Aggregation behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles in municipal effluent: Influence of ionic strengthen and organic compounds

The influence of ionic strengthen and dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the aggregation of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) in municipal effluent was investigated. The results demonstrated that DOM promoted the mobility of NPs in aquatic system by synergism between static repulsion and steric effect, while electrolytes were opposite by charge-neutralization. The physical-chemical characteristics of DOM played the major role on the mobility of NPs. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed the strongest enhancement on the mobility of TiO₂ NPs. High adsorption of BSA introduced vast negative charges on the TiO₂ NPs' surface, leading to static repulsion and neutralizing positive charges of electrolytes in surrounding as well. By contrast, another protein α-amylase retarded the aggregation rate of TiO₂ NPs through steric repulsion of the long-chain construction. Humic substances (Fulvic acid and alginate) also reflected the combination of static repulsion and steric effect. However, in the high electrolytes concentration (especially Ca²⁺), the long-chain aliphatic compounds were prone to form calcium bridge which increased the hydrodynamic diameter of TiO₂ aggregates consequently. Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) showed low adsorption capacity, while the unabsorbed SDBS retarded the aggregates caused by the changes of pH and electrolytes. These data indicated that decreasing of DOC concentration in aqueous system was important to reduce the mobility and potential risk of NPs in aqueous system.

Biodegradation of phenol, salicylic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, and iomeprol by Pseudomonas fluorescens in the capillary fringe

Mass transfer and biological transformation phenomena in the capillary fringe were studied using phenol, salicylic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, and the iodinated X-ray contrast agent iomeprol as model organic compounds and the microorganism strain Pseudomonas fluorescens. Three experimental approaches were used: Batch experiments (uniform water saturation and transport by diffusion), in static columns (with a gradient of water saturation and advective transport in the capillaries) and in a flow-through cell (with a gradient of water saturation and transport by horizontal and vertical flow: 2-dimension flow-through microcosm). The reactors employed for the experiments were filled with quartz sand of defined particle size distribution (dp=200...600 μm, porosity ε=0.42). Batch experiments showed that phenol and salicylic acid have a high, whereas benzenesulfonic acid and iomeprol have a quite low potential for biodegradation under aerobic conditions and in a matrix nearly close to water saturation. Batch experiments under anoxic conditions with nitrate as electron acceptor revealed that the biodegradation of the model compounds was lower than under aerobic conditions. Nevertheless, the experiments showed that the moisture content was also responsible for an optimized transport in the liquid phase of a porous medium. Biodegradation in the capillary fringe was found to be influenced by both the moisture content and availability of the dissolved substrate, as seen in static column experiments. The gas-liquid mass transfer of oxygen also played an important role for the biological activity. In static column experiments under aerobic conditions, the highest biodegradation was found in the capillary fringe (e.g. βt/β0 (phenol)=0 after t=6 d) relative to the zone below the water table and unsaturated zone. The highest biodegradation occurred in the flow-through cell experiment where the height of the capillary fringe was largest.

Metallionen als Löscher der Huminstoff-Lumineszenz / Metal Ions as Quencher of the Luminescence of Humic Substances

The luminescence of aquatic humic substances in water is quenched over a broad range of pH by paramagnetic metal ions like iron(II) and manganese(II). The efficiency dependents on the pH of the solution and rises with increasing basicity; this parallels the complexing of metal ions by humic substances. No quenching of the luminescence is observed by the addition of aluminium(III).

Photodegradation of EDTA and NTA in the UV / H2O2 Process

The influence of H2O2 on the UV degradation of the broadly used aminopolycarboxylates EDTA and NTA in aqueous solution was investigated. The photochemical degradation in the UV /H2O2 process was compared with classical oxidative treatment of potable water. The German drinking water regulation (Trinkwasserverordnung) was the orientation for all experiments. The Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) turned out to be superior to the classical oxidation processes. The photochemical degradation of EDTA and NTA by UV irradiation could be significantly stimulated in the presence of H2O2. There was a strong increase in the degradation rate and a decrease in the quantum yield of the aminopolycarboxylates. Experiments with butyl chloride as radical scavenger proved the photolytically generated hydroxyl radicals to be responsible for the increase in the degradation rates.

The effect of increasing the degradation rate at higher concentrations of H2O2 was limited, because the steady-state concentrations of the hydroxyl radicals as reactive species, did not increase at the same rate as the initial concentration of H2O2.

Low amounts of iron dissolved from the high-grade steel photoreactor walls had a significant catalytic effect on the degradation.

Evaluation of natural organic matter changes from Lake Hohloh by three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy during TiO(2)/UV process

This study shows the changes of natural organic matter (NOM) from Lake Hohloh, (Black Forest, Germany) during heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO2 (TiO2/UV). The effect of pH on the adsorption of NOM onto TiO2 in the dark and TiO2/UV degradation of NOM was followed using three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence. At pH values between 4 and 9, the NOM was adsorbed onto TiO2 in the dark with a greater decrease in the fluorescence intensity and in the spectral shapes, especially under acidic pH conditions. However, at pH = 10 there was not adsorption on NOM which led to a negligible changes the fluorescence intensity. A significant high linear correlation was observed between the DOC adsorption onto TiO2 and the maximum fluorescence intensity. Additionally, the NOM adsorption onto TiO2 and its TiO2/UV degradation shifted the fluorescence maxima toward shorter wavelengths in the EEM contour plots, with a decrease in aromaticity. These changes were accompanied by a substantial decrease in the organically bound halogens adsorbable on activated carbon (AOXFP) and the trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP). Thus, the decrease in maximum fluorescence intensity can be used as an indicator of AOXFP and TTHMFP removal efficiency. Therefore, fluorescence spectroscopy is a robust analytical technique for evaluate TiO2/UV removal of NOM.

