Environmental Science and Pollution Research - International, 2006
The article is focused on dioxin, furan, PCB and organochlorine pesticide monitoring in the surfa... more The article is focused on dioxin, furan, PCB and organochlorine pesticide monitoring in the surface waters of the Central European, protected natural reserve Krivoklatsko, under the UNESCO programme Man and Biosphere. Persistent compounds are presently transported via different means throughout the entire world. This contamination varies significantly between sites. This raises the question of what constitutes the naturally occurring background levels of POPs in natural, unpolluted areas, but which are close to industrialised regions. Information of real background POP contamination can be of high value for risk assessment management of those sites evidently polluted and for the defining of de-contamination limits. Preserved areas should not be seen as isolated regions in which the impacts of human activities and natural factors are either unexpected or overlooked. Every ambient region, even those protected by a law or other means, are still closely connected to neighbouring human developed and impacted areas, and are therefore subject to this anthropogenic contamination. These areas adjacent to natural reserves are sources of diverse substances, via entry of air, water, soil and/or biota. After an extended period of industrial activities, organochlorine pollutants, even those emitted in trace concentrations have reached detectable levels. For future research and for the assessment of environmental changes, present levels of contamination would be of high importance. This work publishes data of the contamination with organochlorine pollutants of this natural region, where biodiversity and ecological functions are of the highest order. Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were utilised as the sampling system. SPMDs were deployed in two small creeks and one water reservoir selected in the central part of the Krivoklatsko Natural Reserve, where it could be expected that any possible contamination by POPs would be lowest. The exposed SPMDs were analysed both for chemical contents of POPs and for toxicity properties. The chemical analyses of dibenzodioxins, dibenzo-furans, PCBs and OCPs were analysed by GC/MS/MS on GCQ or PolarisQ (Thermoquest). Toxicity bioassays were performed on the alga Desmodesmus subspicatus, bacteria Vibrio fischeri and crustacean Daphnia magna. All toxicity data were expressed as the effective volume Vtox. Vtox is a toxicity parameter, the determination of which is independent of SPMD deployment time and pre-treatment dilution (unlike, for example, the EC50 of the SPMD extract). The following chemical parameters were monitored: (1) tetra, penta, hexa and hepta dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans; (2) all those detectable from tri- through deca-polychloriated biphenyls (PCBs) and (3) a group of organochlorine pesticides: hexachlorobenzene and isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, DDE, DDD and DDT. The concentrations of dioxins and furans on the assessed sites varied from under detection levels up to 7 pg.l(-1); PCBs were detected in a sum concentration up to 2.8 ng.l(-1); and organochlorine pesticides up to 346 pg.l(-1). The responses of bioassays used were very low, with the values obtained for Vtox being under 0.03 l/d. Toxicity testing showed no toxicity responses, demonstrating that the system used is in coherence with the ecological status of the assessed sites. Values of Vtox were under the critical value--showing no toxicity. The PCA of chemical analysis data and toxicity responses resulted in no correlations between these two groups of parameters. This demonstrated that the present level of contamination has had no direct adverse effects on the biota. The concentration values of six EPA-listed, toxic dioxins and sums of tetra-hepta dioxins; nine EPA toxic dibenzofurans and the sums of tetra-hepta bibenzofurans are presented together with all tri-deka PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (alfa-, beta-, gama-, delta-HCH, HCB, opDDE, ppDDE, opDDD, ppDDD, opDDT, ppDDT). These values represent possible current regional natural background values of these substances monitored within the Central European region, with no recorded adverse effects on the freshwater ecosystem (up until the present time). Assessment of dioxins, furans and other organochlorine compounds within natural reserves can be important for the monitoring of human-induced impacts on preserved areas. No systematic monitoring of these substances in areas not directly affected by industry has generally been realised. There is a paucity of data of the presence of any of these substances within natural regions. Further monitoring of contamination of both soil and biota by dioxins and furans in preserve regions is needed and can be used for future monitoring of man-made activities and/or accidents. Semipermeable membrane devices proved to be a very good sampling system for the monitoring of trace concentrations of ambient organochlorine compounds. Toxicity evaluation using the Vtox concept demonstrated that those localities assessed…
Ceramic tableware, as one of the products of daily use, can be produced in multiple ways. However... more Ceramic tableware, as one of the products of daily use, can be produced in multiple ways. However, they all consume primary raw materials for manufacturing and energy for firing and generate emissions and waste. To assess how different types of production cause an environmental impact, five scenarios were compared using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In the first step, the energy and material flows from the following scenarios were analysed: factory (FAC), slip casting (PSC), pottery wheel (PW), high energy rate formation technique (HERF) and experimental reconstruction of the ancient technique (ANC). The results related to 1 kg of ceramics were interpreted using the perspective of ecodesign to discuss key parameters that affect environmental impacts. Considering the results in the Climate Change category, the FAC production of 1 kg of ceramics reached 3.64 kg CO2 eq. but the highest impact in this category was caused by low energy efficiency in the specific case of the PSC scenar...
