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Differential roles of humic acid and particulate organic matter in the equilibrium sorption of atrazine by soils.

Recent studies have indicated that soil organic matter (SOM) may consist of physically and chemically different fractions, including particulate organic matter (POM), such as black carbon and unburned coal materials. The present study examined the differential roles of three different SOM fractions isolated from a peat and a topsoil in the equilibrium sorption of the herbicide atrazine (ATZ). The SOM fractions isolated from the two samples included humic acids (HAs), base-extracted humin (HM), and POM after demineralization of HM. A batch technique was employed to measure both the nonequilibrium ATZ sorption on the original and HA samples and the equilibrium ATZ sorption and desorption. The results showed that the phase-distribution relationships measured under nonequilibrium conditions were more linear and had lower sorption-capacity parameters compared with their respective isotherms measured under equilibrium conditions. The sorption isotherms were variously nonlinear, with POM exhibiting the greatest organic carbon-normalized sorption capacity. There existed apparent sorption-desorption hysteresis for each sorbent-sorbate system. It appeared that the extracted HAs could facilitate hydrolysis of ATZ when the reaction time extended to 4 d or longer. The equilibrium sorptive behavior of the HAs therefore was not examined. The present study indicated that both original samples showed lower organic carbon-normalized sorption distribution coefficients compared with their respective SOM fractions, suggesting that a fraction of sorption sites in soil aggregates were not accessed by ATZ.

Adsorption↗

Visual compatibility of 30 additives with a parenteral nutrient solution.

The visual compatibility of 30 drug additives with total parenteral nutrient (TPN) solutions (4.25% amino acids, 25% dextrose injection) was studied. For each drug additive, three TPN solutions were mixed; two were stored for 22 hours at 4 C then allowed to equilibrate to room temperature for two hours. Two 25-ml samples from each TPN solution were examined immediately or after 25 hours for visual appearance, particulate matter levels and pH. A microscope was used to count and measure particles filtered from samples on a 0.8-micrometer filter. Only the TPN solutions containing amphotericin B showed any visual discoloration or precipitation. All amphotericin B samples and the 25-hour ampicillin sodium samples exceeded USP particulate matter specifications. Individual particulate matter levels of the other TPN solutions varied but met USP specifications. With the exception of tetracycline hydrochloride, which dropped the TPN solution's pH 0.9 units, the additives had little effect on pH of the TPN solutions (pH 6.45). Amphotericin B and ampicillin sodium were considered visually incompatible with TPN solutions. All other drug additives tested were visually compatible with TPN solutions.

Drug Combinations↗

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylated-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in particulate extracts using negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using a combination of electron impact (EI) and Negative Ion Chemical Ionization (NICI) was used for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylated-PAH in extracts of two particulate materials which are Standard Reference Materials: SRM 1650 Diesel Particulate Matter, and SRM 1649 Urban Particulate Matter. The selectivity of NICI mass spectrometry for certain PAH enabled identification and selective determination of isomeric PAH and alkylated-PAH in the particulate SRMs. Quantitative determinations for methylfluoranthenes, methylpyrenes, methylbenzofluoranthenes and methylbenzo(a)pyrenes in the two particulates showed that the methyl-substituted species were present at levels as high as 30 percent of the parent-PAH concentrations. Similarities in the alkylated-PAH content of the air and diesel particulate materials are discussed in relation to the sources of the two materials.

Air Pollutants↗

Particulate organic matter delta 13C variations across the Drake Passage.

A 7 % gradient in the delta 13C of suspended particulate organic matter (POM) was observed in samples taken during two transects across the Drake Passage during March 1986. This POM delta 13C transition from -23.2 % at 53.3 degrees S to values as low as -30.3 % at > 62 degrees S does not track previously reported abrupt changes in water chemistry and plankton species composition associated with the Polar Front Zone that resides at approximately 58 degrees S in this region. Also, the north-south isotopic trend is not accompanied by significant changes in POM carbon or nitrogen concentrations, or in POM C/N. Differences in plankton standing crop or biochemistry (e.g., lipid content) therefore do not appear responsible for the isotopic trends observed. The latitudinal change in POM delta 13C is, however, highly correlated with water temperature and with the calculated concentration of CO2 (aq) at equilibrium with atmospheric CO2. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that [CO2 (aq)] significantly influences POM delta 13C in ocean surface waters.

