Abstract  In this study, a semi-probabilistic modelling approach was applied for the estimation of the long-term human dietary exposure to phthalates - one of world's most used families of plasticisers. Four phthalate compounds were considered: diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Intake estimates were calculated for the Belgian adult population and several subgroups of this population for two considered scenarios using an extended version of the EN-forc model. The highest intake rates were found for DEHP, followed by DnBP, BBP and DEP. In the Belgian adult population, men and young adults generally had the highest dietary phthalate intake estimates. Nevertheless, predicted dietary intake rates for all four investigated phthalates were far below the corresponding tolerable daily intake (TDI) values (i.e. P99 intake values were 6.4% of the TDI at most), which is reassuring because adults are also exposed to phthalates via other contamination pathways (e.g. dust ingestion and inhalation). The food groups contributing most to the dietary exposure were grains and grain-based products for DEP, milk and dairy products for DnBP, meat and meat products or grains and grain-based products (depending on the scenario) for BBP and meat and meat products for DEHP. Comparison of the predicted intake results based on modelled phthalate concentrations in food products with intake estimates from other surveys (mostly based on measured concentrations) showed that the extended version of the EN-forc model is a suitable semi-probabilistic tool for the estimation and evaluation of the long-term dietary intake of phthalates in humans.

Abstract  The description of emission processes of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) from building products requires a detailed understanding of the material and the air flow conditions at the surface boundary. The mass flux between the surface of the material and air depends on the mass transfer coefficient (hm) through the boundary layer, the gas phase concentration of the target compound immediately adjacent to the material (y0), and the gas-phase concentration in bulk air (y(t)). In the present study emission experiments were performed in two chambers of quite different sizes (0.25m(3) and 55m(3)), and, in the larger chamber, at two different temperatures (23°C and 30°C). The emitting material was latex wall paint that had been doped with two plasticizers, diethylphthalate (DEP) and di-n-butylphthalate (DnBP). The phthalate content in the paint was varied in the small chamber experiment to evaluate the impact of the initial concentration in the bulk material (C0) on the emission rate. Boundary layer theory was applied to calculate hm for the specific phthalates from the Sherwood number (Sh) and the diffusion coefficient (Dair). Then y0 was determined based on the bulk gas-phase concentration at steady state (y¯). For both, DEP and DnBP, the y0 obtained was lower than the respective saturation vapor pressure (Ps). Furthermore, for both phthalates in latex paint, the material/air partition coefficient (C0/y0) was close in value to the octanol/air partition coefficient (KOA). This study provides a basis for designing phthalate emitting reference materials that mimic the emission behavior of common building materials.

Abstract  A total of 448 samples including foodstuffs (rice, steamed bun, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, milk and fruits), ambient PM10, drinking water, soil, indoor PM10 and indoor dust samples from Tianjin were obtained to determine the distribution of six priority phthalates (PAEs) and assess the human exposure to them. The results indicated that DBP and DEHP were the most frequently detected PAEs in these samples. The concentrations of PAEs in environmental media were higher than those in food. We estimated the daily intake (DI) of PAEs via ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption from five sources (food, water, air, dust and soil). Dietary intake was the main exposure source to DEP, BBP, DEHP and DOP, whereas water ingestion/absorption was the major source of exposure to DBP, DEHP and DOP. Although food and water were the overwhelmingly predominant sources of PAEs intake by Tianjin population, contaminated air was another important source of DMP, DEP and DBP contributing to up to 45% of the exposure. The results of this study will help in understanding the major pathways of human exposure to PAEs. These findings also suggest that human exposure to phthalate esters via the environment should not be overlooked.

