Health risk assessment of occupational exposure to heavy metals among green space workers in Iran.

Exposure to heavy metals can result in various adverse health effects. Tehran is rated as one of the world's most polluted cities. Green space workers are continuously exposed to such pollutants in this city. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the health risks caused by exposure to heavy metals among green space workers. Eighty-eight workers and office personnel in two regions with different air quality levels were chosen for sampling. Air samples were collected using the NIOSH-7300 method and analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) instrument. The hazard quotient (HQ) and the lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) were calculated to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk levels. The results revealed that the rank order of heavy metals was determined as Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni, Co, and Cd. Workers were subjected to higher concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, and Co than office personnel. Furthermore, the Cd, Co, and Zn exposure levels stood significantly higher in region 6 than in region 14. Non-carcinogenic risk levels for all participants fell within the acceptable range. Moreover, no employee had a carcinogenic risk level within the acceptable range when exposed to Cd. Also, 2.3% of individuals demonstrated Ni's acceptable carcinogenic risk level. Owing unacceptable risk levels, proper interventions are required to minimize occupational exposure to heavy metals. These interventions include optimizing shift schedules, using personal protective equipment, and conducting regular health assessments.

Development of a Green Single Drop Microextraction Based on Deep Eutectic Solvent and HPLC-UV for Trace Residue Analysis of Three Frequent-Used Pesticides.

Background: A green sample preparation method named deep eutectic solvent-based single drop microextraction (DES-SDME) was developed and optimized for determining trace metribuzin, dichlorvos, and fenthion. Methods: Two hundred seventy experimental runs were performed, and the optimal values of the five influential factors in the DES-SDME method were determined. The design of the study was based on one factor at a time and the peak area of high-performance liquid chromatography was used as a benchmark for comparing analysis results. Results: After optimizing the effective factors, the linearity range, detection limit and quantification limit of the method were determined by drawing calibration curves for the studied analytes. Conclusion: The results indicated the success of the developed method in obtaining acceptable figures of merit as a green preparation method with accuracy and precision.

Performance assessment of the MOF adsorbent MIL-101 for removal of gaseous benzene and toluene: kinetic column modeling and simulation studies of fixed-bed adsorption.

The adsorbent MIL-101, a metal-organic framework material, was synthesized, characterized, and tested for removal of relatively low concentrations of benzene and toluene adsorbates (200 ppm) from a gas phase in a continuous flow system. Breakthrough studies were modeled based on Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, Yan, Clark, Bohart-Adams, bed-depth service time, modified dose response, Wolborska, and Gompertz in the continuous fixed-bed operation. Through statistical analysis, it was determined which type of regression is most suitable for the studied models, linear or nonlinear. By comparing the values of error functions, it was possible to infer that the Thomas model is the best match for the experimental breakthrough curves for benzene (with maximum solid-phase concentration qT=126,750 mg/g) and the Gompertz model for toluene (parameter ß=0.01 min-1). Overall, when compared to the model parameters of the linear regression, those obtained through nonlinear regression show a stronger correlation with the results found experimentally. Thus, this type of regression is more suitable for the adsorption model analysis. The liquid film and intraparticle diffusion analysis was described, and it was suggested that both types of diffusion contribute to the adsorption mechanism of benzene and toluene on MIL-101. As for the isotherms, the adsorption process was better fitted by the Freundlich isotherm. The reusability of MIL-101 after six cycles was 76.5% for benzene and 62.4% for toluene, indicating that MIL-101 was a better adsorbent for the removal of benzene in comparison with toluene.

Separation and quantification of diazinon in water samples using liquid-phase microextraction-based effervescent tablet-assisted switchable solvent method coupled to gas chromatography-flame ionization detection.

