Exposure to tobacco, alcohol and drugs of abuse during pregnancy. A study of prevalence among pregnant women in Malaga (Spain).

The prevalence of substance abuse in women who become pregnant is similar to that of the general population, resulting in a high fetal exposure rate during the most vulnerable period regarding neurodevelopment and organogenesis. The present study was intended to assess the level of prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol or illicit drugs in the city of Málaga (Spain). It was designed as a cross-sectional study, and based on the anonymous self-reports of participants. A total of 451 pregnant women were recruited in the first, second or third trimester. The prevalence in each of the quarters respectively was 21.2%, 18.5% and 13.3% for smoking, 40.7%, 23.1% and 17.1% for alcohol and 4.8%, 1.9% and 1.2% for cannabis. We also found that a higher educational level was associated with a lower consumption of tobacco (RR 0.659 [0.537-0.810] p<0.0001) and greater exposure to alcohol (RR 1.87 [1.30-2.69] p<0.0007). These results, particularly in regard to alcohol intake, are sufficiently alarming to alert obstetric care providers about the need to implement preventive measures.

La prevalencia de hábitos tóxicos en la población de mujeres que quedan embarazadas es similar a la de la población general, por lo que la exposición fetal a tóxicos es elevada en el período de mayor vulnerabilidad, sobre todo en relación al neurodesarrollo y la organogénesis. El presente estudio ha sido desarrollado para conocer el nivel de exposición prenatal a tabaco, alcohol u otras drogas en la ciudad de Málaga (España). El trabajo responde a un diseño observacional de corte transversal sobre el consumo de tóxicos durante el embarazo, y se basa en la autodeclaración de las gestantes mediante la cumplimentación de un cuestionario. Se reclutaron 451 gestantes de primer, segundo y tercer trimestre. La prevalencia de consumo en cada uno de los trimestres resultó ser respectivamente del 21.2%, 18.5% y 13.3% para el tabaco, 40.7%, 23.1% y 17.1% para el alcohol y del 4.8%, 1.9% y 1.2% para cannabis. En los tres trimestres, un mayor nivel de estudios se asoció a un menor consumo de tabaco (RR 0,659 [0.537-0.810] p< 0.0001) y una mayor exposición al alcohol (RR 1.87 [1.30-2.69] p< 0.0007). Los resultados obtenidos, sobre todo en relación al consumo de alcohol, son suficientemente llamativos como para alertar a los proveedores de atención obstétrica sobre la necesidad de poner en marcha medidas preventivas.

Catalytic role of TiO(2) terminal oxygen atoms in liquid-phase photocatalytic reactions: oxidation of aromatic compounds in anhydrous acetonitrile.

On the basis of experiments carried out with controlled amounts of residual oxygen and water, or by using oxygen-isotope-labeled Ti(18) O2 as the photocatalyst, we demonstrate that (18) Os atoms behave as real catalytic species in the photo-oxidation of acetonitrile-dissolved aromatic compounds such as benzene, phenol, and benzaldehyde with TiO2 . The experimental evidence allows a terminal-oxygen indirect electron-transfer (TOIET) mechanism to be proposed, which is a new pathway that involves the trapping of free photogenerated valence-band holes at Os species and their incorporation into the reaction products, with simultaneous generation of oxygen vacancies at the TiO2 surface and their subsequent healing with oxygen atoms from either O2 or H2 O molecules that are dissolved in the liquid phase. According to the TOIET mechanism, the TiO2 surface is not considered to remain stable, but is continuously changing in the course of the photocatalytic reaction, challenging earlier interpretations of TiO2 photocatalytic phenomena.

A comparison of the environmental impact of different AOPs: risk indexes.

Today, environmental impact associated with pollution treatment is a matter of great concern. A method is proposed for evaluating environmental risk associated with Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) applied to wastewater treatment. The method is based on the type of pollution (wastewater, solids, air or soil) and on materials and energy consumption. An Environmental Risk Index (E), constructed from numerical criteria provided, is presented for environmental comparison of processes and/or operations. The Operation Environmental Risk Index (EOi) for each of the unit operations involved in the process and the Aspects Environmental Risk Index (EAj) for process conditions were also estimated. Relative indexes were calculated to evaluate the risk of each operation (E/NOP) or aspect (E/NAS) involved in the process, and the percentage of the maximum achievable for each operation and aspect was found. A practical application of the method is presented for two AOPs: photo-Fenton and heterogeneous photocatalysis with suspended TiO2 in Solarbox. The results report the environmental risks associated with each process, so that AOPs tested and the operations involved with them can be compared.

