Biomedical subjects

Josep M Bayona

Publications and source records attributed to Josep M Bayona.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Occurrence and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coastal surface microlayer.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in the coastal sea surface microlayer (SML), the sub-surface waters (SSW) and the overlying atmosphere in order to investigate the influence of the SML on contaminant enrichment and air-sea exchange. Samples were collected at two contrasting locations of the NW Mediterranean, one urban influenced (off Barcelona, Spain) and another comparatively clean (off Banyuls-sur-Mer, France). Statistical data analysis confirmed the accumulation of PAHs in the SML with respect to the SSW (20.3+/-9.1 vs. 13.1+/-10.0 ng L(-1) in the dissolved phase; 709+/-207 vs. 158+/-111 ng g(-1) in the particulate phase). This accumulation was higher at the contaminated location (Barcelona station) compared with the more pristine one, with PAH enrichments 1.5 and 4.5 times higher for the dissolved and particulate phases, respectively, indicating that the enrichment of PAHs in the SML is dominated by particle transport processes.

Aerosols↗

PubMed2006

Mercury speciation in the hair of pre-school children living near a chlor-alkali plant.

Exposure to mercury species was assessed in the hair of 130 Spanish children (age 4) from the general population in two areas. Both areas are exposed to different sources of mercury: a point source in Ribera d'Ebre (northeastern Spain) and a diffuse source on the island of Menorca (northwestern Mediterranean). The median MeHg values in the hair of children from Ribera d'Ebre (RE) were nearly twice (0.631 microg/g vs. 0.370 microg/g) those of children from Menorca (MC) (p < 0.05). Total Hg showed a similar trend (REmedian: 0.720 microg/g vs. MCmedian: 0.476 microg/g). Nevertheless, inorganic mercury levels were similar in the two groups of children (REmedian: 0.186 microg/g vs. MCmedian: 0.210 microg/g). Two subgroups of the Ribera d'Ebre group were defined: children living in Flix (a village near a chlor-alkali plant) (RE1) and children living on the outskirts of Flix with no clear, direct influence of the plant (RE2). The mercury concentrations in RE1 were also significantly higher than those in Menorca, but no significant differences were found between Menorca and the RE2 subgroup. We evaluated the fish consumption of RE1, RE2 and MC and found that the Menorcan children consumed significantly less fish (p < 0.05) than the other two subgroups. Children who consumed fish more than three times a week had higher MeHg concentrations (beta (SE) = 0.991 (0.279) than those who ate it less than once a week. Nevertheless, the differences in MeHg levels between children from Ribera d'Ebre and Menorca remained statistically significant after adjustment for fish intake and other variables (beta (SE) = 0.779 (0.203) for children from RE1). In conclusion, local sources other than seafood contribute significantly to MeHg content in hair in the two Ribera d'Ebre subgroups.

Chemical Industry↗

PubMed2006

Elimination of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in subsurface flow constructed wetlands.

Removal efficiency and elimination rates of 11 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)were measured in two subsurface horizontal flow constructed wetlands (SSFs) characterized by different water depths (i.e. 0.3 and 0.5 m) in a 2-year study. Dissolved and particulate phases of wastewater and gravel samples were collected and analyzed. The PPCP influent concentration ranged from 1 to 25 microg L(-1). The best removal efficiency was found in the shallower bed SSF due to its less negative redox potential. PPCPs were classified in four groups according to their removal behavior: (i) the efficiently removed (>80%) namely caffeine, salicylic acid, methyl dihydrojasmonate, and carboxy-ibuprofen, (ii) the moderately removed (50-80%) namely ibuprofren, hydroxy-ibuprofen, and naproxen, (iii) the recalcitrant to the elimination namely ketoprofen and diclofenac, and,finally, (iv) compounds that were eliminated by hydrophobic interactions namely polycyclic musks (i.e. galaxolide and tonalide). These compounds were removed more than 80% from the effluent but occurred at high concentrations (up to 824 microg kg(-1)) in the gravel bed. Accordingly, their elimination by sorption onto the organic matter retained is the predominant removal mechanism. Furthermore, the constructed wetland clogging appears to induce a negative effect in the PPCP degradation in the SSF evaluated. The PPCP elimination classified as efficiently and moderately removed through the shallow bed fitted to either zero- or a first-order areal kinetics. Finally, the apparent distribution coefficients between suspended solids (Kd'ss) or gravel bed (Kd'gb) and water were determined in the different sampling points of the wetland obtaining values comparable to the described previously for sewage sludge.