Animals↗

Distribution patterns of particulate trace metals in the water column and nepheloid layer of the Gulf of Riga.

The dynamics (fate) of trace metals in suspended particulate matter within the Gulf of Riga has not yet been adequately addressed in the scientific literature. Therefore, during a two year period (2001-2002) samples of suspended particulate matter and surface sediments for trace metal analysis were collected in the Gulf of Riga and the Daugava river, and these data were combined with background information from the national marine monitoring program in Latvia. This paper presents a descriptive study of solid phase trace metals (aluminium, iron, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc) dynamics and their spatial distribution within the Gulf of Riga based on Principal Component Analysis and Cluster analysis. Fluvial particulate matter and particulate Al, Fe, Cr and Ni were brought into the Gulf of Riga mainly during spring flood and thereafter quickly diluted by the water masses of the Gulf of Riga. Fine-grained suspended material and particulate Al and Fe were well mixed and evenly distributed through all deepwater basins of the Gulf of Riga. The increase of particulate Mn below the thermocline in August and a strong negative correlation with dissolved oxygen concentrations suggested that particulate Mn in the water column and the sediments were regulated mainly by changing oxic-anoxic conditions in the sediments of the Gulf of Riga. The observed correlation between Al and Fe in the water column is in contrast to that observed in the nepheloid layer where Fe correlated with Mn, obviously due to fast diagenetic processes on sediment surface. The observed negative correlation of Cd and Zn with total carbon and total nitrogen in the nepheloid layer might indicate different sedimentation mechanisms of these elements, however, this assumption is still inconclusive.

Carbon↗

High speed injection of radiographic contrast media induces severe particulate contamination.

In a study of exogenous particulate contamination during angiography, the effect of injection speed of four kinds of radiographic contrast media (RCM) was investigated. The particle count (> or = 10 microns) in all RCM increased in a speed-dependent manner and the increase was especially dramatic at 3 ml s-1. The extent of increase in particulate matter was higher for ioxaglate than for the other three RCM. As particulate matter is unwanted and unnecessary, to prevent the harmful effects in patients much attention should be paid to various factors generating particulate matters, such as characteristics of RCM and plastic syringe.

Angiography↗

[Effect of mineral suspended matter on the productive characteristics of bacterioplankton and the degradation of labile organic materials].

The effect of mineral particulate matter on the population of bacterioplankton, its aggregation, and productive characteristics was studied in model experiments with different concentrations of particulate kaolin and the same concentration of organic substance (sodium humate). It was found that the presence of mineral particulate matter stimulated the aggregation of bacterioplankton, improved bacterial production, and extended the productive period of bacterioplankton. The integral specific production of aggregated bacterioplankton was higher than that of free-swimming bacterioplankton. The energy metabolic coefficient K2 of bacterioplankton in the presence of mineral particulate matter was higher than in its absence.

Bacteria↗

Ectoenzymatic ratios in relation to particulate organic matter distribution (Ross Sea, Antarctica).

