Hydrocarbons in waters and bottom sediments of the coastal areas of the Caucasian sector of the Black Sea (2021-2023).

The current level of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was determined in suspended particulate matter of waters (mainly in surface waters) and in upper layer of bottom sediments of coastal areas in the Caucasian sector of the Black Sea of the Russian Federation (September 2021, May and September 2022, March 2023). IR method was used to determine the aliphatic hydrocarbons, and the method of high performance liquid chromatography was employed for PAHs. The average concentration of aliphatic hydrocarbons was ≈20 µg/L and for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ≈130 ng/L in suspended particulate matter in open surface waters of Gelendzhik and Golubaya bays. Their content naturally increased as they approached the coast. Despite the decrease in hydrocarbon concentrations in surface waters in recent years, the Kerch Strait and Novorossiysk remain the most polluted areas as before. Higher concentrations in the waters of the Taman Peninsula may be caused by the seepage of hydrocarbons from the sedimentary layer. Hydrocarbons are accumulated in bottom sediments, that leads to their rising portion in total organic carbon (e.g., aliphatic hydrocarbons up to 14.2 % in the Tuapse region and 13.1 % in the Novorossiysk region). Along with contamination from anthropogenic sources, natural processes also affect the hydrocarbon levels such as high biological productivity of the area and fluid flows from the sediment layer.

Yarrowia lipolytica growth, lipids, and protease production in medium with higher alkanes and alkenes.

Two strains of Yarrowia lipolytica (CBS 2075 and DSM 8218) were first studied in bioreactor batch cultures, under different controlled dissolved oxygen concentrations (DOC), to assess their ability to assimilate aliphatic hydrocarbons (HC) as a carbon source in a mixture containing 2 g·L-1 of each alkane (dodecane and hexadecane), and 2 g·L-1 hexadecene. Both strains grew in the HC mixture without a lag phase, and for both strains, 30 % DOC was sufficient to reach the maximum values of biomass and lipids. To enhance lipid-rich biomass and enzyme production, a pulse fed-batch strategy was tested, for the first time, with the addition of one or three pulses of concentrated HC medium. The addition of three pulses of the HC mixture (total of 24 g·L-1 HC) did not hinder cell proliferation, and high protease (> 3000 U·L-1) and lipids concentrations of 3.4 g·L-1 and 4.3 g·L-1 were achieved in Y. lipolytica CBS 2075 and DSM 8218 cultures, respectively. Lipids from the CBS 2075 strain are rich in C16:0 and C18:1, resembling the composition of palm oil, considered suitable for the biodiesel industry. Lipids from the DSM 8218 strain were predominantly composed of C16:0 and C16:1, the latter being a valuable monounsaturated fatty acid used in the pharmaceutical industry. Y. lipolytica cells exhibited high intrinsic surface hydrophobicity (> 69 %), which increased in the presence of HC. A reduction in surface tension was observed in both Y. lipolytica cultures, suggesting the production of extracellular biosurfactants, even at low amounts. This study marks a significant advancement in the valorization of HC for producing high-value products by exploring the hydrophobic compounds metabolism of Y. lipolytica.

Pilot tests for the optimization of the bioremediation strategy of a multi-layered aquifer at a multi-focus site impacted with chlorinated ethenes.