Cosmetics↗

PubMed2006

Transport of organic contaminants through salinity stratified water masses. A microcosm experiment.

A salt-wedge stratified microcosm, spiked with 31 target analytes, including PCBs, organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides, triazines, organophosphate flame retardants and caffeine (an urban wastewater molecular marker), was setup. Compound behaviour was monitored during a four week period, by sampling at six different levels of the water column, in order to understand the transport and loss processes of the different classes of chemical substances. Compound transport from one water body to the other has been positively correlated with diffusion via their molar volume. Target analytes loss has been positively correlated with evaporation via their K(H) and with degradation via their halve-lives. From these two processes, evaporation was found to be predominant using a multiparametric regression.

Diffusion↗

PubMed2006

Mercury levels and liver pathology in feral fish living in the vicinity of a mercury cell chlor-alkali factory.

Twenty-three barbels (Barbus graellsii), 30 bleaks (Alburnus alburnus) and 4 sediment samples were collected from four areas of the Cinca River (NE Spain), upstream and downstream of a mercury cell chlor-alkali plant. Mercury concentration in sediments downstream of the plant was about 25 times higher than the concentration upstream. Mercury levels in the muscle and liver of barbels downstream of the chlor-alkali plant were 10 and 30 times higher than those upstream. The average mercury concentration in the muscle and liver of barbels downstream of the factory was 1.48 and 1.78mg/kgw.w., with maximal concentrations of 2.43 and 3.64mg/kgw.w, respectively. Liver/muscle ratio of mercury was significantly higher in barbels sampled downstream of the factory. Bleak showed a similar pattern, with a significantly higher whole-body mercury concentration downstream of the chlor-alkali plant. Nevertheless, a progressive decrease in mercury concentration downstream of the impact area was found in bleak, but not in barbel. Histopathological analysis showed that fish downstream of the factory had significantly higher prevalence of liver pathologies (p<0.05). Although there are no specific histopathological markers of mercury exposure, barbels with the highest Hg levels in the liver also showed the most severe pathologies, and the processes found in these barbels were consistent with the pro-oxidant effect of heavy metals.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Natural sunlight and sun simulator photolysis studies of tetra- to hexa-brominated diphenyl ethers in water using solid-phase microextraction.

Photo-solid-phase microextraction (photo-SPME) is combined for the first time with natural and simulated sunlight to study the photochemical behaviour of environmental concerning tetra- to hexa-brominated diphenyl ethers. The sunlight photodegradation kinetics of five brominated diphenyl ethers (BDE 47, BDE 100, BDE 99, BDE 154 and BDE 153) has been studied. These BDEs are the most abundant congeners in penta-BDE commercial formulations used as flame-retardants and are considered among the most toxic ones. The five studied BDEs were photolytically labile. The detected photodegradation products include more stable lower brominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated dibenzofurans (PBDFs). The photoformation and decay kinetics of these photoproducts were also monitorized by photo-SPME. Aqueous photodegradation studies have also been carried out. In this case, SPME is only used as the extraction technique. Obtained results in the aqueous photodegradation experiments were compared with those obtained in photo-SPME experiments.

Ethers↗

PubMed2006

Occurrence and degradation of butyltins and wastewater marker compounds in sediments from Barcelona harbor, Spain.

