Showing papers in "Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B-pesticides Food Contaminants and Agricultural Wastes in 2012"

Adsorption of pharmaceutical compounds and an endocrine disruptor from aqueous solutions by carbon materials

Abstract: Adsorption has been used to study the removal of atenolol, caffeine, diclofenac and isoproturon, pharmaceutical compounds as emerging contaminants and an endocrine disruptor from ultrapure water and a municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent with three carbonaceous materials: activated carbon, multiwalled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. The adsorption capacities were studied in the temperature range of 25–65°C and pH range from 3 to 9. Several model isotherms were used to model the adsorption equilibrium data. Also, the competitive adsorption was evaluated.

Development of controlled release formulations of imidacloprid employing novel nano-ranged amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: Amphiphilic copolymers, synthesized from poly (ethylene glycols) and various aliphatic diacids, which self assemble into nano-micellar aggregates in aqueous media, were used to develop controlled release (CR) formulations of imidacloprid [1-(6 chloro-3-pyridinyl methyl)-N- nitro imidazolidin-2- ylideneamine] using encapsulation technique. High solubilisation power and low critical micelle concentration (CMC) of these amphiphilic polymers may increase the efficacy of formulations. Formulations were characterised by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and stability after accelerated storage test of the developed formulations were checked. The kinetics of imidacloprid release in water from the different formulations was studied. Release from the commercial formulation was faster than the CR formulations. The diffusion exponent (n value) of imidacloprid, in water ranged from 0.22 to 0.37 in the tested...

Toxic effects of four sulphonylureas herbicides on soil microbial biomass.

Abstract: The effect of four triazinyl-sulfonylurea herbicides (cinosulfuron, prosulfuron, thifensulfuron methyl, triasulfuron) on soil microbial biomass, soil respiration, metabolic activity, metabolic quotient, and some enzymatic activities (acid and alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, arylsulphatase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis) were monitored under controlled conditions over 30 days. The herbicides were applied at the normal field dose (FD) and at ten-fold (10 FD) the field dose, in order to mimic a long term toxic effect. The measured soil microbial parameters showed that the FD had slight effects on soil microflora, while at 10 FD the tested herbicides exerted a stronger detrimental effect on soil microbial biomass and its biochemical activities.

Assessment of imidacloprid toxicity on reproductive organ system of adult male rats

Abstract: In the current study it was aimed to investigate the toxicity of low doses of imidacloprid (IMI) on the reproductive organ systems of adult male rats. The treatment groups received 0.5 (IMI-0.5), 2 (IMI-2) or 8 mg IMI/kg body weight by oral gavage (IMI-8) for three months. The deterioration in sperm motility in IMI-8 group and epidydimal sperm concentration in IMI-2 and IMI-8 groups and abnormality in sperm morphology in IMI-8 were significant. The levels of testosterone (T) and GSH decreased significantly in group IMI-8 compared to the control group. Upon treatment with IMI, apoptotic index increased significantly only in germ cells of the seminiferous tubules of IMI-8 group when compared to control. Fragmentation was striking in the seminal DNA from the IMI-8 group, but it was much less obvious in the IMI-2 one. IMI exposure resulted in elevation of all fatty acids analyzed, but the increases were significant only in stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids. The ratios of 20:4/20:3 and 20:4/18:2 were decreased and 16:1n-9/16:0 ratio was increased. In conclusion, the present animal experiments revealed that the treatment with IMI at NOAEL dose-levels caused deterioration in sperm parameters, decreased T level, increased apoptosis of germ cells, seminal DNA fragmentation, the depletion of antioxidants and change in disturbance of fatty acid composition. All these changes indicate the suppression of testicular function.

Bio-efficacy evaluation of nanoformulations of β-cyfluthrin against Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Abstract: In the present investigation, bioefficacy of developed β-cyfluthrin formulations, utilizing laboratory synthesized poly(ethylene glycols) based amphiphilic copolymers, were evaluated against Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The bioefficacy data indicated that the formulations developed by utilizing polymers having PEG – 1500 (3c) and PEG – 2000 (3d) as the hydrophilic segment showed greater efficacy after 14 days as evident from EC50 values (2.2 and 1.58 mg L−1 respectively). Also, release from the commercial SC formulation was faster than developed formulations as the commercial formulation had the lowest EC50 value on the first day (0.51 mg L−1). The mean EC50 of the commercial formulation against C. maculatus was quite high as compared to those of developed formulations. The results suggest that depending upon the polymer matrix used, the application rate of β-cyfluthrin can be optimized to achieve insect control at the desired level and period. The results described in this paper are ...

