Occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish and shellfish downstream from electronic-waste recycling plants

We measured 39 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the muscle tissue of three species of fish (Sciaenops ocellatus, Sparus macrocephalus, and Lateolabraxjaponicus) and four species of shellfish (Tegillarca granosa, Cyclina sinensis, Sinonovacula constricta, and Ostrea cucullata) that were collected downstream of electronic-waste recycling plants in Taizhou, China. A total of 24 PBDE congeners (PBDE24) in the samples were detected. The sigma PBDE24 (total PBDE) ranged from 545.4 to 1688.7 ng/kg ww (wet weight). The mean sigma PBDE24 concentration was 1382.6 ng/kg ww in fish and 858.1 ng/kg ww in shellfish. The lower brominated congeners were detected at relatively high concentrations in all species. The penta-products, produced from e-waste, were found at relatively low levels. A principal component analysis suggested a significant correlation among di-, tri-, tetra-, and hepta-BDEs for the three species of fish. Similarly, we found a significant correlation between mono- and tri-BDEs in the shellfish. Our results suggested that the processes of PBDE metabolism and elimination were similar in both fish and shellfish. In addition, the primary source of PBDEs appeared to be from the debromination of high brominated PBDEs.

Current-use brominated flame retardants in water, sediment, and fish from English lakes

Concentrations are reported of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) in water (n = 27), sediment (n = 9), and fish samples (n = 30) from nine English lakes. Seasonal variation in concentrations in water is minimal. Concentrations of TBBP-A range from 140 to 3200 pg L(-1) (water), 330 to 3800 pg g(-1) dry weight (sediment), and <0.29 to 1.7 ng g(-1) lipid weight (fish). Those of SigmaHBCDs range between 80 and 270 pg L(-1) (water), 880 and 4800 pg g(-1) dry weight (sediment), and 14 and 290 ng g(-1) lipid weight (fish). Aqueous concentrations of SigmaHBCDs and TBBP-A are significantly positively correlated, indicating a common source. Average +/-sigma(n) "freely-dissolved" phase proportions are 47 +/- 4.7% (SigmaHBCDs) and 61 +/- 2.9% (TBBP-A). Average field-derived bioaccumulation factors are 5900, 1300, 810, and 2100 for alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and SigmaHBCDs, respectively. Tetrabromocyclododecadienes are detected in all sediments, with pentabromocyclododecenes present in some. This suggests HBCD degrades via sequential loss of HBr. The delta-HBCD meso form was quantified in 43% of fish samples (1.0-11% SigmaHBCDs). Its absence from temporally and spatially consistent water and sediment samples suggests it is formed via bioisomerization. While HBCD chiral signatures are racemic in water and sediment, our data reveal enantiomeric enrichment of (-)alpha-HBCD and (+)gamma-HBCD in fish.

ENAA studies of pollution in anoxic Black Sea sediments

The vertical distributions of five potential pollutants - Zn, As, Br, Sn, and Sb - were determined via epithermal neutron activation in the upper 50cm of unconsolidated sediments from the Black Sea, which were collected 600m below sea surface. This analysis demonstrated increasing concentrations towards the upper limits of sediments, which were greater than alert concentrations in the case of As and Br, and in accordance with Romanian Environment Regulations. The utilization of Chernobyl (137)Cs as a time marker allowed for dating of this region to the last 100 years.

