Exposure to hazmat road accidents - Toxic release simulation and GIS-based assessment method.

Industrial demand has intensified production, utilization, and transport of hazardous materials (hazmat). As the production and use of hazardous materials are frequently carried out at different locations, accidents during the transport of hazmats constantly occur. The most critical points on the hazmat routs within inhabited urban or rural areas are centres where the population with increased vulnerability reside. This study aims to assess the exposure of people with disabilities to the impact of hazmat road accidents, in order to provide evidence-based knowledge necessary for the establishment of competent disaster preparedness procedures. A case study was developed for ammonia release from a tanker truck in the vicinity of the Institution for Children and Youth with Disabilities in Veternik, a suburban settlement of Novi Sad, Serbia. An integrated methodology for the risk assessment of the identified problem was proposed focusing on environmental and human-induced variables with a significant impact on the hazard magnitude. The simulation conducted with ALOHA (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) confirmed assumption that the combination of high temperature and low wind speed can cause the worst-case scenario i.e. to expose a larger surface area to the influence of released ammonia. In addition, hazard maps were developed by importing the simulated area of ammonia spread into Quantum GIS (QGIS) software.

Decomposition of pharmaceutical micropollutant - diclofenac by photocatalytic nanopowder mixtures in aqueous media: effect of optimization parameters, identification of intermediates and economic considerations.

This study evaluates application of three different nanopowder mixtures for decomposition of diclofenac (DCF), one of frequently detected pharmaceutical in wastewater. Analyzed three photocatalytic mixtures ZnO/SnO2, ZnO/TiO2 and ZnO/In2O3 are for the first time used for diclofenac degradation. A set of experiments were performed in order to investigate influence of catalyst concentration (0.10-0.60 mg mL-1), initial concentration of diclofenac (0.002-0.010 mg mL-1) and pH value (5-9). The increase in the catalyst concentration leads to a decrease in the degradation rate constant, which is the most pronounced in the ZnO/TiO2 and ranges from 0.47 (6) min-1 to 0.25 (3) min-1. The influence of pH on efficacy shows completely different effects: ZnO/In2O3 is most effective in alkaline environments, ZnO/TiO2 in neutral environments, while ZnO/SnO2 efficiency is good in both alkaline and acidic environments. Initial concentrations of diclofenac showed a complex effect on the degradation rate. The four dominant intermediates were detected by LC MS/MS technique. In case of all three nanomaterials, intensive degradation was achieved in first 30 minutes. The economical analysis of photocatalytic treatment was provided where the preparation of nanomaterials does not demand high costs and with the highest diclofenac concentration, total operation costs are the lowest (77.14 US$/kWh).

Sorption of carbendazim and linuron from aqueous solutions with activated carbon produced from spent coffee grounds: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic approach.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) have been used for the production of activated carbon (AC) by impregnation with different ratios of phosphoric acid at 600 °C, Xp (H3PO4/coffee): 3:130%, 4:130%, 3:150% and 4:150%. The obtained AC was characterized by BET, FTIR and SEM. BET surface area corresponds to 803.422 m2 g-1. The influences of the main parameters such as contact time, the pesticides initial concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and temperature on the efficiency of separation process were investigated during the batch operational mode. Results were modeled by adsorption isotherms: Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms, which gave satisfactory correlation coefficients. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir isotherms were 11.918 mg g-1 for carbendazim and 5.834 mg g-1 for linuron at room temperature. Adsorption kinetics of carbendazim and linuron have been studied by the pseudo-first-order, the pseudo-second-order and the intraparticle diffusion model. The results of adsorption kinetics have been fitted the best by pseudo-second-order model. The resulted data from FTIR characterization pointed to the presence of many functional groups on the AC surface. SCG adsorbent, as an eco-friendly and low-cost material, showed high potential for the removal of carbendazim and linuron from aqueous solutions.

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in human milk samples in Vojvodina, Serbia: Estimation of average daily intake by babies.