Temporal variability in 20 chemical elements content of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) collected from two sites over a few years

Abstract: Mature specimens of Parasol Mushroom were collected annually in the outskirts of the Siemiany (2000-2003) and Rafa (2001-2003) sites in the northern part of Poland to examine temporal variations and similarities in the composition of 20 chemical elements. Analysis was done under the same condition and using well-validated analytical methods. Elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and cold vapour-atomic absorption spectroscopy (Hg). The ranges of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn concentrations in the caps of fruiting bodies were similar (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test) for both geographically distant sites, and these specimens from Rafa were more contaminated with Pb (p 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of specimens from the Rafa site varied in contents of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, P, Rb and Zn (p > 0.05), while they were similar in Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Na, Ni, Pb and Sr (p < 0.05). The results of this study imply that metallic elements content of Parasol Mushroom collected at the same undisrupted sites, and hence keeping the same geochemical condition for mushroom development and fructification (the same stands and probably the same mycelia), can fluctuate over the years or the life-span of mycelium. Hence, when assessing the nutritional value of essential metallic elements and status of non-essential or toxic metallic elements in Parasol's Mushroom caps (and probably also of other mushrooms species) to man, the possible fluctuation in contents over time have to be taken into account.

Controlled release and retarded leaching of pesticides by encapsulating in carboxymethyl chitosan /bentonite composite gel.

Abstract: A novel composite gel composed of carboxymethyl-chitosan (CM-chit) and bentonite (H-bent) was used as the carrier for encapsulating atrazine and imidacloprid to control their release in water and retard their leaching in soil. Strong interactions between CM-chit and H-bent in the composite were confirmed by FT-IR, and good dispersion of pesticides in the carrier was observed by SEM. According to the results of release experiments in water, the CM-chit/H-bent composite carrier showed double advantages of both encapsulation by the polymer and sorption by the bentonite. The time taken for 50 % of active ingredients to be released, t 50, was prolonged to 572 h for atrazine and 24 h for imidacloprid, respectively. The difference between the two pesticides on release behavior was related to their hydrophobicity and water solubility. Leaching experiments through a soil layer showed that this novel carrier reduced the amount of pesticides available for leaching, and would be useful for diminishing the environment...

Fluoxetine effects on sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) locomotor activity.

Abstract: Fluoxetine (FLX), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is among the top 100 drugs prescribed annually in the United States and the United Kingdom and is one of many pharmaceutical products that have been detected in global surface waters. Our study used sublethal concentrations to assess the impact of FLX exposure on sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) locomotor behavior. Exposures lasted for 56 hours, and fish were recorded for locomotor behavior assessment at six timepoints between 1–56 h post-dose. Behavior was recorded to quantify locomotor activity using line crossing counts. Animals treated with 300 μg L−1 FLX exhibited reduced locomotor activity at 1, 25, 32, 49 and 56 h post-dose. An EC25 value of 2 μg L−1 (lower and upper 95 % confidence limits at 1.3, 43 μg L−1, respectively) was determined for locomotor activity at 32 h of exposure. Changes in locomotor activity due to FLX exposure may have implications for the ecological response of populations to other natural and anthropogenic str...

Bioaccessibility of arsenic in various types of rice in an in vitro gastrointestinal fluid system.

Abstract: Rice can be a major contributor to dietary arsenic exposure because of the relatively high total arsenic concentration compared to other grains, especially for people whose main staple is rice. This study employed in vitro gastrointestinal fluid digestion to determine bioaccessible or gastrointestinal fluid extractable arsenic concentration in rice. Thirty-one rice samples, of which 60 % were grown in the United States, were purchased from food stores in New York City. Total arsenic concentrations in these samples ranged from 0.090 ± 0.004 to 0.85 ± 0.03 mg/kg with a mean value of 0.275 ± 0.161 mg/kg (n = 31). Rice samples with relatively high total arsenic (>0.20 mg/kg, n = 18) were treated by in vitro artificial gastrointestinal fluid digestion, and the extractable arsenic ranged from 53 % to 102 %. The bioaccessibility of arsenic in rice decreases in the general order of extra long grain, long grain, long grain parboiled, to brown rices.

