States Environmental Protection Agency Method Research Articles

Year-round monitoring of three water sources in Québec, Canada, reveals site-specific differences in conditions for Cryptosporidium and Giardia contamination.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are protozoan parasites responsible for gastrointestinal illnesses in humans and in animal species. The main way these parasites are transmitted is by ingestion of their (oo)cysts in drinking water. Monitoring (oo)cysts in water sources is beneficial to evaluate the quality of raw water supplying treatment plants. Currently, the only standardized protocol to enumerate these parasites from water samples is United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 1623.1. With this method, we monitored three major water sources in Quebec over a year to assess temporal and geographical variations of these parasite (oo)cysts. These three water sources have independent watersheds despite being in the same region. We found a general pattern for Giardia, with high concentrations of cysts during cold and transition periods, and significantly lower concentrations during the warm period. Cryptosporidium's concentration was more variable throughout the year. Statistical correlations (Pearson's correlation coefficients) were established between the concentration of each parasite and various environmental parameters. The three study sites each showed unique factors correlating with the presence of both protozoa, supporting the idea that each water source must be seen as a unique entity with its own particular characteristics and therefore, must be monitored independently. Although some environmental parameters could be interesting proxies to the parasitic load, no parameter was strongly correlated throughout the whole sampling year and none of the parameters could be used as a single proxy for all three studies sources.

Health risk assessment of exposure to benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene in shoe industry-related workplaces.

Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) are prevalent pollutants in shoe industry-related workplaces. The aim of this study was to assess exposure to BTEX and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks in shoe-industry-related workplaces. This study was carried out at different shoe manufactures, small shoe workshop units, shoe markets, and shoe stores in Tabriz, Iran in 2021. Personal inhalation exposure to BTEX was measured using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 method. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to inhalation exposure to BTEX were estimated by United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) method based on Mont Carlo simulation. Results showed that the concentrations of benzene and toluene were higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) in both gluing and non-gluing units of shoe manufactures. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) due to exposure to benzene and ethyl benzene was considerable in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Also, the hazard index (HI) as a non-carcinogenic index was higher than standard levels in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Therefore, shoe industry-related workers are at cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to BTEX. Prevention measures need to be implemented to reduce the concentration of BTEX in shoe industry-related workplaces.

Antibiotic, Heavy Metal, and Biocide Concentrations in a Wastewater Treatment Plant and Its Receiving Water Body Exceed PNEC Limits: Potential for Antimicrobial Resistance Selective Pressure.

Although the rise in antimicrobial resistance has been attributed mainly to the extensive and indiscriminate use of antimicrobials such as antibiotics and biocides in humans, animals and on plants, studies investigating the impact of this use on water environments in Africa are minimal. This study quantified selected antibiotics, heavy metals, and biocides in an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and its receiving water body in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, in the context of the predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) for the selection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Water samples were collected from the WWTP effluent discharge point and upstream and downstream from this point. Heavy metals were identified and quantified using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) method 200.7. Biocides and antibiotic residues were determined using validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based methods. The overall highest mean antibiotic, metal and biocide concentrations were observed for sulfamethoxazole (286.180 µg/L), neodymium (Nd; 27.734 mg/L), and benzalkonium chloride (BAC 12) (7.805 µg/L), respectively. In decreasing order per sampling site, the pollutant concentrations were effluent > downstream > upstream. This implies that the WWTP significantly contributed to the observed pollution in the receiving water. Furthermore, most of the pollutants measured recorded values exceeding the recommended predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) values, suggesting that the microbes in such water environments were at risk of developing resistance due to the selection pressure exerted by these antimicrobials. Further studies are required to establish such a relationship.

Effect of feed trace elements on eggs of five strains of laying hens and their health risk assessment.

Trace elements are essential for human nutrition, and their deficiencies or excesses are strongly associated with several diseases, such as cardiovascular ones. The current cross-sectional study investigated the concentration of essential trace elements (copper, non-metal selenium, iron, zinc, cobalt and manganese) in eggs and diets of five strains of laying hens. The yolk and albumen were analysed separately, and wet preparation was carried out following inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry detection. The target hazard quotients (THQs) for the non-carcinogenic disease were calculated by the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA) method. The highest concentrations of selenium, zinc and manganese were found in egg yolks of native hens (0.76, 44.22 and 6.52mg/kg, respectively). The highest amounts of copper and cobalt were recorded in the egg yolk of Lohman (2.07 and 0.023mg/kg, respectively). On the other hand, the egg yolk of Bovans contained the highest amount of iron (57.46mg/kg). Overall, the potential health risks were minimal, and the consumption of eggs was generally safe.

