Environmental Chemistry Letters - Current Research Articles
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Urea synthesis, currently the largest use of carbon dioxide in organic synthesis, is conventionally operated at high pressure
and high temperature. Here, we report for the first time that urea forms at atmosphere and ambient temperatures by negative
corona discharge in gas phase. The conversion of CO2 and yields of a solid mixture of urea and ammonium carbamate, which was identified by the 13C NMR spectrum, rise with reducing temperatures and increasing molar ratios of NH3/CO2 and discharge frequencies. The conversion of carbon dioxide was found to be 82.16 % at 20 °C and 1 atm with a molar flow
ratio of n(NH3)/n(CO2) of 2.5. High pressure and high temperature as energy inputs are not necessary.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-6
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0366-2
Authors
Xiaofeng Xiang, School of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Use Technology of Shanbei Energy, Shaanxi Research Center of Engineering Technology for Clean Coal Conversion, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
Li Guo, School of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Use Technology of Shanbei Energy, Shaanxi Research Center of Engineering Technology for Clean Coal Conversion, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
Xing Wu, School of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Use Technology of Shanbei Energy, Shaanxi Research Center of Engineering Technology for Clean Coal Conversion, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
Xiaoxun Ma, School of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Use Technology of Shanbei Energy, Shaanxi Research Center of Engineering Technology for Clean Coal Conversion, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069 Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
Yashen Xia, HyChar Energy, LLC, Newton, MA 02466, USA
This report shows that biofilms and suspended particles double DDT sorption capacity on surface sediments. Sorption of pollutants
by solid materials, such as biofilms, suspended particles and sediments, is a major process controlling the fate of hydrophobic
pollutants in natural waters. Most previous studies focused on the sorption of hydrophobic pollutants by single-solid material,
whereas few studies considered the mutual effect of different solids on the sorption. Various solid materials often interact
with each other when they coexist in the same system. Therefore, pollutants sorption could be different from that in the single-solid
sorption system. Here we studied the mutual effect of biofilms, suspended particles and surface sediments on the sorption
of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Results showed that biofilms and suspended particles double DDT sorption capacity
on surface sediments. The different effects were mainly determined by distinct components and structures of the three solid
materials, particularly by organic components. Here we show the mutual effect of biofilms, suspended particles and sediments
on DDT sorption.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-5
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0369-z
Authors
Zhiyong Guo, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of Ministry of Education; College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 People’s Republic of China
Xiuyi Hua, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of Ministry of Education; College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 People’s Republic of China
Xinhui Lan, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of Ministry of Education; College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 People’s Republic of China
Yingying Sun, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of Ministry of Education; College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 People’s Republic of China
Deming Dong, Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of Ministry of Education; College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 People’s Republic of China
Air, marine, and terrestrial pollution are continuously critical issues to be solved in environmental sciences. Particularly
with the recent disaster in the Mexico Gulf and the risk of oil spills from the continuous offshore drilling activities in
the North Sea, ecotoxicological profiling requires great attention. Fjord ecosystems are particularly neglected marine ecosystems,
which require better surveillance and ecotoxicological profiling. In this context, this study focuses on exploring three potential
indicators for aquatic stress [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aromatic amines (AAs), and nitroarenes (NAs)] by the
study of their molecular and sub-molecular properties. The results show that the aromatic amine, 4-aminobiphenyl, gains a
particularly reactive electronic potential, which can be summarized as a large change in LUMO+2 and HOMO?1 electron orbitals
upon metabolic activation in the organism. This change in orbitals increases the overall electrostatic energy of the molecule,
inducing a high affinity for DNA-adduct formation. Electronic analysis on nitroarenes shows in addition why 1,6-dinitropyrene
is more stable than 1,8-dinitropyrene, and how the electrons favor nitrenium activation on the 6th and 8th carbon. Further
analysis shows also that PAHs have a present correlation with hormonal similarity, and that their resemblance to estrogen
can be correlated to mutagenicity, contributing to increased ecotoxicity. The electronic analysis of these three types of
fossil pollutants shows how their toxicity is exerted from the electronic level and which structural features that determine
the level of reactivity and toxicity. The summation of the background and electronic properties of these molecular toxins
elucidates that PAHs, aromatic amines, and nitroarenes are all of equal importance as stress indicators for fjord systems,
with particular emphasis on PAHs, which also exert hormonal structural similarities as a probable base of their carcinogenic
mechanisms.
Atmospheric particulate matter is altering climate. For instance marine biogenic particles are cooling climate. Organic markers
are major tools to elucidate the sources of atmospheric particulate matter. Formate is commonly used as a marker of continental
aerosols, whereas methanesulphonate is used as tracer of biogenic marine aerosols. However, transformation processes during
aerosol transport may modify their relative concentrations and, in turn, introduce a bias in the assessment of particle sources.
Actually very little is known about the transformation of formate and methanesulphonate in aerosols. Therefore, we irradiated
formate and methanesulphonate in the presence of nitrate and haematite. Nitrate and haematite are aerosol photosensitisers,
producing reactive species that degrade organic compounds. The time evolution of formate and methanesulphonate was monitored
by ion chromatography. Our results show that formate is transformed from 1.6 to 4.1 times faster than methanesulphonate. This
trend is partly due to higher reactivity with the hydroxyl radical and partly due to additional reaction with other transients
such as nitrogen dioxide. Such results strongly suggest faster formate transformation during particle transport. Therefore,
when formate and methanesulphonate are used as particle tracers, an overestimation of marine biogenic versus continental particle
sources is expected. This bias has major implications for climate prediction models, because marine biogenic particles have
a cooling effect on climate.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-5
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0365-3
Authors
Fabio Parizia, Dipartimento di Chimica Analitica, Università di Torino, Via Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
Valter Maurino, Dipartimento di Chimica Analitica, Università di Torino, Via Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
Claudio Minero, Dipartimento di Chimica Analitica, Università di Torino, Via Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
Davide Vione, Dipartimento di Chimica Analitica, Università di Torino, Via Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
This article reports the first identification of paraben-chlorinated derivatives in river water. Parabens are widely used
as preservatives in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Parabens can be easily chlorinated by chlorinated tap water.
The resulting chlorinated derivatives might pose a higher potential risk to humans and ecosystems than the corresponding parent
parabens. However, the occurrence of such derivatives in rivers remains unknown so far. We studied 23 parabens and their chlorinated
derivatives from rivers receiving effluents from sewage treatment plants in Shizuoka city, in the central Pacific region of
Japan. The compounds were extracted by solid-phase extraction with a styrene polymer sorbent, trimethylsilyl-derivatized,
and then identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Six chlorinated parabens and their primary degradation products,
two chlorinated hydroxybenzoic acids, were found for the first time in river water. Moreover, in river water, chlorinated
derivatives preferentially partition into the suspended-solid phase.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-6
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0367-1
Authors
Masanori Terasaki, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
Yoshiharu Takemura, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
Masakazu Makino, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
The sunscreen UV filter 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) is an emerging pollutant recently detected in surface
waters. PBSA is photolabile in pure water and sunscreen cream. PBSA photoinduces DNA damages. However, the photochemical behavior
and environmental persistence of PBSA are not well known. Here, we studied the photochemical transformation of PBSA in sea
and continental waters. Results show that photodegradation is dependent on water constituents. Whereas low concentrations
of humic acids accelerate PBSA photodegradation slightly, high concentrations of humic acids inhibit the photodegradation.