Determination of total chlorine and bromine in solid wastes by sintering and inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometry

A sample preparation method based on sintering, followed by analysis by inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) for the simultaneous determination of chloride and bromide in diverse and mixed solid wastes, has been evaluated. Samples and reference materials of known composition were mixed with a sintering agent containing Na(2)CO(3) and ZnO and placed in an oven at 560 degrees C for 1h. After cooling, the residues were leached with water prior to a cation-exchange assisted clean-up. Alternatively, a simple microwave-assisted digestion using only nitric acid was applied for comparison. Thereafter the samples were prepared for quantitative analysis by ICP-SFMS. The sintering method was evaluated by analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs) and by comparison with US EPA Method 5050 and ion chromatography with good agreement. Median RSDs for the sintering method were determined to 10% for both chlorine and bromine, and median recovery to 96% and 97%, respectively. Limits of detection (LODs) were 200mg/kg for chlorine and 20mg/kg for bromine. It was concluded that the sintering method is suitable for chlorine and bromine determination in several matrices like sewage sludge, plastics, and edible waste, as well as for waste mixtures. The sintering method was also applied for determination of other elements present in anionic forms, such as sulfur, arsenic, selenium and iodine.

Existence state of bromine as an indicator of the source of brominated flame retardants in indoor dust

Indoor dust is an important medium for human exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). In this study, we used micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS), digital optical microscopy, and gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry to investigate the existence state of bromine as an indicator of the source of BFRs in indoor dusts and in dusts from the interior of televisions collected in Japan. By means of micro XRFS bromine mapping conducted at a 0.5-s dwell time, we were able to detect bromine levels as low as about 0.1% at each point of about a beam diameter of 50 microm across. The presence of fragments containing 1.0% or more bromine was confirmed in 27 of the 48 dust samples tested. Using magnified images of the fragments, we classified them roughly into particulates and fibrous substances. We analyzed PBDEs in the fragments containing high concentrations of bromine (> or = 0.1%) and confirmed that the fragments contained PBDEs, mainly BDE 209. Furthermore, to detect bromine concentrations < or = 0.1% in the dust samples, we analyzed the samples at a dwell time of 100 s to enhance the detection sensitivity of mapping; atthis dwell time, we confirmed the presence of bromine in the dust coating. Our results suggest that bromine is transferred from products to dust matrixes not only through miniaturization and subsequent direct migration into dust as plastic and textile fragments but also through other pathways such as vaporization and airborne transfer of microparticulates.

Determination of bromine in regulated foods with a field-portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer

A field-portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer, factory-calibrated for soil analysis, was used to measure bromine (Br) mass fractions in reference materials, flour, bakery products, malted barley, selected U.S. Food and Drug Administration Total Diet Study foods, and other food products. By using a calibration based on instrumental neutron activation analysis results for Br in reference materials, accurate quantitative results, confirmed by z-scores, could be obtained for mass fractions of about 2-55 mg/kg. These results confirmed accuracy of results (with larger uncertainties) obtained by applying a simple correction factor to the analyzer's output value. Results showed that very short analysis times (<2 min) would be needed to screen foods for Br content at regulatory levels for brominated and enriched brominated flour (24 mg/kg Br) and whole wheat flour and bakery products (36 mg/kg Br). Feasibility for determination of Br in malted barley at the regulatory level (75 mg/kg Br) was demonstrated, but quantitative results at that level could not be assured because no reference material with a suitable mass fraction was available. Br mass fractions for all foods tested were well below regulatory levels.

Determination of flame-retardant hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers in textiles

To establish a concise and rapid procedure to analyze hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) diastereomers in flame-retarded textiles, three different methods of extraction-Soxhlet, ultrasonic, and soaking extractions with toluene and dichloromethane (DCM)-were compared. During Soxhlet extraction using toluene, the percent contribution of alpha-HBCD to total HBCDs increased slightly and that of gamma-HBCD decreased, indicating that gamma-HBCD was isomerized to some extent at the boiling point of toluene (110.6 degrees C). For ultrasonic extraction, the temperature of the water bath can easily increase over time during the procedure, which might lead to undesirable effects. Therefore, we considered soaking extraction with DCM to be the most facile procedure to analyze HBCD diastereomers in textiles. Using the method established in this study, commercially available textiles in Japan (n=10) were analyzed to understand the actual composition of HBCD contents and its diastereomer profiles. With the exception of one textile sample, HBCDs were detected in all the samples analyzed, with concentrations ranging from 22000 to 43000 mg kg(-1) (i.e. 2.2-4.3%). We found a higher proportion of the alpha-diastereomer in most textile products compared with that of commercial HBCD mixtures, indicating that gamma-HBCD isomerized to alpha-diastereomer by heating processes to incorporate the commercial formulation into treated materials or that the alpha-diastereomer preferentially absorbed onto textile materials during the manufacturing of flame-retarded consumer products.

