Ecotoxicity Levels Research Articles

Research on the pharmacological potential of 1-alkyl derivatives of 3,5-dimethyl-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-1,2,4-triazolium bromide

The heterocyclic system of 1,2,4-triazole and its derivatives is one of the leaders in the development of highly promising biologically active compounds. The peculiarities of the chemical structure of the derivatives of this heterocycle provide a wide range of possibilities for chemical transformations that allow to obtain really effective drugs. The involvement of several substituents in chemical transformations simultaneously, which have the properties of highly reactive centers, additionally creates favorable conditions for the formation of rational ways to create a biologically active compound. Amino-, mercapto- or hydroxogroups often play the role of such groups in chemistry. The use of these groups as substituents of 1,2,4-triazole synthon provides multifaceted opportunities for directed chemical transformation. The ability of such structural fragments to form chemical interactions and bonds with biological targets has an additional positive effect in the sense of their involvement in chemical transformations on the way to the targeted production of a biologically active substance. Thus, the combination of a heterocyclic structure with a highly reactive chemical center is endowed with theoretically sound and practically significant meaning. The aim of the work is to preliminary determine the potential for creating a biologically active substance with antifungal action based on 1-alkyl derivatives of 3,5-dimethy-l-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-1,2,4-triazolium bromide. Materials and methods. The toxicity of the studied compounds has been predicted using the TEST program (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool), which allowed to determine the predictive level of acute toxicity, ecotoxicity and mutagenicity. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters have been predicted, and the drug-like properties and availability of the investigated substances have been assessed using the online resource SwissADME. The determination of the most favorable spatial configuration of the ligand relative to the active site of the protein and the assessment of the strength of their interaction have been realized using the computational method of molecular docking. The ligands have been prepared using MarvinSketch 6.3.0, HyperChem 8 and AutoDock Tools-1.5.6 software. The preparation of the model enzyme has been based on the use of Discovery Studio 4.0 and AutoDock Tools-1.5.6. The practical implementation of flexible molecular docking has been carried out using the software tools of the AutoDock/Vina platform. Results. In the process of step-by-step prescreening of the formed structures of a number of 1-alkyl derivatives of 3,5-dimethyl-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-1,2,4-triazolium bromide, a number of qualitative and quantitative indicators related to the physicochemical characteristics and pharmacokinetic parameters of the studied substances have been obtained. According to the results of the first stage of research, the group of substances under consideration can be predictively considered low-toxic, but with a high risk of mutagenic properties. The next stage of the work, which involved the analysis of physicochemical parameters, pharmacokinetic parameters, general drug-like properties and bioavailability, allowed us to identify 1-alkyl derivatives of 3,5-dimethyl-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-1,2,4-triazolium bromide as substances with a rather positive pharmacological profile. The final stage in the form of molecular docking of the structure of the studied compounds to the active site of lanosterol 14α-demethylase allowed us to determine the nature of the chemical interaction and the type of amino acid residues that may be involved in the antifungal properties of the key ligands. The analysis of the docking results allows us to determine the privileged nature of the nonyl substituent at the first Nitrogen atom of the 1,2,4-triazole synthon in the structure of the presented series of compounds for the formation of antifungal properties. Conclusions. The general prospects for the creation of a biologically active substance with antifungal properties using 1-alkyl derivatives of 3,5-dimethyl-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-1,2,4-triazolium bromide look quite realistic. Particular attention should be paid to 3,5-dimethyl-1-nonyl-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-1,2,4-triazolium bromide as a substance with significant potential for antifungal properties, which allows us to recommend this compound for further more constructive and extended in vitro and in vivo studies.

An Example of a New Approach, New Assessment, New Statistical Inference, and New Conclusions from the Published Research by Nikipelova, O., Pyliak, N., & Hodorchuk, V. (2023). Organic fertilizers in increase of hazelnut yield. Interdepartmental Thematic Scientific Collection of Phytosanitary Safety, (69), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.36495/1606-9773.2023.69.118-128.

