Sanitär- und Kommunaltechnik; Umwelttechnik
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Eingeladener Vortrag
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The fine fraction of bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration is characterized of both a high pollution and relevant resource potential. Methods for studying the environmental behaviour of solid residues are leaching tests. Various leaching test are adopted all over Europe with liquid to solid ratio of 2 or 10 l/kg. In Germany three different leaching Tests are valid with the commencement of the draft of the ordinance of reuse of mineral waste as alternative building ordinance. Comparing two batch tests, only the concentration for chloride is comparable. To evaluate the metal resource potential in the sand fraction wet chemical Methods have been applied. Methodical problems were caused mainly by the material heterogeneity and especially for precious metals due to their low concentration around 1 mg/kg. Other Methods have been available, but hardly applicable.
Bei den von der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und ‐prüfung (BAM) zugelassenen Kunststoff‐Dränelementen sind drei verschiedene Varianten von überlappenden Querstößen nach den Einbauanleitungen zulässig. Das Wasserableitvermögen innerhalb dieser Querstöße wurde vom SKZ – Das Kunststoffzentrum und von der KIWA Deutschland GmbH in Abstimmung mit der BAM gemessen. Dabei zeigte sich bei den gewählten Prüfbedingungen (einem hydraulischer Gradienten i = 1, Auflasten von 20 und 50 kPa sowie den Bettungen hart/weich und weich/weich) praktisch keine Verringerung gegenüber dem Wasserableitvermögen im Kunststoff‐Dränelement selbst. Eine solche war insbesondere dann nicht zu beobachten, wenn die Dränkerne im Überlappungsbereich direkt aufeinandergelegt wurden (Variante A). Werden die Kunststoff‐Dränelemente als Ganzes entweder dachschindelartig hinsichtlich der Strömungsrichtung (Variante B) oder in einer gerade umgekehrten Anordnung (Variante C) übereinandergelegt, so genügt dabei eine Überlappungslänge von 20 cm, damit ausreichend Wasser durch die zwischen den Dränkernen liegende Trennschicht aus Filter‐ und Trägergeotextil strömt. Der bisher in der GDA‐Empfehlung E2‐20 für die Bemessung angesetzte Abminderungsfaktor von 1,2 für Querstöße kann daher für die hier untersuchten, zugelassenen Produkte bei einer genügend großen Überlappung entfallen. Entsprechende Hinweise werden zukünftig in den Zulassungsscheinen gegeben.
Gegenstand des Projekts ist die Prüfung der Umweltbeständigkeit und -verträglichkeit von Materialien und Produkten hinsichtlich der Emission von potenziellen Schadstoffen in die Umwelt. Hierzu werden chemisch-physikalische Einflüsse (Bewitterung) und mikrobielle Beanspruchungen an Modellmaterialien evaluiert. So werden die Freisetzungsraten von Schadstoffen in Abhängigkeit der Beanspruchung beschrieben. Als Modellmaterialien kommen die Polymere Polycarbonat, Polytetrafluorethylen, Polystyrol und Polypropylen zum Einsatz. Synergistische Effekte der Bewitterungsparameter und der mikrobiologischen Beanspruchung sollen dabei ebenso betrachtet werden, wie die gezielte Alterung. Auch findet eine Beschreibung des Verhaltens der ausgetragenen Schadstoffe in den Umweltkompartimenten Boden oder Wasser statt. Hier sind mit Hilfe der zu entwickelnden Screening- und non-Target-Analyseverfahren die Transformation und der Metabolismus durch Mikroorganismen zu beschreiben. Aus den Ergebnissen sollen Korrelationen zwischen den künstlichen Alterungsverfahren und realen Szenarien abgeleitet werden, die es gestatten, Schnellprüfverfahren zu etablieren, die die Simulation der realen Beanspruchungen im Zeitraffermodell anwendbar machen. Somit sollen standardisierbare Schnellbeanspruchungs-verfahren erarbeitet werden, die als Prüfeinrichtungen etabliert werden und von externen Auftraggebern zur Prüfung der Umweltbeständigkeit und -verträglichkeit von neuen Materialien genutzt werden können. Die Umweltwirkungen (chemisch-physikalisch und mikrobiologisch) sollen so definiert eingesetzt werden, dass eine reproduzierbare Prüfung möglich wird. Aus diesen Verfahren und Methoden sollen Normen abgeleitet werden, die eine standardisierte Materialprüfung ermöglichen.
Das Projektziel bestand in der Entwicklung eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung von leichter Gesteinskörnung für Beton und Mörtel aus ziegelhaltigen Bau- und Abbruchabfällen durch thermische Porosierung. Hierzu erfolgte nach einem mehrstufigen mechanischen Prozess eine thermische Stabilisierung der RC-Granulate (RCG). Nach Laborversuchen wurden RCG im halbtechnischen Maßstab hergestellt. Als Ausgangsmaterial dienten Mauerwerk-bruch bzw. Gemische aus Mauerwerkbruch und Ton. Dabei wurde die gesamte Prozess-kette vom Granulieren der Ausgangsmehle bis zur thermischen Behandlung im Drehrohro-fen in einem Produktionsschritt dargestellt. Die erzeugten RCG sind mit Rohdichten zwischen 780 und 1800 kg/m³ leichte Gesteinskörnungen. In den Applikationsuntersuchungen erfolgte eine vollständige Verwertung des gesamten beim Brennprozess entstehenden Materials, von den Körnungen kleiner 2 mm für leichte Steinergänzungsmörtel (Leichtmörtel) bis zu den Körnungen 2-8 mm für Leichtbeton. Die RCG und die damit erzeugten Betone wurden umfangreich charakterisiert. Die Leichtbetone mit RCG wurden abschließend in Applikationsversuchen eingesetzt.
