Biomedical subjects

M Fürhacker

Publications and source records attributed to M Fürhacker.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Aerobic biodegradability of methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) used in natural gas sweetening plants in batch tests and continuous flow experiments.

Mixtures of different amines including tertiary amines (methyldiethanolamine, MDEA) are commonly used for the removal of CO2 from gas mixtures or in gas sweetening processes for the extraction of CO2 and H2S. The absorber solutions used can be released into the industrial waste water due to continuous substitution of degraded MDEA, periodically cleaning processes or an accidental spill. In this study, the aerobic biodegradability of MDEA was investigated in a standardised batch test and a continuous flow experiment (40 l/d). The results of the batch test indicated that the MDEA-solution was non-biodegradable during the test period of 28 days, whereas the continuous flow experiments showed biodegradation of more than 96% based on TOC-measurements. This was probably due to the adaptation of the microorganisms to this particular waste water contamination during continuous flow experiment.

Aerobiosis↗

PubMed2000

Bisphenol A: emissions from point sources.

Bisphenol A is widely used for the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. Special in vitro test systems and animal experiments showed a weak estrogenic activity for Bisphenol A. Based on in vitro receptor interaction studies, the activity was estimated to be 2 x 10(-3) lower than that of estradiol. Especially aquatic wildlife could be endangered by waste water discharges. To manage possible risks arising from Bisphenol A contamination, the major fluxes need to be obtained and the contributors to the contamination of municipal treatment plants need to be determined. In this study, industrial emitters and communal waste waters were monitored simultaneously. Mixed samples were taken over periods of one week at nine sample sites. The results showed that the concentrations and fluxes were variable. The paper industry was the major Bisphenol A contributor to the influent of the waste water treatment plant. All the other fluxes measured, including two household areas, were considerably low. About 90% of the total load was removed during the waste water treatment.

Austria↗

PubMed1999

17 beta-estradiol: behavior during waste water analyses.

The distribution between the aqueous and solid phase of 17 beta-estradiol in the ng-range in waste water was investigated by spiking experiments with a radio-labeled hormone. The distribution was measured by liquid scintillation counting. The major part of 17 beta-estradiol remained in the aqueous phase and did not adsorb to the solids. The fraction in the aqueous phase could be enriched by a conventional solid phase extraction with a recovery rate of up to 100%. Losses were negligible and the compound did not adsorb to the surfaces of glass bottles.

Adsorption↗