This study used a liquid-phase microextraction-based effervescent tablet-assisted switchable solvent method coupled to gas chromatography-flame ionization detection as an eco-efficient, convenient-to-use, cost-effective, sensitive, rapid, and efficient method for extracting, preconcentrating, and quantifying trace amounts of diazinon in river water samples. As a switchable solvent, triethylamine (TEA) was used. In situ generation of CO2 using effervescent tablet containing Na2 CO3 and citric acid changed the hydrophobic TEA to the hydrophilic protonated triethylamine carbonate (P-TEA-C). CO2 removal from the specimen solution using NaOH caused P-TEA-C to be converted into TEA and led to phase separation, during which diazinon was extracted into the TEA phase. The salting-out process was helpful in enhancing extraction efficiency. In addition, a number of significant parameters that affect extraction recovery were examined. Under optimum conditions, the limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.06 and 0.2 ng/ml, respectively. The extraction recovery percentage and pre-concentration factor were obtained at 95 and 190%, respectively, and the precision (inter- and intra-day, relative standard deviation %, n = 5) was <5%.

Cancer Risk Assessment for Workers Exposed to Pollution Source, a Petrochemical Company, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution have led to severe problem of adverse health effect in the world. This study aimed to conduct the health risk assessment, cancer risk analysis, and non-cancer risk for exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in petrochemical industry. METHODS: In this cross-sectional research, 123 samples were collected in the ambient air in Iran during winter 2016. For sampling and analysis of VOCs and H 2 S, 3 methods (numbers 1500, 1501, and 6013) presented by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were used. For determination of risk assessment of chemical pollutants, semi-quantitative method presented by the Occupational Safety and Health Division, Singapore was used. Finally, for calculation of cancer risk analysis, Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and calculation of non-cancer risk, Exposure Concentration (EC) were used. RESULTS: Average concentration of benzene (2.12±0.95) in breathing zone of workers were higher than the Threshold Limit Values-Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) (P<0.05). Among chemical substance, benzene had very high rank of risk in petrochemical industry. Rank of risk for H 2 S, toluene, and xylene present in the breathing zone of workers was low. The mean cancer risk for workers exposed to benzene was estimated 8.78×10-3, in other words, 8.7 cancer per 1000 i.e. higher than the acceptable standard of 10-6. In our study, non-cancer risk for BTX was higher than the acceptable standard of 1. CONCLUSION: In particular, overall cancer and toxic risk can be associated with long term exposure to benzene.

Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies for dynamic adsorption of toluene in gas phase onto porous Fe-MIL-101/OAC composite.

In the present paper, micro-mesoporous Fe-MIL-101/OAC composite using in situ incorporation of Fe-MIL-101 into oxidized activated carbon was synthesized and characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, and BET techniques. The adsorption performances of toluene onto adsorbents in the gas phase were studied using a laboratory-scale dynamic adsorption system under moist ambience. The toluene adsorption capacity of Fe-MIL-101/OAC composite and Fe-MIL-101 were 127 and 97.6 mg g-1, severally. Results revealed that the larger pores in micro-mesoporous Fe-MIL-101/OAC enhanced the molecular diffusion rate. The findings indicated that micro-mesoporous structures played key roles in the capture of toluene molecules. The initial toluene concentration positively affected on toluene adsorption capacity while temperature and humidity negatively affected on toluene adsorption capacity. The Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model described better adsorption process of Fe-MIL-101/OAC composite. Thermodynamic findings determined that toluene adsorption over Fe-MIL-101/OAC was spontaneous, exothermic physisorption. The regeneration of the composite was still up to 72.6% after six cycles. The micro-mesoporous Fe-MIL-101/OAC composite proposes a promising support for the high toluene removal for future. Graphical abstract.

Synthesis of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles for selective exposure assessment of permethrin: optimization by response surface methodology.

BACKGROUND: Extensive use of high-efficiency pyrethroid pesticides as pest-control agents lead to remarkable adsorption and release of these materials in soil and aquatic environment which could have serious adverse effects on water and food chain quality as well as human health. In this study, a molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized and used as a selective sorbent in the sample preparation procedure in order to facilitate sensitive and quantitative exposure assessment of insecticide permethrin. METHODS: Molecular imprinted nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation polymerization technique using 1:4:20 mmol ratio of the template, functional monomer, and cross-linker, respectively, as well as 80 mL of chloroform as progen solvent. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). The optimization of critical variables in the MISPE process was done using the central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology. RESULTS: Quadratic regressional models were developed to correlate the response and independent variables and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) verified the excellent fitting of proposed models for experimental data. Optimum conditions for the highest MISPE yield were selected as follow: sorbent mass of 7.71 mg, sample pH 5.58 and 5.68 for cis and trans-permethrin, respectively, sample flow rate of 0.6 mL/min, as well as 5 and 3.94 mL of methanol/acetic acid at the flow rate of 2 mL/min as elution solvents for cis and trans-permethrin, respectively. Under optimized conditions, the linear range was obtained 20-120 µg/L (R2 = 0.99) and the detection limits were 5.51 and 5.72 µg/L for cis and trans-permethrin, respectively. Analysis of real samples demonstrated the high extraction efficiency of designed protocol ranging from 93.01 to 97.14 with the relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 4.51%. CONCLUSIONS: The satisfactory results confirmed the reliability and efficiency of the proposed method for trace analysis of permethrin isomers in biological and environmental samples.

