Fate of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals in landfills

Revealing nitrogenous VX metabolites and the whole-molecule VX metabolism in the urine of guinea pigs

VX, a well-known organophosphorus nerve agent (OPNA), poses a significant threat to public safety if employed by terrorists. Obtaining complete metabolites is critical to unequivocally confirm its alleged use/exposure and elucidate its whole-molecular metabolism. However, the nitrogenous VX metabolites containing 2-diisopropylaminoethyl moiety from urinary excretion remain unknown. Therefore, this study applied a newly developed untargeted workflow platform to discover and identify them using VX-exposed guinea pigs as animal models. 2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (DiPSA) was revealed as a novel nitrogenous VX metabolite in urine, and 2-(Diisopropylaminoethyl) methyl sulfide (DAEMS) was confirmed as another in plasma, indicating that VX metabolism differed between urine and plasma. It is the first report of a nitrogenous VX metabolite in urine and a complete elucidation of the VX metabolic pathway. DiPSA was evaluated as an excellent VX exposure biomarker. The whole-molecule VX metabolism in urine was characterized entirely for the first time via the simultaneous quantification of DiPSA and two known P-based biomarkers. About 52.1% and 32.4% of VX were excreted in urine as P-based and nitrogenous biomarkers within 24 h. These findings provide valuable insights into the unambiguous detection of OPNA exposure/intoxication and human and environmental exposure risk assessment.

Single-Chain Conjugated Polymer Guests Confined inside Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Boosting the Detection and Degradation of a Sulfur Mustard Simulant

Real-time detection and effective degradation of toxic gases have attracted considerable attention in environmental monitoring and human health. Here, we demonstrate a solvent-assisted dynamic assembly strategy to strongly enhance the detection and degradation performance for 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES, as a sulfur mustard simulant) via confinement of a conjugated polymer in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The conjugated polymer poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene-altbenzothiadiazole) (F8BT) is infiltrated into one-dimensional nanochannels of the Zr-based topological MOF NU-1000 in a single-chain manner, which is caused by the nanoconfinement effect and the steric hindrance between 9,9-dioctylfluorene units and benzothiadiazole units. The obtained F8BT⊂NU-1000 composites provide a high specific surface area and abundant active sites. Based on the cooperative effect of F8BT and NU-1000, rapid and sensitive detection of CEES has been achieved. Moreover, the F8BT⊂NU-1000 composites can selectively oxidize CEES into 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide (CEESO) under mild photooxidation conditions. Overall, this study opens a new avenue for the fabrication of conjugated polymer/MOF hybrid materials that show great potential for the sensitive detection and effective removal of hazardous chemicals.

Nature-based approaches to reducing the environmental risk of organic contaminants resulting from military activities

As is the case with many other industrial activities, the organic contaminants at military-impacted sites may pose significant hazards to the environment and human health. Given the expected increase in defense investments globally, there is a need to make society aware of the risks of emissions of organic contaminants generated by military activities and to advance risk minimization approaches. The most recent advances in environmental analytical chemistry, persistence, bioavailability and risk assessment of organic contaminants indicate that efficient risk reductions through biological means are possible. This review debates the organic contaminants of interest associated with military activities, the methodology used to extract and analyze these contaminants, and the nature-based remediation technologies available to recover these sites. In addition, we revise the military environmental regulatory frameworks designed to sustain such actions. Military activities that potentially release organic contaminants on land could be classified as infrastructure and base operations, training exercises and armed conflicts; additionally, chemicals may include potentially toxic compounds, energetic compounds, chemical warfare agents and military chemical compounds. Fuel components, PFASs, TNT, RDX and dyphenylcyanoarsine are examples of organic contaminants of environmental concern. Particularly in the case of potentially toxic and energetic compounds, bioremediation and phytoremediation are considered eco-friendly and low-cost technologies that can be used to remediate these contaminated sites. In addition, this article identifies implementing the bioavailability of organic contaminants as a justifiable approach to facilitate the application of these nature-based approaches and to reduce remediation costs. More realistic risk assessment in combination with new and economically feasible remediation methods that reduce risk by reducing bioavailability (instead of lowering the total contaminant concentration) will serve as an incentive for the military and regulators to accept nature-based approaches.

