The effect of anti-IgE treatment on in vitro leukotriene release in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Kopp, Matthias Volkmar; Brauburger, Jens; Riedinger, Frank; Beischer, Dorothee; Ihorst, Gabriele; Kamin, Wolfgang; Zielen, Stefan; Bez; Friedrichs, Frank; Von Berg, Andrea; Gerhold, Kerstin; Hamelmann, Eckard; Hultsch; Kuehr, Joachim

2002-11-01

Binding of allergens with IgE to the IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils results in the release of inflammatory mediators as sulfidoleukotrienes (SLTs), triggering allergic cascades that result in allergic symptoms, such as asthma and rhinitis. We sought to investigate whether anti-IgE (Oma-lizumab), a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, in addition to specific immunotherapy (SIT) affects the leukotriene pathway. Ninety-two children (age range, 6-17 years) with sensitization to birch and grass pollens and with seasonal allergic rhinitis were included in a phase III, placebo- controlled, multicenter clinical study. All subjects were randomized to one of 4 treatment groups. Two groups subcutaneously received birch SIT and 2 groups received grass SIT for at least 14 weeks before the start of the birch pollen season. After 12 weeks of SIT titration, placebo or anti-IgE was added for 24 weeks. The primary clinical efficacy variable was symptom load (ie, the sum of daily symptom severity score and rescue medication score during pollen season). Blood samples taken at baseline and at the end of study treatment after the grass pollen season were used for separation of leukocytes in this substudy. After in vitro stimulation of the blood cells with grass and birch pollen allergens, SLT release (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) was quantified by using the ELISA technique. Before the study treatment, SLT release to birch and grass pollen exposure did not differ significantly among the 4 groups. Under treatment with anti-IgE + SIT-grass (n = 23), a lower symptom load occurred during the pollen season compared to placebo + SIT-grass (n = 24, P =.012). The same applied to both groups receiving birch SIT (n = 23 and n = 22, respectively; P =.03). At the end of treatment, the combination of anti-IgE plus grass SIT, as well as anti-IgE plus birch SIT, resulted in significantly lower SLT release after stimulation with the corresponding allergen (416 ng/L [5th-95th percentile, 1-1168] and 207 ng/L [1-860 ng/L], respectively) compared with placebo plus SIT (2490 ng/L [384-6587 ng/L], P =.001; 2489 ng/L [1-5670 ng/L], P =.001). In addition, treatment with anti-IgE was also followed by significantly lower SLT releases to the allergens unrelated to SIT (grass SIT: 300 ng/L [1-2432 ng/L] in response to birch allergen; birch SIT: 1478 ng/L [1-4593 ng/L] in response to grass pollen) in comparison with placebo (grass SIT: 1850 ng/L [1-5499 ng/L], P =.001; birch SIT: 2792 ng/L [154-5839 ng/L], P =.04]. Anti-IgE therapy reduces leukotriene release of peripheral leukocytes stimulated with allergen in children with allergic rhinitis undergoing allergen immunotherapy independent of the type of SIT allergen used.

Comparative aquatic toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin and its resolved isomer gamma-cyhalothrin.

PubMed

Giddings, Jeffrey M; Barber, Ian; Warren-Hicks, William

2009-02-01

In this review we compare the sensitivity of a range of aquatic invertebrate and fish species to gamma-cyhalothrin (GCH), the insecticidally active enantiomer of the synthetic pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin (LCH), in single-species laboratory tests and outdoor multi-species ecosystem tests. Species sensitivity distribution curves for GCH gave median HC(5) values of 0.47 ng/L for invertebrates, and 23.7 ng/L for fish, while curves for LCH gave median HC(5) values of 1.05 ng/L and 40.9 ng/L for invertebrates and fish, respectively. A model ecosystem test with GCH gave a community-level no observed effect concentration (NOEC(community)) of 5 ng/L, while model ecosystem tests with LCH gave a NOEC(community) of 10 ng/L. These comparisons between GCH and LCH indicate that the single active enantiomer causes effects at approximately one-half the concentration at which the racemate causes similar effects.

[Inhibitory effect of kukoamine B on lung inflammatory responses in mice with sepsis].

PubMed

Zhang, Jinli; Qin, Weiting; Lyu, Wanghui; Shen, Weichang; Wang, Xu; Sun, Bingwei

2014-07-01

To investigate the inhibitory effect of kukoamine B (KB) on lung inflammatory responses in mice with sepsis and its possible molecular mechanism. Twenty-eight male mice were randomly divided into control group (n=8), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (n=10), and LPS + KB group (n=10). Sepsis model was reproduced by intra-peritoneal injection of 20 mg/kg LPS, while equivalent normal saline was given in control group, and 20 μg/kg KB was injected through caudal vein 4 hours after LPS challenge in LPS + KB group. After 8 hours of LPS challenge, the concentration of LPS in plasma and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the lung tissue were determined. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in plasma, alveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue homogenates were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activation of nuclear factor-ΚB (NF-ΚB) and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lung tissue were determined by Western Blot. The pathological changes in lung tissues were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in lung tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Compared with control group, the concentration of LPS in plasma (1 155.650±147.149 kEU/L vs. 31.390±18.859 kEU/L), MPO activity (1.177±0.093 U/g vs. 0.775±0.166 U/g), NF-ΚB activity (gray value: 1.557±0.105 vs. 0.824±0.032) and the expression of iNOS (gray value: 0.650±0.129 vs. 0.392±0.097) were significantly increased in LPS group (all P<0.05). After KB intervention, the concentration of LPS (624.461±149.012 kEU/L), MPO activity (0.919±0.023 U/g), NF-ΚB activity (1.127±0.074) and the expression of iNOS (0.425±0.066) were significantly lowered (all P<0.05). Compared with control group, the contents of TNF-α (47.325±13.864 ng/L vs. 6.534±0.544 ng/L, 13.382±2.231 ng/L vs. 3.748±0.692 ng/L, 31.127±7.399 ng/L vs. 14.948±4.673 ng/L) and IL-1β (74.329±11.890 ng/L vs. 29.921±6.487 ng/L, 9.422±2.674 ng/L vs. 1.105±0.364 ng/L, 528.509±32.073 ng/L vs. 109.945±13.561 ng/L) in plasma, alveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue homogenates were obviously enhanced in LPS group (all P<0.05). With KB intervention, the contents of TNF-α (20.331±7.789 ng/L, 7.145±1.202 ng/L, 15.966±2.946 ng/L) and IL-1β (57.707±8.098 ng/L, 2.212±0.878 ng/L, 426.154±11.270 ng/L) were markedly reduced (plasma TNF-α: F=16.052, P=0.002; IL-1β: F=20.649, P=0.000; lung tissue homogenates TNF-α: F=31.134, P=0.001; IL-1β: F=22.792, P=0.002; alveolar lavage fluid TNF-α: F=10.013, P=0.009; IL-1β: F=319.857, P=0.000). In addition, leukocyte infiltration to the lung tissue was attenuated, and the expression of ICAM-1 was reduced by KB in histological examination. KB, as a neutralizer of LPS, can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators, reduce the pulmonary inflammatory response and protect the function of lung in septic mice.

Calcitonin assay in wash-out fluid after fine-needle aspiration biopsy in patients with a thyroid nodule and border-line value of the hormone.

PubMed

Massaro, F; Dolcino, M; Degrandi, R; Ferone, D; Mussap, M; Minuto, F; Giusti, M

2009-04-01

Assaying calcitonin (CT) in the wash-out fluid from fine-needle aspiration biopsies (CT-FNAB) could be useful in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The aim of this study was to correlate serum CT with cytology and CT-FNAB. Twenty-seven subjects (age range 27-75 yr) were studied. FNAB was performed in a thyroid nodule (no.=16) or lymph-node (no.=1 previously operated on for MTC) or in the prevalent nodule of multinodular goiters (no.=10). CT-FNAB values obtained in 37 subjects with normal serum CT (<10 ng/l) who underwent FNAB for thyroid nodules served as a negative control. In these subjects, CTFNAB values were 8.2+/-6.4 ng/l (range 2-30 ng/l). In patients with a thyroid nodule under evaluation for MTC, serum CT and CT-FNAB values were 14.5+/-3.9 ng/l (range 10-24 ng/l) and 16.4+/-29.8 ng/l (range 2-144 ng/l), respectively. In 4 patients, CT-FNAB values were higher than the highest values found in our negative controls (30 ng/l), but cytology results were compatible with a benign thyroid lesion and pentagastrin testing was negative. In 3 cases with CT-FNAB <30 ng/l, cytology was indicative of an indeterminate or probably follicular malignant lesion and histology was negative for MTC. None of the other subjects in whom pentagastrin testing was conducted showed serum CT values >100 ng/l. Our data do not show any correlation between CT-FNAB and serum CT. In conclusion, borderline CT values in patients with thyroid nodules are not rare. Our experience suggests that CT-FNAB does not have the same importance as that reported in the literature for thyroglobulin and PTH assay in wash-out fluid after FNAB in malignant thyroid and hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions.

Contamination by perfluorinated compounds in water near waste recycling and disposal sites in Vietnam.

PubMed

Kim, Joon-Woo; Tue, Nguyen Minh; Isobe, Tomohiko; Misaki, Kentaro; Takahashi, Shin; Viet, Pham Hung; Tanabe, Shinsuke

2013-04-01

There are very few reports on the contamination by perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the environment of developing countries, especially regarding their emission from waste recycling and disposal sites. This is the first study on the occurrence of a wide range of PFCs (17 compounds) in ambient water in Vietnam, including samples collected from a municipal dumping site (MD), an e-waste recycling site (ER), a battery recycling site (BR) and a rural control site. The highest PFC concentration was found in a leachate sample from MD (360 ng/L). The PFC concentrations in ER and BR (mean, 57 and 16 ng/L, respectively) were also significantly higher than those detected in the rural control site (mean, 9.4 ng/L), suggesting that municipal solid waste and waste electrical and electronic equipment are potential contamination sources of PFCs in Vietnam. In general, the most abundant PFCs were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUDA; <1.4-100, <1.2-100, and <0.5-20 ng/L, respectively). Interestingly, there were specific PFC profiles: perfluoroheptanoic acid and perfluorohexanoic acid (88 and 77 ng/L, respectively) were almost as abundant as PFOA in MD leachate (100 ng/L), whereas PFNA was prevalent in ER and BR (mean, 17 and 6.2 ng/L, respectively) and PFUDA was the most abundant in municipal wastewater (mean, 5.6 ng/L), indicating differences in PFC contents in different waste materials.

The occurrence and source identification of bisphenol compounds in wastewaters.

PubMed

Česen, Marjeta; Lenarčič, Kaja; Mislej, Vesna; Levstek, Meta; Kovačič, Ana; Cimrmančič, Bernardka; Uranjek, Nataša; Kosjek, Tina; Heath, David; Dolenc, Marija Sollner; Heath, Ester

2018-03-01

This study reports the occurrence of eight bisphenols (BPs): bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol AP (BPAP), bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol C (BPC), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol Z (BPZ) in wastewaters (WWs). Sample preparation involved pre-concentration with SPE cartridges (Oasis HLB), followed by derivatization using N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide with 1% tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane. Chemical analysis was based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A validated method with limits of detection (LODs) at ngL -1 range was applied to WWs collected at five Slovene wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and WW inflows from industrial, commercial and residential sources entering the sewerage systems of two catchments (Domžale-Kamnik (DK) and Ljubljana (LJ)). The presence of all BPs was confirmed in three inflows in DK and two inflows in the LJ catchments. High cumulative concentrations of all BPs were determined in WW from food processing facilities (LJ: 3030ngL -1 and DK: 599ngL -1 ). A high detection frequency was observed in the WW from two textile cleaning companies (6 BPs for LJ and 8 BPs for DK). The analysis of WW from WWTPs revealed that only BPF (36.7ngL -1 ) and BPS (40.6ngL -1 ) were >LODs in the influents, whereas other BPs were detected also in the effluents. BPZ was found in the highest concentration (403ngL -1 at WWTP-DK). WW collected at this WWTP also contained the highest amount of BPE (238ngL -1 ). Although BPs removal could not be directly compared between the WWTPs, with the exception of BPAP and BPB in the case of two smaller WWTPs (6.39%-43.2%) bisphenols were in general highly removed (≥96.2%). Finally, levels of BPC>LOD are reported for first time (WWTP in the DK catchment: 1.01ngL -1 -11.8ngL -1 ; LJ inflow from food processing plant up to 2560ngL -1 ). Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Is basal ultrasensitive measurement of calcitonin capable of substituting for the pentagastrin-stimulation test?

PubMed

Pina, Géraldine; Dubois, Séverine; Murat, Arnaud; Berger, Nicole; Niccoli, Patricia; Peix, Jean-Louis; Cohen, Régis; Guillausseau, Claudine; Charrie, Anne; Chabre, Olivier; Cornu, Catherine; Borson-Chazot, Françoise; Rohmer, Vincent

2013-03-01

To evaluate a second-generation assay for basal serum calcitonin (CT) measurements compared with the pentagastrin-stimulation test for the diagnosis of inherited medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and the follow-up of patients with MTC after surgery. Recent American Thyroid Association recommendations suggest the use of basal CT alone to diagnose and assess follow-up of MTC as the pentagastrin (Pg) test is unavailable in many countries. Multicentric prospective study. A total of 162 patients with basal CT <10 ng/l were included: 54 asymptomatic patients harboured noncysteine 'rearranged during transfection' (RET) proto-oncogene mutations and 108 patients had entered follow-up of MTC after surgery. All patients underwent basal and Pg-stimulated CT measurements using a second-generation assay with 5-ng/l functional sensitivity. Ninety-five per cent of patients with basal CT ≥ 5 ng/l and 25% of patients with basal CT <5 ng/l had a positive Pg-stimulation test (Pg CT >10 ng/l). Compared with the reference Pg test, basal CT ≥ 5 ng/l had 99% specificity, a 95%-positive predictive value but only 35% sensitivity (P < 0.0001). Overall, there were 31% less false-negative results using a 5-ng/l threshold for basal CT instead of the previously used 10-ng/l threshold. The ultrasensitive CT assay reduces the false-negative rate of basal CT measurements when diagnosing familial MTC and in postoperative follow-up compared with previously used assays. However, its sensitivity to detect C-cell disease remains lower than that of the Pg-stimulation test. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

NGL-2 Deletion Leads to Autistic-like Behaviors Responsive to NMDAR Modulation.

PubMed

Um, Seung Min; Ha, Seungmin; Lee, Hyejin; Kim, Jihye; Kim, Kyungdeok; Shin, Wangyong; Cho, Yi Sul; Roh, Junyeop Daniel; Kang, Jaeseung; Yoo, Taesun; Noh, Young Woo; Choi, Yeonsoo; Bae, Yong Chul; Kim, Eunjoon

2018-06-26

Netrin-G ligand 2 (NGL-2)/LRRC4, implicated in autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, is a leucine-rich repeat-containing postsynaptic adhesion molecule that interacts intracellularly with the excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95 and trans-synaptically with the presynaptic adhesion molecule netrin-G2. Functionally, NGL-2 regulates excitatory synapse development and synaptic transmission. However, whether it regulates synaptic plasticity and disease-related specific behaviors is not known. Here, we report that mice lacking NGL-2 (Lrrc4 -/- mice) show suppressed N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. NGL-2 associates with NMDARs through both PSD-95-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Moreover, Lrrc4 -/- mice display mild social interaction deficits and repetitive behaviors that are rapidly improved by pharmacological NMDAR activation. These results suggest that NGL-2 promotes synaptic stabilization of NMDARs, regulates NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity, and prevents autistic-like behaviors from developing in mice, supporting the hypothesis that NMDAR dysfunction contributes to autism spectrum disorders. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NGL Viewer: Web-based molecular graphics for large complexes.

PubMed

Rose, Alexander S; Bradley, Anthony R; Valasatava, Yana; Duarte, Jose M; Prlic, Andreas; Rose, Peter W

2018-05-29

The interactive visualization of very large macromolecular complexes on the web is becoming a challenging problem as experimental techniques advance at an unprecedented rate and deliver structures of increasing size. We have tackled this problem by developing highly memory-efficient and scalable extensions for the NGL WebGL-based molecular viewer and by using MMTF, a binary and compressed Macromolecular Transmission Format. These enable NGL to download and render molecular complexes with millions of atoms interactively on desktop computers and smartphones alike, making it a tool of choice for web-based molecular visualization in research and education. The source code is freely available under the MIT license at github.com/arose/ngl and distributed on NPM (npmjs.com/package/ngl). MMTF-JavaScript encoders and decoders are available at github.com/rcsb/mmtf-javascript. asr.moin@gmail.com.

Comparison of laboratory single species and field population-level effects of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin on freshwater invertebrates.

PubMed

Schroer, A F W; Belgers, J D M; Brock, T C M; Matser, A M; Maund, S J; Van den Brink, P J

2004-04-01

The toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin to freshwater invertebrates has been investigated using data from short-term laboratory toxicity tests and in situ bioassays and population-level effects in field microcosms. In laboratory tests, patterns of toxicity were consistent with previous data on pyrethroids. The midge Chaoborus obscuripes was most sensitive (48- and 96-h EC50 = 2.8 ng/L). Other insect larvae (Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera) and macrocrustacea (Amphipoda, Isopoda) were also relatively sensitive, with 48- and 96-h EC50 values between 10 and 100 ng/L. Generally, microcrustacea (Cladocera, Copepoda) and larvae of certain insect groups (Odonata and Chironomidae) were less sensitive, with 48-h EC50 values higher than 100 ng/L. Mollusca and Plathelminthes were insensitive and were unaffected at concentrations at and above the water solubility (5 microg/L). Generally, the EC50 values based on initial population responses in field enclosures were similar to values derived from laboratory tests with the same taxa. Also, the corresponding fifth and tenth percentile hazard concentrations (HC5 and HC10) were similar (laboratory HC5 = 2.7 ng/L and field HC5 = 4.1 ng/L; laboratory and field HC10 = 5.1 ng/L), at least when based on the same sensitive taxonomic groups (insects and crustaceans) and when a similar concentration range was taken into account. In the three field enclosure experiments and at a treatment level of 10 ng/L, consistent effects were observed for only one population (Chaoborus obscuripes), with recovery taking place within 3 to 6 weeks. The laboratory HC5 (2.7 ng/L) and HC10 (5.1 ng/L) based on acute EC50 values of all aquatic arthropod taxa were both lower than this 10 ng/L, a concentration that might represent the "regulatory acceptable concentration." The HC5 and HC10 values in this study in The Netherlands (based on static laboratory tests with freshwater arthropods) were very similar to those derived from a previous study in the United Kingdom (1.4 and 3.3 ng/L). This suggests that for pesticides like lambda-cyhalothrin, HC5 values based on static laboratory tests may provide a conservative estimate of the potential for community-level effects under field conditions. While these HC5 values are conservative for initial effects, they do not provide information on recovery potential, which may be important for regulatory decision-making.

Widespread occurrence of neonicotinoid insecticides in streams in a high corn and soybean producing region, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hladik, Michelle; Kolpin, Dana W.; Kuivila, Kathryn

2014-01-01

Neonicotinoid insecticides are of environmental concern, but little is known about their occurrence in surface water. An area of intense corn and soybean production in the Midwestern United States was chosen to study this issue because of the high agricultural use of neonicotinoids via both seed treatments and other forms of application. Water samples were collected from nine stream sites during the 2013 growing season. The results for the 79 water samples documented similar patterns among sites for both frequency of detection and concentration (maximum:median) with clothianidin (75%, 257 ng/L:8.2 ng/L) > thiamethoxam (47%, 185 ng/L: imidacloprid (23%, 42.7 ng/L: <2 ng/L). Neonicotinoids were detected at all nine sites sampled even though the basin areas spanned four orders of magnitude. Temporal patterns in concentrations reveal pulses of neonicotinoids associated with rainfall events during crop planting, suggesting seed treatments as their likely source.

High Latitude Electromagnetic Plasma Wave Emissions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

supported by NASA through contracts NAS5-26819 and NAS5-25690 with Goddard Space Flight Center, and grants NGL-16-0O1- 002 and NGL-16-001- 043 from NASA...Grants NGL- 16-001- 043 and NGL-16-001-002 from NASA Headquarters and Contracts NAS5-26819 and NAS5-25690 with Goddard Space Flight Center. .J...c w 0 (n0 (00 cr -J <O -- cr. w 0 u0 QC\\ Il Lii 03 0 ODCJ \\ 0T 0i 06 ( L 00 -L~w (zH) kON~fnO38J z) cr- >U)U N N< 0r U wzL >w woo NOM

Removal efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phthalate esters by surface flow wetland in Shunyi district, Beijing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Binghua; Liu, Licai; Han, Li; Yang, Yong

2017-03-01

The surface flow wetland (SFW) system was located on Shunyi district, Beijing. It was built to treat industrial wastewater and domestic sewage, which were looked as its influent. Here sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and six phthalate esters (PAEs) were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).To determine treatment effect of SFW system, concentrations of targeted compounds in the influent were compared with those in the effluent. Results showed typical compounds of industrial wastewater were naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and their concentrations were ranged from 122.6 ng.L-1 to 760.6 ng.L-1. However typical compounds of domestic sewage were NAP, anthracene (ANT), PHE, DBP, diethyl phthalate (DEP), DEHP, and their concentrations were ranged from 280 ng.L-1 to 7998.1 ng.L-1. Typical compounds of effluent were NAP, PHE, DBP, DEHP, and their concentrations changed between 4.2 ng.L-1 and 1430.74 ng.L-1. The removal rate of those compounds were 10% ~ 99%, and nineteen compounds removal rate reached above 70%.Therefore, it can be concluded that SFW system had a strong effect on the removal of these compounds.

Exploration of the immunoreactivity of the Traditional Chinese medicine Shenrouyangzhentang to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

PubMed Central

Gu, Yu-Chun; Chen, De-Zhen

1997-01-01

AIM: To study the immunoreactivity of the Chinese medicine Shenrouyangzhentang to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and its therapeutic mechanism. METHODS: The immunoreactivity of the Chinese medicine Shenrouyangzhentang to VIP was detected in the plasma of 20 normal people and 20 patients with Piyinxu (Spleen Yin deficiency) using the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. RESULTS: The maximum binding rate B0/T was 53.29%, the non-specific binding rate N0/T was 1.170%, and the VIP standard curve was Y = 0.81983 + 0.44319X - 0.28927X2, R2 = 0.990. The VIP content in Shenrouyangzhentang was 106.6 ng/L ± 20 ng/L), while it was 90.16 ng/L ± 15 ng/L in normal human plasma and 63.25 ng/L ± 11 ng/L in the plasma of Pixinxu patients. The difference between normal plasma and Pixinxu patient plasma was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Chinese medicine Shenrouyangzhentang demonstrated VIP immunoreactivity similar to that of normal plasma. The (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) VIP content in Pixinxu patient plasma was lower than that in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). PMID:27041949

Endocrine disruptors in freshwater streams of Hesse, Germany: changes in concentration levels in the time span from 2003 to 2005.

PubMed

Quednow, Kristin; Püttmann, Wilhelm

2008-03-01

Four small freshwater streams in the region known as Hessisches Ried in Germany were investigated with respect to the temporal and spatial concentration variations of the endocrine disruptors bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-tert-OP), and the technical isomer mixture of 4-nonylphenol (tech.-4-NP). Measured concentrations of the target compounds in the river water samples ranged from <20 ng/l to 1927 ng/l, <10 ng/l to 770 ng/l, and <10 ng/l to 420 ng/l for BPA, 4-tert-OP and tech.-4-NP, respectively. BPA levels were, with the exception of two samples, below the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for water organisms. Tech.-4-NP concentrations showed a significant tendency of decreasing concentrations during the sampling period. This is mainly attributed to the implementation of the European Directive 2003/53/EG, which restricts both the marketing and use of nonylphenols. Results from the analysis of additionally collected water samples from sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents indicate that the STPs cannot be the only sources for tech.-4-NP found in the river water.

Intra- and Inter-Pandemic Variations of Antiviral, Antibiotics and Decongestants in Wastewater Treatment Plants and Receiving Rivers

PubMed Central

Singer, Andrew C.; Järhult, Josef D.; Grabic, Roman; Khan, Ghazanfar A.; Lindberg, Richard H.; Fedorova, Ganna; Fick, Jerker; Bowes, Michael J.; Olsen, Björn; Söderström, Hanna

2014-01-01

The concentration of eleven antibiotics (trimethoprim, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, cefotaxime, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin), three decongestants (naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline) and the antiviral drug oseltamivir’s active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate (OC), were measured weekly at 21 locations within the River Thames catchment in England during the month of November 2009, the autumnal peak of the influenza A[H1N1]pdm09 pandemic. The aim was to quantify the pharmaceutical response to the pandemic and compare this to drug use during the late pandemic (March 2010) and the inter-pandemic periods (May 2011). A large and small wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were sampled in November 2009 to understand the differential fate of the analytes in the two WWTPs prior to their entry in the receiving river and to estimate drug users using a wastewater epidemiology approach. Mean hourly OC concentrations in the small and large WWTP’s influent were 208 and 350 ng/L (max, 2070 and 550 ng/L, respectively). Erythromycin was the most concentrated antibiotic measured in Benson and Oxford WWTPs influent (max = 6,870 and 2,930 ng/L, respectively). Napthazoline and oxymetazoline were the most frequently detected and concentrated decongestant in the Benson WWTP influent (1650 and 67 ng/L) and effluent (696 and 307 ng/L), respectively, but were below detection in the Oxford WWTP. OC was found in 73% of November 2009’s weekly river samples (max = 193 ng/L), but only in 5% and 0% of the late- and inter-pandemic river samples, respectively. The mean river concentration of each antibiotic during the pandemic largely fell between 17–74 ng/L, with clarithromycin (max = 292 ng/L) and erythromycin (max = 448 ng/L) yielding the highest single measure. In general, the concentration and frequency of detecting antibiotics in the river increased during the pandemic. OC was uniquely well-suited for the wastewater epidemiology approach owing to its nature as a prodrug, recalcitrance and temporally- and spatially-resolved prescription statistics. PMID:25254643

Sex-specific 99th percentiles derived from the AACC Universal Sample Bank for the Roche Gen 5 cTnT assay: Comorbidities and statistical methods influence derivation of reference limits.

PubMed

Gunsolus, Ian L; Jaffe, Allan S; Sexter, Anne; Schulz, Karen; Ler, Ranka; Lindgren, Brittany; Saenger, Amy K; Love, Sara A; Apple, Fred S

2017-12-01

Our purpose was to determine a) overall and sex-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits (URL) and b) influences of statistical methods and comorbidities on the URLs. Heparin plasma from 838 normal subjects (423 men, 415 women) were obtained from the AACC (Universal Sample Bank). The cobas e602 measured cTnT (Roche Gen 5 assay); limit of detection (LoD), 3ng/L. Hemoglobin A1c (URL 6.5%), NT-proBNP (URL 125ng/L) and eGFR (60mL/min/1.73m 2 ) were measured, along with identification of statin use, to better define normality. 99th percentile URLs were determined by the non-parametric (NP), Harrell-Davis Estimator (HDE) and Robust (R) methods. 355 men and 339 women remained after exclusions. Overall<50% of subjects had measureable concentrations ≥ LoD: 45.6% no exclusion, 43.5% after exclusion; compared to men: 68.1% no exclusion, 65.1% post exclusion; women: 22.7% no exclusion, 20.9% post exclusion. The statistical method used influenced URLs as follows: pre/post exclusion overall, NP 16/16ng/L, HDE 17/17ng/L, R not available; men NP 18/16ng/L, HDE 21/19ng/L, R 16/11ng/L; women NP 13/10ng/L, HDE 14/14ng/L, R not available. We demonstrated that a) the Gen 5 cTnT assay does not meet the IFCC guideline for high-sensitivity assays, b) surrogate biomarkers significantly lowers the URLs and c) statistical methods used impact URLs. Our data suggest lower sex-specific cTnT 99th percentiles than reported in the FDA approved package insert. We emphasize the importance of detailing the criteria used to include and exclude subjects for defining a healthy population and the statistical method used to calculate 99th percentiles and identify outliers. Copyright © 2017 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Construction, expression and immunogenicity study of a chimeric MS/hIL-12 eukaryotic expression plasmid].

PubMed

Li, Hui; Li, Rong; Zhong, Sen; Ren, Hong; Deng, Cun-liang; Shi, Xiao-ling; Wang, Ming-yong

2006-04-01

To construct and express a chimeric Mtb8.4 with signal peptide (MS)/hIL12 eukaryotic expression plasmid, and to study the immunogenicity of the MS/hIL-12 chimeric genetic vaccines. The MS/hIL-12 chimeric gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pCI-neo. The correct pCI-neo-MS/hIL12 (pMSI) recombinant plasmid was identified by PCR, restricted enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. COS-7 cells were transfected with pMSI constructs by cationic liposome. After 48 hours, mRNA of the target gene was detected by RT-PCR, and hIL-12 protein in culture supernatant and cell lysates was detected by Western blot. C57BL/6N mice were vaccinated with MS/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine for three times at 3 week intervals. Four weeks after the final inoculation, three mice were sacrificed for measurement of the cytokine response and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) induction. The accuracy of plasmid construction was confirmed by a number of molecular biological techniques. Transfection of COS-7 cells with plasmids pMSI lead to transient expression of fusion proteins. The IFN-gamma and IL-2 titers were (1,521 +/- 48) ng/L and (755 +/- 41) ng/L in MS/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine group, (820 +/- 50) ng/L and (297 +/- 31) ng/L in MS gene vaccine group, (1,487 +/- 40) ng/L and (767 +/- 50) ng/L in BCG group, (121 +/- 16) ng/L and (62 +/- 10) ng/L in vacant vector group, and (48 +/- 16) ng/L and (32 +/- 17) ng/L in PBS group respectively. The levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 in MS/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine group were higher than those of MS gene vaccine group, vacant vector group and PBS group (P < 0.01) and was similar to the BCG group (P > 0.05). The level of IL-4 in BCG group [(91 +/- 11) ng/L] increased significantly as compared to other groups (P < 0.01). When effector-cell-to-target-cell ratio (E:T ratio) were 100:1, 50:1, and 10:1 respectively, the CTL activity was 77.5%, 51.2%, 30.3% in MS/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine group, 56.2%, 37.8%, 11.5% in MS gene vaccine group, 28.9%, 21.4%, 9.8% in BCG group. The cytotoxicity in MS/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine group was higher than that of other groups (P < 0.01). When used to construct the chimeric gene vaccine, hIL-12 could improve the immunogenicity of MS gene vaccine.

Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on metamorphosis of a marine fish Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in relation to thyroid disruption.

PubMed

Dong, Yifei; Zhang, Xiaona; Tian, Hua; Li, Xiang; Wang, Wei; Ru, Shaoguo

2017-06-15

This study examined the influence of environmental concentrations of Aroclor 1254 (10, 100, and 1000ng/L) on metamorphosis of Paralichthys olivaceus, and analyzed the mechanisms in relation to thyroid disruption. Results showed that 100 and 1000ng/L Aroclor 1254 delayed metamorphosis and that 1000ng/L Aroclor 1254 caused abnormal morphology. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels in the control group were significantly elevated at metamorphic climax, but treatment with 100 and 1000ng/L delayed the increase in thyroid hormones (THs) and retarded metamorphic processes. In larvae exposed to 1000ng/L Aroclor 1254, TH levels at metamorphic climax were significantly lower than those of the control group at the same metamorphic stage. We suggest that the effects of Aroclor 1254 on larval metamorphosis can be explained by disruption of thyroid homeostasis. These findings provide a new perspective and biological model for thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs) screening and investigating interference of thyroid function by TDCs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gonad development and vitellogenin production in zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to ethinylestradiol and methyltestosterone.

PubMed

Orn, Stefan; Holbech, Henrik; Madsen, Trine H; Norrgren, Leif; Petersen, Gitte I

2003-12-10

In a partial life-cycle test, the impact of 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) on juvenile zebrafish was evaluated by use of vitellogenin measurements and gonadal development. Exposure to EE2 (1-25 ng/l) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in vitellogenin production starting at 2 ng/l. Significant changes in sex ratios in female direction were detected at 1 ng/l, with complete sex reversal taking place after exposure to 2 ng/l. No intersex fish were observed after exposure to EE2. Exposure to MT resulted in decreased vitellogenin concentrations. Complete sex reversal was detected in all MT concentrations used (26-1000 ng/l). A large proportion of intersex fish was observed after exposure to 1000 ng MT/l. The period of gonadal sex reversal in non-exposed zebrafish was also studied. The main morphological features of the transformation of ovaries into testis were observed 4-5 weeks after hatching.

Trace analysis of antidepressant pharmaceuticals and their select degradates in aquatic matrixes by LC/ESI/MS/MS

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schultz, M.M.; Furlong, E.T.

2008-01-01

Treated wastewater effluent is a potential environmental point source for antidepressant pharmaceuticals. A quantitative method was developed for the determination of trace levels of antidepressants in environmental aquatic matrixes using solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography- electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Recoveries of parent antidepressants from matrix spiking experiments for the individual antidepressants ranged from 72 to 118% at low concentrations (0.5 ng/L) and 70 to 118% at high concentrations (100 ng/L) for the solid-phase extraction method. Method detection limits for the individual antidepressant compounds ranged from 0.19 to 0.45 ng/L. The method was applied to wastewater effluent and samples collected from a wastewater-dominated stream. Venlafaxine was the predominant antidepressant observed in wastewater and river water samples. Individual antidepressant concentrations found in the wastewater effluent ranged from 3 (duloxetine) to 2190 ng/L (venlafaxine), whereas individual concentrations in the waste-dominated stream ranged from 0.72 (norfluoxetine) to 1310 ng/L (venlafaxine). ?? 2008 American Chemical Society.

Novel amide polar-embedded reversed-phase column for the fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to determine polyether ionophores in environmental waters.

PubMed

Herrero, P; Borrull, F; Pocurull, E; Marcé, R M

2012-11-09

A fast chromatographic method has been developed that takes less than 5 min per run to determine five polyether ionophores with a novel amide polar-embedded reversed-phase column coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. A comparison between Oasis HLB and Oasis MAX sorbents for the solid-phase extraction was done. Oasis HLB sorbent gave recoveries close to 90% and the repeatability (%RSD, 25-100 ng/L, n=3) of the method was less than 7% for all compounds in all matrices. The presence of polyether ionophores in environmental waters such as river water and sewage was investigated. Monensin and narasin were frequently determined in influent and effluent sewage at concentrations from 10 ng/L to 47 ng/L in influents and from 6 ng/L to 34 ng/L in effluents. In river waters, polyether ionophores were not detected in any sample. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of methyltestosterone on the sexual development and reproduction of adult medaka (Oryzias latipes).

PubMed

Kang, Ik Joon; Yokota, Hirofumi; Oshima, Yuji; Tsuruda, Yukinari; Shimasaki, Yohei; Honjo, Tsuneo

2008-04-08

We examined the effects of methyltestosterone (MT) on the reproduction of medaka (Oryzias latipes). Six mating pairs of medaka were exposed for 3 weeks to MT at the measured concentrations of 22.5, 46.8, 88.1, 188, and 380 ng/L. The fecundity and fertility of paired medaka were significantly decreased in the 46.8, 88.1, 188, and 380 ng/L MT groups compared with those of controls. The gonadosomatic indices of female fish exposed to >or=46.8 ng/L were increased significantly. Gonadal histology showed degeneration of oocytes in the ovaries of fish in all MT treatment groups. Hepatic vitellogenin concentrations were significantly decreased in female fish treated with MT at 188 and 380 ng/L, and the hatchability and survival rate of the offspring were decreased in all MT treatment groups. These results clearly demonstrate that MT at >or=46.8 ng/L inhibited gonadal development and adversely affected the reproduction of medaka.

Determination of statins by gas chromatography - EI/MRM - Tandem mass spectrometry: fermentation of pine samples with Pleurotus ostreatus.

PubMed

Sirén, Heli; Kaijanen, Laura; Kaartinen, Sini; Väre, Monna; Riikonen, Päivi; Jernström, Eeva

2014-06-01

Statins were separated and quantified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS/MS) using total ion monitoring (TIC) and multiple reactions monitoring (MRM). The MRM method in statins determination has a novelty value, since there are no previous studies on their simultaneous analysis in environmental or plant samples. The method development and optimization was challenging due to the physicochemical similarities of the silylated lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, and atorvastatin. The results showed that the use of MRM decreased their detection and quantification limits by factors of 2-10 compared to that obtained in TIC monitoring. The concentration calibration was made between 247.5ng/L and 9900ng/L. Limits of detection and quantification were between 50ng/L (lovastatin)-500ng/L (pravastatin) and 250ng/L (lovastatin)-1000ng/L (pravastatin), respectively. Based on the MRM results, the wood bark and phloem samples contained lovastatin, lovastatin-lactone, simvastatin, simvastatin-lactone, and pravastatin. Their concentrations were 250-3000μg/L, i.e. 4.2-50mg/kg in phloem and bark. However, they were not detected in fluids made with Pleurotus ostreatus fermentation of wood core. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effective analysis of rotundone at below-threshold levels in red and white wines using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Mattivi, F; Caputi, L; Carlin, S; Lanza, T; Minozzi, M; Nanni, D; Valenti, L; Vrhovsek, U

2011-02-28

Rotundone is an oxygenated sesquiterpene belonging to the family of guaianes, giving the 'peppery' aroma to white and black pepper and to red wines. Here we describe a novel, convenient protocol for the synthesis of rotundone, starting from a commercially available compound and requiring only two reaction steps, and an improved, faster method of GC separation (30 min) with selective quantisation of rotundone using tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with d(5)-rotundone as internal standard. With limits of detection (LODs) of 1.5 ng/L in white wine and 2.0 ng/L in red wine, intraday repeatability CV values of 6% and 5% at 50 ng/L and 500 ng/L and interday repeatability CV values of 13% and 6% at 50 ng/L and 500 ng/L, respectively, the improved protocol provides the desired sensitivity and selectivity for routine analysis of rotundone in both white and red wines. Initial application of this method highlighted the presence of unexpectedly high concentrations of rotundone, thus explaining the origin of the distinctive peppery aroma in Schioppettino and Vespolina red wines and in Gruener Veltliner white wines. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Occurrence of iodinated X-ray contrast media and their biotransformation products in the urban water cycle.

PubMed

Kormos, Jennifer Lynne; Schulz, Manoj; Ternes, Thomas A

2011-10-15

A LC tandem MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of four iodinated X-ray contrast media (ICM) and 46 ICM biotransformation products (TPs) in raw and treated wastewater, surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Recoveries ranged from 70% to 130%, and limits of quantification (LOQ) varied between 1 ng/L and 3 ng/L for surface water, groundwater and drinking water, and between 10 ng/L and 30 ng/L for wastewater. In a conventional wastewater treatment plant, iohexol, iomeprol, and iopromide were transformed to >80%, while iopamidol was transformed to 35%. In total, 26 TPs were detected above their LOQ in WWTP effluents. A significant change in the pattern of ICM TPs was observed after bank filtration and groundwater infiltration under aerobic conditions. Predominately, these TPs are formed at the end of the microbial transformation pathways in batch experiments with soil and sediment. These polar ICM TPs, such as iohexol TP599, iomeprol TP643, iopromide TP701A, and iopromide TP643, were not or only partially removed during drinking water treatment. As a consequence, several ICM TPs were detected in drinking water, at concentration levels exceeding 100 ng/L, with a maximum of 500 ng/L for iomeprol TP687.

Serial Sampling of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T May Not Be Required for Prediction of Acute Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis in Chest Pain Patients with Highly Abnormal Concentrations at Presentation.

PubMed

Mueller-Hennessen, Matthias; Mueller, Christian; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Biener, Moritz; Vafaie, Mehrshad; deFilippi, Christopher R; Christ, Michael; Ordóñez-Llanos, Jorge; Panteghini, Mauro; Plebani, Mario; Verschuren, Franck; Melki, Dina; French, John K; Christenson, Robert H; Body, Richard; McCord, James; Dinkel, Carina; Katus, Hugo A; Lindahl, Bertil

2017-02-01

Guidelines for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) recommend adding kinetic changes to the initial cardiac troponin (cTn) blood concentration to improve AMI diagnosis. We hypothesized that kinetic changes may not be required in patients presenting with highly abnormal cTn. Patients presenting with suspected AMI to the emergency department were enrolled in a prospective diagnostic study. We assessed the positive predictive value (PPV) of initial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) blood concentrations alone and in combination with kinetic changes for AMI. Predefined relative changes (δ change of ≥20%) and absolute changes (Δ change ≥9.2 ng/L) within different time intervals (1 h, 2 h, and 4-14 h after presentation) were assessed. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists. Among 1282 patients, 213 (16.6%) patients had a final diagnosis of AMI. For AMI prediction, PPVs increased from 48.8% for an initial hs-cTnT >14 ng/L to 87.2% for >60 ng/L, whereas PPVs remained unchanged for higher hs-cTnT concentrations at baseline (87.1% for both >80 ng/L and >100 ng/L). With addition of 20% relative Δ change, PPVs were not further improved in patients with baseline hs-cTnT >80 ng/L using the 1-h (84.0%) and 2-h (88.9%) intervals, and only minimally when extending the interval to 4-14 h (91.2% for >80 ng/L and 90.4% for >100 ng/L, respectively). Similar findings were observed when applying absolute changes. In chest pain patients with highly abnormal hs-cTnT concentrations at presentation, subsequent blood draws may not be required, as they do not provide incremental diagnostic value for prediction of AMI diagnosis. © 2016 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Morphological abnormalities during early-life development of the estuarine mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, as an indicator of androgenic and anti-androgenic endocrine disruption.

PubMed

Boudreau, Monica; Courtenay, Simon C; Maclatchy, Deborah L; Bérubé, Céline H; Hewitt, L Mark; Van Der Kraak, Glen J

2005-03-04

We tested the hypothesis that gross morphological abnormalities are a sensitive indicator of exposure to waterborne androgenic and anti-androgenic compounds during embryonic, larval and juvenile stages of development in the common estuarine killifish, the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus; Pisces: Cyprinodontidae). Static exposures with daily renewal were carried out with 10-100,000 ng/L of the androgen agonist, 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT), or the androgen antagonist, cyproterone acetate (CA), for 60 days post-fertilization (PF) in duplicate exposures. Measured concentrations were 78.4-155.8% of nominal concentrations for MT and 13.5-168.1% for CA. No dose-related or consistent effects of MT or CA were observed before hatch. In 60 days PF juveniles, incidence of skeletal abnormalities (scoliosis, lordosis, head, facial and fin), soft tissue abnormality (anal swelling) and hemorrhaging were significantly increased by MT but only at high concentrations (> or =1000 ng/L). The 10,000 and 100,000 ng/L concentrations of MT produced a wider range of abnormalities than 1000ng/L. Over 90% of fish exposed to 10,000 or 100,000 ng/L were abnormal with an average of over 3.5 abnormalities per fish. CA did not increase the incidence of any type of abnormality. Survival of juveniles to the end of the exposure was reduced by MT at concentrations of 1000 ng/L and greater in the first experiment and at concentrations of 10,000 ng/L and greater in the second experiment. Juvenile length was reduced by high concentrations of MT (> or =10,000 ng/L) in the first experiment and by most concentrations in the second experiment. We conclude that morphological abnormalities in early-life stages of mummichogs are not a sensitive indicator of exposure to androgenic or anti-androgenic waterborne EDSs at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Pesticides in Surface Drinking-Water Supplies of the Northern Great Plains

PubMed Central

Donald, David B.; Cessna, Allan J.; Sverko, Ed; Glozier, Nancy E.

2007-01-01

Background Human health anomalies have been associated with pesticide exposure for people living in rural landscapes in the northern Great Plains of North America. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of 45 pesticides in drinking water from reservoirs in this area that received water primarily from snowmelt and rainfall runoff from agricultural crop lands. Methods Water from 15 reservoirs was sampled frequently during the spring pesticide application period (early May to mid-August) and less frequently for the remainder of the year. Drinking water was sampled in early July. Sample extracts were analyzed for pesticide content using mass spectrometric detection. Results We detected two insecticides and 27 herbicides in reservoir water. Consistent detection of a subset of 7 herbicides suggested that atmospheric deposition, either directly or in rain, was the principal pathway from fields to the reservoirs. However, the highest concentrations and number of herbicides in drinking water were associated with runoff from a localized 133-mm rainfall over 15 days toward the end of spring herbicide application. Water treatment removed from 14 to 86% of individual herbicides. Drinking water contained 3–15 herbicides (average, 6.4). Conclusions We estimated the mean annual calculated concentration of herbicides in drinking water to be 75 ng/L (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid, 31 ng/L (2-chloro-4-methylphenoxy)acetic acid, 24 ng/L clopyralid, 11 ng/L dichlorprop, 4 ng/L dicamba, 3 ng/L mecoprop, and 1 ng/L bro-moxynil. The maximum total concentration of herbicides in drinking water was 2,423 ng/L. For the seven herbicides with established drinking water guidelines, all concentrations of the individual chemicals were well below their respective guideline. However, guidelines have not been established for the majority of the herbicides found in drinking water or for mixtures of pesticides. PMID:17687445

Identification of trace organic pollutants in drinking water and the associated human health risks in Jiangsu Province, China.

PubMed

Li, Bing; Qu, Changsheng; Bi, Jun

2012-06-01

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dibutyl phthalate (DNBP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) were all detectable in surface water in Jiangsu Province, China. Concentrations of OCPs ranged from 5.13 to 8.15 ng/L. PAHs were found ranging from 14.7 to 24.5 ng/L. Concentrations of DNBP and DEHP ranged from 16 to 5,857.5 ng/L and 556 to 15,670.7 ng/L, respectively. Greater than 70 % of chemicals were removed in water treatment processes. The carcinogenic risks posed by trace organic pollutants through tap water ingestion were lower than 10(-6), and the noncarcinogenic risks were less than 10(-5).

Probabilistic risk assessment of cotton pyrethroids: I. Distributional analyses of laboratory aquatic toxicity data.

PubMed

Solomon, K R; Giddings, J M; Maund, S J

2001-03-01

This is the first in a series of five papers that assess the risk of the cotton pyrethroids in aquatic ecosystems in a series of steps ranging from the analysis of effects data through modeling exposures in the landscape. Pyrethroid insecticides used on cotton have the potential to contaminate aquatic systems. The objectives of this study were to develop probabilistic estimates of toxicity distributions, to compare these among the pyrethroids, and to evaluate cypermethrin as a representative pyrethroid for the purposes of a class risk assessment of the pyrethroids. The distribution of cypermethrin acute toxicity data gave 10th centile values of 10 ng/L for all organisms, 6.4 ng/L for arthropods, and 380 ng/L for vertebrates. For bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and deltamethrin, the 10th centile values for all organisms were 15, 12, 10, and 9 ng/L, respectively, indicating similar or somewhat lower toxicity than cypermethrin. For tralomethrin and fenpropathrin, the 10th centiles were <310 and 240 ng/L, respectively. The distribution of permethrin toxicity to all organisms, arthropods, and vertebrates gave 10th centiles of 180, 76, and 1600 ng/L, respectively, whereas those for fenvalerate were 37, 8, and 150 ng/L. With the exception of tralomethrin, the distributions of acute toxicity values had similar slopes, suggesting that the variation of sensitivity in a range of aquatic nontarget species is similar. The pyrethroids have different recommended field rates of application that are related to their efficacy, and the relationship between field rate and 10th centiles showed a trend. These results support the use of cypermethrin as a reasonable worst-case surrogate for the other pyrethroids for the purposes of risk assessment of pyrethroids as a class.

Spatial and temporal distribution of Au and other trace elements in an estuary using the diffusive gradients in thin films technique and grab sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, Andrew R.; Salmon, S. Ursula; Rate, Andrew W.; Larsen, Sarah; Kilminster, Kieryn

2015-12-01

This study reports the first surface water evaluation of the temporal and spatial variability of Au in an estuary, using recently developed modifications to the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) and grab sampling techniques. At the two study sites in the Swan River estuary that were more marine in character, the DGT-measured concentrations of Au (26.3 and 31.3 ng/L) were within the range of total concentrations measured on individual days (13.2-30.6 ng/L and 11.2-37.2 ng/L, respectively). In contrast, at an upstream site, Au concentrations measured by DGT were significantly lower than totals (3.9 ng/L for DGT, compared with 13.2-28.8 ng/L for grab sampling), likely due to either size exclusion of colloids (>70 nm) by DGT or formation of a dissolved, non-DGT-labile Au species (<0.45 μm). DGT-measured concentrations of other metals (Cu, Co, Cr, U, V, Mo and As) were also lower than total concentrations, although in contrast to DGT-measured Au, this phenomenon occurred at all sites. Furthermore, daily grab samples for Au, taken over the 10-day deployment (which included a rain event), showed that Au concentrations could spike substantially (from 15.1 ng/L to 37.2 ng/L) over intervals as short as one day. The combination of simultaneous deployment of different DGT devices and grab sampling represents a new development in efforts to understand the transport and fate of Au together with other elements in dynamic environments such as estuaries.

Release kinetics of circulating cardiac myosin binding protein-C following cardiac injury

PubMed Central

Kuster, Diederik W. D.; Cardenas-Ospina, Adriana; Miller, Lawson; Liebetrau, Christoph; Troidl, Christian; Nef, Holger M.; Möllmann, Helge; Hamm, Christian W.; Pieper, Karen S.; Mahaffey, Kenneth W.; Kleiman, Neal S.; Stuyvers, Bruno D.; Marian, Ali J.

2013-01-01

Diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is based on ST-segment elevation on electrocardiographic evaluation and/or elevated plasma cardiac troponin (cTn) levels. However, troponins lack the sensitivity required to detect the onset of MI at its earliest stages. Therefore, to confirm its viability as an ultra-early biomarker of MI, this study investigates the release kinetics of cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) in a porcine model of MI and in two human cohorts. Release kinetics of cMyBP-C were determined in a porcine model of MI (n = 6, pigs, either sex) by measuring plasma cMyBP-C level serially from 30 min to 14 days after coronary occlusion, with use of a custom-made immunoassay. cMyBP-C plasma levels were increased from baseline (76 ± 68 ng/l) at 3 h (767 ± 211 ng/l) and peaked at 6 h (2,418 ± 780 ng/l) after coronary ligation. Plasma cTnI, cTnT, and myosin light chain-3 levels were all increased 6 h after ligation. In a cohort of patients (n = 12) with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy, cMyBP-C was significantly increased from baseline (49 ± 23 ng/l) in a time-dependent manner, peaking at 4 h (560 ± 273 ng/l). In a cohort of patients with non-ST segment elevation MI (n = 176) from the SYNERGY trial, cMyBP-C serum levels were significantly higher (7,615 ± 4,514 ng/l) than those in a control cohort (416 ± 104 ng/l; n = 153). cMyBP-C is released in the blood rapidly after cardiac damage and therefore has the potential to positively mark the onset of MI. PMID:24337456

Mercury and methylmercury dynamics in a coastal plain watershed, New Jersey, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barringer, J.L.; Riskin, M.L.; Szabo, Z.; Reilly, P.A.; Rosman, R.; Bonin, J.L.; Fischer, J.M.; Heckathorn, H.A.

2010-01-01

The upper Great Egg Harbor River watershed in New Jersey's Coastal Plain is urbanized but extensive freshwater wetlands are present downstream. In 2006-2007, studies to assess levels of total mercury (THg) found concentrations in unfiltered streamwater to range as high as 187 ng/L in urbanized areas. THg concentrations were <20 ng/L in streamwater in forested/wetlands areas where both THg and dissolved organic carbon concentrations tended to increase while pH and concentrations of dissolved oxygen and nitrate decreased with flushing of soils after rain. Most of the river's flow comes from groundwater seepage; unfiltered groundwater samples contained up to 177 ng/L of THg in urban areas where there is a history of well water with THg that exceeds the drinking water standard (2,000 ng/L). THg concentrations were lower (<25 ng/L) in unfiltered groundwater from downstream wetland areas. In addition to higher THg concentrations (mostly particulate), concentrations of chloride were higher in streamwater and groundwater from urban areas than in those from downstream wetland areas. Methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in unfiltered streamwater ranged from 0.17 ng/L at a forest/wetlands site to 2.94 ng/L at an urban site. The percentage of THg present as MeHg increased as the percentage of forest + wetlands increased, but also was high in some urban areas. MeHg was detected only in groundwater <1 m below the water/sediment interface. Atmospheric deposition is presumed to be the main source of Hg to the wetlands and also may be a source to groundwater, where wastewater inputs in urban areas are hypothesized to mobilize Hg deposited to soils. ?? 2010 US Government.

Occurrence of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in drinking and source water in the São Paulo State region, Brazil.

PubMed

Campestrini, Iolana; Jardim, Wilson F

2017-01-15

The occurrence of illicit drugs in natural waters (surface, source and drinking water) is of interest due to the poor sanitation coverage and the high consumption of drugs of abuse in Brazil. In addition, little is known about the effects of these compounds on aquatic organisms and human health. This work investigates the occurrence of cocaine (COC) and its major metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BE), in surface and drinking water collected in rivers from a populated geographic area in Brazil. Surface water samples were collected in 22 locations from 16 different rivers and one dam from São Paulo State, whereas drinking water samples were collected in 5 locations. Samples were collected during the dry and wet season. Among the 34 surface water samples analyzed, BE was detected above the LOD in 94%, while COC in 85%. BE concentrations ranged from 10ngL -1 to 1019ngL -1 and COC concentrations from 6ngL -1 to 62ngL -1 . In the drinking water samples analyzed, BE and COC were found in 100% of the samples analyzed. For BE, concentrations were found in the range from 10ngL -1 to 652ngL -1 , and COC was quantified in concentrations between 6 and 22ngL -1 . These concentrations are one of the highest found in urban surface waters and may pose some risk to aquatic species. However, no human health risk was identified using the Hazard Quotient. BE is proposed as a reliable indicator of sewage contamination in both source and drinking water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seasonal fluctuations of organophosphate concentrations in precipitation and storm water runoff.

PubMed

Regnery, Julia; Püttmann, Wilhelm

2010-02-01

To investigate seasonal fluctuations and trends of organophosphate (flame retardants, plasticizers) concentrations in rain and snow, precipitation samples were collected in 2007-2009 period at a densely populated urban sampling site and two sparsely populated rural sampling sites in middle Germany. In addition, storm water runoff was sampled from May 2008 to April 2009 at an urban storm water holding tank (SWHT). Samples were analyzed for tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (TCPP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCP), tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tri-iso-butyl phosphate (TiBP), and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction. Among the six analyzed organophosphates (OPs), TCPP dominated in all precipitation and SWHT water samples with maximum concentrations exceeding 1000ngL(-1). For all analytes, no seasonal trends were observed at the urban precipitation sampling site, although atmospheric photooxidation was expected to reduce particularly concentrations of non-chlorinated OPs during transport from urban to remote areas in summer months with higher global irradiation. In the SWHT a seasonal trend with decreasing concentrations in summer/autumn is evident for the non-chlorinated OPs due to in-lake degradation but not for the chlorinated OPs. Furthermore, an accumulation of OPs deposited in SWHTs was observed with concentrations often exceeding those observed in wet precipitation. Median concentrations of TCPP (880ngL(-1)), TDCP (13ngL(-1)) and TBEP (77ngL(-1)) at the SWHT were more than twice as high as median concentrations measured at the urban precipitation sampling site (403ngL(-1), 5ngL(-1), and 21ngL(-1) respectively).

Effect of tributyltin on the development of ovary in female cuvier (Sebastiscus marmoratus).

PubMed

Zhang, Jiliang; Zuo, Zhenghong; Chen, Yixin; Zhao, Yang; Hu, Shuai; Wang, Chonggang

2007-07-20

Organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT) used as an antifouling biocide, can induce masculinization in female mollusks. However, few studies addressing the effect of TBT in fish have been reported. This study was conducted to investigate effects of TBT at environmental levels (1, 10, 100ng/L) on the development of ovary in female cuvier. TBT exposure elevated testosterone levels, increased the ratio of testosterone to 17beta-estradiol and decreased 17beta-estradiol levels in ovaries after 50 days compared to the control. Three stages of follicles (primary growth stage, yolk vesicle stage, vitellogenic stage) were observed in the ovaries of cuvier at the control and 1ng/L TBT group. The ovaries at the 10ng/L TBT group were characterized by the lack of vitellogenic stage follicles and instead had higher proportions of primary growth stage follicles. 100ng/L TBT resulted in follicles that were entirely at the earliest (primary growth stage) stages of development. There was a significant increase in apoptotic ovarian follicular cells judged by TUNEL-positive cell at the 10ng/L TBT group. The TUNEL-positive follicles were observed at the 100ng/L TBT group. The result in the present study showed that TBT at environmentally realistic concentrations can inhibit the ovarian development in fish. Besides the changes of sex hormone induced by TBT, apoptosis appears to be one mechanism affecting ovarian development.

Preliminary investigation on the occurrence of several sulfonamide antibiotics in the Haihe River Basin of China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, S. L.; Zhang, J.; Wang, Z. G.; Wang, Y. Z.; Liang, S. T.; Liu, C.; Wang, Z.

2017-08-01

Several samples collected from lakes, rivers and reservoirs in Haihe river basin of China were analyzed for 8 sulfonamide antibiotics by using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). All water samples were enriched with HLB extraction cartridges. The antibiotics were separated by gradient elution with methanol as the mobile phase adding 0.1% formic acid. The eluate was then analyzed by the mode of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.4-1.0 ng/L and 1.0-3.0 ng/L respectively. The method was used for the analysis of 13 samples from Haihe river basin in China. The results showed that sulfamethoxazole was present in all water samples with maximum concentration of 107.59 ng/L. Sulfadiazine was also frequently detected, concentrations ranging from 2.81 ng/L to 85.35 ng/L. Other sulfonamide antibiotics were not detected in most water samples, especially for those samples from drinking water resources.

Total Mercury and Methylmercury in the Great Egg Harbor River Watershed, New Jersey, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barringer, J. L.; Riskin, M. L.; Szabo, Z.; Fischer, J. M.; Reilly, P. A.; Rosman, R.; Bonin, J. L.; Heckathorn, H. A.

2007-12-01

Hydrologic and biogeochemical conditions are important factors in the transport and distribution of mercury (Hg) in New Jersey Coastal Plain watersheds that contain extensive freshwater wetlands and where Hg bioaccumulation is of concern. U.S. Geological Survey studies found Hg concentrations in top predator fish from the Great Egg Harbor River mainstem that ranged from 2.9 to 4.5 mg/kg (dry wt.) and exceeded 10 ng/L in the watershed's acidic streams. An ongoing study with the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection indicates that atmospheric deposition of Hg to the wetlands and streams may be augmented by substantial contributions of Hg from ground water. Although background levels of Hg in water from the underlying aquifer typically are less than 10 ng/L, concentrations in water from more than 600 domestic wells in southern New Jersey have been shown to exceed the drinking-water maximum contaminant level of 2,000 ng/L. Therefore, to determine ground-water inputs to the streams, samples of ground water discharging to the tributaries and mainstem as well as streamwater samples collected during various flow conditions were analyzed for total Hg and methylmercury (MeHg). Total Hg concentrations in ground water discharging to the tributaries and mainstem were low to moderate (0.29-22 ng/L) in relatively undeveloped areas (including wetlands), but higher (36 and 177 ng/L) in two urban/suburban areas where much of the Hg was in particulate form. In recent and ongoing studies, total Hg concentrations in unfiltered samples of surface water, except those for one suburban tributary, have ranged from 2.13 to 37.7 ng/L. Concentrations in the suburban tributary have ranged from 50 ng/L during a dry period to 250 ng/L during a wet period. Hg concentrations in samples from a wetlands-embedded reach of the mainstem varied markedly with flow. In addition to increases in concentrations of total Hg, UV absorbance and concentrations of dissolved organic carbon also increased with flow after rain events, whereas pH and concentrations of dissolved oxygen and nitrate decreased. These flow-related changes apparently result from inputs of water that has percolated through acidic, reducing wetlands soils. The biogeochemical environment of these soils, on the basis of hydrogen sulfide odors detected during piezometer placement, supports sulfate reduction and likely promotes methylation of Hg. MeHg concentrations were 0.48 ng/L after a rainfall in discharge from 0.8 m below the streambed at a mainstem wetlands site. Downstream, where the channel briefly emerges from wetlands, MeHg was detectable during a dry period only in the hyporheic-zone water from 0.15 m below the streambed and in ground water from a depth of 0.3 m (0.15 ng/L and 0.05 ng/L, respectively). MeHg was not detected in the ground-water samples from deeper points below the streambeds, but concentrations in surface water ranged from 0.17 to 2.88 ng/L. The concentration from a tributary surrounded by urban/suburban development was highest. MeHg concentrations in mainstem water did not always increase with streamflow; variations in antecedent hydrologic conditions in the wetlands may explain the unpredictable relation of concentration to flow. Overall, total Hg appears to be contributed to the streams by both ground water and atmospheric deposition, with methylation taking place at shallow levels in wetlands soils and stream sediments.

[Establishment of Reference Value of Hs-cTnT in Sichuan Region and Its Diagnostic Value in Patients with Chest Pain].

PubMed

Guo, Ying; Du, Xiang-Yang; Huang, Hua-Lan; Wang, Wei-Qing; Nie, Xin; Li, Gui-Xing

2017-11-01

To establish the reference value of high sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and the efficiency of reference value in the diagnosis of chest pain. Volunteers from eight independent communities in Chengdu,Sichuan were selected with detailed records of physical examination,electrocardiogram,ultrasound examination. The level of hs-cTnT for healthy volunteers was tested to determine ninety-ninth percentile references according to sex and ages. 2 249 patients with chest pain in the emergency department of Western China Hospital from July 2009 to July 2014 were enrolled to measure the efficiency of reference value for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There were 1 305 volunteers included finally. Among them,the mean hs-cTnT level of male was 4.3 (3.2-5.9) ng/L,which was significantly higher than that of female 3.0 (3.0-3.1) ng/L ( P <0.01) . The correlation coefficient between age and hs-cTnT level was 0.43 (male) and 0.29 (female),and the P -value was less than 0.01. The 99th percentile values of male were 10.8 ng/L,15.4 ng/L and 19.7 ng/L for <45 yr.,45-<60 yr. and ≥60 yr.,respectively. Those values of female were 4.6 ng/L,8.9 ng/L,18.8 ng/L,respectively. There was no difference in sensitivity and specificity between the value we figured out and manufactures provided (14.0 ng/L) for those<60 yr.. For the patients ≥60 yr.,the sensitivity and negative predictive value did not show diversity ( P >0.05) but the specificity and positive predictive value showed significant difference (male: 0.67 vs. 0.56 and 0.83 vs. 0.79, P <0.05;female:0.75 vs. 0.68 and 0.74 vs. 0.69, P <0.05). We recommends that the ninety-ninth percentile reference value of patients<60 yr. should be 14.0 ng/L,while 20.0 ng/L for those patients≥60 yr.

[Levels of interlukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in saliva of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and oral lichen planus].

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Jin, Jian-qiu; Yuan, Zhen-fang; Liu, Xiao Song; Cao, Jie; Guo, Xiao-hui; Liu, Hong-wei

2011-08-18

To study the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and oral lichen planus (OLP) by detecting the level of salivary tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6). Subjects were divided into 4 groups: T2DM/OLP group 29 patients, T2DM group 39 patients, OLP group 21 patients, and control group 43 individuals. The salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). (1) The level of salivary IL-6 in patients with T2DM/OLP [(12.30 ± 16.03) ng/L] was significantly higher than those in T2DM [(6.29 ± 5.91) ng/L] and OLP groups [(3.64 ± 4.47) ng/L], P<0.05. The level of salivary IL-6 was significantly lower in OLP group [(3.64 ± 4.47) ng/L] than in control group [(7.91 ± 4.05) ng/L], P<0.001. The level of salivary TNF-α in T2DM group [(8.80 ± 8.41) ng/L] was significantly lower than those in OLP [(14.02 ± 9.65) ng/L] and control groups [(15.02 ± 6.13) ng/L], P<0.05. (2) The level of salivary TNF-α is significantly negative correlated with pH value of saliva in T2DM/OLP group(r=-0.593, P<0.01);The level of salivary TNF-α and IL-6 are significantly positive correlated with waistline in control group(r=0.312,P=0.05).(3) The levels of salivary IL-6 and TNF-α were positively related to OLP clinical type, P<0.05. (4)When OLP played an overlying role on T2DM, the level of TNF-α was weakened and that of IL-6 was strengthened. When T2DM and OLP are in concurrence,there is a synergistic effect,and the secretion of IL-6 increases markedly; The level of salivary TNF-α is associated with local oral environment.

Concentrations of the UV filter ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate in the aquatic compartment: a comparison of modelled concentrations for Swiss surface waters with empirical monitoring data.

PubMed

Straub, Jürg Oliver

2002-05-10

UV filters in sunscreens and cosmetics protect the skin from damage through UV radiation. Many tonnes per year of UV filters are being used in Europe and will be present, at least seasonally, in detectable concentrations in surface waters similar to common pharmaceutically active substances. Predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC; CAS 5466-77-3) were extrapolated for Switzerland, taking into consideration substance-specific environmental fate data and marketing estimates, by crude worst-case reckoning and by applying two environmental models (Mackay Level III; USES 3.0), both configured for Swiss hydrological and area data. By worst-case reckoning the summer PEC is 70.8-81.3 ng/l while for the remaining 8 months of the year the PEC is 13.1-15.1 ng/l. The Level III model results in concentrations of 2.4 ng/l during the summer and 0.44 ng/l during the rest of the year, while the USES 3.0 model gives an average PEC for the whole year of 7.6 ng/l. Pooling summer monitoring data (90 single analyses) from the River Rhine below Basel in the year 1997 (Water Protection Board of Basel) and from Lakes Zurich and Hüttner in 1998 (Poiger et al., in preparation) allowed a derivation of a probabilistic median concentration of 4.6 ng/l, a 95th-percentile concentration of 18.6 ng/l and a 99th-percentile concentration of 33.5 ng/l. The 6-fold range from the median value to the maximum calls for caution in interpreting published monitoring concentrations. Comparison of modelled PECs with realistic median concentrations shows that crude reckoning overestimates actual concentrations by a factor of about 10, probably through insufficient consideration of (further) degradation of EHMC in sewage works, surface waters, sediments or river banks. Both computer models, in contrast, are within the same order of magnitude as the actual summer concentrations. Based on the available data, both these environmental fate and distribution models give realistic PECs.

Fast determination of pesticides and other contaminants of emerging concern in treated wastewater using direct injection coupled to highly sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Campos-Mañas, Marina Celia; Plaza-Bolaños, Patricia; Sánchez-Pérez, José Antonio; Malato, Sixto; Agüera, Ana

2017-07-21

It is well known that wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents usually contain micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals (or their transformation products, TPs) or pesticides, which is a major issue when evaluating their possible reuse (e.g. for irrigation in agriculture). In search for an improved accuracy and simplicity, methods based on the direct injection of the sample (DI) represent a recent trend taking advantage of the increasing sensitivity of new mass spectrometry (MS) instruments. Thus, the present study shows the development and validation of a DI-based method by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-linear ion trap analyser (UHPLC-QqLIT-MS/MS). The proposed method was applied to the monitoring of 115 organic microcontaminants (including pharmaceuticals, TPs and pesticides) at the ngL -1 /μgL -1 level in wastewater effluents from urban WWTPs. Sample pre-treatment was reduced to acetonitrile addition and filtration of the mixture previous to LC-MS analysis. Total analysis time was <15min. A subsequent validation protocol was carried out in treated WW (TWW), following indications of SANTE and Eurachem Guidelines. Linearity and matrix effect were evaluated in the range of 10-1000ngL -1 . 70% of the analytes showed a moderate matrix effect (≤25%). Trueness (expressed as recovery) and precision (calculated as relative standard deviation, RSD) were evaluated at four concentration levels (20, 50, 500 and 1000ngL -1 ) in TWW samples. The LODs ranged from 1 to 357ngL -1 and the LOQs from 10 to 500ngL -1 . 92% of the compounds showed limits of quantification ≤100ngL -1 . In most cases, mean recoveries were in the range 70-120%, and RSD values were ≤20%. The validated method was successfully applied to the analysis of 10 TWW samples, demonstrating the occurrence of 67 target compounds at concentration levels from 26705ngL -1 (4-aminoantipyrine) to 10ngL -1 (tebuconazole and bezafibrate). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pharmaceuticals and other anthropogenic chemicals in atmospheric particulates and precipitation.

PubMed

Ferrey, Mark L; Coreen Hamilton, M; Backe, Will J; Anderson, Kurt E

2018-01-15

Air and precipitation samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other commercial chemicals within the St. Paul/Minneapolis metropolitan area of Minnesota, U.S. Of the 126 chemicals analyzed, 17 were detected at least once. Bisphenol A, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), and cocaine were the most frequently detected; their maximum concentrations in snow were 3.80, 9.49, and 0.171ng/L and in air were 0.137, 0.370, and 0.033ng/m 3 , respectively. DEET and cocaine were present in samples of rain up to 14.5 and 0.806ng/L, respectively. Four antibiotics - ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole - were detected at concentrations up to 10.3ng/L in precipitation, while ofloxacin was the sole antibiotic detected in air at 0.013ng/m 3 . The X-ray contrast agent iopamidol and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen were detected in snow up to 228ng/L and 3.74ng/L, respectively, while caffeine was detected only in air at 0.069 and 0.111ng/m 3 . Benzothiazole was present in rain up to 70ng/L, while derivatives of benzotriazole - 4-methylbenzotriazole, 5-methylbenzotriazole, and 5-chlorobenzotriazole - were detected at concentrations up to 1.5ng/L in rain and 3.4ng/L in snow. Nonylphenol and nonylphenol monoethoxylate were detected once in air at 0.165 and 0.032ng/m 3 , respectively. Although the sources of these chemicals to atmosphere are not known, fugacity analysis suggests that wastewater may be a source of nonylphenol, nonylphenol monoethoxylate, DEET, and caffeine to atmosphere. The land-spreading of biosolids is known to generate PM10 that could also account for the presence of these contaminants in air. Micro-pollutant detections in air and precipitation are similar to the profile of contaminants reported previously for surface water. This proof of concept study suggests that atmospheric transport of these chemicals may partially explain the ubiquity of these contaminants in the aquatic environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of an ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry multi-residue sulfonamide method and its application to water, manure slurry, and soils from swine rearing facilities.

PubMed

Shelver, Weilin L; Hakk, Heldur; Larsen, Gerald L; DeSutter, Thomas M; Casey, Francis X M

2010-02-19

An analytical method was developed using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TQ-MS/MS) to simultaneously analyze 14 sulfonamides (SA) in 6 min. Despite the rapidity of the assay the system was properly re-equilibrated in this time. No carryover was observed even after high analyte concentrations. The instrumental detection limit based on signal-to-noise ratio (S/N)>3, was below 1 pg/microL (5 pg on column) for all SAs except sulfachloropyridazine. Surface water, ground water, soil, and slurry manure contained in storage ponds in and around swine [Sus scrofa domesticus] rearing facilities were analyzed. Sample cleanup for ground water and surface water included using solid phase extraction (SPE) using Oasis hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridges. The soil and slurry manure required tandem strong anion exchange (SAX) and HLB solid phase extraction cartridges for sample cleanup. With few exceptions, the recoveries ranged from 60 to 100% for all matrices. The minimum detectable levels were below 2.0 ng/L for water, 30 ng/L for slurry manure, and 45 ng/kg for soil except for sulfachloropyridazine. The coefficient of variation (CV) was within 20% for most of the compounds analyzed. Using this method, sulfamethazine concentrations of 2250-5060 ng/L, sulfamethoxazole concentrations of 108-1.47 x 10(6)ng/L, and sulfathiazole concentrations of 785-1700 ng/L were found in the slurry manure. Sulfadimethoxine (2.0-32 ng/L), sulfamethazine (2.0-5.1 ng/L), and sulfamethoxazole (20.5-43.0 ng/L) were found in surface water and ground water. In top soil (0-15 cm), sulfamethazine ranged 34.5-663 ng/kg dry weight in those locations that received slurry manure as a nutrient; no SAs were found in the soil depths between 46 and 61 cm. The speed makes the method practical for medium to high throughput applications. The sensitivity and positive analyte identification make the method suitable for the demanding requirements for real world applications. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in storm runoff from urban and coastal South Carolina.

PubMed

Ngabe, B; Bidleman, T F; Scott, G I

2000-06-08

Stormwater runoff was collected in urbanized areas of South Carolina to investigate the levels and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Mean concentrations of total PAHs in runoff (sum(PAHs), 14 compounds), determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, were 5590 ng/l in the city of Columbia and 282 ng/l in the coastal community of Murrells Inlet. Lower concentrations were found in estuarine water at Murrells Inlet (mean = 35 ng/l) and at undeveloped North Inlet estuary (13 ng/l). The PAH profiles in Columbia and Murrells Inlet runoff were similar to those of atmospheric particulate matter and unlike those in used crankcase oil. Examination of the aliphatic fraction of Columbia runoff samples by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection showed patterns that were more similar to used crankcase oil than to urban aerosols.

Health risks in infants associated with exposure to perfluorinated compounds in human breast milk from Zhoushan, China.

PubMed

So, Man Ka; Yamashita, Nobuyoshi; Taniyasu, Sachi; Jiang, Qinting; Giesy, John P; Chen, Kun; Lam, Paul Kwan Sing

2006-05-01

Recent studies have reported the ubiquitous distribution of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), especially perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in wildlife and human whole blood or serum. In 2003 a solid phase extraction method was developed, which allowed the measurement of PFCs in human breast milk. In the present study, PFCs in samples of human breast milk from 19 individuals from Zhoushan, China, were analyzed by modifying a previously established method, based on weak-anion exchange extraction. PFOS and PFOA were the two dominant chemicals detected in all the milk samples. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA ranged from 45 to 360 ng/L and 47 to 210 ng/L, respectively. The maximum concentrations of other PFCs were 100 ng/L for perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), 62 ng/L for perfluorononanoate (PFNA), 15 ng/L for perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) and 56 ng/L for perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA). Statistically significant correlations between various PFCs suggested a common exposure source to humans. No statistically significant correlation was found between concentrations of either PFOS or PFOA and maternal age, weight, or infant weight. Rate of consumption of fish was found to be positively correlated with PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnDA concentrations. Daily intake of PFOS for the child via breast milk with greater PFOS concentrations exceeded the predicted conservative reference dose in 1 of 19 samples, indicating that there may be a small potential risk of PFOS for the infants in Zhoushan via the consumption of breast milk.

Occurrence and fate of hormone steroids in the environment.

PubMed

Yin, Guang-Guo; Kookana, Rai S; Ru, Ying-Jun

2002-12-01

Hormone steroids are a group of endocrine disruptors, which are excreted by humans and animals. In this paper, we briefly review the current knowledge on the fate of these steroids in the environment. Natural estrogenic steroids estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) all have a solubility of approximately 13 mg/l, whereas synthetic steroids 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and mestranol (MeEE2) have a solubility of 4.8 and 0.3 mg/l, respectively. These steroids have a moderate binding on sediments and are reported to degrade rapidly in soil and water. Estrogenic steroids have been detected in effluents of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in different countries at concentrations ranging up to 70 ng/l for E1, 64 ng/l for E2, 18 ng/l for E3 and 42 ng/l for EE2. E2 concentrations in river waters from Japan, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands ranged up to 27 ng/l. In addition, E2 concentrations ranging from 6 to 66 ng/l have also been measured in mantled karst aquifers in northwest Arkansas. This contamination of ground water has been associated with poultry litter and cattle manure waste applied on the land. Although hormone steroids have been detected at a number of sources worldwide, currently, there is limited data on the environmental behaviour and fate of these hormone steroids in different environmental media. Consequently, the exposure and risk associated with these chemicals are not adequately understood.

[Changes of CD(4)(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and CD(4)(+)IL-17(+)T cells in cigarette smoke-exposed rats].

PubMed

Meng, Jing-jing; Zhong, Xiao-ning; Bai, Jing; He, Zhi-yi; Zhang, Jian-quan; Huang, Qiu-pin

2012-01-01

To evaluate the changes of CD(4)(+)IL-17(+) T (Th17) and CD(4)(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and therefore to explore the role of Th17 and Treg in cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation/COPD in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a 12 wk smoke-exposure group, a 24 wk smoke-exposure group, a 12 wk control group and a 24 wk control group (n = 10 each). Cells in BALF were collected and analyzed by absolute and differential cell counts. IL-17 and IL-6 levels in serum and BALF were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportion of CD(4)(+)IL-17(+) T and CD(4)(+)Foxp3(+) Treg in peripheral blood and BALF were determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of IL-17 and Foxp3 were measured by real-time PCR. Comparisons of the data between different groups were performed using one-way ANOVA, and SNK and Games-Howell test were used for comparison between 2 groups. Levels of IL-17 were remarkable increased in the 12 wk smoke-exposure group and the 24 wk smoke-exposure group in serum [(52.6 ± 1.8) ng/L, (75.4 ± 6.0) ng/L] and BALF [(78.1 ± 5.8) ng/L, (95.0 ± 6.8) ng/L] compared with the 12 wk control group [(40.0 ± 3.2)ng/L, (54.5 ± 4.6) ng/L] and the 24 wk control group [(36.7 ± 3.2) ng/L, (53.9 ± 3.7) ng/L], all P < 0.05. IL-6 in serum was significantly increased in the 24 wk smoke-exposure group [(31.4 ± 2.1) ng/L] compared with the 24 wk control group [(11.5 ± 0.5) ng/L], and it was increased in the 12 wk and the 24 wk smoke-exposure group [(33.3 ± 2.3) ng/L, (44.6 ± 3.0) ng/L] compared with the 12 wk and the 24 wk control group [(15.6 ± 1.8) ng/L, (18.0 ± 1.9) ng/L] in BALF. Ratio of Th17 was higher in the 12 wk and the 24 wk smoke-exposure groups in peripheral blood [(1.81 ± 0.19)%, (3.74 ± 0.55)%] and BALF [(7.84 ± 0.28)%, (8.01 ± 0.39)%] compared with the12 wk [(0.97 ± 0.08)%, (5.64 ± 0.54)%] and the 24 wk control group [(1.08 ± 0.10)%, (5.95 ± 0.48)%]. Ratio of Treg in BALF was higher in the smoke-exposure groups [(8.81 ± 0.49)%, (11.98 ± 0.72)%] compared with the control groups [(4.34 ± 0.28)%, (5.21 ± 0.42)%]. The level of IL-17 mRNA was increased in the 12 wk and the 24 wk smoke-exposure group in peripheral blood (25.7 ± 2.0, 33.9 ± 1.5) and in BALF (22.2 ± 1.8, 34.7 ± 4.2) compared with the 12 wk (11.3 ± 2.6, 11.6 ± 2.4) and the 24 wk (11.1 ± 2.0, 13.5 ± 3.4) control groups. Foxp3 mRNA was increased in the smoke-exposure groups (24.4 ± 2.7, 30.3 ± 2.7) compared with the control groups (12.7 ± 2.7, 14.6 ± 3.8). Th17 in smoke-exposure groups was positively correlated with counts of total cells and macrophages (r = 0.512, 0.543, all P < 0.05). An elevated expression of Th17 and Treg cells and an increase of inflammatory cytokines were evident in airway inflammation of cigarette smoke-exposed rats, suggesting that Treg was involved in the immunological regulation and Th17 was associated with the persistent inflammation in cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation in rats.

Assessing matrix, interferences and comparability between the Abbott Diagnostics and the Beckman Coulter high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assays.

PubMed

Kavsak, Peter A; Malinowski, Paul; Roy, Chantele; Clark, Lorna; Lamers, Shana

2018-03-13

Analytical evaluation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays, with particular attention to imprecision, interferences and matrix effects, at normal cTn concentrations, is of utmost importance as many different clinical algorithms use concentration cutoffs <10 ng/L for decision-making. The objective for the present analytical study was to compare the new Beckman Coulter hs-cTnI assay (Access hsTnI) to Abbott's hs-cTnI assay in different matrices and for different interferences, with a focus on concentrations <10 ng/L. The limit of blank (LoB) and the limit of detection (LoD) were determined in different matrices for the Beckman hs-cTnI assay. Passing-Bablok regression and difference plots were determined for 200 matched lithium heparin and EDTA plasma samples for the Beckman assay and 200 lithium heparin samples for the Abbott assay. Both EDTA and heparin plasma samples were also evaluated for stability under refrigerated conditions, for endogenous alkaline phosphatase interference and for hemolysis and icterus. The Beckman hs-cTnI assay LoB was 0.5 ng/L with the following range of LoDs=0.8-1.2 ng/L, with EDTA plasma yielding lower concentrations as compared to lithium heparin plasma (mean difference=-14.9%; 95% CI=-16.9 to 12.9). Below 10 ng/L, lithium heparin cTnI results from the Beckman assay were on average 1.1 ng/L (95% CI=0.7 to 1.5) higher than the Abbott results, with no difference between the methods when using EDTA plasma (mean difference =-0.1 ng/L; 95% CI=-0.3 to 0.2). Low cTnI concentrations were less effected by interferences in EDTA plasma. The Access hsTnI method can reliably detect normal cTnI concentrations with both lithium heparin and EDTA plasma being suitable matrices.

Pollution patterns and underlying relationships of benzophenone-type UV-filters in wastewater treatment plants and their receiving surface water.

PubMed

Wu, Ming-Hong; Li, Jian; Xu, Gang; Ma, Luo-Dan; Li, Jia-Jun; Li, Jin-Song; Tang, Liang

2018-05-15

The environmental behaviors of emerging pollutants, benzophenone-type UV filters (BP-UV filters) and their derivatives were investigated in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and their receiving surface waters in Shanghai. The concentration level of selected BP-UV filters in the WWTPs was detected from ngL -1 to μgL -1 . BP (621-951ngL -1 ) and BP-3 (841-1.32 × 10 3 ngL -1 ) were the most abundant and highest detection frequency individuals among the target BP-UV filters in influents, whereas BP (198-400ngL -1 ), BP-4 (93.3-288ngL -1 ) and BP-3 (146-258ngL -1 ) were predominant in effluents. BP-UV filters cannot be completely removed and the total removal efficiency varied widely (-456% to 100%) during the treatment process. It can be inferred that the usage of BP and BP-3 are higher than other BP-UV filters in the study area. The lowest and highest levels were BP-2 (ND-7.66ngL -1 ) and BP-3 (68.5-5.01 × 10 3 ng L -1 ) in the receiving surface water, respectively. Interestingly, the seasonal variation of BP-3 is larger than those of other BP-UV filters in surface water from Shanghai. There is no obvious pollution pattern of BP-UV filters in the surface water from the cosmetic factory area. The correlation analysis of BP-UV filters between WWTPs effluents and nearby downstream water samples suggested that BP-UV filters emitted from some WWTPs might be the main source of receiving surface water. Preliminary risk assessment indicated that the levels of BP-UV filters detected by the effluent posed medium to high risk to fish as well as other aquatic organisms. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Landfill leachate as a mirror of today's disposable society: Pharmaceuticals and other contaminants of emerging concern in final leachate from landfills in the conterminous United States.

PubMed

Masoner, Jason R; Kolpin, Dana W; Furlong, Edward T; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M; Gray, James L

2016-04-01

Final leachates (leachate after storage or treatment processes) from 22 landfills in 12 states were analyzed for 190 pharmaceuticals and other contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which were detected in every sample, with the number of CECs ranging from 1 to 58 (median = 22). In total, 101 different CECs were detected in leachate samples, including 43 prescription pharmaceuticals, 22 industrial chemicals, 15 household chemicals, 12 nonprescription pharmaceuticals, 5 steroid hormones, and 4 animal/plant sterols. The most frequently detected CECs were lidocaine (91%, local anesthetic), cotinine (86%, nicotine degradate), carisoprodol (82%, muscle relaxant), bisphenol A (77%, component of plastics and thermal paper), carbamazepine (77%, anticonvulsant), and N,N-diethyltoluamide (68%, insect repellent). Concentrations of CECs spanned 7 orders of magnitude, ranging from 2.0 ng/L (estrone) to 17,200,000 ng/L (bisphenol A). Concentrations of household and industrial chemicals were the greatest (∼1000-1,000,000 ng/L), followed by plant/animal sterols (∼1000-100,000 ng/L), nonprescription pharmaceuticals (∼100-10,000 ng/L), prescription pharmaceuticals (∼10-10,000 ng/L), and steroid hormones (∼10-100 ng/L). The CEC concentrations in leachate from active landfills were significantly greater than those in leachate from closed, unlined landfills (p = 0.05). The CEC concentrations were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in untreated leachate compared with treated leachate. The CEC concentrations were significantly greater in leachate disposed to wastewater treatment plants from modern lined landfills than in leachate released to groundwater from closed, unlined landfills (p = 0.04). The CEC concentrations were significantly greater (p = 0.06) in the fresh leachate (leachate before storage or treatment) reported in a previous study compared with the final leachate sampled for the present study. Published 2015 SETAC. This article is a US Government work and as such, is in the public domain in the United States.

Determination of micro-organic contaminants in groundwater (Maribor, Slovenia).

PubMed

Koroša, A; Auersperger, P; Mali, N

2016-11-15

Micro-organic (MO) contaminants in groundwater can have adverse effects on both the environment and on human health. They enter the natural environment as a result of various processes, their presence in groundwater is the result of current anthropogenic activity and pollution loads from the past. A study on the occurrence and concentrations levels of selected contaminants in water was performed in the city of Maribor, Slovenia. A total of 56 groundwater and 4 surface water samples were collected in together four rounds in different hydrogeological periods (dry and wet seasons), and a total of 13 selected contaminants were analysed in this study. Carbamazepine, propyphenazone, caffeine, 2-methyl-2H-benzotriazole (2-MBT) and 2.4-dimethyl-2H-benzotriazole (2.4-DMBT) were determined as indicators of urban pollution, while pesticides and their metabolites (atrazine, desethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, terbuthylazine, desethylterbuthylazine, metolachlor, simazine, propazine) were mainly defined as indicators of crop production. All of the selected MO contaminants were detected both in the aquifer and Drava River. The most frequently detected MO compounds in groundwater were desethylatrazine (frequency of detection 98.2%; max. concentration 103.0ngL(-1)), atrazine (94.6%; 229ngL(-1)), 2.4-DMBT (92.9%; 273ngL(-1)), carbamazepine (80.4%; 88.00ngL(-1)), desethylterbuthylazine (76.8%; 7.0ngL(-1)) and simazine (76.8%; 29.6ngL(-1)), whereas propyphenazone (14.3%; 10.7ngL(-1)) was the least frequently detected. Detected MO concentrations in the study were compared with results published elsewhere around the world. Concentrations in groundwater indicate specific land use in their recharge areas. On the basis of correlations and the spatial distribution of selected MOs, groundwater origin for every sampling point was determined. Sampling sites were divided into three different groups for which indicative groundwater quality properties were defined. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adverse effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on life parameters, antioxidant systems, and MAPK signaling pathways in the rotifer Brachionus koreanus and the copepod Paracyclopina nana.

PubMed

Lee, Young Hwan; Kim, Duck-Hyun; Kang, Hye-Min; Wang, Minghua; Jeong, Chang-Bum; Lee, Jae-Seong

2017-09-01

To evaluate the adverse effects of MeHg on the rotifer Brachionus koreanus and the copepod Paracyclopina nana, we assessed the effects of MeHg toxicity on life parameters (e.g. growth retardation and fecundity), antioxidant systems, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways at various concentrations (1ng/L, 10ng/L, 100ng/L, 500ng/L, and 1000ng/L). MeHg exposure resulted in the growth retardation with the increased ROS levels but decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in a dose-dependent manner in both B. koreanus and P. nana. Antioxidant enzymatic activities (e.g. glutathione S-transferase [GST], glutathione reductase [GR], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) in B. koreanus showed more positive responses compared the control but in P. nana, those antioxidant enzymatic activities showed subtle changes due to different no observed effect concentration (NOEC) values among the two species. Expression of antioxidant genes (e.g. superoxide dismutase [SOD], GSTs, glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and catalase [CAT]) also demonstrated similar effects as shown in antioxidant enzymatic activities. In B. koreanus, the level of p-ERK was decreased in the presence of 1000ng/L MeHg, while the levels of p-ERK and p-p38 in P. nana were reduced in the presence of 10ng/L MeHg. However, p-JNK levels were not altered by MeHg in B. koreanus and P. nana, compared to the corresponding controls. In summary, life parameters (e.g. reduced fecundity and survival rate) were closely associated with effects on the antioxidant system in response to MeHg. These observations provide a better understanding on the adverse effects of MeHg on in vivo life parameters and molecular defense mechanisms in B. koreanus and P. nana. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparison of capture antibody fragments in cardiac troponin I immunoassay.

PubMed

Hyytiä, Heidi; Järvenpää, Marja-Leena; Ristiniemi, Noora; Lövgren, Timo; Pettersson, Kim

2013-08-01

To compare cardiac troponin I (cTnI) values measured from 32 normal plasma specimens with a two-site cTnI research assay exploiting different molecular forms of a capture antibody. The current research assay consists of two capture antibodies immobilized on streptavidin-well surface and one detection antibody attached to highly fluorescent europium(III)-chelate-doped nanoparticles. Four different molecular forms of one of the capture antibodies (intact monoclonal (Mab), F(ab')2 fragment, Fab fragment and chimeric Fab fragment (cFab)) were tested. The developed immunoassays were evaluated in terms of their analytical sensitivities and assay kinetics. Furthermore, cTnI concentrations were measured from 32 heparin plasma samples from apparently healthy donors (mean age 32; range 24-60 years). The differences in the measured cTnI concentrations (corrected for the buffer-based zero calibrator) between the Mab and the three fragmented forms were highly significant (P<0.0001). Replacing the intact Mab with the antibody fragments also reduced the required antibody amount from 100 ng to 66 ng (F(ab')2) and 16.5 ng (Fab and cFab). Furthermore, the limit of detection was improved when Fab fragments were employed (Mab: 0.90 ng/L, Fab: 0.69 ng/L and cFab: 0.41 ng/L). The apparent normal range median (minimum/maximum) of the 32 healthy subjects was reduced from 7.28 ng/L (2.64/116 ng/L) with Mab to 1.80 ng/L (0.746/10.6 ng/L) for the cFab. Eliminating the Fc-part from one of the two capture antibodies in an immunofluorometric cTnI assay substantially reduced the measured cTnI concentrations, simultaneously improving the assay sensitivity and reducing the reagent consumption. Copyright © 2013 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A rapid space-resolved solid-phase microextraction method as a powerful tool to determine contaminants in wine based on their volatility.