Gips ist ein Baustoff, der in den letzten Jahrzehnten in Deutschland mit steigender Tendenz nachgefragt wurde. Diese Nachfrage wird derzeit zum überwiegenden Teil (gut 60%) durch Rauch-gasentschwefelungsgips (REA-Gips) als Nebenprodukt aus der Kohleverstromung gedeckt. Der weitere Gipsbedarf wird durch die Gewinnung von Naturgipsvorkommen in Deutschland befriedigt. In Konse-quenz aus den nationalen Klimaschutzzielen und der Energiewende wird die Versorgung der Gipsin-dustrie mit REA-Gips mittel- und langfristig sehr stark zurückgehen. Das Recycling von Gips wird als ein Beitrag zur Dämpfung von möglichen zukünftigen Versorgungsproblemen gesehen. Das wichtige Verbrauchsegment Gipskartonplatten ist gleichzeitig die wichtigste potentielle Versorgungsquelle für das Gipsrecycling. Ziel des Ufoplan-Vorhabens „Ökobilanzielle Betrachtung des Recyclings von Gipskar-tonplatten“ war es, den aktuellen Stand des Gipsrecyclings in Deutschland und in ausgewählten anderen europäischen Staaten zu fassen. Die Szenarienergebnisse zum Ufoplanprojekt ergeben ein eindeutig wachsendes Potenzial für die Gewinnung von RC-Gips aus rückgebauten Gipskartonplatten in Deutsch-land. Die Ökobilanzergebnisse, die im Rahmen des Projekts gewonnen wurden, zeigen bei fast allen Wirkungskategorien eine ökologische Vorteilhaftigkeit der Recyclingroute gegenüber der Ver¬sorgung mit REA-Gips. Im Falle des Vergleichs zwischen der RC-Gips-Route und der Route aus heimischem Na-turgips ergeben sich differenzierte Ökobilanzergebnisse. Der Einstieg der deutschen Gipsindustrie in den RC-Gips-Markt ist zumindest für die Herstellung von Gipskartonplatten zunächst gelungen. Nun gilt es in den nächsten Jahren die Mengen an RC-Gips in Deutschland zu erhöhen. Für die Etablierung weite-rer Gipsrecyclinganlagen in Deutschland ist deren Wirtschaft¬lichkeit durch Vermeidung von zu niedri-gen Deponiepreisen für Gipsabfälle zu unterstützen. Perspektivisch ist für eine möglichst gute Umwelt-bilanz des Gipsrecyclings in Deutschland die Etablierung einer höheren Zahl von Recyclinganlagen (ausgehend von den 2 Anlagen im Jahr 2016) für Gipskartonplatten sehr wichtig.
Die mittelalterlichen Glasmalereien der Johanniskirche in Thorn und der Kathedrale von Leslau sind Belastungen durch Industrieabgase und im Winterhalbjahr auch durch Emissionen aus Heizungsanlagen ausgesetzt. Im Rahmen des Projektes wurden Glasproben beider Bauwerke analysiert und ihre chemische Zusammensetzung bestimmt. Die Analysen tragen zur Bestandscharakterisierung bei. Restaurierungsmaterialien aus den 1950er Jahren und Beschichtungen auf den Gläsern aus Thorn, Leslau und auf Glasmalereien aus Kulm (Chelmno), die im Stadtmuseum in Thorn aufbewahrt werden, wurden dokumentiert, Materialproben entnommen und analysiert.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system revolutionized genetic engineering approaches with its simple design and high accuracy. The system comprises only two components – a synthetic guide RNA and the Cas9 protein. Our aim is to use this system to study factors influencing ectoine production.
Here, we use the CRISPRinterference variant to downregulate the expression of the ectoine synthesis gene ectA.
This project aims to develop capacity to produce certified reference materials (CRMs) for environmental analysis by transferring know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production. The production process includes good manufacturing practices for processing materials, method development, the validation and application of homogeneity, stability and characterisation tests, the calculation of individual uncertainties (between-unit inhomogeneity, long term stability, characterisation) and combination of uncertainties to determine overall uncertainty of the matrix reference materials. An inter laboratory comparison registered as a EURAMET project is set as the ultimate project outcome, confirming the partners’ capabilities in applying newly acquired skills.
This study aimed to assess the measurement capabilities of participating National Metrology Institutes/ Designated Institutes (NMIs/DIs) and expert laboratories in determining of low-polarity organics in surface water. This comparison was organized by Government Laboratory, Hong Kong (GLHK).
At the CCQM Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) Meeting held in November 2012 in Hong Kong, GLHK initially proposed a CCQM key comparison and a parallel pilot study programme on pharmaceuticals in surface water. Further discussion at the CCQM Meeting held in April 2014 in Paris, the OAWG approved a CCQM Track C comparison (CCQM-K126) on low polarity pharmaceuticals in surface water. In the meeting, the programme was supported by more than six National Metrology Institutes/ Designated Institutes (NMIs/ DIs).
CCQM-K126 officially commenced in July 2014 and had registration from nine NMIs/DIs. Participants were provided two bottles (40 mL each) of surface water and were requested to determine the mass fraction of spiked carbamazepinein in surface water. The coordinator received nine sets of results from eight NMIs/DIs in February 2015. Apart from one using an immunoassay technique, all participants applied isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LCMS/MS) technique as their determination technique.
The evolution and mechanistic underpinnings of termite immunity are not well understood. Given the intimate relationship between sociality and disease, this represents a major gap in understanding, particularly since termites represent the only animal group outside of Hymenoptera to have evolved such advanced forms of social living. We explore the evolution of termite immunity by conducting qualitative and quantitative transcriptomic analyses from twelve cockroach and termite species occurring along a gradient of sociality. We incorporate lineages spanning the origin of eusociality, and include species from a key transitional subsocial group: the wood roaches. Firstly, we analyze immune characteristics in the context of termite phylogeny. Here, we examine the evolution of immune traits during the transition to eusociality, and explore the extent to which immune adaptations are associated with evolutionary shifts in social complexity and ecology. Secondly, we conduct a quantitative analysis of responses to a common immune stimulus to examine the role of both sociality and caste in immunity. Here, we test the hypothesis that the evolution of division of labour – and associated increases in investment into costly altruistic (immune) traits – occurred at the expense of individual immunity in the sterile caste.
Differentiation of immune response with castes in termites by de novo transcriptome sequencing
(2017)
Eusociality is one major evolutionary transitions, during which the division of labor is considered as the hallmark feature. This character of evolution, also interpreted as task specialization, is associated with multiple morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations required for brood care, foraging, and defense. With these adaptations which ultimately cause the formation of castes in insect sociality (mostly in termites, ants, some bees and wasps), while whether immune system is related to eusociality in termites is rare understood. We hypothesis that immune system in termite sociality had also differentiation along with the formation of castes. We address this issue by exploring the immune responses of different castes with de novo transcriptome sequencing. After injection with cocktail of heat-killed pathogens (Pseudomonas entomophila, Bacillus thuringiensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the mRNAs from false workers, soldiers and reproductive of Neotermes canstaneus were sequenced. We found much more genes are regulated (1420 genes downregulated and 398 genes upregulated) in reproductives compared to soldiers (90 genes downregulated and 108 genes upregulated) and false workers (135 genes downregulated and 71 genes upregulated). In these upregulated genes, reproductives had 54 same genes as soldiers, while only 7 same genes as workers which almost is same number between soldiers and workers. In the downregulated genes, reproductives shared 50 and 41 same genes as soldiers
and workers, respectively. Besides, soldiers and workers had 29 same downregulated genes. From these findings, it is indicated that the immune system differentiates with division of labor during eusociality in termites.