A multi-layered aquifer in an industrial area in the north of the Iberian Peninsula is severely contaminated with the chlorinated ethenes (CEs) tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride. Both shallow and deep aquifers are polluted, with two differentiated north and south CEs plumes. Hydrogeochemical and isotopic data (δ13C of CEs) evidenced natural attenuation of CEs. To select the optimal remediation strategy to clean-up the contamination plumes, laboratory treatability studies were performed, which confirmed the intrinsic biodegradation potential of the north and south shallow aquifers to fully dechlorinate CEs to ethene after injection of lactate, but also the combination of lactate and sulfidized mZVI as an alternative treatment for the north deep aquifer. In the lactate-amended microcosms, full dechlorination of CEs was accompanied by an increase in 16S rRNA gene copies of Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas, and the tceA, vcrA and bvcA reductive dehalogenases. Three in situ pilot tests were implemented, which consisted in injections of lactate in the north and south shallow aquifers, and injections of lactate and sulfidized mZVI in the north deep aquifer. The hydrogeochemical, isotopic and molecular analyses used to monitor the pilot tests evidenced that results obtained mimicked the laboratory observations, albeit at different dechlorination rates. It is likely that the efficiency of the injections was affected by the amendment distribution. In addition, monitoring of the pilot tests in the shallow aquifers showed the release of CEs due to back diffusion from secondary sources, which limited the use of isotopic data for assessing treatment efficiency. In the pilot test that combined the injection of lactate and sulfidized mZVI, both biotic and abiotic pathways contributed to the production of ethene. This study demonstrates the usefulness of integrating different chemical, isotopic and biomolecular approaches for a more robust selection and implementation of optimal remediation strategies in CEs polluted sites.

Traces of oil in sea turtle feces.

In 2019, an oil spill hit the Brazilian Northeast coast causing impact to several ecosystems, including sea turtles' breeding and feeding areas. This study aimed to investigate whether sea turtles were impacted by this oil disaster, correlating the oil found inside feces with a sandy-oiled sample collected on the beach some days after the accident. The fecal samples were collected in the upper mid-littoral reef areas during three consecutive days in February 2020. The results suggested that sea turtles consumed algae contaminated by petroleum. Hydrocarbons composition of oil inside feces was similar to the sandy-oiled sample, suggesting they were the same. Lighter aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic compounds were missing, indicating both sandy-oiled and oil inside the feces had experienced significant evaporation prior to collection. Although the long-term damage is still unknown, the data are novel and relevant to support future research and alert authorities about the risks to sea turtles.

Occurrence, sources and water column distribution trends of suspended particle-associated aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the open northeastern Mediterranean Sea.

Herein, we study the occurrence and water column distribution trends of suspended particle-associated aliphatic (AHCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) collected from 36 offshore/deep sea locations across the open northeastern Mediterranean Sea. Total concentrations of the determined compounds fall within the range previously reported for non-polluted coastal and open sea locations worldwide. Mixed natural and anthropogenic sources were evident for the studied compounds, based on their molecular profile and several diagnostic indices. In all cases, an enhanced fossil signal typifying chronic oil pollution was evident along the water column. AHCs and PAHs mixtures characteristics varied significantly within the studied sub-regions, highlighting the importance of inputs from various point sources and dispersion pathways. The circulation characteristics of water masses along with biogeochemical features impact on the water column distribution trends and overall fate of the determined compounds in the study area.

Main Factors Determining the Scale-Up Effectiveness of Mycoremediation for the Decontamination of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Soil.

Soil contamination constitutes a significant threat to the health of soil ecosystems in terms of complexity, toxicity, and recalcitrance. Among all contaminants, aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons (APH) are of particular concern due to their abundance and persistence in the environment and the need of remediation technologies to ensure their removal in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable way. Soil remediation technologies presently available on the market to tackle soil contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) include landfilling, physical treatments (e.g., thermal desorption), chemical treatments (e.g., oxidation), and conventional bioremediation. The first two solutions are costly and energy-intensive approaches. Conversely, bioremediation of on-site excavated soil arranged in biopiles is a more sustainable procedure. Biopiles are engineered heaps able to stimulate microbial activity and enhance biodegradation, thus ensuring the removal of organic pollutants. This soil remediation technology is currently the most environmentally friendly solution available on the market, as it is less energy-intensive and has no detrimental impact on biological soil functions. However, its major limitation is its low removal efficiency, especially for long-chain hydrocarbons (LCH), compared to thermal desorption. Nevertheless, the use of fungi for remediation of environmental contaminants retains the benefits of bioremediation treatments, including low economic, social, and environmental costs, while attaining removal efficiencies similar to thermal desorption. Mycoremediation is a widely studied technology at lab scale, but there are few experiences at pilot scale. Several factors may reduce the overall efficiency of on-site mycoremediation biopiles (mycopiles), and the efficiency detected in the bench scale. These factors include the bioavailability of hydrocarbons, the selection of fungal species and bulking agents and their application rate, the interaction between the inoculated fungi and the indigenous microbiota, soil properties and nutrients, and other environmental factors (e.g., humidity, oxygen, and temperature). The identification of these factors at an early stage of biotreatability experiments would allow the application of this on-site technology to be refined and fine-tuned. This review brings together all mycoremediation work applied to aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons (APH) and identifies the key factors in making mycoremediation effective. It also includes technological advances that reduce the effect of these factors, such as the structure of mycopiles, the application of surfactants, and the control of environmental factors.

Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract.

In this article, we present the first detailed analysis of the hydro-distilled essential oil (HDEO) of the inflorescence heads of Echinops polyceras Boiss. (Asteraceae) from the flora of Jordan, offering observations at different growth (pre-flowering, full-flowering and post-flowering) stages. Additionally, we investigated the methanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant material at the full flowering stage in order to determine its inhibitory activity in terms of COX and protein denaturation and evaluate its antimicrobial effects against S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. Performing GC/MS analysis of HDEO, obtained from the fresh inflorescence heads at the different growth stages, resulted in the identification of 192 constituents. The main class of compounds detected in these three stages comprised aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which amounted to 50.04% (pre-flower), 40.28% (full-flower) and 41.34% (post-flower) of the total composition. The oils also contained appreciable amounts of oxygenated terpenoids, primarily sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids. The pre-flowering stage was dominated by (2E)-hexenal (8.03%) in addition to the oxygenated diterpene (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.54%). The full-flowering stage primarily contained (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.84%), ß-bisabolene (7.53%, SH) and the diterpene hydrocarbon dolabradiene (5.50%). The major constituents detected in the HDEO obtained at the post-flowering stage included the oxygenated sesquiterpenoid intermedeol (5.53%), the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (E)-caryophyllene (5.01%) and (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (4.47%). The methanolic extract obtained from air-dried aerial parts of E. polyceras displayed more COX-2 inhibition than COX-1 inhibition at a concentration level of 200 µg/mL. The extract exhibited a capacity to inhibit protein denaturation that was comparable with respect to the activity of diclofenac sodium and displayed moderate levels of antimicrobial activity against both bacterial species. The current results demonstrate the need to perform further detailed phytochemical investigations to isolate and characterize active constituents.

[Method for the determination of tetrachloromethane, trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, and tetrachloroethene in the air at workplaces]. / Metoda oznaczania tetrachlorometanu, trichloroetenu, 1,1,2-trichloroetanu i tetrachloroetenu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy.

BACKGROUND: Chemical substances from the halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons group are used in industry, e.g., as intermediates in syntheses, auxiliaries, solvents in degreasing processes, and laboratory tests. Due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment, their use is often banned or limited to certain industrial uses only. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sorbent tube containing 2 layers (100/50 mg) of coconut shell charcoal was used as a sampler for air sampling. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique and the use of HP-5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm), an oven temperature ramp program from 40°C to 250°C and selected ion monitoring mode were chosen for the determination. RESULTS: The established chromatographic conditions enable the simultaneous determination of tetrachloromethane, trichlorethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and tetrachloroethene in the concentration range 2-100 µg/ml. The average desorption coefficients obtained were: 0.97 for tetrachloromethane, 0.96 for trichloroethene, 0.96 for 1,1,2-trichloroethane and 0.96 for tetrachloroethene. CONCLUSIONS: The calculation of the substance concentration in the analyzed air requires the determination of the amount of substances trapped by the sorbent tube, the desorption coefficient and the air sample volume. Adequate dilution of the extract makes it possible to determine tetrachloromethane, trichloroethene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and tetrachloroethene in ranges corresponding to 0.1-2 times the maximum admissible concentrations in the workplace air. This article discusses the issues occupational safety and health, which are the subject matter of health sciences and environmental engineering research. Med Pr. 2023;74(1):53-62.

