Development of Flow Analytical Systems for Monitoring Thiocyanate Biodegradation in Waste Waters

ABSTRACT

Metallurgical waste waters have a very complex composition. Different reactions take place in such waters. Among them, the reaction of pyretic materials with free cyanide results in the production of thiocyanate, another hazard to the aqueous media. Biological cleanup (bioremediation) is one of the methods to eliminate SCN of waste waters and, consequently, it is necessary to develop sensitive and convenient methods for thiocyanate analysis in this bioprocess in order to assure environmental quality control.

In the work presented here different spectrophotometric flow systems based on the reaction between Fe(III) and SCN are studied to control thiocyanate in crude and biologically treated coke plant waster waters, using a conventional flow cell and a fibre optical continuous flow system. Chemical and physical parameters of the flow systems were studied. A simple, fast and sensitive continous flow system with optical fibres is proposed for monitoring thiocynate degradation in a waste water biological reactor.     

Oxidability Determination in Waste Waters Using an Automatic Titrator Based on a Multicommutated Unsegmented Flow System

Abstract

The automatic titrator based on a multicommutated unsegmented flow system was applied to redox titrations and used for oxidability determination in waters analysis. This automatic titrator allows the attainment of complete titration curves, being the determination of titrand concentration performed without requiring any prior calibration. After sample treatment (oxidation step), the oxidability determination in waste water samples was accomplished by the automatic flow titrator (titration step). Repeated determinations of standard solutions gave a 3.5% RSD (n=10, 0.010M) for repeatability and a 3.2% RSD (n=2, 0.057M) for reproducibility. Samples results (n=9) were in good agreement (t-test) with those obtained with a reference procedure.     

A collagen(Col)/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) biological composite bone scaffold with double multi-level interface reinforcement

IntroductionBone scaffold is expected to possess excellent mechanical and biological properties similar to natural bone tissues. In this study, we aimed to prepare a biomineralized Col and hydroxyapatite composite scaffold consisting of biomimetic bone components and multi-level bionic bone structure to strengthen its mechanical properties.MethodsWe prepared a Col/nano-hydroxyapatite biological composite scaffold with multi-level structure (from nanofibers to micron bionic bone motif to bionc bone scaffold) of biomimetic bone tissue, and biomineralized the scaffold in simulated body fluid (SBF) preheated to 37 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscope, were used to characterize the biomineralized products.ResultsMorphological study confirmed in situ deposition of nHA in the multi-scale hierarchical structure of the biomineralized scaffold. We explored the biomineralization nucleation mechanism of the scaffolds at the atomic level based on the first principles and the mechanisms for growth of mineralized nHA crystal array in its multi-scale structure, and how the double multiscales structure strengthened the mechanical properties of the material.ConclusionsThis synthetic bone scaffold, with bionic bone composition and double multi-level interface reinforcement, provides a new strategy for synthesizing bioactive bone scaffolds with enhanced biomechanical properties.     

Development and In Vivo Test of Sol-Gel Derived Bone Grafting Materials

A novel bioceramic derived via sol gel method was developed and very good resorption properties in long term period of implantation were established.Calcium phosphate materials are bioactive, osteoconductive materials used as guides for bone regeneration. An identical sequence of events apparently occurred at the contact of the ceramics when implanted in vivo. Two kinds of calcium phosphate ceramics have been produced in a form of threads with 1 mm in diameter: hydroxyapatite SiO₂-containing ceramic and hydroxyapatite—-tricalcium phosphate SiO₂-containing ceramic. Above mentioned calcium phosphate ceramic established an interconnecting macroporous structure, which is responsible for growth of bone and for replacement of ceramic by bone. Three ranges of pores were designed.Viscosity measurements were made to control the point of gelation and production phase of transplant material.In vivo experiments were carried out for 5 weeks and 8 months. The results after the short period of examination have shown the early stage of bone formation and material dissolution. Within 6 months nearly 100% of implanted ceramic was resorpted and new bone around place of intervention was formed.     