PubMed

Liu, Min; Peng, Qing-Qing; Chen, Yu-Feng; Tang, Qian; Feng, Qing

2015-06-01

A novel space-resolved solid phase microextraction (SR-SPME) technique was developed to facilitate simultaneously analyte monitoring within heterogeneous samples. Graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO) were coated separately to the segmented fibers which were successfully used for the solid-phase microextraction of two contaminants with dramatically different volatility: 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The space-resolved fiber showed good precision (5.4%, 6.8%), low detection limits (0.3ng/L, 0.3ng/L), and wide linearity (1.0-250.0ng/L, 1.0-250.0ng/L) under the optimized conditions for TCA and DBP, respectively. The method was applied to simultaneous analysis of the two contaminates with satisfactory recoveries, which were 96.96% and 98.20% for wine samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A serotonergic deficit in the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter may underpin enhanced panic-like behavior in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Gambeta, Eder; Sestile, Caio C; Fogaça, Manoela V; Guimarães, Francisco S; Audi, Elisabeth A; da Cunha, Joice M; Zangrossi, Hélio; Shimene de Melo Yamashita, Paula; Zanoveli, Janaina M

2017-10-01

It is known that diabetic (DBT) animals present dysregulation on the serotonergic system in several brain areas associated with anxiety-like responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of 5-HT1A receptors on dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) in the behavioral response related to panic disorder in type-1 DBT animals. For this, the escape response by electric stimulation (ES) of dPAG in DBT and normoglycemic (NGL) animals was assessed. Both NGL and DBT animals were exposed to an open-field test (OFT) 28 days after DBT confirmation. The current threshold to induce escape behavior in DBT animals was reduced compared with NGL animals. No impairment in locomotor activity was observed when DBT animals were compared with NGL animals. An intra-dPAG injection of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) increased the [INCREMENT] threshold in both DBT and NGL, suggesting a panicolytic-like effect. DBT animals presented a more pronounced panicolytic-like response compared with NGL as a higher [INCREMENT] threshold was observed after 8-OH-DPAT treatment, which could be a consequence of the increased expression of the 5-HT1A receptor in the dPAG from DBT animals. Our results are in line with the proposal that a deficiency in serotonergic modulation of the dPAG is involved in triggering the panic attack and the 5-HT1A receptors might be essential for the panicolytic-like response.

[Changes of CD(4)(+) Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and CD(4)(+)IL-17+T cells in acrolein exposure rats].

PubMed

Wei, Ming; Tu, Ling; Liang, Yinghong; Li, Jia; Gong, Yanjie; Zhang, Yihua; Yang, Lu

2015-09-01

To evaluate the changes of CD(4)(+) IL-17+T (Th17) and CD(4)(+)Foxp3+regulatory T (Treg) cells in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) , and therefore to explore the role of Th17 and Treg in acrolein exposure airway inflammation in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a 2 wk acrolein exposure group, a 4 wk acrolein exposure group, a 2 wk control group and a 4 wk control group (n=10 each). Cells in BALF were collected and analyzed by absolute and differential cell counts.IL-17 and IL-6 levels in serum and BALF were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportion of CD(4)(+)IL-17+T and CD(4)(+) Foxp3+Treg in peripheral blood and BALF were determined by flow cytometry.The mRNA expressions of IL-17 and Foxp3 were measured by real-time PCR. Comparisons of the data between different groups were performed using one-way ANOVA, and SNK and Games-Howell test were used for comparison between 2 groups. Levels of IL-17 were remarkable increased in the 2 wk acrolein exposure group and the 4 wk acrolein exposure group in serum [(52.64 ± 1.89) ng/L, (76.73 ± 5.57) ng/L], and BALF [(79.07 ± 5.67) ng/L, (96.61 ± 6.44) ng/L] compared with the 2 wk control group [(40.05 ± 3.12) ng/L, (56.75 ± 4.37) ng/L] and the 4 wk control group [(38.75 ± 3.23) ng/L, (53.27 ± 4.48) ng/L], all P<0.01. IL-6 was increased in the 2 wk and the 4 wk acrolein exposure group [ (33.28 ± 2.27) ng/L, (46.24 ± 3.16) ng/L] compared with the 2 wk and the 4 wk control group [ (16.37 ± 1.49) ng/L, (17.02 ± 1.43) ng/L] in BALF.Ratio of Th17 was higher in the 2 wk and the 4 wk acrolein exposure groups in peripheral blood (1.82 ± 0.18) %, (3.75 ± 0.48) % and BALF [(7.23 ± 0.27) %, (8.12 ± 0.38) %] compared with the 2 wk [(0.96 ± 0.07) %, (5.64 ± 0.63) %] and the 4 wk control group [(1.01 ± 0.08) %, (5.86 ± 0.57) %]. Ratio of Treg in BALF was higher in the acrolein exposure groups [ (8.83 ± 0.52) %, (12.05 ± 0.74) %] compared with the control groups [(4.37 ± 0.27) %, (5.01 ± 0.37) %]. The level of IL-17 mRNA was increased in the 2 wk and the 4 wk acrolein exposure group in peripheral blood [(25.78 ± 2.31), (34.69 ± 2.01) ] and in BALF [(23.04 ± 1.78), (34.56 ± 3.12)] compared with the 2 wk [(11.04 ± 2.53), (11.08 ± 2.05)] and the 4 wk [(12.03 ± 2.34), (12.69 ± 2.69)] control groups. Foxp3 mRNA was increased in the acrolein exposure groups [ (26.37 ± 3.24), (33.19 ± 2.98)] (24.4 ± 2.7), (30.3 ± 2.7) compared with the control groups [(12.37 ± 2.56), (13.12 ± 3.08)]. Th17 in acrolein exposure groups was positively correlated with counts of total cells and macrophages (r=0.5126, 0.5437, all P<0.01). A changed expression of Th17 and Treg cells and an vary of inflammatory cytokines were evident in airway inflammation of acrolein exposed rats, suggesting that Treg was involved in the immunological regulation and Th17 was associated with the persistent inflammation in acrolein induced airway inflammation in rats.

Maximizing NGL recovery by refrigeration optimization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baldonedo H., A.H.

1999-07-01

PDVSA--Petroleo y Gas, S.A. has within its facilities in Lake Maracaibo two plants that extract liquids from natural gas (NGL), They use a combined mechanic refrigeration absorption with natural gasoline. Each of these plants processes 420 MMsccfd with a pressure of 535 psig and 95 F that comes from the compression plants PCTJ-2 and PCTJ-3 respectively. About 40 MMscfd of additional rich gas comes from the high pressure system. Under the present conditions these plants produce in the order of 16,800 and 23,800 b/d of NGL respectively, with a propane recovery percentage of approximately 75%, limited by the capacity ofmore » the refrigeration system. To optimize the operation and the design of the refrigeration system and to maximize the NGL recovery, a conceptual study was developed in which the following aspects about the process were evaluated: capacity of the refrigeration system, refrigeration requirements, identification of limitations and evaluation of the system improvements. Based on the results obtained it was concluded that by relocating some condensers, refurbishing the main refrigeration system turbines and using HIGH FLUX piping in the auxiliary refrigeration system of the evaporators, there will be an increase of 85% on the propane recovery, with an additional production of 25,000 b/d of NGL and 15 MMscfd of ethane rich gas.« less

Effects of lambda-cyhalothrin in two ditch microcosm systems of different trophic status.

PubMed

Roessink, Ivo; Arts, Gertie H P; Belgers, J Dick M; Bransen, Fred; Maund, Steve J; Brock, Theo C M

2005-07-01

The fate and effects of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin were compared in mesotrophic (macrophyte-dominated) and eutrophic (phytoplankton-dominated) ditch microcosms (approximately 0.5 m3). Lambda-cyhalothrin was applied three times at one-week intervals at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250 ng/L. The rate of dissipation of lambda-cyhalothrin in the water column of the two types of test systems was similar. After 1 d, only 30% of the amount applied remained in the water phase. Initial, direct effects were observed primarily on arthropod taxa. The most sensitive species was the phantom midge (Chaoborus obscuripes). Threshold levels for slight and transient direct toxic effects were similar (10 ng/L) between types of test systems. At treatment levels of 25 ng/L and higher, apparent population and community responses occurred. At treatments of 100 and 250 ng/L, the rate of recovery of the macroinvertebrate community was lower in the macrophyte-dominated systems, primarily because of a prolonged decline of the amphipod Gammarus pulex. This species occurred at high densities only in the macrophyte-dominated enclosures. Indirect effects (e.g., increase of rotifers and microcrustaceans) were more pronounced in the plankton-dominated test systems, particularly at treatment levels of 25 ng/L and higher.

Occurrence, fluxes and sources of perfluoroalkyl substances with isomer analysis in the snow of northern China.

PubMed

Shan, Guoqiang; Chen, Xinwei; Zhu, Lingyan

2015-12-15

In this study, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and the isomers of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) were analyzed in fresh snow samples collected from 19 cities in northern China, 2013. The levels of total PFASs in the snow samples were 33.5-229 ng/L, suggesting heavy atmospheric pollution of PFASs in northern China. PFOA (9.08-107 ng/L), PFOS (3.52-54.3 ng/L), perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA) (3.66-44.8 ng/L), and perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA) (3.21-23.6 ng/L) were predominant with a summed contribution of 82% to the total PFASs. The particulate matters (PMs) associated PFASs contributed 21.5-56.2% to the total PFASs in the snow, suggesting PMs are vital for the transport and deposition of airborne PFASs. Partitioning of PFASs between PM and dissolved phases was dependent on the carbon chain length and end functional groups. Isomer profiles of PFOA and PFOS in the snow were in agreement with the signature of the historical 3M electrochemical fluorination (ECF) products, suggesting that the ECF products were still produced and used in China. Further source analysis showed that the airborne PFASs in urban area were mainly due to direct release rather than degradation of their precursors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rejection of pharmaceuticals in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membrane drinking water treatment.

PubMed

Radjenović, J; Petrović, M; Ventura, F; Barceló, D

2008-08-01

This paper investigates the removal of a broad range of pharmaceuticals during nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) applied in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) using groundwater. Pharmaceutical residues detected in groundwater used as feed water in all five sampling campaigns were analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ketoprofen, diclofenac, acetaminophen and propyphenazone, beta-blockers sotalol and metoprolol, an antiepileptic drug carbamazepine, the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole, a lipid regulator gemfibrozil and a diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. The highest concentrations in groundwater were recorded for hydrochlorothiazide (58.6-2548ngL(-1)), ketoprofen (85%). Deteriorations in retentions on NF and RO membranes were observed for acetaminophen (44.8-73 %), gemfibrozil (50-70 %) and mefenamic acid (30-50%). Furthermore, since several pharmaceutical residues were detected in the brine stream of NF and RO processes at concentrations of several hundreds nanogram per litre, its disposal to a near-by river can represent a possible risk implication of this type of treatment.

Oxygen intrusion into anoxic fjords leads to increased methylmercury availability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veiteberg Braaten, Hans Fredrik; Pakhomova, Svetlana; Yakushev, Evgeniy

2013-04-01

Mercury (Hg) appears in the oxic surface waters of the oceans at low levels (sub ng/L). Because inorganic Hg can be methylated into the toxic and bioaccumulative specie methylmercury (MeHg) levels can be high at the top of the marine food chain. Even though marine sea food is considered the main risk driver for MeHg exposure to people most research up to date has focused on Hg methylation processes in freshwater systems. This study identifies the mechanisms driving formation of MeHg during oxygen depletion in fjords, and shows how MeHg is made available in the surface water during oxygen intrusion. Studies of the biogeochemical structure in the water column of the Norwegian fjord Hunnbunn were performed in 2009, 2011 and 2012. In autumn of 2011 mixing flushing events were observed and lead to both positive and negative effects on the ecosystem state in the fjord. The oxygenated water intrusions lead to a decrease of the deep layer concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia and phosphate. On the other hand the intrusion also raised the H2S boundary from 8 m to a shallower depth of just 4 m. Following the intrusion was also observed an increase at shallower depths of nutrients combined with a decrease of pH. Before flushing events were observed concentrations of total Hg (TotHg) increased from 1.3 - 1.7 ng/L in the surface layer of the fjord to concentrations ranging from 5.2 ng/L to 6.4 ng/L in the anoxic zone. MeHg increased regularly from 0.04 ng/L in the surface water to a maximum concentration of 5.2 ng/L in the deeper layers. This corresponds to an amount of TotHg present as MeHg ranging from 2.1 % to 99 %. The higher concentrations of MeHg in the deeper layer corresponds to an area where no oxygen is present and concentrations of H2S exceeds 500 µM, suggesting a production of MeHg in the anoxic area as a result of sulphate reducing bacteria activity. After flushing the concentrations of TotHg showed a similar pattern ranging from 0.6 ng/L in the surface layer to 6.5 ng/L at maximum depth (10 m). However, the pattern of MeHg concentrations in the water column changed with relatively high concentrations present already at 4.5 m depth (2.2 ng/L). The environmental consequence of this oxygen intrusion is the appearance in shallower water of toxic MeHg formed in the anoxic layer. As a result of this, MeHg can possibly undergo transport from the anoxic fjord to the surrounding areas.

Relationships between antibiotics and antibiotic resistance gene levels in municipal solid waste leachates in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Wu, Dong; Huang, Zhiting; Yang, Kai; Graham, David; Xie, Bing

2015-04-07

Many studies have quantified antibiotics and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) levels in soils, surface waters, and waste treatment plants (WTPs). However, similar work on municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachates is limited, which is concerning because antibiotics disposal is often in the MSW stream. Here we quantified 20 sulfonamide (SA), quinolone (FQ), tetracycline (TC), macrolide (ML), and chloramphenicol (CP) antibiotics, and six ARGs (sul1, sul2, tetQ, tetM, ermB, and mefA) in MSW leachates from two Shanghai transfer stations (TS; sites Hulin (HL) and Xupu (XP)) and one landfill reservoir (LR) in April and July 2014. Antibiotic levels were higher in TS than LR leachates (985 ± 1965 ng/L vs 345 ± 932 ng/L, n = 40), which was because of very high levels in the HL leachates (averaging at 1676 ± 5175 ng/L, n = 40). The mean MLs (3561 ± 8377 ng/L, n = 12), FQs (975 ± 1608 ng/L, n = 24), and SAs (402 ± 704 ng/L, n = 42) classes of antibiotics were highest across all samples. ARGs were detected in all leachate samples with normalized sul2 and ermB levels being especially elevated (-1.37 ± 1.2 and -1.76 ± 1.6 log (copies/16S-rDNA), respectively). However, ARG abundances did not correlate with detected antibiotic levels, except for tetW and tetQ with TC levels (r = 0.88 and 0.81, respectively). In contrast, most measured ARGs did significantly correlate with heavy metal levels (p < 0.05), especially with Cd and Cr. This study shows high levels of ARGs and antibiotics can prevail in MSW leachates and landfills may be an underappreciated as a source of antibiotics and ARGs to the environment.

Concentrations and potential health hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in shallow groundwater of a metal smelting area in Southeastern China.

PubMed

Wu, Chunfa; Zhu, Hao; Luo, Yongming; Wang, Jun

2016-11-01

A total of 20 shallow groundwater samples were collected from a metal smelting area in southeastern China to determine the concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), calculate their toxic equivalents (TEQs) to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and estimate the carcinogenic risk of drinking the shallow groundwater. The total concentrations of the 16PAHs (∑PAHs) in the shallow groundwater ranged from 9.62 to 1663.93ngL(-1), with a mean value of 312.63ngL(-1), and the total concentrations of the 7 potentially carcinogenic PAHs (∑PAHC7) ranged from 3.11 to 33.60ngL(-1), with a mean value of 9.61ngL(-1). Naphthalene and BaP, were the dominant PAH species and potentially carcinogenic PAH species in the shallow groundwater of the study area, and they account for 89.97% of ∑PAHs and 82.62% of ∑PAHC7, respectively. High molecular weight-PAHs (HM-PAHs) accounted for a relatively high proportion in the majority of shallow groundwater samples with lower concentrations of ΣPAHs, indicated that HM-PAHs were mainly from historical residues. The TEQs to BaP of the 16PAHs in the 20 shallow groundwater samples varied greatly from 2.55 to 32.73ngL(-1), with a mean value of 8.61ngL(-1), and BaP was the dominant contributor. The total carcinogenic risk levels caused by the 16PAHs in the shallow groundwater in majority of the area were found to be higher than the limit set by the US EPA, posing a potentially serious health risk to those who depend on shallow groundwater for drinking water. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Stormwater-related transport of the insecticides bifenthrin, fipronil, imidacloprid, and chlorpyrifos into a tidal wetland, San Francisco Bay, California.

PubMed

Weston, Donald P; Chen, Da; Lydy, Michael J

2015-09-15

Suisun Marsh, in northern San Francisco Bay, is the largest brackish marsh in California, and provides critical habitat for many fish species. Storm runoff enters the marsh through many creeks that drain agricultural uplands and the urban areas of Fairfield and Suisun City. Five creeks were sampled throughout a major storm event in February 2014, and analyzed for representatives of several major insecticide classes. Concentrations were greatest in creeks with urban influence, though sampling was done outside of the primary season for agricultural pesticide use. Urban creek waters reached maximum concentrations of 9.9 ng/l bifenthrin, 27.4 ng/l fipronil, 11.9 ng/l fipronil sulfone, 1462 ng/l imidacloprid, and 4.0 ng/l chlorpyrifos. Water samples were tested for toxicity to Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus, and while few samples caused mortality, 70% of the urban creek samples caused paralysis of either or both species. Toxic unit analysis indicated that bifenthrin was likely responsible for effects to H. azteca, and fipronil and its sulfone degradate were responsible for effects to C. dilutus. These results demonstrate the potential for co-occurrence of multiple insecticides in urban runoff, each with the potential for toxicity to particular species, and the value of toxicity monitoring using multiple species. In the channels of Suisun Marsh farther downstream, insecticide concentrations and toxicity diminished as creek waters mixed with brackish waters entering from San Francisco Bay. Only fipronil and its degradates remained measurable at 1-10 ng/l. These concentrations are not known to present a risk based on existing data, but toxicity data for estuarine and marine invertebrates, particularly for fipronil's degradates, are extremely limited. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Post-Remediation Biomonitoring of Pesticides in Marine Waters Near the United Heckathorn Superfund Site, Richmond, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LD Antrim; NP Kohn

This report, PNNL-11911 Rev. 1, was published in July 2000 and replaces PNNL-11911, which was published in September 1998. The revision corrects tissue concentration units that were reported as dry weight but were actually wet weight, and updates conclusions based on the correct reporting units. Marine sediment remediation at the United Heckathorn Superfund Site was completed in April 1997. Water and mussel tissues were sampled in January 1998 from four stations near Lauritzen Canal in Richmond, California, for the first post-remediation monitoring of marine areas near the United Heckathorn Site. Dieldrin and DDT were analyzed in water samples, tissue samplesmore » from resident mussels, and tissue samples from transplanted mussels deployed for 4 months. Concentrations of dieldrin and total DDT in water and total DDT in tissue were compared to pre-remediation data available from the California State Mussel Watch program (tissues) and the Ecological Risk Assessment for the United Heckathorn Superfund Site (tissues and water). Chlorinated pesticide concentrations in water samples were similar to pre-remediation levels and did not meet remediation goals. Mean dieldrin concentrations in water ranged from 0.65 ng/L to 18.1 ng/L and were higher than the remediation goal (0.14 ng/L) at all stations. Mean total DDT concentrations in water ranged from 0.65 ng/L to 103 ng/L and exceeded the remediation goal of 0.59 ng/L. The highest concentrations of both pesticides were found in Lauritzen Canal, and the lowest levels were from the Richmond Inner Harbor Channel water. Unusual amounts of detritus in the water column at the time of sampling, particularly in Lauritzen Canal, could have contributed to the elevated pesticide concentrations and poor analytical precision.« less

Determination of 4-tert-octylphenol in surface water samples of Jinan in China by solid phase extraction coupled with GC-MS.

PubMed

Yang, Xueyu; Liu, Mingren; Wang, Zhongpeng; Li, Qian; Zhang, Zhaoliang

2013-08-01

Octylphenols, considered as xenoestrogens, mainly exist as 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) in aquatic environments. The high stability and accumulation of OP in aquatic systems have caused endocrine disruption. The OP in surface water in Jinan, China was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) coupled with solid phase extraction (SPE). Water samples were extracted by SPE on a cartridge system containing C-18 as sorbent. To increase sensitivity and selectivity, OP was derivatized to 4-tert-octyl-phenoxy silane. With the use of phenanthrene-d10 as internal standard, the detection limit based on signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3) was 0.06 ng/mL. The average recovery was from 84.67% to 109.7%. The precision of the method given as the relative standard deviations (RSD) was within the range 6.24%-12.96%. In the target water samples, the concentrations of OP were as follows: 15.88-71.24 ng/L for Jinxiuchuan Reservoir, 3.850-26.68 ng/L for the city moat, 6.930-41.56 ng/L for Daming Lake, 66.03-474.2 ng/L for Xiaoqing River, 14.66-17.72 ng/L for the Yellow River, and 10.60-26.43 ng/L for Queshan Reservoir. The Xiaoqing River was seriously polluted due to the discharge of wastewater from Jinan. Jinxiuchuan Reservoir had a higher concentration of OP compared with the Yellow River and Queshan Reservoir, which is ascribed to the surrounding human activities. These data are reported for the first time, providing strong support for the control of OP pollution in Jinan.

Pollution patterns and characteristics of perfluorinated compounds in surface water adjacent potential industrial emission categories of Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Chai, Jian-Fei; Lei, Peng-Hui; Xia, Xiao-Yu; Xu, Gang; Wang, De-Jin; Sun, Rui; Gu, Jian-Zhong; Tang, Liang

2017-11-01

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have received increasing attention worldwide recently because of potential risk to aquatic environment and living organisms. Herein, occurrence and spatial distributions of 17 selected PFCs were investigated in surface water adjacent to potential industrial emission categories in Shanghai. The results showed the distributions of PFCs in the ambient rivers were greatly affected by those industrial sources. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other short-chain PFCs such as perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFBS) were detected as the predominant species in all samples. Specifically, the total concentrations of PFCs (∑PFCs) near the airport ranged from 142 to 264ngL -1 , with PFOA, PFPeA, and PFBS as most prevalent. While near the fluorochemical plant and metal plating, concentrations of ∑PFCs ranged from 200 to 2143ngL -1 and 211ngL -1 to 705ngL -1 ; and PFOA was the predominant individual PFCs, with the highest concentration of 1985ngL -1 . However, concentrations of PFOS were found at relatively low level, which ranged from < 0.06 to 4.44ngL -1 . The Spearman correlation analysis of concentration of individual PFCs showed that PFOA and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was positive, while the correlation between PFOA and perfluorohexansulfonate (PFHxS) was negative near the airport, indicating PFOA and PFHxA may share common sources. Preliminary ecological risk evaluation of PFCs in adjacent water of the industrial emission areas suggested these emission categories posed higher risks than other area, although the risk level was still relatively safe. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in stormwater canals and Bayou St. John in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

PubMed

Boyd, Glen R; Palmeri, Jordan M; Zhang, Shaoyuan; Grimm, Deborah A

2004-10-15

Samples were collected from two stormwater canals and a recreational urban waterway known as Bayou St. John in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and analyzed for a range of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Concentrations of 7 PPCPs and EDCs were measured by a method that provides for simultaneous extraction and quantification of the following compounds: clofibric acid, naproxen, ibuprofen, fluoxetine, clorophene, triclosan, bisphenol A. The method also was used as an indicator of the occurrence of estrogenic compounds by targeting estrone and 17beta-estradiol. The two canals (Orleans and London) are used to drain a portion of the city's stormwater directly into the Mississippi River or Lake Pontchartrain. Bayou St. John is located between the two canals and supplied with water from Lake Pontchartrain. Results from the 6-month sampling period indicated the following concentration ranges for the two stormwater canals: naproxen (ND - 145 ng/l), ibuprofen (ND - 674 ng/l), triclosan (ND - 29 ng/l) and bisphenol A (1.9-158 ng/l). Concentrations of these target analytes increased with cumulative rainfall. For bayou waters, only naproxen (2.1-4.8 ng/l) and bisphenol A (0.9-44 ng/l) were detected. Estrone was detected but determined non-quantifiable for multiple sampling events at the 3 sites. None of the other target analytes (clofibric acid, fluoxetine, clorophene, and 17beta-estradiol) were detected above their method detection levels. Results of this study demonstrate the occurrence of PPCPs and EDCs in New Orleans stormwater canals and Bayou St. John. Results also demonstrate the use of this analytical technique as an indicator of non-point source sewage contamination in New Orleans stormwater canals.

Determination of selected pharmaceuticals in tap water and drinking water treatment plant by high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Cai, Mei-Quan; Wang, Rong; Feng, Li; Zhang, Li-Qiu

2015-02-01

A simultaneous determination method of 14 multi-class pharmaceuticals using solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS) was established to measure the occurrence and distribution of these pharmaceuticals in tap water and a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) in Beijing, China. Target compounds included seven anti-inflammatory drugs, two antibacterial drugs, two lipid regulation drugs, one antiepileptic drug, and one hormone. Limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.01 to 1.80 ng/L and 0.05 to 3.00 ng/L, respectively. Intraday and inter-day precisions, recoveries of different matrices, and matrix effects were also investigated. Of the 14 pharmaceutical compounds selected, nine were identified in tap water of Beijing downtown with the concentration up to 38.24 ng/L (carbamazepine), and the concentration levels of detected pharmaceuticals in tap water (<5 ng/L for most pharmaceuticals) were lower than previous studies in other countries. In addition, ten and six pharmaceuticals were measured in raw water and finished water at the concentration ranged from 0.10 to 16.23 and 0.13 to 17.17 ng/L, respectively. Five compounds were detected most frequently in DWTP, namely antipyrine, carbamazepine, isopropylantipyrine, aminopyrine, and bezafibrate. Ibuprofen was found to be the highest concentration pharmaceutical during DWTP, up to 53.30 ng/L. DWTP shows a positive effect on the removal of most pharmaceuticals with 81.2-99.5 % removal efficiencies, followed by carbamazepine with 55.4 % removal efficiency, but it has no effect for removing ibuprofen and bezafibrate.

Chimeric recombinant antibody fragments in cardiac troponin I immunoassay.

PubMed

Hyytiä, Heidi; Heikkilä, Taina; Brockmann, Eeva-Christine; Kekki, Henna; Hedberg, Pirjo; Puolakanaho, Tarja; Lövgren, Timo; Pettersson, Kim

2015-03-01

To introduce a novel nanoparticle-based immunoassay for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) utilizing chimeric antibody fragments and to demonstrate that removal of antibody Fc-part and antibody chimerization decrease matrix related interferences. A sandwich-type immunoassay for cTnI based on recombinant chimeric (mouse variable/human constant) antigen binding (cFab) antibodies and intrinsically fluorescent nanoparticles was developed. To test whether using chimeric antibody fragments helps to avoid matrix related interferences, samples (n=39) with known amounts of triglycerides, bilirubin, rheumatoid factor (RF) or human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMAs) were measured with the novel assay, along with a previously published nanoparticle-based research assay with the same antibody epitopes. The limit of detection (LoD) was 3.30ng/L. Within-laboratory precision for 29ng/L and 2819ng/L cTnI were 13.7% and 15.9%, respectively. Regression analysis with Siemens ADVIA Centaur® yielded a slope (95% confidence intervals) of 0.18 (0.17-1.19) and a y-intercept of 1.94 (-1.28-3.91) ng/L. When compared to a previously published nanoparticle-based assay, the novel assay showed substantially reduced interference in the tested interference prone samples, 15.4 vs. 51.3%. A rheumatoid factor containing sample was decreased from 241ng/L to

CDKL5 ensures excitatory synapse stability by reinforcing NGL-1-PSD95 interaction in the postsynaptic compartment and is impaired in patient iPSC-derived neurons.

PubMed

Ricciardi, Sara; Ungaro, Federica; Hambrock, Melanie; Rademacher, Nils; Stefanelli, Gilda; Brambilla, Dario; Sessa, Alessandro; Magagnotti, Cinzia; Bachi, Angela; Giarda, Elisa; Verpelli, Chiara; Kilstrup-Nielsen, Charlotte; Sala, Carlo; Kalscheuer, Vera M; Broccoli, Vania

2012-09-01

Mutations of the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and netrin-G1 (NTNG1) genes cause a severe neurodevelopmental disorder with clinical features that are closely related to Rett syndrome, including intellectual disability, early-onset intractable epilepsy and autism. We report here that CDKL5 is localized at excitatory synapses and contributes to correct dendritic spine structure and synapse activity. To exert this role, CDKL5 binds and phosphorylates the cell adhesion molecule NGL-1. This phosphorylation event ensures a stable association between NGL-1 and PSD95. Accordingly, phospho-mutant NGL-1 is unable to induce synaptic contacts whereas its phospho-mimetic form binds PSD95 more efficiently and partially rescues the CDKL5-specific spine defects. Interestingly, similarly to rodent neurons, iPSC-derived neurons from patients with CDKL5 mutations exhibit aberrant dendritic spines, thus suggesting a common function of CDKL5 in mice and humans.

Structural Optimisation Of Payload Fairings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santschi, Y.; Eaton, N.; Verheyden, S.; Michaud, V.

2012-07-01

RUAG Space are developing materials and processing technologies for manufacture of the Next Generation Launcher (NGL) payload fairing, together with the Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology at the EPFL, in a project running under the ESA Future Launchers Preparatory Program (FLPP). In this paper the general aims and scope of the project are described, details of the results obtained shall be presented at a later stage. RUAG Space design, develop and manufacture fairings for the European launch vehicles Ariane 5 and VEGA using well proven composite materials and production methods which provide adequate cost/performance ratio for these applications. However, the NGL shall make full use of innovations in materials and process technologies to achieve a gain in performance at a much reduced overall manufacturing cost. NGL is scheduled to become operational in 2025, with actual development beginning in 2014. In this current project the basic technology is being developed and validated, in readiness for application in the NGL. For this new application, an entirely new approach to the fairing manufacture is evaluated.

Occurrence and removal of NDMA and NDMA formation potential in wastewater treatment plants.

PubMed

Yoon, Suchul; Nakada, Norihide; Tanaka, Hiroaki

2011-06-15

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a potent carcinogen that is formed during disinfection by chlorination or ozonation in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). At present, little is known about the occurrence and fate of NDMA and its formation potential (FP) during wastewater treatment. We investigated the fate of NDMA and NDMA FP in 12 WWTPs. NDMA occurred in the influents at a concentration ranging from below the limit of quantification (LOQ <10 ng/L) to 80 ng/L, and in the final discharges from below the LOQ to 73 ng/L. In three WWTPs located in industrial areas, the influent had a high NDMA FP (up to 8230 ng/L). The rate of NDMA FP reduction from influent to secondary effluent varied between 85 and 98%, regardless of treatment process. The rate of NDMA removal is due more to the influent properties than to the type of biological treatment process. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trace analysis of 28 steroids in surface water, wastewater and sludge samples by rapid resolution liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Liu, Shan; Ying, Guang-Guo; Zhao, Jian-Liang; Chen, Feng; Yang, Bin; Zhou, Li-Jun; Lai, Hua-Jie

2011-03-11

A sensitive rapid resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS) method, combined with solid-phase extraction, ultrasonic extraction and silica gel cartridge cleanup, was developed for 28 steroids including 4 estrogens (estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethynyl estradiol (EE2), diethylstilbestrol (DES)), 14 androgens (androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD), 17α-trenbolone, 17β-trenbolone, 4-androstene-3,17-dione, 19-nortestoserone, 17β-boldenone, 17α-boldenone, testosterone (T), epi-androsterone (EADR), methyltestosterone (MT), 4-hydroxy-androst-4-ene-17-dione (4-OHA), 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), androsterone (ADR), stanozolol (S)), 5 progestagens (progesterone (P), ethynyl testosterone (ET), 19-norethindrone, norgestrel, medroxyprogesterone (MP)), and 5 glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone) in surface water, wastewater and sludge samples. The recoveries of surface water, influents, effluents and sludge samples were 90.6-119.0% (except 5α-DHT was 143%), 44.0-200%, 60.7-123% and 62.6-138%, respectively. The method detection limits for the 28 analytes in surface water, influents, effluents and freeze-dried sludge samples were 0.01-0.24 ng/L, 0.02-1.44 ng/L, 0.01-0.49 ng/L and 0.08-2.06 ng/g, respectively. This method was applied in the determination of the residual steroidal hormones in two surface water of Danshui River, 12 wastewater and 8 sludge samples from two wastewater treatment plants (Meihu and Huiyang WWTPs) in Guangdong (China). Ten analytes were detected in surface water samples with concentrations ranging between 0.4 ng/L (17β-boldenone) and 55.3 ng/L (5α-DHT); twenty analytes in the wastewater samples with concentrations ranging between 0.3 ng/L (P) and 621 ng/L (5α-DHT); and 12 analytes in the sludge samples with concentrations ranging between 1.6 ng/g (E1) and 372 ng/g (EADR). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reference News Release: U.S. Files Complaint, Announces Settlement to Address Alleged Renewable Fuel Standard Violations by NGL Crude Logistics and Western Dubuque Biodiesel

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Reference news release on the complaint against NGL Crude Logistics, LLC and Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC and a settlement with Western Dubuque to address alleged violations of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in riverine waters after Mediterranean forest fires.

PubMed

Olivella, M A; Ribalta, T G; de Febrer, A R; Mollet, J M; de Las Heras, F X C

2006-02-15

Extensive forest fires occurred in Catalonia, northern Spain, in 1994. In our study, concentrations and profiles of 12 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in riverine waters, ash and sediment samples at nine sampling sites (W1-W9) and at three sampling dates from Llobregat hydrographic basin: in August, 1994, one month after the extensive forest fires; in September, 1994, after the first heavy autumn rainfalls and in January, 1995, six months after forest fires. In August 1994, the total concentrations of 12 PAHs measured in riverine waters varied from 2 ng/l to 336 ng/l. In September 1994, the total PAH concentrations decreased to 0.2-31 ng/l and in January 1995, from 9 ng/l to 73 ng/l. In August, the composition pattern of PAHs showed a distribution dominated by 4-ring PAHs (pyrene, chrysene+triphenylene, benzo(a)anthracene) at W3-W6, W8 and W9 and 3-ring PAHs (phenanthrene) at W1, W2 and W7. In September, a preference by 3-ring PAHs (phenanthrene) at all sampling sites except W5 was shown and in January was clearly dominated by 4-ring PAHs (chrysene+triphenylene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene) at all sampling sites. In ash and sediment samples, the total concentrations of 12 PAHs ranged from 1.3 ng/g to 19 ng/g. The dominant compound was phenanthrene.

Occurrence of bisphenol A in surface water, drinking water and plasma from Malaysia with exposure assessment from consumption of drinking water.

PubMed

Santhi, V A; Sakai, N; Ahmad, E D; Mustafa, A M

2012-06-15

This study investigated the level of bisphenol A (BPA) in surface water used as potable water, drinking water (tap and bottled mineral water) and human plasma in the Langat River basin, Malaysia. BPA was present in 93% of the surface water samples at levels ranging from below limit of quantification (LOQ; 1.3 ng/L) to 215 ng/L while six fold higher levels were detected in samples collected near industrial and municipal sewage treatment plant outlets. Low levels of BPA were detected in most of the drinking water samples. BPA in tap water ranged from 3.5 to 59.8 ng/L with the highest levels detected in samples collected from taps connected to PVC pipes and water filter devices. Bottled mineral water had lower levels of BPA (3.3±2.6 ng/L) although samples stored in poor storage condition had significantly higher levels (11.3±5.3 ng/L). Meanwhile, only 17% of the plasma samples had detectable levels of BPA ranging from 0.81 to 3.65 ng/mL. The study shows that BPA is a ubiquitous contaminant in surface, tap and bottled mineral water. However, exposure to BPA from drinking water is very low and is less than 0.01% of the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An environmental forensic procedure to analyse anthropogenic pressures of urban origin on surface water of protected coastal agro-environmental wetlands (L'Albufera de Valencia Natural Park, Spain).

PubMed

Pascual-Aguilar, Juan; Andreu, Vicente; Picó, Yolanda

2013-12-15

Detection and spatial distribution of 14 drugs of abuse and 17 pharmaceuticals in surface waters was investigated to determine transport hydrological connectivity between urban, agriculture and natural environments. Solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was applied to all samples. To determine spatial incidence of contaminants, analytical results of target compounds were georeferenced and integrated into a geographical information systems structure together with layers of municipal population, location of sewage water treatment plants and irrigation channels and sectors. The methodology was applied to L'Albufera Natural Park in Valencia (Spain). A total of 9 drugs of abuse were detected at 16 points (76% of the sample sites). Cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine, were the most detected substances, being found in 12 and 16 samples, respectively. Maximum concentrations were found in benzoylecgonine (78.71 ng/L) and codeine (51.60 ng/L). Thirteen pharmaceuticals were found at 16 points. The most detected compounds were carbamazepine (15 samples) and ibuprofen (11 samples). Maximum concentrations were detected in acetaminophen (17,699.4 ng/L), ibuprofen (3913.7 ng/L) and codeine (434.0 ng/L). Spatial distribution of pharmaceuticals showed a clear relationship between irrigation areas, high population densities municipalities (above 1000 h/km(2)) and sewage water treatment plants. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms and implications of α-HCH enrichment in melt pond water on Arctic sea ice.

PubMed

Pućko, M; Stern, G A; Barber, D G; Macdonald, R W; Warner, K-A; Fuchs, C

2012-11-06

During the summer of 2009, we sampled 14 partially refrozen melt ponds and the top 1 m of old ice in the pond vicinity for α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) concentrations and enantiomer fractions (EFs) in the Beaufort Sea. α-HCH concentrations were 3 - 9 times higher in melt ponds than in the old ice. We identify two routes of α-HCH enrichment in the ice over the summer. First, atmospheric gas deposition results in an increase of α-HCH concentration from 0.07 ± 0.02 ng/L (old ice) to 0.34 ± 0.08 ng/L, or ~20% less than the atmosphere-water equilibrium partitioning concentration (0.43 ng/L). Second, late-season ice permeability and/or complete ice thawing at the bottom of ponds permit α-HCH rich seawater (~0.88 ng/L) to replenish pond water, bringing concentrations up to 0.75 ± 0.06 ng/L. α-HCH pond enrichment may lead to substantial concentration patchiness in old ice floes, and changed exposures to biota as the surface meltwater eventually reaches the ocean through various drainage mechanisms. Melt pond concentrations of α-HCH were relatively high prior to the late 1980-s, with a Melt pond Enrichment Factor >1 (MEF; a ratio of concentration in surface meltwater to surface seawater), providing for the potential of increased biological exposures.

Occurrences of pharmaceuticals in drinking water sources of major river watersheds, China.

PubMed

Sun, Jing; Luo, Qian; Wang, Donghong; Wang, Zijian

2015-07-01

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water sources (DWSs) have raised significant concerns for their persistent input and potential human health risks. Currently, little is known about the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in DWSs in China. In this study, a survey for multi-class pharmaceuticals in DWSs of five major river watersheds in China was conducted from 2012 to 2013. Samples were collected from 25 sampling sites in rivers and reservoirs. 135 pharmaceuticals were analyzed using solid-phase extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that a total of 70 pharmaceuticals were present in the samples, and the most frequently detected ones included sulfonamides, macrolides, antiepileptic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and β-blockers, etc. Amongst these, maximum concentrations of lincomycin, sulfamethoxazole, acetaminophen and paraxanthine were between 44 ng/L and 134 ng/L, and those of metoprolol, diphenhydramine, venlafaxine, nalidixic acid and androstenedione were less than 1 ng/L. Concentrations of the two that were most persistent, DEET and carbamazepine, were 0.8-10.2 ng/L and 0.01-3.5 ng/L, respectively. Higher concentrations of cotinine were observed in warm season than in cold season, while concentrations of lincomycin were the opposite. In a causality analysis, the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in DWSs depends mainly on the detection limits of the methods, their usage and the persistence in the aquatic environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polar Cap Electron Densities from DE-1 Plasma Wave Observations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-11

of plasma above the F2 peak, predicts an electron density distribution of [ Angerami and Thomas, 1964) .4...Grants NGL- 16-001-002 and NGL-16-001-043 from NASA Headquarters, and by the Office of Naval Research. -p 42 REFERENCES Angerami , J. J., and J. 0. Thomas

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals, hormones, and organic wastewater compounds in Pennsylvania waters, 2006-09

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reif, Andrew G.; Crawford, J. Kent; Loper, Connie A.; Proctor, Arianne; Manning, Rhonda; Titler, Robert

2012-01-01

Concern over the presence of contaminants of emerging concern, such as pharmaceutical compounds, hormones, and organic wastewater compounds (OWCs), in waters of the United States and elsewhere is growing. Laboratory techniques developed within the last decade or new techniques currently under development within the U.S. Geological Survey now allow these compounds to be measured at concentrations in nanograms per liter. These new laboratory techniques were used in a reconnaissance study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, to determine the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in streams, streambed sediment, and groundwater of Pennsylvania. Compounds analyzed for in the study are pharmaceuticals (human and veterinary drugs), hormones (natural and synthetic), and OWCs (detergents, fragrances, pesticides, industrial compounds, disinfectants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fire retardants and plasticizers). Reconnaissance sampling was conducted from 2006 to 2009 to identify contaminants of emerging concern in (1) groundwater from wells used to supply livestock, (2) streamwater upstream and downstream from animal feeding operations, (3) streamwater upstream from and streamwater and streambed sediment downstream from municipal wastewater effluent discharges, (4) streamwater from sites within 5 miles of drinking-water intakes, and (5) streamwater and streambed sediment where fish health assessments were conducted. Of the 44 pharmaceutical compounds analyzed in groundwater samples collected in 2006 from six wells used to supply livestock, only cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) and the antibiotics tylosin and sulfamethoxazole were detected. The maximum concentration of any contaminant of emerging concern was 24 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for cotinine, and was detected in a groundwater sample from a Lebanon County, Pa., well. Seven pharmaceutical compounds including acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, and the four antibiotics tylosin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, and oxytetracycline were detected in streamwater samples collected in 2006 from six paired stream sampling sites located upstream and downstream from animal-feeding operations. The highest reported concentration of these seven compounds was for the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (157 ng/L), in a sample from the downstream site on Snitz Creek in Lancaster County, Pa. Twenty-one pharmaceutical compounds were detected in streamwater samples collected in 2006 from five paired stream sampling sites located upstream or downstream from a municipal wastewater-effluent-discharge site. The most commonly detected compounds and maximum concentrations were the anticonvulsant carbamazepine, 276 ng/L; the antihistamine diphenhydramine, 135 ng/L; and the antibiotics ofloxacin, 329 ng/L; sulfamethoxazole, 1,340 ng/L; and trimethoprim, 256 ng/L. A total of 51 different contaminants of emerging concern were detected in streamwater samples collected from 2007 through 2009 at 13 stream sampling sites located downstream from a wastewater-effluent-discharge site. The concentrations and numbers of compounds detected were higher in stream sites downstream from a wastewater-effluent-discharge site than in stream sites upstream from a wastewater-effluent-discharge site. This finding indicates that wastewater-effluent discharges are a source of contaminants of emerging concern; these contaminants were present more frequently in the streambed-sediment samples than in streamwater samples. Antibiotic compounds were often present in both the streamwater and streambed-sediment samples, but many OWCs were present exclusively in the streambed-sediment samples. Compounds with endocrine disrupting potential including detergent metabolites, pesticides, and flame retardants, were present in the streamwater and streambed-sediment samples. Killinger Creek, a stream where wastewater-effluent discharges contribute a large percentage of the total flow, stands out as a stream with particularly high numbers of compounds detected and detected at the highest concentrations measured in the reconnaissance sampling. Nineteen contaminants of emerging concern were detected in streamwater samples collected quarterly from 2007 through 2009 at 27 stream sites within 5 miles of a drinking-water intake. The number of contaminants and the concentrations detected at the stream sites within 5 miles of drinking-water intakes were generally very low (concentrations less than 50 ng/L), much lower than those at sites downstream from a wastewater-effluent discharge. The most commonly detected compounds and maximum concentrations were caffeine, 517 ng/L; carbamazepine, 95 ng/L; sulfamethoxazole, 146 ng/L; and estrone, 3.15 ng/L. The concentrations and frequencies of detection of some of the contaminants of emerging concern appear to vary by season, which could be explained by compound use, flow regime, or differences in degradation rates. Concentrations of some contaminants were associated with lower flows as a result of decreased in-stream dilution of wastewater effluents or other contamination sources. Twenty-two contaminants of emerging concern were detected once each in streamwater samples collected in 2007 and 2008 from 16 fish-health stream sites located statewide. The highest concentrations were for the OWCs, including flame retardants tri(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (604 ng/L) and tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (272 ng/L) and the fragrance isoquinoline (330 ng/L). Far fewer numbers of contaminants of emerging concern were detected at the fish-health sites than at the wastewater-effluent-discharge sites. Most of the fish-health sites were not located directly downstream from a wastewater-effluent discharge, but there were multiple wastewater-effluent discharges in the drainage basins upstream from the sampling sites. No distinct pattern of contaminant occurrence could be discerned for the fish-health stream sites

Solid phase microextraction of macrolide, trimethoprim, and sulfonamide antibiotics in wastewaters.

PubMed

McClure, Evelyn L; Wong, Charles S

2007-10-26

In this work, we optimize a solid phase microextraction (SPME) method for the simultaneous collection of antibiotics (sulfonamides, macrolides, and trimethoprim) present in wastewaters. The performance of the SPME method is compared to a solid phase extraction (SPE) method. Analytes in both cases were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS) with electrospray ionization. The advantages offered by SPME in this application are: decreased sample volume requirements, ease of sample processing and extraction, decreased cost, and most importantly, elimination of electrospray matrix effects. Despite having higher limits of quantification (16-1380 ng/L in influent and 35-260 ng/L in effluent), nearly all of the compounds found to be present in Edmonton Gold Bar wastewater by SPE were measurable by SPME (i.e., sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, erythromycin, and clarithromycin), with values similar to those obtained using the former method. Limits of quantification for the SPE method for the measured compounds were 4.7-15 ng/L and 0.86-6.1 ng/L for influent and effluent, respectively.

Development of supported liquid membrane techniques for the monitoring of trace levels of organic pollutants in wastewaters and water purification systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Msagati, Titus A. M.; Mamba, Bhekie B.

The supported liquid membrane (SLM) extraction technique has been developed and successfully used for the monitoring of trace quantities of ionisable organic contaminants, including 17β-estradiol and its metabolites, testosterones and their methyl ester derivatives, benzimidazole anthelmintic antibiotics and sulphonamides in aquatic systems. A number of parameters which control the mass transfer in the supported liquid membrane extraction process such as donor and acceptor pH, extraction time and the type of organic liquid membrane were optimised to enhance the efficiency of the liquid membrane in the removal of these compounds. The method developed gave very low detection limits (0.3 ng/l to 2.4 ng/l for 17β-estradiol and its metabolites; between 1 μg/l and 20 μg/l for sulphonamides; and between 0.1 ng/l and 10 ng/l for benzimidazole anthelmintic compounds). The SLM method showed good linearity, reproducibility and repeatability values and is therefore suitable for routine monitoring of such compounds in water and wastewater systems.

Organic Pollution in Surface Waters from the Fuglebekken Basin in Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic

PubMed Central

Polkowska, Żaneta; Cichała-Kamrowska, Katarzyna; Ruman, Marek; Kozioł, Krystyna; Krawczyk, Wiesława Ewa; Namieśnik, Jacek

2011-01-01

The Fuglebekken basin is situated in the southern part of the island of Spitsbergen (Norwegian Arctic), on the Hornsund fjord (Wedel Jarlsberg Land). Surface water was collected from 24 tributaries (B1–B24) and from the main stream water in the Fuglebekken basin (25) between 10 July 2009 and 30 July 2009. The present investigation reveals the results of the analysis of these samples for their PAH and PCB content. Twelve of 16 PAHs and seven PCBs were determined in the surface waters from 24 tributaries and the main stream. Total PAH and PCB concentrations in the surface waters ranged from 4 to 600 ng/L and from 2 to 400 ng/L respectively. The highest concentrations of an individual PCB (138–308 ng/L and 123 ng/L) were found in samples from tributaries B9 and B5. The presence in the basin (thousands of kilometres distant from industrial centres) of PAHs and PCBs is testimony to the fact that these compounds are transported over vast distances with air masses and deposited in regions devoid of any human pressure. PMID:22164112

Regional distribution of halogenated organophosphate flame retardants in seawater samples from three coastal cities in China.

PubMed

Hu, Mengyang; Li, Jun; Zhang, Beibei; Cui, Qinglan; Wei, Si; Yu, Hongxia

2014-09-15

Thirteen samples of seawater were collected from Yellow Sea and East China Sea near Qingdao, Lianyungang, and Xiamen, China. They were analyzed for halogenated organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs). The compounds selected for detection were Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP), Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), and Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TDBPP). The total concentrations ranged from 91.87 to 1392 ng/L and the mean concentrations of these four chemicals were 134.44, 84.12, 109.28, and 96.70 ng/L, respectively. TCEP exhibited the highest concentrations, although concentrations of TCPP and TDCPP were also fairly high in Lianyungang and Xiamen. Generally, Lianyungang was the most heavily polluted district, with very high concentrations of TCEP at LYG-2 (550.54 ng/L) and LYG-4 (617.92 ng/L). The main sources of halogenated OPFRs were municipal and industrial effluents of wastewater treatment plants in the nearby economic and industrial zones. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occurrence and distribution of antifouling biocide Irgarol-1051 in coral reef ecosystems, Zanzibar.

PubMed

Sheikh, Mohammed A; Juma, Fatma S; Staehr, Peter; Dahl, Karsten; Rashid, Rashid J; Mohammed, Mohammed S; Ussi, Ali M; Ali, Hassan R

2016-08-15

2-methythiol-4-tert-butylamino-6-cyclopropylamino-s-triazine (Irgarol-1051) has been widely used as effective alternative antifouling paint in marine structures including ships. However, it has been causing deleterious effects to marine organisms including reef building corals. The main objective of this study was to establish baseline levels of Irgarol-1051 around coral reefs and nearby ecosystems along coastline of Zanzibar Island. The levels of Irgarol-1051 ranged from 1.35ng/L around coral reefs to 15.44ng/L around harbor with average concentration of 4.11 (mean)±0.57 (SD) ng/L. This is below Environmental Risk Limit of 24ng/L as proposed by Dutch Authorities which suggests that the contamination is not alarming especially for coral reef ecosystem health. The main possible sources of the contamination are from shipping activities. This paper provides important baseline information of Irgarol-1051 around the coral reef ecosystems within the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and may be useful for formulation of marine conservation strategies and policies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) removal by reverse osmosis and UV treatment and analysis via LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Plumlee, Megan H; López-Mesas, Montserrat; Heidlberger, Andy; Ishida, Kenneth P; Reinhard, Martin

2008-01-01

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a probable human carcinogen found in ng/l concentrations in chlorinated and chloraminated water. A method was developed for the determination of ng/l levels of NDMA using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) preceded by sample concentration via solid-phase extraction with activated charcoal. Recoveries were greater than 90% and allowed a method reporting limit as low as 2ng/l. Using this method, the removal of NDMA was determined for the Interim Water Purification Facility (IWPF), an advanced wastewater treatment facility operated by the Orange County Water District (OCWD) in Southern California. The facility treats effluent from an activated sludge treatment plant with microfiltration (MF), reverse osmosis (RO), and an ultraviolet-hydrogen peroxide advanced oxidation process (UV-AOP). Six nitrosamines were surveyed: NDMA, N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPip), and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPyr). Only NDMA was detected and at all treatment steps in the IWPF, with influent concentrations ranging from 20 to 59 ng/l. Removals for RO and UV ranged from 24% to 56% and 43% to 66%, respectively. Overall, 69+/-7% of the original NDMA concentration was removed from the product water across the advanced treatment process and, in combination with blending, the final concentration did not exceed the California drinking water notification level of 10 ng/l. NDMA removal data are consistent with findings reviewed for other advanced treatment facilities and laboratory studies.

Dissolved pesticide concentrations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Grizzly Bay, California, 2011-12

USGS Publications Warehouse

Orlando, James L.; McWayne, Megan; Sanders, Corey; Hladik, Michelle

2013-01-01

Surface-water samples were collected from sites within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Grizzly Bay, California, during the spring in 2011 and 2012, and they were analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey for a suite of 99 current-use pesticides and pesticide degradates. Samples were collected and analyzed as part of a collaborative project studying the occurrence and characteristics of phytoplankton in the San Francisco Estuary. Samples were analyzed by two separate laboratory methods employing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Method detection limits ranged from 0.9 to 10.5 nanograms per liter (ng/L). Eighteen pesticides were detected in samples collected during 2011, and the most frequently detected compounds were the herbicides clomazone, diuron, hexazinone and metolachlor, and the diuron degradates 3,4-dichloroaniline and N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N’-methylurea (DCPMU). Concentrations for all compounds were less than 75 ng/L, except for the rice herbicide clomazone and the fungicide tetraconazole, which had maximum concentrations of 535 and 511 ng/L, respectively. In samples collected in 2012, a total of 16 pesticides were detected. The most frequently detected compounds were the fungicides azoxystrobin and boscalid and the herbicides diuron, hexazinone, metolachlor, and simazine. Maximum concentrations for all compounds detected in 2012 were less than 75 ng/L, except for the fungicide azoxystrobin and the herbicides hexazinone and simazine, which were detected at up to 188, 134, and 140 ng/L, respectively.

Post-Remediation Biomonitoring of Pesticides and Other Contaminants in Marine Waters and Sediment Near the United Heckathorn Superfund Site, Richmond, California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LD Antrim; NP Kohn

This report, PNNL-1 3059 Rev. 1, was published in July 2000 and replaces PNNL-1 3059 which is dated October 1999. The revision corrects tissue concentration units that were reported as dry weight but were actually wet weight, and updates conclusions based on the correct reporting units. Marine sediment remediation at the United Heckathorn Superfund Site was completed in April 1997. Water and mussel tissues were sampled in February 1999 from four stations near Lauritzen Canal in Richmond, California, for Year 2 of post-remediation monitoring of marine areas near the United Heckathom Site. Dieldrin and dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) were analyzed inmore » water samples, tissue samples from resident mussels, and tissue samples from transplanted mussels deployed for 4 months. Concentrations of dieldrin and total DDT in water and total DDT in tissue were compared with Year 1 of post-remediation monitoring, and with preremediation data from the California State Mussel Watch program (tissue s) and the Ecological Risk Assessment for the United Heckathorn Superfund Site (tissues and water). Mussel tissues were also analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), which were detected in sediment samples. Chlorinated pesticide concentrations in water samples were similar to preremediation levels and did not meet remediation goals. Mean dieldrin concentrations in water ranged from 0.62 ng/L to 12.5 ng/L and were higher than the remediation goal (0.14 ng/L) at all stations. Mean total DDT concentrations in water ranged from 14.4 ng/L to 62.3 ng/L and exceeded the remediation goal (0.59 ng/L) at all stations. The highest concentrations of both DDT and dieldrin were found at the Lauritzen Canal/End station. Despite exceedence of the remediation goals, chlorinated pesticide concentrations in Lauritzen Canal water samples were notably lower in 1999 than in 1998. PCBS were not detected in water samples in 1999.« less

Effects of Moderate Strength Cold Air Exposure on Blood Pressure and Biochemical Indicators among Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Patients

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiakun; Zhang, Shuyu; Wang, Chunling; Wang, Baojian; Guo, Pinwen

2014-01-01

The effects of cold air on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were investigated in an experimental study examining blood pressure and biochemical indicators. Zhangye, a city in Gansu Province, China, was selected as the experimental site. Health screening and blood tests were conducted, and finally, 30 cardiovascular disease patients and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. The experiment was performed during a cold event during 27–28 April 2013. Blood pressure, catecholamine, angiotensin II (ANG-II), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), muscle myoglobin (Mb) and endothefin-1 (ET-1) levels of the subjects were evaluated 1 day before, during the 2nd day of the cold exposure and 1 day after the cold air exposure. Our results suggest that cold air exposure increases blood pressure in cardiovascular disease patients and healthy subjects via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that is activated first and which augments ANG-II levels accelerating the release of the norepinephrine and stimulates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The combined effect of these factors leads to a rise in blood pressure. In addition, cold air exposure can cause significant metabolism and secretion of Mb, cTnI and ET-1 in subjects; taking the patient group as an example, ET-1 was 202.7 ng/L during the cold air exposure, increased 58 ng/L compared with before the cold air exposure, Mb and cTnI levels remained relatively high (2,219.5 ng/L and 613.2 ng/L, increased 642.1 ng/L and 306.5 ng/L compared with before the cold air exposure, respectively) 1-day after the cold exposure. This showed that cold air can cause damage to patients’ heart cells, and the damage cannot be rapidly repaired. Some of the responses related to the biochemical markers indicated that cold exposure increased cardiovascular strain and possible myocardial injury. PMID:24583830

Analysis of nitrosamines in water by automated SPE and isotope dilution GC/HRMS Occurrence in the different steps of a drinking water treatment plant, and in chlorinated samples from a reservoir and a sewage treatment plant effluent.

PubMed

Planas, Carles; Palacios, Oscar; Ventura, Francesc; Rivera, Josep; Caixach, Josep

2008-08-15

A method based on automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) and isotope dilution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (GC/HRMS) has been developed for the analysis of nine nitrosamines in water samples. The combination of automated SPE and GC/HRMS for the analysis of nitrosamines has not been reported previously. The method shows as advantages the selectivity and sensitivity of GC/HRMS analysis and the high efficiency of automated SPE with coconut charcoal EPA 521 cartridges. Low method detection limits (MDLs) were achieved, along with a greater facility of the procedure and less dependence on the operator with regard to the methods based on manual SPE. Quality requirements for isotope dilution-based methods were accomplished for most analysed nitrosamines, regarding to trueness (80-120%), method precision (<15%) and MDLs (0.08-1.7 ng/L). Nineteen water samples (16 samples from a drinking water treatment plant {DWTP}, 2 chlorinated samples from a sewage treatment plant {STP} effluent, and 1 chlorinated sample from a reservoir) were analysed. Concentrations of nitrosamines in the STP effluent were 309.4 and 730.2 ng/L, being higher when higher doses of chlorine were applied. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) were the main compounds identified in the STP effluent, and NDEA was detected above 200 ng/L, regulatory level for NDMA in effluents stated in Ontario (Canada). Lower concentrations of nitrosamines were found in the reservoir (20.3 ng/L) and in the DWTP samples (n.d. -28.6 ng/L). NDMA and NDEA were respectively found in the reservoir and in treated and highly chlorinated DWTP samples at concentrations above 10 ng/L (guide value established in different countries). The highest concentrations of nitrosamines were found after chlorination and ozonation processes (ozonated, treated and highly chlorinated water) in DWTP samples.

Genistein prevents hyperglycemia-induced monocyte adhesion to human aortic endothelial cells through preservation of the cAMP signaling pathway and ameliorates vascular inflammation in obese diabetic mice.

PubMed

Babu, Pon Velayutham Anandh; Si, Hongwei; Fu, Zhuo; Zhen, Wei; Liu, Dongmin

2012-04-01

Hyperglycemia-induced vascular inflammation resulting in the enhanced monocyte-endothelial cell (EC) interaction is the key event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes. Here, we investigated the effect of isoflavone genistein on hyperglycemia-stimulated vascular inflammation. Human aortic EC (HAEC) were pretreated with genistein before the addition of high glucose (HG; 25 mmol/L) for 48 h. Genistein at a physiological concentration (0.1 μmol/L) significantly inhibited HG-induced adhesion of monocytes to HAEC and suppressed endothelial production of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-8. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase or protein kinase A (PKA) significantly attenuated the antiadhesion effect of genistein. Consistently, genistein improved HG-impaired intracellular cAMP production and PKA activity in HAEC. Six-week-old diabetic db/db mice were untreated (db/db) or treated with a diet containing 1 g genistein/kg diet (db/db+G) for 8 wk. Their nondiabetic db/+ mice were used as normal controls. Circulating concentrations of MCP-1/JE and KC were significantly greater, whereas IL-10 concentrations were lower in db/db mice than those in normal mice. Dietary supplementation of genistein did not normalize but significantly suppressed the elevated serum concentrations of MCP-1/JE from 286 ± 30 ng/L to 181 ± 35 ng/L and KC from 321 ± 21 ng/L to 232 ± 20 ng/L while increasing that of IL-10 from 35 ± 4 ng/L to 346 ± 35 ng/L in db/db+G mice. Further, genistein treatment suppressed diabetes-induced adhesion of monocytes to EC by 87% and endothelial secretion of adhesion molecules. We conclude that genistein improves diabetes-caused vascular inflammation, which may be mediated through promoting the cAMP/PKA pathway.

Diagnostic value of T-Spot TB combined with INF-γ and IL-27 in tuberculous pleurisy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Meng; Xiong, Dedong; Li, Hongxia; Wang, Zonglan; Li, Renzhe

2018-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of T cells spot test (T-Spot TB) combined with interferon-γ (INF-γ) and interleukin-27 (IL-27) in tuberculous pleurisy. Sixty patients with tuberculous pleurisy (observation group) and 60 patients with non-tuberculous pleurisy (control group) were enrolled in this study. T-Spot TB was performed to detect the pleural effusion of two groups of patients. Levels of IFN-γ and IL-27 in serum and pleural effusion were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relative expression of IFN-γ mRNA and IL-27 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected by RT-PCR. Positive rate of T-Spot TB in observation group was 96.7% (58 cases), which was significantly higher than that in control group (p<0.05). Concentration of INF-γ in pleural effusion of observation group was 468.6±24.8 ng/l, which was significantly higher than that in control group (131.3±18.7 ng/l, p<0.05). Concentration of IL-27 in pleural effusion of observation group was 423.4±37.2 ng/l, which was significantly higher than that in control group (116.2±15.5 ng/l, p<0.05). Concentrations of INF-γ and IL-27 in serum of observation group were 48.2±13.4 and 41.7±10.6 ng/l, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in control group (38.6±11.2 and 35.3±8.4 ng/l, p<0.05). Relative expression levels of INF-γ mRNA and IL-27 mRNA in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (p<0.05). Therefore, combination of T-Spot TB with INF-γ and IL-27 has significant application value in the clinical diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy, and should be popularized. PMID:29399137

CSF-Biomarkers in Olympic Boxing: Diagnosis and Effects of Repetitive Head Trauma

PubMed Central

Neselius, Sanna; Brisby, Helena; Theodorsson, Annette; Blennow, Kaj; Zetterberg, Henrik; Marcusson, Jan

2012-01-01

Background Sports-related head trauma is common but still there is no established laboratory test used in the diagnostics of minimal or mild traumatic brain injuries. Further the effects of recurrent head trauma on brain injury markers are unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Olympic (amateur) boxing and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) brain injury biomarkers. Methods The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Thirty Olympic boxers with a minimum of 45 bouts and 25 non-boxing matched controls were included in the study. CSF samples were collected by lumbar puncture 1–6 days after a bout and after a rest period for at least 14 days. The controls were tested once. Biomarkers for acute and chronic brain injury were analysed. Results NFL (mean ± SD, 532±553 vs 135±51 ng/L p = 0.001), GFAP (496±238 vs 247±147 ng/L p<0.001), T-tau (58±26 vs 49±21 ng/L p<0.025) and S-100B (0.76±0.29 vs 0.60±0.23 ng/L p = 0.03) concentrations were significantly increased after boxing compared to controls. NFL (402±434 ng/L p = 0.004) and GFAP (369±113 ng/L p = 0.001) concentrations remained elevated after the rest period. Conclusion Increased CSF levels of T-tau, NFL, GFAP, and S-100B in >80% of the boxers demonstrate that both the acute and the cumulative effect of head trauma in Olympic boxing may induce CSF biomarker changes that suggest minor central nervous injuries. The lack of normalization of NFL and GFAP after the rest period in a subgroup of boxers may indicate ongoing degeneration. The recurrent head trauma in boxing may be associated with increased risk of chronic traumatic brain injury. PMID:22496755

CSF-biomarkers in Olympic boxing: diagnosis and effects of repetitive head trauma.

PubMed

Neselius, Sanna; Brisby, Helena; Theodorsson, Annette; Blennow, Kaj; Zetterberg, Henrik; Marcusson, Jan

2012-01-01

Sports-related head trauma is common but still there is no established laboratory test used in the diagnostics of minimal or mild traumatic brain injuries. Further the effects of recurrent head trauma on brain injury markers are unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Olympic (amateur) boxing and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) brain injury biomarkers. The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Thirty Olympic boxers with a minimum of 45 bouts and 25 non-boxing matched controls were included in the study. CSF samples were collected by lumbar puncture 1-6 days after a bout and after a rest period for at least 14 days. The controls were tested once. Biomarkers for acute and chronic brain injury were analysed. NFL (mean ± SD, 532±553 vs 135±51 ng/L p = 0.001), GFAP (496±238 vs 247±147 ng/L p<0.001), T-tau (58±26 vs 49±21 ng/L p<0.025) and S-100B (0.76±0.29 vs 0.60±0.23 ng/L p = 0.03) concentrations were significantly increased after boxing compared to controls. NFL (402±434 ng/L p = 0.004) and GFAP (369±113 ng/L p = 0.001) concentrations remained elevated after the rest period. Increased CSF levels of T-tau, NFL, GFAP, and S-100B in >80% of the boxers demonstrate that both the acute and the cumulative effect of head trauma in Olympic boxing may induce CSF biomarker changes that suggest minor central nervous injuries. The lack of normalization of NFL and GFAP after the rest period in a subgroup of boxers may indicate ongoing degeneration. The recurrent head trauma in boxing may be associated with increased risk of chronic traumatic brain injury.

Neurochemical aftermath of amateur boxing.

PubMed

Zetterberg, Henrik; Hietala, M Albert; Jonsson, Michael; Andreasen, Niels; Styrud, Ewa; Karlsson, Ingvar; Edman, Ake; Popa, Cornel; Rasulzada, Abdullah; Wahlund, Lars-Olof; Mehta, Pankaj D; Rosengren, Lars; Blennow, Kaj; Wallin, Anders

2006-09-01

Little solid information is available on the possible risks for neuronal injury in amateur boxing. To determine whether amateur boxing and severity of hits are associated with elevated levels of biochemical markers for neuronal injury in cerebrospinal fluid. Longitudinal study. Referral center specializing in evaluation of neurodegenerative disorders. Fourteen amateur boxers (11 men and 3 women) and 10 healthy male nonathletic control subjects. The boxers underwent lumbar puncture 7 to 10 days and 3 months after a bout. The control subjects underwent LP once. Neurofilament light protein, total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein, phosphorylated tau, and beta-amyloid protein 1-40 (Abeta([1-40])) and 1-42 (Abeta([1-42])) concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were measured. Increased levels after a bout compared with after 3 months of rest from boxing were found for 2 markers for neuronal and axonal injury, neurofilament light protein (mean +/- SD, 845 +/- 1140 ng/L vs 208 +/- 108 ng/L; P = .008) and total tau (mean +/- SD, 449 +/- 176 ng/L vs 306 +/- 78 ng/L; P = .006), and for the astroglial injury marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (mean +/- SD, 541 +/- 199 ng/L vs 405 +/- 138 ng/L; P = .003). The increase was significantly higher among boxers who had received many hits (>15) or high-impact hits to the head compared with boxers who reported few hits. In the boxers, concentrations of neurofilament light protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, but not total tau, were significantly elevated after a bout compared with the nonathletic control subjects. With the exception of neurofilament light protein, there were no significant differences between boxers after 3 months of rest from boxing and the nonathletic control subjects. Amateur boxing is associated with acute neuronal and astroglial injury. If verified in longitudinal studies with extensive follow-up regarding the clinical outcome, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid may provide a scientific basis for medical counseling of athletes after boxing or head injury.

Prognostic Importance of Sex-Specific Cardiac Troponin T 99(th) Percentiles in Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PubMed

Eggers, Kai M; Jernberg, Tomas; Lindahl, Bertil

2016-08-01

Cardiac troponin levels differ between the sexes, with higher values commonly seen in men. The use of sex-specific troponin thresholds is, thus, subject of an ongoing debate. We assessed whether sex-specific cardiac troponin T (cTnT) 99(th) percentiles would improve risk prediction in patients admitted to Swedish coronary care units due to suspected acute coronary syndrome. In this retrospective register-based study (48,250 patients), we investigated the prediction of all-cause mortality and the composite of cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction within 1 year using the single 99(th) cTnT percentile (>14 ng/L) or sex-specific cTnT 99(th) percentiles (>16/9 ng/L). A total of 1078 men (3.0%) with cTnT 15-16 ng/L and 1854 women (8.4%) with cTnT 10-14 ng/L would have been reclassified regarding their cTnT status by the means of sex-specific 99(th) percentiles. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and crude event rates increased across higher cTnT strata in both men and women. Multivariable-adjusted Cox models, however, did not demonstrate better risk prediction by sex-specific 99(th) percentiles. Assessing cTnT as a continuous variable demonstrated an increase in multivariable-adjusted risk starting at levels around 10-12 ng/L in both men and women. We found no evidence supporting the use of sex-specific cTnT 99(th) percentiles in men and women admitted because of suspected acute coronary syndrome. This likely depends on sex-specific differences in disease mechanisms associated with small cTnT elevations. From a pragmatic perspective, a single cTnT cutoff slightly below 14 ng/L seems to be preferable as a threshold for medical decision-making. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic value of T-Spot TB combined with INF-γ and IL-27 in tuberculous pleurisy.

PubMed

Zhang, Meng; Xiong, Dedong; Li, Hongxia; Wang, Zonglan; Li, Renzhe

2018-02-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of T cells spot test (T-Spot TB) combined with interferon-γ (INF-γ) and interleukin-27 (IL-27) in tuberculous pleurisy. Sixty patients with tuberculous pleurisy (observation group) and 60 patients with non-tuberculous pleurisy (control group) were enrolled in this study. T-Spot TB was performed to detect the pleural effusion of two groups of patients. Levels of IFN-γ and IL-27 in serum and pleural effusion were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relative expression of IFN-γ mRNA and IL-27 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected by RT-PCR. Positive rate of T-Spot TB in observation group was 96.7% (58 cases), which was significantly higher than that in control group (p<0.05). Concentration of INF-γ in pleural effusion of observation group was 468.6±24.8 ng/l, which was significantly higher than that in control group (131.3±18.7 ng/l, p<0.05). Concentration of IL-27 in pleural effusion of observation group was 423.4±37.2 ng/l, which was significantly higher than that in control group (116.2±15.5 ng/l, p<0.05). Concentrations of INF-γ and IL-27 in serum of observation group were 48.2±13.4 and 41.7±10.6 ng/l, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in control group (38.6±11.2 and 35.3±8.4 ng/l, p<0.05). Relative expression levels of INF-γ mRNA and IL-27 mRNA in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (p<0.05). Therefore, combination of T-Spot TB with INF-γ and IL-27 has significant application value in the clinical diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy, and should be popularized.

Hydrophilic anthropogenic markers for quantification of wastewater contamination in ground- and surface waters.

PubMed

Kahle, Maren; Buerge, Ignaz J; Müller, Markus D; Poiger, Thomas

2009-12-01

Hydrophilic, persistent markers are useful to detect, locate, and quantify contamination of natural waters with domestic wastewater. The present study focused on occurrence and fate of seven marker candidates including carbamazepine (CBZ), 10,11-dihydro-10,11-dihydroxycarbamazepine (DiOH-CBZ), primidone (PMD), crotamiton (CTMT), N-acetyl-4-aminoantipyrine (AAA), N-formyl-4-aminoantipyrine (FAA), and benzotriazole (BTri) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), lakes, and groundwater. In WWTPs, concentrations from 0.14 microg/L to several micrograms per liter were observed for all substances, except CTMT, which was detected at lower concentrations. Loads determined in untreated and treated wastewater indicated that removal of the potential markers in WWTPs is negligible; only BTri was partly eliminated (average 33%). In lakes, five compounds, CBZ, DiOH-CBZ, FAA, AAA, and BTri, were consistently detected in concentrations of 2 to 70 ng/L, 3 to 150 ng/L, less than the limit of quantification to 30 ng/L, 2 to 80 ng/L, and 11 to 920 ng/L, respectively. Mean per capita loads in the outflows of the lakes suggested possible dissipation in surface waters, especially of AAA and FAA. Nevertheless, concentrations of CBZ, DiOH-CBZ, and BTri correlated with the actual anthropogenic burden of the lakes by domestic wastewater, indicating that these compounds are suitable for quantification of wastewater contamination in lakes. Marker candidates were also detected in a number of groundwater samples. Carbamazepine concentrations up to 42 ng/L were observed in aquifers with significant infiltration of river water, receiving considerable wastewater discharges from WWTPs. Concentration ratios between compounds indicated some elimination of BTri and DiOH-CBZ during subsurface passage or in groundwater, while CBZ and PMD appeared to be more stable and thus are promising wastewater markers for groundwater. The wastewater burden in groundwater, estimated with the markers CBZ and PMD, reached up to 6%.

Effects of moderate strength cold air exposure on blood pressure and biochemical indicators among cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiakun; Zhang, Shuyu; Wang, Chunling; Wang, Baojian; Guo, Pinwen

2014-02-27

The effects of cold air on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were investigated in an experimental study examining blood pressure and biochemical indicators. Zhangye, a city in Gansu Province, China, was selected as the experimental site. Health screening and blood tests were conducted, and finally, 30 cardiovascular disease patients and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. The experiment was performed during a cold event during 27-28 April 2013. Blood pressure, catecholamine, angiotensin II (ANG-II), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), muscle myoglobin (Mb) and endothefin-1 (ET-1) levels of the subjects were evaluated 1 day before, during the 2nd day of the cold exposure and 1 day after the cold air exposure. Our results suggest that cold air exposure increases blood pressure in cardiovascular disease patients and healthy subjects via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that is activated first and which augments ANG-II levels accelerating the release of the norepinephrine and stimulates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The combined effect of these factors leads to a rise in blood pressure. In addition, cold air exposure can cause significant metabolism and secretion of Mb, cTnI and ET-1 in subjects; taking the patient group as an example, ET-1 was 202.7 ng/L during the cold air exposure, increased 58 ng/L compared with before the cold air exposure, Mb and cTnI levels remained relatively high (2,219.5 ng/L and 613.2 ng/L, increased 642.1 ng/L and 306.5 ng/L compared with before the cold air exposure, respectively) 1-day after the cold exposure. This showed that cold air can cause damage to patients' heart cells, and the damage cannot be rapidly repaired. Some of the responses related to the biochemical markers indicated that cold exposure increased cardiovascular strain and possible myocardial injury.

Simultaneous ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination of amphetamine and amphetamine-like stimulants, cocaine and its metabolites, and a cannabis metabolite in surface water and urban wastewater.

PubMed

Bijlsma, Lubertus; Sancho, Juan V; Pitarch, Elena; Ibáñez, Maria; Hernández, Félix

2009-04-10

An ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method has been developed for the simultaneous quantification and confirmation of 11 basic/acidic illicit drugs and relevant metabolites in surface and urban wastewater at ng/L levels. The sample pre-treatment consisted of a solid-phase extraction using Oasis MCX cartridges. Analyte deuterated compounds were used as surrogate internal standards (except for norbenzoylecgonine and norcocaine) to compensate for possible errors resulting from matrix effects and those associated to the sample preparation procedure. After SPE enrichment, the selected drugs were separated within 6min under UHPLC optimized conditions. To efficiently combine UHPLC with MS/MS, a fast-acquisition triple quadrupole mass analyzer (TQD from Waters) in positive-ion mode (ESI+) was used. The excellent selectivity and sensitivity of the TQD analyzer in selected reaction monitoring mode allowed quantification and reliable identification at the LOQ levels. Satisfactory recoveries (70-120%) and precision (RSD<20%) were obtained for most compounds in different types of water samples, spiked at two concentration levels [limit of quantification (LOQ) and 10LOQ]. Thus, surface water was spiked at 30 ng/L and 300 ng/L (amphetamine and amphetamine-like stimulants), 10 ng/L and 100 ng/L (cocaine and its metabolites), 300 ng/L and 3000 ng/L (tetrahydrocannabinol-COOH). Recovery experiments in effluent and influent wastewater were performed at spiking levels of three and fifteen times higher than the levels spiked in surface water, respectively. The validated method was applied to urban wastewater samples (influent and effluent). The acquisition of three selected reaction monitoring transitions per analyte allowed positive findings to be confirmed by accomplishment of ion ratios between the quantification transition and two additional specific confirmation transitions. In general, drug consumption increased in the weekends and during an important musical event. The highest concentration levels were 27.5 microg/L and 10.5 microg/L, which corresponded to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy) and to benzoylecgonine (a cocaine metabolite), respectively. The wastewater treatment plants showed good removal efficiency (>99%) for low levels of illicit drugs in water, but some difficulties were observed when high drug levels were present in wastewaters.

Analysis of perfluoroalkyl substances in waters from Germany and Spain.

PubMed

Llorca, Marta; Farré, Marinella; Picó, Yolanda; Müller, Jutta; Knepper, Thomas P; Barceló, Damià

2012-08-01

Water has been identified as one of the main routes of human exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This work assessed the presence of 21 PFASs along the whole water cycle using a new fast and cost effective analytical method based on an online sample enrichment followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was validated for different types of matrices (ultrapure water, tap water and treated wastewater). The quality parameters for the 21 selected compounds presented good limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranging, in general, from 0.83-10 ng/L to 2.8-50 ng/L, respectively. The method was applied to assess the occurrence of PFASs in 148 water samples of different steps along the whole water cycle, including: mineral bottled water, tap water, river water and treated effluent wastewater, from Germany to Spain. In addition, in order to prove the good performance of the online analytical method, the analysis of PFASs was carried out in parallel using a method based on offline anionic solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by LC-MS/MS. Consistent results were obtained using both approaches. The more frequently found compounds were perfluoroalkyl acids, such as the perfluorobutanoic acid which was in the 54% of the tap water samples investigated with concentrations in the range between 2.4 and 27 ng/L, the perfluoroheptanoic acid (0.23-53 ng/L) and perfluorooctanoic acid (0.16-35 ng/L), and the sulphonate perfluorooctanesulfonate (0.04-258 ng/L) which was the second more frequent compound and also the compound found in with the higher concentration. It should be remarked that the 88% of the samples analyzed presented at least one of the compounds at quantifiable concentrations. In addition, PFASs including short chain compounds were proved to be prevalent in drinking water, and the 50% of the drinking water samples showed quantifiable concentrations of PFASs. It should be said that the great majority of the samples may not pose an immediate health risk to consumers, and just 6 of the drinking water samples presented concentrations of PFOS exceeding the Provisional Health Advisory (PHA) level established by the Office of Water from the USEPA for PFOS, which was set in 200 ng/L. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Occurrence of perfluorinated compounds in raw water from New Jersey public drinking water systems.

PubMed

Post, Gloria B; Louis, Judith B; Lippincott, R Lee; Procopio, Nicholas A

2013-01-01

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were previously detected (≥ 4 ng/L) in 65% and 30%, respectively, of 23 New Jersey (NJ) public drinking water systems (PWS) sampled in 2006. We now report on a 2009 study of the occurrence of PFOA, PFOS, and eight other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in raw water samples from 30 intakes (18 groundwater and 12 surface water) from 29 additional NJ PWS. Between 1 and 8 PFCs were detected (≥ 5 ng/L) in 21 (70%) of 30 PWS samples at total PFC concentrations of 5-174 ng/L. Although PFOA was the most commonly detected PFC (57% of samples) and was found at the highest maximum concentration (100 ng/L), some of the higher levels of other PFCs were at sites with little or no PFOA. Perfluorononanoic acid was detected more frequently (30%) and at higher concentrations (up to 96 ng/L) than in raw or finished drinking water elsewhere, and it was found at several sites as the sole or predominant PFC, a pattern not reported in other drinking water studies. PFOS, perfluoropentanoic acid, and perfluorohexanoic acid were each detected in more than 20% of samples, while perfluoroheptanoic acid, perfluorobutane sulfonic acid, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid were detected less frequently. Perfluorobutanoic acid was found only once (6 ng/L), and perfluorodecanoic acid was not detected. Total PFCs were highest in two reservoirs near an airfield; these were also the only sites with total perfluorosulfonic acids higher than total perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). PFC levels in raw and finished water from the same source were similar at those sites where both were tested. Five wells of two additional NJ PWS known to be contaminated with PFOA were also each sampled 4-9 times in 2010-13 for nine of the same PFCs. Total PFCs (almost completely PFCAs) at one of these PWS located near an industrial source of PFCs were higher than in any other PWS tested (up to 330 ng/L). These results show that multiple PFCs are commonly found in raw water from NJ PWS. Future work is needed to develop approaches for assessing the potential human health risks of exposure to mixtures of PFCs found in drinking water and other environmental media.

Routine determination of sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, and sulfonamide herbicides at nanogram-per-liter concentrations by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Furlong, E.T.; Burkhardt, M.R.; Gates, Paul M.; Werner, S.L.; Battaglin, W.A.

2000-01-01

Sulfonylurea (SU), imidazolinone (IMI), and sulfonamide (SA) herbicides are new classes of low-application-rate herbicides increasingly used by farmers. Some of these herbicides affect both weed and crop species at low dosages and must be carefully used. Less is known about the effect of these compounds on non-crop plant species, but a concentration of 100 ng/l in water has been proposed as the threshold for possible plant toxicity for most of these herbicides. Hence, analytical methods must be capable of detecting SUs, IMIs, and SAs at concentrations less than 100 ng/l in ambient water samples. The authors developed a two-cartridge, solid-phase extraction method for isolating 12 SU, 3 IMI, and 1 SA herbicides by using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) to identify and quantify these herbicides to 10 ng/l. This method was used to analyze 196 surface- and ground-water samples collected from May to August 1998 throughout the Midwestern United States, and more than 100 quality-assurance and quality-control samples. During the 16 weeks of the study, the HPLC/ESI-MS maintained excellent calibration linearity across the calibration range from 5 to 500 ng/l, with correlation coefficients of 0.9975 or greater. Continuing calibration verification standards at 100-ng/l concentration were analyzed throughout the study, and the average measured concentrations for individual herbicides ranged from 93 to 100 ng/l. Recovery of herbicides from 27 reagent-water samples spiked at 50 and 100 ng/l ranged from 39 to 92%, and averaged 73%. The standard deviation of recoveries ranged from 14 to 26%, and averaged 20%. This variability reflects multiple instruments, operators, and the use of automated and manual sample preparation. Spiked environmental water samples had similar recoveries, although for some herbicides, the sample matrix enhanced recoveries by as much as 200% greater than the spiked concentration. This matrix enhancement was sample- and compound-dependent. Concentrations of herbicides in unspiked duplicate environmental samples were typically within 25% of each other. The results demonstrate the usefulness of HPLC/ESI-MS for determining low-application-rate herbicides at ambient concentrations. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Total Mercury and Methylmercury in Indiana Streams, August 2004-September 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ulberg, Amanda L.; Risch, Martin R.

2008-01-01

Total mercury and methylmercury were determined by use of low (subnanogram per liter) level analytical methods in 225 representative water samples collected following ultraclean protocols at 25 Indiana monitoring stations in a statewide network, on a seasonal schedule, August 2004-September 2006. The highest unfiltered total mercury concentrations were at six monitoring stations - five that are downstream from urban and industrial wastewater discharges and that have upstream drainage areas more than 1,960 square miles and one that is downstream from active and abandoned mine lands and that has an upstream drainage area of 602 square miles. Total mercury concentrations in unfiltered samples ranged from 0.24 to 26.9 nanograms per liter (ng/L), with a median of 2.35 ng/L. The highest concentrations of total mercury, those in the 90th percentile and above, were more than 9.05 ng/L, and most were in samples collected during winter and spring 2006 during changing streamflow hydrograph conditions. Seasonal medians for unfiltered total mercury were highest during winter and spring. Instantaneous streamflow and turbidity at the time of sample collection also were highest in winter and spring and potentially indicate conditions for the most particulate mercury transport. Samples with the highest total mercury concentrations were from water that had the highest turbidity at the time of sample collection. Unfiltered total mercury concentrations were significantly lower in samples collected at five stations downstream from dams. Values for particulate total mercury and streamflow also were significantly lower at these five stations. Total mercury concentrations equaled or exceeded the 2007 Indiana chronic aquatic criterion of 12 ng/L in 5.8 percent of samples and at 10 monitoring stations. Most of the total mercury in these 13 samples was estimated to be particulate. Most of the samples with mercury concentrations that equaled or exceeded the 12 ng/L criterion were collected during winter and spring 2006 during changing streamflow hydrograph conditions and in streamflow that was high for 2004-2006. Methylmercury was detected in 83 percent of unfiltered samples; reported concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.57 ng/L, with a median of 0.09 ng/L. The highest concentrations of methylmercury, those in the 90th percentile and above, were more than 0.25 ng/L, and most were in samples collected during spring and summer. Methylation efficiency in most samples was less than 5.8 percent, but was as much as 24.6 percent. Seasonal medians for methylmercury were highest during spring and summer. Seasonal medians for water temperatures at the time of sample collection were highest during these seasons and potentially indicate conditions for the most formation of methylmercury. The low streamflow statistical category had the significantly highest methylation efficiency.

[Expression profiles and clinical implication of plasma chemokines in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection].

PubMed

Fan, F D; Xu, Z J; Zhou, Q; Wang, D J

2017-04-24

Objective: To explore the plasma chemokines expressions and related clinical implication in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection (AD). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 65 patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection, hypertensive patients and 11 healthy subjects admitted in our department from October 2013 to December 2014, they were divided into four groups: NH-CON group (11 healthy subjects), H-AD group (29 AD patients with hypertension), NH-AD group (21 AD patients without hypertension), and H-CON group (14 hypertension patients). Four plasma samples from AD patients and 4 plasma samples from healthy subjects were collected randomly with random numbers table, and the levels of different chemokines were examined by protein array analysis. Then, plasma levels of chemokines including macrophage inflammatory protein 1β(MIP-1β), epithelial neutrophil activating peptide 78(ENA-78), interleukin 16(IL-16), interferon inducible protein 10(IP-10) and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3(Flt-3) ligand were analyzed by luminex. Pearson analysis was used to determine the correlations between the chemokines and serum C reactive protein (CRP) levels. Results: Plasma levels of MIP-1β(34.0(29.3, 47.2) ng/L vs. 51.0(28.2, 80.7) ng/L, P <0.05) and ENA-78(110.5(59.1, 161.4) ng/L vs. 475.7(299.3, 837.3) ng/L, P <0.05) were significantly lower in H-AD group, while plasma IL-16 level was significantly higher in H-AD group(54.7(16.3, 187.8) ng/L vs. 17.5(11.9, 20.8) ng/L, P <0.05) than in H-CON group. Plasma levels of MIP-1β(48.3(26.4, 62.1) ng/L, P <0.05) were significantly lower in H-AD patients than in NH-AD patients. Plasma level of ENA-78 was significantly lower in NH-AD group than in NH-CON group (95.0(58.0, 155.0) ng/L vs. 257.7(85.2, 397.8) ng/L, P <0.05). The levels of IP-10 and Flt-3 ligand were similar among the 4 groups (all P >0.05). Pearson analysis showed that there were no correlation between MIP-1β( r (2)=0.01, P >0.05), ENA-78( r (2)=0.02, P >0.05), IL-16( r (2)=0.02, P >0.05), IP-10( r (2)=0.00, P >0.05), Flt-3 ligand( r (2)=0.02, P >0.05) and CRP levels in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection. Conclusions: Lower plasma levels of MIP-1β and ENA-78 and higher plasma levels of IL-16 may associate with the occurrence and development of type A aortic dissection, but their concentrations are not correlated with serum CRP levels. There is no significant change on plasma levels of IP-10 and Flt-3 in the Stanford type A aortic dissection patients.

A multi-residue method for the analysis of pesticides and pesticide degradates in water using HLB solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hladik, M.L.; Smalling, K.L.; Kuivila, K.M.

2008-01-01

A method was developed for the analysis of over 60 pesticides and degradates in water by HLB solid-phase extraction and gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry. Method recoveries and detection limits were determined using two surface waters with different dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. In the lower DOC water, recoveries and detection limits were 80%-108% and 1-12 ng/L, respectively. In the higher DOC water, the detection limits were slightly higher (1-15 ng/L). Additionally, surface water samples from four sites were analyzed and 14 pesticides were detected with concentrations ranging from 4 to 1,200 ng/L. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Investigation of pharmaceuticals, personal care products and endocrine disrupting chemicals in a tropical urban catchment and the influence of environmental factors.

PubMed

You, Luhua; Nguyen, Viet Tung; Pal, Amrita; Chen, Huiting; He, Yiliang; Reinhard, Martin; Gin, Karina Yew-Hoong

2015-12-01

Previous studies showed the presence of multiple emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in urban surface waters of Singapore even though there are no obvious direct wastewater discharges. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and distribution of 17 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disruptive compounds (EDCs) in a tropical urban catchment of Singapore. Monthly samples were collected from a reservoir and its 5 upstream tributaries during a 16-month period. Analysis of samples showed all sites had measurable PPCP and EDC concentrations, with caffeine (33.9-2980 ng/L), salicylic acid (5-838 ng/L), acetaminophen (<4-485.5 ng/L), BPA (<2-919.5 ng/L) and DEET (13-270 ng/L) being the most abundant. Marked differences in concentrations of target analytes between the reservoir and upstream tributaries were observed, and were tentatively attributed to the spatial differences in source inputs, water dilution capacity as well as natural attenuation of EOCs. Significant correlations between EOCs and conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, turbidity, nutrients and cumulative precipitation were observed. These factors appeared to affect the distribution and attenuation of EOCs, depending on their physicochemical properties. Rainfall also influenced the temporal distribution of caffeine, BPA, triclosan, fipronil and DEET in the reservoir. Ecological risk assessment showed that caffeine, acetaminophen, estrone, BPA, triclosan and fipronil may warrant further survey. In particular, BPA levels exceeded the literature-based Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) value, highlighting the need for source control and/or water remediation in this urban catchment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A nationwide survey of NDMA in raw and drinking water in Japan.

PubMed

Asami, Mari; Oya, Masami; Kosaka, Koji

2009-05-15

A nationwide survey of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in both raw and finished water samples from drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in Japan was conducted. NDMA was analyzed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). NDMA was detected in 15 of 31 raw water samples collected in the summer at concentrations up to 2.6 ng/L, and in 9 of 28 raw water samples collected in winter at concentrations up to 4.3 ng/L. The NDMA concentrations were higher in raw water samples collected from treatment plants with catchment areas that have high population densities. The NDMA concentrations were higher in river water samples collected from the east and west of Japan than in those collected from other areas. NDMA was detected in 10 of 31 finished samples collected in summer at reduced concentrations of up to 2.2 ng/L, while 5 of 28 finished samples collected in winter showed NDMA concentrations up to 10 ng/L. The highest NDMA levels were detected in finished water samples collected from the Yodo River basin DWTP, which uses ozonation. Furthermore, evaluation of the process water produced at six advanced water treatment plants was conducted. Influent from the Yodo River indicated that the NDMA concentration increased during ozonation to as high as 20 ng/L, and then decreased with subsequent biological activated carbon treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide evaluation of NDMA concentrations in water conducted in Japan to date.

Characterisation of a highly sensitive troponin I assay and its application to a cardio-healthy population.