Biological Monitoring and Lung Function Assessment among Workers Exposed to Chromium in the Ceramic Industry.

BACKGROUND: Chromium exposure occurs in various industries such as ceramics industry. The main disadvantage of chromium is high toxicity when absorbed by the body. This study aimed to determine and compare urinary chromium values in the pre- and post-shift of ceramic glazers and the control group; investigate urinary chromium value according to the study variables; compare pulmonary function tests between ceramic glazers vs. the control group. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was carried out in Yazd City, central Iran on 49 glazers and 55 office workers in the same workplace as the control group. The urine samples were collected at both start and end of the work shift, and the control group was examined only once. Preparation of samples were conducted by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE). The analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). All the participants filled out a self-administered questionnaire comprising of questions about smoking habits, work shift, skin dermatitis, job title, using mask, ventilation system, duration of exposure, overtime working, age, weight, and height. The lung function tests were performed on study groups. RESULTS: The concentration of chromium after the glazer's shift was 2.73 times higher than the Biological Exposure Index (BEI) recommended by the occupational and environmental health center of Iran. Lung function tests were significantly lower in the glazers compared with the control group (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Skin dermatitis and overtime working are the main determinants of high chromium level in glazers.

Evaluation of Respiratory Symptoms among Workers in an Automobile Manufacturing Factory, Iran.

BACKGROUND: This study estimated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disorders among workers exposed to exposure to volatile organic compound (VOCs) in an automobile manufacturing factory in Tehran, Iran in 2016. METHODS: Subjects of this case-control research were included 80 samples including 40 workers exposed to different level of BTEX as well as 40 unexposed individuals were considered as control group. Methods 1501 and 7602 presented by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were used for the sampling and analysis of compounds in the air. Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) was used for analysis of compounds of interest. Six silica samples were collected during the campaign. Silica analyses were performed by using visible absorption spectrophotometry system. Lung functions were evaluated for 80 workers (40 exposed, 40 nonexposed) using spirometry system. RESULTS: The average amount of total dust and free silica measured in factory were 7.3±1.04 mg.m-3 and 0.017±0.02 mg.m-3 respectively. Average benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylene exposure levels in exposed subject's median were 0.775±0.12, 1.2±2.08, 45.8±8.5, and 42.5±23.9 ppm respectively. Statistical tests showed significant difference between pulmonary function tests (except PEF) of exposed and non-exposed individuals before and after employment (P<0.05). Workers exposed to VOCs presented lower levels of FVC, VC, and PEF than the control group except FEV1/FVC%, FEV1, FEF2575 and FEV1/VC%. CONCLUSION: Decline in lung volumes and respiratory symptoms, significant difference associated with the exposure to dust or gas, duration of exposure, and smoking habit. Therefore, lung function tests should be performed before and after the employment to identify sensitive workers candidates.

Association between polymorphism of GSTP1, GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP2E1 genes and susceptibility to benzene-induced hematotoxicity.

