Changes in the Non-targeted Metabolomic Profile of Three-year-old Toddlers with Elevated Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Objective To investigate changes in the urinary metabolite profiles of children exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)during critical brain development and explore their potential link with the intestinal microbiota.Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine ten hydroxyl metabolites of PAHs(OH-PAHs)in 36-month-old children.Subsequently,37 children were categorized into low-and high-exposure groups based on the sum of the ten OH-PAHs.Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to identify non-targeted metabolites in the urine samples.Furthermore,fecal flora abundance was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq.Results The concentrations of 21 metabolites were significantly higher in the high exposure group than in the low exposure group(variable importance for projection>1,P<0.05).Most of these metabolites were positively correlated with the hydroxyl metabolites of naphthalene,fluorine,and phenanthrene(r=0.336–0.531).The identified differential metabolites primarily belonged to pathways associated with inflammation or proinflammatory states,including amino acid,lipid,and nucleotide metabolism.Additionally,these distinct metabolites were significantly associated with specific intestinal flora abundances(r=0.34–0.55),which were mainly involved in neurodevelopment.Conclusion Higher PAH exposure in young children affected metabolic homeostasis,particularly that of certain gut microbiota-derived metabolites.Further investigation is needed to explore the potential influence of PAHs on the gut microbiota and their possible association with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Study on Adsorption Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Modified Mussel Shells

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are typical persistent organic pollutants(POPs)that are commonly found in the environment.They are carcinogenic,teratogenic,mutagenic and biodegradable obviously.In this paper,the modified mussel shells were used to adsorb and remove anthracene.The results show that the adsorption removal rate of the mussel shells was higher after calcination at 600℃.5%H_(3)PO_(4) solution was more suitable for shell treatment than 3 mol/L ZnCl_(2) solution.As the dosage of the modified shells was 0.5 g/L,the adsorption reached a stable state,and the removal rate of PAHs was about 69.44%;the adsorption efficiency rose with the increase of time.It can be seen that as a new and cheap biological adsorbent,the modified shells can be used to remove PAHs from wastewater.

Inhibitory effect of coriander(Coriandrum sativum L.)extract marinades on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in roasted duck wings

Coriander(Coriandrum sativum L.)is recognized for its antioxidant property,as a kind of natural phenolic-rich ingredient.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)present a class of heat-driven hazards in foods,especially the processed meat.In this study,the effect of coriander root and leaf extract on the formation and inhibition of PAH8 in roasted duck wings was firstly investigated.Coriander root extract(CRE)and coriander leaf extract(CLE)with five concentration groups(200,400,600,800,1000 mg/L)were prepared respectively to marinate the duck wings.CRE marinade exhibited greater inhibitory effect on PAH8 formation in roasted duck wings that ranged from 65.0%-87.4%.The electron spin resonance study indicated a significantly positive correlation between PAH8 and free radical level,suggesting the participation of radicals in PAHs formation.Also,it was speculated that the inhibitory effect on PAH8 was related to the phenolic compounds identified in coriander marinades.CRE made greater inhibitory effect on the formation of PAH8 and could be considered as a kind of natural source to mitigate PAHs in heat-processed meat products.

Transport and behavior of marine oil spill containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mesocosm experiments

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are one of the most important groups in oil,and re sponsible for major toxic and/or carcinogenic impact on humans and wildlife.It is important to understand the behavior of PAHs in marine environment after an oil-spill incident.However,interaction between petroleum PAHs and microbial communities in a marine environment remains unclear.Therefore,a series of mesocosm experiments were conducted.in which water-accommodated fraction(WAF)of oil was generated to simulate an oil-spill scenario and to analyze the transport and behavior of marine oil spill containing PAHs with and without dispersants.Results indicate that the application of dispersant could increase the concentration of total PAHs in water column due mainly to significant increase in the concentration of highmolecular weight(HMW)PAHs at a lower removal rate.At the end of the 7-day experiment,significant amount of HMW PAHs were accumulated in sediment.In general,the application of dispersant did not increase the sediment uptake of PAHs but increased the PAHs concentration in water column.

