Photodegradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the presence and absence of dissolved oxygen in water

The photodegradation rates of seven chlorinated hydrocarbons; C2Cl4, C2HCl3, C2H4Cl2, 1,1,1-C2H3Cl3, 1,1,2-C2H3Cl3, CHCl3, CCl4 were investigated under the UV bandwidths of 185 and 254 nm in the presence and absence of dissolved oxygen (DO) in water. These hydrocarbons are possible contaminants of groundwater. This study confirms that the degradation rates of all chlorinated hydrocarbons are elevated in the absence of DO. This was especially apparent for chlorinated methane and ethane. Tetrachloroethylene's rate was the highest among the seven hydrocarbons regardless of the DO levels. It was clear that the concentration of intermediate trichloroethylene produced by photodegradation of tetrachloroethylene in the absence of DO was 1/50th of that in the presence of DO. Photodegradation in the presence of DO resulted in the formation of O3 and hydroxyl radicals. Alternatively, the photodegradation in the absence of DO resulted in the formation of organic radicals and a dissociation of the bond. It is discussed that DO acts as an "inner filter" or "scavenger" that reduces the UV light intensity in the photoreactor. Molecular O2 has absorption bands at 185 and 254 nm, the former being stronger. The processes of degradation depend on the degradation rate relative to the presence and absence of DO.

Prediction of endocrine disruptors based on a new structure-activity relationship for sex and environmental hormones using chemical hardness concept

Classification of the relationship between electronic structures and biological activities of endocrine disruptors (so-called environmental hormones) was attempted using the parameters of absolute hardness (eta), absolute electronegativity (chi), and global softness (S), approximately defined as eta=1/2(epsilonLUMO-epsilonHOMO), chi=-1/2(epsilonHOMO+ epsilonLUMO), and S=1/eta, respectively, based on the hardness concept. The strength of binding affinity and toxicity of the chemicals were approximately proportional to the absolute hardness, and laterally toxic chlorinated PCDDs, PCBs, and DDTs are classified as chemically soft. Here we found that the electronic structures of environmental hormones can be classified into four main groups: 17beta-estradiol type (group I), testosterone type (group II), thyroxine type (group III), and HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) type (group IV). Therefore, if we can predict the coordinate (chi, eta) of the electronic structure of one chemical on the eta-chi activity diagram, we would be able to predict the receptor with which the chemicals (environmental hormones) interact. For instance, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) is classified in group II, therefore, it would bind with the thyroid receptor more than the estrogen receptor (group I). It appears that dibutyl phthalate would not interact with estrogen receptor because it does not belong to group I. In addition, the coordinates of these four groups do not complementarily overlap with the electronic structures of 20 natural amino acid residues. The eta-chi activity diagram is a new tool for the prediction of the toxicity and biological activity of environmental hormones.

Predictive modelling of NAPL injection tests in variable aperture spatially correlated fractures

In preparation for a field experiment where a NAPL will be injected into a fractured sandstone aquifer, a 2D invasion percolation model of DNAPL migration in a single horizontal fracture with varying aperture has been developed. This simulation investigated the effect of spatially correlated fracture aperture fields on pressure-saturation relationships as a function of variable aperture mean, standard deviation, and spatial correlation statistics under hydrostatic conditions. Results from spatially correlated variable aperture fields can be significantly different from random fields. Longer ranges decreased entry pressures and higher standard deviations decreased nonwetting phase saturations. Mean aperture is the major control on displacement pressure, entry pressure and the form of the pressure-saturation curve. Simulation results using statistical parameters for a variable aperture natural sandstone fracture as described by Yeo et al. [International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 35 (1998) 1051] closely resemble a Brooks-Corey pressure-saturation function, and exhibit a distinct entry pressure followed by a rapid increase in nonwetting phase saturation. Graphical estimates of entry pressure provide a good approximation of the critical aperture controlling the formation of a continuous nonwetting phase pathway in a variable aperture fracture. Consequently, we show that multiphase flow concepts developed for porous media can successfully be applied to variable aperture fractures. Entry pressure correlates well to the mean aperture in these simulations when using a Gaussian distribution of fracture aperture. Interpreted aperture distributions from NAPL injection experiments do not fit the true distribution well at low nonwetting phase saturations, but do at higher saturations above the entry pressure. Consequently, true, mechanical aperture variation within a fracture plane cannot be determined from NAPL injection experiments either in the field or laboratory.

