Presence Of Hazardous Substances Research Articles

Plant-based food contact materials: presence of hazardous substances

As a result of the European Single Use Plastic Directive and as part of the transition to a circular economy, plastic food contact materials (FCMs) are being replaced, often by renewable plant-based materials. This research aimed to identify which chemical substances are present in plant-based materials. In 2022 a total of 28 samples of the latter materials from the Dutch market were analysed for 313 active substances from plant protection products, 47 per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs) and 27 heavy metals and other elements. Ten samples contained plant protection products that are not authorised in the EU. Most materials contained PFASs at trace or even high levels. Three out of four investigated sugar cane materials contained 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol at levels up to 1.7 mg/kg. High contents of aluminium, manganese, iron, zinc, and barium were found. Other heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead and mercury were found in relatively low contents. A broad GC-MS screening was performed, which revealed the presence of plant extractable, plasticisers, antioxidants and hydrocarbons, which were not all authorised for FCMs, but may be present as non-intentionally added substances.

Role of carbon nanotubes in remediation of pharmaceutical wastewater

AbstractThe discharge of wastewater from the pharmaceutical industry poses risks of detrimental effects on various ecosystems. The presence of hazardous substances in pharmaceutical wastewater is a matter of global concern due to its association with multiple disorders, including disruptions in endocrine hormones and significant chronic toxicity. As research in this field continues to grow, the valorization to nanotechnology‐based treatment of industrial wastewater approaches. One prominent focus of recent research is the utilization of nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in treating pharmaceutical wastewater, aligns with the goals of sustainable development. CNTs demonstrate potential in efficiently mineralizing pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater, offering cost‐effectiveness, ease of handling, and efficacy. Additionally, CNTs possess the capability to remediate pharmaceutical wastewater at a relatively low cost, with the advantage of being recyclable. This review provides an overview of the diverse applications of various CNTs for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater, emphasizing the mechanisms of adsorption and degradation of these compounds using CNTs. Furthermore, it sheds light on the application of CNTs in photocatalysis as an economically viable and efficient solution.

Advancing Efficiency in Mineral Construction Materials Recycling: A Comprehensive Approach Integrating Machine Learning and X-ray Diffraction Analysis

In the context of environmental protection, the construction industry plays a key role with significant CO2 emissions from mineral-based construction materials. Recycling these materials is crucial, but the presence of hazardous substances, i.e., in older building materials, complicates this effort. To be able to legally introduce substances into a circular economy, reliable predictions within minimal possible time are necessary. This work introduces a machine learning approach for detecting trace quantities (≥0.06 wt%) of minerals, exemplified by siderite in calcium carbonate mixtures. The model, trained on 1680 X-ray powder diffraction datasets, provides dependable and fast predictions, eliminating the need for specialized expertise. While limitations exist in transferability to other mineral traces, the approach offers automation without expertise and a potential for real-world applications with minimal prediction time.

Non-destructive verification of materials in waste packages using QUANTOM®

The nuclear and non-nuclear industry has produced a considerable amount of low and intermediate-level radioactive wastes during the last decades. The material characterization of waste packages recently became more and more important in order to dispose of these waste packages in a final underground repository. Material characterization remains an indispensable criterion to prevent pollution of the groundwater with toxic materials and is usually required by the national licensing and supervisory authorities. Information on the nature of waste materials can be obtained based on existing documentation or, if the documentation is insufficient, on further destructive or non-destructive analysis. Non-destructive methods are to be preferred to minimize radiation exposures of operating personnel as well as costs. Existing non-destructive techniques (Gamma scanning, X-ray, active/passive neutron counting, muon tomography) do not allow the identification of non-radioactive hazardous substances. An innovative non-destructive measurement system called QUANTOM® (QUantitative ANalysis of TOxic and non-toxic Materials) has been developed. It is based on the prompt and delayed gamma neutron activation analysis (P&DGNAA). This technology is able to identify and quantify the elemental composition (Cd, Cu, B, Pb, Hg, Fe, Al, …) in radioactive packages such as 200-l radioactive drums. This information helps waste producers verify the content of their radioactive wastes, especially regarding the presence of hazardous substances. Different reference materials have been analysed by means of the same technology (P&DGNAA) at the research reactor of BUDAPEST. A comparison of those results for five reference materials is presented. The results show a very good agreement between QUANTOM® and standardized reference analyses.