PubMed

Koerbin, Gus; Tate, Jill; Potter, Julia M; Cavanaugh, Juleen; Glasgow, Nicholas; Hickman, Peter E

2012-02-03

Abbott Diagnostics have developed a new highly sensitive troponin I (hs-TnI) assay. We have assessed its analytical characteristics and applied the assay to a population of apparently cardio-healthy persons. We assessed imprecision, bias compared to the previous generation assay, matrix effects, and interferences and applied the assay to an apparently healthy population, deriving the 99th percentile limit of the distribution of values in reference populations for men and women separately. The dynamic range of the assay was ranged from 0.5-50,000 ng/L (pg/mL). The 10% CV was at a concentration of 3.9 ng/L, and the 20% CV was at a concentration of 1.8 ng/L. The new and current version of the TnI assay were highly correlated [slope: 0.98 (95%CI:0.88-1.07), y-intercept:1.20 (95%CI:-2.35-4.75) r²=0.99]. The 99th percentile limit of the distribution of values in a reference population was different for males and females: for males 14.0 ng/L and for females 11.1 ng/L and at these concentrations the assay CV was 5.0%. TnI was detectable in nearly all patient samples from the healthy reference population (98.6%). This new hs-TnI assay is able to measure to an order of magnitude lower than the current generation TnI assay from the same manufacturer. With TnI being detectable in nearly all apparently healthy subject samples this suggests that TnI presence does not always indicate cardiomyocyte necrosis.

Artificial sweetener sucralose in U.S. drinking water systems.

PubMed

Mawhinney, Douglas B; Young, Robert B; Vanderford, Brett J; Borch, Thomas; Snyder, Shane A

2011-10-15

The artificial sweetener sucralose has recently been shown to be a widespread of contaminant of wastewater, surface water, and groundwater. In order to understand its occurrence in drinking water systems, water samples from 19 United States (U.S.) drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) serving more than 28 million people were analyzed for sucralose using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Sucralose was found to be present in source water of 15 out of 19 DWTPs (47-2900 ng/L), finished water of 13 out of 17 DWTPs (49-2400 ng/L) and distribution system water of 8 out of the 12 DWTPs (48-2400 ng/L) tested. Sucralose was only found to be present in source waters with known wastewater influence and/or recreational usage, and displayed low removal (12% average) in the DWTPs where finished water was sampled. Further, in the subset of DWTPs with distribution system water sampled, the compound was found to persist regardless of the presence of residual chlorine or chloramines. In order to understand intra-DWTP consistency, sucralose was monitored at one drinking water treatment plant over an 11 month period from March 2010 through January 2011, and averaged 440 ng/L in the source water and 350 ng/L in the finished water. The results of this study confirm that sucralose will function well as an indicator compound for anthropogenic influence on source, finished drinking and distribution system (i.e., tap) water, as well as an indicator compound for the presence of other recalcitrant compounds in finished drinking water in the U.S.

Distribution characteristics of organochlorine pesticide in the water environment in Lanzhou section of Yellow River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, L.; Zhao, X.; Shen, J. M.; Chen, Z. L.; Wang, X. C.; Qiu, H. R.

2017-04-01

Surface water, surface sediments and suspended particles in the Lanzhou section of Yellow River were collected. After the samples were lyophilised, extracted, concentrated, purified and separated, organochlorine pesticides in the samples were analysed by GC-MS. Results showed that organochlorine pesticide contents in surface water, surface sediments and suspended particles ranged from 28.63 ng/L to 123.2 ng/L, from 0.86 ng/g to 4.51 ng/g and from 23.29 ng/g to 126.14 ng/g, respectively. HCHs, DDTs and HCB were high; among these contents, HCH contents ranged from 1.49 ng/L to 18.1 ng/L, from 0.04ng/g to 1.53 ng/g and from 2.74ng/g to 25.64 ng/g, respectively. DDT contents ranged from 1.49 ng/Lto 18.1 ng/L, from 0.04 ng/g to 1.53 ng/g and from 2.74 ng/g to 25.64 ng/g, respectively. Component analysis results showed that organochlorine pesticide in the Lanzhou section of Yellow River was mainly from early residues or soil after pesticides were applied and long-term weathering occurred. Correlation analysis results showed that total organic carbon was an important factor affecting the distribution of organochlorine pesticide in sediments. Moderate organochlorine pesticide contents were detected in surface water in Lanzhou section of Yellow River compared with other rivers in our country and in other countries. Furthermore, the ecological risk of organochlorine pesticide in surface sediments was low.

[Effects and related mechanism of flavone from Galium verum L on peroxide induced oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

PubMed

Dong, J M; Ma, Y L; Zhang, Z Y; Li, R; Zhu, Y L; Ma, L

2016-07-24

To investigate the effects of flavone from Galium verum L (FGVL) on hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and explore related mechanisms. HUVEC were divided into five groups: control group (1640 complete medium), injured group (HUVEC treated with 100 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide for 4 h), FGVL group (HUVEC treated with 12.5 mg/L FGVL (group F1), 25.0 mg/L (group F2), 50.0 mg/L (group F3) for 24 h before hydrogen peroxide). The nitric oxide content was measured by nitric acid reductase method. The 6-keto-Prostacyclin-F1α (6-keto-PGF1α), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-22 were determined by ELISA.mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was detected by RT-PCR.Protein expression of p-Akt (ser(473)) and p-eNOS (ser(1177)) was determined by Western blot.Cell apoptosis was observed with fluorescence microscope after Hoechst33258 staining. (1) The contents of nitric oxide were significantly lower in the injured group than in the control group ((34.11±1.78) μmol/L vs. (74.81±2.93) μmol/L, P<0.05), which was significantly increased in group F2 ((41.86±2.32) μmol/L) and group F3 ((62.79±1.16) μmol/L) compared with injured group (both P<0.05). (2)The secretion level of 6-keto-PGF1α was significantly lower in the injured group ((44.84±3.87) ng/L) than in the control group ((82.38±3.98) ng/L, P<0.05), which was significantly increased in group F1 ((52.76±1.78) ng/L), FGVL 2 group which was(56.58±1.44) ng/L and FGVL 3 group which was(67.78±2.02) ng/L than that of injured group(all P<0.05). The secretion level of TXB2 was significantly higher in the injured group((43.37±3.96) ng/L) than in the control group ((25.56±1.75) ng/L, P<0.05), which was significantly reduced group F2 group ((32.41±1.68) ng/L) and group F3 ((28.23±2.15) ng/L) than that of injured group(both P<0.05). (3) The contents of IL-6 and IL-22 were significantly higher in the injured group ((539.74±11.63) ng/L) and ((23.70±3.05) ng/L, respectively) than in the control group ((288.67±19.52) ng/L) and ((23.70±3.05) ng/L, respectively, both P<0.05). The contents of IL-6 were significantly lower in group F1, F2 and F3 compared to that of injured group(all P<0.05). The contents of IL-22 were significantly lower in group F2 and F3 than that of injured group(both P<0.05). (4)The relative levels of PI3K mRNA and eNOS mRNA in injured group (0.68±0.09 and 0.22±0.03, respectively) were significantly lower compared to control group(0.81±0.12 and 0.63±0.11, respectively, both P<0.05), PI3K mRNA in group F2 (0.76±0.03) and group F3 (PI3K mRNA 0.83±0.06) as well as eNOS mRNA in group F1 (0.37±0.08), F2 (0.53±0.04) and F3 (0.56±0.09) than those of injured group(all P<0.05). The mRNA expression of Akt was similar among groups (P>0.05). (5) The relative levels of p-Akt (ser(473)) and p-eNOS (ser(1177)) in injured group (0.48±0.05 and 0.23±0.03, respectively) were significantly lower compared to control group (0.71±0.12 and 0.66±0.05, respectively, both P<0.05), which was up-regulated in group F1, F2 and F3 groups compared to injured group(all P<0.05). (6) The cell apoptosis rate in injured groups was significantly higher compared to control group which ((63.67±11.37)% vs. (4.67±1.15)%, P<0.05) which was significantly reduced in group F1((43.33±4.16)%), F2((18.33±4.93)%) and F3((15.67±2.08)%) compared to injured group(all P<0.05). The FGVL can reduce hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative injury in HUVEC by increasing the level of nitric oxide through PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway.

Profiling Lipid Metabolites Yields Unique Information on Sex- and Time-dependent Responses of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) Exposed to 17α-Ethynylestradiol

EPA Science Inventory

Alterations in hepatic lipid profiles of fathead minnows (FHM) exposed to the synthetic estrogen 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) were determined using 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolite profiling. The exposures were conducted using either 10 ng/l or 100 ng/l EE2 via a continuous flo...

Caffeine in Boston Harbor past and present, assessing its utility as a tracer of wastewater contamination in an urban estuary

EPA Science Inventory

Sites throughout Boston Harbor were analyzed for caffeine to assess its utility as a tracer in identifying sources of sanitary wastewater. Caffeine ranged from 15 ng/L in the outer harbor to a high of 185 ng/L in the inner harbor. Inner harbor concentrations were a result of comb...

Trace analysis of trimethoprim and sulfonamide, macrolide, quinolone, and tetracycline antibiotics in chlorinated drinking water using liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ye, Z.; Weinberg, H.S.; Meyer, M.T.

2007-01-01

A multirun analytical method has been developed and validated for trace determination of 24 antibiotics including 7 sulfonamides, 3 macrolides, 7 quinolones, 6 tetracyclines, and trimethoprim in chlorine-disinfected drinking water using a single solid-phase extraction method coupled to liquid chromatography with positive electrospray tandem mass spectrometry detection. The analytes were extracted by a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced resin and eluted with acidified methanol (0.1% formic acid), resulting in analyte recoveries generally above 90%. The limits of quantitation were mostly below 10 ng/L in drinking water. Since the concentrated sample matrix typically caused ion suppression during electrospray ionization, the method of standard addition was used for quantitation. Chlorine residuals in drinking water can react with some antibiotics, but ascorbic acid was found to be an effective chlorine quenching agent without affecting the analysis and stability of the antibiotics in water. A preliminary occurrence study using this method revealed the presence of some antibiotics in drinking waters, including sulfamethoxazole (3.0-3.4 ng/L), macrolides (1.4-4.9 ng/L), and quinolones (1.2-4.0 ng/L). ?? 2007 American Chemical Society.

Evaluation of a New Disinfection Approach: Efficacy of Chlorine and Bromine Halogenated Contact Disinfection for Reduction of Viruses and Microcystin Toxin

PubMed Central

Coulliette, Angela D.; Peterson, Lauren A.; Mosberg, Joshua A. W.; Rose, Joan B.

2010-01-01

Contaminated drinking water is responsible for causing diarrheal diseases that kill millions of people a year. Additionally, toxin-producing blue-green algae associated with diarrhea and neurologic effects continues to be an issue for many drinking water supplies. Disinfection has been used to reduce these risks. A novel gravity-fed household drinking water system with canisters containing N-halamine bromine or chlorine media was challenged with MS2 bacteriophage and microcystin. Chlorine and bromine systems were effective against this virus, with an mean ± SE reduction of 2.98 ± 0.26 log10 and 5.02 ± 0.19 log10, respectively. Microcystin toxin was reduced by 27.5% and 88.5% to overall mean ± SE concentrations of 1,600 ± 98 ng/L and 259 ± 50 ng/L for the chlorine and bromine canisters, respectively. Only the bromine units consistently produced microcystin effluent < 1,000 ng/L (the World Health Organization recommended level) when challenged with 2,500 ng/L and consistently surpassed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency virus reduction goal of 99.99%. PMID:20134006

Spatial and temporal patterns of endocrine active chemicals in small streams indicate differential exposure to aquatic organisms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, K.E.; Barber, L.B.; Schoenfuss, H.L.

2014-01-01

Alkylphenolic chemicals (APCs) and hormones were measured six times from February through October 2007 in three Minnesota streams receiving wastewater to identify spatial and temporal patterns in concentrations and in estrogen equivalency. Fish were collected once during the study to evaluate endpoints indicative of endocrine disruption. The most commonly detected APCs were 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol and the most commonly detected hormones were estrone and androstenedione. Chemical concentrations were greatest for nonylphenol ethoxycarboxylates (NPECs) (5,000-140,000 ng/l), followed by 4-nonlylphenol and 4-nonylphenolethoxylates (50-880 ng/l), 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenolethoxylates with concentrations as great as 130 ng/l, and hormones (0.1-54 ng/l). Patterns in chemicals and estrogen equivalency indicated that wastewater effluent is a pathway of APCs and hormones to downstream locations in this study. However, upstream contributions can be equally or more important indicating alternative sources. This study indicates that aquatic organisms experience both spatially and temporally variable exposures in the number of compounds, total concentrations, and estrogenicity. This variability was evident in fish collected from the three rivers as no clear upstream to downstream pattern of endocrine disruption endpoints emerged.

Tributyltin disrupts feeding and energy metabolism in the goldfish (Carassius auratus).

PubMed

Zhang, Jiliang; Sun, Ping; Yang, Fan; Kong, Tao; Zhang, Ruichen

2016-06-01

Tributyltin (TBT) can induce obesogen response. However, little is known about the adverse effects of TBT on food intake and energy metabolism. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of TBT, at environmental concentrations of 2.44 and 24.4 ng/L (1 and 10 ng/L as Sn), on feeding and energy metabolism in goldfish (Carassius auratus). After exposure for 54 d, TBT increased the weight gain and food intake in fish. The patterns of brain neuropeptide genes expression were in line with potential orexigenic effects, with increased expression of neuropeptide Y and apelin, and decreased expression of pro-opiomelanocortin, ghrelin, cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript, and corticotropin-releasing factor. Interestingly, the energy metabolism indicators (oxygen consumption, ammonia exertion and swimming activity) and the serum thyroid hormones were all significantly increased at the 2.44 ng/L TBT group in fish. However, no changes of energy metabolism indicators or a decrease of thyroid hormones was found at the 24.4 ng/L TBT group, which indicated a complex disrupting effect on metabolism of TBT. In short, TBT can alter feeding and energy metabolism in fish, which might promote the obesogenic responses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure-odor relationships of linalool, linalyl acetate and their corresponding oxygenated derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsharif, Shaimaa; Banerjee, Ashutosh; Buettner, Andrea

2015-10-01

Linalool 1 is an odorant that is commonly perceived as having a pleasant odor, but is also known to elicit physiological effects such as inducing calmness and enhancing sleep. However, no comprehensive studies are at hand to show which structural features are responsible for these prominent effects. Therefore, a total of six oxygenated derivatives were synthesized from both 1 and linalyl acetate 2, and were tested for their odor qualities and relative odor thresholds (OTs) in air. Linalool was found to be the most potent odorant among the investigated compounds, with an average OT of 3.2 ng/L, while the 8-hydroxylinalool derivative was the least odorous compound with an OT of 160 ng/L; 8-carboxylinalool was found to be odorless. The odorant 8-oxolinalyl acetate, which has very similar odor properties to linalool, was the most potent odorant besides linalool, exhibiting an OT of 5.9 ng/L. By comparison, 8-carboxylinalyl acetate had a similar OT (6.1 ng/L) as its corresponding 8-oxo derivative but exhibited divergent odor properties (fatty, greasy, musty). Overall, oxygenation on carbon 8 had a substantial effect on the aroma profiles of structural derivatives of linalool and linalyl acetate.

Pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds in U.S. drinking water.

PubMed

Benotti, Mark J; Trenholm, Rebecca A; Vanderford, Brett J; Holady, Janie C; Stanford, Benjamin D; Snyder, Shane A

2009-02-01

The drinking water for more than 28 million people was screened for a diverse group of pharmaceuticals, potential endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), and other unregulated organic contaminants. Source water, finished drinking water, and distribution system (tap) water from 19 U.S. water utilities was analyzed for 51 compounds between 2006 and 2007. The 11 most frequently detected compounds were atenolol, atrazine, carbamazepine, estrone, gemfibrozil, meprobamate, naproxen, phenytoin, sulfamethoxazole, TCEP, and trimethoprim. Median concentrations of these compounds were less than 10 ng/L, except for sulfamethoxazole in source water (12 ng/L), TCEP in source water (120 ng/L), and atrazine in source, finished, and distribution system water (32, 49, and 49 ng/L). Atrazine was detected in source waters far removed from agricultural application where wastewater was the only known source of organic contaminants. The occurrence of compounds in finished drinking water was controlled by the type of chemical oxidation (ozone or chlorine) used at each plant. At one drinking water treatment plant, summed monthly concentrations of the detected analytes in source and finished water are reported. Atenolol, atrazine, DEET, estrone, meprobamate, and trimethoprim can serve as indicator compounds representing potential contamination from other pharmaceuticals and EDCs and can gauge the efficacy of treatment processes.

Determination of Antimycin-A in water by liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometry: single-laboratory validation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bernardy, Jeffry A.; Hubert, Terrance D.; Ogorek, Jacob M.; Schmidt, Larry J.

2013-01-01

An LC/MS method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination and confirmation of antimycin-A (ANT-A) in water from lakes or streams. Three different water sample volumes (25, 50, and 250 mL) were evaluated. ANT-A was stabilized in the field by immediately extracting it from water into anhydrous acetone using SPE. The stabilized concentrated samples were then transported to a laboratory and analyzed by LC/MS using negative electrospray ionization. The method was determined to have adequate accuracy (78 to 113% recovery), precision (0.77 to 7.5% RSD with samples ≥500 ng/L and 4.8 to 17% RSD with samples ≤100 ng/L), linearity, and robustness over an LOQ range from 8 to 51 600 ng/L.

NGL Viewer: a web application for molecular visualization

PubMed Central

Rose, Alexander S.; Hildebrand, Peter W.

2015-01-01

The NGL Viewer (http://proteinformatics.charite.de/ngl) is a web application for the visualization of macromolecular structures. By fully adopting capabilities of modern web browsers, such as WebGL, for molecular graphics, the viewer can interactively display large molecular complexes and is also unaffected by the retirement of third-party plug-ins like Flash and Java Applets. Generally, the web application offers comprehensive molecular visualization through a graphical user interface so that life scientists can easily access and profit from available structural data. It supports common structural file-formats (e.g. PDB, mmCIF) and a variety of molecular representations (e.g. ‘cartoon, spacefill, licorice’). Moreover, the viewer can be embedded in other web sites to provide specialized visualizations of entries in structural databases or results of structure-related calculations. PMID:25925569

Determination of antimycin-A in water by liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometry: single-laboratory validation.

PubMed

Bernardy, Jeffry A; Hubert, Terrance D; Ogorek, Jacob M; Schmidt, Larry J

2013-01-01

An LC/MS method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination and confirmation of antimycin-A (ANT-A) in water from lakes or streams. Three different water sample volumes (25, 50, and 250 mL) were evaluated. ANT-A was stabilized in the field by immediately extracting it from water into anhydrous acetone using SPE. The stabilized concentrated samples were then transported to a laboratory and analyzed by LC/MS using negative electrospray ionization. The method was determined to have adequate accuracy (78 to 113% recovery), precision (0.77 to 7.5% RSD with samples > or = 500 ng/L and 4.8 to 17% RSD with samples < or = 100 ng/L), linearity, and robustness over an LOQ range from 8 to 51 600 ng/L.

FLPP NGL Structural Subsystems Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaredson, D.; Ramusat, G.; Appel, S.; Cardone, T.; Persson, J.; Baiocco, P.; Lavelle, F.; Bouilly, Th.

2012-07-01

The ESA Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) is the basis for new paradigms, investigating the key elements, logic and roadmaps to prepare the development of the safe, reliable and low cost next European Launch Vehicle (LV) for access to space (dubbed NGL - Next Generation LV), with an initial operational capability mid-next decade. In addition to carry cargo to conventional GTO or SSO, the European NGL has to be flexible enough to cope with new pioneering institutional missions as well as the evolving commercial payloads market. This achievement is broached studying three main areas relevant to ELVs: System concepts, Propulsion and Core Technology During the preliminary design activity, a number of design alternatives concerning NGL main structural subsystems have been investigated. Technology is one of the ways to meet the NGL challenges to either improve the performances or to reduce the cost or both. The relevant requirements allow to steer a ‘top-down’ approach for their conception and to propose the most effective technologies. Furthermore, all these technology developments represent a significant ‘bottom-up’ approach investment and concern a large range of activities. The structural subsystems portfolio of the FLPP ‘Core Technology’ activity encompasses major cutting-edge challenges for maturation of the various subsystems leading to reduce overall structural mass, increasing structural margins for robustness, metallic and composite containment of cryogenic propellants, significantly reducing fabrication and operations cost, etc. to derive performing upper and booster stages. Application of concurrent engineering methods will allow developments of performing technology demonstrators in terms of need, demonstration objective, size and cost yielding to safe, low-risk technical approaches for a future development. Potential ability of these advanced structural LV technologies to satisfy the system requirements of the NGL and their current and targeted technology readiness (i.e. TRL 6 by 2016) are being assessed to check whether a future flawless development could be performed within a given budget and schedule. The paper outlines the various technology developments for the pressurised and unpressurised structure subsystems and describes the implementation methodology, some of the current technology works performed and achieved accomplishments up to now. This is in strong connection with the “system” activity dealing with the same matter [1].

Multi-center validation of the Response Biomedical Corporation RAMP NT-proBNP assay with comparison to the Roche Diagnostics GmbH Elecsys proBNP assay.

PubMed

Lee-Lewandrowski, Elizabeth; Januzzi, James L; Green, Sandy M; Tannous, Bakhos; Wu, Alan H B; Smith, Andrew; Wong, Alicia; Murakami, MaryAnn M; Kaczmarek, Jason; Apple, Fred S; Miller, Wayne L; Hartman, Karen; Jaffe, Allan S

2007-01-01

NT-proBNP measurements aid in the evaluation of patients with suspected heart failure (HF) and may facilitate risk stratification in patients with HF and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Point-of-care (POC) assays may provide more timely results and potentially improve patient outcomes. We evaluated the analytical performance of the Response Biomedical Corporation whole blood RAMP amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) POC assay compared to the Roche Elecsys proBNP (NT-proBNP) assay. Intra-day and total imprecision (% CV) ranged from 5.5% to 10.3% at 140, 449 and 1675 ng/L. The lowest concentration that yields a 20% CV was 57 ng/L. The lower limit of detection was 18 ng/L. The upper limit of linearity was validated to 23,428 ng/L with an average recovery of 95%. Correlation by Passing and Bablok regression yielded RAMP=1.01 Elecsys+14.6, r=0.98 (n=540; range of Elecsys values <5 to >35,000). Concordance of RAMP versus Elecsys using cut-offs of 125 ng/L for subjects <75 years and 450 ng/L for subjects > or =75 was 92% (95% CI 89-94%) for a group consisting of 127 apparently healthy individuals and 208 non-healthy subjects without HF, and 99% (95% CI 97-100%) for patients with HF, using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification. Overall, 80%, 87%, 97% and 100% of the RAMP results and 77%, 85%, 96% and 100% of the Elecsys results were greater than the age appropriate cut-off for NYHA I, II, III or IV groups. For both the RAMP and Elecsys results, the median NT-proBNP value was statistically correlated (increasing) with NYHA I, II, III or IV groups, respectively (p<0.0001), with no significant difference between the two methods. The POC Response Biomedical RAMP NT-proBNP assay provides comparable results that measured on the FDA cleared Roche Elecsys central laboratory platform.

Reference Values of 14 Serum Trace Elements for Pregnant Chinese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010-2012.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaobing; Zhang, Yu; Piao, Jianhua; Mao, Deqian; Li, Yajie; Li, Weidong; Yang, Lichen; Yang, Xiaoguang

2017-03-21

The development of reference values of trace elements is recognized as a fundamental prerequisite for the assessment of trace element nutritional status and health risks. In this study, a total of 1400 pregnant women aged 27.0 ± 4.5 years were randomly selected from the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010-2012 (CNHS 2010-2012). The concentrations of 14 serum trace elements were determined by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Reference values were calculated covering the central 95% reference intervals (P2.5-P97.5) after excluding outliers by Dixon's test. The overall reference values of serum trace elements were 131.5 (55.8-265.0 μg/dL for iron (Fe), 195.5 (107.0-362.4) μg/dL for copper (Cu), 74.0 (51.8-111.3) μg/dL for zinc (Zn), 22.3 (14.0-62.0) μg/dL for rubidium (Rb), 72.2 (39.9-111.6) μg/L for selenium (Se), 45.9 (23.8-104.3) μg/L for strontium (Sr), 1.8 (1.2-3.6) μg/L for molybdenum (Mo), 2.4 (1.2-8.4) μg/L for manganese (Mn), 1.9 (0.6-9.0) ng/L for lead (Pb), 1.1 (0.3-5.6) ng/L for arsenic (As), 835.6 (219.8-4287.7) ng/L for chromium (Cr), 337.9 (57.0-1130.0) ng/L for cobalt (Co), 193.2 (23.6-2323.1) ng/L for vanadium (V), and 133.7 (72.1-595.1) ng/L for cadmium (Cd). Furthermore, some significant differences in serum trace element reference values were observed between different groupings of age intervals, residences, anthropometric status, and duration of pregnancy. We found that serum Fe, Zn, and Se concentrations significantly decreased, whereas serum Cu, Sr, and Co concentrations elevated progressively compared with reference values of 14 serum trace elements in pregnant Chinese women. The reference values of serum trace elements established could play a key role in the following nutritional status and health risk assessment.

Blood-based cerebral biomarkers in preeclampsia: Plasma concentrations of NfL, tau, S100B and NSE during pregnancy in women who later develop preeclampsia - A nested case control study.

PubMed

Bergman, Lina; Zetterberg, Henrik; Kaihola, Helena; Hagberg, Henrik; Blennow, Kaj; Åkerud, Helena

2018-01-01

To evaluate if concentrations of the neuronal proteins neurofilament light chain and tau are changed in women developing preeclampsia and to evaluate the ability of a combination of neurofilament light chain, tau, S100B and neuron specific enolase in identifying neurologic impairment before diagnosis of preeclampsia. A nested case-control study within a longitudinal study cohort was performed. 469 healthy pregnant women were enrolled between 2004-2007 and plasma samples were collected at gestational weeks 10, 25, 28, 33 and 37. Plasma concentrations of tau and neurofilament light chain were analyzed in 16 women who eventually developed preeclampsia and 36 controls throughout pregnancy with single molecule array (Simoa) method and compared within and between groups. S100B and NSE had been analyzed previously in the same study population. A statistical model with receiving characteristic operation curve was constructed with the four biomarkers combined. Plasma concentrations of neurofilament light chain were significantly increased in women who developed preeclampsia in gestational week 33 (11.85 ng/L, IQR 7.48-39.93 vs 6.80 ng/L, IQR 5.65-11.40) and 37 (22.15 ng/L, IQR 10.93-35.30 vs 8.40 ng/L, IQR 6.40-14.30) and for tau in gestational week 37 (4.33 ng/L, IQR 3.97-12.83 vs 3.77 ng/L, IQR 1.91-5.25) in contrast to healthy controls. A combined model for preeclampsia with tau, neurofilament light chain, S100B and neuron specific enolase in gestational week 25 displayed an area under the curve of 0.77, in week 28 it was 0.75, in week 33 it was 0.89 and in week 37 it was 0.83. Median week for diagnosis of preeclampsia was at 38 weeks of gestation. Concentrations of both tau and neurofilament light chain are increased in the end of pregnancy in women developing preeclampsia in contrast to healthy pregnancies. Cerebral biomarkers might reflect cerebral involvement before onset of disease.

Left ventricular hypertrophy with strain and aortic stenosis.

PubMed

Shah, Anoop S V; Chin, Calvin W L; Vassiliou, Vassilis; Cowell, S Joanna; Doris, Mhairi; Kwok, T'ng Choong; Semple, Scott; Zamvar, Vipin; White, Audrey C; McKillop, Graham; Boon, Nicholas A; Prasad, Sanjay K; Mills, Nicholas L; Newby, David E; Dweck, Marc R

2014-10-28

ECG left ventricular hypertrophy with strain is associated with an adverse prognosis in aortic stenosis. We investigated the mechanisms and outcomes associated with ECG strain. One hundred and two patients (age, 70 years [range, 63-75 years]; male, 66%; aortic valve area, 0.9 cm(2) [range, 0.7-1.2 cm(2)]) underwent ECG, echocardiography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance. They made up the mechanism cohort. Myocardial fibrosis was determined with late gadolinium enhancement (replacement fibrosis) and T1 mapping (diffuse fibrosis). The relationship between ECG strain and cardiovascular magnetic resonance was then assessed in an external validation cohort (n=64). The outcome cohort was made up of 140 patients from the Scottish Aortic Stenosis and Lipid Lowering Trial Impact on Regression (SALTIRE) study and was followed up for 10.6 years (1254 patient-years). Compared with those without left ventricular hypertrophy (n=51) and left ventricular hypertrophy without ECG strain (n=30), patients with ECG strain (n=21) had more severe aortic stenosis, increased left ventricular mass index, more myocardial injury (high-sensitivity plasma cardiac troponin I concentration, 4.3 ng/L [interquartile range, 2.5-7.3 ng/L] versus 7.3 ng/L [interquartile range, 3.2-20.8 ng/L] versus 18.6 ng/L [interquartile range, 9.0-45.2 ng/L], respectively; P<0.001) and increased diffuse fibrosis (extracellular volume fraction, 27.4±2.2% versus 27.2±2.9% versus 30.9±1.9%, respectively; P<0.001). All patients with ECG strain had midwall late gadolinium enhancement (positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 86%, respectively). Indeed, late gadolinium enhancement was independently associated with ECG strain (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.77; P=0.02), a finding confirmed in the validation cohort. In the outcome cohort, ECG strain was an independent predictor of aortic valve replacement or cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-5.27; P<0.01). ECG strain is a specific marker of midwall myocardial fibrosis and predicts adverse clinical outcomes in aortic stenosis. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

[Role of parathyroid hormone measurement in prediction for symptomatic hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy].

PubMed

An, Chang-ming; Tang, Ping-zhang; Xu, Zhen-gang; Zhang, Bin; Zhang, Zong-min; Yan, Dan-gui; Li, Zheng-jiang

2010-03-01

To evaluate the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium in prediction for hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy. One hundred and sixty-five patients undergoing total or complete total thyroidectomy were reviewed retrospectively. The indications included bilateral carcinoma, undifferential carcinoma, surroundings invasion, distant metastasis and huge benign lesions. Preoperative and postoperative PTH, calcium concentrations and their decline levels were compared between Jan. 2005 and May 2009. The role of PTH value and decline level predicting for symptomatic hypocalcaemia were analyzed by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve. After total thyroidectomy, 85 patients (51.5%) developed hypocalcemia. Symptoms were reported by 36 patients (21.8%). The mean concentration of PTH for normocalcaemia (80 cases), asymptomatic hypocalcaemia (49 cases) and symptomatic patients (36 cases) were 31.0 ng/L, 19.6 ng/L and 11.9 ng/L, respectively. The mean decline level for the three groups were 28.6%, 52.6% and 78.0%, respectively. PTH value and its decline level had a poor predicting value for symptomatic hypocalcaemia and high negative predicting value for asymptomatic patients. The serum calcium concentration more than 2.0 mmol/L, PTH level higher than 15 ng/L and PTH decline less than 50% had the good negative predicting value of 97.6%, 90.3% and 96.5%, respectively. Postoperative PTH and its decline level were significantly correlated with postoperative serum calcium concentration but had a low accuracy for predicting symptomatic hypocalcaemia. The serum calcium concentration more than 2.0 mmol/L, PTH level higher than 15 ng/L and PTH decline less than 50% had the good predicting value for asymptomatic patients. Calcium should be routinely supplemented in the first 24 h after total thyroidectomy to reduce the rate of hypocalcemia and the severity of hypocalcemia symptoms.

The management of undesirable cyanobacteria blooms in channel catfish ponds using a constructed wetland: Contribution to the control of off-flavor occurrences.

PubMed

Zhong, Fei; Gao, Yunni; Yu, Tao; Zhang, Yongyuan; Xu, Dong; Xiao, Enrong; He, Feng; Zhou, Qiaohong; Wu, Zhenbin

2011-12-01

An exploratory study on the management of undesirable cyanobacteria blooms with respect to off-flavor problems using an integrated vertical-flow constructed wetland (CW) was performed at a small commercial-scale channel catfish farm from 2004 to 2007. The results of the three-year experiment indicated that water treatment by the CW could reduce the possibility of dominance by undesirable cyanobacteria species that often cause off-flavor problems. A detailed investigation in 2007, showed that the concentrations of geosmin, MIB (2-methylisoborneol), and β-cyclocitral in the water of the recirculating pond (4.3ngL(-1), U.D. (undetected) and 0.2ngL(-1), respectively) treated by the CW were significantly lower than those in the control pond (152.6ngL(-1), 63.3ngL(-1) and 254.8ngL(-1), respectively). In addition, the relationships among the cyanobacteria species, the off-flavor compounds and ten environmental variables were explored by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The results showed that Oscillatoria sp., Oscillatoria kawamurae and Microcystis aeruginosa were the main sources of off-flavor compounds in the catfish ponds. The successful manipulation of undesirable cyanobacteria species potentially resulted in lower concentrations of odorous compounds in the water of the recirculating pond. An investigation of the concentrations of geosmin and MIB in catfish fillets showed that the levels of odorous compounds were below the OTC (odor threshold concentration) values in the recirculating pond but were above the OTC values from July to October in the control pond. Water recycling by the CW could potentially be one of the best management practices to control off-flavor occurrences in aquaculture. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The analytic structure of non-global logarithms: Convergence of the dressed gluon expansion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larkoski, Andrew J.; Moult, Ian; Neill, Duff Austin

Non-global logarithms (NGLs) are the leading manifestation of correlations between distinct phase space regions in QCD and gauge theories and have proven a challenge to understand using traditional resummation techniques. Recently, the dressed gluon ex-pansion was introduced that enables an expansion of the NGL series in terms of a “dressed gluon” building block, defined by an all-orders factorization theorem. Here, we clarify the nature of the dressed gluon expansion, and prove that it has an infinite radius of convergence as a solution to the leading logarithmic and large-N c master equation for NGLs, the Banfi-Marchesini-Smye (BMS) equation. The dressed gluonmore » expansion therefore provides an expansion of the NGL series that can be truncated at any order, with reliable uncertainty estimates. In contrast, manifest in the results of the fixed-order expansion of the BMS equation up to 12-loops is a breakdown of convergence at a finite value of α slog. We explain this finite radius of convergence using the dressed gluon expansion, showing how the dynamics of the buffer region, a region of phase space near the boundary of the jet that was identified in early studies of NGLs, leads to large contributions to the fixed order expansion. We also use the dressed gluon expansion to discuss the convergence of the next-to-leading NGL series, and the role of collinear logarithms that appear at this order. Finally, we show how an understanding of the analytic behavior obtained from the dressed gluon expansion allows us to improve the fixed order NGL series using conformal transformations to extend the domain of analyticity. Furthermore, this allows us to calculate the NGL distribution for all values of α slog from the coefficients of the fixed order expansion.« less

An Integrated Approach Combining Chemical Analysis and an In Vivo Bioassay to Assess the Estrogenic Potency of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate in Qingdao

PubMed Central

Gong, Yufeng; Tian, Hua; Wang, Lijia; Yu, Suping; Ru, Shaoguo

2014-01-01

Various adverse effects related to landfill leachate have made leachates an important issue in past decades, and it has been demonstrated that landfill leachate is an important source of environmental estrogens. In this study, we employed chemical analysis of some already evaluated estrogenic substances, in combination with a bioassay using several specific biomarkers (e.g., plasma vitellogenin and sex steroids, enzyme activity of gonad gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and gonadosomatic index) to evaluate the estrogenic activities in outlets from different stages of the leachate treatment process. The results indicated that 5 environmental estrogens (4-t-octylphenol, bisphenol A, di-ethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, and diethylhexyl phthalate) were detected by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the concentrations in leachate samples were 6153 ng/L, 3642 ng/L, 2139 ng/L, 5900 ng/L, and 9422 ng/L, respectively. Leachate (1∶200 diluted) induced the synthesis of plasma vitellogenin and led to decreased enzyme activity of gonad gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and gonadosomatic index in male goldfish (Carassius auratus) after a 28-day exposure, while increased circulating 17β-estradiol level was also observed in males exposed to treated effluent. Although the target EEs were partially removed with removal rates varying from 87.2% to 99.77% by the “membrane bioreactor+reverse osmosis+aeration zeolite biofilter” treatment process, the treated effluent is still estrogenic to fish. The method combined chemical techniques with the responses of test organisms allowing us to identify the group of estrogen-like chemicals so that we were able to evaluate the overall estrogenic effects of a complex mixture, avoiding false negative assessments. PMID:24743634

Regulatory peptides in the plasma of patients with chronic cardiac failure at rest and during exercise.

PubMed

Nicholls, D P; Riley, M; Elborn, J S; Stanford, C F; Shaw, C; McKillop, J M; Buchanan, K D

1992-10-01

The levels of several regulatory peptides were measured in peripheral plasma samples from individuals with chronic cardiac failure (CCF) and matched controls in both the resting state and during a short period of maximal exercise. Basal levels of noradrenaline (NA; 705 +/- 114 vs 195 +/- 54 ng.l-1; mean +/- SEM; P < 0.05), plasma renin activity (PRA; 12.9 +/- 2.9 vs 2.1 +/- 0.3 ng AI ml-1.h-1; P < 0.05) and aldosterone (ALDO; 325 +/- 49 vs 87 +/- 8 ng.l-1; P < 0.05) were all raised in the patients with CCF, and increased further with exercise. Basal circulating levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were also significantly higher in the CCF group compared to controls (136 +/- 35 vs 27 +/- 5 ng.l-1; P < 0.01), but the response to exercise was attenuated, so that at peak exercise, no significant difference was observed. Basal circulating levels of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) (29 +/- 4 vs 40 +/- 4 ng.l-1; P < 0.05) and secretin (13 +/- 1 vs 32 +/- 4 ng.l-1; P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the CCF group when compared to controls and there was no significant change in the levels of either peptide with exercise. Levels of neurokinin A (NKA), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and neurotensin (NT) were somewhat higher in patients, but the differences were not significant, and there were no changes during exercise. There were also no significant differences in the levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), insulin or glucagon in either experimental group both before and during exercise. We have therefore identified different circulating levels of certain regulatory peptides in patients with CCF, but the significance of these remains unclear.

The analytic structure of non-global logarithms: Convergence of the dressed gluon expansion

DOE PAGES

Larkoski, Andrew J.; Moult, Ian; Neill, Duff Austin

2016-11-15

Non-global logarithms (NGLs) are the leading manifestation of correlations between distinct phase space regions in QCD and gauge theories and have proven a challenge to understand using traditional resummation techniques. Recently, the dressed gluon ex-pansion was introduced that enables an expansion of the NGL series in terms of a “dressed gluon” building block, defined by an all-orders factorization theorem. Here, we clarify the nature of the dressed gluon expansion, and prove that it has an infinite radius of convergence as a solution to the leading logarithmic and large-N c master equation for NGLs, the Banfi-Marchesini-Smye (BMS) equation. The dressed gluonmore » expansion therefore provides an expansion of the NGL series that can be truncated at any order, with reliable uncertainty estimates. In contrast, manifest in the results of the fixed-order expansion of the BMS equation up to 12-loops is a breakdown of convergence at a finite value of α slog. We explain this finite radius of convergence using the dressed gluon expansion, showing how the dynamics of the buffer region, a region of phase space near the boundary of the jet that was identified in early studies of NGLs, leads to large contributions to the fixed order expansion. We also use the dressed gluon expansion to discuss the convergence of the next-to-leading NGL series, and the role of collinear logarithms that appear at this order. Finally, we show how an understanding of the analytic behavior obtained from the dressed gluon expansion allows us to improve the fixed order NGL series using conformal transformations to extend the domain of analyticity. Furthermore, this allows us to calculate the NGL distribution for all values of α slog from the coefficients of the fixed order expansion.« less

Levels of perfluorinated compounds in human breast milk in Jordan: the impact of sociodemographic characteristics.

PubMed

Al-sheyab, Nihaya A; Al-Qudah, Khaled M; Tahboub, Yahya R

2015-08-01

There is scarcity in literature in regards to the exact levels of such compounds in the Middle Eastern region including Jordan. This study was conducted to measure the presence and levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (perfluoroocane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)) in human milk and local fresh cow milk in northern Jordan and also to investigate the relationship between levels of PFASs and some sociodemographic characteristics of breastfeeding mothers and their infants as well as usage of Teflon kitchenware products. Seventy-nine milk samples were collected from breastfeeding women and 25 samples from local fresh cow milk in northern Jordan. Levels of PFOS and PFOA were liquid/liquid extracted (LLE) by acetone followed by purification on an Oasis hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) solid-phase extraction (SPE). Separations and detections were performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 10 ng/L for both PFOA and PFOS. The measured concentrations ranged between non-detectable (ND) and 178 ng/L for PFOS and between 24 and 1120 ng/L for PFOA in human milk and between ND-178 ng/L and LOQ-160 ng/L in fresh cow milk, respectively. Median concentrations of PFOS in human milk samples from Jordan in this study were lower than those found in a recent study from Italy. Moreover, mean concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were significantly higher in milk samples provided by older women. Also, mean concentrations of PFOA was much higher in multiparas and those who have younger infants. The mean rank of PFOA was twice as high in the milk of women who had older Teflon products in kitchen compared to those who had relatively new Teflon products.

Occurrence and removal of progestagens in two representative swine farms: Effectiveness of lagoon and digester treatment.

PubMed

Liu, Shuang-Shuang; Ying, Guang-Guo; Liu, You-Sheng; Yang, Yuan-Yuan; He, Liang-Ying; Chen, Jun; Liu, Wang-Rong; Zhao, Jian-Liang

2015-06-15

A total of 21 progestagens were screened in animal wastes and environmental samples from two representative swine farms and surrounding environments of South China using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to assess the effectiveness of simple lagoon (and digester) treatment. The results showed that 11, 8 and 8 of 21 target progestagens were detected with the minimum concentration of 2.31 ng/L and maximum of 6150 ng/L in the water samples, with the minimum of 1.36 ng/L and maximum of 98.3 ng/L in the suspended particles, and with the minimum of 1.57 ng/g dry weight (dw) and maximum of 3310 ng/g dw in the solid samples, respectively. Trace levels (a few ng/L or ng/g levels) of dydrogesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, norgestrel and progesterone were found in samples from nearby surface waters and vegetable fields impacted by animal wastes. The residual progestagens at the reported levels may still pose potential risks to aquatic organisms such as fish in the receiving aquatic environments. This finding suggests that swine wastewater and feces could lead to contamination of some detectable progestagens in the surrounding environments. Significant reduction in total progestagen concentrations were observed from the fresh swine wastewaters to the fish ponds, indicating effective removal of these compounds by the lagoon (and digester) treatment. In addition, the biogas digesters provided high removal of the progestagens in the waste streams. This low-cost and eco-friendly treatment system should be promoted in developing countries with concentrated animal operations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combined Sewer Overflows as a Source of Hormones to Surface Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, P.; Chalmers, A.; Gray, J. L.; Foreman, W.; Kolpin, D. W.; Wall, G.; Esposito, K.

2009-12-01

Some sources of hormones to surface water, such as wastewater-treatment-plant (WWTP) effluent, have been well documented, but other sources, particularly wet-weather discharges from combined-sewer-overflows (CSOs), are not well characterized. Flow-weighted composite samples of secondarily treated WWTP effluent and untreated sewage discharges from WWTP inflows and CSO discharges were collected during 12 storms and 6 non-storm conditions from November 2007-December 2008 at the main Burlington Vermont WWTP. Concentrations of many androgens and estrogens were highest in samples from untreated sewage, and lower in samples from treated sewage. For example, concentrations of estriol in CSO samples ranged from 5 to over 100 ng/L (nanograms per liter), but were generally less than 1 ng/L in treated sewage. Many androgens were detected in CSO discharge samples in concentrations ranging from 1 to over 1000 ng/L, but were not detected above 1 ng/L in treated samples. For many of the hormones, including androgens and estriol, CSO discharges comprised over half of the total load discharged by the WWTP, even though annual CSO discharge is less than 10% of the treated plant discharge. These results indicate that untreated discharges during CSO events can be a major source of some hormones and other wastewater compounds to the environment.

Analysis of macrolide antibiotics in water by magnetic solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Pérez, Rosa Ana; Albero, Beatriz; Férriz, Macarena; Tadeo, José Luis

2017-11-30

Macrolides are one of the most commonly used families of antibiotics employed in human and veterinary treatment. These compounds are considered emerging contaminants with potential ecological and human health risks that could be present in surface water. This paper describes the development and application of a simple and efficient extraction procedure for the determination of tilmicosin; erythromycin, tylosin and erythromycin-H 2 O from water samples. Sample extraction was carried out using magnetic solid-phase extraction using oleate functionalized magnetic nanoparticles followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. The effects of several parameters on the extraction efficiency of MLs from water were evaluated. The recovery results obtained were >84% for most of the compounds, except for erytromycin. The LOD and LOQ values ranged from 11.5 to 26ngL -1 and from 34 to 77ngL -1 , respectively. The selected method was applied to monitor these contaminants in water samples from different sources. Tilmicosin and tylosin were not detected in any of the samples, but erythromycin and erythromycin-H 2 O were found in 50% of the surface water samples at levels from

Exposure to TBT increases accumulation of lipids and alters fatty acid homeostasis in the ramshorn snail Marisa cornuarietis.

PubMed

Janer, Gemma; Navarro, Juan Carlos; Porte, Cinta

2007-09-01

Recent studies have shown that organotin compounds affect lipid homeostasis in vertebrates, probably through interaction with RXR and/or PPARgamma receptors. Molluscs are sensitive species to the toxic effects of tributyltin (TBT), particularly to masculinization, and TBT has been recently shown to bind to molluscs RXR. Thus, we hypothesized that exposure to TBT could affect lipid homeostasis in the ramshorn snail Marisa cornuarietis. For comparative purposes, the synthetic androgen methyl-testosterone (MT) was included in the study due to its masculinization effects, but its lack of binding to the RXR receptor. M. cornuarietis was exposed to different concentrations of TBT (30, 125, 500 ng/L as Sn) and MT (30, 300 ng/L) for 100 days. Females exposed to 500 ng/L TBT showed increased percentage of lipids and increased levels of fatty acids in the digestive gland/gonad complex (2- to 3-fold). In addition, fatty acid profiles were altered in both males and females exposed to 125 and 500 ng/L TBT. These effects were not observed in females exposed to MT. Overall, this work suggest that TBT acts as a potent inducer of lipid and fatty acid accumulation in M. cornuarietis as shown in vertebrate studies earlier, and that sex differences in sensitivity do exist.

NGL Viewer: a web application for molecular visualization.

PubMed

Rose, Alexander S; Hildebrand, Peter W

2015-07-01

The NGL Viewer (http://proteinformatics.charite.de/ngl) is a web application for the visualization of macromolecular structures. By fully adopting capabilities of modern web browsers, such as WebGL, for molecular graphics, the viewer can interactively display large molecular complexes and is also unaffected by the retirement of third-party plug-ins like Flash and Java Applets. Generally, the web application offers comprehensive molecular visualization through a graphical user interface so that life scientists can easily access and profit from available structural data. It supports common structural file-formats (e.g. PDB, mmCIF) and a variety of molecular representations (e.g. 'cartoon, spacefill, licorice'). Moreover, the viewer can be embedded in other web sites to provide specialized visualizations of entries in structural databases or results of structure-related calculations. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Occurrence and Distribution of Mercury in the SurficialAquifer, Long Neck Peninsula, Sussex County, Delaware, 2003-04

USGS Publications Warehouse

Koterba, Michael T.; Andres, A. Scott; Vrabel, Joseph; Crilley, Dianna M.; Szabo, Zoltan; DeWild, John F.; Aiken, George R.; Reyes-Padro, Betzaida

2006-01-01

In January 2001, mercury (Hg) was detected (500 nanograms per liter, ng/L, or greater) in the distribution system of the Long Neck Water Company (LNWC), Pot Nets, Delaware. By April 2001, two LNWC production wells had been taken off-line because discharge concentrations of total mercury (HgT) either had exceeded or approached the Federal limit of 2,000 ng/L. From October 2003 through January 2005, the U.S. Geological Survey, Delaware Geological Survey, and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control conducted a cooperative study to (a) determine if the Hg contamination was widespread, (b) identify possible forms of Hg in ground water, and (c) examine Hg occurrence in relation to (geo)chemical conditions and characteristics of ground water and sediment in the surficial aquifer on the Long Neck Peninsula, Sussex County, Delaware. An initial water-quality survey conducted with samples from 22 production wells revealed that concentrations of HgT in ground water in the surficial aquifer ranged from 0.11 to 1,820 ng/L. Shallow ground water (less than 120 feet below land surface) throughout most of the peninsula, including that which contained elevated concentrations of HgT (exceeding 100 ng/L), appeared to be affected by human activities. All samples contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and elevated nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N, exceeding 0.4 milligrams per liter, mg/L). Most (16 of 22) samples had elevated specific conductance (SC, in excess of 100 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius). Elevated concentrations of HgT, however, only occurred in five production wells in the Pot Nets Bayside and Lakeside communities. The vertical distribution of HgT in shallow ground water (less than 80 feet below land surface) was determined with samples collected at 5 to 6 vertical-nest short-screened (2 - 5-foot length) monitoring wells installed near Bayside and Lakeside production wells with the highest HgT concentrations (exceeding 1,000 ng/L). Elevated concentrations ofHgT (100-6,380 ng/L) occurred in the shallow aquifer near each well at different depths. Chemical analyses of selected soil, fill, and aquifer sediment samples, obtained during the installation of nested wells, indicated that little HgT occurred in soil or fill at either site (40 micrograms per kilogram, ?g/kg, or less). No HgT was detected (less than 20 ?g/kg) in aquifer sediment samples. These low HgT concentrations imply that neither the soil, fill, nor aquifer sediment was a likely source of the elevated Hg in ground water. Given Hg occurrence appeared to be a ground-water transport phenomenon, the forms of Hg in transport were investigated. Differences in HgT concentrations between raw and filtered (0.1- and (or) 0.4-absolute micrometer pore size) samples from nested wells were random in sign and similar in magnitude to the variability in measuring HgT attributed to field and laboratory methods (? 5-10 percent, for HgT concentrations exceeding 100 ng/L). Thus, Hg transport likely occurred in a dissolved or fine-colloidal nonparticulate phase. Methyl mercury (HgMe) only was detected at low concentrations (0.06 ng/L or less) in nested-well samples with low to moderate concentrations of HgT (less than 366 ng/L). Whether HgMe occurred at similar concentrations in samples with high HgT concentrations was unresolved due to a sample-matrix interference problem. Potential complex forms of Hg were investigated in relation to the occurrence of selected ligands (organic carbon, sulfide, and chloride concentrations) and geochemical conditions (for example, pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations). Only dissolved organic carbon (DOC) appeared directly related to Hg occurrence. Elevated concentrations of HgT and DOC co-occurred in ground water at both Pot Nets sites. The average concentration of DOC was about four times greater in samples from the Pot Nets wells with the highest HgT concentrations (exceeding 1,000 ng/L) than in most Pot Nets o

[The changes of ghrelin, growth hormone, growth hormone releasing hormone and their clinical significances in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

PubMed

Xu, Zhi-song; Bao, Zi-yu; Wang, Zhi-ying; Yang, Guo-jun; Zhu, Dong-fang; Zhang, Li; Tan, Rong-mei

2012-07-01

To investigate the changes of plasma ghrelin, growth hormone (GH) and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and gastric ghrelin in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to explore their clinical significances. Plasma ghrelin, GH, GHRH, TNFα, IL-6 and C reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 40 COPD patients and 20 controls with chronic bronchitis. Correlated factors of plasma ghrelin, TNFα, IL-6, CRP were analyzed. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. The expression of gastric ghrelin in patients with COPD was detected. Plasma ghrelin was higher in the underweight patients than in the normal weight patients and in the controls [(1.78 ± 0.46) ng/L, (1.39 ± 0.46) ng/L, (1.36 ± 0.39) ng/L, respectively]. Plasma GH was lower in the underweight patients than in the normal weight patients and in the controls [(4.12 ± 0.83) µg/L, (5.17 ± 0.72)µg/L, (6.49 ± 1.13) µg/L, respectively]. Plasma GHRH was lower in the underweight patients than in the normal weight patients and in the controls [(20.43 ± 4.41) ng/L, (23.47 ± 3.97) ng/L, (27.48 ± 10.06) ng/L, respectively]. Plasma ghrelin was higher in the underweight patients than in the controls (P < 0.01). Plasma ghrelin was higher in the underweight patients than in the normal weight patients with COPD. Plasma ghrelin (log transformed) was negatively correlated with BMI and percentage of body fat in the COPD patients. Plasma GHRH was positively correlated with ghrelin in the underweight patients (r = 0.515, P < 0.05), while no correlation was found between plasma GH and ghrelin in the underweight patients (r = 0.415, P > 0.05). Plasma ghrelin was positively correlated with TNFα and IL-6 in the underweight patients. The gastric expression of ghrelin showed no evident difference between the patients with COPD and the controls. The plasma GH in COPD patients may not be correlated with ghrelin. The plasma ghrelin level may be a useful indicator for malnutrition in COPD patients. Plasma ghrelin might be involved in the pathogenesis of CODP by affecting the body energy metabolism.

Urinary naphthalene and phenanthrene as biomarkers of occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

PubMed Central

Sobus, Jon R.; Waidyanatha, Suramya; McClean, Michael D.; Herrick, Robert F.; Smith, Thomas J.; Garshick, Eric; Laden, Francine; Hart, Jaime E.; Zheng, Yuxin; Rappaport, Stephen M.

2009-01-01

Objectives We investigated the utility of unmetabolized naphthalene (Nap) and phenanthrene (Phe) in urine as surrogates for exposures to mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Methods Our study included workers exposed to diesel exhausts (low PAH exposure level, n = 39) as well as those exposed to emissions from asphalt (medium PAH exposure level, n = 26) and coke ovens (high PAH exposure level, n = 28). Levels of Nap and Phe were measured in urine from each subject using head space-solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Published levels of airborne Nap, Phe, and other PAHs in the coke-producing and aluminum industries were also investigated. Results In post-shift urine, the highest estimated geometric mean concentrations of Nap and Phe were observed in coke-oven workers (Nap: 2,490 ng/l; Phe: 975 ng/l), followed by asphalt workers (Nap: 71.5 ng/l; Phe: 54.3 ng/l), and by diesel-exposed workers (Nap: 17.7 ng/l; Phe: 3.60 ng/l). After subtracting logged background levels of Nap and Phe from the logged post-shift levels of these PAHs in urine, the resulting values [referred to as ln(adjNap) and ln(adjPhe), respectively] were significantly correlated in each group of workers (0.71 ≤ Pearson r ≤ 0.89), suggesting a common exposure source in each case. Surprisingly, multiple linear regression analysis of ln(adjNap) on ln(adjPhe) showed no significant effect of the source of exposure (coke ovens, asphalt, and diesel exhaust) and further suggested that the ratio of urinary Nap/Phe (in natural scale) decreased with increasing exposure levels. These results were corroborated with published data for airborne Nap and Phe in the coke-producing and aluminum industries. The published air measurements also indicated that Nap and Phe levels were proportional to the levels of all combined PAHs in those industries. Conclusion Levels of Nap and Phe in urine reflect airborne exposures to these compounds and are promising surrogates for occupational exposures to PAH mixtures. Main Messages Urinary naphthalene and phenanthrene are promising surrogates for occupational exposures to PAHs. Policy Implications Measurement of urinary naphthalene and phenanthrene could simplify the assessment of occupational exposures to PAHs. PMID:19017700

Reference Values of 14 Serum Trace Elements for Pregnant Chinese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010–2012

PubMed Central

Liu, Xiaobing; Zhang, Yu; Piao, Jianhua; Mao, Deqian; Li, Yajie; Li, Weidong; Yang, Lichen; Yang, Xiaoguang

2017-01-01

The development of reference values of trace elements is recognized as a fundamental prerequisite for the assessment of trace element nutritional status and health risks. In this study, a total of 1400 pregnant women aged 27.0 ± 4.5 years were randomly selected from the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010–2012 (CNHS 2010–2012). The concentrations of 14 serum trace elements were determined by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Reference values were calculated covering the central 95% reference intervals (P2.5–P97.5) after excluding outliers by Dixon’s test. The overall reference values of serum trace elements were 131.5 (55.8-265.0 μg/dL for iron (Fe), 195.5 (107.0–362.4) μg/dL for copper (Cu), 74.0 (51.8–111.3) μg/dL for zinc (Zn), 22.3 (14.0–62.0) μg/dL for rubidium (Rb), 72.2 (39.9–111.6) μg/L for selenium (Se), 45.9 (23.8-104.3) μg/L for strontium (Sr), 1.8 (1.2–3.6) μg/L for molybdenum (Mo), 2.4 (1.2–8.4) μg/L for manganese (Mn), 1.9 (0.6–9.0) ng/L for lead (Pb), 1.1 (0.3-5.6) ng/L for arsenic (As), 835.6 (219.8–4287.7) ng/L for chromium (Cr), 337.9 (57.0–1130.0) ng/L for cobalt (Co), 193.2 (23.6–2323.1) ng/L for vanadium (V), and 133.7 (72.1–595.1) ng/L for cadmium (Cd). Furthermore, some significant differences in serum trace element reference values were observed between different groupings of age intervals, residences, anthropometric status, and duration of pregnancy. We found that serum Fe, Zn, and Se concentrations significantly decreased, whereas serum Cu, Sr, and Co concentrations elevated progressively compared with reference values of 14 serum trace elements in pregnant Chinese women. The reference values of serum trace elements established could play a key role in the following nutritional status and health risk assessment. PMID:28335545

Ecological risks of home and personal care products in the riverine environment of a rural region in South China without domestic wastewater treatment facilities.

PubMed

Zhang, Nai-Sheng; Liu, You-sheng; Van den Brink, Paul J; Price, Oliver R; Ying, Guang-Guo

2015-12-01

Home and personal care products (HPCPs) including biocides, benzotriazoles (BTs) and ultraviolet (UV) filters are widely used in our daily life. After use, they are discharged with domestic wastewater into the receiving environment. This study investigated the occurrence of 29 representative HPCPs, including biocides, BTs and UV filters, in the riverine environment of a rural region of South China where no wastewater treatment plants were present, and assessed their potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms. The results showed the detection of 11 biocides and 4 BTs in surface water, and 9 biocides, 3 BTs and 4 UV filters in sediment. In surface water, methylparaben (MeP), triclocarban (TCC), and triclosan (TCS) were detected at all sites with median concentrations of 9.23 ng/L, 2.64 ng/L and 5.39 ng/L, respectively. However, the highest median concentrations were found for clotrimazole (CLOT), 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (MBT) and carbendazim (CARB) at 55.6 ng/L, 33.7 ng/L and 13.8 ng/L, respectively. In sediment, TCC, TCS, and UV-326 were detected with their maximum concentrations up to 353 ng/g, 155 ng/g, and 133 ng/g, respectively. The concentrations for those detected HPCPs in surface water and sediment were generally lower in the upper reach (rural area) of Sha River than in the lower reach of Sha River with close proximity to Dongjiang River (Pt-test<0.05), indicating other input sources of HPCPs in the lower reach. Biocides showed significantly higher levels in surface water in the wet season than in the dry and intermediate seasons. Preliminary risk assessment demonstrated that the majority of HPCPs monitored represented low risk in surface waters. There are potentially greater risks to aquatic organisms from the use of TCS and TCC in the wet season than in dry and intermediate seasons in surface waters. This preliminary assessment also indicates potential concerns associated with TCC, TCS, DEET, CARB, and CLOT in sediments, although additional data should be generated to assess this fully. Thus future research is needed to investigate ecological effects of these HPCPs on benthic organisms in sediment of rural rivers receiving untreated wastewater discharge. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mercury concentrations and distribution in soil, water, mine waste leachates, and air in and around mercury mines in the Big Bend region, Texas, USA.

PubMed

Gray, John E; Theodorakos, Peter M; Fey, David L; Krabbenhoft, David P

2015-02-01

Samples of soil, water, mine waste leachates, soil gas, and air were collected from areas mined for mercury (Hg) and baseline sites in the Big Bend area, Texas, to evaluate potential Hg contamination in the region. Soil samples collected within 300 m of an inactive Hg mine contained elevated Hg concentrations (3.8-11 µg/g), which were considerably higher than Hg in soil collected from baseline sites (0.03-0.05 µg/g) distal (as much as 24 km) from mines. Only three soil samples collected within 300 m of the mine exceeded the probable effect concentration for Hg of 1.06 µg/g, above which harmful effects are likely to be observed in sediment-dwelling organisms. Concentrations of Hg in mine water runoff (7.9-14 ng/L) were generally higher than those found in springs and wells (0.05-3.1 ng/L), baseline streams (1.1-9.7 ng/L), and sources of drinking water (0.63-9.1 ng/L) collected in the Big Bend region. Concentrations of Hg in all water samples collected in this study were considerably below the 2,000 ng/L drinking water Hg guideline and the 770 ng/L guideline recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to protect aquatic wildlife from chronic effects of Hg. Concentrations of Hg in water leachates obtained from leaching of mine wastes varied widely from <0.001 to 760 µg of Hg in leachate/g of sample leached, but only one leachate exceeded the USEPA Hg industrial soil screening level of 31 µg/g. Concentrations of Hg in soil gas collected at mined sites (690-82,000 ng/m(3)) were highly elevated compared to soil gas collected from baseline sites (1.2-77 ng/m(3)). However, air collected from mined areas at a height of 2 m above the ground surface contained concentrations of Hg (4.9-64 ng/m(3)) that were considerably lower than Hg in soil gas from the mined areas. Although concentrations of Hg emitted from mine-contaminated soils and mine wastes were elevated, persistent wind in southwest Texas disperses Hg in the air within a few meters of the ground surface.

Mercury in Indiana watersheds: retrospective for 2001-2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Risch, Martin R.; Baker, Nancy T.; Fowler, Kathleen K.; Egler, Amanda L.; Lampe, David C.

2010-01-01

Information about total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in water samples and mercury concentrations in fish-tissue samples was summarized for 26 watersheds in Indiana that drain most of the land area of the State. Mercury levels were interpreted with information on streamflow, atmospheric mercury deposition, mercury emissions to the atmosphere, mercury in wastewater, and landscape characteristics. Unfiltered total mercury concentrations in 411 water samples from streams in the 26 watersheds had a median of 2.32 nanograms per liter (ng/L) and a maximum of 28.2 ng/L. When these concentrations were compared to Indiana water-quality criteria for mercury, 5.4 percent exceeded the 12-ng/L chronic-aquatic criterion, 59 percent exceeded the 1.8-ng/L Great Lakes human-health criterion, and 72.5 percent exceeded the 1.3-ng/L Great Lakes wildlife criterion. Mercury concentrations in water were related to streamflow, and the highest mercury concentrations were associated with the highest streamflows. On average, 67 percent of total mercury in streams was in a particulate form, and particulate mercury concentrations were significantly lower downstream from dams than at monitoring stations not affected by dams. Methylmercury is the organic fraction of total mercury and is the form of mercury that accumulates and magnifies in food chains. It is made from inorganic mercury by natural processes under specific conditions. Unfiltered methylmercury concentrations in 411 water samples had a median of 0.10 ng/L and a maximum of 0.66 ng/L. Methylmercury was a median 3.7 percent and maximum 64.8 percent of the total mercury in 252 samples for which methylmercury was reported. The percentages of methylmercury in water samples were significantly higher downstream from dams than at other monitoring stations. Nearly all of the total mercury detected in fish tissue was assumed to be methylmercury. Fish-tissue samples from the 26 watersheds had wet-weight mercury concentrations that exceeded the 0.3 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methylmercury criterion in 12.4 percent of the 1,731 samples. The median wet-weight concentration in the fish-tissue samples was 0.13 mg/kg, and the maximum was 1.07 mg/kg. A coarse-scale analysis of all fish-tissue data in each watershed and a fine-scale analysis of data within 5 kilometers (km) of the downstream end of each watershed showed similar results overall. Mercury concentrations in fish-tissue samples were highest in the White River watershed in southern Indiana and the Fall Creek watershed in central Indiana. In fish-tissue samples within 5 km of the downstream end of a watershed, the USEPA methylmercury criterion was exceeded by 45 percent of mercury concentrations from the White River watershed and 40 percent of the mercury concentration from the Fall Creek watershed. A clear relation between mercury concentrations in fish-tissue samples and methylmercury concentrations in water was not observed in the data from watersheds in Indiana. Average annual atmospheric mercury wet-deposition rates were mapped with data at 156 locations in Indiana and four surrounding states for 2001-2006. These maps revealed an area in southeastern Indiana with high mercury wet-deposition rates-from 15 to 19 micrograms per square meter per year (ug/m2/yr). Annual atmospheric mercury dry-deposition rates were estimated with an inferential method by using concentrations of mercury species in air samples at three locations in Indiana. Mercury dry deposition-rates were 5.6 to 13.6 ug/m2/yr and were 0.49 to 1.4 times mercury wet-deposition rates. Total mercury concentrations were detected in 96 percent of 402 samples of wastewater effluent from 50 publicly owned treatment works in the watersheds; the median concentration was 3.0 ng/L, and the maximum was 88 ng/L. When these concentrations were compared to Indiana water-quality criteria for mercury, 12 percent exceeded the 12-n

Low Cost Chemical Feedstocks Using an Improved and Energy Efficient Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Removal Process, Final Technical Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meyer, Howard, S.; Lu, Yingzhong

The overall objective of this project is to develop a new low-cost and energy efficient Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) recovery process - through a combination of theoretical, bench-scale and pilot-scale testing - so that it could be offered to the natural gas industry for commercialization. The new process, known as the IROA process, is based on U.S. patent No. 6,553,784, which if commercialized, has the potential of achieving substantial energy savings compared to currently used cryogenic technology. When successfully developed, this technology will benefit the petrochemical industry, which uses NGL as feedstocks, and will also benefit other chemical industries thatmore » utilize gas-liquid separation and distillation under similar operating conditions. Specific goals and objectives of the overall program include: (i) collecting relevant physical property and Vapor Liquid Equilibrium (VLE) data for the design and evaluation of the new technology, (ii) solving critical R&D issues including the identification of suitable dehydration and NGL absorbing solvents, inhibiting corrosion, and specifying proper packing structure and materials, (iii) designing, construction and operation of bench and pilot-scale units to verify design performance, (iv) computer simulation of the process using commercial software simulation platforms such as Aspen-Plus and HYSYS, and (v) preparation of a commercialization plan and identification of industrial partners that are interested in utilizing the new technology. NGL is a collective term for C2+ hydrocarbons present in the natural gas. Historically, the commercial value of the separated NGL components has been greater than the thermal value of these liquids in the gas. The revenue derived from extracting NGLs is crucial to ensuring the overall profitability of the domestic natural gas production industry and therefore of ensuring a secure and reliable supply in the 48 contiguous states. However, rising natural gas prices have dramatically reduced the economic incentive to extract NGLs from domestically produced natural gas. Successful gas processors will be those who adopt technologies that are less energy intensive, have lower capital and operating costs and offer the flexibility to tailor the plant performance to maximize product revenue as market conditions change, while maintaining overall system efficiency. Presently, cryogenic turbo-expander technology is the dominant NGL recovery process and it is used throughout the world. This process is known to be highly energy intensive, as substantial energy is required to recompress the processed gas back to pipeline pressure. The purpose of this project is to develop a new NGL separation process that is flexible in terms of ethane rejection and can reduce energy consumption by 20-30% from current levels, particularly for ethane recoveries of less than 70%. The new process integrates the dehydration of the raw natural gas stream and the removal of NGLs in such a way that heat recovery is maximized and pressure losses are minimized so that high-value equipment such as the compressor, turbo-expander, and a separate dehydration unit are not required. GTI completed a techno-economic evaluation of the new process based on an Aspen-HYSYS simulation model. The evaluation incorporated purchased equipment cost estimates obtained from equipment suppliers and two different commercial software packages; namely, Aspen-Icarus and Preliminary Design and Quoting Service (PDQ$). For a 100 MMscfd gas processing plant, the annualized capital cost for the new technology was found to be about 10% lower than that of conventional technology for C2 recovery above 70% and about 40% lower than that of conventional technology for C2 recovery below 50%. It was also found that at around 40-50% C2 recovery (which is economically justifiable at the current natural gas prices), the energy cost to recover NGL using the new technology is about 50% of that of conventional cryogenic technology.« less

Distribution and Source of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Water Dissolved Phase, Suspended Particulate Matter and Sediment from Weihe River in Northwest China

PubMed Central

Chen, Yuyun; Jia, Rui; Yang, Shengke

2015-01-01

Weihe River is a typical river located in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China. In this study, the distribution and sources of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Weihe River were investigated. The concentrations of ∑PAHs ranged from 351 to 4427 ng/L with a mean value of 835.4 ng/L in water dissolved phase (WDP), from 3557 ng/L to 147,907 ng/L with a mean value of 20,780 ng /L in suspended particulate matter (SPM), and from 362 to 15,667 ng/g dry weight (dw) with a mean value of 2000 ng/g dw in sediment, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs in Weihe River were higher compared with other rivers in the world. In both WDP and sediment, the highest concentrations of ∑PAHs were observed in the middle reach, while the lowest concentrations of ∑PAHs were found in the lower reach. For SPM, however, the PAHs concentrations in the lower reach were highest and the PAHs concentrations in the upper reach were lowest. The ratios of anthracene/(anthracene + phenanthrene) and fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene) reflected a pattern of both pyrolytic and petrogenic input of PAHs in Weihe River. The potential ecosystem risk assessment indicated that harmful biological impairments occur frequently in Weihe River. PMID:26561824

Performance of passive samplers for monitoring estuarine water column concentrations: 2. Emerging contaminants.

PubMed

Perron, Monique M; Burgess, Robert M; Suuberg, Eric M; Cantwell, Mark G; Pennell, Kelly G

2013-10-01

Measuring dissolved concentrations of emerging contaminants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and triclosan, can be challenging due to their physicochemical properties resulting in low aqueous solubilities and association with particles. Passive sampling methods have been applied to assess dissolved concentrations in water and sediments primarily for legacy contaminants. Although the technology is applicable to some emerging contaminants, the use of passive samplers with emerging contaminants is limited. In the present study, the performance of 3 common passive samplers was evaluated for sampling PBDEs and triclosan. Passive sampling polymers included low-density polyethylene (PE) and polyoxymethylene (POM) sheets, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers. Dissolved concentrations were calculated using measured sampler concentrations and laboratory-derived partition coefficients. Dissolved tri-, tetra-, and pentabrominated PBDE congeners were detected at several of the study sites at very low pg/L concentrations using PE and POM. Calculated dissolved water concentrations of triclosan ranged from 1.7 ng/L to 18 ng/L for POM and 8.8 ng/L to 13 ng/L for PE using performance reference compound equilibrium adjustments. Concentrations in SPME were not reported due to lack of detectable chemical in the PDMS polymer deployed. Although both PE and POM were found to effectively accumulate emerging contaminants from the water column, further research is needed to determine their utility as passive sampling devices for emerging contaminants. © 2013 SETAC.

Neonicotinoid concentrations in urine from chronic kidney disease patients in the North Central Region of Sri Lanka.

PubMed

Kabata, Risako; Nanayakkara, Shanika; Senevirathna, Stmld; Harada, Kouji H; Chandrajith, Rohana; Hitomi, Toshiaki; Abeysekera, Tilak; Takasuga, Takumi; Koizumi, Akio

2016-01-01

Neonicotinoid insecticides have been widely used around the world since the 1990s. Reports have been made since the 1990s of rice paddy farmers in the North Central Region (NCR) of Sri Lanka suffering from chronic kidney disease with unknown etiology (CKDu). A preliminary evaluation of the exposure of local farmers in the NCR of Sri Lanka to neonicotinoids was performed. We analyzed neonicotinoid and neonicotinoid metabolite concentrations in spot urine samples. We selected 40 samples, 10 from farmers with CKDu and 10 from controls from each of two areas, Medawachchiya and Girandurukotte. Imidacloprid and desmethyl-acetamiprid were found at significantly higher concentrations in the control samples (with medians of 51 ng/l and 340 ng/l, respectively) than in the CKDu samples (medians of 15 ng/l and 150 ng/l, respectively) when the results were not adjusted for the creatinine contents. None of the six compounds that were measured in the urine samples were found at significantly higher concentrations in the CKDu samples than in the control samples. None of the neonicotinoid concentrations in the samples analyzed in this study exceeded the concentrations that have been found in samples from the general population of Japan. Farmers (both with and without CKDu) living in CKDu-endemic areas in the NCR of Sri Lanka are exposed to lower neonicotinoid concentrations than non-occupationally exposed residents of Japan.

Occurrence and risk assessment of four typical fluoroquinolone antibiotics in raw and treated sewage and in receiving waters in Hangzhou, China.

PubMed

Tong, Changlun; Zhuo, Xiajun; Guo, Yun

2011-07-13

A sensitive liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection method, combined with one-step solid-phase extraction, was established for detecting the residual levels of the four typical fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin) in influent, effluent, and surface waters from Hangzhou, China. For the various environmental water matrices, the overall recoveries were from 76.8 to 122%, and no obvious interferences of matrix effect were observed. The limit of quantitation of this method was estimated to be 17 ng/L for ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, 20 ng/L for ofloxacin, and 27 ng/L for enrofloxacin. All of the four typical fluoroquinolone antibiotics were found in the wastewaters and surface waters. The residual contents of the four typical fluoroquinolone antibiotics in influent, effluent, and surface water samples are 108-1405, 54-429, and 7.0-51.6 ng/L, respectively. The removal rates of the selected fluoroquinolone antibiotics were 69.5 (ofloxacin), 61.3 (norfloxacin), and 50% (enrofloxacin), indicating that activated sludge treatment is effective except for ciprofloxacin and necessary to remove these fluoroquinolone antibiotics in municipal sewage. The risk to the aquatic environment was estimated by a ratio of measured environmental concentration and predicted no-effect concentration. At the concentrations, these fluoroquinolone antibiotics were found in influent, effluent, and surface waters, and they should not pose a risk for the aquatic environment.

Environmental Progestins Progesterone and Drospirenone Alter the Circadian Rhythm Network in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

PubMed

Zhao, Yanbin; Castiglioni, Sara; Fent, Karl

2015-08-18

Progestins alter hormone homeostasis and may result in reproductive effects in humans and animals. Thus far, studies in fish have focused on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)-axis and reproduction, but other effects have little been investigated. Here we report that progesterone (P4) and drospirenone (DRS) interfere with regulation of the circadian rhythm in fish. Breeding pairs of adult zebrafish were exposed to P4 and DRS at concentrations between 7 and 13 650 ng/L for 21 days. Transcriptional analysis revealed significant and dose-dependent alterations of the circadian rhythm network in the brain with little effects in the gonads. Significant alterations of many target transcripts occurred even at environmental relevant concentrations of 7 ng/L P4 and at 99 ng/L DRS. They were fully consistent with the well-described circadian rhythm negative/positive feedback loops. Transcriptional alterations of the circadian rhythm network were correlated with those in the HPG-Liver-axis. Fecundity was decreased at 742 (P4) and 2763 (DRS) ng/L. Dose-dependent alterations in the circadian rhythm network were also observed in F1 eleuthero-embryos. Our results suggest a potential target of environmental progestins, the circadian rhythm network, in addition to the adverse reproductive effects. Forthcoming studies should show whether the transcriptional alterations in circadian rhythm translate into physiological effects.

Qatar NGL-2 pipeline problems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Jundi, I.M.

Qatar NGL/2 plant, commissioned in December, 1979, was designed to process the associated gas from the offshore crude oil fields of Qatar. The dehydrated sour lean gas and wet sour liquids are transported via two separate lines to Umm Said NGL Complex about 120 kms. from the central offshore station. The liquids line 300 mm diameter (12 inch) has suffered general and severe pitting corrosion. The lean gas line 600 mm diameter (24 inch) has suffered corrosion and extensively hydrogen induced cracking (HIC), also known as HIPC. Both lines never performed to their design parameters and many problems in themore » downstream facilities have been experienced. All efforts to clean the liquids lines from the solids (debris) have failed. This inturn interfered with the planned corrosion control programe, thus allowing corrosion to continue. Investigation work has been done by various specialists in an attempt to find the origin of the solids and to recommend necessary remedial actions. Should lines fall from pitting corrosion, the effect of liquids leak at a pressure of about 11000 kpa will be very dangerous especially if it occurs onshore. In order to protect the NGL-2 operations against possible risks, both interms of safety as well as losses in revenue, critically sections of the pipelines have been replaced, whilst the whole gas liquids pipelines would be replaced shortly. Supplementary documents to the API standards were prepared by QPC for the replaced pipelines.« less

POLAR ORGANIC CHEMICAL INTEGRATIVE SAMPLING ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The purpose of the research presented in this paper is two-fold: (1) to demonstrate the 4 coupling of two state-of-the-art techniques: a time-weighted polar organic integrative sampler (POCIS) and micro-liquid chromatography-electrospray/ion trap mass spectrometry (u-LC-6 ES/ITMS); and (2) the assessment of these methodologies in a real-world environment -wastewater effluent - for detecting six drugs (four prescription and two illicit). In the effluent from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), azithromycin was detected at concentrations ranging from 15ng/L to 66ng/L, equivalent to the total annual release of 0.4 -4 kg into the receiving waters. Detected and confirmed in the effluent from two WWTPs were two illicit drugs methamphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), at 2ng/L and 0.5ng/L, respectively. While the ecotoxicological significance of drugs in environmental matrices, particularly water, has not been closely examined, it can only be surmised that these substances have the potential to adversely affect biota that are continuously exposed to them even at very low levels. The potential for chronic affects on human health is also unknown, but of increasing concern due to the multi use character of water, particularly in densely populated arid areas. The research focused on in the subtasks is the development and application of state-of the-art technologies to meet the needs of the public, Office of Water, and ORD in the area of Water Quality

Structure-Odor Relationship Study on Geraniol, Nerol, and Their Synthesized Oxygenated Derivatives.

PubMed

Elsharif, Shaimaa Awadain; Buettner, Andrea

2018-03-14

Despite being isomers having the same citrus-like, floral odor, geraniol, 1, and nerol, 3, show different odor thresholds. To date, no systematic studies are at hand elucidating the structural features required for their specific odor properties. Therefore, starting from these two basic structures and their corresponding esters, namely, geranyl acetate, 2, and neryl acetate, 4, a total of 12 oxygenated compounds were synthesized and characterized regarding retention indices (RI), mass spectrometric (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. All compounds were individually tested for their odor qualities and odor thresholds in air (OT). Geraniol, the Z-isomer, with an OT of 14 ng/L, was found to be more potent than its E-isomer, nerol, which has an OT of 60 ng/L. However, 8-oxoneryl acetate was the most potent derivative within this study, exhibiting an OT of 8.8 ng/L, whereas 8-oxonerol was the least potent with an OT of 493 ng/L. Interestingly, the 8-oxo derivatives smell musty and fatty, whereas the 8-hydroxy derivatives show odor impressions similar to those of 1 and 3. 8-Carboxygeraniol was found to be odorless, whereas its E-isomer, 8-carboxynerol, showed fatty, waxy, and greasy impressions. Overall, we observed that oxygenation on C-8 affects mainly the odor quality, whereas the E/ Z position of the functional group on C-1 affects the odor potency.

Simultaneous determination of parabens, alkylphenols, phenylphenols, bisphenol A and triclosan in human urine, blood and breast milk by continuous solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Azzouz, Abdelmonaim; Rascón, Andrés J; Ballesteros, Evaristo

2016-02-05

A highly sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) including parabens, alkylphenols, phenylphenols, bisphenol A and triclosan in human breast milk, blood and urine samples is proposed. Blood and milk require a pretreatment to remove proteins and other substances potentially interfering with the continuous solid-phase extraction (SPE) system used; on the other hand, urine samples can be directly introduced into the system after filtering. Analytes are retained on a LiChrolut EN column and derivatized by silylation following elution with acetonitrile. The resulting trimethylsilyl derivatives are determined by GC-MS. The proposed method exhibited good linearity (r(2)>0.995) for all target EDCs over the concentration range 0.7-10,000ng/l in urine, and 3.3-50,000ng/l in blood and milk. Also, it provided low limits of detection (0.2-1.8ng/l in urine, and 1.0-9.0ng/l in blood and milk), good precision (relative standard deviations less than 7%) and recoveries from 86 to 104%. A total of 24 human fluid samples were analyzed and most found to contain some target EDC at concentrations from 0.10 to 14μg/l. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Caffeine in an Urbanized Estuary: Past and Present Influence ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Caffeine has been identified by previous research as a potential tracer of sanitary wastewater. To further assess the utility of caffeine as a tracer of wastewater sources, samples from 25 sites throughout Boston Harbor were collected and analyzed for caffeine by LC-MS/MS. Caffeine concentrations in Boston Harbor ranged from 15 ng/L in the outer harbor to a high of 185 ng/L in the inner harbor; mean concentrations and median concentrations were 51 ng/L were 33 ng/L respectively. These data were visualized by a simple inverse distance weighting model to improve the understanding of transport and fate dynamics of wastewater derived contaminants. Elevated concentrations of caffeine in the inner harbor during the sampling period were determined to be the result of a combined sewage overflow (CSO) event as well as illicit discharge of sanitary sewage into municipal storm drains. A comparison of contemporary results to data from 1998 to 1999 shows significant reductions in caffeine levels within the harbor. For instance, concentrations were reduced by a factor of approximately 20 at the site of the former wastewater effluent discharge outfall in Boston Harbor. Lower present-day concentrations throughout the harbor were attributed to the relocation of effluent discharge from within the harbor to Massachusetts Bay, and a reduction in the number and discharge volume of CSOs. Spatial distributions of caffeine identified CSOs as the major contemporary source of con

[Effect of oral intervention on matrix metalloproteinase-2, 9 expression in carotid arteries and serum interleukin-6 in rats with chronic periodontitis].

PubMed

Li, Jieting; Liu, Yujiao; Ren, Xiuyun; Chang, Le; Yue, Zijie; Shi, Xuexue

2014-09-01

To establish chronic periodontitis model in SD rats, and to investigate the effect of oral intervention on atherosclerosis. Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, group A (normal control), group B (atherosclerosis,As) and group C (chronic periodontitis, CP). Group C was further divided into group C1 (natural process), group C2 (simple mechanical treatment), group C3 (systemic antibiotics), group C4-1 (teeth extraction) and group C4-2 (teeth extraction+systemic antibiotics), each group consisted of 7 rats. Every group received oral intervention. Serum interleukin (IL)- 6 levels were detected in five different time points (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 weeks after a successful modeling) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. All animals were killed after 24 weeks. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)- 2, 9 in the proximal aorta was detected by immuno histochemistry. The levels of serum IL-6 in groups B and C1 increased gradually with time and became significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.01). Levels of serum IL-6 were increased gradually in each intervention group (C2, C3, C4-1, C4-2) and reached its peak at 5 weeks after modeling [C2:(62.3 ± 14.3) ng/L, C3:(58.2 ± 8.7) ng/L, C4-1:(127.0 ± 29.9) ng/L, C4-2:(120.6 ± 23.1) ng/L]. Compared with group B, group C4- 1 and C4- 2 increased most significantly (P < 0.01). Levels of serum IL- 6 decreased gradually. Eventually, group C2 [(28.6 ± 8.1) ng/L], C3 [(40.8 ± 15.1) ng/L] and C4-2 [(32.7 ± 11.1) ng/L] were significantly lower than group B (P < 0.05), and in group C2 IL- 6 was the lowest. Although levels of serum of IL-6 significantly decreased in group C4-1 [(72.8 ± 16.4) ng/L], but remained the highest. Immunohistochemistry showed that MMP-2, 9 were expressed in group B, C1 and C4-1, and significantly higher than in group A (183.0 ± 2.0, 181.3 ± 2.0), the gray value differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Group C4-1 (123.1 ± 2.9, 121.0 ± 3.2) was the strongest, group B (126.4 ± 2.0, 124.8 ± 2.8) and C1 (140.0 ± 2.2, 139.7 ± 3.2) were decreased (P < 0.01). While group C2(169.3 ± 3.4, 169.7 ± 2.3), C3 (149.0 ± 1.7, 145.1 ± 2.5) and C4-2 (157.7 ± 1.2, 155.8 ± 2.7) were significantly lower than group C1 (P < 0.01), and group C2 was close to normal. Periodontitis could increase the risk of atherosclerosis in rats with chronic periodontitis. Periodontal mechanical treatment and teeth extraction may increase the risk of As in the short time. However, the risk would gradually reduce in a long time.

Quantifying the Release of Biomarkers of Myocardial Necrosis from Cardiac Myocytes and Intact Myocardium.

PubMed

Marjot, Jack; Kaier, Thomas E; Martin, Eva D; Reji, Shiney S; Copeland, O'Neal; Iqbal, Mohammed; Goodson, Bob; Hamren, Sarah; Harding, Sian E; Marber, Michael S

2017-05-01

Myocardial infarction is diagnosed when biomarkers of cardiac necrosis exceed the 99th centile, although guidelines advocate even lower concentrations for early rule-out. We examined how many myocytes and how much myocardium these concentrations represent. We also examined if dietary troponin can confound the rule-out algorithm. Individual rat cardiac myocytes, rat myocardium, ovine myocardium, or human myocardium were spiked into 400-μL aliquots of human serum. Blood was drawn from a volunteer after ingestion of ovine myocardium. High-sensitivity assays were used to measure cardiac troponin T (cTnT; Roche, Elecsys), cTnI (Abbott, Architect), and cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyC; EMD Millipore, Erenna ® ). The cMyC assay could only detect the human protein. For each rat cardiac myocyte added to 400 μL of human serum, cTnT and cTnI increased by 19.0 ng/L (95% CI, 16.8-21.2) and 18.9 ng/L (95% CI, 14.7-23.1), respectively. Under identical conditions cTnT, cTnI, and cMyC increased by 3.9 ng/L (95% CI, 3.6-4.3), 4.3 ng/L (95% CI, 3.8-4.7), and 41.0 ng/L (95% CI, 38.0-44.0) per μg of human myocardium. There was no detectable change in cTnI or cTnT concentration after ingestion of sufficient ovine myocardium to increase cTnT and cTnI to approximately 1 × 10 8 times their lower limits of quantification. Based on pragmatic assumptions regarding cTn and cMyC release efficiency, circulating species, and volume of distribution, 99th centile concentrations may be exceeded by necrosis of 40 mg of myocardium. This volume is much too small to detect by noninvasive imaging. © 2017 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Short-term exposure to 17alpha-ethynylestradiol decreases the fertility of sexually maturing male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schultz, Irv R.; Skillman, Ann D.; Nicolas, Jean-Marc

The synthetic estrogen 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is a commonly used oral contraceptive that has been increasingly detected in sewage effluents. This study determined whether EE2 exposure adversely affected reproduction in sexually maturing male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We exposed male trout to graded water concentrations of EE2 (10, 100, and 1,000 ng/ L) for 62 d leading up to the time of spawning. Semen and blood plasma samples were removed from each fish. Semen was used to fertilize groups of eggs from one nonexposed female. As a measure of fertility, eggs were incubated for 28 d after fertilization to determine themore » proportion that attained the eyed stage of embryonic development. Additional endpoints also measured included sperm motility, spermatocrit, gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, testis histology, and circulating plasma levels of the sex steroids 17alpha, 20beta-dihydroxyprogesterone (17,20-DHP) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). Exposure to 1,000 ng/L of EE2 caused complete mortality of the treatment group by day 57. Exposure to lower EE2 water concentrations (10 and 100 ng/L) caused an increase in sperm density, while a significant reduction in testis mass was observed only in the 100-ng/L exposure group. Most significantly, semen harvested from fish exposed to 10 and 100 ng/L EE2 caused an approximately 50% reduction in the number of eggs attaining the eyed stage of embryonic development. Plasma levels of 17,20-DHP in exposed fish were roughly twice the level of the controls, while levels of 11-KT were significantly reduced in fish exposed to 100 ng/L EE2. These results suggest that sexually maturing male rainbow trout are susceptible to detrimental reproductive effects of short-term exposures to environmentally relevant levels of EE2.« less

Occurrence and fate of most prescribed antibiotics in different water environments of Tehran, Iran.

PubMed

Mirzaei, Roya; Yunesian, Masud; Nasseri, Simin; Gholami, Mitra; Jalilzadeh, Esfandiyar; Shoeibi, Shahram; Mesdaghinia, Alireza

2018-04-01

The presence of most prescribed antibiotic compounds from four therapeutic classes (β-lactam, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones) were studied at two full-scale WWTPs, two rivers, thirteen groundwater resources, and five water treatment plants in Tehran. Analytical methodology was based on high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry after solid-phase extraction. Samples were collected at 33 sample locations on three sampling periods over four months from June to August 2016. None of the target antibiotics were detected in groundwater resources and water treatment plants, while seven out of nine target antibiotics were analyzed in two studied river waters as well as the influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants at concentrations ranging from

LEADER 2: baseline calcitonin in 9340 people with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of cardiovascular outcome Results (LEADER) trial: preliminary observations.

PubMed

Daniels, G H; Hegedüs, L; Marso, S P; Nauck, M A; Zinman, B; Bergenstal, R M; Mann, J F E; Derving Karsbøl, J; Moses, A C; Buse, J B; Tuttle, R M

2015-05-01

To report preliminary data on baseline serum calcitonin concentrations and associated clinical characteristics in a global population with type 2 diabetes before liraglutide or placebo randomization. The ongoing LEADER trial has enrolled 9340 people with type 2 diabetes and at high risk of cardiovascular disease at 410 centres worldwide. People with baseline serum calcitonin ≤ 50 ng/l were randomized to liraglutide once daily or placebo and will be followed for up to 5 years. Serum calcitonin was measured at baseline and will be measured annually thereafter. An independent committee of thyroid experts will oversee calcitonin monitoring throughout the trial and will review all calcitonin concentrations ≥ 20 ng/l. The mean age of participants was 64.3 ± 7.2 years, 64.3% were men, and mean the body mass index was 32.5 ± 6.3 kg/m(2). The median (interquartile range) baseline serum calcitonin values were 3.9 (1.0 to >7.6) ng/l in men and 1.0 (1.0 to >1) ng/l in women. Serum calcitonin was >10 ng/l in 14.6% of men and in 0.96% of women. In sex-specific multivariable linear analysis of covariance models, a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was associated with higher serum calcitonin concentrations that were statistically significant. A 20 ml/min/1.73 m(2) decrease in estimated GFR (eGFR) was associated with a 14% increase in serum calcitonin in women and an 11% increase in men. In the LEADER population, the prevalence of elevated serum calcitonin concentrations at baseline was high, and there was an inverse association between eGFR and serum calcitonin concentrations. © 2015 The Authors. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd.

Occurrence of antidepressant residues in the sewage-impacted Vistula and Utrata rivers and in tap water in Warsaw (Poland).

PubMed

Giebułtowicz, Joanna; Nałęcz-Jawecki, Grzegorz

2014-06-01

Antidepressants, even at low concentrations, can reveal some adverse effects on aquatic life due to disturbing homeostasis throughout the central and peripheral nervous system both in vertebrates and invertebrates. To date there have not been any reports regarding the presence of these pharmaceuticals in surface and tap waters in Eastern Europe. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the presence of 21 antidepressant pharmaceuticals at specific points of the main Polish river - the Vistula, a smaller river of the Warsaw region - the Utrata, as well as in tap water samples of Warsaw. Samples were collected twice at one month intervals and analysed using solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique coupled with the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) method operated under the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). This is the first study where active compounds such as moclobemid or trazodone in the environment have been investigated. Environmental risk assessment of antidepressants in Poland was estimated on the basis of annuals sale data extracted from the NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia-National Health Service) base of reimbursed pharmaceuticals(1). Predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of target pharmaceuticals were compared with their measured concentration (MEC). Moreover, the application of the EMEA/CHMP guideline for environmental risk assessment of the antidepressants was discussed. The highest concentration of antidepressants was observed in the small river Utrata. In tap water only trace amounts of antidepressants including citalopram (up to 1.5ng/l), mianserin (up to 0.9ng/l), sertraline (<3.1ng/l), moclobemid (up to 0.3ng/l) and venlafaxine (up to 1.9ng/l) were detected. However this highlights their inadequate elimination in the drinking waste treatment facility. The presence of antidepressants in drinking water and the aquatic environment could have long-term effects even at low exposure level, especially since synergy amongst pharmaceutical pollutants may occur. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Selected Species of Mercury, Carson River Superfund Site, Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thodal, C.; Morway, E. D.