Indirect AAS Determination of Cationic Surfactants in Waste Effluents and Shampoos

Abstract

An indirect atomic absorption spectro-metric (AAS) method using electrothermal atomization (ETAAS) for the determination of cationic surfactants has been proposed. The method involves ion-pair formation between cationic surfactant and sodium hexanitro-cobaltate(III), extraction of the ion-pair into 1, 2-dichloroethane and determination of cobalt con centration in organic phase by ETAAS and hence indirectly relating to the cationic surfactant concentrations. Surfactants of the anionic and nonionic group do not interfere to a great extent, and matrix inter ferences from many other cations, anions and organics are also not observed. The method has been success fully applied to cationic surfactant determination in waste water and hair rinsers. Relative standard deviation values (RSD) of 3.2% for waste water samples and 4.3% for shampoo were observed in these analyses.     

Evaluation of Formaldehyde in Foundry Waste Sands Using Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

The industrial manufacturing of metallic objects results in a high level of foundry waste sands that may contain toxic compounds such as formaldehyde. The formaldehyde content of foundry waste sands was evaluated by liquid chromatography. Samples were collected during various steps of the industrial processes. Results showed that the phenolic alkaline process generated waste sands with higher formaldehyde content than the furanic process; the highest value was 7.6 × 10^?3% (w/w). In this work, formaldehyde content decreased with time in all of the samples studied, revealing that most formaldehyde was released to the occupational environment.     

Flow Injection Analysis Using Potassium Permanganate: An Approach for Measuring Chemical Oxygen Demand in Organic Wastes and Waters

Abstract

A rapid and continuous analytical method based on flow injection analysis was developed for the determination of chemical oxygen demand due to organic substances in water pollution. Potassium permanganate and sulfuric acid solutions were individually pumped up as an oxidizing agent and glucose was used as a standard substance. The results for filtered organic waste and water samples were as reasonable as compared to those measured by the manual acidic permanganate method.     

Voltammetric Ultra Trace Determination of Tellurium

Abstract

A simple and convenient method is described for the determination of low concentration tellurium based on differential pulse polarographic reduction of Te(IV) in alkaline medium. Linearity of the calibration curve was achieved up to 25.5 ppm with a limit of determination of 0.02 µg/mL. The possible interference of coexisting metal ions was examined and ruled out. The method has been successfully applied for the analysis of tellurium in industrial waste samples.     

The Determination of Cadmium,Chromium, Copper,Nickel and Zinc in City Waste Incinerator Ash Using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry

Abstract

This study describes the determination of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in a sample of city waste incinerator ash distributed in 1983 by the European Community Bureau for Reference Materials (sample BCR No. 176) for certification. The sample treatment and the analysis procedure are discussed. The results obtained are evaluated and compared with the values which were later certified.     

Collagenated Porcine Heterologous Bone Grafts: Histomorphometric Evaluation of Bone Formation Using Different Physical Forms in a Rabbit Cancellous Bone Model

Collagenated porcine-derived bone graft materials exhibit osteoconductive properties and the development of different formulations intends to enhance bone regeneration. This study aims to evaluate bone healing in a rabbit cancellous bone defect in response to grafting with different physicochemical forms of heterologous porcine bone. Twenty-six adult male New Zealand White rabbits received two critical size femoral bone defects per animal (n = 52), each randomly assigned to one of the five tested materials (Apatos, Gen-Os, mp3, Putty, and Gel 40). Animals were sacrificed at 15- and 30-days post-surgery. Qualitative and quantitative (new bone, particle and connective tissue percentages) histological analyses were performed. Histomorphometry showed statistically significant differences in all evaluated parameters between mp3 and both Putty and Gel 40 groups, regardless of the timepoint (p < 0.05). Moreover, statistical differences were observed between Apatos and both Putty (p = 0.014) and Gel 40 (p = 0.007) groups, at 30 days, in regard to particle percentage. Within each group, regarding new bone formation, mp3 showed significant differences (p = 0.028) between 15 (40.93 ± 3.49%) and 30 (52.49 ± 11.04%) days. Additionally, intragroup analysis concerning the percentage of particles revealed a significant reduction in particle occupied area from 15 to 30 days in mp3 and Gen-Os groups (p = 0.009). All mp3, Gen-Os and Apatos exhibited promising results in terms of new bone formation, thus presenting suitable alternatives to be used in bone regeneration.     

Introduction of a coiled solid‐phase microextraction fiber based on a coating of animal bone waste for chromatographic analysis

We attempt to introduce animal bone waste as a coating material with an organic−inorganic structure for the fabrication of a coiled solid‐phase microextraction fiber for the first time. The coiled fiber was simply prepared with the use of copper wire and coated with bone waste suspension through the dip‐coating method. The bone waste coating was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. It was applied as new type of solid‐phase microextraction fiber for preconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons before determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. A wide linear range 0.01–99.0 μg/L and limits of detection in the range 3.0–11.1 ng/L were obtained at optimized conditions. The bone waste coated coiled solid‐phase microextraction fiber has promise in sample preparation techniques because it is cost effective, available, stable in aqueous and organic solutions, environmentally friendly, and easy to fabricate and operate.     

