Abstract: A novel fullerene (C60) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) fabricated electrochemical sensor was developed for the sensitive determination of the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin in a solubilized system of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The home-made sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was found that the nanocomposite film of C60MWCNTs on GCE exhibits electrocatalytic activity towards vinclozolin reduction and also lowers the reduction overpotential. The influence of the optimization parameters such as pH, effect of CTAB concentration and effect of loading of composite mixture of C60 and MWCNTs on the analytical performance of the sensor was evaluated. Various kinetic parameters such as electron transfer number (n), proton transfer number (m), charge transfer coefficient (α) and diffusion coefficient (D) were also calculated. Under optimized conditions, the squarewave reduction peak current was linear over the concentration range of 2.548.75 μM with the detection and quantification limit of 0.091 μM and 0.3 μM respectively. The fabricated sensor was successfully applied to the detection of vinclozolin in wastewater with good recovery ranging from 97.6 to 103.6%.

Abstract: Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are environmental pollutants that, once incorporated into an organism, affect the hormonal balance of humans and various species. Its presence in environment is of great importance in water quality related questions. The proposed method describes the development of an accurate, sensitive and selective sensor for the detection of bisphenol-A (BPA) and its treatment by green technology. A fullerene (C60) fabricated electrochemical sensor was developed for the ultrasensitive detection of BPA. The homemade sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronocoulometry. The influence of measuring parameters such as pH and C60 loading on the analytical performance of the sensor was evaluated. Various kinetic parameters such as electron transfer number (n); charge transfer coefficient (α); electrode surface area (A) and diffusion coefficient (D) were also calculated. Under the optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current was linear over the concentration range of 74 nM to 0.23 μM with the detection limit (LOD) of 3.7 nM. The fabricated sensor was successfully applied to the determination of BPA in wastewater samples and it has promising analytical applications for the direct determination of BPA at trace level.

Abstract: A method for the classification of individual aerosol particles using computer controlled electron probe microanalysis is presented. It is based on chemical boundary conditions (CBC) and enables quick and easy processing of a large set of elemental concentration data (mass%), derived from the X-ray spectra of individual particles. The particles are first classified into five major classes (sea salt related, secondary inorganic, minerals, iron-rich and carbonaceous), after which advanced data mining can be performed by examining the elemental composition of particles within each class into more detail (e.g., by ternary diagrams). The CBC method is validated and evaluated by comparing its results with the output obtained with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) for well-known standard particles as well as real aerosol particles collected with a cascade impactor. The CBC method gives reliable results and has a major advantage compared to HCA. CBC is based on boundary conditions that are derived from chemical logical thinking and does not require a translation of a mathematical algorithm output as does HCA. Therefore, the CBC method is more objective and enables comparison between samples without intermediate steps.

Abstract: The membrane life-time has a strong impact on competitivity and viability of MBRs. This study critically analyzes the membrane life-time concept, approaching it through different assessment methods. A full scale MBR's membrane life-time was assessed on the following: (i) maintaining the permeate flow throughput to the MBR; (ii) the permeability decline; (iii) oxidative aging; (iv) the increase in energy costs; and (v) mechanical aging. The method based on permeability decline provides a membrane life-time estimate up to a theoretical end. It was further elaborated inherently to operations with no long-term flux decline. The increase in operating pressure remains the main end-of-life trigger for deciding when to replace membrane modules. On the contrary, mechanical and permeate flow throughput analysis of the data are not able to provide a clear estimate of the membrane life-time. As for the membrane life-time estimation based on chlorine contact, it was found to be too optimistic. Complete irreversible fouling occurs before maximum contact time with chlorine is reached. At end-of-life operating conditions, the energy consumption raised of 170% due to the reduced flow rate. The cost raise appears high but still affordable. Earlier membrane replacement thus can never be counterbalanced by energy costs saving. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: Oxygen-permeable perovskites with mixed ionic-electronic conducting properties can play an important role in carbon capture and storage techniques. Their ability to separate oxygen from air is needed, more specifically, in oxy-fuel and pre-combustion technologies. In this work, the first detailed comparative analysis and new results are reported on four types of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta (BSCF) capillary membranes: non-coated sulphur-containing; catalyst-coated sulphur-containing; non-coated sulphur-free and catalyst-coated sulphur-free. The fabrication of BSCF capillaries by a spinning technique based on phase inversion is further discussed and their oxygen separation performances are interpreted. The comparison of the performance of these different generations of BSCF capillaries of similar dimensions demonstrates a significant impact of the sulphur contamination on both the oxygen flux through the membrane and the activation energy of the overall oxygen transport mechanism. Careful attention is paid to the effect of activation layers on both sulphur-free and sulphur-containing types of capillaries. Additional long-term testing of the sulphur-free BSCF capillaries is presented, where partial decomposition of the membrane surface was observed due to kinetic demixing. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The measurement of the ratio of stable isotopes of carbon (13C/12C expressed as a δ13C) in the individual components of a sample may be used as a means to identify the origin of these components. This article reviews the approaches and reports on the successes and failures of source identification and apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) with the use of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA). One of the conditions for a precise and accurate analysis of isotope ratios with the use of GC-C-IRMS is the need for well separated peaks, with no co-elutions, and reduced unresolved complex mixture (UCM). Additionally, special care needs to be taken for an investigation of possible isotope fractionation effects introduced during the analytical treatment of samples. With the above-mentioned problems in mind, this review discusses in detail and compares current laboratory methodologies, mainly in the extraction and subsequent clean-up techniques used for environmental samples (air particulate matter, soil and sediments). Sampling strategies, the use of isotopic internal standards and the ranges for precision and accuracy are also reported and discussed.