Efficient Decontamination of HD by an Electrophilic Iodine/Carboxylate Composite as an Active Sorbent

The development of new and efficient decontamination methods has become more relevant in recent years, especially with regard to solid-based decontamination and detoxification systems. The majority of powders used today are dealing with the physical adsorption of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and their removal from sites without actively destroying them. In this work, we have designed and developed an active solid composite matrix combining organic carboxylate salts and N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) for HD decontamination via oxidation. All the reactions and mechanistic studies for the sorption and degradation of CWAs were conducted using direct polarization and cross polarization solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Performance toward the sorption and detoxification of HD was tested, exhibiting oxidation within minutes in a mild and selective manner to the nontoxic sulfoxide derivative followed by visible formation of iodine. The results indicate that carboxylate moieties in the matrix are important for stabilizing the positively charged sulfonium ion intermediate and for supplying oxygen for hydrolysis in a water-deficient environment. The NaOBz/NIS composite was shown to be the most efficient in sorbing and converting the water-insoluble agent HD to its nontoxic, water-soluble sulfoxide, which could then be removed from the site with mere water, resulting in less environmental damage and quick remediation.

Toxic blister agents: Chemistry, mode of their action and effective treatment strategies

Since their use during the First World War, Blister agents have posed a major threat to the individuals and have caused around two million casualties. Major incidents occurred not only due to their use as chemical warfare agents but also because of occupational hazards. Therefore, a clear understanding of these agents and their mode of action is essential to develop effective decontamination and therapeutic strategies. The blister agents have been categorised on the basis of their chemistry and the biological interactions that entail post contamination. These compounds have been known to majorly cause blisters/bullae along with alkylation of the contaminated DNA. However, due to the high toxicity and restricted use, very little research has been conducted and a lot remains to be clearly understood about these compounds. Various decontamination solutions and detection technologies have been developed, which have proven to be effective for their timely mitigation. But a major hurdle seems to be the lack of proper understanding of the toxicological mechanism of action of these compounds. Current review is about the detailed and updated information on physical, chemical and biological aspects of various blister agents. It also illustrates the mechanism of their action, toxicological effects, detection technologies and possible decontamination strategies.

Hydrolysis of methylphosphonic anhydride solid to methylphosphonic acid probed by Raman and infrared reflectance spectroscopies

Much is still unknown about the mechanisms and rates of environmental degradation of organophosphorous pesticides and agents. In this study we focus on the degradation of one organophosphorous compound, namely solid methylphosphonic anhydride [CH₃P(O)OHOP(O)OHCH₃, MPAN] and its rate of conversion to methylphosphonic acid (MPA) via heterogeneous hydrolysis. Pure MPAN was synthesized and loaded in open sample cups placed inside exposure chambers containing saturated salt solutions to control the relative humidity (RH). The reaction was monitored in the sample cup at various times using both infrared hemispherical reflectance (HRF) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Calibrated HRF and Raman spectra of both pure reagents as well as gravimetrically prepared mixtures were used to quantify the concentrations of MPAN and MPA throughout the reaction. Results show both HRF and Raman spectroscopies are convenient non-invasive methods for detection of solid chemicals as long as a large area is sampled to average out any spatial inhomogeneities that occur on the sample surface and minimal phase changes occur during the course of the reaction. The samples for the 54 and 75% RH studies showed significant deliquescence, and the liquid water had to be removed prior to measurement; this effect led to differences in the sample form, such that the calibration spectra were no longer valid for quantitative analysis using HRF spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy, on the other hand, proved to be less sensitive to these effects and provided better estimation of the MPAN and MPA concentrations. The MPAN degradation rate displayed a very strong dependence on relative humidity: at room temperature the reaction showed 50% conversion of the MPAN in 761 ± 54 h at 33% RH, 33 ± 4 h at 43% RH, 17 ± 2 h at 54% RH and just 7 ± 1 h at 75% RH.