The objectives of the study were to determine the aflatoxin M1 content in human milk samples in Vojvodina, Serbia, and to assess the risk of infants' exposure to aflatoxins food contamination. The growth of Aspergillus flavus and production of aflatoxin B1 in corn samples resulted in higher concentrations of AFM1 in milk and dairy products in 2013, indicating higher concentrations of AFM1 in human milk samples in 2013 and 2014 in Serbia. A total number of 60 samples of human milk (colostrum and breast milk collected 4-8 months after delivery) were analyzed for the presence of AFM1 using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method. The estimated daily intake of AFM1 through breastfeeding was calculated for the colostrum samples using an average intake of 60 mL/kg body weight (b.w.)/day on the third day of lactation. All breast milk collected 4-8 months after delivery and 36.4% of colostrum samples were contaminated with AFM1. The greatest percentage of contaminated colostrum (85%) and all samples of breast milk collected 4-8 months after delivery had AFM1 concentration above maximum allowable concentration according to the Regulation on health safety of dietetic products. The mean daily intake of AFM1 in colostrum was 2.65 ng/kg bw/day. Results of our study indicate the high risk of infants' exposure, who are at the early stage of development and vulnerable to toxic contaminants.

Evaluation of the adsorption potential of eco-friendly activated carbon prepared from cherry kernels for the removal of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ from aqueous wastes.

Development, characterization and evaluation of the efficiency of cost-effective medium for the removal of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ from aqueous systems, as a novel, eco-friendly solution for wastewater remediation were done. The precursors for low-cost adsorbent were lignocellulosic raw materials (sweet/sour cherry kernels), as industrial byproducts and components of organic solid waste. Activated carbon synthesis was carried out by thermochemical conversion (H3PO4, 500 °C) in the complete absence of inert atmosphere. Characterization of the activated carbon was performed by elemental analysis, FTIR, SEM, EDX and BET. BET surface area corresponds to 657.1 m2 g-1. The evaluation also included the influence of pH, contact time, solute concentration and adsorbent dose on the separation efficiency in the batch operational mode. The equilibrium and kinetic studies of adsorption were done. The maximum adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for Cd2+ ions was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm and found to be 198.7 mg g-1. Adsorption of Pb2+ and Ni2+ were better suitable to Freundlich model with the maximum adsorption capacity of 180.3 mg g-1 and 76.27 mg g-1, respectively. The results indicate that the pseudo-second-order model best describes adsorption kinetic data. Based on desorption study results, activated carbon was successfully regenerated with HNO3 for 3 cycles. In order to provide the results for basic cost-effective analysis, competing ion-effects in a real sample have been evaluated.

Occurrence of antibiotics as emerging contaminant substances in aquatic environment.

The occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment has become a subject of growing concern. Due to the constant input of the emerging contaminants in the surface water via wastewater which leads to the long-term adverse effects on the aquatic and terrestrial organisms, special attention is being paid to their presence in the aquatic environment. Most of the emerging substances, especially pharmaceuticals, could not be completely removed using the wastewater treatment. Pharmaceuticals are usually water soluble and poorly degradable. They can pass through all natural filtrations and then reach the groundwater and, finally, the drinking water. The trace levels of antibiotics could have a negative impact on the environment and public health because of their inherent bioactivity. This article is an overview of the presence of the antibiotic residual concentrations, methods and levels of detection and possible risks to both health and environment.

Melatonin treatment prevents carbon-tetrachloride induced rat brain injury.

Introduction: Herein the neuroprotective properties of melatonin, a highly effective antioxidant, administered in a single dose 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally, were investigated in the brain tissue of Wistar rats acutely exposed to the toxin carbon-tetrachloride (1 mL/kg, intraperitoneally). Methods: To assess the degree of whole encephalic mass damage, biochemical parameters related to lipid and protein oxidation, antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), glutathione and inducible nitric oxide/arginase pathways were determined. Results: The results showed that carbon-tetrachloride impaired the function of antioxidant enzymes (reduced catalase and superoxide dismutase activities) and reduced glutathione-metabolizing enzymes (reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase and peroxidase activity). Furthermore, carbon-tetrachloride increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative damage in the brain tissue, as well as myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase content/activities. Conclusions: The application of a single dose of melatonin post intoxication has been able to reverse the disturbance in the function of antioxidant enzymes and alleviate the tissue damage caused by oxidative stress, indicating that melatonin could be a potential therapeutic agent in oxidative-damage related neurodegenerative disorders.