Environmental Assessment of Alternative Strategies for the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste: A Life Cycle Approach

The management of solid waste is currently seen as one of the most important concerns that national authorities, particularly in south Europe, must address. In recent years, emphasis has begun to be paid to Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) being the largest waste stream in the European Union that is produced by renovation and repair work on buildings, roads, bridges, and other constructions made of bulky materials such as asphalt, bricks, wood, and plastic. Many EU countries responded quickly as a result of the large amounts of such waste and the presence of hazardous substances in their composition. This study illustrates the anticipated outcomes of several CDW management strategies other than final disposal, such as recycling, reuse, and incineration, for a public-school building in Greece. In order to assess how well the chosen schemes performed in terms of various environmental criteria, the SimaPro software suite and the Ecoinvent v.3 Life Cycle Inventory database were used. In order to enhance the quality of the outcomes, inventory data from earlier studies were also employed as input data for the Life Cycle Assessment tool.

Application of Waste Plastic Films in Road Infrastructure and Construction

Recycling waste synthetic resins, including rigid and film plastics, is a pressing issue worldwide due to the issues associated with waste treatment. Using products originating only from plastic wastes could be a promising way to improve the waste recycling rate and address plastic consumption. This study presents the applications of waste plastic films (WPFs) in urban infrastructure and construction materials, especially bearing loads. WPF-recycled products (WPF-RPs) were evaluated for mechanical properties, including strength (compressive and tensile), thermal expansion coefficient, accelerated weathering, dynamic stability, and environmental aspects, such as the presence of hazardous substances. Subsequent tests confirmed moderate strength, good weathering stability against solar irradiation, and superior road pavement vehicle load through wheel-tracking tests compared with the standards for asphalt. Additionally, hazardous substances were mostly not detected or were under permissible limits in the composition and leachate contents of WPF-RPs. After using temporary pavement blocks (TPBs) from WPFs at a field site for one month, we conducted slip resistance tests which gave a result of ~33 British pendulum number, indicating the possible application of WPF-RPs in low-speed driving sections, according to the Korean standards of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Moreover, it was confirmed that fastening structures installed between the TPBs can improve backfilling and compaction defects. This practical research highlights the possible applications of products produced from WPFs for infrastructure development, such as filling materials for burial pipes or tubes; however, these potential aspects should be tested further.

Comparison of heavy metals in fresh and used engine oil

Used oil considered as a threat to the environment due to presence of hazardous substances. Three brands of engine oil; Total QUARTZ, Carient ULTRA and Shell ADVANCE were taken to compare the heavy metal contents in fresh and used engine oil. Used oil was taken from bikes, cars and public transport. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to determine the heavy metal contents. The mean values of Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni and Fe in fresh oil samples ranged from 7.17–9.83, 3.58–3.83, 1.91–20.58, 1.42–3.83, 46.83–108.58 while their used oil metal concentration ranged from 8.58–12.67, 4.33–143.33, 5.75–55.41, 2.17–15.83, 70.75–332.75 ppm respectively.

Risk management of hazardous substances in a circular economy

The ambitions for a circular economy are high and unambiguous, but day-to-day experience shows that the transition still has many difficulties to overcome. One of the current hurdles is the presence of hazardous substances in waste streams that enter or re-enter into the environment or the technosphere. The key question is: do we have the appropriate risk management tools to control any risks that might arise from the re-using and recycling of materials? We present some recent cases that illustrate current practice and complexity in the risk management of newly-formed circular economy chains. We also highlight how separate legal frameworks are still disconnected from each other in these cases, and how circular economy initiatives interlink with the European REACH regulation. Furthermore, we introduce a novel scheme describing how to decide whether a(n)(additional) risk assessment is necessary with regard to the re-use of materials containing hazardous substances. Finally, we present our initial views on new concepts for the fundamental integration of sustainability and safety aspects. These concepts should be the building blocks for the near future shifts in both policy frameworks and voluntary initiatives that support a sound circular economy transition.