Do high soil geochemical backgrounds of selenium and associated heavy metals affect human hepatic and renal health? Evidence from Enshi County, China

It is unclear whether the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) method can accurately assess heavy metal risks in high-Se areas. Herein, a black shale outcropping in Enshi County, China, was taken as the study area, and a carbonate outcropping in Lichuan County was the control area. Selenium and associated heavy metal concentrations in rock, soil, rice, human blood and urine samples and human sensitive hepatic and renal biomarkers were measured. The results showed that the contents of selenium, cadmium, molybdenum and copper in the study area were 3.68 ± 2.72 μg/g, 2.65 ± 1.42 μg/g, 16.3 ± 15.5 μg/g, and 57.3 ± 17.6 μg/g, respectively, in soil (n = 47) and 1.072 ± 0.924 μg/g, 0.252 ± 0.310 μg/g, 2.800 ± 2.167 μg/g, and 10.91 ± 27.42 μg/g, respectively, in rice (n = 47). The daily adult intake levels of selenium, cadmium and molybdenum from rice consumption in the study area (exposure group) exceed the recommended tolerance values in China. According to the US EPA method, these environmental media pose a significant risk to human health. However, in the exposure group (n = 111), the median levels of the sensitive hepatic biomarkers alanine aminotransferase (18 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (28 U/L) and total bilirubin (10.9 μmol/L) and the sensitive renal biomarkers serum creatinine (70.1 μmol/L), urinary nitrogen (5.73 mmol/L) and uric acid (303.80 μmol/L) were within reference ranges and had values equivalent to those of the control group (P > 0.05). The elements tended to differentiate during migration from one medium to another. Due to the complex interaction between selenium and heavy metals, a survey of human health indicators is indispensable when the US EPA method is used to assess the heavy metal risks in high-Se areas. The recommended molybdenum tolerable intake in the U.S. (2000 μg/d) is reasonable based on a comparison.

Assessing drinking water quality and health risks of contaminants in the coastal areas of Cambodia

Abstract The present study aimed to assess the health risks of chemical contaminants of residents in the coastal areas of Cambodia through their drinking water pathways. Water was sampled from tube wells (n= 22), dug wells (n= 31), ponds (n= 11), canals (n= 12) and lakes (n= 4) across the Cambodian coastal areas, and measured for the contaminants of health concern (As, Cu, Cr, Cd, F−, NO2-, NO3-, Pb, Escherichia coli and total coliform) and aesthetic quality following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and standard methods. Analytical results reveal that 9.1% of tube wells and 9.7% of dug wells contained As > 0.01 mg/L. Appropriately, 22.7% of tube wells and 32.3% of dug wells contained Fe > 0.3 mg/L while 100% of tube wells and 80.6% of dug wells contained Mn > 0.1 mg/L. Health risk assessment found that the hazard quotient (HQ) > 1 for children and women. Additionally, the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) was found >1 × 10−4 for As in Cambodian coastal areas. Therefore, a monitoring programme and appropriate treatment to remove contaminants like arsenic, cadmium and fluoride would be required to ensure a safe drinking water supply to Cambodian coastal residents.

Health risk assessment of toxic elements in sedimentable dust from landfills

Four monitoring campaigns of sedimentable dust were provided from two large non-sanitary landfills (Zrenjanin and Novi Sad) in Serbia during 2021. Particle size analysis by laser diffraction and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry were carried out in order to obtain the particle size distribution (PSD) and the toxic elements (TEs) concentrations. The health risk assessment of the landfill employees was performed according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency methods based on TEs concentrations. The PSD results demonstrated that the majority of sedimentable dust samples mass were not concentrated neither within PM2.5 neither within PM10 fraction. Analysis revealed high concentration of TEs at both landfills: an extremely high concentrations of Cr and Zn in samples from Zrenjanin landfill was detected. Health risk potential of elements was as follows for both landfills: Cr > Co > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu. According to the results, maximal hazard index for landfill employees in Zrenjanin (0.197) and Novi Sad (0.113) showed that non-cancer risk was very low. For both landfill sites, cancer risk was highest for Cr (2.75?10-5 for Zrenjanin and 2.02?10-7 for Novi Sad), though still within the defined threshold for tolerable cancer risk.