Biodegradation of nicosulfuron by the bacterium Serratia marcescens N80

Abstract: By enrichment culturing of the sludge collected from the industrial wastewater treatment pond, we isolated a highly efficient nicosulfuron degrading bacterium Serratia marcescens N80 In liquid medium, Serratia marcescens N80 grows using nicosulfuron as the sole nitrogen source, and the optimal temperature, pH values, and inoculation for degradation are 30-35°C, 60-70, and 30% (v/v), respectively With the initial concentration of 10 mg L⁻¹, the degradation rate is 936% in 96 hours; as the initial concentrations are higher than 10 mg L⁻¹, the biodegradation rates decrease as the nicosulfuron concentrations increase; when the concentration is 400 mg L⁻¹, the degradation rate is only 531% Degradation follows the pesticide degradation kinetic equation at concentrations between 5 mg L⁻¹ and 50 mg L⁻¹ Identification of the metabolites by the liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) indicates that the degradation of nicosulfuron is achieved by breaking the sulfonylurea bridge The strain N80 also degraded some other sulfonylurea herbicides, including ethametsulfuron, tribenuron-methyl, metsulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl,and rimsulfuron

Cytotoxicity and DNA damage of five organophosphorus pesticides mediated by oxidative stress in PC12 cells and protection by vitamin E

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that pesticides could induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in vivo and in vitro, and that oxidative stress may be an important factor involved. However, investigations comparing the capability of different organophosphorous (OP) compounds to induce cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative stress are limited. Hence, the aim of this paper was to access the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of five OPs or metabolites, Acephate (ACE), Methamidophos (MET), Chloramidophos (CHL), Malathion (MAT) and Malaoxon (MAO), and to clarify the role of oxidative stress, using PC12 cells. The results demonstrated that MET, MAT and MAO caused significant inhibition of cell viability and increased DNA damage in PC12 cells at 40 mg L(-1). MAO was more toxic than the other OPs. ACE, MET, MAT and MAO increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) at 20 mg L(-1) and 40 mg L(-1) to different degrees. Pre-treatment with vitamin E(600 μM)caused a significant attenuation in the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect; pre-treatment reversed subsequent OP-induced elevation of peroxidation products and the decline of anti-oxidant enzyme activities. These results indicate that oxidative damage is likely to be an initiating event that contributes to the OP-induced cytotoxicity.

Deleterious effects of cypermethrin on rat liver and kidney: Protective role of sesame oil

Abstract: The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the toxicity of various pesticides. Our study was designed to investigate the induction of oxidative stress by cypermethrin; a Type II pyrethroid in rat liver and kidney. In addition, the protective role of sesame oil against the toxicity of cypermethrin was investigated. Animals were divided into four equal groups; the first group used as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with sesame oil (5 mL/kg b.w), cypermethrin (12 mg/kg b.w) and the combination of both sesame oil (5 mL/kg b.w) plus cypermethrin (12 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Rats were daily administered with their respective doses for 30 days by gavage. Repeated oral administration of cypermethrin was found to reduce the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. While, the level of TBARS was elevated indicating the presence of oxidative stress. The activities of LDH, AST and ALT were decreased in the liver extract while increased in the plasma of the cypermethrin-treated group. Also, the levels of urea and creatinine were significantly increased after treatment with cypermethrin. Liver and kidney injury was confirmed by the histological changes. In conclusion, the administration of sesame oil provided significant protection against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress, biochemical changes, histopathological damage and genomic DNA fragmentation.

Bioefficacy evaluation of controlled release formulations based on amphiphilic nano-polymer of carbofuran against Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato.

Abstract: In the present investigation, the bioefficacy of developed carbofuran formulations, with PEG-600 (7a, CP1) & PEG-900 (7b, CP2) @ 5, 10 and 20 ppm, along with commercial formulation of carbofuran 3G (CP0) were evaluated against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato (cv. Pusa Ruby) in pot and field conditions. The bioefficacy data indicated that the formulations developed by utilizing polymers having PEG – 900 (7b) as hydrophilic segment were effective even at 14 days post inoculation (dpi) as evident from shoot and root length. Also, the reduction in penetration was found to be maximum with CP2 (3.6 – 4.6 J2s) at all concentrations compared to CP1 (6.6 – 16.4 J2s) and CP0 (29.3 – 32.6 J2s). Overall, CP2 was more effective in reducing the number of nematodes up to 14 days, compared to CP1 and CP0. Both the CR formulations (CP1 and CP2) in general significantly reduced the number of galls, when compared to CP0. However, under field conditions, lower concentrations (5, and 10 ppm) of ...