Dietary iodine and bromine intakes in Ukrainian subjects

Dietary iodine and bromine intakes in Ukrainian subjects were estimated in relation to the health effects on inhabitants after the Chernobyl accident. Two hundred and eighty-six total diets were collected from twenty-five regions for Ukrainians by a duplicate portion study. Iodine and bromine were rapidly determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after chemical separation. The range, median, and geometric mean of iodine intakes were 2.86-698, 44.7, and 48.1 microg per person per day, respectively. Those of bromine were 0.627-16.9, 2.97, and 2.92 mg per person per day, respectively. Daily intakes of both elements in Ukrainians were lower than previously reported values. The iodine intake in areas contaminated by the Chernobyl accident was lower than that in non-contaminated areas. The low iodine intake in both areas would be related to the high prevalence of goiters throughout the whole country. The low bromine intakes indicated Ukrainians were not exposed to bromine-containing foods.

Simultaneous determination of 76As, 122Sb and 153Sm in Chinese medicinal herbs by epithermal neutron activation analysis

Optimal conditions for the simultaneous determination of As, Sb and Sm in Chinese medicinal herbs using epithermal neutron activation analysis were investigated. The minimum detectable concentrations of 76As, 122Sb and 153Sm in lichen and medicinal herbs depended on the weight of the irradiated sample, and irradiation and decay durations. Optimal conditions were obtained by wrapping the irradiated target with 3.2 mm borated polyethylene neutron filters, which were adopted to screen the original reactor fission neutrons and to reduce the background activities of 38Cl, 24Na and 42K. Twelve medicinal herbs, commonly consumed by Taiwanese children as a diuretic treatment, were analysed since trace elements, such as As and Sb, in these herbs may be toxic when consumed in sufficiently large quantities over a long period. Various amounts of medicinal herbs, standardised powder, lichen and tomato leaves were weighed, packed into polyethylene bags, irradiated and counted under different conditions. The results indicated that about 350 mg of lichen irradiated for 24 h and counted for 20 min following a 30-60 h decay period was optimal for irradiation in a 10(11)n/cm s epithermal neutron flux. The implications of the content of the studied elements in Chinese medicinal herbs are discussed.

Linking PBDEs in house dust to consumer products using X-ray fluorescence

The indoor environment is an important source of exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of fire retardants used in many household products. Previous attempts to link PBDE concentrations in house dust to consumer products have been hampered by the inability to determine the presence of PBDEs in otherwise similar products. We used a portable X-rayfluorescence (XRF) analyzer to nondestructively quantify bromine concentrations in consumer goods. In the validation phase, XRF-measured bromine was highly correlated with GC/MS-measured bromine for furniture foam and plastic from electronics (n = 29, r = 0.93, p < 0.0001). In the field study phase, the XRF-measured bromine in room furniture was associated with pentaBDE concentrations in room dust in the bedroom (r = 0.68, p = 0.001) and main living area (r = 0.51, p = 0.02). We also found an association between XRF-measured bromine levels in electronics and decaBDE levels in dust, largely driven by the high levels in televisions (r = 0.64, p = 0.003 for bedrooms). For the main living area, predicting decaBDE in dust improved when we included an interaction effect between the bromine content of televisions and the number of persons in the house (p < 0.005), a potential surrogate for television usage.

