Chlorination of Humic Acids and Chloroform Production

By diluting a boggy water there is produced water with a COD-Mn of 3.4 … 10.6 mg/l O₂ which is due only to humic substances. The water is mixed with 2.5 … 12.9 mg/l Cl₂ at pH-values of 5.2 … 8.5 and incubated for 24 h at 20°C. CHCl₃ concentrations of 38 … 480 μg/l were found by the subsequent gas-chromatographic determination. The production of chloroform can be calculated by means of a quadratic polynomial in dependence on COD-Mn, chlorine concentration and pH-value.     

A Study on the Effect of Temperature upon the Toxicity of Sodium Pentachlorophenate to the Freshwater Snail Viviparus bengalensis L.

The toxicity of Na-pentachlorophenate to Viviparus bengalensis is investigated by batch tests with daily exchange of medium in the temperature range between 19 °C (February), 27 °C (April), 32 °C (June) and 30 °C (August) at times of exposure between 12 and 96 h. In the range of higher concentrations, pronounced abnormalities in behaviour by secreting mucus and discharging eggs and embryos occur. The LC₅₀ are lowest for all times of exposure at 27 °C, whereas the times of survival with a given concentration are highest at 30 °C. From the LC_{50, 96h, 27°C} = 66 μg/l results a safe concentration of only 47 μg/l Na-pentachlorophenate for Viviparus bengalensis.     

Studies on Primary Productivity and some Hydrochemical Aspects of a Polluted Water-body of the Himalayan Jhelum Valley

The lake without any outlet (11 ha, 55000 m³, z_max 2,25 m) has a weak thermal stratification with maximum surface temperatures of 32.5 °C. The annual variation of temperature and depth of visibility is unimodal, with the maxima or minima in August. Phytoplankton consists mainly of Cyanophyceae. The primary production determined by the light-dark bottle technique (oxygen method) varies in the annual variation between 0.3… 0.5 g m^?2 d^?1 C (winter) and 3.4… 4.6 g m^?2 d^?1 C (summer); as the annual means of 1975 and 1976 there were found 1.9 and 2.4 g m^?2 d^?1 C, resp., gross production at a utilization of 0.42… 2.85% of the radiation energy. The chemism is a well-buffered hydrogen-carbonate water (pH 8.1… 9.0) with 74… 90 mg/1 Na and 20.5… 31.5 mg/1 K and with a good nutrient supply (20… 40 μg/1 PO₄—P and 100… 240 μg/1 NO₃—N) at the same time.     

Zytotoxikologische Untersuchung von Schadstoffen und Wasserblüten mit gefrierkonserviertem Bullensperma (Spermatest)

The method is based on the determination of the number of the nonmotile sperms and/or the lethally damaged sperms with the aid of the fluorescent dye primuline. Incubation takes place at a suspension density of 10.000/mm³… 38.000/mm³, at 40°C or 46 °C for 15… 60 min. During the test with sublimate the loss of motility amounts to 55% at 4 mg/l Hg²⁺, the LC₅₀ is 7.3 mg/l Hg²⁺. Phenyl-mercuric acetate causes the total loss of motility with 20 mg/l, the LC₅₀ is above 168 mg/l (equivalent to 100 mg/l Hg²⁺). The LC₅₀ of sodiumpentadecylmonosulphonate and dodecylpyridinchloride are 11.6 and 15.8 mg/l, resp. Filtrates of blooming of cyanophyceae on Baltic, having been digested by repeated freezing and thawing, with 1.5… 6.4 g/l dry matter showed motility losses of 30… 100 % for Nodularia spumigena, whereas no significant effect was produced by a filtrate of Microcystis aeruginosa with 28.2 g/l dry matter as well as water-blooming of Nodularia spumigena from the Small Jasmund Bodden.     

Studies on the Toxieity of Pulp and Paper Factory Wastes to the Fish Notopterus Notopterus (PALLAS)

Studies are performed on the toxicity for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours in the static test with dilutions of 10 … 32 vol.% of wastewaters from the pulp and paper production as well as of the mixed wastewater. The pulp waste shows the highest toxic effect, the LC₅₀ of the three types of wastewater being between 15 and 27% in dependence on the test conditions. A general increase of the toxic effect is caused by a rise in temperature from 26 °C to 36 °C and an increase of the pH value from 7.5 to 8.2. The increase of the oxygen concentration from 5.2 to 7.2 mg/1 results in a reduction of the toxicity of the pulp and mixed wastes, the size of fishes having a significant effect only for the pulp waste. Concentrations of wastes of 6 … 9% may be regarded to be harmless for long periods of time.     

“Man and Biosphere” — Studies on Sikkim Himalayas. Part 2: Acute Toxity of Mixed Copper-Zinc Solutions on Common Carp,Cyprinus carpio (LINN.)