The results of a study on ectoenzymatic activity (the enzyme activity bound to particles larger than 0.2 micro m) and its relation to organic particle concentration are reported here. The sampling was carried out during the 1994 Antarctic spring, at a fixed station (Station 11) in the polynya of the Ross Sea, an area characterized by quick changes in sea ice cover. The sampling was repeated 4 times over a 20-day time period. The particulate organic matter distribution followed the physical structure of the water column, which depends on ice dynamics and is mainly determined by salinity. In the mixed-water surface layer (0-50 m) the concentrations were higher (on average 65.6 micro gC/L) than in the deeper water layer (50 m-bottom) (on average 19.1 micro gC/L). This distribution and quality, expressed by the protein:carbohydrate ratio, linked the particulate organic matter to the phytoplanktonic bloom which was in progress in the area. We determined the kinetic parameters of the glycolytic and proteolytic ectoenzymes and also the total activity for the proteolytic enzyme, in order to evaluate the contribution of the particle-bound activity. We observed higher values in the surface layer than in the deeper layer. b-Glucosidase activity ranged between 0.03 and 0.92 nmol L(-1) h(-1); b-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity was in the range of 0.04-0.58 nmol (L-1) (h-1). The total proteolytic activity (leucine aminopeptidase) ranged between 0.85 and 33.71 nmol L(-1) (h-1). The ectoproteolytic activity was about 35-60% of the total. The Km values were slightly higher for the proteolytic activity (on average 0.43 micro M for ectoproteolytic activity and 0.58 micro M for total proteolytic activity) than for the b-glucosidase (on average 0.36 micro M) and b-N-acetylglucosaminidase (on average 0.17 micro M), showing no remarkable variations in the water column. The ectoenzymatic ratios and their relationship with particulate organic substrates confirm the close link between organic substrate availability and degradation system response. The significant and positive correlations are not specific and suggest a prompt and efficient systemic response to the input of trophic resources. Nevertheless, changes in ectoenzyme activity and synthesis may act as adaptive responses to changing features of the ecosystem. In particular, variations in the proteolysis:glycolysis ratio depend on the functional features of the ecological system. In our study area this ratio is higher (about 10 or more) during production (particularly autotrophic) and lower (about 5 or less) during degradation/consumption events. The analysis of previous data, collected over a larger area characterized by different environmental conditions due to the changes of the pack ice cover, during the same cruise, confirms the existence of a significant relationship. Furthermore, the analysis of enzyme-uptake systems, expressed as Vmax:Km ratio, suggests that glycolytic ectoenzymes, although poorly expressed, may encourage microconsumers to grow rapidly on a wide range of organic substrates, including the refractory ones such as cellulose and chitin. However, low ectoenzyme potential exploitation rates of available organic substrates (on average about 5% for glycolytic and 12% for proteolytic ectoenzymes) would suggest that, during spring, zooplankton grazing or vertical and lateral transport are likely to play an important role in the removal of organic materials from the system.

Antarctic Regions↗

Balbc/3T3 cell transformation response to extracts of organic air samples as seen by their survival in aggregate form.

Extracts of organic matter from samples of airborne particulate matter have been shown to possess components capable of transforming mammalian cells. This study was done to determine if Balbc/3T3 cells exposed to extracts of air samples could, unlike their normal counterparts, in the absence of a surface for attachment, divide on agar to form aggregates, and if these cells would demonstrate a dose-response phenomenon. Untreated and solvent treated control cells failed to form large aggregates and showed a decline in viable cell number over a 6-day period. Cells treated with either cyclohexane or acetone extracts of airborne particulate matter showed a dose-response increase in cell number along with the formation of progressively larger aggregates, findings similar to those seen with the positive, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), control. Furthermore, these findings are in direct agreement with those in the simultaneously performed standard cell transformation assay which required 21 days to perform. Results show that survival in aggregate form is a rapid in vitro test system capable of detecting potentially carcinogenic activity in complex environmental mixtures.

Acetone↗

Fine particulate air pollution and cardiorespiratory effects in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Past studies of air pollution effects among sensitive subgroups have produced inconsistent results. Our objective was to determine relationships between various measures of air pollution and cardiorespiratory effects in older subjects. METHODS: We conducted a study that included repeated measurements of pulmonary function (arterial oxygen saturation) and cardiac function (heart rate and blood pressure) in a panel of 88 subjects (>57 years of age) in Seattle during the years 1999 to 2001. Subjects were healthy or had lung or heart disease. Each subject participated in sessions of 10 consecutive days of exposure monitoring and collection of health outcomes for up to 2 sessions. Associations between health outcomes and indoor, outdoor, and personal measures of particulate matter </=2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) or particulate matter </=10 micrometers (PM10) were evaluated using generalized estimating equations with an exchangeable working correlation matrix and robust standard errors. The model included terms for the within-subject, within-session effect; the within- subject, between-session effect; and an interaction term for medication usage. The model controlled for temperature, relative humidity, body mass index, and age. RESULTS: Associations between air pollution and health measurements were found primarily in healthy subjects. Healthy subjects taking no medications had decreases in heart rate associated with indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10. Healthy subjects on medication had small increases in systolic blood pressure associated with indoor PM2.5 and outdoor PM10. Heterogeneity analysis found differences among the health groups for associations with particulate air pollution in heart rate but not in blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Modest concentrations of air pollutants were associated with small changes in cardiac function.