Obstructive uropathy: Overview of the pathogenesis, etiology and management of a prevalent cause of acute kidney injury.

Obstructive uropathy is defined as the structural or functional interruption of urinary outflow at any level in the urinary tract. It is regarded as one of the most prevalent causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), accounting for 5%-10% of cases. Acute severe obstruction of the urinary tract is a potentially threatening situation for the kidneys and therefore requires prompt identification and management to relieve obstruction. The aim of the present article is to review and synthesize available evidence on obstructive uropathy, providing a clinical guideline for clinicians. A literature review on obstructive uropathy in the context of AKI was performed, focusing on the least clarified aspects regarding diagnosis and management. Recent literature searching was conducted in English and top-level evidence articles including systematic reviews, metanalyses and large series were prioritized. Acute obstruction of the urinary tract is a diagnostic and therapeutical challenge that may lead to important clinical complications together with direct structural and hemodynamic damage to the kidney. Early recognition of the leading cause and its exact location is essential to ensure prompt urinary drainage together with the most suitable drainage technique selection. A multidisciplinary approach, including urologists, nephrologists, and other medical specialties, is best suited to correctly manage concomitant hemodynamic changes, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and other related issues. Obstructive uropathy is one of the leading causes of AKI. Recognition of patients suitable for early diversion and feasibility or adequate selection of the indicated technique is sometimes challenging. A thorough understanding of the physiopathology behind the development of urinary obstruction is vital for correct diagnosis and management.

Managing the Next Wave of Influenza and/or SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU-Practical Recommendations from an Expert Group for CAPA/IAPA Patients.

The aim of this study was to establish practical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza-associated invasive aspergillosis (IAPA) based on the available evidence and experience acquired in the management of patients with COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). The CAPA/IAPA expert group defined 14 areas in which recommendations would be made. To search for evidence, the PICO strategy was used for both CAPA and IAPA in PubMed, using MeSH terms in combination with free text. Based on the results, each expert developed recommendations for two to three areas that they presented to the rest of the group in various meetings in order to reach consensus. As results, the practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients have been grouped into 12 sections. These recommendations are presented for both entities in the following situations: when to suspect fungal infection; what diagnostic methods are useful to diagnose these two entities; what treatment is recommended; what to do in case of resistance; drug interactions or determination of antifungal levels; how to monitor treatment effectiveness; what action to take in the event of treatment failure; the implications of concomitant corticosteroid administration; indications for the combined use of antifungals; when to withdraw treatment; what to do in case of positive cultures for Aspergillus spp. in a patient with severe viral pneumonia or Aspergillus colonization; and how to position antifungal prophylaxis in these patients. Available evidence to support the practical management of CAPA/IAPA patients is very scarce. Accumulated experience acquired in the management of CAPA patients can be very useful for the management of IAPA patients. The expert group presents eminently practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients.

Surface chemistry and interfacial charge-transfer mechanisms in photoinduced oxygen exchange at O2-TiO2 interfaces.

Experimental results obtained over the last three decades on photoinduced oxygen isotopic exchange (POIE) of TiO2 oxygen atoms with those of adsorbed water molecules and gaseous O2 are analyzed in the light of recent information from the literature on the interaction of water and O2 species with the TiO2 surface (obtained by application of surface spectroscopy techniques in combination with high-resolution scanning tunnelling microscopy). The analysis emphasizes the singular role that bridging oxygen ions and bridging oxygen vacancies play in TiO2 surface chemistry and interfacial electron transfer at the gas phase-TiO2 interface in the absence and presence of water. The observed competition between POIE and the photo-oxidation (PO) of organic compounds is analyzed in terms of the recently developed direct-indirect (D-I) kinetic model for heterogeneous photocatalysis (D. Monllor-Satoca et al., Catal. Today, 2007, 129, 247, and references therein).

Incidence and costs of multifetal pregnancies in Andalusia (2000-2010).