Selective Hydrogenation of Polycyclic Aromatics to Monocyclic Aromatics over NiMoC/HβCatalysts in a Methane and Hydrogen Environment

To obtain high yields of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with methyl side chains,such as toluene and xylene,methane(CH_(4))can be introduced into the hydrocracking of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.CH_(4)can participate in the reaction,supply methyl side chains to the product,and improve product distribution.In this study,the hydrogenation reaction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons over a carbonized NiMo/Hβcatalyst in a CH_(4)and hydrogen(H_(2))environment was investigated to study the promotional effect of CH_(4)on the hydrocracking of polycyclic aromatics.Under conditions of 3.5 MPa,380℃,volume air velocity of 4 h^(-1),gas-oil volume ratio of 800,and H_(2):CH_(4)molar ratio of 1:1,the conversion rate of naphthalene was 99.97%,the liquid phase yield was 93.62%,and the selectivity of BTX were 17.76%,25.17%,and 20.47%,respectively.In comparison to the use of a H_(2)atmosphere,the selectivity of benzene was significantly decreased,whereas the selectivity of toluene and xylene were increased.It was shown that CH_(4)can participate in the hydrocracking of naphthalene and improve the selectivity of toluene and xylene in the liquid product.The carbonized NiMo/Hβcatalyst was characterized by a range of analytical methods(such as X-ray diffraction(XRD),ammonia-temperature-programmed desorption(NH3-TPD),hydrogen-temperature-programmed reduction(H_(2)-TPR),and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)).The results indicated that Ni and Mo carbides were the major species in the carbonized NiMo/Hβcatalyst and were considered to be active sites for the activation of CH_(4)and H_(2).After loading the metal components,the catalyst displayed prominent weak acidic sites,which may be suitable locations for cracking,alkylation,and other related reactions.Therefore,the carbonized NiMo/Hβcatalyst displayed multiple functions during the hydrocracking of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a CH_(4)and H_(2)environment.These results could be used to develop a new way to efficiently utilize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and natural gas resources.

Fate of Parent and Substituted Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in SBR/MBBR Treatment Process:Experimental Value Against Model Prediction

The knowledge of the existence,distribution and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)and substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(SPAHs)in wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs)was vital for reducing their concentrations entering the aquatic environment.The concentrations of 13 SPAHs and 16 PAHs were all determined in a WWTP with styrene butadiene rubber(SBR)in partnership with the moving bed biofilm reactor(MBBR)process.SPAHs presented a higher concentration lever than PAHs in nearly all samples.The total removal efficiencies of PAHs and SPAHs ranged from 64.0%to 71.36%and 78.4%to 79.7%,respectively.The total yearly loads of PAHs(43.0 kg)and SPAHs(73.0 kg)were mainly reduced by the primary and SBR/MBBR biological treatment stages.The tertiary treatment stage had a minor contribution to target compounds removal.According to a synthesis and improvement fate model,we found that the dominant processes changed as the chemical octanol water partition coefficient(K_(ow))increased.But the seasonal variations of experimental removal efficiencies were more obvious than that of predicted data.In the primary sedimentation tank,dissolution in the aqueous phase and sorption to sludge/particulate matter were controlling processes for the removal of PAHs and SPAHs.The sorption to sludge and biodegradation were the principal removal mechanisms during the SBR/MBBR biological treatment process.The contribution of volatilization to removal was always insignificant.Furthermore,the basic physicochemical properties and operating parameters influenced the fate of PAHs and SPAHs in the WWTP.

Abundance and Source Identification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments of the Ivory Coastal Zone (Toukouzou Hozalem-Assinie)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are strongly associated with agricultural, residential, transportation, industrial and petroleum activities. In this study, the presence of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) was investigated in sediments of the ivory coastal zone (Toukouzou Hozalem-Assinie). The main objectives of this study were to determine the abundance and to predict the source of PAHs in the sediments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze sixteen priority PAHs. Total PAHs concentrations were from 1.31 to 3992.68 mg/kg in sediment with an average concentration of (307.54 ± 16.10) mg/kg. Among all PAHs, Naphthalene (Nap = 332.72 mg/kg) and Phenanthrene (Phe = 41.75 mg/kg) were found in the highest concentration, whereas Benzo (k) Fluoranthene was found in the least concentration in the range of 0 - 0.85 mg/kg (mean 0.24 mg/kg). Bassam-Modeste Lagune (BML) sampling site was the site with the highest concentration of total PAHs (all 16 PAHs) compared to the others due to their location in a highly populated estuary area that receives commercial, tourism, port, petroleum and heavy industrial activities. Diagnostic ratios were used to determine the sources of PAHs and suggested that the PAH profile in the sediments was dominated by 2 and 3 ring PAHs. The patterns of PAH compounds in sediment indicated that contamination is from mixed sources, with a strong indication of petrogenic contamination potentially from spills of fuel, oil and industrial activities.