A controlled field experiment on groundwater contamination by a multicomponent DNAPL: creation of the emplaced-source and overview of dissolved plume development

A unique field experiment has been undertaken at the CFB Borden research site to investigate the development of dissolved chlorinated solvent plumes from a residual dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source. The "emplaced-source" tracer test methodology involved a controlled emplacement of a block-shaped source of sand containing chlorinated solvents below the water table. The gradual dissolution of this residual DNAPL solvent source under natural aquifer conditions caused dissolved solvent plumes of trichloromethane (TCM), trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethene (PCE) to continuously develop down gradient. Source dissolution and 3-D plume development were successfully monitored via 173 multilevel samplers over a 475-day tracer test period prior to site remediation research being initiated. Detailed groundwater level and hydraulic conductivity data were collected. Development of plumes with concentrations spanning 1-700,000 micrograms/1 is described and key processes controlling their migration identified. Plumes were observed to be narrow due to the weakness of transverse dispersion processes and long due to advection and significant longitudinal dispersion, very limited sorptive retardation and negligible, if any, attenuation due to biodegradation or abiotic reaction. TCM was shown to be essentially conservative, TCE very nearly conservative and PCE, consistent with its greater hydrophobicity, more retarded yet having a greater mobility than observed in previous Borden field tests. The absence of biodegradation was ascribed to the prevailing aerobic conditions and lack of any additional biodegradable carbon substrates. The transient groundwater flow regime caused significant transverse lateral plume movement, plume asymmetry and was likely responsible for most of the, albeit limited, transverse horizontal plume spreading. In agreement with the widespread incidence of extensive TCE and PCE plumes throughout the industrialized world, the experiment indicates such solvent plumes are likely to be highly mobile and persistent, at least in aquifers that are aerobic and have low sorption potential (low foc content).

[The structures and characteristic infrared spectra of beta-DDB and its derivatives]

The characteristic infrared bands of the 3, 4-methylenedioxy-5-methoxybenzoate, 6-Br-3, 4-methylenedioxy-5-methoxybenzoate, beta-DDB (6, 6'-dimethoxy-4, 5, 4', 5'-dimethylenedioxy-2, 2'-dimethoxycarbonylbiphenyl) and its five derivatives were assigned. The effects of the substituents of these compounds on their IR data were discussed. The results indicated the varying of ester alkyl mainly influences the C=O double band stretching mode, but has little effects on the C=C double band stretching mode of the phenyl. When the H atom was substituted by other substituents, the absorptions of the C=O and C=C both changed.

Organochlorine formation in magnesium electrowinning cells

The formation of organochlorines during the electrolytic production of magnesium was investigated using a laboratory-scale electrolytic cell having a graphite anode, a liquid aluminium alloy cathode, and a molten chloride electrolyte. The cell was operated at current densities ranging from 3000 to 10,000 A m(-2) and at temperatures ranging from 660 degrees C to 750 degrees C. Organochlorines were adsorbed from the cell off-gases onto silica gel, extracted with hexane, and determined by gas chromatography. All compounds identified were fully chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic compounds, the major components being hexachlorobutadiene, hexachlorobenzene, hexachloroethylene, and octachlorostyrene. The total amount of organochlorines per tonne of magnesium produced decreased with electrolysis time and with current density and increased with operating temperature; it was also dependent on the type of graphite employed. The output of organochlorines varied from 5 to 20 g t(-1) of magnesium.