In the past 50 years the incidence of multiple pregnancies has increased dramatically due almost exclusively to two factors: delayed childbearing and assisted reproductive techniques. In this paper we analyze the variations in the incidence of multiple gestations in Andalusia, one of the biggest administrative regions in Spain, over the last decade. Assisted reproduction techniques are very often evaluated only in terms of implantation and pregnancy rates per cycle, ignoring everything related to complications of multiple births, prematurity or economic overload. The rate of twins in Andalusia has increased from 10.9 per thousand in 2000 to 16.2 per thousand in 2009. The rate of triplet births has also increased in recent years. After a decline in 2003, motivated by promulgation of the first Human Assisted Reproduction Law, there was an increase after a second law came into effect in 2006. Health care spending attributable to the excess of multiple pregnancies reported in the decade 2000-2010 may have been much higher than € 25 million.

Life cycle assessment of solar photo-Fenton and solar photoelectro-Fenton processes used for the degradation of aqueous α-methylphenylglycine.

A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of solar photo-Fenton and solar photoelectro-Fenton, two solar-driven advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) devoted to the removal of non-biodegradable pollutants in water, is performed. The study is based on the removal, at laboratory scale, of the amino acid α-methylphenylglycine, a good example of soluble and non-biodegradable target pollutant. The system under study includes chemicals, electricity, transport of all raw materials to the plant site, and the generation of emissions, but it does not take into account the impact of the infrastructure needed to build a hypothetical solar plant. Nine environmental impact categories are included in the LCA: global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, aquatic eutrophication potential, acidification potential, human toxicity potential, photochemical ozone formation potential, fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity potential, marine aquatic ecotoxicity potential, and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential and abiotic resource depletion potential. Although previous experimental results show that both AOPs are able to efficiently degrade the pollutant, the LCA indicates that solar-driven photo-Fenton is the most environmentally friendly alternative, mainly because the use of electricity in solar photoelectro-Fenton experiments involves high environmental impacts.

Attitudes Toward Hypnosis Based on Source of Information and Experience With Hypnosis.

Attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis are relevant in promoting hypnotic responses, in predicting the efficacy of interventions that include hypnosis, and in reducing iatrogenic effects in hypnotized individuals. The goal of the present study is to test the impact of previous knowledge about hypnosis and past experiences being hypnotized on attitudes and beliefs about hypnosis. A sample of 1,977 Portuguese students participated in the study; they responded to the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis-Client Version (VSABH-C) on two different occasions (test-retest method). Significant differences were found (p ≤ 0.001) on participants' attitudes and beliefs about hypnosis depending on the source of knowledge about hypnosis. Results also showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) in the multivariate profile analysis of the scale's factors based on whether participants had a previous history of hypnosis and depending on who hypnotized them. Participants who reported no previous knowledge about hypnosis or who acquired their knowledge from nonscientific sources scored significantly higher in the negative factors (fear, memory, magical, and marginal), therefore reporting more negative beliefs. Likewise, these participants scored lower in the positive factors (help, control, collaboration, and interest). Participants who had been previously hypnotized showed higher scores in the positive factors. In addition, when hypnosis had been utilized by a psychologist, these scores were even higher. However, some participants who had been previously hypnotized scored high in some of the negative factors (memory and magical), which indicates that some professionals using hypnosis are fostering some misconceptions about hypnosis.

Coupled solar photo-Fenton and biological treatment for the degradation of diuron and linuron herbicides at pilot scale.

A coupled solar photo-Fenton (chemical) and biological treatment has been used to remove biorecalcitrant diuron (42 mg l(-1)) and linuron (75 mg l(-1)) herbicides from water at pilot plant scale. The chemical process has been carried out in a 82 l solar pilot plant made up by four compound parabolic collector units, and it was followed by a biological treatment performed in a 40 l sequencing batch reactor. Two Fe(II) doses (2 and 5 mg l(-1)) and sequential additions of H2O2 (20 mg l(-1)) have been used to chemically degrade the initially polluted effluent. Next, biodegradability at different oxidation states has been assessed by means of BOD/COD ratio. A reagent dose of Fe=5 mg l(-1) and H2O2=100 mg l(-1) has been required to obtain a biodegradable effluent after 100 min of irradiation time. Finally, the organic content of the photo-treated solution has been completely assimilated by a biomass consortium in the sequencing batch reactor using a total suspended solids concentration of 0.2 g l(-1) and a hydraulic retention time of 24h. Comparison between the data obtained at pilot plant scale (specially the one corresponding to the chemical step) and previously published data from a similar system performing at laboratory scale, has been carried out.

The testing of several biological and chemical coupled treatments for Cibacron Red FN-R azo dye removal.

