Snapshot Survey of the Presence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Products, Articles, and the Environment in Ecuador

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs)is a legally binding instrument for 186 Parties(status:April 2023).Accordingly,among other responsibilities,countries are obliged to report the production,import,or export of the POPs listed in Annexes A,B,or C;provide information to registers;maintain inventories;and monitor the presence of POPs in the environment.In the broader context of international chemicals and waste management,producer responsibilities,harmonized reporting,and compliance with national and international regulations,Ecuador has addressed the newly listed group of perfluorinated alkyl substances(PFAS)in its national implementation plan and sent selected products from its national market for PFAS analysis.The products analyzed came from the initially listed fields of specific exemptions and acceptable purposes,including:fire-fighting foams;photographic aids;greasers/degreasers;various kinds of paper/packaging;textiles;and leather,coatings,cleaners,metal plating,and pesticides.Our results showed that the three PFAS presently listed in the Stockholm Convention could be quantified in only a few samples;additional PFAS,not yet listed in the Convention also had low detection frequencies.Although the number of samples was limited,the samples covered a large spectrum of sample matrices,making it possible to conclude that—once these products become waste and are regulated under the Basel Convention—they would not constitute a disposal problem.Nevertheless,verification of the presence of PFAS in products on the market is expected to pose an analytical challenge for both,developed and developing countries.

New Insights into Microplastic Contamination in Different Types of Leachates: Abundances, Characteristics, and Potential Sources

Municipal solid waste(MSW)is an important destination for abandoned plastics.During the waste disposal process,large plastic debris is broken down into microplastics(MPs)and released into the leachate.However,current research only focuses on landfill leachates,and the occurrence of MPs in other leachates has not been studied.Therefore,herein,the abundance and characteristics of MPs in three types of leachates,namely,landfill leachate,residual waste leachate,and household food waste leachate,were studied,all leachates were collected from the largest waste disposal center in China.The results showed that the average MP abundances in the different types of leachates ranged from(129±54)to(1288±184)MP particles per liter(particlesL1)and the household food waste leachate exhibited the highest MP abundance(p<0.05).Polyethylene(PE)and fragments were the dominant polymer type and shape in MPs,respectively.The characteristic polymer types of MPs in individual leachates were different.Furthermore,the conditional fragmentation model indicated that the landfilling process considerably affected the size distribution of MPs in leachates,leading to a higher percentage(>80%)of small MPs(20–100 lm)in landfill leachates compared to other leachates.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study discussing the sources of MPs in different leachates,which is important for MP pollution control during MSW disposal.

Discharge Characteristics of DC Arc Water Plasma for Environmental Applications

A water plasma was generated by DC arc discharge with a hafnium embedded rodtype cathode and a nozzle-type anode. The discharge characteristics were examined by changing the operation parameter of the arc current. The dynamic behavior of the arc discharge led to significant fluctuations in the arc voltage and its frequency. Analyses of the high speed image and the arc voltage waveform showed that the arc discharge was in the restrike mode and its frequency varied within several tens of kilohertz according to the operating conditions. The larger thermal plasma volume was generated by the higher flow from the forming steam with a higher restrike frequency in the higher arc current conditions. In addition, the characteristics of the water plasma jet were investigated by means of optical emission spectroscopy to identify the abundant radicals required in an efficient waste treatment process.

Preliminary Study by Environmental Indicator Measurements of Sediments in a Mangrove Forest in Ilha Grande Bay,Rio de Janeiro,Southeastern Brazil

Mangroves perform essential functions in biological cycles and are protected by law in Brazil. However, they are being degraded above their support limit, leading to a reduction in the areas around the world. The area investigated in the present study is a potentially unpolluted mangrove ecosystem in the south of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mangrove sediment and to correlate them with mutagenic and genotoxic activity. Four seasonal samplings undertaken between 2009 and 2010 at five sites were analyzed. Dichloromethane extracts were obtained under sonication and subjected to mutagenicity assays using Salmonella microsuspension. Metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, while the quantification of PAHs was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Goniopsis cruentata hemocytes were used to assess potential genotoxic damage (Micronucleus assay). The absence of mutagenicity was observed for all samples using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102, in the absence and presence of an exogenous mammalian metabolizing system. Among the metals, Cd and Cu were detected in autumn at values exceeding the threshold effect level and below the probable effect level. Benzo[a] pyrene was detected at levels above the threshold at one site, where small effects could be observed in the biota. Significant differences in the micronucleated cells observed suggest DNA damage had been induced by the PAHs identified.

