Degradation study of δ-hexachlorocyclohexane by iron sulfide nanoparticles: Elucidation of reaction pathway using compound specific isotope analysis and pH variation.

pH influences the reactivity of iron (II) minerals towards halogenated pollutants like hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). To explore these incompletely understood interactions, we investigated the carbon isotope fractionation of the δ-HCH isomer during dehalogenation by iron sulfide at pHs spanning a pH range across slightly acidic to alkaline domains (5.8-9.

Chlorinated solvents source identification by nonlinear optimization method.

In this work, chloride ions were used as conservative tracers and supplemented with conservative amounts of chloroethenes (PCE, TCE, Cis-DCE, 1,1-DCE), chloroethanes (1,1,1-TCA, 1,1-DCA), and the carbon isotope ratios of certain compounds, the most representative on the sites studied, which is a novelty compared to the optimization methods developed in the scientific literature so far. A location of the potential missing sources is then proposed in view of the balances of the calculated mixing fractions. A test of the influence of measurement errors on the results shows that the uncertainties in the calculation of the mixture fractions are less than 11%, indicating that the source identification method developed is a robust tool for identifying sources of chlorinated solvents in groundwater.

Using 1,1,1-Trichloroethane degradation data to understand NAPL dissolution and solute transport at real sites.

Analytical and numerical models describing the evolution of contaminant concentrations in the plume associated with the dissolution of NAPL source and degradation processes were presented in the literature. At real sites and particularly in complex aquifers like chalk, it is difficult to understand how the sources of contaminants evolve with time. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) is one of the few compounds with a well-known hydrolysis constant, that can help to improve knowledge of the contaminant sources and transport rates of dissolved contaminants in groundwater by dating the spill.

Dehalogenation of α-hexachlorocyclohexane by iron sulfide nanoparticles: Study of reaction mechanism with stable carbon isotopes and pH variations.

The biodegradation of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) is known to be accompanied by isotope fractionation of carbon (C/C), but no systematic studies were performed on abiotic degradation of HCH isomers by iron (II) minerals. In this study, we explored the carbon isotope fractionation of α-HCH during dechlorination by FeS nanoparticles at different pH values. The results of three different experiments showed that the apparent rate constants during dehalogenation of α-HCH by FeS increased with pH.

Chemical Identification of "Maternal Signature Odors" in Rat.

Newborn altricial mammals need just after birth to locate their mother's nipples for suckling. In this precocious behavior, including for the human baby, maternal odor via the olfactory process plays a major role. Maternal odor emitted by lactating females or by amniotic fluid (AF) attracts pups, but the chemical identity of this attractant has not yet been elucidated.

LNAPL source zone delineation using soil gases in a heterogeneous silty-sand aquifer.

Source delineation of hydrocarbon contaminated sites is of high importance for remediation work. However, traditional methods like soil core extraction and analysis or recent Membrane Interface Probe methods are time consuming and costly. Therefore, the development of an in situ method based on soil gas analysis can be interesting.

Evaluation of an integrated constructed wetland to manage pig manure under Mediterranean climate.

Pig manure is a complex mixture with excessive nutrients such as ammonium, microbial pathogens and may contain contaminants such as antibiotics. Conventional pig manure management practices caused water contamination. Sludge treatment wetland has been evaluated to determine its potential use under Mediterranean climate aiming at a parsimonious use of water and preventing water contamination, two major steps to preserve water resources in the Mediterranean Basin.

Validation of Direct Analysis Real Time source/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for organophosphate quantitation on wafer surface.

Microelectronic wafers are exposed to airborne molecular contamination (AMC) during the fabrication process of microelectronic components. The organophosphate compounds belonging to the dopant group are one of the most harmful groups. Once adsorbed on the wafer surface these compounds hardly desorb and could diffuse in the bulk of the wafer and invert the wafer from p-type to n-type.

Combustion Processes as a Source of High Levels of Indoor Hydroxyl Radicals through the Photolysis of Nitrous Acid.

Hydroxyl radicals (OH) are known to control the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere but their influence on reactivity within indoor environments is believed to be of little importance. Atmospheric direct sources of OH include the photolysis of ozone and nitrous acid (HONO) and the ozonolysis of alkenes. It has been argued that the ultraviolet light fraction of the solar spectrum is largely attenuated within indoor environments, thus, limiting the extent of photolytic OH sources.

Selection of wild macrophytes for use in constructed wetlands for phytoremediation of contaminant mixtures.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer an alternative to traditional industrial wastewater treatment systems that has been proved to be efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Most of the time, CWs are planted with proliferative species such as Phragmites australis or with plants originating from nurseries, both representing a risk for the natural biodiversity conservation of aquatic ecosystems located downstream of the CWs. For the removal of metals and organic pollutant mixtures present in industrial effluents, it is necessary to select tolerant plant species that are able to produce a high aboveground biomass and to develop a healthy belowground system.

Screening biological traits and fluoride contents of native vegetations in arid environments to select efficiently fluoride-tolerant native plant species for in-situ phytoremediation.

High fluoride pollution has been detected in the surrounding soils of the coastal superphosphate industries in the Gulf of Gabes (Southeast of Tunisia). A study was conducted in vicinity of factories analysing plant functional traits combined with plant fluoride accumulation and soil metal concentrations aiming to screen more efficiently native plant species tolerant to this pollution. Aerial parts of 18 plant species out of the 10 most abundant species per site were harvested on two polluted sites of Gabes and Skhira at the vicinity of the factories and on the less polluted site of Smara.

Formation of indoor nitrous acid (HONO) by light-induced NO2 heterogeneous reactions with white wall paint.