Hydrocarbons in the water and bottom sediments of Sivash Bay (the Azov Sea) during its salinization.

Sivash Bay is a unique hypersaline lagoon located in the northern part of the Crimean Peninsula. In 2014, due to political events in connection with the closure of the North Crimean Canal, the inflow of fresh water to Sivash Bay has been significantly reduced. As a result, there has been a steady increase in salinity since 2014 to the present. The main purpose of this work was to determine the spatial distribution and qualitative composition of hydrocarbons (aliphatic hydrocarbons, n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in the water and bottom sediments of the hypersaline Sivash Bay under increasing water salinity. The analysis of the physico-chemical parameters of Sivash Bay in 2020 showed the continued salinization and change of physico-chemical conditions of the lagoon. At the same time, spatially, the change in salinity affected only the total content and qualitative composition of hydrocarbons in the water. The content of the studied classes of hydrocarbons in the bottom sediments did not demonstrate a reliable correlation with the concentration of salts. There was also no statistically significant dependence of Eh and pH of bottom sediments on salinity. In accordance with the composition of n-alkanes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, as well as on the basis of PCA analysis, it is possible to make a conclusion on natural, mainly autochthonous, sources of this class of substances and low toxicity of bottom sediments of the bay. Low concentrations and composition of hydrocarbons indicate an insignificant input of pollutants of anthropogenic origin in Sivash Bay during its salinization.

Remediation of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) contaminated site coupling groundwater recirculation well (IEG-GCW®) with a peripheral injection of soluble nutrient supplement (IEG-C-MIX) via multilevel-injection wells (IEG-MIW).

An innovative Groundwater Circulation Well (GCW) process was configured, installed, and tested for optimizing the distribution of a soluble nutrient supplement in a heterogeneous aquifer for reductive dehalogenation. This generated an in-situ bioreactor for the enhanced treatment of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs). At a site in Barcelona, Spain, trichloroethylene (TCE) concentration was found in the source area to a maximum value of up to 170 mg/L, while the degradation products like 1,2-dichloroethylene (1,2-DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) were detected in significantly lower concentrations or were even absent. The novel system combined a vertical recirculation well (IEG-GCW®) and four multilevel injection wells (IEG-MIWs) to introduce the carbon solution into the aquifer. A 12 m deep IEG-GCW® equipped with 2 screened sections were located in the center of the 4 IEG-MIWs. The GCW induced flow moves the groundwater in an ellipsoidal recirculation cell to spread the supplements from the central GCW and from the peripheral MIWs in the aquifer body. Two multilevel sampling wells (IEG-MLSWs®) in the radius of influence (ROI) monitor the remediation process to capture hydrochemical variations along the vertical aquifer sections. A multi-source model harmonizes geological and hydrochemical information during different remediation stages, guiding the adaptation of the remediation strategy to physicochemical conditions and unmasking the decontamination mechanics induced by the remedial actions. Hydrochemical monitoring of MLWS and the stable carbon isotopic signature of cis-1,2-DCE and VC show the mobilization of secondary contamination sources triggered by recirculation during remediation, the stimulation of microbiological activity following nutrient supplement via GCW and MIWs, and the strong decrease of CAHs concentrations at different aquifer levels. Evidence from the first application at the field scale reveals a significant increase in the chloroethane biodegradation rate and short-term effectiveness of the innovative remediation strategy. GCW-MIWs synergy represents a promising strategy to degrade CAHs in a shorter period through the combination of a controllable hydraulic system, effective nutrient distribution, and the monitoring of the remediation process.

Bacterial Utilisation of Aliphatic Organics: Is the Dwarf Planet Ceres Habitable?

