Personal Research Database

Full Text: 1999\Sci Tot Env225, 101.pdf

Abstract: An analytical procedure was developed that enables routine analysis of four estrogenic hormones in concentrations below 1 ng/l in surface water and waste water. The recovery was 88-98% with a limit of detection of 0.1-2.4 ng/l depending on the compound and the matrix measured. This method was used to determine the occurrence of 17 beta-estradiol, 17 alpha-estradiol, estrone and 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol in the aquatic environment in The Netherlands. The data show that estrogenic hormones can be detected at low concentrations (up to 6 ng/l) at some locations in surface water. In selected effluents of waste water treatment plants estrone and 17 beta-estradiol were detected in concentrations in the ng/l range. Concentrations of 17 alpha-estradiol and the contraceptive 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol were in most of these samples below the limit of detection. Hormone glucuronides were not detected in most surface water and effluents. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Analysis, Aquatic, Aquatic Environment, Chromatography, Data, ECO-Hormones, Effluents, Endocrine Disruptors, Environment, Estradiol, Estrogen, Ethinylestradiol, Hormones, Matrix, Plants, Procedure, Recovery, Rights, Science, Surface, Surface Water, The Netherlands, Treatment, Urine, Waste, Waste Water, Waste Water Treatment, Water, Water Treatment

? Hirsch, R., Ternes, T., Haberer, K. and Kratz, K.L. (1999), Occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment. Science of the Total Environment, 225 (1-2), 109-118.

Full Text: 1999\Sci Tot Env225, 109.pdf

Abstract: The recent monitoring of drug residues in the aquatic environment has gained much interest as many pharmaceutical compounds can frequently be found in sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents and river water at concentrations up to several g/l. This article describes the analysis of various water samples for 18 antibiotic substances, from the classes of macrolid antibiotics, sulfonamides, penicillins and tetracyclines. Samples were preconcentrated via lyophilization and quantified using HPLC-electrospray-tandem-mass spectrometry. The investigated STP effluents and surface water samples showed frequent appearance of an erythromycin degradation product, roxithromycin and sulfamethoxazole with concentrations up to 6 g/l. Neither tetracyclines nor penicillins could be detected at concentration levels above 50 and 20 ng/l, respectively. From the large number of ground water samples that were taken from agricultural areas in Germany, no contamination by antibiotics was detected except for two sites. This indicates that intake from veterinary applications to the aquatic environment is of minor importance. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Tetracyclines, Macrolid Antibiotics, Penicillins, LC-MS/MS, Coliform Bacteria, Drug-Resistance, Drinking-Water, Oxytetracycline, Sediments, Sewage, River

Shahwan, T., Erten, H.N., Black, L. and Allen, G.C. (1999), TOF-SIMS study of Cs⁺ sorption on natural kaolinite. Science of the Total Environment, 226 (2-3), 255-260.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env226, 255.pdf

Abstract: The sorption of Cs⁺ on natural kaolinite has been studied using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Depth profiling up to 70 Angstrom was performed to study the change in the amount of sorbed Cs⁺ as a function of depth in the kaolinite matrix. Quantitative determination of the amounts of primary cations in the kaolinite structure before and after sorption of Cs⁺ ions was carried out to identify which cations are possibly taking part in the sorption process. The experimental results showed that large amounts of Cs⁺ are sorbed onto the surface of kaolinite and that sorption decreases sharply over the first 10-Angstrom depth. The fact that kaolinite surface was negatively charged under the operating pH indicates that physisorption has an important contribution to the sorption process. The results also showed that Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Fe³⁺ were involved in the sorption process with Cs⁺ and that the total decrease in the amounts of these cations is close to the amount of sorbed Cs⁺, suggesting that ion exchange is the dominant sorption mechanism. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Sorption, Kaolinite, Migration, Radionuclides, Tof-Sims, Depth-Profiling, Desorption

Chatterjee, A. and Banerjee, R.N. (1999), Determination of lead and other metals in a residential area of greater Calcutta. Science of the Total Environment, 227 (2-3), 175-185.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env227, 175.pdf

Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the major source and extent of metal pollution in a residential area of Greater Calcutta. In this area approximately 50,000 people reside in the vicinity of a lead factory that produces lead ingots and lead alloys. Many people, especially children, are affected by lead toxicity. Soils, waters, road dust, leaf dust, leaves and pond sediments were sampled in and around the factory area. Aliquots of the samples were mineralized with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a microwave system. Lead and 19 other elements were quantified in the digests by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The performance of the procedure was confirmed by analyzing NBS-BCR standard reference soil, leaves, sediment samples. The soils are highly contaminated not only with lead (4.7%), but also with Cd (0.08%), Ag (0.001%), Cu (0.02%), Zn (1.0%), As (1.0%), Mo (0.003%), Sn (0.003%) and Hg (0.03%) (metal concentrations given in parentheses are maximum). Moving away from the smelter, most of metal concentrations, especially Pb, As, Mo, Cu, Hg, Zn, Cd, Sn and Ag, decreased exponentially over increasing distance. In the residential areas near the smelter, notably to the west side of the factory, metal concentrations significantly breached the threshold trigger values set in India by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Particulate materials from the smelter stack appear to contaminate soils up to at least 0.5 km. However, abnormally high metal levels in the immediate smelter area may be due to primarily fugitive emissions. The surface waters are only contaminated by arsenic ranges from 0.05 to 13.5 mg/l, but the ground water is currently not polluted by lead and arsenic. An appropriate treatment plant with some intervention measures should be taken to save the locality.