Thermal Shock Resistance of Nano SiC-BN Composites

Nano SiC - BN composite powders were prepared by dissolving analytically pure H3BO3 and CO（ NH2 ）2 with the mole ratio of 1：2.5 in the absolute alcohol, adding 80% E-SiC with 0. 2 μm average grain size while stirring, firing at 850 ℃ in nitrogen （purity： 99. 99%, pressure： O. 92 -0. 93 MPa） for 15 h. Nano SiC -BN composite specimens were prepared by hot-pressed sintering the nano SiC - BN composite powder in N2 atmosphere with 0. 92 - 0. 93 MPa and at 30 MPa axial pressure for 0. 5 - 1 h at 1 750 - 1 800 ℃. The thermal shock resistance of nano SiC -BN composites was studied by three-point bending, TEM and SEM. The results show that, adding BN can decrease the modulus of elasticity of SiC materials, which improves thermal shock resistance;furthermore, because of the large difference of thermal expansion coefficient between matrix SiC and second phase hexa-BN, thermal mismatch effect results in intercrystalline delamination of h-BN grains and forming many micropores in composite ceramic, which can relax the thermal expansion caused by high tempera- ture effectively, and improve the thermal shock resistance significantly.

Synthesis and Characterization of LiCo_xMn_(2-x)O_4 Cathode Materials

LiCoxMn2.04 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries were synthesized by mechanical activation-solid state reaction at 750 ℃ for 24 h in air atmosphere, and their crystal structure, morphology, element composition and electrochemical performance were characterized with XRD, SEM, ICP-AES and charge-discharge test. The experimental results show that all samples have a single spinel structure, well formed crystal shape and uniformly particle size distribution. The lattice parameters of LiCo Mn2-xO4 decrease and the average oxidation states of manganese ions increase with an increase in Co content. Compared with pure LiMn2O4, the LiCo Mn2xO4 （x=0.03-0.12） samples show a lower special capacity, but their cycling life are improved. The capacity loss of LiCo009Mn191O4 and LiCo0.1Mn1.88O4 is only 1.85% and 0.95%, respectively, after the 20th cycle. The improvement of the cycle performance is attributed to the substitution of Co at the Mn sites in the spinel structure, which suppresses the Jahn-Teller distortion and improves the structural stability.

Surface modification and characterization of F-Co doped spinel LiMn_2O_4

Spinel LiCo0.09Mn1.91O3.92F0.08 as cathode material was modified with LiCoO2 by the sol-gel method, and the crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical performance were characterized with XRD, SEM, EDS, AAS and charge-discharge test in this paper. The results show that a good clad coated on parent material can be synthesized by the sol-gel method, and the materials with modification have perfect spinel structure. LiCo0.09Mn1.91O3.92F0.08 materials coated by LiCoO2 improve the stability of crystal structure and decrease the dissolution of Mn into electrolyte. With the LiCoO2 content increasing, the specific capacity and cycle performance of samples are improved. The capacity loss is also suppressed distinctly even at 55 ℃.

Fate of low-molecular-weight organic phosphorus compounds in the P-rich and P-poor paddy soils

Continuous application of organic fertilizers can cause accumulation of organic phosphorus(P)in soil,especially in the lowmolecular-weight organic phosphorus(LMWOP)forms.This organic P pool represents a potentially important source of P for both plants and microorganisms.To understand the effect of long-term fertilization(30 years)(P-rich soil)vs.fallowing(P-poor soil)on the bioavailability and fate of LMWOP in subtropical paddy soils,we determined the sorption and mineralization of 14 C-labeled adenosine,adenosine monophosphate(AMP),adenosine diphosphate(ADP),and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)in each soil.The contents of carbon,nitrogen,and P in the P-rich soil were more than two times greater than those in the P-poor soil.The mineralization rates of the LMWOP compounds were faster in the P-rich soil compared to the P-poor soil,and followed the order AMP>ADP>ATP.Using sterilized soil,all forms of adenosine-P were strongly sorbed to the solid phase and reached saturation in a short time,with the adsorbance increasing with the number of phosphate groups.We concluded that the mineralization of LMWOP compounds was repressed slightly by sorption to the solid phase,but only in the short term.Thus,LMWOP compounds serve as readily available sources of C for microorganisms,making P available for themselves as well as for the plants.However,P accumulation and the progressive saturation of the P sorption sites in highly fertile soils may increase the potential risk of P runoff.