Estimation of Cd, Pb and flame retardants in electric mosquito bat using EDXRF, ICP-OES, AAS and GC–MS

In the present study, investigated the concentrations of hazardous substances such as Pb, Cd and polybrominated flame retardants present in an electric mosquito bats, which are used for trapping the mosquitoes in the domestic areas. China has captured a big share of mosquito bat market in India and penetrated deep into rural areas also. The presence of hazardous substances is fatal to environment and human beings. Hence, the concentrations of hazardous substances present in the bats need to be estimated accurately. The dismantled homogeneous samples were subjected to estimate the toxic metals like cadmium and lead by using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy for comparison. The flame brominated retardants were tested using gas chromatography–mass spectrometer. The analytical data obtained from the power supply wires of the bat suggest that the concentration levels of cadmium found to be below the detection limits. Whereas the lead content has higher in the range of 3574–7575 ppm than the permissible limits set by the e-waste rule, i.e. 1000 ppm. Moreover, the high amount of lead (>80,000 ppm) was obtained in the printed circuit board apart from power supply wires of mosquito bat. The content of brominated flame retardants in mosquito bat was estimated to be within the limits of e-waste rule. Considering their significant high hazardous metals content, coupled with their large quantities of mosquito bats used in the country, there is a need to control the hazardous waste of mosquito bats.

Comparative study on copper leaching from waste printed circuit boards by typical ionic liquid acids

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are attracting increasing concerns because the recovery of its content of valuable metallic resources is hampered by the presence of hazardous substances. In this study, we used ionic liquids (IL) to leach copper from WPCBs. [BSO3HPy]OTf, [BSO3HMIm]OTf, [BSO4HPy]HSO4, [BSO4HMim]HSO4 and [MIm]HSO4 were selected. Factors that affect copper leaching rate were investigated in detail and their leaching kinetics were also examined with the comparison of [Bmim]HSO4. The results showed that all six IL acids could successfully leach copper out, with near 100% recovery. WPCB particle size and leaching time had similar influences on copper leaching performance, while IL acid concentration, hydrogen peroxide addition, solid to liquid ratio, temperature, showed different influences. Moreover, IL acid with HSO4− was more efficient than IL acid with CF3SO3−. These six IL acids indicate a similar behavior with common inorganic acids, except temperature since copper leaching rate of some IL acids decreases with its increase. The results of leaching kinetics studies showed that diffusion plays a more important role than surface reaction, whereas copper leaching by inorganic acids is usually controlled by surface reaction. This innovation provides a new option for recovering valuable materials such as copper from WPCBs.

Surveillance of tattoo-related adverse events by the EU RAPEX system and by national monitoring.

A resolution of the Council of Europe in 2008 (ResAP (2008)1) helped to define requirements and criteria for the safety of tattoos and permanent make-up in order to increase the level of consumer health protection for these products. Tattoo product usage is not without risk. These products are injected into the skin and may represent a risk to human health due to possible microbiological contamination and/or contamination by the presence of hazardous substances in the products. ResAP (2008) laid the foundation for the safety of tattoo products in Europe. This has generated awareness by European Member States and has encouraged them to adapt this resolution in their own law or to use it as a model to define their own regulation on tattoos. In order, to communicate on the hazard associated with these products between Member States and the European Commission, the European RAPEX system was created; this system will be further explained in this article. Finally, some Member States have created a specific vigilance system related to the adverse effects of tattoos. In this respect, a European national example will be presented.

Knowledge Sharing of Research Information for Construction Health and Safety Practices

Few studies have been conducted on the health and safety effects of building materials. This study develops an evaluation method that is used to identify the presence of hazardous substances from building materials and assess their public health impact. Research findings confirm the existence of large amounts of hazardous substances in most of the man-made products. The current information on building products and their effects to human are limited and not easily accessed. There is a need for improved knowledge sharing on building materials information that would be the greatest investments to health and safety in the built environment industry.