Evaluations of the TiO2/simulated solar UV degradations of XAD fractions of natural organic matter from a bog lake using size-exclusion chromatography

This work reports on the changes in compositions of humic acids (HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs) during photocatalytic degradation. The HAs and FAs were obtained from the XAD-resin fractionation of natural-organic matter (NOM) from a bog lake (Lake Hohloh, Black Forest, Germany). Degussa P-25 titanium dioxide (TiO2) in a suspension and a solar UV simulator (batch reactor) were used in the experiments. The photocatalytic degradation of the HAs and FAs were monitored using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) equipped with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ultraviolet (UV254) detection (SEC-DOC and SEC-UV254) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The evolutions of the photocatalytic degradations of the HA and FA fractions were selective. The photocatalytic degradation started with the degradations of high molecular weight compounds with relatively high UV254 absorbances in the HA and FA fractions to yield low molecular weight compounds showing less specific UV254 absorbances. Observance of the same tendency for the original NOM from Lake Hohloh indicates that these XAD-fractions still having complex compound mixtures. However, the larger molecular weight fractions of the FAs showed higher preferential adsorptions onto TiO2, which caused their faster degradation rates. Furthermore, FAs showed a greater reduction of the total THM formation potential (TTHMFP) and the organic halogen compounds adsorbable on activated carbon formation potential (AOXFP), in comparison with the HAs.

Influence of the pH-value on the photocatalytic disinfection of bacteria with TiO2--explanation by DLVO and XDLVO theory

A photocatalytic disinfection with P25 TiO(2) was conducted at three pH-values (4, 7 and 10) in NaCl solution (c = 10 mmol L(-1)). Neither the osmotic stress nor solely the pH-value had a significant impact on the survival of the Escherichia coli cells. The cells were more damaged at pH 4 than at pH 7 and 10 in irradiation experiments with TiO(2). The smallest disinfection rates occurred at pH 10. SEM images revealed that the surface of the cells was covered with TiO(2) to a greater extent at pH 4 compared to pH 10. At pH 10, the disinfection rates increased when increasing the ionic strength and changing the NaCl solution to CaCl(2). The results indicate that the disinfection rates depend on the electrostatic interaction between cells and TiO(2). The differences could be qualitatively better explained by the XDLVO theory in comparison to the DLVO theory.

Study of pH effects on the evolution of properties of brown-water natural organic matter as revealed by size-exclusion chromatography during photocatalytic degradation

This study shows the effect of pH on the photocatalytic degradation of natural organic matter (NOM). The experiments were carried out in batch reactor (a solar UV-light simulator) with Degussa P-25 titanium dioxide (TiO2). The NOM degradation was followed by size-exclusion chromatography for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence-detection (SEC-DOC, SEC-UV254 and SEC-Fl254/450). Changes in pH values affected the adsorption of NOM onto TiO2, but did not affect the photodegradation sequence of NOM. For high or low pH values, the degradation of the NOM preferentially removed the larger molecular size fraction in comparison to the middle and small molecular size fractions, resulting in the relative increase of these smaller fractions. This sequence of NOM degradation leads to the evolution of the formation potential for disinfection by-products (DBPs). Specifically, the trihalomethanes and halogenated organic compounds formation potential (THMF and AOXFP) decreased steadily.

Application of an optimized system for the well-defined exposure of human lung cells to trichloramine and indoor pool air

In this study an in vitro exposure test to investigate toxicological effects of the volatile disinfection by-product trichloramine and of real indoor pool air was established. For this purpose a set-up to generate a well-defined, clean gas stream of trichloramine was combined with biotests. Human alveolar epithelial lung cells of the cell line A-549 were exposed in a CULTEX(®) device with trichloramine concentrations between 0.1 and 40 mg/m(3) for 1 h. As toxicological endpoints the cell viability and the inflammatory response by the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were investigated. A decreasing cell viability could be observed with increasing trichloramine concentration. An increase of IL-8 release could be determined at trichloramine concentrations higher than 10 mg/m(3) and an increase of IL-6 release at concentrations of 20 mg/m(3). Investigations of indoor swimming pool air showed similar inflammatory effects to the lung cells although the air concentrations of trichloramine of 0.17 and 0.19 mg/m(3) were much lower compared with the laboratory experiments with trichloramine as the only contaminant. Therefore it is assumed that a mixture of trichloramine and other disinfection by-products in the air of indoor pool settings contribute to that effect.