Abstract: Biodegradation of trichloroethene (TCE) near a Dense Non Aqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) can enhance the dissolution rate of the DNAPL by increasing the concentration gradient at the DNAPL-water interface. Two-dimensional flow-through sand boxes containing a ICE DNAPL and inoculated with a TCE dechlorinating consortium were set up to measure this bio-enhanced dissolution under anaerobic conditions. The total mass of TCE and daughter products in the effluent of the biotic boxes was 3-6 fold larger than in the effluent of the abiotic box. However, the mass of daughter products only accounted for 19-55% of the total mass of chlorinated compounds in the effluent, suggesting that bio-enhanced dissolution factors were maximally 1.3-2.2. The enhanced dissolution most likely primarily resulted from variable DNAPL distribution rather than biodegradation. Specific dechlorination rates previously determined in a stirred liquid medium were used in a reactive transport model to identify the rate limiting factors. The model adequately simulated the overall TCE degradation when predicted resident microbial numbers approached observed values and indicated an enhancement factor for TCE dissolution of 1.01. The model shows that dechlorination of TCE in the 20 box was limited due to the short residence time and the self-inhibition of the TCE degradation. A parameter sensitivity analysis predicts that the bio-enhanced dissolution factor for this TCE source zone can only exceed a value of 2 if the TCE self-inhibition is drastically reduced (when a TCE tolerant dehalogenating community is present) or if the DNAPL is located in a low-permeable layer with a small Darcy velocity. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The risk profile of Cr and Pb in urban road deposited sediment Exponential urbanisation and industrial growth occur on a global scale and result in an ecological burden, of which one important part is pollution. It is well known that the extent of air pollution has escalated over the past two decades in several parts of the world, despite mitigating measures and legislation. Current research points to the fact that air pollution in urban and industrial areas is substantially different from that found in rural areas. Road dust (RD) contributes up to 35% of airborne particulate matter due to resuspension thereof, and poses a health concern due to carcinogenic and toxic components potentially present in the micron-sized fractions. Although literature does report on the concentrations of trace, toxic metals and metalloids present in RD (Hooker and Nathanail 2006), the molecular make-up of particulates generated due to the resuspension of the RD is not well documented. In vitro and animal toxicological studies have confirmed that the chemical composition of inhaled particles plays a major role in its toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic mechanisms, but the component-specific toxic effects are still not understood. Transition metals binding to air particle matter can result in reactive oxygen species in the human body (particularly in the lungs), and this is a significant risk, especially for vulnerable population groups like elderly people, children and terminally ill patients. The characterisation of the molecular composition of the fine fraction is evidently of importance for public health. During an earlier study, road dust from an inner-city environment in the UK was collected and partially characterised (Barrett e.a. 2010). These same-size fractions were analysed for their elemental concentrations, using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRFS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, single-particle analysis was performed on the different fractions by means of Computer Controlled Electron Probe X-ray Micro Analysis (CC-EPXMA) and their molecular structure probed by studying elemental associations. These findings were correlated with Micro Raman Spectroscopy (MRS) results. It was found that the fine fraction (<38 μm) had the highest Pb (238 ppm) and Cr (171 ppm) concentrations. The CC-EPXMA data showed >50% association of Cr-rich particles with Pb and the MRS data showed that the Cr was mostly present as lead chromate and therefore in the Cr(VI) oxidation state. Concentrations of both Pb and Cr decreased substantially (279 (<38 mm) 13 ppm (<1mm); 171 (<38 mm) 91 ppm (<1mm) respectively) in the larger fractions. Apart from rather alarmingly high concentrations of oxidative stressors (Cu, Fe, Mn), the carcinogenic and toxic potential of the inhalable fraction is evident. Preliminary bioaccessibility data indicated that both Cr and Pb are readily

Abstract: Here we show that mineral dust retrieved from an ice core in the central West Antarctic sector, spanning the last five decades, provides evidence that northerly air mass incursions into Antarctica, tracked by dust microparticles, have slightly declined. This result contrasts with dust in ice core records reported in West/coastal Antarctica, which show significant increases to the present day. We attribute that difference, in part, to changes in the regional climate regime triggered by the ozone depletion and its consequences for the polar vortex intensity. The vortex maintains the Antarctic central region relatively isolated from mid-latitude air mass incursions with implications to the intensification of the Westerlies and to a persistent positive phase of the Southern Annular Mode. We also show that variability of the diameter of insoluble microparticles in central West Antarctica can be modeled by linear/quadratic functions of both cyclone depth (energy) and wind intensity around Antarctica.