The first sterile caste to evolve in termites was the soldier. While the importance of soldiers to termite society defense has long been recognized, the contribution of soldiers to other societal functions, such as colony immunity, is less well understood. We explore this issue by examining the role of soldiers in protecting nestmates against pathogen infection. Even though they are unable to engage in grooming behavior, we find that the presence of soldiers of the Darwin termite, Mastotermes darwiniensis, significantly improves the survival of nestmates following entomopathogenic infection. We also show that the copious exocrine oral secretions produced by Darwin termite soldiers contain a high concentration of proteins involved in digestion, chemical biosynthesis, and immunity. The oral secretions produced by soldiers are sufficient to protect nestmates against infection, and they have potent inhibitory activity against a broad spectrum of microbes. Our findings support the view that soldiers may play an important role in colony immunity, and broaden our understanding of the possible function of soldiers during the origin of soldier-first societies.
Effective immunity is essential for maintaining insect society integrity but the mechanisms that connect immunity at the level of the individual to the level of society are poorly understood. Here, we begin to resolve this issue by addressing the interaction between individual immunity and caste identity in the termite Neotermes castaneus. We characterize the transcriptomic responses of different castes to a general immune challenge by sequencing mRNAs from false workers, soldiers and reproductive following injection with a cocktail of heat-killed pathogens. We found many more genes to be differentially regulated in reproductives (1420 and 398 genes down- and upregulated respectively) than soldiers (90 and 108 genes) or false workers (135 and 71 genes). We go on to conduct a quantitative analysis of the specific changes to immune regulation across the castes following pathogen exposure, before discussing the implications of these findings for our understanding of the evolution of immunity in eusocial termites.
The first sterile caste to evolve in termites was the soldier. While the importance of soldiers to termite society defense has long been recognized, the contribution of soldiers to other societal functions, such as colony immunity, is less well understood. We explore this issue by examining the role of soldiers in protecting nestmates against pathogen infection. Even though they are unable to engage in grooming behavior, we find that the presence of soldiers of the Darwin termite, Mastotermes darwiniensis, significantly improves the survival of nestmates following entomopathogenic infection. We also show that the copious exocrine oral secretions produced by Darwin termite soldiers contain a high concentration of proteins involved in digestion, chemical biosynthesis, and immunity. The oral secretions produced by soldiers are sufficient to protect nestmates against infection, and they have potent inhibitory activity against a broad spectrum of microbes. Our findings support the view that soldiers may play an important role in colony immunity, and broaden our understanding of the possible function of soldiers during the origin of soldier-first societies.
A fundamental yet seemingly contradictory aspect of biological individuals is their capacity to remain the same while changing through time. This self-regulatory ability is facilitated by a number of factors that are shared by all complex multicellular life-forms. One such essential trait is an effective immune system. Here, I use concepts of individuality and immunity to explore the blurred line between society and individual in termite “superorganisms”. I discuss our current understanding of the breadth and mechanistic underpinnings of collective immunity in termites, before going on to explore the evolution of the immune system during the transition from a cockroach-like ancestor to a fully-fledged termite society. I end by discussing the possibly crucial role played by immunity during the emergence of eusociality, and in transitions in organismal complexity generally.
The evolution and mechanistic underpinnings of termite immunity are not well understood. Given the intimate relationship between sociality and disease, this represents a major gap in understanding, particularly since termites represent the only animal group outside of Hymenoptera to have evolved such advanced forms of social living. We explore the evolution of termite immunity by conducting qualitative and quantitative transcriptomic analyses from twelve cockroach and termite species occurring along a gradient of sociality. We incorporate lineages spanning the origin of eusociality, and include species from a key transitional subsocial group: the wood roaches. Firstly, we analyze immune characteristics in the context of termite phylogeny. Here, we examine the evolution of immune traits during the transition to eusociality, and explore the extent to which immune adaptations are associated with evolutionary shifts in social complexity and ecology. Secondly, we conduct a quantitative analysis of responses to a common immune stimulus to examine the role of both sociality and caste in immunity. Here, we test the hypothesis that the evolution of division of labour – and associated increases in investment into costly altruistic (immune) traits – occurred at the expense of individual immunity in the sterile caste.
The evolution and mechanistic underpinnings of termite immunity are not well understood. Given the intimate relationship between sociality and disease, this represents a major gap in understanding, particularly since termites represent the only animal group outside of Hymenoptera to have evolved such advanced forms of social living. We explore the evolution of termite immunity by conducting qualitative and quantitative transcriptomic analyses from twelve cockroach and termite species occurring along a gradient of sociality. We incorporate lineages spanning the origin of eusociality, and include species from a key transitional subsocial group: the wood roaches. Firstly, we analyze immune characteristics in the context of termite phylogeny. Here, we examine the evolution of immune traits during the transition to eusociality, and explore the extent to which immune adaptations are associated with evolutionary shifts in social complexity and ecology. Secondly, we conduct a quantitative analysis of responses to a common immune stimulus to examine the role of both sociality and caste in immunity. Here, we test the hypothesis that the evolution of division of labour – and associated increases in investment into costly altruistic (immune) traits – occurred at the expense of individual immunity in the sterile caste.
Lightweight aggregates (LWA) are mixtures of porous grains of mineral origin characterised by particle bulk densities less than 2000 kg/m³ or loose bulk densities less than 1200 g/m³. They are used in concrete, mortar and grout in buildings, roads and civil engineering works. LWA are commonly produced by thermal treatment of natural raw materials such as clay, shale and other clayey or igneous rocks at temperatures between 1000 °C and 1300 °C. Expanded clay, expanded shale, vermiculite and expanded perlite are well-known aggregates used in the construction industry today. But porous LWA can also be manufactured from mineral residues, such as waste glass or masonry rubble, by thermal expending process. The source materials must satisfy two conditions. First, their chemical composition must be in balance between fluxing agents, silica and alumina to reach pyroplastic conditions at an economically viable temperature to develop sintering and melting phases of proper viscosity. Second, the material should contain some components, which ensure gas release during the partial melting, to form expanded porous particles. Lightweight aggregates usually show a heterogeneous and macroporous pore structure. Their solid skeleton is continually opened by large bulky pores whereas the skeletal walls contain many small pores. Additionally, the grains consist of partly melted areas. The specific microstructural and morphological characteristics of different LWA are strongly influenced by the great variety of source materials and the particular manufacturing conditions.