Probabilistic human health risk assessment of 1,3-butadiene and styrene exposure using Monte Carlo simulation technique in the carpet production industry

Chemicals containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are commonly used in the machine carpet production. 1,3-butadiene and styrene are main components of the carpenter’s glue used in carpet factories. Exposition to these chemicals can lead to a number of adverse health effects. This is the first study of the human health risk assessment due to inhalational exposure to 1,3-butadiene (BD) and styrene (ST) performed among workers in the carpet factories in Kashan city, Iran. The importance of the study was related with the fact of high popularity of carpet production in the South Asia countries. Inhalation exposure to BD and ST were measured based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1024 and 1501 methods, respectively. The cancerogenic risk (CR) and non-cancerogenic risk described as Hazard Quotient (HQ) values were calculated based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method. The sensitivity and uncertainty analysis were performed by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) technique. The average concentration measured of BD and ST during work shifts of employees were 0.039 mg m−3 (0.017 ppm) and 12.108 mg m−3 (2.84 ppm), respectively. The mean ± SD value of estimated cancerogenic risk in inhalation exposure to BD and ST were equal to 5.13 × 10–3 ± 3.85 × 10–4 and 1.44 × 10–3 ± 2.36 × 10–4, respectively exceeding the acceptable risk level of 10–6 defined by USEPA. The average non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) values of BD and ST were equal to 8.50 × 100 and 5.13 × 100, respectively exceeding the acceptable risk level of 1. As the results of our studies exceeded both cancerogenic and non-carcinogenic risk values it indicates that adverse health effects due to inhalational exposure to BD and ST for workers in the machine carpet industry are very likely. To avoid negative health effects protective measures for employees in the factories should be introduced immediately and furher detailed research are recommended.

Respiratory functions and health risk assessment in inhalational exposure to vinyl acetate in the process of carpet manufacturing using Monte Carlo simulations

Vinyl acetate (VA) is a volatile compound and the main compound of the carpenter’s glue. VA causes upper respiratory tract irritation, cough, and hoarseness in occupational exposure. As Iran is one of the biggest carpet producers in the world, this study was carried out to determine the inhalational health risk for employees exposed to VA. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first health risk assessment and the first evaluation of the lung functions and respiratory symptoms in employees exposed to VA. In the six finishing shops of carpet manufacturing industry in Kashan city, Iran the cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2022. The subjects comprised of forty male employees exposed to VA and of forty non-exposed employees in the reference group. VA analyses in the workers’ breathing zones were performed based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1453 Method. VA concentrations were measured using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Inhalational risk assessment to VA was performed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency method and the Monte Carlo simulations. Respiratory functions were determined using the spirometry indices. In the exposed employees, considerably higher prevalence rates of pulmonary symptoms were observed in comparison with the control group. Statistical analysis showed a remarkable difference between lung function parameters measured in the case and the control groups. The VA Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for all working posts, except the quality control unit, were > 1 indicating the substantial inhalational non-cancerogenic risk. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the VA concentrations and exposure time had the most significant contribution in the uncertainty assessment. Therefore, it is recommended to decrease exposure to VA concentrations and to reduce the working time of exposed employees.