Trichloramine in swimming pools--formation and mass transfer

Trichloramine is a volatile, irritant compound of penetrating odor, which is found as a disinfection by-product in the air of chlorinated indoor swimming pools from reactions of nitrogenous compounds with chlorine. Acid amides, especially urea, ammonium ions and α-amino acids have been found as most efficient trichloramine precursors at acidic and neutral pH. For urea a relative NCl(3) formation of 96% at pH 2.5 and 76% at pH 7.1 was determined. Even under sub-stoichiometric molar ratios of Cl/N the formation of NCl(3) is favored over mono and dichlorinated products. However, the reaction kinetics of urea with chlorine is slow under conditions relevant for swimming pools. Also the mass transfer of NCl(3) from water to the gas phase which was calculated by the Deacon's boundary layer model could be shown as a relatively slow process. Mass transfer would take 20 h or 5.8 d for a rough or a quiescent surface of the water, respectively. This is much more than a typical turnover rate of 6-8 h of a treatment cycle of a 25 m swimming pool. Therefore processes to remove NCl(3) and its precursors can help to minimize the exposure of bathers.

Interactions and stability of silver nanoparticles in the aqueous phase: Influence of natural organic matter (NOM) and ionic strength

The rapid development of nanotechnology and the related production and application of nanosized materials such as engineered nanoparticles (ENP) inevitably lead to the emission of these products into environmental systems. So far, little is known about the occurrence and the behaviour of ENP in environmental aquatic systems. In this contribution, the influence of natural organic matter (NOM) and ionic strength on the stability and the interactions of silver nanoparticles (n-Ag) in aqueous suspensions was investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy and asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF⁴) coupled with UV-vis detection and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). n-Ag particles were synthesized by chemical reduction of AgNO₃ with NaBH₄ in the liquid phase at different NOM concentrations. It could be observed that the destabilization effect of increasing ionic strength on n-Ag suspensions was significantly decreased in the presence of NOM, leading to a more stable n-Ag particle suspension. The results indicate that this behaviour is due to the adsorption of NOM molecules onto the surface of n-Ag particles ("coating") and the resulting steric stabilization of the particle suspension. The application of AF⁴ coupled with highly sensitive detectors turned out to be a powerful method to follow the aggregation of n-Ag particle suspensions at different physical-chemical conditions and to get meaningful information on their chemical composition and particle size distributions. The method described will also open the door to obtain reliable data on the occurrence and the behaviour of other ENP in environmental aquatic systems.

Metabolites indicate hot spots of biodegradation and biogeochemical gradients in a high-resolution monitoring well

Anaerobic degradation processes play an important role in contaminated aquifers. To indicate active biodegradation processes signature metabolites can be used. In this study field samples from a high-resolution multilevel well in a tar oil-contaminated, anoxic aquifer were analyzed for metabolites by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In addition to already known specific degradation products of toluene, xylenes, and naphthalenes, the seldom reported degradation products benzothiophenemethylsuccinic acid (BTMS), benzofuranmethylsuccinic acid (BFMS), methylnaphthyl-2-methylsuccinic acid (MNMS), and acenaphthene-5-carboxylic acid (AC) could be identified (BFMS, AC) and tentatively identified (BTMS, MNMS). The occurrence of BTMS and BFMS clearly show that the fumarate addition pathway, known for toluene and methylnaphthalene, is also important for the anaerobic degradation of heterocyclic contaminants in aquifers. The molar concentration ratios of metabolites and their related parent compounds differ over a wide range which shows that there is no simple and consistent quantitative relation. However, generally higher ratios were found for the more recalcitrant compounds, which are putatively cometabolically degraded (e.g., 2-carboxybenzothiophene and acenaphthene-5-carboxylic acid), indicating an accumulation of these metabolites. Vertical concentration profiles of benzylsuccinic acid (BS) and methyl-benzylsuccinic acid (MBS) showed distinct peaks at the fringes of the toluene and xylene plume indicating hot spots of biodegradation activity and supporting the plume fringe concept. However, there are some compounds which show a different vertical distribution with the most prominent concentrations where also the precursor compounds peaked.

Nanofiltration for enhanced removal of disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors in swimming pool water-retention and water quality estimation

Three nanofiltration (NF) membranes with a chlorine tolerance > or = 1 mg L-1 were applied to reduce DBPs and their precursors in swimming pool water. A lab scale plant with crossflow modules was installed in by-pass at the sand filter outlet of a swimming pool for a period of several weeks. The chlorine tolerances of the membranes SB90 and NP030 were found to be adequate for filtration under swimming pool water conditions over the given experimental period. Retention of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) were about 70% and 80% for SB90 and 50% and 40% for NP030, respectively. DOC accumulation in the pool and the expected fresh water consumption for a treatment system consisting of ultrafiltration (UF) and NF with backwash water treatment were estimated by mass balances based on the results. Mass balances were calculated also for a German public swimming pool with a conventional water treatment system (flocculation-sand filtration-chlorination) and were compared to DOC on-line measurements. Calculation of DOC mass balances for different UF-NF treatment scenarios showed that pool water quality could be improved significantly compared to the conventional treatment system.