Tripathi, R.M., Raghunath, R., Sastry, V.N. and Krishnamoorthy, T.M. (1999), Daily intake of heavy metals by infants through milk and milk products. Science of the Total Environment, 227 (2-3), 229-235.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env227, 229.pdf

Abstract: Concentrations of the essential elements Zn and Cu and potentially toxic elements Pb and Cd in different milk samples and baby food materials were measured, primarily to assess whether the intakes comply with recommended desired levels for essential and permissible levels for toxic elements. The geometric mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in different types of milk were found to vary from 1.70 to 3.35, 0.07 to 0.10, 43.2 to 195 and 1772 to 4230 µg/l, while the same in different baby foods had values from 39.5 to 77.7, 0.45 to 17.7, 1106.3 to 3157.3 and 9367 to 34592 µg/kg, respectively. The concentration of Cd was found to be very low (0.1 µg/l) and fairly constant in all types of milk. The lead content in cow milli was observed to be the lowest even in comparison with breast milk. Concentrations of all these metals are approximately one order of magnitude higher in baby food products than those observed in different types of milk owing to higher fat content. The infant baby food Amul Spray contains low concentrations of toxic (Pb and Cd) and high concentrations of essential (Cu and Zn) elements. The daily intakes of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn by infants through milk and baby foods marketed in Mumbai city have also been estimated. The daily intakes of Pb (1.1 µg/kg) and Cd (0.01 µg/kg) for infants through baby foods are well below the recommended tolerable levels of 3.57 µg/kg and 0.8-1.0 µg/kg, respectively. Similarly the daily intake levels of essential elements are also significantly lower than the recommended desirable levels of 3-5 mg and 0.5-1.0 mg for Zn and Cu, respectively. Milk from an Indian mother also does not provide adequate levels of essential elements to the infants and children. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Heavy Metals, Baby Food, Human Milk, Breast Milk, Infant Food, Formula Food, Trace Elements, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Dietary-Intake, Copper, Blood, Zinc

Hokka, P., Palosuo, H., Zhuravleva, I., Parna, K., Mussalo-Rauhamaa, H. and Lakomova, N. (1999), Anxiety about environmental hazards among teenagers in Helsinki, Moscow and Tallinn. Science of the Total Environment, 234 (1-3), 95-107.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env234, 95.pdf

Abstract: Comparative research of environmental attitudes has concentrated on adults of Western countries, whereas knowledge of environmental consciousness of East European people is modest. This article compares anxiety that teenagers in Helsinki, Moscow and Tallinn express about environmental hazards and their health effects. The data (Helsinki, N = 1396, Moscow, N = 618, Tallinn, N = 1268) were collected in schools by questionnaires from pupils between 13 and 18 years in 1994-1995. Air pollution, water pollution and survival of plant and animal species were considered most worrying environmental threats in every city. Environmental concern was usually highest in Moscow, but the effects of pollution on an individual’s health worried Estonian teenagers most. The worry was most consistent in Moscow, where sex, class level or opinion of the state of one’s own living environment did not usually have an effect on attitudes. Finnish girls and pupils in higher school classes were environmentally more conscious than boys or younger teenagers. In Tallinn, the sex and age differences in worry were smaller. Environmental worry seemed to have connections to a general sense of responsibility and risk behaviour such as heavy drinking and smoking. For all sites those pupils who often throw empty packages onto the street or into the nature expressed lower environmental concern than their more responsible peers. The differences of worry between the cities were difficult to interpret, but the greater total concern of young Muscovites may be part of their general social anxiety, which is associated with the instability of the Russian society. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve.

Keywords: Environment, Attitudes, Young People, Finland, Russia, Estonia

García-Sánchez, A., Alastuey, A. and Querol, X. (1999), Heavy metal adsorption by different minerals: Application to the remediation of polluted soils. Science of the Total Environment, 242 (1-3), 179-188.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env242, 179.pdf

Abstract: We studied the heavy-metal adsorption capacity of various minerals in order to evaluate their potential for the reduction of metal mobility and bioavailability and their possible application for the remediation of polluted soils in the Guadiamar valley. The study (batch tests) of zinc adsorption capacity of clays (sepiolites, palygorskites, and bentonite from different mineral deposits) and a soil unaffected by the toxic spill at the P3 site (Puente las Doblas) showed a relative low adsorption capacity for Zn²⁺. In the case of the sepiolite from Orera deposit, the maximum retention capacity was obtained for Cd²⁺ (8.3 mgg^-1), followed by Cu²⁺ (69 mgg^-1), and finally Zn²⁺ (5.7 mgg^-1). We conclude that the capacity of adsorption of the clays and soil P3 is insufficient to immobilise heavy metals because of the high pollution levels of the soils in the Guadiamar valley. Only goethite (from Cerro del Hierro and Sierra de la Culebra) has sufficient adsorption capacity (between 3 and 4 mgg^-1) to immobilise As in the highly polluted soil. Zeolite (NaP1), synthesised from Los Barrios fly ash, showed high retention efficiency for monovalent and divalent cations. Thus, the leaching and ionic exchange tests performed with mixtures of soil with pyrite slurry and NaP1 zeolites showed a high reduction on the mobility of Tl, Zn, Cd, Mn and Co (between 63 and 100%). The retention efficiency (for some of the metals considered) depended, not only on the ionic exchange capacity of the NaP1 zeolite, but also on the decrease of the acidity induced by the zeolitic product.

Keywords: Fly-Ash, Arsenate Adsorption, Contaminated Soils, Zinc, Cadmium, Zeolite, Copper, Lead, Aluminum, Plants, Polluted Soils, Heavy Metals, Clays, Fe Oxides, Nap1 Zeolites, Adsorption Capacity

Misund, A., Frengstad, B., Siewers, U. and Reimann, C. (1999), Variation of 66 elements in European bottled mineral waters. Science of the Total Environment, 243-244, 21-41.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env244, 21.pdf

Abstract: Fifty-six bottled mineral waters bought at random all over Europe were analysed for 66 chemical elements by ICP-AES, ICP-MS and IC-techniques. Results show that there is a wide spread in the chemical composition of mineral waters. The EEC drinking water safeguard values for chemical constituents do not apply to mineral water, although mineral water is increasingly used for general drinking water purposes. Only 15 of the randomly selected 56 mineral waters would fulfil the drinking water regulations for all parameters where action levels are defined. Differences in chemical composition observed between countries or regions are due to geological environment and to different taste or local regulations of what is mineral water. There are indications that element concentrations for some unwanted constituents (e.g. Pb) are higher in waters sold in glass bottles than in those in plastic bottles. Some elements show a clear regional dependency. Studying the large natural variation in concentration for many of the 66 studied elements it becomes clear that we know little about the natural variation of element concentration in water and the health effects of most elements in drinking water. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Mineral Water, Trace Elements, ICP-MS, Action Level, MAC, Drinking Water, Biggest Arsenic Calamity, Drinking-Water, Ground-Water, Norwegian Groundwaters, Bedrock Groundwaters, Affected People, Trace-Elements, West-Bengal, ICP-MS, Chemistry