Monitoring of hydrolysis products of mustard gas, some sesqui- and oxy-mustards and other chemical warfare agents in a plant material by HPLC-MS/MS

At present, there is a real threat of chemical warfare agents being used in terrorist acts and military clashes. Sulfur and nitrogen mustards are blister agents with high lethality and rapid disruption of armed forces. These highly poisonous substances are hydrolyzed to the characteristic marker compounds when released into the environment. Analysis of environmental objects allows to establish the fact of alleged use of chemical warfare agents and to reveal their type. However, water and soil samples are not always reliable for retrospective analysis. The resulting chemical warfare agent markers may be washed out from the application site over time by groundwaters or atmospheric condensations. This study shows the potential for using plants as a convenient material for retrospective analysis. Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) was chosen as a model plant for this purpose, since it can be easily and quickly grown hydroponically. The plants were cultivated in the environment of the selected markers to study an accumulation of these compounds by the plants. An effective and fast method of homogenization with subsequent ultrasonic extraction was applied. The extracts were analyzed using a specially developed and validated HPLC-MS/MS approach. Separation of the hydrophilic markers was carried out on a reversed-phase column with a polar endcapping. Sensitive mass spectrometric detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Achieved limits of detection for most markers were in the range of 2-40 ng mL^-1. It was discovered from the research that after the removal of markers from the growing medium the plants are able to store and concentrate these markers for at least 5 weeks, ensuring a high retrospectivity of the analysis. The obtained results indicate the perspective of using plants as additional objects of analysis during the investigation of incidents related to the use of chemical warfare agents. However, more complex plants and models should be studied in the future.

Environmental Effects on Zirconium Hydroxide Nanoparticles and Chemical Warfare Agent Decomposition: Implications of Atmospheric Water and Carbon Dioxide

Zirconium hydroxide (Zr(OH)₄) has excellent sorption properties and wide-ranging reactivity toward numerous types of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals. Under pristine laboratory conditions, the effectiveness of Zr(OH)₄ has been attributed to a combination of diverse surface hydroxyl species and defects; however, atmospheric components (e.g., CO₂, H₂O, etc.) and trace contaminants can form adsorbates with potentially detrimental impact to the chemical reactivity of Zr(OH)₄. Here, we report the hydrolysis of a CWA simulant, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) on Zr(OH)₄ determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and in situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy under ambient conditions. DMMP dosing on Zr(OH)₄ formed methyl methylphosphonate and methoxy degradation products on free bridging and terminal hydroxyl sites of Zr(OH)₄ under all evaluated environmental conditions. CO₂ dosing on Zr(OH)₄ formed adsorbed (bi)carbonates and interfacial carbonate complexes with relative stability dependent on CO₂ and H₂O partial pressures. High concentrations of CO₂ reduced DMMP decomposition kinetics by occupying Zr(OH)₄ active sites with carbonaceous adsorbates. Elevated humidity promoted hydrolysis of adsorbed DMMP on Zr(OH)₄ to produce methanol and regenerated free hydroxyl species. Hydrolysis of DMMP by Zr(OH)₄ occurred under all conditions evaluated, demonstrating promise for chemical decontamination under diverse, real-world conditions.

Phosgene oxime: Injury and associated mechanisms compared to vesicating agents sulfur mustard and lewisite

Phosgene Oxime (CX, Cl₂CNOH), a halogenated oxime, is a potent chemical weapon that causes immediate acute injury and systemic effects. CX, grouped together with vesicating agents, is an urticant or nettle agent with highly volatile, reactive, corrosive, and irritating vapor, and has considerably different chemical properties and toxicity compared to other vesicants. CX is absorbed quickly through clothing with faster cutaneous penetration compared to other vesicating agents causing instantaneous and severe damage. For this reason, it could be produced as a weaponized mixture with other chemical warfare agents to enhance their deleterious effects. The immediate devastating effects of CX and easy synthesis makes it a dangerous chemical with both military and terrorist potentials. Although CX is the most potent vesicating agent, it is one of the least studied chemical warfare agents and the pathophysiology as well as long term effects are largely unknown. CX exposure results in immediate pain and inflammation, and it mainly affects skin, eye and respiratory system. There are no antidotes available against CX-induced injury and the treatment is only supportive. This review summarizes existing knowledge regarding exposure, toxicity and the probable underlying mechanisms of CX compared to other important vesicants' exposure.