Occupational exposure to benzene has been associated with leukemia, anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Genetic susceptibility to benzene toxicity in humans may be related to variations in benzene metabolizing genes. The main objective of this study was to ascertain whether polymorphism of GSTP1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and CYP2E1 genes might influence susceptibility to the adverse effects of benzene among employees of a petrochemical plant. In this cross-sectional study, 124 employees of a petrochemical plant who had been occupationally exposed to benzene and had one or more abnormal hematological parameter (cases) and 184 subjects with a similar exposure scenario, free from any abnormal hematological parameters (referent) were studied. Atmospheric concentrations of benzene were measured and GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were evaluated using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Additionally, GSTP1 and CYP2E1 genotypes were determined by PCR- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The frequency of null GSTT1 genotype in cases was significantly higher than that of referent group (32.3 vs. 18.5%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.23-3.56, p = 0.004). The mean value of platelets in subjects with null GSTT1 genotype was significantly lower than that of individuals with positive GSTT1 genotype (p = 0.015). Conversely, the mean value of leukocytes was significantly higher in subjects with null GSTM1 genotype as compared to those with positive GSTM1 genotype (p = 0.026). Logistic regression analysis showed that, subjects with null GSTT1 genotype had a significantly higher risk for hematological disorders, as compared to those with positive GSTT1 genotype (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.23-3.56). Moreover, subjects with both null GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes had a significantly higher risk for hematological disorders as compared to subjects with positive GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.14-4.8). The results of this study showed that, individuals carrying null GSTT1 or both null STT1 and GSTM1 genotypes had a higher risk and were more susceptible to benzene-induced hematological disorders.

A Simple and Fast Method Based on New Magnetic Ion Imprinted Polymer as a Highly Selective Sorbent for Preconcentration and Determination of Cadmium in Environmental Samples.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of heavy metals at trace level is one of the main toxicologists concern, due to their vital rules in human`s life. Cadmium is one of these toxic heavy metals, which released to the environment from various industries. METHODS: In order to determine Cd (II) ions in various matrices magnetic ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) method has been developed and applied. This nano-sorbent has been synthesized by coating an IIP compound on Fe3O4 nanoparticles core to achieve highest surface area. This polymer has been used to evaluate Cd (II) levels in food, river, and wastewater in Tehran, Iran. RESULTS: Fe3O4@Cd-IIP was stable up to 300 °C. The various factors such as sample pH (optimized as 7), elution/sorption time (5 min), eluent amount (4 mL HCL), and its concentration (2 mol L-1) were optimized. Analysis instrument in all steps was Flame Atomic Abortion Spectrophotometer (FAAS). In this study, the detection limit was determined down to 0.6 µg L-1. CONCLUSION: This method was applied successfully for the preconcentration and determination of Cd (II) ions in environmental samples obtained from rivers, various foods and wastewater. In addition, the accuracy of the method was confirmed by analyzing a certified reference material (Seronorm LOT NO2525) and spiked real samples.

Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica in Small Foundries in Pakdasht, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The term crystallized silica refers to the crystallized form of Sio2 and quartz, the most frequency composition in the earth's crust that can cause silicosis and lung cancer through occupational exposure and inhalation of its large quantities. METHODS: Occupational exposure of workers in Pakdasht, Iran, in 2011 was investigated in four different casting processes in small foundries with less than 10 workers. Sampling respirable dust was collected on MCE filter, using HD cyclone at a flow rate of 2.2 lit/min. The filters were analyzed for dust using NIOSH Method 7601. Gravimetric and visible absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine amounts of inhalable dust and free silica, respectively. Risk assessment techniques were also used to predict silicosis and lung cancer. RESULTS: Geometric means of occupational exposure to crystalline silica in 4 different casting processes were studied within the range of 0.009-0.04 mg/m(3). Mortality rate due to silicosis was in the range of 1-13.7 per 1000 persons exposed. Risk of mortality due to lung cancer in exposed workers in small casting workshops in Pakdasht, Iran ranged 4-16 per 1000 persons exposed based on geometric mean and 45 years of exposure. According to risk assessment, mortality due to silicosis, cumulative exposure of 96% of population was at an acceptable level of 1/1000. CONCLUSION: Fifty percent of workers were exposed to crystalline silica dust in excess of Recommended Exposure Limit -NIOSH and Threshold Limit Value ACGIH (0.025 mg/m(3)). Several cases of silicosis and lung cancer are anticipated for this occupational group in near future.

