Showing papers in "Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A-toxic\/hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering in 1983"

Elimination of copper from Cu‐contaminated fish by long‐term exposure to EDTA and fresh water

Abstract: The changes of the Cu and Cd concentrations in the bodies of the Cu‐contaminated fish exposed for long periods to fresh water and EDTA were determined. The fish exposed to Cu‐containing water for 90 days (Cu‐contaminated fish) had 3.2, 2.7 and 1.7 times the Cu content for viscera, gills and other parts in the 0.01 ppm Cu group compared with fish at the beginning of the experiment, and had 11.3, 3.3 and 2.5 times for viscera, gills and other parts in the 0.05 ppm Cu group, respectively. The fresh water and EDTA treatment for 90 days in removing heavy metals from Cu‐contaminated fish tended to reduce the levels of Cu in the fish as the almost equal to those of the fish at the beginning of experiment. After the fish had been kept for 90 days in Cu‐containing water, the Cd content had also increased in the three parts of fish. Treatment with complexan or fresh water after the accumulation of Cd had an effect on the decrease of Cd content in the bodies of the Cu‐contaminated fish.

“Assessment of the chemical and biological significance of arsenical compounds in a heavily contaminated watershed. Part I. The fate and speciation of arsenical compounds in aquatic environments ‐ a literature review”

Abstract: The analysis for total arsenic is no longer sufficient to describe this contaminant in aquatic environments. Arsenic can undergo extensive chemical and biochemical transformations in an aquatic system. Since each of the resulting arsenic compounds differ in their toxicity to humans, it is important to follow these transformations. Examining the transformations under various chemical and physical conditions will aid in predicting the ultimate fate of the arsenicals in a given aquatic environment. In order to follow the transformations, it is first necessary to identify and quantitate them. It is important that the speciation procedures should be simple and adaptable to analyzing many samples. The following provides a summary of the chemistry of arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsonic acid, and dimethylarsinic acid (cacodylic acid), their transformations in an aquatic environment, and a review of the methods developed to speciate these compounds.

Physiochemical pretreatment of landfill leachates using coagulation

Abstract: Physiochemical pretreatment of landfill leachate using coagulation was examined and found to be an effective means of reducing turbidity, suspended solids, metals and dispersed oil. Lime was found to be the most effective pretreatment coagulant for treating the landfill leachate examined in this study. A 6.0 g/1 dosage resulted in 98% reduction in turbidity. Reductions in dispersed oil were substantial and were accompanied by small removals of dissolved organic matter. Additionally, many heavy metal species were successfully removed. Polyelectrolyte coagulant aids were found to be useful in increasing the rate of turbidity reduction. Re‐carbonation is suggested, to lower the pH to a range desirable for successive treatment processes.

The action of chlorine dioxide on aquatic organic materials during the disinfection of drinking water

Abstract: Measurements of the Total Organic Halogens (TOX) produced in the National Water Carrier (NWC) of Israel after disinfection with chlorine dioxide revealed that compared to chlorine, ClO2 forms only a very small amount of chlororganic compounds. Mixtures of Cl2 and ClO2 that have been reported to reduce the concentrations of both the chlorinated organics as well as the chlorite Ions produced by ClO2, were found not to be very useful because of the fact that high bromide concentrations are present In the NWC. Therefore high ratios of ClO2/Cl2 are needed to reach a significant reduction in Trihalomethanes (THM's). The amount of THM's can however be satisfactorily reduced when ClO2 is introduced a few hours before chlorine. A comparison between Cl2 and ClO2 with regard to their reactions with a series of polyeyelic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) showed that the ClO2 reactions are more unique. While the highly carcinogenic compounds, benz(a)pyrene and 1,2‐benzanthracene react with ClO2 much more rapidly...

