Aponeurotic expansion of the supraspinatus tendon and concomitant shoulder pathologies.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the correlation of aponeurotic expansion of the supraspinatus tendon (AESST) with shoulder pathologies such as long head of biceps tendon (LHB), supraspinatus tendon (SST), and subscapularis tendon (SSc). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 47 healthy patients and 163 patients with shoulder symptoms from August 2014 to March 2021. First, the presence of AESST was evaluated based on Moser et al.'s classification. Second, the presence of abnormal findings of including LHB tendinitis, LHB subluxation, SST tendinitis, SST tear, SSc tendinitis, and SSc tendon tear was evaluated. We analyzed the prevalence and type of AESST between the two study groups and the relationship between abnormal findings and the presence of AESST. RESULTS: The prevalence of AESST for readers 1 and 2 was 26.1% and 30.4% in the asymptomatic group, respectively, and 22.8% and 31.3% in the symptomatic group. Type 1 was most common (17.3-23.9%) followed by types 2a and 2b. There were no significant differences in the distribution of aponeurosis type between the two groups. In the AESST-positive groups, 45.9% and 47.1% had SST tears on examination by readers 1 and 2, respectively, whereas only 26.4% and 27.9% had SST tears in the AESST-negative group suggesting AESST is associated with SST tear. The odds ratio for SST tear in the presence of AESST was 2.370 and 2.294 (readers 1 and 2). CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between SST tears and the presence of AESST. KEY POINTS: • We evaluated the prevalence of aponeurotic expansion of the supraspinatus tendon (AESST) on MR imaging by type in both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. • We investigated the correlation of AESST with shoulder pathologies such as biceps tendon and supraspinatus tendon tears. • There is an association between SST tears and the presence of AESST. • Radiologists should be aware of the risk of rotator cuff pathology if AESST is detected.

Fabrication of hierarchically structured novel redox-mediator-free ZnIn2S4 marigold flower/Bi2WO6 flower-like direct Z-scheme nanocomposite photocatalysts with superior visible light photocatalytic efficiency.

Novel, hierarchically nanostructured, redox-mediator-free, direct Z-scheme nanocomposite photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method followed by wet-impregnation. The photocatalysts had a ZnIn2S4 marigold flower/Bi2WO6 flower-like (ZIS/BW) composition, which led to superior visible-light photocatalytic efficiency with excellent stability and reusability. The hierarchical marigold flower and flower-like morphologies of ZIS and BW were confirmed by FE-SEM and TEM analyses and further revealed that formation of the hierarchical marigold flower-like ZIS structure followed the formation of nanoparticles, growth of the ZIS petals, and self-assembly of these species. Powder X-ray diffraction and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses as well as the enhancement in the surface area and pore volume of the composite provide evidence of strong coupling between hierarchical BW and the ZIS nanostructures. The efficiency of the hierarchical direct Z-scheme photocatalysts for photocatalytic decomposition of metronidazole (MTZ) under visible-light irradiation was evaluated. The hierarchically nanostructured ZIS/BW nanocomposites with 50% loading of ZIS exhibited superior visible-light photocatalytic decomposition efficiency (PDE) compared to the composites with other percentages of ZIS and pristine BW. A probable mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the ZIS/BW composite in MTZ degradation under visible irradiation was proposed. Radical quenching studies demonstrated that h(+), ˙OH, and O2˙(-) are the primary reactive radicals involved, which confirms that the Z-scheme mechanism of transfer of charge carriers accounts for the higher photocatalytic activity. Kinetic analysis revealed that MTZ degradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics and the reusability of the composite catalyst for up to four cycles confirms the excellent stability of the hierarchical structure. It is concluded that the hierarchical structure of the ZIS/BW photocatalyst, synergic effect, Z-scheme transfer of the charge carrier, high concentration of (˙OH) radical formation and the significant reduction in the charge carrier recombination account for the enhanced efficiency of the catalyst for photocatalytic decomposition of metronidazole by visible light under the present reaction conditions.

Iron-functionalized titanium dioxide on flexible glass fibers for photocatalysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene (BTEX) under visible- or ultraviolet-light irradiation.

