Mobile measurement of vehicle emission factors in a roadway tunnel: A concentration gradient approach

Tunnels are the preferred experimental environments for estimating vehicle emission factors (EFs) under real-world driving conditions. In this study, online measurements of traffic-related air pollutants (including CO₂, NO_X, SO₂, O₃, particulate matter [PM], and volatile organic compounds [VOCs]) were conducted using a mobile laboratory in the Sujungsan Tunnel in Busan, Korea. Mobile measurements generated concentration profiles of the target exhaust emissions inside the tunnel. These data were used to produce a zonation of the tunnel, i.e., mixing and accumulation zones. There were differences between the CO₂, SO₂, and NO_X profiles, and a starting point that was free from ambient air mixing effects could be set at 600 m from the tunnel entrance. The EFs of vehicle exhaust emissions were calculated using pollutant concentration gradients. The average EFs for CO₂, NO, NO₂, SO₂, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and ∑VOCs were 149,000, 380, 55, 29.2, 9.64, 4.33, and 16.7 mg km^-1·veh^-1, respectively. Among the VOC groups, alkanes contributed more than 70% of the VOC EF. Mobile measurement-derived EFs were validated using the conventional EFs from stationary measurements. The EF results from the mobile measurements matched those from the stationary measurements, while the absolute concentration differences between them implied complex aerodynamic movements of the target pollutants inside the tunnel. This study demonstrated the usefulness and advantages of applying mobile measurements in a tunnel environment and indicated the potential of the approach for observation-based policymaking.

Emissions from ships' activities in the anchorage zone: A potential source of sub-micron aerosols in port areas

Busan Port is among the world's top ten most air-polluted ports, but the role of the anchorage zone as a significant contributor to pollution has not been studied. To assess the emission characteristics of sub-micron aerosols, a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed in Busan, South Korea from September 10 to October 6, 2020. The concentration of all AMS-identified species and black carbon were highest when the winds came from the anchorage zone (11.9 µg·m^-3) and lowest with winds from the open ocean (6.64 µg·m^-3). The positive matrix factorization model identified one hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) and two oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) sources. HOAs were highest with winds from Busan Port, while oxidized OOAs were predominant with winds from the anchorage zone (less oxidized) and the open ocean (more oxidized). We calculated the emissions from the anchorage zone using ship activity data and compared them to the total emissions from Busan Port. Our results suggest that emissions from ship activities in the anchorage zone should be considered a significant source of pollution in the Busan Port area, especially given the substantial contributions of gaseous emissions (NOx: 8.78%; volatile organic compounds: 7.52%) and their oxidized moieties as secondary aerosols.

Chemical characterization of sub-micron aerosols over the East Sea (Sea of Japan)

Studies of the land-sea-air interactions of aerosol are scarce considering their significant role in global environmental changes. Here, we investigated potential sources of sub-micron aerosols over the East Sea (Sea of Japan), which is strongly influenced by continental and marine aerosols. A high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was used to measure the size-resolved chemical compositions of sub-micron aerosols during the period March 10-15, 2020. Concentrations of all AMS species, black carbon (BC), PM₁₀ (particulate matter <10 μm) and PM_2.5 (particulate matter <2.5 μm) were higher when cruising in industrialized coastal areas compared to the offshore region. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) model identified five distinct sources, i.e., hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol, semi-volatile and low-volatile oxygenated aerosols, methanesulfonic acid (MSA), and dimethyl sulfide (DMS; C₂H₆S) oxidation, which accounted for 5.98 %, 21.6 %, 28.3 %, 34.5 %, and 9.64 % of the total organic mass, respectively. The spatiotemporal variation of MSA, as well as the MSA to sulfate ratio (MSA:SO₄^2-) over the East Sea, was determined for the first time. The mass concentrations of MSA displayed a similar time series distribution pattern to those of DMS. The time series distributions of the MSA:SO₄^2- ratio displayed distinct differences, with higher ratios downwind of the ocean (0.216 ± 0.083 μg·m^-3) than land (0.089 ± 0.030 μg·m^-3). The growth of ultrafine particles (10-35 nm) was observed during two of the elevated MSA:SO₄^2- ratio events, suggesting a potential role of MSA in new particle formation.