Background: The declining availability of traditional organic fertilizers and the need for sustainable waste management solutions have sparked interest in alternative nutrient sources for agriculture. This study investigates the potential of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers in hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivation, addressing both agricultural productivity and environmental concerns. Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers with traditional organic fertilizers on soil agrochemical properties and assess their environmental safety in hazelnut plantations in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods: A two-year field experiment (2021-2022) was conducted, comparing six treatments: control (no fertilizer), cattle manure, chicken manure, two formulations of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers, and pure sewage sludge. Soil samples were analyzed for easily hydrolyzable nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and potassium, organic matter content, and ecotoxicity. Advanced statistical analyses, including ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc tests, paired t-tests, and correlation analyses, were employed to assess treatment effects and temporal changes. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between fertilizer treatments for all major nutrients (p < 0.05). Sewage sludge-based Biofertilizer No. 1 demonstrated superior performance in increasing soil phosphorus content compared to traditional organic fertilizers (306.30 mg/kg vs. 174.75 mg/kg for cattle manure, p < 0.05). All organic fertilizers, including biofertilizers, significantly improved soil nitrogen content over the two-year period (p < 0.05). Potassium levels showed a significant increase (13.41% year-over-year, p < 0.05), while changes in nitrogen and phosphorus levels suggested positive trends but did not reach statistical significance. Importantly, ecotoxicity levels remained low (E < 1.5) across all treatments, indicating minimal short-term environmental risk. Conclusions: This study provides compelling evidence for the potential of sewage sludge-based biofertilizers as effective and environmentally safe alternatives to traditional organic fertilizers in hazelnut cultivation. The findings have significant implications for sustainable agriculture, waste management, and circular economy practices. However, long-term studies are recommended to fully assess the cumulative effects on soil health, crop productivity, and potential contaminant accumulation. This research contributes to the development of innovative, sustainable fertilization strategies that can address both agricultural productivity and environmental conservation needs.

Occurrence and ecotoxicological impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa: Options for sustainable and eco-friendly management strategies

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent contaminants used as flame retardants in electronic products. PBDEs are contaminants of concern due to leaching and recalcitrance conferred by the stable and hydrophobic bromide residues. The near absence of legislatures and conscious initiatives to tackle the challenges of PBDEs in Africa has allowed for the indiscriminate use and consequent environmental degradation. Presently, the incidence, ecotoxicity, and remediation of PBDEs in Africa are poorly elucidated. Here, we present a position on the level of contamination, ecotoxicity, and management strategies for PBDEs with regard to Africa. Our review shows that Africa is inundated with PBDEs from the proliferation of e-waste due to factors like the increasing growth in the IT sector worsened by the procurement of second-hand gadgets. An evaluation of the fate of PBDEs in the African environment reveals that the environment is adequately contaminated, although reported in only a few countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet extraction coupled with specific chromatographic techniques are used in the detection and quantification of PBDEs. Enormous exposure pathways in humans were highlighted with health implications. In terms of the removal of PBDEs, we found a gap in efforts in this direction, as not much success has been reported in Africa. However, we outline eco-friendly methods used elsewhere, including microbial degradation, zerovalent iron, supercritical fluid, and reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery methods. The need for Africa to make and implement legislatures against PBDEs holds the key to reduced effect on the continent.

Photocatalytic removal of the antidepressant fluoxetine from aqueous media using TiO2 P25 and g-C3N4 catalysts

In the present work, photocatalysis using TiO2 P25 and g-C3N4 was utilized to remove the commonly detected antidepressant fluoxetine (FLX) from aquatic media. Experiments were conducted both on lab-scale using ultrapure water and on pilot-scale using real secondary treated hospital wastewater (HWW). The results revealed that TiO2 P25 is more efficient in removing FLX in both lab and pilot-scale experiments (klab = 3.9 × 10−2 min−1 & kpilot = 2 × 10−2 min−1) compared to g-C3N4 (klab = 10−4 min−1 & kpilot = 10−2 min−1). Through the application of liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS-Orbitrap), a total of thirteen different transformation products (TPs) of FLX were tentatively identified, and transformation pathways were proposed per photocatalyst case. Ιn-vitro assessment results revealed that the ecotoxicity levels initially began to increase in both of the applied photocatalytic processes, while significant detoxification was achieved only when TiO2 P25 was used. Interestingly, the in-silico toxicity assessment tools predicted that none of the TPs were more toxic than FLX, and thus the initial increase in toxicity was attributed to possible synergistic effects between them or the formation of toxic non-identified TPs. Furthermore, the bioconcentration factor for each TP was estimated to be significantly lower than that of the parent compound, indicating that photocatalytic oxidation can indirectly limit the accumulation of FLX in aquatic organisms. Finally, the pilot-scale results were rather promising, as the applied processes seems to have the potential to efficiently remove FLX from the complex HWW matrix under reasonable irradiation periods, thus paving the way for future larger scale applications.

