Preliminary study on analysis and removal of wax from a Carrara marble statue

This preliminary study has mainly focused on the wax identification by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and removal. Wax is used for many purposes in the field of art as protective coatings on wooden, stone or metal objects. From the comparison of the spectra H NMR and in particular with the correspondence of the resonance peaks of the samples taken from the statue and beeswax and paraffin, we can conclude that the wax applied on the statue surface is beeswax. From our data, it can be concluded that, to remove the beeswax, from any stone support, the more effective solvent is the mixture of cyclohexane/ethyl acetate. The removal percentages ranged from 19 to 99%. Lower percentages of remova…

Dispositivo per estrarre e purificare analiti da una matrice

Presence and biodistribution of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in Paracentrotus lividus highlight its potential application for environmental biomonitoring

AbstractThe first determination of presence and biodistribution of PFOA in ninety specimens of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus from two differently contaminated sites along Palermo’s coastline (Sicily) is reported. Analyses were performed on the sea urchins’ coelomic fluids, coelomocytes, gonads or mixed organs, as well as on seawater and Posidonia oceanica leaves samples from the collection sites. PFOA concentration ranged between 1 and 13 ng/L in seawater and between 0 and 794 ng/g in P. oceanica. The analyses carried out on individuals of P. lividus from the least polluted site (A) showed PFOA median values equal to 0 in all the matrices (coelomic fluid, coelomocytes and gonads). Conver…

Online Solid-Phase Extraction LC-MS/MS: A Rapid and Valid Method for the Determination of Perfluorinated Compounds at Sub ng·L-1Level in Natural Water

In this research paper, we report a method able to detect perfluorinated compound at pg·L−1 levels in superficial and underground water samples. An online solid phase extraction HPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the analysis of 12 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFASs). The method is based on injection of 5000 µL of water sample in SPE online WAX column followed by chromatography separation and mass spectrometry determination. SPE online elution was performed by water + 0.05% NH4OH and methanol + 0.05% NH4OH, while separation of target compounds was achieved within 10 min by Gemini chromatographic column operating from 1 to 12 pH range and using a mixture of water-methanol + 0.05% NH4OH. Sub ng·L−1…

Environmental Organic Photochemistry: Advances and Perspectives

This review is a survey of recent advances in environment related aspects of organic photochemistry. Besides presenting gen- eral concepts, the manuscript is mainly focused on the photoreactivity of natural organic matter, and on the photochemistry of anthropo- genic substances under natural light irradiation.

Determinazione degli elementi in tracce negli alimenti per celiaci tramite ICP-MS

Flavouring Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Essential Oils Stabilizes Oleic Acid Composition during Photo-Oxidative Stress

Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are well-known as natural antioxidants. Their addition to extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) can contribute to reducing fat oxidation. The main aim of this study was to improve both food shelf-life and aromatic flavour of EVOO, adding different EOs of Sicilian accessions of common sage, oregano, rosemary and thyme. The morphological and production characteristics of 40 accessions of MAPs were preliminarily assessed. EOs from the most promising accessions of MAPs were analysed by gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry. Photo-oxidative studies of the EOs were carried out and the determination of the EVOO fatty acids obtained from 4 I…

Environmental Aspect Concerning Phthalates Contamination: Analytical Approaches and Assessment of Biomonitoring in the Aquatic Environment

This review is a survey of recent progress in studies concerning the impact of phthalic acid esters in aquatic organisms. After introducing the classification, properties, sources, fate, and toxic effects related to phthalates, an overview of the techniques of extraction and analysis of these substances is provided. As a result, the general concepts of environmental bioindicators, biomonitoring systems, and other concepts related to phthalate contamination in the aquatic environment are presented. Recent bioaccumulation data of different phthalates are summarised in a table and organised according to the type of organism, tissue, and geographical area of sampling. Bioindicator organisms tha…