Determination of anthropogenic organics in dichlomethane extracts of aerosol particulate matter collected from four different locations in China and Republic of Korea by GC-MS and FTICR-MS

In this study, the hypothesis that particulate matter in east of Korea peninsula would be significantly influenced by particulate matter originated from east of China was evaluated. To test the hypothesis, water-insoluble compounds in particulate matter samples collected from three different locations in Korea and one in China were characterized by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Each sample was collected twice, in winter and in spring. The GC-MS data revealed the presence of high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo[a]anthracene in the samples from Tianjin, China. The sample collected in the winter from Baengnyeong Island, which is the location in Korea that is geographically closest to the east coast of China was also rich in aromatic compounds. Meanwhile, the APPI FTICR-MS data showed that polycondensed PAHs and two- to four-ring PAHs with long alkyl chains were abundant in the winter samples from Tianjin and Baengnyeong Island which stems most likely from coal combustion in the eastern China. In contrast, nonaromatic compounds with a biogenic origin were mostly observed in samples collected from islands located in eastern (Ulleung Island) and southern (Jeju Island) Korea. A principal component analysis by FTICR-MS and GC-MS also showed that the samples from Tianjin and those collected from Baengnyeong Island in the winter are strongly associated with coal combustion, whereas the other samples are mainly influenced by vehicle emissions. Therefore, it is concluded that the atmosphere from east of China has significant influence over atmosphere in west of Korea peninsula.

[Application of the submandibular gland for management of stage 3 medication-related osteonecrosis of the mandible]

Objective: To summarize the clinical outcomes of reconstruction plate fixation combined with submandibular gland translocation (A) or reconstruction plate fixation combined with submental island flap and submandibular gland (B) for mandibular stage-3 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Methods: The clinical data of the patients with stage-3 mandibular MRONJ treated with one of the above mentioned procedures from September 2014 to December 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data included the general data of the patients, the initial mucosal healing rate at the time of 2 weeks postoperatively and follow-up, and the occurrence of complications. Results: A total of 40 patients were treated, including 17 males and 23 females, aged (64.6±8.9) years. Among the patients, 33 were treated with operation A and 7 with operation B. The initial mucosal healing rate was 90% (36/40). Plate fracture occurred in 4 patients. The mean length of the mandibular bony defect was (4.5±1.4) cm (ranged from 2.1 to 8.0 cm). Conclusions: For management of stage-3 mandibular MRONJ, reconstruction plate fixation combined with submandibular gland translocation or with submental island flap and submandibular gland might be one of the effective and reliable options.

Stability of mechanically and chemically dispersed oil: Effect of particle types on oil dispersion

Oil spill dispersant (OSD) application is one of the preferred cleanup options to cope with oil spills at sea. OSD, in principle, can enhance biodegradation of oil because of its effectiveness in producing relatively small droplets and dispersing them into the water column. Under turbulent conditions, suspended particulate matter (SPM) which are present naturally in the environment can interact with oil to form aggregates known as oil-SPM aggregates (OSA) which also enhances biodegradation of oil. Despite its high dispersion effectiveness, chemically dispersed oil (CDO) has a tendency to resurface with increasing time which decreases the biodegradation potential. Meanwhile, the presence of SPM prevents recoalescence of dispersed oil which can enhance stability of oil droplets. This study focused on the effects of SPM on the dispersion effectiveness and stability of mechanically dispersed oil (MDO) and CDO. Dispersion tests of MDO and CDO extended to 72 h with and without SPM to see the initial effectiveness and the prolonged stability of dispersed oil. In the presence of SPM, the oil dispersed by MDO increased by 14.8-40.7%, while the resurfacing oil by CDO decreased by 8.7-19.4%. Regardless of SPM type, oil dispersion effectiveness and stability of MDO and CDO were significantly increased. Long-term stability test for 3 months showed that stability of OSA increased as the particle size decreased and particle counts increased.

