Accidental Release Research Articles

Ensemble Detection of DNA Engineering Signatures.

Synthetic biology is creating genetically engineered organisms at an increasing rate for many potentially valuable applications, but this potential comes with the risk of misuse or accidental release. To begin to address this issue, we have developed a system called GUARDIAN that can automatically detect signatures of engineering in DNA sequencing data, and we have conducted a blinded test of this system using a curated Test and Evaluation (T&E) data set. GUARDIAN uses an ensemble approach based on the guiding principle that no single approach is likely to be able to detect engineering with perfect accuracy. Critically, ensembling enables GUARDIAN to detect sequence inserts in 13 target organisms with a high degree of specificity that requires no subject matter expert (SME) review.

ORCA: A Tool for Radiological Consequences for Accidental Releases

Evaluating atmospheric dispersion and radiological doses in the vicinity of buildings is required for small modular reactors (SMRs) because of the reduced size of their exclusion area boundary. The current Canadian nuclear industry tool for these calculations implements the methodology defined in CSA Standard N288.2-M91, which was written to support large Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) nuclear reactors as opposed to SMRs. The ORCA (On/offsite Radiological Consequences of Accidents) code has been developed to address this technical concern in addition to evaluating atmospheric dispersion and doses in the far field. The code calculates worker and public doses following an airborne release of radioactive material into the atmosphere under postulated accident conditions at a nuclear facility. The current paper presents the key assumptions and methods utilized in ORCA and discusses qualification of the software to the requirements of CSA Standard N286.7-16. The new model is applicable to SMRs and existing reactor designs and reduces conservatisms in the near field (i.e., <1 km from the source) relative to the methods in CSA N288.2-M91.

Response of Typha domingensis during an accidental discharge of high Cr(VI) concentration in a full-scale treatment wetland

This work assesses the Cr accumulation and tolerance of Typha domingensis after an accidental discharge of wastewater that produced a concentration of Cr(VI) of approximately 120 mg L−1 in a free-water surface wetland. The wetland was constructed for the final wastewater treatment of a metallurgical manufacturing plant. It is 7 m wide, 20 m long, and waterproofed with a geomembrane. A 1.5 m soil layer was placed on top of the geomembrane. Water, plants, and sediment were sampled before and after an accidental discharge. The root anatomical measurements of the plants from the treatment wetland were compared with those of plants from an uncontaminated wetland (control). Roots and dead leaves from the inlet plants showed the highest Cr concentrations after the accidental discharge (12.4 and 11.6 mg g−1, respectively). SEM-EDX mapping determined that Cr was accumulated in root epidermis. Cr accumulation in plant detritus, plant roots, and sediment were the mechanisms for Cr removal. Plants accumulated Cr in belowground tissues demonstrating their potential for phytostabilization. T. domingensis was capable of modifying its morphology to respond to high Cr concentrations. This macrophyte is a suitable species for wetlands constructed for the treatment of a wastewater with high Cr(VI) concentration. The studied system was capable of minimizing the impact and preserving the environment.

Assessment of genetically modified maize DP202216 for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2019-159).

Genetically modified maize DP202216 was developed to confer tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium-containing herbicides and to provide an opportunity for yield enhancement under field conditions. These properties were achieved by introducing the mo-pat and zmm28 expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize DP202216 and its comparator needs further assessment, except for the levels of stearic acid (C18:0), which do not raise nutritional and safety concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the PAT and ZMM28 proteins as expressed in maize DP202216, and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of maize DP202216. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from maize DP202216 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP202216 is as safe as the comparator and non-GM reference varieties tested, and no post-market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable maize DP202216 grains into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post-market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize DP202216. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP202216 is as safe as its comparator and the tested non-GM reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.

Cascaded Semantic Fractionation for identifying a domain in social media.

Searching social media to find relevant semantic domains often results in large text files, many of which are irrelevant due to cross-domain content resulting from word polysemy, abstractness, and degree centrality. Through an iterative pruning process, Cascaded Semantic Fractionation (CSF) systematically removes these cross-domain links. The social network procedure performs community detection in semantic networks, locates the semantic groups containing the terms of interest, excludes intergroup links, and repeats community detection on the pruned intragroup network until the domain of interest is clarified. To illustrate CSF, we analyzed public Facebook posts, using the CrowdTangle app for historical data search, from February 3, 2020, to March 13, 2021, about the possible Wuhan lab leak of COVID-19 over a daily interval. The initial search using keywords located six multi-day bursts of posts of more than 500 per day among 95 K posts. These posts were network analyzed to find the domain of interest using the iterative community detection and pruning process. CSF can be applied to capture the evolutions in semantic domains over time. At the outset, the lab leak theory was presented in conspiracy theory terms. Over time, the conspiratorial elements washed out in favor of an accidental release as the issue moved from social to mainstream media and official government views. CSF identified the relevant social media semantic domain and tracked its changes.