Several biological and chemical coupled treatments for Cibacron Red FN-R reactive azo dye degradation have been evaluated. Initially, a two-stage anaerobic-aerobic biotreatment has been assessed for different dye concentrations (250, 1250 and 3135 mg l(-1)). 92-97% decolourisation was attained during the anaerobic digestion operating in batch mode. However, no dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal neither biogas production was observed during the process, indicating that no methanogenesis occurred. Additionally, according to Biotox and Zahn-Wellens assays, the anaerobically generated colourless solutions (presumably containing the resulting aromatic amines from azo bond cleavage) were found to be more toxic than the initial dye as well as aerobically non-biodegradable, thus impeding the anaerobic-aerobic biological treatment. In a second part, the use of an advanced oxidation process (AOP) like photo-Fenton or ozonation as a chemical post-treatments of the anaerobic process has been considered for the complete dye by-products mineralisation. The best results were obtained by means of ozonation at pH 10.5, achieving a global 83% mineralisation and giving place to a final harmless effluent. On the contrary, the tested photo-Fenton conditions were not efficient enough to complete oxidation.

Ansiedad y Depresión en una Muestra de Músicos Militares y Civiles / Anxiety and Depression in a Sample of Military and Civilian Musicians

Diferentes estudios muestran que dos grupos tan diferentes como los militares y los músicos suelen manifestar altos niveles de ansiedad y depresión. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio es medir estas variables clínicas en músicos militares comparándolo con músicos civiles. La muestra está compuesta por 266 músicos, representada al cincuenta por ciento por músicos militares y civiles provenientes de todo el territorio nacional. Para medir los niveles de ansiedad y depresión se utilizaron el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck (BAI) y el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI). Los resultados muestran una relación directa entre la ansiedad y la depresión en el total de la muestra y en ambos grupos, encontrando que los músicos militares puntúan más alto que los civiles en ambas variables, y que en el ámbito militar afecta el escalafón, siendo la tropa la que presenta niveles más elevados en ansiedad y especialmente en depresión.(AU)

Different studies show that two groups as different as militaries and musicians usually demonstrate high levels of anxiety and depression. So, the objective of this study is measuring these clinics variables in military musicians comparing with civil musicians. The sample is composed of 266 musicians, represented fifty percent by military and civilian coming from all over the national territory. To measure the levels of anxiety and depression were used the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The results show a direct relationship between anxiety and depression in the sample total and in both groups, finding that military musicians score higher than civilians in both variables, and that in the military sphere it affects the Ladder, being the troop that presents higher levels of anxiety and especially depression.(AU)

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis-client Version in a Portuguese Sample.

Research literature about hypnosis highlights the importance of clients' attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis because they promote hypnotic responses and may predict the effectiveness of hypnotic interventions as well as minimize iatrogenic effects for clients. This study analyzes the factorial structure and psychometric properties with confirmatory methodology of the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis-Client Version, using a Portuguese sample. We expected to replicate the results obtained in previous research conducted with samples from various countries. The Portuguese sample comprised 1,977 participants. We found a structure of 8 factors, with an adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results are similar to those found in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with samples from other countries.

Combined photo-Fenton and biological treatment for Diuron and Linuron removal from water containing humic acid.

A combined chemical (photo-Fenton) and biological treatment has been proposed for Diuron and Linuron degradation in water containing natural dissolved organic matter (DOM). Humic acid (HA) was used to simulate the DOM. During the photo-Fenton process ([Fe(II)]=15.9 mg L(-1), [H2O2]=202 mg L(-1), 60 min of UVA irradiation time), the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), toxicity (EC50(15)) and biodegradability (BOD5/COD) of the generated intermediates were assessed. A reduction of photo-Fenton efficiency was observed when HA was present in solution. This effect has been explained as the result of a UVA light screening as well as a OH* radical quenching process by the HA. After the photo-Fenton process, the initial toxic and non-biodegradable herbicides were transformed into intermediates suitable for a subsequent aerobic biological treatment that was performed in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Complete elimination of the intermediates in presence of HA was reached at the end of the chemical-biological coupled system. Biosorption of HA onto the aerobic biomass was characterized. The results indicate that the Freundlich model adequately describes the adsorption of HA, a phenomena that follows a pseudo second-order adsorption kinetic model.