Aged↗

Effects of particulate carbonaceous matter on the bioavailability of benzo[a]pyrene and 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl to the clam, Macoma balthica.

We investigated the bioavailability via diet of spiked benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-52) from different carbonaceous (non-carbonate, carbon containing) particle types to clams (Macoma balthica) collected from San Francisco Bay. Our results reveal significant differences in absorption efficiency between compounds and among carbonaceous particle types. Absorption efficiency for PCB-52 was always greater than that for BaP bound to a given particle type. Among particles, absorption efficiency was highest from wood and diatoms and lowest from activated carbon. Large differences in absorption efficiency could not be simply explained by comparatively small differences in the particles' total organic carbon content. BaP and PCB-52 bound to activated carbon exhibited less than 2% absorption efficiency and were up to 60 times less available to clams than the same contaminants associated with other types of carbonaceous matter. These results suggest that variations in the amount and type of sediment particulate carbonaceous matter, whether naturally occurring or added as an amendment, will have a strong influence on the bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants. This has important implications for environmental risk assessment, sediment management, and development of novel remediation techniques.

Absorption↗

Polychlorinated biphenyl pollution caused by resuspension of surface sediments in the lagoon of Venice.

A mechanical device was used to reproduce in the laboratory the sediment resuspension caused by tidal currents and wind waves in the lagoon of Venice. Shear stresses comparable to those observed in the field were applied to the sediment surface. Series of experiments were run at 6.6 and 9.0 dyn/cm2. The concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in the sediments and resuspended particulate matter by means of gas chromatographic techniques. At the two different stresses, particulate matter with different grain size and different concentrations of PCBs was resuspended. However, no significant differences were observed in the amounts of PCBs mobilized per litre of water. In fact, by increasing the applied stress, coarser particulate matter was resuspended with a lower concentration of PCBs per unit of dry weight.

Fresh Water↗

Effect of artificial mixtures of environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in coal tar, urban dust, and diesel exhaust particulates on MCF-7 cells in culture.

Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occurs through complex mixtures. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has established standard reference materials (SRMs) for selected PAH mixtures that are composed of carcinogenic, noncarcinogenic, and weakly carcinogenic compounds, such as those derived from coal tar (SRM 1597), atmospheric particulate matter (SRM 1649), and diesel particulate matter (SRM 1650). To study the effects of PAHs with different carcinogenic potential in complex mixtures, and to investigate the metabolic activation of noncarcinogenic and weakly carcinogenic PAHs to DNA-binding derivatives, artificial mixtures (1597H, 1649H, and 1650H) were prepared in the laboratory. These artificial mixtures contained the same relative ratios of noncarcinogenic and weakly carcinogenic PAHs present in SRM 1597, SRM 1649, and SRM 1650. The human mammary carcinoma-derived cell line MCF-7 was treated with these artificial mixtures and analyzed for PAH-DNA adduct formation and the induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. We found that the artificial mixtures formed lower but detectable levels of DNA adducts 24 and 48 hr after treatment than benzo[a]pyrene. Induction of CYP enzyme activity was measured by the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase assay, and the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 was confirmed by immunoblots. Both noncarcinogenic and weakly carcinogenic PAHs present in the artificial mixtures have the ability to induce CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in MCF-7 cells and contribute to DNA binding. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the noncarcinogenic and weakly carcinogenic PAHs present in environmental mixtures in assessing the potential risk associated with human exposure.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Air quality monitoring in Chennai, India, in the summer of 2005.

During the summer of 2005, concentrations of surface ozone (O(3)), oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)), respirrable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and total suspended particulate matter (TSPM), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS) and wind direction (WD) were collected over successive periods of about 24 h at five sites. UV photometric ozone analyzer was used to measure the concentration of surface O(3). The study deals with the characteristics of hourly and daily mean surface O(3) under different climatic conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction and other pollutant concentrations. The maximum hourly O(3) concentration reached 53 ppb on 17th May. The ground-level O(3) concentration in Chennai varied between 2 and 53 ppb. The concentration of NO(x) and O(3) were below the prescribed limits. The TSPM values were exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) at Koyambedu, Mandaveli, Taramani and Vallalar Nagar study area.