2015-12-01

The Carson River Mercury Site in western Nevada was added to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) "Superfund" List in 1990 due to contamination from mercury used to amalgamate silver and gold from Comstock Lode ores milled during the late 1800s. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has monitored concentrations of suspended sediment (SS), total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) as well as streamflow upstream and downstream of Lahontan Reservoir since 1997 in support of USEPA Remedial Investigations. Differences between inflow and outflow concentrations indicate that nearly 90 percent of SS and unfiltered THg, and at least 50 percent of unfiltered MeHg and filtered (<0.45 μm) THg and MeHg is retained in the reservoir. However, outflow MeHg concentrations exceeded mean inflow concentration (2.9 nanograms per liter; ng/L) in 10 of 135 samples, indicating augmented mercury methylation. During August 2010 and June-September 2011, limnological profiles were measured and water samples collected from discrete depths in each of the reservoir's 3 sub-basins, the inflow delta and 2 shallow and rarely inundated overflow basins to investigate mercury distribution and methylation. In most samples, MeHg concentrations were less than 5 ng/L and increased by less than 1 ng/L in deeper samples. After temperature, oxygen, and Eh profiles indicated thermal stratification in the deep (~25 m) lower basin, samples from the top 1 m still had less than 2 ng/L MeHg but samples collected from 2 m above the sediment-water interface yielded concentrations as high as 220 ng/L in filtered water samples, accounting for 100 percent of filtered and 65 percent of unfiltered THg concentrations in concurrently-sampled water. We hypothesize that anoxic conditions and decomposition of mercury-contaminated plankton and sulfate-reduction in the hypolimnion provide carbon and mercury necessary for mercury methylation that exceeds diffusion from bottom sediment.

Short-term exposure to 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol decreases the fertility of sexually maturing male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

PubMed

Schultz, Irvin R; Skillman, Ann; Nicolas, Jean-Marc; Cyr, Daniel G; Nagler, James J

2003-06-01

The synthetic estrogen 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is a commonly used oral contraceptive that has been increasingly detected in sewage effluents. This study determined whether EE2 exposure adversely affected reproduction in sexually maturing male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We exposed male trout to graded water concentrations of EE2 (10, 100, and 1,000 ng/ L) for 62 d leading up to the time of spawning. Semen and blood plasma samples were removed from each fish. Semen was used to fertilize groups of eggs from one nonexposed female. As a measure of fertility, eggs were incubated for 28 d after fertilization to determine the proportion that attained the eyed stage of embryonic development. Additional endpoints also measured included sperm motility, spermatocrit, gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, testis histology, and circulating plasma levels of the sex steroids 17 alpha, 20 beta-dihydroxyprogesterone (17,20-DHP) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). Exposure to 1,000 ng/L of EE2 caused complete mortality of the treatment group by day 57. Exposure to lower EE2 water concentrations (10 and 100 ng/L) caused an increase in sperm density, while a significant reduction in testis mass was observed only in the 100-ng/L exposure group. Most significantly, semen harvested from fish exposed to 10 and 100 ng/L EE2 caused an approximately 50% reduction in the number of eggs attaining the eyed stage of embryonic development. Plasma levels of 17,20-DHP in exposed fish were roughly twice the level of the controls, while levels of 11-KT were significantly reduced in fish exposed to 100 ng/L EE2. These results suggest that sexually maturing male rainbow trout are susceptible to detrimental reproductive effects of short-term exposures to environmentally relevant levels of EE2.

[Genotoxicity of drinking water during chlorine and chloramine disinfection and the influence of disinfection conditions using the umu-test].

PubMed

Liu, Qing; Zhang, Li-Ping; Liu, Wen-Jun; Nie, Xue-Biao; Zhang, Su-Xia; Zhang, Shun

2010-01-01

In this study, the effects of disinfectant dosage, reaction time and the ratio of Cl2 to N of disinfectant on genotoxicity of effluent of ozone-biological activated carbon (O3-BAC) during chlorine or chloramine disinfection were investigated using umu-test. It was found that, the genotoxicity of effluent of O3-BAC before disinfection ranged from 20-70 ng/L, and it increased after disinfection by chlorine or chloramines. With the same reaction time(24 h), genotoxicity after chlorination (40-95 ng/L) was higher than that after chloramination (20-40 ng/L) under same initial dosage. For chlorination, with initial dosage increasing from 0 mg/L to 10 mg/L, genotoxicity increased firstly, and got the maximum value at about 0.5-1 mg/L dosage, then decreased and got the minimum value at about 3-5 mg/L dosage, and finally increased again. For chloramination, genotoxicity didn't change that much. With the dosage of 3 mg/L and reaction time increasing from 0 h to 72 h, no matter for chlorine or chloramines disinfection, genotoxicity of effluent of O3-BAC both increased firstly, and got the maximum value at about 2 h, then decreased and got the minimum value at about 18 h, and finally increased again, and genotoxicity after chlorine disinfection (83-120 ng/L) was higher than that after chloramines disinfection (20-62 ng/L) under same reaction time. Further more, effects of the different ratios of Cl2 to N of disinfectant on genotoxicity of effluent of O3-BAC were also studied. Results of this study demonstrate that under test conditions, chloramine disinfection is safer than chlorine disinfection in the aspect of genotoxicity for drinking water, and the changes of genotoxicity are different from those of total HAAs.

RDT&E for Emerging Contaminants

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

Perchlorate ● NDMA ● 1,4-Dioxane ● PFCs 8 Perchlorate Issue ● Broad Use & Occurrence  DoD - Rocket propellant - Insensitive munitions  Pyrotechnics and...and 18O -20 -15 -10 -5.0 0.0 5.0 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 Laboratory Military Natural Herbicides Gunpowder Road Flares Taiwan 3 7 C l 18 O 27 NDMA ...Toxicology  NDMA is a potent mutagen, teratogen, & carcinogen.  EPA 10-6 Lifetime Cancer Risk = 0.7 ng/L.  California DHS; 10 ng/L Action

Tailored Granular Activated Carbon Treatment of Perchlorate in Drinking Water. ESTCP Cost and Performance Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

sodium nitrate NaOCl sodium hypochlorite NAVFAC-ESC Naval Facilities Engineering Command-Engineering Service Center NDMA n-nitrosodimethylamine NL...nitrosodimethylamine ( NDMA ) was measured in effluent from the second TGAC bed at 39 ng/L. No other nitrosamines were detected in any other sampling event...was 6.3 ng/L NDMA in an effluent sample of the prechlorination/oxidant train. 6.6.3.4 General Chemistry Results With a few exceptions, values of pH

Occurrence of aflatoxin M₁ in commercial pasteurized milk samples in Sari, Mazandaran province, Iran.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Hamidreza; Shokrzadeh, Mohammad; Aliabadi, Zahra; Riahi-Zanjani, Bamdad

2016-05-01

The frequency and levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in pasteurized milk samples in Sari, located in Mazandaran province, Iran, were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Seventy-six samples of pasteurized milk from different retail stores were randomly collected over four seasons during the year 2015. AFM1 contamination was detected in all milk samples. The mean concentration of aflatoxin M1 was 65.8 ng/l, with a range of 11.7-106.6 ng/l. The highest AFM1 level was detected in milk samples collected during spring. Forty-six (60.53 %) samples had AFM1 levels that exceeded the maximum acceptable levels (50 ng/l) recommended by the European Union (EU). Comparison of these results with previously published data for AFM1 in milk in Iran shows that the percentage of samples exceeding the EU maximum level is consistently high over the years, indicating a general problem related to AFB1 contamination in dairy feedingstuff.

Assessment of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate in surface water - Tamil Nadu, India.

PubMed

Sunantha, Ganesan; Vasudevan, Namasivayam

2016-08-15

As an emerging class of environmentally persistent organic pollutants, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS); have been universally found in the environment. Wastewater and untreated effluents are likely the major causes for the accumulation of PFCs in surface water. There are very few reports on the contamination of PFCs in the developing countries, particularly in India. This study reports the quantitative analysis of PFOA and PFOS in Noyyal, Cauvery, and also lakes in and around Chennai, using Ultra-Fast liquid chromatograph. The concentration of PFOA and PFOS ranged from 4 to 93ng/L and 3 to 29ng/L, respectively. The concentration of PFOS was below detectable limit in Cauvery River. A reliable concentration of PFOA was recorded at all sites of River Cauvery (5ng/L). The present study could be useful for the assessment of future monitoring programs of PFOA and PFOS in the surface water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of iodinated X-ray contrast media in sewage by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Echeverría, S; Borrull, F; Fontanals, N; Pocurull, E

2013-11-15

A method for the quantitative determination of five iodinated X-ray contrast media (ICMs) in sewage was developed by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A fused-core analytical column was successfully applied for the first time for the separation of ICMs. Oasis HLB was selected from the sorbents tested because of its higher recoveries. The optimized method allowed the determination of the ICMs at low ng/L levels in both influent and effluent sewage, with detection limits of 40 ng/L and 10 ng/L for most compounds in influent and effluent sewage, respectively. The five ICMs studied were determined in all samples analysed, with iopromide being the analyte found at the highest concentration (8.9 µg/L), while iopamidol was the analyte found at lowest concentration (1.3 µg/L) in influent sewage. Effluent sewage did not show a significant decrease in ICM concentrations. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of stir bars for sorptive extraction using sol-gel technology.

PubMed

Liu, Wenmin; Wang, Hanwen; Guan, Yafeng

2004-08-06

A sol-gel coating method for the preparation of extractive phase on bars used in sorptive microextraction is described. The extraction phase of poly(dimethylsiloxane) is partially crosslinked with the sol-gel network, and the most part is physically incorporated in the network. Three aging steps at different temperatures are applied to complete the crosslinking process. Thirty-micrometer-thick coating layer is obtained by one coating process. The improved coating shows good thermal stability up to 300 degrees C. Spiked aqueous samples containing n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organophosphorus pesticides were analyzed by using the sorptive bars and GC. The results demonstrate that it is suitable for both aploar and polar analytes. The detection limit for chrysene is 7.44 ng/L, 0.74 ng/L for C19 and 0.9 ng/L for phorate. The extraction equilibration can be reached in less than 15 min by supersonic extraction with the bars of 30 microm coating layer.

Simultaneous determination of fluoroquinolones in environmental water by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with direct injection: A green approach.

PubMed

Denadai, Marina; Cass, Quezia Bezerra

2015-10-30

This work describes an on-line multi-residue method for simultaneous quantification of ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin in superficial and wastewater samples. For that, an octyl restricted-access media bovine serum albumin column (RAM-BSA C8) was used for sample clean-up, enrichment and analysis with quantitation carried out by tandem mass spectrometry. For water samples volumes of only 500μL the method provided good selectivity, extraction efficiency, accuracy, and precision with quantification limits in the order of 20-150ngL(-1). Out of the six fluoroquinolones only ciprofloxacin (195ngL(-1)) and norfloxacin (270ngL(-1)) were quantified in an influent sample of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of São Carlos (SP, Brazil). None were found in the superficial water samples analyzed. The capability of injecting native sample in an automated mode provides high productivity and represents a greener approach in environmental sample analysis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Odor Events in Surface and Treated Water: The Case of 1,3-Dioxane Related Compounds.

PubMed

Quintana, Jordi; Vegué, Lídia; Martín-Alonso, Jordi; Paraira, Miquel; Boleda, M Rosa; Ventura, Francesc

2016-01-05

A study has been carried out to identify the origin of the odorous compounds at trace levels detected in surface waters and in Barcelona's tap water (NE Spain) which caused consumer complaints. The malodorous compounds were 2,5,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane (TMD) and 2-ethyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane (2EDD) which impart a distinctive sickening or olive-oil odor to drinking water at low ng/L levels. Flavor profile analysis (FPA) or threshold odor number (TON) were used for organoleptic purposes. Levels up to 749 ng/L for TMD and 658 ng/L for 2EDD were measured at the entrance of the drinking water treatment plant. Three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using industrial byproducts coming from resin manufacturing plants to promote codigestion were found to be the origin of the event. Corrective measures were applied, including the prohibition to use these byproducts for codigestion in the WWTPs involved. A similar event was already recorded in the same area 20 years ago.

A photoautotrophic source for lycopane in marine water columns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wakeham, Stuart G.; Freeman, Katherine H.; Pease, Tamara K.; Hayes, J. M.

1993-01-01

Suspended particulate matter and recent sediments from diverse oceanic sites have been investigated for their contents of lycopane. Lycopane was present in all samples, including both oxic and anoxic water column and sediments. The highest concentrations in the water column were found in surface waters of the central Pacific gyre (1.5 ng/L) and in the anoxic waters of the Cariaco Trench (1.1 ng/L) and the Black Sea (0.3 ng/L). Vertical concentration profiles suggest that lycopane is probably algal in origin. Moreover, biogeochemical conditions in anoxic zones apparently result in a secondary production of lycopane from an as yet unidentified precursor. Compound-specific carbon isotopic analyses have been carried out on lycopane from water column and sediment samples. Isotopic compositions of lycopane range between -23.6 and -32.9 percent and are consistent with a photoautotrophic origin. We postulate that some lycopane is produced in surface waters of the ocean, while additional lycopane is produced in anoxic zones by anaerobic microbial action on an algal precursor.

Bottled water: analysis of mycotoxins by LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Mata, A T; Ferreira, J P; Oliveira, B R; Batoréu, M C; Barreto Crespo, M T; Pereira, V J; Bronze, M R

2015-06-01

The presence of mycotoxins in food samples has been widely studied as well as its impact in human health, however, information about its distribution in the environment is scarce. An analytical method comprising a solid phase extraction procedure followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis was implemented and validated for the trace analysis of mycotoxins in drinking bottled waters. Limits of quantification achieved for the method were between 0.2ngL(-1) for aflatoxins and ochratoxin, and 2.0ngL(-1) for fumonisins and neosolaniol. The method was applied to real samples. Aflatoxin B2 was the most frequently detected mycotoxin in water samples, with a maximum concentration of 0.48±0.05ngL(-1) followed by aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin G1 and ochratoxin A. The genera Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium were the fungi more frequently detected. These results show that the consumption of these waters does not represent a toxicological risk for an adult. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of pesticides and pesticide degradates in filtered water by direct aqueous-injection liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sandstrom, Mark W.; Kanagy, Leslie K.; Anderson, Cyrissa A.; Kanagy, Christopher J.

2016-01-11

Mean recoveries of most analytes (223 of 229) were within data-quality objectives of 100±30 percent at spike concentrations above method detection levels (MDLs) in all four matrices. The calculated MDLs ranged from 1 to 103 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for 182 analytes analyzed in the ESI positive mode, and from 2 to 106 ng/L for 42 analytes analyzed in the ESI negative mode. Five analytes had MDLs between 100 and 250 ng/L. The stability studies in reagent water demonstrated that the largest number of the pesticide compounds (227 of 229) were stable after 14 days of storage at 4 degrees Celsius, so these were selected as the practical holding time and storage temperature for routine sample processing. The use of antimicrobial reagent citric acid to adjust the sample pH to about 4 also resulted in lower recoveries of some analytes, so it should not be used as a routine sample preservative.

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in finished drinking water in Germany.

PubMed

Kolb, Axel; Püttmann, Wilhelm

2006-03-01

In the present study 83 finished drinking water samples from 50 cities in Germany were analyzed for methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) content with a detection limit of 10 ng/L. The detection frequency was 46% and the concentrations ranged between 17 and 712 ng/L. Highest concentrations were found in the community water systems (CWSs) of Leuna and Spergau in Saxony-Anhalt. These CWSs are supplied with water possibly affected by MTBE contaminated groundwater. MTBE was detected at concentrations lower than 100 ng/L in drinking water supplied by CWSs using bank filtered water from Rhine and Main Rivers. The results from Leuna and Spergau show that large groundwater contaminations in the vicinity of CWSs pose the highest risk for MTBE contamination in drinking water. CWSs using bank filtered water from Rhine and Main Rivers are susceptible to low MTBE contaminations in finished drinking water. All measured MTBE concentrations were below proposed limit values for drinking water.

Occurrence and removal of pharmaceuticals and hormones through drinking water treatment.

PubMed

Huerta-Fontela, Maria; Galceran, Maria Teresa; Ventura, Francesc

2011-01-01

The occurrence of fifty-five pharmaceuticals, hormones and metabolites in raw waters used for drinking water production and their removal through a drinking water treatment were studied. Thirty-five out of fifty-five drugs were detected in the raw water at the facility intake with concentrations up to 1200 ng/L. The behavior of the compounds was studied at each step: prechlorination, coagulation, sand filtration, ozonation, granular activated carbon filtration and post-chlorination; showing that the complete treatment accounted for the complete removal of all the compounds detected in raw waters except for five of them. Phenytoin, atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide were the three pharmaceuticals most frequently found in finished waters at concentrations about 10 ng/L. Sotalol and carbamazepine epoxide were found in less than a half of the samples at lower concentrations, above 2 ng/L. However despite their persistence, the removals of these five pharmaceuticals were higher than 95%. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of musks and other fragrance compounds at ng/L levels using CLSA (closed loop stripping analysis) and GC/MS detection.

PubMed

Mitjans, D; Ventura, F

2004-01-01

Closed loop stripping analysis (CLSA), a suitable tool for the determination of volatile and semivolatile compounds at low trace levels (ng/l), has been used to determine and quantify seven selected musks and two fragrances (Acetyl cedrene and Amberonne). The obtained extracts are analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) operating in the SIM mode. Quality parameters such as limit of detection; matrix effects; precision expressed as repeatability and reproducibility relative standard deviations of the method and an estimation of the uncertainty have been evaluated. The method has been applied to the analysis of wastewater effluents, surface water and tap water from different places in Europe. All samples contained differents musks at ng/l levels with the polycyclic musks Galaxolide and Tonalide and both fragrances, Amberonne and Acetyl cedrene, being the most abundant. These results suggest the importance of studying and controlling the presence of these ubiquitous environmental compounds in water systems.

Simple and quick determination of analgesics and other contaminants of emerging concern in environmental waters by on-line solid phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ferrer-Aguirre, Alejandra; Romero-González, Roberto; Vidal, J L Martínez; Frenich, Antonia Garrido

2016-05-13

A simple and quick analytical method has been developed for the determination of pharmaceutical compounds in water. An on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been optimized to determine 7 contaminants of emerging concern in environmental waters at ngL(-1) levels. This procedure requires minimal sample handling and small sample volume (900μL) with a total running time of 18min. Several SPE parameters were evaluated and optimized in order to achieve a high sample throughput. Therefore sample volume, carryover and reusability of the cartridges were evaluated. Performance characteristics were evaluated and good linearity was obtained (R(2)>0.98). Recoveries were evaluated in spiked samples at three concentrations and the values ranged from 71 to 104%. Intra and inter-day precision was lower than 10 and 13% respectively. Limits of quantification were equal to or lower than 10ngL(-1), except for 1,7-dimethylxanthine (20ngL(-1)) and ibuprofen (50ngL(-1)). The method was applied to 20 environmental water samples, and ibuprofen was the compound most widely detected at concentrations up to 42.06μgL(-1), whereas the other compounds were detected in fewer samples at lower concentrations (up to 15.99μgL(-1)). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled to high performance liquid chromatography - cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectroscopy for the determination of mercury species in natural water samples.

PubMed

Liu, Yao-Min; Zhang, Feng-Ping; Jiao, Bao-Yu; Rao, Jin-Yu; Leng, Geng

2017-04-14

An automated, home-constructed, and low cost dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) device that directly coupled to a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) - cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CVAFS) system was designed and developed for the determination of trace concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg + ), ethylmercury (EtHg + ) and inorganic mercury (Hg 2+ ) in natural waters. With a simple, miniaturized and efficient automated DLLME system, nanogram amounts of these mercury species were extracted from natural water samples and injected into a hyphenated HPLC-CVAFS for quantification. The complete analytical procedure, including chelation, extraction, phase separation, collection and injection of the extracts, as well as HPLC-CVAFS quantification, was automated. Key parameters, such as the type and volume of the chelation, extraction and dispersive solvent, aspiration speed, sample pH, salt effect and matrix effect, were thoroughly investigated. Under the optimum conditions, linear range was 10-1200ngL -1 for EtHg + and 5-450ngL -1 for MeHg + and Hg 2+ . Limits of detection were 3.0ngL -1 for EtHg + and 1.5ngL -1 for MeHg + and Hg 2+ . Reproducibility and recoveries were assessed by spiking three natural water samples with different Hg concentrations, giving recoveries from 88.4-96.1%, and relative standard deviations <5.1%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A preliminary risk assessment of potential exposure to naturally occurring estrogens from Beijing (China) market milk products.

PubMed

Chen, Chen; Mi, Xiaoxia; Yuan, Yuwei; Chen, Gang; Ren, Li; Wang, Kaiqiang; Zhu, Dan; Qian, Yongzhong

2014-09-01

This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of the natural steroid hormones estrone (E1), 17α-estradiol (αE2), 17β-estradiol (βE2) and estriol (E3) in 38 commercial milk samples obtained from markets in Beijing, China. Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to determine estrogens levels. The concentrations of E1, αE2, βE2 and E3 in different milk products varied from 0-146.12 ng/L, 0-70.12 ng/L, 0-31.85 ng/L to 0-2.18 ng/L, respectively. We compared exposures to estrogens through milk consumption with acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and threshold for toxicological concern (TTC) to determine whether estrogen intakes from milk consumption are larger or smaller than the toxicity-based benchmarks. The combined margin of safety MOS (MOST) for total estrogens are about 72-99, 118-161, 539-1104, for 2-4, 4-7 year-old residential children, and adults, respectively. The lowest MOST for children of 2-4 years old result from comparing total of estrogens with the lowest TTC value (0.15 μg/person/day) (MOS=3.5). The MOS values suggest that the individual and total estrogens that may present in milk are not causing a health risk for the local residents, including young children. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Qatar NGL-2 pipeline problems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Jundi, I.M.

The Qatar NGL-2 plant, commissioned in December 1979, was designed to process the associated gas from the offshore crude oil fields of Qatar. The dehydrated, sour, lean gas and wet, sour liquids are transported by two separate lines to the Umm Said NGL complex about 120 km (75 miles) from the central offshore station. The 300-mm (12-in.) -diameter liquids line has suffered general pitting corrosion, and the 600-mm (24-in.) -diameter lean gas line has suffered corrosion and extensive hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC or HIPC). Neither line performed to its design parameters, and many problems in the downstream facilities have been experienced.more » All efforts to clean the solids (debris) from the liquids lines have failed. This in turn interfered with the planned corrosion control program, thus allowing corrosion to continue. Various specialists have investigated the lines in an attempt to find the origin of the solids and to recommend necessary remedial actions. Should the lines fail from pitting corrosion, the effect of a leak at a pressure of about 11 000 kPa (1,595 psi) will be very dangerous, especially if it occurs onshore. To protect the NGL-2 operations against possible risks - both in terms of safety and of losses in revenue - critical sections of the pipelines have been replaced, and all gas liquids pipelines will be replaced soon. Supplementary documents to the API standards were prepared for the replaced pipelines.« less

Ex situ treatment of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in groundwater using a fluidized bed reactor.

PubMed

Webster, Todd S; Condee, Charles; Hatzinger, Paul B

2013-02-01

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a suspected human carcinogen that has traditionally been treated in water using ultraviolet irradiation (UV). The objective of this research was to examine the application of a laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor (FBR) as an alternative technology for treating NDMA to part-per-trillion (ng/L) concentrations in groundwater. Previous studies have shown that the bacterium Rhodococcus ruber ENV425 is capable of cometabolizing NDMA during growth on propane as a primary substrate in batch culture (Fournier et al., 2009) and in a bench-scale membrane bioreactor (Hatzinger et al., 2011) to low ng/L concentrations. R. ruber ENV425 was inoculated into the FBR during this study. With a hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 20 min, the FBR was found to be an effective means to treat 10-20 μg/L of NDMA to effluent concentrations less than 100 ng/L. When the HRT was increased to 30 min and oxygen and propane addition rates were optimized, the FBR system demonstrated treatment of the NDMA to effluent concentrations of less than 10 ng/L. Short-term shutdowns and the presence of trichloroethene (TCE) at 6 μg/L as a co-contaminant had minimal effect on the treatment of NDMA in the FBR. The data suggest that the FBR technology can be a viable alternative to UV for removing NDMA from groundwater. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid method for monitoring N-nitrosodimethylamine in drinking water at the ng/L level without pre-concentration using high-performance liquid chromatography-chemiluminescence detection.

PubMed

Kodamatani, Hitoshi; Yamasaki, Hitomi; Sakaguchi, Takeru; Itoh, Shinya; Iwaya, Yoshimi; Saga, Makoto; Saito, Keiitsu; Kanzaki, Ryo; Tomiyasu, Takashi

2016-08-19

As a contaminant in drinking water, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is of great concern because of its carcinogenicity; it has been limited to levels of ng/L by regulatory bodies worldwide. Consequently, a rapid and sensitive method for monitoring NDMA in drinking water is urgently required. In this study, we report an improvement of our previously proposed HPLC-based system for NDMA determination. The approach consists of the HPLC separation of NDMA, followed by NDMA photolysis to form peroxynitrite and detection with a luminol chemiluminescence reaction. The detection limit for the improved HPLC method was 0.2ng/L, which is 10 times more sensitive than our previously reported system. For tap water measurements, only the addition of an ascorbic acid solution to eliminate residual chlorine and passage through an Oasis MAX solid-phase extraction cartridge are needed. The proposed NDMA determination method requires a sample volume of less than 2mL and a complete analysis time of less than 15min per sample. The method was utilized for the long-term monitoring of NDMA in tap water. The NDMA level measured in the municipal water survey was 4.9ng/L, and a seasonal change of the NDMA concentration in tap water was confirmed. The proposed method should constitute a useful NDMA monitoring method for protecting drinking water quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mercury transport in a high-elevation watershed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mast, M.A.; Campbell, D.H.; Krabbenhoft, D.P.; Taylor, Howard E.

2005-01-01

Mercury (Hg) was measured in stream water and precipitation in the Loch Vale watershed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, during 2001-2002 to investigate processes controlling Hg transport in high-elevation ecosystems. Total Hg concentrations in precipitation ranged from 2.6 to 36.2 ng/L and showed a strong seasonal pattern with concentrations that were 3 to 4 times higher during summer months. Annual bulk deposition of Hg was 8.3 to 12.4 ?? g/m 2 and was similar to deposition rates in the Midwestern and Northeastern U.S. Total Hg concentrations in streams ranged from 0.8 to 13.5 ng/L and were highest in mid-May on the rising limb of the snowmelt hydrograph. Stream-water Hg was positively correlated with dissolved organic carbon suggesting organically complexed Hg was flushed into streams from near-surface soil horizons during the early stages of snowmelt. Methylmercury (MeHg) in stream water peaked at 0.048 ng/L just prior to peak snowmelt but was at or below detection (< 0.040 ng/L) for the remainder of the snowmelt season. Annual export of total Hg in Loch Vale streams ranged from 1.2 to 2.3 ?? g/m2, which was less than 20% of wet deposition, indicating the terrestrial environment is a net sink of atmospheric Hg. Concentrations of MeHg in stream water and corresponding watershed fluxes were low, indicating low methylation rates or high demethylation rates or both. ?? Springer 2005.

Delayed impacts of developmental exposure to 17-α-ethinylestradiol in the self-fertilizing fish Kryptolebias marmoratus.

PubMed

Voisin, Anne-Sophie; Fellous, Alexandre; Earley, Ryan L; Silvestre, Frédéric

2016-11-01

17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) is one of the most potent endocrine disrupting compounds found in the aquatic environments, and is known to strongly alter fish reproduction and fitness. While the effects of direct exposure to EE2 are well studied in adults, there is an increasing need to assess the impacts of exposure during early life stages. Sensitivity to pollutants during this critical window can potentially affect the phenotype later in life or in subsequent generations. This study investigated phenotypic outcome of early-life exposure to 17-α-ethinylestradiol during development and in adults of the mangrove rivulus, Kryptolebias marmoratus. Being one of the only two known self-fertilizing hermaphroditic vertebrates, this fish makes it possible to work with genetically identical individuals. Therefore, using rivulus makes it possible to examine, explicitly, the phenotypic effects of environmental variance while eliminating the effects of genetic variance. Genetically identical rivulus were exposed for the first 28days post hatching (dph) to 0, 4 or 120ng/L of EE2, and then were reared in uncontaminated water until 168dph. Growth, egg laying and steroid hormone levels (estradiol, cortisol, 11-ketotestosterone, testosterone) were measured throughout development. Exposed fish showed a reduction in standard length directly after exposure (28dph), which was more pronounced in the 120ng/L group. This was followed by compensatory growth when reared in clean water: all fish recovered a similar size as controls by 91dph. There was no difference in the age at maturity and the proportions of mature, non-mature and male individuals at 168dph. At 4ng/L, fish layed significantly fewer eggs than controls, while, surprisingly, reproduction was not affected at 120ng/L. Despite a decrease in fecundity at 4ng/L, there were no changes in hormones levels at the lower concentration. In addition, there were no significant differences among treatments immediately after exposure. However, 120ng/L exposed fish exhibited significantly higher levels of testosterone at 91 and 168dph and 11-ketotestosterone at 168dph, up to 140days after exposure. These results indicate that early-life exposure to EE2 had both immediate and delayed impacts on the adult's phenotype. While fish growth was impaired during exposure, compensatory growth, reduced fecundity and modification of the endocrine status were observed after exposure ceased. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Stress Indicators for Evaluation of Animal Welfare and Meat Quality in Traditional and Jewish Slaughtering

PubMed Central

Barrasso, Roberta; Marchetti, Patrizia; Samoilis, Giorgio; Tantillo, Giuseppina; Ceci, Edmondo

2018-01-01

Simple Summary Cortisol and catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) are released in response to stress and directly stimulate glycogen mobilization, thus influencing meat acidification. The aim of the study was to estimate and compare these stress indicators to evaluate the welfare of beef cattle, subjected to either traditional slaughtering (with stunning) or to slaughtering with religious Jewish rite (without stunning). Significant differences in plasma cortisol and catecholamine levels were observed during exsanguination by monitoring animals in the pre-slaughtering (before and after transportation) and slaughtering phases. Cortisol, dopamine and norepinephrine, but not epinephrine, were markedly higher in the animals slaughtered by the religious rite. Pursuing animal welfare in the religious slaughtering procedures could produce advantages in terms of hygiene, organoleptic quality and shelf life of meat. Abstract Sixty Charolais male beef cattle of eight months of age were divided into two groups according to the slaughtering method, i.e., traditional or Kosher (religious Jewish rite). The aim of the study was to detect and compare the plasma concentrations of cortisol and catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine), by Elisa and HPLC test. These four stress indicators were evaluated during three different stages of each animal productive life: on the farm (step 1), after transportation (step 2) and during bleeding (step 3). The patterns of the parameters measured were similar and, interestingly, revealed significant changes throughout the three steps considered. The greatest variation between the two methods of slaughtering was observed in step 3, where we found a statistically significant difference with all the parameters except epinephrine. In the animals slaughtered by the religious rite, cortisol, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine were 68.70 ± 30.61 nmol/L; 868.43 ± 508.52 ng/L; 3776.20 ± 1918.44 ng/L; and 4352.20 ± 3730.15 ng/L, respectively, versus 45.08 ± 14.15 nmol/L; 513.87 ± 286.32 ng/L; 3425.57 ± 1777.39 ng/L; and 3279.97 ± 1954.53 ng/L, respectively, in the other animals. This suggests that the animals slaughtered by the Kosher rite are subjected to higher stress conditions at the exsanguination phase. The animals slaughtered by the religious Jewish rite showed lower cortisol and catecholamine levels on the farm (step 1) and after transportation to the slaughterhouse (step 2). This was likely because the animals selected at the end of step 1 by the Rabbis for the religious rite are usually the most docile and gentle. PMID:29561752

Early life exposure to PCB126 results in delayed mortality and growth impairment in the zebrafish larvae.

PubMed

Di Paolo, Carolina; Groh, Ksenia J; Zennegg, Markus; Vermeirssen, Etiënne L M; Murk, Albertinka J; Eggen, Rik I L; Hollert, Henner; Werner, Inge; Schirmer, Kristin

2015-12-01

The occurrence of chronic or delayed toxicity resulting from the exposure to sublethal chemical concentrations is an increasing concern in environmental risk assessment. The Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) test with zebrafish provides a reliable prediction of acute toxicity in adult fish, but it cannot yet be applied to predict the occurrence of chronic or delayed toxicity. Identification of sublethal FET endpoints that can assist in predicting the occurrence of chronic or delayed toxicity would be advantageous. The present study characterized the occurrence of delayed toxicity in zebrafish larvae following early exposure to PCB126, previously described to cause delayed effects in the common sole. The first aim was to investigate the occurrence and temporal profiles of delayed toxicity during zebrafish larval development and compare them to those previously described for sole to evaluate the suitability of zebrafish as a model fish species for delayed toxicity assessment. The second aim was to examine the correlation between the sublethal endpoints assessed during embryonal and early larval development and the delayed effects observed during later larval development. After exposure to PCB126 (3-3000ng/L) until 5 days post fertilization (dpf), larvae were reared in clean water until 14 or 28 dpf. Mortality and sublethal morphological and behavioural endpoints were recorded daily, and growth was assessed at 28 dpf. Early life exposure to PCB126 caused delayed mortality (300 ng/L and 3000 ng/L) as well as growth impairment and delayed development (100 ng/L) during the clean water period. Effects on swim bladder inflation and cartilaginous tissues within 5 dpf were the most promising for predicting delayed mortality and sublethal effects, such as decreased standard length, delayed metamorphosis, reduced inflation of swim bladder and column malformations. The EC50 value for swim bladder inflation at 5 dpf (169 ng/L) was similar to the LC50 value at 8 dpf (188 and 202 ng/L in two experiments). Interestingly, the patterns of delayed mortality and delayed effects on growth and development were similar between sole and zebrafish. This indicates the comparability of critical developmental stages across divergent fish species such as a cold water marine flatfish and a tropical freshwater cyprinid. Additionally, sublethal effects in early embryo-larval stages were found promising for predicting delayed lethal and sublethal effects of PCB126. Therefore, the proposed method with zebrafish is expected to provide valuable information on delayed mortality and delayed sublethal effects of chemicals and environmental samples that may be extrapolated to other species. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Complete Analytical Screening Identifies the Real Pesticide Contamination of Surface Waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moschet, Christoph; Wittmer, Irene; Simovic, Jelena; Junghans, Marion; Singer, Heinz; Stamm, Christian; Leu, Christian; Hollender, Juliane

2014-05-01

A comprehensive assessment of pesticides in surface waters is challenging due to the large number of potential contaminants. In Switzerland for example, roughly 500 active ingredients are registered as either plant protection agent (PPA) or as biocide. In addition, an unlimited number of transformations products (TPs) can enter or be formed in surfaced waters. Most scientific publications or regulatory monitoring authorities have implemented 15-40 pesticides in their analytics. Only a few TPs are normally included. Interpretations of the surface water quality based on these subsets remains error prone. In the presented study, we carried out a nearly complete analytical screening covering 86% of all polar organic pesticides (from agricultural and urban sources) in Switzerland (300 substances) and 134 TPs with limits of quantification in the low ng/L range. The comprehensive pesticide screening was conducted by liquid-chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Five medium-sized rivers (Strahler stream order 3-4, catchment size 35-105 km2), containing high percentiles of diverse crops, orchards and urban settlements in their catchments, were sampled from March till July 2012. Nine subsequent time-proportional bi-weekly composite samples were taken in order to quantify average concentrations. In total, 104 different active ingredients could be detected in at least one of the five rivers. Thereby, 82 substances were only registered as PPA, 20 were registered as PPA and as biocide and 2 were only registered as biocide. Within the PPAs, herbicides had the most frequent detections and the highest concentrations, followed by fungicides and insecticides. Most concentrations were found between 1 and 50 ng/L; however 31 substances (mainly herbicides) had concentrations above 100 ng/L and 3 herbicides above 1000 ng/L. It has to be noted that the measured concentrations are average concentrations over two weeks in medium sized streams and that maximum concentrations, especially in smaller streams, can be much higher. In each sample, between 30-50 pesticides were detected and the concentration sum of all active ingredients exceeded 1000 ng/L in 78% of the samples. Forty of the 134 investigated TPs could be detected in all the five rivers. As for the active ingredients, herbicide TPs dominated the detection frequency and the concentration range. Twelve TPs exceeded 100 ng/L in at least one sample. Between 15 and 25 TPs were detected in each sample, and 35% of all samples had a concentration sum of more than 1000 ng/L. The comparison of the measured concentrations of the parent compounds with chronic environmental quality standards (AA-EQS), revealed that 70% of all surface water samples exceeded at least one of them; in some samples up to seven AA-EQS exceedances were observed. In total, 19 substances (mainly herbicides and insecticides) exceeded critical concentrations in at least one sample. The conducted study showed that the investigated medium-sized rivers were exposed to a large number of pesticides and TPs over the whole sampling period. For a correct assessment of the surface water quality, it is therefore crucial to measure as many pesticides as possible in order to get the real contamination of pesticides in surface waters.

Absolute and relative kinetic changes of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in acute coronary syndrome and in patients with increased troponin in the absence of acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Mueller, Matthias; Biener, Moritz; Vafaie, Mehrshad; Doerr, Susanne; Keller, Till; Blankenberg, Stefan; Katus, Hugo A; Giannitsis, Evangelos

2012-01-01

We evaluated kinetic changes of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and patients with hs-cTnT increases not due to ACS to rule in or rule out non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). hs-cTnT was measured serially in consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department. Patients with ACS who had at least 2 hs-cTnT measurements within 6 h and non-ACS patients with hs-cTnT concentrations above the 99th percentile value (14 ng/L) were enrolled to compare absolute and relative kinetic changes of hs-cTnT. For discrimination of non-STEMI (n=165) in the entire study population (n=784), the absolute δ change with the ROC-optimized value of 9.2 ng/L yielded an area under the curve of 0.898 and was superior to all relative δ changes (P<0.0001). The positive predictive value for the absolute δ change was 48.7%, whereas the negative predictive value was 96.5%. In a specific ACS population with exclusion of STEMI (n=342), the absolute δ change with the ROC-optimized value of 6.9 ng/L yielded a positive predictive value of 82.8% and a negative predictive value of 93.0%. In comparison to the ≥20% relative δ change, the ROC-optimized absolute δ change demonstrated a significantly added value for the entire study population and for the ACS cohort (net reclassification index 0.331 and 0.499, P<0.0001). Absolute δ changes appear superior to relative δ changes in discriminating non-STEMI. A rise or fall of at least 9.2 ng/L in the entire study population and 6.9 ng/L in selected ACS patients seems adequate to rule-out non-STEMI. However, δ-values are useful to rule-in non-STEMI only in a specific ACS population.

Application of hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction for simultaneous determination of regulated and emerging iodinated trihalomethanes in drinking water.

PubMed

Domínguez-Tello, A; Arias-Borrego, A; García-Barrera, T; Gómez-Ariza, J L

2015-07-10

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are regulated disinfection by-products (DBPs) most commonly analyzed in quality control water supply due to their harmful effects on health. However, few data exist about the content of emerging iodo-trihalomethanes (I-THMs) which are present in drinking water at very low concentrations (in the order of ngL(-1)). For this reason a two-phase hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction method for the simultaneous determination of four regulated trihalomethanes and six emerging iodo-trihalomethanes using GC-μECD and GC-MS with detection limits in the range of few ngL(-1) has been developed. A central composite design was used to optimize conditions for simultaneous extraction. The best extraction recovery was obtained with 19.2min at 27.1°C and 900rpm, without salt addition, using a supported hollow fiber membrane of 10.5cm (0.6mm id) and 1-octanol as acceptor phase. The limits of detection for the regulated THMs and I-THMs were 3-44ngL(-1) and 1-3ngL(-1), respectively. The calibration curves showed good linearity (R(2)>0.995) and good repeatibility (3-22%). The relative recoveries in water were between 96.5% and 105.2%. The method was applied for the simultaneous determination of trihalomethanes in supply water samples from seven water distribution systems (WDS) in the Huelva area, located at the southwest Spain, which use different water-treatment processes. The highest concentrations of I-THMs, particularly CHBrClI and CHCl2I, were detected in water treated with advanced treatment process using pre-ozonation, however these compounds were not detected or decreased along distribution system. In the samples of treated water with conventional treatment, using pre-oxidation by permanganate and distribution network, CHCl2I, CHBrClI, CHClI2, CHBrI2 and CHI3 were detected at very low concentrations (1-18ngL(-1)). Finally, in water samples from underground origin without oxidation treatment, in which only disinfection with sodium hypochlorite was applied, I-THMs were not detected. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Exercise Intensity on Neurotrophic Factors and Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Induced by Oxidative-Nitrosative Stress in Male College Students.

PubMed

Roh, Hee-Tae; Cho, Su-Youn; Yoon, Hyung-Gi; So, Wi-Young

2017-06-01

We investigated the effects of aerobic exercise intensity on oxidative-nitrosative stress, neurotrophic factor expression, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Fifteen healthy men performed treadmill running under low-intensity (LI), moderate-intensity (MI), and high-intensity (HI) conditions. Blood samples were collected immediately before exercise (IBE), immediately after exercise (IAE), and 60 min after exercise (60MAE) to examine oxidative-nitrosative stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS]; nitric oxide [NO]), neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]; nerve growth factor [NGF]), and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability (S-100β; neuron-specific enolase). ROS concentration significantly increased IAE and following HI (4.9 ± 1.7 mM) compared with that after LI (2.8 ± 1.4 mM) exercise (p < .05). At 60MAE, ROS concentration was higher following HI (2.5 ± 1.2 mM) than after LI (1.5 ± 0.5 mM) and MI (1.4 ± 0.3 mM) conditions (p < .05). Plasma NO IAE increased significantly after MI and HI exercise (p < .05). Serum BDNF, NGF, and S-100b levels were significantly higher IAE following MI and HI exercise (p < .05). BDNF and S-100b were higher IAE following MI (29.6 ± 3.4 ng/mL and 87.1 ± 22.8 ng/L, respectively) and HI (31.4 ± 3.8 ng/mL and 100.6 ± 21.2 ng/L, respectively) than following LI (26.5 ± 3.0 ng/mL and 64.8 ± 19.2 ng/L, respectively) exercise (p < .05). 60MAE, S-100b was higher following HI (71.1 ± 14.5 ng/L) than LI (56.2 ± 14.7 ng/L) exercise (p < .05). NSE levels were not significantly different among all intensity conditions and time points (p > .05). Moderate- and/or high-intensity exercise may induce higher oxidative-nitrosative stress than may low-intensity exercise, which can increase peripheral neurotrophic factor levels by increasing BBB permeability.

Drugs of abuse and alcohol consumption among different groups of population on the Greek Island of Lesvos through sewage-based epidemiology.

PubMed

Gatidou, Georgia; Kinyua, Juliet; van Nuijs, Alexander L N; Gracia-Lor, Emma; Castiglioni, Sara; Covaci, Adrian; Stasinakis, Athanasios S

2016-09-01

The occurrence of 22 drugs of abuse, their metabolites, and the alcohol metabolite ethyl sulphate was investigated in raw sewage samples collected during the non-touristic season from three sewage treatment plants (STPs), which serve different sizes and types of population in the Greek island of Lesvos. Using the sewage-based epidemiology approach, the consumption of these substances was estimated. Five target analytes, cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) and ethyl sulphate (EtS) were detected at concentrations above their limit of quantification, whereas the rest eighteen target compounds were not detected. THC-COOH was detected in most of the samples with concentrations ranging between <20 and 90ngL(-1), followed by EtS (range <1700-12,243ngL(-1)). COC, BE, and MDMA were present only in the STP that serves Mytilene (the main city of the island), at mean concentrations of 3.9ngL(-1) for COC (95% CI: 1.7-6.1), 9.4ngL(-1) for BE (95% CI: -1.6-23) and 3.2ngL(-1) for MDMA (95% CI: 1.2-5.1). Back-calculations to an amount of used substance indicated more intense use of drugs among city population than rural and University population with average values of 9.5 and 1.2mgday(-1) per 1000 inhabitants for COC (95% CI: -1.43-20.4) and MDMA (95% CI: 0.52-1.85), respectively, and 2.8gday(-1) per 1000 inhabitants for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (95% CI: 2.4-3.1), the active ingredient of cannabis. Alcohol consumption was observed to be higher in the city population (5.4mL pure alcohol per day per inhabitant) than in the rural population (3.4mL pure alcohol per day per inhabitant), but the difference was not statistically significant. Consumption of THC differed significantly among the three STPs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Occurrence and fate of steroid estrogens in the largest wastewater treatment plant in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Zhou, Yiqi; Zha, Jinmiao; Wang, Zijian

2012-11-01

Concern over steroid estrogens has increased rapidly in recent years due to their adverse health effects. Effluent discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is the main pollutant source for environmental water. To understand the pollutant level and fate of steroid estrogens in WWTPs, the occurrence of estrone (E1), 17-β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and 17-β-ethinylestradiol (EE2) was investigated in the Gaobeidian WWTP in Beijing, China. Water samples from influent as well as effluent from second sedimentation tanks and advanced treatment processes were taken monthly during 2006 to 2007. In influent, steroid estrogen concentrations varied from 11.6 to 1.1 × 10(2) ng/l, 3.7 to 1.4 × 10(2) ng/l, no detection (nd) to 7.6×10(2) ng/l and nd to 3.3 × 10(2) ng/l for E1, E2, E3, and EE2, respectively. Compared with documented values, the higher steroid estrogen concentrations in the WWTP influent may be due to higher population density, higher birthrate, less dilution, and different sampling time. Results revealed that a municipal WWTP with an activated sludge system incorporating anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic processes could eliminate natural and synthetic estrogens effectively. The mean elimination efficiencies were 83.2%, 96.4%, 98.8%, and 93.0% for E1, E2, E3, and EE2, respectively. The major removal mechanism for natural estrogens and synthetic estrogen EE2 were biodegradation and sorption on the basis of mass balance in water, suspension particles, and sludge. In the WWTP effluent, however, the highest concentrations of E1, E2, E3, and EE2 attained were 74.2, 3.9, 5.1, and 4.6 ng/l, respectively. This is concerning as residual steroid estrogens in WWTP effluent could lead to pollution of the receiving water. Advanced flocculation treatment was applied in the WWTP and transformed the residual estrogen conjugates to free species, which were reduced further by filtration with removal shifting from 32% to 57% for natural estrogen, although no EE2 was removed.

Dietary fat subgroups, zinc and vegetable components are related to urine F2a-isoprostane concentration, a measure of oxidative stress, in midlife women1

PubMed Central

Tomey, Kristin M.; Sowers, MaryFran R.; Li, Xizhao; McConnell, Daniel S.; Crawford, Sybil; Gold, Ellen B.; Lasley, Bill; Randolph, John F.

2009-01-01

Smoking, diet and physical activity may impact chronic diseases, in part, by promoting or attenuating oxidative stress. We evaluated associations between lifestyle factors and urine F2a-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress among 1610 participants of Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed at baseline and year 05 (Y05). These data were related to Y05 urinary F2a-isoprostane concentration with regression analyses. Median urine F2a-isoprostane concentration was 433 ng/L overall, 917 ng/L in smokers (inter-quartile range: 467, 1832 ng/L) and 403 ng/L in non-smokers (inter-quartile range: 228, 709 ng/L; P<0.0001 for difference). Higher trans fat intake was associated with higher urine F2a-isoprostane concentration; partial Spearman correlations (ρx|y) between Y05 urine F2a-isoprostane concentration and trans fatty acids were 0.19 (P=0.03) and 0.13 (P <0.0001) in smokers and non-smokers, respectively. Increased log trans fat intake from baseline to Y05 was associated with higher concentration of logurine F2a-isoprostanes in non-smokers (β=0.131, SE=0.04, P =0.0003). In non-smokers, the partial correlation (ρx|y) between lutein and urine F2a-isoprostane concentration was −0.13 (P <0.0001). Increased intake of log lutein from baseline to Y05 was also associated with lower log urine F2a-isoprostane concentration (β= −0.096, SE=0.03, P =0.0005) in non-smokers. Increased zinc intake from baseline to Y05 was associated with lower log urine F2a-isoprostane concentration in smokers and non-smokers (β= −0.346, SE=0.14, P =0.01), and −0.117, 0.04 (P =0.001), respectively]. In conclusion, diet (fat subtypes, zinc, vegetable components) and smoking were associated with urine F2a-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress. PMID:17951478

Analysis of Aflatoxin M1 in Breast Milk and Its Association with Nutritional and Socioeconomic Status of Lactating Mothers in Lebanon.

PubMed

Elaridi, Jomana; Bassil, Maya; Kharma, Joelle Abi; Daou, Farah; Hassan, Hussein F

2017-10-01

Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) is the most potent of the dietary aflatoxins, and its major metabolite, aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ), is frequently found in the breast milk of lactating mothers. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and factors associated with AFM 1 contamination of breast milk collected from lactating mothers in Lebanon. A total of 111 breast milk samples were collected according to the guidelines set by the World Health Organization. Samples were analyzed with a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay between December 2015 and November 2016. A survey was used to determine the demographic and anthropometric characteristics of participating lactating mothers. Dietary habits were assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Mean (±standard deviation) concentration of AFM 1 in the breast milk samples was 4.31 ± 1.8 ng/L, and 93.8% of samples contained AFM 1 at 0.2 to 7.9 ng/L. The mean concentration of AFM 1 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in fall and winter (4.1 ± 1.9 ng/L) than in spring and summer (5.0 ± 1.7 ng/L). None of the samples exceeded the European Commission regulation limit (25 ng/L) for infant milk replacement formula. AFM 1 contamination was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the daily consumption of white cheeses but not with the consumption of meat or cereal products. No significant association (P > 0.05) was observed between AFM 1 concentrations in breast milk and anthropometric sociodemographic factors (age and level of education) or the governorate of residence of the nursing mothers. The mean AFM 1 estimated daily intake was found to be 0.69 ng/day/kg of body weight. Although the incidence of AFM 1 contamination was low, our first-of-its-kind study highlights the importance of conducting investigations on mycotoxin contamination in breast milk and of developing protection strategies to tackle the exposure of infants to this potent chemical hazard.

Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin-T to Identify Patients at Risk of Left Ventricular Graft Dysfunction After Heart Transplantation.

PubMed

Méndez, A B; Ordonez-Llanos, J; Mirabet, S; Galan, J; Maestre, M L; Brossa, V; Rivilla, M T; López, L; Koller, T; Sionis, A; Roig, E

2016-11-01

Primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation (HTx) has a very high mortality rate, especially if the left ventricle (PGD-LV) is involved. Early diagnosis is important to select the appropriate therapy to improve prognosis. The value of high-sensitivity troponin T (HS-TNT) measurement obtained at patient arrival at the intensive care unit was analyzed in 71 HTx patients. Mild or moderate PGD-LV was defined by hemodynamic compromise with one of the following criteria: left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, hemodynamic compromise with right atrial pressure >15 mm Hg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >20 mm Hg, cardiac index <2.0 L/min/m 2 , hypotension (mean arterial pressure <70 mm Hg), and need for high-dose inotropes (inotrope score >10) or newly placed intra-aortic balloon pump. The mean recipient age was 54 ± 12 years (73% men), and donor age was 47 ± 11 years. Ischemic time was 200 ± 51 minutes, and coronary bypass time was 122 ± 31 minutes. Nine (13%) HTx patients were diagnosed with PGD-LV post-HTx, 8 with biventricular dysfunction. Four patients died, 2 with PGD-LV (22%) and 2 without PGD (4%). Mean HS-TNT before HTx was 158 ± 565 ng/L, and post-HT was 1621 ± 1269 ng/L. The area under the curve (receiver-operator characteristic) of HS-TNT to detect patients at risk of PGD-LV was 0.860 (P < .003). A cutoff value of HS-TNT >2000 ng/L had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 87% to identify patients at risk of PGD-LV. Multivariate analysis identified HS-TNT >2000 ng/L (P < .02) and coronary bypass-time (P < .01) as independent predictors of PGD-LV. HS-TNT >2000 ng/L at intensive care admission after HT and prolonged coronary bypass time were the most powerful predictors of PGD-LV. HS-TNT may be helpful for early detection of HTx patients at risk of PGD-LV. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of isoxaflutole (balance) and its metabolites in water using solid phase extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet or mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lin, Chung-Ho; Lerch, Robert N.; Thurman, E. Michael; Garrett , Harold E.; George, Milon F.

2002-01-01

Balance (isoxaflutole, IXF) belongs to a new family of herbicides referred to as isoxazoles. IXF has a very short soil half-life (<24 h), degrading to a biologically active diketonitrile (DKN) metabolite that is more polar and considerably more stable. Further degradation of the DKN metabolite produces a nonbiologically active benzoic acid (BA) metabolite. Analytical methods using solid phase extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography−UV (HPLC-UV) or high-performance liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) were developed for the analysis of IXF and its metabolites in distilled deionized water and ground water samples. To successfully detect and quantify the BA metabolite by HPLC-UV from ground water samples, a sequential elution scheme was necessary. Using HPLC-UV, the mean recoveries from sequential elution of the parent and its two metabolites from fortified ground water samples ranged from 68.6 to 101.4%. For HPLC-MS, solid phase extraction of ground water samples was performed using a polystyrene divinylbenzene polymer resin. The mean HPLC-MS recoveries of the three compounds from ground water samples spiked at 0.05−2 μg/L ranged from 100.9 to 110.3%. The limits of quantitation for HPLC-UV are approximately 150 ng/L for IXF, 100 ng/L for DKN, and 250 ng/L for BA. The limit of quantitation by HPLC-MS is 50 ng/L for each compound. The methods developed in this work can be applied to determine the transport and fate of Balance in the environment.

A preliminary nationwide survey of the presence of emerging contaminants in drinking and source waters in Brazil.

PubMed

Machado, Kelly C; Grassi, Marco Tadeu; Vidal, Cristiane; Pescara, Igor C; Jardim, Wilson F; Fernandes, Andreia N; Sodré, Fernando F; Almeida, Fernanda V; Santana, Joyce S; Canela, Maria Cristina; Nunes, Camila R O; Bichinho, Kátia M; Severo, Flaviana J R

2016-12-01

This is the first nationwide survey of emerging contaminants in Brazilian waters. One hundred drinking water samples were investigated in 22 Brazilian state capitals. In addition, seven source water samples from two of the most populous regions of the country were evaluated. Samples were collected from June to September of 2011 and again during the same period in 2012. The study covered emerging contaminants of different classes, including hormones, plasticizers, herbicides, triclosan and caffeine. The analytical method for the determination of the compounds was based on solid-phase extraction followed by analysis via liquid chromatography electrospray triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Caffeine, triclosan, atrazine, phenolphthalein and bisphenol A were found in at least one of the samples collected in the two sampling campaigns. Caffeine and atrazine were the most frequently detected substances in both drinking and source water. Caffeine concentrations in drinking water ranged from 1.8ngL -1 to values above 2.0μgL -1 while source-water concentrations varied from 40ngL -1 to about 19μgL -1 . For atrazine, concentrations were found in the range from 2.0 to 6.0ngL -1 in drinking water and at concentrations of up to 15ngL -1 in source water. The widespread presence of caffeine in samples of treated water is an indication of the presence of domestic sewage in the source water, considering that caffeine is a compound of anthropogenic origin. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of a collagen II degradation protein C2C and a collagen II formation protein CP II in serum of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

PubMed

Kilgallon, Conor P; Larsen, Scott; Wong, Alice; Yellowley, Clare

2015-03-01

Osteoarthritis is a major cause of chronic lameness in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in captivity worldwide. Radiology and other imaging technologies are of limited use in the early diagnosis of this condition in elephants. Collagen II is a major component of articular cartilage. The degradation and formation of collagen II can be monitored by the measurement of specific biomarkers in biologic fluids such as serum. It is possible that these biomarkers could also prove useful in identifying disease in elephants. In this study two commercially available immunoassays which measure a marker of collagen II degradation (C2C) and a marker of collagen II formation (CPII) were evaluated in Asian elephants. The ability of the assays to detect and measure C2C and CPII in the serum of Asian elephants was confirmed. Median serum concentration of C2C was 148 ng/L in nonlame elephants (n=33) and 91.2 ng/L in lame elephants (n=7). The difference was statistically significant (P=0.0002). Median serum concentration of CPII was 519.3 ng/L in nonlame elephants and 318.7 ng/L in lame elephants. The difference was also statistically significant (P=0.039). Whereas CPII concentrations in lame elephants mirrored findings from human and animal osteoarthritis studies, C2C concentrations did not. Further studies which evaluate these and other similar biomarkers are necessary to elucidate their usefulness in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis in proboscidae.

[Relationship between highly sensitive cardiac troponin T and sepsis and outcome in critically ill patients].

PubMed

Wang, T T; Jiang, L

2017-10-01

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of highly sensitive cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTn T) for sepsis in critically ill patients. Methods: Patients estimated to stay in the ICU of Fuxing Hospital for more than 24h were enrolled at from March 2014 to December 2014. Serum hs-cTn T was tested within two hours. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the association of variables with the hs-cTn T. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors of 28-day mortality. Results: A total of 125 patients were finally enrolled including 68 patients with sepsis and 57 without. The levels of hs-cTn T in sepsis and non-sepsis groups were significantly different[52.0(32.5, 87.5) ng/L vs 14.0(6.5, 29.0) ng/L respectively, P <0.001]. In sepsis group, hs-cTn T among common sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock were similar. Hs-cTn T was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors [27(13, 52)ng/L vs 44.5(28.8, 83.5)ng/L, P <0.001]. Age, sepsis, serum creatinine were independent risk factors affecting hs-cTn T by multivariate linear regression analyses. But hs-cTn T was not a risk factor for death. Conclusion: Patients with sepsis had higher serum hs-cTn T than those without sepsis. but it was not found to be associated with the severity of sepsis.

Disruptions in aromatase expression in the brain, reproductive behavior, and secondary sexual characteristics in male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) induced by tributyltin.

PubMed

Tian, Hua; Wu, Peng; Wang, Wei; Ru, Shaoguo

2015-05-01

Although bioaccumulation of tributyltin (TBT) in fish has been confirmed, information on possible effects of TBT on reproductive system of fish is still relatively scarce, particularly at environmentally relevant levels. To evaluate the adverse effects and intrinsic toxicological properties of TBT in male fish, we studied aromatase gene expression in the brain, sex steroid contents, primary and secondary sexual characteristics, and reproductive behavior in male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) exposed to tributyltin chloride at the nominal concentrations of 5, 50, and 500 ng/L for 28 days in a semi-static exposure system. Radioimmunoassay demonstrated that treatment with 50 ng/L TBT caused an increase in systemic levels of testosterone of male guppies. Gonopodial index, which showed a positive correlation with testosterone levels, was elevated in the 5 ng/L and 50 ng/L TBT treated groups. Real-time PCR revealed that TBT exposure had inhibiting effects on expression of two isoforms of guppy aromatase in the brain, and these changes at the molecular levels were associated with a disturbance of reproductive behavior of the individuals, as measured by decreases in frequencies of posturing, sigmoid display, and chase activities when males were paired with females. This study provides the first evidence that TBT can cause abnormalities of secondary sexual characteristics in teleosts and that suppression of reproductive behavior in teleosts by TBT is due to its endocrine-disrupting action as an aromatase inhibitor targeting the nervous system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis and occurrence of pharmaceuticals, estrogens, progestogens and polar pesticides in sewage treatment plant effluents, river water and drinking water in the Llobregat river basin (Barcelona, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuster, Marina; López de Alda, Maria José; Hernando, Maria Dolores; Petrovic, Mira; Martín-Alonso, Jordi; Barceló, Damià

2008-08-01

SummaryThis work investigated the presence of 21 emerging contaminants of various chemical groups (7 estrogens, 3 progestogens, 6 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and 5 acidic pesticides) in the Llobregat river basin (NE Spain). Waters from the outlet of various sewage treatment plants (STP) and waterworks located along the river basin, as well as water samples from the river or its tributaries upstream and downstream of these plants were analysed in two pilot monitoring studies. Chemical analyses were performed by means of on-line or off-line solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry. Methods detection limits (in ng/L) were ⩽0.85 for estrogens, ⩽3.94 for progestogens, ⩽30 for PPCPs, and ⩽0.99 for pesticides. Of the estrogens and progestogens analysed, only estrone-3-sulfate, estrone, estriol and progesterone were found to be present in the low nanogram per liter range in some of the samples investigated. Except for atenolol, all PPCPs studied (ibuprofen, diclofenac, clofibric acid, salicylic acid, and triclosan) could be identified at levels usually lower than 250 ng/L and up to 1200 ng/l (diclofenac). Of the various pesticides investigated (2,4-D, bentazone; MCPA, mecoprop and propanil) MCPA and 2,4-D were the most ubiquitous and abundant and bentazone the only one not detected. Individual concentrations were most often below 100 ng/L and never surpassed the EU limits.

MEG Network Differences between Low- and High-Grade Glioma Related to Epilepsy and Cognition

PubMed Central

van Dellen, Edwin; Douw, Linda; Hillebrand, Arjan; Ris-Hilgersom, Irene H. M.; Schoonheim, Menno M.; Baayen, Johannes C.; De Witt Hamer, Philip C.; Velis, Demetrios N.; Klein, Martin; Heimans, Jan J.; Stam, Cornelis J.; Reijneveld, Jaap C.

2012-01-01

Objective To reveal possible differences in whole brain topology of epileptic glioma patients, being low-grade glioma (LGG) and high-grade glioma (HGG) patients. We studied functional networks in these patients and compared them to those in epilepsy patients with non-glial lesions (NGL) and healthy controls. Finally, we related network characteristics to seizure frequency and cognitive performance within patient groups. Methods We constructed functional networks from pre-surgical resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings of 13 LGG patients, 12 HGG patients, 10 NGL patients, and 36 healthy controls. Normalized clustering coefficient and average shortest path length as well as modular structure and network synchronizability were computed for each group. Cognitive performance was assessed in a subset of 11 LGG and 10 HGG patients. Results LGG patients showed decreased network synchronizability and decreased global integration compared to healthy controls in the theta frequency range (4–8 Hz), similar to NGL patients. HGG patients’ networks did not significantly differ from those in controls. Network characteristics correlated with clinical presentation regarding seizure frequency in LGG patients, and with poorer cognitive performance in both LGG and HGG glioma patients. Conclusion Lesion histology partly determines differences in functional networks in glioma patients suffering from epilepsy. We suggest that differences between LGG and HGG patients’ networks are explained by differences in plasticity, guided by the particular lesional growth pattern. Interestingly, decreased synchronizability and decreased global integration in the theta band seem to make LGG and NGL patients more prone to the occurrence of seizures and cognitive decline. PMID:23166829

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides in water columns from the Pearl River and the Macao harbor in the Pearl River Delta in South China.

PubMed

Luo, Xiaojun; Mai, Bixian; Yang, Qingshu; Fu, Jiamo; Sheng, Guoying; Wang, Zhishi

2004-06-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in suspended particles and dissolved phase from the Baiertang water column and the Macao water column samples as collected from the Guangzhou channel of the Pearl River and the Macao harbor, where the sediments were heavily contaminated with organic pollutants. Total OCPs concentration varies from 23.4 to 61.7 ng/l in Baiertang water column and from 25.2 to 67.8 ng/l in Macao column, while total PAHs concentration varies from 987.1 to 2878.5 ng/l in the Baiertang water column and from 944.0 to 6654.6 ng/l in the Macao column. The vertical distribution profiles of pollutants and the partition of pollutants between particles and dissolved phases indicate that the sediments in Baiertang act as an important source of selected pollutants, and the pollutants in water of this region were mainly originated from the release and re-suspension of contaminants residing in the sediments. The sediments in Macao harbor act as a reservoir for organochlorine pesticides, such as DDTs mainly introduced by river inflow from Xijiang and PAHs input by brackish water from the Lingdingyang estuary. Combustion of fossil fuels and petroleum input are the main sources of PAHs in the Macao water column, while combustion of fossil fuels and coal is responsible for the PAHs in the Baiertang water column. The ratios of DDT/(DDD+DDE) for the Macao water column samples demonstrate that such chemicals were input into this region in recent times.

Determination of isoxaflutole (balance) and its metabolites in water using solid phase extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet or mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Lin, Chung-Ho; Lerch, Robert N; Thurman, E Michael; Garrett, Harold E; George, Milon F

2002-10-09

Balance (isoxaflutole, IXF) belongs to a new family of herbicides referred to as isoxazoles. IXF has a very short soil half-life (<24 h), degrading to a biologically active diketonitrile (DKN) metabolite that is more polar and considerably more stable. Further degradation of the DKN metabolite produces a nonbiologically active benzoic acid (BA) metabolite. Analytical methods using solid phase extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-UV (HPLC-UV) or high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) were developed for the analysis of IXF and its metabolites in distilled deionized water and ground water samples. To successfully detect and quantify the BA metabolite by HPLC-UV from ground water samples, a sequential elution scheme was necessary. Using HPLC-UV, the mean recoveries from sequential elution of the parent and its two metabolites from fortified ground water samples ranged from 68.6 to 101.4%. For HPLC-MS, solid phase extraction of ground water samples was performed using a polystyrene divinylbenzene polymer resin. The mean HPLC-MS recoveries of the three compounds from ground water samples spiked at 0.05-2 microg/L ranged from 100.9 to 110.3%. The limits of quantitation for HPLC-UV are approximately 150 ng/L for IXF, 100 ng/L for DKN, and 250 ng/L for BA. The limit of quantitation by HPLC-MS is 50 ng/L for each compound. The methods developed in this work can be applied to determine the transport and fate of Balance in the environment.

Simultaneous occurrence of nitrates and sulfonamide antibiotics in two ground water bodies of Catalonia (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Galán, M. ^a. Jesús; Garrido, Teresa; Fraile, Josep; Ginebreda, Antoni; Díaz-Cruz, M. Silvia; Barceló, Damià

2010-03-01

SummaryIn the present work the occurrence of 19 selected sulfonamides, including one acetylated metabolite, was investigated in ground water samples taken from two ground water bodies in Catalonia (Plana de Vic and La Selva). Both include areas designated as nitrate vulnerable zones, according to Directive 91/676/EEC. A fully automated analytical methodology based on on-line solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS) was developed for this purpose. The high selectivity and sensitivity achieved (limits of detection between 0.005 and 0.8 ng/L) permitted to demonstrate the ubiquity of these antibiotics in both ground water bodies. Results showed a wide range of concentrations, from 0.01 ng/L up to 3460.57 ng/L. Since sulfonamides are related to livestock veterinary practices, they can be used as a specific indicator of manure contamination. However, the presence of sulfonamides appeared not to be directly related to the concentration of nitrates, as it is reflected on the low correlation coefficients found.

Development of extraction procedure for determination of mercury species using SPME-assisted dispersive derivative agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, Md Pauzi; Khalik, Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd; Othman, Mohamed Rozali

2016-11-01

The extraction procedure for determination of low level mercury using solid phase microextraction was successfully carried out. Design of experimental works using factorial design and central composite design were applied to screen and predict the optimum condition for extraction step. In this study, variables namely concentration level (5 % m/v) and volume of derivatization solution (150 µL) has depicted as main effect for controlling the suitability of derivative reagent condition. Maximum of signal response (account as total peak areas for mercury species) was obtained when extraction procedure was set up at pH of water sample (5.8), extraction time (14 min), extraction temperature (43 °C) and stirring rate (450 rpm). Reducing time required to reach equilibrium is new improvement achieved in this study. Detection limit for each species (MeHg 26.17 ngL-1; EtHg 48.84 ngL-1 and IHg 14.11 ngL-1) was calculated lower than our previous work. Recovery, repeatability and reproducibility trial were recorded varied at acceptable range and relative standard deviation was calculated below than 10 %.

Antifouling paint booster biocides (Irgarol 1051 and diuron) in marinas and ports of Bushehr, Persian Gulf.

PubMed

Saleh, Abolfazl; Molaei, Saeideh; Sheijooni Fumani, Neda; Abedi, Ehsan

2016-04-15

In the present study, antifouling paint booster biocides, Irgarol 1051 and diuron were measured in ports and marinas of Bushehr, Iran. Results showed that in seawater samples taken from ports and marinas, Irgarol was found at the range of less than LOD to 63.4ngL(-1) and diuron was found to be at the range of less than LOD to 29.1ngL(-1) (in Jalali marina). 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA), as a degradation product of diuron, was also analyzed and its maximum concentration was 390ngL(-1). Results for analysis of Irgarol 1051 in sediments showed a maximum concentration of 35.4ngg(-1) dry weight in Bandargah marina. A comparison between the results of this study and those of other published works showed that Irgarol and diuron pollutions in ports and marinas of Bushehr located in the Persian Gulf were less than the average of reports from other parts of the world. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Net photosynthesis and respiration of sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) exposed to herbicides

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fleming, W.J.; Ailstock, M.S.; Momot, J.J.; Hughes, Jane S.; Biddinger, Gregory R.; Mones, Eugene

1995-01-01

We determined net photosynthesis and respiration rates for sago pondweed (potamogeton pectinatus) exposed to various concentrations of 11 herbicides widely used in Maryland during the past decade. Net photosynthesis and respiration were determined by measuring changes in the. oxygen content of solutions containing dilutions of technical grade herbicides. At 20-22? C and 58 umol/m2/sec of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), oxygen production of undosed plants averaged 0.72-2.03 mg/g fresh wt/h. Respiration rates of undosed plants averaged 0.46-0.60 mg O2/g fresh wt/h. Nominal herbicide concentrations (ng/L) that reduced net photosynthesis by 5O percent (IC5O) were: metribuzin, 8; atrazine, 29; cyanazine, 32; linuron, 70; simazine, 164; and paraquat, 240. IC5O values for 2,4-D, acifluorfen, glyphosate and metolachlor exceeded the maximum test concentration of 10,000 ng/L. The IC5O value for alachlor was estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 ng/L. None of the herbicides tested had a significant effect on dark respiration.

Occurrence and fate of anti-inflammatory drugs in wastewater treatment plants in Japan.

PubMed

Nakada, Norihide; Komori, Koya; Suzuki, Yutaka

2005-01-01

The fates of anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid and ketoprofen), which are frequently detected in the discharges of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and river water in Japan, were clarified in two WWTPs. The concentrations of ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid and ketoprofen were 69-1080, 179-305, 143-1580 and 160-1060 ng/L in the influent, and N.D. (< 40 ng/L), 74-166, 72-265, 64-107 ng/L in the effluent, respectively. The concentrations of the anti-inflammatory drugs analyzed were almost equal to or lower than those reported in foreign countries. High removal efficiencies of the drugs, except ibuprofen, were observed in the WWTP that has longer hydraulic retention time than that of the other WWTP. For ibuprofen, high removal efficiencies were observed in both WWTPs (84 to 98%). Disinfection by chlorination was not effective to remove the drugs surveyed. On the other hand, the effective removal of ketoprofen by ultraviolet (UV) radiation for disinfection was demonstrated, although the disinfection by-products were not identified.

Magnetic porous carbon derived from a bimetallic metal-organic framework for magnetic solid-phase extraction of organochlorine pesticides from drinking and environmental water samples.

PubMed

Liu, Yaxi; Gao, Zongjun; Wu, Ri; Wang, Zhenhua; Chen, Xiangfeng; Chan, T-W Dominic

2017-01-06

In this work, magnetic porous carbon material derived from a bimetallic metal-organic framework was explored as an adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The synthesized porous carbon possessed a high specific surface area and magnetization saturation. The OCPs in the samples were quantified using gas chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The experimental parameters, including the desorption solvent and conditions, amount of adsorbent, extraction time, extraction temperature, and ionic strength of the solution, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the developed method displayed good linearity (r>0.99) within the concentration range of 2-500ngL -1 . Low limits of detection (0.39-0.70ngL -1 , signal-to-noise ratio=3:1) and limits of quantification (1.45-2.0ngL -1 , signal-to-noise ratio=10:1) as well as good precision (relative standard deviation<10%) were also obtained. The developed method was applied in the analysis of OCPs in drinking and environmental water samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seasonal Dynamics of Glyphosate and AMPA in Lake Greifensee: Rapid Microbial Degradation in the Epilimnion During Summer.

PubMed

Huntscha, Sebastian; Stravs, Michael A; Bühlmann, Andreas; Ahrens, Christian H; Frey, Jürg E; Pomati, Francesco; Hollender, Juliane; Buerge, Ignaz J; Balmer, Marianne E; Poiger, Thomas

2018-04-17

Occurrence and fate of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, and its main metabolite AMPA was investigated in Lake Greifensee, Switzerland. Monthly vertical concentration profiles in the lake showed an increase of glyphosate concentrations in the epilimnion from 15 ng/L in March to 145 ng/L in July, followed by a sharp decline to <5 ng/L in August. A similar pattern was observed for AMPA. Concentrations of glyphosate and AMPA in the two main tributaries generally were much higher than in the lake. Simulations using a numerical lake model indicated that a substantial amount of glyphosate and AMPA dissipated in the epilimnion, mainly in July and August, with half-lives of only ≈2-4 days which is ≫100 times faster than in the preceding months. Fast dissipation coincided with high water temperatures and phytoplankton densities, and low phosphate concentrations. This indicates that glyphosate might have been used as an alternative phosphorus source by bacterio- and phytoplankton. Metagenomic analysis of lake water revealed the presence of organisms known to be capable of degrading glyphosate and AMPA.

Monthly survey of N-nitrosamine yield in a conventional water treatment plant in North China.

PubMed

Wang, Chengkun; Liu, Shuming; Wang, Jun; Zhang, Xiaojian; Chen, Chao

2015-12-01

A sampling campaign was conducted monthly to investigate the occurrence of N-nitrosamines at a conventional water treatment plant in one city in North China. The yield of N-nitrosamines in the treated water indicated precursors changed greatly after the source water switching. Average concentrations of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) in the finished water were 6.9, 3.3, and 3.1ng/L, respectively, from June to October when the Luan River water was used as source water, while those of NDMA, N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA), and NPYR in the finished water were 10.1, 4.9, and 4.7ng/L, respectively, from November to next April when the Yellow River was used. NDMA concentration in the finished water was frequently over the 10ng/L, i.e., the notification level of California, USA, which indicated a considerable threat to public health. Weak correlations were observed between N-nitrosamine yield and typical water quality parameters except for the dissolved organic nitrogen. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Geochemical characterization of water, sediment, and biota affected by mercury contamination and acidic drainage from historical gold mining, Greenhorn Creek, Nevada County, California, 1999-2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alpers, Charles N.; Hunerlach, Michael P.; May, Jason T.; Hothem, Roger L.; Taylor, Howard E.; Antweiler, Ronald C.; De Wild, John F.; Lawler, David A.

2005-01-01

In 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initiated studies of mercury and methylmercury occurrence, transformation, and transport in the Bear River and Yuba River watersheds of the northwestern Sierra Nevada. Because these watersheds were affected by large-scale, historical gold extraction using mercury amalgamation beginning in the 1850s, they were selected for a pilot study of mercury transport by the USGS and other cooperating agencies. This report presents data on methylmercury (MeHg) and total mercury (THg) concentrations in water, bed sediment, invertebrates, and frogs collected at 40 stations during 1999-2001 in the Greenhorn Creek drainage, a major tributary to Bear River. Results document several mercury contamination ?hot spots? that represent potential targets for ongoing and future remediation efforts at abandoned mine sites in the study area. Water-quality samples were collected one or more times at each of 29 stations. The concentrations of total mercury in 45 unfiltered water samples ranged from 0.80 to 153,000 nanograms per liter (ng/L); the median was 9.6 ng/L. Total mercury concentrations in filtered water (41 samples) ranged from less than 0.3 to 8,000 ng/L; the median was 2.7 ng/L. Concentrations of methylmercury in the unfiltered water (40 samples) ranged from less than 0.04 to 9.1 ng/L; the median was 0.07 ng/L. Methylmercury in filtered water (13 samples) ranged from less than 0.04 to 0.27 ng/L; the median was 0.04 ng/L. Acidic drainage with pH values as low as 3.4 was encountered in some of the mined areas. Elevated concentrations of aluminum, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc were found at several stations, especially in the more acidic water samples. Total mercury concentrations in sediment were determined by laboratory and field methods. Total mercury concentrations (determined by laboratory methods) in ten samples from eight stations ranged from about 0.0044 to 12 ?g/g (microgram per gram, equivalent to parts per million). Methylmercury concentrations in these samples ranged from less than 0.00011 to 0.0095 ?g/g. A field panning method was used to determine the concentration of liquid elemental mercury in 22 samples from 14 stations. Measured quantities of elemental mercury recovered by panning ranged from a trace amount estimated at 100 milligrams per kilogram (equivalent to parts per million) to 45,000 milligrams per kilogram (equivalent to 4.5 per cent, by weight). In total, 194 invertebrate samples were collected at 31 stations; 78 of the samples were analyzed for concentrations of THg and MeHg and used to calculate MeHg to THg ratios. A total of 69 frog samples were collected at 19 stations, and all were analyzed only for THg. Ranges of MeHg concentrations (?g/g, wet weight) in invertebrate samples and number of samples (n) were 0.0012-0.048 for banana slugs (Arionidae, n = 27), 0.027-0.39 for dobsonflies (Corydalidae, n = 14), 0.029-0.50 for predaceous diving beetles (Dytiscidae, n = 31), 0.026-0.52 for predaceous stoneflies (Perlidae, n = 18), 0.011-1.6 for dragonflies (Odonata, n = 46), and 0.061-0.55 for water striders (Gerridae, n = 56). The ratio of MeHg to THg in invertebrates was greater than 50 percent for 74 of 78 samples. The data from this reconnaissance sampling effort have been used by land-management agencies in selecting abandoned mine sites for remediation. The Forest Service has remediated the Sailor Flat site, and the Bureau of Land Management has initiated plans to remediate the Boston Mine drainage tunnel.

[Mechanism of TNF-α in bone defect of chronic apical periodontitis].

PubMed

Yu, Ya-Qiong; Qu, Liu; Qiu, Li-Hong; Guo, Jia-Jie; Ma, Nan; Zhu, Li

2016-08-01

To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharides(LPS) extracted from Porphyromonas endodontalis(P.e) on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells and the role of NF-κB signaling on the expression of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) induced by TNF-α in MC3T3-El cells． METHODS: MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations of P.e-LPS(0-50 mg/L) and 10 mg/L P.e-LPS for different time (0-24 h). The expression of TNF-α mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations of TNF-α(0-10 ng/L) for 6 h. The expression of M-CSF mRNA and protein was detected by RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay(ELISA).The expression of M-CSF protein was also detected in 10 ng/L TNF-α treated MC3T3-E1 cells after pretreated with BAY 11-7082 for 1 h, a special NF-κB inhibitor . Statistical analysis was performed using Multi-way ANOVA and Dunnett t test with SPSS 13.0 software package. The level of TNF-α mRNA increased significantly after treatment with different concentrations of P.e-LPS(0-50 mg/L)，which indicated that P.e-LPS induced osteoblasts to express TNF-α mRNA in dose dependent manners. Maximal induction of TNF-α mRNA expression was seen in the MC3T3-E1 cells treated with 10 mg/L P.e-LPS for 6 h. After 6 h, the expression of TNF-α mRNA decreased gradually .The expression of M-CSF mRNA and protein was increased in a does- dependent manner by different concentrations of TNF-α treatment（0-10 ng/L）. The expression of M-CSF protein increased from (37±2) ng/L(control group) to (301±8) ng/L(10 ng/L group).The protein of M-CSF decreased significantly after pretreatment with 10 μmol/L BAY 11-7082 for 1 h, and the expression of M-CSF proteins was reduced from (253±14) ng/L to (154±2) ng/L .BAY group had no significant difference from the control group. The expression of TNF-α mRNA was increased by P. endodontalis LPS treatment in osteoblast. TNF-α may induce the expression of M-CSF in MC3T3-E1 cells through the signaling of NF-κB. It suggests that TNF-α affect osteoblasts through autocrine way for bone destruction in chronic apical periodontitis induced by P.e-LPS.

[The effect of partial liquid ventilation on inflammatory response in piglets with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide].

PubMed

Tang, Jin; Zhang, Jie; Li, Xuguang; Guo, Zhongliang

2014-02-01

To evaluate the effect of partial liquid ventilation (PLV) on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors change in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced piglets acute lung injury (ALI). Twelve Shanghai white piglets were randomly divided into mechanical ventilation (MV) group (n=6) and PLV group (n=6). 60 μg×kg(-1)×h(-1) LPS were intravenous infused continuously for 2 hours to induce ALI model. PLV model was set on the basis of the MV by endotracheal injection of perfluorodecalin (PFC, 10 mL/kg). The hemodynamic and respiratory parameters such as mechanics and arterial blood gas analysis were monitored at basic condition and after lung injury establishment (0, 1, 2, 4 hours). The serum levels of interleukin (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were dynamically monitored by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A lung injury score was used to quantify lung tissues change under light microscopic observations. Ventilation and oxygenation function were improved gradually after PFC endotracheal injection in PLV group, and there were significant difference compared with MV group at 4 hours [heart rate (HR): 144 ± 6 beats/min vs. 179 ± 9 beats/min, respiratory rate (RR): 58 ± 4 beats/min vs. 77 ± 6 beats/min, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP): 99 ± 7 mmHg vs. 75 ± 29 mmHg, dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn): 1.9 ± 0.3 mL×cmH(2)O(-1)×kg(-1) vs. 1.2 ± 0.4 mL×cmH(2)O(-1)×kg(-1), tidal volume (VT): 7.8 ± 0.4 mL/kg vs. 5.8 ± 0.9 mL/kg, mean airway resistance (Raw): 20.5 ± 6.6 cmH(2)O×L(-1)×s(-1) vs. 35.2 ± 4.0 cmH(2)O×L(-1)×s(-1), mean airway pressure (Paw): 1.0 ± 0.5 cmH(2)O vs. 3.0 ± 0.9 cmH(2)O, ventilation efficacy index (VEI): 0.18 ± 0.02 vs. 0.08 ± 0.02, pH value: 7.386 ± 0.143 vs. 7.148 ± 0.165, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)): 121.8 ± 12.5 mmHg vs. 73.6 ± 10.9 mmHg, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)): 39.6 ± 20.3 mmHg vs. 66.8 ± 23.5 mmHg, oxygenation index (PaO(2)/FiO(2)): 311 ± 35 mmHg vs. 184 ± 27 mmHg, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. All serum cytokines in both groups were significantly increased after LPS-induced ALI, and showed an elevated tendency. The serum pro-inflammatory factors of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in PLV group were significantly lower than those in MV group at 4 hours (TNF-α: 98.4 ± 21.1 ng/L vs. 178.0 ± 55.0 ng/L, IL-1β: 142.0 ± 38.0 ng/L vs. 226.0 ± 55.0 ng/L, IL-6: 763.0 ± 282.0 ng/L vs. 1 303.0 ± 260.0 ng/L, IL-8: 1 183.0 ± 403.0 ng/L vs. 1 876.0 ± 232.0 ng/L, P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no significant difference in serum anti-inflammatory factor of IL-10 between PLV and MV groups at 4 hours (292.0 ± 40.0 ng/L vs. 208.0 ± 82.0 ng/L, P>0.05). The ratio of TNF-α/IL-10 in PLV group was significantly decreased compared with MV group at 2 hours (0.58 ± 0.13 vs. 1.13 ± 0.54, P<0.05). The ratio of IL-6/IL-10 in PLV group was significantly decreased compared with MV group at 4 hours (2.72 ± 1.27 vs. 7.17 ± 3.08, P<0.01). Microscopic changes in intra-alveolar and interstitial inflammation, hemorrhage and edema were better in PLV group than those in MV group. The lung injury score of PLV group was lower than MV group (independent lung regions: 9.8 ± 0.8 vs. 11.8 ± 1.0, t=3.956, P=0.003; dependent lung regions: 5.0 ± 0.6 vs. 14.7 ± 2.3, t=10.127, P=0.000). PLV can significantly reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and the ratio of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory factor, which may contribute to the protective effects of PLV on ALI.

Influence of atmospheric deposition on Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Winger, P.V.; Lasier, P.J.; Jackson, B.P.

1995-01-01

Designation of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia) as a Class I Air Quality Area affords mandatory protection of the airshed through permit-review processes for planned developments. Rainfall is the major source of water to the swamp, and potential impacts from developments in the airshed are high. To meet management needs for baseline information, chemical contributions from atmospheric deposition and partitioning of anions and cations in various matrices of the swamp, with emphasis on mercury and lead, were determined during this study. Chemistry of rainfall was measured on an event basis from one site and quarterly on surface water, pore water, floc, and sediment from four locations. A sediment core collected from the Refuge interior was sectioned, aged, and analyzed for mercury. Rainfall was acidic (pH 4.7-4.9), with average total and methyl mercury concentrations of 9 ng/L and 0.1 ng/L, respectively. Surface waters were acidic (pH 3.8-4.1), dilute (specific conductance 35-60 pS), and highly organic (dissolved organic carbon 35-50 mg/L). Total mercury was 1-3.5 ng/L in surface and pore water, and methyl mercury was 0.02-0.20 ng/L. Total mercury in sediments and floc was 100-200 ng/g dry weight, and methyl mercury was 4-16 ng/g. Lead was 0-1.7 pg/L in rainfall, not detectable in surface water, 3.4-5.4 pg/L in pore water, and 3.9-4.9 mg/kg in floc and sediment. Historical patterns of mercury deposition showed an increase in total mercury from pre-1800 concentrations of 250 ng/g to 500 ng/g in 1950, with concentrations declining thereafter to present.

Assessment of 17{alpha}-ethinylestradiol effects and underlying mechanisms in a continuous, multigeneration exposure of the Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zha Jinmiao; Sun Liwei; Zhou Yiqi

17{alpha}-Ethinylestradiol (EE{sub 2}) is a synthetic estrogen used primarily in birth control pills and in hormone replacement therapy. Owing to its occurrence in surface waters at concentrations frequently greater than 1 ng/l and its projected future use, EE{sub 2} is expected to pose a significant risk to aquatic organisms. This study was conducted to obtain long-term exposure data necessary for the establishment of water quality criteria and to investigate mechanisms associated with toxic effects. In a multigeneration experiment, Chinese rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) were constantly exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of the synthetic estrogen EE{sub 2}. Mortality, deformities, reproductive parameters,more » plasma vitellogenin and histopathology were assessed. The results showed that, in the F{sub 0} generation, all endpoints were significantly affected at concentrations higher than 0.2 ng/l EE{sub 2}. No F{sub 1} phenotypic males developed to maturity at 0.2 ng/l and, when adult females of this exposure group were crossed with unexposed males, no F{sub 2} fertile eggs were produced. Kidney histopathology and ultrastructure suggest anomalies possibly associated with increased vitellogenin accumulation. We concluded that the reproduction of the F{sub 1} minnows was completely inhibited at the lowest concentration tested, 0.2 ng/l EE{sub 2}, a concentration frequently detected in surface waters. Growth effects may be related to increased energy requirements including the energy used in VTG synthesis. Reproductive effects are presumably associated with male feminization and the occurrence of testis-ova in males; however, ovarian degeneration observed in females may also have contributed to reproductive failure.« less

Seasonal occurrence, removal, mass loading and environmental risk assessment of 55 pharmaceuticals and personal care products in a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Central Greece.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, Myrsini; Kosma, Christina; Lambropoulou, Dimitra

2016-02-01

A comprehensive study, which contains the seasonal occurrence, removal, mass loading and environmental risk assessment of 55 multi-class pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), took place in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Volos, Greece. A one year monitoring study was performed and the samples were collected from the influent and the effluent of the WWTP. Solid phase extraction was used for the pre-concentration of the samples followed by an LC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis. Positive samples were further confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The maximum concentrations of the PPCPs varied between 21 ng/L and 15,320 ng/L in the influents and between 18 ng/L and 9965 ng/L in the effluents. The most commonly detected PPCPs were the diuretic furosemide, the beta-blockers atenolol and metoprolol, the analgesics paracetamol, nimesulide, salicylic acid and diclofenac and the psychomotor stimulant caffeine. The removal efficiencies ranged between negative and high removal rates, demonstrating that the WWTP is not able to efficiently remove the complex mixture of PPCPs. The estimated mass loads ranged between 5.1 and 3513 mg/day/1000 inhabitants for WWTP influent and between 4.1 to 2141 mg/day/1000 inhabitants for WWTP effluent. Finally, environmental risk assessment has been regarded a necessary part of the general research. According to the results produced from the calculation of the risk quotient on three trophic levels, the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and the antibiotics, trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin, identified to be of high potential environmental risk for acute toxicity, while diclofenac also for chronic toxicity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Organic and inorganic speciation of particulate matter formed during different combustion phases in an improved cookstove.

PubMed

Leavey, Anna; Patel, Sameer; Martinez, Raul; Mitroo, Dhruv; Fortenberry, Claire; Walker, Michael; Williams, Brent; Biswas, Pratim

2017-10-01

Residential solid fuel combustion in cookstoves has established health impacts including bladder and lung cancers, cataracts, low birth weight, and pneumonia. The chemical composition of particulate matter (PM) from 4 commonly-used solid fuels (coal, dung, ambient/dry applewood, and oakwood pellets), emitted from a gasifier cookstove, as well as propane, were examined. Temporal changes between the different cookstove burn-phases were also explored. Normalized concentrations of non-refractory PM 1 , total organics, chloride, ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, and 41 particle-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured using a High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) and a Thermal desorption Aerosol Gas chromatograph (TAG), respectively. Coal demonstrated the highest fraction of organic matter in its particulate emission composition (98%), followed by dung (94%). Coal and dung also demonstrated the highest numbers and concentrations of PAHs. While dry applewood emitted ten times lower organic matter compared to ambient applewood, a higher fraction of these organics was composed of PAHs, especially the more toxic ones such as benzo(a)pyrene (9.63ng/L versus 0.04ng/L), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (31.32ng/L versus 0.19ng/L). Data from the AMS demonstrated no clear trends for any of the combustion fuels over the different combustion phases unlike the previously reported trends observed for the physical characteristics. Of the solid fuels, pellets demonstrated the lowest emissions. Emissions from propane were below the quantification limit of the instruments. This work highlights the benefits of incorporating additional metrics into the cookstove evaluation process, thus enriching the existing PM data inventory. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Multi-residue determination of 47 organic compounds in water, soil, sediment and fish-Turia River as case study.