Recycling granules (RC granules), which are lightweight aggregates made from masonry rubble containing about 50 % brick material, are already described in terms of manufacturing process, engineering properties and microstructure in. The objective of this study is to compare the chemical, physical, mineralogical and microstructural characteristics of RC granules with those of commercially produced expanded clay aggregates. Results of the ICP optical emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, fusibility tests, particle shape analysis, porosity measurements, mercury intrusion porosimetry und environmental scanning electron microscopy are presented. The microstructural characteristics are correlated with engineering properties of the lightweight aggregates, such as water absorption and particle strength.
The study was part of two research projects that were supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in the framework of the funding initiative “r2-Innovative Technologies for Resource Efficiency - Resource-Intensive Production Processes” and the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie in the framework of the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs.
Das Projektziel bestand in der Entwicklung eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung von leichter Gesteinskörnung für Beton und Mörtel aus ziegelhaltigen Bau- und Abbruchabfällen durch thermische Porosierung. Hierzu erfolgte nach einem mehrstufigen mechanischen Prozess eine thermische Stabilisierung der RC-Granulate (RCG). Nach Laborversuchen wurden RCG im halbtechnischen Maßstab hergestellt. Als Ausgangsmaterial dienten Mauerwerkbruch bzw. Gemische aus Mauerwerkbruch und Ton. Dabei wurde die gesamte Prozesskette vom Granulieren der Ausgangsmehle bis zur thermischen Behandlung im Drehrohrofen in einem Produktionsschritt dargestellt. Die erzeugten RCG sind mit Rohdichten zwischen 780 und 1800 kg/m³ leichte Gesteinskörnungen. In den Applikationsuntersuchungen erfolgte eine vollständige Verwertung des gesamten beim Brennprozess entstehenden Materials, von den Körnungen kleiner 2 mm für leichte Steinergänzungsmörtel (Leichtmörtel) bis zu den Körnungen 2-8 mm für Leichtbeton. Die RCG und die damit erzeugten Betone wurden umfangreich charakterisiert. Die Leichtbetone mit RCG wurden abschließend in Applikationsversuchen eingesetzt.
The implementation of fluorescent methods is of outstanding importance in the field of optical chemical sensor Technology and biosciences. Their bioanalytical applications are manifold including fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, DNA sequencing, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, immunoassays, analysis of DNA and Protein microarrays, and quantitative PCR, just to name a few examples. Particularly, fluorescence microscopy is a valuable method in the versatile field of biomedical imaging methods which nowadays utilizes different fluorescence Parameters like emission wavelength/Color and lifetime for the discrimination between different targets. Sectional Images are available with confocal microscopes. Tissue, cells or single cellular compartments can be stained and visualized with fluorescent dyes and biomolecules can be selectively labeled with fluorescent dyes to Monitor biomolecular interactions inside cells or at Membrane bound receptors.
On the other hand , fluorophores can act as indicator (or "molecular probe") to visualize intrinsically colorless and non-fluorescent ionic and neutral analytes such as pH, Oxygen (pO2), metal ions, anions, hydrogen peroxide or bioactive small organic molecules such as Sugars or nucleotides. Thereby, their photoluminescent properties (fluorescence or phoporescence intensity, exitation and/or Emission wavelength, emission lifetime or anisotropy) respond to the presence of these species in their immediate Environment. In general, the use of luminescent probes has the advantage that they can be delivered directly into the sample, and detected in a contactless remote mode. By now, these probes are often encapsulated in different types of nanoparticles (NPs) made from (biodegradable) organic polymers, biopolymers or inorganic materials like silica or bound to their surface.
Micelles are of increasing importance as versatile carriers for hydrophobic substances and nanoprobes for a wide range of pharmaceutical, diagnostic, medical, and therapeutic applications. A key Parameter indicating the Formation and stability of micelles is the critical micelle concentration (CMC). In this respect, we determined the CMC of common anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants fluorometrically using different fluorescent probes and fluorescence Parameters for Signal detection and ompared the results with conductometric and surface Tension measurements. Based upon These results, requirements, Advantages, and pitfalls of each methods are discussed. Our study underlines the versatility of fluorometric methods that do not impose specific requirements on surfactants and are especially suited for the quantification of very low CMC values. Conductivity and surface Tension measurements yield smaller uncertainties particularly for high CMC values, yet are more time- and substance consuming and not suitable for every surfactant.
Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are of great interest for biomedical applications. Currently, the applicability of UCNP bionanotechnology is hampered by the generally low luminescence intensity of UCNPs and inefficient energy Transfer from UCNPs to surface-bound chromophores used e.g. for photodynamic therapy or analyte sensing. In this work, we address the low-Efficiency issue by developing versatile core-Shell nanostructures, where high-concentration sensitizers and activators are confined in the core and Shell Region of representative hexagonal NaYF2:Yb,Er UCNPs. After Doping concentration optimization, the sensitizer-rich core is able to harvest/accumulate more excitation energy and generate almost one order of Magnitude higher luminescence intesity than conventional homogeneously doped nanostructures. At the same time, the activator Ions located in the Shell enable a ~6 times more efficient resonant energy Transfer from UCNPs to surface-bound acceptor dye molecules due to the short distance between donor-acceptor pairs. Our work provides new insights into the rational design of UCNPs and will greatly encrease the General applicability of upconversion nanotechnologies.
Cell-to-cell variation and specialization in sugar metabolism in clonal bacterial populations
(2017)
While we have good understanding of bacterial metabolism at the population level, we know little about the metabolic behavior of individual cells: do single cells in clonal populations sometimes specialize on different metabolic pathways? Such metabolic specialization could be driven by stochastic gene expression and could provide individual cells with growth benefits of specialization. We measured the degree of phenotypic specialization in two parallel metabolic pathways, the assimilation of glucose and arabinose. We grew Escherichia coli in chemostats, and used isotope-labeled sugars in combination with nanometer-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry and mathematical modeling to quantify sugar assimilation at the single-cell level. We found large variation in metabolic activities between single cells, both in absolute assimilation and in the degree to which individual cells specialize in the assimilation of different sugars. Analysis of transcriptional reporters indicated that this variation was at least partially based on cell-to-cell variation in gene expression. Metabolic differences between cells in clonal populations could potentially reduce metabolic incompatibilities between different pathways, and increase the rate at which parallel reactions can be performed.