Personal Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Newsagents in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Vehicle exhaust is a major source of exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in the urban atmosphere. Newsagents usually work close to heavy traffic flow. The purpose of this study was to assess the breathing zone exposure of newsagents to PAHs found in the urban atmosphere of Tehran City during summer and autumn seasons and comparing the levels of exposure in both seasons. METHODS: Fifteen non-smoking newsagents were randomly selected from north, south, east, west, and center of Tehran. Particle and gas phases PAHs were collected on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter and XAD-2 adsorbent. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to determine PAHs concentrations in newsagent's breathing zone samples. RESULTS: The highest and lowest values of exposures during summer and autumn in all sampling stations were recorded for benzo[a]anthracene and benzo[ghi]perylene, respectively. Mann-Whitney test results showed that seasonal variation had significant influence on concentrations of all studied PAHs (P= 0.001) except benzo[ghi]perylene (P= 0.089). An increase in concentrations of PAHs was observed in autumn. CONCLUSION: The workers of the newsstands in the south area of Tehran City were experiencing higher levels of exposures to PAHs. Newsagents' breathing zone exposures to PAHs during the cold period were two to three folds higher than those during the warm period were. The levels of exposures in all sampling stations were below the OSHA and NIOSH's recommended exposure limits.

Removal of crystal violet from water by magnetically modified activated carbon and nanomagnetic iron oxide.

Magnetically modified activated carbon, which synthesized by nanomagnetic iron oxide, was used for fast and effective removal of Crystal Violet from aqueous solutions. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of nano-adsorbent showed that the average sizes of adsorbent are less than 100 nm. The various parameters, affecting on adsorption process, were examined including pH and temperature of dye solution, dose of adsorbent, and contact time. Then, thermodynamic parameters of sorption were calculated. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to fit the resulting data. Adsorption kinetics was consistent with a pseudo second order equation. Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption, ∆H(0), and ∆S(0) were calculated. Also, for further investigations, nano magnetic iron oxides was synthesized and used as adsorbent. Sorption capacities were depending on the temperature varied from 44.7 to 67.1 mg/g and from 12.7 to 16.5 mg/g for magnetically modified activated carbon and nanomagnetic iron oxide, respectively.

Transport properties of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)-nanoclay composites; a promising material for protective gloves in occupational exposures.

This study was conducted in response to one of the research needs of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), i.e. the application of nanomaterials and nanotechnology in the field of occupational safety and health. In order to fill this important knowledge gap, the equilibrium solubility and diffusion of carbon tetrachloride and ethyl acetate through carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)-clay nanocomposite, as a promising new material for chemical protective gloves (or barrier against the transport of organic solvent contaminant), were examined by swelling procedure. Near Fickian diffusion was observed for XNBR based nanocomposites containing different amounts of nanoclay. Decontamination potential is a key factor in development of a new material for reusable chemical protective gloves applications, specifically for routine or highly toxic exposures. A thermal decontamination regime for nanocomposite was developed for the first time. Then, successive cycles of exposure/decontamination for nanocomposite were performed to the maximum 10 cycles for the first time. This result confirms that the two selected solvents cannot deteriorate the rubber-nanoclay interaction and, therefore, such gloves can be reusable after decontamination.

Evaluation of Occupational Exposure of Glazers of a Ceramic Industry to Cobalt Blue Dye.

BACKGROUND: Cobalt is one of the most important constituent present in ceramic industries. Glazers are the relevant workers when they are producing blue colored ceramic, causing occupational exposure to such metal. Through this study, urinary cobalt was determined in glazers in a ceramic industry when they were producing blue-colored ceramic glazes. METHODS: In this case-control study, spot urine samples were collected from 49 glazers at the start and end of work shifts (totally 98 samples) in 2011. Control group were well matched for age, height, and weight. A solid phase extraction system was used for separation and preconcentration of samples followed by analysis by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). All participants filled out a self administered questionnaire comprises questions about duration of exposure, work shift, use of mask, skin dermatitis, kind of job, ventilation system, overtime work, age, weight, and height. The lung function tests were performed on each control and cobalt exposed subjects. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the obtained results. RESULTS: Urinary levels of cobalt were significantly higher in the glazers compared to the control group. There were significant differences at urinary concentration of cobalt at the start and end of the work shift in glazers. Spirometric parameters were significantly lower in the glazers compared to the control group. Among the variables used in questionnaire the significant variables were dermatitis skin, mask, ventilation, and overtime work. CONCLUSION: This study verified existence of cobalt in the urine glazers, showing lower amount than the ACGIH standard.