Kinetic and products study of the gas-phase reaction of Lewisite with ozone under atmospheric conditions

The rate constant for the gas-phase reaction of O3 and Lewisite was studied in air using the smog chamber technique. The experiments were carried out under pseudo-first-order reaction conditions with [O3]≪[Lewisite]. The observed rate constant of O3 with Lewisite was (7.83 ± 0.38) × 10(-19)cm(3)/(molecule·sec) at 298 ± 2K. Lewisite was discussed in terms of reactivity with O3 and its relationship with the ionization potential. Our results show that the rate constant for the gas-phase reaction of O3 with Lewisite is in line with the trend of the rate constants of O3 with haloalkenes.

The possible role of intravenous lipid emulsion in the treatment of chemical warfare agent poisoning

Organophosphates (OPs) are cholinesterase inhibitors that lead to a characteristic toxidrome of hypersecretion, miosis, dyspnea, respiratory insufficiency, convulsions and, without proper and early antidotal treatment, death. Most of these compounds are highly lipophilic. Sulfur mustard is a toxic lipophilic alkylating agent, exerting its damage through alkylation of cellular macromolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins) and intense activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Currently approved antidotes against OPs include the peripheral anticholinergic drug atropine and an oxime that reactivates the inhibited cholinesterase. Benzodiazepines are used to stop organophosphate-induced seizures. Despite these approved drugs, efforts have been made to introduce other medical countermeasures in order to attenuate both the short-term and long-term clinical effects following exposure. Currently, there is no antidote against sulfur mustard poisoning. Intravenous lipid emulsions are used as a source of calories in parenteral nutrition. In recent years, efficacy of lipid emulsions has been shown in the treatment of poisoning by fat-soluble compounds in animal models as well as clinically in humans. In this review we discuss the usefulness of intravenous lipid emulsions as an adjunct to the in-hospital treatment of chemical warfare agent poisoning.

VX fate on common matrices: evaporation versus degradation

A study of the volatilization rate of the nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothiolate) from various urban matrices in a specially designed climatic chamber (model system) is described. The performance of the model system combined with the analytical procedure produced profiles of vapor concentration obtained from samples of VX dispersed as small droplets on the surfaces of the matrices. The results indicated that the bitumen-containing surfaces such as asphalt blocks and bitumen sheets conserve VX and slow-release part of it over a long period of time. No complete mass balance could be obtained for these surfaces. Influence of environmental and experimental parameters as well as the efficacy of decontamination procedure were also measured. From smooth surface tiles a fast release of VX was measured and almost a complete mass balance was obtained, which characterizes the behavior of inert surfaces. Experiments carried out on concrete blocks showed fast decay of the concentration profile along with a very poor reconstruction of the initial quantity of VX, implying that this matrix degraded VX actively due to its multiple basic catalytic sites. To complement this study, solid-state NMR measurements were compared to add data concerning agent-fate within the matrices.