Plastik in Böden
(2017)
Subsurface granitic environments are scarce and poorly investigated. A multi-disciplinary approach was used to characterize the abundant moonmilk deposits and associated microbial communities coating the granite walls of the 16th Century Paranhos spring water tunnel in Porto city (north-west Portugal). It is possible that this study is the first record of moonmilk in an urban subsurface granitic environment. The morphology and texture, mineralogical composition, stable isotope composition and microbial diversity of moonmilk deposits have been studied to infer the processes of moonmilk formation. These whitish secondary mineral deposits are composed of very fine needle fibre calcite crystals with different morphologies and density. Calcified filaments of fungal hyphae or bacteria were distinguished by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Stable isotope analysis revealed a meteoric origin of the needle fibre calcite, with an important contribution of atmospheric CO2, soil respiration and HCO3 − from weathering of Ca-bearing minerals. The DNA-based analyses revealed the presence of micro-organisms related to urban contamination, including Actinobacteria, mainly represented by Pseudonocardia hispaniensis, Thaumarchaeota and Ascomycota, dominated by Cladosporium. This microbial composition is consistent with groundwater pollution and contamination sources of the overlying urban area, including garages, petrol stations and wastewater pipeline leakage, showing that the Paranhos tunnel is greatly perturbed by anthropogenic activities. Whether the identified micro-organisms are involved in the formation of the needle fibre calcite or not is difficult to demonstrate, but this study evidenced both abiotic and biogenic genesis for the calcite moonmilk in this subsurface granitic environment.
Melanised cell walls and extracellular polymeric matrices protect rock-inhabiting microcolonial fungi from hostile environmental conditions. How extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) perform this protective role was investigated by following development of the model microcolonial black fungus Knufia petricola A95 grown as a sub-aerial biofilm. Extracellular substances were extracted with NaOH/formaldehyde and the structures of two excreted polymers studied by methylation as well as NMR analyses. The main polysaccharide (~ 80%) was pullulan, also known as α-1,4-; α-1,6-glucan, with different degrees of polymerisation. Αlpha-(1,4)-linked-Glcp and α-(1,6)-linked-Glcp were present in the molar ratios of 2:1. A branched galactofuromannan with an α-(1,2)-linked Manp main chain and a β-(1,6)-linked Galf side chain formed a minor fraction (~ 20%). To further understand the roles of EPS in the weathering of minerals and rocks, viscosity along with corrosive properties were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The kinetic viscosity of extracellular K. petricola A95 polysaccharides (≈ 0.97 × 10-6 m2 s-1) ranged from the equivalent of 2% (w/v) to 5% glycerine, and could thus profoundly affect diffusion-dominated processes. The corrosive nature of rock-inhabiting fungal EPS was also demonstrated by its effects on the aluminium coating of the AFM cantilever and the silicon layer below.
After a brief introduction into past and modern concrete, the relevance of sustainable concrete technologies is emphasised from a global perspective. In order to minimise the environmental impact of cement and concrete in the world, solutions for alternative binder materials as well as rheology and performance modifying additives are presented based on local bio-based resources.
However, the perception of bio-based constituents is typically rather negative in construction materials and its application is often limited to low-end construction. In order to show that this is not inevitable, the lecture ends with a number of case studies for the use of bio-based materials for high performance concrete applications.
Two novel species of the fungal genus Ochroconis, O. lascauxensis and O. anomala have been isolated from the walls of the Lascaux Cave, France. The interest in these fungi and their melanins lies in the formation of black stains on the walls and rock art which threatens the integrity of the paintings. Here we report solid-state cross polarization magic-angle spinning 13C and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of the melanins extracted from the mycelia of O. lascauxensis and O. anomala in order to known their chemical structure. The melanins from these two species were compared with those from other fungi. The melanins from the Ochroconis species have similar SERS and 13C and 15N NMR spectra. Their chemical structures as suggested by the data are not related to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, 5,6-dihydroxyindole or 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene precursors and likely the building blocks from the melanins have to be based on other phenols that react with the N-terminal amino acid of proteins. The analytical pyrolysis of the acid hydrolysed melanin from O. lascauxensis supports this assumption.
Many wooden artworks are contaminated by DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) as a result of a surface treatment by means of the liquid preservative Hylotox-59©. It was used until the end of the 1980s. DDT crystal structures are formed on the wood surfaces by the "blooming" of chlorine compounds. In addition to an aesthetic disturbance, it is assumed that DDT represents a health risk. Even decades after applying, the toxins in the wood preservatives are still detectable because they are of low volatility in many wood samples. Contaminated waste wood with natural biocide ageing, gilded and wood carved elements of an old picture frame and wooden samples with paint layers were provided by the Schlossmuseum Sondershausen. Non-contact procedures using laser and plasma appear reasonable to remove the DDT crystals. During the experiments, health and safety issues for the operator have to be taken into account.
The removal of DDT was evaluated employing femtosecond and nanosecond laser radiation and cold atmospheric plasma techniques with different working gases (air, nitrogen, and argon). Before laser application, a chlorine measurement representing the DDT density on the wooden surface is done by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis as reference. After laser processing, the XRF analysis is used again at the same surface position to determine the depletion rate. Additionally, a documentation and characterization of the sample surface is performed before and after laser and plasma treatment using optical microscopy (OM). For plasma processing with various systems a chlorine measurement is done by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis.
Improving the energy efficiency of products was identified as the most important short-term opportunity to decrease energy consumption and therefore CO2-emission worldwide. More efficient products are created due to technical innovation. Restricting market access to efficient products only and making the most efficient products stand out by energy labelling are legislative tools to encourage this development. Market surveillance authorities’ checks are fundamental to protect the consumer from wrongly declared goods on the market and ensure fair competition between manufacturers. However, the activities of market surveillance authorities are limited by their financial resources. Testing all product efficiency parameters in an accredited laboratory is very time consuming and cost intensive. In this study, a theoretical concept is presented which can be used to develop screening tests in order to perform product tests by market surveillance authorities with less financial resources. The method identifies components which lead to non-compliance or make a product less energy efficient with minimum effort. The concept is based on a combination of random product tests, dismantling specific products and comparing components. This represents a new approach in product testing procedures beyond the current market surveillance activities. The concept is being tested within a research project funded by the German government.
Recovery potential of Scandium and other critical raw materials from European industrial by-products
(2017)
Technological evolution and modern advances in the field of renewable energies are connected to an increasing demand on critical raw materials and especially technological metals.
Recently, interest in the element scandium (Sc) has started to grow due to its positive influence on material properties e.g. in high performance-alloys, solid-oxide-fuel cells and solid-state lasers. Therefore, a rise in value and demand is expected in the near future.