Rapid recovery of coastal environment and ecosystem to the Hebei Spirit oil spill's impact

The 2007 Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS), the largest in the national history, has negatively impacted the entire environment and ecosystem along the west coast of South Korea. Although many studies have reported the damages and impacts from the HSOS, quantitative assessment evaluating the recovery time and status have not been documented. Here, we first address the recovery timeline of the HSOS, by comprehensive analyses of 10-years accumulated data in quantitative manner. Concentrations of residual oils in seawater, sediments, and oysters rapidly dropped to backgrounds in 16, 75, and 33 months, respectively. Also, damaged benthic communities of intertidal and subtidal areas were fully recovered only after ~6 years. The present results collectively indicated unexpectedly fast recovery of the damaged environment and ecosystem from such a huge oil spill. The high tidal mixing (~9 m tidal height) and intensive human cleanup (~1.2 million volunteers) at the initial cleanup period might have contributed to rapid recovery; cf. 4-5 times faster than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. However, potential risk to human health remains unclear. Thus, it is warranted to conduct more in depth epidemiological studies to address chronic health effects associated with the cleanup volunteers as well as the local residents who have been living nearby the oil spill impacted sites.

Environmental significance of lubricant oil: A systematic study of photooxidation and its consequences

Lubricant (lube) oil discharge from ships has been widely considered as normal "operational consumption", but is now deemed to be oil pollution. Despite the chronic contamination of the marine environment by lube oil, the number of studies related to its environmental impact, characteristics, and toxicity is limited. This study is the first attempt to investigate the environmental fate of lube oil subjected to photooxidation using in situ mesocosms. A tiered approach using thin-layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) demonstrated compositional changes in lube oil and the water-soluble fraction (WSF). Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ΣPAHs) in lube oil after 96 h of photooxidation were measured at 79.8 and 41 μg/g in the control (Con) and exposure (Exp) groups, respectively. Meanwhile, the ΣPAHs concentration in WSF after 96 h was very low, at 0.25 and 0.45 μg/L in Con and Exp, respectively. FTIR and GC-MS helped identify bond changes and photoproducts in WSF. A wide range of photoproducts, including carboxylic acids, esters, anhydrides, aldehydes and ketones, were identified in WSF. Toxic effects of WSF in both the Con and Exp groups obtained after 96 h of photooxidation were evaluated on olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) embryos. Morphological defects, especially tail fin fold defects, were found to be significantly elevated in both the Con and Exp groups, with marginally higher frequency in Exp. The results of this study demonstrate the need for further research on lube oil weathering, including monitoring over prolonged periods of time.

Molecular level determination of water accommodated fraction with embryonic developmental toxicity generated by photooxidation of spilled oil

In this study, developmental toxicity was increased as the oil was further degraded under natural sunlight. Detailed chemical composition of the degraded oils was examined by use of gas chromatography (GC) and (-) electrospray ionization ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (UHR-MS). Baseline toxicities were estimated based on chemical activities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and it was obvious that the predicted chemical activities can not explain increased toxicity alone. However, the ultrahigh resolution mass spectral abundance of polar compounds including O₃ and O₄ class compounds was significantly increased as the photodegradation proceeded. Further examination of double bond equivalence values of the compounds showed that polar compounds with both non-aromatic and aromatic polar structures were increased. Statistical analysis indicates that the increased toxicity can be well explained by the increased polar compounds. Therefore, the oxygenated compounds identified in this study can play an important role in toxicity of degraded oils.