Assessing industrial wastewater effluent toxicity using boosting algorithms in machine learning: A case study on ecotoxicity prediction and control strategy development

Trace heavy metals have a tendency to persist in the effluent of industrial wastewater treatment facilities, leading to toxic effects on downstream water bodies. Traditional assessment methods relied on animal testing, but ethical concerns have rendered them unacceptable. An alternative solution is to evaluate wastewater toxicity using trophic-level aquatic organisms as bioassays. However, these bioassay methods involve costly and time-consuming chemical and biological analytical experiments. In this study, an artificial intelligence-powered water quality assessment (AiWA) approach is proposed for predicting industrial effluent ecotoxicity to further enhance the quick and cost-effective ecotoxicity assessment process. Initially, 99 samples were collected from industrial wastewater treatment plants representing 21 different industries in the Republic of Korea. Fourteen parameters were measured, encompassing both physicochemical and ecotoxicological aspects. Boosting algorithms, especially extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), were employed for model development. XGBoost outperformed AdaBoost in terms of model performance. Feature selection analysis revealed that conductivity, copper, lead, selenium, pH, and zinc concentrations were the most suitable inputs for training the boosting model. The innovated XGBoost-based AiWA model demonstrated significantly higher performance (i.e., up to 80%) compared to conventional models with an R2 value of exceeding 0.94 and root mean square error of 3.5 toxicity unit for predicting the integrated toxicity unit (ITU). Additionally, pH and conductivity emerged as crucial indicators for reflecting ecotoxicity levels. Specially, this case study indicated that non-toxic/directly dischargeable levels (TU ≤ 1) were achieved when the pH ranged from 6.8 to 8.4 and the conductivity remained below 1651 μS/cm. These findings are expected to facilitate rapid and cost-effective detection of heavy metal ecotoxicity in industrial wastewater effluents, aiding decision-making in wastewater management.

Environmental risks due to the impact of pesticide load in agrocenoses of cereal crop predecessors

The article is dedicated to the study of the impact of pesticide load on agrocenoses of cereal crop predecessors and the emergence of ecological risks in them. An assessment of ecological risks in the agrocenoses of the experimental field of the State Enterprise “Research Farm “Skvyrske” of IAEM of NAAS” was carried out using pesticides during the growing seasons 2021–2023. The methodology for assessing ecological risks of potential pesticide pollution of agrocenoses by indicators of agroecotoxicological index (AETI) was used. It was determined that the level of ecological risk from pesticide pressure in the crop rotation of the experimental field by AETI is within the range from 2.86·10–3 to 2.24·10–1 сonventional units and is characterized as slightly dangerous, which indicates a minimal ecological risk of pesticide use. The obtained results are a sign that the load of applied pesticides on the agrocenoses of the experimental farm corresponds to the territory’s ability to self-clean. It is shown that rational use of chemical methods of plant protection in combating pests, disease pathogens and weeds creates prerequisites for obtaining environmentally safe grain and seed products, as well as minimizes the likelihood of environmental of grain and seed contamination with pesticides of cultivated crops. Usually, longterm and repeated use of pesticides in any case leads to accumulation of their residues or metabolites in the soil and, as a result, is a source of contamination of crop products and environmental objects. Therefore, using the results of assessing pesticide load on agroecosystems, taking into account the territory’s ability to self-clean, can be considered as one of the levers for managing environmental risks. To minimize ecological risks from pesticide pollution of agrocenoses and increase environmental safety of agroecosystems, measures should be taken to regulate the use of chemical plant protection products. This should be done by banning or restricting the use of pesticides that have a high level of ecotoxicity and are persistent in soil.