In batch experiments for 6 to 48 h, individuals of Cyprinus carpio (2 g individual weight) were exposed to mixed solutions of copper and zinc sulphate: pH = 6.3, temperature 15 °C, 6.8 mg/l O₂, 7.1 mg/l Ca²⁺, 0.7 mg/l Mg²⁺. The LC₅₀ for the individual substances on exposures of 24 and 48 h amount to 9.04 and 7.28 mg/l, resp., of Zn and 0.11 and 0.095 mg/l, resp., of Cu. The sum of the biological activity of the two kinds of metal ions is assessed according to MARKING'S index: at low concentrations of the mixed solutions the two metals show an additive effect, at higher concentrations a synergistic effect occurs.     

Phyto- and Zooplankton Composition and Some Ecological Observations on a Man-made Lake in Wadi el Majanin,Libya

The small eutrophic man-made lake in Wadi el Majanin, Libya has a well-buffered hydrogen-carbonate (98 … 160 mg/l CaCO₃) system (pH = 7 … 7.8) and a poor Secchi visibility (21 … 35 cm). Conductivity data (272 … 480 μS/cm) fit the water-body in class 2 (‘freshwater’ range) of Beadle. The annual surface water temperature cycle (before noon readings) showed strong seasonal variations from 12 °C in Jan. and Feb. 1986 to 28.5 °C in June, 1987. The lake sustains a good crop of plankton populations. The main phytoplankton were species of Pediastrum, Scenedesmus, Navicula, Amphora, Synedra, Gomphonema, Oscillatoria, Gomphosphaeria and from zooplankton these were Keratella, Polyarthra, Brachionus, Moina, Acanthocyclops and nauplii of copepods. The presence of euglenoids supports the enriched water status of the ecosystem. Planktonic algal flora appeared closer to the eutrophic chlorococcales-diatom type (Hutchinson). Rotifers dominated the zooplankton community. A well established macrophytic vegetation was lacking.     

Die gaschromatographische Bestimmung von freien flüchtigen Fettsäuren (C2 — C6) im Sickerwasser von Hausmülldeponien

After extensive experiments aimed at determining the free volatile fatty acids (C₂ to C₆) in organically highly polluted percolation water of household refuse dumping places there proved optimum a column packed with 10% Carbowax 20 M on Chromatron N-AW-DMCS after having been conditioned for five days at 270°C and subsequently covered with 10% hard wax. On short retention times the investigated isomeric column pairs are completely separated. Equally favourable results were obtained also for liquid manure and silage extracts. The detection limits lie between 10 and 20 mg/l, the relative standard deviation is 20 … 30% in the range of the lower detection limit and 2 … 3% at 200 mg/l in the upper range. In the investigation of percolation waters with concentrations between 235 and 4300 mg/l reproducibility lies at a mean relative standard deviation of 0.5 … 2.8%. The technique is well suited for routine checking.     

Abwasserreinigung in der Produktion von Phenolformaldehydharzen

As investigations on model solutions and real wastewaters with 30 … 33 g/l phenol and 5 … 10 g/l formaldehyde as well as pH = 2 … 3 have shown, the following technique of sewage purification proves to be optimal: condensation with addition of 7 g/l sulphuric acid at 98 °C, settling of the condensation products formed for 8 h, centrifugation of the supernatant and adsorption on activated carbon or a polymer sorbent (XAD 4). Preference should be given to activated carbon. The residual concentrations amount to 0.1 mg/l for both phenol and formaldehyde. The adsorbents are largely fully regenerated with methanol, the regeneration solution containing 11 … 20 g/l phenol.     

Ein Beitrag zur Bestimmung von partikulärem organischen Kohlenstoff in Wasserproben

The method after Strickland and Parsons is modified for fresh water as follows: filtration on glass-fibre paper, oxidation with K₂Cr₂O₇ in cone. H₂SO₄ for 2 h at 130 °C, dilution to 2.5 times the volume by aqua dest., centrifuging-off of the turbidity and extinction measurement at 445 nm against the blank value, the sample solution being balanced to the transmission of 100% (extinction = 0). Here, the following calibration line holds for the concentration C and the quantity of oxidation solution Ox: C = E_1cmc · 0.162 · Ox, C in mg filter. The oxidation solution contains 4.8 g K₂Cr₂O₇ as dissolved in 20 ml aqua dest. and made up with conc. H₂SO₄ to 11. With 5 ml of this solution one is able to determine 0.05 … 1 mg C/filter. Calibration is performed with 125 mg/l glucose solution. Comparative investigations have shown a good agreement with elementary-analytically obtained measured values. The occurring errors have been determined mainly by sampling. In the range of very small values we have to take into account a blank value of the filter due to the adsorption of dissolved organic substances on the filter.     