PubMed

Carmona, Eric; Andreu, Vicente; Picó, Yolanda

2017-11-30

A sensitive and reliable method based on solid-liquid extraction (SLE) using McIlvaine-Na 2 EDTA buffer (pH=4.5)-methanol and solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean up prior to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was applied to determine 47 organic contaminants in fish, soil and sediments. The SPE procedure to clean-up the extracts was also used as extraction method to determine these compounds in water. Recoveries ranged from 38 to 104% for all matrices with RSDs<30%. Limits of Quantification for the target compounds were in the range of 10-50ng/g for soil, 2-40ng/g for sediment, 5-30ng/g for fish and 0.3-26ng/L for water. Furthermore, the proposed method was compared to QuEChERS (widely used for environmental matrices) that involves extraction with buffered acetonitrile (pH 5.5) and dispersive SPE clean-up. The results obtained (recoveries>50% for 36 compounds in front of 9, matrix effect<20% for 31 compounds against 21, and LOQs <25ngg -1 for 38 compounds against 22) indicates that the proposed method is more efficient than QuEChERS, The method was applied to monitoring these compounds along the Turia River. In river waters, Paracetamol (175ngL -1 ), ibuprofen (153ngL -1 ) and bisphenol A (41ngL -1 ) were the compounds most frequently detected while in sediments were vildagliptin (7ngg -1 ) and metoprolol (31ngg -1 ) and in fish, bisphenol A (33ngg -1 ) or sulfamethoxazole (13ngg -1 ). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of three different poly(dimethylsiloxane)-divinylbenzene fibres for the analysis of pesticide multiresidues in water samples: structure and efficiency.

PubMed

Gonçalves, C; Alpendurada, M F

2002-07-19

Despite the continuing development of SPME (solid-phase microextraction) fibre coatings, their selection presents some difficulties for analysts in choosing the appropriate fibre for a certain application. There are two distinct types of SPME coatings available commercially. The most widely used are poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and poly(acrylate) (PA). Supelco has developed new mixed phases consisting of porous polymer particles, either poly(divinylbenzene) (DVB) or Carboxen suspended in a matrix of PDMS or Carbowax for extracting analytes via adsorption. In addition to the nature of the extracting phase, the thickness of the polymeric film must be taken into account and, surprisingly, the construction of the fibres when apparently they bear the same coating, as it is the case of the three PDMS-DVB fibres available. Other fibre structure properties not well explored were identified and must be taken into consideration. To elucidate their extraction efficiency, three PDMS-DVB fibres, namely 60 microm for HPLC use, 65 microm for GC use and 65 microm StableFlex for GC use, were compared with regard to the extraction of 36 compounds included in four pesticide groups. The first was particularly suited for the extraction of organophosphorus pesticides and triazines whereas the StableFlex exhibited advantages in the analysis of organochlorine pesticides and pyrethroids. An explanation for the extraction differences is suggested based on the different structure of the fibres. Detection limits in the range of 1-10 ng/l for organochlorine pesticides, 1-30 ng/l for organophosphorus pesticides, 8-50 ng/l for triazines and 10-20 ng/l for pyrethroids were attained in a method using the 60 microm PDMS-DVB fibre. The fibre maintains its performance at well above 100 extractions with between-day precision below 10%.

Developmental exposure of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to 17α-ethinylestradiol affects non-reproductive behavior and fertility as adults, and increases anxiety in unexposed progeny.

PubMed

Volkova, Kristina; Reyhanian Caspillo, Nasim; Porseryd, Tove; Hallgren, Stefan; Dinnétz, Patrik; Porsch-Hällström, Inger

2015-07-01

Exposure to estrogenic endocrine disruptors (EDCs) during development affects fertility, reproductive and non-reproductive behavior in mammals and fish. These effects can also be transferred to coming generations. In fish, the effects of developmental EDC exposure on non-reproductive behavior are less well studied. Here, we analyze the effects of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on anxiety, shoaling behavior and fertility in zebrafish after developmental treatment and remediation in clean water until adulthood. Zebrafish embryos were exposed from day 1 to day 80 post fertilization to actual concentrations of 1.2 and 1.6ng/L EE2. After remediation for 82days non-reproductive behavior and fertilization success were analyzed in both sexes. Males and females from the 1.2ng/L group, as well as control males and females, were bred, and behavior of the untreated F1 offspring was tested as adults. Developmental treatment with 1.2 and 1.6ng/L EE2 significantly increased anxiety in the novel tank test and increased shoaling intensity in both sexes. Fertilization success was significantly reduced by EE2 in both sexes when mated with untreated fish of opposite sex. Progeny of fish treated with 1.2ng/L EE2 showed increased anxiety in the novel tank test and increased light avoidance in the scototaxis test compared to control offspring. In conclusion, developmental exposure of zebrafish to low doses of EE2 resulted in persistent changes in behavior and fertility. The behavior of unexposed progeny was affected by their parents' exposure, which might suggest transgenerational effects. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Effect of Recombinant Erythropoietin on Plasma Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Patients with Affective Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Study

PubMed Central

Vinberg, Maj; Miskowiak, Kamilla; Hoejman, Pernille; Pedersen, Maria; Kessing, Lars Vedel

2015-01-01

The study aims to investigate the effect of repeated infusions of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) on plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with affective disorders. In total, 83 patients were recruited: 40 currently depressed patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HDRS-17) score >17) (study 1) and 43 patients with bipolar disorder (BD) in partial remission (HDRS-17 and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) ≤ 14) (study 2). In both studies, patients were randomised to receive eight weekly EPO (Eprex; 40,000 IU) or saline (0.9% NaCl) infusions in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel—group design. Plasma BDNF levels were measured at baseline and at weeks 5, 9 and at follow up, week 14. In contrast with our hypothesis, EPO down regulated plasma BDNF levels in patients with TRD (mean reduction at week 9 (95% CI): EPO 10.94 ng/l (4.51-21.41 ng/l); mean increase at week 9: Saline 0.52 ng/l, p=0.04 (-5.88-4.48 ng/l) p=0.04, partial ŋ2=0.12). No significant effects were found on BDNF levels in partially remitted patients with BD (p=0.35). The present effects of EPO on BDNF levels in patients with TRD point to a role of neurotrophic factors in the potential effects of EPO seen in TRD and BD. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects and the interaction between EPO and peripheral levels on BDNF need to be further elucidated in human studies including a broad range of biomarkers. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00916552. PMID:26011424

Occurrence of antibiotics in hospital, residential, and dairy effluent, municipal wastewater, and the Rio Grande in New Mexico.

PubMed

Brown, Kathryn D; Kulis, Jerzy; Thomson, Bruce; Chapman, Timothy H; Mawhinney, Douglas B

2006-08-01

This study had three objectives: 1) determine occurrence of antibiotics in effluent from hospitals, residential facilities, and dairies, and in municipal wastewater 2) determine antibiotic removal at a large wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Albuquerque, NM, and 3) determine concentrations of antibiotics in the Rio Grande, which receives wastewater from the Albuquerque WWTP. Twenty-three samples of wastewater and 3 samples of Rio Grande water were analyzed for the presence of 11 antibiotics. Fifty-eight percent of samples had at least one antibiotic present while 25% had three or more. Hospital effluent had detections of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, lincomycin, and penicillin G, with 4 of 5 hospital samples having at least one antibiotic detected and 3 having four or more. At the residential sampling sites, ofloxacin was found in effluent from assisted living and retirement facilities, while the student dormitory had no detects. Only lincomycin was detected in dairy effluent (in 2 of 8 samples, at 700 and 6600 ng/L). Municipal wastewater had detections of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin, with 4 of 6 samples having at least one antibiotic present and 3 having 3 or more. The relatively high concentrations (up to 35,500 ng/L) of ofloxacin found in hospital and residential effluent may be of concern due to potential genotoxic effects and development of antibiotic resistance. At the Albuquerque WWTP, both raw wastewater and treated effluent had detections of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and ofloxacin, at concentrations ranging from 110 to 470 ng/L. However, concentrations in treated effluent were reduced by 20% to 77%. No antibiotics were detected in the Rio Grande upstream of the Albuquerque WWTP discharge, and only one antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole, was detected in the Rio Grande (300 ng/L) below the WWTP.

Decreasing aqueous mercury concentrations to meet the water quality criterion in fish: examining the water-fish relationship in two point-source contaminated streams.

PubMed

Mathews, Teresa J; Southworth, George; Peterson, Mark J; Roy, W Kelly; Ketelle, Richard H; Valentine, Charles; Gregory, Scott

2013-01-15

East Fork Poplar Creek (EF) and White Oak Creek (WC) are two mercury-contaminated streams located on the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy Oak Ridge Reservation in East Tennessee. East Fork Poplar Creek is the larger and more contaminated of the two, with average aqueous mercury (Hg) concentrations exceeding those in reference streams by several hundred-fold. Remedial actions over the past 20 years have decreased aqueous Hg concentrations in EF by 85% (from >1600 ng/L to <400 ng/L). Fish fillet concentrations, however, have not responded to this decrease in aqueous Hg and remain above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (NRWQC) of 0.3 mg/kg. The lack of correlation between aqueous and fish tissue Hg concentrations in this creek has led to questions regarding the usefulness of target aqueous Hg concentrations and strategies for future remediation efforts. White Oak Creek has a similar contamination history but aqueous Hg concentrations in WC are an order of magnitude lower than in EF. Despite the lower aqueous Hg concentrations (<100 ng/L), fish fillet concentrations in WC have also been above the NRWQC, making the aqueous Hg remediation goal of 200 ng/L in EF seem unlikely to result in an effective decrease in fillet Hg concentrations. Recent monitoring efforts in WC, however, suggest an aqueous total Hg threshold above which Hg bioaccumulation in fish may not respond. This new information could be useful in guiding remedial actions in EF and in other point-source contaminated streams. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Are obesity and metabolic syndrome associated with plasma adropin levels in children?

PubMed

Kocaoglu, Celebi; Buyukinan, Muammer; Erdem, Said Sami; Ozel, Ahmet

2015-11-01

Studies performed on mice suggest that adropin is a peptide hormone playing a role in metabolic homeostasis and prevention of obesity-associated insulin resistance. Our study was conducted to investigate the role of adropin in children with obesity or metabolic syndrome. The study group consisted of 70 patients, including 42 obese and 28 with metabolic syndrome, and 26 healthy volunteers. After anthropometric variables and blood pressure of all participants were measured, serum lipids were analyzed, liver USG and oral glucose tolerance test were performed, and HOMA-IR values were calculated. Plasma adropin levels were collectively analyzed from collected plasma samples. In patient and control groups, no difference was observed in the levels of adropin (327.7±124.7 vs. 344.6±208.5 ng/L, respectively). The adropin levels of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and control groups also showed no difference (316±142.3, 335.8±112.5, and 344.6±208.5 ng/L, respectively). While the adropin levels of patients with and without hepatic steatosis were 319.6±123.7 and 347.8±128.7 ng/L, respectively, patients with HOMA-IR values of <3.16 and ≥3.16 had levels 342.3±124.8 and 296.5±136.7 ng/L, respectively. Although statistically insignificant, our findings are considered to support the hypothesis suggesting a nexus between adropin and obesity and metabolic syndrome. Small sample size in our study may have prevented our results to reach a more significant level. So, long-term follow-up studies with large population are needed to enlighten the role of adropin in metabolic homeostasis.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Decreases Levels of Routinely Used Cardiac and Inflammatory Biomarkers

PubMed Central

Beutel, Gernot; Bauersachs, Johann; David, Sascha; Schmidt, Bernhard M. W.; Lichtinghagen, Ralf; Kielstein, Jan T.

2012-01-01

Background Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) plays a key role in the management of various diseases, from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and Goodpasture's syndrome to cardiac allograft rejection. In many of these disease states cardiac and inflammatory involvement is common and biomarkers are routinely used for diagnosis or assessment of therapeutic success. The effect of TPE on biomarkers used in the clinical routine has not been investigated. Methods TPE was initiated for established clinical conditions in 21 patients. Troponin T, NT-proBNP, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and routine chemistry were drawn before and after TPE, as well as before and after the 2nd TPE. The total amount of these markers in the waste bag was also analyzed. Results In 21 patients 42 TPEs were performed. The procedure reduced plasma levels of the examined biomarkers: 23% for NT-proBNP (pre vs. post: 4637±10234 ng/l to 3565±8295 ng/l, p<0.001), 64% for CRP (21.9±47.0 mg/l vs. 7.8±15.8 mg/l, p<0.001) and 31% for procalcitonin (0.39±1.1 µg/l vs. 0.27±0.72 µg/l, p=0.004). TPE also tended to reduce plasma levels of troponin T by about 14% (60.7±175.5 ng/l vs. 52.2±141.3 ng/l), however this difference was not statistical significant (p=0.95). There was a significant correlation between the difference of pre TPE levels to post TPE levels of all examined biomarkers and the total amount of the removed biomarker in the collected removed plasma. Conclusions TPE significantly reduces plasma levels of inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers. Therefore, post TPE levels of cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers should be viewed with caution. PMID:22685586

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in surface and treated waters of Louisiana, USA and Ontario, Canada.

PubMed

Boyd, Glen R; Reemtsma, Helge; Grimm, Deborah A; Mitra, Siddhartha

2003-07-20

A newly developed analytical method was used to measure concentrations of nine pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in samples from two surface water bodies, a sewage treatment plant effluent and various stages of a drinking water treatment plant in Louisiana, USA, and from one surface water body, a drinking water treatment plant and a pilot plant in Ontario, Canada. The analytical method provides for simultaneous extraction and quantification of the following broad range of PPCPs and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: naproxen; ibuprofen; estrone; 17beta-estradiol; bisphenol A; clorophene; triclosan; fluoxetine; and clofibric acid. Naproxen was detected in Louisiana sewage treatment plant effluent at 81-106 ng/l and Louisiana and Ontario surface waters at 22-107 ng/l. Triclosan was detected in Louisiana sewage treatment plant effluent at 10-21 ng/l. Of the three surface waters sampled, clofibric acid was detected in Detroit River water at 103 ng/l, but not in Mississippi River or Lake Pontchartrain waters. None of the other target analytes were detected above their method detection limits. Based on results at various stages of treatment, conventional drinking-water treatment processes (coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation) plus continuous addition of powdered activated carbon at a dosage of 2 mg/l did not remove naproxen from Mississippi River waters. However, chlorination, ozonation and dual media filtration processes reduced the concentration of naproxen below detection in Mississippi River and Detroit River waters and reduced clofibric acid in Detroit River waters. Results of this study demonstrate that existing water treatment technologies can effectively remove certain PPCPs. In addition, our study demonstrates the importance of obtaining data on removal mechanisms and byproducts associated with PPCPs and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals in drinking water and sewage treatment processes.

Direct large volume injection ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination of artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame in well water.

PubMed

Wu, Minghuo; Qian, Yichao; Boyd, Jessica M; Hrudey, Steve E; Le, X Chris; Li, Xing-Fang

2014-09-12

Acesulfame (ACE) and sucralose (SUC) have become recognized as ideal domestic wastewater contamination indicators. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis is commonly used; however, the sensitivity of SUC is more than two orders of magnitude lower than that of ACE, limiting the routine monitoring of SUC. To address this issue, we examined the ESI behavior of both ACE and SUC under various conditions. ACE is ionic in aqueous solution and efficiently produces simple [M-H](-) ions, but SUC produces multiple adduct ions, limiting its sensitivity. The formic acid (FA) adducts of SUC [M+HCOO](-) are sensitively and reproducibly generated under the LC-MS conditions. When [M+HCOO](-) is used as the precursor ion for SUC detection, the sensitivity increases approximately 20-fold compared to when [M-H](-) is the precursor ion. To further improve the limit of detection (LOD), we integrated the large volume injection approach (500μL injection) with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), which reduced the method detection limit (MDL) to 0.2ng/L for ACE and 5ng/L for SUC. To demonstrate the applicability of this method, we analyzed 100 well water samples collected in Alberta. ACE was detected in 24 wells at concentrations of 1-1534ng/L and SUC in 8 wells at concentrations of 65-541ng/L. These results suggest that wastewater is the most likely source of ACE and SUC impacts in these wells, suggesting the need for monitoring the quality of domestic well water. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and analytical validation of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of canine gastric lipase immunoreactivity in serum

PubMed Central

2004-01-01

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop and analytically validate an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measurement of canine gastric lipase immunoreactivity (cGLI). A sandwich ELISA was developed using canine gastric lipase (cGL) purified from canine stomachs and polyclonal antibodies directed against cGL, raised in rabbits and purified by affinity chromatography. The assay was validated by determination of sensitivity, working range, linearity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and the upper limit of the control range by determining the 97.5th percentile of serum cGLI concentration in 74 healthy canines. Sensitivity and working range in serum were 200 ng/L and 200 to 39 160 ng/L, respectively. Observed to expected ratios for dilutional parallelism for 3 serum samples and 3 dilutions ranged from 86.1% to 244.2% (mean ± standard deviation [s]; 125.4% ± 48.2%). Observed to expected ratios for spiking recoveries for 3 serum samples and 6 spiking concentrations ranged from 66.4% to 152.5% (mean ± s; 104.5% ± 22.9%). Intra-assay and interassay variabilities for 3 different serum samples were 25.5%, 9.4%, and 13.4% and 26.0%, 17.2%, and 14.4%, respectively. The upper limit of the control range for serum cGLI was 662 ng/L. We concluded that the ELISA for cGLI described here is highly sensitive and shows a wide working range. However, the validation characteristics for this assay are suboptimal and below values of approximately 2.000 ng/L the assay is more semiquantitative in nature. Despite its limitations, whether this assay is useful for the diagnosis of canine gastric disorders remains to be determined. PMID:15352539

[Investigation of concentration levels of chromium(VI) in bottled mineral and spring waters by high performance ion chromatography technique with application of postcolumn reaction with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide and VIS detection].

PubMed

Swiecicka, Dorota; Garboś, Sławomir

2008-01-01

The aim of this work was optimization and validation of the method of determination of Cr(VI) existing in the form of chromate(VI) in mineral and spring waters by High Performance Ion Chromatography (HPIC) technique with application of postcolumn reaction with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide and VIS detection. Optimization of the method performed with the use of initial apparatus parameters and chromatographic conditions from the Method 218.6 allowed to lowering detection limit for Cr(VI) from 400 ng/l to 2 ng/l. Thanks to very low detection limit achieved it was possible to determine of Cr(VI) concentrations in 25 mineral and spring waters presented at Polish market. In the cases of four mineral and spring waters analyzed, determined Cr(VI) concentrations were below of quantification limit (< 4 ng/l) but simultaneously in another mineral and spring waters the concentrations of chromium(VI) were determined in the range of 5.6 - 1281 ng/l. The fact of existence of different Cr(VI) concentrations in investigated waters could be connected with secondary contamination of mineral and spring waters by chromium coming from metal installations and fittings. One should be underlined that even the highest determined concentration level of chromium(VI) was below of the maximum admissible concentration of total chromium presented in Polish Decree of Minister of Health from April 29th 2004. Therefore after taking into account determined in this work concentration of Cr(VI), the consumption of all waters analyzed in this study does not lead to essential human health risk.

Fish full life-cycle testing for androgen methyltestosterone on medaka (Oryzias latipes).

PubMed

Seki, Masanori; Yokota, Hirofumi; Matsubara, Haruki; Maeda, Masanobu; Tadokoro, Hiroshi; Kobayashi, Kunio

2004-03-01

Abstract-We studied the chronic effects of methyltestosterone (MT) on reproductive status of medaka (Oryzias latipes) over two generations under continuous exposure to verify the applicability of the fish full life-cycle test (FFLC) for this androgen with this species. The exposure of parental (F0) medaka to MT was begun on embryos within 12 h postfertilization and continued for up to 101 d; assessment endpoints included embryological development, hatching, posthatch survival, growth, sexual differentiation, reproduction, and hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) levels under flow-through exposure to MT at each mean measured concentration of 0.35, 1.09, 3.29, 9.98, and 27.75 ng/L. Eggs (F1) spawned from the F0 fish at 98, 99, and 100 d posthatch were examined for hatchability, survival after hatching, growth, sexual differentiation, and hepatic VTG level until 60 d posthatch. In the FFLC with medaka, MT induced masculinization of both secondary sex characteristics and gonads. We observed that all F0 fish in the 27.75-ng/L treatment group showed male secondary sex characteristics in which no fish with ovary could be discerned. Several fish with ovaries in F0 and F1 generations treated with 9.98 ng/L showed male secondary sex characteristics. We also observed swollen abdomens in the F0 and F1 female fish in the 9.98-ng/L treatment group. These swollen abdomens were induced by enlarged ovaries and were accompanied with declined fecundity and fertility in the F0 generation. These results indicate that MT reduces the reproductive potential of medaka and that the FFLC with this species is applicable to the evaluation of androgens.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is a strong predictor of mortality in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Allanore, Yannick; Komocsi, Andras; Vettori, Serena; Hachulla, Eric; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Distler, Jörg; Avouac, Jérôme; Gobeaux, Camille; Launay, David; Czirjak, Laszlo; Kahan, André; Meune, Christophe

2016-11-15

Cardiovascular involvement is a major contributor to mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We examined whether N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a reliable predictor of mortality in SSc. This multicentre prospective cohort study included 523 patients presenting with SSc, whose mean age was 54±13years, mean disease duration 8±9years, and diffuse cutaneous form in 168. Plasma NT-proBNP was measured at baseline and the patients were followed yearly. Overall mortality was measured at 3years. At baseline, cardiovascular involvement was present in 37 patients, including 17 with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and 20 with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <55%. At 3years, 32 (7%) patients had died. The median [25th-75th percentile] NT-proBNP concentration was 203ng/l [129-514] in patients who died within 3years, versus 88ng/l [47-167] in survivors (P<0.001). NT-proBNP was an independent predictor of 3-years mortality in multivariate analysis (P=0.046). The optimal cut-off derived from the ROC curve was 129ng/l; sensitivity and specificity to predict 3y mortality were 78.1 and 66.7%. Using the previously recommended 125-ng/l concentration as threshold value, NT-proBNP reliably and independently predicted 3year mortality, with a sensitivity of 78.1 and a negative predictive value of 97.6%, respectively (P=0.006). The consideration of SSc patients without PAH or LVEF<55% at baseline yielded similar results. NT-proBNP appears as a reliable and independent predictor of mortality in patients with SSc. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) and its brominated analogues in chlorine-treated water by gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS).

PubMed

Planas, Carles; Ventura, Francesc; Caixach, Josep; Martín, Jordi; Boleda, M Rosa; Paraira, Miquel

2015-11-01

A simple, selective and sensitive method for the analysis of the strong mutagen 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) and its brominated analogues (BMXs) in chlorine-treated water has been developed. The method is based on gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS), previous liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) of a smaller sample volume compared to other methods and on-line derivatization with a silylation reactive. GC-QqQ-MS/MS has been raised as an alternative easier to perform than gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) for the analysis of MX and BMXs, and it allows to achieve low LODs (0.3 ng/L for MX and 0.4-0.9 ng/L for BMXs). This technique had not been previously described for the analysis of MX and BMXs. Quality parameters were calculated and real samples related to 3 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), tap water and both untreated and chlorinated groundwater were analyzed. Concentrations of 0.3-6.6 ng/L for MX and 1.0-7.3 ng/L for BMXs were detected. Results were discussed according to five of the main factors affecting MX and BMXs formation in chlorine-treated water (organic precursors, influence of bromide ions, evolution of MX and BMXs in the drinking water distribution system, groundwater chlorination and infiltration of water coming from chlorination processes in groundwater). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Survey on Aflatoxin M1 Content in Sheep and Goat Milk Produced in Sardinia Region, Italy (2005-2013).

PubMed

Virdis, Salvatore; Scarano, Christian; Spanu, Vincenzo; Murittu, Gavino; Spanu, Carlo; Ibba, Ignazio; De Santis, Enrico Pietro Luigi

2014-12-09

In the present work the results of a survey conducted in Sardinia Region on Aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) contamination in milk of small ruminants from 2005 to 2013 are reported. A total of 517 sheep and 88 goat milk samples from bulk tank, tank trucks and silo tank milk were collected. Analyses were performed by the Regional Farmers Association laboratory using high-performance liquid chromatography following the ISO 14501:1998 standard. None of the sheep milk samples analysed during 2005-2012 showed AFM 1 contamination. In sheep milk samples collected in 2013, 8 out of 172 (4.6%) were contaminated by AFM 1 with a concentration (mean±SD) of 12.59±14.05 ng/L. In one bulk tank milk sample 58.82 ng/L AFM 1 was detected, exceeding the EU limit. In none of goat milk samples analysed from 2010 to 2012 AFM 1 was detected. In 2013, 9 out of 66 goat milk samples (13.6%) showed an AFM 1 concentration of 47.21±19.58 ng/L. Two of these samples exceeded the EU limit, with concentrations of 62.09 and 138.6 ng/L. Higher contamination frequency and concentration rates were detected in bulk tank milk samples collected at farm than in bulk milk truck or silo samples, showing a dilution effect on AFM 1 milk content along small ruminants supply chain. The rate and levels of AFM 1 contamination in sheep and goat milk samples were lower than other countries. However, the small number of milk samples analysed for AFM 1 in Sardinia Region in 2005-2013 give evidence that food business operators check programmes should be improved to ensure an adequate monitoring of AFM 1 contamination in small ruminant dairy chain.

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation at an indirect potable reuse facility.

PubMed

Sgroi, Massimiliano; Roccaro, Paolo; Oelker, Gregg L; Snyder, Shane A

2015-03-01

Full-scale experiments to evaluate N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation and attenuation were performed within an advanced indirect potable reuse (IPR) treatment system, which includes, sequentially: chloramination for membrane fouling control, microfiltration (MF), reverse osmosis (RO), ultraviolet irradiation with hydrogen peroxide (UV/H₂O₂), final chloramination, and pH stabilization. Results of the study demonstrate that while RO does effectively remove the vast majority of NDMA precursors, RO permeate can still contain significant concentrations of NDMA precursors resulting in additional NDMA formation during chloramination. Thus, it is possible for this advanced treatment system to produce water with NDMA levels higher than regional requirements for potable applications (10 ng/L). The presence of H2O2 during UV oxidation reduced NDMA photolysis efficiency and increased NDMA formation (∼22 ng/L) during the secondary chloramination and lime stabilization. This is likely due to formation of UV/H₂O₂ degradation by-products with higher NDMA formation rate than the parent compounds. However, this effect was diminished with higher UV doses. Bench-scale experiments confirmed an enhanced NDMA formation during chloramination after UV/H2O2 treatment of dimethylformamide, a compound detected in RO permeate and used as model precursor in this study. The effect of pre-ozonation for membrane fouling control on NDMA formation was also evaluated at pilot- (ozone-MF-RO) and bench-scale. Relatively large NDMA formation (117-227 ng/L) occurred through ozone application that was dose dependent, whereas chloramination under typical dosages and contact times of IPR systems resulted in only a relatively small increase of NDMA (∼20 ng/L). Thus, this research shows that NDMA formation within a potable water reuse facility can be challenging and must be carefully evaluated and controlled. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of hydrazine in drinking water by isotope dilution gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with derivatization and liquid-liquid extraction.

PubMed

Davis, William E; Li, Yongtao

2008-07-15

A new isotope dilution gas chromatography/chemical ionization/tandem mass spectrometric method was developed for the analysis of carcinogenic hydrazine in drinking water. The sample preparation was performed by using the optimized derivatization and multiple liquid-liquid extraction techniques. Using the direct aqueous-phase derivatization with acetone, hydrazine and isotopically labeled hydrazine-(15)N2 used as the surrogate standard formed acetone azine and acetone azine-(15)N2, respectively. These derivatives were then extracted with dichloromethane. Prior to analysis using methanol as the chemical ionization reagent gas, the extract was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated through evaporation, and then fortified with isotopically labeled N-nitrosodimethylamine-d6 used as the internal standard to quantify the extracted acetone azine-(15)N2. The extracted acetone azine was quantified against the extracted acetone azine-(15)N2. The isotope dilution standard calibration curve resulted in a linear regression correlation coefficient (R) of 0.999. The obtained method detection limit was 0.70 ng/L for hydrazine in reagent water samples, fortified at a concentration of 1.0 ng/L. For reagent water samples fortified at a concentration of 20.0 ng/L, the mean recoveries were 102% with a relative standard deviation of 13.7% for hydrazine and 106% with a relative standard deviation of 12.5% for hydrazine-(15)N2. Hydrazine at 0.5-2.6 ng/L was detected in 7 out of 13 chloraminated drinking water samples but was not detected in the rest of the chloraminated drinking water samples and the studied chlorinated drinking water sample.

Simultaneous determination and assessment of 4-nonylphenol, bisphenol A and triclosan in tap water, bottled water and baby bottles.

PubMed

Li, Xu; Ying, Guang-Guo; Su, Hao-Chang; Yang, Xiao-Bing; Wang, Li

2010-08-01

This study investigated the levels of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) in bottled water and tap water in Guangzhou and release of these chemicals from baby bottles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with negative chemical ionization. Results show that 4-NP was present in all the bottled water while 17 out of 21 contained BPA and 18 out of 21 contained TCS. Their concentrations in bottled water ranged from 108 to 298 ng/L, 17.6 to 324 ng/L and 0.6 to 9.7 ng/L, respectively. Five of the tap water samples from six drinking water plants were found to contain 4-NP and BPA both in June and December, while TCS was detected in the same five plants only in June. The highest concentrations in tap water for 4-NP, BPA and TCS were 1987, 317 and 14.5ng/L, respectively. Daily intakes of 4-NP, BPA and TCS of adults by drinking 2L of tap water were estimated to be 1410, 148 and 10 ng/day, respectively. BPA was found to be released within 24h from four brands of baby bottles at room temperature (24 degrees C), 40 degrees C and 100 degrees C. Increased temperature led to higher release of BPA from the baby bottles. Estimated daily intakes of 4-NP, BPA and TCS for infants were 705, 1340 and 5 ng/day, respectively, by drinking 1L of tap water from a baby bottle at 40 degrees C. This study showed that the exposure to the three compounds from drinking water is unlikely to pose a health risk. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic microsphere-confined graphene for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental water samples coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Weina; Ma, Ruiyang; Wu, Qiuhua; Wang, Chun; Wang, Zhi

2013-06-07

In this paper, a magnetic microsphere-confined graphene adsorbent (Fe3O4@SiO2-G) was fabricated and used for the extraction of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (fluorene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene) from environmental water samples prior to high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The Fe3O4@SiO2-G was characterized by various instrumental methods. Various experimental parameters that could affect the extraction efficiencies, such as the amount of Fe3O4@SiO2-G, the pH and ionic strength of sample solution, the extraction time and the desorption conditions, were investigated. Due to the high surface area and excellent adsorption capacity of the Fe3O4@SiO2-G, satisfactory extraction can be achieved with only 15mg of the adsorbent per 250mL solution and 5min extraction. Under the optimum conditions, a linear response was observed in the concentration range of 5-1500ngL(-1) for fluorene, 2.5-1500ngL(-1) for anthracene and 15-1500ngL(-1) for phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene, with the correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9897 to 0.9961. The limits of detection (S/N=3) of the method were between 0.5 and 5.0ngL(-1). The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 5.6%. The recoveries of the method were in the range between 83.2% and 108.2%. The results indicated that this graphene-based magnetic nanocomposite had a great adsorptive ability toward the five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental water samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective uptake and biological consequences of environmentally relevant antidepressant pharmaceutical exposures on male fathead minnows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schultz, Melissa M.; Painter, Meghan M.; Bartell, Stephen E.; Logue, Amanda; Furlong, Edward T.; Werner, Stephen L.; Schoenfuss, Heiko L.

2011-01-01

Antidepressant pharmaceuticals have been reported in wastewater effluent at the nanogram to low microgram-per-liter range, and include bupropion (BUP), fluoxetine (FLX), sertraline (SER), and venlafaxine (VEN). To assess the effects of antidepressants on reproductive anatomy, physiology, and behavior, adult male fathead minnows (Pimeplwles promelas) were exposed for 21 days either to a single concentration of the antidepressants FLX, SER, VEN, or BUP, or to an antidepressant mixture. The data demonstrated that exposure to VEN (305 ng/L and 1104 ng/L) and SER (5.2 ng/L) resulted in mortality. Anatomical alterations were noted within the testes of fish exposed to SER and FLX, both modulators of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Additionally, FLX at 28 ng/L induced vitellogenin in male fish—a common endpoint for estrogenic endocrine disruption. Significant alterations in male secondary sex characteristics were noted with single exposures. Effects of single compound exposures neither carried over, nor became additive in the antidepressant mixtures, and reproductive behavior was not affected. Analysis of brain tissues from the exposed fish suggested increased uptake of FLX, SER and BUP and minimal uptake of VEN when compared to exposure water concentrations. Furthermore, the only metabolite detected consistently in the brain tissues was norfluoxetine. Similar trends of uptake by brain tissue were observed when fish were exposed to antidepressant mixtures. The present study demonstrates that anatomy and physiology, but not reproductive behavior, can be disrupted by exposure to environmental concentrations of some antidepressants. The observation that antidepressant uptake into fish tissues is selective may have consequences on assessing the mode-of-action and effects of these compounds in future studies.

Selective uptake and biological consequences of environmentally relevant antidepressant pharmaceutical exposures on male fathead minnows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schultz, M.M.; Painter, M.M.; Bartell, S.E.; Logue, A.; Furlong, E.T.; Werner, S.L.; Schoenfuss, H.L.

2011-01-01

Antidepressant pharmaceuticals have been reported in wastewater effluent at the nanogram to low microgram-per-liter range, and include bupropion (BUP), fluoxetine (FLX), sertraline (SER), and venlafaxine (VEN). To assess the effects of antidepressants on reproductive anatomy, physiology, and behavior, adult male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed for 21 days either to a single concentration of the antidepressants FLX, SER, VEN, or BUP, or to an antidepressant mixture. The data demonstrated that exposure to VEN (305. ng/L and 1104. ng/L) and SER (5.2. ng/L) resulted in mortality. Anatomical alterations were noted within the testes of fish exposed to SER and FLX, both modulators of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Additionally, FLX at 28. ng/L induced vitellogenin in male fish-a common endpoint for estrogenic endocrine disruption. Significant alterations in male secondary sex characteristics were noted with single exposures. Effects of single compound exposures neither carried over, nor became additive in the antidepressant mixtures, and reproductive behavior was not affected. Analysis of brain tissues from the exposed fish suggested increased uptake of FLX, SER and BUP and minimal uptake of VEN when compared to exposure water concentrations. Furthermore, the only metabolite detected consistently in the brain tissues was norfluoxetine. Similar trends of uptake by brain tissue were observed when fish were exposed to antidepressant mixtures. The present study demonstrates that anatomy and physiology, but not reproductive behavior, can be disrupted by exposure to environmental concentrations of some antidepressants. The observation that antidepressant uptake into fish tissues is selective may have consequences on assessing the mode-of-action and effects of these compounds in future studies. ?? 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Nitrosamine, dimethylnitramine, and chloropicrin formation during strong base anion-exchange treatment.

PubMed

Kemper, Jerome M; Westerhoff, Paul; Dotson, Aaron; Mitch, William A

2009-01-15

Strong base anion-exchange resins represent an important option for water utilities and homeowners to address growing concerns with nitrate, arsenate, and perchlorate contamination of source waters. Most commercially available anion-exchange resins employ quaternary amine functional groups. Previous research has provided contradictory evidence regarding whether these resins serve as sources of nitrosamines, considered as highly carcinogenic nitrogenous disinfection byproducts (N-DBPs), even without disinfectants. For three common varieties of commercial anion-exchange resins, we evaluated the importance of releases of nitrosamines, and two other N-DBPs (dimethylnitramine and chloropicrin), when the resins were subjected to typical column flow conditions with and without free chlorine or chloramine application upstream or downstream of the columns. In the absence of disinfectants, fresh trimethylamine- and tributylamine-based type 1 and dimethylethanolamine-based type 2 anion-exchange resins usually released 2-10 ng/L nitrosamines, likely due to shedding of manufacturing impurities, with excursions of up to 20 ng/L following regeneration. However, the lack of significant nitrosamine release in a full-scale anion-exchange treatment system after multiple regeneration cycles indicates that releases may eventually subside. Resins also shed organic precursors that might contribute to nitrosamine formation within distribution systems when chloramines are applied downstream. With free chlorine or chloramine application upstream, nitrosamine concentrations were more significant, at 20-100 ng/L for the type 1 resins and approximately 400 ng/L for the type 2 resin. However, chloropicrin formation was lowest for the type 2 resin. Dimethylnitramine formation was significant with free chlorine application upstream but negligible with chloramines. Although no N-DBPs were detected in cation-exchange-based consumer point-of-use devices exposed to chlorinated or chloraminated waters, our results indicate that inclusion of anion-exchange resins in these devices, as in laboratory deionized water systems, would likely be problematic.

Exposure to 17α-ethynylestradiol causes dose and temporally dependent changes in intersex, females and vitellogenin production in the Sydney rock oyster.

PubMed

Andrew, M N; O'Connor, W A; Dunstan, R H; Macfarlane, G R

2010-11-01

Although mounting evidence suggests exposure to estrogenic contaminants increases vitellogenin production in molluscs, demonstration of dose-response relationships and knowledge of the temporal nature of the vitellogenin response with continual exposure is currently lacking for biomarker utility. To address this knowledge gap, adult Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea glomerata, were exposed to a range of environmentally relevant concentrations of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 ng/l) in seawater under laboratory conditions. Vitellogenin induction and gonadal development was assessed following 4, 21 and 49 days exposure to EE2. Vitellogenin was found to increase in a dose dependent manner with EE2 exposure for females (4 and 49 days) and males (4 and 21 days). Histological examination of gonads revealed a number of individuals exhibited intersex (ovotestis) in 50 ng/l EE2 (after 21 days) and in 6.25 and 12.5 ng/l EE2 (after 49 days). Furthermore, a significant shift towards females was observed following 49 days exposure at 50 ng/l EE2 suggesting estrogenic exposure is capable of facilitating a progression for protandric males from male-intersex-female gametal status. Increases in female vitellogenin (4 days) were predictive of later increases in female developmental stages at 21 days and increases in oocyte area following 49 days. Male vitellogenin (4 days) was predictive of decreased male percentages and lower male developmental stages at 49 days. Vitellogenin in S. glomerata is a predictive biomarker of estrogenic exposure and effect if sampled soon after exposure and at the commencement of a gonadal development cycle.

Occurrence survey and spatial distribution of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl surfactants in groundwater, surface water, and sediments from tropical environments.

PubMed

Munoz, Gabriel; Labadie, Pierre; Botta, Fabrizio; Lestremau, François; Lopez, Benjamin; Geneste, Emmanuel; Pardon, Patrick; Dévier, Marie-Hélène; Budzinski, Hélène

2017-12-31

The occurrence and spatial distribution of 22 selected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water (n=75), groundwater (n=80) and surficial sediment (n=15) were investigated for the first time in the tropical areas constituted by the French Overseas Territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion). Descriptive statistics and correlations between PFASs were evaluated through the use of specific statistical treatments to handle left-censored data ("non-detects"). PFASs were ubiquitous in these samples and detection frequencies as high as 79% for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and 65% for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were reported in surface waters. ∑PFASs was in the range

The sheepshead minnow as an in vivo model for endocrine disruption in marine teleosts: a partial life-cycle test with 17alpha-ethynylestradiol.

PubMed

Zillioux, E J; Johnson, I C; Kiparissis, Y; Metcalfe, C D; Wheat, J V; Ward, S G; Liu, H

2001-09-01

The sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus Lacépède), an estuarine fish species, was exposed to 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) at nominal test concentrations of 0.2, 2, 20, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 ng/L. Fish were exposed for up to 59 d, from subadult stages to sexual maturity, under flow-through conditions. The exposure period was followed by an evaluation of reproductive success and survival of progeny. The reproductive success of exposed sheepshead minnows, as determined from data on egg production from two subsequent spawning trials, was reduced in fish exposed to 200 ng/L EE2 and, in one spawning trial, in the 20-ng/L treatment. Hatching success was reduced in the progeny of fish exposed to 200 ng/L EE2, but survival was good among fry that successfully hatched. Histological examination indicated generalized edema, damage to gill epithelia, hepatic toxicity, fibrosis of the testis, and evidence of sex reversal, including testes-ova and spermatagonia-like cells in ovaries. The maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) for gonadal development in males was within the normal range of EE2 concentrations in sewage treatment plant effluents. The exposure regimen and choice of test organism, combined with histological examination, allowed independent evaluation of ecologically significant acute, reproductive and estrogenic endpoints. Estrogen receptor-mediated effects occurred at concentrations where reproductive effects were measurable under standard reproduction assays. The sheepshead minnow appears to be a sensitive in vivo model for partial life-cycle testing of compounds that have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system as well as reproduction in estuarine and coastal marine fish species.

USGS World Petroleum Assessment 2000: New Conventional Provinces

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ahlbrandt, T.S.; Klett, T.R.

2000-01-01

The USGS has completed a new assessment of the undiscovered oil and gas resources of the world. One hundred and five geologic provinces were analyzed for assessment. Assessment units (AU) that comprise Total Petroleum Systems (TPS) were identified and described for each of these provinces. The AU served as the basis for assessing undiscovered petroleum within these provinces, 157 TPS and 270 AU were assessed. Some of data included in the assessment include the cumulative percent of world known petroleum volume by ranked oil and gas provinces; undiscovered NGL; reserve growth of the worlds largest oil and gas fields; and world potential reserve growth for oil/gas/NGL.

Influence of selected water quality characteristics on the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin and gamma-cyhalothrin to Hyalella azteca.

PubMed

Smith, S; Lizotte, R E

2007-11-01

This study was conducted to assess the influence of suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, and phytoplankton (as chlorophyll a) water quality characteristics on lambda-cyhalothrin and gamma-cyhalothrin aqueous toxicity to Hyalella azteca using natural water from 12 ponds and lakes in Mississippi, USA with varying water quality characteristics. H. azteca 48-h immobilization EC50 values ranged from 1.4 to 15.7 ng/L and 0.6 to 13.4 ng/L for lambda-cyhalothrin and gamma-cyhalothrin, respectively. For both pyrethroids, EC50 values linearly increased as turbidity, suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon and chlorophyll a concentrations increased.

Imprint lithography: lab curiosity or the real NGL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resnick, Douglas J.; Dauksher, William J.; Mancini, David P.; Nordquist, Kevin J.; Bailey, Todd C.; Johnson, Stephen C.; Stacey, Nicholas A.; Ekerdt, John G.; Willson, C. Grant; Sreenivasan, S. V.; Schumaker, Norman E.

2003-06-01

The escalating cost for Next Generation Lithography (NGL) tools is driven in part by the need for complex sources and optics. The cost for a single NGL tool could exceed $50M in the next few years, a prohibitive number for many companies. As a result, several researchers are looking at low cost alternative methods for printing sub-100 nm features. In the mid-1990s, several resarech groups started investigating different methods for imprinting small features. Many of these methods, although very effective at printing small features across an entire wafer, are limited in their ability to do precise overlay. In 1999, Willson and Sreenivasan discovered that imprinting could be done at low pressures and at room temperatures by using low viscosity UV curable monomers. The technology is typically referred to as Step and Flash Imprint Lithography. The use of a quartz template enabled the photocuring process to occur and also opened up the potential for optical alignment of teh wafer and template. This paper traces the development of nanoimprint lithography and addresses the issues that must be solved if this type of technology is to be applied to high-density silicon integrated circuitry.

Effects of the pyrethroid insecticide gamma-cyhalothrin on aquatic invertebrates in laboratory and outdoor microcosm tests.

PubMed

van Wijngaarden, René P A; Barber, Ian; Brock, Theo C M

2009-02-01

The sensitivity of a range of freshwater lentic invertebrates to gamma-cyhalothrin (GCH), a single enantiomer of the synthetic pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin, was assessed in single species laboratory tests and an outdoor multi-species ecosystem test. The most sensitive species in the laboratory single species tests with GCH was Chaoborus obscuripes (96 h EC(50): 3.8 ng/l). The species sensitivity distribution curve, based on the laboratory 96 h EC(50) acute toxicity data for eight species, gave a median HC(5) value for GCH of 2.12 ng/l. The NOEC(community) derived from the multi-species ecosystem test was 5 ng/l, and the insects Chaoborus sp. and Caenis sp. were identified as the most sensitive species. The results indicate that the median HC(5), based on eight species selected to include those known to be sensitive to pyrethroids, provided a good estimation of the NOEC(community) for GCH. Furthermore, the results for GCH indicated that the endpoints typically used in higher-tier risk assessments for pesticides in Europe (HC(5) and NOEC(community)) were consistent with expectations when compared to the equivalent endpoints for the racemate LCH.

Diuron, Irgarol 1051 and Fenitrothion contamination for a river passing through an agricultural and urban area in Higashi Hiroshima City, Japan.

PubMed

Kaonga, Chikumbusko Chiziwa; Takeda, Kazuhiko; Sakugawa, Hiroshi

2015-06-15

A study was conducted on the pesticides Diuron, Irgarol 1051 and Fenitrothion in Kurose River water, Higashi Hiroshima, Japan for a period of one year to assess the contribution of agriculture and urban activities on pesticide pollution of the river. Samples were analysed by a reverse phase HPLC system. The maximum pesticide concentrations were; 4620 ng/L, 50 ng/L and 370 ng/L for Diuron, Irgarol 1051 and Fenitrothion, respectively. While Diuron and Fenitrothion were detected at all sites, Irgarol 1051 was only present at Izumi, a high density urban and industrial area which also registered the highest concentrations of the pesticides. The pattern showed by Diuron and Fenitrothion was linked to farming activities. Also, Diuron and Fenitrothion concentration correlated with pesticide utilization data for Hiroshima Prefecture. Irgarol 1051 showed a different pattern to that of Diuron and Fenitrothion and its source was attributed to paint. It was noted that 78% and 42% of water samples at Izumi sampling site exceeded the European Union (EU) guidelines for Diuron and Fenitrothion, respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Survey of 42 Semi-Volatile Organic Contaminants in Groundwater along the Grand Canal from Hangzhou to Beijing, East China.

PubMed

Li, Xiaojie; Rao, Zhu; Yang, Zhipeng; Guo, Xiaochen; Huang, Yi; Zhang, Jing; Guo, Feng; Liu, Chen

2015-12-18

The status of organic pollution in groundwater in eastern China along the Grand Canal from Hangzhou to Beijing was evaluated. Forty-two semi-volatile organic contaminants were analyzed, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 12 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). Among the detected contaminants, PAHs were the most widespread compounds. One PCB and six OCPs were detected in the groundwater samples, but none of the target OPPs was detected. The total concentration of the 16 PAHs ranged from 0.21 to 1006 ng/L, among which phenanthrene (271 ng/L) and fluoranthene (233 ng/L) were present at very high concentrations and naphthalene (32 positive detections in 50 samples) and fluorene (28 detections in 50 samples) were the most frequently detected. Benzo[a]pyrene equivalents indicated a high environmental risk related to PAHs in a few groundwater samples. To identify the possible sources of PAHs, three concentration ratios, low molecular weight PAHs/high molecular weight PAHs, anthracene/(anthracene + phenanthrene) and fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene), were determined, that indicated that the PAHs mainly originated from mixed sources: pyrolytic and petrogenic sources with different ratios at different sites.

A Survey of 42 Semi-Volatile Organic Contaminants in Groundwater along the Grand Canal from Hangzhou to Beijing, East China

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaojie; Rao, Zhu; Yang, Zhipeng; Guo, Xiaochen; Huang, Yi; Zhang, Jing; Guo, Feng; Liu, Chen

2015-01-01

The status of organic pollution in groundwater in eastern China along the Grand Canal from Hangzhou to Beijing was evaluated. Forty-two semi-volatile organic contaminants were analyzed, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 12 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). Among the detected contaminants, PAHs were the most widespread compounds. One PCB and six OCPs were detected in the groundwater samples, but none of the target OPPs was detected. The total concentration of the 16 PAHs ranged from 0.21 to 1006 ng/L, among which phenanthrene (271 ng/L) and fluoranthene (233 ng/L) were present at very high concentrations and naphthalene (32 positive detections in 50 samples) and fluorene (28 detections in 50 samples) were the most frequently detected. Benzo[a]pyrene equivalents indicated a high environmental risk related to PAHs in a few groundwater samples. To identify the possible sources of PAHs, three concentration ratios, low molecular weight PAHs/high molecular weight PAHs, anthracene/(anthracene + phenanthrene) and fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene), were determined, that indicated that the PAHs mainly originated from mixed sources: pyrolytic and petrogenic sources with different ratios at different sites. PMID:26694442

Developmental toxicity and DNA damaging properties of silver nanoparticles in the catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

PubMed

Sayed, Alaa El-Din H; Soliman, Hamdy A M

2017-10-01

Although, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in many different products, little information is known about their toxicity in tropical fish embryos. Therefore, this study evaluated the developmental toxicity of waterborne silver nanoparticles in embryos of Clarias gariepinus. Embryos were treated with (0, 25, 50, 75ng/L silver nanoparticles) in water up to 144h postfertilization stage (PFS). Results revealed various morphological malformations including notochord curvature and edema. The mortality rate, malformations, and DNA fragmentation in embryos exposed to silver nanoparticles increased in a dose- and embryonic stage-dependent manner. The total antioxidant capacity and the activity of catalase in embryos exposed to 25ng/L silver nanoparticles were decreased significantly while the total antioxidant capacity and the activity of catalase were insignificantly increased with increasing concentrations in the embryos from 24 to 144 h-PFS exposed to 50 and 75ng/L silver nanoparticles. Lipid peroxidation values showed fluctuations with doses of silver nanoparticles. Histopathological lesions including severely distorted and wrinkled notochord were observed. The current data propose that the toxicity of silver nanoparticles in C. gariepinus embryos is caused by oxidative stress and genotoxicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selected Micropollutants as Indicators in a Karst Catchment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirlewagen, Johannes; Schiperski, Ferry; Hillebrand, Olav; Nödler, Karsten; Licha, Tobias; Scheytt, Traugott

2015-04-01

High flow dynamics and variations in water quality are typical for karst springs and reflect the complex interaction of different flow and storage components within a karst system. Event-based monitoring of mobile micropollutants in spring water combined with information on their input is used (1) to quantify the impact of certain contamination scenarios on spring water quality and (2) to gain additional information on the intrinsic characteristics of a karst system. We employ the artificial sweeteners acesulfame and cyclamate as source specific indicators for sewage along with the herbicides atrazine and isoproturon for agriculture. The study site is the 45 km² rural catchment of the perennial karst spring Gallusquelle in SW-Germany (mean discharge: 0.5 m³/s). Overflow events of a stormwater detention basin (SDB, combined sewer system) are known to impact water quality. Most of the sewer system is situated in the SW of the catchment. Most agricultural land is found in the NE. Neither atrazine nor significant amounts of isoproturon were detected in wastewater. Concentrations and mass fluxes of acesulfame and cyclamate in wastewater were determined. The combined evaluation of the persistent compound acesulfame with the rather degradable cyclamate allows for the distinction of long and short transit times and thus slow and fast flow components. The same applies for atrazine (persistent) and isoproturon (degradable). In Germany, acesulfame was licensed in 1990, atrazine was banned shortly after, in 1991. During low flow conditions only atrazine (max. 4 ng/L) and acesulfame (max. 20 ng/L) were detected in spring water. After a recharge event without SDB overflow concentrations as well as mass fluxes of both compounds decreased, reflecting an increasing portion of event water in spring discharge. A breakthrough of isoproturon (max. 9 ng/L) indicated the arrival of water from croplands. After a recharge event accompanied by a SDB overflow cyclamate was detected at max. 28 ng/L. Simultaneously, acesulfame concentrations show superposition of background dilution (old component) and a breakthrough (fresh component, max. 22 ng/L). 1-D-transport-modelling of the cyclamate breakthrough revealed results that are in good agreement with the results of other studies. Analyses of micropollutants might become very sensitive tools in karst hydrogeology where natural background concentrations and signal dampening are limiting factors for conventional investigation methods.

Cardiovascular risk stratification in hemodialysis patients in the era of highly sensitive troponins: should we choose between hs-troponin I and hs-troponin T?

PubMed

Bargnoux, Anne-Sophie; Kuster, Nils; Patrier, Laure; Dupuy, Anne-Marie; Tachon, Gaelle; Maurice, Francois; Badaoui, Bouchra; Chalabi, Lotfi; Badiou, Stéphanie; Deleuze, Sebastien; Leray-Moragues, Hélène; Morena, Marion; Canaud, Bernard; Cristol, Jean-Paul

2016-04-01

New highly sensitive (hs) assays have challenged the interpretation of cardiac troponins (cTn). The present study was designed to evaluate simultaneously conventional cTnT and cTnI together with their corresponding highly sensitive determinations in stable hemodialysis (HD) patients. Ability of cTn to stratify HD patient risk was assessed. A total of 224 stable HD patients was included in this observational study. cTnT and hs-cTnT were measured using Roche cTnT/hs-cTnT assays based on a Cobas e601® analyzer. cTnI and hs-cTnI were measured using Beckman AccuTnI/hs-TnI IUO assays on Access II system. Patients were followed up prospectively during 9 years. Relationship between cTn level and mortality was assessed through Cox survival analysis. The median cTnT and cTnI concentrations were 38.5 ng/L (IQR, 18.8-76) and 10 ng/L (IQR, 10-20), respectively. The median hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI concentrations were 62.5 ng/L (IQR, 38.8-96.3) and 13.9 ng/L (IQR, 8.4-23.6), respectively. The prevalence of values above the 99th percentile was significantly more marked with cTnT (85.3 and 97.8% for conventional and hs cTnT, respectively) than with cTnI (7.6 and 67.4% for conventional and hs cTnI, respectively). During the follow-up, 167 patients died, mainly from cardiac cause (n=77). The optimized cut-off values, determined by bootstrap method, predicting mortality were 38, 69, 20 and 11 ng/L for cTnT, hs-cTnT, cTnI and hs-cTnI, respectively. After full adjustment, elevated plasma concentrations of all troponin were significant predictors of mortality. A large proportion of patients free of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has hs-cTn I or T higher than the 99th percentile which could be seen as a limiting factor for ACS screening. However, all generation and type of troponin assays could be reliable indicators of prognosis risk in HD patients.

Single High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I to Rule Out Acute Myocardial Infarction.

PubMed

Sandoval, Yader; Smith, Stephen W; Love, Sara A; Sexter, Anne; Schulz, Karen; Apple, Fred S

2017-09-01

This study examined the performance of single high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) measurement strategies to rule out acute myocardial infarction. This was a prospective, observational study of consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department (n = 1631) in whom cTnI measurements were obtained using an investigational hs-cTnI assay. The goals of the study were to determine 1) negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, type 1 myocardial infarction, and type 2 myocardial infarction; and 2) safety outcome of acute myocardial infarction or cardiac death at 30 days using hs-cTnI less than the limit of detection (LoD) (<1.9 ng/L) or the High-STEACS threshold (<5 ng/L) alone and in combination with normal electrocardiogram (ECG). Acute myocardial infarction occurred in 170 patients (10.4%), including 68 (4.2%) type 1 myocardial infarction and 102 (6.3%) type 2 myocardial infarction. For hs-cTnI

Measuring PM2.5, Ultrafine Particles, Nicotine Air and Wipe Samples Following the Use of Electronic Cigarettes.

PubMed

Melstrom, Paul; Koszowski, Bartosz; Thanner, Meridith Hill; Hoh, Eunha; King, Brian; Bunnell, Rebecca; McAfee, Tim

2017-09-01

Few studies have examined the extent of inhalation or dermal contact among bystanders following short-term, secondhand e-cigarette exposure. Measure PM2.5 (particles < 2.5 microns), UF (ultrafine particles < 100 nm), and nicotine in air and deposited on surfaces and clothing pre-/during/post- a short-term (2-hour) e-cigarette exposure. E-cigarettes were used ad libitum by three experienced users for 2 hours during two separate sessions (disposable e-cigarettes, then tank-style e-cigarettes, or "tanks") in a 1858 ft3 room. We recorded: uncorrected PM2.5 (using SidePak); UF (using P-Trak); air nicotine concentrations (using air samplers; SKC XAD-4 canisters); ambient air exchange rate (using an air capture hood). Wipe samples were taken by wiping 100 cm2 room surfaces pre- and post- both sessions, and clean cloth wipes were worn during the exposure and collected at the end. Uncorrected PM2.5 and UF were higher (p < .0001) during sessions than before or after. Median PM2.5 during exposure was higher using tanks (0.515 mg/m3) than disposables (0.035 mg/m3) (p < .0001). Median UF during exposure was higher using disposables (31 200 particles/cm3) than tanks (25 200 particles/cm3)(p < .0001). Median air nicotine levels were higher (p < .05) during both sessions (disposables = 0.697 ng/L, tanks = 1.833 ng/L) than before (disposables = 0.004 ng/L, tanks = 0.010 ng/L) or after (disposables = 0.115 ng/L, tanks = 0.147 ng/L). Median accumulation rates of nicotine on surface samples were 2.1 ng/100 cm2/h using disposables and 4.0 ng/100 cm2/h using tanks; for cloth samples, it was 44.4 ng/100 cm2/h using disposables and 69.6 ng/100 cm2/h using tanks (p < .01). Mean room ventilation rate was ~5 air changes per hour during both sessions. Short-term e-cigarette use can produce: elevated PM2.5; elevated UF; nicotine in the air; and accumulation of nicotine on surfaces and clothing. Short-term indoor e-cigarette use produced accumulation of nicotine on surfaces and clothing, which could lead to dermal exposure to nicotine. Short-term e-cigarette use produced elevated PM2.5 and ultrafine particles, which could lead to secondhand inhalation of these particles and any chemicals associated with them by bystanders. We measured significant differences in PM2.5 and ultrafine particles between disposable e-cigarettes and tank-style e-cigarettes, suggesting a difference in the exposure profiles of e-cigarette products. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco 2017. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Electrospun superhydrophobic polystyrene hollow fiber as a probe for liquid-liquid microextraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Bagheri, Habib; Baktash, Mohammad Yahya; Jahandar, Kimia

2016-10-01

A superhydrophobic polystyrene hollow fiber was electrospun around a copper spring collector. This approach led to the construction of a hollow fiber membrane, and the copper spring acted as a scaffold. The characteristic properties of the hollow fiber were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The membrane was used as a probe to transfer the extracting solvent from aquatic media to a gas chromatograph. After performing the liquid-liquid microextraction procedure on 10 mL of water sample by octanol, the whole solution was passed through the prepared polystyrene hollow fiber. Propanol, containing 2 mg/L lindane as the internal standard, was used for desorption and an aliquot of 2 μL of the desorbing solvent was subsequently injected into gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Effects of different parameters influencing the extraction efficiency were optimized. The limits of detection and quantification were 2 and 6 ng/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations at a concentration level of 100 ng/L were between 2 and 6% (n = 3) while the method linearity ranged from 6 to 200 ng/L. Some real water samples were analyzed by the developed method and relative recoveries were in the range of 76-107%. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Changes in estrogenicity and micropollutant concentrations across unit processes in a biological wastewater treatment system.

PubMed

Chen, Jian Lin; Ravindran, Shanthinie; Swift, Simon; Singhal, Naresh

2018-03-01

The behavior of 10 micropollutants, i.e. four estrogens (estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol, 17α-ethynylestradiol), carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), triclosan, oxybenzone, 4-nonylphenol, and bisphenol A, was investigated in a typical domestic wastewater treatment plant. LC-MS and yeast estrogen screen bioassay were used to study the changes in micropollutants and estrogenicity across unit processes in the treatment system. Primary treatment via sedimentation showed that only 4-nonylphenol was removed, but led to no significant change in estrogenicity. Secondary treatment by the biological nitrification-dentrification process showed complete removal of oxybenzone and partial removal of the estrogens, which led to a decrease in estrogenic activity from 80 to 48 ng/L as estradiol equivalent (EEq). Ultraviolet treatment completely degraded the estrogens and triclosan, but failed to lower the concentrations of bisphenol A, SMX, and CBZ; a decrease in estrogenic activity from 48 to 5 ng/L EEq across the unit, a value that was only slightly larger than the observed EEq of 1 ng/L for the deionized control. Similarly, the anaerobic digestion of sludge completely degraded estrogens, oxybenzone, and SMX, but had no impact on bisphenol A, triclosan, and CBZ. The study emphasises the need to complement chemical analyses with estrogenic bioassays to evaluate the efficacy of waste water treatment plants.

Optical inspection of NGL masks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettibone, Donald W.; Stokowski, Stanley E.

2004-12-01

For the last five years KLA-Tencor and our joint venture partners have pursued a research program studying the ability of optical inspection tools to meet the inspection needs of possible NGL lithographies. The NGL technologies that we have studied include SCALPEL, PREVAIL, EUV lithography, and Step and Flash Imprint Lithography. We will discuss the sensitivity of the inspection tools and mask design factors that affect tool sensitivity. Most of the work has been directed towards EUV mask inspection and how to optimize the mask to facilitate inspection. Our partners have succeeded in making high contrast EUV masks ranging in contrast from 70% to 98%. Die to die and die to database inspection of EUV masks have been achieved with a sensitivity that is comparable to what can be achieved with conventional photomasks, approximately 80nm defect sensitivity. We have inspected SCALPEL masks successfully. We have found a limitation of optical inspection when applied to PREVAIL stencil masks. We have run inspections on SFIL masks in die to die, reflected light, in an effort to provide feedback to improve the masks. We have used a UV inspection system to inspect both unpatterned EUV substrates (no coatings) and blanks (with EUV multilayer coatings). These inspection results have proven useful in driving down the substrate and blank defect levels.

Hydrocarbons derived from petroleum in bottled drinking water from Mexico City.

PubMed

Vega, Salvador; Gutiérrez, Rey; Ortiz, Rutilio; Schettino, Beatriz; Ramírez, Maria de Lourdes; Pérez, José Jesus

2011-06-01

This paper describes the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) derived from petroleum in bottled drinking water samples that were collected over 1 year from Mexico City in two bottle sizes (1.5 and 19 L), all brought in supermarkets. The analysis was by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. -Concentrations of AHs (9.26-1.74 μg/L) were greater than PAHs (20.15-12.78 ng/L). Individual concentrations of PAHs such as fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and benzo(ghi)perylene were comparable with data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Total concentrations of PAHs for all samples (BDW1: 12.78 μg/L, BDW2: 16.72 μg/L, BDW3: 14.62 μg/L, BDW4: 20.15 μg/L and BDW5: 13.23 ng/L) were below the maximum permissible European level of 100 ng/L; no regulations exist for AHs although their values were greater than PAHs (BDW1: 3.11 μg/L, BDW2: 8.45 μg/L, BDW3: 1.74 μg/L, BDW4: 4.75 μg/L and BDW5: 9.26 μg/L).

Benzophenone-type UV filters in surface waters: An assessment of profiles and ecological risks in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Wu, Ming-Hong; Xie, Deng-Guo; Xu, Gang; Sun, Rui; Xia, Xiao-Yu; Liu, Wen-Long; Tang, Liang

2017-07-01

Benzophenone-type UV filters (BP-UV filters) are frequently introduced into aquatic environment from several sources. The occurrence and fate of select BP-UV filters and their metabolites were investigated in this study. All target compounds were detected in water samples, except for 2, 3, 4-trihydroxybenzophenone (2, 3, 4-OH-BP). The concentration reached up 131ngL -1 for 5-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-2-ethoxybenzenesulfonic acid (BP-4), 30.0ngL -1 for 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3), and mean value of 158ngL -1 for benzophenone (BP). Concentrations of BP-UV filters were not related to recreational waters but with high population frequencies. In addition, five BP-UV filters, namely 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP-2), 2,3,4-OH-BP, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BP) and BP were investigated for probable sources, and found that they originate from BP-3 metabolism. There is a similar source for BP-3, BP-4, BP-1, 4-OH-BP and BP. Environmental risk assessment (ERA) showed that risk quotients (RQs) of BP-4, BP-3 and BP were 2.7, 0.8 and 0.5, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elevated high-sensitive troponin T in negative stress test individuals.

PubMed

Brzezinski, Rafael Y; Fisher, Eyal; Ehrenwald, Michal; Shefer, Gabi; Stern, Naftali; Shapira, Itzhak; Zeltser, David; Berliner, Shlomo; Shenhar-Tsarfaty, Shani; Milwidsky, Assi; Rogowski, Ori

2018-06-01

The exercise ECG stress test (EST) is still the first step of work-up in intermediate risk patients in many clinical scenarios. High-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) elevation is related to future cardiovascular events in the general population and in patients with ischaemic heart disease. The relation between these 2 tests is not well described. A total of 2780 participants from the Tel-Aviv Medical Center Inflammation Survey cohort (mean age 49 years, 79% men) were analysed. Multiple physiologic and metabolic parameters including hs-cTnT were collected. All participants completed an EST manually reviewed by a cardiologist. A positive EST was documented in 224 subjects (8%). The majority (91%) of participants with hs-cTnT levels of 5-14 ng/L had a negative EST as well as 89.3% of subjects with levels >14 ng/L. The proportion of subjects with a positive EST and detectable hs-cTnT levels (>5 ng/L) was not significantly greater compared to those with a negative EST (53.1% vs 46.2%, respectively, P = .09). Among subjects referred for EST as part of an annual health survey, we found no significant association between EST results to hs-cTnT detection. © 2018 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

Simultaneous quantification of acetanilide herbicides and their oxanilic and sulfonic acid metabolites in natural waters.

PubMed

Heberle, S A; Aga, D S; Hany, R; Müller, S R

2000-02-15

This paper describes a procedure for simultaneous enrichment, separation, and quantification of acetanilide herbicides and their major ionic oxanilic acid (OXA) and ethanesulfonic acid (ESA) metabolites in groundwater and surface water using Carbopack B as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) material. The analytes adsorbed on Carbopack B were eluted selectively from the solid phase in three fractions containing the parent compounds (PCs), their OXA metabolites, and their ESA metabolites, respectively. The complete separation of the three compound classes allowed the analysis of the neutral PCs (acetochlor, alachlor, and metolachlor) and their methylated OXA metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The ESA compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The use of Carbopack B resulted in good recoveries of the polar metabolites even from large sample volumes (1 L). Absolute recoveries from spiked surface and groundwater samples ranged between 76 and 100% for the PCs, between 41 and 91% for the OXAs, and between 47 and 96% for the ESAs. The maximum standard deviation of the absolute recoveries was 12%. The method detection limits are between 1 and 8 ng/L for the PCs, between 1 and 7 ng/L for the OXAs, and between 10 and 90 ng/L for the ESAs.

Vortex-assisted surfactant-enhanced emulsification microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop combined with high performance liquid chromatography for determination of naproxen and nabumetone.

PubMed

Asadi, Mohammad; Haji Shabani, Ali Mohammad; Dadfarnia, Shayessteh; Abbasi, Bijan

2015-12-18

A novel, rapid, simple and green vortex-assisted surfactant-enhanced emulsification microextraction method based on solidification of floating organic drop was developed for simultaneous separation/preconcentration and determination of ultra trace amounts of naproxen and nabumetone with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. Some parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of analytes such as type and volume of extractant, type and concentration of surfactant, sample pH, KCl concentration, sample volume, and vortex time were investigated and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the calibration graph exhibited linearity in the range of 3.0-300.0ngL(-1) for naproxen and 7.0-300.0ngL(-1) for nabumetone with a good coefficient of determination (R(2)>0.999). The limits of detection were 0.9 and 2.1ngL(-1). The relative standard deviations for inter- and intra-day assays were in the range of 5.8-10.1% and 3.8-6.1%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of naproxen and nabumetone in urine, water, wastewater and milk samples and the accuracy was evaluated through recovery experiments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of Ten Macrolide Drugs in Environmental Water Using Molecularly Imprinted Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Song, Xuqin; Zhou, Tong; Li, Jiufeng; Zhang, Meiyu; Xie, Jingmeng; He, Limin

2018-05-14

With the extensive application of antibiotics in livestock, their contamination of the aquatic environment has received more attention. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), as an eco-friendly and durable solid-phase extraction material, has shown great potential for the separation and enrichment of antibiotics in water. This study aims at developing a practical and economical method based on molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for simultaneously detecting ten macrolide drugs in different sources of water samples. The MIP was synthesized by bulk polymerization using tylosin as the template and methacrylic acid as the functional monomer. The MIP exhibited a favorable load-bearing capacity for water (>90 mL), which is more than triple that of non-molecularly imprinted polymers (NIP). The mean recoveries of macrolides at four spiked concentration levels (limit of quantification, 40, 100, and 400 ng/L) were 62.6⁻100.9%, with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations below 12.6%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 1.0⁻15.0 ng/L and 3.0⁻40.0 ng/L, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of real water samples.

Survey of human pharmaceuticals in drinking water in the Czech Republic.

PubMed

Kozisek, Frantisek; Pomykacova, Ivana; Jeligova, Hana; Cadek, Vaclav; Svobodova, Veronika

2013-03-01

The first large-scale assessment of pharmaceuticals in drinking water in the Czech Republic (CR) focused on the detection of five substances. Samples were collected from public water systems supplying 5.3 million people, 50.5% of the Czech population. In the initial survey of tap water from 92 major supply zones using mostly surface water, no pharmaceutical exceeded the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.5 ng/L). In a second survey, samples were collected from the outlet of 23 water treatment plants (WTPs) considered of high risk because they use surface waters influenced by wastewater. Ibuprofen was the most frequently found pharmaceutical (19 samples), followed by carbamazepine (12), naproxen (8), and diclofenac (3); concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 20.7 ng/L, with medians below 6 ng/L. Concentrations of 17α-ethinylestradiol were below the LOQ. A follow-up survey included tap and outlet samples from eight of the 23 WTPs with the highest concentrations. Pharmaceuticals were quantified in only three tap water samples. Regarding risks to consumers, these results suggest that a relatively small population (<10%) in the CR is exposed to quantifiable concentrations of pharmaceuticals in tap water and that an extremely high margin of safety (several thousand-fold to several million-fold) is associated with these exposures.

Neuroprotective effect of sevoflurane in general anaesthesia.

PubMed

Ramos Ramos, Victoria; Mesa Suárez, Pablo; Santotoribio, José Diego; González García, María Ángela; Muñoz Hoyos, Antonio

2017-02-23

The aim of this study was to evaluate the brain damage caused by inhaled sevoflurane, by determining the concentration of serum S100B protein before and after the exposure to this drug as the only anaesthetic agent. Paediatric patients undergoing general anaesthesia for the conduct of a nuclear magnetic resonance were included in the study. A venous blood sample was taken from each patient before (basal sample) and after (post-exposure sample) administering the general anaesthesia. The concentration of serum S100B protein was determined in the basal (S100Bb) and post-exposure sample (S100Bp). A total of 72 patients were included in the study, with a mean patient age of 2 to 13 years (median=6), 28 males and 44 females. S100Bp values (median=66.5ng/L) were significantly lower (P=.0059) than those of S100Bb (median=84.0ng/L). The median of the difference between S100Bp and S100Bb was -11.0ng/L. Inhaled sevoflurane at low doses causes a decrease of serum S100B protein levels, hence, this drug could have a neuroprotective effect in the central nervous system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The interaction between bacterial abundance and selected pollutants concentration levels in an arctic catchment (southwest Spitsbergen, Svalbard).

PubMed

Kosek, Klaudia; Kozak, Katarzyna; Kozioł, Krystyna; Jankowska, Katarzyna; Chmiel, Stanisław; Polkowska, Żaneta

2018-05-01

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been a topic of interest in environmental sciences for >60years. POPs in the Arctic have been investigated since the 1970s, when first atmospheric measurements revealed the presence of these pollutants in the polar regions. Major contaminant transport routes to the Arctic include atmospheric and oceanic transport, as well as inflow from rivers and sea ice. The sources of pollutants, such as industry, power generators, vehicle and ship exhausts, introduce the PAHs, phenols, formaldehyde or metals into the Arctic. Transport via sea currents, however, can take several years. The highest concentration levels of total PAHs were observed in two samples from the tributaries in July 2015 and were 1069ngL -1 and 3141ngL -1 and in September 2015, the highest concentrations were observed in samples collected from Revvatnet lake and were 978ngL -1 and 1823ngL -1 . The highest concentrations of trace elements in both months were 41μgL -1 in the sample from the highest tributary (July 2015) and 79μgL -1 in the same sample (September 2015). The purpose of this study was also to determine abundance of bacteria in the Arctic freshwater of different types. Microbes are omnipresent and represent diverse biological communities. In the freshwater ecosystems, microorganisms form the base of the food chain supporting higher trophic levels. Although microbes are generally thought to live in the warm regions of Earth, many of them develop in cold climates. In the Revelva catchment, the biggest number of bacteria were detected at the river estuary in July 2015 and at the sampling point located in the Revvatnet lake in September 2015. Generally, the bacterial abundance indices depended on nutrient levels to a small extent, showing the environment of the Revelva catchment not to be nutrient limited, which is in accordance with its rich biological life also in macroscale. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neurofilament light chain level is a weak risk factor for the development of MS

PubMed Central

Arrambide, Georgina; Eixarch, Herena; Villar, Luisa M.; Alvarez-Cermeño, José C.; Picón, Carmen; Kuhle, Jens; Disanto, Giulio; Kappos, Ludwig; Sastre-Garriga, Jaume; Pareto, Deborah; Simon, Eva; Comabella, Manuel; Río, Jordi; Nos, Carlos; Tur, Carmen; Castilló, Joaquín; Vidal-Jordana, Angela; Galán, Ingrid; Arévalo, Maria J.; Auger, Cristina; Rovira, Alex; Montalban, Xavier

2016-01-01

Objective: To determine the prognostic value of selected biomarkers in clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) for conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS) and disability accrual. Methods: Data were acquired from 2 CIS cohorts. The screening phase evaluated patients developing clinically definite MS (CIS-CDMS) and patients who remained as CIS during a 2-year minimum follow-up (CIS-CIS). We determined levels of neurofascin, semaphorin 3A, fetuin A, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and neurofilament light (NfL) and heavy chains in CSF (estimated mean [95% confidence interval; CI]). We evaluated associations between biomarker levels, conversion, disability, and magnetic resonance parameters. In the replication phase, we determined NfL levels (n = 155) using a 900 ng/L cutoff. Primary endpoints in uni- and multivariate analyses were CDMS and 2010 McDonald MS. Results: The only biomarker showing significant differences in the screening was NfL (CIS-CDMS 1,553.1 [1,208.7–1,897.5] ng/L and CIS-CIS 499.0 [168.8–829.2] ng/L, p < 0.0001). The strongest associations were with brain parenchymal fraction change (rs = −0.892) and percentage brain volume change (rs = −0.842) at 5 years. NfL did not correlate with disability. In the replication phase, more NfL-positive patients, according to the cutoff, evolved to MS. Every 100-ng/L increase in NfL predicted CDMS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.009, 95% CI 1.005–1.014) and McDonald MS (HR = 1.009, 95% CI 1.005–1.013), remaining significant for CDMS in the multivariate analysis (adjusted HR = 1.005, 95% CI 1.000–1.011). This risk was lower than the presence of oligoclonal bands or T2 lesions. Conclusions: NfL is a weak independent risk factor for MS. Its role as an axonal damage biomarker may be more relevant as suggested by its association with medium-term brain volume changes. PMID:27521440

Optimization and application of fabric phase sorptive extraction coupled to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of cytostatic drug residues in environmental waters.

PubMed

Santana-Viera, Sergio; Guedes-Alonso, Rayco; Sosa-Ferrera, Zoraida; Santana-Rodríguez, José Juan; Kabir, Abuzar; Furton, Kenneth G

2017-12-22

Every year, hundreds of tons of organic pollutants reach the environment through effluents released from wastewater treatment plants worldwide, and many of these compounds have harmful effects on the aquatic ecosystem. A new class of emerging pollutants of high concern is cytostatic drugs, which are designed to treat different types of cancers by attacking cells. Environmental concentrations of cytostatic drugs are known to be in the range of ngL -1 , and for this reason, it is imperative to develop analytical methods of extraction and preconcentration to allow for subsequent instrumental analysis of these drugs. In this work, a rapid, simple and green method for the analysis of seven cytostatic drug compounds that are commonly used in anti-cancer therapies was developed using a novel extraction process based on a powerful miniaturized technique, fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) coupled to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The major parameters that affect the extraction process were optimized. The new method shows good linearity, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 12%. Relative recoveries higher than 40% were obtained for the studied compounds, and the detection limit of the method was within the values at which these compounds are usually found in environmental water (0.20ngL -1 to 80ngL -1 ). The Limit of Quantification ranged from 0.68 to 267ngL -1 . Significant suppression of the signal due to the matrix effect, a common shortcoming attributed to interference from the extraction process as well as the use of ionization mode, was not observed. Subsequently, the method was applied to real wastewater samples from an effluent obtained from a hospital area and three wastewater treatment plants located in Gran Canaria Island, Spain. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Baseline characteristics of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction included in the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) study.

PubMed

Donal, Erwan; Lund, Lars H; Oger, Emmanuel; Hage, Camilla; Persson, Hans; Reynaud, Amélie; Ennezat, Pierre-Vladimir; Bauer, Fabrice; Sportouch-Dukhan, Catherine; Drouet, Elodie; Daubert, Jean-Claude; Linde, Cecilia

2014-02-01

Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) is a prospective observational study to characterize heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and to identify prognostic factors for long-term mortality and morbidity. To report characteristics and echocardiography at entry and after 4-8 weeks of follow-up. Patients were included following an acute heart failure presentation with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)>100 ng/L or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP)>300 ng/L and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)>45%. The mean ± SD age of 539 included patients was 77 ± 9 years and 56% were women. Patient history included hypertension (78%), atrial tachyarrhythmia (44%), prior heart failure (40%) and anemia (37%), but left bundle branch block was rare (3.8%). Median NT-proBNP was 2448 ng/L (n=438), and median BNP 429 ng/L (n=101). Overall, 101 patients did not return for the follow-up visit, including 13 patients who died (2.4%). Apart from older age (80 ± 9 vs. 76 ± 9 years; P=0.006), there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients who did and did not return for follow-up. Mean LVEF was lower at entry than follow-up (56% vs. 62%; P<0.001). At follow-up, mean E/e' was 12.9 ± 6.1, left atrial volume index 49.4±17.8mL/m(2). Mean global left ventricular longitudinal strain was -14.6 ± 3.9%; LV mass index was 126.6 ± 36.2g/m(2). Patients in KaRen were old with slight female dominance and hypertension as the most prevalent etiological factor. LVEF was preserved, but with increased LV mass and depressed LV diastolic and longitudinal systolic functions. Few patients had signs of electrical dyssynchrony (ClinicalTrials.gov.- NCT00774709). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The distribution of antibiotics in water of a river basin in South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, T.; Cheng, W.; Wang, M.; Wan, T.; Cheng, M.; Zhang, C. C.; Jia, Z. Y.

2017-08-01

In water environment field, one of the most attractive research topics is the determination of contamination characteristics of antibiotics in water. In order to investigate the distribution of antibiotics in surface water and drinking water of a certain river basin in southern China, we determined the types and concentrations of antibiotics that contaminated the river by performing HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method. Thus, we detected 17 antibiotics in four surface water samples (B1, B2, B3, and B4). In sampling points B3 and B4, we detected 16 antibiotics separately. The detection rates of norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and erythromycin-H2O were 100%, and the antibiotic erythromycin-H2O had the maximum concentration. In six drinking water samples (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6), we detected 13 antibiotics. In A5 water samples, we detected all the 13 antibiotics. The detection rate of ofloxacin and erythromycin-H2O was 100%, and erythromycin-H2O was the antibiotic with the highest concentration. We also found that from the upstream to the downstream of the river basin, the types of antibiotics in river increased gradually. In the upstream water samples (B1), we detected three antibiotics. Erythromycin-H2O was the antibiotic with the highest concentration of 6.61 ng/L, and sulfapyridine had the lowest concentration of 2.82 ng/L. In the downstream water samples (B4), we detected 16 antibiotics. Erythromycin-H2O was the antibiotic with the highest concentration of 277.58 ng/L, and the Sulfamonomethoxine was the antibiotic with the second-highest concentration of 242.1 ng/L. In addition, different membrane treatment processes could remove different amounts of antibiotics from the water samples. The study is an important reference for providing environmental protection to river water basin.

Pesticide impacts on predator-prey interactions across two levels of organisation.

PubMed

Rasmussen, Jes Jessen; Nørum, Ulrik; Jerris, Morten Rygaard; Wiberg-Larsen, Peter; Kristensen, Esben Astrup; Friberg, Nikolai

2013-09-15

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a short pulse exposure of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin (LC) on the predator and anti-predator behaviour of the same species; Gammarus pulex. Predator behaviour, at the level of the individual, was studied in indoor microcosms using video tracking equipment during simultaneous exposure of the predator (G. pulex) and its prey (Leuctra nigra) during 90 min exposure of 1, 6.6 or 62.1 ngL(-1) LC. During an initial 30 min of exposure, the predator and prey organisms were maintained physically separated, and the actual interaction was studied through the subsequent 60 min of exposure. The anti-predator behaviour of G. pulex (drift suppression in response to the presence of brown trout) was studied in outdoor stream channels during a 90 min pulse exposure to LC (7.4 or 79.5 ngL(-1)) with, or without, brown trout. Based on survival curves for L. nigra we found that the mortality rate for L. nigra significantly decreased during exposure to 6.6 and 62.1 ngL(-1) LC (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). We found no significant effects suggesting that G. pulex was repelled by contaminated prey items (P>0.05). We found that the exposure of G. pulex to 7.4 and 79.5 ngL(-1) LC significantly increased drift (from ∼0% to ∼100% in both treatments; P<0.001) independent of the presence of brown trout (P<0.05). In other words, the natural anti-predator behaviour of G. pulex was overruled by the stress response to LC exposure increasing G. pulex predation risk from drift feeding brown trouts. Our results show that the anti-predator and predator behaviour of G. pulex were significantly changed during exposure to very low and environmentally realistic LC concentrations and exposure duration. The potential implications for the field scenario are discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of pharmaceuticals in surface and wastewater from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico: Occurrence and environmental risk assessment.

PubMed

Rivera-Jaimes, José Abraham; Postigo, Cristina; Melgoza-Alemán, Rosa María; Aceña, Jaume; Barceló, Damia; López de Alda, Miren

2018-02-01

The present work describes the first known study to date on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in surface water and wastewater of Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos (México). Selected pharmaceuticals (a total of 35) were extracted from the collected water samples with a generic solid phase extraction (SPE) protocol and determined in the sample extracts by means of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). A screening level risk assessment combining the measured environmental concentrations (MECs) with dose-response data based on predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) was also applied to estimate Hazard Quotients (HQs) for the pharmaceuticals detected in the investigated area. A total of twelve pharmaceuticals were found in the water samples analyzed, with detection frequencies above 78% and in most cases of 100%. Overall, the most abundant pharmaceuticals in surface water were the analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs naproxen (732-4880ng/L), acetaminophen (354-4460ng/L), and diclofenac (258-1398ng/L), and the lipid regulator bezafibrate (286-2100ng/L). On the contrary, other compounds like the β-blocker atenolol and the psychiatric drug carbamazepine were found at only a few ng or tens of ng per liter in the Apatlaco River. Despite the fact that some of the most abundant compounds showed good removal (>97%) during wastewater treatment, concentrations downstream the WWTP were only slightly lower than upstream. This indicates the existence of additional inputs of untreated wastewater into the river. Based on the obtained HQ-values, the concentrations of ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, diclofenac and naproxen present in the river could pose a high toxicity risk for the aquatic ecosystem. These findings highlight these pharmaceuticals as relevant organic contaminants in the area of study and the need to further monitor them in order to adopt appropriate measures to safeguard the ecosystem, and eventually human health. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly increased Troponin I levels following high-intensity endurance cycling may detect subclinical coronary artery disease in presumably healthy leisure sport cyclists: The North Sea Race Endurance Exercise Study (NEEDED) 2013.

PubMed

Skadberg, Øyvind; Kleiven, Øyunn; Bjørkavoll-Bergseth, Magnus; Melberg, Tor; Bergseth, Rolf; Selvåg, Jone; Auestad, Bjørn; Greve, Ole J; Dickstein, Kenneth; Aarsland, Torbjørn; Ørn, Stein

2017-05-01

Background Circulating cardiac troponin levels increase following prolonged intense physical exercise. The aim of this study was to identify participants with highly elevated cardiac troponins after prolonged, high intensity exercise, and to evaluate these for subclinical coronary artery disease. Methods and results Ninety-seven recreational cyclists without known cardiovascular disease or diabetes, participating in a 91 km mountain bike race were included, 74 (76%) were males, age: 43 ± 10 years, race duration: 4.2 (3.6-4.7) h. Blood samples, rest electrocardiogram and physical examination were obtained 24 h prior to, and at 0, 3 and 24 h following the race. Median cardiac troponin I level at baseline: 3.4 (2.1-4.9) ng/l (upper limit of normal: 30.0 ng/l). There was a highly significant ( p < 0.0001) increase in circulating cardiac troponin I in all participants: immediately following the race; 50.5 (28.5-71.9) ng/l, peaking at 3 h 69.3 (42.3-97.7) ng/l and declining at 24 h: 14.2 (8.5-27.9) ng/l. No cyclist had symptoms or rest electrocardiogram changes compatible with coronary artery disease during or following the race. Coronary artery disease was detected by coronary angiography in the three cyclists with the three of the four highest cardiac troponin values (>370 ng/l) at 3 and 24 h following the race. Computed tomographic coronary angiography was performed in an additional 10 riders with the subsequently highest cardiac troponin I values, without identifying underlying coronary artery disease. Conclusions This study suggests that there is a pathologic cardiac troponin I response following exercise in individuals with subclinical coronary artery disease. This response may be associated with an excessive cardiac troponin I increase at 3 and 24 h following prolonged high-intensity exercise.

Transient hyperthyroidism after surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a common problem.

PubMed

Rudofsky, Gottfried; Tsioga, M; Reismann, P; Leowardi, C; Kopf, S; Grafe, I A; Nawroth, P P; Isermann, B

2011-08-08

Postoperative hyperthyroidism occurs in approximately one third of patients following parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), but has only rarely been described in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP). The frequency, course, and laboratory markers of postoperative hyperthyroidism in SHP remain unknown. Our purpose was to evaluate the frequency and the clinical course of postoperative hyperthyroidism following surgery of SHP and to determine the diagnostic value of thyroglobulin in this setting. A total of 40 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy because of SHP were included in this study. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroglobulin (Tg) were determined one day before and on day 1, 3, 5, 10, and 40 after surgery. At each of these visits patients were clinically evaluated for signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism was evident in 77% of patients postoperatively despite of preoperatively normal serum levels. TSH dropped from 1.18 ± 0.06mU/L to 0.15 ± 0.07mU/L (p = 0.0015). Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and fT4 levels increased from 2.86 ± 0.02ng/L and 10.32 ± 0.13ng/L, respectively, to their maximum of 4.83 ± 0.17ng/L and 19.35 ± 0.58ng/L, respectively. Thyroglobulin levels rose from 3.8 ± 0.8ng/mL to 111.8 ± 45.3ng/mL (p<0.001). At day 40 all thyroid related laboratory values were within normal range. Correlation analysis of postoperative values revealed significant correlations for lowest TSH (r = -0.32; p = 0.038), and highest fT3 (r = 0.55; p<0.001) and fT4 levels (r = 0.67; p<0.001) with Tg. Transient hyperthyroidism is frequent after parathyroidectomy for SHP with Tg being a suitable marker. Awareness of this self-limiting disorder is important to avoid inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment.

N-Terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide Is Useful to Predict Cardiac Complications Following Lung Resection Surgery

PubMed Central

Lee, Chang Young; Bae, Mi Kyung; Lee, Jin Gu; Kim, Kwan-Wook; Park, In Kyu

2011-01-01

Background Cardiovascular complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality following non-cardiac thoracic operations. Recent studies have demonstrated that elevation of N-Terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels can predict cardiac complications following non-cardiac major surgery as well as cardiac surgery. However, there is little information on the correlation between lung resection surgery and NT-proBNP levels. We evaluated the role of NT-proBNP as a potential marker for the risk stratification of cardiac complications following lung resection surgery. Material and Methods Prospectively collected data of 98 patients, who underwent elective lung resection from August 2007 to February 2008, were analyzed. Postoperative adverse cardiac events were categorized as myocardial injury, ECG evidence of ischemia or arrhythmia, heart failure, or cardiac death. Results Postoperative cardiac complications were documented in 9 patients (9/98, 9.2%): Atrial fibrillation in 3, ECG-evidenced ischemia in 2 and heart failure in 4. Preoperative median NT-proBNP levels was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative cardiac complications than in the rest (200.2 ng/L versus 45.0 ng/L, p=0.009). NT-proBNP levels predicted adverse cardiac events with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.545~0.988, p=0.01]. A preoperative NT-proBNP value of 160 ng/L was found to be the best cut-off value for detecting postoperative cardiac complication with a positive predictive value of 0.857 and a negative predictive value of 0.978. Other factors related to cardiac complications by univariate analysis were a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, a higher NYHA functional class and a history of hypertension. In multivariate analysis, however, high preoperative NT-proBNP level (>160 ng/L) only remained significant. Conclusion An elevated preoperative NT-proBNP level is identified as an independent predictor of cardiac complications following lung resection surgery. PMID:22263123

A regional assessment of chemicals of concern in surface waters of four Midwestern United States national parks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elliott, Sarah M.; VanderMeulen, David

2017-01-01

Anthropogenic chemicals and their potential for adverse biological effects raise concern for aquatic ecosystem health in protected areas. During 2013–15, surface waters of four Midwestern United States national parks were sampled and analyzed for wastewater indicators, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides. More chemicals and higher concentrations were detected at the two parks with greater urban influences (Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore) than at the two more remote parks (Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park). Atrazine (10–15 ng/L) and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (16–120 ng/L) were the only chemicals detected in inland lakes of a remote island national park (Isle Royale National Park). Bisphenol A and organophosphate flame retardants were commonly detected at the other sampled parks. Gabapentin and simazine had the highest observed concentrations (> 1000 ng/L) in three and two samples, respectively. At the two parks with urban influences, metolachlor and simazine concentrations were similar to those reported for other major urban rivers in the United States. Environmental concentrations of detected chemicals were often orders of magnitude less than standards or reference values with three exceptions: (1) hydrochlorothiazide exceeded a human health-based screening value in seven samples, (2) estrone exceeded a predicted critical environmental concentration for fish pharmacological effects in one sample, and (3) simazine was approaching the 4000 ng/L Maximum Contaminant Level in one sample even though this concentration is not expected to reflect peak pesticide use. Although few environmental concentrations were approaching or exceeded standards or reference values, concentrations were often in ranges reported to elicit effects in aquatic biota. Data from this study will assist in establishing a baseline for chemicals of concern in Midwestern national parks and highlight the need to better understand the sources, pathways, and potential adverse effects to aquatic systems in national parks.

Prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing left main percutaneous coronary intervention.