UV-activated persulfates oxidation of anthraquinone dye: Kinetics and ecotoxicological assessment

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are gaining popularity as a feasible alternative for removing recalcitrant pollutants in an aqueous environment. Persulfates, namely peroxydisulfate (PDS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) are the most common sulfate radical donors. Persulfates activation by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is considered feasible due to the high concentration of radicals produced as well as the lack of catalysts leaching. The research focuses on determining the impact of activated PDS and PMS on the degradation of anthraquinone dye, i.e., Acid Blue 129 (AB129). UV-activated PDS and PMS can quickly degrade the AB129 as well as restrict the formation of by-products. This could explain the reduced ecotoxicity levels of the treated water after degradation, using an aquatic plant (Lemna minor) and a crustacean (Daphnia magna). This, on the other hand, can ensure that the sulfate radical-based processes can be an environmentally friendly technology.

Immobilization of heavy metals in tannery sludge by the formation of tobermorite in subcritical water treatment with rice husk silica.

Tannery sludge, heavy metals (HMs) enriched hazardous solid waste, is produced extensively in many regions of the world. Even though the sludge is hazardous, it can be considered a material resource, if organic matter and HMs in the sludge can be stabilized to minimize its negative environmental impacts. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using subcritical water (SCW) treatment for tannery sludge treatment through immobilization and thus reduction of HMs to mitigate their potential environmental risk and toxicity. HMs in the tannery sludge were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the average concentration of HMs (mg kg-1) was found in the following decreasing order of Cr (12 950) > Fe (1265) > Cu (76) > Mn (44) > Zn (36) > Pb (14) with very high Cr concentration. The result of toxicity characteristics leaching procedure and sequential extraction procedure tests revealed that the raw tannery sludge leachate contained 11.24 mg L-1 Cr, which classified the raw tannery sludge into a very high-risk category. After SCW treatment, the concentration of Cr in leachate was reduced to 1.6 mg L-1 indicating risk reduction to a low-risk category. The eco-toxicity levels of other HMs also decreased considerably after SCW treatment. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were employed to identify the effective immobilizing substances formed in the SCW treatment process. The favorable formation of immobilizing orthorhombic tobermorite (Ca5Si6O16(OH)2·4H2O) at 240 °C in the SCW treatment process was confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis. The results confirmed that the formation of 11 Å tobermorite is capable of strongly immobilizing HMs in the SCW treatment process. Further, both orthorhombic 11 Å tobermorite and 9 Å tobermorite were successfully synthesized by SCW treatment on a mixture of tannery sludge including rice husk silica and Ca(OH)2 with water under rather mild conditions. Hence, it can be concluded that SCW treatment of tannery sludge with supplementary silica from rice husk can effectively immobilize the HMs and significantly reduce their environmental risk through tobermorite formation.

Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design Framework Based on a Prospective Life Cycle Assessment: Lessons Learned from a Nano-Titanium Dioxide Case Study.

Safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) is a concept that takes a systems approach by integrating safety, sustainability, and functionality throughout a product’s the life cycle. This paper proposes a framework based on a prospective life cycle assessment for early safety and sustainability assessment. The framework’s purpose is to identify environmental sustainability and toxicity hotspots early in the innovation process for future SSbD applicability. If this is impossible, key performance indicators are assessed. Environmental sustainability aspects, such as global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand (CED), and toxicity aspects, such as human toxicity potential and freshwater ecotoxicity potential, were assessed upon applying the framework on a case study. The case study regarded using nano-titanium dioxide (P25-TiO2) or a modified nano-coated version (Cu2O-coated/P25-TiO2) as photocatalysts to produce hydrogen from water using sunlight. Although there was a decrease in environmental impact (GWP and CED), the modified nano-coated version had a relatively higher level of human toxicity and freshwater eco-toxicity. For the presented case study, SSbD alternatives need to be considered that improve the photocatalytic activity but are not toxic to the environment. This case study illustrates the importance of performing an early safety and environmental sustainability assessment to avoid the development of toxic alternatives.