Sensitive determination of bromine and iodine in aqueous and biological samples by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using tetramethylammonium hydroxide as a chemical modifier

A procedure for the simultaneous determination of bromine and iodine by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry was investigated. In order to prevent the decrease in the ionization efficiencies of bromine and iodine atoms caused by the introduction of water mist, electrothermal vaporization was used for sample introduction into the ICP mass spectrometer. To prevent loss of analytes during the drying process, a small amount of tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution was placed as a chemical modifier into the tungsten boat furnace. After evaporation of the solvent, the analytes instantly vaporized and were then introduced into the ICP ion source to detect the (79)Br(+), (81)Br(+), and (127)I(+) ions. By using this system, detection limits of 0.77 pg and 0.086 pg were achieved for bromine and iodine, respectively. These values correspond to 8.1 pg mL(-1) and 0.91 pg mL(-1) of the aqueous bromide and iodide ion concentrations, respectively, for a sampling volume of 95 microL. The relative standard deviations for eight replicate measurements were 2.2% and 2.8% for 20 pg of bromine and 2 pg of iodine, respectively. Approximately 25 batches were vaporizable per hour. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of various certified reference materials and practical situations as biological and aqueous samples. There is further potential for the simultaneous determination of fluorine and chlorine.

Removal of endocrine-disrupting chemicals during ozonation of municipal sewage with brominated byproducts control

The decomposition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) including estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) during ozonation of municipal sewage grabbed from the outlets of primary sedimentation tanks was studied through laboratory-scale experiments. A newly developed in vitro bioassay called nuclear receptor-ligand assay and GC-MS were both utilized to respectively determine the estrogenicity and individual EDCs in the wastewater samples. The original estrogenicity, expressed as the E2 equivalent concentration (EEQC), in the primary effluents was 315-1018 ng/L. Results indicate that the EEQC can be reduced rapidly to below 10 ng/L after ozonation. The appearance of 0.1 mg/L dissolved ozone (DO3), which corresponds to a consumed ozone amount of 0.4 mg per initial TOC (total organic carbon) of wastewater samples, was an appropriate operational parameter to simultaneously achieve efficient EDC removal and control of BrO3- and total organic bromine (TOBr). The presence of suspended solids in the range of 38-67 mg/L exhibited no obvious impact on the removal of nonsorbed estrogenicity. A complete decomposition of E2, E3 and BPA was achieved once 0.1 mg/L DO3 appeared in the primary effluent. The oxidative decomposition of NP was relatively less efficient with a residual concentration of 100 ng/L. This work investigates the feasibility of EDC removal and brominated byproduct control during ozonation of original municipal sewage prior to biological treatment.

Accidental release of toxic chemicals: influence of the main input parameters on consequence calculation

In the present paper the accidental release of toxic chemicals has been taken into consideration, and a sensitivity analysis study of the corresponding consequences calculation has been carried out. Four different toxic chemicals have been chosen for the simulations, and the effect of the variability of the main input parameters on the extension of the impact areas has been assessed. The results show that the influence of these parameters depends on the physical properties of the released substance and that not always the widely known rules of thumb, such as the positive influence of the wind velocity on gas dispersion, apply. In particular, the boiling temperature of the chemical has revealed to be the main parameter affecting the type of dependence of the impact distances on the input variables.

Atmospheric pollutants monitoring by analysis of epiphytic lichens

The Canoparmelia texana epiphytic lichenized fungi was used to monitor atmospheric pollution in the São Paulo metropolitan region, SP, Brazil. The cluster analysis applied to the element concentration values confirmed the site groups of different levels of pollution due to industrial and vehicular emissions. In the distribution maps of element concentrations, higher concentrations of Ba and Mn were observed in the vicinity of industries and of a petrochemical complex. The highest concentration of Co found in lichens from the São Miguel Paulista site is due to the emissions from a metallurgical processing plant that produces this element. For Br and Zn, the highest concentrations could be associated both to vehicular and industrial emissions. Exploratory analyses revealed that the accumulation of toxic elements in C. texana may be of use in evaluating the human risk of cardiopulmonary mortality due to prolonged exposure to ambient levels of air pollution.