Reductive dechlorination of hexachloroethane in the environment: mechanistic studies via computational electrochemistry

Ab initio and density functional levels of electronic structure theory are applied to characterize alternative mechanisms for the reductive dechlorination of hexachloroethane (HCA) to perchloroethylene (PCE). Aqueous solvation effects are included using the SM5.42R continuum solvation model. After correction for a small systematic error in the electron affinity of the chlorine atom, theoretical predictions are accurate to within 23 mV for four aqueous reduction potentials relevant to HCA. A single pathway that proceeds via two successive single-electron transfer/barrierless chloride elimination steps, is predicted to be the dominant mechanism for reductive dechlorination. An alternative pathway predicted to be accessible involves trichloromethylchlorocarbene as a reactive intermediate. Bimolecular reactions of the carbene with other species at millimolar or higher concentrations are predicted to potentially be competitive with its unimolecular rearrangement to form PCE.

Efficiency of rice bran for removal of organochlorine compounds and benzene from industrial wastewater

Rice bran was found to effectively adsorb several organic compounds, such as dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and benzene. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms conformed to the Freundlich type (log-log linear). The adsorption of dichloromethane and chloroform by rice bran was observed over the range of pH 1-11. Therefore, rice bran is applicable for treatment of wastewater over a wide pH range. Dichloromethane was successfully removed from water samples with an average removal efficiency of 70% after 60 min when rice bran was added to water samples containing from 0.006 to 100 mg/L dichloromethane. The removal of these organochlorine compounds and benzene by rice bran was attributed to the uptake by intracellular particles called spherosomes. Here, we report the results of a fundamental study of the efficiency of rice bran for removal of organochlorine compounds and benzene using a batch system on the laboratory scale, and describe elucidation of the mechanism of removal of these compounds by rice bran.

Oxidation of polychlorinated benzenes by genetically engineered CYP101 (cytochrome P450(cam))

Polychlorinated benzenes are recalcitrant environmental pollutants primarily because they are resistant to attack by dioxygenases commonly used by micro-organisms for the biodegradation of aromatic compounds. We have investigated the oxidation of polychlorinated benzenes by mutants of the haem mono-oxygenase CYP101 (cytochrome P450(cam)) from Pseudomonas putida with the aim of generating novel systems for their biodegradation. Wild-type CYP101 had low activity for the oxidation of dichlorobenzenes and trichlorobenzenes to the chlorophenols, but no products were detected for the heavily chlorinated benzenes. Increasing the active-site hydrophobicity with the Y96F mutation increased the activity up to 100-fold, and both pentachlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene were oxidized slowly to pentachlorophenol. Decreasing the space available at the top of the active site with the F87W mutation to force the substrate to be bound closer to the haem resulted in a further 10-fold increase in activity with most substrates. Introducing the F98W mutation, also at the top of the active site, decreased the NADH-turnover rates but increased the coupling efficiencies, and > 90% coupling was observed for 1,3-dichlorobenzene and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene with the F87W--Y96F--F98W mutant. The V247L mutation generally increased the NADH-turnover rates, and the F87W--Y96F--V247L mutant showed reasonably fast NADH turnover (229 min(-1)) with the highly insoluble pentachlorobenzene without the need for surfactants or organic cosolvents. As all chlorophenols are degraded by micro-organisms, novel biodegradation systems could be constructed in which CYP101 mutants convert the inert polychlorinated benzenes to the phenols, which are then readily degraded by natural pathways.