Fate and transport of phenol in a packed bed reactor containing simulated solid waste

An assessment of the risk to human health and the environment associated with the presence of organic contaminants (OCs) in landfills necessitates reliable predictive models. The overall objectives of this study were to (1) conduct column experiments to measure the fate and transport of an OC in a simulated solid waste mixture, (2) compare the results of column experiments to model predictions using HYDRUS-1D (version 4.13), a contaminant fate and transport model that can be parameterized to simulate the laboratory experimental system, and (3) determine model input parameters from independently conducted batch experiments. Experiments were conducted in which sorption only and sorption plus biodegradation influenced OC transport. HYDRUS-1D can reasonably simulate the fate and transport of phenol in an anaerobic and fully saturated waste column in which biodegradation and sorption are the prevailing fate processes. The agreement between model predictions and column data was imperfect (i.e., within a factor of two) for the sorption plus biodegradation test and the error almost certainly lies in the difficulty of measuring a biodegradation rate that is applicable to the column conditions. Nevertheless, a biodegradation rate estimate that is within a factor of two or even five may be adequate in the context of a landfill, given the extended retention time and the fact that leachate release will be controlled by the infiltration rate which can be minimized by engineering controls.

Leaching behaviour of bisphenol A from municipal solid waste under landfill environment

With a preliminary insight into the source and leaching behaviour ofbisphenol A (BPA) from municipal solid wastes (MSW), five kinds of plastic and four kinds of paper materials were leached by distilled water. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste was found to have the highest BPA content of 12.1 microg x g(-1) and leachability of 34.7% in distilled water, while cardboard with relatively low BPA content also showed a high ratio of leaching (53.6%). Fresh leachate and leachates from a landfill of age 1.5 and 10 years were adopted as leachants for the PVC plastic and cardboard to simulate the leaching behaviour of BPA under a landfill environment. The enhancement of BPA leachability in the 10-year leachate compared with distilled water was higher than that in the other two leachates due to its basic pH and high content of humic organic matters. Meanwhile, the enhancement of BPA leachability by the fresh leachate was higher than that by the 1.5-year leachate, possibly due to the presence of small molecules such as volatile fatty acids, amino acids, etc. The paper waste was not only a minor origin of BPA leaching, but also a controlling factor in retarding BPA transformation. The BPA sorption K(f) value of the cardboard in the Freundlich equation was 0.2224 mg(1-n)) x L(n) x g(-1) (n = 0.7680), higher than that obtained in sorption experiments by natural organic adsorbents such as sediment. It suggested that the presence of paper with a high sorption capacity in MSW will restrain BPA transport and bioavailability in landfills.

Impact of plastics on fate and transport of organic contaminants in landfills

Factors controlling organic contaminant sorption to common plastics in municipal solid waste were identified. Consumer plastics [drinking water container, prescription drug bottle, soda bottle, disposable cold cup, computer casing, furniture foam, carpet, vinyl flooring, formica sheet] and model polymers [high-density polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)] were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and elemental analysis. The material characterization was used to interpret batch isotherm and kinetic data. K(p) values describing toluene sorption to rubbery or "soft" polymers could be normalized by the amorphous polymer fraction (f(amorphous)) but not by the organic carbon fraction (f(oc)). Diffusion coefficients (D) describing the uptake rate of toluene by rubbery plastics (HDPE, drinking water container, prescription drug bottle) were similar (D approximately 10(-10) cm(2)/s), indicating that pure HDPE can be used as a model for rubbery plastics. Toluene diffusivity was similar among glassy or "hard" plastics (PVC, soda bottle, computer casing, disposable cold cup; D approximately 10(-12) cm(2)/s) but lower than for rubbery plastics. Plastics in landfills are potential sinks of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) because of their higher affinity for HOCs compared to lignocellulosic materials and the slow desorption of HOCs from glassy plastics.

Novel therapeutic strategies for acute lung injury induced by lung damaging agents: the potential role of growth factors as treatment options