Distribution of persistent organic pollutants in aggregate fractions of a temperate forest and semi-rural soil

The fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their interactions with aggregates of forest soils are not completely understood. Our objectives here were to quantify the distribution of different POPs in water-stable aggregate fractions and to study their influence on soil organic carbon (Corg) content. Soil samples were taken from a forest-site, Gogerddan (G) and a semi-rural site, Hazelrigg (H) in Great Britain, from 0-2 and 2-5 cm and 0-4 and 8-12 cm soil depth, respectively. POPs analyzed were PAHs, PCBs, total DDT, PBDEs and HCB. The bulk soil analysis showed that the concentration of POPs was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in forest site G than in semi-rural site H, particularly at the surface soil levels compared to the subsurface soil depths in both sites. Total concentrations of PCBs and PAHs of both sites were positively correlated with Corg contents. POPs concentrations and Corg, Nt contents of forest site G were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in water-stable macro aggregates (>0.25, >1, >2 mm) than the micro aggregates (>0.053 mm). The POP concentrations of all aggregate fractions after normalizing to their respective Corg content were increased due higher contamination and strong sorption by Corg. These results showed a strong effect of Corg on the partitioning of organic pollutants to soil aggregate size fractions. The present study affirms the ecological significance of forest soils act as a potential sink of POPs. In summary, our results suggest that aggregate fractions may promote soil C storage and act as a potential POP sink in surface soil without increasing their concentration in the aggregate fraction of subsoil.

Application of In-Flight Melting Technology by RF Induction Thermal Plasmas to Glass Production

An innovative in-flight glass melting technology with induced thermal plasmas was developed for the purpose of energy conservation and environmental protection. Two-dimensional modeling was used to simulate the thermofluid fields in the plasma torch. The in-flight melting behavior of glass raw material was investigated by various analysis methods. Results showed that the plasma temperature was up to 10000 K with a maximum velocity over 30 m/s, which made it possible to melt the granulated glass raw material within milliseconds. The carbonates in the raw material decomposed completely and the compounds in the raw material attainted 100% vitrification during the in-flight time from the nozzle exit to substrate. The particle melting process is similar to the unreacted-core shrinking model.

Numerical and Experimental Investigation on the In-Flight Melting Behaviour of Granulated Powders in Induction Thermal Plasmas

An innovative in-flight glass melting technology with thermal plasmas was developed for the purpose of energy conservation and environment protection. In this study, modelling and experiments of argon-oxygen induction thermal plasmas were conducted to investigate the melting behaviour of granulated soda-lime glass powders injected into the plasma. A two-dimensional local thermodynamic equilibrium （LTE） model was performed to simulate the heat and momentum transfer between plasma and particle. Results showed that the particle temperature was strongly affected by the flow rate of carrier gas and the particle size of raw material. A higher flow rate of carrier gas led to lower particle temperature and less energy transferred to particles which resulted in lower vitrification. The incomplete melting of large particles was attributed to the lower central temperature of the particle caused by a larger heat capacity. The numerical analysis explained well the experimental results, which can provide valuable practical guidelines for the process control in the melting process for the glass industry.

A high-resolution chemostratigraphy of post-Marinoan Cap Carbonate using drill core samples in the Three Gorges area, South China

Cap Carbonates overlie the Marinoan Snowball Earth-related glacial diamictite, and possibly record the drastic surface environmental change and biological evolution after the Snowball Earth. We conducted on-land drilling from the Liantuo Formation, through the Nantuo, to the lower Doushantuo Formation in the Three Gorges area of South China to collect fresh, continuous samples in the Three Gorges area. We obtained high-resolution chemostratigraphies of ~13C and 6180 values of carbonates from the topmost part of the Nantuo Formation to the Cap Carbonate, in order to decode the detailed surface environmental change in the shallow marine setting. The δ3C chemostratigraphy possesses some unique characteristics： （1） stable δ13C values as a whole, but ubiquitous low δ13C anomalies through the Cap Carbonate, （2） increase of the δ13C values from -3 to ＋5‰ across the C2/C3 boundary, （3） no δ13C anomaly between the CI and C2 boundary, and （4） presence of an anomalous high δ13C value （＋2.3%0） and a faint positive correlation between δ13C and δ18O values in the C1 unit. Evidence of quite low δ13C anomalies （with a nadir of -41‰）, ubiquitous negative δ13C anomalies through the Cap Carbonate, and a high 613C anomaly accompanied with a faint positive correlation between δ13C and δ18O values in the C1 unit supports decomposition and formation of methane hydrate during Cap Carbonate formation. The drastic increase of δ13C values from the upper C2 to C3 units in- dicates enhancement of primary productivity and organic carbon burial, possibly due to high continental fluxes after the Snowball Earth event, evidenced by high Sr isotope values. The increase is restricted to the proximal side of the inner shelf in South China, and the timing of the increase of δ13C values of carbonates is earlier at Three Gorges area than any other area, suggesting that the enhancement of primary productivity started in the proximal environment because of higher continental influxes. The increase in oxygen contents of seawater due to the enhanced primary productivity possibly resulted in the emergence of multicellular animals soon after Cap Carbonate deposition.