Sonochemical degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons using a batch and continuous flow system

The sonochemical degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in aqueous solution was carried out in the batch and continuous flow systems at an ultrasonic frequency of 100kHz under an air atmosphere. In the batch experiment, the rate of degradation follows the order 1,1,1-trichloroethane>tetrachloroethylene>trichloroethylene, and the chlorinated hydrocarbon were readily degraded by ultrasonic irradiation. The experiments in the continuous flow system were performed in the range of volumetric flow rate from 7 to 30 x 10(-3)lmin(-1). The conversion of the chlorinated hydrocarbons at a steady-state of reactor depended on the volumetric flow rate. The yield of Cl(-) (as a measurement of mineralization of chlorinated hydrocarbons) was 70-90% of the chlorine atoms in the parent chlorinated hydrocarbon molecules. From the viewpoint of the scale-up process, the sonochemical degradation of trichloroethylene was simulated in a three stage reactor, and the conversion (>99%) in a third stage reactor was showed the good results that can be satisfied a desired water quality standard.

Transformation of chlorinated aliphatic compounds by ferruginous smectite

A series of chlorinated aliphatic compounds (RCI, including carbon tetrachloride (PCM), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TeCA), pentachloroethane (PCA), hexachloroethane (HCA), trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloronitromethane (chloropicrin, CP), and trichloroacetonitrile (TCAN)) was reacted with ferruginuous smectite (sample SWa-1 from The Source Clays Repository), SWa, in aqueous suspension under anoxic conditions. Compounds highly polarizable or sharing substituents that facilitate charge delocalization adsorbed faster by reduced (SWa-R) than by unaltered (SWa-U) clay, indicating stronger dipole--dipole interactions between the substituents and the clay surface and/or hydrating water molecules. The reduction of the clay accelerated RCI adsorption up to 100-fold. Incubations with SWa-R promoted RCI reduction (CP, TCAN) or dehydrochlorination (TeCA and PCA). The reduction of structural Fe catalyzes the transformation of RCI via Brønsted and Lewis-basic promoted pathways. This study indicates that oxidation state of the structural Fe in SWa greatly alters surface chemistry and has a large impact on clay-organic interactions.

Formation and detoxification of reactive intermediates in the metabolism of chlorinated ethenes

Short-chain halogenated aliphatics, such as chlorinated ethenes, constitute a large group of priority pollutants. This paper gives an overview on the chemical and physical properties of chlorinated aliphatics that are critical in determining their toxicological characteristics and recalcitrance to biodegradation. The toxic effects and principle metabolic pathways of halogenated ethenes in mammals are briefly discussed. Furthermore, the bacterial degradation of halogenated compounds is reviewed and it is described how product toxicity may explain why most chlorinated ethenes are only degraded cometabolically under aerobic conditions. The cometabolic degradation of chlorinated ethenes by oxygenase-producing microorganisms has been extensively studied. The physiology and bioremediation potential of methanotrophs has been well characterized and an overview of the available data on these organisms is presented. The sensitivity of methanotrophs to product toxicity is a major limitation for the transformation of chlorinated ethenes by these organisms. Most toxic effects arise from the inability to detoxify the reactive chlorinated epoxyethanes occurring as primary metabolites. Therefore, the last part of this review focuses on the metabolic reactions and enzymes that are involved in the detoxification of epoxides in mammals. A key role is played by glutathione S-transferases. Furthermore, an overview is presented on the current knowledge about bacterial enzymes involved in the metabolism of epoxides. Such enzymes might be useful for detoxifying chlorinated ethene epoxides and an example of a glutathione S-transferase with activity for dichloroepoxyethane is highlighted.

Rapid reductive destruction of hazardous organic compounds by nanoscale Fe0

Fe0-mediated reductive destruction of hazardous organic compounds such as chlorinated organic compounds (COCs) and nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) in the aqueous phase is one of the latest innovative technologies. In this paper, rapid reductive degradation of COCs and NACs by synthesized nanoscale Fe0 in anaerobic batch systems was presented. The nanoscale Fe0, characterized by high specific surface area and high reactivity, rapidly transformed trichloroethylene (TCE), chloroform (CF), nitrobenzene (NB), nitrotoluene (NT), dinitrobenzene (DNB) and dinitrotoluene (DNT) under ambient conditions, which results in complete disappearance of the parent compounds from the aqueous phase within a few minutes. GC analysis reported that the main products of the dechlorination of TCE and CF were ethane and methane as well as that most of the nitro groups in NACs were reductively transformed to amine groups. These results suggest that the rapid reductive destruction by nanoscale Fe0 is potentially a viable in situ or aboveground treatment of groundwater contaminated with hazardous organic compounds including COCs and NACs.

