Platinum, palladium and rhodium release from vehicle exhaust catalysts and road dust exposed to simulated lung fluids.

The risk associated with the inhalation of platinum group element (PGE) emissions from vehicle exhaust catalysts (VECs) has been investigated by extracting road dust and milled auto catalyst with simulated lung fluids. Gamble's solution (representative of the interstitial fluid of the deep lung) and artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) (representative of the more acidic environment within the lung) were employed as extraction fluids. The highest PGE release was observed in ALF, implying that inhaled particles would have to be phagocytized before significant amounts of PGEs dissolve.

The estimation of the bioavailabilities of platinum, palladium and rhodium in vehicle exhaust catalysts and road dusts using a physiologically based extraction test.

Platinum group element (PGE) levels in the environment have increased following the introduction of vehicle exhaust catalysts (VECs). In order to evaluate the potential pathways of PGEs from VECs into humans, a physiologically based extraction test (PBET) was used to study the uptake of PGEs by the human digestive tract. The PBET assay was implemented in two phases, to first simulate the passage of ingested soil through the acid conditions of the stomach before it enters the near neutral conditions of the small intestine.

Characteristics and stabilities of residues from the Wheal Jane constructed wetlands.

The characteristics and solubilities of residues formed during effluent treatment at the Wheal Jane constructed wetland facility in Cornwall, UK are described. The constructed wetland treats an acidic (pH 3 to 4) mine discharge enriched in iron (<100 mg/l), zinc (<80 mg/l), manganese (<20 mg/l) and arsenic (<2 mg/l). The processing strategy adopted at the site is to remove elements selectively from the mine water in distinct unit process operations and concentrate the iron and base metals into residues within the circuits.

Granulomatous angiopanniculitis of the breast. A case report.

Background: Granulomatous angiopanniculitis (GAP) is a rare benign condition of the breast of unknown etiology. Clinically and by fine needle examination, GAP may simulate breast carcinoma. The cytologic characteristics have not been described before.