Ecotoxicity of oil sludges and residuals from their washing with surfactants: soil dehydrogenase and ryegrass germination tests

Oil sludge washing (OSW) with surfactants and co-solvents is used to recover the oil, and this process leaves some residuals (sediments and surfactant solution). Currently, there are no data on the ecotoxicological effects of these OSW residuals from different sludges. This study evaluated the toxicity of OSW residuals from washing four types of oil sludges with five surfactants (Triton X-100 and X-114, Tween 80, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and rhamnolipid) and a co-solvent (cyclohexane). The toxicity of the residuals was evaluated with the impact on the soil microbial dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seed germination. There was a high DHA detected directly in the sludges and all OSW residual combinations, but this activity could not be attributed to the DHA itself but to some chemical interferences. The DHA was then tested in the soils amended with the OSW residuals to simulate a bioremediation scenario. There were no chemical interferences in this case. In general, the INTF concentrations were significantly higher at low concentrations, 1 and 5% (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the DHA at high concentrations of OSW residuals (10, 25 and 50%) which implied that the concentration of the contaminants is not directly proportional to the levels of ecotoxicity. Unexpectedly, the INTF values of the 10, 25 and 50% rhamnolipid-OSW residuals were significantly lower than the Triton X-100 residuals. The ryegrass germination rates were higher than 70% with no apparent phytotoxicity symptoms in the seedlings. Particularly, there was a highly significant negative effect of the residuals on the germination rates at high concentrations (p < 0.01). Given that the extractable petroleum hydrocarbon (EPH) concentrations in the OSW residual-amended soils in both DHA and germination tests were very low (13–21 ppm), other co-contaminants could be contributing to the toxicity. These findings implied that biotreatment techniques can be applied to treat the OSW residuals if necessary.

Evaluation of the Ecotoxicological Potential of Fly Ash and Recycled Concrete Aggregates Use in Concrete

This study applies a methodology to evaluate the ecotoxicological potential of raw materials and cement-based construction materials. In this study, natural aggregates and Portland cement were replaced with non-conventional recycled concrete aggregates (RA) and fly ash (FA), respectively, in the production of two concrete products alternative to conventional concrete (used as reference). The experimental program involved assessing both the chemical properties (non-metallic and metallic parameters) and ecotoxicity data (battery of tests with the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri, the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna, and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae) of eluates obtained from leaching tests of RA, FA, and the three concrete mixes. Even though the results indicated that RA and FA have the ability to release some chemicals into the water and induce its alkalinisation, the respective eluate samples presented no or low levels of potential ecotoxicity. However, eluates from concrete mixes produced with a replacement ratio of Portland cement with 60% of FA and 100% of natural aggregates and produced with 60% of FA and 100% of RA were classified as clearly ecotoxic mainly towards Daphnia magna mobility. Therefore, raw materials with weak evidences of ecotoxicity could lead to the production of concrete products with high ecotoxicological potential. Overall, the results obtained highlight the importance of integrating data from the chemical and ecotoxicological characterization of materials’ eluate samples aiming to assess the possible environmental risk of the construction materials, namely of incorporating non-conventional raw materials in concrete, and contributing to achieve construction sustainability.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Using Leaf Extract of Solanum nigrum and Assessment of Toxicity in Vertebrate and Invertebrate Aquatic Animals

In this study, silver nanoparticle was green synthesized using the leaf extract of Solanum nigrum (Sn-AgNPs) and bio-physically characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Zeta potential analysis and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The ecotoxicity of silver nanoparticle (Sn-AgNPs) were tested against both invertebrate (Ceriodaphnia cornuta and Paramecium sp.) and vertebrate aquatic animal models (Guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata) in comparison with bare silver nitrate. Sn-AgNPs were observed to be less toxic than ionic silver (silver nitrate). The ecotoxicity levels of Sn-AgNPs were found to be varied between tested organisms. Sn-AgNPs caused 100% mortality of freshwater crustacean, C. cornuta at 50 µg mL−1. At concentration below 50 µg mL−1 (10–30 µg mL−1), abnormality in the swimming behavior of C. cornuta was noticed. The ingestion and accumulation of Sn-AgNPs in the intestine of C. cornuta neonates were visualized under light and confocal laser scanning microscopic images. The ecotoxicity of Sn-AgNPs to the freshwater protozoan ciliate, Paramecium sp. showed that 30 µg mL−1 were lethal and produced 100% mortality at the same concentration. The study concludes that Sn-AgNPs was less toxic to both invertebrate and vertebrate models compared to ionic silver nitrate.