The regolith environment and associated organic material on Ceres is analogous to environments that existed on Earth 3-4 billion years ago. This has implications not only for abiogenesis and the theory of transpermia, but it provides context for developing a framework to contrast the limits of Earth's biosphere with extraterrestrial environments of interest. In this study, substrate utilisation by the ice-associated bacterium Colwellia hornerae was examined with respect to three aliphatic organic hydrocarbons that may be present on Ceres: dodecane, isobutyronitrile, and dioctyl-sulphide. Following inoculation into a phyllosilicate regolith spiked with a hydrocarbon (1% or 20% organic concentration wt%), cell density, electron transport activity, oxygen consumption, and the production of ATP, NADPH, and protein in C. hornerae was monitored for a period of 32 days. Microbial growth kinetics were correlated with changes in bioavailable carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur. We provide compelling evidence that C. hornerae can survive and grow by utilising isobutyronitrile and, in particular, dodecane. Cellular growth, electron transport activity, and oxygen consumption increased significantly in dodecane at 20 wt% compared to only minor growth at 1 wt%. Importantly, the reduction in total carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur observed at 20 wt% is attributed to biotic, rather than abiotic, processes. This study illustrates that short-term bacterial incubation studies using exotic substrates provide a useful indicator of habitability. We suggest that replicating the regolith environment of Ceres warrants further study and that this dwarf planet could be a valid target for future exploratory missions.

Hydrocarbon pollution in the waters and sediments of the Kerch Strait.

The results of studying the content and composition of aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the suspended particulate matter of surface waters and in the surface layer of bottom sediments in 2019-2021 in the Kerch Strait in comparison with earlier studies in other areas of the Black Sea (Theodosia Gulf, Tuapse area, Coastal waters of the Crimean Peninsula, Big Sochi, Central part of the Sea) are presented. Despite the high concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons (especially in the waters of the strait itself: 28-254 on average 87 µg/L. The highest content of aliphatic hydrocarbons was confined to the cross-section through the Kerch Strait. Accumulation of aliphatic hydrocarbons, as well as the suspended particulate matter, occurs in the western part of the Strait, which is associated with the predominant wind direction and coastal orography. The composition of alkanes did not correspond to the smooth distribution of homologues characteristic of oil. Their distribution was bimodal in most samples, which may indicate a mixed genesis of alkanes. Among the low-molecular-weight alkanes either even numbered autochthonous alkanes n-C16, C18, C22, arising during the microbial transformation of aliphatic hydrocarbons, or n-C17, indicating the inclusion of phyto- and zooplankton alkanes, prevailed. Despite the different sources of hydrocarbons input, the distribution of the total concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons basically coincided. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons composition was dominated by fluoranthene and pyrene, which are formed in high-temperature combustion processes Low values of the Σnaphthalenes/Phen ratio (0.05-0.11) may indicate an insignificant inclusion of petroleum polyarenes. In contrast to suspension of surface waters, the highest content of hydrocarbons in the surface sediments was found not in the strait, but at stations in areas with aleurite-pelitic sediments, which is due to the pattern of currents in these areas and the higher sorption capacity of finely dispersed sediments. The average Corg content in July 2020, was 1.8 times lower (0.34%) than in September 2019 (0.63%), and aliphatic hydrocarbons, on the contrary, was 2.2 times higher (47 µg/g) than in April 2019 (21 µg/g). In surface sediments the maximum concentration of aliphatic hydrocarbons was established in July 2020 (233 µg/g), and the highest average content in July 2021 (58 µg/g). This area is also associated with higher concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons in the composition of Corg -≥1%. The composition of alkanes in surface sediments differed from their composition in suspension. The ratio of low-to-high molecular weight homologues (L/H = 0.08-0.54) was lower and the odd-to-even ratio (CPI = 1.19-4.58) was higher than in particulate matter. Due to the coarse composition of sediments, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in their surface layer was lower (0-631 ng/g) compared to other areas of the Black Sea. In their composition, along with fluoranthene and pyrene, methylated naphthalene homologues also belonged to the dominant compounds. Correlation analysis of individual polyarenes, as well as factor analysis, indicates their mixed genesis oil + pyrogenic, with the preference of the latter in most samples. The entry of pollutants into the marine environment increases the hydrocarbons content in water and bottom sediments, creating a modern hydrocarbon background.

Direct aerobic oxidation (DAO) of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons: A review of key DAO bacteria, biometabolic pathways and in-situ bioremediation potential.

