Human exposure to mercury in the vicinity of chlor-alkali plant.

The main objectives of our study were to estimate the impact of a mercury cell chlor-alkali (MCCA) complex in Rosignano Solvay (Tuscany, Italy) on the local environment and to assess mercury exposure of inhabitants living near the plant. Measurement campaigns of atmospheric Hg near the MCCA plant showed that the impact of the emitted Hg from the industry on the terrestrial environment is restricted to a close surrounding area. Total gaseous mercury concentrations in ambient air of inhabited area around the MCCA plant were in the range of 8.

Serum 90K/Mac-2 binding protein (Mac-2BP) as a response predictor to peginterferon and ribavirin combined treatment in HCV chronic patients.

90K/Mac-2BP glycoprotein is involved in the immune defense against a variety of neoplasms and viral infections, modulating the activity of several effectors such as natural killer cells. Quite interestingly, 90K/Mac-2BP is associated to a poor response to interferon (IFN) alpha in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. Here, in 70 consecutive HCV chronic patients, we have evaluated 90K basal levels as a response predictor to combined therapy with Peginterferon and Ribavirin.

A portable device for continuous analysis of dissolved gaseous mercury in natural waters.

A fully automatic device for continuous analysis of DGM (Dissolved Gaseous Mercury) concentration in natural waters, controlled by a Notebook, with a resolution time of 10-15 min, equipped with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with a detection limit of 0.5 pg, is described. A particular feature of this instrument is the portability, making its use suitable in remote locations by means of a car battery.

Importance of the biogenic organic matter in photo-formation of dissolved gaseous mercury in a culture of the marine diatom Chaetoceros sp.

Laboratory experiments on DGM production under light/dark cycles in a culture of the marine diatom Chaetoceros sp. spiked with 200 ng l(-1) of mercury have been performed. DGM formation has been investigated also in the cell exudates, obtained by filtration of the cell culture.

Photo-induced formation of dissolved gaseous mercury in coastal and offshore seawater of the Mediterranean basin.

The first measurements on the daily trend of dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) concentration determined in coastal and offshore waters of the Mediterranean basin are reported. Marked daily behaviour tracking solar radiation has been observed at the coastal sampling station with DGM values ranging from 11.0 to 38.