Coking and decoking chemistry for resource utilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)and low-carbon process

Low-carbon process for resource utilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)in zeolitecatalyzed processes,geared to carbon neutrality-a prominent trend throughout human activities,has been bottlenecked by the lack of a complete mechanistic understanding of coking and decoking chemistry,involving the speciation and molecular evolution of PAHs,the plethora of which causes catalyst deactivation and forces regeneration,rendering significant CO_(2) emission.Herein,by exploiting the high-resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry(MALDI FT-ICR MS),we unveil the missing fingerprints of the mechanistic pathways for both formation and decomposition of cross-linked cage-passing PAHs for SAPO-34-catalyzed,industrially relevant methanol-to-olefins(MTO)as a model reaction.Notable is the molecule-resolved symmetrical signature:their speciation originates exclusively from the direct coupling of in-cage hydrocarbon pool(HCP)species,whereas water-promoted decomposition of cage-passing PAHs initiates with selective cracking of inter-cage local structures at 8-rings followed by deep aromatic steam reforming.Molecular deciphering the reversibly dynamic evolution trajectory(fate)of full-spectrum aromatic hydrocarbons and fulfilling the real-time quantitative carbon resource footprints advance the fundamental knowledge of deactivation and regeneration phenomena(decay and recovery motifs of autocatalysis)and disclose the underlying mechanisms of especially the chemistry of coking and decoking in zeolite catalysis.The positive yet divergent roles of water in these two processes are disentangled.These unprecedented insights ultimately lead us to a steam regeneration strategy with valuable CO and H_(2) as main products,negligible CO_(2) emission in steam reforming and full catalyst activity recovery,which further proves feasible in other important chemical processes,promising to be a sustainable and potent approach that contributes to carbon-neutral chemical industry.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of Beijing and Tianjin region: Vertical distribution, correlation with TOC and transport mechanism

The contents and distribution of 20 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） and heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （HAHs） were investigated in 16 soil profiles of Beijing and Tianjin region. Transport of high molecular weight PAHs （HMWPAHs） and the correlation between total organic carbon （TOC） and their concentrations were also discussed. The results indicated that highly contaminated sites were located at urban or wastewater irrigation areas and pollutants mainly accumulated in topsoil （〈 40 cm）, with a sharp content decrease at the vertical boundary of 30-40 cm. Total PAHs/HAHs concentrations in soils from Tianjin were markedly greater than those from Beijing. Even the contents at bottoms of soil profiles in Tianjin were higher than those in topsoils of Beijing soil profile. HMWPAHs dominated the PAH profiles, exhibiting a uniform distribution of pyrogenic origin between topsoils and deep layers. Furthermore, the percentages of HMWPAHs remained relative constant with the depth of soil profiles, which were consistent with the distribution of particulate matter-associated PAHs in the local atmospheric environments. Therefore, HMWPAHs transport with particulates might be the predominant source found in soil profiles.

Emission characteristics of dioxins,furans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during fluidized-bed combustion of sewage sludge

Pre-dried sewage sludge with high sulfur content was combusted in an electrically heated lab-scale fluidized-bed incinerator. The emission characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins （PCDDs）, polychlorinated dibenzofurans （PCDFs） and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） were studied. Coal and calcium oxide （CaO） were added during the sewage sludge combustion tests to optimize combustion conditions and control SO2 emission. The results indicated that the flue gases emitted during mono-combustion of sewage sludge were characterized by relatively high concentrations of SO2, NOx and organic pollutants, due to the high sulfur, nitrogen, and volatile matter content of sewage sludge. The total 16 USEPA priority PAHs and 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs produced from sewage sludge combustion were found to be 106.14 μg/m^3 and 8955.93 pg/m^3 in the flue gas, respectively. In the case of cocombustion with coal （msludge/mcoal =1：1）, the 16 PAHs and 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs concentrations were markedly lower than those found during mono-combustion of sewage sludge. During co-combustion, a suppressant effect of CaO on PCDD/Fs formation was observed.