Mercury in European Blushers, Amanita rubescens, mushrooms and topsoils: Bioconcentration potential and intake assessment

Abstract: Total mercury content has been determined in fruiting bodies of European Blushers and topsoils collected from 11 sites across Poland in 2006-2008. Mercury analysis was carried out using a validated analytical method and cold-vapour atomic absorption (CV-AAS). The European Blusher effectively accumulated mercury in fruiting bodies. The mean values of total mercury in caps of European Blushers from background (uncontaminated) areas were from 0.22 to 1.0 (0.067-3.2) and in stipes from 0.16 to 0.65 (0.071-2.7) μg/g dry weight. In topsoil beneath to fruiting bodies, the median Hg concentration at 10 sites in Northern Poland varied between 0.030 and 0.072 (0.0096–0.19) μg/g dw, and in one site in Southern Poland was 0.20 (0.079–0.34) μg/g dw. Data on Hg in European Blushers from different countries were reviewed. The mean concentrations of total Hg in caps of European Blushers from two “pristine” sites in northern part of Poland were ∼1.0 μg/g dw. A meal made with 300–500 g of fresh caps of European Blushers co...

Histopathological alterations in gill, liver and kidney of common carp exposed to chlorpyrifos.

Abstract: Histopathological alterations in gill, liver and kidney of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, intoxicated with sub-lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos (O,O,-diethyl-O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate) pesticide (1 and 100 μg/L) for a period of 14 days were analyzed under light microscope. Gill exhibited hyperplasia and hypertrophy of gill epithelium, blood congestion, dilation of marginal channel, epithelial lifting, lamellar fusion, lamellar disorganization, lamellar aneurysm, rupture of the lamellar epithelium, rupture of pillar cells and necrosis. Alterations in hepatocytes were more pronounced, including nuclear and cellular hypertrophy, cellular atrophy, irregular contour of cells and nucleus, cytoplasmic vacuolation, cytoplasmic and nuclear degeneration, cellular rupture, pyknotic nucleus, necrosis and melanomacrophages aggregations. Histopathological lesions in kidney were cellular and nuclear hypertrophy, narrowing of tubular lumen, cytoplasmic vacuolation, hyaline droplet degeneration, nuclear degeneration, occlusion of tubular lumen, tubular regeneration, dilation of glomerular capillaries, degeneration of glomerulus and hemorrhage in Bowman's space. The most significant conclusion drawn from this study was that with the increased concentration and duration the toxicosis of chlorpyrifos would be enhanced as shown through the analysis of mean assessment value (MAV) and degree of tissue changes (DTC) also.

Evaluation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains as probiotic agent with aflatoxin B1 adsorption ability for use in poultry feedstuffs

Abstract: In this study the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) removal capacity, the tolerance to salivary and gastrointestinal conditions, autoaggregation and coaggregation with pathogenic bacteria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from broiler feces, were evaluated. Only four of twelve isolated strains were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae using molecular techniques. The results obtained in AFB1 binding studies indicated that the amount of AFB1 removed was both strain and mycotoxin-concentration dependent. Therefore, a theoretical model was applied in order to select the most efficient strain to remove AFB1 in a wide range of mycotoxin concentration. The results indicated that S. cerevisiae 08 and S. cerevisiae 01 strains were the most efficient microorganisms in the mycotoxin removal. Viability on simulated salivary and gastrointestinal conditions was investigated and S. cerevisiae 08 strain showed the best results, achieving 98% of total survival whereas S. cerevisiae 01 reached only 75%. Autoaggregation and ...