Temporal trends (1986-2004) of organochlorines and brominated flame retardants in tawny owl eggs from northern Europe

Eggs (n = 139) from tawny owls (Strix aluco) were collected annually (1986-2004) in Central Norway and analyzed for organochlorines (OCs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). p,p'-DDE (2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethene) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the dominating contaminants (mean/median = 2.7/1.7 and 2.9/1.6 microg/g, lipid weight [l.w.], respectively), comprising 90% of the contaminant burden. Other OCs (hexachlorobenzene [HCB], hexachlorocyclohexanes [HCHs], trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane) comprised less than 4% of the contaminant burden. Concentrations of OCs dropped 74-96% during the study period; p,p'-DDE, HCB, beta-HCH, oxychlordane, and PCBs decreased rapidly in the early (1986-1989) study period (23-34% per year; mean = 27.4%), but leveled off to less than 7% (mean = 3.6%) in the late period (2001-2004). The decrease in p,p'-DDE concentrations leveled off in the early 1990s, possibly due to an early ban on the use of DDT. alpha-HCH showed the strongest decline (always > 20% per year), while trans-nonachlor and gamma-HCH dropped at a constant rate of 9% per year. Toxaphene made up less than 0.6% of the measured contaminants (mean/median = 39/13 ng/ g, l.w.), and the concentrations of these compounds were lower in the late period compared to the early period, but not significant. BFRs, including hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (sigmaPBDE: mean/median = 182/ 85 ng/g, l.w.) made up about 3% of the measured contaminants. sigmaPBDE declined significantly over the study period (62%). Most PBDE congeners declined: significantly for BDE-47 (80% reduction) and BDE-153 (50% reduction), but the patterns differed; i.e., congeners associated with PentaBDE mixtures showed a rapid annual decline early (22-26%) and a slower decline late in the study period (6-12%), while the PBDEs associated with OctaBDE declined at a constant rate (1-4%). This may result from a larger reduction in the use of PentaBDE compared to other PBDE products in Europe.

Pyrolysis characteristics of integrated circuit boards at various particle sizes and temperatures

A pyrolysis method was employed to recycle the metals and brominated compounds blended into printed circuit boards. This research investigated the effect of particle size and process temperature on the element composition of IC boards and pyrolytic residues, liquid products, and water-soluble ionic species in the exhaust, with the overall goal being to identify the pyrolysis conditions that will have the least impact on the environment. Integrated circuit (IC) boards were crushed into 5-40 mesh (0.71-4.4mm), and the crushed particles were pyrolyzed at temperatures ranging from 200 to 500 degrees C. The thermal decomposition kinetics were measured by a thermogravimetric (TG) analyzer. The composition of pyrolytic residues was analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, the element compositions of liquid products were analyzed by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Pyrolytic exhaust was collected by a water-absorption system in an ice-bath cooler, and IC analysis showed that the absorbed solution comprised 11 ionic species. Based on the pyrolytic kinetic parameters of TG analysis and pyrolytic residues at various temperatures for 30 min, the effect of particle size was insignificant in this study, and temperature was the key factor for the IC board pyrolysis. Two stages of decomposition were found for IC board pyrolysis under nitrogen atmosphere. The activation energy was 38-47 kcal/mol for the first-stage reaction and 5.2-9.4 kcal/mol for the second-stage reaction. Metal content was low in the liquid by-product of the IC board pyrolysis process, which is an advantage in that the liquid product could be used as a fuel. Brominate and ammonium were the main water-soluble ionic species of the pyrolytic exhaust. A plan for their safe and effective disposal must be developed if the pyrolytic recycling process is to be applied to IC boards.