This study focuses on the reliable and sufficient methodology of measuring Sc and other critical raw materials in secondary waste products from the Al2O3- and Ti2O producing industry. It also targets the examination of Sc-bearing phases and their potential influence in the recovery of Sc from above mentioned materials. Essentially, chemical and structural analyses and characterization of European red muds and its Sc-bearing mineral phases are carried out.
Furthermore, analogue investigations are performed for filter cakes and acid slurries that incur during TiO2 production.
Red muds and TiO2 filter cakes from several European countries have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray-fluorescence, ICP-MS and -OES. Analytical procedures performed are based on previous studies and different methods are tested and compared to ensure reliable data from ICP-MS and -OES measurements.
Red mud samples were found to contain ~60-100 mg/kg Sc. Main mineral phases are Hematite, Gibbsite, Boehmite, Cancrinite, Diaspore, Perovskite, Rutile, Katoite and Quartz in variable amounts. Samples from TiO2-production contain up to 400 mg/kg of Sc and significant amounts of niobium and cerium. The main mineral phases are Rutile, Calcite, Quartz, Graphite and Iron-Oxide-Chloride. Generally, it is assumed that Sc is associated with iron and titanium-bearing phases such as Ilmenite and Rutile as it was found in REE deposits in China. Hence, These phases are studied in more detail with advanced structural analyses such as X-ray Absorption near edge structure (XANES) and point-based mineral chemistry analyses by electron microprobe. The study is incorporated in the SCALE project (GA No. 730105) funded by European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and aims to secure a European supply chain for Sc from metallurgical by-products.
Referenzmaterialien zur Qualitätssicherung von Emissionsprüfungen - Aktueller Stand und Ausblick
(2017)
Aus alltäglichen Produkten, wie Baumaterialien oder Möbeln können flüchtige organische Verbindungen (VOC) emittieren. Eine gesunde Innenraumluftqualität kann daher durch Produktkontrolle und Auswahl emissionsarmer Produkte erreicht werden. Untersuchungen von Materialemissionen werden in der Regel in sogenannten Emissionsprüfkammern unter kontrollierten, innenraumähnlichen Bedingungen durchgeführt. Zur Sicherung der Zuverlässigkeit solcher Prüfungen müssen Prüflaboratorien Qualitätssicherungs- und -kontrollmaßnahmen implementieren. Zur Überprüfung der Emissionsprüfkammermethode werden Referenzmaterialien, die in ihren Eigenschaften konstant sind und sich wie reale Prüfstücke verhalten, benötigt. Sie sind derzeit aber kommerziell nicht erhältlich.
Auf den 7. Sächsisch-Thüringischen Bodenschutztagen wurden dem Fachpublikum die Ziele und erste Ergebnisse des laufenden UFOPLAN-Forschungsvorhabens „Monitoring zur Verwertung von Bodenmaterial“ vorgestellt.
Ziel eines laufenden UFOPLAN-Vorhabens ist es, Datendefizite für Bodenmaterialien, die unter die neuen Kriterien der Verwertungsmöglichkeiten außerhalb der durchwurzelbaren Bodenschicht nach den §§ 6 bis 8 der Novelle der BBodSchV fallen, zu schließen und potenzielle Verwertungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen.
Neben den Feststoffwerten wird dabei das Elutionsverhalten zur Bewertung herangezogen. Durch die Umstellung des Elutionsverfahrens von einem W/F von 10 l/kg (bisherige Regelung in der LAGA M 20) auf ein W/F von 2 l/kg bestehen erhebliche Unsicherheiten im Hinblick auf die Einstufung von Bodenmaterialien zur Verwertung.
Auf dem Rostocker Bodenschutzsymposium 2017 wurden dem Fachpublikum die Ziele und erste Ergebnisse den laufenden UFOPLAN-Forschungsvorhabens "Monitoring zur Verwertung von Bodenmaterial" vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Ziel eines laufenden UFOPLAN-Vorhabens ist es, Datendefizite für Bodenmaterialien, die unter die neuen Kriterien der Verwertungsmöglichkeiten außerhalb der durchwurzelbaren Bodenschicht nach den §§ 6 bis 8 der Novelle der BBodSchV fallen, zu schließen und potenzielle Verwertungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen.
Neben den Feststoffwerten wird dabei das Elutionsverhalten zur Bewertung herangezogen. Durch die Umstellung des Elutionsverfahrens von einem W/F von 10 l/kg (bisherige Regelung in der LAGA M 20) auf ein W/F von 2 l/kg bestehen erhebliche Unsicherheiten im Hinblick auf die Einstufung von Bodenmaterialien zur Verwertung.
Neben der Untersuchung relevanter Bodenmaterialien werden auch vorhandene Daten ausgewertet. Der Schwerpunkt der Untersuchungen wurde auf die Schadstoffgruppe der PAK gelegt. Dabei werden auch Probleme der Vergleichbarkeit verschiedener Verfahren der PAK-Analytik angesprochen.
Investigations of the metabolic pathway of mycotoxins by microsomal techniques are often laborious, causing an increasing demand for easy and rapid simulation methods. Thus, the non-microsomal oxidation technique of electrochemistry coupled online to mass spectrometry (EC/MS) was applied to simulate phase I biotransformation of the Fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA). The obtained transformation products were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR) and HPLC-MS/MS. Transformation products (TPs) from EC/MS were compared to those of other oxidative methods such as Fenton-like and Ce(IV) reactions and metabolites derived from in vitro assays (human and rat liver microsomes). Electrochemical oxidization of ZEA was achieved by applying a potential between 0 and 2,500 mV vs. Pd/H2 using a flow-through cell with a boron-doped diamond working electrode. Several mono-hydroxylated TPs were generated by EC/MS and Fenton-like reaction, which could also be found in microsomal in vitro assays. EC and Ce(IV) led to the formation of structurally different ZEA dimers and dimeric quinones probably connected over covalent biaryl C-C and C-O-C bonds. Although the dimerization of phenolic compounds is often observed in natural processes, ZEA dimers have not yet been reported. This is the first report on the formation of stable ZEA dimers and their related quinones. The tested non-microsomal methods, in particular EC/MS, could be useful in order to predict the biotransformation products of mycotoxins, even in cases where one to one simulation is not always feasible.
Because ammonia and its reaction products can cause considerable damage to human health and ecosystems, there is a need for reliably operating and reversibly interacting sensor materials to monitor traces of gaseous ammonia in ambient air, which at best can be used on-site for in-the-field measurements. Herein, the development of a sensor material for gaseous ammonia in the lower ppm to ppb range using optical fluorescence as transduction mechanism is presented. A fluorescent dye, which shows reversible fluorescence enhancement in the presence of ammonia is incorporated into a polymer matrix, the latter to ensure the accumulation of ammonia. The sensor material is integrated into a prototype of a miniaturized sensor device, facilitating long-term operation. To calibrate the optical sensor system a gas standard generator, producing standard gas mixtures, is used, leading to a sensitivity down to lower ppm concentrations of ammonia.
