Solvent-extractable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biochar: influence of pyrolysis temperature and feedstock.

Despite the increasing agricultural use of biochar as a way of combining the utilization of biomass for energy production with the removal of CO(2) from the atmosphere, it is not known how variations in pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type affect concentration and composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that inevitably form and associate with biochar. To close this knowledge gap, we quantified 11 unsubstituted three- to five-ring PAHs as well as alkylated forms of phenanthrene and anthracene in grass and wood chars produced in 100 °C increments across a temperature range (100 to 700 °C). Our results show that solvent-extractable PAH concentrations in biochars produced at heat treatment temperatures (HTTs) of 400 and 500 °C greatly exceed those observed at higher and lower temperature, supporting a low HTT solid-phase formation mechanism operable at temperatures commonly used for industrial biochar production. The maximum extractable yield of 'pyrolytic' unsubstituted PAHs for grass (22 µg g(-1) at HTT = 500 °C) greatly exceeds the value for wood (5.9 µg g(-1)). Moreover, PAH signatures (e.g., total monomethylphenanthrene to phenanthrene ratios, MP/P ~2-3) at intermediate temperatures (400 °C) resemble those of fossil oils rather than that commonly attributed to pyrolytic products. Further research is needed to characterize the PAH evolution in modern pyrolysis reactors and assess the fate of biochar-bound PAHs in soils and sediments. Various commonly applied PAH ratios and indicator compounds show promise as markers for specific feedstock materials and pyrolysis conditions of biochars in environmental systems.

Chlamydia screening in Wellington Family Planning Association (FPA) clinics: a demonstration project.

AIMS: To demonstrate that enhanced screening for Chlamydia over and above the usual opportunistic screening in family planning (FPA) clinics is feasible, practical, and acceptable. METHODS: Over a 6-month period from November 2004 to May 2005, all under-25-year-olds attending three Wellington FPA clinics in New Zealand were offered Chlamydia urine testing. Staff interviews before and after the study were carried out to assess the impact of enhanced screening on clinic routines. Interviews were conducted with 50 clients to assess the acceptability to young persons. Additional questions were asked of 22 Chlamydia-positive clients to ascertain the acceptability of the procedures for follow up. RESULTS: From a total of 4674 participants, a valid urine test was carried out on 2533 (54%). The most common reason for exclusion was having passed urine in the last hour. Positive tests were detected in 212 (8%). A positive result was more likely in those with a history of partner change or in Maori and Pacific ethnic groups; it was least likely in those who always used condoms. For the staff, time constraints were the most important barrier to screening. The procedures were acceptable to clients. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that improvements in Chlamydia screening are feasible, practical and acceptable to clients

Introduction of early medical abortion in New Zealand: an audit of the first 67 cases.

BACKGROUND: In New Zealand, mifepristone became available in 2001, but because of uncertainty about the law, the first 67 cases were carried out under a very strict protocol. Once the prostaglandin had been administered it was necessary that the woman remain in the unit until the products of conception (POC) had been passed and, if this had not occurred within 8 h, she underwent suction curettage. AIMS: To demonstrate that an early medical termination of pregnancy (EMTOP) service could be offered as a safe option for women, despite the constraints of the law. METHODS: An audit of patient notes was carried out on the first 67 patients undergoing an EMTOP at the Level J Unit (LJU), Wellington Hospital. Data collected included age, ethnicity, parity, previous abortions, gestational age, length of time between the administration of mifepristone and misoprostol, length of time after administration of misoprostol to the completion of abortion, whether a fetal sac was seen, analgesia required, extent of heavy bleeding and any adverse effects. Patient characteristics were compared with those of the 3052 women who underwent surgical termination during the same time period. Data were analysed using EpiInfo 2000 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA) and Chi square tests for significance. RESULTS: Successful completion of EMTOP occurred in 63 of 67 cases (94%). Only four cases (6%) required completion by suction curettage and this was performed for legal and financial reasons, rather than for medical reasons. Clinical events requiring management, mainly bleeding problems, occurred in 11 patients (16%). CONCLUSIONS: EMTOP with mifepristone and misoprostol was successfully introduced and the experience provides useful data for others contemplating a similar service.

A woman's choice.

Abortion is now the most common gynaecological operation in New Zealand and Australia. Early legal abortion is a safe procedure whether carried out surgically or medically. In contrast, the traditional use of abortifacients has been mostly unscientific, illegal and shrouded in secrecy. Mifepristone as an option for induced abortion has only recently become available in New Zealand and is not yet available in Australia. The reasons for the delay in introducing a significant new abortion technique are political, professional, legal, socioeconomic and commercial. Istar, a not-for-profit company, was formed in New Zealand in 1999 to import mifepristone. The drug was approved for use in New Zealand on 30 August 2001. It was first used in October 2001 in Wellington for mid-trimester abortions and in April 2002 for early medical abortions. Legal ambiguities were clarified in a High Court Judgment on 10 April 2003. The experience with mifepristone raises concerns about the introduction of new drugs for reproductive health care, given the commercial risks associated with their development. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has a role to play in ensuring that safe abortion services are available for women. Advocates of women's rights in reproductive health care have made a significant impact in the last three decades and the conclusion that abortion must be the woman's choice is strongly supported.