Lekouch, N., Sedki, A., Bouhouch, S., Nejmeddine, A., Pineau, A. and Pihan, J.C. (1999), Trace elements in children’s hair, as related exposure in wastewater spreading field of Marrakesh (Morocco). Science of the Total Environment, 243-244, 323-328.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env243-244, 323.pdf

Abstract: Lead and cadmium concentration was determined in the hair of 327 school children living in a wastewater spreading field of Marrakesh (Morocco). The influence of age, sex, food habits and family occupation on the children’s hair Pb and Cd concentration was also evaluated. Girls had more metal in their hair than boys (16.5±5.4 µg/g and 12.5±3.5 µg/g, respectively). However, for Cd the boys had more metal (2.9±0.6 and 2.2±0.4, respectively) but the difference was not statistically significant and metal levels decreased with age. Family occupation, direct contact with wastewater, customs and food habits were the most significant factors influencing the metal content of children’s hair. The average Pb and Cd content were higher in the exposed children (14.8±4.5 µg/g and 2.5±0.5 µg/g, respectively) than in the non-exposed children (4.6±2.2 µg/g and 0.6±0.2, respectively), but the difference was not statistically significant. This study shows that in this area all the population (especially children) was extremely exposed to the danger caused by potentially toxic metals. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Wastewater, Trace Elements, Children, Hair, Metals, Lead

Lin, T.F. and Hoang, S.W. (2000), Inhalation exposure to THMs from drinking water in south Taiwan. Science of the Total Environment, 246 (1), 41-49.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env246, 41.pdf

Abstract: Trihalomethanes (THMs) are important disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water. To understand the magnitude of exposure to THMs for the people in southern Taiwan, models are used to estimate the inhalation exposure associated with drinking water based on raw water quality. Two parts of models are used in this study, one for estimating THM concentration from raw water quality, and one for estimating inhalation exposure to people. Important raw water quality and operational parameters, including TOC, UV254, pH, temperature, chlorine dosage, and water residence time of a major water treatment plant in south Taiwan were collected. An empirical THM formation model was then employed to predict the THM concentration at consumers’ dwellings based on the parameters collected. Differences between the predicted results and experimental data were found to be small, indicating that the model is appropriate. The predicted THM concentration distribution was served as input parameters for the exposure models. Three major scenarios associated with probable inhalation exposure of THMs, including shower, pre-and post-cooking activities, and cooking processes, were considered in the exposure models. The model results show that the mean inhalation exposure of THMs for shower, pre-and post-cooking activities, and cooking processes are 26.4, 1.56, 3.29 µg/day, respectively. The total inhalation exposure (summation of the three scenarios) was found to be comparable with that for direct ingestion, indicating that inhalation is an important pathway for THM exposure from drinking water. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Trihalomethanes (THMs), Drinking Water, Inhalation Exposure, Trihalomethane Formation, Volatilization, Model

Kim, M.J. and Nriagu, J. (2000), Oxidation of arsenite in groundwater using ozone and oxygen. Science of the Total Environment, 247 (1), 71-79.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env247, 71.pdf

Abstract: Oxidation of arsenite [As(III)] with ozone and oxygen was investigated in groundwater samples containing 46-62 micrograms/l total dissolved arsenic, 100-1130 micrograms/l Fe and 9-16 micrograms/l Mn. Conversion of As(III), which constituted over 70% of dissolved arsenic in the samples, to As(V) was fast with ozone, but sluggish with pure oxygen and air. Iron and manganese in the samples were also oxidized and, by sequestering the resultant As(V), played a significant role in the rate of reaction. Sorption capacity of freshly precipitated Fe(OH)₃ was estimated to be 15.3 mg As/g. The kinetics of As(III) oxidation were interpreted using modified pseudo-first-order reaction. Half-lives of As(III) in experimental solutions involving saturation with each gas were approximately 4 min for the ozone reaction and, depending on the Fe concentrations, 2-5 days for pure oxygen and 4-9 days for air.

Keywords: Ion-Exchange, Arsenic(III), Adsorption, Removal, Oxides, Waters, Arsenate(III), Precipitation, Stability, Sorption, Arsenic, Arsenite, Groundwater, Oxidation, Ozone, Oxygen

Ngabe, B., Bidleman, T.F. and Scott, G.I. (2001), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in storm runoff from urban and coastal South Carolina. Science of the Total Environment, 255 (1-3), 1-9.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env255, 1.pdf

Abstract: 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 (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.

Keywords: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Urban Runoff, Estuaries, South Carolina

Chick, S.E., Koopman, J.S., Soorapanth, S. and Brown, M.E. (2001), Microbial interactions with tributyltin compounds: Detoxification, accumulation, and environmental fate. Science of the Total Environment, 258 (1-2), 119-127.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env258, 119.pdf

Abstract: While inorganic forms of tin are of relatively low toxicity towards microorganisms, the more lipid-soluble organotins can be highly toxic. Generally, trisubstituted (R3SnX) organotins are more toxic than di- (R2SnX2) and monosubstituted (RSnX3) compounds, the anion (X) apparently having little influence on toxicity. However, many microorganisms exhibit resistance to organotins, a phenomenon of relevance to the environmental cycling of organotins and also to novel biological methods of treatment. Organotin degradation can involve the sequential removal of organic moieties to yield less toxic derivatives, e.g. debutylation of tributyltin compounds to di- and monobutylins. Such degradation is known to take place in bacteria, algae and fungi, and this provides one route for detoxification. In addition, microorganisms are capable of accumulating tributyltin compounds, and this is another mechanism of removal from solution. The high lipid solubility of organotins ensures cell penetration and association with intracellular sites, while cell wall components also play an important role. Of the fungal wall components, melanin pigments are capable of TBT binding, and the addition of melanin to growing cultures can remove toxicity, melanised strains are also more sensitive than albino strains of the same species. To date, little attention has been paid to the biotechnological exploitation of these interactions for the degradation of tributyltin or its removal from solution. This paper describes some interactions of microorganisms (bacteria, cyanobacteria, microalgae, and fungi) with tributyltin compounds, with particular reference to toxicity, bioaccumulation and detoxification. Such processes should receive due consideration in any environmental management programme. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Microorganisms, Organotins, Tributyltin, Toxicity, Detoxification, Accumulation, Biosorption, Estuarine Sediments, Organotin Compounds, Inorganic Tin, Butyltin Compounds, Aquatic Bacteria, Pure Strains, Fresh-Water, Microorganisms, Degradation, Methylation