Abstract  Herein, we describe the detailed development of a simple and effective method to microencapsulate vaccine antigens in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by simple mixing of preformed active self-microencapsulating (SM) PLGA microspheres in a low concentration aqueous antigen solution at modest temperature (10-38 °C). Co-encapsulating protein-sorbing vaccine adjuvants and polymer plasticizers were used to "actively" load the protein in the polymer pores and facilitate polymer self-healing at a temperature>the hydrated polymer glass transition temperature, respectively. The microsphere formulation parameters and loading conditions to provide optimal active self-healing microencapsulation of vaccine antigens in PLGA was investigated. Active self-healing encapsulation of two antigens, ovalbumin and tetanus toxoid (TT), in PLGA microspheres was adjusted by preparing blank microspheres containing different vaccine adjuvants (aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) or calcium phosphate). Active loading of vaccine antigen in Al(OH)₃-PLGA microspheres was found to: a) increase with an increasing loading of Al(OH)₃ (0.88-3 wt.%) and addition of porosigen, b) decrease when the inner Al(OH)₃/trehalose phase to 1 mL outer oil phase and size of microspheres was respectively >0.2 mL and 63 μm, and c) change negligibly by PLGA concentration and initial incubation (loading) temperature. Encapsulation of protein sorbing Al(OH)₃ in PLGA microspheres resulted in suppression of self-healing of PLGA pores, which was then overcome by improving polymer chain mobility, which in turn was accomplished by coincorporating hydrophobic plasticizers in PLGA. Active self-healing microencapsulation of manufacturing process-labile TT in PLGA was found to: a) obviate micronization- and organic solvent-induced TT degradation, b) improve antigen loading (1.4-1.8 wt.% TT) and encapsulation efficiency (~97%), c) provide nearly homogeneous distribution and stabilization of antigen in polymer, and d) provide improved in vitro controlled release of antigenic TT.

Abstract  We show that magnetic nanoparticles can be functionalized with graphene oxide (GO-MNPs) in two reaction steps, and that such nanoparticles can be used as adsorbents for the removal of phthalate esters (PAEs) from water samples. The GO-MNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The impacts of contact time, sample pH, ionic strength and sample volume on the adsorption process were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity for diethyl phthalate was calculated to be 8.71 mg g(-1) according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption efficiency was tested by removal of PAEs. More than 99 % of the total quantity of PAEs (0.12 mg L-1) in 500 mL real water samples can be removed when GO-MNPs (275-330 mg) were used as an adsorbent. In addition, other species (estriol and fluorene) containing benzene rings were also almost completely removed with the PAEs using GO-MNPs, indicating that GO-MNPs are suitable for the removal of the species containing pi-electron system through pi-pi interactions.

Abstract  Electrochemical degradation of 2,5-dichloro-1,4-phenylenediamine (DP) in aqueous solution by anodic oxidation was investigated. Linear sweep voltammograms and cyclic voltammograms were studied. The influence of operating parameters on electrochemical oxidation of DP was studied as a function of the current density, initial pH, and initial concentration of DP. The degradation kinetics analysis indicated that the electrochemical degradation of DP followed a first-order reaction. The degradation intermediates during electrochemical oxidation were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometer, ionic chromatograph (IC), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The combustion efficiency of DP at the anode was also estimated. The electrochemical oxidation of DP resulted in the release of NH4(+) and Cl(-). Based on these results, a degradation mechanism for electrochemical degradation of DP by anodic oxidation was proposed.

Abstract  Environmental toxicants viz lead or cadmium and phthalate esters (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP], and diethyl phthalate [DEP]) widely found in different environmental strata are linked to deteriorating male reproductive health. The objective was to assess the relationships between the seminal lead, cadmium, and phthalate (DEHP, DBP, DEP) concentrations at environmental level and serum hormone levels and semen quality in non-occupationally exposed men and specify the effect of individual and combined exposure of toxicants on semen quality. A study of 60 male partners of couples attending the Andrology Laboratory of the Reproductive Biology Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India for semen analysis to assess their inability to achieve a pregnancy was selected for the study. The results of univariate and stepwise multiple regression analysis in the unadjusted model showed a significant correlation between lead or cadmium and phthalates DEHP/DBP/DEP and sperm motility, sperm concentration, and DNA damage. After adjusting for potential confounders, an association with lead or DEHP was only observed. The present data shows that lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) or phthalates might independently contribute to decline in semen quality and induce DNA damage. Phthalates might influence reproductive hormone testosterone. These findings are significant in light of the fact that men are exposed to a volley of chemicals; however, due to the small sample size, our finding needs to be confirmed in a larger population.