Effect of selected metal ions on the photocatalytic degradation of bog lake water natural organic matter

Herein we report the photocatalytic degradation of natural organic matter from a bog lake (Lake Hohloh, Black Forest, Germany) in the presence of 0, 5, and 10 μmol L(-1) of added Cu(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+) and Fe(3+). The reactions were followed by size exclusion chromatography with organic carbon detection (SEC-DOC) and by measurements of low molecular weight organic acids. Addition of Cu(2+) had the largest effect of all four studied metals, leading to a retardation in the molecular size changes in NOM: degradation of the larger molecular weight fraction was inhibited leading to reduced production of smaller molecular weight metabolites. Similarly, addition of Cu(2+) reduced the production of formic and oxalic acids, and reduced the bioavailability of the partially degraded NOM.

Influence of the zeta potential on the sorption and toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles on S. cerevisiae and E. coli

The influence of the zeta potential on the sorption between microorganisms (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli) and iron oxide nanoparticles is demonstrated in a model salt solution at two different pH-values. There was only a 1% survival rate of E. coli (4.5 x 10(7)cells/mL) in the presence of 24 mg/L nanoparticulate iron oxide at pH 4. S. cerevisiae were less affected by the presence of the nanoparticulate iron oxide. The extent of iron oxide nanoparticle coverage on the surface of the microorganisms appears to be related to electrostatic interaction forces. Furthermore, the toxic effect of the nanoparticle concentration follows the sorption isotherm for E. coli. Based on the resulting hydrodynamic size distributions in the supernatant after sorption experiments, it could be shown that predominantly smaller particle aggregates oxide were sorbed onto E. coli. This was evident by a shift in the particle size distribution towards a larger mean particle size. The effect was observed to a lower extent for S. cerevisiae. The extent of iron oxide nanoparticle sorption on E. coli quickly reached a maximum and remained constant during a 24 h period compared to S. cerevisiae where sorption increased over time.

Nitrifying microorganisms in fixed-bed biofilm reactors fed with different nitrite and ammonia concentrations

Nitrifying bacteria and archaea were fed in fixed-bed biofilm reactors with different nitrite and ammonia concentrations in synthetic and real wastewater. During high nitrite concentrations (rho(NO(2)(-))=5-10mg/L), an increase in the abundance of Nitrobacter species was detected with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), while Nitrospira species disappeared to a large extent. During high ammonia concentrations (rho(NH(4)(+))=60-80 mg/L), a slight increase in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria was obtained, while the abundance of archaebacteria remained unchanged. Lab-scale reactors showed a similar nitrifying microbial population as reactors fed with real wastewater. However, increased abundances of Nitrospira species as observed in wastewater reactors and in the wastewater trickling filters could not be found in the laboratory reactors.

Photocatalytic degradation of clofibric acid, carbamazepine and iomeprol using conglomerated TiO2 and activated carbon in aqueous suspension

The combination of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and TiO(2) has been tested for synergistic/antagonistic effects in the photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine, clofibric acid and iomeprol. Synergistic effects are thought to be caused by rapid adsorption on the PAC surface followed by diffusion to the TiO(2) surface and photocatalytic degradation. The Freundlich constant K(F) was used for comparing the sorption properties of the three substances and it was found that K(F) for clofibric acid was 3 times lower than for carbamazepine and iomeprol, regardless of the kind of PAC used. A PAC with a distinct tendency to form conglomerates was selected so that a high percentage of the PAC surface was in direct proximity to the TiO(2) surface. The photocatalytic degradation of the pharmaceutically active compounds studied followed pseudo-first order kinetics. Synergistic effects only occurred for clofibric acid (factor 1.5) and an inverse relationship between adsorption affinity and synergistic effects was found. High affinity of the target substances to the PAC surface seemed to be counterproductive for the photocatalytic degradation.

The hybrid process TiO(2)/PAC: performance of membrane filtration

In investigations concerning the photocatalytic degradation by TiO(2) usually filter discs with a pore size of 0.22 mum and 0.45 mum are used for the removal of photocatalyst particles in aqueous suspensions. In this study the effective rejection of suspended particles by microfiltration in different types of membrane modules and with different membrane materials was investigated. Furthermore, Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC), which can be used to gain an increase in photocatalytic degradation rates, was investigated concerning its influence on the membrane performance. It is shown that by membrane filtration with a pore size above 0.1 mum, irrespective of the experimental conditions, no complete removal can be achieved. However, UV irradiation was found to improve the removal efficiency for all types of tested membrane materials. The addition of PAC also led to a higher performance of membrane filtration with regard to particle rejection. In long-term experiments with a hollow fibre membrane module in the presence of PAC a five-fold decrease of TiO(2) particles in the permeate could be proven. Besides, it was shown that added PAC can shield the membrane regarding the abrasivity of TiO(2), which could otherwise lead to the destruction of the membrane. Therewith PAC exhibits another crucial advantage besides its synergetic effect in photodegradation.