Repellency and toxicity of 55 insect repellents to red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Abstract: A joint research program was initiated in 1979 to investigate the potential avian repellency and toxicity of 55 selected insect repellents originating from or related to naturally occurring chemicals. Seven of the chemicals or extracts tested exhibited avian repellency and two of these were considered to be moderately active, with R50’s (analogous to LD50) of 0.237 (trans‐asarone) and 0.240% (safrole). None of the 55 chemicals or extracts exhibited acute oral toxicity at 100 mg/kg or less to the red‐winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).

Application of binomial distributions to quality assurance of quantitative chemical analyses

Abstract: Data from the analyses of reference samples often must be used to determine the quality of the data being produced by laboratories that routinely make chemical analyses of environmental samples. When a laboratory analyzes many reference samples, binomial distributions can be used in evaluating laboratory performance. The number of standard deviations (that is, the difference between the reported value and most probable value divided by the theoretical standard deviation) is calculated for each analysis. Individual values exceeding two standard deviations are considered unacceptable, and a binomial distribution is used to determine if overall performance is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Similarly, analytical bias is examined by applying a binomial distribution to the number of positive and negative standard deviations.

Assessment of the chemical and biological significance of arsenical compounds in a heavily contaminated watershed part II. Analysis and distribution of several arsenical species.

Abstract: The waters and bottom sediments in the watershed of Union Lake in southern New Jersey are highly contaminated with substantial quantities of arsenic. Total arsenic contents were as high as 2780. μg/l in the water phase, whereas 2290. μg/l was the highest observed in bottom sediments. Pore water from this bottom sediment was 12,500. μg/l. Arsenic contents in the bottom sediments were 4240 times those found in overlying waters. In sediments, the order of predominance of the four arsenic species was: As+5 > As+3 > MMAA > DMAA. In four of the sediments, the inorganic arsenate was 72.8, 81., 84., and 88% of the total arsenical species. In water, the order of predominance was MMAA > As+3, As+5 > DMAA. Difficulties with the analytical procedure for separation of the four arsenical species are discussed.

Buffer capacities of fresh water lakes sensitive to acid rain deposition

Abstract: The Van Slyke definition of buffer capacity, the increment of a strong base or strong acid that causes an incremental change in the pH value of water, is better than total alkalinity for defining a water's resistance to acid rain. This Van Slyke value, designated by beta, shows a peak at pH 6.3 for the bicarbonate-carbonate pair, indicating that the effect of acid rain on the pH and alkalinity of natural waters is not deleterious until this peak is traversed. A beta value of zero indicates a dead water with no capacity to neutralize acid. The beta values, pH and total alkalinity of lakes, reservoirs, and streams in New Jersey are given. Data clearly show that pH and alkalinity alone cannot determine buffer capacity. For example: Fairview Lake (pH of 5.5 and alkalinity of 10.2 mg per liter) has a beta value 11 times that of Clyde Potts Reservoir (pH of 7.3, alkalinity of 8.1 mg per liter). 3 references, 1 figure, 1 table.

A study of biocides for the selection of candidates for carcinogen bioassay

Abstract: The use class of biocides was studied in order to nominate chemicals as candidates for carcinogen bioassay to the National Cancer Institute After the application of several qualifying criteria that related to previous, current, or planned carcinogenicity testing and to commercial significance, the preliminary candidate list of 295 chemicals was reduced to a list of 61 final candidate chemicals Based upon consideration of both the suspicion of possible carcinogenic activity and evidence indicating potential human exposure, the following eight chemicals were nominated: benzethonium chloride, hexahydro‐1,3,5‐tris(2‐hydroxy‐ethyl)triazine, benzyldimethyl(mixed alkyl)ammonium chloride, N‐(3‐chloroallyl)hexaminium chloride, 2,4,5‐trichlorophenol, o‐benzyl‐p‐chlorophenol, l,2‐benzisothiazolin‐3‐one, and zinc pyrithione