Abstract  Approximately 13 million U.S. children less than 6 years old spend some time in early childhood education (ECE) facilities where they may be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals during critical periods of development. We measured five phthalate esters in indoor dust (n = 39) and indoor and outdoor air (n = 40 and 14, respectively) at ECE facilities in Northern California. Dust and airborne concentrations were used to perform a probabilistic health risk assessment to compare estimated exposures with risk levels established for chemicals causing reproductive toxicity and cancer under California's Proposition 65. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) were the dominant phthalates present in floor dust (medians = 172.2 and 46.8 μg/g, respectively), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) were the dominant phthalates in indoor air (medians = 0.52, 0.21, and 0.10 μg/m(3), respectively). The risk assessment results indicate that 82-89% of children in California ECE had DBP exposure estimates exceeding reproductive health benchmarks. Further, 8-11% of children less than 2 years old had DEHP exposure estimates exceeding cancer benchmarks. This is the largest study to measure phthalate exposure in U.S. ECE facilities and findings indicate wide phthalate contamination and potential risk to developing children.

Abstract  Many toxic substances in the workplace can modify human health and quality of life and there is still insufficient data on respiratory outcomes in adults exposed to phthalates. The aim of this work was to assess in waste management workers from the Nitra region of Slovakia (n = 30) the extent of exposure to phthalates and health-related outcomes. Four urinary phthalate metabolites mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), monobutyl phthalate (MnBP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and monoisononyl phthalate (MiNP) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Urinary concentration of MEHP was positively associated with ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity % (FEV1/FVC) (r = 0.431; p = 0.018) and MiNP with fat free mass index (FFMI) (r = 0.439; p = 0.015). The strongest predictor of pulmonary function was the pack/year index as smoking history that predicted a decrease of pulmonary parameters, the FEV1/FVC, % of predicted values of peak expiratory flow (PEF % of PV) and FEV1 % of PV. Unexpectedly, urinary MEHP and MINP were positively associated with pulmonary function expressed as PEF % of PV and FEV1/FVC. We hypothesize that occupational exposure to phthalates estimated from urinary metabolites (MEHP, MiNP) can modify pulmonary function on top of lifestyle factors.

Abstract  Abstract Many of the environmental, occupational and industrial chemicals are able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause oxidative stress. ROS may lead to genotoxicity, which is suggested to contribute to the pathophysiology of many human diseases, including inflammatory diseases and cancer. Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental chemicals and are well-known peroxisome proliferators (PPs) and endocrine disruptors. Several in vivo and in vitro studies have been conducted concerning the carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of phthalates. Di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) and several other phthalates are shown to be hepatocarcinogenic in rodents. The underlying factor in the hepatocarcinogenesis is suggested to be their ability to generate ROS and cause genotoxicity. Several methods, including chromosomal aberration test, Ames test, micronucleus assay, and hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) mutation test and Comet assay, have been used to determine genotoxic properties of phthalates. Comet assay has been an important tool in the measurement of the genotoxic potential of many chemicals, including phthalates. In this review, we will mainly focus on the studies, which were conducted on the DNA damage caused by different phthalate esters and protection studies against the genotoxicity of these chemicals.

Abstract  Exposure to some phthalate diesters and bisphenol A in the general population is a cause of increasing concern because of their potential adverse effects on the reproductive and endocrine systems and their broad presence in foodstuff and consumer products. The aims of this work are to assess patterns of exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A in a pilot sample of Spanish mothers and their children, and to provide basic information to address priorities in future Spanish surveys/research. Urinary levels of eight phthalate metabolites and bisphenol A have been measured in samples from 120 mother-child pairs in one rural and one urban location in central Spain, recruited as part of the European project DEMOCOPHES. More than 96% of the participants were exposed to all the compounds studied here with generally higher levels in children than their mothers. The sum of secondary DEHP metabolites gave a GM of 33.3μg/g creatinine (95% CI 30.2-36.6) for mothers and 63.0μg/g creatinine (95% CI 56.8-69.8) for children. Mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) was the metabolite with the highest levels, with geometric means (GM) of 150.8μg/g creatinine (95% CI 124.0-183.5) for mothers and 198.9μg/g creatinine (95% CI 165.2-239.6) for children. Bisphenol A urinary levels were relatively low with geometric means of 2.0μg/g (95% CI 1.6-2.4) for mothers and 2.01μg/g (95% CI 1.7-2.4) for children. Personal care products like body lotions and fragrances showed associations with MEHP, MEP, MnBP and cx-MiNP and canteen food with MBzP and bisphenol A. Exposure of mothers and their children are correlated, except for MEP. As phthalates and bisphenol A are non-persistent chemicals, a daily, intermittent exposure of the population is taking place.