Colloidal organic matters of high molecular weights are the main water constituents inhibiting photodegradation. The estimated
solar photolytic half-life of PBSA at environmental concentration levels ranged from 3 days from June to August to 35 days
in December. Findings show that PBSA is not persistent in waters that are low in colloidal organic matters.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-6
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0364-4
Authors
Siyu Zhang, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian, 116024 People’s Republic of China
Jingwen Chen, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian, 116024 People’s Republic of China
Yu Wang, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian, 116024 People’s Republic of China
Xiaoxuan Wei, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian, 116024 People’s Republic of China
This report describes a rapid, onsite method to analyze the dichlorvos pesticide in water. Dichlorvos is a broad-spectrum
pesticide that has been used worldwide. As an organophosphorus pesticide, dichlorvos disrupts the nervous system by inhibiting
the activity of acetyl cholinesterase. Traditional analysis of dichlorvos by chromatography is time-consuming and environmentally
unfriendly. Therefore, rapid, on-site methods to analyze dichlorvos are needed. Here, we used for the first time Fourier transform
near infrared spectroscopy combined with partial least square-discriminant analysis to determine the dichlorvos directly in
water samples. Results were compared with traditional high-performance liquid chromatography data as reference. We found that
over 9,000–8,333 cm?1, the new method had a good performance with a classification accuracy of 100 % and a correlation coefficient of 0.92 between
measured and reference data. The new method can also be used as a “concentration sieve” by setting up different levels of
boundary, a parameter of partial least square-discriminant analysis, thus allowing rapid on-site screening.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-5
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0363-5
Authors
Songhui Wang, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Center for Instrumental Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Bingren Xiang, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Center for Instrumental Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Yilong Su, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Center for Instrumental Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Qianqian Tang, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Center for Instrumental Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
This investigation shows that tobacco plant roots and leaves accumulate 60 times more uranium than previously reported. Phytoremediation
is a convenient technique to clean up polluted soils using herbaceous plants and trees. Increasing research aims to identify
novel plant species that accumulate toxic metals. Tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is a promising cultivar for phytoremediation because tobacco is fast growing and easily propagated. Here, we study phytoremediation
of uranium by two tobacco varieties Virginia and Burley, bred in natural conditions. Plants were grown on uranium mine tailings
with an average uranium content of 15.3 mg kg?1. Each shoot sample was cross-sectioned into five uniform groups of leaves and stem segments. Results show a substantial variance
in uranium uptake according to the section elderliness and origin of the plant parts. The highest concentrations of uranium
values recorded in leaves of Burleys and Virginias nearest root shoot sections were 4.18 and 3.50 mg kg?1, respectively. These values are 60 times higher rates than those previously published for leaves of cultivars grown under
similar conditions. Taking into account the level of soil contamination, the content of accumulated uranium demonstrates uranium
hyperaccumulatory properties of tobacco plant and its potential utilization in phytoremediation of uranium-contaminated mediums.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-5
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0362-6
Authors
Mirjana D. Stojanovi?, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, 86 Franchet d’Esperey St., 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
Marija L. Mihajlovi?, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, 86 Franchet d’Esperey St., 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
Jelena V. Milojkovi?, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, 86 Franchet d’Esperey St., 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
Zorica R. Lopi?i?, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, 86 Franchet d’Esperey St., 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
Milan Adamovi?, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, 86 Franchet d’Esperey St., 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
Slavka Stankovi?, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, 4 Karnegijeva St., 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
Aqueous catalysis is an innovative task for the sustainable chemical industry. The use of biodegradable catalysts from natural
sources may lead to greener reactions. Here, we report the synthesis of coumarin by Knoevenagel condensation using choline
chloride as catalyst. Results show that even 10% of choline chloride can catalyze Knoevenagel condensation to yield coumarin
in good yields. Almost all reactions proceeded faster, cleaner and in higher yields in aqueous media. Reaction mechanisms
are proposed. The choline chloride catalyst was recycled five times without activity or yield decrease. Therefore, the synthesis
of coumarin by Knoevenagel condensation using choline chloride as catalyst is a promising alternative to previously used procedures.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-6
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0360-8
Authors
Sunanda Balaso Phadtare, Department of Dyestuff Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N. P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400 019 India
Ganapati Subray Shankarling, Department of Dyestuff Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N. P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400 019 India
This investigation discloses a greener reaction to prepare pyrrole derivatives. Metal-free catalysts are greener alternatives
to existing metal catalysts in synthetic organic chemistry. Indeed, transition metals are often costly and toxic. They may
be found as traces in health reaction products such as pharmaceuticals. Alternatively small organic molecules termed “organocatalysts”
allow the synthesis of valuable products without traces of toxic metals. Here, we show for the first time the use of vitamin
B1 as new organocatalyst for the Paal–Knorr pyrrole synthesis under ambient conditions. Reaction conditions were optimized for
the reaction of hexane-2,5-dione with 4-methoxyaniline. Ethanol was the most effective solvent. The conversion was quantitative
using vitamin B1, by comparison with a low yield of 30 % without catalysis. The best conditions were performed in ethanol with 5 mol % of
vitamin B1 during 1 h. This reaction was tested using various aromatic amines. To conclude the use of vitamin B1 for the Paal–Knorr pyrrole, cyclocondensation has mild reaction conditions, is simple to perform, and gives moderate to excellent
yields. It is therefore a promising reaction for the preparation of various pyrrole derivatives.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-7
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0361-7
Authors
Hossein Reza Darabi, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, Tehran, 14968-13151 Iran
Kioumars Aghapoor, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, Tehran, 14968-13151 Iran
Abbas Darestani Farahani, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, Tehran, 14968-13151 Iran
Farshid Mohsenzadeh, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, Tehran, 14968-13151 Iran
It is known for decades that the isomeric composition of organic pollutants can be influenced substantially by environmental
processes such as biotransformation or transfer between compartments. This accounts also for the pesticide 2,2,-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane,
better known as p,p?-DDT, and its accompanied substitution isomer 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane
(o,p?-DDT). Although many studies followed the environmental fate of DDT, only very few publications reported on quantitative
data of both o,p?- and p,p?-isomers. Therefore this condensed review describes evidence for remarkable changes and shifts
in o,p?-/p,p?-ratios of DDT-related compounds. The application of isomer-specific analysis remains dominantly on emission
source apportionment, for example, to differentiate DDT and dicofol emission. Only very few studies linked observed isomer
shifts to aspects of environmental processes, such as (1) volatility from soil to air, (2) environmental stability in soil
or (3) bioaccumulation in fishes. Additionally, several studies failed to use isomer-specific interpretation in order to obtain
more detailed insight into environmental processes, for example, for observed isomer shifts during air–water fluxes. The o,p?-/p,p?-ratios
of DDT and its main metabolite DDD have been detected more or less on the same level, whereas the isomers of the second main
metabolite DDE were definitely depleted by the o,p?-isomer in all environmental compartments, indicating a general isomer-specific
differentiation during DDT metabolism.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-7
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0358-2
Authors
M. Ricking, Department of Geosciences, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
J. Schwarzbauer, Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Petroleum and Coal, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Leaf-cutting ants of the Attini tribe are a major pest of agricultural and forestry productions in the New World. Economic losses caused by these ants were
estimated at several million dollars per year. These ants need to live in symbiosis with a basidiomycete fungus. Due to their
mutualistic interaction with the symbiotic fungus, management of Attini ants can be done with insecticides or fungicides or both. So far, synthetic pesticides were the main control means, albeit
with negative effects on the environment. Very few studies describe alternative methods for the control of leaf-cutting ants
such as the use of insecticidal and fungicidal plant extracts. There is therefore a need of knowledge on phytochemicals and
plants that could be used as insecticides and fungicides. Here, we review chemicals of plant origin and species with insecticidal
and fungicidal activities. We establish a list of plants and phytochemicals that could manage leaf-cutting ants and also other
insects, notably insects that use fungus-based agriculture. An exhaustive literature search of 1965 references from 1923 to
2010 was conducted using scientific databases, chemical databases, botanical databases, and books to identify published papers
related to insecticidal and fungicidal chemical compounds stemmed from plant species. The major points are the following:
(1) 119 and 284 chemicals have been cited in the literature for their insecticidal and fungicidal activities, respectively;
(2) 656 and 1,064 plant species have significant insecticidal and fungicidal activities, respectively; (3) 3 main chemical
classes were most cited for these activities: alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids; (4) 20 interesting chemicals with the
both insecticidal and fungicidal activities were found; and (5) 305 plant species containing these chemicals were cited. To
conclude, 20 chemicals: caryophyllene oxide, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, helenalin, linalool, menthone, myristicin, pulegone,
thymol, anethole, anisaldehyde, elemicin, isopimpinellin, plumbagin, podophyllotoxin, psoralen, xanthotoxin, anonaine, solamargine,
and tomatine; two main plant families, Lamiaceae and Apiaceae; and 17 species of these families were particularly interesting
for the management of leaf-cutting ants.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-23
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0359-1
Authors
Isabelle Boulogne, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Campus de Fouillole, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre Cedex, Guadeloupe, France
Philippe Petit, UMR QUALITROP, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Campus de Fouillole, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre Cedex, Guadeloupe, France
Harry Ozier-Lafontaine, INRA, UR1321, ASTRO Agrosystèmes Tropicaux, 97170 Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe, France
Gladys Loranger-Merciris, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Campus de Fouillole, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre Cedex, Guadeloupe, France
This report shows that cesium can be immobilized in soils with an efficiency of 96.4% by ball milling with nano-metallic Ca/PO4. In Japan, the major concern on 137Cs deposition and soil contamination due to the emission from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant showed up after a
massive quake on March 11, 2011. The accident rated 7, the highest possible on the international nuclear event scale, released
160 petabecquerels (PBq) of iodine 131I and 15 PBq of 137Cs according to the Japanese Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. Both 137Cs and 131I radioactive nuclides are increasing cancer risk. Nonetheless, 137Cs, with a half-life of about 30 years compared with 8 days for 131I, is a major threat for agriculture and stock farming and, in turn, human life for decades. Therefore, in Japan, the 137Cs fixation and immobilization in contaminated soil is the most important problem, which should be solved by suitable technologies.