UNLABELLED: Iron-functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO2) composites with various Fe-to-Ti ratios were prepared on flexible glass fibers (GF-Fe-TiO2) via a sol-gel method, followed by a dip-coating process. The photocatalytic ability of these composites in degrading selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene [BTEX]) at indoor concentration levels was examined. The GF-Fe-TiO2 composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The GF-Fe-TiO2 composites showed superior photocatalytic performance to that of a reference glass fiber-supported TiO2 photocatalyst for the treatment of BTEX under visible light. However, this trend was reversed under UV irradiation. Specifically, the average BTEX photocatalytic efficiencies of the 0.01-GF-Fe-TiO2 composite in a 3-hr visible-light photocatalytic process were 4%, 33%, 51%, and 74%, respectively. Conversely, the average BTEX photocatalytic efficiencies obtained for GF-TiO2 were close to 0%, 5%, 16%, and 29%, respectively. These findings demonstrated that the GF-Fe-TiO2 composites could be applied to photocatalytically purify BTEX, especially under visible-light exposure. Moreover, the GF-Fe-TiO2 composites prepared with different Fe-to-Ti ratios displayed different BTEX photocatalytic decomposition efficiencies under visible or UV light, allowing for optimization of the Fe-to-Ti ratio (which was found to be 0.01). IMPLICATIONS: The application of nanomaterials for air purification necessitates a supporting material to stabilize them while in contact with the treated air in the photocatalytic chamber. Glass fibers have an obvious advantage over other supporting materials mainly because of its flexibility, which makes it much easier to handle. However, the applications of glass fiber-supported, visible light-activated photocatalysts to the treatment of air pollutants are rarely reported in literature. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the applicability of glass fiber-supported Fe-TiO2 for the purification of VOCs under visible- as well as UV-light exposure.

Multi-year evaluation of ambient volatile organic compounds: temporal variation, ozone formation, meteorological parameters, and sources.

The multi-year characteristics of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their source contribution in a selected metropolitan (Seoul) and rural (Seokmolee) areas in Korea were investigated to provide the framework for development and implementation of ambient VOC control strategies. For Seoul, none of the three VOC groups exhibited any significant trend in their ambient concentrations, whereas for Seokmolee, they all showed a generally decreasing trend between 2005 and 2008 and an increasing trend after 2008. Two paraffinic (ethane and propane) and two olefin (ethylene and propylene) hydrocarbons displayed higher concentrations during the cold season than warm season, while the other target VOCs did not exhibit any significant trends. Ethylene and toluene were the first and second largest contributors to ozone formation, respectively, whereas several other VOCs displayed photochemical ozone formation potential values less than 0.01 ppb. For both areas, there was a significant negative correlation between ambient temperature and the selected VOC group concentrations. In contrast, a significant positive correlation was observed between relative humidity and the three VOC group concentrations, while no significant correlation was observed between wind speed and VOC group concentrations. For Seoul, the combination of vehicle exhaust and gasoline/solvent evaporation was the greatest source of VOCs, followed by liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). However, combination of LNG and LPG was the greatest source of VOCs at Seokmolee, followed by the combination of vehicle exhaust and gasoline evaporation, and then biogenic sources.

Characteristics of atmospheric visibility and its relationship with air pollution in Korea.

Although analysis of long-term data is necessary to obtain reliable information on characteristics of atmospheric visibility and its relationship with air pollution, it has rarely been performed. Therefore, a long-term evaluation of atmospheric visibility in characteristically different Korean cities, as well as a remote island, during 2001 to 2009, was performed in this study. In general, visibility decreased in the studied areas during the 9-yr study period. In addition, all areas displayed a distinct seasonal trend, with high visibility in the cold season relative to the warm season. Weekday visibility, however, did not significantly differ from weekend visibility. Similarly, the number of days per year for both low (<10 km) and high visibility (>19 km) fluctuated during the study period. Busan (a coastal city) exhibited the highest visibility, with an overall average of 17.6 km, followed by Daegu (a basin city), Ulsan (with concentrated petrochemical industries), Ullungdo (a remote island), and Seoul (the capital of Korea). Visibility was found to be significantly correlated with target air pollutants, except for ozone, for all metropolitan cities, whereas it was significantly correlated only with particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 µm (PM10) and ozone on the remote island (Ullungdo). Among the metropolitan cities, Seoul exhibited the lowest visibility for both the PM10 standard exceedance and non-exceedance days, followed by Ulsan, Daegu, and Busan. The results of this study can be used to establish effective strategies for improving urban visibility and air quality.