Gaseous nitrogen dioxide (NO2) represents an oxidant that is present in relatively high concentrations in various indoor settings. Remarkably increased NO2 levels up to 1.5 ppm are associated with homes using gas stoves.

Validation of thermodesorption method for analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds adsorbed on wafer surface.

To prevent the degradation of the device characteristics it is important to detect the organic contaminants adsorbed on the wafers. In this respect, a reliable qualitative and quantitative analytical method for analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds which can adsorb on wafer surfaces is of paramount importance. Here, we present a new analytical method based on Wafer Outgassing System (WOS) coupled to Automated Thermal Desorber-Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (ATD-GC-MS) to identify and quantify volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from 6", 8" and 12" wafers.

Constructed wetlands to reduce metal pollution from industrial catchments in aquatic Mediterranean ecosystems: a review to overcome obstacles and suggest potential solutions.

In the Mediterranean area, surface waters often have low discharge or renewal rates, hence metal contamination from industrialised catchments can have a high negative impact on the physico-chemical and biological water quality. In a context of climate and anthropological changes, it is necessary to provide an integrative approach for the prevention and control of metal pollution, in order to limit its impact on water resources, biodiversity, trophic network and human health. For this purpose, introduction of constructed wetlands (CWs) between natural aquatic ecosystems and industrialised zones or catchments is a promising strategy for eco-remediation.

Fate of carbamazepine and anthracene in soils watered with UV-LED treated wastewaters.

Water disinfection technologies based on ultraviolet (UV) radiations emitted by Light-Emitting Diodes (LED), as a wastewater tertiary treatment, have been shown to be promising for water reuse. Here, we assessed the fate of two ubiquitous pollutants, carbamazepine and anthracene, in soil watered with either UV-LED treated wastewaters or irrigation water. After 3 months, anthracene and carbamazepine were transformed two and three times faster respectively, in soils watered with UV-LED wastewater than in soils watered with tap water (probably because of the addition of organic matter by the effluent).

Transfer of metals and metalloids from soil to shoots in wild rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) growing on a former lead smelter site: human exposure risk.

This study aimed at estimating exposition risks to wild rosemary used as herbs in the contaminated area of the former smelting factory of L'Escalette (South of Marseille, France). Metals and metalloids i.e.

Trace metal and metalloid contamination levels in soils and in two native plant species of a former industrial site: evaluation of the phytostabilization potential.

This study aimed at identifying the extent and type of contamination of a former lead smelting site in the area of Marseille, France, dating from the industrial revolution, and to evaluate environmental hazards and opportunities for phytoremediation, a promising sustainable technology. Amongst the native plants growing in this semiarid shrub ecosystem, two perennials Globularia alypum L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Effect of coupled UV-A and UV-C LEDs on both microbiological and chemical pollution of urban wastewaters.

Wastewater reuse for irrigation is an interesting alternative for many Mediterranean countries suffering from water shortages. The development of new technologies for water recycling is a priority for these countries. In this study we test the efficiency of UV-LEDs (Ultraviolet-Light-Emitting Diodes) emitting UV-A or UV-C radiations, used alone or coupled, on bacterial and chemical indicators.

Modelling geosmin concentrations in three sources of raw water in Quebec, Canada.

The presence of off-flavour compounds such as geosmin, often found in raw water, significantly reduces the organoleptic quality of distributed water and diverts the consumer from its use. To adapt water treatment processes to eliminate these compounds, it is necessary to be able to identify them quickly. Routine analysis could be considered a solution, but it is expensive and delays associated with obtaining the results of analysis are often important, thereby constituting a serious disadvantage.

Development of a fluorescence-based microplate method for the determination of volatile fatty acids in anaerobically digested and sewage sludges.

This paper presents a simple, accurate and multi-sample method for the determination of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) thanks to a 96-well microplate technique. A procedure using an activating reagent of the carboxylic function (water-soluble carbodiimide EDC) and a fluorescent amino labeling reagent (N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine, EDAN) allows the formation of an isoindole derivative that needs to be separated from initial fluorescent amine for efficient VFAs determination. Isolation of these fluorescent VFA-derivatives was carried out by use of the fluorescent quenching of EDAN with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA).

Analytical model for site-specific isotope fractionation in 13C during sorption: determination by isotopic 13C NMR spectrometry with vanillin as model compound.

The aim of this study was to conceive a reactive transport model capable of providing quantitative site-specific enrichment factors for fractionation in (13)C isotopic content during sorption. As test compound the model treats vanillin, for which the (13)C isotopic content at natural abundance at each of the 8 carbon positions can be measured by quantitative (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. This technique determines the isotope ratios with a resolution better than ±1‰ (0.

Exposure levels to brominated compounds in seawater swimming pools treated with chlorine.

Despite evidence of formation of brominated compounds in seawater swimming pools treated with chlorine, no data about exposure levels to these compounds have been reported. To address this issue, a survey has been carried out in four establishments (representing 8 pools) fed with seawater and devoted to relaxing and cure treatments (thalassotherapy centres located in Southeast of France). Carcinogenic and mutagenic brominated disinfection byproducts (trihalomethanes -THM- and halogenated acetic acids -HAA-) were quantified at varying levels, statistically related to organic loadings brought by bathers, and not from marine organic matter, and also linked to activities carried out in the pools (watergym vs swimming).

Conversion of the refractory ammonia and acetic acid in catalytic wet air oxidation of animal byproducts.

Wet air oxidation (WAO) and catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of slaughtered animal byproducts (ABPs) were investigated. Two step experiment was carried out consisting of a non-catalysed WAO run followed by a CWAO run at 170-275 degrees C, 20 MPa, and reaction time 180 min. The WAO (1st step) of sample (5 g/L total organic carbon (TOC)) yielded (82.