Ball milling treatment is a promising treatment for the remediation of cesium-contaminated soil in dry conditions. Here, we
studied the effect, factors and mechanisms of soil Cs immobilization by ball milling with the addition of nano-metallic Ca/CaO/NaH2PO4, termed “nano-metallic Ca/PO4.” We used scanning electron microscopy combined with electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction. Results
show that immobilization efficiency increases from 56.4% in the absence of treatment to 89.9, 91.5, and 97.7 when the soil
is ball-milled for 30, 60 and 120 min, respectively. The addition of nano-metallic Ca/PO4 increased the immobilization efficiency to about 96.4% and decreased the ball milling time. SEM/EDS analysis allows us to
observe that the amount of Cs decreased on soil particle surface. Use of nano-metallic Ca/PO4 over a short milling time also decreases Cs leaching. Therefore, ball milling with nano-metallic Ca/PO4 treatment may be potentially applicable for the remediation of radioactive Cs-contaminated soil in dry conditions.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 201-207
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0357-3
Authors
Srinivasa Reddy Mallampati, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 562 Nanatsuka-Cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima, 727-0023 Japan
Yoshiharu Mitoma, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 562 Nanatsuka-Cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima, 727-0023 Japan
Tetsuji Okuda, Environmental Research and Management Center, Hiroshima University, 1-5-3 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8513 Japan
Shogo Sakita, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 562 Nanatsuka-Cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima, 727-0023 Japan
Mitsunori Kakeda, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 562 Nanatsuka-Cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima, 727-0023 Japan
Energy and environment are major global issues inducing environmental pollution problems. Energy generation from conventional
fossil fuels has been identified as the main culprit of environmental quality degradation and environmental pollution. In
order to address these issues, nanotechnology plays an essential role in revolutionizing the device applications for energy
conversion and storage, environmental monitoring, as well as green engineering of environmental friendly materials. Carbon
nanotubes and their hybrid nanocomposites have received immense research attention for their potential applications in various
fields due to their unique structural, electronic and mechanical properties. Here, we review the applications of carbon nanotubes
(1) in energy conversion and storage such as in solar cells, fuel cells, hydrogen storage, lithium ion batteries and electrochemical
supercapacitors, (2) in environmental monitoring and wastewater treatment for the detection and removal of gas pollutants,
pathogens, dyes, heavy metals and pesticides and (3) in green nanocomposite design. Integration of carbon nanotubes in solar
and fuel cells has increased the energy conversion efficiency of these energy conversion applications, which serve as the
future sustainable energy sources. Carbon nanotubes doped with metal hydrides show high hydrogen storage capacity of around
6 wt% as a potential hydrogen storage medium. Carbon nanotubes nanocomposites have exhibited high energy capacity in lithium
ion batteries and high specific capacitance in electrochemical supercapacitors, in addition to excellent cycle stability.
High sensitivity and selectivity towards the detection of environmental pollutants are demonstrated by carbon nanotubes based
sensors, as well as the anticipated potentials of carbon nanotubes as adsorbent to remove environmental pollutants, which
show high adsorption capacity and good regeneration capability. Carbon nanotubes are employed as reinforcement material in
green nanocomposites, which is advantageous in supplying the desired properties, in addition to the biodegradability. This
article presents an overview of the advantages imparted by carbon nanotubes in electrochemical devices of energy applications
and green nanocomposites, as well as nanosensor and adsorbent for environmental protection.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-9
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0356-4
Authors
Chin Wei Tan, School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, S.P.S., Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Kok Hong Tan, School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, S.P.S., Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Yit Thai Ong, School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, S.P.S., Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Abdul Rahman Mohamed, School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, S.P.S., Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Sharif Hussein Sharif Zein, School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, S.P.S., Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Soon Huat Tan, School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, S.P.S., Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Amino acids, proteins, and peptides are found ubiquitously in waters. They can form harmful byproducts during water treatment
by reaction with disinfectants. Chlorination and chloramination of water containing natural organic matter is known to result
in the production of toxic substances, often referred to as disinfection byproducts. The main advantage of using chlorine
dioxide (ClO2) over other known chlorine-containing disinfectants is the minimization of the formation of harmful trihalomethanes. Because
ClO2 is a promising alternative to other chlorine-containing disinfectants, the chemistry of ClO2 interactions with amino acids, proteins, and peptides should be understood to ensure the safety of potable water supplies.
Here, we present an overview of the aqueous chemistry of ClO2 and its reactivity with amino acids, peptides, and proteins. The kinetics and products of the reactions are reviewed. Only
a few amino acids have been reported to be reactive with ClO2, and they have been found to follow second-order kinetics for the overall reaction. The rate constants vary from 10?2 to 107 M?1 s?1 and follow an order of reactivity: cysteine > tyrosine > tryptophan > histidine > proline. For reactions of histidine, tryptophan,
and tyrosine with ClO2, products vary depending largely on the molar ratios of ClO2 with the specific amino acid. Products of ClO2 oxidation differ with the presence or absence of oxygen in the reaction mixture. Excess molar amounts of ClO2 relative to amino acids are associated with the production of low molecular weight compounds. The oxidation of the biochemically
important compounds bovine serum albumin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase by ClO2 suggests a denaturing of proteins by ClO2 by an attack on tryptophan and tyrosine residues and relates to the inactivation of microbes by ClO2.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-10
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0355-5
Authors
Virender K. Sharma, Chemistry Department, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
Mary Sohn, Chemistry Department, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
This report shows that cyclodextrins increase by up to 40% the survival of a marine nematode exposed to triphenyltin chloride.
Environmental contamination by organotins has induced toxic effects such as endocrine disruption and destruction of the membrane
structure of aquatic organisms. However, techniques to reduce organotin toxicity are scarce. Here, we tested ?-, ?-, and ?-cyclodextrins
to reduce toxicity induced by triphenyltin chloride. We analyzed a receptor cofactor ligand assay system in vitro, parallel
artificial membrane permeability assay, and the survival of Prochromadorella sp.1, one of the nematodes which is served as biomarkers for ecotoxicological assessment. The passive transport of triphenyltin
chloride through the artificial membrane was suppressed about 20 and 40% by ?- and ?-cyclodextrins and ?-cyclodextrin, respectively.
On the other hand, the transcription activity in vitro by triphenyltin chloride using the receptor cofactor ligand assay system
was not suppressed by cyclodextrins. These results show that cyclodextrins do not inhibit directly the transcription activity
of triphenyltin chloride but does inhibit the incorporation of triphenyltin chloride into the target cell. The survival ratio
of Prochromadorella sp.1 during 24-h exposure to triphenyltin chloride of 5 × 10?6 mol/L was about 5%. The additions of ?-, ?-, and ?-cyclodextrins increased the survival ratio of about 15, 40, and 20%, respectively.
Therefore, cyclodextrins, especially ?-cyclodextrin, play an important role in reducing the cytotoxicity by inhibiting the
incorporation of triphenyltin chloride into the target cell. Cyclodextrins use in food and pharmaceutical industries can also
be applied for the reduction of the toxicities of chemical contaminants.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-6
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0353-7
Authors
Kyoko Oishi, Department of Civil Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395 Japan
Saori Koga, Mitsubishi Material Corporation, 1-3-2 Ohtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8117 Japan
Nobuyoshi Fukae, Fukuoka City Government, 1-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-8620 Japan
Yuji Oshima, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan
Yohei Shimasaki, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Hakozaki 6-10-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581 Japan
Phenanthrene and methyl-phenanthrenes are major aromatic pollutants originating in particular from fuel oil. Phenanthrene
is usually degraded faster than methyl-phenanthrenes under geological and environmental conditions. Here, we report a preferential
and accelerated biodegradation of methyl-phenanthrenes versus phenanthrene in soil contaminated by fuel oil. The polluted
soil was mixed with sawdust and sand to form a homogenized biopile. The biopile was continuously sprayed with microbial consortia
isolated from crude oil–contaminated soil and treated by biosurfactants and nutritive substances for biostimulation. During
a 6-month bioremediation experiment, a steady increase in the relative abundance of phenanthrene compared to methyl-phenathrenes
was observed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The increase was the highest for trimethyl-phenanthrenes, with a phenanthrene/trimethyl-phenanthrenes
ratio increasing from 0.42 to 2.45. By contrast, the control, non-stimulated samples showed a ratio decrease from 0.85 to
0.11. Moreover, the results showed that the level of degradability depends on the number of methyl groups.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-8
DOI 10.1007/s10311-012-0354-6
Authors
Milan Novakovi?, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, P.O. Box 158, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Muftah Mohamed Ali Ramadan, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, P.O. Box 158, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Tatjana Šolevi? Knudsen, Center of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, P.O. Box 473, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Mališa Anti?, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11081 Belgrade, Serbia
Vladimir Beškoski, Center of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, P.O. Box 473, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Gordana Gojgi?-Cvijovi?, Center of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, P.O. Box 473, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Miroslav M. Vrvi?, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, P.O. Box 158, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Branimir Jovan?i?evi?, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, P.O. Box 158, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Many pharmaceutical pollutants are chiral, existing in the environment as a single enantiomer or as mixtures of the two enantiomers.
In spite of their similar physical and chemical properties, the different spatial configurations lead the enantiomers to have
different interactions with enzymes, receptors or other chiral molecules, which can give diverse biological response. Consequently,
biodegradation process and ecotoxicity tend to be enantioselective. Despite numerous ongoing research regarding analysis and
monitorization of pharmaceutical ingredients in the environment, the fate and effects of single enantiomers of chiral pharmaceuticals
(CP) in the environment are still largely unknown. There are only few chiral analytical methods to accurately measure the
enantiomeric fraction (EF) in environmental matrices and during biodegradation processes. Furthermore, the ecotoxicity studies
usually consider the enantiomeric pair as unique compound. We reviewed the current knowledge about CP in the environment,
as well as the chiral analytical methods to determine the EF in environmental matrices. The degradation and removal processes
of CP of important therapeutic classes, usually detected in the environment, and their toxicity to aquatic organisms were
also reviewed. On the other hand, this review demonstrate that despite the great importance of the stereochemistry in pharmaceutical
science, pharmacology and organic chemistry, this is normally neglected in environmental studies. Therefore, CP in the environment
need much more attention from the scientific community, and more research within this subject is required.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-15
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0352-0
Authors
Ana R. Ribeiro, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS), Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde-Norte, CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
Paula M. L. Castro, Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF), Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Maria E. Tiritan, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS), Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde-Norte, CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
Nowadays, the human activity and the modern way of life are responsible for the increase of the environmental pollution. Industrial
processes generate a variety of molecules that may pollute air, water, and soils due to negative impacts for ecosystems and
humans. The development of innovative remediation technologies has thus emerged as a significant environmental priority. Within
this scope, supramolecular chemistry, which is a recent discipline, could provide solutions. In particular, cyclodextrins
(CDs) are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides having a low-polarity cavity in which organic compounds of appropriate shape
and size can form inclusion complexes. This unique property makes them suitable for application in environmental protection.