Results from the Lake Michigan Mass Balance study: concentrations and fluxes of atmospheric polychlorinated biphenyls and trans-nonachlor

In this paper, we summarize the data and methods used to estimate atmospheric exchange of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and trans-nonachlor with Lake Michigan. This work was conducted as part of the Lake Michigan Mass Balance (LMMB) study. For the atmospheric component of the LMMB, more than 400 gas- and particulate-phase samples were collected at eight sites on the shore around the lake (shoreline) and at 14 sites on the lake (over-water). We review the quality of the data set; describe the concentrations in atmospheric gas and particulate phases; report local, instantaneous, net gas fluxes; and estimate annual deposition of the particle-associated compounds. The quality of the data set is high except for a subset of over-water samples where PCB contamination is suspected. Gas-phase trans-nonachlor concentrations (although not the resulting gas fluxes) are inversely correlated with latitude and positively correlated with temperature. Gas-phase sigmaPCBs (sum of 98 congener groups) are highest in concentration at the Chicago site and lowest at the Sleeping Bear Dunes site. The resulting sigmaPCB gas fluxes exhibit a seasonality that reflects elevated summertime gas-phase concentrations not compensated by temperature-corrected Henry's law coefficients. Particulate-phase deposition is much smaller in magnitude than gas fluxes, for either compound. Gas and particulate fluxes are comparable only at the Chicago site and only when large (> 10 microm) particulates are considered.

Application of spinel-type cobalt chromite as a novel catalyst for combustion of chlorinated organic pollutants

Various chromium-containing catalysts were tested for the total oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) as a model reaction for the catalytic combustion of chlorinated organic pollutants. A spinel-type cobalt chromite (CoCr2O4) among others was proven to be a very promising catalyst showing higher activity and higher CO2 selectivity than traditional alumina supported chromia. Even if both Cr3+ and Cr6+ species were observed on the surface of CoCr2O4, the Cr6+ species was stable under reducing environment. The presence of Cr3+-Cr6+ pair sites and the effect of redox treatments on the activity were investigated to explain the nature of possible active sites for TCE decomposition. Higher selectivity to CO2 of CoCr2O4 was ascribed to the abundance of its Cr3+ species, together with its activity for water gas shift reaction.

Characteristic hydrogen concentrations for various redox processes in batch study

The dissolved hydrogen concentrations under various redox processes were investigated based on batch experiments. Chloroethenes including tetrachloroethene (PCE), cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) and vinylchloride (VC) were respectively used as culture substrates. For each chloroethene, a series of bottles were prepared with the additions of different electron acceptors or donors such as nitrate, manganese oxide, ferrous iron, sulfate, carbondioxide and volatile fatty acids. Hydrogen concentrations as well as redox species were measured over time to ensure the achievements of characteristic hydrogen levels in various enrichment batches. The results showed that redox processes with nitrate, manganese oxide and ferric iron as the electron acceptors exhibited hydrogen threshold values close to PCE/TCE dechlorination, whereas cis-DCE and VC dechlorinations exhibited hydrogen threshold values in the range of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis, respectively. Characteristic hydrogen concentrations for various redox processes were as follows (nM): denitrification, 0.1-0.4; manganese reduction, 0.1-2.0; iron reduction, 0.1-0.4; sulfate reduction, 1.5-4.5; methanogenesis, 2.5-24; PCE/TCE dechlorination, 0.6-0.9; eis-DCE dechlorination, 0.1-2.5; and VC dechlorination, 2-24.