PubMed

Jaberg, Laurenz; Toggweiler, Stefan; Puck, Marietta; Frank, Michelle; Rufibach, Kaspar; Lüscher, Thomas F; Corti, Roberto

2011-01-01

Patients undergoing acute left main (LM) coronary artery revascularization have a high mortality and natriuretic peptides such as N-terminal pro-B-type (NT-proBNP) have been shown to have prognostic value in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The present study looked at the prognostic value of NT-proBNP in these patients. We studied all consecutive patients undergoing acute LM coronary artery percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2005 and December 2008 in whom NT-proBNP was measured (n=71). We analyzed the clinical characteristics and the short- and long-term outcomes in relation to NT-proBNP level at admission. Median NT-proBNP was 1,364 ng/L, ranging from 46 to 70,000 ng/L. NT-proBNP was elevated in 63 (89%) patients and was ≥1,000ng/L in 42 (59%). Log NT-proBNP (hazard ratio [HR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-7.97, P=0.003) and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.95, 95%CI 0.91-0.99, P=0.007) were predictors for all-cause mortality. Log NT-proBNP was the only independent significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality. In-hospital mortality was 0% for patients with NT-proBNP <1,000, but 17% for those with NT-proBNP ≥1,000 (P=0.036). NT-proBNP is a strong predictor of outcome in patients undergoing acute LM coronary artery stenting. Mortality in such patients is high, but those with NT-proBNP < 1,000ng/L may have a favorable short- and long-term prognosis. Further research, including a larger patient population, is needed to determine the optimal cut-off value for NT-proBNP in patients undergoing acute LM coronary artery intervention.

Trends in lead concentrations in major US rivers and their relation to historical changes in gasoline-lead consumption, by Richard B. Alexander and Richard A. Smith

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flegal, A.R.; Coale, K.H.

1989-12-01

The sequential development of trace metal clean techniques has resulted in a systematic decrease in reported lead concentrations in the ocean. Similar decreases have been observed in reports of lead concentrations in fresh water. This was illustrated by the changes in reported baseline concentrations of lead in Lake Huron. However, even the latest (1980) of those concentrations (19 ng/L) appears to be erroneously high based on recent measurements of lead concentrations in the Great Lakes. Lead concentrations in surface waters in the center of Lake Ontario are < 2 ng/L or one order of magnitude lower than the reported baselinemore » concentration of Lake Huron in 1980. Corresponding concentrations of lead in surface waters of Lake Huron should be equal to or less than those in Lake Ontario. Anthropogenic lead fluxes to Lake Huron (621 metric tons per year) and Lake Ontario (592 metric tons per year) are comparable, while the assimilative capacity of Lake Huron is two-fold greater than that of Lake Ontario. Moreover, the atmospheric flux of industrial lead aerosols to surface waters in Lake Huron is approximately one half of the flux in Lake Ontario. Therefore, if removal rates are similar in these two lakes, the authors expect the baseline concentration of lead in Lake Huron to be {le} 2 ng/L or one order of magnitude lower than the 1980 baseline concentration. Concentrations in remote fresh water systems in North America, where inputs of industrial lead aerosols are orders of magnitude lower should also be < 2 ng/L. The preceding measurements and projected concentrations of lead in fresh water systems in North America are of note in light of some recent reports on the decrease of lead in natural waters within the US. Those reports are questionable, in spite of other reports of decreasing lead concentrations in the Mississippi River and North Atlantic.« less

A regional assessment of chemicals of concern in surface waters of four Midwestern United States national parks.

PubMed

Elliott, Sarah M; VanderMeulen, David D

2017-02-01

Anthropogenic chemicals and their potential for adverse biological effects raise concern for aquatic ecosystem health in protected areas. During 2013-15, surface waters of four Midwestern United States national parks were sampled and analyzed for wastewater indicators, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides. More chemicals and higher concentrations were detected at the two parks with greater urban influences (Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore) than at the two more remote parks (Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park). Atrazine (10-15ng/L) and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (16-120ng/L) were the only chemicals detected in inland lakes of a remote island national park (Isle Royale National Park). Bisphenol A and organophosphate flame retardants were commonly detected at the other sampled parks. Gabapentin and simazine had the highest observed concentrations (>1000ng/L) in three and two samples, respectively. At the two parks with urban influences, metolachlor and simazine concentrations were similar to those reported for other major urban rivers in the United States. Environmental concentrations of detected chemicals were often orders of magnitude less than standards or reference values with three exceptions: (1) hydrochlorothiazide exceeded a human health-based screening value in seven samples, (2) estrone exceeded a predicted critical environmental concentration for fish pharmacological effects in one sample, and (3) simazine was approaching the 4000ng/L Maximum Contaminant Level in one sample even though this concentration is not expected to reflect peak pesticide use. Although few environmental concentrations were approaching or exceeded standards or reference values, concentrations were often in ranges reported to elicit effects in aquatic biota. Data from this study will assist in establishing a baseline for chemicals of concern in Midwestern national parks and highlight the need to better understand the sources, pathways, and potential adverse effects to aquatic systems in national parks. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Assessment of full-scale biological nutrient removal systems upgraded with physico-chemical processes for the removal of emerging pollutants present in wastewaters from Mexico.

PubMed

Estrada-Arriaga, Edson Baltazar; Cortés-Muñoz, Juana Enriqueta; González-Herrera, Arturo; Calderón-Mólgora, César Guillermo; de Lourdes Rivera-Huerta, Ma; Ramírez-Camperos, Esperanza; Montellano-Palacios, Leticia; Gelover-Santiago, Silvia Lucila; Pérez-Castrejón, Sara; Cardoso-Vigueros, Lina; Martín-Domínguez, Alejandra; García-Sánchez, Liliana

2016-11-15

Two full-scale biological nutrient removal systems upgraded with three physico-chemical processes (coagulation, chemical precipitation, and neutral Fenton) were evaluated in order to determine the removal of emerging pollutants (EPs) present in municipal wastewater from Mexico. Between 41 and 55 EPs were detected in the influents of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), including personal care products (PPCPs), antibiotics, analgesics, antiepileptics, antilipidemics, antihypertensives, antiseptics, stimulants, and hormones. Emerging pollutants were detected at concentrations ranging from 0.69ng/L to 94,600ng/L. High concentrations of emerging pollutants were found during dry season. WWTP 1, integrated by oxidation ditches and UV light lamps, showed removal efficiencies of EPs between 20% and 22%. On the other hand, WWTP 2 consisted of anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic tanks coupled with two disinfection processes; chlorine dioxide and UV light lamps, for which the removal of EPs was significant (up to 80%). The concentrations of emerging pollutants in WWTP 1 effluent was found within a range

Contamination sources and distribution patterns of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in Alpine rivers strongly affected by tourism.

PubMed

Mandaric, Ladislav; Diamantini, Elena; Stella, Elisa; Cano-Paoli, Karina; Valle-Sistac, Jennifer; Molins-Delgado, Daniel; Bellin, Alberto; Chiogna, Gabriele; Majone, Bruno; Diaz-Cruz, M Silvia; Sabater, Sergi; Barcelo, Damia; Petrovic, Mira

2017-07-15

Knowledge regarding the impact of tourism on the emergence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in Alpine river waters is limited and scarce. Therefore, a study on the occurrence patterns and spatiotemporal variability of 105 PPCPs in an Alpine river basin located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region (North-Eastern Italy) has been conducted. We observed that the total concentration of analyzed PPCPs was generally higher in all sampling sites during winter than in the summer. The analysis of tourist data revealed that during both sampling campaigns the number of tourists was lower in the downstream sites in comparison with the upstream area of the basin (Val di Sole). Particularly, sampling sites located near important tourist resorts have shown the highest abundance of the PPCPs during winter, being analgesics/anti-inflammatories, antihypertensives and antibiotics the most abundant pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs). Diclofenac showed the highest concentration amongst PhACs, reaching concentrations up to 675ngL -1 in the sampling site situated downstream of the Tonale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Antihypertensives were found at concentrations >300ngL -1 , while antibiotics were quantified up to 196ngL -1 , respectively. Amongst personal care products (PCPs), the most abundant compound was octyl-dimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (ODPABA) with concentrations reaching up to 748ngL -1 in the sampling site situated within the Rotaliana district. In general, concentrations and detection frequencies were higher in water than in the sediment samples. The most frequently detected PhACs in sediments from both sampling campaigns were antibiotics, while amongst PCPs in sediments, octocrylene (OC) showed the highest concentration in both sampling campaigns. As a result, this study highlights the potential impact of tourism on the water quality of the Alpine aquatic ecosystems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transient hyperthyroidism after surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a common problem

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Postoperative hyperthyroidism occurs in approximately one third of patients following parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), but has only rarely been described in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP). The frequency, course, and laboratory markers of postoperative hyperthyroidism in SHP remain unknown. Our purpose was to evaluate the frequency and the clinical course of postoperative hypcrthyroidism following surgery of SHP and to determine the diagnostic value of thyroglobulin in this setting. Material and Methods A total of 40 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy because of SHP were included in this study. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fl4), and thyroglobulin (Tg) were determined one day before and on day 1, 3, 5, 10, and 40 after surgery. At each of these visits patients were clinically evaluated for signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Results Biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism was evident in 77% of patients postoperatively despite of preoperatively normal serum levels. TSH dropped from 1.18 ± 0.06mU/L to 0.15 ± 0.07mU/L (p = 0.0015). Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and fT4 levels increased from 2.86 ± 0.02ng/L and 10.32 ± 0.13ng/L, respectively, to their maximum of 4.83 ± 0.17ng/L and 19.35 ± 0.58ng/L, respectively. Thyroglobulin levels rose from 3.8 ± 0.8ng/mL to 111.8 ± 45.3ng/mL (p < 0.001). At day 40 all thyroid related laboratory values were within normal range. Correlation analysis of postoperative values revealed significant correlations for lowest TSH (r = -0.32; p = 0.038), and highest fT3 (r = 0.55; p < 0.001) and fT4 levels (r = 0.67; p < 0.001) with Tg. Conclusion Transient hyperthyroidism is frequent after parathyroidectomy for SHP with Tg being a suitable marker. Awareness of this self-limiting disorder is important to avoid inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment. PMID:21813380

A magnetic-based dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction method using the metal-organic framework HKUST-1 and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for determining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in waters and fruit tea infusions.

PubMed

Rocío-Bautista, Priscilla; Pino, Verónica; Ayala, Juan H; Pasán, Jorge; Ruiz-Pérez, Catalina; Afonso, Ana M

2016-03-04

A hybrid material composed by the metal-organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1 and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been synthetized in a quite simple manner, characterized, and used in a magnetic-assisted dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (M-d-μSPE) method in combination with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and fluorescence detection (FD). The application was devoted to the determination of 8 heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different aqueous samples, specifically tap water, wastewaters, and fruit tea infusion samples. The overall M-d-μSPE-UHPLC-FD method was optimized and validated. The method is characterized by: its simplicity in both the preparation of the hybrid material (simple mixing) and the magnetic-assisted approach (∼10min extraction time), the use of low sorbent amounts (20mg of HKUST-1 and 5mg of Fe3O4 MNPs), and the low organic solvent consumption in the overall M-d-μSPE-UHPLC-FD method (1.5mL of acetonitrile in the M-d-μSPE method and 2.8mL of acetonitrile in the UHPLC-FD run). The resulting method has high sensitivity, with LODs down to 0.8ngL(-1); adequate intermediate precision, with relative standard deviation values (RSD) always lower than 6.3% (being the range 5.9-9.0% in tap water for a spiked level of 45ngL(-1), 6.1-14% in wastewaters for a spiked level of 45ngL(-1), and 7.2-17% in fruit tea infusion samples for a spiked level of 45ngL(-1)); and adequate relative recoveries, with average values of 82% in tap water, and 94% and 75% in wastewater and fruit tea infusion samples, respectively, if using the proper matrix-matched calibration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a Simple and Rapid Method to Measure the Free Fraction of Tacrolimus in Plasma Using Ultrafiltration and LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Stienstra, Nicolaas A; Sikma, Maaike A; van Dapperen, Anouk L; de Lange, Dylan W; van Maarseveen, Erik M

2016-12-01

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant mainly used in the prophylaxis of solid organ transplant rejection. Therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus is essential for avoiding toxicity related to overexposure and transplant rejection from underexposure. Previous studies suggest that unbound tacrolimus concentrations in the plasma may serve as a better predictor of tacrolimus-associated nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity compared to tacrolimus concentration in whole blood. Monitoring the plasma concentrations of unbound tacrolimus might be of interest in preventing tacrolimus-related toxicity. Therefore, the aim was to develop a method for the measurement of total and unbound tacrolimus concentrations in plasma. The sample preparation for the determination of the plasma concentrations of unbound tacrolimus consisted of an easy-to-use ultrafiltration method followed by solid-phase extraction. To determine the total concentration of tacrolimus in plasma, a simple method based on protein precipitation was developed. The extracts were injected into a Thermo Scientific HyPurity C18 column using gradient elution. The analytes were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with positive ionization. The method was validated over a linear range of 1.00-200 ng/L for unbound tacrolimus concentrations in plasma and 100-3200 ng/L for total plasma concentrations. The lower limit of quantification was 1.00 ng/L in ultrafiltrate and 100 ng/L in plasma. The inaccuracy and imprecision for the determination of unbound tacrolimus concentrations in ultrafiltrate and plasma showed a maximum coefficients of variation (CV) of 11.7% and a maximum bias of 3.8%. A rapid and easy method based on ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was established to measure the total and unbound tacrolimus concentrations in plasma. This method can facilitate further investigations on the relationship between plasma concentrations of unbound tacrolimus and clinical outcomes in transplant recipients.

Naturally Elevated Monomethylmercury and Mercury Concentrations of Redwood Trees of Coastal California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rytuba, J. J.

2014-12-01

Redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens) of coastal California acquire up to a third of their annual water through direct foliar uptake from summer coastal fog. Coastal fog contains elevated concentrations of monomethylmercury (MMeHg) up to 9.8 ng/L (Weiss-Penzias et al., Geophys Res Letters, 39). MMeHg introduced by fog is concentrated in old growth redwood trees throughout their distribution along the California coast. High concentrations of MMeHg occur in living redwood needles (0.20 to 3.76 ng/g dry weight basis, dwb) and are about 2 orders of magnitude greater than typical in evergreen needles that do not receive coastal fog water. MMeHg concentration in living redwood needles changes seasonally reaching a maximum at the end of the fog season (October) and a minimum at the beginning of the fog season (March). Hg concentrations in living redwood needles range from 21.7 to 80.5 ng/g (dwb), comparable to reported values for evergreen needles from non-coastal trees. Redwoods planted in the suburban landscape inland from the coastal fog belt have considerably lower MMeHg concentrations (<0.20 ng/g) but similar Hg concentrations to redwoods in their natural coastal environment. Redwood needles die after 3 years and contain comparable concentrations of MMeHg to those in living needles from the same old growth redwoods but Hg concentrations are much higher (up to 142 ng/g) since Hg accumulates throughout the life of the needle. Stream waters in old growth redwood forests under low and high flow conditions have very low concentrations of MMeHg (<.02 ng/L). However, under high flow conditions Hg concentrations are elevated, up to 22 ng/L, compared to low flow conditions (1.3-3.15 ng/L) and in rainwater (5.4 ng/L). MMeHg concentrations in stream waters are not elevated because MMeHg is retained in redwood needles. Hg concentrations in high flow stream waters are elevated because soils developed under old growth redwoods have elevated concentrations of Hg, up to 280 ng/g (3 times background), resulting from decomposition of litter and transformation of MMeHg to Hg-humic acid complexes (79-91%), and HgS and Hgo (8-20%) as indicated by sequential selective chemical extractions. Because of the high biomass density and annual litter fall, 850 g of Hg and 23 g of MMeHg per ha are added to the redwood ecosystem over a 2000 year life span.

In vitro characterization of the effectiveness of enhanced sewage treatment processes to eliminate endocrine activity of hospital effluents.

PubMed

Maletz, Sibylle; Floehr, Tilman; Beier, Silvio; Klümper, Claudia; Brouwer, Abraham; Behnisch, Peter; Higley, Eric; Giesy, John P; Hecker, Markus; Gebhardt, Wilhelm; Linnemann, Volker; Pinnekamp, Johannes; Hollert, Henner

2013-03-15

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystems is related to sewage effluents. Due to the possible adverse effects on wildlife and humans, degradation and removal of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites during wastewater treatment is an increasingly important task. The present study was part of a proof of concept study at a medium sized country hospital in western Germany that investigated efficiency of advanced treatment processes to remove toxic potencies from sewage. Specifically, the efficiency of treatment processes such as a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and ozonation to remove endocrine disruptive potentials was assessed. Estrogenic effects were characterized by use of two receptor-mediated in vitro transactivation assays, the Lyticase Yeast Estrogen Screen (LYES) and the Estrogen Receptor mediated Chemical Activated LUciferase gene eXpression (ER CALUX(®)). In addition, the H295R Steroidogenesis Assay (H295R) was utilized to detect potential disruption of steroidogenesis. Raw sewage contained measurable estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated potency as determined by use of the LYES (28.9 ± 8.6 ng/L, 0.33× concentration), which was reduced after treatment by MBR (2.3 ± 0.3 ng/L) and ozone (1.2 ± 0.4 ng/L). Results were confirmed by use of ER CALUX(®) which measured concentrations of estrogen equivalents (EEQs) of 0.2 ± 0.11 ng/L (MBR) and 0.01 ± 0.02 ng/L (ozonation). In contrast, treatment with ozone resulted in greater production of estradiol and aromatase activity at 3× and greater concentrations in H295R cells. It is hypothesized that this is partly due to formation of active oxidized products during ozonation. Substance-specific analyses demonstrated efficient removal of most of the measured compounds by ozonation. A comparison of the ER-mediated responses measured by use of the LYES and ER CALUX(®) with those from the chemical analysis using a mass-balance approach revealed estrone (E1) to be the main compound that caused the estrogenic effects. Overall, treatment of sewage by use of MBR successfully reduced estrogenicity of hospital effluents as well as substances that are able to alter sex steroid production. However, after ozonation, effluents should undergo further investigations regarding the formation of endocrine active metabolites. The results obtained as part of this study demonstrated applicability of in vitro assays for monitoring of endocrine-modulating potency of treated sewage. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deconvolution of trace element (As, Cr, Mo, Th, U) sources and pathways to surface waters of a gold mining-influenced watershed.

PubMed

Grosbois, C; Schäfer, J; Bril, H; Blanc, G; Bossy, A

2009-03-01

The Upper Isle River (SW France) drains the second most productive gold-mining district of France. A high resolution survey during one hydrological year of As, Cl(-), Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, SO(4)(2-), Th and U dissolved concentrations in surface water aimed to better understand pathways of trace element export to the river system downstream from the mining district. Dissolved concentrations of As (up to 35000 ng/L) and Mo (up to 292 ng/L) were about 3-fold higher than the regional dissolved background and showed a negative logarithmic relation with discharge. Dissolved concentrations of Cr (up to 483 ng/L), Th (up to 48 ng/L) and U (up to 184 ng/L) increased with discharge. Geochemical relationships between molar ratios in surface water, geochemical background as well as rain- and groundwater data were combined. The contrasting behavior of distinct element groups was explained by a scenario involving three seasonal components: (i) The high flow component is poorly concentrated in As and Mo but highly concentrated in Cr, Th, U. This has been attributed to diffuse sources such as water-soil interactions, atmospheric inputs, bedrock and bed sediment weathering. Although this component probably also includes a contribution by weathering of sulfide veins, this signal is masked by dilution. (ii) One low flow component presents high SO(4)(2-), Fe, As and Mo and moderate Cr, Th and U concentrations. This component has been attributed to point sources such as mine gallery effluents, mining waste weathering and groundwater inputs from natural and/or mining-induced sulfide oxidation in the ore deposit. (iii) A second low flow component showing high As plus Mo concentrations associated with very low SO(4)(2-), Fe, Cr, Th and U concentrations, probably reflects trace element scavenging by ferric oxyhydroxide formation in the adjacent aquifer. This is supported by the decrease of Fe, Cr, Th and U in surface waters. Flux estimates suggest contrasting element-specific impacts on annual dissolved fluxes. Runoff may account for the major part of annual dissolved As, Mo, Th and U fluxes in the Upper Isle River. Inputs related to sulfide oxidation respectively contributed approximately 30% and approximately 24% to annual As and Mo fluxes. The formation of ferric oxyhydroxides strongly retained Cr, Th and U during the low flow, limiting their dissolved concentrations in surface waters. If this process may eventually decrease As mobility, its impact on dissolved As concentrations in surface water may be limited or/and counterbalanced by As release during sulfide oxidation.

Association of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Concentration With Cardiac Outcomes in Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Chapman, Andrew R.; Lee, Kuan Ken; McAllister, David A.; Cullen, Louise; Greenslade, Jaimi H.; Parsonage, William; Worster, Andrew; Kavsak, Peter A.; Blankenberg, Stefan; Neumann, Johannes; Söerensen, Nils A.; Westermann, Dirk; Buijs, Madelon M.; Verdel, Gerard J. E.; Pickering, John W.; Than, Martin P.; Twerenbold, Raphael; Badertscher, Patrick; Sabti, Zaid; Mueller, Christian; Anand, Atul; Adamson, Philip; Strachan, Fiona E.; Ferry, Amy; Sandeman, Dennis; Gray, Alasdair; Body, Richard; Keevil, Brian; Carlton, Edward; Greaves, Kim; Korley, Frederick K.; Metkus, Thomas S.; Sandoval, Yader; Apple, Fred S.; Newby, David E.; Shah, Anoop S. V.

2017-01-01

Importance High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I testing is widely used to evaluate patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. A cardiac troponin concentration of less than 5 ng/L identifies patients at presentation as low risk, but the optimal threshold is uncertain. Objective To evaluate the performance of a cardiac troponin I threshold of 5 ng/L at presentation as a risk stratification tool in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Data Sources Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases from January 1, 2006, to March 18, 2017. Study Selection Prospective studies measuring high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentrations in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome in which the diagnosis was adjudicated according to the universal definition of myocardial infarction. Data Extraction and Synthesis The systematic review identified 19 cohorts. Individual patient-level data were obtained from the corresponding authors of 17 cohorts, with aggregate data from 2 cohorts. Meta-estimates for primary and secondary outcomes were derived using a binomial-normal random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was myocardial infarction or cardiac death at 30 days. Performance was evaluated in subgroups and across a range of troponin concentrations (2-16 ng/L) using individual patient data. Results Of 11 845 articles identified, 104 underwent full-text review, and 19 cohorts from 9 countries were included. Among 22 457 patients included in the meta-analysis (mean age, 62 [SD, 15.5] years; n = 9329 women [41.5%]), the primary outcome occurred in 2786 (12.4%). Cardiac troponin I concentrations were less than 5 ng/L at presentation in 11 012 patients (49%), in whom there were 60 missed index or 30-day events (59 index myocardial infarctions, 1 myocardial infarction at 30 days, and no cardiac deaths at 30 days). This resulted in a negative predictive value of 99.5% (95% CI, 99.3%-99.6%) for the primary outcome. There were no cardiac deaths at 30 days and 7 (0.1%) at 1 year, with a negative predictive value of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.7%-99.9%) for cardiac death. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentration of less than 5 ng/L identified those at low risk of myocardial infarction or cardiac death within 30 days. Further research is needed to understand the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of this approach to risk stratification. PMID:29127948

Association of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Concentration With Cardiac Outcomes in Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PubMed

Chapman, Andrew R; Lee, Kuan Ken; McAllister, David A; Cullen, Louise; Greenslade, Jaimi H; Parsonage, William; Worster, Andrew; Kavsak, Peter A; Blankenberg, Stefan; Neumann, Johannes; Sörensen, Nils A; Westermann, Dirk; Buijs, Madelon M; Verdel, Gerard J E; Pickering, John W; Than, Martin P; Twerenbold, Raphael; Badertscher, Patrick; Sabti, Zaid; Mueller, Christian; Anand, Atul; Adamson, Philip; Strachan, Fiona E; Ferry, Amy; Sandeman, Dennis; Gray, Alasdair; Body, Richard; Keevil, Brian; Carlton, Edward; Greaves, Kim; Korley, Frederick K; Metkus, Thomas S; Sandoval, Yader; Apple, Fred S; Newby, David E; Shah, Anoop S V; Mills, Nicholas L

2017-11-21

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I testing is widely used to evaluate patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. A cardiac troponin concentration of less than 5 ng/L identifies patients at presentation as low risk, but the optimal threshold is uncertain. To evaluate the performance of a cardiac troponin I threshold of 5 ng/L at presentation as a risk stratification tool in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases from January 1, 2006, to March 18, 2017. Prospective studies measuring high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentrations in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome in which the diagnosis was adjudicated according to the universal definition of myocardial infarction. The systematic review identified 19 cohorts. Individual patient-level data were obtained from the corresponding authors of 17 cohorts, with aggregate data from 2 cohorts. Meta-estimates for primary and secondary outcomes were derived using a binomial-normal random-effects model. The primary outcome was myocardial infarction or cardiac death at 30 days. Performance was evaluated in subgroups and across a range of troponin concentrations (2-16 ng/L) using individual patient data. Of 11 845 articles identified, 104 underwent full-text review, and 19 cohorts from 9 countries were included. Among 22 457 patients included in the meta-analysis (mean age, 62 [SD, 15.5] years; n = 9329 women [41.5%]), the primary outcome occurred in 2786 (12.4%). Cardiac troponin I concentrations were less than 5 ng/L at presentation in 11 012 patients (49%), in whom there were 60 missed index or 30-day events (59 index myocardial infarctions, 1 myocardial infarction at 30 days, and no cardiac deaths at 30 days). This resulted in a negative predictive value of 99.5% (95% CI, 99.3%-99.6%) for the primary outcome. There were no cardiac deaths at 30 days and 7 (0.1%) at 1 year, with a negative predictive value of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.7%-99.9%) for cardiac death. Among patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentration of less than 5 ng/L identified those at low risk of myocardial infarction or cardiac death within 30 days. Further research is needed to understand the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of this approach to risk stratification.

Reconnaissance-level assessment of water and bottom-sediment quality, including pesticides and mercury, in Yankton Sioux Tribe wetlands, Charles Mix County, South Dakota, June-July 2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schaap, Bryan D.; Bartholomay, Roy C.

2006-01-01

During June and July 2005, water and bottom-sediment samples were collected from selected Yankton Sioux Tribe wetlands within the historic Reservation area of eastern Charles Mix County as part of a reconnaissance-level assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey and Yankton Sioux Tribe. The water samples were analyzed for pesticides and mercury species. In addition, the water samples were analyzed for physical properties and chemical constituents that might help further characterize the water quality of the wetlands. The bottom-sediment samples were analyzed for mercury species. During June 2005, water samples were collected from 19 wetlands and were analyzed for 61 widely used pesticide compounds. Many pesticides were not detected in any of the water samples and many others were detected only at low concentrations in a few of the samples. Thirteen pesticides were detected in water samples from at least one of the wetlands. Atrazine and de-ethyl atrazine were detected at each of the 19 wetlands. The minimum, maximum, and median dissolved atrazine concentrations were 0.056, 0.567, and 0.151 microgram per liter (?g/L), respectively. Four pesticides (alachlor, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, and dicamba) were detected in only one wetland each. The number of pesticides detected in any of the 19 wetlands ranged from 3 to 8, with a median of 6. In addition to the results for this study, recent previous studies have frequently found atrazine in Lake Andes and the Missouri River, but none of the atrazine concentrations have been greater than 3 ?g/L, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Maximum Contaminant Level for atrazine in drinking water. During June and July 2005, water and bottom-sediment samples were collected from 10 wetlands. Water samples from each of the wetlands were analyzed for major ions, organic carbon, and mercury species, and bottom-sediment samples were analyzed for mercury species. For the whole-water samples, the total mercury concentrations ranged from 1.11 to 29.65 nanograms per liter (ng/L), with a median of 10.56 ng/L. The methylmercury concentrations ranged from 0.45 to 14.03 ng/L, with a median of 2.28 ng/L. For the bottom-sediment samples, the total mercury concentration ranged from 21.3 to 74.6 nanograms per gram (ng/g), with a median of 54.2 ng/g. The methylmercury concentrations ranged from <0.11 to 2.04 ng/g, with a median of 0.78 ng/g. The total mercury concentrations in the water samples were all much less than 2 ?g/L (2,000 ng/L), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Maximum Contaminant Level for mercury in drinking water. However, water samples from four of the wetlands had concentrations larger than 0.012 ?g/L (12 ng/L), the State of South Dakota's chronic standard for surface waters, including wetlands. Maximum methylmercury concentrations for this study are larger than reported concentrations for wetlands in North Dakota and concentrations reported for the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Occurrence and transport of diazinon in the Sacramento River, California, and selected tributaries during three winter storms, January-February 2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dileanis, Peter D.; Bennett, Kevin P.; Domagalski, Joseph L.

2002-01-01

The organophosphate pesticide diazinon is applied as a dormant orchard spray in the Sacramento Valley, California, during the winter when the area receives a majority of its annual rainfall. Dormant spray pesticides, thus, have the potential to wash off the areas of application and migrate with storm runoff to streams in the Sacramento River Basin. Previous monitoring studies have shown that rain and associated runoff from winter storms plays an important role in the transport of diazinon from point of application to the Sacramento River and tributaries. Between January 30 and February 25, 2000, diazinon concentrations in the Sacramento River and selected tributaries were monitored on 5 consecutive days during each of three winter storms that moved through the Sacramento Valley after diazinon had been applied to orchards in the basin. Water samples were collected at 17 sites chosen to represent the effect of upstream land use at local and regional scales. Most samples were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis by gas chromatography with electron capture detector and thermionic specific detector (GC/ECD/TSD) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was done on split replicates from over 30 percent of the samples to confirm ELISA results and to provide lower analytical reporting limits at selected sites [30 ng/L (nanogram per liter) for ELISA, 20 ng/L for GC/ECD/TSD, and 2 ng/L for GC/MS]. Concentrations determined from ELISA analyses were consistently higher than concentrations for split samples analyzed by gas chromatography methods. Because of bias between diazinon concentrations using ELISA and gas chromatography methods, results from ELISA analyses were not compared to water-quality criteria. Load calculations using the ELISA analyses are similarly biased. Because the bias was consistent, however, the ELISA data is useful in site-to-site comparisons used to rank the relative levels and contributions of diazinon from individual subbasins in the watershed. Concentrations of diazinon in 138 samples analyzed by gas chromatography methods ranged from below detection (2 ng/L) to 2,890 ng/L with a median of 44 ng/L. Thirty percent of the samples had concentrations greater than 80 ng/L, which is considered by California as the criterion maximum concentration for the protection of aquatic habitat. Concentrations were highest in small tributaries and canals draining subbasins with predominantly agricultural land use and in a channel draining the Yuba City urban area. Load estimates using concentrations derived from GC/MS analyses indicate that about 30 percent of the diazinon in the lower Sacramento River is from the Feather River Basin. Loads estimated using ELISA analyses show a similar, but slightly higher fraction of the total load coming from that basin. The source of over half the total load measured at Sacramento River at Alamar appears to have originated in the part of the drainage basin upstream of the city of Colusa. Of the diazinon reported applied to agricultural land in Sacramento Valley (about 42,500 pounds active ingredient) just before and during the monitoring period, about 0.4 percent appeared to be transported to the lower Sacramento River during the period of monitoring. A similar percent of applied diazinon was estimated to have entered the Feather River from upstream sources. Diazinon use in the study area during the 1999-2000 dormant spray season was unusually low, about 60 percent of the average of the previous 4 years. Therefore, diazinon loadings may be higher in subsequent years, should use increase and pesticide management practices remain the same. Although diazinon was the most frequently detected pesticide and the pesticide detected at the highest concentrations, 10 other pesticides were detected in the samples collected. These included the insecticides methidathion and chlorpyrifos, and the herbicides simazine, molinate and thiobencarb.

Determination of N-nitrosodimethylamine in drinking water by UPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Wang, Wanfeng; Hu, Jianying; Yu, Jianwei; Yang, Min

2010-01-01

The method for detecting N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was improved by optimizing the clean-up procedure to remove the matrix interference in pretreatment process, and was then applied to a survey of NDMA in both raw and finished water samples from five water treatment plants in South China. The NDMA concentrations ranged from 4.7 to 15.1 ng/L in raw water samples, and from 4.68 to 46.9 ng/L in finished water. The NDMA concentration in raw water was found to be related with nitrite concentration, and during the treatment, the NDMA concentration increased following ozonation but decreased after subsequent activated carbon treatment.

Vitamin B12 assays compared by use of patients sera with low vitamin B12 content

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sheridan, B.L.; Pearce, L.C.

1985-05-01

The authors compared four radioisotope dilution (RD) methods and a microbiological assay for measuring concentrations of vitamin B12 in a selected panel of serum samples from patients known to be deficient in the vitamin. Low (less than 100 ng/L) and borderline (100-180 ng/L) results were similar between methods, but use of the manufacturers recommended ranges for borderline results would have changed the diagnostic classifications for 22 of 38 samples. Results of all the RD methods inter-correlated well, but less so with the microbiological assay. Borderline, nondiagnostic results were common to all methods, and no apparent advantage was gained from usingmore » the microbiological assay.« less

Determination of quaternary ammonium compounds in seawater samples by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Bassarab, P; Williams, D; Dean, J R; Ludkin, E; Perry, J J

2011-02-04

A method for the simultaneous determination of two biocidal quaternary ammonium compounds; didecyldimethylammonium chloride (didecyldimethyl quat) and dodecylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride (benzyl quat), in seawater by solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was developed. The optimised procedure utilised off-line extraction of the analytes from seawater using polymeric (Strata-X) SPE cartridges. Recoveries ranged from 80 to 105%, with detection limits at the low parts-per-trillion (ng/l) level for both analytes. To demonstrate sensitivity, environmental concentrations were measured at three different locations along the North East coast of England with measured values in the range 120-270ng/l. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthetic progestins medroxyprogesterone acetate and dydrogesterone and their binary mixtures adversely affect reproduction and lead to histological and transcriptional alterations in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

PubMed

Zhao, Yanbin; Castiglioni, Sara; Fent, Karl

2015-04-07

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and dydrogesterone (DDG) are synthetic progestins widely used in human and veterinary medicine. Although aquatic organisms are exposed to them through wastewater and animal farm runoff, very little is known about their effects in the environment. Here we provide a comprehensive analysis of the responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to MPA, DDG, and their binary mixtures at measured concentrations between 4.5 and 1663 ng/L. DDG and both mixtures impaired reproductive capacities (egg production) of breeding pairs and led to histological alterations of ovaries and testes and increased gonadosomatic index. Transcriptional analysis of up to 28 genes belonging to different pathways demonstrated alterations in steroid hormone receptors, steroidogenesis enzymes, and specifically, the circadian rhythm genes, in different organs of adult zebrafish and eleuthero-embryos. Alterations occurred even at environmentally relevant concentrations of 4.5-4.8 ng/L MPA, DDG and the mixture in eleuthero-embryos and at 43-89 ng/L in adult zebrafish. Additionally, the mixtures displayed additive effects in most but not all parameters in adults and eleuthero-embryos, suggesting concentration addition. Our data suggest that MPA and DDG and their mixtures induce multiple transcriptional responses at environmentally relevant concentrations and adverse effects on reproduction and gonad histology at higher levels.

Diversity of endophytic fungi and screening of fungal paclitaxel producer from Anglojap yew, Taxus x media

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Endophytic fungi represent underexplored resource of novel lead compounds and have a capacity to produce diverse class of plant secondary metabolites. Here we investigated endophytic fungi diversity and screening of paclitaxel-producing fungi from Taxus x media. Results Eighty-one endophytic fungi isolated from T. media were grouped into 8 genera based on the morphological and molecular identification. Guignardia and Colletotrichum were the dominant genera, whereas the remaining genera were infrequent groups. The genera Glomerella and Gibberella were first reported in Taxus. Three representative species of the distinct genera gave positive hits by molecular marker screening and were capable of producing taxol which were validated by HPLC-MS. Among these 3 taxol-producing fungi, the highest yield of taxol was 720 ng/l by Guignardia mangiferae HAA11 compared with those of Fusarium proliferatum HBA29 (240 ng/l) and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides TA67 (120 ng/l). This is the first report of taxol producer from Guignardia. Moreover, the lower similarities of ts and bapt between microbial and plant origin suggested that fungal taxol biosynthetic cluster might be repeatedly invented during evolution, nor horizontal gene transfer from Taxus species. Conclusions Taxol-producing endophytic fungi could be a fascinating reservoir to generate taxol-related drug lead and to elucidate the remained 5 unknown genes or the potential regulation mechanism in the taxol biosynthesis pathway. PMID:23537181

Analysis of amphetamine and methamphetamine in municipal wastewater influent and effluent using weak cation-exchange SPE and LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Boles, Tammy H; Wells, Martha J M

2016-12-01

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are emerging contaminants-those for which no regulations currently require monitoring or public reporting of their presence in our water supply. In this research, a protocol for weak cation-exchange (WCX) SPE coupled with LC-MS/MS was developed for determination of emerging contaminants amphetamine and methamphetamine in a complex wastewater matrix. Gradient LC parameters were adjusted to yield baseline separation of methamphetamine from other contaminants. Methamphetamine-D5 was used as the internal standard (IS) to compensate for sample loss during SPE and for signal loss during MS (matrix effects). Recoveries were 102.1 ± 7.9% and 99.4 ± 4.0% for amphetamine and methamphetamine, respectively, using WCX sorbent. Notably, methamphetamine was determined to be present in wastewater influent at each sampling date tested. Amphetamine was present in wastewater influent on two of four sampling dates. Amphetamine concentrations ranged from undetectable to 86.4 ng/L in influent, but it was undetectable in wastewater effluent. Methamphetamine was detected in influent at concentrations ranging from 27.0-60.3 ng/L. Methamphetamine concentration was reduced but incompletely removed at this facility. Although absent in one post-UV effluent sample, concentrations of methamphetamine ranged from 10.8-14.8 ng/L. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Simultaneous analysis of multiple classes of antimicrobials in environmental water samples using SPE coupled with UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS and isotope dilution.

PubMed

Tran, Ngoc Han; Chen, Hongjie; Do, Thanh Van; Reinhard, Martin; Ngo, Huu Hao; He, Yiliang; Gin, Karina Yew-Hoong

2016-10-01

A robust and sensitive analytical method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 21 target antimicrobials in different environmental water samples. Both single SPE and tandem SPE cartridge systems were investigated to simultaneously extract multiple classes of antimicrobials. Experimental results showed that good extraction efficiencies (84.5-105.6%) were observed for the vast majority of the target analytes when extraction was performed using the tandem SPE cartridge (SB+HR-X) system under an extraction pH of 3.0. HPLC-MS/MS parameters were optimized for simultaneous analysis of all the target analytes in a single injection. Quantification of target antimicrobials in water samples was accomplished using 15 isotopically labeled internal standards (ILISs), which allowed the efficient compensation of the losses of target analytes during sample preparation and correction of matrix effects during UHPLC-MS/MS as well as instrument fluctuations in MS/MS signal intensity. Method quantification limit (MQL) for most target analytes based on SPE was below 5ng/L for surface waters, 10ng/L for treated wastewater effluents, and 15ng/L for raw wastewater. The method was successfully applied to detect and quantify the occurrence of the target analytes in raw influent, treated effluent and surface water samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sources of endocrine-disrupting compounds in North Carolina waterways: a geographic information systems approach

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sackett, Dana K.; Pow, Crystal Lee; Rubino, Matthew J.; Aday, D.D.; Cope, W. Gregory; Kullman, Seth W.; Rice, J.A.; Kwak, Thomas J.; Law, L.M.

2015-01-01

The presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), particularly estrogenic compounds, in the environment has drawn public attention across the globe, yet a clear understanding of the extent and distribution of estrogenic EDCs in surface waters and their relationship to potential sources is lacking. The objective of the present study was to identify and examine the potential input of estrogenic EDC sources in North Carolina water bodies using a geographic information system (GIS) mapping and analysis approach. Existing data from state and federal agencies were used to create point and nonpoint source maps depicting the cumulative contribution of potential sources of estrogenic EDCs to North Carolina surface waters. Water was collected from 33 sites (12 associated with potential point sources, 12 associated with potential nonpoint sources, and 9 reference), to validate the predictive results of the GIS analysis. Estrogenicity (measured as 17β-estradiol equivalence) ranged from 0.06 ng/L to 56.9 ng/L. However, the majority of sites (88%) had water 17β-estradiol concentrations below 1 ng/L. Sites associated with point and nonpoint sources had significantly higher 17β-estradiol levels than reference sites. The results suggested that water 17β-estradiol was reflective of GIS predictions, confirming the relevance of landscape-level influences on water quality and validating the GIS approach to characterize such relationships.

Occurrences of Organochlorine Pesticides along the Course of the Buffalo River in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and Its Health Implications.

PubMed

Yahaya, Abdulrazaq; Okoh, Omobola O; Okoh, Anthony I; Adeniji, Abiodun O

2017-11-10

Most organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) which are increasingly used in agriculture and industry are not biodegradable and thereby persist in the environment for a very long period of time. They are capable of negatively impacting the health of humans and biota when present in a higher concentration than recommended. This study evaluated the concentrations of 17 OCPs in surface water samples collected from six sampling sites along the course of the Buffalo River in Eastern Cape, South Africa, between December 2015 and May 2016. The samples were subjected to solvent extraction, followed by florisil clean up, and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with an electron capture detector. The individual concentrations of OCPs detected ranged from

Seasonal variations in the concentration and removal of nonylphenol ethoxylates from the wastewater of a sewage treatment plant.

PubMed

Gao, Dawen; Li, Zhe; Guan, Junxue; Liang, Hong

2017-04-01

In this study, we investigated the occurrence and fate of nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) and nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO) in a full scale sewage treatment plant, which applied an Anaerobic/Oxic process. Concentrations of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO in the wastewater were measured during the period spanning a whole year. The results showed remarkable seasonal variation in the concentrations of the compounds. The NPnEO compounds were most abundant in winter, with the total concentrations of influent NP, NP1EO and NP2EO ranging from 3900 to 7000ng/L, 4000 to 4800ng/L and 5200 to 7200ng/L, respectively. Regarding the total removal efficiencies of the three types of short-chain NPnEO compounds, different trends were exhibited according to different seasons. The average removal efficiency of NP for the different seasons ranked as follows: winter>summer>autumn>spring; NP2EO concentrations decreased as follows: summer>autumn>winter>spring, while NP1EO concentrations reduced according to: spring>summer>autumn>winter. We also investigated the contribution ratio of individual treatment units in the A/O process, with the findings suggesting that the anaerobic treatment unit plays an important role in the elimination of short-chain NPnEOs from the wastewater. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Towards tributyltin quantification in natural water at the Environmental Quality Standard level required by the Water Framework Directive.

PubMed

Alasonati, Enrica; Fettig, Ina; Richter, Janine; Philipp, Rosemarie; Milačič, Radmila; Sčančar, Janez; Zuliani, Tea; Tunç, Murat; Bilsel, Mine; Gören, Ahmet Ceyhan; Fisicaro, Paola

2016-11-01

The European Union (EU) has included tributyltin (TBT) and its compounds in the list of priority water pollutants. Quality standards demanded by the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) require determination of TBT at so low concentration level that chemical analysis is still difficult and further research is needed to improve the sensitivity, the accuracy and the precision of existing methodologies. Within the frame of a joint research project "Traceable measurements for monitoring critical pollutants under the European Water Framework Directive" in the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), four metrological and designated institutes have developed a primary method to quantify TBT in natural water using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and species-specific isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SSIDMS). The procedure has been validated at the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) level (0.2ngL(-1) as cation) and at the WFD-required limit of quantification (LOQ) (0.06ngL(-1) as cation). The LOQ of the methodology was 0.06ngL(-1) and the average measurement uncertainty at the LOQ was 36%, which agreed with WFD requirements. The analytical difficulties of the method, namely the presence of TBT in blanks and the sources of measurement uncertainties, as well as the interlaboratory comparison results are discussed in detail. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Occurrence and risk assessment of antibiotics in river water in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Deng, Wenjing; Li, Na; Zheng, Hailong; Lin, Huiying

2016-03-01

The occurrence and distribution of six typical antibiotics in the main rivers of Hong Kong were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ES-MS/MS). The results revealed that the antibiotics were widely distributed in the area studied. Of the target antibiotics, ofloxacin was the most frequently detected in the rivers, with a detection rate of 69.6% and a median concentration of 0.7ng/L. Sulfadimidine (n.d-580.4ng/L) and doxycycline (n.d-82.2ng/L), with detection frequencies of 65.2% and 30.4%, respectively, were found at the same level as in rivers in North America, Spain, France, Australia, and in the Yangtze and Pearl Rivers of China, while the other target antibiotics were found at lower levels. According to the ratios of the measured environmental concentration to the predicted no-effect concentration, ofloxacin and doxycycline could present a medium to low ecological risk to algae, while sulfonamides posed no obvious ecological risk to the relevant aquatic organisms (algae, Daphnia magna, and fish). A high detection rate of antibiotics occurred in densely populated areas, revealing that population activities might be greatly contributing to the increasing levels of antibiotics in the area. Thus, the residues of antibiotics present in the waters of Hong Kong need to be closely monitored. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analytical and biological characterization of halogenated gemfibrozil produced through chlorination of wastewater.

PubMed

Bulloch, Daryl N; Lavado, Ramon; Forsgren, Kristy L; Beni, Szabolcs; Schlenk, Daniel; Larive, Cynthia K

2012-05-15

The cholesterol-lowering pharmaceutical gemfibrozil is a relevant environmental contaminant because of its frequency of detection in U.S. wastewaters at concentrations which have been shown to disrupt endocrine function in aquatic species. The treatment of gemfibrozil solutions with sodium hypochlorite yielded a 4'-chlorinated gemfibrozil analog (chlorogemfibrozil). In the presence of bromide ion, as is often encountered in municipal wastewater, hypobromous acid generated through a halogen exchange reaction produced an additional 4'-brominated gemfibrozil product (bromogemfibrozil). Standards of chloro- and bromogemfibrozil were synthesized, isolated and characterized using mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Mass spectrometry was used to follow the in situ halogenation reaction of gemfibrozil in deionized water and wastewater matrices, and to measure levels of gemfibrozil (254 ± 20 ng/L), chlorogemfibrozil (166 ± 121 ng/L), and bromogemfibrozil (50 ± 11 ng/L) in advanced primary wastewater treatment effluent treated by chlorination. Chlorogemfibrozil demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the levels of 11-ketotestosterone at 55.1 μg/L and bromogemfibrozil demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the levels of testosterone at 58.8 μg/L in vivo in Japanese medaka in a 21 day exposure. These results indicated that aqueous exposure to halogenated degradates of gemfibrozil enhanced the antiandrogenicity of the parent compound in a model fish species, demonstrating that chlorination may increase the toxicity of pharmaceutically active compounds in surface water.

Infants’ Exposure to Aflatoxin M1 from Mother’s Breast Milk in Iran

PubMed Central

Ghiasian, SA; Maghsood, AH

2012-01-01

Background The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, especially breast milk, is a valuable biomarker for exposure determination to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In the present study, the risk of exposure to AFM1 in infants fed breast milk was investigated. Methods: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the analysis of AFM1 in breast milk samples from 132 lactating mothers referred to four urban Mothers and Babies Care Unit of Hamadan, western Iran. Results: AFM1 was detected in eight samples (6.06%) at mean concentration of 9.45 ng/L. The minimum and maximum of concentration was 7.1 to 10.8 ng/L, respectively. Although the concentration of AFM1 in none of the samples was higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by USA and European Union (25 ng/kg) however, 25% had a level of AFM1 above the allowable level of Australia and Switzerland legal limit (10 ng/L). Conclusions: Lactating mothers and infants in western parts of Iran could be at risk for AFB1 and AFM1 exposure, respectively. Considering all this information, the investigation of AFM1 in lactating mothers as a biomarker for post-natal exposure of infants to this carcinogen deserves further studies in various seasons and different parts of Iran. PMID:23113156

Windows of susceptibility and consequences of early life exposures to 17β–estradiol on medaka (Oryzias latipes) reproductive success

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee Pow, Crystal S. D.; Tilahun, Kedamawit; Creech, Kari; Law, J. Mac; Cope, W. Gregory; Kwak, Thomas J.; Rice, James A.; Aday, D. Derek; Kullman, Seth W.

2017-01-01

Estrogens and estrogen mimics are commonly found in surface waters and are associated with deleterious effects in fish populations. Impaired fertility and fecundity in fish following chronic exposures to estrogens and estrogen mimics during critical windows in development are well documented. However, information regarding differential reproductive effects of exposure within defined developmental stages remains sparse. In this study, reproductive capacity was assessed in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) after exposure to two concentrations of 17β–estradiol (E2β; 2 ng/L and 50 ng/L) during four distinct stages of development: gonad development, gonad differentiation, development of secondary sex characteristics (SSC) and gametogenesis. Exposure to E2β did not adversely impact survival, hatch success, growth, or genotypic ratios. In contrast, exposure to 50 ng/L E2β during SSC development altered phenotypic ratios and SSC. Exposure to both E2β treatments reduced reproductive capacity (fertility, fecundity) by 7.3–57.4% in adult medaka breeding pairs, with hindrance of SSC development resulting in the largest disruption in breeding capacity (51.6–57.4% decrease) in the high concentration. This study documents differential effects among four critical stages of development and provides insight into factors (window of exposure, exposure concentration and duration of exposure period) contributing to reproductive disruption in fish.

Retinol values in the plasma of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) and the influence of aflatoxicosis.

PubMed

Abbas, T A; Ali, B H

2001-08-01

The normal values are reported of the concentration of vitamin A (retinol) in the plasma of 44 male and female adult camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates. The concentrations of the vitamin in the plasma of eight camels of both sexes afflicted with aflatoxicosis were also determined. The mean concentration (+/-SD) of the vitamin in healthy camels was 460.1 +/- 49.3 ng/L. Sex had no significant effect on the concentration of the vitamin. Camels with aflatoxicosis had a mean concentration of retinol in the plasma of 243.4 +/- 32.3 ng/L. The concentrations of aflatoxins in the liver and ruminal contents of these animals were 18.2 +/- 1.3 and 243.4 microg/kg, respectively.

Joint University Program for Air Transportation Research, 1991-1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrell, Frederick R. (Compiler)

1993-01-01

This report summarizes the research conducted during the academic year 1991-1992 under the FAA/NASA sponsored Joint University Program for Air Transportation Research. The year end review was held at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, June 18-19, 1992. The Joint University Program is a coordinated set of three grants sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA Langley Research Center, one each with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (NGL-22-009-640), Ohio University (NGR-36-009-017), and Princeton University (NGL-31-001-252). Completed works, status reports, and annotated bibliographies are presented for research topics, which include navigation, guidance and control theory and practice, intelligent flight control, flight dynamics, human factors, and air traffic control processes. An overview of the year's activities for each university is also presented.

[Expression of high mobility group box-1 in the lung tissue and serum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis].

PubMed

Yang, Xiao-min; Yang, Hua

2013-07-01

To explore the expression of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) in the lung tissue and serum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and to explore its relationship with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-1β. Sixty samples of lung tissues were obtained from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who had underwent pneumonectomy in Department of Chest Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College from June 2010 to December 2011. At the same period, 40 normal lung samples were also obtained from patients with pulmonary contusion and lung cancer by surgical resections as the control group. The mRNA expressions of HMGB1 was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the protein level of HMGB1 was measured by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays in lung tissue. Blood samples were taken from 89 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary tuberculosis group), including hematogenous disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis (type II) in 35 cases and secondary pulmonary tuberculosis (type III) in 54 cases, and 50 healthy volunteers (control group). Furthermore, the 54 patients with secondary pulmonary tuberculosis were divided into different subgroups according to cavity formation and the lung fields involved: patients without lung cavity (35 cases) vs those with lung cavity (19 cases), patients with involvement of <2 lung fields (31 cases) vs ≥ 2 lung fields (23 cases). Serum concentration of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. Two sample t-test was used to compare date among groups, liner correlation analysis was established for correlation analysis. The average optical density of HMGB1 in pulmonary tuberculosis (69 ± 29) was significantly higher than that in normal lung tissue (22 ± 12) (t = 2.389, P < 0.05). The mRNA relative transcript levels of HMGB1 in pulmonary tuberculosis (786 ± 86) was significantly higher than that in normal lung tissue (202 ± 60) (t = 3.872, P < 0.01). The serum concentration of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-1β in the pulmonary tuberculosis group were (5.0 ± 3.2) µg/L, (118 ± 77) ng/L and (33 ± 20) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(1.7 ± 1.0) µg/L, (40 ± 11) ng/L and (18 ± 12) ng/L, respectively], the respective t values being -0.928, 4.268 and 11.064, all P < 0.01. In the subgroup of patients with hematogenous disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis, the serum concentration of HMGB1 and TNF-α[ (6.4 ± 3.3) µg/L, (147 ± 89) ng/L] were significantly higher than those in patients with secondary pulmonary tuberculosis [(4.1 ± 2.7) µg/L, (85 ± 37) ng/L] (t = 3.643 and t = 3.111, both P < 0.01). HMGB1 were correlated positively with TNF-α and IL-1β (r = 0.722 and r = 0.620, P < 0.01, respectively, n = 89) in the pulmonary tuberculosis group. Overexpression of HMGB1 in the lung tissue and serum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis may play an important role in the inflammatory response of pulmonary tuberculosis. The measurement of serum HMGB1 is useful to evaluate the severity of disease.

Long-distance transport of Hg, Sb, and As from a mined area, conversion of Hg to methyl-Hg, and uptake of Hg by fish on the Tiber River basin, west-central Italy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gray, John E.; Rimondi, Valentina; Costagliola, Pilario; Vaselli, Orlando; Lattanzi, Pierfranco

2014-01-01

Stream sediment, stream water, and fish were collected from a broad region to evaluate downstream transport and dispersion of mercury (Hg) from inactive mines in the Monte Amiata Hg District (MAMD), Tuscany, Italy. Stream sediment samples ranged in Hg concentration from 20 to 1,900 ng/g, and only 5 of the 17 collected samples exceeded the probable effect concentration for Hg of 1,060 ng/g, above which harmful effects are likely to be observed in sediment-dwelling organisms. Concentrations of methyl-Hg in Tiber River sediment varied from 0.12 to 0.52 ng/g, and although there is no established guideline for sediment methyl-Hg, these concentrations exceeded methyl-Hg in a regional baseline site (<0.02 ng/g). Concentrations of Hg in stream water varied from 1.2 to 320 ng/L, all of which were below the 1,000 ng/L Italian drinking water Hg guideline and the 770 ng/L U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guideline recommended to protect against chronic effects to aquatic wildlife. Methyl-Hg concentrations in stream water varied from <0.02 to 0.53 ng/L and were generally elevated compared to the baseline site (<0.02 ng/L). All stream water samples contained concentrations of As (<1.0–6.2 μg/L) and Sb (<0.20–0.37 μg/L) below international drinking water guidelines to protect human health (10 μg/L for As and 20 μg/L for Sb) and for protection against chronic effects to aquatic wildlife (150 μg/L for As and 5.6 μg/L for Sb). Concentrations of Hg in freshwater fish muscle ranged from 0.052–0.56 μg/g (wet weight), mean of 0.17 μg/g, but only 17 % (9 of 54) exceeded the 0.30 μg/g (wet weight) USEPA fish muscle guideline recommended to protect human health. Concentrations of Hg in freshwater fish in this region generally decreased with increasing distance from the MAMD, where fish with the highest Hg concentrations were collected more proximal to the MAMD, whereas all fish collected most distal from Hg mines contained Hg below the 0.30 μg/g fish muscle guideline. Data in this study indicate some conversion of inorganic Hg to methyl-Hg and uptake of Hg in fish on the Paglia River, but less methylation of Hg and Hg uptake by freshwater fish in the larger Tiber River.

Oestrogenic pollutants promote the growth of a parasite in male sticklebacks.

PubMed

Macnab, Vicki; Katsiadaki, Ioanna; Tilley, Ceinwen A; Barber, Iain

2016-05-01

Aquatic environments are especially susceptible to anthropogenic chemical pollution. Yet although knowledge on the biological effects of pollutants on aquatic organisms is increasing, far less is known about how ecologically-important interspecific interactions are affected by chemicals. In particular, the consequences of anthropogenic pollution for the interaction of hosts and parasites are poorly understood. Here, we examine how exposure to 17β-oestradiol (E2)-a natural oestrogen and a model endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) -affects infection susceptibility and emergent infection phenotypes in an experimental host-parasite system; three spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) infected with the common, debilitating cestode Schistocephalus solidus. We exposed individual sticklebacks to a 0ngl(-1) (control), 10ngl(-1) or 100ngl(-1) E2 treatment before feeding them infective stages of S. solidus. E2 exposure significantly elevated vitellogenin (VTG) levels-a biomarker of exposure to xenoestrogens-in both female and male fish, and reduced their body condition. Susceptibility to parasite infection was unaffected by EDC exposure; however, E2 treatment and fish sex interacted significantly to determine the growth rate of parasites, which grew quickest in male hosts held under the higher (100ngl(-1)) E2 treatment. Tissue VTG levels and parasite mass correlated positively across the whole sample of experimentally infected fish, but separate regressions run on the male and female datasets demonstrated a significant relationship only among male fish. Hence, among males-but not females-elevated VTG levels elicited by E2 exposure led to more rapid parasite growth. We outline plausible physiological mechanisms that could explain these results. Our results demonstrate that oestrogenic pollutants can alter host-parasite interactions by promoting parasite growth, and that male hosts may be disproportionately affected. Because ecologically-relevant effects of infection on host antipredator responses, growth, energetics and reproductive development all depend on parasite mass in this host-parasite system, our results indicate that EDCs can mediate the ecological consequences of infections. We therefore consider the implications of our results for the ecology of hosts and parasites in polluted environments. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of endocrine disrupting compounds in sewage impacted coastal area on seabream.

PubMed

Al-Jandal, Noura; Saeed, Talat; Azad, Ismail; Al-Subiai, Sherain; Al-Zekri, Waleed; Hussain, Sumaiah; Al-Hasan, Enas

2018-04-15

The pollution of coastal regions worldwide has been of a great concern due to the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals find their way to the marine environment via the sewage treatment plants (STPs). Hence, this study was designed to investigate the status and sources of EDCs and their effect on fish in Kuwait's coastal areas, from the chemical and biological perspectives. The assessment of three STPs indicated the presence of significant levels of phthalates (19 and 31µg/l), alkylphenols (85 and 159ng/l), and estrogens (30 and 368ng/l) in both inflow and outflow samples. The analysis of samples from field exposure sites revealed significant levels of EDCs in seawater (phthalates: 2.1-4.6µg/l; alkylphenols: 1.2-16.4ng/l; estrogens: 0-36.2ng/l) and sediment (phthalates: 2.1-15.7mg/kg dry wt; alkyphenols: 2.5-15.1µg/kg dry wt.; estrogens: 4.1-214.2µg/kg dry wt.) samples. The biological perspective investigated through the exposure of fish to sewage outlets at five sites. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) revealed a higher level in winter samples 0.48-0.79%) in comparison to summer samples 1-1.5%). Histological observation of hepatic tissue of fish exposed during winter months in all sites, showed much less necrotic changes and hepatic vacuolation in the hepatic tissue of summer exposed fish. Imunnohistochemistry evidences revealed a significant level of positive signals and Vtg localization in the hepatic tissue as the results support the histopathological alterations observed. Results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed no significant difference between the plasma protein content of winter and summer samples. Overall, the study suggest that there is possible local source or a chronic input of untreated and/or partially treated water due to the significant levels of phthalates, alkyphenols, and estrogens detected in the Kuwait Bay. These levels were enough to initiate alteration in the hepatic tissue of fish exposed to the sewage outlets in Kuwait for two weeks. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Worldwide drinking water occurrence and levels of newly-identified perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PubMed

Kaboré, Hermann A; Vo Duy, Sung; Munoz, Gabriel; Méité, Ladji; Desrosiers, Mélanie; Liu, Jinxia; Sory, Traoré Karim; Sauvé, Sébastien

2018-03-01

In the last decade or so, concerns have arisen with respect to the widespread occurrence of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in the environment, food, drinking water, and humans. In this study, the occurrence and levels of a large range of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in drinking water (bottled and tap water samples) from various locations around the world. Automated off-line solid phase extraction followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze PFASs of various chain lengths and functional groups. In total, 29 target and 104 suspect-target PFASs were screened in drinking water samples (n=97) from Canada and other countries (Burkina Faso, Chile, Ivory Coast, France, Japan, Mexico, Norway, and the USA) in 2015-2016. Out of the 29 PFASs quantitatively analyzed, perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs: C 4/14 ), perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs: C 4 , C 6 , C 8 ), and perfluoroalkyl acid precursors (e.g., 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylate (5:3 FTCA)) were recurrently detected in drinking water samples (concentration range:

Diagnostic values of vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor for benign and malignant hydrothorax.

PubMed

Gu, Yan; Zhang, Min; Li, Guo-Hua; Gao, Jun-Zhen; Guo, Liping; Qiao, Xiao-Juan; Wang, Li-Hong; He, Lan; Wang, Mei-Ling; Yan, Li; Fu, Xiu-Hua

2015-02-05

Hydrothorax, as one of the common complications of malignant tumors, still cannot be sensitively detected in clinical practice, thus requiring a sensitive, specific method for diagnosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in patients with benign and malignant hydrothorax. The contents of VEGF in the pleural effusion and serum of the patients with malignant pleural effusion (n = 35) and benign pleural effusion (n = 30) were detected by double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The gene copy number level of EGFR in pleural effusion was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The points with the highest sensitivity and specificity were selected as the critical values to calculate the diagnostic value of the VEGF in pleural effusion and serum, and EGFR gene copy number in pleural effusion. The contents of VEGF in pleural effusion and serum of patients with malignant hydrothorax were (384.91 ± 120.18), and (129.62 ± 46.35) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the patients with benign hydrothorax (207.97 ± 64.04), (63.49 ± 24.58) ng/L (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting VEGF in pleural effusion were 80.0% and 96.7% (the boundary value was 297.06 ng/L), respectively for diagnosing benign and malignant hydrothorax. The sensitivity and specificity of serum were 74.3% and 96.7%, respectively (the boundary value was 99.21 ng/L) for diagnosing benign and malignant hydrothorax. The diagnostic efficiencies of EGFR and VEGF in hydrothorax were similar. There was a significant correlation between EGFR and VEGF in hydrothorax (P < 0.01). VEGF and EGFR play important roles in the formation of pleural effusion. VEGF differed significantly in benign and malignant pleural effusions, which contributed to differential diagnosis results of benign and malignant pleural effusions. It is feasible to detect the gene copy number of the pleural effusion cell mass EGFR by FISH technique. Joint detection can improve the diagnostic sensitivity.

Diagnostic Values of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor for Benign and Malignant Hydrothorax

PubMed Central

Gu, Yan; Zhang, Min; Li, Guo-Hua; Gao, Jun-Zhen; Guo, Liping; Qiao, Xiao-Juan; Wang, Li-Hong; He, Lan; Wang, Mei-Ling; Yan, Li; Fu, Xiu-Hua

2015-01-01

Background: Hydrothorax, as one of the common complications of malignant tumors, still cannot be sensitively detected in clinical practice, thus requiring a sensitive, specific method for diagnosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in patients with benign and malignant hydrothorax. Methods: The contents of VEGF in the pleural effusion and serum of the patients with malignant pleural effusion (n = 35) and benign pleural effusion (n = 30) were detected by double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The gene copy number level of EGFR in pleural effusion was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The points with the highest sensitivity and specificity were selected as the critical values to calculate the diagnostic value of the VEGF in pleural effusion and serum, and EGFR gene copy number in pleural effusion. Results: The contents of VEGF in pleural effusion and serum of patients with malignant hydrothorax were (384.91 ± 120.18), and (129.62 ± 46.35) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the patients with benign hydrothorax (207.97 ± 64.04), (63.49 ± 24.58) ng/L (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting VEGF in pleural effusion were 80.0% and 96.7% (the boundary value was 297.06 ng/L), respectively for diagnosing benign and malignant hydrothorax. The sensitivity and specificity of serum were 74.3% and 96.7%, respectively (the boundary value was 99.21 ng/L) for diagnosing benign and malignant hydrothorax. The diagnostic efficiencies of EGFR and VEGF in hydrothorax were similar. There was a significant correlation between EGFR and VEGF in hydrothorax (P < 0.01). Conclusions: VEGF and EGFR play important roles in the formation of pleural effusion. VEGF differed significantly in benign and malignant pleural effusions, which contributed to differential diagnosis results of benign and malignant pleural effusions. It is feasible to detect the gene copy number of the pleural effusion cell mass EGFR by FISH technique. Joint detection can improve the diagnostic sensitivity. PMID:25635424

Urinary excretion of unmetabolized benzene as an indicator of benzene exposure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghittori, S.; Fiorentino, M.L.; Maestri, L.

1993-03-01

Benzene concentrations in urine samples (Cu, ng/L) from 110 workers exposed to benzene in chemical plants and gasoline pumps were determined by injecting urine supernate into a gas chromatograph. The urine was saturated with anhydrous N2SO4 to facilitate the passage of benzene in the air over the urine. The solvent was stripped from the urine surface and concentrated on an adsorbent substrate (Carbotrap tube) by means of a suction pump (flow rate 150 ml/m). Wash-up of the head space was achieved by simultaneous intake of filtered air through charcoal. Benzene was thermically desorbed and injected in a column (thermal tubemore » disorder, Supelco; 370 degrees C thermal flash; borosilicate capillary glass column SPB-1, 60 m length, 0.75 mm ID, 1 microns film thickness; GC Dani 8580-FID). Benzene concentrations in the urine from 40 non-exposed subjects (20 smokers > 20 cigarette/d and 20 nonsmokers) were also determined [median value of 790 ng/L (10.17 nmol/L) and 131 ng/L (1.70 nmol/L), respectively]. The 8-h time-weighted exposure intensity (Cl, micrograms/m3) of individual workers was monitored by means of charcoal tubes. The median value for exposure to benzene was 736 micrograms/m3 (9.42 mumol/m3) [geometric standard deviation (GSD) = 2.99; range 64 micrograms/m3 (0.82 mumol/m3) to 13,387 micrograms/m3 (171.30 mumol/m3)]. The following linear correlation was found between benzene concentrations in urine (Cu, ng/L) and benzene concentrations in the breathing zone (Cl, micrograms/m3): log(Cu) = 0.645 x log(Cl) + 1.399 r = .559, n = 110, p < .0001 With exclusion of workers who smoked from the study, the correlation between air benzene concentration and benzene measured in urine was: log(Cu) = 0.872 x log(Cl) + 0.6 r = .763, n = 63, p < .0001 The study results indicate that the urinary level of benzene is an indicator of occupational exposure to benzene.« less

Efficacy of supplemental anti-inflammatory therapy with fenspiride in chronic obstructive and nonobstructive bronchitis.

PubMed

Volkova, L I; Budkova, A A; Filonova, N N; Khristolyubova, E I; Kutuzova, E B; Koroleva, N V; Radzivil, T T; Aminova, Z R; Chuchalin, A G

2005-01-01

The objective of this randomised, nonblind study was to assess the efficacy of fenspiride as complementary anti-inflammatory therapy in combination with ipratropium bromide in patients with chronic bronchitis (CB). A comparison was made with ipratropium bromide alone, the generally accepted standard therapy for CB. The study population comprised 20 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) and 60 patients without signs of obstruction. Fifty-one males (64%) and 29 females (36%) aged from 25 to 65 years were studied over a 6-month treatment period. Combined therapy with fenspiride (160 mg/day) and ipratropium bromide (160 mug/day) was prescribed to 39 patients (28 with CB and 11 with COB) for 6 months, and monotherapy with ipratropium bromide (160 microg/day) was prescribed for 41 patients (32 with CB and nine with COB). The combined therapy group had a reduced intensity of dyspnoea, improvements in sputum nature and quantity of exudation, and a reduced intensity of coughing. The monotherapy group showed reductions in sputum exudation and cough intensity. Improvements in lung respiratory function were observed in both groups, but were greater in the combined therapy group of patients. Reduced cytosis, percentage and absolute content of neutrophils, and absolute content of lymphocytes and eosinophils in induced sputum were observed with CB patients in the combined therapy group. A reduced content of lymphocytes and an increase in macrophages were observed with CB patients in the monotherapy group. A significant decline in tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha content in sputum was observed with both therapeutic regimens, although a statistically significant decline in serum TNFalpha (10.85 ng/L to 5.58 ng/L; p = 0.03) and reduced interleukin-8 in sputum (311.94 ng/L to 122.02 ng/L; p = 0.027) were observed with patients given combined therapy. The study showed greater efficacy of long-term treatment with fenspiride and ipratropium bromide compared with ipratropium bromide alone in patients with CB. This combination regimen can be recommended for the reduction of inflammation and prevention of disease progression in patients with CB and may also be useful in patients with COB.

Patterns and Determinants of Temporal Change in High-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin-T: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Cohort Study

PubMed Central

McEvoy, John W; Lazo, Mariana; Chen, Yuan; Shen, Lu; Nambi, Vijay; Hoogeveen, Ron C; Ballantyne, Christie M; Blumenthal, Roger S; Coresh, Josef; Selvin, Elizabeth

2015-01-01

Background Patterns and determinants of temporal change in highly-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-cTNT), a novel measure of subclinical myocardial injury, among asymptomatic persons have not been well characterized. Methods We studied 8,571 ARIC Study participants, free of cardiovascular disease, who had hs-cTNT measured at two time-points, 6 years apart (1990–1992 and 1996–1998). We examined the association of baseline 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular (ASCVD) risk-group (<5%, 5–7.4%, ≥7.5%) and individual cardiac risk-factors with change across hs-cTNT categories using Poisson and Multinomial Logistic regression and with mean continuous hs-cTNT change using linear regression. Results Mean age was 57 years and 43% were male. Mean (SD) 6-year hs-cTNT change was higher across increasing ASCVD risk-groups; +1.2 (6.1) ng/L [<5%], +2.1 (5.4) ng/L [5–7.4%], and +2.8 (8.8) ng/L [≥7.5%]. Major baseline determinants of temporal hs-cTNT increases were; age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. In addition, the relative risk (RR) of incident elevated hs-cTNT (≥14ng/L) was 1.46 (95% CI 1.1–2.0) for persons with sustained hypertension compared to those who remained normotensive. Results for sustained obesity (RR 1.65 [1.19–2.29]) and hyperglycemia (RR 1.76 [1.16–2.67]) were similar. These associations were generally stronger after accounting for survival bias. However, smoking, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were not associated with hs-cTNT change. HDL-cholesterol was associated with declining hs-cTNT. Conclusions Persons in higher ASCVD risk-groups were more likely to have increases in hs-cTNT over 6 years of follow-up. The modifiable risk-factors primarily driving this association were diabetes, hypertension, and obesity; particularly when they were persistently elevated over follow-up. Future studies are needed to determine whether modifying these risk factors can prevent progression of subclinical myocardial injury. PMID:25880403

Measurements of Mercury in Rain and Fog Water from the Central Coast of California Measurements of Mercury in Rain and Fog Water from the Central Coast of California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flegal, A. R.; Weiss-Penzias, P. S.; Ortiz, C.; Acosta, P.; Ryan, J. P.; Collett, J. L.

2011-12-01

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element that can bioaccumulate in higher trophic level aquatic organisms and poses a health risk to humans and wildlife who consume those organisms. This widespread problem is exemplified by a recent survey of game fish from 152 California Lakes, which found that at least one species in 74% of the lakes sampled exceeded the lowest health threshold for methylmercury. The atmosphere is known to be an important pathway for transport of anthropogenic and natural Hg emissions sources. In this study, we investigated wet deposition of Hg through the precipitation of fog and rain water on the Central Coast of California. Fog (or marine stratus) is common on the California Central Coast and is a significant contributor to the hydrologic cycle, yet concentrations of Hg in fog have not previously been measured in this region. Our samples were collected from a small boat in the Monterey Bay, at the harbor in Moss Landing, and from a rooftop on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus, during June - July 2011 using a Caltech Active Strand Cloud Water Collector-2 that has been used previously for collection of Hg samples. Aqueous samples were analyzed for total Hg using EPA method 1631. Rainwater samples were also collected in Santa Cruz between March and June 2011. Hg concentrations ranged from 1-19 ng/L in fog and from 1-3 ng/L in rain. A previous study in Santa Cruz found a wider range of 2-18 ng/L Hg in rain, and previous studies of Hg in fog from the U.S. and Canada reported concentrations of 2-430 ng/L. Thus, our results are consistent with previous findings that Hg concentrations in fog water are at least as high, if not higher than Hg concentrations in rain. This suggests that in environments where fog is an important contributor to total precipitation, like coastal California, a significant fraction of Hg wet deposition may be occurring via fog precipitation.

Evaluation of spot and passive sampling for monitoring, flux estimation and risk assessment of pesticides within the constraints of a typical regulatory monitoring scheme.

PubMed

Zhang, Zulin; Troldborg, Mads; Yates, Kyari; Osprey, Mark; Kerr, Christine; Hallett, Paul D; Baggaley, Nikki; Rhind, Stewart M; Dawson, Julian J C; Hough, Rupert L

2016-11-01

In many agricultural catchments of Europe and North America, pesticides occur at generally low concentrations with significant temporal variation. This poses several challenges for both monitoring and understanding ecological risks/impacts of these chemicals. This study aimed to compare the performance of passive and spot sampling strategies given the constraints of typical regulatory monitoring. Nine pesticides were investigated in a river currently undergoing regulatory monitoring (River Ugie, Scotland). Within this regulatory framework, spot and passive sampling were undertaken to understand spatiotemporal occurrence, mass loads and ecological risks. All the target pesticides were detected in water by both sampling strategies. Chlorotoluron was observed to be the dominant pesticide by both spot (maximum: 111.8ng/l, mean: 9.35ng/l) and passive sampling (maximum: 39.24ng/l, mean: 4.76ng/l). The annual pesticide loads were estimated to be 2735g and 1837g based on the spot and passive sampling data, respectively. The spatiotemporal trend suggested that agricultural activities were the primary source of the compounds with variability in loads explained in large by timing of pesticide applications and rainfall. The risk assessment showed chlorotoluron and chlorpyrifos posed the highest ecological risks with 23% of the chlorotoluron spot samples and 36% of the chlorpyrifos passive samples resulting in a Risk Quotient greater than 0.1. This suggests that mitigation measures might need to be taken to reduce the input of pesticides into the river. The overall comparison of the two sampling strategies supported the hypothesis that passive sampling tends to integrate the contaminants over a period of exposure and allows quantification of contamination at low concentration. The results suggested that within a regulatory monitoring context passive sampling was more suitable for flux estimation and risk assessment of trace contaminants which cannot be diagnosed by spot sampling and for determining if long-term average concentrations comply with specified standards. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mercury and methylmercury contamination related to artisanal gold mining, Suriname

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gray, J.E.; Labson, V.F.; Weaver, J.N.; Krabbenhoft, D.P.

2002-01-01

Elemental Hg-Au amalgamation mining practices are used widely in many developing countries resulting in significant Hg contamination of surrounding ecosystems. We have measured total Hg and methyl-Hg concentrations in sediment and water collected from artisanal Au mines and these are the first Hg speciation data from such mines in Suriname. Total Hg and methyl-Hg contents in mine-waste sediment and water are elevated over local uncontaminated baselines. Total Hg (10-930 ng/L) and methyl-Hg (0.02-3.8 ng/L) are highly elevated in mine waters. Increasing total Hg contents in discharged mine waters correlate with increasing water turbidity indicating that most Hg transport is on suspended particulates. Our Hg results are similar to those found in artisanal Au mines in the Amazon basin, where Hg contamination has led to adverse effects on tropical ecosystems.

FAA/NASA Joint University Program for Air Transportation Research: 1993-1994

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hueschen, Richard M. (Compiler)

1995-01-01

This report summarizes the research conducted during the academic year 1993-1994 under the NASA/FAA sponsored Joint University Program for Air Transportation Research. The year end review was held at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, July 14-15, 1994. The Joint University Program is a coordinated set of three grants sponsored by NASA Langley Research Center and the Federal Aviation Administration, one each with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (NGL-22-009-640), Ohio University (NGR-36-009-017), and Princeton University (NGL-31-001-252). Completed works, status reports, and annotated bibliographies are presented for research topics which include navigation, guidance and control theory and practice, aircraft performance, human factors, and expert systems concepts applied to aircraft and airport operations. An overview of the year's activities for each university is also presented.

Behavior of endocrine disrupting chemicals in Johkasou improved septic tank in Japan.

PubMed

Nakagawa, S; Matsuo, H; Motoyama, M; Nomiyama, K; Shinohara, R

2009-09-01

The behavior of estrogens (estrone: E1, 17beta-estradiol: E2, estriol: E3 and ethinylestradiol: EE2) and an androgen (testosterone) in the water and sludge from Johkasou in Japan was investigated. The concentrations of E1, E2, E3 and testosterone in water samples from the Johkasou were 33-500, N.D. approximately 150, N.D. approximately 6,700 and 500 ng/L, respectively. In sludge samples, the concentrations of E1, E2, E3, and testostrerone were N.D. approximately 39, N.D. approximately 6.7, N.D. approximately 60 and 0.2-9.0 ng/L, respectively. EE2 was not detected in all samples. The removal rates of E1, E2, E3 and testosterone in Johkasou were 45%-91%, 66%-100%, 90%-100%, and about 90%, respectively.

Anatomy of the Chaco cryogenic project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Milios, P.B.; Harris, R.A.

1997-12-31

In the first quarter of 1996 El Paso Field Services (EPFS) began operation of a new Chaco liquids extraction plant. The plant, located in northwest New Mexico, has the capacity to extract more natural gas liquids (NGL) than any other turboexpander plant in the lower 48 states; 50,000 b/d of NGL from 600 MMscfd of gas. Its existence is the result of El Paso`s desire to combine state-of-the-art processing with processing rates that align EPFS`s interests with the interests of the producers, in order to secure a long term competitive position in the San Juan Basin. All the project stakeholders,more » the producers, the liquids transporter, the construction contractor, and the processor have benefited from the project. Without regulatory reform the project would not have happened.« less

Determination of fragrances at ng/L levels using CLSA and GC/MS detection.

PubMed

Mitjans, D; Ventura, F

2005-01-01

Polycyclic and nitro musks and two fragrances (Acetyl cedrene and Amberonne) have been determined and quantified in influent and effluent waste water, river water and tap water samples from different European countries by closed loop stripping analysis (CLSA) as a method of preconcentration and GC/MS operating in the SIM mode. Limits of detection; precision expressed as repeatability and reproducibility relative standard deviations of the method; matrix effects and the estimation of the uncertainty have been evaluated. All samples contained different musks at ng/l levels being the polycyclic musks Galaxolide and Tonalide and both fragrances, Amberonne and Acetyl cedrene the most abundant. Removal of these main compounds is achieved partially in all waste water treatment plants studied. These results suggest the importance of studying and controlling the presence of these ubiquitous environmental compounds in water systems.

Accidental intoxication with Veratrum album.

PubMed

Grobosch, T; Binscheck, T; Martens, F; Lampe, D

2008-01-01

A 49-year-old man consumed two glasses (approximately 2 x 20 mL) of a beverage containing yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea). Shortly after ingestion, he developed nausea, vomiting, and oral paraesthesia. On admission to the hospital he suffered from severe bradycardia (35 beats/min) and hypotension (50/30 mm Hg), and he was treated with activated charcoal, antiemetics (metoclopramide, ondansetron), atropine, and intravenous electrolytic solution. The initial suspicion of Veratrum poisoning could be confirmed by identifying protoveratrines A (ProA) and protoveratrine B (ProB) in a sample from the beverage as well as in the patients serum by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS). The yellow-colored beverage contained 25% ethanol (by headspace gas chromatography), 20.4 mg/L ProA, and 13.7 mg/L ProB. The serum concentration of ProA was 1162 ng/L and ProB was 402 ng/L. Veratridine, cevadine, and jervine were not detected, neither in the beverage nor in the serum sample. The lower limits of quantitation for all compounds is 10 microg/L (S/N > 10, beverage) and 100 ng/L (S/N > 10, serum). After treatment, the patient completely recovered from the symptoms within 24 h and was discharged from the hospital. The analytical method described was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of five Veratrum alkaloids. The method is based on a liquid-liquid extraction followed by LC-MS-MS analysis. The time needed for analysis was 6 min.

Contamination and Risk Assessment of Estrogens in Livestock Manure: A Case Study in Jiangsu Province, China

PubMed Central

Xu, Pengcheng; Zhou, Xian; Xu, Defu; Xiang, Yanbing; Ling, Wanting; Chen, Mindong

2018-01-01

This study investigated the occurrence and contamination risk of estrogens in livestock manure in Jiangsu Province, China. Four estrogens—estriol (E3), 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), bisphenol A (BPA), and 17α-ethinyloestradiol (EE2)—were detected in livestock manure from hens, ducks, swine, and cows. The respective mean concentrations of each estrogen found in these manures were 289.8, 334.1, 330.3, and 33.7 μg/kg for E3; 38.6, 10.9, 52.9, and 38.8 μg/kg for 17β-E2; 63.6, 48.7, 51.9, and 11.7 μg/kg for BPA; and 14.3, 11.3, 25.1, and 21.8 μg/kg for EE2. Estrogens were most frequently detected at high concentrations in the manure of finishing pigs, followed by the manure of growing pigs and piglets. Estrogens can be partially degraded after banking up for seven days; yet, great quantities of estrogens remain in livestock manure. The total estradiol equivalent quantity (EEQt) estimated to be present in aquatic environments but originating from livestock waste was 10.5 ng/L, which was greater than the hazard baseline value (1 ng/L) and also higher than the proposed lowest observable effect concentration (10 ng/L) of E2 in aquatic environments. The results of our study demonstrate that livestock waste is an important source of estrogens, which may potentially affect the hormonal metabolism of aquatic organisms. PMID:29329262

Contamination and Risk Assessment of Estrogens in Livestock Manure: A Case Study in Jiangsu Province, China.

PubMed

Xu, Pengcheng; Zhou, Xian; Xu, Defu; Xiang, Yanbing; Ling, Wanting; Chen, Mindong

2018-01-12

This study investigated the occurrence and contamination risk of estrogens in livestock manure in Jiangsu Province, China. Four estrogens-estriol (E3), 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), bisphenol A (BPA), and 17α-ethinyloestradiol (EE2)-were detected in livestock manure from hens, ducks, swine, and cows. The respective mean concentrations of each estrogen found in these manures were 289.8, 334.1, 330.3, and 33.7 μg/kg for E3; 38.6, 10.9, 52.9, and 38.8 μg/kg for 17β-E2; 63.6, 48.7, 51.9, and 11.7 μg/kg for BPA; and 14.3, 11.3, 25.1, and 21.8 μg/kg for EE2. Estrogens were most frequently detected at high concentrations in the manure of finishing pigs, followed by the manure of growing pigs and piglets. Estrogens can be partially degraded after banking up for seven days; yet, great quantities of estrogens remain in livestock manure. The total estradiol equivalent quantity (EEQ t ) estimated to be present in aquatic environments but originating from livestock waste was 10.5 ng/L, which was greater than the hazard baseline value (1 ng/L) and also higher than the proposed lowest observable effect concentration (10 ng/L) of E2 in aquatic environments. The results of our study demonstrate that livestock waste is an important source of estrogens, which may potentially affect the hormonal metabolism of aquatic organisms.

Triclosan: its occurrence, fate and effects in the Australian environment.

PubMed

Kookana, R S; Ying, G-G; Waller, N J

2011-01-01

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial agent used widely in household products such as soaps, household cleaners, cosmetics, sportswear, mouthwash and toothpaste. It is a bioaccumulative compound known for its high toxicity to algae, daphnids, fish and other aquatic organisms. We investigated its occurrence in effluents, biosolids and surface waters in Australia, as well as its fate in Australian soils and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), including the effects on microbial processes in soils. The concentrations of TCS in 19 effluents ranged from 23 to 434 ng/L (median 108 ng/L) and in 17 biosolids from 0.09 to 16.79 mg/kg on dry weight basis (median 2.32 mg/kg). TCS at concentrations of up to 75 ng/L were detected in receiving waters from five creeks affected by effluent discharge from WWTPs. The removal rate of TCS in five selected WWTPs ranged from 72 and 93%, ascribed mainly to sorption onto sludge and biological degradation. Biodegradation in a clay loam soil was noted with a half life of 18 days. However the half-lives under field conditions are expected to be very different. The studies on the effect of TCS on soil microbiological processes showed that triclosan can disrupt the nitrogen cyclein sensitive soils at concentrations ≥5 mg/kg. In view of the recent risk assessment by the Australian regulatory agency NICNAS, there is an urgent need to assess exposure to TCS and its effect on ecosystem health.

Simultaneous determination of eight common odors in natural water body using automatic purge and trap coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Deng, Xuwei; Liang, Gaodao; Chen, Jun; Qi, Min; Xie, Ping

2011-06-17

Production and fate of taste and odor (T&O) compounds in natural waters are a pressing environmental issue. Simultaneous determination of these complex compounds (covering a wide range of boiling points) has been difficult. A simple and sensitive method for the determination of eight malodors products of cyanobacterial blooms was developed using automatic purge and trap (P&T) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This extraction and concentration technique is solvent-free. Dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethyltrisulfide (DMTS), 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IPMP), 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IBMP), 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), β-cyclocitral, geosmin (GSM) and β-ionone were separated within 15.3 min. P&T uses trap #07 and high-purity nitrogen purge gas. The calibration curves of the eight odors show good linearity in the range of 1-500 ng/L with a correlation coefficient above 0.999 (levels=8) and with residuals ranging from approximately 83% to 124%. The limits of detection (LOD) (S/N=3) are all below 1.5 ng/L that of GSM is even lower at 0.08 ng/L. The relative standard deviations (RSD) are between 3.38% and 8.59% (n=5) and recoveries of the analytes from water samples of a eutrophic lake are between 80.54% and 114.91%. This method could be widely employed for monitoring these eight odors in natural waters. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of a wide variety of human and veterinary fluoroquinolone antibiotics in municipal wastewater and wastewater-impacted surface water.

PubMed

He, Ke; Soares, Ana Dulce; Adejumo, Hollie; McDiarmid, Melissa; Squibb, Katherine; Blaney, Lee

2015-03-15

As annual sales of antibiotics continue to rise, the mass of these specially-designed compounds entering municipal wastewater treatment systems has also increased. Of primary concern here is that antibiotics can inhibit growth of specific microorganisms in biological processes of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or in downstream ecosystems. Growth inhibition studies with Escherichia coli demonstrated that solutions containing 1-10 μg/L of fluoroquinolones can inhibit microbial growth. Wastewater samples were collected on a monthly basis from various treatment stages of a 30 million gallon per day WWTP in Maryland, USA. Samples were analyzed for the presence of 11 fluoroquinolone antibiotics. At least one fluoroquinolone was detected in every sample. Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin exhibited detection frequencies of 100% and 98%, respectively, across all sampling sites. Concentrations of fluoroquinolones in raw wastewater were as high as 1900 ng/L for ciprofloxacin and 600 ng/L for ofloxacin. Difloxacin, enrofloxacin, fleroxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and orbifloxacin were also detected at appreciable concentrations of 9-170 ng/L. The total mass concentration of fluoroquinolones in raw wastewater was in the range that inhibited E. coli growth, suggesting that concerns over antibiotic presence in wastewater and wastewater-impacted surface water are valid. The average removal efficiency of fluoroquinolones during wastewater treatment was approximately 65%; furthermore, the removal efficiency for fluoroquinolones was found to be negatively correlated to biochemical oxygen demand removal and positively correlated to phosphorus removal. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of methyl mercury by aqueous phase Eehylation, followed by gas chromatographic separation with cold vapor atomic fluorescence detection

USGS Publications Warehouse

De Wild, John F.; Olsen, Mark L.; Olund, Shane D.

2002-01-01

A recent national sampling of streams in the United States revealed low methyl mercury concentrations in surface waters. The resulting median and mean concentrations, calculated from 104 samples, were 0.06 nanograms per liter (ng/L) and 0.15 ng/L, respectively. This level of methyl mercury in surface water in the United States has created a need for analytical techniques capable of detecting sub-nanogram per liter concentrations. In an attempt to create a U.S. Geological Survey approved method, the Wisconsin District Mercury Laboratory has adapted a distillation/ethylation/ gas-phase separation method with cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy detection for the determination of methyl mercury in filtered and unfiltered waters. This method is described in this report. Based on multiple analyses of surface water and ground-water samples, a method detection limit of 0.04 ng/L was established. Precision and accuracy were evaluated for the method using both spiked and unspiked ground-water and surface-water samples. The percent relative standard deviations ranged from 10.2 to 15.6 for all analyses at all concentrations. Average recoveries obtained for the spiked matrices ranged from 88.8 to 117 percent. The precision and accuracy ranges are within the acceptable method-performance limits. Considering the demonstrated detection limit, precision, and accuracy, the method is an effective means to quantify methyl mercury in waters at or below environmentally relevant concentrations

Spatial and temporal occurrence of N-nitrosamines in seven drinking water supply systems.

PubMed

Brisson, Isabelle J; Levallois, Patrick; Tremblay, Hélène; Sérodes, Jean; Deblois, Christian; Charrois, Jeffrey; Taguchi, Vincent; Boyd, Jessica; Li, Xingfang; Rodriguez, Manuel J

2013-09-01

The spatiotemporal presence of eight N-nitrosamines in the water of seven supply systems in Quebec considered to be susceptible to these emerging disinfection by-products was evaluated. This is the first study on the presence of N-nitrosamines in drinking water utilities in Quebec. Seven sampling campaigns were carried out at several sampling points in each of the systems over a period of 1 year. The results show that N-nitrosamines, primarily N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), were not commonly detected in the water of the facilities under study (10 % of samples). The concentrations measured were lower than those reported in recent North American studies. None of the 195 samples taken exceeded the Ontario standard of 9 ng/L for NDMA (maximum value observed of 3.3 ng/L). N-nitrosomethylethylamine and N-nitrosopiperidine were detected once, with concentrations of 3.7 and 6.0 ng/L, respectively. Chloramination was identified as being the main risk factor regarding the presence of N-nitrosamines, but water quality and some operating parameters, in particular disinfectant residual, also seem to be related to their presence. NDMA concentrations at the end of the distribution systems were generally higher than water leaving the plant. No seasonal trends were observed for the formation of N-nitrosamines in the investigated supply systems. Finally, an association between the presence of N-nitrosamines and the levels of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids was observed in some facilities.

A single-bout of one-hour spinning exercise increases troponin T in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Duttaroy, Smita; Thorell, Daniel; Karlsson, Lena; Börjesson, Mats

2012-02-01

While long-term endurance exercise is known to increase cardiac biomarkers, only a few studies on short-term exercise and these markers have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a one-hour bicycle spinning on cardiac biomarkers in healthy individuals. Serum levels of high-sensitive troponin T (TnT), creatinine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatinine kinase (CK) and myoglobin were measured at baseline, 1 and 24 hour after one hour of spinning exercise in ten healthy and fit (age 31.0 ± 6.6 years) individuals. TnT doubled one hour post-exercise (All values ≤ 5 - 9.7 ± 6.0 ng/L, p < 0.001). Two individuals had TnT levels above upper reference limit, URL (20.7 and 20.2 ng/L, URL = 12 ng/L). Myoglobin levels increased 72% one hour post-exercise (38 ± 20 - 66 ± 41 mg/L, p < 0.02). TnT and myoglobin levels returned to baseline 24 hour post-exercise. Serum levels of CK-MB, NT-proBNP and CK were not significantly changed. A single-bout of one-hour bicycle spinning transiently increases TnT and myoglobin in healthy subjects. Some subjects even have TnT release above URL. Thus, recently performed exercise also of short duration should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of acute chest pain with release of cardiac TnT.

