Non-passive transport of volatile organic compounds in the unsaturated zone

A detailed model was formulated to describe the non-passive transport of water-soluble chemicals in the unsaturated zone and used to illustrate one-dimensional infiltration and redistribution of alcohol–water mixtures. The model includes the dependence of density, viscosity, surface tension, molecular diffusion coefficient in the liquid-phase, and gas–liquid partition coefficient on the aqueous mixture composition. It also takes into account the decrease in the gas–liquid partition coefficient at high capillary pressures, in accordance with Kelvin’s equation for multi-component mixtures. Simulation of butanol–water mixtures infiltration in sand was in agreement with the experimental data and simulations reported in the literature. Simulation of methanol infiltration and redistribution in two different soils showed that methanol concentration significantly affects volumetric liquid content and concentration profiles, as well as the normalized volatilization and evaporation fluxes. Dispersion in the liquid-phase was the predominant mechanism in the transport of methanol when dispersivity at saturation was set to 7.8 cm. Liquid flow was mainly due to capillary pressure gradients induced by changes in volumetric liquid content. However, for dispersivity at saturation set to 0.2 cm, changes in surface tension due to variation in composition induced important liquid flow and convection in the liquid-phase was the most active transport mechanism. When the Kelvin effect was ignored within the soil, the gas-phase diffusion was significantly lower, leading to lower evaporation flux of water and higher volumetric liquid contents near the soil surface.     

Nitrogen compounds in the surface and subsurface waters of Karelia

Materials of long-term studies of the concentration and distribution of N forms (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻, N_org) in precipitation, surface water and groundwater are generalized. Precipitation was found to be the main source of N compounds input into these waters. The effect of anthropogenic factors is local and does not influence the concentration and distribution of N forms in most water bodies that serve as wastewater recipients. The N forms dominating in precipitation are NO₃⁻ and N H₄⁺; N_org dominates in most surface water bodies, and NO₃⁻ dominates in groundwater. The median concentrations of N_tot in clear surface and subsurface waters are similar. The obtained characteristics of the concentrations and distribution of N forms in natural waters of Karelia can be used for other water bodies in the humid zone.     

The distribution of several organochlorine compounds in the Baltic Sea

Summary On a cruise, covering the whole Baltic Sea area, in May/June 1983, from the Kattegat through the Belt Sea, the Baltic Proper, and the Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia, investigations concerning the distribution of several organochlorine compounds were made. In accordance with the water exchange in the Kattegat and Belt Sea, a vertical stratification can be seen for -, -, -HCH and DDT — with higher concentrations in the outflowing surface water with low salinity and lower values in the inflowing bottom water with high salinity. The bottom water concentrations in the Kattegat and Belt Sea are increasing from North to South by mixture with surface water. East of the Darss Sill, the distribution pattern becomes more homogeneous with only slight differences in the average mean concentrations between the various basins forming the Baltic Sea.

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Über die Verteilung einiger Organochlorverbindungen in der Ostsee

Zusammenfassung Im Wasser des Kattegats, der Beltsee, der zentralen Ostsee, des Finnischen Meerbusens und der Bottensee wurden im Mai und Juni 1983 Untersuchungen auf Organochlorverbindungen vorgenommen. In Übereinstimmung mit den Verhältnissen des Wasseraustausches im Kattegat und der Beltsee kann man für -, -, -HCH und DDT eine vertikale Schichtung erkennen — mit höheren Konzentrationen im abfließenden Oberflächenwasser mit niedrigem Salzgehalt und niedrigeren Werten im einströmenden Bodenwasser mit hohem Salzgehalt. Durch Vermischung mit dem Oberflächenwasser steigen die Konzentrationen im Bodenwasser im Kattegat und der Beltsee von Norden nach Süden hin an. Östlich der Darsser Schwelle ergibt sich eine gleichmäßigere Verteilung mit nur geringen Unterschieden in den mittleren Konzentrationen innerhalb der einzelnen Becken, die die Ostsee bilden.