[Sagittal fracture of mandibular condyle: a review of 151 cases]

Objective: A retrospective research was made to summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, results of the adult cases with sagittal fracture of mandibular condyle (SFMC). Methods: One hundred and fifty-one cases of hospitalized patients were enrolled. The age, sex, etiology, level of fracture, degree of displacement, associated facial fractures, treatment methods and results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The patient's age ranged from 16 to 81 years old, with a median age of 38.5 years. The male to female ratio was 2.97∶1. The most involved age group was 20-29 years old [35.1% (53/151)]. Falls [53.6% (81/151)] were the most common cause. According to the classification of He (2009) and Duan (2011), the most common type of SFMC was type A [60.5% (130/215)] and the displacement type [80.9% (174/215)]. Eighty-six point zero percent (185/215) of SFMC were treated by surgery. The surgical rates of type A, B and M fractures were 91.5% (119/130), 79.6% (43/54) and 88.5% (23/26), with significant differences between the groups (P<0.05). The surgical rates of the displacement and dislocation type were 89.7% and 100%, with significant differences. The differences between the fixations of type A, type B and type M fractures were statistically significant. The follow-up results showed that, 78.7% (59/75) of patients treated with surgery had normal occlusion, no joint symptoms and no limited mandibular movement. Patients treated with conservative therapy had good occlusion and an average maximum mouth opening of 36.25 mm with malunion occurred in 5/6 of the condyles. Conclusions: Under appropriate surgical indications, surgical treatment of SFMCs could achieve significantly better outcomes than conservative treatment.

Suspended particles enhance biodegradation of oil in sea

Biodegradation patterns of oil in four distinct phases were compared over a 14-day series of exposures. The dispersibility and stability of oil droplets in the water column were important factors affecting oil biodegradation. Due to the stability of oil droplets with particle interactions, oil-suspended particulate matter aggregates (OSA) showed a five-fold enhancement in biodegradation compared to non-dispersed oil. The reduction of total petroleum hydrocarbons was highest in OSA (51.45%), followed by chemically dispersed oil (33.5%), oil film (21.6%), and water-accommodated fractions (WAF, 14.3%). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) profiles and percentage weathering plots showed that reductions in PAHs in WAF, oil film, and chemically dispersed oil were mainly due to evaporation (41.5-69.5%) and only partially due to biodegradation (7.4-16.3%). However, the reduction of PAHs in OSA was driven more by biodegradation (36.8%) than evaporation (29.7%). The strong PAH-particle interactions in OSA inhibited evaporation of PAHs and enhanced microorganism biodegradation in the water column.

A systematic study of the effects of solvents on phenanthrene photooxidation

A systematic study of the photooxidation of phenanthrene under simulated environmental conditions was conducted in vitro using polar (methanol, acetonitrile) and non-polar (isooctane, hexane) solvents as media. In all solvents, phenanthrene concentration decreased exponentially as exposure time increased. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were used to investigate the structural changes induced by photooxidation. After 24 h of photooxidation, FTIR showed the formation of characteristic bands of carboxylic acid in all solvents. In non-polar solvents, characteristic phenanthrene peaks were completely depleted after 48 h. In polar solvents, phenanthrene peaks disappeared at a slower rate, with peaks in acetonitrile disappearing at 72 h and methanol persisting at trace levels at 96 h. The reaction rate was higher in non-polar solvents. The obtained half-lives were observed in the following order: isooctane (13.2 h) > hexane (13.5 h) > methanol (18.0 h) > acetonitrile (22.8 h). FTIR and GC-MS results were in good agreement and showed the formation of carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones in polar solvents and carboxylic acids, alkanes, and alkanoic acids in non-polar solvents. Products such as primary amides induced by solvent effects were observed in acetonitrile. Based on the results, the solvents were rated and a solvent selection guide for photooxidation of PAHs was provided.

Fate of residual oils during remediation activities after the Wu Yi San oil spill

In this study, the fate of residual oils was investigated during remediation activities for a year after the Wu Yi San oil spill. Microscope observations showed that relatively large amounts of oil-suspended particulate matter aggregate (OSA) were formed. Negatively buoyant OSA was the dominant form (>95%), followed by neutrally (~5%) and positively buoyant (<1%) forms. To elucidate the dominance of negative buoyancy OSA, physicochemical properties of the mineral and residual oils were identified. Chemical analysis showed that the weathering percentage of residual oils was 43.7 ± 2.59%, which was the driving factor for sedimentation of OSA. As the density of oil increased with weathering stages, the density of OSA also increased simultaneously. These results showed that, during mechanical remediation activities, resurfaced residual oils can form negative buoyancy OSA which tends to sink and transfers oil contaminants from intertidal to benthic environments.