Effect of Injection Position on In-Flight Melting Behavior of Granular Alkali-Free Glass Raw Material in 12-Phase AC Arc Plasma

An innovative in-flight glass melting technology with a multi-phase AC arc plasma was developed to save energy and reduce emissions for the glass industry. The effect of the injection position on the in-flight melting behavior of granulated powders was investigated. Results show that the injection position has a strong effect on the melting behavior of alkali-free glass raw material. With the increase in injection distance, the vitrification, decomposition, and particle shrinkage of initial powders are improved. Longer injection distance causes much energy to transfer to particles due to a longer residence time of powder in the high temperature zone. The high vitrification and decomposition degrees indicate that the new in-flight melting technology with 12-phase AC arc can substantially reduce the melting and refining time for glass production.

Decomposition of Glycerine by Water Plasmas at Atmospheric Pressure

High concentration of aqueous glycerine was decomposed using a direct current （DC） plasma torch at atmospheric pressure. The torch can generate the plasma with water as the plasma-supporting gas in the absence of any additionM gas supply system and cooling devices. The results indicated that 5 mol% glycerine was completely decomposed by water plasmas at arc powers of 0.55~1.05 kW. The major products in the effluent gas were H2 （68.9%~71.1%）, CO2 （18.9%~23.0%）, and CO （0.2%~0.6%）. However, trace levels of formic acid （HCOOH） and formaldehyde （HCHO） were observed in the liquid effluent. The results indicated that the water plasma waste treatment process is capable of being an alternative green technology for organic waste decomposition.

Decomposition of Nitrogen Trifluoride Using Low Power Arc Plasma

The low power arc plasma is characterized by extremely high enthalpy and temper- ature and it is easy to generate and control, and thus thermal decomposition process based on the plasma torch is receiving a great attention for decomposing non-degradable greenhouse gases. In order to elevate the economic feasibility, the effects of input power, waste gas flow rate and additive gases on the destruction and removal efficiency （DRE） of NF3 are examined. Specific energy density （SED） deceases as the flow rate increases, and accordingly, the DRE is reduced. The DRE is basically determined by the specific energy density. The highest DRE of NF3 was 97% for the waste gas flow rate of 100 L/min at a low input power level of 2 kW with the help of hydrogen additional gas. The inlet and outlet concentration of NF3 was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR） for DRE of NF3 evaluation. As a result, large amount of NF3 can be efficiently decomposed by low power arc plasma systems.

Leaching behavior of Li and Ga from granitic rocks and sorption on kaolinite:Implications for their enrichment in the Jungar Coalfield, Ordos Basin

The granite collected from the Yinshan Mountain and kaolinite has been selected for the leaching and adsorption experiment,respectively,aiming to clarify the enrichment processes of Li and Ga during the deposition.Results suggest both Li and Ga could be leached out from granite by using different acid solutions of different p H and kaolinite can adsorb Li and Ga with varying degrees.Lithium and Ga had the highest leaching ratio when p H=1.Special geological events(e.g.volcanic eruptions and wildfires),which could result in very low p H values of water in peatland,may have accelerated the release of Li and Ga from the source rocks.Kaolinite has the highest adsorption fraction was obtained at p H=8.The different characteristics of Li and Ga displayed in the leaching and adsorption experiments probably result from the different occurrences and enrichment processes of Li and Ga in the coals.Lithium was probably enriched before the Li carriers(e.g.kaolinite)had been transported into paleomires because of its high leaching ratio and high adsorption fraction under neutral and alkaline conditions,whereas Ga was more likely concentrated by kaolinite and other carriers after it had been transported into the peat mires.