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De la distribution de quelques composants organochlorés dans la mer Baltique

Résumé En mai et juin 1983 des recherches sur la distribution de plusieurs composants organochlorés furent effectuées durant une campagne couvrant le Kattegat, les Belts, la mer Baltique centrale, les Golfes de Finlande et de Bothnie. En accord avec les échanges des eaux dans le Kattegat et les Belts, une stratification verticale de l'-, -, -HCH et DDT fut mise en évidence, avec une concentration plus forte dans les eaux superficielles sortantes et des valeurs plus faibles dans les eaux de fond entrantes. A l'Est du seuil de Drss, la répartition des échantillons devient plus homogène avec seulement de légères différences des concentrations moyennes entre les différents bassins qui forment la mer Baltique.

     

Organic compounds in aerosol samples

In 1975, aerosols were collected with high-volume-samplers and impactors on the west coast of Ireland. The ether extractable organic material (EEOM) was separated into three main fractions: bases (B), acids (A), and neutral compounds (N). Each fraction is a very complex mixture of numerous species. Detailed investigations were carried out on these three main fractions. The individual species were determined quantitatively by gas chromatography. Qualitative identification was done by combined GC-MS.The concentration of total particulate matter (TPM) was in the range of 10 g/m³ (STP) air and the concentration of EEOM was 1 g/m³. The relative composition of the EEOM with regard to the main fractions A, B, and N was N>A>B — the same as in previous measurements. Particles with radii <1 m were investigated separately and showed an enrichment in organic matter.A comparison of individual species from several sample locations is now possible for then-paraffins C₁₀ to C₂₈. The concentrations of all thesen-paraffins are below 10 ng/m³, with no overall obvious preference for specific compounds and no obvious dependence on particle size above or below 1 m radius.A preliminary survey does not show any characteristic differences in the relative composition of the organic constituents of clean air aerosols from different sampling localities. The relative composition with regard to the three main fractions is rather uniform in clean air samples and in samples from polluted regions.     

Organochlorinated compounds in Caspian Sea sediments

Several organochlorinated contaminants, including numerous pesticides, were determined in coastal sediments from the Caspian Sea. The most important contaminants were p,p'-DDT (up to 7400 pg g(-1)) and its breakdown products, p,p'-DDD (up to 3400 pg g(-1)) and p,p'-DDE (up to 1300 pg g(-1)). Although the contamination was most severe in Azerbaijan, the sediment concentrations and percentage distribution of the three DDT-related compounds indicated that such contamination constitutes a contemporary and ubiquitous problem in the Caspian Sea. Lindane represented the second most significant contaminant, particularly in the Russian Federation, with concentrations up to 609 pg g(-1). The concentrations of HCB and other chlorinated pesticides (cis- and trans-chlordane, methoxychlor, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, endrin, and endosulfans) were lower and not generally of concern, but the pesticides did demonstrate markedly different distributions reflecting differing agricultural usage in the region. The concentrations of Sigma PCBs were also quite low and ranged from 0.03 to 6.4 ng g(-1), with the highest amounts in the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan.     

Concentrations of organotin compounds in blue mussels from the wharves of Tokyo Bay

Organotin compounds (tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), monobutyltin (MBT), triphenyltin (TPT), diphenyltin (DPT), and monophenyltin (MPT)) were quantified in blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, in 1989 at 26 wharves along Tokyo Bay. Organotin compounds, other than DPT, were detected in all mussel samples (in case of DPT: 23 of 26). The concentration of DBT was highest among butyltin compounds and that of TPT was highest among phenyltin compounds. The results showed that relatively high concentrations of organotin compounds persist in blue mussels of Tokyo Bay, although the use of the paints containing these compounds has been limited for several years by regulations.     

Organochlorine compounds in bottom sediments of a delta Branch of the Northern Dvina

Organochlorine compounds in bottom sediments of a delta branch of the Northern Dvina have been studied. Data on the concentration and distribution of organically bound chlorine are given. The specific features of the formation of the levels and profiles of chlorinated phenolic compounds in bottom sediments under the effect of specific primary and secondary sources in the territory of Arkhangelsk Industrial Center are demonstrated.     