A preliminary study on the role of suspended particulate matter in the bioavailability of oil-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to oysters

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) refers to fine-grained materials that are suspended in water columns. By providing a surface for the adsorption of non-polar organic compounds, SPM is a carrier for persistent and toxic contaminants. A wide range of organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can be adsorbed onto SPM. The formation of particle-associated PAHs can sequentially increase the potential for exposure to and bioaccumulation by organisms. Until recently, most oil exposure studies were performed using freely dissolved and dispersed forms, and therefore the role of SPM in influencing the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of PAHs has not been considered. This study found that SPM influences the bioavailability of petrogenic PAHs in the water column and their potential for accumulation in oysters. SPM significantly enhanced the water column entrainment of petrogenic PAHs, thus increasing the potentials for uptake by exposed organisms. PAHs in the water column was highest from mechanically dispersed oil (MDO; 2.27 μg/mL) ≥ oil-SPM aggregate (OSA; 1.96 μg/mL) > water accommodated fraction (WAF; 0.19 μg/mL) but the percentage of PAHs accumulated in oysters were highest from WAF (18.3%) > MDO (14.2%) > OSA (9.62%). Despite the high water column available PAHs, oysters exposed to SPM-associated oil accumulated PAHs at half the accumulation efficiency compared with those exposed to PAHs without SPM.

Estimating degree of degradation of spilled oils based on relative abundance of aromatic compounds observed by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry

Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) was applied for the first time to study temporal change of photo-oxidized and weathered oils subjected to degradation. PSI is chosen in this study because it is an optimal ionization technique for the analysis of degraded oils with limited sample quantity and prone to salt and particulate contamination. With PSI-MS, quantitative analysis of oils can be successfully performed with as little as 2 μg of oil sample. In addition, oil solutions containing up to 0.05% sodium chloride were successfully analyzed with PSI-MS. In the PSI-MS spectra of photo-degraded oils, the relative abundance of compounds having double equivalence value (DBE) ≥ 5 increased but those with DBE < 5 decreased in number. The summed abundance ratio of compounds having DBE < 5 and DBE ≥ 5 showed a negative exponential correlation with the duration of UV exposure in laboratory experiments. The same trend was observed from spilled oils obtained from the environment. Therefore, this ratio serves as an effective means to estimate the degree of weathering in spilled oils.

Contamination and Human Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Oysters After the Wu Yi San Oil Spill in Korea

After the collision of the Singapore-registered oil tanker M/V Wu Yi San into the oil terminal of Yeosu, Korea on January 31, 2014, approximately 900 m³ of oil and oil mixture were released from the ruptured pipelines. The oil affected more than 10 km of coastline along Gwangyang Bay. Emergency oil spill responses recovered bulk oil at sea and cleaned up the stranded oil on shore. As part of an emergency environmental impact assessment, region-wide monitoring of oil contamination in oyster had been conducted for 2 months. Highly elevated concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected at most of the spill affected sites. Four days after the spill, the levels of PAHs in oysters increased dramatically to 627-81,000 ng/g, the average of which was 20 times higher than those found before the spill (321-4040 ng/g). The level of PAHs in these oysters increased until 10 days after the spill and then decreased. Due to the strong tidal current and easterly winter winds, the eastern part of the Bay-the Namhae region-was heavily contaminated compared with other regions. The accumulation and depuration of spilled oil in oyster corresponded with the duration and intensity of the cleanup activities, which is the first field observation in oil spill cases. Human health risk assessments showed that benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentrations exceeded levels of concern in the highly contaminated sites, even 60 days after the spill.