Chick, S.E., Koopman, J.S., Soorapanth, S. and Brown, M.E. (2001), Infection transmission system models for microbial risk assessment. Science of the Total Environment, 274 (1-3), 197-207.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env274, 197.pdf

Abstract: Chemical risk assessments often focus on measuring exposure as if individuals were subject only to exogenous environmental sources of risk. For infectious diseases, exposure might not only depend on exogenous sources of microbes, but also on the infection status of other individuals in the population. For example, waterborne infections from agents such as Cryptosporidium parvum and Escherichia coli: O157: H7 might be transmitted from contaminated water to humans through drinking water, from interpersonal contact, or from infected individuals to the environment, and back to other susceptible individuals. These multiple pathways and the dependency of exposure on the prevalence of infection in a population suggest that epidemiological models are required to complement standard risk assessments in order to quantify the risk of infection. This paper presents new models of infection transmission systems that are being developed for the US Environmental Protection Agency as part of a project to quantify the risk of microbial infection. The models are designed to help inform water treatment system design decisions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Microbial Risk, Infection Transmission System, Epidemic Model, Population Risk, Cryptosporidiosis, Outbreak, Helicobacter, Framework, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Water

Zietz, B., de Vergara, J.D., Kevekordes, S. and Dunkelberg, H. (2001), Lead contamination in tap water of households with children in Lower Saxony, Germany. Science of the Total Environment, 275 (1-3), 19-26.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env275, 19.pdf

Abstract: Lead has numerous acute and chronic adverse effects on human beings. This is especially true for infants and children. The main path of lead ingestion in children can be different according to housing and living situation. The intake of lead through drinking water is commonly due to metal corrosion. The users plumbing can be an important factor. In recent years, many lead pipes in Germany have been replaced by pipes made of an alternative material. The aim of this study is to assess the present state of drinking water contamination and the resulting exposure of infants to lead. For this purpose mothers of new-born babies were offered a free examination of their drinking water. After a written declaration of consent had been obtained and after the infant in question had reached an age of 3 months, a stagnation sample of cold tap-water after overnight stagnation together with a random daytime sample was obtained from the family. The collected samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry for their lead concentration. In total, 1485 samples from households were collected. of the 1434 stagnation samples, 3.1% had lead concentrations greater than 0.01 mg/l (recommended limit of the WHO) and 0.6% had concentrations above the limit of the German drinking water regulation (0.04 mg/l). The values for the 1474 random daytime samples were 2.1% above 0.01 mg/l and 0.2% greater than 0.04 mg/l, respectively. By region, the areas Bovenden, Friedland, Duderstadt, Northeim and Rosdorf were particularly affected. The highest measured concentrations of lead in the stagnation samples were 0.11 mg/l and 0.15 mg/l in the random daytime samples, respectively. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Lead, Drinking Water, Lead Pipes, Lower Saxony, Blood, Exposure, Health, Determinants, Smelter, Cohort, City, Soil

Tseng, T.K. and Chu, H. (2001), The kinetics of catalytic incineration of styrene over a MnO/Fe₂O₃ catalyst. Science of the Total Environment, 275 (1-3), 83-93.

Full Text: S\Sci Tot Env275, 83.pdf

Abstract: Catalytic incineration is one of the cost-effective technologies to deal with unwanted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Catalytic incineration of styrene over a MnO/Fe₂O₃ catalyst was carried out in a bench scale catalytic incinerator. Three kinetic models, the power-rate law, the Mars and van Krevelen model and the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model were used to analyze the results. A differential reactor design was used for best fit of kinetic models in this study. The results show that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model may be feasible to describe the catalytic incineration of styrene. This suggests that the chemical adsorption of either O₂ molecules or O atoms is important in the process of catalytic incineration of styrene. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Catalytic Incineration, Kinetics, Mno/Fe₂O₃, Styrene, Pt/Al₂O₃ Catalyst, Oxidation, VOCs

? Comber, S.D.W., Franklin, G., Gardner, M.J., Watts, C.D., Boxall, A.B.A. and Howcroft, J. (2002), Partitioning of marine antifoulants in the marine environment. Science of the Total Environment, 286 (1-3), 61-71.

Full Text: 2002\Sci Tot Env386, 61.pdf

Abstract: The partitioning behaviour of the organic biocides, Irgarol 1051 and diuron and two inorganic biocides (copper and zinc) was investigated using six sediments of differing physico-chemical properties collected from unimpacted sites along the south coast of England. The kinetics of sorption and equilibrium partitioning between the sediments and seawater were investigated over a period of 20 days. Resulting organic carbon/water partition coefficients (log K-oc) were related to suspended sediment concentration and ranged from 2.28 to 5.20 for diuron, and from 2.41 to 4.89 for Irgarol 1051. Sediment/water partition coefficients (log K-p) for copper and zinc varied from 2.46 to 5.08 l/kg and from 2.49 to 4.97 l/kg, respectively. Kinetic data indicated that there were significant interactions between the dissolved and particulate phases at the start of the experiments, just after mixing. This is thought to be a result of redistribution of organic carbon between the two phases. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Antifoulants, Behaviour, Biocides, Cadmium, Carbon, Coast, Coastal Waters, Concentration, Copper, Copper, Data, Dissolved, Diuron, Elsevier Science, England, Environment, Equilibrium, Estuaries, Estuarine, Experiments, Inputs, Interactions, IRGAROL 1051, IRGAROL-1051, K-Oc, Kinetic, Kinetics, Lead, Mar, Marine, Marine Environment, Mixing, Organic, Organic Carbon, Particulate, Partitioning, Rapid-Determination, Redistribution, Rights, Science, Seawater, Sediment, Sediments, Sorption, Suspended Sediment, Trace-Metals, Zinc

? Chen, H., Zhou, W.J., Zhu, K., Zhan, H.Y. and Jiang, M. (2004), Sorption of ionizable organic compounds on HDTMA-modified loess soil. Science of the Total Environment, 326 (1-3), 217-223.