A simplified approach to assess dynamic amplification due to accidental release of formwork traveller during the construction stages of bridges

Construction of bridges by the cantilever method needs to consider the accidental release of the formwork traveller (ARFT) in the design phase. Often this phase is a critical situation that current regulations treat as a static analysis amplified by a dynamic factor due to the difficulty in setting up a model able to simulate the complex interaction between the formwork and the structure in the time domain during the accidental release. To overcome the simplistic approach of the regulations and to avoid the complexity of detailed ARFT modelling, in this research the release of the formwork is modelled as a simple force-time function applied to the bridge. This function has an equivalent effect on the structure as the accidental release, and it has been tuned using experimental tests on a 1:100 scale aeroelastic model of the cable-stayed Bioceanic Bridge. To test the applicability of the proposed time-function the Chilina continuous beam Bridge was also analysed. The article shows that the simplified procedure in the regulations can sometimes underestimate and overestimate dynamic amplification and, thus, a methodology is proposed to carry out the specific dynamic calculation that the regulations suggest for those cases where it is necessary.

Mist-control of polyalphaolefin (PAO) lubricants using long pairwise end-associative polymers

Accidental release of pressurized hydrocarbon fuels and lubricants are a major fire hazard due to the formation of small droplet mists that can readily evaporate and ignite. Mist control through increasing droplet size and suppressing droplets has been previously demonstrated with high molecular weight polymer additives, but traditional long polymer additives do not survive the pumping that would usually precede accidental release. This constraint inspired associative polymer additives that can transiently form the high molecular weights needed for mist control, while reversibly breaking during pumping. A prior study demonstrated the efficacy of such a system in fuel: long telechelic polycyclooctadiene (PCOD) with pairwise associating acid and base end-groups. Here, we address an obstacle to applying this same polymeric system in a polyalphaolefin (PAO) solvent—its poorer solvent quality for PCOD than fuel. We measured the effects of the end-associative PCOD compared to a non-associative control on the rheological properties of solutions in both PAO (a common lubricant and heat transfer fluid) and decahydronapthalene (decalin, a solvent with PCOD solubility similar to fuel) in shear and extension, and connect those rheological modifications to observed changes in PAO spray under simulated accidental release conditions. The PCOD additives demonstrated substantial mist control in PAO, both in terms of reduced spray angle and droplet suppression. Despite the worse solubility in PAO and thus smaller effective coil size, these associative PCOD additives are effective at the low concentrations (¡0.1 wt %) necessary for practical use as a safety measure.

Biological Containment for African Swine Fever (ASF) Laboratories and Animal Facilities: The Italian Challenge in Bridging the Present Regulatory Gap and Enhancing Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures

The African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a DNA virus of the Asfarviridae family, Asfivirus genus. It is responsible for massive losses in pig populations and drastic direct and indirect economic impacts. The ever-growing handling of ASFV pathological material in laboratories, necessary for either diagnostic or research activities, requires particular attention to avoid accidental virus release from laboratories and its detrimental economic and environmental effects. Recently, the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 of 17 December 2019 repealed the Commission Decision of 26 May 2003 reporting an ASF diagnostic manual (2003/422/EC) with the minimum and supplementary requirements for ASF laboratories. This decision generated a regulatory gap that has not been addressed yet. This paper aims to describe the Italian National Reference Laboratory (NRL) efforts to develop an effective and reliable biological containment tool for ASF laboratories and animal facilities. The tool consists of comprehensive and harmonized structural and procedural requirements for ASF laboratories and animal facilities that have been developed based on both current and repealed legislation, further entailing a risk assessment and internal audit as indispensable tools to design, adjust, and improve biological containment measures.