Long-Term Monitoring of PAH Contamination in Sediment and Recovery After the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill

Approximately 10,900 t of crude oil was released 10 km off the west coast of Korea after the collision between the oil tanker Hebei Spirit and a barge carrying a crane in December 2007. To assess the areal extent and temporal trends of PAH contamination, 428 sediment samples were collected from December 2007 through May 2015 for PAH analysis. Sedimentary PAH concentrations measured immediately after the spill ranged from 3.2 to 71,200 ng g^-1, with a mean of 3800 ng g^-1. Increases in PAH concentrations were observed at stations 7-23, which were heavily oiled due to tidal currents and northwesterly wind that transported the spilled oil to these locations. Mean and maximum PAH concentrations decreased drastically from 3800 to 88.5 and 71,200 to 1700 ng g^-1, respectively, 4 months after the spill. PAH concentrations highly fluctuated until September 2008 and then decreased slowly to background levels. Reduction rate was much faster at the sandy beaches (k = 0.016) than in the muddy sites (k = 0.001). In muddy sediments, low attenuation due to low flushing rate in the mostly anaerobic sediment possibly contributed the persistence of PAHs. By May 2015 (~7.5 years after the spill), mean and maximum PAH concentrations decreased by 54 and 481 times, respectively, compared with the peak concentrations. The sedimentary PAH concentrations in the monitoring area have returned to regional background levels.

Developmental toxicity in flounder embryos exposed to crude oils derived from different geographical regions

Crude oils from distinct geographical regions have distinct chemical compositions, and, as a result, their toxicity may be different. However, developmental toxicity of crude oils derived from different geographical regions has not been extensively characterized. In this study, flounder embryos were separately exposed to effluents contaminated by three crude oils including: Basrah Light (BLO), Pyrenees (PCO), and Sakhalin Vityaz (SVO), in addition to a processed fuel oil (MFO-380), to measure developmental toxicity and for gene expressions. Each oil possessed a distinct chemical composition. Edema defect was highest in embryos exposed to PCO and MFO-380 that both have a greater fraction of three-ring PAHs (33% and 22%, respectively) compared to BLO and SVO. Observed caudal fin defects were higher in embryos exposed to SVO and MFO-380, which are both dominated by naphthalenes (81% and 52%, respectively). CYP1A gene expressions were also highest in embryos exposed to SVO and MFO-380. Higher incidence of cardiotoxicity and lower nkx 2.5 expression were detected in embryos exposed to PCO. Unique gene expression profiles were observed in embryos exposed to crude oils with distinct compositions. This study demonstrates that crude oils of different geographical origins with different compositional characteristics induce developmental toxicity to different degrees.

Distribution of butyltins and alternative antifouling biocides in sediments from shipping and shipbuilding areas in South Korea

The occurrence and distribution of tributyltin (TBT) and alternative biocides were investigated in sediment from semi-enclosed bays, fishing ports, and large commercial harbors in Korea. Extremely high concentration of TBT (55,264ngSn/g) was detected near a large shipyard, even after a total ban on its use in Korea. Diuron was the biocide with the highest detection frequency and concentration levels, followed by Irgarol 1051. Sea-Nine 211 was detected at 3 of 32 stations surveyed. Dichlofluanid, zinc and copper pyrithiones levels were below the detection limits at all the stations surveyed. The relatively high levels of Diuron (9-62.3ng/g) and Irgarol 1051 (1.5-11.5ng/g) were detected in harbor and shipyard areas. Diuron and Irgarol 1051 levels including TBT in sediments from hot spots in Korea exceeded global sediment quality guidelines.

