1.2–1.5 times higher in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer, except for at the station in Avcılar. The PM concentrations in Avcılar did not exhibit seasonal variations. This is thought to result from the intense industrial activity in the area. PM2.6 (below 2.6 μm particles) comprised up to 62% of the total amount of PM in samples collected at the Göztepe, Beşiktaş, and Rasathane stations during the fall and winter. PM1 was determined to be approximately 45% of the total, corresponding to 57% of the amount of PM2.5. A multi-modal PM size distribution was observed. The lowest Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) values observed in Avcılar, Beşiktaş, Rasathane, and Göztepe were 4.2, 3.9, 2.9, and 3.5 μm, respectively, and were observed during the season of active household heating. No difference was measured in the MMAD values (5.2 μm) between the seasons of heating and non-heating in Kilyos.

INTRODUCTION: Environmental safe and friendly management and disposal of wastewater sludge is a problem of every treatment plant throughout the world. Bioseparation and dewaterability of raw domestic wastewater sludge were evaluated for proper management and disposal by mycoremediation, i.e., using prior grown 2% (v/v) spore suspension of filamentous fungal (Mucor hiemalis Wehmer) broth inoculation, which were grown in 2% (w/v) solution of malt extract and wheat flour for 48–60 h in orbital shaker. DISCUSSION: Within 2–3 days of treatment application, encouraging results were achieved in total dry solids (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), specific resistance to filtration (SRF), and pH due to fungal treatment in recognition of bioseparation and dewaterability of wastewater sludge compared to control. The significant reduction of TDS was remarked at fungal biomass (FB) in wheat flour (WF) treatment. The removal of TSS, turbidity, COD, and SRF were observed 96.0%, 99.4%, 92.6%, and 97.6%, respectively, in supernatant at 5 days by FB in WF. The SRF measuring the dewaterability was decreased with maximum (0.26 × 10−12 mg/kg) equivalent to 95.5% at 2 days in FB in WF also. FB in WF broth is a potential, environmental friendly, comparatively low-cost biological technique which might play the significant role for bioremediation and bioseparation of domestic wastewater sludge. The present technique may bring a dynamic change in treatment of wastewater in future.

PURPOSE: Due to the fast development of industry and the overuse of agrichemicals in past decades, Lake Taihu, an important source of aquatic products for Eastern China, has simultaneously suffered mercury (Hg) contamination and eutrophication. The objectives of this study are to understand Hg transfer in the food web in this eutrophic, shallow lake and to evaluate the exposure risk of Hg through fish consumption. METHODS: Biota samples including macrophytes, sestons, benthic animals, and fish were collected from Lake Taihu in the fall of 2009. The total mercury (THg), methyl mercury (MeHg), δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N in the samples were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The signature for δ¹⁵N increased with the trophic levels. Along with a diet composed of fish, the significant relationship between the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N indicated that a pelagic foraging habitat is the dominant pathway for energy transfer in Lake Taihu. The concentrations of THg and MeHg in the organisms varied dramatically by ∼3 orders of magnitude from primary producers (macrophytes and sestons) to piscivorous fish. The highest concentrations of both THg (100 ng g⁻¹) and MeHg (66 ng g⁻¹), however, were lower than the guideline of 200 ng g⁻¹ of MeHg for vulnerable populations that is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The daily intake of THg and MeHg of 92 and 56 ng day⁻¹ kg⁻¹ body weight, respectively, was generally lower than the tolerable intake of 230 ng day⁻¹ kg⁻¹ body weight for children recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Significant relationships between the δ¹⁵N and the logarithm of THg and MeHg showed an obvious biomagnification of Hg along the food web. The logarithmic bioaccumulation factor of MeHg in the fish (up to 5.7) from Lake Taihu, however, was relatively low compared to that of other aquatic ecosystems. CONCLUSION: Health risk of exposure to Hg by consumption of fish for local residents is relatively low in the Lake Taihu area. Dilution of Hg levels in the phytoplankton induced by eutrophication is a possible factor inhibiting accumulation of MeHg in fish in eutrophic Lake Taihu.

According to the European legislation, REACH, organic compounds are considered as substances of very high concern (SVHC) if they are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). A substance’s long-range transport potential (LRTP) may also pose a risk to remote regions. This is, however, not yet explicitly included. For identification of compounds, which are not PBT according to REACH criteria, but show LRTP, we investigated 22,438 compounds from the Canadian Domestic Substance List (CDSL). The CDSL was searched for organic, neutral compounds. Substance properties were estimated with EPI Suite v4.00. Next, the substance list was edited in two ways: (1) The half-life criterion in air for LRTP as defined in the Stockholm Convention was applied. (2) For all compounds, indicators for persistence and LRTP were calculated with the multimedia model ELPOS v2.2. Applying the half-life criterion, we identified 594 substances, which are prone to LRT but are not PBT (non-PBT-L substances). In contrast, investigations with ELPOS lead to a shorter list of 188 substances, which are non-PBT-L substances. Finally, the list was compared with potential Arctic contaminants identified in previous literature. Our results show that there is a large number of organic chemicals which would not be considered as SVHC since they are not, at the same time, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic according to REACH criteria. Nevertheless, they show LRTP according to different screening approaches and thus a potential hazard to remote regions.

The objectives of the present study were to compare nine dominant plant species growing in mine tailings and nonmining areas in terms of biomass and Cd concentrations and to search for Cd accumulation and tolerance. Also, more detailed experiments were conducted on Athyrium wardii using a pot experiment to assure its Cd-accumulation ability and tolerance as a potential phytostabilizer of Cd-polluted soils. Nine dominant plant species growing on Pb/Zn mine tailings and their corresponding nonmining ecotypes were investigated for their potential to phytostabilize Cd. The performance of A. wardii exposed to high levels of Cd was investigated under controlled conditions. A field study revealed that the Cd concentrations in the roots of these plants ranged from 0.21 to 251.07 mg kg−1, and the highest concentrations were found in A. wardii, which reached a concentration of 69.78, 251.07, and 126.35 mg kg−1 during the early growth stage (May), vigorous growth stage (August), and late growth stage (October), respectively. The Cd concentrations of roots among the nine mining ecotypes were positively correlated with available content of Cd in the rhizosphere soils, whereas a negative correlation was observed in the nonmining ecotypes. A pot experiment showed that the mining ecotype of A. wardii had a higher biomass production and Cd retention capacity in roots than that of the nonmining ecotype. Due to the relatively high tolerance to Cd and the capacity of roots to retain this metal, A. wardii may be useful for the phytostabilization of soils contaminated by Cd.