Validation of an optimised microwave-assisted acid digestion method for trace and ultra-trace elements in indoor PM by ICP-MS analysis.

Three microwave-assisted digestion procedures, followed by analysis of digestates employing inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were evaluated for use in the determination of elements at trace and ultra-trace levels in PM samples. Digestion procedure 1 used 2.5 mL HNO (65%) at 200 °C.

Contamination of water resources of a small island state by fireworks-derived perchlorate: A case study from Malta.

We have previously reported on the ubiquitous presence of perchlorate in the deposited and airborne fine dusts of Malta and shown that the source of the chemical in the dusts of this small central Mediterranean island is fireworks. There are no local geologic or anthropogenic sources of perchlorate other than firework manufacture and display. The hypothesis was tested that ground-deposited perchlorate will be mobilized in runoff and would partly migrate to the water table and eventually also affect tap water, one third of which being derived from groundwater.

Perchlorate in dust fall and indoor dust in Malta: An effect of fireworks.

We report on the presence of perchlorate in the settleable dust of Malta, a small central Mediterranean island. Both dust fall collected directly as it precipitated from atmosphere over a period of one month and deposited indoor dust from domestic residences were studied. Perchlorate was determined by ion chromatography of water extracts of the collected dusts.

Environmental fate of triasulfuron in soils amended with municipal waste compost.

The amendment of soil with compost may significantly influence the mobility and persistence of pesticides and thus affect their environmental fate. Factors like adsorption, kinetics, and rate of degradation of pesticides could be altered in amended soils. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the addition of compost made from source-separated municipal waste and green waste, on the fate of triasulfuron [(2-(2-chloroethoxy)-N-[[4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide], a sulfonylurea herbicide used in postemergence treatment of cereals.