Contamination of Barcelona harbor sediments was assessed by the quantitative determination of butyltins (TBT, DBT and MBT) and surfactant intermediates, namely linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) and nonylphenols (NPs), as markers of urban and industrial wastewater contamination, respectively. Degradation indexes of TBT and LABs were calculated. Tributyltin predominated in the whole area over its degradation products, ranging from 98 to 4702 ng Sn/g. These elevated concentrations reveal a persistent historical contamination and a moderate degradation (BT(deg)). Moreover, the high LAB concentrations (1.2-53.1 microg/g) compared to the relatively low NP levels (3.8-72.0 ng/g) suggest a predominance of urban over industrial wastewater inputs, although a significant correlation (r(2) = 0.82, N = 12, P = 0.001) between LABs and NPs was found. Stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows (CSO) were likely the most possible sources for both surfactant intermediates. The high degradation index values obtained for LABs could indicate an improvement in the wastewater management reducing its recent discharge into the Barcelona harbor area.

Benzene↗

PubMed2006

Monitoring the photochemical degradation of triclosan in wastewater by UV light and sunlight using solid-phase microextraction.

Photo solid-phase microextraction (photo-SPME) is applied for the first time to study the photochemical behavior of an emerging pollutant, triclosan, in real contaminated wastewater samples using a solar simulator. In this study, water samples are extracted by SPME and then, the fiber coating is irradiated for a selected time. This on-fiber procedure, so-called photo-SPME, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry makes it possible to study photodegradation kinetics and the generation of byproducts. Several photoproducts were identified in the real samples including the 2,8-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, dichlorophenols and a compound tentatively identified as other DCDD congener or a dichlorohydroxydibenzofuran. Accordingly, it was possible to postulate main photodegradation mechanisms. Photo-SPME demonstrated slower kinetics in wastewater than in spiked ultrapure water probably due to the presence of dissolved organic matter. This technique was extensively compared with conventional aqueous photodegradation showing high similarity. The influence of pH on the triclosan photolysis and on the triclosan-dioxin conversion was also investigated in wastewater. Photodegradation of triclosan and formation of 2,8-DCDD occurred independently of sample pH. This study represents an advance in the use of photo-SPME to understand the photochemical fate of environmental organic pollutants and demonstrates its clear advantages with real samples.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

PubMed2006

Organic contaminant loads into the Western Mediterranean Sea: estimate of Ebro River inputs.

Annual input estimates for several organic contaminants from the Ebro River into the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea were carried out on the basis of monthly sampling from November 2002 to October 2003. Some organochlorine compounds (DDT and its degradation products, DDD and DDE, PCBs (9 congeners), HCB and gamma-HCH) were selected due to their reported occurrence in the river. Furthermore, some polar pesticides used in the Ebro Delta were also determined (atrazine, simazine, diazinon, fenitrothion and molinate). Concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 19.5 ng l(-1) for the organochlorine compounds (sum of particulate and dissolved phases) and from not detected (ND) to 170 ng l(-1) for the more polar pesticides, which were only found in the dissolved phase. The sum of PCB congeners (mean 8.9 ng l(-1)) showed the highest concentrations among the organochlorine compounds and atrazine (mean 82 ng l(-1)) among the polar pesticides. Based on the contaminant concentrations and on hydrological data, contaminant discharges into the sea were estimated amounting in total to 167 and 1,258 kg year(-1) of organochlorine compounds and polar pesticides, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that PCBs, DDTs and HCB inputs were basically influenced by spate periods due to an increase in suspended particulate matter associated to runoff and sediment resuspension. Whereas for more water soluble contaminants, such as the agrochemicals, their seasonal use had a higher incidence in contaminant fluxes. Bulk chemical parameters such as SPM, DOC, POC, %OC, %ON and C/N ratio provided additional information on the organic matter sources. This provides a better understanding of the temporal variability of the contaminant concentrations.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

The Prestige oil spill. 2. Enhanced biodegradation of a heavy fuel oil under field conditions by the use of an oleophilic fertilizer.