Dissipation of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in water and sediment of two Canadian prairie wetlands

Abstract: Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] is the active ingredient of several herbicide products first registered for use in 1974 under the tradename Roundup. The use of glyphosate-based herbicides has increased dramatically over the last two decades particularly in association with the adoption of glyphosate-tolerant crops. Glyphosate has been detected in a range of surface waters but this is the first study to monitor its fate in prairie wetlands situated in agricultural fields. An ephemeral wetland (E) and a semi-permanent wetland (SP) were each divided into halves using a polyvinyl curtain. One half of each wetland was fortified with glyphosate with the added mass simulating an accidental direct overspray. Glyphosate dissipated rapidly in the water column of the two prairie wetlands studied (DT(50) values of 1.3 and 4.8 d) which may effectively reduce the impact of exposure of aquatic biota to the herbicide. Degradation of glyphosate to its major metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and sorption of the herbicide to bottom sediment were more important pathways for the dissipation of glyphosate from the water column than movement of the herbicide with infiltrating water. Presently, we are not aware of any Canadian guidelines for glyphosate residues in sediment of aquatic ecosystems. Since a substantial portion of glyphosate entering prairie wetlands will become associated with bottom sediments, particularly in ephemeral wetlands, guidelines would need to be developed to assess the protection of organisms that spend all or part of their lifecycle in sediment.

Residues of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in sugarcane crop soils and river water

Abstract: The presence of residual organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides was evaluated at different periods of sugarcane cultivation in agricultural soil and water samples from the town of Tlaltizapan, which is located in the state of Morelos in Mexico, to determine the presence and persistence of these compounds and their possible effects on the region. The compounds p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD (metabolites of p,p′-DDT), γ-HCH and heptachlor were found in more of 95% of the sampling zones in the three monitoring periods performed along 2 years. The highest concentration detected (129.6 μg/kg dry soil) was for α-HCH, but its frequency of detection was ∼5%. The low detection frequency of α-HCH and the high concentration values of γ-HCH indicate the repeated use of technical-grade HCH and Lindane (γ-HCH) in the region. Among the organophosphorus pesticides, ethyl parathion was the compound with the highest soil concentration, at ∼2000 μg/kgdry soil, during the initial monitoring. However, this compound was detected i...

Membrane bioreactor treatment of commonly used organophosphate pesticides

Abstract: Five pesticide formulations registered for use in Canada containing organophosphate-insecticide active ingredients azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion and phorate were subjected to treatment by membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. The target active ingredients were introduced to the MBR at ppm level concentrations. The biodegradation of these compounds was analyzed daily using selected ion monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS-SIM) following extraction of the analytes using solid-phase extraction (SPE). Amounts measuring 83 % to 98 % of the target analytes were removed with steady-state concentrations being reached within 5 days of their introduction. The dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and total heterotrophic bacterial population were monitored daily to ensure optimal conditions for biodegradation. The quality of the effluent from the MBR was assessed daily through spectrophotometric methods. Measurements were conducted for the concentration of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, total and reactive phosphorus, as well as the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the effluent. This study demonstrated that the MBR technology is feasible and efficient for treatment of organophosphate pesticides without introducing additional chemical additives.

Residue and bio-efficacy evaluation of controlled release formulations of imidacloprid against pests in soybean (Glycine max)

Abstract: Controlled release (CR) formulations of imidacloprid (1-(6 chloro-3-pyridinyl methyl)-N- nitro imidazolidin-2- ylideneamine) were prepared using novel amphiphilic polymers synthesized from polyethylene glycol and aliphatic diacids employing encapsulation technique. The bioefficacy of the prepared CR formulations was evaluated against major pests of soybean, namely stem fly, Melanagromyza sojae Zehntmer and white fly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius along with a commercial formulation at the experimental farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi during kharif 2009 and 2010. Most of the CR formulations of imidacloprid gave significantly better control of the pests compare to its commercial formulations, however the CR formulations, Poly [poly (oxyethylene-1000)-oxy suberoyl] amphiphilic polymer based formulation performed better over others for controlling of both stem fly incidence and Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) infestation transmitted by white fly. Some of the developed CR formulations reco...

Estimation of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in okra fruits and soil by chromatography techniques.

Abstract: Dissipation of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in okra was studied following three applications of a combination formulation of Solomon 300 OD (β-cyfluthrin 9 % + imidacloprid 21 %) @ 60 and 120 g a.i. ha(-1) at 7 days interval. Residues of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid in okra were estimated by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Residues of β-cyfluthrin were confirmed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and that of imidacloprid by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Half-life periods for β-cyfluthrin were found to be 0.91 and 0.68 days whereas for imidacloprid these values were observed to be 0.85 and 0.96 days at single and double the application rates, respectively. Residues of β-cyfluthrin dissipated below its limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg kg(-1) after 3 and 5 days at single and double the application dosage, respectively. Similarly, residues of imidacloprid took 5 and 7 days to reach LOQ of 0.01 mg kg(-1), at single and double dosages respectively. Soil samples collected after 15 days of the last application did not show the presence of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid at their detection limit of 0.01 mg kg(-1).