This article focuses on a passive method of environmental sampling – semipermeable membrane devic... more This article focuses on a passive method of environmental sampling – semipermeable membrane device (SPMD). A sensitivity of algal bioassays for evaluation of SPMD in comparison to the test on photobacteria Vibrio fischeri was examined. We found that the sensitivity of algal bioassay was higher. More over, algal bioassay can better differentiate dialysates exposed to toxic and nontoxic conditions.
1. vyd. Nad názvem: Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická v Praze, Fakulta technologie ochrany pros... more 1. vyd. Nad názvem: Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická v Praze, Fakulta technologie ochrany prostředí, Ústav chemie ochrany prostředí
Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) have become a powerful tool for ecotoxicological monitorin... more Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) have become a powerful tool for ecotoxicological monitoring of persistent organic compounds in the environment. Much research work dealt with detailed description of mechanisms describing the transport of individual compounds from ambient, water and/or air, into the SPMD, which consequently enable to calculate pollutant concentration in the environment according to the concentration in the membrane. However, there have not been described a consistent system of evaluation of SPMD samples based on bioassays yet. This study is to find a universal parameter enabling evaluation and comparison of SPMD samples toxicity obtained on different sampling sites and under different sampling conditions, i.e. deployment time, ambient temperature and the way of pre-treatment of the SPMDs for toxicity testing. The influence of the way of the sample preparation on its final toxicity is explored and incorporated into one plain parameter - Vtox . This final paramet...
Nanomaterials are defined as substances with one or more dimensions within the range of 1-100 nm.... more Nanomaterials are defined as substances with one or more dimensions within the range of 1-100 nm. The research and use of nanomaterials is growing at an ever-increasing rate. The nanomaterials are used riot only in special industrial applications but also in products of daily use. Although clear benefits are expected from the ongoing surge of the materials, concerns are expressed that nano-particles might have adverse effects on human or environmental health. The real environmental effects of nanomaterials are not yet fully understood. Thus any effective protective regulatory policy concerning nanomaterials has not yet been established.
Toxicity testing is an internationally accepted approach to ambient duality assessment. The relat... more Toxicity testing is an internationally accepted approach to ambient duality assessment. The relation between environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology is discussed. A short historical overview of ecotoxicology is described. The application potential of toxicity testing in environmental monitoring practice is assessed. The need of deeper education in ecotoxicology in connection with environmental chemistry and other sciences is mentioned. The toxicity testing is very helpful in environmental assessment programmes, but it is often incorrectly used in the Czech Republic due to lack of scientific background.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research - International, 2006
The article is focused on dioxin, furan, PCB and organochlorine pesticide monitoring in the surfa... more The article is focused on dioxin, furan, PCB and organochlorine pesticide monitoring in the surface waters of the Central European, protected natural reserve Krivoklatsko, under the UNESCO programme Man and Biosphere. Persistent compounds are presently transported via different means throughout the entire world. This contamination varies significantly between sites. This raises the question of what constitutes the naturally occurring background levels of POPs in natural, unpolluted areas, but which are close to industrialised regions. Information of real background POP contamination can be of high value for risk assessment management of those sites evidently polluted and for the defining of de-contamination limits. Preserved areas should not be seen as isolated regions in which the impacts of human activities and natural factors are either unexpected or overlooked. Every ambient region, even those protected by a law or other means, are still closely connected to neighbouring human developed and impacted areas, and are therefore subject to this anthropogenic contamination. These areas adjacent to natural reserves are sources of diverse substances, via entry of air, water, soil and/or biota. After an extended period of industrial activities, organochlorine pollutants, even those emitted in trace concentrations have reached detectable levels. For future research and for the assessment of environmental changes, present levels of contamination would be of high importance. This work publishes data of the contamination with organochlorine pollutants of this natural region, where biodiversity and ecological functions are of the highest order. Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were utilised as the sampling system. SPMDs were deployed in two small creeks and one water reservoir selected in the central part of the Krivoklatsko Natural Reserve, where it could be expected that any possible contamination by POPs would be lowest. The exposed SPMDs were analysed both for chemical contents of POPs and for toxicity properties. The chemical analyses of dibenzodioxins, dibenzo-furans, PCBs and OCPs were analysed by GC/MS/MS on GCQ or PolarisQ (Thermoquest). Toxicity bioassays were performed on the alga Desmodesmus subspicatus, bacteria Vibrio fischeri and crustacean Daphnia magna. All toxicity data were expressed as the effective volume Vtox. Vtox is a toxicity parameter, the determination of which is independent of SPMD deployment time and pre-treatment dilution (unlike, for example, the EC50 of the SPMD extract). The following chemical parameters were monitored: (1) tetra, penta, hexa and hepta dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans; (2) all those detectable from tri- through deca-polychloriated biphenyls (PCBs) and (3) a group of organochlorine pesticides: hexachlorobenzene and isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, DDE, DDD and DDT. The concentrations of dioxins and furans on the assessed sites varied from under detection levels up to 7 