Determination of heavy metals and halogens in plastics from electric and electronic waste

The presence of hazardous substances and preparations in small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE) found in the residual household waste stream of the city of Dresden, Germany has been investigated. The content of sWEEE plastics in heavy metals and halogens is determined using handheld X-ray fluorescence analysis (HXRF), elemental analysis by means of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and ion exchange chromatography (IEC). Mean value of results for heavy metals in samples (n=51) by AAS are 17.4 mg/kg for Pb, 5.7 mg/kg for Cd, 8.4 mg/kg for Cr. The mass fraction of an additive as shown by HXRF (n=161) can vary over a wide range. Precise deductions as regards sWEEE plastics content in hazardous substances and preparations cannot be made. Additional research would be expedient regarding the influence of hazardous substances to recycling processes, in particular regarding the contamination of clean fractions in the exit streams of a WEEE treatment plant. Suitable standards for calibrating HXRF for use on EEE plastics or complex electr(on)ic components do not exist and should be developed.

AAI and the Necessity for an Opinion regarding Additional Investigation as Part of the Performance of an ASTM E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

On November 1, 2005, the U.S. EPA published its final rule pertaining to the Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries AAI . Shortly thereafter, ASTM published its updated E1527-05 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. Much has been written about the new requirements and latest landowner liability protections LLP’s that evolved as a result of Congress’ actions and the new EPA rule i.e., the addition of the contiguous property owner CPO and bona fide prospective purchaser BFPP defenses to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CERCLA liability . There is, however, one aspect of the AAI Rule and revised Standard that remains a source of confusion. It lies within the very last sentence of the AAI Rule, wherein it states: “The inquiry of the environmental professional should include an opinion regarding additional appropriate investigation, if any.” FR Doc. 05-21455, §312.31 b , Page 66113 . This directive is carried through to the new ASTM Standard, wherein it states, in part, “The environmental professional should provide an opinion regarding additional appropriate investigation, if any, to detect the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products” ASTM Section 12.6.1 . The problem is that this language has been interpreted by many within the industry as guidance that directs that recommendations regarding the collection of new data through, for example, sampling and analysis, are now appropriate even mandated as part of the completion of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment ESA . Such interpretation is misguided, and will have a profound impact on the commercial real estate industry, if not clarified. The position here is that if EPA intended to do away with the finality of a Phase I ESA except where recognized environmental conditions REC’s are identified in the context of specific uncertainties and mandated the collection of new data such as that associated with sampling and analysis, it could have chosen to do so but did not, as Section X of the Preamble language to the EPA Rule itself proclaims. First and foremost, the CERCLA a.k.a., Superfund, through its 1986 amendments, already included a provision that in order to qualify for the so-called “innocent landowner defense” to CERCLA, a subset of the CERCLA third party defense presented within 42 U.S.C. §9607 b 3 , one must satisfy a number of criteria, including: “the degree of obviousness of the presence or likely presence of contamination at the property, and the ability to detect the contamination by appropriate investigation” CERCLA §312.31 . Thus, we are not charting new ground here. The requirement to conduct appropriate investigation has always been a

Presence of hazardous substances in water and fish populations of the Tajo river basin

This study presents the levels of certain hazardous substances in water and fish from eight streams belonging to the Tajo river basin in central Spain. In order to evaluate the results, we have compared them to those obtained from a non‐polluted reference stream and also to the legal limits relative to the presence of hazardous substances in freshwater and freshwater fish. Some pollutants found to be below detection levels in the river water were present in high concentrations in fish samples. Therefore, we conclude that the legal standards of water quality for certain hazardous substances are not adequate to protect fish populations, and eventually the human population, against toxicity and bioaccumulation. Chemicals such as PCBs, DDT and Hg should be analysed not only in water but also in fish tissues and the legal criteria for freshwater quality should reflect this fact. Relevant substances in this study due to their concentrations in fish tissues are Cu, Hg, Zn, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, HCH, HCB, Iindane and PCBs. The most affected species are Cyprinus carpio and Barbus bocagei.