Full Text: 2004\Sci Tot Env326, 217.pdf

Abstract: A natural loess soil was modified using a cationic surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) bromide. Sorption of ionizable organic compounds (IOCs), 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), p-nitroaniline (NA) and benzoic acid (BA), on the modified soil was determined under different pH conditions. The objective of this study was to examine the sorptive characteristics of IOCs on HDTMA-modified loess soil as a function of pH in an attempt to establish the sorptive models and mechanisms for predicting the sorptive behaviors of IOCs on the HDTMA-modified loess soil. The sorption isotherms of DCP, NA and BA with the soil were obtained using the batch equilibration method. Results indicated that the sorption isotherms of IOCs, regardless of ionic or neutral forms, were non-linear and obeyed to the Freundlich equation. A model describing the sorption of IOCs on the HDTMA-modified loess soil was derived from the experimental data. The model well predicted the sorption of DCP from individual sorption of both ionic and neutral species of the IOC. In binary solute systems, sorption of NA was reduced in the presence of DCP or BA, which indicated that DCP and BA had a competitive effect on the sorption of NA on the HDTMA-modified loess soil. The effect of DCP on the sorption of NA gradually increased with decreasing pH from 10.8 to 6.7, suggesting a stronger effect of neutral DCP than that of the ionic species on the sorption of NA. Modification of loess soil may effectively immobilize ionizable organic contaminants in soil environment. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Acids, Benzoic Acid, Cationic Surfactant, Clay, Competitive Sorption, Contaminants, Environment, Freundlich, Hdtma, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium, Ionic Species, Ionizable, Isotherms, Loess Soil, Mechanisms, Model, Model Competition, Models, Modified, Na, Natural, Organic, Organic Compounds, Organic Contaminants, pH, Predicting, Soil, Sorption, Sorption Isotherms, Surfactant, Water

? Isidori, M., Lavorgna, M., Nardelli, A., Parrella, A., Previtera, L. and Rubino, M. (2005), Ecotoxicity of naproxen and its phototransformation products. Science of the Total Environment, 348 (1-3), 93-101.

Full Text: 2005\Sci Tot Env348, 93.pdf

Abstract: The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is of great concern and only few data are available about the adverse effects of such molecules and their derivatives on non-target aquatic organisms. This study was designed to assess the toxic potential of Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, Naproxen Na, its freely water soluble sodium salt and their photoproducts in the aquatic environment. Bioassays were performed on algae, rotifers and microcrustaceans to assess acute and chronic toxicity. Furthermore, possible genotoxic effects of photoderivatives were investigated using SOS chromotest and Ames fluctuation test. The results showed that photoproducts were more toxic than the parent compounds both for acute and chronic values, while genotoxic and mutagenic effects were not found. These findings suggested the opportunity to consider derivatives in ecotoxicology assessment of drugs. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Keywords: Naproxen, Toxicity Testing, Genotoxicity, Mutagenesis, Environmental Risk-Assessment, Personal Care Products, Aquatic Organisms, Treatment Plants, Sos Chromotest, Algal Toxicity, Waste-Water, Pharmaceuticals, Agents, Drugs

? Kurniawan, T.A., Chan, G.Y.S., Lo, W.H. and Babel, S. (2006), Comparisons of low-cost adsorbents for treating wastewaters laden with heavy metals. Science of the Total Environment, 366 (2-3), 409-426.

Full Text: 2006\Sci Tot Env366, 409.pdf

Abstract: In this article, the removal performance and cost-effectiveness of various low-cost adsorbents derived from agricultural waste, industrial by-product or natural material are evaluated and compared to those of activated carbon for the removal of heavy metals (Cd(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) from metals-contaminated wastewater. To highlight their technical applicability, selected information on pH, dose required, initial metal concentration, adsorption capacity and the price of the adsorbents is presented. It is evident from the survey of 102 published studies (1984-2005) that low cost adsorbents derived from agricultural waste have demonstrated outstanding capabilities for the removal of heavy metal (Cr(VI): 170 mg/g of hazelnut shell activated carbon, Ni(II): 158 mg/g of orange peel, Cu(II): 154.9 mg/g of soybean hull treated with NaOH and citric acid, Cd(II): 52.08 mg/g of jackfruit), compared to activated carbon (Cd(II): 146 mg/g, Cr(VI): 145 mg/g, Cr(III): 30 mg/g, Zn(II): 20 mg/g). Therefore, low-cost adsorbents can be viable alternatives to activated carbon for the treatment of metals-contaminated wastewater. It is important to note that the adsorption capacities presented in this paper vary, depending on the characteristics of the individual adsorbent, the extent of surface modification and the initial concentration of the adsorbate. In general, technical applicability and cost-effectiveness are the key factors that play major roles in the selection of the most suitable adsorbent to treat inorganic effluent. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activated Carbon, Adsorbent, Adsorbents, Adsorption, Adsorption Capacities, Adsorption Capacity, Agricultural, Agricultural Waste, Alternatives, Aqueous-Solution, Capacity, Carbon, Cd(II), Characteristics, Citric Acid, Concentration, Cost, Cost Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, Cr(III), Cr(VI), Cr(VI) Removal, Cu(II), Electroplating Waste-Water, Fly-Ash, General, Granular Activated Carbon, Hazelnut Shell, Heavy Metal, Heavy Metals, Heavy-Metal, Hexavalent Chromium, Industrial By-Product, Industry Waste, Information, Low Cost, Low Cost Adsorbents, Low-Cost Adsorbents, Low-Cost Material, Metal, Metal-Contaminated Water, Metals, Modification, Naoh, Natural, Ni(II), Performance, Ph, Red Mud, Removal, Rights, Soybean, Surface, Surface Modification, Survey, Treatment, Trivalent Chromium, Waste, Wastewater, Wastewater Treatment, Wastewaters, Zn(II)

? Ngayila, N., Basly, J.P., Lejeune, A.H., Botineau, M. and Baudu, M. (2007), Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC., biomonitor of metal pollution and water quality. Sorption/accumulation capacities and photosynthetic pigments composition changes after copper and cadmium exposure. Science of the Total Environment, 373 (2-3), 564-571.