Application of Twisselmann extraction, SPME, and GC-MS to assess input sources for organophosphate esters into soil.

Although the ubiquitous distribution of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the environment has been documented very thoroughly, data on their occurrence in soil is so far sparse. In this study, an analytical method was developed to determine six OPEs in soil. The method consists of a combination of Twisselmann extraction and solid-phase microextraction (SPME), followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To develop the method, spiked soil was extracted using a Twisselmann extractor after freeze-drying. The extract was evaporated to dryness, redissolved, and filtered. A volume of 7 mL was then analyzed by SPME, followed by GC-MS. The effects of different parameters on analyte recoveries during sample preparation, e.g., solvent for Twisselmann extraction, solvent for redissolving the extract, addition of copper, and filtration of the extract, were systematically investigated. Under optimum conditions, 10 g soil samples were extracted using toluene, and the extract was redissolved in methanol/water (1:14) and filtered. It was not necessary to add copper. For TnBP, TBEP, TCPP, and TCEP, recoveries ranged from 77.0% to 89.6%. Those for TPP and TDCP were much lower, at 31.5% and 42.0%, respectively (addition level 22.9-45.8 ng g(-1)). The variability of recoveries under these conditions was between 0.3 and 16.2% (n = 3). Limits of detection (LOD) were 0.002-3 ng g(-1). When ultrasonication was used in place of Twisselmann extraction in the developed method, recoveries were three to four times lower (27.4% to 30.6%), but the variability of recoveries was below 3% (n = 3). The method was applied to quantify OPEs in soil collected from the university campus in Osnabrueck (Germany). Average concentrations (n = 6) in soil samples ranged from 1.23 ng g(-1) to 4.96 ng g(-1) (dry weight) for TCPP, TPP, and TCEP. The results demonstrate for the first time that atmospheric deposition leads to soil contamination by OPEs.

Pollution of soils with organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers.

The detection of the three organophosphate esters TCEP, TCPP and TBEP in soil samples indicates that pollution of soils from diffuse atmospheric sources has to be considered in risk assessments.

Occurrence of bisphenol A and microplastics in landfill leachate: lessons from South East Europe.

In order to confirm the landfills as potential sources of microplastics and bisphenol A (BPA), the investigation of microplastics occurrence and concentration levels of BPA in landfill leachate samples from three landfills sites in the South East Europe was conducted. The landfills have been selected depending on the different waste management practice, waste amounts, operating period as well as leachate management practice. Microplastic was detected in different sizes, shapes and colours in all analysed leachate samples. The obtained average concentration values of the microplastics particles in the leachate samples from all three landfills ranged from 0.64 to 2.16 mg L-1. The BPA was detected in leachate samples from all landfill sites in average concentration levels from 0.70 to 2.72 mg L-1 which are related to the content of microplastics.

Health risk assessment of PAHs, PCBs and OCPs in atmospheric air of municipal solid waste landfill in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The municipal solid waste landfill in Novi Sad, Serbia is in its operative status from early 1980s and represents potential significant source of environmental compartments pollution and the threat to human health as a result of undeveloped waste management practice. Residues of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) as toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic chemicals were investigated in ambient air of landfill site in Novi Sad. Passive air sampling technique was used for the purpose of ambient air sampling. Total risk to the human health is calculated as a sum of individual risks for each group of substances according to the recommended United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) methodology. The overall results indicate that the landfill site in Novi Sad does not pose a relevant treat to human by inhalation of PAHs and POPs. The effect of low concentrations, non-monotonic dose response, synergistic and amplifying effects of chemical complexes must be highly respected while performing future health risk assessment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and impact of aflatoxin difuranocoumarin derivative system ­ A case report.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of liver malignancy. As a carcinogen, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) causes HCC by inducing deoxyribonucleic acid adducts that lead to genetic changes in liver cells and may be the cause of HCC in up to 30% of cases. The incidence of HCC has been on the rise and is an issue in the countries of the Western Balkans. Case Outline: This paper presents a case of a 37-year-old woman who was diagnosed with HCC, without hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or liver cirrhosis. The patient consumed milk and dairy products in quantities of over two liters per day over the course of 20 years, which indicates the impact of aflatoxin in milk on HCC. A positive signal for the presence of AFB1 was detected by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in-house using immunoperoxidase screening test. Conclusion: As carcinogenic difuranocoumarin derivative, aflatoxin B1 is the most likely cause of malignant transformation of hepatocytes, which resulted in hepatocellular carcinoma in this patient.