Here, we review the use of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives in remediation technologies. Accordingly, the present
review shows the advantages of using CDs in soil, groundwater, wastewater, and atmosphere remediation. Resulting processes
are highly versatile, since the complexing ability of CD is applicable to a wide range of pollutants. They may also been referred
to green processes, according to the CD innocuity. Moreover, as inclusion phenomena correspond to reversible equilibriums,
a major trend in the CD environmental application field is to develop methods, which combine supramolecular chemistry and
irreversible processes, as advanced oxidation or biodegradation. Such processes might lead to a complete remediation of pollutants
and eventually to the CD recycling.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-13
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0351-1
Authors
David Landy, Univ Lille Nord de France, 59000 Lille, France
Isabelle Mallard, Univ Lille Nord de France, 59000 Lille, France
Anne Ponchel, Univ Lille Nord de France, 59000 Lille, France
Eric Monflier, Univ Lille Nord de France, 59000 Lille, France
Sophie Fourmentin, Univ Lille Nord de France, 59000 Lille, France
An adequate human diet should satisfy the requirements for energy and nutritive components including essential polyunsaturated
fatty acids, essential amino acids, mineral components, vitamins, and fat. The benefits of the fish consumption are, however,
often counteracted by toxic metals such as lead present in fish meat. Adverse effects of toxic metals on the aquatic environment
and human health have aroused increasing interest in recent years. The achievement of an appropriate balance between the risks
and benefits associated with fish consumption has therefore become a key health issue in current research. Therefore, we studied
health impacts associated with the consumption of sardine fish, one of the most commonly consumed fish species throughout
the world. Hepatic damages associated with the consumption of white or red muscle of sardine fish were explored and evaluated
using a rat model. Rats were fed for 60 days with white or red sardine meat. Findings revealed (1) an elevated level of uric
acid in the blood, (2) an accumulation of lead in the liver, (3) an atrophy of the liver, (4) an increase in plasma aspartate
aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and (5) an oxidative stress in the liver, including increased levels
of lipid peroxidation and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Several abnormalities
were also observed in liver histology. The alterations observed in the animals can be attributed to both the accumulation
of lead and the high levels of purine in the sardine meat. The findings show that special attention should be given to the
health effects associated with high intakes of sardine meat, particularly dark-meat sardine.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 193-199
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0345-z
Authors
Nesrine Gdoura, Laboratory of Animal Ecophysiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, BP. 3000, 3018 Sfax, Tunisia
Abdelwaheb Abdelmouleh, Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Biodiversity, INSTM, BP. 1035, 3018 Sfax, Tunisia
Jean-Claude Murat, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, 37, Allées Jules-Guesde, 31073 Toulouse, France
This report shows an improved selective extraction of the 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine pollutant using molecularly imprinted polysiloxane
microspheres (MIPS). 3,3?-Dichlorobenzidine and degradation products are of environmental concern due to their carcinogenic
nature. Environmental samples containing 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine are very complex, and the concentration of 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine
is usually very low. Current analysis of 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine in environmental matrices often requires cleanup and preconcentration
steps that are complex and time-consuming. Therefore, we designed an improved analytical technique. MIPS were synthesized
by covalent imprinting. MIPS were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and
transmission electron microscopy. MIPS size ranges from 150 to 250 nm. Adsorption capacity and recognition selectivity toward
3,3?-dichlorobenzidine were studied using ultraviolet spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared with
non-imprinted polysiloxane microspheres, results show that the amount of 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine adsorbed by MIPS is greater
by a factor of ten. The binding capacity of MIPS for 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine is seven times larger than diphenylamine. MIPS
exhibits high affinity to 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine and can be used for the selective extraction of 3,3?-dichlorobenzidine.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 1-6
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0350-2
Authors
Yuanying Hu, Key Laboratory of Special Functional Aggregated Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China
Ruofei Hu, Key Laboratory of Special Functional Aggregated Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China
Qingzeng Zhu, Key Laboratory of Special Functional Aggregated Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China
Jinhua Zhan, Key Laboratory of Special Functional Aggregated Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China
Hui Liu, Key Laboratory of Special Functional Aggregated Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China
Bingjian Yao, Key Laboratory of Special Functional Aggregated Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China
This review focuses the behaviour of arsenic in plant–soil and plant–water systems, arsenic–plant cell interactions, phytoremediation,
and biosorption. Arsenate and arsenite uptake by plants varies in different environment conditions. An eco-friendly and low-cost
method for arsenic removal from soil–water system is phytoremediation, in which living plants are used to remove arsenic from
the environment or to render it less toxic. Several factors such as soil redox conditions, arsenic speciation in soils, and
the presence of phosphates play a major role. Translocation factor is the important feature for categorising plants for their
remediation ability. Phytoremediation techniques often do not take into account the biosorption processes of living plants
and plant litter. In biosorption techniques, contaminants can be removed by a biological substrate, as a sorbent, bacteria,
fungi, algae, or vascular plants surfaces based on passive binding of arsenic or other contaminants on cell wall surfaces
containing special active functional groups. Evaluation of the current literature suggests that understanding molecular level
processes, and kinetic aspects in phytoremediation using advanced analytical techniques are essential for designing phytoremediation
technologies with improved, predictable remedial success. Hence, more efforts are needed on addressing the molecular level
behaviour of arsenic in plants, kinetics of uptake, and transfer of arsenic in plants with flowing waters, remobilisation
through decay, possible methylation, and volatilisation.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-8
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0349-8
Authors
Meththika Vithanage, Chemical and Environmental Systems Modeling Research Group, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, 20000 Sri Lanka
Beata B. Dabrowska, Department of Botany, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
Arun B. Mukherjee, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
Arifin Sandhi, Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, KTH-International Groundwater Arsenic Research Group, Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
Prosun Bhattacharya, Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, KTH-International Groundwater Arsenic Research Group, Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using suspended and dispersed semiconductor nano-photocatalysts in wastewater
holds unique advantages, including high activity, low cost, solar utilization, and complete mineralization. But the recovery
and reuse of photocatalysts are difficult because the fine particles are easily discharged in waters. Immobilization of photocatalysts
on supports such as glass and zeolite results in decreased activities due to the low specific area and slow mass transfer.
Furthermore, a large amount of the photocatalysts will result in colored contamination. Therefore, it is necessary to develop
photocatalysts with a separation function for the reusable and cyclic application. In order to take advantage of the high
activity and enable the semiconductor nano-photocatalysts to be reused, the concept of magnetic photocatalysts with separation
function was raised. We review the photocatalytic principle, structure, and application of the magnetic semiconductor catalysts.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-8
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0348-9
Authors
Shou-Qing Liu, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmental Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009 China
This review discuss the effects that pollutants have on stony materials applied on the built environment, illustrating different
macroscopical products (pathologies) that can affect historical and modern architectural works. The impact of the decay processes
is related to the susceptibility of the materials, environmental conditions and the kind of pollutants that degrade building
materials. Here are reviewed the main decay processes resulting from the actions of gases, particulate matter and solutions
(from wet deposition to capillary rising and including circulating waters such as run-off), showing that besides atmospheric
pollution, also pollutants rising from the ground can cause important deterioration on building materials. Following, the
use of tracers is considered for the study of pollutant sources and migration, including neoformation minerals (that might
also constitute markers of environmental conditions) and chemical tracers, giving special attention to isotopic tracers, namely
to proposals regarding the use of some stable and radioactive isotopes for the study of pollutants that have strong potential
but have not been tested yet are also presented. At the end of this chapter, some final considerations are made on the problem
of durability assessment of materials in the built environment and also on the use of tracers to assess the origin of damaging
compounds in the built environment.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 131-143
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0346-y
Authors
Jorge Sanjurjo-Sánchez, Instituto Universitario de Xeoloxía “Isidro Parga Pondal”, Edificio Servizos Centrais de Investigación, Universidade da Coruña, Campus de Elviña, 15071 A Coruña, España, Spain
Carlos Alves, Centro de Investigação Geológica, Ordenamento e Valorização de Recursos, Campus de Gualtar, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Increasing water pollution by microbes has become a source of serious health concern across the globe. Production of potentially
carcinogenic disinfection by-products has marred credibility of traditional water purification techniques like chlorination.