Use of fluorescence fingerprints for the estimation of bloom formation and toxin production of Microcystis aeruginosa

The development of methods facilitating the detection of cyanobacterial blooms in drinking water reservoirs at an early stage is of great importance. Fluorescence spectroscopy could meet these requirements. The study contains the examination of possible correlations between the different maxima of a fluorescence excitation-emission matrix and the amount of produced and excreted toxins of a lab culture of Microcystis aeruginosa at different stages of growth. Various fluorescence signals (protein-like and humic-like substances, pigments) are suited for an estimation of cell density and actual intra- and extracellular toxin concentration. One signal at 315nm/396nm presumably originating from protein-like substances might be useful as a tool for the prediction of increasing cyanobacterial toxin concentrations. As the measurement of fluorescence matrices is still time consuming, synchronous scans with Deltalambda=80nm were tested as a potential alternative. They accurately depict the course of protein-like and humic-like fluorescence during the different stages of growth although especially the latter one is not captured at its maximum. However, due to insufficient separation of chlorophyll a and phycocyanin, the image of the matrix maxima by synchronous scans with Deltalambda=80nm can only be used with minor restrictions. Nevertheless, fluorescence spectroscopy seems to be a powerful tool for the evaluation of cyanobacterial blooms.

A simple simulation of the degradation of natural organic matter in homogeneous and heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes

The degradation of natural organic matter (NOM) in homogeneous and heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes (AOP) was simulated using a simple underlying physical model. By treating the NOM molecules as linear chains and allowing them to be cleaved at any point selected at random, it is possible to reproduce well the results for homogeneous AOP experiments. To simulate a heterogeneous process, a bias was introduced (in the form of different weights for different chain lengths) according to literature data on the adsorption of NOM onto TiO(2) nanoparticle agglomerates. After introduction of the (adsorption) bias, the simulation closely followed the degradation sequence observed in heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO(2) suspensions. Thus, the experimental results for homogeneous AOP may well be explained by a random breakdown of the NOM molecules; that is, we find no evidence for a selective degradation of the large molecular size material. However, a selectivity is present in the heterogeneous system due to the differential adsorption of NOM onto the reactive surface.

Formation of bromoform in irradiated titanium dioxide suspensions with varying photocatalyst, dissolved organic carbon and bromide concentrations

We report the formation of bromoform in TiO(2) suspensions (P25) under simulated solar UV irradiation at different concentrations of photocatalyst (0.5-1.5 g L(-1)) as well as initial concentrations of bromide ions (1-3mg L(-1)) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2-10mg L(-1)). The extent of bromoform formation (3-17microg L(-1)) was most strongly affected by the amount of photocatalyst present and by the initial bromide concentration, increasing either of which leads to increased bromoform formation. Important interaction effects were observed when simultaneously increasing the concentrations of TiO(2) and bromide as well as of bromide and DHBA. The time it takes for bromoform to appear in measurable concentrations in the irradiated TiO(2) suspensions was between 10 and 90 min and most strongly depended on the initial concentration of dissolved organic carbon present in the suspensions, along with the amount of photocatalyst, also in interaction with the initial bromide concentration.

Simulated solar UV-irradiation of endocrine disrupting chemical octylphenol

The photolysis of octylphenol (OP) was investigated using a solar simulator in the absence/presence of dissolved natural organic matter (DNOM), HCO(3)(-), NO(3)(-) and Fe(III) ions. The effects of different parameters such as initial pH, initial concentration of substrate, temperature, and the effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on photodegradation of octylphenol in aqueous solution have been assessed. The results indicate that the oxidation rate increases in the presence of H(2)O(2), nitrate and DNOM. Phenol, 1,4-dihydroxylbenzene and 1,4-benzoquinone were identified as intermediate products of photodegradation of octylphenol, through an HPLC method. In addition, the disappearance of the estrogenic activity of octylphenol during irradiation using YES test was investigated. Based upon the YES test results, there was a strong decrease of estrogenic activity of octylphenol after 8h irradiation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Childhood asthma and environmental exposures at swimming pools: state of the science and research recommendations

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies have explored the potential for swimming pool disinfection by-products (DBPs), which are respiratory irritants, to cause asthma in young children. Here we describe the state of the science on methods for understanding children's exposure to DBPs and biologics at swimming pools and associations with new-onset childhood asthma and recommend a research agenda to improve our understanding of this issue.

DATA SOURCES

A workshop was held in Leuven, Belgium, 21-23 August 2007, to evaluate the literature and to develop a research agenda to better understand children's exposures in the swimming pool environment and their potential associations with new-onset asthma. Participants, including clinicians, epidemiologists, exposure scientists, pool operations experts, and chemists, reviewed the literature, prepared background summaries, and held extensive discussions on the relevant published studies, knowledge of asthma characterization and exposures at swimming pools, and epidemiologic study designs.

SYNTHESIS

Childhood swimming and new-onset childhood asthma have clear implications for public health. If attendance at indoor pools increases risk of childhood asthma, then concerns are warranted and action is necessary. If there is no such relationship, these concerns could unnecessarily deter children from indoor swimming and/or compromise water disinfection.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence of an association between childhood swimming and new-onset asthma is suggestive but not conclusive. Important data gaps need to be filled, particularly in exposure assessment and characterization of asthma in the very young. Participants recommended that additional evaluations using a multidisciplinary approach are needed to determine whether a clear association exists.