Chemometric Assessment and Best-Fit Function Modelling of the Toxic Potential of Selected Food Packaging Extracts.

Food packaging materials constitute an ever more threatening environmental pollutant. This study examined options to specifically assess the ecotoxicity of packaged wastes, such as cans, subjected to various experimental treatments (in terms of extraction media, time of exposure, and temperature) that imitate several basic conditions of the process of food production. The extracts were studied for their ecotoxicity with bioluminescent Vibrio fischeri bacteria. The first objective of this study was to find patterns of similarity between different experimental conditions; we used multivariate statistical methods, such as hierarchical cluster analysis, to interpret the impact of experimental conditions on the ecotoxicity signals of the package extracts. Our second objective was to apply best-fit function modelling for additional data interpretation, taking into account, that ecotoxicity for various temperature conditions is time- and temperature dependent. We mathematically confirmed that chemometric data treatment allows for better understanding how different experimental conditions imitating the real use of food packaging. We also demonstrate that the level of ecotoxicity depends on different extraction media, time of exposure, and temperature regime.

Migration and Biogeochemical Indication of Persistent Organic Pollutants

This paper addresses the character of migration and the level of ecotoxicity of the most hazardous groups of persistent organic pollutants in the biosphere: polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides. Modern approaches to the monitoring of these compounds in various geospheres were evaluated. Based on new experimental data, methods were proposed for the biogeochemical indication and detoxification of persistent organochlorine pesticides in the organisms of higher mammals.

Cigarette Smoking: An Assessment of Tobacco's Global Environmental Footprint Across Its Entire Supply Chain.

While the health effects of cigarette smoking are well recognized and documented, the environmental impacts of tobacco are less appreciated and often overlooked. Here, we evaluate tobacco's global footprint across its entire supply chain, looking at resource needs, waste, and emissions of the full cradle-to-grave life cycle of cigarettes. The cultivation of 32.4 Mt of green tobacco used for the production of 6.48 Mt of dry tobacco in the six trillion cigarettes manufactured worldwide in 2014, were shown to contribute almost 84 Mt CO2 equiv emissions to climate change-approximately 0.2% of the global total, 490 000 tonnes 1,4-dichlorobenzene equiv to ecosystem ecotoxicity levels, and over 22 billion m3 and 21 Mt oil equiv to water and fossil fuel depletion, respectively. A typical cigarette was shown to have a water footprint of 3.7 L, a climate change contribution of 14 g CO2 equiv, and a fossil fuel depletion contribution of 3.5 g oil equiv. Tobacco competes with essential commodities for resources and places significant pressures on the health of our planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants. Increased awareness, as well as better monitoring and assessment of the environmental issues associated with tobacco, should support the current efforts to reduce global tobacco use as an important element of sustainable development.

Are modified pumpkin flour/plum flour nanocomposite films biodegradable and compostable?

Nanocomposite films made from nonconventional food hydrocolloids: phosphated or methylated flours derived from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) with or without “huesito” plum (Spondias purpurea) flour, were obtained by the casting methodology. The films were characterized, and in addition two biomarkers of ecotoxicity, survival and weight changes, were determined for each one by means of a novel bioassay using the furniture weevil (Tricorynus sp, Coleoptera: Anobiidae). The films prepared from the methylated flours had a lower sensitivity to water, greater thermal resistance and higher crystallinity percentage than the phosphated flour films. However, these materials were very fragile, as well as being ecotoxic, thus limiting their compostability. Thus, although both the phosphated and methylated pumpkin flour-based films were biodegradable only the phosphated films can be considered as eco-friendly. The plum flour nanocomposite was included due to the anthocyanins it contains, with the aim of developing pH-sensitive films. Unfortunately, neither of the resulting nanocomposite films achieved this objective. Nevertheless, their mechanical and thermal properties were improved, and the ecotoxicity levels reduced, compared to the films prepared without the nanocomposite.

Study of the removal mechanism of aquatic emergent pollutants by new bio-based chars.