Environmental behavior of organotin compounds in the coastal environment of Xiamen,China

In 2006, organotins pollution were investigated in the coastal environment of Xiamen, China. Six species of organotin compounds including tributyltin, triphenyltin and their degradation compounds were quantified in the dissolved and particulate phases of the water, and in the sediment using GC-FPD. The concentrations of organotin compounds ranged from 2.2 to 160 ng (Sn) L⁻¹ dissolved in the water, 0.14–6.7 ng (Sn) L⁻¹ in suspended particulate matter and nd ∼ 26 ng (Sn) g⁻¹ (dry weight) in the sediment. The highest concentration of total organotin or tributyltin in water was found in a shipyard and at a station near the inlet of the harbor, indicating fresh inputs of antifouling paints to Xiamen’s coastal environment. Organotin speciation was performed on sediment cores to investigate contamination trends over the past ten years in the harbor. The results of ²¹⁰Pb dating indicated that Xiamen western harbor suffered contamination during 2000. The environmental behavior of organotins such as the enhancement of the microlayer, partitioning between water/suspended particulate matter and between water/sediment are also discussed in this paper.     

Environmental behavior of organotin compounds in the coastal environment of Xiamen, China

In 2006, organotins pollution were investigated in the coastal environment of Xiamen, China. Six species of organotin compounds including tributyltin, triphenyltin and their degradation compounds were quantified in the dissolved and particulate phases of the water, and in the sediment using GC-FPD. The concentrations of organotin compounds ranged from 2.2 to 160 ng (Sn) L(-1) dissolved in the water, 0.14-6.7 ng (Sn) L(-1) in suspended particulate matter and nd approximately 26 ng (Sn) g(-1) (dry weight) in the sediment. The highest concentration of total organotin or tributyltin in water was found in a shipyard and at a station near the inlet of the harbor, indicating fresh inputs of antifouling paints to Xiamen's coastal environment. Organotin speciation was performed on sediment cores to investigate contamination trends over the past ten years in the harbor. The results of (210)Pb dating indicated that Xiamen western harbor suffered contamination during 2000. The environmental behavior of organotins such as the enhancement of the microlayer, partitioning between water/suspended particulate matter and between water/sediment are also discussed in this paper.     

Measurement of butyltin compounds in San Diego Bay

Inorganic tin and butyltin compounds were analysed in water samples collected from several areas within San Diego Bay. Highest concentrations of butyltins were detected in the Shelter Island and Commercial Basin Yacht harbours where anthropogenic inputs of butyltin from antifouling paints were probable. A distinct increase in tributyltin concentration was seen in the Shelter Island Yacht harbour over a period spanning more than 2 years, suggesting that the use of antifouling paints containing tributyltin is increasing. Samples extracted with methylisobutyl ketone and analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry consistently yielded higher tin concentrations than the same samples analysed by a hydride reduction/flame atomic absorption method, suggesting a non-hydride reducible tin fraction was present. Gas chromatographymass spectrometry confirmed the presence of tributyltin in an environmental marine water sample following derivatization to the hydride species.     

Deposition of semi-volatile organochlorine compounds in the free troposphere of the eastern North Atlantic Ocean

Deposition samples were taken at a height of 2367 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.) on the Island of Tenerife from May 1999 until July 2000 and analysed for 19 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) and DDTs. This site is located above the inversion layer, so samples represent background concentrations of the free troposphere. The average deposition fluxes of HCB, total HCH, DDTs and PCBs were 86, 400, 110 and 780 ng m(-2) yr(-1), respectively, being lower than those reported at sea level in continental or marine areas. All compounds are generally found in higher abundance in the wet precipitation samples. However, these samples only represent a fraction, e.g. 33%, of the total deposition load. Annual mass balance calculations show that wet precipitation is essentially responsible for the deposition of the low molecular weight OC whereas dry deposition accounts for more than 50% of the higher molecular weight PCBs.     

广州市海珠区地表水中致嗅物质及毒性分析

为研究广州市海珠区地表水中的致嗅物质及其毒性,在海珠区珠江前后航道与湖泊池塘采集了21个水样,采用液液萃取气质联用法对其中的土臭素、二甲基异茨醇等5种致嗅物质进行含量检测,并根据水样相关富营养化指标,探究这些致嗅物质的分布和来源.研究结果表明:海珠区地表水中含量最高的两种致嗅物质依次是土臭素(4.0~69.0 ng/L)和二甲基异茨醇(4.1~24.9 ng/L);异臭味问题最严重的地表水体是珠江水,其次为湖泊池塘,水厂取水口的异臭味问题不明显;珠江前航道中致嗅物质的含量高于后航道,其中含量最高的河段为鳌洲码头段至广州大桥段,含量高达40.2~69.0 ng/L;致嗅物质的含量和分布与水体的污染和富营养化程度密切相关,广州市海珠区地表水的净化和治理形势严峻.另外,在可检出的浓度范围内,土臭素和二甲基异茨醇对发光细菌抑制率较高.     