Dual-functional metal-organic frameworks-based hydrogel micromotor for uranium detection and removal

Self-propelled micro/nanomotors have attracted great attention for environmental remediation, however, their use for radioactive waste detection and removal has not been addressed. Engineered micromotors that are able to combine fast detection and highly adsorptive capability are promising tools for radioactive waste management but remain challenging. Herein, we design self-propelled micromotors based on zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)-hydrogel composites via inverse emulsion polymerization and show their potential for efficient uranium detection and removal. The incorporation of magnetic ferroferric oxide nanoparticles enables the magnetic recycling and actuation of the single micromotors as well as formation of swarms of worm-like or tank-treading structure. Benefited from the enhanced motion, the micromotors show fast and high-capacity uranium adsorption (747.3 mg g−1), as well as fast uranium detection based on fluorescence quenching. DFT calculation confirms the strong binding between carboxyl groups and uranyl ions. The combination of poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) with ZIF-8 greatly enhances the fluorescence of the micromotor, facilitating the high-resolution fluorescence detection. A low detection limit of 250 ppb is reached by the micromotors. Such self-propelled micromotors provide a new strategy for the design of smart materials in remediation of radioactive wastewater.

Effect of source strength on the simulation of jet dispersion and hazard distances during accidental release of liquid CO2

Accidental release of liquid CO2 can pose a certain risk to people, animals and equipment near release points. In addition to asphyxiation, cryogenic burns and dry-ice inhalation are potential risks that must be considered. In this study, a source model was established considering the formation of dry ice, which can quickly provide the inlet boundary condition for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to simulate the jet dispersion of liquid CO2. The size distribution of the dry ice particles was described by the Rosin-Rammler expression. The effects of size distribution, initial pressure, liquid mass fraction and orifice size on the temperature, velocity, CO2 concentration, mass flow rate (nonsublimated dry ice) and survival distance were analysed. A quantitively risk assessment (QRA) method was used to evaluated the joint impact of source strength, dose-effect and impingement distance. The hazard distances associated with asphyxiation, cryogenic burn and dry ice inhalation were assessed. The results showed that the prediction errors of the mass flow rate using the source model were lower than 20 %. The temperature, velocity and CO2 concentration predicted by the CFD model agree well with the experimental results. The hazard distance was very dependent on and sensitive to the source strength and dose-effect.

Progress and Challenges in Developing Medical Countermeasures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Threat Agents.

This Commentary delves into the current progress and challenges on ongoing research on medical countermeasures (MCs) for chemical, biologic, radiologic, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. CBRN agents pose a serious risk to human health and safety, with the potential for mass casualties in both military and civilian settings. Chemical threats are toxic compounds that could be used in a terrorist attack, an accidental release, or chemical warfare. They include nerve agents, organophosphates, pulmonary agents, metabolic/cellular agents, vesicants, ocular toxicants, and opioid agents. Developing effective MCs is crucial for mitigating the acute and chronic effects of exposure to CBRN agents. The papers in this special issue of JPET highlights the latest advancements in MC research, showcasing insightful outcomes on experimental models, mechanisms, and translational research on MCs for CBRN threats. They portray several notable contributions, including the development of neurosteroid and combination anticonvulsant therapies for nerve agent poisoning, the exploration of chronic impacts and diagnostic tracers for OP neurotoxicity, the establishment of innovative pediatric OP models, the identification of novel molecules for ocular, pulmonary and vesicant injuries, and the repurposing of existing drugs for the treatment of botulism, cyanide, and OP poisoning. These crucial outcomes underscore the breadth of current research covering a variety of chemical threats. Overall, this collection of articles highlights the importance of ongoing research and development in the field of MCs, emphasizing the potential of these countermeasures to effectively treat and mitigate the effects of toxicant exposures and thereby enhance our preparedness for mass casualty incidents. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: CBRN agents pose a significant threat to public health. Effective MCs exist for certain chemical threats, but there is a need for new and improved MCs for many others. The research presented in this special issue of JPET highlights the latest advancements in MCs for CBRN threats. This research has the potential to lead to the development of new and repurposed MCs that are more effective, broad-spectrum, and easier to administer to mitigate acute and long-term consequences of chemical exposures.

Biogenic Punica granatum Flower Extract Assisted ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4-Cu Composites for Excellent Photocatalytic Degradation of RhB Dye.