This work is dedicated to study the potential application of char byproducts obtained in the gasification of rice husk (RG char) and rice husk blended with corn cob (RCG char) as removal agents of two emergent aquatic contaminants: tetracycline and caffeine. The chars presented high ash contents (59.5-81.5%), being their mineral content mainly composed of silicon (as silica) and potassium. The samples presented a strong basic character, which was related to its higher mineral oxides content. RCG char presented better textural properties with a higher apparent surface area (144m2g-1) and higher micropore content (V micro=0.05cm3g-1). The alkaline character of both chars promoted high ecotoxicity levels on their aqueous eluates; however, the ecotoxic behaviour was eliminated after pH correction. Adsorption experiments showed that RG char presented higher uptake capacity for both tetracycline (12.9mgg-1) and caffeine (8.0mgg-1), indicating that textural properties did not play a major role in the adsorption process. For tetracycline, the underlying adsorption mechanism was complexation or ion exchange reactions with the mineral elements of chars. The higher affinity of RG char to caffeine was associated with the higher alkaline character presented by this char.

Application of chemometric techniques in studies of toxicity of selected commercially available products for infants and children.

The goal of the present study is to assess the impact of the experimental conditions for extraction procedures (time of extraction, thermal treatment and type of extraction media) as applied to several baby and infant products checked for their possible ecotoxicological response when tested by various ecotoxicity tests (Microtox®, Ostracodtoxkit F™ and Xenoscreen YES/YAS™). The systems under consideration are multidimensional by nature and, therefore, the appropriate assessment approach was intelligent data analysis (chemometrics). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were selected as reliable data mining methods for the interpretation of the ecotoxicity data. We show that the different experimental conditions have a significant impact on the ecotoxicity levels observed, especially those measured by Microtox® and Ostracodtoxkit F™ tests. The time of contact proves to be a very significant factor for all extraction media and ecotoxicity test procedures. The present study is a pioneering effort to offer a specific expert approach for analysing links between the type of test measurement methodology and imposed experimental conditions to mimic real-life circumstances in the use of baby and infant products.

Chemometrics Expertise in the Links Between Ecotoxicity and Physicochemical Features of Silver Nanoparticles: Environmental Aspects.

Studies of the ecotoxicological aspects of nanomaterials in aquatic environments are scarce. Given the growing variety of nanoparticles (NPs), along with the diversity of aquatic species and environments, the key to promoting sound risk assessment in nanoecotoxicology is understanding the mechanisms that govern the fate of NPs in aquatic environments and their behavior at the NP-biota interface. In this paper, data collected from the literature on ecotoxicological effects observed in aquatic species is discussed and analyzed using multivariate statistics techniques. We expand the knowledge of the environmental impact of silver NPs (AgNPs) by testing the acute toxicity of 47 AgNPs on crustacean eukaryotic organisms (Daphnia magna, Thamnocephalus platyurus, and D. galeata). Physicochemical properties, stabilization agents, toxicological end points, and test media were monitored as adding-outcome factors for the evaluation of environmental effects due to exposure to NPs. The chemometrics expertise performed by the use of hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed specific links between the ecotoxicology and the physicochemical features of NPs and helped in creating specific patterns of NPs discriminated by ecotoxicity levels and physicochemical parameters.

English

The international outsourcing of intermediate products is a common practice in manufacturing. Although outsourcing labor- and resource-intensive production to developing countries is based on financial motives, the decision should also be evaluated from an environmental perspective at a global scale. In this study, the environmental effects of four supply chain scenarios are analyzed through a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of a cast iron component. The study reveals that when upstream manufacturing activities are performed in Mexico, the Global Warming Potential (GWP), Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and ecotoxicity levels might be comparable with those of manufacturing activities performed in the U.S. However, in China- and India-based outsourcing scenarios, the GWP, ODP and ecotoxicity levels are two to three times higher than those of U.S.-based scenarios. The main causes of the higher levels of GWP, ODP and ecotoxicity in China and India are related to differences in the amount of scrap metal usage, sources of electricity generation, transportation modes, material transport distances, and emissions control practices. Key words: Life cycle assessment (LCA), global warming, ozone depletion, ecotoxicity, international trade, metal casting.