Platinum and rhodium in wine samples by using voltammetric techniques

For the first time, the concentrations of Pt and Rh in 42 different alcoholic beverages (white and red wines, vodka and brandy) produced in Italy, Malta and Gozo were investigated. Only the voltammetric techniques, in particular, differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV/a) and Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry (AdSV) were used for the determination of Pt and Rh respectively. Accuracy was tested with standard addition method and recoveries ranged from 90% to 98%. In analyzed wine samples, Pt and Rh concentrations are in the ranges from 3 to 470 μg L− 1and from 0.0006 to 0.36 μg L− 1respectively. We found a Pt/Rh ratios ranged from 37 to 180,000, in quite disagreement with the ratio in …

Photochemical sample treatment for extracts clean up in PCB analysis from sediments.

Sample purification can be considered the most polluting step of the whole analytical process for PCBs determination in sediment samples. The use of photochemical sample treatment represents an alternative methodology for extracts clean up allowing for a reduction of the used amount of organic solvents. The first application of a photochemical sample treatment for the selective removal or reduction of organic substances interfering with PCBs analyses in sediments is reported. The method's efficiency and robustness were compared with currently used chromatographic purification. Quality parameters such as recovery, linearity and reproducibility were studied. The entire procedure was validated…

Formaldehyde and total aldehydes in indoor air of public environments by voltammetry

The proposed method involves active sampling, where a sampling pump is used to pull air through a solution and voltammetric analysis of the obtained solutions. No interferences have been observed. In addition, very little sample preparation is required. Analyses were performed in 19 indoor stations and one in outdoor. Measurements were carried out on University environments: Museum of Chemistry, Zoological Museum, libraries, laboratories, corridors, meeting rooms, photocopying room, machine shop and terrace. Formaldehyde concentrations in analyzed samples ranged from 2.6 to 85 μg m-3 (median = 32 μg m-3), while the sum of others aldehydes ranged from 2 to 25 μg m-3 (median =2.4 μg m-3). In …

Phthalate esters in products and materials which come into contact with humans. GC-MS analysis

Photochemical sample treatment: a greener approach to chlorobenzene determination in sediments.

Abstract Due to worker׳s exposure, solvent and stationary phases׳ consumption, sample purification is one of the most polluting steps in analytical procedures for determination of organic pollutants in real samples. The use of photochemical sample treatment represents a valid alternative methodology for extracts clean up allowing for a reduction of the used amount of organic solvents. In this paper we report the first application on the photolytic destruction of organic substances to eliminate some of the interferences in the analysis of Chlorobenzenes in sediment samples. The method׳s efficiency and robustness were compared with classic silica column purification process currently used in …

Sviluppo e ottimizzazione di procedure per la purificazione di estratti ai fini analitici e per il trattamento di matrici contaminate

Nel presente lavoro di dottorato di ricerca ho focalizzato la mia attenzione sullo sviluppo e sull’ottimizzazione di procedure per la purificazione di estratti ai fini analitici e per il trattamento di matrici contaminate. In merito la tematica del trattamento di estratti organici ai fini analitici, ho sviluppato e ottimizzato tecniche di purificazione fotochimica a basso impatto ambientale per la determinazione dei policlorobifenili (PCBs) e i clorobenzeni (CBs) in estratti organici di campioni di sedimento marino. Per quanto concerne i PCBs, la migliore metodica di purificazione è stata individuata nell’irradiazione dell’estratto organico a λ = 350 nm per 3 ore previo gorgogliamento di Os…

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS ADSORPTION ONTO ALGINATE BEADS AND HYBRID ALGINATE MONTMORILLONITE BEADS: ISOTHERMAL AND KINETIC STUDIES

Determination of Selected Phthalates by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry in Personal Perfumes

A simple and fast method is proposed to analyze commercial personal perfumes. Our method includes measurement of phthalates, known to be major sources of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDC), which originate from the less volatile fraction of perfumes. The quantification of phthalates were carried out directly with no sample preparation required on 30 samples of commercial products using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as a detector. The total concentrations of 15 investigated compounds ranged from 17 to 9650 mg/L with an average of 2643 mg/L. The highest total concentration was found in cologne. Diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalat…