Perfluorinated compounds in blood of Caretta caretta from the Mediterranean Sea

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), widely used for their hydro-oil repellent properties, are almost non-degradable in the environment; there is scientific evidence that indicate bioaccumulation. They represent a threat to many organisms, because they are toxic and are endocrine disruptors. Scientific studies have demonstrated the presence of PFCs in blood and liver samples of fish, turtles, birds and mammals of marine ecosystems in different geographical areas. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of PFOS and PFOA in blood samples of the marine turtle Caretta caretta, using a minimally invasive sampling procedure. 49 blood samples of marine turtle, taken from several Italian marine turtle rescue centers, were analyzed. While PFOA was never detected, measurable concentrations of PFOS were found in 15 blood samples; the values show a range from 1.14 ng/g to 28.51 ng/g (wet wt.). No differences between groups of samples taken from different areas were found.     

Peculiarities of annual variations in the concentration of iron compounds in the water-bottom sediments system of the Mozhaisk Reservoir

Annual variations in concentrations of Fe forms in the bottom water (0–70 cm from the bottom, by layers), pore water, and in solid phase of silts (25 cm, by layers) of the Krasnovidovo Pool channel area of the Mozhaisk Reservoir are studied. A drastic increase in the concentration and ratio of Fe_susp/Fe_dis in the water layer 0–20 cm from the bottom is detected. Fe(II) dominates in dissolved and suspended forms. The concentrations of Fe(III) reaching 2–3 mg/l were for the fist time revealed in the pore water of silts (Eh ～ ?120 mV). The factors responsible for this phenomenon are discussed. Fe flux from sediments is tentatively assessed as 0.2–0.6 mg Fe m²/day.     

湖泊氮素生物地球化学循环及微生物的作用

氮素是影响湖泊富营养化的关键元素之一,对湖泊中氮素生物地球化学循环整个过程进行全面的了解,有利于对湖泊富营养化进行控制和治理.本文综述了湖泊生态系统(特别是富营养化湖泊)中氮素的输入、输出及其在沉积物-水界面的迁移转化规律,着重分析和比较了藻型湖泊和草型湖泊的不同食物链中的氮素营养循环过程,重点讨论了微生物参与的硝化作用、反硝化作用、生物固氮和厌氧氨氧化等过程的最新研究进展,并对氮循环相关的研究方法和技术进行了小结.最后指出当前国内外研究中亟待解决的问题,并对湖泊氮循环今后的研究方向提出了建议.     

合肥塘西河异味物质及异味影响因子研究

以合肥市塘西河为研究对象,2014-2015年逐月对其水体水质和异味物质进行监测,同时结合塘西河浮游植物群落结构调查,综合分析塘西河异味物质变化规律及其影响因素.研究发现,塘西河异味暴发集中发生在夏季,夏季二甲基异莰醇浓度可达4909 ng/L,土腥素浓度可达197 ng/L.浮游植物群落结构调查表明,秋、冬季塘西河优势种类为蓝藻,春、夏季为硅藻、绿藻或隐藻.主成分分析得到5种主成分分别解释了光照、有机质、微生物活动、氮、磷等对水质的影响.相关性分析结果表明,氮是塘西河异味的限制因素,水体中氮浓度较高是异味产生的重要原因.     

Levels of endocrine disrupting compounds in South China Sea

The occurrence of estrogens in the aquatic environment has become a major concern worldwide because of their strong endocrine disrupting potency. In this study, concentrations of four estrogenic compounds, estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), estriol (E3) were determined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses in surface water from South China Sea, and distributions and potential risks of their estrogenic activity were assessed. The estrogenic compounds E1, E2 and E3 were detected in most of the samples, with their concentrations up to 11.16, 3.71 and 21.63 ng L⁻¹. However, EE2 was only detected in 3 samples. Causality analysis, EEQ values from chemical analysis identified E2 as the main responsible compounds. Based on the EEQ values in the surface water, high estrogenic risks were in the coastal water, and low estrogenic risks in the open sea.