A field bioremediation assay using the oleophilic fertilizer S200 was carried out 10 months after the Prestige heavy fuel-oil spill on a beach of the Cantabrian coast (North Spain). The field survey showed that S200 significantly enhanced the biodegradation rate, particularly of high molecular weight n-alkanes, alkylcyclohexanes, and benzenes, and alkylated PAHs, paralleling the results previously found in vitro. The most significant molecular bioremediation indicators were the depletion of diasteranes and C-27 sterane components. Enhanced isomeric selectivity was also observed within the C1-phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes. Through the analysis of some target aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons a number of chemical indicators for assessing the efficiency of field bioremediation as well as identifying the source of highly weathered samples collected in the area after the spill are defined.

Accidents↗

PubMed2006

Trace element determination by combining solid-phase microextraction hyphenated to elemental and molecular detection techniques.

The state of the art of analytical procedures based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and its applications to tin, mercury, arsenic, antimony, chromium, selenium, and lead determination in abiotic and biotic matrixes are critically reviewed from 1994 to present. First, sample pretreatment prior to SPME is evaluated, including a description of the most usual leaching procedures for sediment, soil, and biological samples. Because most organometallic species lack volatility, a derivatization step is mandatory prior to gas chromatographic (GC) determination, except for the volatile organometallics that can be directly extracted from the sample headspace or liquid phase by SPME. The most common derivatization procedures used in alkylation and hydridization reactions used for mercury, lead, and tin, as well as other procedures for the determination of total chromium and arsenic [i.e., trifluoroacetylacetonates for chromium (III) and thioglycol methylate for organic arsenic species] are reviewed. Critical variables usually evaluated along with the method development to improve the sensitivity of the extraction methods based on SPME, such as sampling size, stirring procedures, sampling temperature and pressure, polymer coating, and thermal desorption are reviewed. In addition, figures of merit of the different detection systems used in SPME combined with GC are evaluated. The validation of the reported analytical procedures with reference materials are also discussed in terms of precision and accuracy. Finally, future developments in the application of SPME to speciation are highlighted. Moreover, the capability of SPME automation for the derivatization-extraction procedures are also presented.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Pilot survey of a broad range of priority pollutants in sediment and fish from the Ebro river basin (NE Spain).

Priority organic pollutants were investigated in sediments and fish collected along the Ebro river basin (NE Spain) to evaluate their occurrence, transport and bioavailability. Sediments were collected in 18 sites and two species of fish were captured in nine sites according to the availability in each area. The sampling sites covered industrial, urban and agricultural areas. Four methods were used to detect 20 organochlorine compounds (OCs), 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 3 organotin compounds, 2 alkylphenols and 40 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from purified extracts. The contamination pattern was site specific and no downstream increase in concentration of pollutants was observed but rather a generalized low level diffuse pollution. Target compounds were detected in sediments at 0.01 to 2331 microg/kg dry weight, and only OCs and PBDEs were accumulated in benthopelagic fish. Toxicological assessment was performed according to predicted environmental levels and revealed sites where adverse effects could occur.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Characterization of lipids in complex samples using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Most lipids are a complex mixture of classes of compounds such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, diols, sterols and hydroxy acids. In this study, the suitability of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-light mass spectrometer is studied for lipid characterization in complex samples. With lanolin, a refined wool wax, as test sample, it is demonstrated that combined methylation plus silylation is the preferred derivatization procedure to achieve (i) high-quality GC x GC separation and (ii) easily recognizable ordered structures in lipid analysis. Optimization of the GC x GC column combination, the influence of the temperature programme on the quality of the separation, and the potential and limitations of automated TOF-MS-based identification are discussed. The combined power of a 2D separation, ordered structures and MS detection is illustrated by the identification of several minor sample constituents.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry↗

PubMed2005

Behavior of selected pharmaceuticals in subsurface flow constructed wetlands: a pilot-scale study.

Subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SSFs) constitute a wastewater treatment alternative to small communities due to the low operational cost, reduced energy consumption, and no sewage sludge production. Although much information is available about conventional water quality parameters in SSF constructed wetlands, few data are available regarding specific contaminants. In this paper, we focus on the behavior of three widely used pharmaceuticals (clofibric acid, ibuprofen, and carbamazepine) in two pilot SSF constructed wetlands planted with Phragmites australis and characterized by different water depths (i.e., 0.3 and 0.5 m). These SSFs partially treat the urban wastewater from a housing development (ca. 200 inhabitants). The three pharmaceuticals and bromide were continuously injected into the two SSFs during a period of 150-200 h, and the effluent concentration was simultaneously measured as 6 h composite samples. Their removal efficiency was calculated from the injected concentration, and the hydraulic parameters were evaluated and compared to bromide as tracer. In this regard, the behavior of clofibric acid was similar to that of bromide, and no sorption into the gravel bed occurred. On the other hand, carbamazepine showed a higher sorption than bromide and clofibric acid, which is attributable to its interaction on the gravel bed. Accordingly, the use of clofibric acid as a hydraulic tracer is proposed, taking into account its low residence time. Ibuprofen removal was 81% in the shallow SSF and 48% in the deep one. Differences in removal efficiency could be explained by the less anaerobic environment of the shallow wetland.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed2005

Effect of design parameters in horizontal flow constructed wetland on the behaviour of volatile fatty acids and volatile alkylsulfides.

A pilot-scale horizontal flow constructed wetland (HFCW) system planted with common reed (Phragmites sp.) was constructed to study how hydraulic loading rate (HLR), aspect ratio, water depth, and granular medium affect to the fate of several organic matter degradation intermediates namely, acetic acid (HAc), isovaleric acid (Isoval), and dimethylsulfide (DMS). ANOVA statistical analysis performed on the data set of 8 months of operation shows that the HLR and the water depth are two major factors that control the performance of HFCWs for the target analytes. A clear difference in the HFCW effluent concentrations was obtained according to water depth. Effluents of the shallow water depth contained lower DMS (1.05-1.44 microg l-1), HAc (7.91-10.9 mg l-1), and Isoval (0.11-0.15 mg l-1) concentrations than the deeper beds (DMS: 1.68-2.40 microg l-1; HAc: 9.29-14.4 mg l-1, and Isoval: 0.20-0.31 mg l-1). Such differences could be accounted to the different formation and consumption rates of the organic matter degradation intermediates, which is related with the redox potentials (E). Indeed, it could lead to different biochemical reactions of organic matter degradation according with the E value. HLR has a statistically significant influence on the effluent HAc, Isoval, and DMS concentrations. Seasonal variability of effluent HAc concentration shows that it is independent on the HAc loading. While the loading showed no seasonal pattern, the removal efficiency was clearly higher in cold months, which suggests a predominant internal production of HAc in HFCWs in the warm season from the accumulated organic particulate matter. Similar results were also found when Isoval and DMS were considered.

Acetates↗

PubMed2005

Survey of organotin compounds in rivers and coastal environments in Portugal 1999-2000.

In the period from April 1999 to May 2000, organotin pollution, namely butyl and phenyltins, was investigated in coastal and continental waters (46 stations), estuarine sediments (15 stations) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) (13 stations) throughout Portugal. Sampling points were chosen in areas of specific industrial, agricultural and harbor activities. Butyltins (BTs) were the only tin species identified of which tributyltin (TBT) was found in the whole area. Concentrations of TBT in river water ranged from 3 to 30 ng L(-1) (as Sn), marine sediment ranged from 4 to 12 microg kg(-1) (as Sn), whereas concentrations in mussel tissue ranged from 2.5 to 490 microg kg(-1) (as Sn). Given that some water samples appeared to be contaminated by higher monobutyltin (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) concentrations, the role of biological degradation and direct inputs from agricultural and industrial applications areas are discussed. The study compares depleted butyltin pollution in sediments and mussels of the Portuguese coastline associated with antifouling paints with previously reported levels. Inputs in river waters are more related to (i) PVC leaching and (ii) industrial sources, in some cases discharged by municipal wastewaters.