Distribution and deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in precipitation in Guangzhou, South China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） were measured in precipitation from March to August 2005 in Guangzhou, South China. Fourteen PAHs were studied, and their total concentrations varied from 616.6 to 3486.7 ng/L in dissolved phase and from 403.8 to 3125.5 ng/L in particulate phase. The estimated deposition loading of PAHs was 3568 ug/m^2 during the monitoring period. The deposition of PAHs was a potential source for Pearl River comparing with the contents of surface water. In addition, the high concentration in precipitation here implied that PAHs pollution was a potential environmental problem in Guangzhou. Most precipitation concentrations of PAHs in March （the last month in winter in Guangzhou） were higher than in the other months （in rainy season）. PAHs inclined to be adsorbed to particulate phase with the increase of molecular weight in rainwater. Combustion of fossil fuel and biomass might be the major source of PAHs, while the direct leakage or volatilization from petroleum products might be insignificant.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation and extracellular enzyme secretion in agitated and stationary cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The extracellular enzyme secretion and biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） were studied in agitated and shallow stationary liquid cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Veratryl alcohol and Tween80 were added to cultures as lignin peroxidase （LIP） and manganese peroxidase （MnP） inducer, respectively. Shallow stationary cultures were suitable for the production of enzyme, whereas agitated cultures enhanced overall biodegradation by facilitating interphase mass transfer of PAHs into aqueous phases. The use of a LiP stimulator, veratryl alcohol, did not increase PAH degradation but significantly enhanced LiP activity. In contrast, Tween80 increased both MnP secretion and PAH degradation in shallow stationary cultures. On the other hand, high PAH degradation was observed in agitated cultures in the absence of detectable LiP and MnP activities. The results suggested that extracellular peroxidase activities are not directly related to the PAH degradation, and the increased solubility rather than enzyme activity may be more important in the promotion of PAH degradation.

Partition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on organoben-tonites from water

A series of organobentonites synthesized by exchanging organic ration such as dodecyltri-methylammonium ( DTMA), benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium (BDTDA), cetyltrimethyl-ammonium (CTMA), octodeyltrimethylammonium (OTMA) on bentonite The optimal condition, properties and mechanisms for the organobentonites to sorb phenanthrene, anthracene, naphthalene, acenaphthene in water were investigated in detail. The partition behavior was determined for four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene and acenaphthene, from water to a series of organobentortites. The interlayer spacings and organic carbon contents of organobentonites, removal rate and sorption capacities for organobentonites to treat phenanthrene, anthracene, naphthalene, acenaphthene were correlated to the length of alkyl chains and the amounts of ration surfactant exchanged on the bentonite. Phenanthrene, anthracene, naphthalene, and acenaphthene sorption to organobentonites were characterized by linear isotherms, indicating solute partition between water and the organic phase composed of the large alkyl functional groups of quaternary ammonium rations. PAHs distribution coefficients (K-d) between organobentonites and water were proportional to the organic carbon contents of organobentonites. However, the partition coefficients ( K-oc) were nearly constants for PAHs in the system of organobentonite-water. The K-ocx of phenanthrene, anthracene, naphthalene, acenaphthene were 2.621 x 10(5), 2.106 x 10(5), 2.247 x 10(4), 5.085 x 10(4), respectively. The means K-oc values on the organobentonites are about ten to twenty times larger than the values on the soils/sediments, what is significant prerequisite for organobentonite to apply to remediation of pollution soil and groundwater. The sorption mechanism was also evaluated from octanol-water partition coefficients and aqueous solubility of PAHs. The correlations between 1gK(oc) and 1gK(ow), 1gK(oc) and 1gS for PAHs in the system of water/organobenotonites are also discussed.

Development of analytical methods for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in airborne particulates: A review

In the present work, the different sample collection, pretreatment and analytical methods for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） in airborne particulates is systematacially reviewed, and the applications of these pretreatment and analytical methods for PAHs are compared in detail. Some comments on the future expectation are also presented.