Degradation of gas-phase organic contaminants via nitrogen-embedded one-dimensional rod-shaped titania in a plug-flow reactor.

In this study, one-dimensional rod-shaped titania (RST) and nitrogen-doped RST (N-RST) with different ratios of N to Ti were prepared using a hydrothermal method and their applications for purification of indoor toxic organic contaminants in a plug-flow reactor were examined under visible or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The surface characteristics of as-prepared photocatalysts were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The TEM images revealed that both pure RSTs and N-RSTs displayed uniform and nanorod-shaped structures. XRD revealed that the photocatalysts had crystalline TiO2. The UV-visible spectra demonstrated that the N-RSTs could be activated in the visible region. In most cases, N-RSTs showed higher degradation efficiencies than pure RSTs under visible-light and UV irradiation. N-RSTs with a N-to-Ti ratio of 0.5 exhibited the highest degradation efficiencies of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene (BTEX), suggesting the presence of an optimal N-to-Ti ratio for preparation of N-RSTs. In addition, the average degradation efficiencies of BTEX determined for the N-RSTs with a N-to-Ti ratio of 0.5 under visible-light irradiation for the lowest initial concentration (IC, 0.1 ppm) were 19%, 53%, 85%, and 92%, respectively, while the degradation efficiencies for the highest IC (2.0 ppm) were 2%, 8%, 17%, and 33%. These values decreased as the stream flow rate increased. Overall, the as-prepared N-RSTs could be effectively applied for degradation of toxic gas-phase organic contaminants under visible-light as well as UV irradiation.

Coupling of titania with multiwall carbon nanotubes for decomposition of gas-phase pollutants under simulated indoor conditions.

UNLABELLED: This study synthesized multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT)-titania (TiO2) composites and examined their characteristics and photocatalytic performance for the cleaning of gas-phase benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene (BTEX) under simulated indoor conditions. Optical and spectral surveys of the as-synthesized composite confirmed that the TiO2 nanoparticles were bound intimately to the MWNT networks. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated using an annular-type reactor inner-coated with MWNT-TiO2 or Degussa P25 TiO2. The composite revealed gas removal ability superior to that of stand-alone TiO2. This composite was also less affected by humidity during toluene decomposition compared to the previous result obtained from a stand-alone TiO2. Unlike another previous result obtained from the TiO2, the performance of the composite was not affected by changes in input concentration (IC) within a simulated indoor air quality range (0.1-1.0 ppm) but it decreased significantly when the IC was increased to 5 and 10 ppm. As the flow rate was decreased from 4.0 to 1.0 L min(-1), the average efficiency for the target compounds increased to 95% or -100%. The MWNT-TiO2 composite could be applied effectively to the decomposition for BTEX under certain simulated indoor conditions. IMPLICATIONS: Unlike water applications, there are few reports of gas-phase applications of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-TiO2 composites. This study found that MWCNT-TiO2 composites showed performance in the removal of toxic gaseous aromatic superior to that of stand-alone TiO2. In addition, the pollutant degradation efficiency of the composite was less affected by humidity than for a stand-alone TiO2 unit within a simulated indoor relative humidity range. Moreover, unlike the TiO2 unit, the composite's performance was not affected by variations in the input concentrations within the simulated indoor air quality (IAQ) range. In addition, the decomposition efficiencies increased to 100% with decreasing flow rate.

Purification of aromatic hydrocarbons via fibrous activated carbon/photocatalytic composite coupled with UV light-emitting diodes.