Polarographische Bestimmung von Schwermetallen im Klärschlamm

The differential-pulse polarography (DPP) and the stripping voltametry (SV) are investigated in detail with respect to their suitability for the quantitative detection of individual traces of heavy metals in sewage sludge. The results are checked on the basis of AAS analyses and by the standard-addition method. From the hydrochloric-acid extracts of fused sludge samples down to 1 μg/l can be detected by the SV, whereas the DPP reaches a sensitivity of 100 μg/l. The following basic electrolytes are used: Zn: 2 … 3 mol/l H₃PO₄; Cu: 0.4 mol/l K₂CO₃, 0.2 mol/l Na-K-tartrate, 0.1 mol/l HCl; Ni: 1 mol/l NH₄OH, 1 mol/l NH₄Cl, 25 ml/l triethylamine; Pb and Cd: 0.1 … 0.2 mol/l HCl.     

Studies on Limnobiotic Conditions in a Thermal Spring at Tajura, (Tripoli), Libya

Summary: Studies on a hot spring at Tajura (Libya) indicated narrow fluctuations in water temperature (43 … 44.5 °C) near the source site. A wide thermal gradient of 10 K between two sampling sites (near the source and in the marsh) recorded in December narrowed to 3 … 4.5 K in March. Similar pH values (6.7) near the source increased along the runoff channel and touched 6.9 in the marsh. Bicarbonate alkalinity always exceeded 400 mg/l; likewise conductivity was remarkably high (>4700 μS/cm). Scarce algal growth was observed near the source site, though mats of variable thickness prevailed along the runoff channel and in the marsh.     

Zum Auftreten von leichtflüchtigen Halogenkohlenwasserstoffen im Badewasser

110 samples from two swimming-pools were gas-chromatographically investigated for halogenated hydrocarbons. In spite of varying chlorine concentrations between 0.1 and 2.5 mg/l Cl₂ the bacteriological results were unobjectionable. The total of the haloforms was between 1.2 and 182 μg/l, with the average value of 90 μg/l. Besides CHCl₃, CHBrCl₂, CHBr₂Cl and CCl₃NO₂ there were observed other, still unidentified compounds in the chlorinated bathing water which clearly are successive products of disinfection, too. The water treatment by flocculation and filtration does not bring about any elimination of trihalomethanes. Of special importance is the occurrence of trichloronitromethane in concentrations of 0.13 … 1.2 μg/l, whose LC₅₀ in the Daphnia test is 189 μg/l, at a threshold concentration of 160 μg/l. To limit the pollution of water and air to a minimum, specific conditions must be adhered to in the operation of indoor swimming-pools.     

Gaschromatographische Spurenanalyse von leichtflüchtigen Halogenkohlenwasserstoffen im Wasser mittels FID-Detektion

The substances expelled with a nitrogen flow from the water sample are adsorbed on Tenax GC and then transferred from it into the separation column by heating to 200°. Detection is made by means of a flame ionization detector. The technique is suitable for routine application and in the practice of sanitation and water works with water samples of 0.5 l it allows the detection of < 1 μg/l of individual halogenated hydrocarbons.     

Toxicity of Interactions of Zinc —Nickel,Copper —Nickel and Zinc —Nickel —Copper to a Freshwater Teleost,Lebistes reticulatus (PETERS)1

The lethal toxicity of mixtures of Zn²⁺ —Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ —Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ —Cu²⁺ —Ni²⁺ to common guppy at 21£C in hard water (total hardness = 260 mg/l as CaCO₃) was studied under static bioassays test conditions with renewal of the test solutions every 24 h. The heavy metals were tested separately and in mixtures. The 48 h median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) for individual salts were 75 mg/l Zn²⁺, 37 mg/l for Ni²⁺ and 2.5 mg/l for Cu²⁺. Concentrations were expressed in “toxic units” by taking them as proportions of LC₅₀ values. Experiments showed that in the Zn²⁺-Ni²⁺ mixture, when Ni²⁺ was more in proportion, the toxicity was more than additive. The 48 h LC₅₀ value and 95% confidence limits in the Ni²⁺-Cu²⁺ mixture were 0.684 (0.484 … 0.807) toxic units and the mixture produced more than the additive toxicity (synergism.). The LC₅₀ value and its 95% confidence limits in a Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺?Ni²⁺ mixture also suggested that the mixture was again strictly additive. The results indicate that heavy metallic mixtures would pose a greater toxicological danger to fish than the respective individual metals.     