Effect of pretreatment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUfas) on hematological parameters and platelets aggregation in patients during elective coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND/AIM: [corrected] Using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) could provide protection against ischemic-reperfusion damage, prevention of postoperative arrhyth mia and attenuation of inflammatory response. However, omega-3 PUFAs inhibit cyclooxygenase (and thus decrease the synthesis of thromboxane A2 from arachidonic acid in platelets), which leads to decreased platelet aggregation. In cardiac surgery it is necessary to achieve a balance between inhibition and full platelets function. It is as well as im portant to closely follow hematological parameters, im paired by CABG itself. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish the effects of pretreatment with omega-PUFAs on hematological parameters and plateletes aggre gation in patients with elective CABG. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center trial was performed on parallel groups. The patients (n = 40) undergoing elective CABG were randomized receivin preoperative intravenous omega-3 PUFAs (Omegaven 10%) infusion (the PUFAs group) or the same volume of 0.9% saline solution infusion (the control group). Infusion was given a day before surgery and repeated four hours before starting extracorporeal circulation (CPB) via the pe ripheral vein at single doses of 100 mL (25 mL/h). Platelet function analysis was performed using multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA, multiplate-analyzer) before starting CPB and 2 h postoperatively for the patients of both groups. Results. There were no clinically relevant differ ences in baseline characteristics between the groups. He matological parameters were not significantly different between the groups pre-, intra- and postoperatively. Dur ing the first 24 h after surgery, the loss of blood was simi lar in the PUFAs and the control group (680 +/- 274 mL and 608 +/- 210 mL, respectively; p = 0.356). Postopera tively, platelet aggregation was not significantly different between the PUFAs and the control group in adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test (39 +/- 11 and 42 +/- 15, respec tively; p = 0.701), arachidonic acid (ASPI) test (64 +/- 24 and 70 +/- 27, respectively; p = 0.525) and trombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP) test (68 +/- 25 and 75 + 26, respectively; p = 0.396), while their aggregation in collagen (COL) test was statistically significantly lower in the PUFAs related to the control group (32 +/- 15 and 47 +/- 20, re spectively; p = 0.009). Conclusion. Acute pretreatment with omega-3 PUFAs insignificantly affected the activity of platelets and did not influence postoperative blood loss.

Cost-effectiveness of four immunomodulatory therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a Markov model based on data a Balkan country in socioeconomic transition.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A cost-effectiveness analyses of immunomodulatory treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in developed countries have shown that any benefit from these drugs is achieved at very high cost. The aim of our study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of five treatment strategies in patients diagnosed with RRMS (symptom management alone and in combination with subcutaneous glatiramer acetate, intramuscular interferon beta-1a, subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, or intramuscular interferon [beta-1b) in a Balkan country in socio-economic transition. METHODS: The Markov model was developed based on the literature about effectiveness and on local Serbian cost calculations. The duration of a cycle in the model was set to a month. The baseline time horizon was 480 months (40 years). The societal perspective was used for costs and outcomes, and they were discounted for 3% annually. Monte Carlo micro simulation with 1000 virtual patients was done. RESULTS: Significant gain with immunomodulatory therapy was achieved only in relapse-free years, while the time spent in health states EDSS 0.0-5.5 was longer with symptomatic therapy only, and gains in life years and QALYs were only marginal. One QALY gained costs more than a billion of Serbian dinars (more than 20 million US dollars), making each of the four immunomodulatory therapies cost-ineffective. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that immunomodulatory therapy of RRMS in a Balkan country in socioeconomic transition is not cost-effective, regardless of the type of the therapy. Moderate gain in relapse-free years does not translate to gain in QALYs, probably due to adverse effects of immunomodulatory therapy.