Occurrence and profiling of multiple nitrosamines in source water and drinking water of China.

PubMed

Wang, Wanfeng; Yu, Jianwei; An, Wei; Yang, Min

2016-05-01

The occurrence of multiple nitrosamines was investigated in 54 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) from 30 cities across major watersheds of China, and the formation potential (FP) and cancer risk of the dominant nitrosamines were studied for profiling purposes. The results showed that N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine (NDBA) were the most abundant in DWTPs, and the concentrations in source water and finished water samples were not detected (ND) -53.6ng/L (NDMA), ND -68.5ng/L (NDEA), ND -48.2ng/L (NDBA). The frequencies of detection in source waters were 64.8%, 61.1% and 51.8%, and 57.4%, 53.7%, and 37% for finished waters, respectively. Further study indicated that the FPs of the three main nitrosamines during chloramination were higher than those during chlorination and in drinking water. The results of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed that ammonia was the most closely associated factor in nitrosamine formation in the investigated source water; however, there was no significant correlation between nitrosamine-FPs and the values of dominant water-quality parameters. The advanced treatment units (i.e., ozonation and biological activated carbon) used in DWTPs were able to control the nitrosamine-FPs effectively after disinfection. The target pollutants posed median and maximum cancer risks of 2.99×10(-5) and 35.5×10(-5) to the local populations due to their occurrence in drinking water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantification of diphtheria toxin mediated ADP-ribosylation in a solid-phase assay.

PubMed

Bachran, Christopher; Sutherland, Mark; Bachran, Diana; Fuchs, Hendrik

2007-09-01

Because of reduced vaccination programs, the number of diphtheria infections has increased in the last decade. Diphtheria toxin (DT) is expressed by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is responsible for the lethality of diphtheria. DT inhibits cellular protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylation of the eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). No in vitro system for the quantification of DT enzymatic activity exists. We developed a solid-phase assay for the specific detection of ADP-ribosylation by DT. Solid phase-bound his-tag eEF2 is ADP-ribosylated by toxins using biotinylated NAD(+) as substrate, and the transferred biotinylated ADP-ribose is detected by streptavidin-peroxidase. DT enzymatic activity correlated with absorbance. We measured the amount of ADP-ribosylated eEF2 after precipitation with streptavidin-Sepharose. Quantification was done after Western blotting and detection with anti-his-tag antibody using an LAS-1000 System. The assay detected enzymatically active DT at 30 ng/L, equivalent to 5 mU/L ADP-ribosylating activity. Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) activity was also detected at 100 ng/L. We verified the assay with chimeric toxins composed of the catalytic domain of DT or PE and a tumor-specific ligand. These chimeric toxins revealed increased signals at 1000 ng/L. Heat-inactivated DT and cholera toxin that ADP-ribosylates G-proteins did not show any signal increase. The assay may be the basis for the development of a routine diagnostic assay for the detection of DT activity and highly specific inhibitors of DT.

From wine to pepper: rotundone, an obscure sesquiterpene, is a potent spicy aroma compound.

PubMed

Wood, Claudia; Siebert, Tracey E; Parker, Mango; Capone, Dimitra L; Elsey, Gordon M; Pollnitz, Alan P; Eggers, Marcus; Meier, Manfred; Vössing, Tobias; Widder, Sabine; Krammer, Gerhard; Sefton, Mark A; Herderich, Markus J

2008-05-28

An obscure sesquiterpene, rotundone, has been identified as a hitherto unrecognized important aroma impact compound with a strong spicy, peppercorn aroma. Excellent correlations were observed between the concentration of rotundone and the mean 'black pepper' aroma intensity rated by sensory panels for both grape and wine samples, indicating that rotundone is a major contributor to peppery characters in Shiraz grapes and wine (and to a lesser extent in wine of other varieties). Approximately 80% of a sensory panel were very sensitive to the aroma of rotundone (aroma detection threshold levels of 16 ng/L in red wine and 8 ng/L in water). Above these concentrations, these panelists described the spiked samples as more 'peppery' and 'spicy'. However, approximately 20% of panelists could not detect this compound at the highest concentration tested (4000 ng/L), even in water. Thus, the sensory experiences of two consumers enjoying the same glass of Shiraz wine might be very different. Rotundone was found in much higher amounts in other common herbs and spices, especially black and white peppercorns, where it was present at approximately 10000 times the level found in very 'peppery' wine. Rotundone is the first compound found in black or white peppercorns that has a distinctive peppery aroma. Rotundone has an odor activity value in pepper on the order of 50000-250000 and is, on this criterion, by far the most powerful aroma compound yet found in that most important spice.

Monitoring of emerging pollutants in Guadiamar River basin (South of Spain): analytical method, spatial distribution and environmental risk assessment.

PubMed

Garrido, Eva; Camacho-Muñoz, Dolores; Martín, Julia; Santos, Antonio; Santos, Juan Luis; Aparicio, Irene; Alonso, Esteban

2016-12-01

Guadiamar River is located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula and connects two protected areas in the South of Spain: Sierra Morena and Doñana National Park. It is sited in an area affected by urban, industrial and agriculture sewage pollution and with tradition on intensive mining activities. Most of the studies performed in this area have been mainly focused on the presence of heavy metals and, until now, little is known about the occurrence of other contaminants such as emerging organic pollutants (EOPs). In this work, an analytical method has been optimized and validated for monitoring of forty-seven EOPs in surface water. The analytical method has been applied to study the distribution and environmental risk of these pollutants in Guadiamar River basin. The analytical method was based on solid-phase extraction and determination by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry. The 60 % of the target compounds were found in the analyzed samples. The highest concentrations were found for two plasticizers (bisphenol A and di(2-ethyhexyl)phthalate, mean concentration up to 930 ng/L) and two pharmaceutical compounds (caffeine (up to 623 ng/L) and salicylic acid (up to 318 ng/L)). This study allowed to evaluate the potential sources (industrial or urban) of the studied compounds and the spatial distribution of their concentrations along the river. Environmental risk assessment showed a major risk on the south of the river, mainly due to discharges of wastewater effluents.

New chlorinated amphetamine-type-stimulants disinfection-by-products formed during drinking water treatment.

PubMed

Huerta-Fontela, Maria; Pineda, Oriol; Ventura, Francesc; Galceran, Maria Teresa

2012-06-15

Previous studies have demonstrated high removal rates of amphetamine-type-stimulants (ATSs) through conventional drinking water treatments; however the behaviour of these compounds through disinfection steps and their transformation into disinfection-by-products (DBPs) is still unknown. In this work, for the first time, the reactivity of some ATSs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) with chlorine has been investigated under simulated and real drinking water treatment conditions in order to evaluate their ability to give rise to transformation products. Two new DBPs from these illicit drugs have been found. A common chlorinated-by-product (3-chlorobenzo)-1,3-dioxole, was identified for both MDA and MDEA while for MDMA, 3-chlorocatechol was found. The presence of these DBPs in water samples collected through drinking water treatment was studied in order to evaluate their formation under real conditions. Both compounds were generated through treatment from raw river water samples containing ATSs at concentration levels ranging from 1 to 15 ng/L for MDA and from 2.3 to 78 ng/L for MDMA. One of them, (3-chlorobenzo)-1,3-dioxole, found after the first chlorination step, was eliminated after ozone and GAC treatment while the MDMA DBP mainly generated after the postchlorination step, showed to be recalcitrant and it was found in final treated waters at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5.8 ng/L. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Removal of endocrine-disrupting chemicals during ozonation of municipal sewage with brominated byproducts control.

PubMed

Zhang, Heqing; Yamada, Harumi; Tsuno, Hiroshi

2008-05-01

The decomposition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) including estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) during ozonation of municipal sewage grabbed from the outlets of primary sedimentation tanks was studied through laboratory-scale experiments. A newly developed in vitro bioassay called nuclear receptor-ligand assay and GC-MS were both utilized to respectively determine the estrogenicity and individual EDCs in the wastewater samples. The original estrogenicity, expressed as the E2 equivalent concentration (EEQC), in the primary effluents was 315-1018 ng/L. Results indicate that the EEQC can be reduced rapidly to below 10 ng/L after ozonation. The appearance of 0.1 mg/L dissolved ozone (DO3), which corresponds to a consumed ozone amount of 0.4 mg per initial TOC (total organic carbon) of wastewater samples, was an appropriate operational parameter to simultaneously achieve efficient EDC removal and control of BrO3- and total organic bromine (TOBr). The presence of suspended solids in the range of 38-67 mg/L exhibited no obvious impact on the removal of nonsorbed estrogenicity. A complete decomposition of E2, E3 and BPA was achieved once 0.1 mg/L DO3 appeared in the primary effluent. The oxidative decomposition of NP was relatively less efficient with a residual concentration of 100 ng/L. This work investigates the feasibility of EDC removal and brominated byproduct control during ozonation of original municipal sewage prior to biological treatment.

Quantitative method to determine the regional drinking water odorant regulation goals based on odor sensitivity distribution: illustrated using 2-MIB.

PubMed

Yu, Jianwei; An, Wei; Cao, Nan; Yang, Min; Gu, Junong; Zhang, Dong; Lu, Ning

2014-07-01

Taste and odor (T/O) in drinking water often cause consumer complaints and are thus regulated in many countries. However, people in different regions may exhibit different sensitivities toward T/O. This study proposed a method to determine the regional drinking water odorant regulation goals (ORGs) based on the odor sensitivity distribution of the local population. The distribution of odor sensitivity to 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) by the local population in Beijing, China was revealed by using a normal distribution function/model to describe the odor complaint response to a 2-MIB episode in 2005, and a 2-MIB concentration of 12.9 ng/L and FPA (flavor profile analysis) intensity of 2.5 was found to be the critical point to cause odor complaints. Thus the Beijing ORG for 2-MIB was determined to be 12.9 ng/L. Based on the assumption that the local FPA panel can represent the local population in terms of sensitivity to odor, and that the critical FPA intensity causing odor complaints was 2.5, this study tried to determine the ORGs for seven other cities of China by performing FPA tests using an FPA panel from the corresponding city. ORG values between 12.9 and 31.6 ng/L were determined, showing that a unified ORG may not be suitable for drinking water odor regulations. This study presents a novel approach for setting drinking water odor regulations. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Application of passive sampling in assessing the occurrence and risk of antibiotics and endocrine disrupting chemicals in the Yangtze Estuary, China.

PubMed

Shi, X; Zhou, J L; Zhao, H; Hou, L; Yang, Y

2014-09-01

Polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) was used in assessing the occurrence and risk of 12 widely used antibiotics and 5 most potent endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the Yangtze Estuary, China. During laboratory validation, the kinetics of pollutant uptake by POCIS were linear, and the sampling rates of most compounds were raised by flow rate and salinity, reaching the highest values at salinity 14‰. The sampling rates varied with the target compounds with the EDCs showing the highest values (overall average=0.123Ld(-1)), followed by chloramphenicols (0.100Ld(-1)), macrolides (0.089Ld(-1)), and finally sulfonamides (0.056Ld(-1)). Validation in the Yangtze Estuary in 2013 showed that the field sampling rates were significantly greater for all compounds except bisphenol A, in comparison to laboratory results, and high-frequency spot sampling is critical for fully validating the passive sampler. The field studies show that antibiotics were widely detected in the Yangtze Estuary, with concentrations varying from below quantification to 1613ngL(-1), suggesting their widespread use and persistence in estuarine waters. The dominating pollutants in July were sulfonamides with a total concentration of 258ngL(-1) and in October were macrolides with a total concentration of 350ngL(-1). The calculation of risk quotient suggested that sulfapyridine, sulfaquinoxaline and erythromycin-H2O may have caused medium damage to sensitive organisms such as fish. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Testosterone metabolism in the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea; Mysidacea) following tributyltin exposure.

PubMed

Verslycke, Tim; Poelmans, Sofie; De Wasch, Katia; Vercauteren, Jordy; Devos, Christophe; Moens, Luc; Sandra, Patrick; De Brabander, Hubert F; Janssen, Colin R

2003-09-01

Current evidence suggests that the biocide tributyltin (TBT) causes the development of imposex, a state of pseudohermaphrodism in which females exhibit functional secondary male characteristics, by altering the biotransformation or elimination of testosterone. Imposex in gastropods following TBT exposure is the most complete example of the effects of an endocrine disrupter on marine invertebrates. Previous studies have demonstrated that the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer converts testosterone into multiple polar and nonpolar metabolites resulting from both phase I and phase II biotransformations. In this study, the effects of TBT chloride (TBTCl) on the phase I and II testosterone metabolism of N. integer were evaluated. The TBTCl was highly toxic to N. integer (96-h median lethal concentration [LC50] of 164 ng/L). To assess the effects on testosterone metabolism, mysids were exposed for 96 h to different concentrations of TBTCl (control, 10, 100, and 1,000 ng/L), and testosterone elimination as polar hydroxylated, nonpolar oxido-reduced, and glucose- and sulfate-conjugated metabolites was examined. The TBTCl differentially affected testosterone metabolism. The effect of TBTCl on phase I metabolism was unclear and has been shown to vary among species, likely depending on the inducibility or presence of certain P450 isozyme families. Reductase activity and metabolic androgenization were induced in the 10-ng/L treatment, whereas higher concentrations resulted in a reduction of sulfate conjugation. The exact mechanisms underlying TBT-induced imposex and alterations in the steroid metabolism need to be further elucidated.

Silica aerogel coated on metallic wire by phase separation of polystyrene for in-tube solid phase microextraction.

PubMed

Baktash, Mohammad Yahya; Bagheri, Habib

2017-06-02

In this research, an attempt was made toward synthesizing a sol-gel-based silica aerogel and its subsequent coating on a copper wire by phase separation of polystyrene. Adaption of this new approach enabled us to coat the metallic wire with powder materials. The use of this method for coating, led to the formation of a porous and thick structure of silica aerogel. The coated wire was placed in a needle and used as the sorbent for in-tube solid phase microextraction of chlorobenzenes (CBs). The superhydrophobicity of sorbent on extraction efficiency was investigated by using different ratios of tetraethylorthosilicate/methyltrimethoxysilane. The surface coated with the prepared silica aerogel by the phase separation of polystyrene showed high contact angle, approving the desired superhydrophobic properties. Effects of major parameters influencing the extraction efficiency including the extraction temperature, extraction time, ionic strength, desorption time were investigated and optimized. The limits of detection and quantification of the method under the optimized condition were 0.1-1.2 and 0.4-4.1ngL -1 , respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD%) at a concentration level of 10ngL -1 were between 4 and 10% (n=3). The calibration curves of CBs showed linearity from 1 to100ngL -1 . Eventually, the method was successfully applied to the extraction of model compounds from real water samples and relative recoveries varied from 88 to 115%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monitoring tylosin and sulfamethazine in a tile-drained agricultural watershed using polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS).

PubMed

Washington, Maurice T; Moorman, Thomas B; Soupir, Michelle L; Shelley, Mack; Morrow, Amy J

2018-01-15

This study evaluated the influence of temporal variation on the occurrence, fate, and transport of tylosin (TYL) and sulfamethazine (SMZ); antibiotics commonly used in swine production. Atrazine (ATZ) was used as a reference analyte to indicate the agricultural origin of the antibiotics. We also assessed the impact of season and hydrology on antibiotic concentrations. A reconnaissance study of the South Fork watershed of the Iowa River (SFIR), was conducted from 2013 to 2015. Tile drain effluent and surface water were monitored using polar organic integrative sampler (POCIS) technology. Approximately 169 animal feeding operations (AFOs) exist in SFIR, with 153 of them being swine facilities. All analytes were detected, and detection frequencies ranged from 69 to 100% showing the persistence in the watershed. Antibiotics were detected at a higher frequency using POCIS compared to grab samples. We observed statistically significant seasonal trends for SMZ and ATZ concentrations during growing and harvest seasons. Time weighted average (TWA) concentrations quantified from the POCIS were 1.87ngL -1 (SMZ), 0.30ngL -1 (TYL), and 754.2ngL -1 (ATZ) in the watershed. SMZ and TYL concentrations were lower than the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for E. coli. All analytes were detected in tile drain effluent, confirming tile drainage as a pathway for antibiotic transport. Our results identify the episodic occurrence of antibiotics, and highlights the importance identifying seasonal fate and occurrence of these analytes. Published by Elsevier B.V.

78 FR 53751 - Dominion NGL Pipelines, LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-30

... new ethane pipeline (Natrium Ethane Pipeline) extending from a new natural gas processing and... utilize, or pay for, significant capacity on the Natrium Ethane Pipeline (Committed Shipper); and (3) the...

40 CFR 98.402 - GHGs to report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING Suppliers of Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids § 98.402 GHGs to report. (a) NGL... combustion or oxidation of the annual volumes of natural gas provided to end-users on their distribution...

40 CFR 98.402 - GHGs to report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING Suppliers of Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids § 98.402 GHGs to report. (a) NGL... combustion or oxidation of the annual volumes of natural gas provided to end-users on their distribution...

40 CFR 98.402 - GHGs to report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING Suppliers of Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids § 98.402 GHGs to report. (a) NGL... combustion or oxidation of the annual volumes of natural gas provided to end-users on their distribution...

40 CFR 98.402 - GHGs to report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING Suppliers of Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids § 98.402 GHGs to report. (a) NGL... combustion or oxidation of the annual volumes of natural gas provided to end-users on their distribution...

40 CFR 98.402 - GHGs to report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING Suppliers of Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids § 98.402 GHGs to report. (a) NGL... combustion or oxidation of the annual volumes of natural gas provided to end-users on their distribution...

Determination of steroid hormones and related compounds in filtered and unfiltered water by solid-phase extraction, derivatization, and gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foreman, William T.; Gray, James L.; ReVello, Rhiannon C.; Lindley, Chris E.; Losche, Scott A.; Barber, Larry B.

2012-01-01

A new analytical method has been developed and implemented at the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory that determines a suite of 20 steroid hormones and related compounds in filtered water (using laboratory schedule 2434) and in unfiltered water (using laboratory schedule 4434). This report documents the procedures and initial performance data for the method and provides guidance on application of the method and considerations of data quality in relation to data interpretation. The analytical method determines 6 natural and 3 synthetic estrogen compounds, 6 natural androgens, 1 natural and 1 synthetic progestin compound, and 2 sterols: cholesterol and 3--coprostanol. These two sterols have limited biological activity but typically are abundant in wastewater effluents and serve as useful tracers. Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used primarily to produce polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins and that has been shown to have estrogenic activity, also is determined by the method. A technique referred to as isotope-dilution quantification is used to improve quantitative accuracy by accounting for sample-specific procedural losses in the determined analyte concentration. Briefly, deuterium- or carbon-13-labeled isotope-dilution standards (IDSs), all of which are direct or chemically similar isotopic analogs of the method analytes, are added to all environmental and quality-control and quality-assurance samples before extraction. Method analytes and IDS compounds are isolated from filtered or unfiltered water by solid-phase extraction onto an octadecylsilyl disk, overlain with a graded glass-fiber filter to facilitate extraction of unfiltered sample matrices. The disks are eluted with methanol, and the extract is evaporated to dryness, reconstituted in solvent, passed through a Florisil solid-phase extraction column to remove polar organic interferences, and again evaporated to dryness in a reaction vial. The method compounds are reacted with activated -methyl--trimethylsilyl trifluoroacetamide at 65 degrees Celsius for 1 hour to form trimethylsilyl or trimethylsilyl-enol ether derivatives that are more amenable to gas chromatographic separation than the underivatized compounds. Analysis is carried out by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry using calibration standards that are derivatized concurrently with the sample extracts. Analyte concentrations are quantified relative to specific IDS compounds in the sample, which directly compensate for procedural losses (incomplete recovery) in the determined and reported analyte concentrations. Thus, reported analyte concentrations (or analyte recoveries for spiked samples) are corrected based on recovery of the corresponding IDS compound during the quantification process. Recovery for each IDS compound is reported for each sample and represents an absolute recovery in a manner comparable to surrogate recoveries for other organic methods used by the National Water Quality Laboratory. Thus, IDS recoveries provide a useful tool for evaluating sample-specific analytical performance from an absolute mass recovery standpoint. IDS absolute recovery will differ and typically be lower than the corresponding analyte’s method recovery in spiked samples. However, additional correction of reported analyte concentrations is unnecessary and inappropriate because the analyte concentration (or recovery) already is compensated for by the isotope-dilution quantification procedure. Method analytes were spiked at 10 and 100 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for most analytes (10 times greater spike levels were used for bisphenol A and 100 times greater spike levels were used for 3--coprostanol and cholesterol) into the following validation-sample matrices: reagent water, wastewater-affected surface water, a secondary-treated wastewater effluent, and a primary (no biological treatment) wastewater effluent. Overall method recovery for all analytes in these matrices averaged 100 percent, with overall relative standard deviation of 28 percent. Mean recoveries of the 20 individual analytes for spiked reagent-water samples prepared along with field samples and analyzed in 2009–2010 ranged from 84–104 percent, with relative standard deviations of 6–36 percent. Concentrations for two analytes, equilin and progesterone, are reported as estimated because these analytes had excessive bias or variability, or both. Additional database coding is applied to other reported analyte data as needed, based on sample-specific IDS recovery performance. Detection levels were derived statistically by fortifying reagent water at six different levels (0.1 to 4 ng/L) and range from about 0.4 to 4 ng/L for 16 analytes. Interim reporting levels applied to analytes in this report range from 0.8 to 8 ng/L. Bisphenol A and the sterols (cholesterol and 3-beta-coprostanol) were consistently detected in laboratory and field blanks. The minimum reporting levels were set at 100 ng/L for bisphenol A and at 200 ng/L for the two sterols to prevent any bias associated with the presence of these compounds in the blanks. A minimum reporting level of 2 ng/L was set for 11-ketotestosterone to minimize false positive risk from an interfering siloxane compound emanating as chromatographic-column bleed, from vial septum material, or from other sources at no more than 1 ng/L.

Egg wash wastewater: estrogenic risk or environmental asset?

PubMed

Shappell, Nancy W

2013-07-01

Commercial production of eggs and egg products requires the washing of eggs to remove urinary-fecal material and broken egg residue. In the case of one Ohio farming facility, 1.6 million birds produce 1.4 million eggs per day, using approximately 50 mL of wash water/egg or approximately 70,000 L per day. The aqueous waste stream was evaluated for estrogenicity to determine if potential for endocrine disruption would result from agricultural application of such wastewater. Samples collected the Fall (October) of 2010 included: water from 2 egg washers operating in series, inlet pipe to the treatment lagoon, a lagoon composite, and products used within the facility in the cleaning of equipment and treatment of the waste. In February 2011, the treatment lagoon was fitted with an extensive aeration system and subsequent sample sets were collected on 3 consecutive days in May and November. Samples were extracted by solid phase extraction and assayed for estrogenic activity using the in vitro E-Screen assay. Raw untreated wastewater from the egg washers contained 17β-estradiol equivalents (E2 Eqs) ranging from 9 to 18 ng/L, pipe grab samples entering into the treatment lagoon ranged from <0.14 to 4.4 ng/L (variability related to time of emptying of egg wash tanks), whereas treatment lagoon water contained 0.3 to 4.0 ng/L E2 Eq. Addition of an aeration system to the treatment lagoon eliminated surface "frothing," reduced noxious odor emission, and E2 Eqs were lower than the pre-aeration concentrations (4 ng/L [n = 1, no statistical comparison possible] vs 0.3 to 1.4 ng/L in 2011). Because of matrix effects, estrogens were not quantifiable by LC-MS2 in even egg washwater extracts, at concentrations in which internal deuterated estrogen standards were quantifiable. Estrone and E2 parent ions were detected in egg washwater samples only, and confirmatory ion fragments were detected in only one of these samples. Estrogenicity of the wastewater from the treatment lagoon was already at the proposed aquatic no effect concentration for 17β-E2 and would be expected to decrease further as wastewater passes through 2 consecutive storage ponds before application on field crops for irrigation. The original project plan was to follow the wastewater as it was applied by aerial irrigation and concomitant surface runoff, but based on the consistent and extremely low concentration of estrogenic activity of the wastewater from the treatment lagoon, it was concluded that activity would be below limits of quantitation by E-Screen in water used for irrigation from the storage ponds. Use of egg wash wastewater--or gray water--to irrigate crops removes the cost and burden of wastewater treatment by the local wastewater plant, poses little to no potential threat of estrogenic endocrine disruption, and supports the conservation of water resources through the use of wastewater irrigation. Copyright © 2013 SETAC.

Perfluoroalkyl substances assessment in drinking waters from Brazil, France and Spain.

PubMed

Schwanz, Thiago G; Llorca, Marta; Farré, Marinella; Barceló, Damià

2016-01-01

Human exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) occurs primarily via dietary intake and drinking water. In this study, 16 PFASs have been assessed in 96 drinking waters (38 bottled waters and 58 samples of tap water) from Brazil, France and Spain. The total daily intake and the risk index (RI) of 16 PFASs through drinking water in Brazil, France and Spain have been estimated. This study was carried out using an analytical method based on an online sample enrichment followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The quality parameters of the analytical method were satisfactory for the analysis of the 16 selected compounds in drinking waters. Notably, the method limits of detection (MLOD) and method limits of quantification (MLOQ) were in the range of 0.15 to 8.76ng/l and 0.47 to 26.54ng/l, respectively. The results showed that the highest PFASs concentrations were found in tap water samples and the more frequently found compound was perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), with mean concentrations of 7.73, 15.33 and 15.83ng/l in French, Spanish and Brazilian samples, respectively. In addition, PFOS was detected in all tap water samples from Brazil. The highest level of PFASs contamination in a single sample was 140.48ng/l in a sample of Spanish tap water. In turn, in bottled waters the highest levels were detected in a French sample with 116ng/l as the sum of PFASs. Furthermore, the most frequent compounds and those at higher concentrations were perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) with a mean of frequencies in the three countries of 51.3%, followed by perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) (27.2%) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (23.0%). Considering that bottled water is approximately 38% of the total intake, the total PFASs exposure through drinking water intake for an adult man was estimated to be 54.8, 58.0 and 75.6ng/person per day in Spain, France and Brazil, respectively. However, assuming that the water content in other beverages has at least the same levels of contamination as in bottled drinking water, these amounts were increased to 72.2, 91.4 and 121.0ng/person per day for an adult man in Spain, France and Brazil, respectively. The results of total daily intake in different gender/age groups showed that children are the most exposed population group through hydration with maximum values in Brazil of 2.35 and 2.01ng/kg body weight (BW)/day for male and female, respectively. Finally, the RI was calculated. In spite of the highest values being found in Brazil, it was demonstrated that, in none of the investigated countries, drinking water pose imminent risk associated with PFASs contamination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Methods for the preparation and analysis of solids and suspended solids for methylmercury

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeWild, John F.; Olund, Shane D.; Olson, Mark L.; Tate, Michael T.

2004-01-01

This report presents the methods and method performance data for the determination of methylmercury concentrations in solids and suspended solids. Using the methods outlined here, the U.S. Geological Survey's Wisconsin District Mercury Laboratory can consistently detect methylmercury in solids and suspended solids at environmentally relevant concentrations. Solids can be analyzed wet or freeze dried with a minimum detection limit of 0.08 ng/g (as-processed). Suspended solids must first be isolated from aqueous matrices by filtration. The minimum detection limit for suspended solids is 0.01 ng per filter resulting in a minimum reporting limit ranging from 0.2 ng/L for a 0.05 L filtered volume to 0.01 ng/L for a 1.0 L filtered volume. Maximum concentrations for both matrices can be extended to cover nearly any amount of methylmercury by limiting sample size.

Identifizierung der Eintragsquellen von Antibiotika in das Grundwasser viehstarker Regionen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannappel, Stephan; Köpp, Claudia; Zühlke, Sebastian; Balzer, Frederike; Schulz, Dietrich

2016-11-01

Only few sulfonamide antibiotics were detected in near-surface groundwater in areas with a high stocking rate in northwestern Germany. Intensive sampling with a high resolution in time and space was applied in order to illuminate the findings. As some pharmaceuticals can be of both human and animal origin, they may enter the environment via application of manure/digestate to arable land or via domestic waste water. In addition to existing monitoring wells, non-permanent wells were sampled to obtain information regarding pathways into the ground water. Interviews with farmers and chemical analyses show that application of manure leads to low concentrations (<100 ng/l) of Sulfadimidin and Sulfadiazin in most of the investigated samples. Sulfamethoxazol was found above 100 ng/l and likely originated from sewage of nearby small scale wastewater treatment plants. Sulfamethoxazole and its main metabolite could be detected within the plants; additionally, the sewage tracer acesulfam-K was detected in the groundwater.

Fenton-like reaction: a possible way to efficiently remove illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals from wastewater.

PubMed

Mackuľak, Tomáš; Mosný, Michal; Grabic, Roman; Golovko, Oksana; Koba, Olga; Birošová, Lucia

2015-03-01

We analyzed 13 psychoactive pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and their metabolites in wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent and the possibility of their degradation by biological and chemical processes. Tramadol (413-853 ng/L) and methamphetamine (460-682 ng/L) were the most concentrated compounds in the wastewater in winter and summer, respectively. A significant decrease in the concentration of tramadol in wastewater was measured during the summer. The lowest efficiency was observed for tramadol, venlafaxine, citalopram and oxazepam (∼ 10%) and the highest efficiency was observed for amphetamine and THC-COOH (∼ 80%). The efficiency of compound degradation via the Fenton reaction, a modified Fenton reaction and different degradation (by algae, wood-rotting fungi and enzymes at influent versus effluent) was determined. The Fenton reaction and its modification were efficient at eliminating these substances in comparison with the tested biological processes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of 17β-estradiol on typical greenhouse gas emissions in aquatic anaerobic ecosystem.

PubMed

Ruan, Aidong; Liu, Chenxiao; Zhao, Ying; Zong, Fengjiao; Jiang, Shaopeng; Yu, Zhongbo

2015-01-01

Anaerobic microecosystems designed with different concentrations of 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) (0.0-10,000.0 ng/L) were simulated in this study. The influence of different concentrations of 17β-E2 on the emissions of typical greenhouse gases (CH4 and CO2) in simulated anaerobic microecosystems is analyzed to primarily explore the relationship between 17β-E2 and such emissions in aquatic anaerobic ecosystems. The results showed that 17β-E2 could promote or significantly stimulate aquatic anaerobic micro-organisms' production of CH4. The degree and the promotion time of CH4 production were both enhanced with the increase of 17β-E2 concentration. Furthermore, under higher concentration of 17β-E2 (≥500.0 ng/L), the increasing tendency of aquatic anaerobic microbial populations' activity and the function of methanogenic activity under corresponding experimental conditions had a synchronous relationship.

[Myxedema coma as a rare differential diagnosis of severe consciousness disturbance].

PubMed

Kollmar, R; Schellinger, P D; Bardutzky, J; Meisel, F; Schwaninger, M

2002-12-01

Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening complication of untreated hypothyroidism. Therefore, it must be part of the differential diagnosis in comatose patients. We report one patient who presented with CO(2) narcosis,hypothermia, bradycardia,hyporeflexia, tetraparesis, ascitis, pleural effusions, and heart insufficiency. Examination of the CSF, cranial CT, MRI, and MR angiography were normal. In suspicion of myxedema coma,the patient was treated with high dose L-thyroxine and hydrocortisone for preventing secondary adrenal insufficiency. A fast clinical recovery, decreased T4 (7.2 ng/l) and T3 (0.93 ng/l), and increased TSH (20.19 mU/l) together with the following anamnesis of radio iodine therapy and insufficient thyroxine intake confirmed the diagnosis. In conclusion, treatment of the myxedema coma must be started as soon as the laboratory results are confirmatory, since its course depends on the time of initiation of treatment.

Distribution and sources of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the River Rhine watershed.

PubMed

Möller, Axel; Ahrens, Lutz; Surm, Renate; Westerveld, Joke; van der Wielen, Frans; Ebinghaus, Ralf; de Voogt, Pim

2010-10-01

The concentration profile of 40 polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface water along the River Rhine watershed from the Lake Constance to the North Sea was investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of point as well as diffuse sources, to estimate fluxes of PFAS into the North Sea and to identify replacement compounds of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). In addition, an interlaboratory comparison of the method performance was conducted. The PFAS pattern was dominated by perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) with concentrations up to 181 ng/L and 335 ng/L, respectively, which originated from industrial point sources. Fluxes of SigmaPFAS were estimated to be approximately 6 tonnes/year which is much higher than previous estimations. Both, the River Rhine and the River Scheldt, seem to act as important sources of PFAS into the North Sea. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of trace aluminum by fluorescence quenching method based on catalysis of potassium chlorate oxidizing alizarin red.

PubMed

Shao-Qin, Lin; Xuan, Lin; Shi-Rong, Hu; Li-Qing, Zeng; Yan, Wang; Li, Chen; Jia-Ming, Liu; Long-Di, Li

2005-11-01

A new method for the determination of trace aluminum has been proposed. It is based on the fact that alizarin red can emit strong and stable fluorescence at 80 degrees C for 30 min and Al(3+) can effectively catalyze potassium chlorate oxidizing alizarin red to form non-fluorescence complex which cause the fluorescence quenching. The linear dynamic range of this method is 0.040-4.00 ngl(-1) with a detection limit of 5.3 pgl(-1). The regression equation can be expressed as DeltaI(f)=8.731+21.73c(Al(3+)) (ngl(-1)), with the correlation coefficient r=0.9992 (n=6). This sensitive, rapid and accurate method has been applied to the determination of trace aluminum(III) in human hair and tea samples successfully. What is more, the mechanism of catalyzing potassium chlorate oxidizing alizarin red by the fluorescence quenching method is also discussed.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution in the surface water and sediments of Chabahar Bay, Oman Sea.

PubMed

Agah, Homira; Mehdinia, Ali; Bastami, Kazem Darvish; Rahmanpour, Shirin

2017-02-15

In the present study, the concentrations and distribution of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water and surface sediments from the Chabahar Bay, Oman Sea, were investigated in May (premonsoon) and December (postmonsoon) 2012. The concentrations of PAHs in the surface water samples ranged from 1.7 to 2.8ngl -1 and from 0.04 to 59.6ngl -1 in pre- and postmonsoon, respectively. In general, the PAH levels of the water samples from Chabahar Bay were higher in postmonsoon than in premonsoon (p<0.05). The concentrations of PAHs in the sediment samples varied from undetectable levels to 92.8ngg -1 d.w. in both seasons. The seasonal comparison of the results in sediment samples showed that the overall concentration of PAH compounds was higher in the postmonsoon season (p<0.05). Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Physically incorporated extraction phase of solid-phase microextraction by sol-gel technology.

PubMed

Liu, Wenmin; Hu, Yuan; Zhao, Jinghong; Xu, Yuan; Guan, Yafeng

2006-01-13

A sol-gel method for the preparation of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber was described and evaluated. The extraction phase of poly(dimethysiloxane) (PDMS) containing 3% vinyl group was physically incorporated into the sol-gel network without chemical bonding. The extraction phase itself is then partly crosslinked at 320 degrees C, forming an independent polymer network and can withstand desorption temperature of 290 degrees C. The headspace extraction of BTX by the fiber SPME was evaluated and the detection limit of o-xylene was down to 0.26 ng/l. Extraction and determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in water, orange juice and red wine by the SPME-GC thermionic specified detector (TSD) was validated. Limits of detection of the method for OPPs were below 10 ng/l except methidathion. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 1-20% for pesticides being tested.

Evaluating the effectiveness of induced seismicity mitigation: Numerical modeling of wastewater injection near Greeley, Colorado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Megan R. M.; Ge, Shemin; Sheehan, Anne F.; Nakai, Jenny S.

2017-08-01

Mitigation of injection-induced seismicity in Greeley, Colorado, is based largely on proximity of wastewater disposal wells to seismicity and consists of cementation of the bottom of wells to eliminate connection between the disposal interval and crystalline basement. Brief injection rate reductions followed felt events, but injection rates returned to high levels, >250,000 barrels/month, within 6 months. While brief rate reduction reduces seismicity in the short term, overall seismicity is not reduced. We examine contributions to pore pressure change by injection from 22 wells within 30 km of the center of seismicity. The combined injection rate of seven disposal wells within 15 km of the seismicity (Greeley Wells) is correlated with the seismicity rate. We find that injection from NGL-C4A, the well previously suspected as the likely cause of the induced seismicity, is responsible for 28% of pore pressure increase. The other six Greeley Wells contribute 28% of pore pressure increase, and the 15 Far-field Wells between 15 and 30 km from the seismicity contribute 44% of pore pressure increase. Modeling results show that NGL-C4A plays the largest role in increased pore pressure but shows that the six other Greeley Wells have approximately the same influence as NGL-C4A. Furthermore, the 15 Far-field Wells have significant influence on pore pressure near the seismicity. Since the main mitigation action of cementing the bottom of wells has not decreased seismicity, mitigation based on reduced injection rates and spacing wells farther apart would likely have a higher potential for success.

Effect of commercial grade endosulfan on growth and reproduction of the fighting fish Betta splendens.

PubMed

Balasubramani, A; Pandian, T J

2014-09-01

To study the effects of endosulfan on survival, growth and reproduction of the obligate air-breathing male heterogametic fighting fish Betta splendens, posthatchlings of the fighting fish were discretely immersed for 3 h/day during the labile period on the 2nd, 5th, and 8th day posthatching (dph) at selected concentrations of commercial grade endosulfan ranging from 175 to 1400 ng/L. The immersions at 1,400 ng/L led to 21% mortality, among the 79% of surviving fry, 80% developed into females. The endosulfan reduced the air-breathing frequency of 5- and 8-day old hatchlings, and the reduction in the frequency persisted even after a depuration period of 172 days. In the ovary of the treated females, reduced number of vitellogenic oocytes with increased vacuolar cavities was observed. In the testis of the treated males, the reduced number of spermatogonia with increased vacuolar cavities was observed. The treated male induced the female to spawn a fewer eggs, which were subsequently incubated in his smaller bubble nest. The control females attained puberty on the 138th dph and spawned 120 eggs once in every 15 days, the females, which were previously treated at 1400 ng/L, postponed puberty to the 179th dph and spawned 70 eggs once in every 32 days. During the 240-day experiment, endosulfan is found to reduce significantly the cumulative progeny production from 760 to 144, reducing significantly to 19% of the control. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., a Wiley company.

Occurrence and risk assessment of organophosphate esters in drinking water from Eastern China.

PubMed

Ding, Jinjian; Shen, Xiaoli; Liu, Weiping; Covaci, Adrian; Yang, Fangxing

2015-12-15

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are ubiquitous in the environment and may pose potential health risks to humans. Drinking water is suspected as one possible exposure pathway of OPEs to humans. In this study, we investigated the residues of 9 OPEs in five types of drinking water in Eastern China. The median concentrations of Σ9OPEs were determined to be 3.99, 4.50, 27.6, 59.2 and 192ng/L in the bottled, well, barreled, direct drinking and tap waters, respectively. Triethyl phosphate (TEP) was the most abundant OPE in the tap water and filtered drinking water with median concentrations of 50.2 and 30.2ng/L, respectively. The mixture of tri(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) and tri(chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), named here as TCPP, dominated in the barreled and well water with median concentrations of 8.04 and 2.49ng/L, respectively. The calculated average daily doses of OPEs ranged from 0.14 to 7.07ng/kgbw/day for people consuming the five different types of drinking water. Among the drinking water, the tap water exhibited the highest exposure doses of OPEs. The calculated non-cancer hazard quotients (10(-4)-10(-7)) from OPEs were much lower than the theoretical threshold of risk. The carcinogenic risks posed by TCEP were very low (<10(-7)) for all types of drinking water. The results revealed that there was currently low risk to human health from exposure to OPEs through drinking water in Eastern China. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Platinum-group elements (Rh, Pt, Pd) and Au distribution in snow samples from the Kola Peninsula, NW Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregurek, Dean; Melcher, Frank; Niskavaara, Heikki; Pavlov, Vladimir A.; Reimann, Clemens; Stumpfl, Eugen F.

In April 1996 snowpack samples were collected from the surroundings of the ore roasting and dressing plant at Zapoljarnij and the nickel smelters at Nikel and Monchegorsk, Kola Peninsula, NW Russia. In the laboratory, filter residues of snowpack samples (fraction>0.45 μm) from 15 localities (close to the nickel processing centres) were chemically for precious metals (Rh, Pt, Pd, Au) and Te by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) analysis, and for Cu and Ni by ICP-MS. Values up to 2770 ng/l Pd, 650 ng/l Pt and 186 ng/l Au were found in the filter residues. Additionally, platinum-group elements (PGE) and Au contents in ore samples from Noril'sk , as well as in technogenic products ("Cu-Ni-feinstein" and copper concentrate) processed at the Monchegorsk smelter complex, were analysed using flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) for comparison with results obtained from snow. Rh, Pt, Pd and Au distribution data show the presence of two ore components (Noril'sk and Pechenga). Concentrations of these metals decrease with distance from the industrial sources and with the prevailing wind direction (generally north-south). Microscopic investigations and electron microprobe analysis of polished sections of snow filter residues (>0.45 μm) also reveal differences between particles from the two sources. To avoid confusion the term "Noril'sk" is used throughout the paper to denote material and/or data from the Noril'sk area and its sub-district, Noril'sk while Pechenga relates to the local ore.

Determination of herbicides in mineral and stagnant waters at ng/L levels using capillary electrophoresis and UV detection combined with solid-phase extraction and sample stacking.

PubMed

Hernández-Borges, Javier; García-Montelongo, Francisco J; Cifuentes, Alejandro; Rodríguez-Delgado, Miguel Angel

2005-04-08

In this work, the combined use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and on-line preconcentration strategies as normal stacking mode (NSM) and stacking with matrix removal (SWMR) for the ultrasensitive and simultaneous capillary electrophoresis-ultraviolet analysis (CE-UV) of five triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide pesticides (i.e., diclosulam, cloransulam-methyl, flumetsulam, metosulam and florasulam) in different types of water is investigated. An adequate separation electrolyte for the separation and stacking of these pesticides was obtained, considering also its compatibility with MS detection, which consisted of 24 mM formic acid and 16 mM ammonium carbonate at pH 6.4. It was observed that the use of this running buffer together with the SWMR preconcentration method provided the best results in terms of sensitivity (between 6.54 and 11.9 microg/L) and peak efficiency (up to 550000 theoretical plates per meter, NTP/m). When this on-line preconcentration procedure was combined with an off-line sample preconcentration step as SPE using C18 cartridges, the selected herbicides could be detected in the ng/L range. The optimized SPE-SWMR-CE-UV method was applied to the determination of the selected group of pesticides in spiked and non-spiked mineral and stagnant waters. Recoveries ranged between 55 and 110% and limits of detection between 131 and 342 ng/L. This work shows the great possibilities of the combined use of SPE-SWMR-CE-UV to overcome the sensitivity problems usually linked to CE analysis.

Cytotoxic drugs in drinking water: a prediction and risk assessment exercise for the thames catchment in the United kingdom.

PubMed

Rowney, Nicole C; Johnson, Andrew C; Williams, Richard J

2009-12-01

Cytotoxic, also known as antineoplastic, drugs remain an important weapon in the fight against cancer. This study considers the water quality implications for the Thames catchment (United Kingdom) arising from the routine discharge of these drugs after use, down the drain and into the river. The review focuses on 13 different cytotoxic drugs from the alkylating agent, antimetabolite, and anthracycline antibiotic families. A geographic-information-system-based water quality model was used in the present study. The model was informed by literature values on consumption, excretion, and fate data to predict raw drinking water concentrations at the River Thames abstraction points at Farmoor, near Oxford, and Walton, in West London. To discover the highest plausible values, upper boundary values for consumption and excretion together with lower removal values for sewage treatment were used. The raw drinking water cytotoxic drug maximum concentrations at Walton (the higher of the two) representative of mean and low flow conditions were predicted to be 11 and 20 ng/L for the five combined alkylating agents, 2 and 4 ng/L for the three combined antimetabolites, and 0.05 and 0.10 ng/L the for two combined anthracycline antibiotics, respectively. If they were to escape into tap water, then the highest predicted concentrations would still be a factor of between 25 and 40 below the current recommended daily doses of concern. Although the risks may be negligible for healthy adults, more concern may be associated with special subgroup populations, such as pregnant women, their fetuses, and breast-feeding infants, due to their developmental vulnerability.

Seawater Polluted with Highly Concentrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Suppresses Osteoblastic Activity in the Scales of Goldfish, Carassius auratus.

PubMed

Suzuki, Nobuo; Sato, Masayuki; Nassar, Hossam F; Abdel-Gawad, Fagr Kh; Bassem, Samah M; Yachiguchi, Koji; Tabuchi, Yoshiaki; Endo, Masato; Sekiguchi, Toshio; Urata, Makoto; Hattori, Atsuhiko; Mishima, Hiroyuki; Shimasaki, Youhei; Oshima, Yuji; Hong, Chun-Sang; Makino, Fumiya; Tang, Ning; Toriba, Akira; Hayakawa, Kazuichi

2016-08-01

We have developed an original in vitro bioassay using teleost scale, that has osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone matrix as each marker: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for osteoclasts. Using this scale in vitro bioassay, we examined the effects of seawater polluted with highly concentrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) on osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in the present study. Polluted seawater was collected from two sites (the Alexandria site on the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal site on the Red Sea). Total levels of PAHs in the seawater from the Alexandria and Suez Canal sites were 1364.59 and 992.56 ng/l, respectively. We were able to detect NPAHs in both seawater samples. Total levels of NPAHs were detected in the seawater of the Alexandria site (12.749 ng/l) and the Suez Canal site (3.914 ng/l). Each sample of polluted seawater was added to culture medium at dilution rates of 50, 100, and 500, and incubated with the goldfish scales for 6 hrs. Thereafter, ALP and TRAP activities were measured. ALP activity was significantly suppressed by both polluted seawater samples diluted at least 500 times, but TRAP activity did not change. In addition, mRNA expressions of osteoblastic markers (ALP, osteocalcin, and the receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand) decreased significantly, as did the ALP enzyme activity. In fact, ALP activity decreased on treatment with PAHs and NPAHs. We conclude that seawater polluted with highly concentrated PAHs and NPAHs influences bone metabolism in teleosts.

MOBILIZATION OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS AND ESTROGENIC ACTIVITY IN SIMULATED RAINFALL RUNOFF FROM LAND-APPLIED BIOSOLIDS

PubMed Central

Giudice, Ben D.; Young, Thomas M.

2012-01-01

Municipal biosolids are commonly applied to land as soil amendment or fertilizer as a form of beneficial reuse of what could otherwise be viewed as waste. Balanced against this benefit are potential risks to groundwater and surface water quality from constituents that may be mobilized during storm events. The objective of the present study was to characterize the mobilization of selected endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), heavy metals, and total estrogenic activity in rainfall runoff from land-applied biosolids. Rainfall simulations were conducted on soil plots amended with biosolids. Surface runoff and leachate was collected and analyzed for the EDCs bisphenol A, 17α-ethynylestradiol, triclocarban, triclosan, octylphenol, and nonylphenol; a suite of sixteen metals; and estrogenic activity via the ER-CALUX bioassay. Triclocarban (2.3–17.3 ng/L), triclosan (<51–309 ng/L), and octylphenol (<4.9–203 ng/L) were commonly detected. Chromium (2.0–22 µg/L), cobalt (2.5–10 µg/L), nickel (28–235 µg/L), copper (14–110 µg/L), arsenic (1.2–2.7 µg/L), and selenium (0.29–12 µg/L) were quantifiable over background levels. Triclosan, nickel, and copper were detected at levels that might pose some risk to aquatic life, though levels of metals in the biosolids were well below maximum allowable regulatory limits. ER-CALUX results were mostly explained by background bisphenol A contamination and octylphenol in runoff, though unknown contributors and/or matrix effects were also found. PMID:21786314

Structure Design Approach and Technology Selection for Next Generation European Launchers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baiocco, P.; Ramusat, G.; Kauffmann, J.; Jaredson, D.; Bouilly, Th.; Lavelle, F.; Louaas, E.

2012-07-01

In the framework of the next generation launchers activity at ESA, a top-down and a bottom-up approach has been performed for the alternative conception and promising technologies of NGL sub-assemblies and sub-systems. The top-down approach consisted in looking for system-driven design solutions and the bottom-up in the proposal of design solutions taking to substantial advantages for the system. The main investigations have been focused on structures and technologies tight to structures and interfaces. Specifications coming from a preliminary system design have been used in order to permit sub-system design with the goal to find the major advantage for the overall launch system. In this respect selection criteria have been identified and among these a specific evaluation of the payload mass over recurring cost advantage has been evaluated. The development cost, recurring cost and operational aspects have been considered as competitiveness factors for the identification of the most interesting solutions. The TRL/IRL has been assessed and a preliminary development plan has been identified. This approach is dedicated to reference NGL architectures, but alternative architectures have been investigated in order to assess their interest in terms of competitiveness factors and study of other technologies. This paper deals mainly with metallic and composite structures owing to sub-systems or sub-assemblies proposed for the NGL. The major sub-systems and structures analysed are the engine thrust frame (ETF), inter stage structures (ISS), cryogenic propellant tanks, feeding lines and attachments, pressurisation systems and fairing. The paper provides an overview of the main results of this investigation and the potential benefit it can provide.

The Progreso Basin Province of Northwestern Peru and Southwestern Ecuador: Neogene and Cretaceous-Paleogene Total Petroleum Systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Higley, Debra K.

2004-01-01

The Progreso Basin province (6083) in northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador consists of the Paleogene Santa Elena block and Peru Bank, and the Neogene Tumbes-Progreso subbasin. The Santa Elena block and Peru Bank are part of the Cretaceous-Paleogene Total Petroleum System (TPS)(608302), which contains the Cretaceous-Paleogene Santa Elena Block Assessment Unit (60830201). The Tumbes- Progreso subbasin includes the Neogene TPS (608301) and associated Neogene Pull-Apart Basin Assessment Unit (60830101). The complex tectonic history of the Progreso Basin province influenced depositional and erosional patterns across the region, and also the location, timing, and types of seals, traps, possible source and reservoir rocks, and hydrocarbon generation and migration. Marine shales that are interbedded with and overlie reservoir intervals are the probable hydrocarbon source rocks. Timing of hydrocarbon generation and migration was probably Miocene and younger, following creation of the Tumbes-Progreso subbasin by movement along the Dolores-Guayaquil megashear. More than 220 million barrels of oil (MMBO) and 255 billion cubic feet of gas (BCFG) have been produced from the Progreso Basin province. The means of estimated recoverable oil, gas, and natural gas liquids (NGL) resources from undiscovered fields in the province are 237 MMBO, 695 BCFG, and 32 MMB NGL, respectively. The means of estimated recoverable oil, gas, and NGL resources from undiscovered onshore fields are 45 MMBO, 113 BCFG, and 5 MMBNGL, and from undiscovered offshore fields are 192 BBO, 582 BCFG, and 27 MMBNGL. These are USGS grown undiscovered resources that were determined by using a minimum field size of 1 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Mercury speciation and microbial transformations in mine wastes, stream sediments, and surface waters at the Almaden Mining District, Spain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gray, John E.; Hines, Mark E.; Higueras, Pablo L.; Adatto, Isaac; Lasorsa, Brenda K.

2004-01-01

Speciation of Hg and conversion to methyl-Hg were evaluated in mine wastes, sediments, and water collected from the Almade??n District, Spain, the world's largest Hg producing region. Our data for methyl-Hg, a neurotoxin hazardous to humans, are the first reported for sediment and water from the Almade??n area. Concentrations of Hg and methyl-Hg in mine waste, sediment, and water from Almade??n are among the highest found at Hg mines worldwide. Mine wastes from Almade??n contain highly elevated Hg concentrations, ranging from 160 to 34 000 ??g/g, and methyl-Hg varies from <0.20 to 3100 ng/g. Isotopic tracer methods indicate that mine wastes at one site (Almadenejos) exhibit unusually high rates of Hg-methylation, which correspond with mine wastes containing the highest methyl-Hg concentrations. Streamwater collected near the Almade??n mine is also contaminated, containing Hg as high as 13 000 ng/L and methyl-Hg as high as 30 ng/L; corresponding stream sediments contain Hg concentrations as high as 2300 ??g/g and methyl-Hg concentrations as high as 82 ng/g. Several streamwaters contain Hg concentrations in excess of the 1000 ng/L World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Methyl-Hg formation and degradation was rapid in mines wastes and stream sediments demonstrating the dynamic nature of Hg cycling. These data indicate substantial downstream transport of Hg from the Almade??n mine and significant conversion to methyl-Hg in the surface environment.

Zwitterionic, cationic, and anionic fluorinated chemicals in aqueous film forming foam formulations and groundwater from U.S. military bases by nonaqueous large-volume injection HPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Backe, Will J; Day, Thomas C; Field, Jennifer A

2013-05-21

A new analytical method was developed to quantify 26 newly-identified and 21 legacy (e.g. perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, and fluorotelomer sulfonates) per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater and aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) formulations. Prior to analysis, AFFF formulations were diluted into methanol and PFAS in groundwater were micro liquid-liquid extracted. Methanolic dilutions of AFFF formulations and groundwater extracts were analyzed by large-volume injection (900 μL) high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Orthogonal chromatography was performed using cation exchange (silica) and anion exchange (propylamine) guard columns connected in series to a reverse-phase (C18) analytical column. Method detection limits for PFAS in groundwater ranged from 0.71 ng/L to 67 ng/L, and whole-method accuracy ranged from 96% to 106% for analytes for which matched authentic analytical standards were available. For analytes without authentic analytical standards, whole-method accuracy ranged from 78 % to 144 %, and whole-method precision was less than 15 % relative standard deviation for all analytes. A demonstration of the method on groundwater samples from five military bases revealed eight of the 26 newly-identified PFAS present at concentrations up to 6900 ng/L. The newly-identified PFAS represent a minor fraction of the fluorinated chemicals in groundwater relative to legacy PFAS. The profiles of PFAS in groundwater differ from those found in fluorotelomer- and electrofluorination-based AFFF formulations, which potentially indicates environmental transformation of PFAS.

Diagnostic Utility of High Sensitivity Troponins for Echocardiographic Markers of Structural Heart Disease.

PubMed

Wang, Tom Kai Ming; Dugo, Clementina; Gillian, Yvonne; Yvonne, Wynne; Heather, Semple; Kevin, Smith; Peter, Cleave; Jonathan, Christiansen; Andrew, To; Nezar, Amir; Scott, Tony; Ross, Boswell; Patrick, Gladding

2018-02-15

The conventional use of high-sensitivity troponins (hs-troponins) is for diagnosing myocardial infarction however they also have a role in chronic disease management. This pilot study assessed the relationship of hs-troponins with echocardiographic markers of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and structural heart disease (SHD). Patients undergoing computer gomography (CT) coronary angiogram for low-intermediate risk chest pain and healthy volunteers were recruited. Hs-troponins Singulex I, Abbott I and Roche T and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were evaluated in relation to SHD parameters including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH Echo ) and left atrial enlargement (LAE Echo ) on echocardiography. 78 subjects who underwent echocardiography were included in this study. C-statistics (95% confidence interval) of the four biomarkers for predicting LVH Echo were 0.84 (0.72-0.92), 0.84 (0.73-0.92), 0.75 (0.63-0.85) and 0.62 (0.49-0.74); for LAE Echo 0.74 (0.6-0.85), 0.78 (0.66-0.88), 0.55 (0.42-0.67) and 0.68 (0.62-0.85); and composite SHD 0.79 (0.66-0.88), 0.87 (0.75-0.94), 0.62 (0.49-0.73) and 0.74 (0.62-0.84) respectively. Optimal cut points for SHD were >1.2 ng/L, >1.6 ng/L, >8 ng/L and >18 pmol/L respectively. These results advocate the potential role of hs-troponins as screening tools for structural heart disease with theranostic implications.

Water quality concerns due to forest fires: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination of groundwater from mountain areas.

PubMed

Mansilha, C; Carvalho, A; Guimarães, P; Espinha Marques, J

2014-01-01

Water quality alterations due to forest fires may considerably affect aquatic organisms and water resources. These impacts are cumulative as a result of pollutants mobilized from fires, chemicals used to fight fire, and postfire responses. Few studies have examined postfire transport into water resources of trace elements, including the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which are organic pollutants produced during combustion and are considered carcinogenic and harmful to humans. PAH are also known to adversely affect survival, growth, and reproduction of many aquatic species. This study assessed the effects of forest wildfires on groundwater from two mountain regions located in protected areas from north and central Portugal. Two campaigns to collect water samples were performed in order to measure PAH levels. Fifteen of 16 studied PAH were found in groundwater samples collected at burned areas, most of them at concentrations significantly higher than those found in control regions, indicating aquifer contamination. The total sum of PAH in burned areas ranged from 23.1to 95.1 ng/L with a median of 62.9 ng/L, which is one- to sixfold higher than the average level measured in controls (16.2 ng/L). In addition, in control samples, the levels of light PAH with two to four rings were at higher levels than heavy PAH with five or six rings, thus showing a different profile between control and burned sites. The contribution of wildfires to groundwater contamination by PAH was demonstrated, enabling a reliable assessment of the impacts on water quality and preparation of scientifically based decision criteria for postfire forest management practices.

Monitoring population exposure to pesticides based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry measurement of their urinary metabolites in urban wastewater: A novel biomonitoring approach.

PubMed

Rousis, Nikolaos I; Zuccato, Ettore; Castiglioni, Sara

2016-11-15

Biomonitoring studies have documented the high exposure of the population to pesticides which are widely used for crop protection, industrial and household purposes. This is the first study which has measured human urinary metabolites of pesticides in urban wastewater as biomarkers of population exposure. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to measure fifteen urinary metabolites selected from the major classes of pesticides. Raw wastewater samples were processed by solid phase extraction (SPE) or direct injection into the LC-MS/MS system. Recoveries ranged from 75 to 115% and the limits of quantification were 1-15ng/L for the SPE method and 40-800ng/L for direct injection. The method was employed for the analysis of 44 composite 24-h wastewater samples collected in seven Italian cities. Most of the target substances were detected at concentrations ranging from 1.1ng/L to 1.6μg/L. The highest concentrations were for some common metabolites of alkyl phosphates and pyrethroids and the specific metabolite of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol). The frequency of detection and abundance of most of the measured metabolites were in line with the profiles reported in urine biomonitoring studies. This method is therefore proposed as a novel "biomonitoring approach" for obtaining objective, direct information on the levels of exposure of a specific population to pesticides, and current research is addressed to validate the method identifying the most reliable biomarkers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mobilization of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and estrogenic activity in simulated rainfall runoff from land-applied biosolids.

PubMed

Giudice, Ben D; Young, Thomas M

2011-10-01

Municipal biosolids are commonly applied to land as soil amendment or fertilizer as a form of beneficial reuse of what could otherwise be viewed as waste. Balanced against this benefit are potential risks to groundwater and surface water quality from constituents that may be mobilized during storm events. The objective of the present study was to characterize the mobilization of selected endocrine-disrupting compounds, heavy metals, and total estrogenic activity in rainfall runoff from land-applied biosolids. Rainfall simulations were conducted on soil plots amended with biosolids. Surface runoff and leachate was collected and analyzed for the endocrine-disrupting compounds bisphenol A, 17α-ethynylestradiol, triclocarban, triclosan, octylphenol, and nonylphenol; a suite of 16 metals; and estrogenic activity via the estrogen receptor-mediated chemical activated luciferase gene expression (ER-CALUX) bioassay. Triclocarban (2.3-17.3 ng/L), triclosan (<51-309 ng/L), and octylphenol (<4.9-203 ng/L) were commonly detected. Chromium (2.0-22 µg/L), Co (2.5-10 µg/L), Ni (28-235 µg/L), Cu (14-110 µg/L), As (1.2-2.7 µg/L), and Se (0.29-12 µg/L) were quantifiable over background levels. Triclosan, Ni, and Cu were detected at levels that might pose some risk to aquatic life, though levels of metals in the biosolids were well below the maximum allowable regulatory limits. The ER-CALUX results were mostly explained by background bisphenol A contamination and octylphenol in runoff, although unknown contributors or matrix effects were also found. Copyright © 2011 SETAC.

Linking diurnal trends in methylmercury concentration and organic matter photo-reactivity in wetlands of the Yolo Bypass, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleck, J. A.; Downing, B. D.; Saraceno, J.; Gill, G.; Stephenson, M.; Bergamaschi, B. A.

2008-12-01

Aqueous concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) are known to vary temporally and spatially due to multiple concurrent production and loss mechanisms, and due to variations in the hydrologic connectivity between the methylating substrate (most commonly the benthos) and the overlying water compartments. Diurnal trends in MeHg production, bacterial demethylation, photo-demethylation, diffusion and advection transport processes have been identified and investigated; however, the magnitude and relative importance of each process in mediating overlying water MeHg concentrations, is not well known in natural wetland systems. Temporal variations in aqueous MeHg concentrations may impact the biological accumulation of MeHg into the base of the aquatic food chain, and may challenge regulatory efforts designed to mitigate MeHg exports from point and non-point sources. To identify the possible "hot moments" during the diurnal cycle, surface water MeHg concentrations were monitored in two agricultural wetland settings (wild rice and white rice fields) over a 24- hour period within the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, California using a combination of in situ optical sensors and traditional surface-water grab samples. In the wild rice field, MeHg concentrations doubled from 1 ng/L to 2 ng/L over the nighttime hours and returned to 1 ng/L during the daylight hours, whereas the white rice field showed no significant variation in MeHg concentration (0.73 +/- 0.08 ng/L) throughout the diurnal cycle. Similar trends were observed when MeHg data was expressed as a percentage of total Hg, with both wetland habitats exhibiting similar levels (20% MeHg) following the nighttime period and the wild rice field declining to 10% in the early evening. Field parameters measured in situ (including: solar radiation, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature) exhibited large diurnal trends in both wetlands, whereas optical proxies for dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition mirrored the fluctuations in MeHg concentration and %MeHg, with a strong diurnal trend in wild rice and no apparent trend in white rice. These results suggest a unique link between DOM photo-reactivity and photo-demethylation in these wetlands that challenges traditional monitoring efforts in terms of defining generalized "hot moments" associated with the diurnal cycling of MeHg in shallow agricultural wetland settings.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water, soil and plants in wetlands and agricultural areas in Kampala, Uganda.

PubMed

Dalahmeh, Sahar; Tirgani, Sana; Komakech, Allan John; Niwagaba, Charles B; Ahrens, Lutz

2018-08-01

Occurrence and concentrations of 26 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were evaluated in wastewater, surface water, soil and crop plants (yam (Dioscorea spp.), maize (Zea mays) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)) in Nakivubo wetland and Lake Victoria at Kampala, Uganda. ∑PFAS concentrations in effluent from Bugolobi wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were higher (5.6-9.1ngL -1 ) than in the corresponding influent (3.4-5.1ngL -1 ), indicating poor removal of PFASs within the WWTP. ∑PFAS concentrations decreased by a factor of approximately five between Nakivubo channel (8.5-12ngL -1 ) and Lake Victoria (1.0-2.5ngL -1 ), due to dilution, sorption to sediment and uptake by plants in the wetland. ∑PFAS concentrations were within the range 1700-7900pgg -1 dry weight (dw) in soil and 160pgg -1 dw (maize cobs) to 380pgg -1 dw (sugarcane stems) in plants. The dominant PFASs were perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) in wastewater, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in surface water, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in soil and perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA) and PFOA in different plant tissues, reflecting PFAS-specific partitioning behaviour in different matrices. Soil-water partitioning coefficient (log K d ) in wetland soil under yam was lowest for short-chain PFHxA (1.9-2.3Lkg -1 ) and increased with increasing chain length to 2.8-3.1Lkg -1 for perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) and 2.8-3.1Lkg -1 for perfluoroctanesulfonate (PFOS). The log K oc values ranged between 2.2 and 3.6Lkg -1 , with the highest log K oc estimated for long-chain perfluorocarbon PFASs (i.e. PFUnDA 3.2-3.5Lkg -1 and PFOS 3.2-3.6Lkg -1 ). The concentration ratio (CR) between plants and soil was <1 for all PFASs and plant species, with the highest CR estimated for PFHpA (0.65-0.67) in sugarcane stem and PFBS (0.53-0.59) in yam root. Overall, this investigation demonstrated PFASs entry into the terrestrial food chain and drinking water resources in Kampala, Uganda. Source identification, assessment of impacts on human health and the environment, and better wastewater treatment technologies are needed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An ultra-sensitive method for the analysis of perfluorinated alkyl acids in drinking water using a column switching high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Dasu, Kavitha; Nakayama, Shoji F; Yoshikane, Mitsuha; Mills, Marc A; Wright, J Michael; Ehrlich, Shelley

2017-04-21

In epidemiological research, it has become increasingly important to assess subjects' exposure to different classes of chemicals in multiple environmental media. It is a common practice to aliquot limited volumes of samples into smaller quantities for specific trace level chemical analyses. A novel method was developed for the determination of 14 perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in small volumes (10mL) of drinking water using off-line solid phase extraction (SPE) pre-treatment followed by on-line pre-concentration on a WAX column before analysis on column-switching high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). In general, large volumes (100-1000mL) have been used for the analysis of PFAAs in drinking water. The current method requires approximately 10mL of drinking water concentrated by using an SPE cartridge and eluted with methanol. A large volume injection of the extract was introduced on to a column-switching HPLC-MS/MS using a mix-mode SPE column for the trace level analysis of PFAAs in water. The recoveries for most of the analytes in the fortified laboratory blanks ranged from 73±14% to 128±5%. The lowest concentration minimum reporting levels (LCMRL) for the 14 PFAAs ranged from 0.59 to 3.4ng/L. The optimized method was applied to a pilot-scale analysis of a subset of drinking water samples from an epidemiological study. These samples were collected directly from the taps in the households of Ohio and Northern Kentucky, United States and the sources of drinking water samples are both surface water and ground water, and supplied by different water distribution facilities. Only five PFAAs, perfluoro-1-butanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluoro-1- -hexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoro-1-octanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluoro-n-heptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA) are detected above the LCMRL values. The median concentrations of these five PFAAs detected in the samples was ≤4.1ng/L with PFOS at 7.6ng/L and PFOA at 10ng/L. Concentrations of perfluoro-1-decanesulfonic acid, PFDS and other perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids were below the LCMRL values. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of food, aquatic humus, and alkalinity on methylmercury uptake by Daphnia magna

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Monson, B.A.; Brezonik, P.L.

Six-day-old Daphnia magna were exposed to low concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) in synthetic freshwater and synthetic food. Uptake kinetics were determined in 24- to 72-h experiments, measuring both the loss of Hg from water and accumulation in D. magna. Dose-uptake response was linear for MeHg concentrations up to 4.0 ng/L; an initial concentration of 2.0 ng/L was used when other factors were varied. Concentrations of total Hg and MeHg in water and D. magna were measured in treatments with varied hardness and alkalinity, aquatic humus (AH), and food spiked with MeHg versus water spiked with MeHg. Uptake rate coefficients weremore » derived from two versions of a first-order, two-compartment model. The first version assumed constant MeHg concentration; the second accounted for changing MeHg concentration in water over time. Both models accounted for a nonzero starting concentration of MeHg in plankton. Fitted rate coefficients were higher for the second model than the first: the uptake coefficient (k{sub u}) was nine times higher; the depuration coefficient (k{sub d}) was twice as high. Assuming a constant MeHg concentration for a one-time spike thus underestimated the rate coefficient. The source of MeHg was compared by exposing D. magna for 48 h to MeHg at 2 ng/L in food or water. Daphnia magna accumulated significantly more inorganic Hg (i.e., Hg{sup 2+}) from spiked food than from spiked water, but accumulation of MeHg was the same from both sources. A similar response was found when D. magna were exposed to a lake water extraction of AH at concentrations of C at 3 and 10 mg/L. At the higher AH concentration, total Hg in daphnids was higher, but MeHg was lower, suggesting that AH was a source of inorganic Hg but reduced the bioavailability of MeHg. Exposure of D. magna to MeHg at 2 ng/L in hard or soft water adjusted to pH 6.7 showed no significant difference in MeHg uptake, supporting an argument that hardness and alkalinity per se do not affect MeHg uptake by daphnids.« less

[The effects of postconditioning with propofol on Toll-like receptor 4 expression in the lung tissue of rat with acute lung injury].

PubMed

Li, Guo-Fu; Tong, Xin; Luan, Ting; Zang, Bin

2012-10-01

To investigate the effect of postconditioning with propofol on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in the lung tissue in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) rats. Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to control group, ALI group, and propofol postcondition group (each n=10). The model of ALI was reproduced by intravenous injection of LPS (8 mg/kg for 30 minutes) into the rats, equivalent normal saline was injected into the rats of control group. The rats were postconditioned with propofol injected intravenously by 20 mg/kg bolus dose and then continuously by 40 mg×kg(-1)×h(-1) with a constant speed for 1 hour. The rats were sacrificed 6 hours after drug injection. Lung wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio and lung permeability index (LPI) was taken. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and TLR4 mRNA expression in lung tissue was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The lung W/D ratio, LPI, TLR4 mRNA and TNF-α in BALF were all increased in ALI group compared with control group [lung W/D ratio: 5.30±0.28 vs. 4.21±0.14, LPI (×10(-3)): 8.7±2.2 vs. 3.3±2.0, TLR4 mRNA: 2.451±0.028 vs. 0.998±0.021, TNF-α: 643.46±62.31 ng/L vs. 120.43±12.65 ng/L, all P<0.05]. The above indexes were significantly reduced in the propofol group than those in the ALI group [lung W/D ratio: 4.68±0.19 vs. 5.30±0.28, LPI (×10(-3)): 5.8±2.0 vs. 8.7±2.2, TLR4 mRNA: 1.126±0.025 vs. 2.451±0.028, TNF-α: 290.53±32.01 ng/L vs. 643.46±62.31 ng/L, all P<0.05], but still higher than those in control group (all P<0.05). Postconditioning with propofol may alleviate ALI via reducing TLR4 mRNA expression, and inhibit the waterfall-like inflammatory reaction.

Effect of metformin on left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction in patients without diabetes: the GIPS-III randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Lexis, Chris P H; van der Horst, Iwan C C; Lipsic, Erik; Wieringa, Wouter G; de Boer, Rudolf A; van den Heuvel, Ad F M; van der Werf, Hindrik W; Schurer, Remco A J; Pundziute, Gabija; Tan, Eng S; Nieuwland, Wybe; Willemsen, Hendrik M; Dorhout, Bernard; Molmans, Barbara H W; van der Horst-Schrivers, Anouk N A; Wolffenbuttel, Bruce H R; ter Horst, Gert J; van Rossum, Albert C; Tijssen, Jan G P; Hillege, Hans L; de Smet, Bart J G L; van der Harst, Pim; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J

2014-04-16

Metformin treatment is associated with improved outcome after myocardial infarction in patients with diabetes. In animal experimental studies metformin preserves left ventricular function. To evaluate the effect of metformin treatment on preservation of left ventricular function in patients without diabetes presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted among 380 patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI at the University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands, between January 1, 2011, and May 26, 2013. Metformin hydrochloride (500 mg) (n = 191) or placebo (n = 189) twice daily for 4 months. The primary efficacy measure was left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 4 months, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. A secondary efficacy measure was the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration after 4 months. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; the combined end point of death, reinfarction, or target-lesion revascularization) was recorded until 4 months as a secondary efficacy measure. At 4 months, all patients were alive and none were lost to follow-up. LVEF was 53.1% (95% CI, 51.6%-54.6%) in the metformin group (n = 135), compared with 54.8% (95% CI, 53.5%-56.1%) (P = .10) in the placebo group (n = 136). NT-proBNP concentration was 167 ng/L in the metformin group (interquartile range [IQR], 65-393 ng/L) and 167 ng/L in the placebo group (IQR, 74-383 ng/L) (P = .66). MACE were observed in 6 patients (3.1%) in the metformin group and in 2 patients (1.1%) in the placebo group (P = .16). Creatinine concentration (79 µmol/L [IQR, 70-87 µmol/L] vs 79 µmol/L [IQR, 72-89 µmol/L], P = .61) and glycated hemoglobin (5.9% [IQR, 5.6%-6.1%] vs 5.9% [IQR, 5.7%-6.1%], P = .15) were not significantly different between both groups. No cases of lactic acidosis were observed. Among patients without diabetes presenting with STEMI and undergoing primary PCI, the use of metformin compared with placebo did not result in improved LVEF after 4 months. The present findings do not support the use of metformin in this setting. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01217307.

[Differences of blood plasma renin activity, angiotensin II and aldosterone levels in essential or secondary hypertension].

PubMed

Song, Ai-ling; Zeng, Zheng-pei; Tong, An-li; Lu, Lin; Chen, Shi; Li, Ming; Fu, Chun-li; Wang, Yong-hui; Sun, Mei-li

2012-04-01

To study on the difference of plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (Ang II), and aldosterone levels in patients with essential hypertension (EH) or primary aldosteronism (PA) or pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and to analyze the sensitivity and specificity on the diagnosis of PA among patients with hypertension with aldosterone/PRA ratio (ARR). The plasma aldosterone, Ang II and PRA concentrations in supine and upright positions were measured by radioimmunoassay from 413 patients including idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA, n = 111), aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA, n = 118), PHEO (n = 98) and EH (n = 86). ARR was calculated. Plasma aldosterone concentrations in both of supine and upright positions in PHEO group [374 (294, 465) pmol/L and 629 (449, 997) pmol/L] and PA group [471 (346, 632) pmol/L and 673 (499, 825) pmol/L] were higher than those in EH group [277 (224, 332) pmol/L and 427 (341, 501) pmol/L] (P < 0.01). They were also higher in APA group [576 (416, 731) pmol/L and 726 (554, 906) pmol/L] than those in IHA group [399 (313, 504) pmol/L and 609 (485, 776) pmol/L] (P < 0.01). Ang II levels in both positions were lower in PA group [43.2 (26.4, 74.4) ng/L and 60.1 (38.5, 103.6) ng/L] than in EH group [56.7 (43.3, 78.9) ng/L and 84.3 (61.3, 108.4) ng/L] or PHEO group [54.3 (29.9, 101.5) ng/L and 102.8 (49.9, 167.0) ng/L] (all P values < 0.01), and there was no difference between IHA and APA group (P > 0.05). The PRA level in both positions of each group were PHEO group [0.3 (0.2, 1.0) µg · L(-1) · h(-1) and 1.4 (0.6, 3.4) µg · L(-1) · h(-1)] > EH group [0.2 (0.1, 0.4) µg · L(-1) · h(-1) and 0.6 (0.4, 1.0) µg · L(-1) · h(-1)] (P < 0.01) > PA group [0.1 (0.1, 0.1) µg · L(-1) · h(-1) and 0.2 (0.1, 0.3) µg · L(-1) · h(-1)] (P < 0.01), and APA group [0.1 (0.1, 0.1) µg · L(-1) · h(-1) and 0.1 (0.1, 0.3) µg · L(-1) · h(-1)] < IHA group [0.1 (0.1, 0.2) µg · L(-1) · h(-1) and 0.2 (0.1, 0.3) µg · L(-1) · h(-1)] (supine P < 0.01; upright P < 0.05). APA was divided into 2 types with renin-Ang II-responsive APA (n = 26) and unresponsive APA (n = 92). The plasma aldosterone concentration was lower in supine position but higher in upright position in renin-Ang II-responsive APA than in unresponsive APA patients. ARR in upright was higher in PA group (P < 0.01) but lower in PHEO group (P < 0.05) compared with EH. ARR was higher in APA than in IHA (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of ARR as 40 (aldosterone unit: ng/dl; PRA unit: µg · L(-1) · h(-1); its value should multiply 27.7 when transferred to pmol/L, simili) were 93% and 76%, respectively. The levels of PRA, Ang II and aldosterone from patients with EH, PA and PHEO are significant different. ARR as 40 in upright position could be used for PA screening cutoff point.

Measuring Endocrine-active Chemicals at ng/L Concentrations in Water

EPA Science Inventory

Analytical chemistry challenges for supporting aquatic toxicity research and risk assessment are many: need for low detection limits, complex sample matrices, small sample size, and equipment limitations to name a few. Certain types of potent endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)...

An isotope-dilution standard GC/MS/MS method for steroid hormones in water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foreman, William T.; Gray, James L.; ReVello, Rhiannon C.; Lindley, Chris E.; Losche, Scott A.

2013-01-01

An isotope-dilution quantification method was developed for 20 natural and synthetic steroid hormones and additional compounds in filtered and unfiltered water. Deuterium- or carbon-13-labeled isotope-dilution standards (IDSs) are added to the water sample, which is passed through an octadecylsilyl solid-phase extraction (SPE) disk. Following extract cleanup using Florisil SPE, method compounds are converted to trimethylsilyl derivatives and analyzed by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Validation matrices included reagent water, wastewater-affected surface water, and primary (no biological treatment) and secondary wastewater effluent. Overall method recovery for all analytes in these matrices averaged 100%; with overall relative standard deviation of 28%. Mean recoveries of the 20 individual analytes for spiked reagent-water samples prepared along with field samples analyzed in 2009–2010 ranged from 84–104%, with relative standard deviations of 6–36%. Detection levels estimated using ASTM International’s D6091–07 procedure range from 0.4 to 4 ng/L for 17 analytes. Higher censoring levels of 100 ng/L for bisphenol A and 200 ng/L for cholesterol and 3-beta-coprostanol are used to prevent bias and false positives associated with the presence of these analytes in blanks. Absolute method recoveries of the IDSs provide sample-specific performance information and guide data reporting. Careful selection of labeled compounds for use as IDSs is important because both inexact IDS-analyte matches and deuterium label loss affect an IDS’s ability to emulate analyte performance. Six IDS compounds initially tested and applied in this method exhibited deuterium loss and are not used in the final method.

Constraining recent lead pollution sources in the North Pacific using ice core stable lead isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kreutz, K. J.; Osterberg, E. C.; Gross, B.; Handley, M.; Wake, C. P.; Yalcin, K.

2009-12-01

Trends and sources of lead aerosol pollution in the North Pacific boundary layer from 1970-2001 are investigated using a high-resolution ice core record recovered from Eclipse Icefield (3017 masl; St. Elias Mountains, Canada). Average Pb concentrations in the ice core are enriched 31.8 times above crustal values based on ratios with five crustal reference elements (La, Ce, Pr, Al and Ti), indicating that >90% of the Pb deposited is anthropogenic. Isotopic analyses (208Pb/207Pb and 206Pb/207Pb) confirm that the Pb deposited at Eclipse Icefield is predominantly anthropogenic. Annually averaged Pb concentrations range from 25.6 ng/l to 96.7 ng/l (67.6 ng/l mean) and show no long term trend for the 1970-2001 period, contrary to other ice core records from the North Atlantic and the North Pacific. The stable Pb isotope ratio (208Pb/207Pb and 206Pb/207Pb) field indicates that recent Eclipse Icefield Pb pollution represents a variable mixture of North American, Central Eurasian and Asian (Chinese and Japanese) emissions transported across the Pacific basin, with Chinese coal combustion likely being the primary source. Increasing 208Pb/207Pb and 206Pb/207Pb ratios from the 1970’s through 2001 reflect the progressive East Asian industrialization concurrent with a decrease in Eurasian Pb emissions. We compare Pb isotope results from the Eclipse Icefield to data recently acquired from Denali National Park, where snowpit samples were collected from the Kahiltna Pass region (3048 masl). Pb isotope data from both sites are used to evaluate the relative importance of Asian emissions at similar altitudes yet different latitudes.

A phase II, multicentre trial evaluating the efficacy of de-escalated bisphosphonate therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients at low-risk of skeletal-related events.

PubMed

Addison, Christina L; Bouganim, Nathaniel; Hilton, John; Vandermeer, Lisa; Dent, Susan; Amir, Eitan; Hopkins, Sean; Kuchuk, Iryna; Segal, Roanne; Song, Xinni; Gertler, Stan; Mazzarello, Sasha; Dranitsaris, George; Ooi, Daylily; Pond, Gregory; Clemons, Mark

2014-04-01

The optimal frequency of intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate administration is unclear. We thus performed a study evaluating the effects of switching from 3-4 to 12 weekly therapy in patients with biochemically defined low-risk bone metastases. Patients with serum C-telopeptide (CTx) levels ≤600 ng/L after ≥3 months of 3-4 weekly IV pamidronate were switched to 12 weekly therapy for 48 weeks. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients maintaining CTx levels in the lower-risk range. All endpoints (serum CTx and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), skeletal-related events (SREs) and self-reported pain) were measured at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 weeks. Treatment failure was defined as biochemical failure (CTx > 600 ng/L) or a SRE. Exploratory biomarkers including; serum TGF-β, activin-A, bone sialoprotein (BSP), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide and urinary N-telopeptide (NTx) were assessed at baseline as predictors for failure to complete treatment. Seventy-one patients accrued and 43 (61 %) completed 48 weeks of de-escalated therapy. Reasons for failure to complete treatment included; biochemical failure (CTx > 600 ng/L) (n = 10, 14.1 %), on-study SRE (n = 9, 12.7 %), disease progression (n = 7, 9.9 % including death from disease [n = 1, 1.4 %]) or patient choice (n = 2, 2.8 %). Elevated baseline levels of CTx, BSAP, NTx and BSP were associated with treatment failure. The majority of patients in this biochemically defined low-risk population could switch from 3-4 weekly to 12 weekly bisphosphonate therapy with no effect on CTx levels or SREs during the 48 week study. Larger trials are required to assess the roles of biomarkers as predictors of adequacy of de-escalated therapy.

Real-Time Quantitative Analysis of Valproic Acid in Exhaled Breath by Low Temperature Plasma Ionization Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Xiaoxia; Shi, Songyue; Gamez, Gerardo

2017-04-01

Real-time analysis of exhaled human breath is a rapidly growing field in analytical science and has great potential for rapid and noninvasive clinical diagnosis and drug monitoring. In the present study, an LTP-MS method was developed for real-time, in-vivo and quantitative analysis of γ-valprolactone, a metabolite of valproic acid (VPA), in exhaled breath without any sample pretreatment. In particular, the effect of working conditions and geometry of the LTP source on the ions of interest, protonated molecular ion at m/z 143 and ammonium adduct ion at m/z 160, were systematically characterized. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with collision-induced dissociation (CID) was carried out in order to identify γ-valprolactone molecular ions ( m/z 143), and the key fragment ion ( m/z 97) was used for quantitation. In addition, the fragmentation of ammonium adduct ions to protonated molecular ions was performed in-source to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. At optimum conditions, signal reproducibility with an RSD of 8% was achieved. The concentration of γ-valprolactone in exhaled breath was determined for the first time to be 4.83 (±0.32) ng/L by using standard addition method. Also, a calibration curve was obtained with a linear range from 0.7 to 22.5 ng/L, and the limit of detection was 0.18 ng/L for γ-valprolactone in standard gas samples. Our results show that LTP-MS is a powerful analytical platform with high sensitivity for quantitative analysis of volatile organic compounds in human breath, and can have potential applications in pharmacokinetics or for patient monitoring and treatment.

Seasonal occurrence, removal efficiencies and preliminary risk assessment of multiple classes of organic UV filters in wastewater treatment plants.

PubMed

Tsui, Mirabelle M P; Leung, H W; Lam, Paul K S; Murphy, Margaret B

2014-04-15

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters are applied widely in personal care products (PCPs), but the distribution and risks of these compounds in the marine environment are not well known. In this study, the occurrence and removal efficiencies of 12 organic UV filters in five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) equipped with different treatment levels in Hong Kong, South China, were investigated during one year and a preliminary environmental risk assessment was carried out. Using a newly developed simultaneous multiclass quantification liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM), 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), benzophenone-4 (BP-4) and 2-ethyl-hexyl-4-trimethoxycinnamate (EHMC) were frequently (≥80%) detected in both influent and effluent with mean concentrations ranging from 23 to 1290 ng/L and 18-1018 ng/L, respectively; less than 2% of samples contained levels greater than 1000 ng/L. Higher concentrations of these frequently detected compounds were found during the wet/summer season, except for BP-4, which was the most abundant compound detected in all samples in terms of total mass. The target compounds behaved differently depending on the treatment level in WWTPs; overall, removal efficiencies were greater after secondary treatment when compared to primary treatment with >55% and <20% of compounds showing high removal (defined as >70% removal), respectively. Reverse osmosis was found to effectively eliminate UV filters from effluent (>99% removal). A preliminary risk assessment indicated that BP-3 and EHMC discharged from WWTPs may pose high risk to fishes in the local environment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of androgenic and estrogenic endpoints in the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) using quantitative RT-PCR.

PubMed

Hogan, Natacha S; Wartman, Cheryl A; Finley, Megan A; van der Lee, Jennifer G; van den Heuvel, Michael R

2008-12-11

A method to evaluate the expression of three hormone responsive genes, vitellogenin (estrogens), spiggin (androgens), and an androgen receptor (ARbeta) using real-time PCR in threespine stickleback is presented. Primers were designed from previously characterised spiggin and ARbeta sequences, while a homology cloning strategy was used to isolate a partial gene sequence for stickleback vitellogenin (Vtg). Spiggin mRNA was significantly higher in kidneys of field-caught males compared to females by greater than five orders of magnitude while ARbeta levels were only 1.4-fold higher in males. Female fish had four order of magnitude higher liver Vtg expression than wild-captured males. To determine the sensitivity of these genes to induction by hormones, male and female sticklebacks were exposed to 1, 10 and 100 ng/L of methyltestosterone (MT) or estradiol (E2) in a flow-through exposure system for 7 days. Spiggin induction in females, and Vtg induction in males were both detectable at 10 ng/L of MT and E2, respectively. MT exposure did not induce ARbeta expression in the kidneys of female stickleback. In vitro gonadal steroid hormones production was measured in testes and ovaries of exposed stickleback to compare gene expression endpoints to an endpoint of hormonal reproductive alteration. Reduction in testosterone production in ovaries at all three MT exposure concentrations, and ovarian estradiol synthesis at the 100 ng/L exposure were the only effects observed in the in vitro steroidogenesis for either hormone exposure. Application of these methods to assess both androgenic, estrogenic, and anti-steroidogenic properties of environmental contaminants in a single fish species will be a valuable tool for identifying compounds causing reproductive dysfunction in fishes.

Evaluation of serum cobalamin concentrations in dogs of 164 dog breeds (2006-2010).

PubMed

Grützner, Niels; Cranford, Shannon M; Norby, Bo; Suchodolski, Jan S; Steiner, Jörg M

2012-11-01

Altered serum cobalamin concentrations have been observed in dogs with gastrointestinal disorders such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or gastrointestinal inflammation. The aims of the current study were 1) to identify breeds with a higher proportion of dogs with a decreased serum cobalamin concentration, 2) to determine whether dogs with such decreased concentrations tend to have serum canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) concentrations diagnostic for EPI, and 3) to compare the number of submissions for serum cobalamin analysis by breed to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed ranking list of 2009. In this retrospective study, results of 28,675 cobalamin tests were reviewed. Akitas, Chinese Shar-Peis, German Shepherd Dogs, Greyhounds, and Labrador Retrievers had increased proportions of serum cobalamin concentrations below the lower limit of the reference interval (<251 ng/l; all P < 0.0001). Akitas, Chinese Shar-Peis, German Shepherd Dogs, and Border Collies had increased proportions of serum cobalamin concentrations below the detection limit of the assay (<150 ng/l; all P < 0.0001). Akitas, Border Collies, and German Shepherd Dogs with serum cobalamin concentrations <150 ng/l were more likely to have a serum cTLI concentration considered diagnostic for EPI (≤2.5 µg/l; all P ≤ 0.001). The breed with the highest proportion of samples submitted for serum cobalamin analysis in comparison with the AKC ranking list was the Greyhound (odds ratio: 84.6; P < 0.0001). In Akitas and Border Collies, further investigations are warranted to clarify if a potentially breed-specific gastrointestinal disorder is responsible for the increased frequency of decreased serum cobalamin and cTLI concentrations.

Biomagnification of mercury and selenium in two lakes in southern Norway.

PubMed

Økelsrud, Asle; Lydersen, Espen; Fjeld, Eirik

2016-10-01

We have investigated bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of both mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in two lakes in southern Norway to reveal a suggested mitigating effect of Se on Hg biota accumulation. The study included analysis of total Se (Se), total Hg (Hg), and methyl-mercury (MeHg) in water, littoral and pelagic invertebrates and perch (Perca fluviatilis), together with stable isotope analysis (δ(15)N and δ(13)C) in biota. Mean dissolved Se ranged from 22 to 59ngL(-1), while Hg and MeHg in lake water ranged from 1 to 3ngL(-1) and 0.01 to 0.06ngL(-1). Biota Se and Hg concentrations (dry weight) ranged from 0.41mgSekg(-1) and 0.06mgHgkg(-1) in primary littoral invertebrates and up to 2.9mg Sekg(-1) and 3.6mgHgkg(-1) in perch. Both Hg and Se biomagnified in the food web, with a trophic magnification factor (TMF) of 4.64 for Hg and 1.29 for Se. The reported positive transfer of Se in the food web, despite the low measured dissolved Se, suggest that a major proportion of the Se in these lakes are both highly bioavailable and bioaccumulative. However, we did not find support for a Se-facilitated inhibition in the accumulation of Hg in perch, as Se and Hg concentrations in perch muscle correlated positively and Se did not explain any variations in Hg after we controlled for the effects of other important covariates. We postulate that this may be a result of insufficient concentrations of dissolved Se and subsequently in biota in our studied lakes for an efficient Hg sequestration up the food web. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of observed within-person variation of cardiac troponin in emergency department patients for determination of biological variation and percentage and absolute reference change values.

PubMed

Simpson, Aaron J; Potter, Julia M; Koerbin, Gus; Oakman, Carmen; Cullen, Louise; Wilkes, Garry J; Scanlan, Samuel L; Parsonage, William; Hickman, Peter E

2014-06-01

Many patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for assessment of possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have low cardiac troponin concentrations that change very little on repeat blood draw. It is unclear if a lack of change in cardiac troponin concentration can be used to identify acutely presenting patients at low risk of ACS. We used the hs-cTnI assay from Abbott Diagnostics, which can detect cTnI in the blood of nearly all people. We identified a population of ED patients being assessed for ACS with repeat cTnI measurement who ultimately were proven to have no acute cardiac disease at the time of presentation. We used data from the repeat sampling to calculate total within-person CV (CV(T)) and, knowing the assay analytical CV (CV(A)), we could calculate within-person biological variation (CV(i)), reference change values (RCVs), and absolute RCV delta cTnI concentrations. We had data sets on 283 patients. Men and women had similar CV(i) values of approximately 14%, which was similar at all concentrations <40 ng/L. The biological variation was not dependent on the time interval between sample collections (t = 1.5-17 h). The absolute delta critical reference change value was similar no matter what the initial cTnI concentration was. More than 90% of subjects had a critical reference change value <5 ng/L, and 97% had values of <10 ng/L. With this hs-cTnI assay, delta cTnI seems to be a useful tool for rapidly identifying ED patients at low risk for possible ACS. © 2014 The American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

A new mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor gene causing hypocalcaemia: case report of a father and two sons.