Globally, the textile industry contributes to pollution through accidental discharges or discharge of contaminated wastewater into waterways, significantly affecting water quality. These pollutants, including dye molecules, are environmental hazards for aquatic and terrestrial life. The field of visible light-mediated photocatalysis has experienced rapid growth, driven by the utilization of photocatalysts that can absorb low-energy visible light and effectively degrade dyes. In the present study, we report a simple method to controllably synthesize Fe2O3, ZnO, and ZnFe2O4 using the one-pot synthesis method. In the subsequent step, copper (Cu) was deposited on the surface of ZnFe2O4 (forming ZnFe2O4-Cu) using a facile, green, and cost-effective method. The synthesized samples were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, UV-Vis DRS, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, HR-TEM, XPS, PL, and BET analysis. These techniques were employed to investigate the composition, morphology, structure, and photophysical properties of as-prepared samples. The ZnFe2O4-Cu nanocomposite demonstrated efficient photocatalytic activity for degrading RhB dye pollutants under visible light. The photocatalyst was successfully reused for three consecutive cycles without significantly decreasing performance. Furthermore, during the study, the radical scavenging test emphasized the role of different radicals in the degradation of dye pollutants. This research has the potential to enable the efficient production of high-performance photocatalysts that can rapidly eliminate ecologically harmful dyes from aqueous solutions.

An Influx of Non-Native Bird Species into the Natural Environment Owing to the Accidental Release of Pet Birds in Japan.

The escape of pet birds into the wild raises concerns about the introduction of invasive avian species. This study investigated the impact of escaped pet birds on the introduction of non-native species in Japan. Data sourced from four lost-and-found pet websites between January 2018 and December 2021 revealed 12,125 recorded escapes exhibiting both daily occurrences and seasonal fluctuations. Statistical modeling identified the monthly average temperature (positively correlated) and maximum electricity demand (negatively correlated) as influential factors. Text analysis revealed "window" and "open" as frequently cited reasons for escapes. Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) accounted for 76% of the total escape, suggesting a low perceived risk of establishment in nonnative environments. Interestingly, two globally established invasive species, the Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), were among the escaped birds. While the Rose-ringed Parakeet is locally naturalized in Tokyo and its adjacent prefectures, the Monk Parakeet failed to establish itself in Japan. Despite the limited number of escaped Monk Parakeets, ongoing efforts are crucial for preventing the potential re-establishment of species with such capabilities.

CFD Modeling for Estimating Consequences of Liquid Hydrogen Release Transported by Road Tankers through Tunnels

Among the new energy carriers targeted at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, the use of hydrogen is likely to experience substantial growth in the future. In this context, the transport of liquid hydrogen by means of road tankers might represent the most cost‐effective option for delivery over long distances in the short‐term perspective. Liquid hydrogen, however, entails non‐negligible risks, especially in confined spaces like road tunnels. An accidental release might form a flammable hydrogen cloud that might deflagrate or even detonate. Nevertheless, the consequences on users in the event of accidental leakage of liquid hydrogen from road tankers have not yet been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, this paper regards specific 3D computational fluid dynamics models to quantify the effects due to both liquid hydrogen release and potential deflagration and/or detonation within road tunnels. The proposed models were calibrated and subsequently validated with the findings of certain literature studies. Since the effects on tunnel users might be influenced, apart from tunnel geometry, by the type of ventilation and traffic flow, tunnel environmental conditions involving natural or mechanical ventilation, as well as off or peak traffic hours (i.e., night or day traffic) were more especially investigated. The results of simulations, in terms of overpressures generated from a potential hydrogen explosion, showed benefits due to mechanical ventilation and/or under lower traffic flows. By providing additional knowledge to the field of hydrogen safety, this study might help tunnel management agencies to make improved management and/or traffic control strategies (e.g., decisions on whether or not mechanical ventilation should be installed also in tunnels less than 1,000 m long and/or allowing the transit of road tankers transporting liquid hydrogen only at night rather than day).

Numerical Evaluation of Harmful Consequences after Accidental Explosion at a Hydrogen Filling Station

Abstract This study aims to present computational technology that can be used to evaluate numerically the harmful environmental consequences caused by an accidental hydrogen release from failed high-pressure dispensing cylinders and its explosion at a vehicle hydrogen filling station. A coupled problem of a hydrogen explosion products expansion in the atmospheric ground layer and a harmful explosion pressure wave shock impact on service personnel and infrastructure buildings at an accident site is solved by means of computer experiment simulation series. A spatial time-dependent model of compressible hydrogen-air mixture flow is used to obtain pressure history in calculation area in order to assess maximum overpressure in control points of human possible locations and on building surfaces exposed to hydrogen blast wave impact. A deterministic impact consequences model is based on comparing maximum overpressure values extracted from the mathematical model with threshold ranges corresponding to certain degrees of human damage and infrastructure destruction. The presented computer technology allows safety experts to identify potentially dangerous zones by means of mathematical modelling and recommend effective protection measures to mitigate negative consequences of explosions.