Statement of Retraction: Carcinogenic and health risk assessment of respiratory exposure to Acrylonitrile, 1,3-Butadiene and Styrene (ABS) in a Petrochemical Industry Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method

Statement of Retraction: Carcinogenic and health risk assessment of respiratory exposure to Acrylonitrile, 1,3-Butadiene and Styrene (ABS) in a Petrochemical Industry Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method

Characteristics, water quality index and human health risk from nitrate and fluoride in Kakhk city and its rural areas, Iran

Groundwater is an important source for drinking water supply in the arid and semi-arid regions around the world. Eighty four groundwater samples collected from Kakhk and its all rural areas were evaluated for drinking quality using the water quality index (WQI). Additionally, the human health risks associated with nitrate and fluoride concentrations in drinking water were estimated for children and adults using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method in the investigated areas. Parameters including potassium, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, pH, total hardness and electrical conductivity were analyzed. Among these, levels of potassium, carbonate, nitrate and fluoride in all areas were within the permissible limits of World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. The mean concentrations of nitrate and fluoride in the study areas were 20.00 ± 14.81 mg/L and 0.32 ± 0.17 mg/L, respectively. The WQI classification showed that 16.6 %, 38 % and 45.2 % of water resources had excellent, good and poor water quality, respectively. 40.4 % of the areas had Hazard Quotient (HQ) values more than one (HQ ≥ 1), indicating the possibility of being non-carcinogenic risk of nitrate through water consumption for children. But values of HQadults (for nitrate), HQchildren (for fluoride) and HQadults (for fluoride) all were less than 1 (HQ < 1), showing little or no risk from water consumption containing these elements in the areas. Regarding all of the measured parameters, higher CDI and HQ values were seen for children compared to adults. This study is useful, as it is the most comprehensive water quality assessment research conducted so far in Kakhk and its rural areas and will be a reference to future studies.

Human health risks associated with metals in paddy plant (Oryza sativa) based on target hazard quotient and target cancer risk.

Paddy plants (Oryza sativa) contaminated with metals could be detrimental to human health if the concentrations of metals exceed the permissible limit. Thus, this study aims to assess the risk of the concentrations of As, Se, Cu, Cr, Co, and Ni and their distributions in various parts (roots, stems, leaves, and grains) of paddy plants collected from Sekinchan, Malaysia. Both soil and plant samples were digested according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 3050B and the metal concentrations were determined by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry(ICP-MS). The highest mean translocation factor (TF) was from soil to roots (TF roots/soil ranged from 0.12 to 6.15) and the lowest was from leaves to grain (TF grain/leaves ranged from 0.06 to 0.87). Meanwhile, the bioaccumulation factor(BAF) for all metals was less than 1.0 indicating that paddy plants only absorb metals from the soil but do not accumulate in the grains. The average daily intake for As (1.15 ± 0.25µg/kg/day) has exceeded the limit proposed by ATSDR and IRIS USEPA (0.30µg/kg/day). Target cancer risk(TR) of 1.10 × 10-3 for As through rice consumption indicates that the potential cancer risk exists in one out of 1000 exposed individuals. The results from this study could serve as a reference for researchers and policymakers to monitor and formulate strategies in managing As and other metals in paddy plants, especially in Southeast Asian countries.

Factors Affecting the Detection of Hexavalent Chromium in Cr-Contaminated Soil

The alkali digestion pretreatment method in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 3060A could underestimate the content of Cr(VI) in Cr-contaminated soils, especially for soils mixed with chromite ore processing residue (COPR), which leads to a misjudgment of the Cr(VI) level in soils after remediation, causing secondary pollution to the environment. In this study, a new pretreatment method to analyze Cr(VI) concentration in contaminated soils was established. The impacts of soil quality, particle size, alkali digestion time and the rounds of alkali digestion on Cr(VI) detection in contaminated soils was explored and the alkali digestion method was optimized. Compared with USEPA Method 3060A, the alkaline digestion time was prolonged to 6 h and multiple alkali digestion was employed until the amount of Cr(VI) in the last extraction was less than 10% of the total amount of Cr(VI). Because Cr(VI) in COPR is usually embedded in the mineral phase structure, the hydration products were dissolved and Cr(VI) was released gradually during the alkaline digestion process. The amount of Cr(VI) detected showed high correlation coefficients with the percentage of F1 (mild acid-soluble fraction), F2 (reducible fraction) and F4 (residual fraction). The Cr(VI) contents detected by the new alkaline digestion method and USEPA Method 3060A showed significant differences for soil samples mixed with COPR due to their high percentage of residual fraction. This new pretreatment method could quantify more than 90% of Cr(VI) in Cr-contaminated soils, especially those mixed with COPR, which proved to be a promising method for Cr(VI) analysis in soils, before and after remediation.