Photocatalysis has emerged as a promising alternative technique for the disinfection of water with minimal risk of harmful
by-products. The process involves a wide band gap semiconductor material which, upon irradiation of light, produces electrons
and holes with high redox potential to degrade organic contaminants and microbes. In this review, we analyze the research
trends in photocatalytic inactivation of water borne microorganisms. This report analyzes the major factors that affect the
disinfection efficiency using this process. The discussion also includes plausible mechanisms of microbial degradation as
well as a kinetic model of the inactivation process. Different approaches, like doping of semiconductors or energy band engineering
or plasmon coupling, have been reported for the enhancement and utilization of ambient solar light. Photocatalysis could be
a cost-effective and environmentally friendly water purification technique though further research is required to enhance
its efficiency with the use of solar light.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 145-151
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0347-x
Authors
Mohammad Abbas Mahmood, Asian Institute of Technology, Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Sunandan Baruah, Asian Institute of Technology, Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Anil Kumar Anal, Asian Institute of Technology, Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Joydeep Dutta, Asian Institute of Technology, Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Industrialization and urbanization have resulted in increased releases of toxic heavy metals into the natural environment
comprising soils, lakes, rivers, groundwaters and oceans. Research on biosorption of heavy metals has led to the identification
of a number of microbial biomass types that are extremely effective in bioconcentrating metals. Biosorption is the binding
and concentration of adsorbate from aqueous solutions by certain types of inactive and dead microbial biomass. The novel types
of biosorbents presently reviewed are grouped under fungal biomass, biomass of non-living, dried brown marine algae, agricultural
wastes and residues, composite chitosan biosorbent prepared by coating chitosan, cellulose-based sorbents and bacterial strains.
The reports discussed in this review collectively suggest the promise of biosorption as a novel and green bioremediation technique
for heavy metal pollutants from contaminated natural waters and wastewaters.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 109-117
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0342-2
Authors
Ackmez Mudhoo, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
Vinod K. Garg, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 Haryana, India
Shaobin Wang, Department of Chemical Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, G.P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
In recent years, mussels have already become commercially important seafood species worldwide. Mussels accumulate a wide range
of metals in their soft tissue. Thus, the determination of accumulated concentrations of heavy metals, such as Pb, Cd, Hg,
and As, in mussels is essential because of their usage as seafood and the potential adverse effects of their consumption on
human health. In this review, these issues are presented and discussed using the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as an example. M. galloprovincialis is very efficient at converting low value victuals into high quality animal protein. The production of M.galloprovincialis in Mediterranean countries has been increasing rapidly, but Spain is still the largest producer of mussels. Only China has
a larger production of these mussels than Spain. M. galloprovincialis is a filter feeding animal and accumulates a wide range of metals from their environment. The metal concentrations in the
soft tissue of M.galloprovincialis are indicators of marine ecosystems contamination. In the same time, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals remains an issue
concerning the consumption of mussels. Thereby, the Cd, Pb, Hg, and As concentration measurement in mussel soft tissue as
a seafood have become significant. A review of literature data revealed large variations in the Cd, Pb, Hg, and As concentrations
in M. galloprovincialis from their endemic areas, e.g., Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Sea, and the concentrations of these toxic metals were
generally in the following order: As > Pb > Cd > Hg. The guidelines on heavy metals for seafood safety set by different countries
and associations are reviewed. Comparison of the published data with European legislation showed that the levels of the heavy
metals generally did not exceed the existing limits in all the mussels analyzed, excluding mussels from hot spots, such as
lagoons and harbors, in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Sea.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 119-130
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0343-1
Authors
Slavka Stankovic, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Mihajlo Jovic, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
This report shows an unexpected toxicity decrease during atrazine photoelectrodegradation in the presence of NaCl. Atrazine
is a pesticide classified as endocrine disruptor occurring in industrial effluents and agricultural wastewaters. We therefore
studied the effects of the degradation method, electrochemical and electrochemical photo-assisted, and of the supporting electrolyte,
NaCl and Na2SO4, on the residual toxicity of treated atrazine solutions. We also studied the toxicity of treated atrazine solutions using
Artemia nauplii. Results show that at initial concentration of 20 mg L?1, atrazine was completely removed in up to 30 min using 10 mA cm?2 electrolysis in NaCl medium, regardless of the electrochemical method used. The total organic carbon removal by the photo-assisted
method was 82% with NaCl and 95% with Na2SO4. The solution toxicity increased during sole electrochemical treatment in NaCl, as expected. However, the toxicity unexpectedly
decreased using the photo-assisted method. This finding is a major discovery because electrochemical treatment with NaCl usually
leads to the formation of toxic chlorine-containing organic degradation by-products.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 177-182
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0340-4
Authors
Geoffroy R. P. Malpass, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technological and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Avenida Doutor Randolfo Borges Júnior, 1250, Univerdecidade, Uberaba, MG CEP 38064-200, Brazil
Douglas W. Miwa, Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, P.O. Box 780, São Carlos, São Paulo, CEP 13560-970 Brazil
Ricardo L. Santos, Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, P.O. Box 780, São Carlos, São Paulo, CEP 13560-970 Brazil
Eny M. Vieira, Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, P.O. Box 780, São Carlos, São Paulo, CEP 13560-970 Brazil
Artur J. Motheo, Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, P.O. Box 780, São Carlos, São Paulo, CEP 13560-970 Brazil
This report evidences the fractionation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from urban to rural areas, and a higher
contribution of coal and wood combustion in rural areas. PAHs are persistent semi-volatile organic pollutants in the environment.
PAHs originate from the incompleted combustion of fossil fuel and biomass. Cities are usually considered as primary sources
of PAHs. Due to different types and loads of fuel consumption in various functional areas of a city, the levels and composition
profiles of PAHs are expected to be different. We, therefore, studied the mechanisms ruling PAH distributions in soils from
a major Chinese city. Seventeen soil samples were collected in urban traffic areas, residential and park areas, suburban areas
and rural areas of Dalian, northeastern China. PAHs were analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography. The composition
profiles and seasonal variation of PAHs were investigated. Results show that the proportions of low-weight molecular PAHs
to total PAHs increased with urban-suburban-rural gradient. This trend is explained by the “urban fractionation” of PAHs.
Furthermore, the spring/autumn ratios of PAH concentrations were higher than 1. Specifically, the spring/autumn ratio was
1.79 for two ring PAHs, 1.42 for three ring PAHs, and lower than 1.20 for five and six ring PAHs. The spring/autumn ratios
of phenanthrene were higher than 1 and increased with increasing distance from the urban areas. The results imply that the
contribution of coal and wood combustion PAHs increases with the urban-suburban-rural gradient.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 183-187
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0341-3
Authors
Zhen Wang, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian, 116023 China
Ping Yang, Dalian Jinzhou New Area EPB, Dalian, 116001 China
Ying Wang, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian, 116023 China
Xindong Ma, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian, 116023 China
IP25 is a highly branched isoprenoid and an organic geochemical biomarker that is produced by some Arctic sea ice diatoms. IP25 has previously been used in Arctic palaeo sea ice reconstruction studies and as a tracer for studying Arctic food webs. Here,
the molecular structure of IP25 has been confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy following large-scale extraction from marine sediments obtained from the Canadian Arctic and purification
using a combination of open-column and HPLC chromatographic methods. The structure of IP25 was consistent between the three different sampling locations and was identical to that found previously for this biomarker
following synthesis from a closely related highly branched isoprenoid diene. Since this study represents the first structural
characterisation of IP25 in sediments, future analysis of sedimentary IP25 for palaeo Arctic sea ice reconstructions can be carried out with much greater confidence.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 189-192
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0344-0
Authors
Simon T. Belt, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
Thomas A. Brown, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
Patricia Cabedo Sanz, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
Alba Navarro Rodriguez, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
This article reports high dechlorination of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) under mild conditions. PCBs are priority
pollutants acting as endocrine disruptors, human carcinogens and environmental estrogens. Previous remediation methods involving
high temperature and pressure have drawbacks such as high cost, de novo dioxins synthesis and difficult recovery of vaporized
PCBs. On the other hand, dechlorination methods using mild conditions show the problem of catalyst deactivation. Here, activated
carbon was used for the first time as catalyst to dechlorinate 2,4,5 trichlorobiphenyl. High dechlorination, of 87%, was achieved
under mild conditions. 2,4,5 trichlorobiphenyl was treated at 40–150°C with calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and sulfur
in mixed water and organic solvents. Dechlorination products were biphenyl, orthohydroxy biphenyls, 2,4 dihydroxy biphenyls
and biphenyl-2-thiol. Dichlorobiphenyl and orthochlorobiphenyls were found in trace quantities. We found that carbon particles
catalysed dechlorination by substitution reactions and suppressed further chlorination. Dechlorination at biphenyl ortho position
was preceded by substitution reaction by hydroxyl and thiol ions. Moreover, in the absence of carbon, dechlorination was lower
and substituted products were not observed. These findings may be applied at industrial scale to remediate PCB-contaminated
waste.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 171-176
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0339-x
Authors
Abdul Ghaffar, IAD, PINSTECH, P.O. Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
Masaaki Tabata, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Saga University, Saga, Japan
Farhana Mazher, Lahore Women College University, Lahore, Pakistan
This article reports the complete mineralization of atrazine. Atrazine has been the most widely used s-triazine herbicide.