Conversion of industrial food wastes by Alcaligenes latus into polyhydroxyalkanoates

Broader usage of biodegradable plastics in packaging and disposable products as a solution to environmental problems would heavily depend on further reduction of costs and the discovery of novel biodegradable plastics with improved properties. As the first step in our pursuit of eventual usage of industrial food wastewater as nutrients for microorganisms to synthesise environmental-friendly bioplastics, we investigated the usage of soya wastes from a soya milk dairy, and malt wastes from a beer brewery plant as the carbon sources for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by selected strain of microorganism. Bench experiments showed that Alcaligenes latus DSM 1124 used the nutrients from malt and soya wastes to biosynthesise PHAs. The final dried cell mass and specific polymer production of A. latus DSM 1124 were 32g/L and 70% polymer/cells (g/g), 18.42 g/L and 32.57% polymer/cell (g/g), and 28 g/L and 36% polymer/cells (g/g), from malt waste, soya waste, and from sucrose, responctively. These results suggest that many types of food wastes might be used as the carbon source for the production of PHA.     

Combustion of Waste Waters Containing Organic Alkaline Salts

Abstract

The biological treatment of waste waters from chemical industry containing organic and inorganic salts causes problems because these materials inhibit the metabolic activity of the bacteria. One possible and economically feasible way to convert the organic materials into less toxic forms is a thermal oxidation process, which can take place either in a fluidized bed combustor or in a vertical combustion chamber.

The process is described and parameters of the process are discussed. Results from particle measurements on a vertical combustion chamber for the combustion of various artificial waste waters are presented. The chemical analysis of the particulate matter from different stages of the process allows a detailed characterization of the decomposition of the organic material. Conclusions are drawn both with respect to the process and the environment.     

Determination of Volatile Markers from Magnum Hops in Beer by In-Tube Extraction—Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT

A chromatographic method was developed for the identification of volatile markers from Magnum hops in two types of beer. The study was initially performed with Magnum hop pellets and hop essential oil and subsequently with traditional and flavored beer during the primary fermentation. The volatile compounds were isolated employing the in-tube extraction (ITEX) technique followed by identification and quantification through gas-chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC-MS) operating in scan mode. The main authentication markers identified in traditional beer were from aromatic compounds, aldehydes and alcohol esters. The most predominant authentication marker compounds in beer flavored with Magnum hop essential oil were obtained from terpenoids, followed by acid esters, alcohol esters and alcohol classes. A unique feature of this study was represented by the discriminant markers for the authentication of Magnum hop variety, identified in hop pellets, hop essential oil and flavored beer. The application of this methodology can be used for optimization of brewing technology and process parameters in view of prolonging fruity hop flavor stability of Romanian beers.     

Sample and Sorbent Integrity During Combustion Source Sampling

Abstract

A research program was initiated to evaluate the stability of selected organic compounds collected on porous polymer sorbents during combustion source sampling. This type of study is necessary to determine if destruction and removal of hazardous materials waste has occurred during incineration and not as a result of the sampling and analytical approach used. Two compounds, hexachlorobenzene and toluene diisocyanate, were selected for study. Due to difficulties encountered in preliminary work, studies on toluene diisocyanate were discontinued. Hexachlorobenzene sorbed onto XAD-2 resin at the 1 μg level was exposed to the following conditions intended to simulate hazardous waste incineration stack samplin: moist air, moist air in combination with HCl (two concentrations), and warm air. Recoveries following exposure were determined for each of three trials. The results indicate that hexachlorobenzene sorbed onto XAD-2 is stable with respect to the conditions routinely encountered during incineration stack sampling.     

Development of an HPLC-Method for the Determination of E-2-Nonenal in Beer using Column Switching Techniques

Abstract

E-2-nonenal is an important compound formed during ageing of beer. It has a flavour threshold value of about 0.1 μg/l. A method is described for isolation of E-2-nonenal from beer by solid phase extraction. After extraction E-2-nonenal is derivatized with dansylhydrazine and analyzed with reversed phase HPLC using column switching techniques. The combination of on-line preconcentration of the derivative and heartcutting enables the analysis of E-2-nonenal in beer at natural levels.     