A practical review on photooxidation of crude oil: laboratory lamp setup and factors affecting it

After an oil spill, crude oil in the marine environment is affected by a variety of processes collectively called weathering. Photooxidation induced by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is one of the most significant processes of long-term weathering that changes the chemical nature of oil. Experimental studies on photooxidation in the natural environment are generally not practicable due to the variability of factors that are more readily controlled in a laboratory. The emission spectra and irradiance of artificial lamps are critical factors for simulating sunlight, and the process of acceleration should be differentiated from simulation. We present a comprehensive review of the exposure conditions affecting in vitro photooxidation studies, including the types of lamps, their spectra and irradiance levels and maintenance conditions. The importance of xenon arc, metal halide along with mercury–xenon, high-pressure mercury lamps and other lamps with respect to their spectral characteristics is discussed and the selection guide is provided. A brief discussion on other factors affecting photooxidation rates and outcomes, such as photosensitisers, photodegraders, solvents and the synergistic effects of compounds is also given.

A novel frameshift mutation in the cylindromatosis (CYLD) gene in a Chinese family with multiple familial trichoepithelioma

Multiple familial trichoepithelioma (MFT) (OMIM: 601606) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder characterized by numerous, skin-colored papules and nodules with pilar differentiation. Recently, several mutations in the cylindromatosis (CYLD) gene have been reported in MFT. In this study, a mutation analysis of the CYLD was conducted in a Chinese pedigree of typical MFT. Affected individuals were identified through probands from Shanxi Province, China. Lesional skin biopsy of the proband revealed the typical histopathological characteristics of trichoepithelioma. Individuals belonging to five consecutive generations were similarly affected, which indicated an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes using standard phenol/chloroform extraction method. All the coding exons (4-20) and exon-intron boundaries of the CYLD gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Direct sequencing of all PCR products amplified from the complete coding regions of the CYLD gene was performed to identify mutations. Sequencing of the CYLD gene was performed in a further 100 unrelated, unaffected control individuals to exclude the possibility of polymorphism. A novel heterozygous frameshift mutation c.1169_1170delCA (p.Thr390Argfs) was identified in exon 10 of the CYLD gene in the affected family members. This mutation was also detected in unaffected family members, but not in the unrelated, healthy individuals who were also analyzed. Our study expands the database on the CYLD gene mutations in MFT and should be useful in providing genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for families affected by MFT.

Source- and region-specific distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Jinhae Bay, Korea

This study surveyed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at 80 sites in sediment from Jinhae Bay, which consists of Masan Bay (MSB), Haengam Bay (HAB), Bay Proper (JBP), Wonmoon Bay (WMB), and Gohyun Bay (GHB). Levels of the EPA 16 priority PAHs, 5 groups of alkylated PAH homologues and 2 biogenic PAHs were determined. Total PAHs (sum of all target PAHs) ranged from 37.0 ng/g to 3,110 ng/g with a mean of 339 ng/g. WMB had the highest concentration (473 ± 665 ng/g: average ± standard deviation) followed by GHB (214 ± 141 ng/g), MSB (175 ± 358 ng/g), JBP (133 ± 86.0 ng/g) and HAB (118 ± 129 ng/g). A tiered-source identification approach using the pyrogenic index, PAH isomer ratios and alkylated PAH double ratios found that both pyrogenic and petrogenic PAHs were dominant, and identified three different source- and region-specific groups. Input pathway tracers, such as butyltins, nonylphenols and dibenzothiophenes, were used to track the main input pathways. A shipyard and urban runoff were identified as the major input pathways of PAHs into GHB, and urban runoff was identified as a major pathway into MSB and WMB. Used crankcase oil, diesel exhaust, tyre debris and asphalt were considered to be the dominant PAH sources in urban runoff. Several PAH compounds exceeded the interim marine sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic environments, among which dibenz[a,h]anthracene exceeded the guidelines in 16% of surveyed sites. Current PAH levels in MSB indicated an improving situation following the implementation of a total pollutant load management system (TPLMS); this is in accordance with other studies. WMB was recognised as an area of concern within this bay, suggesting the update of the TPLMS in this region.