Rubber Septa As Dispensers For The Fall Armyworm* Sex Attractant

Abstract: Rubber septa were effective dispensers for the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), sex attractant (Z)‐9‐dodecen‐l‐ol acetate (Z9–12:AC). Trap captures of FAW were related to Dose with the highest numbers of males being captured in sticky traps baited with 5 and 10 mg Z9–12:AC/septum; the 10‐mg dosage gave catches of males comparable to traps baited with virgin females for up to 2 weeks. The addition of 2% (Z)‐9‐tetradecen‐l‐ol acetate (Z9–14:AC) to septa treated with Z9–12:AC had no significant effect on catches of FAW at any of the dosage levels. (Z)‐ll‐Hexa‐decen‐l‐ol acetate was also tested as a potential sex attractant for the FAW.

The effect of dietary vitamin c on ozone‐induced oxidative changes in guinea pig erythrocytes

Abstract: The present study evaluated the effects of a single three hour ozone exposure on erythrocyte parameters of male Dawkin‐Hartley guinea pigs that were reared on diets high or low in vitamin C for 11 days prior to the ozone exposure. The results indicated that consumption of diets highly different in vitamin C levels did not have a significant effect on ozone induced alterations in erythrocyte parameters although there was a trend toward higher methemoglobin values in the ozone treated guinea pigs reared on the low vitamin C diets as compared to similarly exposed animals given the high vitamin C diet. While ambient ozone (O3) is primarily recognized as a potent respiratory irritant, it is now known that O3 may exert an array of systemic effects including altered liver function,1,2 induction of chromosomal aberrations,3,5 and changes in red cell metabolism.6,7 since O3 is an environmental oxidant, investigators8–11 have assessed the capacity of the dietary antioxidant vitamin E to reduce O3 toxicity....

Acid precipitation: The role of O3‐alkene‐SO2 systems in the atmospheric conversion of SO2 to H2SO4 aerosol

Abstract: The atmospheric conversion of SO2 to H2SO4 aerosol is discussed in the context of O3‐alkene‐SO2 reactions and a mechanism is proposed.

Review of pyrolysis and combustion products of municipal and industrial wastes

Abstract: (1983). Review of pyrolysis and combustion products of municipal and industrial wastes. Journal of Environmental Science and Health . Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering: Vol. 18, No. 6, pp. 747-772.

Evidence for photodynamic action by a naturally occurring hydrilla‐growth inhibitor

Abstract: Evidence is presented that a naturally occurring hydrilla‐growth inhibitor also inhibits the germination of lettuce seeds. The effect is concentration dependent, and the development of both hypocotyledons and dicotyledons is retarded, though no morphological changes are noted in comparison with control samples. In addition, a photodynamic action is involved: the number of seeds developing cotyledons and hypocotyledons in a given time is significantly reduced in the samples exposed to light and the growth inhibitor in comparison to control samples exposed to inhibitor, but maintained in the dark. From experiments with sodium azide, it seems probable that the observed photodynamic action is mediated by singlet oxygen (O2 1Δg).

Adult sesiidae of Maryland collected in traps baited with isomers of 3,13‐octadecadien‐1‐o1 acetate 1 , 2 , 3

Abstract: During an annual spring‐summer trapping program conducted in Maryland, (Z,Z) and (E,Z)‐3,1 3‐octadecadien‐l‐ol acetate (ODDA) were evaluated as baits for attracting Sesiidae species. Later, two different types of trap (Jackson and 3HB) were compared for effectiveness in luring or attracting the Sesiidae. Smaller numbers of adult clearwing moths and larger numbers of other lepidoptera were attracted to the baits dispensed from 3HB traps compared to Jackson traps. Over 5500 adult Sesiidae were trapped that season.