Spatial Analysis on the Concentrations of Air Pollutants in Basra Province (Southern Iraq)

This paper aims to analyze the geographic distribution of air pollutant concentrations in Basra Province, Southern Iraq, and to cartographically determine the spatial variation of air pollution levels as well as to recognize the hottest spots of air pollution within the study area, and conclude that the levels of air pollution in the study area are spatially varied, with an irregular spatial pattern and some hotspots.

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Groundwater in the Bassit Ophiolitic Area, Northwestern Syria

In order to evaluate the hydrogeochemical properties and the quality of groundwater in the Bassit ophiolitic area (Northwestern Syria), 27 groundwater samples were collected from springs and wells during dry and wet seasons. Physical-chemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations of groundwater samples were measured. The analytical results showed that the groundwater is very hard and slightly alkaline in nature. The concentrations of major ions are in the following order: Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO32- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3-. The magnesium ion (Mg2+) has exceeded the permissible limit for drinking purpose, reflecting an influence of ophiolitic rocks on the local groundwater chemistry. The hydrogeochemical facies are mainly (Mg-HCO3) and (Mg/Ca-HCO3) types with a minor occurrence of Ca-HCO3 type. According to Gibbs diagrams, all samples fall in the rock dominance field and the chemical quality of groundwater is related to the lithology of the area. The maximum concentrations of some heavy metals in groundwater samples for two seasons are relatively low (16.9 μg/l Cr, 19.27 μg/l Ni, and 1.78 μg/l Co), which are under the permissible limit for a drinking purpose. Also to evaluate the groundwater suitability for irrigation purposes, Salinity hazard (EC), Sodium hazard (SAR, Na%) and magnesium hazard (MAR) were appraised. It is found that 89% of groundwater samples in two seasons were mainly classified as high salinity/low sodium, which suggests that this groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation. Only (11%) of samples were classified as medium salinity/low sodium and as such suitable for irrigation. The magnesium hazard showed that 82% of the samples had high values (MAR > 50%) and as such unsuitable for irrigation. Soil irrigated with such groundwater will not be exposed to any alkali hazard, but will suffer from salinity and magnesium hazard.

Effects of Adjunctive Daily Blue Light Toothbrushing on Dental Plaque and Gingival Inflammation—A Randomized Controlled Study

Phototherapy with blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) is gaining interest because of the efficient antimicrobial benefits reported in several studies in the last decade. The aim in this study was to investigate if a toothbrush with incorporated blue light used in daily oral care can reduce dental plaque and gingival inflammation. An 8-week single-blinded randomized controlled clinical study including 48 subjects compared effects of toothbrushes with/without 450 nm blue LED light emission, on clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing), and on inflammatory markers in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. Significant reductions in dental plaque and gingival inflammation (p < 0.001), and in some inflammatory markers (p ≤ 0.05), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase inhibitor (TIMP)-1, interleukin (IL)-1β and interleukin (IL)-8, were detected within both groups from baseline to follow-up. For all subjects dental plaque was reduced with 57%, and a reduction in gingival inflammation was demonstrated by a decrease in gingival index (GI) with 46% and in bleeding on probing (BOP) with a decrease of 15%. No significant differences were found between the groups at a level of p = 0.05. However, the amount of plaque was reduced by 62% in the blue light group and 51% in the control group, a difference established at a level of p = 0.058. A toothbrush with a 450 nm LED did not show any statistical significant adjunctive effect of toothbrushing regarding reduction in measurements of dental plaque and gingival inflammation.

Insight of chemical environmental risk and its management from the vinyl chloride accident

The combustion of vinyl chloride(VC)after the train derailment accident in Ohio,USA in February,2023 has caused widespread concern around the world.This paper tried to analyze several issues concerning the accident,including the appropriateness of the VC combustion in the emergency response in this accident,the meanings of so-called“controlled combustion”,the potential environmental risks caused by VC and combustion by-products,and follow-up work.In our view,this accident had surely caused environmental and health risks to some extent.Hence,a comprehensive environmental risk assessment is necessary,and then the site with risk should be comprehensively remediated,hazardous waste should be harmlessly treated as soon as possible.Finally,this accident suggests that further efforts should be taken to bridge the gap between chemical safety management and their environmental risk management.