Abstract  This study presents the outcome of an investigation on the occurrence of phthalates, in eight edible marine fish species from lower James River, Chesapeake Bay along the Virginia Coast of Atlantic ocean. These include shell fish like Crab(Callinectes sapidus), Clam( Merccnaria), Oyster(C.ariakensis), and white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei) from aquaculture center of Virginia Tech. These were analyzed for their content of Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate, Di-n-butyl Phthalate, butyl benzyl Phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate, and di-n-octyl Phthalate Mean concentrations (range) of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in fish samples were 1.1 (<0.01-1.5), 0.22 (<0.01-1.1) and 0.14 (<0.01-1.3) mu g g(-1); those in shell fishery were 1.2 (<0.02-1.3), 0.13 (<0.01-0.27) and 0.09 (<0.02-0.22) mu g g(-1), respectively. The highest concentration of bis (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate in fish samples were found in Atlantic mackerel (Centropristis striate) (1.98 +/- 0.92) mu g/g (wet weight) and Oyster (C.ariakensis) (2.30 mu g/g (wet weight), were higher than those in other fish species.

Abstract  Concentrations of 6 kinds of phthalic acid esters(PAEs) in sewage sludge from 20 typical municipal wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs) in Jiangsu province were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results shows that the sewage sludge samples contain phthalic acid ester compounds, which total content of phthalic acid esters (Sigma PAEs) range from 15.126 to 71.107 ug/g (dry sludge). The content of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEEP) is the highest, which amounts more than 80% of total phthalic acid esters (Sigma PAE); the content of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) is low,which is less than 1.0 ug/g;Diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) are detected in each sludge sample, but which content display greater difference; Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) in most cities is not detected.

Abstract  Phthalate diesters are used as plasticizers in a wide range of consumer products. Because phthalates have been shown in laboratory animal studies to be toxic, human exposure to these chemicals is a matter of concern. Nevertheless, little is known about inhalation exposure to phthalates in the United States. In this study, occurrence of nine phthalates was determined in 60 indoor air samples collected in 2014 in Albany, New York, USA. Airborne particulate and vapor phase samples were collected from various sampling locations by use of a low-volume air sampler. The median concentrations of nine phthalates in air samples collected from homes, offices, laboratories, schools, salons (hair and nail salons), and public places were 732, 143, 170, 371, 2600, and 354 ng/m(3), respectively. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) was found at the highest concentrations, which ranged from 4.83 to 2250 ng/m(3) (median 152) followed by di-n-butyl phthalate, which ranged from 4.05 to 1170 ng/m(3) (median 63.3). The median inhalation exposure dose to phthalates was estimated at 0.845, 0.423, 0.203, 0.089, and 0.070 µg/kg-bw/d for infants, toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults, respectively. Inhalation is an important pathway of human exposure to DEP.

Abstract  Baby wipes and wet toilet paper are specific hygiene care daily products used on newborn and children skin. These products may contain complexes mixtures of harmful chemicals. A method based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been developed for the simultaneous determination of sixty-five chemical compounds (fragrance allergens, preservatives, musks, and phthalates) in wipes and wet toilet paper for children. These compounds are legislated in Europe according Regulation EC No 1223/2009, being twelve of them banned for their use in cosmetics, and one of them, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), is banned in products intended for children under 3 years. Also, propyl-, and butylparaben will be prohibited in leave-on cosmetic products designed for application on the nappy area of children under 3 years from April 2015. PLE is a fast, simple, easily automated technique, which permits to integrate a clean-up step during the extraction process reducing analysis time and stages. The proposed PLE-based procedure was optimized on real non-spiked baby wipe samples by means of experimental design to study the influence on extraction of parameters such as extraction solvent, temperature, extraction time, and sorbent type. Under the selected conditions, the method was validated showing satisfactory linearity, and intra-day, and inter-day precision. Recoveries were between 80-115% for most of the compounds with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 15%. Finally, twenty real samples were analyzed. Thirty-six of the target analytes were detected, highlighting the presence of phenoxyethanol in all analyzed samples at high concentration levels (up to 0.8%, 800μgg(-1)). Methyl paraben (MeP), and ethyl paraben (EtP) were found in 40-50% of the samples, and the recently banned isobutyl paraben (iBuP) and isopropyl paraben (iPrP), were detected in one and seven samples, respectively, at concentrations between 0.093 and 247μgg(-1). In the case of phthalates, the forbidden phthalates dibutyl phtalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) were also found in thirteen samples at low levels. All the samples contained fragrance allergens in many cases at high levels (up to 2400μgg(-1)) and three musks were detected in the samples. Excluding the banned compounds, all samples complied with the concentration limits established by the European Regulation although 25% of them did not fulfill the labeling requirements for fragrance allergens.