Effect of Zinc,Copper and Mercury on Channa marulius (HAMILTON)

Static bioassay acute toxicity tests of Zinc, Copper and Mercury were conducted to determine the median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀s) of a freshwater teleost Channa marulius (HAM .) The 96 h LC₅₀ and 95% confidence limits for Zn²⁺ were 25.61 (24.13 … 27.12) mg/l; 0.90 (0.80 … 1.038) mg/l; for Cu²⁺ and 0.314 (0.257 … 0.371) mg/l for Hg²⁺. However, these values decreased at 240 h of exposure and were: 21.09 (18.29 … 24.60) mg Zn²⁺/l; 0.66 (0.568 … 0.841) mg Cu²⁺/l; and 0.131 (0.103 … 0.158) mg Hg²⁺/l. The relative potency ratio of Zn/Hg, Zn/Cu and Cu/Hg suggests that fish were most sensitive to Hg, followed by Cu and Zn ions. The acute toxicities of mixtures of Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺; Zn²⁺?Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ and Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ up to 48 h of exposure were also investigated. The additive index and ranges for Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺ were ?0.241 (-0.577 … 0.054); 0.056 (-0.269 … 0.475) for Zn-Hg; 0.285 (-0.043 … 0.718) for Cu-Hg; and -0.542 (-1.215 … 0.005) for Zn-Cu-Hg. All the mixtures tested showed a greater than additive toxicity because index ranges overlapped zero.     

Efficaciousness of Certain Chemicals to Control Dracunculiasis — A Field Trial

To prevent infection with Dracunculus medinensis, a carrier host, the copepod Cyclops, has to be controlled. After preceding laboratory investigations a field trial with well water and different additions of chlorine and sodium permanganate is carried out. The exposure is performed at an ambient temperature of 25… 40 °C and in bright and dark samples (5… 11 h of sunshine/d) as well as in the well. The residual concentrations of the two chemicals are an exponential function of the time of exposure with half-times between 6 and 23 h for chlorine and 11… 30 h for sodium permanganate. The depletion of the two oxidizing agents under light is faster than in darkness. Dosage should be done in such a way that the LC_90,24h after 24 h of exposure will not be fallen below; in a specific case, this guarantees at the same time that the permissible concentrations for drinking water will not be reached 96 h after addition. For this, initial concentrations of 30 mg 1 Cl₂ or 50 mg/l KMnO_r are necessary. Under these conditions, the Cyclops population had died on the seventh day after the application of chemicals, but after seven weeks it reached the original density again. With one application of chloride or sodium permanganate a week Dracunculiasis can be completely controlled.     

Grundwasserchemismus im Bezirk Neubrandenburg. Teil 3. Jodid im Grundwasser

The iodide contents in 389 ground-water-tapping plants of the county are compared with the geological character of the aquifer, the carbonate and non-carbonate hardness and the nitrate and chloride contents of the waters. 54% of the plants have I-concentrations of 3 … 7 μg/l. In the air-covered ground-water (hardness quotient<2.8) 2 … 50 μg/l I are found, whereas in the confined ground-water (hardness quotient >2.8) 2 … 50 μg/l I are contained. In general, the I-content increases with the carbonate hardness, a connection with till existing. Therefore, ground-waters of the Miocene have relatively low salt- and I-contents. Geogenic salt influences in the form of NaCl increase the I-contents to 50 … 100 μg/l. Anthropogenic influences in the residential area and due to waste increase the Cl^?- and I^?-concentrations. There were not detected any dependences between the I- and NO₃-contents.     

Toxicity of Phenol,Pentachlorophenol and Sodium Pentachlorophenolate to a Freshwater Teleost Lebistes reticulatus (Peters)

Lebistes reticulatus (Peters) was exposed to various concentrations of phenol, pentachlorophenol and sodium pentachlorophenolate to determine their toxicity, lethal concentrations and slope functions by a static bioassay procedure. Simultaneous controls were also run. The 94h LC₅₀ values were 47.5mg/l (42.04 … 53.68) for phenol, 0.77 mg/l (0.616 … 0.963) for sodium pentachlorophenate and 0.97 mg/l (0.866 … 1.086) for pentachlorophenol. On this basis, the rank order is sodium pentachlorophenolate-pentachlorophenol-phenol. During the treatment, fish showed an abnormal swimming reflex, excessive mucus secretion, haemorrhage near lips, abdomen and basis of fins and loss of equilibrium followed by death.     

Survivality and Impaired Growth in Arsenic Treated Fingerlings of Channa punctatus,a Fresh Water Murrel

The LC₅₀-values of As³⁺-compounds for Channa punctatus are determined for a 48-h exposure to 19.4 (18.02… 21.3) mg/1 and for a 96-h exposure to 14.3 (13.06… 16.80) mg/1. At a long-time exposure to 7.0 mg/1 As³⁺, during the first seven days there does not occur any change of growth, then the growth in length and the increase in weight decreased by 6.6 and 11.7%, respectively, till the 31st day. At the same time, the RNA content of the muscle decreased by 11.5% to 966.7 μg/g fresh weight and the protein content decreased by 12.5 % to 95.39 mg/g fresh weight.