Atrazine occurs in natural waters and presents a potential danger for public health because atrazine is considered as an endocrine
disruptor. The use of chemical, photochemical and photocatalytic advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to decontaminate waters
containing atrazine only allowed its conversion into the cyanuric acid as ultimate end products, since it cannot be completely
degraded by hydroxyl radicals (•OH) produced by these techniques. The same behavior was previously reported for anodic oxidation and electro-Fenton with Pt
anode, although better performances were found using boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode but without explaining the role of generated
•OH. Here, the oxidative action of these radicals in such electrochemical AOPs has been clarified by studying the mineralization
process and decay kinetics of atrazine and cyanuric acid in separated solutions by anodic oxidation with BDD and electro-Fenton
with Pt or BDD anode using an undivided cell with a carbon-felt cathode under galvanostatic conditions. Results showed that
electro-Fenton with BDD anode was the more powerful treatment to degrade both compounds. Almost total mineralization, 97%
total organic carbon (COT) removal, of atrazine was only feasible by this method with a faster removal of its oxidation intermediates
by •OH formed at the BDD surface than that formed in the bulk from Fenton reaction, although the latter process caused a more
rapid decay of the herbicide. Cyanuric acid was much slowly mineralized mainly with •OH produced at the BDD surface, and it was not degraded by electro-Fenton with Pt anode. These results highlight that electrochemical
advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) using a BDD anode are more powerful than the classical electro-Fenton process with Pt
or PbO2 anodes.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 165-170
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0337-z
Authors
Nihal Oturan, Laboratoire Géomatériaux et Environnement (LGE), Université Paris-Est, 5 bd Descartes, 77454 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
Enric Brillas, Laboratori d’Electroquímica dels Materials i del Medi Ambient, Departament de Química Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Mehmet A. Oturan, Laboratoire Géomatériaux et Environnement (LGE), Université Paris-Est, 5 bd Descartes, 77454 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
This paper shows that lichens can be used as biomonitors to distinguish urban from industrial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs). PAHs are atmospheric pollutants originating mainly from incomplete combustion of fuels in vehicles and industry. The
occurrence of PAHs in air is a serious health issue in urban areas and industrial areas because some PAHs are carcinogenic.
Biomonitoring PAHs with lichens is generally applied for quantification of PAHs. However, the precise sources of PAHs are
not well known. Here we use lichen to trace the source of PAHs. PAHs were analyzed in Pyxine subcinerea Stirton, a lichen species collected from twelve sites which vary from urban and industrial to periurban forest area of Haridwar,
in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. Total PAH concentration ranged between 1.25 and 187.3 ?g g?1. Results indicate a clear distinction between urban and industrial PAHs profile, using principal component analysis. Lichen
sampled from industrial sites exhibited higher concentrations of two-, five-, and six-ringed PAHs, up to 60% of total PAHs,
while samples from urban sites were dominated by four-ringed PAHs, predominantly fluoranthene and acenaphthylene. Molecular
ratios indicate that combustion was the dominant source of origin of PAHs in industrial area, while urban sites showed mixed
origin of PAHs, both pyro- and petrogenic.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 159-164
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0336-0
Authors
Vertika Shukla, Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (Central) University, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025 India
D. K. Patel, Analytical Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001 India
D. K. Upreti, Lichenology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001 India
M. Yunus, Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (Central) University, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025 India
This article is both an essay to propose social chemistry as a new scientific discipline and a preface of the books Environmental
Chemistry for a Sustainable World. Environmental chemistry is a fast emerging discipline aiming at the understanding the fate
of pollutants in ecosystems and at designing novel processes that are safe for ecosystems. Past pollution should be cleaned,
and future pollution should be predicted and avoided (Lichtfouse et al. 2005a). Such advices are still not applied by humans as demonstrated by the Fukushima nuclear event and global warming. Human errors
are repeatable. We therefore suggest a possible solution, which involves bridging chemistry and society by integrating social
sciences in chemical research. In particular, citizen discourse analysis should be useful to design chemicals that are both
innovative and accepted by society. Then, we present the recent success of environmental chemistry through the foundation
of the Association of Chemistry and the Environment; the increase in the impact factor of Environmental Chemistry Letters
from 0.814 in 2006 to 2.109 in 2009; and over 35,000 chapter downloads of the book Environmental Chemistry. Lastly, we highlight
major topics of the new book series Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World (Lichtfouse et al. 2011a, b). The two first volumes are entitled Nanotechnology and Health Risk, and Remediation of Air and Water Pollution.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Review
Pages 1-4
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0333-3
Authors
Eric Lichtfouse, INRA, UMR Agroécologie, BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France
Jan Schwarzbauer, Laboratory for Organic-Geochemical Analysis, Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Petroleum and Coal, RWTH Aachen University, Lochnerstr. 4-20, 52056 Aachen, Germany
Didier Robert, European Laboratory for Catalysis and Surface Sciences, LMSPC, CNRS-UMR7515, Antenne de Saint-Avold, UPV-Metz, Rue Victor Demange, 57500 Saint-Avold, France
This article reports the design of 13C-dating, the first method to calculate the relative age of molecular substance homologues occurring in fractions from the
same soil sample. Soil is a major carbon pool impacting modern climate by CO2 release and uptake. Molecular substances that sequester carbon in soils are poorly known due to the absence of methods to
study molecular-level C dynamics over agricultural time scales, e.g., 0–200 years. Here, I design a method to calculate the
relative age of the plant-derived C31n-alkane occurring in 6 fractions from a soil sample naturally 13C-labelled by maize cropping during 23 years. Soil fractions are the bulk soil extract, two humin-encapsulated fractions and
three particle-size fractions. Results show that C31n-alkane homologues have relative ages ranging from ?6.7 years for the humin-encapsulated homologue to +25.1 years for the
200–2,000-?m fraction homologue. Such a wide variation of 31.8 years evidences temporal pools of molecular substances in soil.
This finding also reveals that physical encapsulation can strikingly change the dynamics of a single molecular substance.
13C-dating thus allows to assess the carbon storage potential of molecular substances from crop soils. Such knowledge will help
to identify molecular compounds, associated soil pools and agricultural practices that favour carbon sequestration. 13C-dating is further applicable to any environmental sample containing organic matter subjected to a 13C isotope shift with time. 13C-dating will also help to study the sequestration and delayed release of chemicals in various disciplines, such as pollutants
in environmental sciences, pharmaceuticals in medicine, and nutrients in food science.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 97-103
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0334-2
Authors
Eric Lichtfouse, INRA, UMR Agroécologie, BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France
This article reports a novel way to synthesize carbon nanotubes and Cu/ZnO nanoparticles using metal hyperaccumulator plants.
Metal hyperaccumulator plants are traditionally used for phytoremediation to clean soil polluted by toxic metals. However,
the transfer of toxic metals in plant shoots and leaves is an environmental issue because animals and other living organisms
feeding on plants will transfer the metals to the ecosystem. Therefore, we suggest that hyperaccumulator plants could be used
to synthesize nanoparticles. Here, Brassica juncea L., a Cu-hyperaccumulator plant, was collected around a copper mine and used as a raw chemical to produce carbon nanotubes
and Cu/ZnO nanoparticles. The chlorophyll in shoots of B. juncea plants was ethanol extracted to yield chlorophyllin. Cu and Zn were extracted by HNO3 to form Cu/Zn(NO3)2. The chlorophyllin reacted with Cu/Zn(NO3)2 to form Cu/Zn chlorophyllin. Cu/ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by direct precipitation of Cu/Zn chlorophyllin with NaOH
and ethanol. The vascular bundles in B. juncea plants, which have been purified and carbonized by HNO3, were rapidly heated to about 400°C and then they were cooled to room temperature to obtain carbon nanotubes. Results indicate
that the outer diameter of carbon nanotubes was around 80 nm. Cu/ZnO nanoparticles have a Cu0.05Zn0.95O composition, and had a diameter of about 97 nm. Our study not only inspires the search for a new strategy on the synthesis
of nanostructure from renewable natural products, but also breaks through the traditional and limited ideas about the reuse
of metals by hyperaccumulator plants.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 153-158
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0335-1
Authors
Jiao Qu, School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024 People’s Republic of China
Chunqiu Luo, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121013 People’s Republic of China
Qiao Cong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121013 People’s Republic of China
Xing Yuan, School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024 People’s Republic of China
We report the first data for atrazine removal in low-turbidity freshwaters. Atrazine is a globally applied herbicide, contamination
by which may lead to direct and indirect ecotoxicological impacts. Although a common contaminant of surface waters, microbial
biodegradation of atrazine in this environment has been little studied, with most work focused on soils by means of selected,
atrazine-degrading bacteria-enriched cultures. Here, we measured atrazine removal from river water using a batch incubation
system designed to represent environmental conditions, with water from two contrasting UK rivers, the Tamar and Mersey. Atrazine
and bacterial inocula prepared from the source water were added to cleaned river water for 21-day incubations that were analysed
directly by electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry. The experimental approach was validated using peptides of different
molecular mass. Results show that atrazine concentrations decreased by 11% over 21 days in Tamar samples, a rural catchment
with low population density, when atrazine was the only substrate added. In contrast no removal was evident in Mersey samples,
an urban catchment with high population density. When a tripeptide was added as a co-substrate, atrazine removal in the Tamar
water remained at 11% while that for the Mersey water increased from 0 to 37%. Although degradation of atrazine in aerobic
freshwaters is predicted according to its chemical structure, our data suggest that the composition of the bacterial population
determines whether removal occurs under these conditions and at these environmentally realistic concentrations.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 89-96
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0332-4
Authors
Alan D. Tappin, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, Marine Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
J. Paul Loughnane, Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB UK
Alan J. McCarthy, Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB UK
Mark F. Fitzsimons, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, Marine Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK
We report for the first time the distribution and hazard potential of aerosol and metals resulting from joss paper burning.