Consequence modeling of a compressed hydrogen tube trailer explosion – theoretical study

In the present context, with the increasing focus on decarbonization and the transition toward sustainable energy systems, due to the imminent climate crisis, hydrogen has emerged as one of the key players in the quest for clean and renewable energy solutions. If this alternative fuel will be widely distributed, it can be used as an energy source for industry, households, and transportation, thereby promoting a carbon-free society. However, hydrogen's safe handling and transportation present significant challenges due to its unique properties and potential hazards. Given the high level of interest in the future of hydrogen applications, assumed by European Commission in the European Hydrogen Strategy and transposed in national strategies and action plans for the member states, special safety measures must be taken to avoid accidents. The study aims to provide an overview of the physical and chemical properties of compressed hydrogen and the specific characteristics of tube trailers used for its transportation and to examine the potential scenarios that may lead to a tube trailer explosion, such as ignition sources, leakages, or accidents during transit. Consequence modeling techniques are employed to evaluate the potential hazards and impacts of accidental hydrogen release from a tube trailer. This includes dispersion modeling to assess the extent of the hydrogen cloud and its potential for ignition, which can lead to jet fire or rising fireballs. Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool (PHAST) was utilized to evaluate the hazardous extent of the occurrence area and to estimate the effects of the theoretical explosion scenarios presented.

Assessment of genetically modified maize DP23211 for food and feed uses, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2019-163).

Genetically modified maize DP23211 was developed to confer control of certain coleopteran pests and tolerance to glufosinate-containing herbicide. These properties were achieved by introducing the pmi, mo-pat, ipd072Aa and DvSSJ1 expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize DP23211 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment, except for those in levels of histidine, phenylalanine, magnesium, phosphorus and folic acid in grain, which do not raise safety and nutritional concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the IPD072Aa, PAT and PMI proteins and the DvSSJ1 dsRNA and derived siRNAs newly expressed in maize DP23211, and finds no evidence that the genetic modification impacts the overall safety of maize DP23211. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from maize DP23211 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. Therefore, no post-market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable maize DP23211 grains into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post-market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize DP23211. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP23211 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non-GM reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.

An Integrated Frac Geometry Control Approach To Prevent H2S Production

_ Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production has in recent years become a mounting issue facing operators and midstream companies in major US basins. At present, H2S production appears to be random and poorly understood. As such, H2S is considered by many to be an unpreventable nuisance and one that is largely addressed by treating the dangerous gas at surface before putting it to a sales line. This article highlights impacts of H2S, possible sources, and a successful case study of a completions operation designed specifically to prevent H2S production in North Dakota’s Williston Basin. H2S and Its Impacts H2S is a colorless gas known for its pungent “rotten egg” odor at low concentrations. It is extremely flammable, highly toxic, poisonous, and corrosive. H2S is commonly encountered during the drilling and production of crude oil and natural gas, as well as in wastewater treatment, utility facilities, and sewers. H2S is well-known for its significant health and safety risks, along with substantial financial implications in the event of an accidental release. The substance ranks as the second leading cause of workplace gas inhalation deaths in the US. This is according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which concluded that H2S caused 46 worker deaths between 2011 and 2017. Due to its corrosiveness, wells that produce even small volumes of H2S may compromise wellbore integrity and lead to premature failure of production equipment. Sour oil and gas is considered to have about 10% lower profit margin than traditional sweet Bakken crude (SPE 141434). An electrical submersible pump replacement can cost an operator up to $250,000, plus production downtime. Additionally, according to one leading chemical company, it costs $2,250 per day to treat 200 ppm H2S at a typical gas production rate of 2,000 Mcf/D. H2S Sources A recent study, URTeC 3852794, published by the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota suggests three possible causes of H2S: geo-mechanical, thermochemical, and biogenic. Geo-mechanical: Mission Canyon organic-rich intervals could be a source of H2S for a limited number of the Bakken producing wells via communication between reservoirs caused by out-of-zone stimulation work. This conclusion was evidenced by matching the δ34S isotope between 30 H2S producing wells and formation cores. Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR): Another possible mechanism of H2S generation involves the presence of anhydrites and hydrocarbons at a higher reservoir temperature of 110° to 150°C. This mechanism is plausible for wells with the δ34S in the range from +10 to +19‰. The EERC research team is currently investigating the TSR existence in the Williston Basin. Biogenic: This third mechanism of reservoir souring is questionable in the Bakken because of the high reservoir temperatures (110° to 150°C) and elevated salinity of the formation water (TDS 200,000 mg/L) making microbial growth unlikely, especially in the context of the predominance of heavier 34S isotope (δ34S of +2 to +19‰) in produced H2S.