Fotodegradazione di esteri ftalici su pitture murali tramite irradiazioni uv

Gli esteri ftalici (esteri dell’acido ftalico), rappresentano una particolare classe di inquinanti organici ubiquitari, resistenzi alla bio-degradazione, capaci da fungere da distruttori endocrini e dannosi a causa del loro effetto mutageno e cancerogeno. Molti composti di questa classe di sostanze per decenni, e probabilmente ancora oggi, sono stati utilizzati come ammorbidenti nelle pitture murali superficiali utilizzate nelle comuni abitazioni domestiche. Considerando quindi che oggigiorno, le attività di demolizione e ristrutturazione rapprsentano una cospiqua fetta di mercato delle attività edilizie, e che spesso i lavoratori impiegati in queste attività sono sogetti in maniera continu…

DETERMINATION OF MACRO ELEMENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE FOOD FOR CELIAC PEOPLE BY ICP-OES

This paper is the first analytical approach to the study of seven nutrients in the gluten-free foods for celiac people. The ICP-OES technique was used. One of the advantages about the use of ICP-OES for this characterization is the high selectivity and low interferences for studied elements. The concentration values of K, Li, Sr, Na, Ca, Mg and Al in seventeen gluten-free food samples are reported. Considering the average concentrations of the elements analyzed, excluding lithium, in the present study it can be concluded that they are inadequate if compared with the recommended daily intake by international organisms, providing only from 1.5 to 20% of the RDI for the essential metals. In pa…

II) Wood pellets for home heating can be considered environmentally friendly fuels? Heavy metals determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in their ashes and the health risk assessment for the operators

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of twelve potentially hazardous elements in wood pellet ashes obtained by the combustion of 13 pellet brands for sale in Italy, the impact of adding the ashes to soils and health risk of operator due to dust exposure. Samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The concentrations of heavy metals in ashes from stoves ranged from 0.41 to 7.2 mg kg − 1 for As, from 1.3 to 12 mg kg − 1 for Sb, from 1.8 to 12 mg kg − 1 for Zn, from 0.23 to 0.8 mg kg − 1 for Pb, from 0.18 to 2.8 mg kg − 1 for Ni, from 0.09 to 1.0 mg kg − 1 for Cd, from 0.46 to 3.4 mg kg − 1 for Cr, from 0.94 to 2.7 mg …

Phthalate esters in coffee brew samples: Analytical method by GC-MS, profile, levels and sources

The present study was aimed to develop a procedure for the analysis of trace concentration of phthalate esters (PEA) in coffee brew stored in plastic cups. Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid, generally have high boiling points, lowvolatility are insoluble in water andpredominantly fat-soluble. Phthalates with higher molecular weights, such as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are largely used as additives and plasticizers in plastic material (PVC), while those with lower molecular weights are components of solvents, adhesive, wax, ink, pharmaceutical products, insecticide materials and cosmetic. Dimethyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate are present in plastics based on cellulose esters …

Determination of trace elements in gluten-free food for celiac people by ICP-MS

Abstract This paper is the first analytical approach to the study of twenty heavy metals in the gluten-free foods for celiac people. Only the ICP-MS technique was used. One of the advantages about the use of ICP-MS for this characterization is the high sensitivity that improved the limits of quantification levels for some elements that are present at low quantities in some samples. The concentration values of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V and Zn in seventeen gluten-free food samples are reported. The highest arsenic and molybdenum levels were measured in Rice noodle from China (0.088 and 0.47 mg kg − 1 , respectively). The highest concentrations of some metal…

Photochemical sample treatment: A greener approach for PCBs analysis in sediments