Burning joss paper and incense is a traditional custom in many Oriental countries. Large amounts of air pollutants, including
particles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, toxic metals and other gaseous pollutants, are released into the environment
during the burning stage. Many investigations have reported on the emission of pollutants from the incense burning. However,
no work has been reported until now on the analysis of the released pollutants apart from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
In this study, a micro-orifice uniform-deposit impactor and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were,
respectively, used to collect aerosols and characterize the toxic metals from joss paper burning. We studied two types of
particulate matter (PM): PM2.5 that are particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 ?m and PM10 that are particles with a diameter smaller than 10 ?m. PM2.5 are the most potentially toxic particles. Our results showed that PM2.5 are the major component of the pollutants and that the PM2.5 to PM10 ratio ranged from 62 to 99%. The metals Na, Ca, Mg, Al and K were the main species in the aerosol and in the bottom ash.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 79-87
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0331-5
Authors
Hsin Ta Hsueh, Department of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, 701 Tainan, Taiwan
Tzu Hsing Ko, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Kao Fong College of Digital Contents, 908 Chang-Ji, Pingtung County, Taiwan
Wen Chieh Chou, Department of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, 701 Tainan, Taiwan
Wen Chi Hung, Department of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, 701 Tainan, Taiwan
Hsin Chu, Department of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, 701 Tainan, Taiwan
Seafood is a major dietary food worldwide. However, seafood consumption by humans can induce health risk because seafood may
be contaminated by various pollutants. The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is widely distributed in the coastal waters of Montenegro, SouthEast Adriatic Sea. Here, Zn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, As, and
Hg contents in M. galloprovincialis from ten sites were analyzed to investigate health risks associated with the consumption of wild and cultivated mussels.
Since there is a lack of data on the mussel consumption rate in Montenegro, the amount of mussels that can be ingested weekly
over a lifetime with no risk of negative health effects was calculated using provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI).
We found that Cd concentrations were the limiting factor for mussels as a food. The weekly consumptions of 0.64–1.2 kg of
fresh wild and 0.84–1.2 kg of fresh cultivated mussel would be sufficient to reach the PTWICd, which may result in a risky weekly intake of Cd for long-term exposure. Moreover, weekly intake of 125 g mussels was used
to calculate the dietary intake of trace elements by mussel consumption and compared with the prescribed PTWIs. Here, we found
that there is no risk for human health for all investigated elements. In this case, the highest Cd level obtained in wild
and in cultivated mussels represents 19.8 and 14.9% of the PTWICd, respectively. This is the first study in Montenegro giving an assessment of the health risk from trace elements via the
consumption of wild and cultivated M. galloprovincialis.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 69-77
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0330-6
Authors
Mihajlo Jovi?, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P. O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Antonije Onjia, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P. O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Slavka Stankovi?, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Understanding the transfer of mercury (Hg) from soil to crops is crucial due to Hg toxicity and Hg occurrence in terrestrial
systems. Previous research has shown that available Hg in soils contributes to plant Hg levels. Plant Hg concentrations are
related to soil conditions and plant characteristics. Mechanistic models describing such soil–plant interactions are however
difficult to quantify. Here we performed a field study in agricultural, mining and industrial areas in Portugal to evaluate
potential food chain risks. The uptake of Hg by Italian ryegrass, ryegrass, orchard grass, collard greens and rye was measured
to calculate daily intakes (DI) of Hg for cows and sheep grazing. A total of 136 soil samples and 129 plant samples were analysed.
Results show that total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 98 mg kg?1 in soils; 0.01–5.4 mg kg?1 in shoots and 0.01–42 mg kg?1 in roots. Calculated DI ranged from 0.18 to 132 mg d?1 for cows, and from 0.028 to 23 mg d?1 for sheep. In 27 grassland sites, daily intakes exceeded the acceptable daily intake of both cows and sheep in view of food
safety considering Hg in animal kidneys evidencing potential risks to human health. The transfer of Hg from soil to crops
was described using empirical Freundlich-type functions. For ryegrass, orchard grass and collard greens, the soil-to-root
or soil-to-shoot transfer of Hg appeared to be controlled by the total soil Hg concentration and levels of Alox and Feox. Empirical functions allowed us to obtain realistic estimates of Hg levels in crops and can be used as an alternative to
mechanistic models when evaluating food chain risks of Hg contamination in agricultural soils.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 61-67
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0329-z
Authors
S. M. Rodrigues, Department of Chemistry, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
B. Henriques, Department of Chemistry, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
A. T. Reis, Department of Chemistry, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
A. C. Duarte, Department of Chemistry, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
E. Pereira, Department of Chemistry, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
P. F. A. M. Römkens, Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Center, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor. Complete mineralization of bisphenol A is therefore a primary environmental issue.
Here, the combination of ozonation and photocatalysis by TiO2 is proposed for the degradation and final mineralization of bisphenol A. TiO2 films deposited onto two sides of an Al lamina show good stability and high surface roughness. We used a specific experimental
setup employing two facing ultraviolet lamps and TiO2 layers, together with an ozone flux. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry determinations on bisphenol
A solutions sampled at different reaction times and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses of the oxide at the end of the reaction
were performed to study the reaction intermediates and the overall degradation mechanism. Our results show that pollutant
mineralization achieved with the combined method is far higher, of 55% in the case of 0.3 mM bisphenol A, than those obtained
by individual treatments such as photolysis (<3%), ozonation (6%), photocatalysis (6%), and by other combined processes: photolytic
ozonation (13%) and catalytic ozonation (15%). This finding is explained by the occurrence of highly synergistic effects.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 55-60
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0328-0
Authors
Alessandra Colombo, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Giuseppe Cappelletti, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Silvia Ardizzone, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Iolanda Biraghi, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Claudia L. Bianchi, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Daniela Meroni, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Carlo Pirola, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Francesca Spadavecchia, Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
Large amounts of phosphate ores with high concentrations of uranium were dumped by a phosphate plant into the Flix water reservoir
in the Ebre River, Catalonia, NE Spain. These phosphate wastes have been mixed over the years with effluents from other industries
as well as with the sediments of the river, resulting in a complex mixture of solid wastes and sediments. No investigations
on uranium speciation in such sediments were made because of the complexity of the sediments composition as well as the relatively
low uranium content. However, these studies are necessary in order to predict the release of the uranium to the river waters.
Here, we studied uranium speciation in sediments from two sampling points of the Flix water reservoir and at depths from 5
to 113 cm. We used room temperature time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy and a three-step sequential extraction procedure
described by the Standards, Measurements, and Testing Programme of the European Union. We found that uranium was mainly present
in the sediment samples as meta-autunite [Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2·10–12H2O], whose low solubility will result in a low release of uranium to the river waters. In addition, we found that some uranium
was linked to sediments by forming surface complexes. We therefore made the first study of uranium speciation in the sediments
of the Flix water reservoir.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 49-53
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0327-1
Authors
S. Meca, CTM Centre Tecnològic, Avda. Bases de Manresa, 1, 08240 Manresa, Spain
J. Giménez, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
I. Casas, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
V. Martí, CTM Centre Tecnològic, Avda. Bases de Manresa, 1, 08240 Manresa, Spain
J. de Pablo, CTM Centre Tecnològic, Avda. Bases de Manresa, 1, 08240 Manresa, Spain
Hematite (Fe2O3) chemical reduction into FeO and Fe3O4 by releasing O2 at high temperatures is considered one of the generally accepted mechanisms for processing waste minerals and clay into lightweight
aggregate construction materials. In many case studies, this mechanism has not been strictly confirmed. To verify whether
hematite can effectively release O2 at 1,000–1,260°C, a material containing hematite, simulating waste sediments from a Taiwanese reservoir, was shaped into
pellets and fired into lightweight aggregates at high temperatures for 20 min and studied with various techniques. As revealed
by the X-ray absorption near-edge structure technique, almost all the hematite remained as Fe(III) in the pellets when fired
at 1,000–1,260°C, implying a negligible release of O2 leading to the creation of pores. This finding shows that the generally accepted mechanism for lightweight aggregate formation
associated with hematite decomposition into FeO, Fe3O4, and O2 is invalid. Furthermore, Fe(III)-containing composites were formed in the fired pellets. Although firing at 1,000°C can trigger
the decomposition of the components K2CO3, Na2CO3, and CaCO3 with a release of CO2, the sintering reaction was seemingly too weak to encapsulate the gases effectively. For pellets fired at 1,050–1,150°C,
pores grew in size because the sintering reaction sufficed to generate a glassy phase that could better encapsulate gases.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 41-47
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0326-2
Authors
Yu-Ling Wei, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tunghai University, No. 181, Sec. 3, Taichung Harbour Road, Taichung City, 40704 Taiwan, Republic of China
Jing-Chiang Yang, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tunghai University, No. 181, Sec. 3, Taichung Harbour Road, Taichung City, 40704 Taiwan, Republic of China
Kuan-Wei Ko, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tunghai University, No. 181, Sec. 3, Taichung Harbour Road, Taichung City, 40704 Taiwan, Republic of China
Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach non-target species in air, soil, and water. Numerous studies
have reported that pesticide residues can cause acute and chronic toxicity. Pesticide residues can be carcinogenic, mutagenic,
and immunotoxic. There are actually too few studies that bridge the disciplines of chemobioanalysis and environmental toxicology.