Air Pollution↗

Direct activation of gelatinase B (MMP-9) by hay dust suspension and different components of organic dust.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in tissue destruction in allergic airway diseases. We studied the ability of various allergenic substances to directly activate recombinant 92kDa proMMP-9. The substances included hay dust suspension (HDS) and its components (supernatant, particulate matter and wash fluid of particulate matter), storage mite extract and two Aspergillus fumigatus extracts. The allergen suspensions were incubated in vitro with proMMP-9. After incubation the conversion of proMMP-9 to 10kDa lower active forms were studied using gelatin zymography and Western immunoblot quantified by computerized densitometry. All studied allergens except HDS significantly and efficiently activated proMMP-9 as compared to a negative control. At the concentrations employed, the most potent activators were A. fumigatus extracts and mite suspension. The greater potency of mite and fungi as proMMP-9 activators suggests that these allergens may be more damaging to airways even at low concentrations.

Acaridae↗

Monitoring of indoor volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons arising from kerosene cooking fuel.

Air samples, representing indoor environments of a kitchen in which a kerosene stove was used were collected and analysed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) viz., n-hexane, benzene, heptane, toluene, p- and o-xylene and n-decane using a cryogenic preconcentration system and a gas chromatograph with a flame-ionisation detector. Simultaneous outdoor samples were also collected to determine indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios for each compound. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultra violet absorption detection was optimised for separation and quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air particulate matter. Concentration of total suspended particulate matter (TSPM), benzene soluble organics and the PAHs in air samples collected in indoor environment of some tenements at Trombay, Mumbai where kerosene is used as cooking fuel are discussed in relation to the concentration of the same in outdoor environment in vicinity of the tenement. VOCs and PAHs results from samples collected in kitchens in Trombay are discussed in relation to indoor air pollution.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

Stability of cytarabine in a parenteral nutrient solution.

Stability of cytarabine in a commonly used parenteral nutrient solution was studied. From each of two liters of parenteral nutrient solution for pediatric patients, two 200-mL aliquots containing cytarabine 50 micrograms/mL were prepared. One aliquot from each liter was stored at each of two temperatures (25 and 8 degrees C). At 0, 1, 2, 8, 24, 48, and 96 hours, 1 mL from each sample was mixed with internal standard and the cytarabine concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Samples were also tested for pH and visually inspected for particulate matter and color change. No particulate matter or color change was noted, and no pH changes occurred during 48 hours of testing. Cytarabine concentrations during 96 hours of testing were 90-104.4% of initial concentration. Cytarabine at a concentration of 50 micrograms/mL was stable for at least 48 hours in the parenteral nutrient solution studied.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Measuring personal exposure to airborne mutagens and nicotine in environmental tobacco smoke.

The exposure of individuals to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is of increasing public health concern because epidemiological studies have associated passive smoking with increased risk of a variety of adverse health effects among non-smokers including lung cancer. As a way to measure individual exposure to the mutagenic compounds in the complex mixture of ETS, we used a sensitive Salmonella/microsome micro pre-incubation (microsuspension) assay to detect mutagenicity of particulate matter collected on filters from low volume (1.7 1/min flow rate) personal sampling pumps. Airborne nicotine was collected concurrently as a marker for ETS exposure. In pilot-field studies, individual exposure to ETS was measured in two separate indoor environments in which smokers were present: a gambling casino and a bingo parlor. Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was collected on filters worn near the breathing zone of non-smoking individuals. Sampling times ranged from 40 min to 6 h. All extracts of filters had detectable levels of mutagenic activity (TA98, +S9) resulting in airborne mutagenic activity concentrations of 500-5000 rev/m3. The mutagenic activity of the filters from the casino and bingo parlors was significantly correlated with total particulate matter per filters (n = 12; Rho = 0.85, p less than 0.01) and with airborne nicotine per filter (n = 12; Rho = 0.95, p less than 0.01). The microsuspension assay was sufficiently sensitive to detect the mutagens associated with extracts of particulate matter from low volume samples (0.2-0.6 m3) in these indoor environments over a relatively short sampling time, and could be useful in studies of personal exposure to the mutagens in environmental tobacco smoke. Further, airborne nicotine concentrations were highly correlated with airborne mutagenicity and the mutagenic activity associated with ETS could therefore be estimated by the concentrations of nicotine.

Air Pollution↗