Pollution through emission of toxic gases is of utmost environmental concern, raising the interest in developing reliable gas sensors. Exemplarily, ammonia and its conversion products can provoke considerable damage on human health and ecosystems. Hence, there is a need for reliable and reversible sensor materials to monitor traces of gaseous ammonia in ambient air, which at best can be used on-site for field measurements. Although various types of sensors such as potentiometric, amperometric, and biological sensors are available for detecting trace amounts of gases, fluorescent sensors have gained importance due to several advantages such as high sensitivity, possible miniaturization, as well as potential multiplexing. Herein, we present the development of a sensor material for gaseous ammonia in the lower ppm or even ppb range using optical fluorescence as transduction mechanism due to its intrinsically high sensitivity and high spatial resolution.[1] Therefore, a fluorescent dye, which shows reversible fluorescence enhancement in the presence of the analyte was incorporated into a polymer matrix, the latter to ensure the accumulation of ammonia. To calibrate the designed optical sensor system a gas standard generator was used, producing standard gas mixtures, which comply with the metrological traceability for ammonia gas standards in the desired environmentally relevant measurement range.[2] Beside the development of a highly sensitive, selective, and reversible sensor, the integration of such systems into mobile sensor devices is addressed. Therefore, a prototype of a miniaturized hand-held instrument was developed enabling a straightforward and long-term read-out of the measurement signal.
Sewage sludge ashes contain high phosphorus (P) mass fractions and can be used as raw material for P-fertilizers. We developed a thermochemical treatment at 900-1000 °C, known as AshDec process. The phosphorus compounds in the ash react with alkali additives (e.g. Na2SO4, K2SO4) to highly plant available calcium alkali phosphates. We investigate the system CaNaPO4-CaKPO4 (e.g. thermodynamic data) and phase reaction mechanisms as well as the optimization of additive input and process parameters for a later use of the treated ashes as P-fertilizers.
MaUS is an acronym for ”Material und Umweltsimulationen“. Plastics are in the focus of environmental politics due to their long term behaviour and therefore to their persistence. Not only that they appear as visible contaminants in the sea and on the beach, but their unknown behaviour concerning their additives as well as the related transformation products are anxious. Therefore, a certified reference procedure must be established to provide a method for testing plastics.
The aim of this project is the development of fast motion standard reference methods for testing plastics regarding to their environmental compatibility. To establish these testing methods polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) with environmental relevant brominated flame retardants were used, known for their persistent bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) properties. In case of PS the material contains 1 wt.% of 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromo-cyclododecan (HBCD) and in case of PP 0.1 wt.% of a defined bromodiphenylether (BDE-209) were chosen. These additives are known as substances of very high concern (SVHC). Furthermore, polycarbonate (PC), which is still used as material in baby flasks and releases Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogenic active substance is used as a model material.
Finally PTFE is used regarding to its importance as a source for two ubiquitous environmental substances PFOS and PFOA, whose toxicological effects are still incompletely known.
The focus in this current work is set on the transfer of potential pollutants out of the applied materials mentioned above into environmental compartments like water or soil. Here an accelerated aging concept should be developed to shortened time consuming natural processes. For these resulting simulations a programmable weathering chamber with dry and wet periods and with high and low temperatures is used. These programmes run for several weeks and according to a defined sampling schedule water samples were taken. After a distinct clean-up procedure the samples were analysed by HPLC-UV, LC-MS/MS or GC-MS. Of most interest in case of flame retardants are photocatalytic transformation products. Therefore, a non-target-screening resp. a suspected target-screening by LC-MS/MS and HRMS must be applied.
Homogeneity of dispersed brominated flame retardants (HBCD) in polystyrene by LA-ICP-MS and XRF
(2017)
To investigate the release or migration of flame retardants from polypropylene (PP) and polysytrene (PS) samples with a defined content of flame retardants as additives were prepared and used. Therefore a distinct 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane HBCD concentration of 1 wt.% in PS resp. a specified bromodiphenylether (BDE-209) of 0.1 wt.% in PP is defined. For the preparation of the samples granular PP or PS are extruded together with the BFR additives. Even the result of this process may lead to homogenous partitions of the BFR additives. So, the distribution of these additives must be proven before using the samples in an experimental setup for weathering studies. In accordance to the regulation of RoHS (2011/65/EU) , where the use of XRF is recommended for the proof of flame retardants in electronic consumer products, we use this method as a reference to the laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Therefore we present the correlation of these experiments. The experimental setup for the XRF experiment is like a standard addition: in cavities, which are introduced in the sample plates subsequently, solutions of defined concentration of flame retardants are put in there. According to the idea of standard addition, we get an information of the originating mass fraction of flame retardant in each sample and we can monitor the release and migration of these additives during/after the weathering experiments with high precision. An internal standard of HBCD is added as a marker and can be analyzed after the weathering experiment.
The rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 elements from the lanthanide series including scandium and yttrium that share similar physical and chemical properties. They are progressively important for transition to a green, low-carbon economy due to their vital role in electric cars, permanent magnets, fluorescent lamps, rechargeable NiMH batteries, catalysts and other applications. In reality, the term “rare” is misleading as these elements are widely present in the earth’s crust. However, even if not rare, REEs have a high supply risk due to the geopolitical situation e.g. resulting from limited Chinese exports. This, along with their importance in various clean and high-tech applications, has led the EU and the U.S. to label certain REEs, especially europium, terbium and yttrium as critical elements. Recycling is often considered as one of the ways to reduce REEs criticality, especially the import dependency.
A recycling strategy for REE requires reliable analytical data of different types of waste streams. The REE bearing waste matrices can be completely different depending on its origin. Digestion methods prior to ICP-OES / -MS analysis must be optimized for the different matrices to guarantee reliable results. We present two examples of different REE bearing waste streams - fluorescence lamp shredder waste and red mud - and show how the analytical procedures were optimized.