PubMed

Schoutteten, M K; Bravenboer, B; Seneca, S; Stouffs, K; Velkeniers, B

2017-07-01

Regulation of calcium is mediated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1.25-dihydroxyvitamine D3. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulates PTH release by a negative feedback system. Gain-of-function mutations in the CaSR gene reset the calcium-PTH axis, leading to hypocalcaemia. We analysed a family with hypocalcaemia. The proband was a 47-year-old man (index, patient I1), who presented with paraesthesias in both limbs. He has two sons (patient II1 a nd I I2). The probands' lab results showed: serum calcium of 1.95 mmol/l, albumin 41 g/l, phosphate 0.81 mmol/l and PTH 6.6 ng/l (normal 15-65 ng/l). Based on this analysis, we suspected a hereditary form of hypocalcaemia and performed genetic testing by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing of the coding regions and intron boundaries of the CaSR gene. Genetic analysis revealed a new heterozygous mutation: c.2195A>G, p.(Asn732Ser) in exon 7. The lab results of patient II1 showed: serum calcium of 1.93 mmol/l, phosphate 1.31 mmol/l, albumin 41 g/l, and PTH 24.3 ng/l. His genotype revealed the same activating mutation and, like his father, he also lost his scalp hair at an early adolescent age. Patient II2 is asymptomatic, and has neither biochemical abnormalities, nor the familial CaSR gene mutation. He still has all his scalp hair. 1) The c.2195A>G, p.(Asn732Ser) mutation in exon 7 of the CaSR gene leads to hypocalcaemia, and has not been reported before in the medical literature. 2) Possibly, this mutation is linked to premature baldness.

Rapid, Fully Automated Digital Immunoassay for p24 Protein with the Sensitivity of Nucleic Acid Amplification for Detecting Acute HIV Infection.

PubMed

Cabrera, Carlos; Chang, Lei; Stone, Mars; Busch, Michael; Wilson, David H

2015-11-01

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) has become the standard for high sensitivity in detecting low levels of virus. However, adoption of NAT can be cost prohibitive in low-resource settings where access to extreme sensitivity could be clinically advantageous for early detection of infection. We report development and preliminary validation of a simple, low-cost, fully automated digital p24 antigen immunoassay with the sensitivity of quantitative NAT viral load (NAT-VL) methods for detection of acute HIV infection. We developed an investigational 69-min immunoassay for p24 capsid protein for use on a novel digital analyzer on the basis of single-molecule-array technology. We evaluated the assay for sensitivity by dilution of standardized preparations of p24, cultured HIV, and preseroconversion samples. We characterized analytical performance and concordance with 2 NAT-VL methods and 2 contemporary p24 Ag/Ab combination immunoassays with dilutions of viral isolates and samples from the earliest stages of HIV infection. Analytical sensitivity was 0.0025 ng/L p24, equivalent to 60 HIV RNA copies/mL. The limit of quantification was 0.0076 ng/L, and imprecision across 10 runs was <10% for samples as low as 0.09 ng/L. Clinical specificity was 95.1%. Sensitivity concordance vs NAT-VL on dilutions of preseroconversion samples and Group M viral isolates was 100%. The digital immunoassay exhibited >4000-fold greater sensitivity than contemporary immunoassays for p24 and sensitivity equivalent to that of NAT methods for early detection of HIV. The data indicate that NAT-level sensitivity for acute HIV infection is possible with a simple, low-cost digital immunoassay. © 2015 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

European multicenter analytical evaluation of the Abbott ARCHITECT STAT high sensitive troponin I immunoassay.

PubMed

Krintus, Magdalena; Kozinski, Marek; Boudry, Pascal; Capell, Nuria Estañ; Köller, Ursula; Lackner, Karl; Lefèvre, Guillaume; Lennartz, Lieselotte; Lotz, Johannes; Herranz, Antonio Mora; Nybo, Mads; Plebani, Mario; Sandberg, Maria B; Schratzberger, Wolfgang; Shih, Jessie; Skadberg, Øyvind; Chargui, Ahmed Taoufik; Zaninotto, Martina; Sypniewska, Grazyna

2014-11-01

International recommendations highlight the superior value of cardiac troponins (cTns) for early diagnosis of myocardial infarction along with analytical requirements of improved precision and detectability. In this multicenter study, we investigated the analytical performance of a new high sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay and its 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL). Laboratories from nine European countries evaluated the ARCHITECT STAT high sensitive troponin I (hs-TnI) immunoassay on the ARCHITECT i2000SR/i1000SR immunoanalyzers. Imprecision, limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantitation (LoQ) linearity of dilution, interferences, sample type, method comparisons, and 99th percentile URLs were evaluated in this study. Total imprecision of 3.3%-8.9%, 2.0%-3.5% and 1.5%-5.2% was determined for the low, medium and high controls, respectively. The lowest cTnI concentration corresponding to a total CV of 10% was 5.6 ng/L. Common interferences, sample dilution and carryover did not affect the hs-cTnI results. Slight, but statistically significant, differences with sample type were found. Concordance between the investigated hs-cTnI assay and contemporary cTnI assay at 99th percentile cut-off was found to be 95%. TnI was detectable in 75% and 57% of the apparently healthy population using the lower (1.1 ng/L) and upper (1.9 ng/L) limit of the LoD range provided by the ARCHITECT STAT hs-TnI package insert, respectively. The 99th percentile values were gender dependent. The new ARCHITECT STAT hs-TnI assay with improved analytical features meets the criteria of high sensitive Tn test and will be a valuable diagnostic tool.

Mercury Methylation at Mercury Mines In The Humboldt River Basin, Nevada, USA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gray, John E.; Crock, James G.; Lasorsa, Brenda K.

2002-12-01

Total Hg and methylmercury concentrations were measured in mine-waste calcines (retorted ore), sediment, and water samples collected in and around abandoned mercury mines in western Nevada to evaluate Hg methylation at the mines and in the Humboldt River basin. Mine-waste calcines contain total Hg concentrations as high as 14 000?g/g. Stream-sediment samples collected within 1 km of the mercury mines contain total Hg concentrations as high as 170?g/g, whereas stream sediments collected>5 km from the mines, and those collected from the Humboldt River and regional baseline sites, contain total Hg concentrations<0.5?g/g. Similarly, methylmercury concentrations in mine-waste calcines are locally asmore » high as 96 ng/g, but methylmercury contents in stream-sediments collected downstream from the mines and from the Humboldt River are lower, ranging from<0.05 to 0.95 ng/g. Stream-water samples collected below two mines studied contain total Hg concentrations ranging from 6 to 2000 ng/L, whereas total Hg in Humboldt River water was generally lower ranging from 2.1 to 9.0 ng/L. Methylmercury concentrations in the Humboldt River water were the lowest in this study (<0.02-0.27 ng/L). Although total Hg and methylmercury concentrations are locally high in mine-waste calcines, there is significant dilution of Hg and lower Hg methylation down gradient from the mines, especially in the sediments and water collected from the Humboldt River, which is> 8 km from any mercury mines. Our data indicate little transference of Hg and methylmercury from the sediment to the water column due to the lack of mine runoff in this desert climate.« less

Detection of triclocarban and two co-contaminating chlorocarbanilides in US aquatic environments using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Sapkota, Amir; Heidler, Jochen; Halden, Rolf U

2007-01-01

The antimicrobial compound triclocarban (TCC; 3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide; CAS# 101-20-2) is a high-production-volume chemical, recently suggested to cause widespread contamination of US water resources. To test this hypothesis, we developed an isotope dilution liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method for ultratrace analysis of TCC (0.9 ng/L detection limit) and analyzed low-volume water samples (200 mL) along with primary sludge samples from across the United States. All river water samples (100%) collected downstream of wastewater treatment plants had detectable levels of TCC, as compared to 56% of those taken upstream. Concentrations of TCC (mean+/-standard deviation) downstream of sewage treatment plants (84+/-110 ng/L) were significantly higher (P<0.05; Wilcoxon rank sum test) than those of samples taken upstream (12+/-15 ng/L). Compared to surface water, mean TCC concentrations found in dried, primary sludge obtained from municipal sewage treatment plants in five states were six orders of magnitude greater (19,300+/-7100 microg/kg). Several river samples contained a co-contaminant, identified based on its chromatographic retention time, molecular base ion, and MS/MS fragmentation behavior as 4,4'-dichlorocarbanilide (DCC; CAS# 1219-99-4). In addition to TCC and DCC, municipal sludge contained a second co-contaminant, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorocarbanilide (TetraCC; CAS# 4300-43-0). Both newly detected compounds were present as impurities (0.2%(w/w) each) in technical grade TCC (99%). Application of the new method for chlorocarbanilide analysis yielded TCC occurrence data for 13 US states, confirmed the role of sewage treatment plants as environmental inputs of TCC, and identified DCC and TetraCC as previously unrecognized pollutants released into the environment alongside TCC.

Impact of treatment processes on the removal of perfluoroalkyl acids from the drinking water production chain.

PubMed

Eschauzier, Christian; Beerendonk, Erwin; Scholte-Veenendaal, Petra; De Voogt, Pim

2012-02-07

The behavior of polyfluoralkyl acids (PFAAs) from intake (raw source water) to finished drinking water was assessed by taking samples from influent and effluent of the several treatment steps used in a drinking water production chain. These consisted of intake, coagulation, rapid sand filtration, dune passage, aeration, rapid sand filtration, ozonation, pellet softening, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, slow sand filtration, and finished drinking water. In the intake water taken from the Lek canal (a tributary of the river Rhine), the most abundant PFAA were PFBA (perfluorobutanoic acid), PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). During treatment, longer chain PFAA such as PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) and PFOS were readily removed by the GAC treatment step and their GAC effluent concentrations were reduced to levels below the limits of quantitation (LOQ) (0.23 and 0.24 ng/L for PFOS and PFNA, respectively). However, more hydrophilic shorter chain PFAA (especially PFBA and PFBS) were not removed by GAC and their concentrations remained constant through treatment. A decreasing removal capacity of the GAC was observed with increasing carbon loading and with decreasing carbon chain length of the PFAAs. This study shows that none of the treatment steps, including softening processes, are effective for PFAA removal, except for GAC filtration. GAC can effectively remove certain PFAA from the drinking water cycle.The enrichment of branched PFOS and PFOA isomers relative to non branched isomers during GAC filtration was observed during treatment. The finished water contained 26 and 19 ng/L of PFBA and PFBS. Other PFAAs were present in concentrations below 4.2 ng/L The concentrations of PFAA observed in finished waters are no reason for concern for human health as margins to existing guidelines are sufficiently large.

Estrogens Can Disrupt Amphibian Mating Behavior

PubMed Central

Hoffmann, Frauke; Kloas, Werner

2012-01-01

The main component of classical contraceptives, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), has high estrogenic activity even at environmentally relevant concentrations. Although estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds are assumed to contribute to the worldwide decline of amphibian populations by adverse effects on sexual differentiation, evidence for EE2 affecting amphibian mating behaviour is lacking. In this study, we demonstrate that EE2 exposure at five different concentrations (0.296 ng/L, 2.96 ng/L, 29.64 ng/L, 2.96 µg/L and 296.4 µg/L) can disrupt the mating behavior of adult male Xenopus laevis. EE2 exposure at all concentrations lowered male sexual arousal, indicated by decreased proportions of advertisement calls and increased proportions of the call type rasping, which characterizes a sexually unaroused state of a male. Additionally, EE2 at all tested concentrations affected temporal and spectral parameters of the advertisement calls, respectively. The classical and highly sensitive biomarker vitellogenin, on the other hand, was only induced at concentrations equal or higher than 2.96 µg/L. If kept under control conditions after a 96 h EE2 exposure (2.96 µg/L), alterations of male advertisement calls vanish gradually within 6 weeks and result in a lower sexual attractiveness of EE2 exposed males toward females as demonstrated by female choice experiments. These findings indicate that exposure to environmentally relevant EE2 concentrations can directly disrupt male mate calling behavior of X. laevis and can indirectly affect the mating behavior of females. The results suggest the possibility that EE2 exposure could reduce the reproductive success of EE2 exposed animals and these effects might contribute to the global problem of amphibian decline. PMID:22355410

Determination of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) in drinking water from the Netherlands and Greece.

PubMed

Zafeiraki, Effrosyni; Costopoulou, Danae; Vassiliadou, Irene; Leondiadis, Leondios; Dassenakis, Emmanouil; Traag, Wim; Hoogenboom, Ron L A P; van Leeuwen, Stefan P J

2015-01-01

In the present study 11 perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) were analysed in drinking tap water samples from the Netherlands (n = 37) and from Greece (n = 43) by applying LC-MS/MS and isotope dilution. PFASs concentrations above the limit of quantification, LOQ (0.6 ng/l) were detected in 20.9% of the samples from Greece. Total PFAS concentrations ranged between 8) were only rarely detected. In the drinking water samples from the eastern part of the Netherlands, where drinking water is sourced from groundwater reservoirs, no PFASs were detected. This demonstrates that exposure to PFASs through drinking water in the Netherlands is dependent on the source. Additionally, five samples of bottled water from each country were analysed in the current study, with all of them originating from ground wells. In these samples, all PFASs were below the LOQ.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and artificial sweeteners (ASs) in surface and ground waters and their application as indication of wastewater contamination.

PubMed

Yang, Yuan-Yuan; Zhao, Jian-Liang; Liu, You-Sheng; Liu, Wang-Rong; Zhang, Qian-Qian; Yao, Li; Hu, Li-Xin; Zhang, Jin-Na; Jiang, Yu-Xia; Ying, Guang-Guo

2018-03-01

We systematically investigated the occurrence and distribution of 93 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and 5 artificial sweeteners (ASs) in surface water and groundwater of Dongjiang River basin in south China. In surface water, 52 compounds were detected with median concentrations ranging from 0.06ng/L to 504ng/L, while in groundwater, 33 compounds were detected with concentrations up to 4580ng/L for acesulfame. PPCPs and ASs were widely detected in the surface water and groundwater samples, which indicated contamination by domestic wastewater in the surface water and groundwater of Dongjiang River basin. Temporal and spatial variations of the detected chemicals were observed in surface water. Acesulfame, sucralose and cyclamate can be used as wastewater indicators to imply contamination in groundwater caused by domestic wastewater due to their hydrophilicity, anthropogenic sources and ubiquity in groundwater. Moreover, the detection of the readily degradable ASs, cyclamate, was a strong indication of untreated wastewater in groundwater. Sucralose was found to be a suitable wastewater indicator to reflect domestic wastewater contamination in surface water and groundwater qualitatively and quantitatively, and it can be used to evaluate wastewater burden in surface water and groundwater of Dongjiang River basin. The wastewater burden data from this survey implied serious contamination in surface water and groundwater by domestic wastewater at Shima River, a tributary of the Dongjiang River. The findings from this study suggest that the selected labile and conservative chemicals can be used as indication of wastewater contamination for aquatic environments qualitatively and quantitatively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly sensitive aptasensor based on synergetic catalysis activity of MoS2-Au-HE composite using cDNA-Au-GOD for signal amplification.

PubMed

Song, Hai-Yan; Kang, Tian-Fang; Lu, Li-Ping; Cheng, Shui-Yuan

2017-03-01

Single or few-layer nanosheets of MoS 2 (MoS 2 nanosheets) and a composite composed of MoS 2 nanosheets, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and hemin (HE) (denoted as MoS 2 -Au-HE) were prepared. The composites possessed high synergetic catalysis activity towards the electroreduction of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, glucose oxidase (GOD) and AuNPs were used as marker of the complementary DNA (cDNA) strand of kanamycin aptamer to prepare a conjugate (reffered as cDNA-Au-GOD) that was designed as the signal probe. Both cDNA-Au-GOD and MoS 2 -Au-HE were applied to fabricate aptasensor for kanamycin. MoS 2 -Au-HE acted as solid platform for kanamycin aptamer and signal transmitters. AuNPs were employed as the supporter of cDNA and GOD which catalyze dissolved oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide in the presence of glucose. Then cathodic peak current of H 2 O 2 was recorded by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The electrochemical reduction of H 2 O 2 was catalyzed by MoS 2 -Au-HE that was modified onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The cathodic peak current of H 2 O 2 was highly linearly decreased with an increase of kanamycin concentrations from 1.0ng/L to 1.0×10 5 ng/L, with a detection limit of 0.8ng/L. This aptasensor can be used to detect kanamycin in milk with high specificity, sensitivity and selectivity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics of two low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems and effects on ovulation rate and cervical function: pooled analyses of phase II and III studies.

PubMed

Apter, Dan; Gemzell-Danielsson, Kristina; Hauck, Brian; Rosen, Kimberly; Zurth, Christian

2014-06-01

To assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) 13.5 mg and LNG-IUS 19.5 mg (total content). Pooled pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of phase II and III studies. Randomized, open-label, multicenter studies. Nulliparous and parous women. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system 13.5 mg, LNG-IUS 19.5 mg, or LNG-IUS 20 μg/24 h (total content 52 mg). Pharmacokinetics of LNG, ovulation rate, cervical function, and endometrium effects. The in vivo LNG release rate of LNG-IUS 13.5 mg was approximately 14 μg/24 h after 24 days, declining progressively to 5 μg/24 h after 3 years. The average LNG serum concentration over 3 years of use was 74.3 ng/L, 114 ng/L, and 218 ng/L for LNG-IUS 13.5 mg, LNG-IUS 19.5 mg, and LNG-IUS 20 μg/24 h, respectively. All treatments showed very similar progestogenic effects on cervical mucus, with low and similar cervical scores throughout treatment. Ovulation was observed in the majority of women in all groups where assessment was possible, although there was a lower incidence of anovulation with LNG-IUS 13.5 mg and LNG-IUS 19.5 mg compared with LNG-IUS 20 μg/24 h. The progestogenic effect on the endometrium was marked in all three LNG-IUS groups. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system 13.5 mg and LNG-IUS 19.5 mg result in alower systemic exposure to LNG, lower incidence of anovulation, and similar progestin impact on the endometrium and cervical function compared with LNG-IUS 20 μg/24 h. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perfluorinated alkylated acids in groundwater and drinking water: identification, origin and mobility.

PubMed

Eschauzier, Christian; Raat, Klaasjan J; Stuyfzand, Pieter J; De Voogt, Pim

2013-08-01

Human exposure to perfluorinated alkylated acids (PFAA) occurs primarily via the dietary intake and drinking water can contribute significantly to the overall PFAA intake. Drinking water is produced from surface water and groundwater. Waste water treatment plants have been identified as the main source for PFAA in surface waters and corresponding drinking water. However, even though groundwater is an important source for drinking water production, PFAA sources remain largely uncertain. In this paper, we identified different direct and indirect sources of PFAA to groundwater within the catchment area of a public supply well field (PSWF) in The Netherlands. Direct sources were landfill leachate and water draining from a nearby military base/urban area. Indirect sources were infiltrated rainwater. Maximum concentrations encountered in groundwater within the landfill leachate plume were 1.8 μg/L of non branched perfluorooctanoic acid (L-PFOA) and 1.2 μg/L of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). Sum concentrations amounted to 4.4 μg/L total PFAA. The maximum concentration of ΣPFAA in the groundwater originating from the military camp was around 17 ng/L. Maximum concentrations measured in the groundwater halfway the landfill and the PWSF (15 years travel distance) were 29 and 160 ng/L for L-PFOA and PFBA, respectively. Concentrations in the groundwater pumping wells (travel distance >25 years) were much lower: 0.96 and 3.5 ng/L for L-PFOA and PFBA, respectively. The chemical signature of these pumping wells corresponded to the signature encountered in other wells sampled which were fed by water that had not been in contact with potential contaminant sources, suggesting a widespread diffuse contamination from atmospheric deposition. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Global longitudinal strain in patients with suspected heart failure and a normal ejection fraction: does it improve diagnosis and risk stratification?

PubMed

Pellicori, Pierpaolo; Kallvikbacka-Bennett, Anna; Khaleva, Olga; Carubelli, Valentina; Costanzo, Pierluigi; Castiello, Teresa; Wong, Kenneth; Zhang, Jufen; Cleland, John G F; Clark, Andrew L

2014-01-01

Many patients have clinical, structural or bio-marker evidence of heart failure (HF) but a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; HeFNEF). Measurement of global longitudinal strain (GLS) may add diagnostic and prognostic information. Patients with symptoms suggesting heart failure and LVEF ≥50% were studied: 76 had no substantial cardiac dysfunction (left atrial diameter (LAD) <40 mm and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) <400 ng/l); 99 had "possible HeFNEF" (LAD ≥40 mm or NTproBNP ≥400 ng/l); and 138 had "definite HeFNEF" (LAD ≥40 mm and NTproBNP ≥400 ng/L). Mean LVEF was 58% in each subgroup. Patients with definite HeFNEF were older, more likely to have atrial fibrillation, had more symptoms and signs of fluid retention, were more likely to have right ventricular dysfunction and had higher pulmonary pressures than other groups. Mean GLS (SD) was less negative in patients with definite HeFNEF (-13.6 (3.0)% vs. possible HeFNEF: -15.2 (3.1)% vs. no substantial cardiac dysfunction: -15.9 (2.4)%; p < 0.001). GLS was -19.1 (2.1)% in 20 controls. During a median follow up of 647 days, cardiovascular death or an unplanned hospitalisation for heart failure occurred in 62 patients. In univariable analysis, GLS but not LVEF predicted events. However, in a multi-variable analysis, only urea, NTproBNP, left atrial volume, inferior vena cava diameter and atrial fibrillation independently predicted adverse outcome. GLS is abnormal in patients who have other evidence of HeFNEF, is associated with a worse prognosis in this population but is not a powerful independent predictor of outcome.

Trace analysis of surfactants in Corexit oil dispersant formulations and seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Place, Benjamin J.; Perkins, Matt J.; Sinclair, Ewan; Barsamian, Adam L.; Blakemore, Paul R.; Field, Jennifer A.

2016-07-01

After the April 2010 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, and subsequent release of millions of barrels of oil, two Corexit oil dispersant formulations were used in unprecedented quantities both on the surface and sub-surface of the Gulf of Mexico. Although the dispersant formulations contain four classes of surfactants, current studies to date focus on the anionic surfactant, bis-(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (DOSS). Factors affecting the integrity of environmental and laboratory samples for Corexit analysis have not been systematically investigated. For this reason, a quantitative analytical method was developed for the detection of all four classes of surfactants, as well as the hydrolysis products of DOSS, the enantiomeric mixture of α- and β-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate (α-/β-EHSS). The analytical method was then used to evaluate which practices for sample collection, storage, and analysis resulted in high quality data. Large volume, direct injection of seawater followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) minimized analytical artifacts, analysis time, and both chemical and solid waste. Concentrations of DOSS in the seawater samples ranged from 71 to 13,000 ng/L, while the nonionic surfactants including Span 80, Tween 80, Tween 85 were detected infrequently (26% of samples) at concentrations from 840 to 9100 ng/L. The enantiomers α-/β-EHSS were detected in seawater, at concentrations from 200 to 1900 ng/L, and in both Corexit dispersant formulations, indicating α-/β-EHSS were applied to the oil spill and may be not unambiguous indicator of DOSS degradation. Best practices are provided to ensure sample integrity and data quality for environmental monitoring studies and laboratory that require the detection and quantification of Corexit-based surfactants in seawater.

Determination of acidic pharmaceuticals and potential endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewaters and spring waters by selective elution and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Gibson, Richard; Becerril-Bravo, Elías; Silva-Castro, Vanessa; Jiménez, Blanca

2007-10-26

Although the trend in development of analytical methods for emerging contaminants is towards reduced sample preparation and increased detector selectivity, there are still benefits from removal of matrix material during sample preparation. This paper describes a simple method for acidic pharmaceuticals and a range of potential endocrine disrupting compounds in untreated wastewaters and spring waters. It is based on separation of the two classes during elution from the extraction cartridge with final analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 3,4-D was used as the recovery standard for the acids while 4-n-nonylphenol and [2H4]estrone were used for the endocrine disrupters; mean recoveries varied between 89% and 111%. The method was also extensively validated by fortification with the target compounds. Recoveries of acids were from 68% to 97% with relative standard deviations generally less than 10% and recoveries of endocrine disrupters were 68-109% with relative standard deviations less than 20%. Detection limits varied from 0.005 to 1 ng/L in spring water, and from 0.5 to 100 ng/L in untreated wastewater. Concentrations of the analytes in the wastewater ranged from 0.018 to 22.4 microg/L. Values were comparable to reported data, although concentrations were generally relatively high, probably because of a lack of treatment. Triclosan, phthalates, estrone, 17beta-estradiol, ibuprofen, and naproxen were present in the spring water from aquifers recharged indirectly with this wastewater after its use for irrigation; concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 25.0 ng/L. The much lower concentrations compared to wastewater indicate effective removal processes on passage through the soil and subsoil.

Fully automated ultrasensitive digital immunoassay for cardiac troponin I based on single molecule array technology.

PubMed

Jarolim, Petr; Patel, Purvish P; Conrad, Michael J; Chang, Lei; Melenovsky, Vojtech; Wilson, David H

2015-10-01

The association between increases in cardiac troponin and adverse cardiac outcomes is well established. There is a growing interest in exploring routine cardiac troponin monitoring as a potential early indicator of adverse heart health trends. Prognostic use of cardiac troponin measurements requires an assay with very high sensitivity and outstanding analytical performance. We report development and preliminary validation of an investigational assay meeting these requirements and demonstrate its applicability to cohorts of healthy individuals and patients with heart failure. On the basis of single molecule array technology, we developed a 45-min immunoassay for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) for use on a novel, fully automated digital analyzer. We characterized its analytical performance and measured cTnI in healthy individuals and heart failure patients in a preliminary study of assay analytical efficacy. The assay exhibited a limit of detection of 0.01 ng/L, a limit of quantification of 0.08 ng/L, and a total CV of 10% at 2.0 ng/L. cTnI concentrations were well above the assay limit of detection for all samples tested, including samples from healthy individuals. cTnI was significantly higher in heart failure patients, and exhibited increasing median and interquartile concentrations with increasing New York Heart Association classification of heart failure severity. The robust 2-log increase in sensitivity relative to contemporary high-sensitivity cardiac troponin immunoassays, combined with full automation, make this assay suitable for exploring cTnI concentrations in cohorts of healthy individuals and for the potential prognostic application of serial cardiac troponin measurements in both apparently healthy and diseased individuals. © 2015 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Airway responses of healthy farmers and nonfarmers to exposure in a swine confinement building.

PubMed

Palmberg, Lena; Larssson, Brit-Marie; Malmberg, Per; Larsson, Kjell

2002-08-01

The objective of the study was to determine whether swine farmers continuously exposed to the farming environment react differently to acute exposure than previously unexposed nonfarmers. Nine healthy nonfarmers, not previously exposed to a farming environment, and eight swine farmers were exposed in a swine confinement building for 3 hours while weighing pigs. Lung function measurements, methacholine challenge tests, and nasal lavages were performed before and after the exposure. Blood samples were drawn repeatedly during the exposure day. Differential cell counts and cytokine levels were analyzed in the nasal lavage fluid and blood. The exposure levels were the same in both groups. Bronchial responsiveness to methacholine increased by a median of 4.0 (25th-75th percentiles 2.2-10.1 among the nonfarmers) and 0.7 (25th-75th percentiles 0.01-3.5 among the farmers) doubled concentration steps. The median serum levels of interleukin-6 increased from 3.8 (25th-75th percentiles <3-5.8) ng/l to 23.7 (25th-75th percentiles 11.6-41.6) ng/l among the nonfarmers and from <3 to 3.8 (25th-75th percentiles 3.1-11.6) ng/l among the swine farmers after the exposure. Swine dust exposure induced a ninefold increase in the total cell counts in the nasal lavage fluid of the nonfarmers, but no significant increase among the swine farmers. The exposure altered lung function and bronchial responsiveness, as well as cell number and cytokines in blood and nasal lavage fluid in previously unexposed nonfarming subjects, whereas only minor alterations were found in the farmers. This finding suggests possible adaptation mechanisms in chronically exposed swine farmers.

Emissions of perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) from point sources--identification of relevant branches.

PubMed

Clara, M; Scheffknecht, C; Scharf, S; Weiss, S; Gans, O

2008-01-01

Effluents of wastewater treatment plants are relevant point sources for the emission of hazardous xenobiotic substances to the aquatic environment. One group of substances, which recently entered scientific and political discussions, is the group of the perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). The most studied compounds from this group are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS), which are the most important degradation products of PFAS. These two substances are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). In the present study, eleven PFAS were investigated in effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and in industrial wastewaters. PFOS and PFOA proved to be the dominant compounds in all sampled wastewaters. Concentrations of up to 340 ng/L of PFOS and up to 220 ng/L of PFOA were observed. Besides these two compounds, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was also present in nearly all effluents and maximum concentrations of up to 280 ng/L were measured. Only N-ethylperfluorooctane sulphonamide (N-EtPFOSA) and its degradation/metabolisation product perfluorooctane sulphonamide (PFOSA) were either detected below the limit of quantification or were not even detected at all. Beside the effluents of the municipal WWTPs, nine industrial wastewaters from six different industrial branches were also investigated. Significantly, the highest emissions or PFOS were observed from metal industry whereas paper industry showed the highest PFOA emission. Several PFAS, especially perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) and PFOS are predominantly emitted from industrial sources, with concentrations being a factor of 10 higher than those observed in the municipal WWTP effluents. Perfluorodecane sulphonate (PFDS), N-Et-PFOSA and PFOSA were not detected in any of the sampled industrial point sources. (c) IWA Publishing 2008.

Spatiotemporal distribution and mass loadings of perfluoroalkyl substances in the Yangtze River of China.

PubMed

Pan, Chang-Gui; Ying, Guang-Guo; Zhao, Jian-Liang; Liu, You-Sheng; Jiang, Yu-Xia; Zhang, Qian-Qian

2014-09-15

A systematic investigation into contamination profiles of eighteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in both surface water and sediments of Yangtze River was carried out by using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) in summer and winter of 2013. The total concentrations of the PFASs in the water and sediment of Yangtze River ranged from 2.2 to 74.56 ng/L and 0.05 to 1.44 ng/g dry weights (dw), respectively. The PFAS concentrations were correlated to some selected water quality parameters such as pH, total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and conductivity in water, and some sediment properties, such as total organic carbon (TOC), TP, and TN in sediment. The monitoring results for the water and sediment samples showed no obvious seasonal variations. Among the selected 18 PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the dominant PFAS compound found both in water and sediment for the two seasons with its maximum concentration of 18.03 ng/L in water and 0.72 ng/g in sediment, followed by perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) with its maximum concentration of 41.9 ng/L in water in Wuhan, whereas the lowest concentrations of PFASs were observed at Poyang lake. The annual loadings of PFOA, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), PFBS, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and the total PFASs in the Yangtze River were 6.8 tons, 2.2 tons, 8.2 tons, 0.88 tons, and 20.7 tons, respectively. Wuhan and Er'zhou of Hubei contributed the most amounts of PFASs into the Yangtze River. A correlation was found between some PFASs, for example PFBS and PFOS, which suggests that both of these PFASs originate from common sources in the region. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of ultratrace levels of tributyltin in waters by isotope dilution and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Cea, Andrés; Rodríguez-González, Pablo; Font Cardona, Nuria; Aranda Mares, José Luís; Ballester Nebot, Salomé; García Alonso, J Ignacio

2015-12-18

The current EU legislation lays down the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) of 45 priority substances in surface water bodies. In particular, the concentration of tributyltin (TBT) must not exceed 0.2ngL(-1) and analytical methodologies with a Limit of Quantification (LOQ) equal or below 0.06ngL(-1) are urged to be developed. This work presents a procedure for the determination of ultratrace levels of TBT in water samples by Isotope Dilution and GC-MS/MS operating in Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mode which meets current EU requirements. The method requires the monitorization of five consecutive transitions (287>175 to 291>179) for the sensitive and selective detection of TBT. The measured isotopic distribution of TBT fragment ions was in agreement with the theoretical values computed by a polynomial expansion algorithm. The combined use of Tandem Mass Spectrometry, a sample volume of 250mL, the preconcentration of 1mL of organic phase to 30μL and an injection volume of 25μL by Programmed Temperature Vaporization provided a LOQ of 0.0426ngL(-1) for TBT (calculated as ten times the standard deviation of nine independent blanks). The recovery for TBT calculated in Milli-Q water at the EQS level was 106.3±4%. A similar procedure was also developed for the quantification of dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) in water samples showing satisfactory results. The method was finally implemented in a routine testing laboratory to demonstrate its applicability to real samples obtaining quantitative recoveries for TBT at the EQS level in mineral water, river water and seawater. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlations of circulating peptide YY and ghrelin with body weight, rate of weight gain, and time required to achieve the recommended daily intake in preterm infants.

PubMed

Chen, XiaFang; Du, XueLiang; Zhu, JianXing; Xie, LiJuan; Zhang, YongJun; He, ZhenJuan

2012-07-01

The objective was to elucidate the relationships between serum concentrations of the gut hormone peptide YY (PYY) and ghrelin and growth development in infants for potential application to the clinical observation index. Serum concentrations of PYY and ghrelin were measured using radioimmunoassay from samples collected at the clinic. For each patient, gestational age, birth weight, time required to return to birth weight, rate of weight gain, time required to achieve recommended daily intake (RDI) standards, time required for full-gastric feeding, duration of hospitalization, and time of administration of total parenteral nutrition were recorded. Serum PYY and ghrelin concentrations were significantly higher in the preterm group (N = 20) than in the full-term group (N = 20; P < 0.01). Within the preterm infant group, the serum concentrations of PYY and ghrelin on postnatal day (PND) 7 (ghrelin = 1485.38 ± 409.24; PYY = 812.37 ± 153.77 ng/L) were significantly higher than on PND 1 (ghrelin = 956.85 ± 223.09; PYY = 545.27 ± 204.51 ng/L) or PND 3 (ghrelin = 1108.44 ± 351.36; PYY = 628.96 ± 235.63 ng/L; P < 0.01). Both serum PYY and ghrelin concentrations were negatively correlated with body weight, and the degree of correlation varied with age. Serum ghrelin concentration correlated negatively with birth weight and positively with the time required to achieve RDI (P < 0.05). In conclusion, serum PYY and ghrelin concentrations reflect a negative energy balance, predict postnatal growth, and enable compensation. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise concentration and roles of PYY and ghrelin in newborns and to determine the usefulness of measuring these hormones in clinical practice.

In-situ subaqueous capping of mercury-contaminated sediments in a fresh-water aquatic system, Part I-Bench-scale microcosm study to assess methylmercury production.

PubMed

Randall, Paul M; Fimmen, Ryan; Lal, Vivek; Darlington, Ramona

2013-08-01

Bench-scale microcosm experiments were designed to provide a better understanding of the potential for Hg methylation in sediments from an aquatic environment. Experiments were conducted to examine the function of sulfate concentration, lactate concentration, the presence/absence of an aqueous inorganic Hg spike, and the presence/absence of inoculums of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, a strain of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) commonly found in the natural sediments of aquatic environments. Incubations were analyzed for both the rate and extent of (methylmercury) MeHg production. Methylation rates were estimated by analyzing MeHg and Hg after 2, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days. The production of metabolic byproducts, including dissolved gases as a proxy for metabolic utilization of carbon substrate, was also monitored. In all treatments amended with lactate, sulfate, Hg, and SRB, MeHg was produced (37ng/g-sediment dry weight) after only 48h of incubation and reached a maximum sediment concentration of 127ng/g-sediment dry weight after the 42 day incubation period. Aqueous phase production of MeHg was observed to be 10ng/L after 2 day, reaching a maximum observed concentration of 32.8ng/L after 14 days, and declining to 10.8ng/L at the end of the incubation period (42 day). The results of this study further demonstrates that, in the presence of an organic carbon substrate, sulfate, and the appropriate consortia of microorganisms, sedimentary Hg will be transformed into MeHg through bacterial metabolism. Further, this study provided the basis for evaluation of an in-situ subaqueous capping strategy that may limit (or potentially enhance) MeHg production. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Prognostic Utility of a Modified HEART Score in Chest Pain Patients in the Emergency Department.

PubMed

McCord, James; Cabrera, Rafael; Lindahl, Bertil; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Evans, Kaleigh; Nowak, Richard; Frisoli, Tiberio; Body, Richard; Christ, Michael; deFilippi, Christopher R; Christenson, Robert H; Jacobsen, Gordon; Alquezar, Aitor; Panteghini, Mauro; Melki, Dina; Plebani, Mario; Verschuren, Franck; French, John; Bendig, Garnet; Weiser, Silvia; Mueller, Christian

2017-02-01

The TRAPID-AMI trial study (High-Sensitivity Troponin-T Assay for Rapid Rule-Out of Acute Myocardial Infarction) evaluated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT) in a 1-hour acute myocardial infarction (AMI) exclusion algorithm. Our study objective was to evaluate the prognostic utility of a modified HEART score (m-HS) within this trial. Twelve centers evaluated 1282 patients in the emergency department for possible AMI from 2011 to 2013. Measurements of hs-cTnT (99th percentile, 14 ng/L) were performed at 0, 1, 2, and 4 to 14 hours. Evaluation for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) occurred at 30 days (death or AMI). Low-risk patients had an m-HS≤3 and had either hs-cTnT<14 ng/L over serial testing or had AMI excluded by the 1-hour protocol. By the 1-hour protocol, 777 (60%) patients had an AMI excluded. Of those 777 patients, 515 (66.3%) patients had an m-HS≤3, with 1 (0.2%) patient having a MACE, and 262 (33.7%) patients had an m-HS≥4, with 6 (2.3%) patients having MACEs (P=0.007). Over 4 to 14 hours, 661 patients had a hs-cTnT<14 ng/L. Of those 661 patients, 413 (62.5%) patients had an m-HS≤3, with 1 (0.2%) patient having a MACE, and 248 (37.5%) patients had an m-HS≥4, with 5 (2.0%) patients having MACEs (P=0.03). Serial testing of hs-cTnT over 1 hour along with application of an m-HS identified a low-risk population that might be able to be directly discharged from the emergency department. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Certain Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Associated with Aqueous Film Forming Foam Are Widespread in Canadian Surface Waters.

PubMed

D'Agostino, Lisa A; Mabury, Scott A

2017-12-05

The presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) commonly associated with aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) at sites without known AFFF contamination is a largely unexplored area, which may reveal widespread environmental contaminants requiring further investigation. Sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) screening for 23 classes of PFASs, followed by quantitative analysis was used to investigate surface waters from rural, urban, and AFFF-impacted sites in Canada. The PFASs detected included perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide (FTSAm), fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaines (FTABs), fluorotelomer betaines (FTBs), 6:2 fluorotelomer mercaptoalkylamido sulfonate sulfone (FTSAS-SO 2 ), 6:2 fluorotelomerthiohydroxyl ammonium sulfoxide (FTSHA-SO), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylamine (FTAA) and C3 to C6 perfluoroalkane sulfonamido amphoterics. Detection of FHxSA in all urban and AFFF-impacted sites (0.04-19 ng/L) indicates the widespread presence of rarely considered perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) precursors in Canadian waters. FTABs and FTBs were especially abundant with up to 16-33 ng/L of 6:2 FTAB in urban and AFFF-impacted water suggesting it may have additional applications, while FTBs were only in AFFF-impacted sites (qualitative; ∑FTBs 80 ng/L). The distributions of PFASs moving downstream along the AFFF-impacted Welland River and between water and sediment suggested differences in the persistence of various AFFF components and enhanced sorption of long-chain fluorotelomer betaines. Total organofluorine combustion-ion chromatography (TOF-CIC) revealed that fluorotelomer betaines were a substantial portion of the organofluorine in some waters and 36-99.7% of the total organofluorine was not measured in the targeted analysis.

Perfluorinated compounds in surface waters of Shanghai, China: Source analysis and risk assessment.

PubMed

Sun, Rui; Wu, Minghong; Tang, Liang; Li, Jiajun; Qian, Zhaoqiu; Han, Tao; Xu, Gang

2018-03-01

17 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were systematically investigated in the surface water from principal watersheds of Shanghai, China. 10 PFCs were above the detection limit (0.08-0.28ng/L) in 39 surface water samples. The perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS) were the two dominant compounds with a median concentration 50.67ng/L and 29.84ng/L, respectively. Concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) were generally less than PFBS, which might result from the global phase-out of PFOS production and the use of PFBS as a substitute for PFOS-based products. There were three major polluted areas of PFOA along the Huangpu River. The PFOA concentration in groundwater samples collected from one of the three areas indicated that chemical industry might be the possible source. The perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs) level had a spatial trend that indicated northwest had higher concentrations than the southeast. The distribution of PFCs was not much affected by atmospheric deposition. Mass loading analysis in the surface water revealed that the Huangpu River exhibited relatively large mass loading of total PFCs of 1742.43kg/year to Yangtze River Estuary. The predominant of the PFC species was PFOA with 652.65kg/year. The current concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were at middle level comparing to other studies in China and worldwide. Risk assessment of 6 PFCs showed that there is no risk to the aquatic organisms in Shanghai. PFOS and PFBS had low risk to the avian. Furthermore, the adults living in Shanghai were at low risk to exposure to PFCs through water consumption. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of plastic polymers in remediating wine with elevated alkyl-methoxypyrazine levels.

PubMed

Botezatu, Andreea; Pickering, Gary J

2015-01-01

3-Alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines (MPs) are odour-active compounds that elicit atypical green aromas and flavours in some wines, and are resilient to removal using traditional wine-making approaches. They originate either as contaminants from Coccinellidae beetles inadvertently introduced during wine processing ("ladybug taint") or as grape-derived constituents that are undesirable at elevated levels. In this study we investigated the capacity of a selection of plastic polymers to reduce concentrations of three MPs: isopropyl methoxypyrazine (IPMP), secbutyl methoxypyrazine (SBMP) and isobutyl methoxypyrazine (IBMP). In Trial 1, red wine was spiked with IPMP (20 ng/l), SBMP (20 ng/l) and IBMP (20 ng/l), then separately treated with 13 plastic polymers (surface area 350 cm(2)/l). Three polymers were then identified for further testing based on the results from Trial 1: silicone, ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA) and a poly-lactic acid-based biodegradable polymer. In Trial 2, the efficacy of these selected polymers to reduce MP levels in red wine was tested as a function of contact time. Solid-phase micro-extraction multi-dimensional GC-MS was used to measure MP levels before and after treatment with the polymers. Results showed significant reductions in all target odorants after 24 h treatment: silicone reduced IPMP and IBMP by 96% and 100%, respectively, while the biodegradable polymer decreased IPMP and IBMP concentrations by 52% and 36%, respectively. EVA was less effective in lowering MP levels (7% IPMP and 23% IBMP after 24 h). Taken overall, the data suggest the potential for the use of poly-lactic acid and silicone in treating wines contaminated by ladybug taint, as well as in reducing high levels of grape-derived MPs.

A survey of 17α-ethinylestradiol and mestranol residues in Hawkesbury River, Australia, using a highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrates the levels of potential biological significance.

PubMed

Uraipong, Chatchaporn; Allan, Robin D; Li, Chunhua; Kennedy, Ivan R; Wong, Victor; Lee, Nanju Alice

2017-10-01

This study reports on the potential status of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and mestranol (MeEE2) residues in aquatic environments in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, based on the analysis by a specific ELISA we developed. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the EE2 hapten with a linker attached at the C3-position to direct the antibody binding towards the ring D of EE2/MeEE2. Using this approach, an ELISA highly specific to EE2 and MeEE2 was successfully developed, showing less than 3.1% cross-reactivity (% CR) with other major steroidal sex hormones and their derivatives. The assay performed with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 ± 0.01µg/L for both EE2 and MeEE2, and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.05 ± 0.01ng/L when it was coupled with the SM2-Biobeads solid phase extraction. Prior to conducting the survey study, it was validated against the gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) method, which showed high correlation with R 2 of 0.934. Fresh surface water samples collected at different sites along Hawkesbury River in New South Wales (NSW) were analyzed for the EE2/ MeEE2 residues using the developed ELISA. The EE2/MeEE2 levels were found to range between 4.1 and 8.3ng/L in Emigrant Creek, NSW, where the primary activity was macadamia plantation, and higher levels between 15 and 29ng/L in South Creek, NSW, Greater Western Sydney at sites upstream and downstream of the municipal sewage treatment plants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Norethindrone and Metabolite Ethynylestradiol on Reproductive Parameters in a Marine Fish

EPA Science Inventory

Norethindrone (NOR) is a progestin used in human contraceptives and has been detected in low concentrations (ng/L) in aquatic environments. Laboratory experiments were conducted with the marine fish cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) to evaluate whether NOR could affect reproductiv...

PFOA and PFOS: Treatment and Analytics

EPA Science Inventory

PFOA and PFOS are not regulated by the USEPA. However, in 2016, USEPA established a Lifetime Drinking Water Health Advisory limit of 70 ng/L for the combined concentration of PFOA and PFOS. This presentation will cover the available technologies that can treat for PFOA and PFOS...

Effects of Norethindrone and Levonorgestrel on Reproductive Parameters in a Marine Fish

EPA Science Inventory

Progestins and other hormones are continuously added to surface and ground waters through waste water treatment plant (WWTP) effluent in concentrations of low to hundreds of ng/L (Orlando and Ellestad 2014). The exposure effects of pharmaceutical progestins from oral contraceptiv...

Determination of nickel in water, food, and biological samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration on modified carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Taher, Mohammad Ali; Mazaheri, Lida; Ashkenani, Hamid; Mohadesi, Alireza; Afzali, Daryoush

2014-01-01

A new and sensitive SPE method using modified carbon nanotubes for extraction and preconcentration, and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of nickel (Ni) in real samples at ng/L levels was investigated. First, multiwalled carbon nanotubes were oxidized with concentrated HNO3, then modified with 2-(5-bormo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol reagent. The adsorption was achieved quantitatively on a modified carbon nanotubes column in a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5; the adsorbed Ni(II) ions were then desorbed by passing 5.0 mL of 1 M HNO3. The effects of analytical parameters, including pH of the solution, eluent type and volume, sample volume, flow rate of the eluent, and matrix ions, were investigated for optimization of the presented procedure. The enrichment factor was 180, and the LOD for Ni was 4.9 ng/L. The method was applied to the determination of Ni in water, food, and biological samples, and reproducible results were obtained.

Seasonal changes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in response to hydrology and anthropogenic activities in the Pearl River estuary, China.

PubMed

Liu, Feng; Niu, Lixia; Chen, Hui; Li, Ping; Tian, Feng; Yang, Qingshu

2017-04-15

The behaviours of PAHs (containing 2-6 aromatic rings) in the Pearl River estuary were examined each month in 2011. This study was designed to investigate the abundance of 16 priority PAHs and their response to the seasonal dynamics of anthropogenic activities and hydrological cycles. Monthly mean concentrations of ∑ 16 PAHs in water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) were 88.31ng/L and 252.31ng/L respectively, with higher concentrations in the wet season (April to September). Heavy precipitation in the wet season resulted in relatively increased PAH input via riverine discharges and atmospheric deposition. Seasonal variations in suspended sediment concentration (SSC), temperature and salinity have considerably affected the PAH phase association. Higher SSC in the wet season contributed to higher concentration of the PAHs in SPM, and higher temperature and lower salinity facilitated desorption from SPM. The PAH sources were largely attributed to vehicular emissions, coal combustion and coke ovens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Emerging organic contaminants in coastal waters: anthropogenic impact, environmental release and ecological risk.

PubMed

Jiang, Jheng-Jie; Lee, Chon-Lin; Fang, Meng-Der

2014-08-30

This study provides a first estimate of the sources, distribution, and risk presented by emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in coastal waters off southwestern Taiwan. Ten illicit drugs, seven nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), five antibiotics, two blood lipid regulators, two antiepileptic drugs, two UV filters, caffeine, atenolol, and omeprazole were analyzed by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS). Thirteen EOCs were detected in coastal waters, including four NSAIDs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and codeine), three antibiotics (ampicillin, erythromycin, and cefalexin), three illicit drugs (ketamine, pseudoephedrine, and MDMA), caffeine, carbamazepine, and gemfibrozil. The median concentrations for the 13 EOCs ranged from 1.47 ng/L to 156 ng/L. Spatial variation in concentration of the 13 EOCs suggests discharge into coastal waters via ocean outfall pipes and rivers. Codeine and ampicillin have significant pollution risk quotients (RQ>1), indicating potentially high risk to aquatic organisms in coastal waters. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antibiotics in the coastal environment of the Hailing Bay region, South China Sea: Spatial distribution, source analysis and ecological risks.

PubMed

Chen, Hui; Liu, Shan; Xu, Xiang-Rong; Zhou, Guang-Jie; Liu, Shuang-Shuang; Yue, Wei-Zhong; Sun, Kai-Feng; Ying, Guang-Guo

2015-06-15

In this study, the occurrence and spatial distribution of 38 antibiotics in surface water and sediment samples of the Hailing Bay region, South China Sea, were investigated. Twenty-one, 16 and 15 of 38 antibiotics were detected with the concentrations ranging from <0.08 (clarithromycin) to 15,163ng/L (oxytetracycline), 2.12 (methacycline) to 1318ng/L (erythromycin-H2O), <1.95 (ciprofloxacin) to 184ng/g (chlortetracycline) in the seawater, discharged effluent and sediment samples, respectively. The concentrations of antibiotics in the water phase were correlated positively with chemical oxygen demand and nitrate. The source analysis indicated that untreated domestic sewage was the primary source of antibiotics in the study region. Fluoroquinolones showed strong sorption capacity onto sediments due to their high pseudo-partitioning coefficients. Risk assessment indicated that oxytetracycline, norfloxacin and erythromycin-H2O posed high risks to aquatic organisms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mercury accumulation in snow on the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory and surrounding region, southeast Idaho, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Susong, D.D.; Abbott, M.L.; Krabbenhoft, D.P.

2003-01-01

Snow was sampled and analyzed for total mercury (THg) on the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and surrounding region prior to the start-up of a large (9-11 g/h) gaseous mercury emission source. The objective was to determine the effects of the source on local and regional atmospheric deposition of mercury. Snow samples collected from 48 points on a polar grid near the source had THg concentrations that ranged from 4.71 to 27.26 ng/L; snow collected from regional background sites had THg concentrations that ranged from 0.89 to 16.61 ng/L. Grid samples had higher concentrations than the regional background sites, which was unexpected because the source was not operating yet. Emission of Hg from soils is a possible source of Hg in snow on the INEEL. Evidence from Hg profiles in snow and from unfiltered/filtered split samples supports this hypothesis. Ongoing work on the INEEL is investigating Hg fluxes from soils and snow.

Drugs and personal care products as ubiquitous pollutants: occurrence and distribution of clofibric acid, caffeine and DEET in the North Sea.

PubMed

Weigel, Stefan; Kuhlmann, Jan; Hühnerfuss, Heinrich

2002-08-05

An analytical method is presented, which allows the simultaneous extraction of neutral and acidic compounds from 20-L seawater samples at ambient pH (approximately 8.3). It is based on a solid-phase extraction by means of a polystyrene-divinylbenzene sorbent and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric detection, and provides detection limits in the lower pg/L range. The method was applied to the screening of samples from different North Sea areas for clofibric acid, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, propyphenazone, caffeine and N,N-diethyl-3-toluamide (DEET). Whereas clofibric acid, caffeine and DEET showed to be present throughout the North Sea in concentrations of up to 1.3, 16 and 1.1 ng/L, respectively, propyphenazone could only be detected after further clean-up. Diclofenac and ibuprofen were found in the estuary of the river Elbe (6.2 and 0.6 ng/L, respectively) but in none of the marine samples. Ketoprofen was below the detection limit in all samples.

Detection Limits for Spectro-fluorometry: A Case Study in the Region of Finstersee, Canton Zug, Northern Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otz, M. H.; Otz, H. K.; Keller, P.

2002-05-01

Synthetic fluorescent dyes, applied below the visual detection limit (< 0.1 mg/L), have been used as tracers of ground water flow paths since the beginning of the 1950s. Since 1965, we have used spectro-fluorometers with photomultipliers to measure low concentrations of fluorescent dyes in ground water in Switzerland. In collaboration with the Engineering Geology Department of the ETH, we have separated uranine at 0.1 ng/L and Na-naphtionate at 1 ng/L from background fluorescence of spring water in the Finstersee region. These values are 10-100 times lower than postulated detection limits in the literature. The use of low dye concentrations prevents a study region from being contaminated by increased background levels due to remnant dye within the aquifer, thereby leaving the region available for future dye tracing studies. Lower detection limits also can solve particular hydraulic problems where conventional methods fail and enhance the possibility for using artificial dyes in environmentally sensitive aquifer settings.

Analysis of estrogenic activity in environmental waters in Rio de Janeiro state (Brazil) using the yeast estrogen screen.

PubMed

Dias, Amanda Cristina Vieira; Gomes, Frederico Wegenast; Bila, Daniele Maia; Sant'Anna, Geraldo Lippel; Dezotti, Marcia

2015-10-01

The estrogenicity of waters collected from an important hydrological system in Brazil (Paraiba do Sul and Guandu Rivers) was assessed using the yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay. Sampling was performed in rivers and at the outlets of conventional water treatment plants (WTP). The removal of estrogenic activity by ozonation and chlorination after conventional water treatment (clarification and sand filtration) was investigated employing samples of the Guandu River spiked with estrogens and bisphenol A (BPA). The results revealed a preoccupying incidence of estrogenic activity at levels higher than 1ngL(-1) along some points of the rivers. Another matter of concern was the number of samples from WTPs presenting estrogenicity surpassing 1ngL(-1). The oxidation techniques (ozonation and chlorination) were effective for the removal of estrogenic activity and the combination of both techniques led to good results using less amounts of oxidants. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nitrapyrin in streams: The first study documenting off-field transport of a nitrogen stabilizer compound

USGS Publications Warehouse

Woodward, Emily; Hladik, Michelle; Kolpin, Dana W.

2016-01-01

Nitrapyrin is a bactericide that is co-applied with fertilizer to prevent nitrification and enhance corn yields. While there have been studies of the environmental fate of nitrapyrin, there is no documentation of its off-field transport to streams. In 2016, 59 water samples from 11 streams across Iowa were analyzed for nitrapyrin and its degradate, 6-chloropicolinic acid (6-CPA), along with three widely used herbicides, acetochlor, atrazine, and metolachlor. Nitrapyrin was detected in seven streams (39% of water samples) with concentrations ranging from 12 to 240 ng/L; 6-CPA was never detected. The herbicides were ubiquitously detected (100% of samples, 28–16000 ng/L). Higher nitrapyrin concentrations in streams were associated with rainfall events following spring fertilizer applications. Nitrapyrin persisted in streams for up to 5 weeks. These results highlight the need for more research focused on the environmental fate and transport of nitrapyrin and the potential toxicity this compound could have on nontarget organisms.

Surface water polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in urban areas of Nanjing, China.

PubMed

Wang, Chunhui; Zhou, Shenglu; Wu, Shaohua; Song, Jing; Shi, Yaxing; Li, Baojie; Chen, Hao

2017-10-01

The concentration, sources and environmental risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water in urban areas of Nanjing were investigated. The range of ∑ 16 PAHs concentration is between 4,076 and 29,455 ng/L, with a mean of 17,212 ng/L. The composition of PAHs indicated that 2- and 3-ring PAHs have the highest proportion in all PAHs, while the 5- and 6-ring PAHs were the least in proportion. By diagnostic ratio analysis, combustion and petroleum were a mixture input that contributed to the water PAH in urban areas of Nanjing. Positive matrix factorization quantitatively identified four factors, including coke oven, coal combustion, oil source, and vehicle emission, as the main sources. Toxic equivalency factors of BaP (BaP eq ) evaluate the environmental risks of PAHs and indicate the PAH concentration in surface water in urban areas of Nanjing had been polluted and might cause potential environmental risks. Therefore, the PAH contamination in surface water in urban areas of Nanjing should draw considerable attention.

N,N-dimethylsulfamide as precursor for N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation upon ozonation and its fate during drinking water treatment.

PubMed

Schmidt, Carsten K; Brauch, Heinz-Jürgen

2008-09-01

Application and microbial degradation of the fungicide tolylfluanide gives rise to a new decomposition product named N,N-dimethylsulfamide (DMS). In Germany, DMS was found in groundwaters and surface waters with typical concentrations in the range of 100-1000 ng/L and 50-90 ng/L, respectively. Laboratory-scale and field investigations concerning its fate during drinking water treatment showed that DMS cannot be removed via riverbank filtration, activated carbon filtration, flocculation, and oxidation or disinfection procedures based on hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, chlorine dioxide, or UV irradiation. Even nanofiltration does not provide a sufficient removal efficiency. During ozonation about 30-50% of DMS are converted to the carcinogenic N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The NDMA being formed is biodegradable and can at least partially be removed by subsequent biologically active drinking water treatment steps including sand or activated carbon filtration. Disinfection with hypochlorous acid converts DMS to so far unknown degradation products but not to NDMA or 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH).

Monitoring the freely dissolved concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylphenols (AP) around a Norwegian oil platform by holistic passive sampling.

PubMed

Harman, Christopher; Thomas, Kevin V; Tollefsen, Knut Erik; Meier, Sonnich; Bøyum, Olav; Grung, Merete

2009-11-01

In order to assess the environmental impact of aquatic discharges from the offshore oil industry, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were deployed around an oil platform and at reference locations in the North Sea. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylated phenols (AP) was determined from passive sampler accumulations using an empirical uptake model, the dissipation of performance reference compounds and adjusted laboratory derived sampling rates. Exposure was relatively similar within 1-2 km of the discharge point, with levels dominated by short chained C1-C3 AP isomers (19-51 ngL(-1)) and alkylated naphthalenes, phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes (NPD, 29-45 ngL(-1)). Exposure stations showed significant differences to reference sites for NPD, but not always for more hydrophobic PAH. These concentrations are several orders of magnitude lower than those reported to give both acute and sub-lethal effects, although their long term consequences are unknown.

Tracking changing X-ray contrast media application to an urban-influenced karst aquifer in the Wadi Shueib, Jordan.

PubMed

Zemann, Moritz; Wolf, Leif; Grimmeisen, Felix; Tiehm, Andreas; Klinger, Jochen; Hötzl, Heinz; Goldscheider, Nico

2015-03-01

Sewage input into a karst aquifer via leaking sewers and cesspits was investigated over five years in an urbanized catchment. Of 66 samples, analyzed for 25 pharmaceuticals, 91% indicated detectable concentrations. The former standard iodinated X-ray contrast medium (ICM) diatrizoic acid was detected most frequently. Remarkably, it was found more frequently in groundwater (79%, median: 54 ng/l) than in wastewater (21%, 120 ng/l), which is supposed to be the only source in this area. In contrast, iopamidol, a possible substitute, spread over the aquifer during the investigation period whereas concentrations were two orders of magnitude higher in wastewater than in groundwater. Knowledge about changing application of pharmaceuticals thus is essential to assess urban impacts on aquifers, especially when applying mass balances. Since correlated concentrations provide conclusive evidence that, for this catchment, nitrate in groundwater rather comes from urban than from rural sources, ICM are considered useful tracers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Removal of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) from Municipal Waste Water with Integrated Membrane Systems, MBR-RO/NF

PubMed Central

Wang, Yonggang; Wang, Xu; Li, Mingwei; Dong, Jing; Sun, Changhong; Chen, Guanyi

2018-01-01

This study focuses on the application of combining membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment with reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) membrane treatment for removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in municipal wastewater. Twenty-seven PPCPs were measured in real influent with lowest average concentration being trimethoprim (7.12 ng/L) and the highest being caffeine (18.4 ng/L). The results suggest that the MBR system effectively removes the PPCPs with an efficiency of between 41.08% and 95.41%, and that the integrated membrane systems, MBR-RO/NF, can achieve even higher removal rates of above 95% for most of them. The results also suggest that, due to the differences in removal mechanisms of NF/RO membrane, differences of removal rates exist. In this study, the combination of MBR-NF resulted in the removal of 13 compounds to below detection limits and MBR-RO achieved even better results with removal of 20 compounds to below detection limits. PMID:29401723

Effects of tributyltin on metamorphosis and gonadal differentiation of Xenopus laevis at environmentally relevant concentrations.

PubMed

Shi, Huahong; Zhu, Pan; Guo, Suzhen

2014-05-01

Tributyltin (TBT), a well known endocrine disruptor, has high teratogenicity to embryos of amphibian (Xenopus tropicalis). An amphibian metamorphosis assay (AMA) and a complete AMA (CAMA) were conducted for TBT. In AMA, the body weight, the snout-to-vent length and the hind limb length of X. laevis tadpoles were decreased in tributyltin chloride (TBTCl; 12.5-200 ng/L) treatment groups after 7 days exposure. TBT greatly retarded the development of tadpoles, decreased the number of follicle and induced thyroid follicle cell hyperplasia after 19 days exposure. In CAMA, 10 and 100 ng/L TBTCl led to various malformations of gonad, including intersex, segmental aplasia and multiple ovary cavities of X. laevis following exposure from stages 46 to stage 66. The sex ratio was male-biased in TBT treatment groups. These results suggest that TBT delayed the metamorphosis, inhibited the growth of tadpoles and disrupted the gonadal differentiation of X. laevis at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Assessment of TBT and organic booster biocide contamination in seawater from coastal areas of South Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Nam Sook; Shim, Won Joon; Yim, Un Hyuk; Hong, Sang Hee; Ha, Sung Yong; Han, Gi Myung; Shin, Kyung-Hoon

2014-01-15

Seawater samples from major enclosed bays, fishing ports, and harbors of Korea were analyzed to determine levels of tributyltin (TBT) and booster biocides, which are antifouling agents used as alternatives to TBT. TBT levels were in the range of not detected (nd) to 23.9 ng Sn/L. Diuron and Irgarol 1051, at concentration ranges of 35-1360 ng/L and nd to 14 ng/L, respectively, were the most common alternative biocides present in seawater, with the highest concentrations detected in fishing ports. Hot spots were identified where TBT levels exceeded environmental quality targets even 6 years after a total ban on its use in Korea. Diuron exceeded the UK environmental quality standard (EQS) value in 73% of the fishing port samples, 64% of the major bays, and 42% of the harbors. Irgarol 1051 levels were marginally below the Dutch and UK EQS values at all sites. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biomonitoring of traffic police officers exposed to airborne platinum

PubMed Central

Iavicoli, I; Bocca, B; Petrucci, F; Senofonte, O; Carelli, G; Alimonti, A; Caroli, S

2004-01-01

Background: Over the past two decades there has been a substantial increase in environmental levels of palladium, platinum, and rhodium, the platinum group elements (PGEs), due to the widespread use of catalytic converters for automotive traction. Aim: To evaluate urinary platinum levels in occupationally exposed subjects. Methods: A total of 161 employees from the Rome City Police Force were studied; 103 were traffic police involved in controlling streets with an average flow of vehicles, while the remaining 58 were control subjects engaged only in office work. Platinum quantification in the urine samples of these subjects was carried out by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between platinum levels in the group of subjects engaged in traffic control and the control group (4.45 (2.42) ng/l v 4.56 (2.84) ng/l, respectively). Conclusions: Urinary levels were found to be higher than those reported for other urban populations, thus showing a progressive increase in human exposure to Pt. PMID:15208381

Removal of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) from Municipal Waste Water with Integrated Membrane Systems, MBR-RO/NF.

PubMed

Wang, Yonggang; Wang, Xu; Li, Mingwei; Dong, Jing; Sun, Changhong; Chen, Guanyi

2018-02-05

This study focuses on the application of combining membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment with reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) membrane treatment for removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in municipal wastewater. Twenty-seven PPCPs were measured in real influent with lowest average concentration being trimethoprim (7.12 ng/L) and the highest being caffeine (18.4 ng/L). The results suggest that the MBR system effectively removes the PPCPs with an efficiency of between 41.08% and 95.41%, and that the integrated membrane systems, MBR-RO/NF, can achieve even higher removal rates of above 95% for most of them. The results also suggest that, due to the differences in removal mechanisms of NF/RO membrane, differences of removal rates exist. In this study, the combination of MBR-NF resulted in the removal of 13 compounds to below detection limits and MBR-RO achieved even better results with removal of 20 compounds to below detection limits.

EVOLUTION OF AN ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR HALOGENATED FURANONES IN DRINKING WATER

EPA Science Inventory

A unified method of detection for seven halogenated furanones present in drinking waters at the ng/L level has been developed. The use of GC/ECD makes this method amenable to manyenvironmental laboratories and water treatment plants in the United States. Detection limits observe...

Nitrate and Perchlorate Destruction and Potable Water Production Using Membrane Biofilm Reduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

NDMA N-nitrosodimethylamine NDPA N-nitroso-di-n-propylamine ng/L nanograms per liter NO2- nitrite NO3- nitrate NTU nephelometric turbidity units...Nitrosamines including N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N- nitrosodimethylamine ( NDMA ), and N-nitroso-di-n-propylamine (NDPA) were below their

Monitoring, sources, receptors, and control measures for three European Union watch list substances of emerging concern in receiving waters - A 20year systematic review.

PubMed

Tiedeken, Erin Jo; Tahar, Alexandre; McHugh, Brendan; Rowan, Neil J

2017-01-01

Pollution of European receiving waters with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as with 17-beta-estradiol (a natural estrogenic hormone, E2), along with pharmaceutically-active compounds diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory drug, DCL) and 17-alpha-ethynylestradiol (a synthetic estrogenic hormone, EE2)) is a ubiquitous phenomenon. These three CECs were added to the EU watch list of emerging substances to be monitoring in 2013, which was updated in 2015 to comprise 10 substances/groups of substances in the field of water policy. A systematic literature review was conducted of 3952 potentially relevant articles over period 1995 to 2015 that produced a new EU-wide database consisting of 1268 publications on DCL, E2 and EE2. European surface water concentrations of DCL are typically reported below the proposed annual average environmental quality standard (AA EQS) of 100ng/l, but that exceedances frequently occur. E2 and EE2 surface water concentrations are typically below 50ng/l and 10ng/l respectively, but these values greatly exceed the proposed AA EQS values for these compounds (0.04 and 0.035ng/l respectively). However, levels of these CECs are frequently reported to be disproportionately high in EU receiving waters, particularly in effluents at control points that require urgent attention. Overall it was found that DCL and EE2 enter European aquatic environment mainly following human consumption and excretion of therapeutic drugs, and by incomplete removal from influent at urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). E2 is a natural hormone excreted by humans which also experiences incomplete removal during WWTPs treatment. Current conventional analytical chemistry methods are sufficiently sensitive for the detection and quantification of DCL but not for E2 and EE2, thus alternative, ultra-trace, time-integrated monitoring techniques such as passive sampling are needed to inform water quality for these estrogens. DCL appears resistant to conventional wastewater treatment while E2 and EE2 have high removal efficiencies that occur through biodegradation or sorption to organic matter. There is a pressing need to determine fate and behaviour of these CECs in European receiving waters such as using GIS-modelling of river basins as this will identify pressure points for informing priority decision making and alleviation strategies for upgrade of WWTPs and for hospital effluents with advanced treatment technologies. More monitoring data for these CECs in receiving waters is urgently needed for EU legislation and effective risk management. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pesticides and oil and grease in selected streams and lakes in northeastern Louisiana, 2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGee, Benton D.

2003-01-01

A 6-month study was begun in April 2001 to determine the concentrations of pesticides or oil and grease in selected stream reaches and lakes within the Ouachita, Tensas, and Black River Basins in northeastern Louisiana. During April through September 2001, six monthly water samples for analysis of pesticides were collected from 22 sites: 17 sites were on 11 streams, and 5 sites were on 5 lakes. During Apirl through July 2001, four monthly samples for analysis of oil and grease were collected from 5 sites: 4 sites were on three streams, and 1 site was on a lake. A total of 131 water samples were analyzed for 17 pesticides (15 insecticides and 2 herbicides). The following classes of pesticides, as classified from the Pesticide Analysis (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Laboratory), are reported: organochlorine, nitrogen-phosphorus, and carbamate. The 8 pesticides detected in samples, in decreasing frequency, were as follow: atrazine, molinate, methyl parathion, 4,4'-DDT, carbofuran, diazinon, toxaphene, and 4,4'DDE. Organochlorine pesticides (insecticides) represented the majority (12 out of 17) of the pesticides analyzed. Of those 12 organochlorine pesticides, only 3 (4,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDE, and toxaphene) were detected in the 131 samples. Of the organochlorine pesticides, 4,4'-DDT was detected most frequently (in 11 percent of the samples), and concentrations ranged from 1.22 to 4.70 ng/L (nanograms per liter). Nitrogen-phosphorus pesticides were the most frequently detected and abundant pesticides. Of all the pesticides analyzed, atrazine and molinate (nitrogen-phosphorus herbicides) were the pesticides most frequently detected (in 93 and 21 percent of the samples), had the highest and most wide-ranging concentrations (10.8 to 15,100 ng/L and 10.0 to 11,600 ng/L), and were most widely distributed throughout the study area. Carbofuran, a carbamate insecticide, was detected at 8 of the 22 pesticide data-collection sites and in 9.2 percent of the 131 samples analyzed for pesticides. Concentrations of carbofuran ranged from 30.7 to 946 ng/L. Of the 22 pesticide data-collection sites, the frequency of pesticide detection was highest at 6 sites: Boeuf River near Arkansas-Louisiana State Line, Boeuf River near Fort Necessity, Big Creek at Louisiana Highway 135 near Winnsboro, Crew Lake at Crew Lake, Joe's Bayou near Waverly; and Bayou Macon at Louisiana Highway 562 near Wisner. All water samples analyzed for oil and grease had concentrations less than the reporting limit of 5 milligrams per liter.

The relationship between bone health and plasma zinc, copper lead and cadmium concentration in osteoporotic women.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Naficeh; Oveisi, Mohammad Reza; Jannat, Behrooz; Hajimahmoodi, Mannan; Behzad, Masoomeh; Behfar, Abdolazim; Sadeghi, Fatemeh; Saadatmand, Sahereh

2014-01-01

Osteoporosis is a multi factorial disease with dimension of genetic and nutritional considerations. The aim of this study was to present data from the association of plasma zinc, copper and toxic elements of lead and cadmium levels with bone mineral density in Iranian women. 135 women gave their information and enrolled. Fasting plasma was used for measurement of trace elements and heavy metals by Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry. Control group (n = 51) were normal in both lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck density (T-score ≥ -1), but just femoral neck T-score was considered as criterion in selection of patient group (n = 49, Tscore < -1). No differences were found in the nutritional status, number of diseases, drugs and functional activities between these groups. Plasma Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd levels were analyzed by, a method of voltammetry. Mean ± SD levels of copper and zinc was 1.168 ± 0.115, 1.097 ± 0.091 μg/ml in control group, 1.394 ± 0.133, 1.266 ± 0.11 μg/ml in total patient (TP) and 1.237 ± 0.182, 1.127 ± 0.176 μg/ml in Mild patients(-1 > T-score > -1.7), 1.463 ± 0.174, 1.327 ± 0.147 μg/ml in Severe patient group (T-score < -1.7); respectively. Mean ± SD plasma level of lead and cadmium was 168.42 ± 9.61 ng/l, 2.91 ± 0.18 ng/ml in control group, 176.13 ± 8.64 ng/l, 2.97 ± 0.21 ng/ml in TP, 176.43 ± 13.2 ng/l, 2.99 ± 0.1 ng/ml in mild patients, 221.44 ± 20 ng/l and 3.80 ± 0.70 ng/ml in severe patient group, respectively. In this study plasma zinc, copper, lead & cadmium concentrations were higher in the patients than in the control, though differences were not significant. However, differences were higher between the controls and patients with severe disease (T-score < -1.7). In addition adjusted T-score of femur with age and BMI showed negative significant correlation with plasma levels of zinc and lead in total participants (p < 0.05, r = -0.201, p = 0.044, r = -0.201). It seems that more extensive study with larger ample size might supply definite results about this association for copper and cadmium.

Methylation of Hg downstream from the Bonanza Hg mine, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gray, John E.; Hines, Mark E.; Krabbenhoft, David P.; Thoms, Bryn

2012-01-01

Speciation of Hg and conversion to methyl-Hg were evaluated in stream sediment, stream water, and aquatic snails collected downstream from the Bonanza Hg mine, Oregon. Total production from the Bonanza mine was >1360t of Hg, during mining from the late 1800s to 1960, ranking it as an intermediate sized Hg mine on an international scale. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution, transport, and methylation of Hg downstream from a Hg mine in a coastal temperate climatic zone. Data shown here for methyl-Hg, a neurotoxin hazardous to humans, are the first reported for sediment and water from this area. Stream sediment collected from Foster Creek flowing downstream from the Bonanza mine contained elevated Hg concentrations that ranged from 590 to 71,000ng/g, all of which (except the most distal sample) exceeded the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1060ng/g, the Hg concentration above which harmful effects are likely to be observed in sediment-dwelling organisms. Concentrations of methyl-Hg in stream sediment collected from Foster Creek varied from 11 to 62ng/g and were highly elevated compared to regional baseline concentrations (0.11-0.82ng/g) established in this study. Methyl-Hg concentrations in stream sediment collected in this study showed a significant correlation with total organic C (TOC, R2=0.62), generally indicating increased methyl-Hg formation with increasing TOC in sediment. Isotopic-tracer methods indicated that several samples of Foster Creek sediment exhibited high rates of Hg-methylation. Concentrations of Hg in water collected downstream from the mine varied from 17 to 270ng/L and were also elevated compared to baselines, but all were below the 770ng/L Hg standard recommended by the USEPA to protect against chronic effects to aquatic wildlife. Concentrations of methyl-Hg in the water collected from Foster Creek ranged from 0.17 to 1.8ng/L, which were elevated compared to regional baseline sites upstream and downstream from the mine that varied from <0.02 to 0.22ng/L. Aquatic snails collected downstream from the mine were elevated in Hg indicating significant bioavailability and uptake of Hg by these snails. Results for sediment and water indicated significant methyl-Hg formation in the ecosystem downstream from the Bonanza mine, which is enhanced by the temperate climate, high precipitation in the area, and high organic matter.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for risk assessment in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the ARISTOTLE Trial (Apixaban for the Prevention of Stroke in Subjects With Atrial Fibrillation).

PubMed

Hijazi, Ziad; Wallentin, Lars; Siegbahn, Agneta; Andersson, Ulrika; Christersson, Christina; Ezekowitz, Justin; Gersh, Bernard J; Hanna, Michael; Hohnloser, Stefan; Horowitz, John; Huber, Kurt; Hylek, Elaine M; Lopes, Renato D; McMurray, John J V; Granger, Christopher B

2013-06-04

This study sought to assess the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) enrolled in the ARISTOTLE (Apixaban for the Prevention of Stroke in Subjects With Atrial Fibrillation) trial, and the treatment effect of apixaban according to NT-proBNP levels. Natriuretic peptides are associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in several cardiac diseases. In the ARISTOTLE trial, 18,201 patients with AF were randomized to apixaban or warfarin. Plasma samples at randomization were available from 14,892 patients. The association between NT-proBNP concentrations and clinical outcomes was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models, after adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors. Quartiles of NT-proBNP were: Q1, ≤363 ng/l; Q2, 364 to 713 ng/l; Q3, 714 to 1,250 ng/l; and Q4, >1,250 ng/l. During 1.9 years, the annual rates of stroke or systemic embolism ranged from 0.74% in the bottom NT-proBNP quartile to 2.21% in the top quartile, an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62 to 3.40; p < 0.0001). Annual rates of cardiac death ranged from 0.86% in Q1 to 4.14% in Q4, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.50 (95% CI: 1.81 to 3.45; p < 0.0001). Adding NT-proBNP levels to the CHA2DS2VASc score improved C-statistics from 0.62 to 0.65 (p = 0.0009) for stroke or systemic embolism and from 0.59 to 0.69 for cardiac death (p < 0.0001). Apixaban reduced stroke, mortality, and bleeding regardless of the NT-proBNP level. NT-proBNP levels are often elevated in AF and independently associated with an increased risk of stroke and mortality. NT-proBNP improves risk stratification beyond the CHA2DS2VASc score and might be a novel tool for improved stroke prediction in AF. The efficacy of apixaban compared with warfarin is independent of the NT-proBNP level. (Apixaban for the Prevention of Stroke in Subjects With Atrial Fibrillation [ARISTOTLE]; NCT00412984). Copyright © 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anthropogenic landscapes and pesticides distribution in waters of the river Júcar, Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pascual-Aguilar, Juan Antonio; Andreu, Vicente; Masià, Ana; Picó, Yolanda

2014-05-01

The quality of river flows may be affected by farming activities whenever dissolve substances persist as nonpoint source pollutants. Among contaminants, the group of pesticides is associated to farming activities. Their extended use depends on the dominant farming practice and the type of crop that, in turn, will be reflected on the specific pollutants and concentrations found. Their identifation in surface waters may also depend on the size and structure (to landscape scale) of the agriculture land. Thus, to understand surface waters transport and hydrological connectivity of contaminants in river flows research to large basin scale is needed. In this work it is assumed that at large geographical scale pesticides and herbicides are related to major landscape land use-cover types. The methodological framework developed consisted on the application of environmental forensic criteria combining laboratory analytical water samples and cartographic analysis using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). To the detection and quantification of pesticides, the sampling strategy consisted in the collection of 15 water samples distributed alongside the River Júcar and its two main tributaries (River Cabriel and Magro), located in the River Júcar drainage Basin, Spain. 50 pesticides were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Geographical analysis were performed after geo-location of sampling points analytical results and integration in the GIS environment using land use-cover digital layers, togeheter with soil, lithology and topography layers. Out of 50 pesticides 20 were identified and 18 presented concentrations higher than the Limits of Quantification. Values ranged from 0.04 ng/L (Terbuthylazine-2 Hydroxy) to 79.39 ng/L (Carbendazim), 150.75 ng/L (Thiabenzadole) and 222.45 ng/L (Imazalil). Contaminants identified more frequently were Chlorpyriphos, Ethion, Chlorfenvinphos and Imazalil, found in 15, 13, 12 and 10 sites respectively. There is a clear geographical trend in the number of pesticides found and their concentrations. Three main land use-cover areas where stablished, according to the dominant vegetation cover: natural surfaces, rainfed agriculture and intensive irrigation farming. The number of pesticides incrise from natural areas (28 incidencies in 6 sites) to rainfed (37 detections in 5 sites) and irrigation agriculture (50 incidencies in 4 sampling points). Higher concentrations area also found in the sector with intensive irrigation agriculture. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the project CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010 (CSD2009) and by the Ministry and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (projects CGL2011-29703-C02-00, CGL2011-29703-C02-01, CGL2011-29703-C02-02).

Mercury and methylmercury in water and sediment of the Sacramento River Basin, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Domagalski, Joseph L.

2001-01-01

Mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (CH3Hg+) concentrations in streambed sediment and water were determined at 27 locations throughout the Sacramento River Basin, CA. Mercury in sediment was elevated at locations downstream of either Hg mining or Au mining activities where Hg was used in the recovery of Au. Methylmercury in sediment was highest (2.84 ng/g) at a location with the greatest wetland land cover, in spite of lower total Hg at that site relative to other river sites. Mercury in unfiltered water was measured at 4 locations on the Sacramento River and at tributaries draining the mining regions, as well as agricultural regions. The highest levels of Hg in unfiltered water (2248 ng/l) were measured at a site downstream of a historic Hg mining area, and the highest levels at all sites were measured in samples collected during high streamflow when the levels of suspended sediment were also elevated. Mercury in unfiltered water exceeded the current federal and state recommended criterion for protection of aquatic life (50 ng/l as total Hg in unfiltered water) only during high streamflow conditions. The highest loading of Hg to the San Francisco Bay system was attributed to sources within the Cache Creek watershed, which are downstream of historic Hg mines, and to an unknown source or sources to the mainstem of the Sacramento River upstream of historic Au mining regions. That unknown source is possibly associated with a volcanic deposit. Methylmercury concentrations also were dependent on season and hydrologic conditions. The highest levels (1.98 ng/l) in the Sacramento River, during the period of study, were measured during a major flood event. The reactivity of Hg in unfiltered water was assessed by measuring the amount available for reaction by a strong reducing agent. Although most Hg was found to be nonreactive, the highest reactivity (7.8% of the total Hg in water) was measured in the sample collected from the same site with high CH3Hg+ in sediment, and during the time of year when that site was under continual flooded conditions. Although Hg concentrations in water downstream of the Hg mining operations were measured as high as 2248 ng/l during stormwater runoff events, the transported Hg was found to have a low potential for geochemical transformations, as indicated by the low reactivity to the reducing agent (0.0001% of the total), probably because most of the Hg in the unfiltered water sample was in the mercury sulfide form.

Relationship of leptin and insulin-like growth factor I to nutritional status in hemodialyzed children.

PubMed

Besbas, Nesrin; Ozaltin, Fatih; Coşkun, Turgay; Ozalp, Sila; Saatçi, Umit; Bakkaloğlu, Aysin; El Nahas, A Meguid

2003-12-01

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Elevated serum leptin levels were thought to contribute to the anorexia and poor nutrition in renal failure. However, studies of the relationship between nutritional status and leptin concentration in chronic renal failure have yielded conflicting results. Plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) level has been used as an indicator of nutritional status in patients with renal failure. The relationship between leptin and IGF-I is controversial. The present study was conducted with the aim of assessing the relationship between nutritional status, hyperleptinemia, and serum IGF-I. Seventeen ESRD patients (8 male, 9 female), aged 8-18 years (mean 15.3+/-3.3 years) and undergoing standard hemodialysis for 58.8+/-23.1 months were enrolled. Nine age-matched healthy children served as controls. In all patients, energy and protein intakes were 40-70 kcal/kg per day and 1-1.54 g/kg per day, respectively. Predialysis serum leptin and IGF-I levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Body mass index was decreased in 13 (76%) patients. Triceps skinfold thickness (TST) was reduced (below the 5th percentile) in 7 (41%), whereas mid arm circumference and mid arm muscle circumference were reduced in 14 (82.5%) and 13 (76.5%), respectively. The median serum leptin level was significantly higher in patients than in controls [13.7 interquartile range (IQR) 30.50 pg/ml vs. 6.50 IQR 8.65 pg/ml, P=0.01]. The median serum IGF-I level was lower in the patients (205.1 ng/ml IQR 194.4 ng/l) than controls (418.0 ng/l IQR 310.5 ng/ml) ( P=0.01). IGF-I levels were more decreased in patients with severe malnutrition, defined according to TST (145.0 ng/ml IQR 125.5 ng/l) than patients without malnutrition (301.2 ng/l IQR 218.8 ng/ml) ( P=0.03) and healthy children ( P=0.002). Although statistically not significant, IGF-I levels tended to be decreased, while leptin levels were increased. The median plasma insulin concentration was 15 microU/ml (1.63-45.80) and did not correlate with leptin and IGF-I levels. In conclusion, the results of this study confirm the presence of high circulating plasma leptin levels, which may be one of the many factors involved in the pathogenesis of the malnutrition in children on hemodialysis.

Effects of alkylphenols on the biotransformation of diuron and enzymes involved in the synthesis and clearance of sex steroids in juvenile male tilapia (Oreochromus mossambica).

PubMed

Felício, Andréia A; Crago, Jordan; Maryoung, Lindley A; Almeida, Eduardo A; Schlenk, Daniel

2016-11-01

Previous studies using in vivo bioassay guided fractionation indicated that the herbicide diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) and alkylphenol (AP)-containing surfactants were detected in fractions of extracts that induced the estrogenic biomarker, vitellogenin in fish exposed to surface water extracts from the United States. However, when the compounds were evaluated individually using in vivo estrogenic assays or in vitro estrogen receptor assays, estrogenic activity was not observed. Since APs have been shown to alter activity and content of cytochrome P450s (CYP) which convert diuron to potential estrogenic metabolites, the hepatic biotransformation of diuron was measured with and without a 7day pretreatment of p-Octylphenol (OP) and p-Nonylphenol (NP) at low (OP 13ng/L+NP 91ng/L), and high concentrations (OP 65ng/L+NP 455ng/L) in juvenile male Nile tilapia (Oreochromus niloticus). Pre-treatment with the OP/NP (AP) mixture caused elevated levels of NADPH-catalyzed formation of 3,4-dichlorophenyl-N-methylurea (DCPMU) but not 3,4-dichlorophenylurea (DCPU). Fish were also treated with nominal concentrations of low (40ng/L) and high (200ng/L) diuron and each of its three degradates/metabolites: DCPMU, DCPU and 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA). Additional treatments were conducted with APs and Diuron as a mixture at the low concentrations which mimicked concentrations observed in surface waters. Hepatic vitellogenin (Vtg) mRNA was induced by exposure to the high concentrations of Diuron, as well as DCPMU and DCPU in both concentrations. Brain cytochrome P450 aromatase activity was generally diminished by diuron, its metabolites, and the AP/diuron mixtures. 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) levels were also reduced by DCPMU and DCA in the lower concentrations, but not by higher concentrations. While the AP mixture reduced 17βHSD, the AP/diuron mixture induced testosterone (T) biosynthesis at the single concentration tested. Although CYP3A expression was induced by all diuron metabolites, it was unchanged by the AP mixture. These data indicate that mixtures of AP and diuron enhanced the formation of the metabolite (DCPMU) which induced vitellogenin, and reduced T biosynthetic enzymes (17βHSD inhibition). Overall, these data showed that APs may have induced the biotransformation of diuron to at least one metabolite, that may disrupt androgen biosynthesis and potentially alter steroid feedback pathways in the central nervous system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multicenter Evaluation of a 0-Hour/1-Hour Algorithm in the Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T.

PubMed

Mueller, Christian; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Christ, Michael; Ordóñez-Llanos, Jorge; deFilippi, Christopher; McCord, James; Body, Richard; Panteghini, Mauro; Jernberg, Tomas; Plebani, Mario; Verschuren, Franck; French, John; Christenson, Robert; Weiser, Silvia; Bendig, Garnet; Dilba, Peter; Lindahl, Bertil

2016-07-01

We aim to prospectively validate the diagnostic accuracy of the recently developed 0-h/1-h algorithm, using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) for the early rule-out and rule-in of acute myocardial infarction. We enrolled patients presenting with suspected acute myocardial infarction and recent (<6 hours) onset of symptoms to the emergency department in a global multicenter diagnostic study. Hs-cTnT (Roche Diagnostics) and sensitive cardiac troponin I (Siemens Healthcare) were measured at presentation and after 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 to 14 hours in a central laboratory. Patient triage according to the predefined hs-cTnT 0-hour/1-hour algorithm (hs-cTnT below 12 ng/L and Δ1 hour below 3 ng/L to rule out; hs-cTnT at least 52 ng/L or Δ1 hour at least 5 ng/L to rule in; remaining patients to the "observational zone") was compared against a centrally adjudicated final diagnosis by 2 independent cardiologists (reference standard). The final diagnosis was based on all available information, including coronary angiography and echocardiography results, follow-up data, and serial measurements of sensitive cardiac troponin I, whereas adjudicators remained blinded to hs-cTnT. Among 1,282 patients enrolled, acute myocardial infarction was the final diagnosis for 213 (16.6%) patients. Applying the hs-cTnT 0-hour/1-hour algorithm, 813 (63.4%) patients were classified as rule out, 184 (14.4%) were classified as rule in, and 285 (22.2%) were triaged to the observational zone. This resulted in a negative predictive value and sensitivity for acute myocardial infarction of 99.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 98.2% to 99.7%) and 96.7% (95% CI 93.4% to 98.7%) in the rule-out zone (7 patients with false-negative results), a positive predictive value and specificity for acute myocardial infarction of 77.2% (95% CI 70.4% to 83.0%) and 96.1% (95% CI 94.7% to 97.2%) in the rule-in zone, and a prevalence of acute myocardial infarction of 22.5% in the observational zone. The hs-cTnT 0-hour/1-hour algorithm performs well for early rule-out and rule-in of acute myocardial infarction. Copyright © 2016 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Soil total carbon content, aggregation, bulk density, and penetration resistance of croplands and nearby grasslands

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Converting native grassland (NGL) to cropland (CL) decreases soil organic matter contents (components of soil total carbon contents, STCCs), which often leads to soil degradation. Reestablishing grass on CL generally increases soil organic matter, which improves soil conditions. This study was condu...

The Fate and Transport of Reproductive Hormones and Their Conjugates in the Environment

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Reproductive steroid hormones can disrupt the endocrine system of some species at ng/L concentrations. Sources of steroid hormones to the environment include human waste water effluents or manure produced at animal feeding operations (AFOs). Steroid hormones, such as 17ß-estradiol (E2) and estrone (...

30 CFR 206.158 - Processing allowances-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... relationship. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) shall be considered as one product. (c)(1) Except as provided in... MANAGEMENT PRODUCT VALUATION Federal Gas § 206.158 Processing allowances—general. (a) Where the value of gas... actual costs of processing. (b) Processing costs must be allocated among the gas plant products. A...

30 CFR 1206.158 - Processing allowances-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... relationship. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) shall be considered as one product. (c)(1) Except as provided in... RESOURCES REVENUE PRODUCT VALUATION Federal Gas § 1206.158 Processing allowances—general. (a) Where the value of gas is determined pursuant to § 1206.153 of this subpart, a deduction shall be allowed for the...

30 CFR 1206.171 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... condensate recovered as a result of its becoming a liquid during the transportation of the gas removed from... leasing regulations. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) means those gas plant products consisting of ethane... NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE PRODUCT VALUATION Indian Gas § 1206.171 What definitions apply to this subpart...

30 CFR 1206.171 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... condensate recovered as a result of its becoming a liquid during the transportation of the gas removed from... leasing regulations. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) means those gas plant products consisting of ethane... NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE PRODUCT VALUATION Indian Gas § 1206.171 What definitions apply to this subpart...

30 CFR 1206.158 - Processing allowances-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... relationship. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) shall be considered as one product. (c)(1) Except as provided in... RESOURCES REVENUE PRODUCT VALUATION Federal Gas § 1206.158 Processing allowances—general. (a) Where the value of gas is determined pursuant to § 1206.153 of this subpart, a deduction shall be allowed for the...

30 CFR 202.152 - Standards for reporting and paying royalties on gas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... same standards specified in paragraph (a) of this section. (3) Natural gas liquids (NGL) volumes shall... gas. 202.152 Section 202.152 Mineral Resources MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT ROYALTIES Federal Gas § 202.152 Standards for reporting and paying royalties on...

76 FR 30878 - Federal Oil and Gas Valuation

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-27

... when gas is processed, in lieu of valuing residue gas and extracted liquid products separately... natural gas liquids (NGL) price similar to a ``frac spread'' or a ``processing margin.'' Certain plant... No. ONRR-2011-0005] RIN 1012-AA01 Federal Oil and Gas Valuation AGENCY: Office of Natural Resources...

30 CFR 1206.171 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... condensate recovered as a result of its becoming a liquid during the transportation of the gas removed from... leasing regulations. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) means those gas plant products consisting of ethane..., DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Natural Resources Revenue PRODUCT VALUATION Indian Gas § 1206.171 What definitions...

30 CFR 1206.158 - Processing allowances-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... relationship. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) shall be considered as one product. (c)(1) Except as provided in... RESOURCES REVENUE PRODUCT VALUATION Federal Gas § 1206.158 Processing allowances—general. (a) Where the value of gas is determined pursuant to § 1206.153 of this subpart, a deduction shall be allowed for the...

30 CFR 1206.171 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... condensate recovered as a result of its becoming a liquid during the transportation of the gas removed from... leasing regulations. Natural gas liquids (NGL's) means those gas plant products consisting of ethane... NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE PRODUCT VALUATION Indian Gas § 1206.171 What definitions apply to this subpart...