Sludge incineration tests on circulating fluidised bed furnace

Results of sludge incineration tests on a demonstrative fluidised bed furnace are reported and discussed. They show that particulate, heavy metals and acidic compounds in the emissions can be easily controlled both when sludge is spiked with chlorinated hydrocarbons up to a chlorine concentration in the feed of 5%, and when the afterburner is switched off. As for organic micropollutants, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were much lower than the Italian limits of 10 microg/m3 (no limits are at present considered in the European Directives). Dioxins (PCDDs) and furans (PCDFs) in some tests exceeded the limit of 0.1 ng/m3 (TE) but the concentrations in the fly ashes were much lower, thus evidencing a possible presence of contaminants in gas phase. PAHs and PCDD/PCDFs were not depending on the afterburning operation, the presence of organic chlorine in the feed sludge and the copper addition to sewage sludge.

A comparison of prototype compound parabolic collector-reactors (CPC) on the road to SOLARDETOX technology

Solar photocatalytic detoxification of non-biodegradable chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents (NBCS) is carried out in different concentrating and non concentrating devices using TiO2 as a photocatalyst fixed on the inner surface of the reaction tubes or as a slurry catalyst which has to be removed from the treated water. The reaction is most effective using 200 mg/l of TiO2 as a slurry in a non concentrating CPC reactor. The concentrating parabolic trough reactor has a poor activity because of its minor irradiated reactor surface. Catalyst coated glass tubes are less efficient then the used slurry catalyst. Their advantage is that no catalyst has not to be removed from the treated water and there is no loss of activity during treatment. Yet their physical stability is not sufficient to be competitive to the slurry catalyst. Nevertheless the degradation results are very promising and will possibly lead to commercial applications of this technology.

Producing 13C NMR, infrared absorption, and electron ionization mass spectrometric data models of the monodechlorination of chlorobenzenes, chlorophenols, and chloroanilines

We have developed four spectroscopic data-activity relationship (SDAR) models of monodechlorination of 32 chlorinated benzene compounds in anaerobic estuarine sediment. The SDAR models were based on combinations of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared absorption (IR), and electron ionization mass spectrometric (EI MS) data. The SDAR models segregated the 32 compounds into 17 readily monodechlorinated compounds and 15 not readily monodechlorinated compounds. The SDAR model based on 13C NMR, IR, and EI MS data gave a leave-one-out cross-validation of 93.8%. The SDAR model based on a composite of 13C NMR and IR data gave a leave-one-out cross-validation of 90.6%. The SDAR model based on a composite of IR and EI MS data gave a leave-one-out cross-validation of 84.4%. The SDAR model based on a composite of 13C NMR and EI MS data gave a leave-one-out cross-validation of 84.4%. These reliable SDAR models provide a rapid and simple way to predict whether a chlorinated benzene compound will readily go through monodechlorination. The FDA has filed a patent application on methods of using any combination of spectral data (NMR, MS, UV-vis, IR, and fluorescence, phosphorescence) to model a chemical, physical, or biological endpoint.

Discovery of a new class of p38 kinase inhibitors

The MAP kinase p38 has been implicated in cytokine signaling, and its inhibitors are potentially useful for the treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis. Novel small-molecule inhibitors of p38 kinase were derived from a combinatorial chemistry effort and exhibit activity in the nanomolar range. Very steep structure-activity relationships are observed within this class.

1-Phenyl-5-pyrazolyl ureas: potent and selective p38 kinase inhibitors

Inhibitors of the MAP kinase p38 are potentially useful for the treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis. Several 2,3-dichlorophenyl ureas were identified as small-molecule inhibitors of p38 by a combinatorial chemistry effort. Optimization for cellular potency led to the discovery of a new class of potent and selective p38 kinase inhibitors, exemplified by the 1-phenyl-5-pyrazolyl urea 7 (IC50 = 13 nM).