Distribution and Source Apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Atmospheric Particulate Matter PM2.5 in Beijing

A total of 11 PM2.5 samples were collected from October 2003 to October 2004 at 8 sampling sites in Beijing city. The PM2.5 concentrations are all above the PM2.5 pollution standard （65 μg m^-3） established by Environmental Protection Agency, USA （USEPA） in 1997 except for the Ming Tombs site. PM2.5 concentrations in winter are much higher than in summer. The 16 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） listed as priority pollutants by USEPA in PM2.5 were completely identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） with variable wavelength detector （VWD） and fluorescence detector （FLD） employed. The PM2.5 concentrations indicate that the pollution situation is still serious in Beijing. The sum of 16 PAHs concentrations ranged from 22.17 to 5366 ng m^-3. The concentrations of the heavier molecular weight PAHs have a different pollution trend from the lower PAHs. Seasonal variations were mainly attributed to the difference in coal combustion emission and meteorological conditions. The source apportionment analysis suggests that PAHs from PM2.5 in Beijing city mainly come from coal combustion and vehicle exhaust emission. New measures about restricting coal combustion and vehicle exhaust must be established as soon as possible to improve the air pollution situation in Beijing city.

Organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and sediment of the Bosten Lake,Northwest China

We evaluated organic pollution in Bosten Lake, Xinjiang, China, by measuring the concentrations and distributions of organochlorine pesticides （OCPs） and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs）. Water and sediment samples were collected from 19 sites 031-1319） in the lake for analysis. Our analytical results show that the concentrations of total OCPs in water ranges from 30.3 to 91.6 ng/L and the concentrations of PAHs ranges from undetectable （ND） to 368.7 ng/L. The concentrations of total OCPs in surface （i.e., lake bottom） sediment ranges from 6.9 to 16.7 ng/g and the concentrations of PAHs ranges from 25.2 to 491.0 ng/g. Hexachlorocyclohexanes （HCHs） and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes （DDTs） account for large proportions of the OCPs. Low α- to γ-HCH ratios in both water and sediment samples indicate possible contributions from both industrial products and lindane. DDTs in water are probably from historical input, whereas DDTs in sediments are from both historical and recent inputs. Moreover, DDT products in both water and sediments were from multiple sources in the northwestern part of the lake（B11, B12, B13, and B14）. Fugacity ratios for DDT isomers （p,p＇-DDE and p,p＇-DDT） at these sites were generally higher than equilibrium values. These results suggest that the input from the Kaidu River and diffusion of DDTs from the sediment to the water are responsible for DDT pollution in the water. Lower-molecular-weight PAHs, which originate primarily from wood and coal combustion and petroleum sources, represent the major fraction of the PAHs in both water and sediment samples. Our findings indicate that OCPs and PAHs in Bosten Lake can be attributed primarily to human activities. A risk assessment of OCPs and PAHs in water and sediment from Bosten Lake, however, suggests that concentrations are not yet high enough to cause adverse biological effects on the aquatic ecosystem.

Mixed uncertainty analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon inhalation and risk assessment in ambient air of Beijing

This article presents the application of an integrated method that estimates the dispersion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） in air, and assesses the human health risk associated with PAHs inhalation. An uncertainty analysis method consisting of three components were applied in this study, where the three components include a bootstrapping method for analyzing the whole process associated uncertainty, an inhalation rate （IR） representation for evaluating the total PAH inhalation risk for human health, and a normally distributed absorption fraction （AF） ranging from 0% to 100% to represent the absorption capability of PAHs in human body. Using this method, an integrated process was employed to assess the health risk of the residents in Beijing, China, from inhaling PAHs in the air. The results indicate that the ambient air PAHs in Beijing is an important contributor to human health impairment, although over 68% of residents seem to be safe from daily PAH carcinogenic inhalation. In general, the accumulated daily inhalation amount is relatively higher for male and children at 10 years old of age than for female and children at 6 years old. In 1997, about 1.73% cancer sufferers in Beijing were more or less related to ambient air PAHs inhalation. At 95% confidence interval, approximately 272-309 individual cancer incidences can be attributed to PAHs pollution in the air. The probability of greater than 500 cancer occurrence is 15.3%. While the inhalation of ambient air PAHs was shown to be an important factor responsible for higher cancer occurrence in Beijing, while the contribution might not be the most significant one.