Contamination of aquifers and vadose zones with chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAH) is a world-wide issue. Unlike other reactions, direct aerobic oxidation (DAO) of CAHs does not require growth substrates and avoids the generation of toxic by-products. Here, we critically review the current understanding of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons-DAO and its application in bioreactors and at the field scale. According to reports on chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons-DAO bacteria, isolates mainly consisted of Methylobacterium and Proteobacterium. Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons-DAO bacteria are characterized by tolerance to a high concentration of CAHs and highly efficient removal of CAHs. Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (t-DCE) is easily transformed biomass for bacteria, followed by 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), dichloromethane (DCM), vinyl chloride (VC) and cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (c-DCE). Significant differences in the maximum specific growth rates were observed with different CAHs and biometabolic pathways for DCM, 1,2-DCA, VC and c-DCE degradation have been successfully parsed. Detection of the functional genes etnC and etnE is useful for the determination of active VC DAO bacteria. Additionally, DAO bacteria have been successfully applied to CAHs in new types of bioreactors with satisfactory results. To the best of the authors' knowledge, only one study on DAO-CAHs was conducted in-situ and resulted in 99% CAH removal. Lastly, we put forward future development prospect of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons-DAO.

Evaluation of the Bioelectrochemical Approach and Different Electron Donors for Biological Trichloroethylene Reductive Dechlorination.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and more in general chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) can be removed from a contaminated matrix thanks to microorganisms able to perform the reductive dechlorination reaction (RD). Due to the lack of electron donors in the contaminated matrix, CAHs' reductive dechlorination can be stimulated by fermentable organic substrates, which slowly release molecular hydrogen through their fermentation. In this paper, three different electron donors constituted by lactate, hydrogen, and a biocathode of a bioelectrochemical cell have been studied in TCE dechlorination batch experiments. The batch reactors evaluated in terms of reductive dechlorination rate and utilization efficiency of the electron donor reported that the bio-electrochemical system (BES) showed a lower RD rate with respect of lactate reactor (51 ± 9 µeq/d compared to 98 ± 4 µeq/d), while the direct utilization of molecular hydrogen gave a significantly lower RD rate (19 ± 8 µeq/d), due to hydrogen low solubility in liquid media. The study also gives a comparative evaluation of the different electron donors showing the capability of the bioelectrochemical system to reach comparable efficiencies with a fermentable substrate without the use of other chemicals, 10.7 ± 3.3% for BES with respect of 3.5 ± 0.2% for the lactate-fed batch reactor. This study shows the BES capability of being an alternative at classic remediation approaches.

Detailing the organic matter in suspended sediments as a tool to assess the impact of land occupation in water bodies: a case of Barigui Watershed (Southern Brazil).

Suspended sediments were collected to examine the organic carbon content and n-alkanes in order to assess the impact on water bodies caused by soil and land occupation. For this, samples from distinct areas based on the level of land occupation of the Barigui Watershed and different areas under the influence of human activities were examined. The number of industries increasing along the river was also considered. Twenty-two sediment samples were collected using a time-integrated sediment sampler. Samples were extracted with dichloromethane:methanol (DCM:methanol) (2:1) in an ultrasound bath, treated and injected using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for separation and quantification. Twenty-one n-alkanes were identified and were used to track both biogenic and anthropogenic inputs. The concentration of total n-alkanes varied from 38.72 to 222.76 µg g-1, due to the impact of urbanization. Diagnostic indexes indicated high numbers of plants, bacteria and petroleum as n-alkanes sources. The following results were obtained using: carbon preference index (CPI), 1.96-2.22 (rainy season) and 2.12-5.80 (summer season); average chain length (ACL), 30.37-31.17 (rainy season) and 30.05-30.50 (summer season) and terrigenous aquatic ratio (TAR), 0.39-5.47 (rainy season) and 2.98-5.06 (summer season); n-alkanes had two main sources: terrestrial plant and petroleum. It is clear that the source of n-alkanes is different in each season (rainy and dry) demonstrated by n-alkanes occurrence. During the rainy season, there was an increase in organic matter of oil origin which was mainly associated with the increased runoff and rain drainage. Finally, the input of organic matter associated with land occupation and erosion can be distinguished by higher concentration in the most urbanized site (PB).