A comparison of two digestion methods and heavy metals determination in sediments

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of heavy metal concentrations in sediments and also involves a comparison of two different digestion protocols. The first digestion procedure was done with a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid while the second digestion method was done using the United States Environmental Protection Agency method 3052 which comprises nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The sediment samples were analyzed for cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, chromium, manganese, nickel (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn Cr, Mn, and Ni) with the aid of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Concentrations of metals ranged 0–7.0 mg/kg for Cr, 0.5–20.0 mg/kg for Cd, 10.8–112.0 mg/kg for Fe, 0.10–7.20 mg/kg for Pb, 45.69–184.96 mg/kg for Cu, 1.0–73.75 mg/kg for Zn, 1.5–19.7 mg/kg for Mn and nd −3.0 mg/kg for Ni. The order of concentrations of the metals in the samples are Cu &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cd &gt; Mn &gt; Pb &gt; Cr &gt; Ni. The second digestion method yielded higher levels of metal concentration. Comparison with theWorld Health Organization (W.H.O) standards for marine sediments showed that the average concentrations of heavy metals were within the permissible limits. Close monitoring and more publicity are further needed to discourage further pollution of the area.

Occupational Exposure to Metal Fumes Among Iranian Welders: Systematic Review and Simulation-Based Health Risk Assessment.

There have been numerous reports of welder's worker exposure to metal fumes. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic (neurological, dermal, and etc.) effects are the adverse outcomes of exposure to welding fumes. In this review study, data were collected from previous studies conducted in Iran from 1900 to 2020. The risk of carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity due to exposure to welding metal fumes was assessed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method based on the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Results showed mean of metal fume concentration in gas welding was in the range of 1.8248 to 1060.6 (µg/m3) and in arc welding was 54.935 to 4882.72 (µg/m3). The mean concentration of fumes in gas welding is below the recommended American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard exposure limit except for manganese, and in the arc welding, all metal fume concentrations are below the standard exposure limit except for manganese and aluminum. The results showed that the risk of carcinogenicity due to exposure to nickel, manganese in both gas and arc welding, and cadmium in gas welding was higher than standard level (hazard quotient (HQ) more than 1). Cancer risk due to exposure to nickel in both gas and arc welding was probable (1 × 10-6 < cancer risk (CR) < 1 × 10-4). Health risk assessment showed that welders are exposed to health risks. Preventive measures should be applied in welding workplaces to reduce the concentrations of metal fumes.

Measuring 1, 3-Butadiene and Simulation of its Releasing Method by GIS Application and Cancer Risk Assessment in Tehran in 2019-2020

Background: According to the heavy traffic in Tehran, a high amount of 1, 3-Butadiene (BD) in this city is highly expected. This study estimated the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) attributable to BD in District 9 of Tehran Municipality and simulation of its releasing way. Methods: This research is an applied study that was conducted in the form of field research. Cancer risk assessment was carried out based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method. BD concentration measurements were performed at 30 points and specified in the area and daily at three different times in four seasons since autumn of 2019 till summer of 2020. LCR then was calculated for four different groups of residents, employees, first and second classes of the pedestrian. Finally, the way of releasing BD in the District 9 was evaluated by GIS software. Results: The results showed that the highest and lowest BD concentrations were 2819 and 424 ppb, respectively, in autumn and spring. They were measured in the north and west side of the District 9 which were much higher than inhalation reference concentration. In addition, the LCR estimation of population due to exposure to high level of BD was exceeded the USEPA benchmark of 1×10-6 in the 4 specified groups. So, the amount of LCR in the residents was 790 times more than the USEPA benchmark. Conclusion: According to the results, the necessity for traffic control by urban management and producing green vehicles to prevent pollutants emission is essential.