Trends of brominated diphenyl ethers in fresh and archived Great Lakes fish (1979-2005)

While few environmental measurements of brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) were completed prior to the mid-1990s, analysis of appropriately archived samples might enable the determination of contaminant trends back to the introduction of these chemicals. In this paper, we first investigate the stability of BDEs in archived frozen and extracted fish samples, and then characterize trends of these chemicals in rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in each of the Great Lakes between 1979 and 2005. We focus on the four most common congeners (BDE-47, 100, 99 and 153) and use a change-point analysis to detect shifts in trends. Analyses of archived fish samples yielded precise BDE concentration measurements with only small losses (0.8% per year in frozen fish tissues, 2.2% per year in refrigerated extracts). Trends in fish from all Great Lakes showed large increases in BDE concentrations that started in the early to mid-1980s with fairly consistent doubling times (generally 2-4 years except in Lake Erie smelt where levels increased very slowly), though concentrations and trends show differences by congener, fish species and lake. The most recent data show that accumulation rates are slowing, and concentrations of penta- and hexa-congeners in trout from Lakes Ontario and Michigan and smelt from Lake Ontario started to decrease in the mid-1990s. Trends in smelt and trout are evolving somewhat differently, and trout concentrations in the five lakes are now ranked as Michigan>Superior=Ontario>Huron=Erie, and smelt concentrations as Michigan>Ontario>Huron>Superior>Erie. The analysis of properly archived samples permits the reconstruction of historical trends, congener distributions, biomagnification and other information that can aid the understanding and management of these contaminants.

[Determination methods of bromine in air of workplace]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a spectrophotometric determination method of bromine in the air of workplace.

METHODS

Bromine in the air of workplace was absorbed by methyl orange solution, then determined by spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

The range of the determination was 0.2 to 2.8 microg/ml, the linear equation was Y=0.0427X-0.0092, r=0.9996. The detection limit was 0.2 microg/ml. The minimum detectable concentration was 0.27 mg/m(3) for 7.5 L air sample. The relative standard deviations covered the range of 1.1% approximately 3.7%. The recovery rate was in the range of 93.6% to 97.2%. The sampling efficiency ranged from 93.5% to 100.0%.

CONCLUSION

The method is available for the determination of bromine in the air of workplace.

Quantitative determination of absolute organohalogen concentrations in environmental samples by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

An in situ procedure for quantifying total organic and inorganic Cl concentrations in environmental samples based on X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been developed. Cl 1s XANES spectra reflect contributions from all Cl species present in a sample, providing a definitive measure of total Cl concentration in chemically heterogeneous samples. Spectral features near the Cl K-absorption edge provide detailed information about the bonding state of Cl, whereas the absolute fluorescence intensity of the spectra is directly proportional to total Cl concentration, allowing for simultaneous determination of Cl speciation and concentration in plant, soil, and natural water samples. Absolute Cl concentrations are obtained from Cl 1s XANES spectra using a series of Cl standards in a matrix of uniform bulk density. With the high sensitivity of synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Cl concentration can be reliably measured down to the 5-10 ppm range in solid and liquid samples. Referencing the characteristic near-edge features of Cl in various model compounds, we can distinguish between inorganic chloride (Cl(inorg)) and organochlorine (Cl(org)), as well as between aliphatic Cl(org) and aromatic Cl(org), with uncertainties in the range of approximately 6%. In addition, total organic and inorganic Br concentrations in sediment samples are quantified using a combination of Br 1s XANES and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Br concentration is detected down to approximately 1 ppm by XRF, and Br 1s XANES spectra allow quantification of the Br(inorg) and Br(org) fractions. These procedures provide nondestructive, element-specific techniques for quantification of Cl and Br concentrations that preclude extensive sample preparation.