In the present study, the applicability of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to a fibrous activated carbon (FAC)/titania (TiO2) composite used for the purification of gas-phase benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene was evaluated. The surface and morphological properties of the FAC and prepared FAC/TiO2 composite were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The study protocol included two different tests, comparison of FAC and the FAC/TiO2 composite for BTEX removal efficiency and evaluation of the FAC/TiO2 composite for benzene and toluene removal efficiency under differing operation conditions. The time-series ratios obtained with the FAC/TiO2 composite showed longer removal times for all target compounds when compared to those of FAC alone. For both benzene and toluene, the breakthrough time decreased with the stream flow rate, whereas it increased with increasing light intensity under the experimental conditions employed in this study. The breakthrough time of benzene and toluene increased as increasing amounts of TiO2 were coated onto the surface of FAC between 11 and 229 mg-TiO2 (g-FAC)(-1), but decreased as the amount of TiO2 increased to 451 mg (g-FAC)(-1). These findings indicate that the optimal TiO2 weight for the removal process of benzene and toluene via the FAC/TiO2 composite is between 229 and 451 mg-TiO2 (g-FAC)(-1).

Understanding the Influence of Gypsum upon a Hybrid Flame Retardant Coating on Expanded Polystyrene Beads.

A low-cost and effective flame retarding expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam was prepared herein by using a hybrid flame retardant (HFR) system, and the influence of gypsum was studied. The surface morphology and flame retardant properties of the synthesized flame retardant EPS were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cone calorimetry testing (CCT). The SEM micrographs revealed the uniform coating of the gypsum-based HFR on the EPS microspheres. The CCT and thermal conductivity study demonstrated that the incorporation of gypsum greatly decreases the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of the flame retarding EPS samples with acceptable thermal insulation performance. The EPS/HFR with a uniform coating and the optimum amount of gypsum provides excellent flame retardant performance, with a THR of 8 MJ/m2, a PHRR of 53.1 kW/m2, and a fire growth rate (FIGRA) of 1682.95 W/m2s. However, an excessive amount of gypsum weakens the flame retardant performance. The CCT results demonstrate that a moderate gypsum content in the EPS/HFR sample provides appropriate flame retarding properties to meet the fire safety standards.

Expanded Polystyrene Beads Coated with Intumescent Flame Retardant Material to Achieve Fire Safety Standards.

The compatibility and coating ratio between flame retardant materials and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is a major impediment to achieving satisfactory flame retardant performance. In this study, we prepared a water-based intumescent flame retardant system and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)-coated expandable polystyrene microspheres by a simple coating approach. We investigated the compatibility, coating ratio, and fire performance of EPS- and MDI-coated EPS foam using a water-based intumescent flame retardant system. The microscopic study revealed that the water-based intumescent flame retardant materials were successfully incorporated with and without MDI-coated EPS microspheres. The cone calorimeter tests (CCTs) of the MDI-coated EPS containing water-based intumescent flame retardant materials exhibited better flame retardant performance with a lower total heat release (THR) 7.3 MJ/m2, peak heat release rate (PHRR) 57.6 kW/m2, fire growth rate (FIGRA) 2027.067 W/m2.s, and total smoke production (TSP) 0.133 m2. Our results demonstrated that the MDI-coated EPS containing water-based intumescent flame retardant materials achieved flame retarding properties as per fire safety standards.

Applicability of a continuous-flow system inner-coated with S-doped titania for the photocatalysis of dimethyl sulfide at low concentrations.

The present study investigated the photocatalytic activity of an S-doped TiO(2) photocatalyst with regards to dimethyl sulfide degradation under visible-light irradiation, along with its deactivation and reactivation. The dimethyl sulfide conversion was between 85% and 93% for the lowest relative humidity range (10-20%) and close to 100% for the two higher relative humidity ranges (45-55% and 80-90%). The conversion was also close to 100% for the two lowest input concentrations (0.039 and 0.195 ppm), while it was between 91% and 96% at 3.9 ppm and between 85% and 90% at 7.9 ppm. In contrast to the input concentration dependences on conversion, the calculated degradation rates increased as input concentrations increased. The dimethyl sulfide conversion at low concentrations (

Photocatalytic decomposition of mobile-source related pollutants using a continuous-flow reactor.