Electrical installations and industrial outlets are the major source in environment of chlorinated organic compounds. These are distributed in several geographical areas through long-range atmospheric transport and deposition. Additionally, chlorinated organic compounds can be introduced in the food chain and reach the consumers in very high levels. Besides toxicological studies on PCBs, recent research is focusing on more sophisticated analytical methods for PCBs detection. Distribution and dispersion of PCBs mostly occur through air, water, soils, and sediments. The latter are complex matrices whose analysis often involves costly extraction and purification procedures. In particular, PCBs…

Determination of selected phthalates by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in mural paintings from Palermo (Italy)

Abstract Phthalate esters for decades, and probably even now, were used as softeners in water-based paintings. In general, these compounds are dangerous owing to their carcinogenicity and reproductive effects. Phthalates are not chemically but only physically bound to the matrices, hence, they may be leached into the environment and are ubiquitously found in environmental matrices. Considering that, construction is one of most important fields in Europe, and probably worldwide, with respect to its economic, technological and environmental impact. In the present work the phthalate esters content of several mural paintings was evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Because…

Analytical Method for Quantification of Several Phthalate Acid Esters by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Coffee Brew Samples

Several phthalate acid esters (PAEs), often called phthalate esters or phthalates, are substances classified as harmful due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, and moreover, as dangerous for humans because they interfere with the endocrine system. In general, phthalic esters are used as plasticizers for different polymers and more other consumer products. In the present study, we describe a simple method to quantify PAEs in coffee brew using a liquid-liquid extraction without purification processes through analysing the obtained organic phase by GCMS in the single ion monitoring mode. The totals of single PAEs, in coffee brew samples analysed by us, are in the range of 159-5305 …

Photodegradation of selected phthalates on mural painting surfaces under UV light irradiation

Abstract The esters of phthalic acid are considered as hazardous pollutants due to their mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and are also classified as endocrine disruptor chemicals. Several compounds of this class of substances for decades, and probably even now, were used as softeners in water-based synthetic paintings. Surfaces and structures, such as house walls painted with phthalates based paintings, can be a concern to construction workers engaged in demolition, restore and paint removal activities if they are not protected from hazardous dust inhalation. In this paper we report the results of an investigation about phthalate ester degradation by direct UV irradiation at 254 nm. The result…

Wood pellets for home heating can be considered environmentally friendly fuels? Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in their ashes

This paper reports the results of the first quantitative investigations of PAHs in wood pellet ashes. Investigations were carried out into the fifteen PAHs identified by the US-Environment Protection Agency (US-EPA) as requiring priority monitoring; other non-US-EPA listed PAHs and perylene were also investigated. The total concentrations for the 17 investigated compounds, expressed as the sum of the concentrations (∑PAHs), in the ashes produced by the wood pellet combustion, ranged from 0.064mg kg-1 to 0.90mg kg-1 of dry weight with a means of 0.31mg kg-1. The lowest concentrations (<0.1mg kg-1) were measured in the conifer ash samples. Concentrations of PAHs found in this paper will al…

Discrimination of almonds (Prunus dulcis) geographical origin by minerals and fatty acids profiling

Twenty-one almond samples from three different geographical origins (Sicily, Spain and California) were investigated by determining minerals and fatty acids compositions. Data were used to discriminate by chemometry almond origin by linear discriminant analysis. With respect to previous PCA profiling studies, this work provides a simpler analytical protocol for the identification of almonds geographical origin. Classification by using mineral contents data only was correct in 77% of the samples, while, by using fatty acid profiles, the percentages of samples correctly classified reached 82%. The coupling of mineral contents and fatty acid profiles lead to an increased efficiency of the clas…

Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride (DADMAC) in Water Treated with Poly-Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride (PDADMAC) by Reversed-Phase Ion-Pair Chromatography—Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Poly-diallyldimethylammonium (PDADMAC) chloride is a flocculant agent extensively used in water clarification treatments. Commercial polyelectrolyte formulations often contain residual monomer (DADMAC), reaction by-products and other reactants as contaminants that could potentially affect human health. In the present study, we optimized an analytical method based on reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for quantifying ultra-trace levels of DADMAC, without preliminary treatments, in drinking water distributed by the Palermo aqueduct. The method was validated in terms of accuracy (recovery between 80 to 120%), precision (RSD < 10%), linearity range (from 0.…