Field study of microbial community structure and dechlorination activity in a multi-solvents co-contaminated site undergoing natural attenuation.

BTEX and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) are the common pollutants found at contaminated sites, and natural attenuation (NA) of CAHs was widely observed where they coexist. In this work, the groundwater in a site co-contaminated with BTEX and CAHs was monitored for 1 year. The compositions and activities of the microfloras, especially dechlorinators and their relationships with the contaminants, geochemical properties, seasons and depth were evaluated. The results are consistent with the well-known NA conceptual model where CAHs are not able to stimulate the enrichment of dechlorinators alone, but BTEX does promote dechlorination. The higher temperature, rather than ORP in the deeper groundwater of the wet season became a key factor to promote the abundance of dechlorinators, but only when BTEX was available, indicating that the substrates from the BTEX biodegradation played an important role in the dechlorinator enrichment. The elevated ORP in the shallower groundwater exceeded the optimum conditions for reductive dechlorination and no significant seasonal variation of dechlorinators was found. The co-occurrence network revealed the cooperative interactions among the functional microfloras in which dechlorinators, BTEX degraders, and fermentative bacteria jointly promoted the dechlorination. These findings provided us a further understanding of the NA processes in a commingled plume.

Apportioning sedimentary organic matter sources and its degradation state: Inferences based on aliphatic hydrocarbons, amino acids and δ15N.

The sources and state of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) in fresh water aquatic systems are important to understand the carbon cycling in terrestrial environments. The composition of organic matter in the lake sediments demonstrates the physical and chemical condition of the lake ecosystems. However, the systematic and structured investigations focussed on to understand the source and fate of organic matters within eutrophic lakes is still far from clear. The present study is focusing on the implications of amino acids (AA), aliphatic hydrocarbons and bulk geochemical (C/N, δ15N) proxies to understand the distribution, sources and state of sedimentary organic matter in Ahansar Lake from Kashmir valley, India. The relatively low C/N ratios along with high AA contents indicate enhanced aquatic productivity in the lake system. Likewise, the dominance of the mid-chain monomethyl alkanes (MMAs), highly branched isoprenoids (HBIs), botryococcenes, steroids and triterpenoids suggest OM sourced from periphyton remains. Furthermore, the presence of C27, C28 and C29 diagenetically altered steroids also reflects a major algal contribution. The spatial variability of Paq demonstrates their applicability as a proxy for the contribution of aquatic vegetation. The ratio of individual amino acids (oxic/anoxic ratio) and low Pr/Ph (pristane/phytane) values indicate anoxic nature of the current depositional environment. This also leads to significant organic matter preservation as revealed by amino acid indices (e.g., degradation index - DI and reactivity index - RI). These data collectively demonstrate the systematic investigation and comprehensive understanding of source of sedimentary organic matters and respective depositional condition via multiple indicators. Overall, understanding the OM molecular composition and its spatial heterogeneity in a lake system is important to better constrain the fate of organic carbon, and assess the pollution risks as well as adopt relevant management strategies.

Combined Strategies to Prompt the Biological Reduction of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: New Sustainable Options for Bioremediation Application.

Groundwater remediation is one of the main objectives to minimize environmental impacts and health risks. Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons contamination is prevalent and presents particularly challenging scenarios to manage with a single strategy. Different technologies can manage contamination sources and plumes, although they are usually energy-intensive processes. Interesting alternatives involve in-situ bioremediation strategies, which allow the chlorinated contaminant to be converted into non-toxic compounds by indigenous microbial activity. Despite several advantages offered by the bioremediation approaches, some limitations, like the relatively low reaction rates and the difficulty in the management and control of the microbial activity, can affect the effectiveness of a bioremediation approach. However, those issues can be addressed through coupling different strategies to increase the efficiency of the bioremediation strategy. This mini review describes different strategies to induce the reduction dechlorination reaction by the utilization of innovative strategies, which include the increase or the reduction of contaminant mobility as well as the use of innovative strategies of the reductive power supply. Subsequently, three future approaches for a greener and more sustainable intervention are proposed. In particular, two bio-based materials from renewable resources are intended as alternative, long-lasting electron-donor sources (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoates from mixed microbial cultures) and a low-cost adsorbent (e.g., biochar from bio-waste). Finally, attention is drawn to novel bio-electrochemical systems that use electric current to stimulate biological reactions.