Identification of degradation products of thiram in water, soil and plants using LC-MS technique.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the deleterious effects of exposure to pesticides on a target population, a comprehensive study on their degradation in the various segments of ecosystem under varying environmental conditions is needed. In view of this, a study has been carried out on the metabolic pathways of thiram, a dithiocarbamate fungicide, in a variety of matrices namely water and soil under controlled conditions and plants in field conditions. The identification of degradation products was carried out in samples collected at various time points using LC-MS. The degradation products identified can be rationalized as originating by a variety of processes like hydrolysis, oxidation, N-dealkylation and cyclization. As a result of these processes the presence of some metabolites like dimethyl dithiocarbamate, bis(dimethyl carbamoyl) disulphide, bis(dimethyl dithiocarbamoyl) trisulphide and N-methyl-amino-dithiocarbamoyl sulphide was observed in all the cases. However, some different metabolites were observed with ...

Comparison of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls residues in vegetables, grain and soil from organic and conventional farming in Poland

Abstract: Organic and conventional crops were studied by identifying the relationship between persistent organic pollutants in cereals, vegetables and soil. The residues of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in grains (rye and wheat), vegetables (carrots and beets) and soil collected from the fields. PCB residues recorded in the beets from organic farming were as high as 3.71 ppb dry weight (dry wt.), while in the soil from conventional farming of beets 0.53 ppb dry wt. Among vegetables, higher concentrations of pesticides were detected in organically grown beets (190.63 ppb dry wt.). Soil samples from the organic farming contained lower levels of organochlorine pesticide residues compared to the conventional farming. Taking into account toxicity equivalent (TEQ), the conventionally grown carrots accumulated the most toxic PCBs. Non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs were also noted in the grain of conventionally grown rye and amounted to 3.05 pg-TEQ/g wet wt.

Biodegradation of s-triazine herbicide atrazine by Enterobacter cloacae and Burkholderia cepacia sp. from long-term treated sugarcane-cultivated soils in Kenya.

Abstract: In this study soils from sugarcane-cultivated fields were screened for bacterial species capable of atrazine (6-chloro-N2-ethyl-N4-isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) degradation due to long exposure of the soils to this herbicide. To enrich for atrazine degraders, Minimal Salt Medium containing atrazine as the sole N source and glucose as the C source was inoculated with soils impacted with this herbicide and incubated. Bacterial growth was monitored by measuring optical density. The degradation of atrazine was followed by measuring residual atrazine in liquid cultures over a given time period by high performance liquid chromatography. Bacterial strains isolated from the enrichment cultures were characterized by biochemical tests and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Two bacterial strains coded ISL 8 and ISL 15 isolated from two different fields were shown to have 94 and 96% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Burkholderia cepacia respectively. Another bacterial sp., ISL 14 was closely related t...

Sorption of tebuconazole onto selected soil minerals and humic acids

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate tebuconazole sorption on common soil minerals (birnessite, ferrihydrite, goethite, calcite and illite) and humic acids (representing soil organic matter). Tebuconazole was used (i) in the commercial form Horizon 250 EW and (ii) as an analytical grade pure chemical. In the experiment with the commercially available tebuconazole, a significant pH-dependent sorption onto the oxides was observed (decreasing sorption with increasing pH). The highest sorption was found for ferrihydrite due to its high specific surface area, followed by humic acids, birnessite, goethite and illite. No detectable sorption was found for calcite. The sorption of analytical grade tebuconazole on all selected minerals was significantly lower compared to the commercial product. The sorption was the highest for humic acids, followed by ferrihydrite and illite and almost negligible for goethite and birnessite without any pH dependence. Again, no sorption was observed for calcite. The diffe...

Assessing the toxicity of organophosphorous pesticides to indigenous algae with implication for their ecotoxicological impact to aquatic ecosystems

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the toxicity of three organophosphorous pesticides, chlorpyrifos, terbufos and methamidophos, to three indigenous algal species isolated from local rivers and algal mixtures. The diatom Nitzschia sp. (0.30–1.68 mg L−1 of EC50 -the estimated concentration related to a 50% growth reduction) and the cyanobacteria Oscillatoria sp. (EC50 of 0.33–7.99 mg L−1) were sensitive to single pesticide treatment and the chlorophyta Chlorella sp. was the most tolerant (EC50 of 1.29–41.16 mg L−1). In treatment with the mixture of three pesticides, Chlorella sp. became the most sensitive alga. The antagonistic joint toxic effects on three indigenous algae and algal mixtures were found for most of the two pesticide mixtures. The results suggested that mixture of pesticides might induce the detoxification mechanisms more easily than the single pesticide. The synergistic interactions between terbufos and methamidophos to algal mixtures and between methamidophos and chlorpyrifos to Nitzschia sp. i...