Reconsidering the quantitative analysis of organic carbon concentrations in size exclusion chromatography

The evaluation of the molecular size distribution of natural organic matter (NOM) in aquatic environments via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is important for the understanding of environmental processes such as nutrient cycling and pollutant transport as well as of technical water treatment processes. The use of organic carbon (OC) detectors has become popular in recent studies due to improved availability and quantification possibilities, which supposedly are superior to those of ultraviolet (UV) detectors. A set of 12 NOM samples was used to demonstrate the limitations of online OC detection (OCD) when analyzing complex aquatic organic matter. A novel evaluation approach for SEC data is introduced by combining the information from UV absorbance (UVA) and OCD chromatograms as well as offline total OC (t-OC) and dissolved OC-specific UVA (SUVA) measurements. It could be shown that about 70% of certain OC components were not detected with the OCD system used in this study. For the investigated samples, these types of carbon accounted for up to 72% of the t-OC, i.e. for such NOM samples quantification by OCD is not possible or at least highly questionable. The addition of an oxidant improved the overall oxidation efficiency only slightly. Most likely NOM that predominantly consists of polysaccharides and features a nominal molecular weight of 150kg/mol or more was responsible for low OCD yields. For future applications, a further improvement of the OCD system would be worthwhile so that quantitative analytical data on the molecular size distribution of NOM and its structural characteristics such as the SUVA distribution can be obtained.

Assessing contaminant mobilization from waste materials: application of Bayesian parameter estimation to batch extraction tests at varying liquid-to-solid ratios

We investigated the release of chloride, sulfate, sodium, copper, chromium, and dissolved organic carbon from a demolition waste material and a municipal waste incineration product Batch leaching tests at the liquid-to-solid ratios (L/S ratios) 1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 L kg(-1) were carried out and the parameters of a mass balance-partitioning model were estimated from measured concentrations in the extracts by applying a Bayesian approach using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampler. We assessed the uncertainty of the model parameters, the desorption isotherms, and the model-predicted concentrations, respectively. Both the excellent fit to the experimental data and a comparison between the model-predicted and independently measured concentrations at the L/S ratios of 0.25 and 0.5 L kg(-1) showed the applicability of the model for almost all studied substances and both materials. Since experimental difficulties impede extraction tests at L/S ratios representative of field soil-water contents, the predictability of concentrations in this range is of great practical relevance for risk assessments. We conclude that batch extraction tests at varying L/S ratios provide, at moderate experimental cost, a powerful complement to established test designs like column leaching or single batch extraction tests.

Formation of brominated products in irradiated titanium dioxide suspensions containing bromide and dissolved organic carbon

We report the irradiation of TiO(2) suspensions containing Br(-) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In the absence of DOC, we found no evidence for the formation of BrO(3)(-) upon irradiation of 1gL(-1) P25 suspensions with UV light for initial Br(-) concentrations up to 10mgL(-1). In the presence of DOC (Lake Hohloh, Germany and salicylic acid), we found no evidence for the formation of either BrO(3)(-) or trihalomethanes (THMs). However, small amounts of adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) were formed at high bromide concentrations (3mgL(-1)). When irradiating P25 suspensions containing bromide and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA, high bromoform formation potential), we observed the formation of significant amounts of bromoform (up to 10microgL(-1)). Bromoform appeared only after the DHBA had been degraded.

The effect of nitrate, Fe(III) and bicarbonate on the degradation of bisphenol A by simulated solar UV-irradiation

The photoinitiated degradation of bisphenol A (BPA, 520 micromol/L) was investigated using a solar simulator in the absence/presence of NO(3)(-), Fe(III), and HCO(3)(-). The concentrations of NO(3)(-), Fe(III), and HCO(3)(-) were 0-160, 0-10, and 0-820 micromol/L, respectively, and were chosen to simulate a natural aquatic environment. The experimental region was explored using a Box-Behnken design for three factors, extended to experimentally include all eight possible combinations of presence/absence of the factors studied. The results show that, after 7h of irradiation, photolysis occurs only to a minimal degree (2%) in the absence of NO(3)(-) and HCO(3)(-). Increasing the concentration of NO(3)(-) and HCO(3)(-) gives rise to up to 24% degradation after 7h of irradiation. The concentration of Fe(III) was found to play no active role under the conditions studied. A simple linear model is given that very well describes the results obtained.

Drowning in disinfection byproducts? Assessing swimming pool water

Disinfection is mandatory for swimming pools: public pools are usually disinfected by gaseous chlorine or sodium hypochlorite and cartridge filters; home pools typically use stabilized chlorine. These methods produce a variety of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which are regulated carcinogenic DBPs in drinking water that have been detected in the blood and breath of swimmers and of nonswimmers at indoor pools. Also produced are halogenated acetic acids (HAAs) and haloketones, which irritate the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes; trichloramine, which is linked with swimming-pool-associated asthma; and halogenated derivatives of UV sun screens, some of which show endocrine effects. Precursors of DBPs include human body substances, chemicals used in cosmetics and sun screens, and natural organic matter. Analytical research has focused also on the identification of an additional portion of unknown DBPs using gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography (LC)/MS/MS with derivatization. Children swimmers have an increased risk of developing asthma and infections of the respiratory tract and ear. A 1.6-2.0-fold increased risk for bladder cancer has been associated with swimming or showering/bathing with chlorinated water. Bladder cancer risk from THM exposure (all routes combined) was greatest among those with the GSTT1-1 gene. This suggests a mechanism involving distribution of THMs to the bladder by dermal/inhalation exposure and activation there by GSTT1-1 to mutagens. DBPs may be reduced by engineering and behavioral means, such as applying new oxidation and filtration methods, reducing bromide and iodide in the source water, increasing air circulation in indoor pools, and assuring the cleanliness of swimmers. The positive health effects gained by swimming can be increased by reducing the potential adverse health risks.