Mesocosm study on weathering characteristics of Iranian Heavy crude oil with and without dispersants

The environmental fate of Iranian Heavy crude oil (IHC) with and without an added oil spill dispersant (OSD) has been studied using a 1000 kL capacity in situ mesocosm. Physical weathering and chemical composition changes of the oil were monitored for 77 days. Compound-specific effects of the OSD could be observed as changes over time in the content of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), unresolved complex mixture (UCM), alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hopanes and steranes in the oil. As oil weathers, most hydrocarbons showed a rapid decreasing phase followed by a slowdown and stabilization. Recalcitrant biomarkers, however, showed a different trend. An increase in hydrocarbon contents in the form of UCM occurred after OSD treatment. The enhanced solubility of the low molecular weight PAHs by the OSD decreased the half-life of the alkylated PAHs in the OD. After 77 days of exposure at the sea surface, both the oils with and without the OSD exhibited moderate weathering. Most of the source diagnostic indices maintained their source information, and the weathering indices indicated that evaporation, dissolution, and dispersion were the major weathering processes. The mass balance of the weathered oil was calculated using laboratory and mesocosm data and the results demonstrate the importance of using a mesocosm for the production of environmentally realistic data.

Fingerprint and weathering characteristics of stranded oils after the Hebei Spirit oil spill

After the Hebei Spirit oil spill in December 2007, mixtures of three types of Middle East crude oil were stranded along 375 km of coastline in Western Korea. Stranded oils were monitored for their identity and weathering status in 19 stations in three provinces. The results obtained using a weathering model indicated that evaporation would be a dominant weathering process immediately after the spill and the sequential changes of chemical composition in the field verified this prediction positively. In the early stages of weathering, the half-life of spilled oil was calculated to be 2.6 months. Tiered fingerprinting approaches identified background contamination and confirmed the identity of the stranded oils with the spill source. Double ratios using alkylated phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes in samples after the spill clearly reveal the impact of weathering on oil. However, to derive defensible fingerprinting for source identification and allocation, recalcitrant biomarkers are extremely useful. Weathering status of the stranded oils was evaluated using composition profiles of saturated hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and various weathering indices. Most samples collected 8 months after the spill were categorized in either the advanced or extreme weathering states. Gradual increase in toxic components in the residual oil through weathering emphasizes the need for adaptive ecotoxicological approaches.

Three decades of TBT contamination in sediments around a large scale shipyard

Tributyltin (TBT) contamination in sediments was investigated in the vicinity of a large-scale shipyard in the years after the implementation of a total ban on the use of TBT based antifouling paints in Korea. Extremely high level of TBT (36,292ng Sn/g) in surface sediment was found at a station in front of a drydock and near surface runoff outfall of the shipyard. TBT concentration in surface sediments of Gohyeon Bay, where the shipyard is located, showed an apparent decreased TBT concentration gradient from the shipyard towards the outer bay. The vertical distribution of TBT contamination derived from a sediment core analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation (r(2)=0.88; p<0.001) with the annual tonnage of ship-construction in the shipyard within the past three decades. TBT concentrations at six stations surveyed before (2003) and seven years after (2010) the total ban showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Despite the ban on the use of TBT, including ocean going vessels, surface sediments are still being heavily contaminated with TBT, and its levels well exceeded the sediment quality guideline or screening values.

Biomarker responses in pelagic and benthic fish over 1 year following the Hebei Spirit oil spill (Taean, Korea)

After the Hebei Spirit oil spill incident (7th December, 2007) in the west coast of Korea, contamination of biliary PAH metabolite and hepatic biomarkers in a pelagic and a benthic fish was monitored for 1 year. Concentrations of 16 PAHs and alkylated PAHs in fish muscle were highest (22.0 ng/g d.w. for 16 PAHs and 284 ng/g d.w. for alkylated PAHs) at 5 days after the spill and then decreased rapidly to background levels at 11 months after the spill. Fish from the oiled site had elevated biliary PAH metabolite concentrations immediately after the spill; these declined steadily in both species, but were still above reference site concentrations 2 months after the spill. Oiled-site fish showed hepatic CYP 1A induction whose trend closely followed those of biliary PAH metabolite concentrations, implying continuous exposure to PAHs. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was not related to oil exposure.