Assessment of genetically modified maize DP915635 for food and feed uses, under regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2020-172).

Genetically modified maize DP915635 was developed to confer tolerance to glufosinate herbicide and resistance to corn rootworm pests. These properties were achieved by introducing the ipd079Ea, mo-pat and pmi expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize DP915635 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment, except for the levels of crude protein in forage, which does not raise nutritional and safety concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the IPD079Ea, PAT and PMI proteins expressed in maize DP915635. The GMO Panel finds no evidence that the genetic modification impacts the overall safety of maize DP915635. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from maize DP915635 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP915635 is as safe as the conventional counterpart and non-GM maize varieties tested, and no post-market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable maize DP915635 grains into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize DP915635. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP915635 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non-GM maize varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.

Technogenic Radionuclides in Hydrobionts of the Northern Ukraine Water Bodies

The peculiarities of accumulation of artificial radionuclides by higher aquatic plants and fish of water bodies of the Chernobyl exclusion zone and the territories of the western and southern traces of the Chernobyl accident release were analyzed and compared. In 2020-2021, &lt;sup&gt;90&lt;/sup&gt;Sr activity concentration in higher aquatic plants of the cooling pond of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station, Lake Daleke, and the Yanivsky backwater accounted for 10-46 kBq/kg, &lt;sup&gt;137&lt;/sup&gt;Cs - 5.4-47.0 kBq/kg, whereas in the Azbuchyn, Vershyna, and Glyboke lakes - respectively 64-419 kBq/kg and 9.3-63.4 kBq/kg. The activity concentration of &lt;sup&gt;90&lt;/sup&gt;Sr in fish of the cooling pond of the Chernobyl NPS, Lake Daleke, and the Yanivsky backwater was 1.4-8.6 kBq/kg and &lt;sup&gt;137&lt;/sup&gt;Cs -2.3-3.2 kBq/kg, whereas in the Azbuchyn, Vershyna, and Glyboke lakes - respectively 21-213 kBq/kg and 4.2-6.2 kBq/kg. In 2020-2021 in many studied water bodies located outside the Chernobyl exclusion zone, the levels of &lt;sup&gt;90&lt;/sup&gt;Sr accumulation in helophytes did not differ reliably and accounted for about 10 Bq/kg. In helophytes of Lake Lisove, &lt;sup&gt;90&lt;/sup&gt;Sr activity concentration attained 181 Bq/kg. The maximum activity concentration of &lt;sup&gt;137&lt;/sup&gt;Cs in helophytes of the Kaniv Reservoir and the Irsha River was not more than 30 Bq/kg and in Lake Lisove it accounted for 16 920 Bq/kg, whereas in other water bodies located outside the Chernobyl exclusion zone - 65- 515 Bq/kg. The maximum activity concentration of &lt;sup&gt;137&lt;/sup&gt;Cs in hydatophytes of the Bile, Luky, and Lisove lakes accounted for respectively 639, 1066, and 6417 Bq/kg and in other water bodies it was not more than 150 Bq/kg. The activity concentration of &lt;sup&gt;90&lt;/sup&gt;Sr in fish organism of Lake Lisove attained 23 Bq/kg, whereas in other water bodies it was not more than 11.3 Bq/kg. The maximum activity concentration of &lt;sup&gt;137&lt;/sup&gt;Cs in fish of Lake Lisove and Lake Bile accounted for respectively 1400 and 314 Bq/kg, in the Povchanske and Kyiv reservoirs - 154 and 124 Bq/kg, whereas in other water bodies it was not more than 38 Bq/kg.