Comparison of leaching tests to determine and quantify the release of inorganic contaminants in demolition waste

The changes in waste management policy caused by the massive generation of waste materials (e.g. construction and demolition waste material, municipal waste incineration products) has led to an increase in the reuse and recycling of waste materials. For environmental risk assessment, test procedures are necessary to examine waste materials before they can be reused. In this article, results of column and lysimeter leaching tests having been applied to inorganic compounds in a reference demolition waste material are presented. The results show a good agreement between the leaching behaviour determined with the lysimeter unit and the column units used in the laboratory. In view of less time and system requirements compared to lysimeter systems, laboratory column units can be considered as a practicable instrument to assess the time-dependent release of inorganic compounds under conditions similar to those encountered in a natural environment. The high concentrations of elements in the seepage water at the initial stage of elution are reflected by the laboratory column leaching tests. In particular, authorities or laboratories might benefit and have an easy-to-use, but nevertheless reliable, method to serve as a basis for decision-making.

Degradation of endocrine disrupting bisphenol A by 254 nm irradiation in different water matrices and effect on yeast cells

The photodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in pure water, surface water and wastewater effluents was studied. The effect of different hydrogen peroxide concentrations on degradation was investigated. The rate of BPA photolysis in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was lower in wastewater effluent than in purified water. Phenol, 1,4-dihydroxylbenzene and 1,4-benzoquinone were identified by means of HPLC as intermediate products of the photodegradation of bisphenol A. In addition, the disappearance of the estrogenic activity of bisphenol A during irradiation was shown by the YES test. Based upon the YES test results, there was a strong decrease of estrogenic activity of parent compound after 120 min irradiation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Photodegradation of endocrine disrupting chemical nonylphenol by simulated solar UV-irradiation

The photolysis of nonylphenol (NP) was investigated using a solar simulator in the absence/presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM), HCO3-, NO3- and Fe(III) ions. The effects of different parameters such as initial pH, initial concentration of substrate, temperature, and the effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on photodegradation of nonylphenol in aqueous solution have been assessed. The results indicate that the oxidation rate increases in the presence of H2O2, Fe(III) and DOM with dissolved organic carbon concentrations not higher than 3 mg L(-1). Phenol, 1,4-dihydroxylbenzene and 1,4-benzoquinone were identified as intermediate products of photodegradation of nonylphenol, through an HPLC method. In addition, the disappearance of the estrogenic activity of nonylphenol during irradiation using YES test was investigated. Based upon the YES test results, there was a strong decrease of estrogenic activity of nonylphenol after 80 h irradiation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Monitoring the formation of an Aureobasidium pullulans biofilm in a bead-packed reactor via flow-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

The biofilm-forming fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 2404, was grown in a bead-packed reactor. Alterations within the reactor were analysed in several cross-sectional slices by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with flow contrast. For the first time, biofilm accumulation could be continuously elucidated without using any contrast agents, and the non-stationary flow through the fixed-bed reactor could be visualized. The results indicate that the non-stationary flow through the biofilm reactor changes significantly due to the changing reactor morphology. Preferential flow lines arise during biofilm formation. The accumulation of the biomass was determined and compared to gravimetrical biomass data. The described technique can be used to monitor hydrodynamic transport, and to combine flow-field characteristics with morphological data for the prediction of undesirable reactor processes, e.g. clogging.

Swimming pool water--fractionation and genotoxicological characterization of organic constituents

Swimming pool water treatment in general includes flocculation, sand filtration, and subsequent disinfection with chlorine. The continuous chlorination and input of organic material by bathers in combination with recirculation of the pool water leads to an accumulation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in the water. Several DBPs have been identified as human carcinogens and are thought to cause allergic asthma. Therefore, the elimination of DBPs is one major aim of pool water treatment. Using membrane filtration as an alternative treatment technology, DBPs can be removed more efficiently than with conventional treatment. In this study membrane filtration and genotoxicity testing were applied for the characterization of pool water constituents and for the identification of the necessary molecular weight cut off of the membrane for an efficient elimination. Two-step membrane filtration revealed that most of the DBPs (as adsorbable organically bound halogen, AOX) were present in the molecular weight fraction below 1000 g/mol. The fraction below 200 g/mol contained more than 30% of the AOX. The distribution of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) across the fractions was similar to that of the AOX. The genotoxicity was found to be strongest in the low-molecular weight fraction. Thus, considerable DBP removal by membrane treatment requires membranes with low-molecular weight cut offs down to 200 g/mol. The comprehensive elimination of the genotoxic compounds requires further treatment steps.