Development of Calcium Phosphate Glass-Ceramics for Surgical and Dental Use

Abstract

Two types of glass-ceramics have been developed in the system of calcium phosphate without silica. The preparation conditions, crystallization processes, and some of physical properties are briefly reported. These glass-ceramics have high potential use for bone substitutes and dental materials such as dental crown, root and tooth.     

An interlaboratory study to improve the quality of chemical and biological measurements in waste water

 Analyses of waste water are routinely performed to monitor the level of contamination. To verify the quality of such determinations the National Institute of Chemistry, with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and the Slovenian Accreditation Agency, organizes interlaboratory comparisons. Over the last 3 years, five interlaboratory trials named "MPP-Waste Water" were organized. Each round attracted around 50 participants, mostly from Slovenia and some from abroad, which enabled the testing of SIST ISO methods or alternative methods. We prepared samples for determination of harmful substances that are important for the characterization of waste water; physico-chemical parameters (pH), global parameters – chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), metals (mercury, cadmium, copper, nickel, lead and chromium (VI)), nutrients (ammonia and total phosphorus), anions (chloride, nitrite, nitrate, sulphate) and toxicity to Daphnia magna. For the analysis of each parameter we prepared two samples at two different concentration levels. The materials used in the proficiency testing were carefully prepared and their homogeneity and stability were verified. The purpose of this scheme was to enable participants to check their day-to-day analytical performance. The results should enable the participants to improve the quality of their analyses.

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Received: 24 October 2002 Accepted: 2 January 2003

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Acknowledgments We would like to thank the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and the Ministry for Education, Science and Sport for providing financial support. We would like to thank members of the Technical Committee: Mrs. Marjana Kovacˇicˇ, Dr. Katja Otrin-Debevc, Prof. Dr. Marjan Veber and Mrs. Boža Gregorc for their valuable support. Special thanks are due to Dr. Adrian Van der Veen who helped us in running the first PT.

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Presented at CERMM-3, Central European Reference Materials and Measurements Conference: The function of reference materials in the measurement process, May 30–June 1, 2002, Rogaška Slatina, Slovenia

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Correspondence to M. Cotman     

A novel hydroxy-bisphosphonic acid prodrug as a candidate for the delivery of ibuprofen to bone

Abstract

Active targeting with controlled delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to the bone is not sufficiently explored. In this study, concise and novel synthesis of a hydroxy-bisphosphonic acid (HBPA) prodrug containing ibuprofen is described. The key step consisted of preparing the HBPA function from a carboxylic acid precursor, in mild conditions and using appropriate Arbuzov reactions with tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite. This prodrug would be an excellent candidate for the treatment of bone inflammation diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.     

Selectivity assessment of an arsenic sequential extraction procedure for evaluating mobility in mine wastes

An optimized sequential extraction (SE) scheme for mine waste materials has been developed and tested for As partitioning over a range of pure As-bearing mineral phases, their model mixtures, and natural mine waste materials. This optimized SE procedure employs five extraction steps: (1) nitrogen-purged deionized water, 10 h; (2) 0.01 M NH₄H₂PO₄, 16 h; (3) 0.2 M NH₄-oxalate in the dark, pH3, 2 h; (4) 0.2 M NH₄-oxalate, pH3/80 °C, 4 h; (5) KClO₃/HCl/HNO₃ digestion. Selectivity and specificity tests on natural mine wastes and major pure As-bearing mineral phases showed that these As fractions appear to be primarily associated with: (1) readily soluble; (2) adsorbed; (3) amorphous and poorly-crystalline arsenates, oxides and hydroxosulfates of Fe; (4) well-crystalline arsenates, oxides, and hydroxosulfates of Fe; as well as (5) sulfides and arsenides. The specificity and selectivity of extractants, and the reproducibility of the optimized SE procedure were further verified by artificial model mineral mixtures and different natural mine waste materials. Partitioning data for extraction steps 3, 4, and 5 showed good agreement with those calculated in the model mineral mixtures (<15% difference), as well as that expected in different natural mine waste materials. The sum of the As recovered in the different extractant pools was not significantly different (89–112%) than the results for acid digestion. This suggests that the optimized SE scheme can reliably be employed for As partitioning in mine waste materials.