Assessment of airborne asbestos exposure at an asbestos cement sheet and pipe factory in Iran.

Iran imports nearly 55,000 metric tons of asbestos per year, and asbestos cement (AC) plants contribute nearly 94% of the total national usage. In the present study, asbestos fiber concentrations during AC sheet and pipe manufacturing were measured by phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) and polarized light microscopy (PLM) in 98 personal air samples. The fiber type and its chemical composition were also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Personal monitoring of fiber levels indicated a range from 0.02 to 0.55PCM f/ml (0.02-0.69PLM f/ml). The AC workers' geometric mean asbestos exposure was 0.09 PCM f/ml (0.11 PLM f/ml), with arithmetic mean of 0.13 PCM f/ml (0.16 PLM f/ml). The observed fiber concentrations in many processes were higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), which is 0.1 f/ml. Based on these findings, the PLM values were approximately 25% higher than PCM values. The SEM data demonstrate that fibrous particles contained chrysotile. The thinnest fiber recognized by SEM had a diameter of 0.2µm. Mean exposure exceeded the TLV for asbestos in pipe molding and finishing (100%) as well as sheet molding and finishing (45.5-83.3%). In conclusion exposure control may be needed to be in compliance with the ACGIH TLV and other guidance levels. Also, with regard to PCM limitations for airborne fiber analysis, the use of microscopic methods other than PCM can be used to improve the techniques used presently.

A bioactive foamed emulsion reactor for the treatment of benzene-contaminated air stream.

An adapted bioactive foamed emulsion bioreactor for the treatment of benzene vapor has been developed. In this reactor, bed clogging was resolved by bioactive foam as a substitute of packing bed for interfacial contact of liquid to gaseous phase. The pollutant solubility has been increased using biocompatible organic phase in liquid phase and this reactor can be applied for higher inlet benzene concentration. Experimental results showed a benzene elimination capacity (EC) of 220 g m(-3) h(-1) with removal efficiency (RE) of 85% for benzene inlet concentration of 1-1.2 g m(-3) at 15 s gas residence time in bioreactor. Assessment of benzene concentration in liquid phase showed that a significant amount of transferred benzene mass has been biodegraded. By optimizing the operational parameters of bioreactor, continuous operation of bioreactor with high EC and RE was demonstrated. With respect to the results, this reactor has the potential to be applied instead of biofilter and biotrickling filters.

Solid phase extraction for evaluation of occupational exposure to Pb (II) using XAD-4 sorbent prior to atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Lead is an important constituent widely used in different industrial processes. For evaluation of workers' exposure to trace toxic metal of Pb (II), solid-phase extraction (SPE) was optimized. SPE using mini columns filled with XAD-4 resin was developed with regard to sample pH, ligand concentration, loading flow rate, elution solvent, sample volume, elution volume, the amount of resins, and sample matrix interferences. Lead ions were retained on a solid sorbent and then eluted, followed by a simple determination of analytes with flame atomic absorption spectrometery. The obtained recoveries of metal ions were greater than 92%. This method was validated with 3 different pools of spiked urine samples; it showed a good reproducibility over 6 consecutive days as well as 6 within-day experiments. This optimized method can be considered successful in simplifying sample preparation for a trace residue analysis of lead in different matrices when evaluating occupational and environmental exposures is required.

Sample preparation followed by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis for monitoring muconic acid as a biomarker of occupational exposure to benzene.

Factors affecting solid phase extraction (SPE) of trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA), as a benzene biomarker, including sample pH, sample concentration, sample volume, sample flow rate, washing solvent, elution solvent, and type of sorbent were evaluated. Extracted samples were determined by HPLC-UV (high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet). The analytical column was C18, UV wave length was 259 nm, and the mobile phase was H(2)O/methanol/acetic acid run at flow rate of 1 ml/min. A strong anion exchange silica cartridge was found successful in simplifying SPE. There was a significant difference between recoveries of ttMA when different factors were used (p < .001). An optimum recovery was obtained when sample pH was adjusted at 7. There was no significant difference when different sample concentrations were used (p > .05). The optimized method was then validated with 3 different pools of samples showing good reproducibility over 6 consecutive days and 6 within-day experiments.