Analysis of Contaminants in Beverages

Abstract The main purpose of our researches, in the last years, was to develop reliable methods for the determination of emerging and old contaminants (Pt, Rh, V, Mo, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), etc.), at trace levels, in the solutions obtained from the mineralization or extraction of environmental and food matrices, because, in particular for metals, some of them cannot be readily analyzed using traditional method, for example, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry techniques. Few data are available on the evaluations of Pt, Rh, V, and Mo concentrations, in food matrices, because have ever been carried ou…

Neutral solar photo-Fenton degradation of 4-nitrophenol on iron-enriched hybrid montmorillonite-alginate beads (Fe-MABs)

Hybrid montmorillonite-alginate beads (MABs) were prepared by the ion-gelation method from alginate and montmorillonite clay suspension dropped in a calcium chloride solution. Similarly, iron-enriched beads (Fe-MABs) were prepared using iron-exchanged montmorillonite. All beads were characterized by atomic absorption and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The efficiency of Fe-MABs as catalysts for the solar photo-Fenton performed at initial pH = 7.0 was evaluated by varying the catalyst amount and hydrogen peroxide concentration, and monitoring the removal of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) at initial concentration of 10 ppm. A kinetic analysis showed that the removal of 4-NP by Fe-MABs followed…

Phthalate esters (PEAs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor dust matter of Palermo (Italy) area. Extraction, GC-MS analysis

Studies on indoor pollution are important since people spend more than 80% of their time indoor environments. A variety of air pollutants, associated with volatile semi-volatile and particulate matter, are generated in indoor environment from human activities. Among the hazardous pollutants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important owing to their carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Phthalates are introduced into the environment by anthropogenic sources. Phthalates with higher molecular weights are largely used as additives and plasticizers in plastic material (PVC), while those with lower molecular weights are components of solvents, adhesive, wax, ink, pharmaceutical products, et…

Platinum in indoor settled dust matter (homes and cars)

Abstract This paper presents a method for Pt analysis in indoor (homes and cars) settled dust, used as passive samplers, and the results relative to samples collected in the Sicilian area are used to evaluate the magnitude and distribution of concentrations inside common environments and the possible origins of the considered contaminant. The concentrations of platinum in settled indoor dust were measured by differential pulsed voltammetry (DPV). Concentrations of Pt in homes are in the range from 30 to 1460 μg kg − 1 d.w. while, in the vehicles from 30 to 1750 μg kg − 1 d.w. Considering the geoaccumulation index (I geo ), 42% of the settled dust sampled in homes could be classified as extr…

Speciation of vanadium in urban, industrial and volcanic soils by a modified Tessier method

Vanadium (V) concentrations in industrial, urban and volcanic soils were sequentially extracted using a modified Tessier's method. The voltammetric technique was used to determine V concentrations in solutions obtained from the various extraction steps. At the reference stations, the V concentrations (sum of four individual fractions) in soils ranged from 0.72 to 0.24 g kg(-1) dry weight (d.w.) with a mean value of 0.18 g kg(-1) d.w. V concentrations in soils of the Palermo urban area ranged from 0.34 to 2.1 g kg(-1) d.w., in the Milazzo (industrial) area between 0.26 and 5.4 g kg(-1) d.w. and in the volcanic area near Mt. Etna from 0.91 to 2.9 g kg(-1) d.w. When the V concentrations around…

Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Sediments from Sicilian Coastal Area (Scoglitti) using Automated Soxhlet, GC-MS, and Principal Component Analysis