Full Text: 2007\Sci Tot Env373, 564.pdf

Abstract: Watermilfoil genus Myriophyllum could be used in ecological surveys as in-situ biomonitors of metal pollution and water quality due to its ability to accumulate chemicals. The copper and cadmium sorption characteristics of Myriophyllum alterniflorum have been investigated. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to model the metal sorption isotherms and the monolayer sorption capacities, as obtained by the Langmuir isotherm, were determined to be 13.9 mg/g and 11.1 mg/g for Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ respectively. Results have been compared with previous works on watermilfoils and are in accordance with those obtained on Myriophyllum spicatum. The sorption of the two metals was time-dependent and the kinetics fitted the pseudo-second-order equation well. The data were discussed in terms of ionic radii and HSAB concept. The phytotoxic effects assessed by classical (i.e. changes in biomass, node length) and photosynthetic pigments content endpoints have been investigated using chemometric techniques leading to an effect of cadmium onto photosynthetic pigments. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Adsorption, Aquatic Plants, Biomass, Biomonitor, Biosorption, Cadmium, Chemicals, Chemometric Analysis, Composition, Concept, Copper, Cu²⁺, Effects, Equilibrium, Exposure, Freundlich, Heavy-Metals, In Situ, Ions, Isotherm, Isotherms, Kinetics, Langmuir, Langmuir Isotherm, Metal, Metal Pollution, Metal Sorption, Metals, Model, Myriophyllum Alterniflorum, Photosynthetic Pigments, Phytoaccumulation, Pigments, Pollution, Pseudo-Second-Order, Quality, Sorption, Sorption Isotherms, Spicatum, Surveys, Techniques, Waste, Water, Water Quality

? Guo, H.M., Stuben, D. and Berner, Z. (2007), Arsenic removal from water using natural iron mineral-quartz sand columns. Science of the Total Environment, 377 (2-3), 142-151.

Full Text: 2007\Sci Tot Env377, 142.pdf

Abstract: The study has investigated the feasibility of using siderite-coated quartz sand and/or hematite-coated quartz sand columns for removing As from water. Arsenic-spiked tap water and synthetic As solution with As concentrations from 200 to 500 mu g/L were used for the experiments. Since three coating methods employed to prepare siderite-coated quartz sand and hematite-coated quartz sand had no significant impact on As adsorption in batch tests, the column fillings were produced by means of the simplest one involving mechanically mixing the Fe mineral with quartz sand. Fixed bed tests show that the combination of siderite-coated quartz sand and hematite-coated quartz sand greatly promoted the column performance in removing As and the presence of As(III) in the influent improved the removal efficiency of the column. The relatively low capacity in treating As-spiked tap water arose from the suppression of FeCO₃ dissolution in the presence of high HCO₃^- concentration (333 mg/L), which consequently limited the formation of fresh Fe(III) oxides. However, the H₂O₂-conditioning greatly increased As adsorption capacity of the column for remediating As-spiked tap water. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test shows that the spent adsorbents were not hazardous and could be safely disposed of to landfill. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Adsorbent, Adsorption, Adsorption, Adsorption Capacity, Aquatic Environments, Arsenic, As Species, As(III), Batch, Batch Tests, Desorption, Ferrihydrite, Groundwater, Hematite-Coated Sand, Oxidation, Oxide-Coated Sand, Red Mud, Removal, Siderite-Coated Sand, TCLP, Water

? Vymazal, J. (2007), Removal of nutrients in various types of constructed wetlands. Science of the Total Environment, 380 (1-3), 48-65.

Full Text: 2007\Sci Tot Env380, 48.pdf

Abstract: The processes that affect removal and retention of nitrogen during wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands (CWs) are manifold and include NH₃ volatilization, nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, plant and microbial uptake, mineralization (ammonification), nitrate reduction to ammonium (nitrate-ammonification), anaerobic ammonia oxidation (ANAMMOX), fragmentation, sorption, desorption, burial, and leaching. However, only few processes ultimately remove total nitrogen from the wastewater while most processes just convert nitrogen to its various forms. Removal of total nitrogen in studied types of constructed wetlands varied between 40 and 55% with removed load ranging between 250 and 630 g N m^-2 yr^-1 depending on CWs type and inflow loading. However, the processes responsible for the removal differ in magnitude among systems. Single-stage constructed wetlands cannot achieve high removal of total nitrogen due to their inability to provide both aerobic and anaerobic conditions at the same time. Vertical flow constructed wetlands remove successfully ammonia-N but very limited denitrification takes place in these systems. On the other hand, horizontal-flow constructed wetlands provide good conditions for dentrification but the ability of these system to nitrify ammonia is very limited. Therefore, various types of constructed wetlands may be combined with each other in order to exploit the specific advantages of the individual systems. The soil phosphorus cycle is fundamentally different from the N cycle. There are no valency changes during biotic assimilation of inorganic P or during decomposition of organic P by microorganisms. Phosphorus transformations during wastewater treatment in CWs include adsorption, desorption, precipitation, dissolution, plant and microbial uptake, fragmentation, leaching, mineralization, sedimentation (peat accretion) and burial. The major phosphorus removal processes are sorption, precipitation, plant uptake (with subsequent harvest) and peat/soil accretion. However, the first three processes are saturable and soil accretion occurs only in FWS CWs. Removal of phosphorus in all types of constructed wetlands is low unless special substrates with high sorption capacity are used. Removal of total phosphorus varied between 40 and 60% in all types of constructed wetlands with removed load ranging between 45 and 75 g N m^-2 yr 1 depending on CWs type and inflow loading. Removal of both nitrogen and phosphorus via harvesting of abroveground biomass of emergent vegetation is low but it could be substantial for lightly loaded systems (cca 100-200 g N m^-2 yr^-1 and 10-20 g P m^-2 yr^-1). Systems with free-floating plants may achieve higher removal of nitrogen via harvesting due to multiple harvesting schedule. (C) 2006 Elsevier BN. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Constructed Wetlands, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Standing Stock, Wastewater, Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation, Horizontal Subsurface Flow, Fresh-Water Wetlands, Waste-Water, Flooded Soils, Nitrogen Transformations, Phosphorus Retention, Treatment System, Sediments, Denitrification

? Huang, Y., Zhao, X. and Luan, S.J. (2007), Uptake and biodegradation of DDT by 4 ectomycorrhizal fungi. Science of the Total Environment, 385 (1-3), 235-241.