Here, we assessed the cytotoxicity of a bipyridilium herbicide diquat in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC12). Our results
show that diquat caused the decrease in cell viability with a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 1.4 × 10?5 mol/L. This cytotoxicity may result from diquat-induced apoptosis, characterized by nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation
by Hoechst 33324 staining. To explore the possible mechanisms, the interaction between herbicide diquat and calf thymus DNA
(ctDNA) was further investigated using fluorescence quenching. The detection of static quenching showed that diquat was linked
with ctDNA by electrostatic interaction with a binding constant of 9.288 × 104 L/mol. This is the first study on the interaction of DNA with herbicide diquat by fluorometric method as well as on the evaluation
of cytotoxicity by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Hoechst staining. Given the widespread
use of synthetic pesticides, the data would be valuable for the risk assessment of pesticide residues.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 35-39
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0325-3
Authors
Quan Zhang, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032 People’s Republic of China
Cui Wang, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032 People’s Republic of China
Wanpeng Liu, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032 People’s Republic of China
Xiaofeng Zhang, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032 People’s Republic of China
Shulin Zhuang, Institute of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 People’s Republic of China
This is the first report of bisphenol A release from polycarbonate during biodegradation by marine microorganisms. Bisphenol
A is a monomer in polycarbonate and an endocrine disruptor toxic for marine organisms. Biodegradation of polycarbonate is
poorly documented. Here, we have tested the possible release of bisphenol A and metabolites during biodegradation of polycarbonate
by marine microorganisms. Polycarbonate degradation was carried out in vitro using a mixed marine microbial consortium isolated
from the Bay of Bengal, India, 1 year under controlled laboratory conditions. The degradation was monitored by elemental analysis
(EA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and gas chromatography—mass
spectrometry (GC–MS). The organic soluble metabolites were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We found
that bisphenol A was released. The amount of bisphenol A released during 1 year is higher than the half-maximal effective
concentration (EC50) values reported for marine organisms. We also identified the following bisphenol A metabolites: 4-hydroxyacetophenone, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde,
and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Polycarbonate biodegradation was evidenced by gravimetric weight loss and Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy. The reduction of methyl and carbonyl indices suggests oxidation and hydrolysis of the polymer, respectively.
2D NMR showed an aromatic C–C cleavage.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 29-34
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0324-4
Authors
Trishul Artham, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036 India
Mukesh Doble, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036 India
Chinese cabbage, Brassica chinensis L., and cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata, are the main daily foliar vegetables of the vast majority of the population of eastern and southern China. Cabbages are
also planted and consumed widely in other countries. The insecticide and acaricide chlorpyrifos is registered in many countries.
Chlorpyrifos controls a variety of insects in plants and soils, and chlorpyrifos is extensively used in the Chinese market.
Food poisoning due to the presence of organophosphorus pesticide residues in vegetables has been reported in China provinces.
Plant uptake of pesticide residues in air, water, and soil is a source of pesticide residues in vegetables. Here, phytotoxicity
and uptake of chlorpyrifos by Chinese cabbage and cabbage were studied in the laboratory using the batch technique. From 0
to 16 days after chlorpyrifos treatment, vegetables roots, stems, leaves, and culture water samples were collected, and the
residues of chlorpyrifos in culture water, plant tissues were analyzed using GC-FPD. The results demonstrate that culture
solutions with chlorpyrifos had no significant inhibitory effects on vegetable plant height. However, at 1.0 mg/l, it had
significant inhibitory effects on the root length and fresh weight of Chinese cabbage. Then, at 10.0 mg/l, it had only significant
inhibitory effects on the root length and fresh weight of cabbage compared to the control treatment. The disappearance rates
of chlorpyrifos in solutions were in sequence as: nutrition solution with Chinese cabbage, nutrition solution with cabbage,
pond water, nutrition solution. The results showed also that chlorpyrifos can be taken up by roots of Chinese cabbage and
cabbage from water and subsequently translocated as a function of time. Uptake dynamics of chlorpyrifos from culture solutions
by the two cabbage plants were similar.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 547-552
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0320-8
Authors
Zhi-Yong Zhang, Key Laboratory of Food Safety and Quality of Jiangsu Province/Key Laboratory of Food Safety Monitoring and Management of Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Food Safety and Quality, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
Wei-Li Shan, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100125 China
Wen-Cheng Song, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100125 China
Yong Gong, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100125 China
Xian-Jin Liu, Key Laboratory of Food Safety and Quality of Jiangsu Province/Key Laboratory of Food Safety Monitoring and Management of Ministry of Agriculture/Institute of Food Safety and Quality, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210014, China
This report shows that silica sulfate is removing phosphate from wastewater very efficiently. Phosphorus removal and recovery
from wastewater is a worldwide issue due to pollution of natural waters by phosphate and depletion of phosphate ores. Adsorption
is a process that can remove phosphate at low concentrations. Adsorption also allows the recovery of phosphate for possible
re-use. Here, we studied the adsorption of phosphate from wastewater using commercial Zr ferrite, Zr-MCM 41 and silica sulfate.
We calculated equilibrium isotherms, kinetic models and thermodynamic effects under conditions similar to real wastewaters.
We found that the equilibrium data for the adsorption of phosphate were best fitted to the Freundlich model. The results show
that the maximum uptake of phosphate was 3.36 mg g?1 for Zr-MCM, 27.73 mg g?1 for Zr ferrite and 46.32 mg g?1 for silica sulfate. The kinetic results of the three adsorbents were satisfactorily predicted using a pseudo-second-order
model. We found that silica sulfate provided excellent characteristics in terms of the maximum adsorption and rate constant
for the adsorption of phosphate. The thermodynamic data showed that increasing the temperature enhanced the adsorption of
phosphate onto silica sulfate. Our findings will help to define efficient methods to remove phosphate from wastewater.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 21-28
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0323-5
Authors
W. Jutidamrongphan, Department of Civil and Environmental System Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-701 Korea
K. Y. Park, Department of Civil and Environmental System Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-701 Korea
S. Dockko, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
J. W. Choi, Center for Environmental Technology Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
S. H. Lee, Center for Environmental Technology Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
We report for the first time the direct conversion of raw grape berry biomass to hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) using ionic liquid
solvents with metal chloride catalysts. Exploiting raw plant biomass as a biorefinery feedstock is innovative for sustainable
chemical industry. The use of the raw biomass to synthesize compounds can indeed lead to less energy consumption and less
CO2 emissions. Using raw plant biomass skips pretreatment steps that are required to produce biomaterials such as carbohydrates
or cellulosic biomass. Here, grape berry biomass was used as a raw chemical feedstock for the production of hydroxymethylfurfural,
a key platform intermediate for syntheses of future renewable biofuels. We examined 3 ionic liquid solvents, 3 reaction temperatures,
5 chloride catalysts, and 5 concentrations of HCl. We found an increasing HMF yields depending on reaction conditions. 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium
chloride was most effective for HMF synthesis. Addition of HCl or metal chlorides alone showed little improvement. The highest
HMF yield of about 100 mg HMF per mL of grape biomass extract was obtained using 0.3 M HCl, [OMIM]Cl, and CrCl2 at 100°C for 3 h. Our study provides a model system of sustainable production of valuable compounds from raw plant biomass.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 13-19
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0322-6
Authors
Y.-B. Yi, Department of Biotechnology, Dong-A University, 840, Ha-Dan-Dong, Sa-Ha-Gu, Busan, 604-714 South Korea
J.-L. Lee, Department of Biotechnology, Dong-A University, 840, Ha-Dan-Dong, Sa-Ha-Gu, Busan, 604-714 South Korea
Y.-H. Choi, Citrus Research Station, NIHHS, RDA, Seogwipo, 699-946 South Korea
S.-M. Park, Citrus Research Station, NIHHS, RDA, Seogwipo, 699-946 South Korea
C.-H. Chung, Department of Biotechnology, Dong-A University, 840, Ha-Dan-Dong, Sa-Ha-Gu, Busan, 604-714 South Korea
Heterogeneous catalysts are used for control of environmental pollution. Heterogeneous catalysts are easily separated from
the reaction mixture, thus allowing their recovery and re-use. There is a need for catalysts that are efficient under mild
conditions. Here, we show that silica-supported antimony(III) chloride (SbCl3/SiO2) acts as a highly efficient heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst for the Paal–Knorr pyrrole synthesis at room temperature. We
found that condensation of hexane-2,5-dione with aromatic and aliphatic primary amines in hexane using SbCl3/SiO2 with 7.6 wt% SbCl3 was the best reaction condition. The silica support facilitated the workup of the reaction mixture and provided a reusable
catalyst at least for 7 runs without significant loss in activity. Indeed, the yield was 98% for the first run and 84% for
the 7th run. We conclude that low catalyst loading, operational simplicity, practicability and applicability to various substrates
make this reaction an interesting alternative to previously applied procedures. From the environmental standpoint, this eco-friendly
catalyst is stable, highly active, easy to prepare and handle.
Content Type Journal Article
Category Original Paper
Pages 5-12
DOI 10.1007/s10311-011-0321-7
Authors
Hossein Reza Darabi, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, 14968-13151 Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Reza Poorheravi, Department of Chemistry, Payame Noor University (PNU), Abhar, Iran
Kioumars Aghapoor, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, 14968-13151 Tehran, Iran
Asyeh Mirzaee, Department of Chemistry, Payame Noor University (PNU), Abhar, Iran
Farshid Mohsenzadeh, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, 14968-13151 Tehran, Iran
Nazafarin Asadollahnejad, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, 14968-13151 Tehran, Iran
Hossein Taherzadeh, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, 14968-13151 Tehran, Iran
Yadollah Balavar, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Pajoohesh Blvd., km 17, Karaj Hwy, 14968-13151 Tehran, Iran
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