Bioactive Lipids of Seaweeds from the Portuguese North Coast: Health Benefits versus Potential Contamination.

The total lipid content and lipidic profile of seaweeds harvested in the North Coast and purchased in Portugal were determined in this paper. The amount of total lipids in the different species of seaweeds varied between 0.7 ± 0.1% (Chondrus crispus) and 3.8 ± 0.6% (Ulva spp.). Regarding the fatty acid content, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ranged between 0-35%, with Ulva spp. presenting the highest amount; monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) varied between 19 and 67%; and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were predominant in C. crispus (45-78%) and Gracilaria spp. (36-79%). Concerning the nutritional indices, the atherogenicity index (AI) was between 0.4-3.2, the thrombogenicity index (TI) ranged from 0.04 to 1.95, except for Gracilaria spp., which had a TI of 7.6, and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH) values ranged between 0.88-4.21, except for Gracilaria spp., which exhibited values between 0.22-9.26. The n6/n3 ratio was below 1 for most of the species evaluated, except for Ascophyllum nodosum, which presented a higher value, although below 2. Considering the PUFA/SFA ratio, seaweeds presented values between 0.11-1.02. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) contamination of seaweeds under study was also quantified, the values found being much lower than the maximum levels recommended for foodstuff.

Aliphatic hydrocarbons in urban runoff sediments: a case study from the megacity of Tehran, Iran.

Urban runoff is known as an important contributor to diffuse a wide range of pollutants to receiving environments. Hydrocarbons are common contaminants in runoff mainly transported coupled to suspended particles and sediments. The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution and sources of Aliphatics in the sediments of Tehran's runoff drainage network. Thirty surface sediment samples were collected along with three main sub-catchments of Tehran during April 2017. The concentrations of n-Alkanes (nC-11-nC-35) and isoprenoids were determined by GC-MS, and their possible emission sources were evaluated using the biomarkers and the diagnostic ratios. Total aliphatic hydrocarbon (n-alkanes + isoprenoids) concentrations were found in the range of 2.94 to114.7 mg.kg-1 dw with the total mean of 25.4 mg.kg-1 dw in the whole catchment. The significant concentrations of n-alkanes between n-C20 and n-C24 indicate the predominance of petrogenic origins at all stations. The CPI values range from 0.7 to 3, except the station C1S28 (CPI = 4.2). The CPI values were less than 1.6 at 70% of the stations which indicate the petrogenic nature of the aliphatic origins. Pr/Ph and LMW/HMW ratios ranged from 0.3 to 2.5 and 0.3 to 5.6 confirmed the petrogenic sources as the major origin of Aliphatics in urban runoff sediments. The ratios of n-C17/Pr and n-C18/Ph vary from 0.4 to 2.1 and 0.2 to 2.1, respectively which showed that petroleum contamination is mainly due to the degraded oil products with a lesser extent of fresh oil. Results revealed that the aliphatic hydrocarbons in the sediment samples were derived mainly from petrogenic sources such as leakage and spillage of fuels and petroleum derivatives with a relatively low contribution of biogenic sources. Vascular plants' waxes and microbial activities are identified as the most important biogenic sources of the samples. The mean concentrations of total organic carbon were 13.3,12 and14.7 mg.g-1 dw in the sub-catchments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Pearson correlation test demonstrated a weak correlation between the concentrations of n-alkanes and TOC (P > 0.05) with a correlation coefficient of less than 0.54 for all the sub-catchments.