A methodology for the PAHs and PCBs congener determination in sediment samples has been revised. We determined the distributions of PAHs and PCBs in the superficial sediments of the Scoglitti (Italy) coastal area to provide data for comparison with other marine systems and to hypothesize the sources. Extraction yield, for PCB, was never less than 60% in most cases, while for PAHs, utilizing perdeuterated surrogate standard (benz[a]anthracene-d12 and anthracene-d10) was never less than 72%. The total concentration of the 16 PAHs investigated, expressed as the sum of concentrations, PAHs, varied from 1–5087 μg/kg of dry matrix, while the PCBs ranged from detection limit to 36 μg/kg of dry mat…

Escherichia coli inactivation by neutral solar heterogeneous photo-Fenton (HPF) over hybrid iron/montmorillonite/alginate beads

Abstract Hybrid alginate montmorillonite iron enriched beads (Fe-MABs) were synthesized using ion gelation method and used as catalyst in Escherichia coli inactivation in neutral solar photo-Fenton conditions. A kinetic analysis showed that the E. coli inactivation by Fe-MABs followed a pseudo first-order kinetics model. Complete disinfection was achieved in 1 h of irradiation by using Fe-MABs in the presence of 10 ppm of H 2 O 2 . Preliminary studies on recyclability showed possible beads reused up to four times. Overall, Fe-MABs represent an environmental friendly material able to achieve bactericidal performance measured by E. coli inactivation under photooxidative conditions.

The distribution of phthalate esters in indoor dust of Palermo (Italy).

In this work, phthalic acid esters (PAEs): dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate in indoor dust (used as passive sampler) were investigated. The settled dust samples were collected from thirteen indoor environments from Palermo city. A fast and simple method using Soxhlet and GC–MS analysis has been optimized to identify and quantify the phthalates. Total phthalates concentrations in indoor dusts ranged from 269 to 4,831 mg/kg d.w. (d.w. = dry weight). The data show a linear correlation between total PAEs concentration and a single compound content, with the exclusion of the two …

Chemical characterization of ancient liturgical vestment (chasuble) by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP–OES)

Abstract This paper presents the chemical characterization of the yarns of an ancient liturgical vestment (chasuble). The samples have been analyzed for Al, Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn using amounts always less than 1 mg by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Except a sample, silver is the most abundant element in all the yarns. In the samples containing silver, it ranged from 68 to 97%. Only two samples contain aluminum. Although the investigated chasuble is recorded in the inventory as an artifact of the XV century, a part of the yarns is composed of materials attributed to later period. In fact, the voluntary use of aluminum in metal alloys is du…

Volatile Profiles of Emissions from Different Activities Analyzed Using Canister Samplers and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) Analysis: A Case Study

The objective of present study was to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from several sources (fuels, traffic, landfills, coffee roasting, a street-food laboratory, building work, indoor use of incense and candles, a dental laboratory, etc.) located in Palermo (Italy) by using canister autosamplers and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. In this study, 181 VOCs were monitored. In the atmosphere of Palermo city, propane, butane, isopentane, methyl pentane, hexane, benzene, toluene, meta- and para-xylene, 1,2,4 trimethyl benzene, 1,3,5 trimethyl benzene, ethylbenzene, 4 ethyl toluene and heptane were identified and quantified in all sampling sites.

Composition, distribution, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the gulf of Milazzo (Mediterranean Sea, Italy)

This article describes the characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of Milazzo Gulf (Italy) located in front of an oil refinery and a power plant. The investigated area is characterized by urban and industrial activities. The sixteen PAHs identified by the USEPA, as requiring priority monitoring, and other non USEPA listed PAHs, namely perylene and some methyl derivatives, were investigated The total PAHs concentrations, expressed as ∑ 19 PAH ranges from 5.6–7402 μg/Kg d.w., with a mean value of 492 μg/Kg d.w. The concentrations of PAHs found in 64 out of 67 samples were lower than the effect range low (ERL = 2460 μg/Kg) concentration, while the remaining sam…