La terapia de grupo online en el juego patológico: una modalidad desconocida descubierta en tiempos de pandemia / Online group therapy in gambling: an unknown treatment modality discovered in times of pandemic

En los últimos años el uso de las tecnologías en el ámbito de la psicoterapia está en un crecimiento continuo, por lo que resulta fundamental investigar sobre sus ventajas y limitaciones.Producto de la actual pandemia y de la importancia que está adquiriendo la teleterapia comoalternativa terapéutica, surge el objetivo de este trabajo que es revisar la literatura científicaexistente sobre la terapia de grupo online para las adicciones en general y en el juego patológico en particular, además de trasladar nuestra propia experiencia de terapia grupal, onliney en vivo en el campo del juego patológico. Se han realizado búsquedas en las bases de datosPsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed y Web of Science, en las que se examinaron los resultadospublicados desde enero de 2010 hasta agosto de 2020 combinando diferentes descriptores.Tras realizar dichas búsquedas los resultados encontrados mostraron que en la actualidad noexisten trabajos que investiguen la terapia de grupo online en vivo como modalidad terapéutica en el ámbito de las adicciones, en dichas bases de datos y con los descriptores utilizados.Por ello, ante la ausencia de literatura científica relacionada con el tema a tratar, se proponenuna serie de cuestiones a considerar en futuras investigaciones basadas en la experienciarecogida en las terapias de grupo online en vivo con jugadores patológicos desarrolladaspor la Asociación de Psicoterapeutas para el Estudio de las Adicciones Psicológicas ante lanecesidad de distancia social producto de la pandemia ocasionada por el virus SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

In recent years the use of technologies in the field of psychotherapy has been growing continuously, this rapid development creates the need of evaluate its advantages and limitations intherapy. As a result of the current pandemic and the importance that teletherapy is acquiring asa therapeutic alternative, the goal of this paper is to carry out a review of the existing scientificliterature on internet-based group intervention in addictions and in pathological gambling in particular. Additionally, experience from the authors on group intervention (internet and live) willbe described and used as a resource for conclusions. Searches have been carried out in the databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science, in which the results published fromJanuary 2010 to August 2020 were examined by combining different descriptors. After performing these searches, the results found showed that there are currently no published paper thatresearch group therapy live online as a therapeutic modality in the field of addiction, in those databases with the descriptors used. For this purpose, in the absence of scientific literature relatedto the subject, some ideas are proposed in this paper to be considered for future research, basedon the experience gathered in the group therapy live online with players pathological developedby the Association of Psychotherapists for the Study of Addiction Psychological response to theneed for social distance product of the pandemic caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

Assessment of photo-Fenton and biological treatment coupling for Diuron and Linuron removal from water.

The coupling of photo-Fenton (chemical) and biological treatments has been used for the removal of Diuron and Linuron herbicides from water. The chemical reaction was employed as a pre-treatment step for the conversion of the toxic and non-biodegradable herbicides into biodegradable intermediates that were subsequently removed by means of a biological sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Multivariate experimental design was used to select four photo-Fenton reagent dose combinations for the coupling experiments. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide between 10 and 250 mg L(-1), and iron (II) concentrations between 2 and 20 mg L(-1) have been tested. 15.9 mg L(-1) of Fe(II) and 202 mg L(-1) of H(2)O(2) were needed to convert initial toxic and non-biodegradable herbicides into suitable intermediates for a subsequent biological treatment. Detrimental effects due to the excess of reactants were detected. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), average oxidation state (AOS), total organic carbon (TOC) and hydrogen peroxide concentration are the parameters used to trace the experiments course. Also, toxicity (EC(50)(15)) and biodegradability (BOD(5)/COD) tests were carried out at the end of each chemical oxidation. Complete disappearance of the herbicides from water was observed after the chemical treatment, while 3,4-dichloroaniline and 3,4-dichlorophenyl isocyanate were identified as the main by-products of the degradation process. Complete TOC removal was achieved after biological treatment in a SBR using a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2 days.

Life cycle assessment of a coupled solar photocatalytic-biological process for wastewater treatment.