Size exclusion chromatography to characterize DOC removal in drinking water treatment

A full-scale (110 ML/d) potable water treatment plant (WTP) based on the MIEX process, an innovative new process based on a strong base anion-exchange resin with magnetic properties, has been operating in Perth Western Australia since 2001. This plant has been configured so that a combined MIEX-coagulation (MIEX-C) process can be operated in parallel with a conventional enhanced coagulation (EC) process, allowing comparison of the performance of the two processes. Here, we report the use of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to compare the removal of different apparent molecular weight (AMW) fractions of DOC by the two processes. Water was sampled from five key locations within the WTP, and SEC was carried out using three different on-line detector systems, DOC-specific detection, UV absorbance detection at lambda = 254 nm, and fluorescence detection (lambda(ex) = 282 nm; lambda(em) = 353 nm). This approach provided information on the chemical nature of the DOC comprising the various AMW fractions. The study showed that the MIEX-C process outperformed the EC process with greater removal of DOC in each of the eight separate AMW fractions identified. While EC preferentially removed the fractions of highest AMW, and those exhibiting the greatest aromatic (humic) character, MIEX-C removed DOC across all AMW fractions and did not appear to discriminate as strongly on the basis of differences in aromatic character or AMW. The results demonstrate the benefits of combining these complementary treatment processes. The study also demonstrates the utility of SEC coupled with multiple detection systems in determining the characteristics of various AMW components of DOC.

Cross-flow microfiltration with periodical back-washing for photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical and diagnostic residues-evaluation of the long-term stability of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2

The combination of semiconductor photocatalysis with cross-flow microfiltration accompanied by periodical back-washing was investigated in a pilot plant. The investigation included the testing of membrane materials because the membrane must resist the abrasion and the periodical back-washing. Another objective of this investigation was to assess the potential of two different TiO(2) materials (Hombikat UV100 and P25) for continuous photocatalytic degradation of persistent organic pollutants. The study focused on the long-term stability of the photocatalytic activity of TiO(2) during its continuous application. The combination of photocatalysis and cross-flow microfiltration allowed the separation and reuse of TiO(2) after the photocatalytic degradation of clofibric acid, carbamazepine and iomeprol. The investigations showed that the photocatalytic activity of P25 and Hombikat UV100 was constant during continuous usage over several days. This study indicates the high potential of the combination of heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation processes with cross-flow microfiltration accompanied by periodical back-washing of the membrane. Thus environmentally relevant pharmaceuticals and X-ray contrast media can be transformed and mineralized in a continuous water treatment process.

Photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine, clofibric acid and iomeprol with P25 and Hombikat UV100 in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) and other organic water constituents

The photocatalytic degradation of natural organic matter (NOM) and organic substance mixtures under simulated solar UV light has been investigated with suspended TiO(2). It could be shown by size-exclusion chromatography that photocatalysis of NOM led to a reduction of the average hydrodynamic radii and presumably of the nominal molecular weight, too. The decrease of the UV/Vis absorption of NOM was faster than the NOM mineralization. This study also focuses on the different abilities of photocatalytic materials (P25 and Hombikat UV100) to decrease persistent substances influenced by the presence of NOM and mixtures of pharmaceuticals or diagnostic agents. In general, the presence of NOM and other organic substances retarded the photocatalysis of a specific persistent substance by the combination of radiation attenuation, competition for active sites and surface deactivation of the catalyst by adsorption. The results of this work prove that photocatalysis is a promising technology to reduce persistent substances like NOM, carbamazepine, clofibric acid, iomeprol and iopromide even if they are present in a complex matrix.

Ultrafiltration of nonionic surfactants and dissolved organic matter

A brownwater sample with a high content of humic substances (HS) was fractionated by multistage ultrafiltration (mst-UF) into five fractions with nominal molecular weights ranging from >30 to <1 kDa. Fractions were characterized with respect to molecular size distribution and structure. Size exclusion chromatography with online DOC detection revealed that mst-UF yielded fractions with decreasing Mp (molecular weight at peak maximum) and polydispersities from nominally large to small mst-UF fractions. 13C MAS NMR analysis showed that the content of carbohydrate structures decreased from the original sample toward smaller molecular weight (MW) fractions, which in turn contained more carboxylic groups and branched aliphatic structures. Specific UV absorbances (SUVA254) were highest in the >30 kDa fraction and decreased with decreasing MW. To evaluate whether separation mechanisms other than size exclusion were of importance during the fractionation, the behavior of low molecular weight model compounds (MC) with a range of polarities was studied. Recoveries decreased with increasing hydrophobicity of the MC. For selected nonylphenol ethoxylates and 4-nonylphenol the recovery correlated well with the hydrophile-lipophile balance value. The presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) caused an additional loss of hydrophobic MC, possibly because of sorption of the compounds onto DOM fouling layers. The hydrophilic MC caffeine was recovered almost completely (85-86%) regardless of the DOM content of the model solution. It was concluded that size exclusion was the dominant fractionation mechanism for caffeine, whereas hydrophobic interactions played a major role during the mst-UF fractionation of nonpolar contaminants. For a better understanding of the behavior of polyfunctional molecules such as HS, the effect of other physicochemical properties needs to be investigated in further studies.