Computerized probit analysis for radiation mortality

Abstract: The computerized Statistical Analysis System (SAS) for probit analysis was used in analyzing radiation dose response data. Sixty female and 60 male Sprague‐Dawley rats, aged 80±5 days and weighing 200–250 g each, were randomly assigned to six groups of 10 animals each. Each rat received a single total‐body exposure (rads) of Co gamma radiation of 0, 675, 700, 725, 750, or 775 at a dose rate of 304 rads/min. Mortalities were recorded during a 30‐day interval. The probit LD 50(30) for wale rats was 733 (715–754) rads with a Chi‐square of 5.736 (df =3); values for females were 729 (712–750) rads with a Chi‐square of 3.757 (df = 3). When males and females were combined, the LD,50(30) was 731 (719–744) rads and the Chi‐square was 3.384 (df = 3). The probit analysis indicated that the individual populations of rrale and female rats, as well as their combined population. exhibited no significant deviations from normality. Further, the level of significance revealed that the combined population of male a...

The effect of ozone exposure upon hepatic and serum ascorbic acid levels in male Sprague‐Dawley rats

Abstract: Exposure of male Sprague‐Dawley rats to 0.3 ppm ozone for 3 hours resulted in a time‐delayed increase in serum and hepatic reduced ascorbic acid levels as compared to controls (0.0 ppm O3) which exhibited an immediate increase in hepatic and serum ascorbic levels. After 24 hours ascorbic acid levels in both groups approached but did not return to pre‐exposure values. The immediate increase in ascorbic acid levels in the controls was unexpected and may reflect previously unrecognized chamber and/or handling effects.

Evaluation of carcinogenicity of fenaminosulf (p-dimethylaminobenzenediazosodium sulfonate) and dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine in rats

Abstract: The carcinogenicity of the fungicide fenaminosulf (I) [140-56-7] and one of its bacterial metabolites dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPDA) [99-98-9] was evaluated in rats. Over 17 mo, rats fed with 250 mg of the compound/kg of feed (in the presence or absence of nitrite) did not develop tumors. Phenols were detected in the urine and feces of rats receiving either I or DMPDA suggesting possible detoxification of these compounds

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity following exposures to cadmium and/or 60Co gamma irradiation

Abstract: A total of 216 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. Animals were injected IP every 3 days for 29 days for a total of 9 injections with 0, 1.0 or 2.5 mg Cd/kg body wt. Total cumulative doses were 0, 9.0 or 22.5 mg Cd/kg body wt. Twenty‐four hrs after the last Cd injection (day 30), each animal was subjected to an acute sublethal total‐body exposure of 0, 362 or 543 rads of gamma (60Co) irradiation at a dose rate of 304 rads/min. Eight rats from each of the 9 groups were sacrificed by cardiac exsanguination on post‐irradiation day 1, 7 or 21. Radiation alone produced significant elevations of LDH. However, Cd alone or as the co‐insult did not produce significant changes in enzymes levels. The molecular basis for the mechanism is not known.

The reaction between lead dioxide and methylcobalamin

Abstract: Kinetics studies on the interaction between lead dioxide and methylcobalamin indicate a pattern of two parallel first‐order reactions with rate constants of 1.02 x 10‐3 s‐1 and 5.33 x 10‐5 s‐1. The relative importance of the two reaction pathways seems to depend on the available surface of lead dioxide. Acetone, methane and methanol form as the principal gaseous products. Traces of tetramethyllead form, and substantial quantities of lead dissolve in the aqueous layer. The product distribution is consistent with a mechanism involving formation and decomposition of methyllead triacetate. Other insoluble metal oxides also follow this pattern in their reaction with methylcobalamin.

Why don't we have more red tides in Florida?

Abstract: With the present state of knowledge of red tides, particularly in Florida coastal waters, the major challenge may be to explain why they do not occur more often. It appears that at least five major factors are responsible for this blessing. These are: (1) environmental stress, (2) enemy organisms, (3) currents and other hydrographic factors, (4) possibly critical‐nutrient limitation, and (5) photodynamic action. The significance of these factors are reviewed as a guide to potential management strategies.