This study evaluated the application of a continuous-flow photocatalytic reactor for the control of two mobile-derived pollutants, methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and naphthalene, present at in-vehicle levels. Variables tested for this study included the hydraulic diameter (HD), stream flow rate (SFR), relative humidity (RH), and feeding type (FT). The fixed parameters included contaminant concentration, ultraviolet light source, and the weight of TiO2. In all experimental conditions the adsorption process reached equilibrium within 30 to 180 min for the target compounds, and the outlet concentrations of the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) reactor while operating reached a steady state within 60 to 180 min. The degradation of the target compounds was dependent on RH, HD, FT, or SFR. The PCO system exhibited high degradation (up to nearly 100% for certain conditions) and mineralization efficiencies of target compounds, suggesting that this system can effectively be employed to improve indoor air quality. Moreover, it was confirmed that trichloroethylene at urban-ambient level also could enhance the degradation efficiency of naphthalene when applying the PCO technology inside vehicles.

Novel CoAl-LDH/g-C3N4/RGO ternary heterojunction with notable 2D/2D/2D configuration for highly efficient visible-light-induced photocatalytic elimination of dye and antibiotic pollutants.

In this study, we fabricate a novel ternary heterojunction comprising CoAl-layered double hydroxide, g-C3N4, and reduced graphene oxide (LDH/CN/RGO) with a notable 2D/2D/2D configuration using a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The visible-light-induced LDH/CN/RGO ternary heterojunctions displayed significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance towards the degradation of aqueous Congo red (CR, dye) and tetracycline (TC, antibiotic) contaminants, which is far superior to that observed for pristine CN (base material), LDH, P25 (reference), and binary CN/RGO and LDH/CN heterojunctions. In particular, the LDH/CN/RGO ternary heterojunction with RGO and LDH contents of 1 wt.% and 15 wt.%, respectively, exhibited the highest degradation activity among all the fabricated catalysts, and it also displayed exceptional stability during recycling experiments. The significant enhancement in the photocatalytic performance and good stability of existing LDH/CN/RGO ternary heterojunctions were primarily attributed to the large intimate interfacial contact between constituent CN, LDH, and RGO prompted by their exceptional 2D/2D/2D arrangement, which accelerates the interfacial charge-transfer processes to effectively hinder the recombination of photoexcited charge carriers. The present study provides new insights into the rational design and fabrication of novel g-C3N4-based 2D/2D/2D layered ternary heterojunctions as high-performance photocatalysts, and promotes their application in addressing diverse energy and environmental issues.

Efficient decontamination of textile industry wastewater using a photochemically stable n-n type CdSe/Ag3PO4 heterostructured nanohybrid containing metallic Ag as a mediator.

To address the environmental hazard posed by the discharge of textile industry wastewater, we combined n-type (CdSe) and n-type (Ag3PO4) visible-light-responsive semiconductors to produce a photochemically stable n-n type heterostructured nanohybrid comprising metallic Ag (CdSe/Ag/Ag3PO4, CAA) and employed this material as a catalyst for the decomposition of phenol and rhodamine B (RhB). The physicochemical properties of CAA and reference photocatalysts were investigated using instrumental techniques. Compared to individual Ag3PO4 and CdSe, CAA showed an elevated photocatalytic decomposition efficiency for both target pollutants, which was mainly attributed to increased charge separation efficiency and explained by the operation of the Z-scheme reaction mechanism. Moreover, we probed the effects of initial pollutant concentration, AgNO3:NaH2PO4 molar ratio, and the CdSe:Ag3PO4 mass ratio of CAA on catalytic performance. Recycling tests revealed the high photochemical stability of CAA, which was ascribed to the prevention of Ag3PO4 photoreduction by electrons. Finally, a Z-scheme mechanism with vectorial charge transfer suggested for the visible-light-driven decomposition of pollutants over CAA nanohybrids was systematically discussed based on the results of scavenger tests and photoluminescence emission spectra analysis, and an explanation of the role of metallic Ag as a charge mediator was provided.

Boosted photocatalytic decomposition of nocuous organic gases over tricomposites of N-doped carbon quantum dots, ZnFe2O4, and BiOBr with different junctions.