Full Text: 2007\Sci Tot Env385, 235.pdf

Abstract: This research deals with biodegradation of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) by 4 selected ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) species, Boletus edulis, Gomphidius viscidus, Laccaria bicolor, and Leccinum scahrum. The pure culture of the four ECMF species in a DDT environment (5 mg/1) showed that DDT almost completely disappeared from the media after 15 days, but only 40-50% was found being accumulated in mycelia. Further gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test of the hexane extractable metabolites identified that the remaining DDT degraded to 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDD) (retention time 17.39 min) and 4,4-dihlorobenzophenone (DBP) (retention time 14.89 min). Therefore, these results, for the first time, demonstrated that ECMF can degrade DDT through a similar pathway found in white rot fungi. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Biodegradation, Ectomycorrhizal Fungi, DDT, Fish, Degradation, Rhizosphere, Mycorrhiza

? Mosaferi, M., Yunesian, M., Dastgiri, S., Mesdaghinia, A. and Esmailnasab, N. (2008), Prevalence of skin lesions and exposure to arsenic in drinking water in Iran. Science of the Total Environment, 390 (1), 69-76.

Full Text: 2008\Sci Tot Env390, 69.pdf

Abstract: Prevalence of skin lesions was investigated among 752 participants in eight villages in Kurdistan province in Iran with emphasis on total lifetime intake of arsenic from drinking water (TLIA). The participants were selected from eight villages with different exposure levels using a cluster-sampling technique. TLIA was calculated for each individual taking into account the type of water supply and their mean annual arsenic concentration. The study showed that 49 persons (6.5%) were suffering from hyperkeratosis and 20 persons (2.7%) from hyperpigmentation. The correlation between hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation was significant (R=0.32S, p<0.01). Using the logistic regression model it was found that the relationship between TLIA and hyperkeratosis (OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.039-1.249), and hyperpigmentation (OR=1.254, 95% CI=1.112-1.416) was also significant. In conclusion, TLIA can be applied as a reliable indicator for the assessment of exposure. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Arsenic, Drinking Water, Iran, Lifetime Intake, Skin Lesions, Endemic Area, Bangladesh, Ingestion, Contamination, Groundwater, Cancer, Health, Metabolites, Disease, Chile

? Wilson, T.A., Norton, S.A., Lake, B.A. and Amirbahman, A. (2008), Sediment geochemistry of Al, Fe, and P for two historically acidic, oligotrophic Maine lakes. Science of the Total Environment, 404 (2-3), 269-275.

Full Text: 2008\Sci Tot Env404, 269.pdf

Abstract: Phosphorus (P) may be liberated from lake sediments by reductive dissolution of Fe(OH)_3(S) during periods of hypolimnetic anoxia. P, however, remains adsorbed to Al(OH) _3(S) regardless of redox conditions. During chronic or episodic acidification of a catchment, ionic Al is mobilized from soils to receiving waters. A fraction of the mobilized Al may precipitate as a consequence of higher pH of the receiving waters. We hypothesized that phosphorus retention in lake sediments is directly related to the magnitude of Al loading in response to low pH in the watershed. We studied cores representing over 200 years of sediment accumulation in historically acidic Mud Pond and Little Long Pond in eastern Maine, USA. Sequential chemical extractions of sediment were used to assess the history of Al, Fe, and P interactions. Mud Pond is a first-order pond with a pH of similar to 4.7, having acidified slightly in response to anthropogenic acidification from similar to 1930. The inlet stream to Mud Pond has dissolved Al concentrations often exceeding 500 mu g/L, of which more than half is organically-bound. Mud Pond drains into Little Long Pond, a second-order pond with a historical pH of <6, and which has shown little pH or alkalinity response to increases or decreases in atmospheric SO₄^2- input. Sequential extractions show that Al and P are predominantly in the 0.1 M NaOH-extractable fraction in the sediments from both ponds throughout the cores. The concentration of the likely biogenic and non-reactive P within the NaOH fraction increases up core from <30% to similar to 60%. Extractable Fe (<20% of extractable Al) is mainly in the 0.1 M NaOH-extractable fraction, except for the top few cm, which are predominantly in the bicarbonate-dithionite reducible fraction. Accumulation rates of sediment, Al, Fe, and P in both ponds have increased in the last 50-60 yr, but fractions remain in the same proportion. Throughout both sediment cores the molar ratio of specific ALP fractions greatly exceeds 25, and molar ratio of specific Al:Fe fractions greatly exceeds 3, the thresholds proposed by Kopacek et al. [Kopacek J, Borovec J, Hejzlar J, Ulrich K-U, Norton SA, Amirbahman A. Aluminum control of phosphorus sorption by lake sediments. Environ Sci Technol 2005, 39: 8784-89.] for P release during anoxia. The data illustrate a continuous association of P with Al in both ponds during the last two centuries, likely due to the persistent natural acidity of the catchments. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Accumulation, Acidic, Acidification, Acidity, Aluminum, Aluminum, Anthropogenic, Association, Catchment, Catchments, Chemical, Chronic, Concentration, Control, Data, Dissolution, Dissolved, First Order, Geochemistry, History, Iron, Lake, Lake Sediment, Lake Sediments, Lakes, Loading, NaOH, Natural, Oligotrophy, P, P-31 NMR, pH, Phosphorus, Phosphorus Inactivation, Phosphorus Sorption, Pond, Rates, Receiving Waters, Reductive Dissolution, Release, Retention, Rights, Second Order, Second-Order, Sediment, Sediment Fractionation, Sediments, SI, Soils, Sorption, Stream, Thresholds, USA, Waters, Watershed

? Chowdhury, P. and Viraraghavan, T. (2009), Sonochemical degradation of chlorinated organic compounds, phenolic compounds and organic dyes - A review. Science of the Total Environment, 407 (8), 2474-2492.