Effects of temperature on sorption-desorption processes of imidacloprid in soils of Croatian coastal regions

Abstract: Sorption-desorption behavior of imidacloprid in six soils collected from five coastal regions in Croatia at 20, 30 and 40°C was investigated using batch equilibrium technique. Isothermal data were applied to Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin equations, and the thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔG°, ΔS° were calculated. The sorption isotherm curves were non-linear and may be classified as L-type, suggesting a relatively high sorption capacity for imidacloprid. Our results showed that the K sor F values decreased for all the tested soils as the temperature increased, indicating that the temperature strongly influences the sorption. Values of ΔG° were negative (−4.65 to −2.00 kJ/mol) indicating that at all experimental temperatures the interactions of imidacloprid with soils were spontaneous processes. The negative and small ΔH° values (−19.79 to −8.89 kJ/mol) were in the range of weak forces, such as H-bonds, consistent with interactions and partitioning of the imidacloprid molecules into soil organic matter. The...

Fatty acid profile and elemental content of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) oil –effect of extraction methods

Abstract: Interest in vegetable oil extracted from idioblast cells of avocado fruit is growing. In this study, five extraction methods to produce avocado oil have been compared: traditional solvent extraction using a Soxhlet or ultrasound, Soxhlet extraction combined with microwave or ultra-turrax treatment and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Traditional Soxhlet extraction produced the most reproducible results, 64.76 ± 0.24 g oil/100 g dry weight (DW) and 63.67 ± 0.20 g oil/100 g DW for Hass and Fuerte varieties, respectively. Microwave extraction gave the highest yield of oil (69.94%) from the Hass variety. Oils from microwave extraction had the highest fatty acid content; oils from SFE had wider range of fatty acids. Oils from Fuerte variety had a higher monounsaturated: saturated FA ratio (3.45-3.70). SFE and microwave extraction produced the best quality oil, better than traditional Soxhlet extraction, with the least amount of oxidizing metals present.

Biological degradation and microbial function effect of norfloxacin in a soil under different conditions

Abstract: This paper investigated the degradation kinetics of norfloxacin in a soil, and its effects on soil respiration and nitrogen transformation under different conditions. Compared to the sterile control, the degradation rates of norfloxacin in the non-sterile soil were greatly enhanced, suggesting that microorganisms played a major role in the degradation. Accelerated degradation for norfloxacin in the soil was observed with decreasing concentrations (30 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg) with its half-life decreasing from 62 days to 31 days. Amending swine manure into the soil and increasing the soil moisture level enhanced the biological degradation of norfloxacin. No obvious inhibition of norfloxacin on soil respiration was observed in the soil, while only slight effect on nitrogen transformation was found. The results suggested that norfloxacin at the reported environmental concentrations (<100 mg/kg) would have little effect on microbial activity and functions in the soils.

Sorption-desorption behavior of metsulfuron-methyl and sulfosulfuron in soils

Abstract: Sorption of metsulfuron-methyl and sulfosulfuron were studied in five Indian soils using batch sorption method. Freundlich adsorption equation described the sorption of herbicides with K(f) (adsorption coefficient) values ranging between 0.21 and 1.88 (metsulfuron-methyl) and 0.37 and 1.17 (sulfosulfuron). Adsorption isotherms were L-type suggesting that the herbicides sorption decreased with increase in the initial concentration of the herbicide in the solution. The K(f) for metsulfuron-methyl showed good positive correlation with silt content (significant at p = 0.01) and strong negative correlation with the soil pH (significant at p = 0.05) while sorption of sulfosulfuron did not correlate with any of the soil parameter. Desorption of herbicides was concentration dependent and, in general, sulfosulfuron showed higher desorption than the metsulfuron-methyl. The study indicates that these herbicides are poorly sorbed in the Indian soil types and there may be a possibility of their leaching to lower soil profiles.