pg.l(-1); PCBs were detected in a sum concentration up to 2.8 ng.l(-1); and organochlorine pesticides up to 346 pg.l(-1). The responses of bioassays used were very low, with the values obtained for Vtox being under 0.03 l/d. Toxicity testing showed no toxicity responses, demonstrating that the system used is in coherence with the ecological status of the assessed sites. Values of Vtox were under the critical value--showing no toxicity. The PCA of chemical analysis data and toxicity responses resulted in no correlations between these two groups of parameters. This demonstrated that the present level of contamination has had no direct adverse effects on the biota. The concentration values of six EPA-listed, toxic dioxins and sums of tetra-hepta dioxins; nine EPA toxic dibenzofurans and the sums of tetra-hepta bibenzofurans are presented together with all tri-deka PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (alfa-, beta-, gama-, delta-HCH, HCB, opDDE, ppDDE, opDDD, ppDDD, opDDT, ppDDT). These values represent possible current regional natural background values of these substances monitored within the Central European region, with no recorded adverse effects on the freshwater ecosystem (up until the present time). Assessment of dioxins, furans and other organochlorine compounds within natural reserves can be important for the monitoring of human-induced impacts on preserved areas. No systematic monitoring of these substances in areas not directly affected by industry has generally been realised. There is a paucity of data of the presence of any of these substances within natural regions. Further monitoring of contamination of both soil and biota by dioxins and furans in preserve regions is needed and can be used for future monitoring of man-made activities and/or accidents. Semipermeable membrane devices proved to be a very good sampling system for the monitoring of trace concentrations of ambient organochlorine compounds. Toxicity evaluation using the Vtox concept demonstrated that those localities assessed…
Ceramic tableware, as one of the products of daily use, can be produced in multiple ways. However... more Ceramic tableware, as one of the products of daily use, can be produced in multiple ways. However, they all consume primary raw materials for manufacturing and energy for firing and generate emissions and waste. To assess how different types of production cause an environmental impact, five scenarios were compared using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In the first step, the energy and material flows from the following scenarios were analysed: factory (FAC), slip casting (PSC), pottery wheel (PW), high energy rate formation technique (HERF) and experimental reconstruction of the ancient technique (ANC). The results related to 1 kg of ceramics were interpreted using the perspective of ecodesign to discuss key parameters that affect environmental impacts. Considering the results in the Climate Change category, the FAC production of 1 kg of ceramics reached 3.64 kg CO2 eq. but the highest impact in this category was caused by low energy efficiency in the specific case of the PSC scenar...
This article focuses on a passive method of environmental sampling – semipermeable membrane devic... more This article focuses on a passive method of environmental sampling – semipermeable membrane device (SPMD). A sensitivity of algal bioassays for evaluation of SPMD in comparison to the test on photobacteria Vibrio fischeri was examined. We found that the sensitivity of algal bioassay was higher. More over, algal bioassay can better differentiate dialysates exposed to toxic and nontoxic conditions.
1. vyd. Nad názvem: Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická v Praze, Fakulta technologie ochrany pros... more 1. vyd. Nad názvem: Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická v Praze, Fakulta technologie ochrany prostředí, Ústav chemie ochrany prostředí
Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) have become a powerful tool for ecotoxicological monitorin... more Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) have become a powerful tool for ecotoxicological monitoring of persistent organic compounds in the environment. Much research work dealt with detailed description of mechanisms describing the transport of individual compounds from ambient, water and/or air, into the SPMD, which consequently enable to calculate pollutant concentration in the environment according to the concentration in the membrane. However, there have not been described a consistent system of evaluation of SPMD samples based on bioassays yet. This study is to find a universal parameter enabling evaluation and comparison of SPMD samples toxicity obtained on different sampling sites and under different sampling conditions, i.e. deployment time, ambient temperature and the way of pre-treatment of the SPMDs for toxicity testing. The influence of the way of the sample preparation on its final toxicity is explored and incorporated into one plain parameter - Vtox . This final paramet...
Nanomaterials are defined as substances with one or more dimensions within the range of 1-100 nm.... more Nanomaterials are defined as substances with one or more dimensions within the range of 1-100 nm. The research and use of nanomaterials is growing at an ever-increasing rate. The nanomaterials are used riot only in special industrial applications but also in products of daily use. Although clear benefits are expected from the ongoing surge of the materials, concerns are expressed that nano-particles might have adverse effects on human or environmental health. The real environmental effects of nanomaterials are not yet fully understood. Thus any effective protective regulatory policy concerning nanomaterials has not yet been established.
Toxicity testing is an internationally accepted approach to ambient duality assessment. The relat... more Toxicity testing is an internationally accepted approach to ambient duality assessment. The relation between environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology is discussed. A short historical overview of ecotoxicology is described. The application potential of toxicity testing in environmental monitoring practice is assessed. The need of deeper education in ecotoxicology in connection with environmental chemistry and other sciences is mentioned. The toxicity testing is very helpful in environmental assessment programmes, but it is often incorrectly used in the Czech Republic due to lack of scientific background.
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