Photoinduced toxicity single and binary mixtures of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum

Diatom Skeletonema costatum Cleve is one of the main predominant phytoplankton species in the Changjiang Estuary in China. In order to provide some basic information for future assessment of the potential risk on phytoplankton communities in this estuary caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（ PAHs）, this alga was selected as a representative to investigate the photoinduced toxicity of PAHs, in single and mixture. Four PAHs including three-ring phenanthrene and anthracene, four-ring fluoranthene and pyrene were tested in the laboratory. The single toxicity of each PAH on this microalga was compared with and without the simulated solar UV radiation. The results showed that this microalga was sensitive to PAH＇ s photoinduced toxicity. Ratios of the 72 h median effect concentration obtained for fluorescent and UV light tests were about 8.4 for phenanthrene, 13.0 for anthracene, 6. 5 for fluoranthene, and 5.7 for pyrene, indicating that UV light enhanced the PAH toxicity to this alga significantly. Under the fluorescent radiation （lacking UV ）, the dose-response curves based on chemical concentrations revealed that the order of toxic strength was fluoranthene greater than pyrene greater than anthracene greater than phenanthrene; while under the UV radiation （476 μW/cm^2 for UVA, 6.5 μW/cm^2 for UVB） it became fluoranthene approximately equaling anthracene greater than pyrene greater than phenanthrene, indicating that the UV light also changed its relative toxicity to this alga. The photoinduced toxicity of PAHs to the marine diatom S. costatum might be a synergistic effect of photosensitization reactions （ e. g. , generation of singlestate oxygen） and photomodification （photooxidation and/or photolysis）. The combined effects of six binary mixtures on the marine diatom S. costatum were investigated using the additive-index method. Four binary-mixtures （ phenanthrene plus anthracene ; phenanthrene plus pyrene ; anthracene plus fluoranthene ; anthracene plus pyrene） were found to be synergistic joint action mode, while two binary-mixtures （phenanthrene plus fluoranthene; fluoranthene plus pyrene） displayed antagonist, revealing a complex pattern of possible interactions. The combined action mode of PAHs might be related to various factors such as the mixture compounds, mixture ratios and test conditions, etc.

Influence of rice straw burning on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in agricultural county of Taiwan

Atmospheric particulate and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） size distribution were measured at Jhu-Shan （a rural site） and Sin-Gang （a town site） in central Taiwan during the rice straw burning and non-burning periods. The concentrations of total PAHs accounting for a roughly 58% （34%） increment in the concentrations of total PAHs due to rice-straw burning. Combustion-related PAHs during burning periods were 1.54-2.57 times higher than those during non-burning periods. The mass median diameter （MMD） of 0.88-1.21 μm in the particulate phase suggested that rice-straw burning generated the increase in coarse particle number. Chemical mass balance （CMB） receptor model analyses showed that the primary pollution sources at the two sites were similar. However, ricestraw burning emission was specifically identified as a significant source of PAH during burning periods at the two sites. Open burning of rice straws was estimated to contribute approximately 6.3%-24.6% to total atmospheric PAHs at the two sites.

Characterization of Hapten-Protein Conjugates for Immunoassay of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs)

Preparation and characterization of the hapten-protein conjugates are fundamental to developing environmental immunoassays. As a hapten, 1-pyrenebutyric acid（PBA） was conjugated to the carrier protein of bovine serum albumin（BSA） or ovalbumin（OVA） by active ester method. Infrared spectra（IR） showed that PBA-BSA and PBA-OVA conjugates were successfully prepared. The number of the haptens conjugated to the carrier protein was determined by ultraviolet spectra（UV） and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry（MALDI-TOF-MS）. The calculated average binding ratios of PBA/BSA and PBA/OVA were 18：1 and 10：1 by UV, and 31：1 and 22：1 by MALDI-TOF-MS, respectively. Although there was a discrepancy between the results determined by the two methods, both of them were useful for the characterization of the hapten-protein conjugates. The antibody was produced against the antigen of PBA-BSA, and the affinity was tested by the double agar diffusion method The conjugates and the antibody could be used for developing a sensitive and selective immunoassay of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs）.