Abstract: It is well known that airborne particulate matter (APM) has an impact on our cultural heritage. A limited number of articles have been published on the sequential application of elemental and molecular techniques to estimate the degradation potential of APM in environments of cultural heritage importance, and most of these were concerned with indoor environments. The Alhambra monument (Granada, Spain) represents one of the grandest and finest examples of Islamic art and architecture from the Middle Ages. As part of an air quality investigation, two sets of APM were collected at the Hall of the Ambassadors and characterised to determine its potential degradation profile. These were analysed by means of micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) and electron probe microanalysis with X-ray detection (EPXMA). The Raman data indicated the presence of various mixed salts of acidic and/or hygroscopic nature, such as sodium and ammonium nitrates and sulfates, especially in the finer fraction. Automated EPXMA estimated this fraction to be as high as 50%. Apart from the potential chemical attack, the soiling due to carbonaceous matter deposition is a real concern. Soot was identified by MRS and EPXMA in all size fractions, reaching values of up to 55%, and was often intertwined with soluble inorganic salts. Ongoing degradation of the pigments is implicated by the presence of brightly coloured particles. MRS and molar abundance ternary diagrams elicited the chemical structure of individual APM so that the degradation potential could be established.

Abstract: Four aq. solns. contg. natural peat components and the water from Odra river were treated with 3 anion-exchange resins (2.5 to 15 cm(3) of resin per 1 dm(3) of the sample) for 5-60 min to remove the org. matter. The process efficiency was detd. by UV absorbance (254 nm) and colour intensity measurements. The treatment resulted in discoloration of the solns. A resin with weak alky, was the most efficient. The degree of removal increased with increasing the resin dose and contact time. The presence of inorg. anions in the soins. contributed to a decrease of process effectivity.

Abstract: A polynomial approach is applied for a number of data from the Posener-tables to calculate the values of the intensity distribution function of atomic absorption lines – H(a, 0.726a) – at the tabulated damping-parameter values with an error not worse than 0.044 %. For the resultant H(a, 0.726a) data, the ninth and sixth order polynomials can be fitted according to the damping parameter range of 0-2, and 2-10, respectively, which results in a minimal error of approximation. The derived functions are simply applicable to the calculation of any H(a, 0.726a) value belonging to a damping-parameter of any arbitrarily selected spectral line, implying the influence of Doppler- and Lorentz-broadening. The overall error of the described method is lower than 0.4 %.

Abstract: The use of a detailed Monte Carlo simulation code for X-ray fluorescence spectrometers is demonstrated for calculating the outcome of X-ray scattering experiments in the incident energy range 40-80 keV. The code was validated by comparisons of experimental and simulated spectral distributions in the case of thick, homogeneous samples in which multiple photon scattering occurs with high probability. The experimental spectral distributions were collected at beamline BW5 of HASYLAB, Germany, where a highly energetic, monochromatic synchrotron beam is available. With respect to heterogeneous samples, the code was employed to evaluate the use of Rayleigh and Compton scatter signals for obtaining three dimensional information on the sample dark matrix composition.

Abstract: Combined mu-XRF, mu-XAFS, and mu-XRD investigations of a uranium-rich tertiary sediment, from a nuclear repository natural analogue site, and a fractured granite bore core section after a column tracer experiment using a Np(V) containing cocktail have been performed. Most mu-XRF/mu-XAFS measurements are recorded in a confocal geometry to provide added depth information. The U-rich sediment results show uranium to be present as a tetravalent phosphate and that U(IV) is associated with As(V). Arsenic present is either As(V) or As(0). The As(0) form thin coatings on the surface of pyrite nodules. A hypothesis for the mechanism of uranium immobilization is proposed, where arsenopyrite acted as reductant of ground water dissolved U(VI) leading to precipitation of less soluble U(IV) and thereby forming As(V). Results for the granite sample show the immobilized Np to be tetravalent and associated with facture material.

Abstract: The intensity distributions of the coherent and partially coherent x-rays passed through a poly-capillary lens have been computed at the focal plane. The computations showed that at the appropriate experimental conditions the interference phenomenon does affect the intensity distribution. In the case of the coherent input radiation with the photon energy of 0.1 keV, the interference fringes were observed, while the non-coherent x-ray radiation produced no interference-like intensity distributions.