Herein, the effect of material structure on photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of nocuous organic gases (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) and o-xylene (XYL)) was investigated by synthesizing tricomposite photocatalysts of N-doped carbon quantum dots, ZnFe2O4, and BiOBr (NCQDs/ZFO/BOB) with different junctions. The NCQDs/ZFO/BOB material (NCQDs/ZFO/BOB1) synthesized using a one-pot method revealed the highest photocatalytic efficiency. The NCQDs in NCQDs/ZFO/BOB1 exhibited photoluminescence property that expanded the photo-absorption nature and acted as a mediator to enhance the Z-scheme charge transfer between ZFO and BOB. The photocatalytic activity exhibited by NCQDs/ZFO/BOB1 was higher than that exhibited by the selected reference materials (CQDs/ZFO/BOB, NCQDs/BOB, ZFO/BOB, BOB, NCQDs/ZFO, and ZFO). Results showed that the decomposition efficiencies of TMB and XYL in the presence of NCQDs/ZFO/BOB1 under specified operational conditions were 94.5% and 72.5%, respectively. Moreover, the synthesized NCQDs/ZFO/BOB photocatalysts displayed excellent stability. Herein, the conversion ratios of TMB and XYL into CO2 with NCQDs/ZFO/BOB1 and the intermediates formed during photocatalysis were assessed. Furthermore, a potential mechanism for the NCQDs/ZFO/BOB1-catalyzed organic gas decomposition was proposed. The hybridization access introduced herein thus provides a method for the intelligent synthesis of a new type of multicomponent nanocomposites for environmental remediation.

Head-space, small-chamber and in-vehicle tests for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from air fresheners for the Korean market.

The present study investigated the emission characteristics of gel-type air fresheners (AFs), using head-space, small-chamber, and in-vehicle tests. Five toxic or hazardous analytes were found in the headspace phase of AFs (toluene, benzene, ethyl benzene, and m,p-xylene) at a frequency of more than 50%. Limonene and linalool, which are known to be unsaturated ozone-reactive VOCs, were detected at a frequency of 58 and 35%, respectively. The empirical model fitted well with the time-series concentrations in the chamber, thereby suggesting that the empirical model was suitable for testing emissions. Limonene exhibited the highest emission rate, followed by m,p-xylene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and benzene. For most target VOCs, higher air change per hour (ACH) levels exhibited increased emission rates. In contrast, higher ACH levels resulted in lower chamber concentrations. The mean concentration of limonene was significantly higher in passenger cars with an AF than without. For other target compounds, there were no significant differences between the two conditions tested. Consequently, it was suggested that unlike limonene, the emission strength for aromatic compounds identified in the chamber tests was not strong enough to elevate in-vehicle levels.

Volatile pollutants emitted from selected liquid household products.

