This study investigated the effect of light on emission of various volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs), from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products using xenon lamp as a solar light simulator. The emission flux generally decreased over time, with the light-induced targeted ∑VOC flux being about 1.6-times higher than heat-induced flux during the initial 1-h exposure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBurning incenses and scented candles may provide harmful chemicals. Although many studies have evaluated volatile organic chemicals emitted by their use and related health risks, extension of our understanding for guiding appropriate use under various use conditions is necessary. In this study, emission characteristics of commercial incenses and scented candles were evaluated in a laboratory chamber using real-time measurement and the time-weighted average exposure concentrations of monoaromatic compounds and monoterpenes were assessed using passive samplers while volunteers living in a studio apartment use them.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study investigated the leaching of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers from polyvinyl chloride microplastics (MPs) into sediment and their degradation over a 30-d period via abiotic and biotic processes. The results showed that 3579% of plasticizers were released into the sediment from the MPs and > 99.9% degradation was achieved.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe potential human health risks associated with soil vapor intrusion and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure were characterized at an industrialized site by the quantification of gaseous VOCs in soil pores using a passive sampling technique. The gaseous tetrachloroethene (PCE) in soil pores varied between 12 and 5,400 μg m showing 3 orders of magnitude variation with dependence on groundwater PCE concentrations. Though the PCE concentration in the air only varied between 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn equilibrium passive sampler made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber was developed to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil vapor. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) was used to protect PDMS from pollution and direct contact with soil components. For all tested VOCs, equilibrium was reached after 7 days at 5 °C.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been globally reported at various sites. Currently, limited literature is available on VOC bioremediation using bacterial-immobilized biochar (BC-B). In this study, multiple VOC-degrading bacteria were enriched and isolated using a newly designed diffusion bioreactor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCancer risk can be associated with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in playground dust and soil. This study investigated the profiles and sources of PAHs from poured rubber-surfaced playground dust and uncovered playground surface soil, by applying an ex-situ equilibrium passive sampling technique. Surface dust and soil samples were collected from 15 different playgrounds in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA passive sampler composed of a porous, hydrophobic, and gas-permeable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tube was developed to effectively concentrate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. The ePTFE dosimeter has larger sorbent mass normalized sampling rates (L h) compared with literature. This result suggests that ePTFE dosimeter can effectively detect low level VOCs in less contaminated air, including indoors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLarge quantities of microplastics are thought to be emitted to freshwater environments via wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To evaluate the occurrence of microplastics in Korean WWTPs, a nationwide study was conducted for the first time in 50 representative WWTPs with large treatment capacities. Grab sampling and laboratory filtration were used for influents, whereas in situ filtration using a custom-made sampling device was used for effluents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe sorption capacity of soil organic matter (SOM) for hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) is affected by various environmental factors, such as soil water saturation and drying. In this study, we used passive sampling to investigate the changes in the sorption capacity of SOM during a drying-wetting cycle using batch sorption experiments. Dried and non-dried peat mosses were used to observe the effect of the drying process on the sorption capacity of SOM at various levels of water saturation in soil pores.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnviron Health Toxicol
June 2019
The inhalation of naphthalene used as deodorant balls in public toilets could be an important cancer risk factor. The atmospheric concentration of naphthalene in public toilets (Cin) was estimated both by a polyurethane foam passive air sampler (PUF-PAS) deployed in nine public toilets in Seoul, Korea and by a steady-state indoor air quality model, including emission estimation using Monte-Carlo simulation. Based on the estimated Cin, cancer risk was also assessed for cleaning workers and the general population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnviron Health Toxicol
February 2018
Oxidative stress was evaluated for anthracene (Ant) and alkyl-Ants (9-methylanthracene [9-MA] and 9,10-dimethylanthracene [9,10-DMA]) in to compare changes in toxicity due to the degree of alkylation. Worms were exposed at 1) the same external exposure concentration and 2) the maximum water-soluble concentration. Formation of reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase activity, total glutathione concentration, and lipid peroxidation were determined under constant exposure conditions using passive dosing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPassive sampling can be applied for measuring the freely dissolved concentration of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) in soil pore water. When using passive samplers under field conditions, however, there are factors that might affect passive sampling equilibrium and kinetics, such as soil water saturation. To determine the effects of soil water saturation on passive sampling, the equilibrium and kinetics of passive sampling were evaluated by observing changes in the distribution coefficient between sampler and soil (K) and the uptake rate constant (k) at various soil water saturations.
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