Full Text: 2009\Sci Tot Env407, 2474.pdf

Abstract: Sonochemical processes have been widely used in chemistry and chemical engineering field. Recently, these processes have found new applications in the environmental field, because of advantages in terms of operational simplicity, secondary pollutant formation and safety. Several studies have reported on sonochemical degradation of organic compounds that are toxic in nature. The objective of this review was to identify and examine some of the studies on sonochmical degradation of chlorinated organic compounds, phenolic compounds and organic dyes. This review also examines the basic theory of sonochemical reactions and the use of sonochemical reactors for environmental applications. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Applications, Azo Dyes, Cavitation, Chlorinated Compound, Compounds, Degradation, Destruction, Dilute Aqueous-Solution, Dyes, Field, High-Frequency, Kinetics, Organic Compounds, Organic Dye, Phenol, Processes, Reactor, Review, Safety, Sonochemical, Sonolytic Degradation, Theory, Toxic, Ultrasonic Irradiation, Ultrasound, Water

? Hu, J., Ma, Y.W., Zhang, L., Gan, F.X. and Ho, Y.S. (2010), A historical review and bibliometric analysis of research on lead in drinking water field from 1991 to 2007. Science of the Total Environment, 408 (7), 1738-1744.

Full Text: 2010\Sci Tot Env408, 1738.pdf, 2010\Sci Tot Env-Hu1.pdf

Abstract: A bibliometric analysis based on Science Citation Index (SCI) published by Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) was carried out to identify the global research related to lead in drinking water field from 1991 to 2007 and to improve the understanding of research trends in the same period. The results from this analysis indicate that there have been an increasing number of annual publications mainly during two periods: from 1992 to 1997 and from 2004 to 2007. United States produced 37% of all pertinent articles followed by India with 8.0% and Canada with 4.8%. Science of the Total Environment published the most articles followed by Journal American Water Works Association and Toxicology. Summary of the most frequently used keywords are also provided. “Cadmium” was the most popular author keyword in the 17 years. Furthermore based on bibliometric results four research aspects were summarized in this paper and the historical research review was also presented. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Articles, Bibliometric, Bibliometric Analysis, Canada, Citation, Copper Corrosion, Corrosion, Corrosion Control, Developing Rat-Kidney, Distribution-Systems, Drinking Water, Elsevier, Environment, Exposure Increases, Global, Heavy-Metals, Historical Review, India, ISI, Lead, Oxidative Damage, Potable Water, Publications, Research, Research Trend, Research Trends, Review, SCI, Science, Science Citation Index, Scientometrics, Stimulus Properties, Stripping Analysis, Trends, United States, Water, Web of Science

? Maliyekkal, S.M., Antony, A.K.R. and Pradeep, T. (2010), High yield combustion synthesis of nanomagnesia and its application for fluoride removal. Science of the Total Environment, 408 (10), 2273-2282.

Full Text: 2010\Sci Tot Env408, 2273.pdf

Abstract: We describe a novel combustion synthesis for the preparation of Nanomagnesia (NM) and its application in water purification. The synthesis is based on the self-propagated combustion of the magnesium nitrate trapped in cellulose fibers Various characterization studies confirmed that NM formed is crystalline with high phase purity, and the particle size varied in the range of 3-7 nm The fluoride scavenging potential of this material was tested as a function of pH, contact time and adsorbent dose The result showed that fluoride adsorption by NM is highly favorable and the capacity does not vary in the pH range usually encountered in groundwater The effects of various co-existing ions usually found in drinking water, on fluoride removal were also investigated Phosphate was the greatest competitor for fluoride followed by bicarbonate The presence of other ions studied did not affect the fluoride adsorption capacity of NM significantly The adsorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order equation and the equilibrium data are well predicted by Frendlich equation Our experimental evidence shows that fluoride removal happened through isomorphic substitution of fluoride in brucite. A batch household defluoridation unit was developed using precipitation-sedimentation-filtration techniques, addressing the problems of high fluoride concentration as well as the problem of alkaline pH of the magnesia treated water The method of synthesis reported here is advantageous from the perspectives of small size of the nanoparticle, cost-effective recovery of the material and improvement in the fluoride adsorption capacity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved.

Keywords: Activated Alumina, Adsorbent, Adsorbent Dose, Adsorption, Adsorption Capacity, Adsorption Kinetics, Application, Aqueous-Solution, Batch, Capacity, Cellulose, Cellulose Fibers, Characterization, Combustion, Combustion Synthesis, Concentration, Cost-Effective, Data, Defluoridation, Drinking Water, Equilibrium, Evidence, Experimental, Fibers, Fluoride, Fluoride Adsorption, Fluoride Removal, Function, Groundwater, Improvement, In-Situ Synthesis, Ions, Kinetics, Magnesia, Magnesium, Magnesium-Oxide, Manganese-Oxide, Metal Nanoparticles, Nanocrystalline Mgo, Nanomagnesia, Nanoparticle, Nanoparticles, Nitrate, Nm, Oxide-Coated-Alumina, Particle Size, pH, Phosphate, Potential, Preparation, Pseudo Second Order, Pseudo-Second-Order, Pseudo-Second-Order Equation, Purification, Purity, Range, Recovery, Removal, Rights, Size, Small, Substitution, Synthesis, Techniques, Time, Unique Surface-Chemistry, Water, Water Purification

? Huang, I.B., Keisler, J. and Linkov, I. (2011), Multi-criteria decision analysis in environmental sciences: Ten years of applications and trends. Science of the Total Environment, 409 (19), 3578-3594.

Full Text: 2011\Sci Tot Env409, 3578.pdf

Abstract: Decision-making in environmental projects requires consideration of trade-offs between socio-political, environmental, and economic impacts and is often complicated by various stakeholder views. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) emerged as a formal methodology to face available technical information and stakeholder values to support decisions in many fields and can be especially valuable in environmental decision making. This study reviews environmental applications of MCDA. Over 300 papers published between 2000 and 2009 reporting MCDA applications in the environmental field were identified through a series of queries in the Web of Science database. The papers were classified by their environmental application area, decision or intervention type. In addition, the papers were also classified by the MCDA methods used in the analysis (analytic hierarchy process, multi-attribute utility theory, and outranking). The results suggest that there is a significant growth in environmental applications of MCDA over the last decade across all environmental application areas. Multiple MCDA tools have been successfully used for environmental applications. Even though the use of the specific methods and tools varies in different application areas and geographic regions, our review of a few papers where several methods were used in parallel with the same problem indicates that recommended course of action does not vary significantly with the method applied. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Keywords: Analysis, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Environmental, Environmental Policy, Environmental Sciences, Face, Growth, Information, Intervention, Methodology, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Papers, Review, Risk Management, Science, Sciences, Theory, Trends, Web of Science, Weights