Abstract  Phthalates, e.g. dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were measured in the atmosphere and sea water of the North Sea (German Bight). The air and water samples were collected during an expedition cruise with German research ship 'Gauss' in the North Sea from 29th February to 10th March 2004. The concentrations of phthalates in the atmosphere ranged from below the method detection limit to 3.4 ng m(-3). DBP, BBP, and DEHP were determined in the water phase with concentrations ranging from below the method detection limit to 6.6 ng L-1.

Air-sea vapour exchange of DBP, BBP, and DEHP was estimated using the two-film resistance model based upon relative air-water concentrations. The average of air-sea exchange fluxes was -338 ng m(-2) day(-1) for DBP and -13 ng m(-2) day(-1) for BBP, which indicates a net deposition is taking place. The air-sea exchange fluxes of DEHP were ranging from -95 to + 686 ng m(-2) day(-1). The average value of + 53 ng m(-2) day(-1) for DEHP suggested a net volatilization from the North Sea. Moreover, the particle-associated fractions were calculated as 2%, 46%, 75% and 78% for DEP, DBP, BBP and DEHP, respectively. These results indicate that the air-sea vapour exchanges is an important process that intervenes in the mass balance of phthalates in the North Sea. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Some data on a newly developed filter/sorbent indoor air SVOC sampling device for thermal desorption analysis are described. Thermal desorption of SVOCs spiked on Tenax had response factors identical to on-column injection except for highly polar compounds like fatty acids. SVOCs spiked on quartz fiber filters had for non-oxygen compounds). Low nanogram on-tube amounts of lower desorption efficiency. In addition, it was indicated that the "memory" effect was an important source of background contaminations that might impair analysis of low nanogram on-tube amounts of some SVOCs. Polar SVOCs in the gas phase appear to adsorb to the quartz fiber filters. This functions as a precleaning of the sample and thus minimizes the problem with coeluting peaks. The relative standard deviations of air concentrations of 10 SVOCs in an office estimated from nine duplicate samples appeared to be sufficiently low to distinguish a day to day variation.

Abstract  Diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP) is an isomeric mixture of phthalates with predominantly 10-carbon branched-dialkyl chains, widely used as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride. The extent of human exposure to DiDP is unknown in part because adequate biomarkers of exposure to DiDP are not available. We identified several major metabolites of DiDP in urine of adult female Sprague–Dawley rats after a single oral administration of DiDP (300 mg/kg). These metabolites can potentially be used as biomarkers of exposure to DiDP. The metabolites extracted from urine were chromatographically resolved and identified by their chromatographic behavior and full scan negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectrum. The identity of metabolites with similar molecular weights was further examined in accurate mass mode. For some metabolites, unequivocal identification was done using authentic standards. Among these were the hydrolytic monoester of DiDP, monoisodecyl phthalate (MiDP), detected as a minor metabolite, and one ω oxidation product of MiDP, mono(carboxy-isononyl) phthalate (MCiNP), which was the most abundant urinary metabolite. We also tentatively identified other secondary metabolites of MiDP, mono(hydroxy-isodecyl) phthalate, mono(oxo-isodecyl) phthalate, mono(carboxy-isoheptyl) phthalate, mono(carboxy-isohexyl) phthalate, mono(carboxy-isopentyl) phthalate, mono(carboxy-isobutyl) phthalate, and mono(carboxy-ethyl) phthalate. Oxidative metabolites of diisoundecyl phthalate (DiUdP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) were also detected suggesting the presence of DiUdP and DiNP in the DiDP formulation. The urinary concentrations of all these metabolites gradually decreased in the 4 days following the administration of DiDP. MCiNP and other DiDP secondary metabolites are more abundant in urine than MiDP, suggesting that these oxidative products are better biomarkers for DiDP exposure assessment than MiDP. Additional research on the toxicokinetics of these metabolites is needed to understand the extent of human exposure to DiDP from the urinary concentrations of MCiNP and other DiDP secondary metabolites.