Health risks of inhalation exposure to BTEX in a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Middle East city: Shiraz, Iran.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, known as BTEX, adversely affect human health. This study aimed to measure BTEX concentration and assess the health risk through inhalation exposure to these compounds in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The ambient air samples were collected using the active sampling method in summer and winter. Sampling sites were close to wastewater treatment units, including bar screen & grit chamber (Site-1), aeration tank & secondary clarifiers (Site-2), anaerobic sludge digester (Site-3), and office & control building (Site-4). Results indicate that the mean levels of benzene and toluene in winter were higher than in summer. The levels of benzene and toluene were below the occupational exposure levels of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The carcinogenic risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ) were assessed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA) method, and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) was applied to quantify the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. The CRs for all sampling sites were below the U.S.EPA threshold limit (1.0×10-4). The HQ values for benzene nearby Site-2 were above 1.0, indicating inhalation exposure could pose a health hazard. Besides, the HQ results for exposure to toluene in all sampling sites were less than 1.0. The sensitivity analysis had shown that the risk determinant for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk was exposure time, followed by concentration.

Validation of supercritical water oxidation to destroy perfluoroalkyl acids

AbstractSome of the same unique physical and chemical properties that make per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) desirable for a wide range of commercial applications render them recalcitrant to many liquid treatment technologies. As developments in PFAS‐related toxicological studies increasingly suggest potential adverse human health effects, our industry has made great progress in the past several years on concentrating PFAS into small volume waste streams via adsorption and separation mechanisms. Coupled with residual PFAS‐containing commercial products that are being phased out, management of these concentrated waste streams presents an urgent need for the development and validation of destructive treatment technologies. Here, we field‐validate supercritical water oxidation to treat a concentrated waste stream of 12 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) with liquid and gaseous analysis, adhering to the recent Other Test Method 45 for stack emission sampling from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and USEPA Method 537.1, with quality control and quality assurance protocols from the Department of Defense/Department of Energy Quality Systems Manual 5.3. Results generated suggest greater than 99.999% destruction and removal efficiency of these 12 PFAAs after two ∼120‐min continuous flow trials, with an overall defluorination percentage of approximately 62.6%.

A review of draft Environmental Protection Agency Method 1633: A data user's perspective

AbstractCurrently, the availability of multilaboratory‐validated analytical methods for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is limited. Two of the more commonly known methods are the finalized United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods for the analysis of select PFAS in drinking water samples, EPA 537.1, Determination of Selected Per‐ and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances in Drinking Water by Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) (EPA 600‐R‐20‐006) and EPA 533, Determination of Per‐ And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water by Isotope Dilution Anion Exchange Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (EPA 815‐B‐19‐020) These two methods were developed specifically for drinking water samples, which generally do not have matrix interferences and are generally an easier matrix to analyze. EPA also finalized SW‐846 Method 8327, Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), which covers the analysis of select PFAS in nonpotable water matrices. However, one of the critical deficiencies in this method is the lack of the gold standard for quantitation, isotope dilution, which has become a critical necessity for the analysis of PFAS in nondrinking water matrices to accommodate for potential matrix interferences. In addition, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Environmental Data Quality Workgroup (EDQW) has stated that SW‐846 Method 8327 should only be used as a screening method and should not be used for the collection of definitive data. The release of Draft EPA Method 1633, Analysis of Per‐and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue Samples by LC‐MS/MS (EPA 821‐D‐21‐001), for nonpotable water matrices, is a first step toward providing the laboratory community with a standardized method that can provide accurate results for PFAS in nonpotable water matrices.

Anaerobic Co-digestion of Food Wastes, Algae, Pond Sludge and Cow Dung for Biogas Yield Enhancement as a Potent Approach to Reduce Carbon Footprints

ABSTRACT Alternative energy sources such as biogas help us to minimise environmental issues such as desertification, pollution, erosion, and deforestation. In this regard, anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the most ecologically favourable waste management technologies and it also represents a long-term fuel supply. The current research examines the production of biogas in an anaerobic digester using apple, vegetable, and fruit pulp wastes, algae and pond sludge mixed with cow dung using co-digestion. The response surface technique was applied to optimise the variables of co-digestion such as temperature, pH and concentration of wastes. Meanwhile, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method was used to investigate the proximate analysis (fixed solids, total solids, volatile solids, and moisture content) of the wastes. The optimum values of daily biogas, cumulative biogas, cumulative methane and cumulative carbon dioxide were found to be 2008.7, 3401.8, 2266.3 and 1931.5 ml respectively. A desirability of 0.6 was achieved for at least 15 numerical solutions obtained using Design Expert Software. It was also observed that the rate of biogas yield is greatly affected by many factors such as temperature and total solid concentration.