Determination of selected polyaromatic hydrocarbons by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the analysis of wood to establish the cause of sinking of an old vessel (Scauri wreck) by fire

Abstract The aim of this paper was to establish the cause of sinking of an old wooden vessel by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analyses because wood combustion is a source of PAHs. In particular, the molecular PAH patterns generated by each source are like fingerprints and it is possible to determine the processes that generate PAHs by studying their distribution in wood samples. The relative abundance of high molecular weight PAHs, together with the PAH compound ratios and with total index (proposed by us) has demonstrated that samples owe their PAHs in wood archaeological material to a predominant single mode of origin, i.e. combustion processes, therefore we can say that the sinki…

Profiles and Sources of PAHs in Sediments from an Open-Pit Mining Area in the Peruvian Andes

The Peruvian Andes are one of the most productive areas for mining and therefore also one of the most exposed to these sources of pollution. This article reports the characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of Cerro de Pasco area (Peru) located close to a large open-pit mine and, in recent years, several reports have provided evidence of environmental contamination and related health problems. Investigations were carried out into the fifteen PAHs identified by the US-Environment Protection Agency (US-EPA) as requiring priority monitoring, other non US-EPA listed PAHs and perylene were also investigated in order to obtain further information on their origins. …

The effect of montmorillonite clay in alginate gel beads for polychlorinated biphenyl adsorption: Isothermal and kinetic studies

Beads of alginate montmorillonite have been used as sorbent for polychlorinated biphenyls from aqueous solutions.The structure and the differences between the different beads were established by IR spectroscopy (FT-IR). The adsorption at 25 °C has been studied in a batch system, following its kinetics and assessing adsorbent dose, initial PCB concentrations, and pH effects. The results show that increasing the initial concentration of the PCBs and the adsorption time favored the adsorption. Adsorption isotherm data were modeled using Chapman, Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms and the appropriate parameters were calculated.Adsorption of trichlorobiphenyls on alginate–montmorilloni…

An analytical method for monitoring micro-traces of landfill leachate in groundwater using fluorescence excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy

In this study, we use three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy for the identification of contamination of natural water bodies by landfill leachate. In particular, EEM was applied to provide information about the presence and quantities of leachate in ground waters. A good linear relationship was found between the fluorescence intensity emission of groundwater spiked with landfill leachate and the volumes of the latter, suggesting that there was no intrinsic fluorescence in the concentration range of 0-1000 μL L-1. The obtained values of the LOD (10 μL L-1; TOC = 34 μg L-1) and LOQ (34 μL L-1; TOC = 114 μg L-1) allow us to detect the presence and the amou…

Chasing phthalates in tissues of marine turtles from the Mediterranean sea

Tissues from thirteen specimens of marine turtles, one Dermochelys coriacea and twelve Caretta caretta, found dead along the Sicilian coasts in 2016 were analyzed for the presence of phthalates. Four phthalates (DEP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP) were found at different significant concentrations in liver and gonads, while only DBP was found in muscle tissues and at a fourfold lower concentration than other phthalates in Dermochelys coriacea. No traces of DEP were detected in C. caretta tissues where DOTP was also revealed. The presence of phthalates in fat tissue in specimens of C. caretta showed a major prevalence of the most lipophilic phthalates DEHP and DOTP. The total concentration of all analy…

A Short Review of Simple Analytical Methods for the Evaluation of PAHs and PAEs as Indoor Pollutants in House Dust Samples

Studies on indoor air quality are indispensable when considering that people spend approximately 85% of their time in confined environments. This short review mostly takes into consideration research that uses passive samplers to evaluate the quality of indoor environments (houses, school, cars, etc.). This short review summarizes most analytical methods to detect and quantify PAHs and PAEs in house dust used as a passive sampler. The objective of house dust analysis is to identify the presence, amount and distribution of specific hazardous substances in confined spaces and, if possible, to identify their sources. Household dust and the compounds present in it can enter the human body by in…

Pollutants in indoor environments

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