Elemental analysis of aerosol samples collected from an industrial and a non-industrial town of Punjab (India) using PIXE technique

Chemical composition of the aerosols is an important aspect of aerosol monitoring. The adverse effects on human heath due to different elements in aerosols depend on their concentrations. A comparative study of aerosol concentration and composition from an industrial town Mandi-Gobindgarh and a nearby (25 km away) non-industrial and comparatively less polluted town Morinda, in state Punjab (India) was carried out. Aerosol samples were analyzed by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique at the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneshwar. Elemental concentrations were found to be much higher in Mandi-Gobindgarh as compared to Morinda. However, the large deviations from the mean concentrations, particularly in Mandi-Gobindgarh is suggestive of highly varying day to day industrial activity and changing weather conditions. Elements such as S, Br and Pb were found higher in the PM2.5 (particulate matter with = 2.5 microm aerodynamic diameter), which are related to burning of coal and oil in furnaces in Mandi-Gobindgarh. The elements related to natural dust such as K, Ca, Ti, Mn, and Fe are mainly distributed in PMcf (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 and 10 microm) fraction in both the towns. High concentrations of Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe and Zn in the PMcf fraction from Mandi-Gobindgarh are likely due to the industrial activity of Steel rolling mills.

Bromoalterochromides A and A′, Unprecedented Chromopeptides from a Marine Pseudoalteromonas maricaloris Strain KMM 636T†

The marine strain Pseudoalteromonas maricaloris KMM 636T was found to produce an inseparable mixture of two brominated yellow main pigments, bromoalterochromide A and A', in a ratio of 3: 1. Both pigments are Thr-Val-Asn-Asn-X pentapeptide lactones, where the amino group of Thr is acylated with 9-(3-bromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid, and X is aIle and Leu, respectively. They possess cytotoxic effects on developing eggs of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, but no antibiotic activity.

Identification of new odorous compounds in Swedish water: mixed haloanisoles and phenolic precursors

Mixed chlorobromoanisoles have recently been recognized as new potential odorous compounds in tap water. The odour threshold concentrations (OTCs) of these compounds are close to the sub ng/L (ppt) and associated descriptors are "earthy, musty, rubber". During a "swampy, musty" episode in water of the Norrtälje district (Sweden), 2,4,6-mixed chlorobromoanisoles and their phenolic precursors were identified. These compounds were synthesised in order to quantify them in different types of waters, Samplings were performed during two different seasons. Results show that whatever the season, mixed haloanisoles and their precursors were present. Chlorination, biofilm activity and residence time in the distribution system seem to be critical factors for the appearance of such compounds.

Using XPS to determine solute solubility in room temperature ionic liquids

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used to quantify the amount of bromide ions present in two samples of [C(4)mpyrr]Br dissolved in the room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) [C(4)mpyrr][N(Tf)2]. One sample was of a known concentration (0.436 Br atom%); the other was a saturated solution. The results obtained from quantitative XPS analysis indicated that the saturated sample had a concentration, or solubility, of 0.90 Br atom% (746 mM) at 298 K, which was then independently confirmed by potential-step chronoamperometry of the same solution.

Compound-specific 81Br/79Br analysis by capillary gas chromatography/multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Brominated organic compounds (BOCs) are of great interest in atmospheric chemistry, natural products, geochemistry, and marine chemistry. The Br isotope ratios ((81)Br and (79)Br; average (81)Br/(79)Br = 0.97277) have significant potential for the study of the source, transport, and fate of these compounds. Currently, there is no published method for determining the Br isotopic content of BOCs in complex mixtures. To measure the ratios of stable Br in BOCs on a compound-specific basis, we assembled a gas chromatography/multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC/MCICPMS) system. Background signals, the formation of Ar dimers from organic hydrogen, and the solvent peak did not affect the results. The analysis of three brominated benzenes revealed that 0.3 per thousand precision can be attained when 0.3 nmol of Br are injected. For samples larger than 0.3 nmol Br, the isotopic precision was within a factor of 3 of the shot-noise limit, which is the best possible statistical precision attainable avoiding all other sources of noise.