Agriculture↗

PubMed2005

The prestige oil spill. I. Biodegradation of a heavy fuel oil under simulated conditions.

In vitro biodegradation of the Prestige heavy fuel oil has been carried out using two microbial consortia obtained by enrichment in different substrates to simulate its environmental fate and potential utility for bioremediation. Different conditions, such as incubation time (i.e., 20 or 40 d), oil weathering, and addition of an oleophilic fertilizer (S200), were evaluated. Weathering slowed down the degradation of the fuel oil, probably because of the loss of lower and more labile components, but the addition of S200 enhanced significantly the extension of the biodegradation. n-Alkanes, alkylcyclohexanes, alkylbenzenes, and the two- to three-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were degraded in 20 or 40 d of incubation of the original oil, whereas the biodegradation efficiency decreased for higher PAHs and with the increase of alkylation. Molecular markers were degraded according to the following sequence: Acyclic isoprenoids > diasteranes > C27-steranes > betabeta-steranes > homohopanes > monoaromatic steranes > triaromatic steranes. Isomeric selectivity was observed within the C1- and C2-phenanthrenes, dibenzothiophenes, pyrenes, and chrysenes, providing source and weathering indices for the characterization of the heavy oil spill. Acyclic isoprenoids, C27-steranes, C1- and C2-naphthalenes, phenanthrenes, and dibenzothiophenes were degraded completely when S200 was used. The ratios of the C2- and C3-alkyl homologues of fluoranthene/pyrene and chrysene/benzo[a]anthracene are proposed as source ratios in moderately degraded oils. The 4-methylpyrene and 3-methylchrysene were refractory enough to serve as conserved internal markers in assessing the degradation of the aromatic fraction in a manner similar to that of hopane, as used for the aliphatic fraction.

Alkanes↗

PubMed2004

Factors affecting linear alkylbenzene sulfonates removal in subsurface flow constructed wetlands.

The behavior of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and sulfophenyl carboxylate (SPC) biointermediates in a pilot subsurface flow constructed wetland (SFCW) is reported for the first time. The effects of wetland configuration and operation on their treatment efficiency were investigated. The pilot SFCW constituted by eight beds of 55 m2 with different aspect ratios (1 x 1; 1.5 x 1; 2 x 1; 2.5 x 1), two water depths (i.e., 0.47 and 0.27 cm) at 5 cm below surface and two medium sizes (i.e., D60 = 10 mm and 3.5 mm) planted with Phragmites sp. That SFCW pilottreats urban wastewater (i.e., 200 inhabitants) and was operated at four hydraulic loading rates (HLRs) (20, 27, 36, and 45 mm d(-1)). Influent and effluent sampling was carried out from May 2001 to January 2002 with a weekly pattern. Main results were as follows: (i) water depth has a major influence on the performance of SFCW for the LAS removal, and HLR shows significant effect on SPC evolution; (ii) water temperature has a significant effect on the LAS evolution; (iii) biodegradation of LAS and SPC can occur under sulfate-reducing environment and mixed conditions (i.e., sulfate-reducing and denitrification), but aerobic respiration cannot be excluded; and (iv) C13 LAS homologues were generally removed in higher extent than the shorter alkyl chain counterparts. In the most appropriate conditions, LAS and SPC can be biodegraded up to 71% and 11%, respectively, in the pilot SFCW evaluated.

Alkanesulfonic Acids↗