Contaminated site remedial investigation and feasibility removal of chlorinated volatile organic compounds from groundwater by activated carbon fiber adsorption

Groundwater contaminated by dense, non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) such as chlorinated solvents has become a serious problem in some regions of Taiwan. The sources of these contaminants are due to industrial discharges. These chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been proven to be carcinogenic to humans. The groundwater is used for domestic drinking water supply in some cities of Taiwan and the severely contaminated groundwater has to be treated in order to meet the requirement of drinking water standards. This study covers two areas of work. In the first part, polluted groundwater samples were collected from the contaminated site and analytical results indicated measurable concentrations of 12 representative chlorinated VOCs in water samples. The primary VOCs detected included trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE), 1,1,2-trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCA), and 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE). Second, to remove VOCs groundwater was treated using adsorption on activated carbon fiber (ACF). This involved pumping groundwater through vessels containing ACF. Most VOCs, including TCE, PCE, 1,1,2-TCA, and DCE, were readily adsorbed onto ACF and are removed from the water stream. Our study showed that the technology was able to significantly reduce chlorinated VOCs concentrations in groundwater.

Formation of phosgene during welding activities in an atmosphere containing chlorinated hydrocarbons

The formation of phosgene During welding activities in an atmosphere containing chlorinated hydrocarbons was investigated. Four different chlorinated hydrocarbons were studied under laboratory conditions. Results are presented as time-averaged phosgene concentration in a total volume of 250 L of air being purged through a 52-L reaction vessel during 20 min. It was found that the formation of phosgene was in the order dichloromethane < Freon-22 < carbon tetrachloride << trichoroethylene. Local concentrations may be higher depending on dispersion phenomena. The interpretation in terms of occupational health was rather difficult because of the interaction with smoke particles and because of possible nonhomogeneous dispersion of phosgene around the workers. In the case of dichloromethane and carbon tetrachloride the short-term maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of phosgene was not attained at the respective MAC values of the chlorinated hydrocarbons themselves. In the case of trichloroethylene and Freon-22, however, the short-term MAC-value of phosgene was attained even when the concentration was still much below the respective MAC-values.

The evaluation of dioxin emissions from pilot scale incineration of organochlorine compounds

Formation of the dioxins was investigated in case of two fuel types (kerosene-dichlorobenzene and kerosene-dichloroethane) on a pilot scale liquid waste incinerator. It was determined the effect of the molecule structure (aromatic, aliphatic) and Cl content (1, 3 and 6%) of the liquids and the combustion parameters (O2 content, residence time and temperature). In some experiments particulate matters (fly ash and soot) were injected. The measured dioxin concentrations ranged up to 160 ng/Nm3 or till 10 ng/Nm3 TEQ, except at addition of soot where extremely high dioxin concentrations (up to 750 ng/Nm3, or 30 ng/Nm3 TEQ) were measured. Main conclusions of the experiment are: The incineration of aromatic chlorinated products produce almost 10 times higher dioxin concentrations than the aliphatic ones. A relatively low dioxin concentration is caused at low (1 to 3%) feed Cl contents while over a threshold value of more than 3% Cl intensifies sharply the dioxin formation. The dioxin generation can be characterized with concentrations measured at 600-650 degrees C. Dioxin toxicity reduction occurs when cooling down to 200-250 degrees C. Changes between these sampling temperatures can be explained mostly by sorption phenomena occurring between dioxin content of flue gases and solid deposits.

Electronic control of the Bergman cycloaromatization: synthesis and chemistry of chloroenediynes

[reaction: see text] A series of cyclic mono- and dichloroenediynes have been prepared using an intramolecular carbenoid coupling reaction. The halogen atom had a retardative effect on Bergman cycloaromatization in every case examined, and atom transfer chemistry was demonstrated, resulting in formation of adducts.