The increasing threat from terrorism has brought attention to the possible use of toxic industrial compounds (TICs) and other lung-damaging agents as weapons against civilian populations. The way in which these agents could be used favours the development of generic countermeasures. Improved medical countermeasures would increase survivability and improve the quality of recovery of lung damaged casualties. It is evident that there is a dearth of therapeutic regimes available to treat those forms of lung damage that currently require intensive care management. It is quite possible that mass casualties from a terrorist incident or major industrial accident involving the release of large quantities of inhaled TICs would place a severe burden on already scarce intensive care facilities. The development of effective pharmacological approaches to assist the recovery of casualties suffering from acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may improve the prognosis of such patients (which is currently poor) and would ideally be used as a means of preventing subjects from developing the pulmonary oedema characteristic of ALI/ARDS. Many promising candidate pharmacological treatments have been evaluated for the treatment of ALI/ARDS, but their clinical value is often debatable. Thus, despite improvements in ventilation strategies, pharmacological intervention for ALI/ARDS remains problematical. A new approach is clearly required for the treatment of patients with severely compromised lungs. Whilst the pathology of ALI/ARDS associated with exposure to a variety of agents is complex, numerous experimental studies suggest that generic therapeutic intervention directed at approaches that aim to upregulate repair of the damaged alveolar blood/air barrier of the lung may be of value, particularly with respect to chemical-induced injury. To this end, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), epithelial growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are emerging as the most important candidates. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) does not have epithelial specificity for lung tissue. However, the enhanced effects of combinations of growth factors, such as the synergistic effect of HGF upon vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated endothelial cell activity, and the combined effect of HGF and KGF in tissue repair should be investigated, particularly as the latter pair of growth factors are frequently implicated in processes associated with the repair of lung damage. Synergistic interactions also occur between trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides and growth factors such as EGF. TFF peptides are most likely to be of value as a short term therapeutic intervention strategy in stimulating epithelial spreading activities which allow damaged mucosal surfaces to be rapidly covered by epithelial cells.

Development of a coupled reactor model for prediction of organic contaminant fate in landfills

Models describing the behavior of organic chemicals in landfills can be useful to predict their fate and transport and also to generate input data for estimates of exposure and risk. The landfill coupled-reactor (LFCR) model developed in this work simulates a landfill as a series of fully mixed reactors, each representing a daily volume of waste. The LFCR model is a numerical model allowing time-variable input parameters such as gas generation, and cover type and thickness. The model was applied to three volatile organic chemicals (acetone, toluene, benzene) as well as naphthalene and the chemical warfare agent sarin under three landfill conditions (conventional, arid, bioreactor). Sarin was rapidly hydrolyzed, whereas naphthalene was largely associated with the landfill solid phase in all scenarios. Although similar biodegradation rates were used for acetone and toluene, toluene was more persistent in the landfill due to its hydrophobicity. The cover soil moisture content had a significant impact on gaseous diffusive losses.

Mass spectral behavior of the hydrolysis products of sesqui- and oxy-mustard type chemical warfare agents in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization

Bis(2-hydroxyethylthio)alkanes and bis(2-hydroxyethylthioalkyl)ethers are important biological and environmental degradation products of sulfur mustard analogs known as sesqui- and oxy-mustards. We used atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI MS) to acquire characteristic spectra of these compounds in positive and negative ionization modes. Positive APCI mass spectra exhibited [M + H](+); negative APCI MS generated [M + O(2)](-), [M - H](-), and [M - 3H](-); and both positive and negative APCI mass spectra contained fragment ions due to in-source collision-induced dissociation. Product ion scans confirmed the origin of fragment ions observed in single-stage MS. Although the spectra of these compounds were very similar, positive and negative APCI mass spectra of the oxy-mustard hydrolysis product, bis(2-hydroxyethylthiomethyl)ether, differed from the spectra of the other compounds in a manner that suggested a rearrangement to the sesqui-mustard hydrolysis product, bis(2-hydroxyethylthio)methane. We evaluated the [M + O(2)](-) adduct ion for quantification via liquid chromatography-MS/MS in the multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode by constructing calibration curves from three precursor/product ion transitions for all the analytes. Analytical figures of merit generated from the calibration curves indicated the stability and suitability of these transitions for quantification at concentrations in the low ng/mL range. Thus, we are the first to propose a quantitative method predicated on the measurement of product ions generated from the superoxide adduct anion of the sesqui-and oxy-mustard hydrolysis products.