The effect of methyl linoleate hydroperoxide (MLHP), a possible toxic intermediate of ozone, on human normal and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PD) deficient erythrocytes

Abstract: Erythrocytes of both normal and G‐6‐PD deficient humans responded in a dose‐dependent manner to the oxidant stress of MLHP as measured by decreases in G‐6‐PD activity, increases in methemoglobin (METHB) levels and decreases in reduced glutathione (GSH). The G‐6‐PD deficient eryth‐rocytes displayed a markedly enhanced sensitivity to MLPH induced decreases in G‐6‐PD activity and METHB increases while being less sensitive than normal erythrocytes to changes in GSH levels.

Synergism and antagonism of arsenic, chromium and fluoride on nitrification process

Abstract: Based on the experimental data obtained for nitrification in a fixed film packed bed reactor, a rate expression of the following form has been developed under the shock load of trivalent arsenic, hexavalent chromium and fluoride, in pair: where I1 is the concentration of the stronger inhibitor and I2, that of the weaker one in the pair. In the expression, k is equal to 4 for the chromium arsenic and arsenic‐fluoride combinations while for the chromium‐fluoride combination it is equal to 3. sj is the regression coefficient of the polynomial curve fit. Amongst chromium, arsenic and fluoride, which non‐competitively inhibit nitrification, chromium is most inhibitory while fluoride, the least. Under the simultaneous presence of any two of these, the mode of inhibition has been characterised in terms of synergism and antagonism. Interaction factor V, has been introduced to quantitatively take these phenomena into account. ¥ has been corelated to the experimental data by the following expression: The p...

Total alkalinity versus buffer value (capacity) as a sensitivity indicator for fresh waters receiving acid rain

Abstract: (1983). Total alkalinity versus buffer value (capacity) as a sensitivity indicator for fresh waters receiving acid rain. Journal of Environmental Science and Health . Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering: Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 701-711.

Inactivation of bacterial spores by a microwave discharge

Abstract: The inactivation of bacterial spores suspended in air flowing through a microwave plasma reactor has been found to be nearly complete for single naked spore aerosols but less effective for heterogeneous aerosols of spore aggregates. This preliminary study demonstrates the viability of using ionized gases for decontamination.

Influence of complexans (NTA, EDTA) on the toxicity of nickel chloride and sulfate to fish at high concentrations

Abstract: The effect of complexans(NTA,EDTA) on the toxicity of nickel chloride and sulfate to carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) , and on the accumulation of metals in fish at lethal level concentrations was studied. The toxicity of nickel salts to carp was relatively lower, and nickel chloride was more toxic than nickel sulfate. The concentration of metals in fish exposed to nickel chloride and sulfate was remarkably lower than those in the fish exposed to another some heavy metals, such as Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr and Al which were reported in the previous papers. The inhibition of metal accumulation by the presence of complexans was recognized in each part of the fish, but no significantly decrease of mortality of fish to the toxicity of nickel salts.

Influence of land utilization on hydrocarbon runoff pollution

Abstract: An analysis of sediments from two central New Jersey streams indicated that land use plays an important role in determining the quantities of hydrocarbons present. A stream draining an area that was approximately twenty percent industrial/commercial contained four times the hydrocarbon concentrations of a stream draining an area with no industrial/commercial land use, even though the latter area contained over twice the open land than did the former.

The efficacy of removal of heavy metals from water by calcite

Abstract: A feasibility study was conducted for the removal of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc from water by a commercial grade of calcite (CaCO3(S)). The latter is commonly used for treatment of domestic well waters that are acidic due to excessive quantities of CO2(g). Equilibrium and column studies were conducted for the adsorption of the four metals on calcite.

Continued studies of acid rain and its effects on the Baton Rouge area

Abstract: (1983). Continued studies of acid rain and its effects on the Baton Rouge area. Journal of Environmental Science and Health . Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 165-174.