Abstract  A procedure to estimate chemical exposure retrospectively for the purpose of studying individual chronic chemical exposure is described. We use the unique combination of a case-control study design which eliminates dilution by mobility, coupled with an emission inventory to estimate exposure nationally for up to 35 years latency. The retrospective exposure assessment (REA) methodology leads to an Exposure Index (EI) to describe the average historic exposure at a point. The approach is demonstrated with an estimate of the average chemical environment in each of 78 pulp producing communities in Canada in 1980 considering process-related emissions. A procedure to partially validate the pollution estimate and the estimate of toxicity is shown.

Abstract  Part of the Water Environment Federation 1998 Literature Review. A literature review on the effects of pollutants on freshwater organisms is presented. The review is organized by pollutant category and by major receptor.

Abstract  The characterization of complex mixtures of organic contaminants present in industrial effluents is a well-known problem. The determination of individual target analytes depends very much on the analytical method used. In this article, the possibilities of using high-temperature gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HT-GC–MS) are explored. In HT-GC–MS non-polar and medium-polarity phases can be operated at temperatures up to 370–420°C, allowing the analysis of high-molecular-weight compounds. So far, the applications of HT-GC have included the analysis of hydrocarbons up to C-100, lipids, sugars, and polyglycerols, but no data have been reported on the characterization of organic pollutants present in industrial effluents. The general sample handling approach reported here is based either on a sequential solid-phase extraction (SSPE) procedure, with a change of solvent composition in the elution from two different cartridges (C18 and Lichrolut EN), or on a toxicological fractionation. Effluent samples from tanneries, petrochemical plants, and textile industries are characterized, and the levels of the main organic pollutants identified are indicated. More than 50 compounds, including n-alkanes, phthalates, esters, acids, and phenols, were identified in the effluents studied.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. In the field of aquatic toxicology, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) have developed as scientifically credible models for predicting the toxicity of chemicals when little or no empirical data are available. In recent years, there has been an evolution of QSAR development and application from that of a chemical-class perspective to one that is more consistent with assumptions regarding modes of toxic action. The objective of this research was to develop procedures that relate modes of acute toxic action in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) to chemical structures and properties. An empirically derived database for diverse chemical structures of acute toxicity and corresponding modes of toxic action was developed through joint toxic action studies, the establishment of toxicodynamic profiles, and behavioral and dose-response interpretation of 96-h LC50 tests. Using the results from these efforts, as well as principles in the toxicological litera

Abstract  A capillary gas chromatographic method with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) for the detection of the six phthalates (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP)) in the cosmetics was developed. The phthalates were extracted from cosmetics with methanol under ultrasonication and then separated with high-speed centrifugation. The supernatant was dehydrated and filtrated through membrane with 0.5 microm pore diameter. The filtrate was injected into the GC system for analysis. Then the positive results observed in the GC-FID chromatogram were confirmed by gas chromatography-electron impact-mass detection (GC-EI-MS) analysis. Retention times of the peaks could be applied for qualitative analysis. External standard method was used for quantitative analysis. The recoveries of the six phthalates were between 82.90% and 109.50%. The relative standard deviations were between 2.1% and 4.6%. The detection limits of the method were: 0.1 ng for DMP, DEP, DBP and BBP, and 0.5 ng for DEHP and DOP, respectively. The method presented the advantages of high precision, high sensitivity, small sample size, and simple pretreatment. The method can be used to test the six phthalates in the cosmetics.

Abstract  A simple and efficient liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) technique was developed using directly suspended organic microdrop coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), for the extraction and the determination of phthalate esters (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)) in water samples. Microextraction efficiency factors, such as nature and volume of the organic solvent, temperature, salt effect, stirring rate and the extraction time were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized extraction conditions (extraction solvent: 1-dodecanol; extraction temperature: 60 degrees C; microdrop volume: 7 microL; stirring rate: 750 rpm, without salt addition and extraction time: 25 min), figures of merit of the proposed method were evaluated. The values of the detection limit were in the range of 0.02-0.05 microg L(-1), while the R.S.D.% value for the analysis of 5.0 microg L(-1) of the analytes was below 7.7% (n=4). A good linearity (r(2)>/=0.9940) and a broad linear range (0.05-100 microg L(-1)) were obtained. The method exhibited enrichment factor values ranging from 307 to 412. Finally, the designed method was successfully applied for the preconcentration and determination of the studied phthalate esters in different real water samples and satisfactory results were attained.