A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of two solar-driven advanced oxidation processes, namely heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalysis and homogeneous photo-Fenton, both coupled to biological treatment, is carried out in order to identify the environmentally preferable alternative to treat industrial wastewaters containing non-biodegradable priority hazardous substances. The study is based on solar pilot plant tests using alpha-methyl-phenylglycine as a target substance. The LCA study is based on the experimental results obtained, along with data from an industrial-scale plant. The system under study includes production of the plant infrastructure, chemicals, electricity, transport of all these materials to the plant site, management of the spent catalyst by transport and landfilling, as well as treatment of the biodegradable effluent obtained in a conventional municipal wastewater treatment plant, and excess sludge treatment by incineration. Nine environmental impact categories are included in the LCA: global warming, ozone depletion, human toxicity, freshwater aquatic toxicity, photochemical ozone formation, acidification, eutrophication, energy consumption, and land use. The experimental results obtained in the pilot plant show that solar photo-Fenton is able to obtain a biodegradable effluent much faster than solar heterogeneous photocatalysis, implying that the latter would require a much larger solar collector area in an industrial application. The results of the LCA show that, an industrial wastewater treatment plant based on heterogeneous photocatalysis involves a higher environmental impact than the photo-Fenton alternative, which displays impact scores 80-90% lower in most impact categories assessed. These results are mainly due to the larger size of the solar collector field needed by the plant.

Environmental assessment of different advanced oxidation processes applied to a bleaching Kraft mill effluent.

Different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been applied to remove the organic carbon content of a paper mill effluent originating from the Kraft pulp bleaching process. The considered AOPs were: TiO(2)-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis, TiO(2)-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis assisted with H(2)O(2), TiO(2)-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis coupled with Fenton, photo-Fenton, ozonation and ozonation with UV-A light irradiation. The application of the selected AOPs all resulted in a considerable decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content with variable treatment efficiencies depending upon the nature/type of the applied AOP. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was used as a tool to compare the different AOPs in terms of their environmental impact. Heterogeneous photocatalysis coupled with the Fenton's reagent proved to have the lowest environmental impact accompanied with a moderate-to-high DOC removal rate. On the other hand, heterogeneous photocatalysis appeared to be the worst AOP both in terms of DOC abatement rate and environmental impact. For the studied AOPs, LCA has indicated that the environmental impact was attributable to the high electrical energy (power) consumption necessary to run a UV-A lamp or to produce ozone.

Partial degradation of five pesticides and an industrial pollutant by ozonation in a pilot-plant scale reactor.

Aqueous solutions of a mixture of several pesticides (alachlor, atrazine, chlorfenvinphos, diuron and isoproturon), considered PS (priority substances) by the European Commission, and an intermediate product of the pharmaceutical industry (alpha-methylphenylglycine, MPG) chosen as a model industrial pollutant, have been degraded at pilot-plant scale using ozonation. This study is part of a large research project [CADOX Project, A Coupled Advanced Oxidation-Biological Process for Recycling of Industrial Wastewater Containing Persistent Organic Contaminants, Contract No.: EVK1-CT-2002-00122, European Commission, http://www.psa.es/webeng/projects/cadox/index.html] founded by the European Union that inquires into the potential coupling between chemical and biological oxidations for the removal of toxic or non-biodegradable contaminants from water. The evolution of pollutant concentration, TOC mineralization, generation of inorganic species and consumption of O3 have been followed in order to visualize the chemical treatment effectiveness. Although complete mineralization is hard to accomplish, and large amounts of the oxidant are required to lower the organic content of the solutions, the possibility of ozonation cannot be ruled out if partial degradation is the final goal wanted. In this sense, Zahn-Wellens biodegradability tests of the ozonated MPG solutions have been performed, and the possibility of a further coupling with a secondary biological treatment for complete organic removal is envisaged.

Environmental assessment of different photo-Fenton approaches for commercial reactive dye removal.

An environmental study using life cycle assessment (LCA) has been applied to three bench-scale wastewater treatments for Cibacron Red FN-R hetero-bireactive dye removal: artificial light photo-Fenton process, solar driven photo-Fenton process and artificial light photo-Fenton process coupled to a biological treatment. The study is focused on electricity and chemicals consumption, transports and atmosphere and water emissions generated by the different processes involved. Results show that the artificial light photo-Fenton process is the worst treatment in terms of environmental impact. On the other hand, both solar driven and coupled to biological photo-Fenton processes reduce significantly the environmental damage, although none can be identified as the best in all impact categories. The major environmental impact is attributed to the H2O2 consumption and to the electrical energy consumption to run the UVA lamp. An economic analysis of the different photo-Fenton processes has also been performed and the results are discussed together with those obtained from the environmental assessment.