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE: To identify household products that may be potential sources of indoor air pollution, the chemical composition emitted from the products should be surveyed. Although this kind of survey has been conducted by certain research groups in Western Europe and the USA, there is still limited information in scientific literature. Moreover, chemical components and their proportions of household products are suspected to be different with different manufacturers. Consequently, the current study evaluated the emission composition for 42 liquid household products sold in Korea, focusing on five product classes (deodorizers, household cleaners, color removers, pesticides, and polishes). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included two phase experiments. First, the chemical components and their proportions in household products were determined using a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer system. For the 19 target compounds screened by the first phase of the experiment and other selection criteria, the second phase was done to identify their proportions in the purged-gas phase. RESULTS: The number of chemicals in the household products surveyed ranged from 9 to 113. Eight (product class of pesticides) to 17 (product class of cleaning products) compounds were detected in the purged-gas phase of each product class. Several compounds were identified in more than one product class. Six chemicals (acetone, ethanol, limonene, perchloroethylene (PCE), phenol, and 1-propanol) were identified in all five product classes. There were 13 analytes occurring with a frequency of more than 10% in the household products: limonene (76.2%), ethanol (71.4%), PCE (66.7%), phenol (40.5%), 1-propanol (35.7%), decane (33%), acetone (28.6%), toluene (19.0%), 2-butoxy ethanol (16.7%), o-xylene (16.7%), chlorobenzene (14.3%), ethylbenzene (11.9%), and hexane (11.9%). All of the 42 household products analyzed were found to contain one or more of the 19 compounds. DISCUSSION: The chemical composition varied broadly along with the product classes or product categories, and it was different from that reported in other studies abroad, although certain target chemicals were identified in both studies. This finding supports an assertion that chemical components emitted from household products may be different in different products and with different manufacturers. The chlorinated pollutants identified in the present study have not been reported to be components of cleaning products in papers published since the early 1990s. Limonene was identified as having the highest occurrence in the household products in the present study, although it was not detected in any of 67 household products sold in the U.S. CONCLUSIONS: The emission composition of selected household products was successfully examined by purge-and-trap analysis. Along with other exposure information such as use pattern of household products and the indoor climate, this composition data can be used to estimate personal exposure levels of building occupants. This exposure data can be employed to link environmental exposure to health risk. It is noteworthy that many liquid household products sold in Korea emitted several toxic aromatic and chlorinated organic compounds. Moreover, the current finding suggests that product types and manufacturers should be considered, when evaluating building occupants' exposure to chemical components emitted from household products. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: The current findings can provide valuable information for the semiquantitative estimation of the population inhalation exposure to these compounds in indoor environments and for the selection of safer household products. However, although the chemical composition is known, the emissions of household products might include compounds formed during the use of the product or compounds not identified as ingredients by this study. Accordingly, further studies are required, and testing must be done to determine the actual composition being emitted. Similar to eco-labeling of shampoos, shower gels, and foam baths proposed by a previous study, eco-labeling of other household products is suggested.

Naphthalene emissions from moth repellents or toilet deodorant blocks determined using head-space and small-chamber tests.

The present study investigated the emissions of naphthalene and other compounds from several different moth repellents (MRs) and one toilet deodorant block (TDB) currently sold in Korea, using a headspace analysis. The emission factors and emission rates of naphthalene were studied using a small-scale environmental chamber. Paper-type products emitted a higher concentration of the total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (normalized to the weight of test piece) than ball-type products, which in turn emitted higher concentration than a gel-type product. In contrast, naphthalene was either the most or the second highest abundant compound for the four ball products, whereas for paper and gel products it was not detected or was detected at much lower levels. The abundance of naphthalene ranged between 18.4% and 37.3% for ball products. The results showed that the lower the air changes per hour (ACH) level was, the higher the naphthalene concentrations became. In general, a low ACH level suggests a low ventilation rate. The emission factor for naphthalene was nearly 100 times higher for a ball MR than for a gel or a paper MR. For the ball MR, the lower ACH level resulted in higher emission rate.

Combination of ultrasound-treated 2D g-C3N4 with Ag/black TiO2 nanostructure for improved photocatalysis.

Herein, nanosheets of g-C3N4 (CN), prepared using a green ultrasonication process under various conditions, were combined with Ag/black TiO2 nanocomposites (AgBT) to create two-dimensional (2D) CN/Ag/black TiO2 tri-composites (CNAgBT). The thickness of the CN sheets varied with the ultrasonication conditions. The CNAgBT sample prepared using ultrasound-treated CN exhibited the highest average photocatalytic efficiencies for the degradation of two model pollutants, followed in decreasing order by AgBT, black TiO2 (BT), sheet CN, bulk CN, and TiO2. The order of pollutant degradation efficiencies by the photocatalysts was consistent with that of the charge carrier separation efficiencies. The degradation efficiency of the CNAgBT increased as the CN-to-AgBT ratio increased from 0.05 to 0.1, but decreased gradually for higher ratios between 0.15 and 0.20, indicating a lower optimal CN-to-AgBT ratio. A plausible photocatalytic degradation mechanism for the CNAgBT nanocomposites was proposed. Additionally, CNAgBT with a CN-to-AgBT ratio of 0.1 displayed a higher hydrogen generation rate with a maximum value of 21.5 mmol g-1 over 5 h than those of the AgBT and BT. Overall, the CNAgBT prepared using ultrasonication-treated CNs showed enhanced photocatalytic performance for both pollutant degradation and hydrogen generation.