Cetirizine (CTZ) is an antihistaminic drug present in the aquatic environment, with limited information on its toxicity to organisms inhabiting this system. This study intended to evaluate the effects of CTZ on oxidative stress and energy metabolism biomarkers in the edible clam Ruditapes philippinarum after a 28 days exposure to environmentally relevant CTZ concentrations (0.0, 0.3, 3.0, 6.0 and 12.0 mu g/L). The results obtained showed that CTZ was accumulated by clams reaching maximum concentrations (up to similar to 22 ng/g FW) at the highest CTZ exposure concentrations (6.0 and 12.0 mu g/L). The bioconcentration factor (average maximum values of similar to 5) decreased at 12.0 mu g/L reflecting a reduction in clams uptake or increase of excretion capacity at this condition. The present study revealed that, in general, clams decreased the metabolic potential after exposure to CTZ (decrease in electron transport system activity), a response that led to the maintenance of glycogen content in organisms exposed to CTZ in comparison to control values. Our findings also showed that, CTZ did not exert significant levels of oxidative injury to clams. However, comparing the control with the highest exposure concentrations (6.0 and 12.0 mu g/L) a significant increase of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide activity (similar to 53 and similar to 44%) was observed in clams exposed to CTZ. Moreover, a tendency to increase lipid peroxidation (similar to 14 and similar to 9%) and carbonyl groups on proteins (similar to 11 and similar to 3%) was observed in clams exposed to CTZ (6.0 and 12.0 mu g/L) compared to control condition. Overall the present study suggests that toxic impacts may be induced in R. philippinarum if exposed for longer periods or higher CTZ concentrations.
The preparation of porphyrins and phthalocyanines covalently attached onto nanostructured magnetic supports consisting of magnetite nanoparticles coated with an amorphous silica shell is reported. The easy recovery of these heterogeneous photocatalysts, just by applying an external magnetic field, allows their reuse in multiple treatment cycles. The photocatalytic activity of the non-immobilized photosensitizers and the obtained hybrid materials was evaluated in the degradation of 17 beta-estradiol, as a model organic pollutant present in water, using batch and flow mode treatment systems, assisted by visible light radiation (4 mW cm(-2)). The flow mode system potentiated the photocatalytic capacity of these novel hybrid materials. In order to improve the process, further studies based on different photocatalyst concentration and pH conditions were performed. Reuse capacity of these materials was investigated upon three photocatalytic cycles.
The bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis collected in the Ria de Aveiro, was selected to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) at environmentally relevant concentrations. CBZ is an antiepileptic drug widely found in the aquatic environment with toxic effects to inhabiting organisms. However, few studies evaluated the acute and chronic toxicity of this drug. The experiment was performed 'by exposing mussels to 0.0, 0.3, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 CBZ mu g/L, for 96 h and 28 days. To assess the toxicity of the drug, a battery of biomarkers related to mussels general physiological health status and oxidative stress was applied. CBZ was quantified in mussel tissues by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The results obtained show that CBZ did not induce oxidative stress. However, our findings,demonstrated that the drug was taken up by mussels even though presenting low bioconcentration factor (BCF) values (up to 2.2). Furthermore, our results demonstrated that after a chronic exposure the physiological parameters, namely the condition and gonadosomatic indices, were negatively affected which may impair organisms' reproductive capacity with consequences to population sustainability.
Für Klärschlämme existieren verschiedene Verfahren der thermischen Behandlung. Neben der Monoverbrennung werden Klärschlämme auch in Kraftwerken zusammen mit Braun- oder Steinkohle, in Müllverbrennungsanlagen und Zementwerken mitverbrannt. Eine Rückgewinnung des Nährstoffs Phosphor wird durch Mitverbrennung des Klärschlamms erschwert bis unmöglich gemacht. Aus diesem Grund sind zukünftig der Mitverbrennung Phosphorrückgewinnungsverfahren vorzuschalten. Neben der Verbrennung existieren alternative thermische Verfahren wie die Niedertemperaturkonvertierung, die Pyrolyse, die Hydrothermale Carbonisierung und die Vergasung. Alle Verfahren werden im Vortrag mit Beispielen vorgestellt.
Recent studies have become increasingly focused on the assessment of pharmaceuticals occurrence in aquatic ecosystems, however the potential toxicity to non-target organisms is still largely unknown. The antihistamine cetirizine is a commonly used pharmaceutical, already detected in surface waters of marine aquatic systems worldwide. In the present study Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were exposed to a range of cetirizine concentrations (0.3, 3.0, 6.0 and 12.0 mu/L), resembling moderate to highly contaminated areas, over 28 days. The responses of different biochemical markers were evaluated in mussels whole soft tissue, and included energy-related parameters (glycogen content, GLY; protein content, PROT; electron transport system activity, ETS), and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase activity, SOD; catalase activity, CAT; glutathione S-transferases activity, GSTs; lipid peroxidation levels, LPO; reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione content). The results obtained demonstrated that with the increase of exposure concentrations mussels tended to increase their energy reserves and maintain their metabolic potential, which was significantly higher only at the highest concentration. Our findings clearly revealed that cetirizine inhibited the activity of GSTs and although induced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) mussels were not able to prevent cellular damages observed through the increase of LPO associated to the increase of exposure concentrations. Thus, this study confirmed that cetirizine induces toxic effects in Mytilus galloprovincialis, which, considering their trophic relevance, wide use as bioindicator and wide spatial distribution of this species, can result in ecological and economic negative impacts at a large scale.
Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an antiepileptic drug commonly detected in aquatic systems, with toxic effects to inhabiting organisms. Limited information is known on stress response biomarkers associated to bioconcentration and depuration of CBZ in aquatic organisms. Moreover, few studies addressed if the response and recovery of organisms to a contaminant can change when they are collected in a contaminated site. This study intended to understand the bioconcentration and depuration of CBZ combined with its toxicological impact in Scrobicularia plana clams collected from two contrasting areas (MIRA, Mira channel, non-contaminated and LAR, Laranjo bay, arithropogenically impacted) from the Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). The clams were exposed for 14 days to environmentally relevant CBZ concentrations (0.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mu g/L), followed by a 14 day depuration period. CBZ concentrations in S. plana tissues were rapidly bioconcentrated during the exposure period. In the depuration period CBZ was eliminated, in some extent. The main toxic effects occurred at the highest concentration (8.0 mu g/L) after 14 days of exposure in which the clams from LAR accumulated ahigher CBZ concentration (LAR: similar to 10 ng/g FW) than clams from MIRA (MIRA: similar to 7 ng/g FW). LAR clams exhibited higher oxidative damage at this concentration, demonstrated by higher LPO levels over time (increase of similar to 1.4% relative to control) and, in comparison with MIRA clams (LAR: 17.7 nmol/g FW; MIRA: 11.4 nmol/g FW). After the depuration period, LAR clams recovered from the stress induced by CBZ. A decrease in LPO for LAR (decrease of similar to 40% in relation to the end of the exposure period) was accompanied by a decrease in CBZ tissue concentrations (decrease of similar to 61% relative to the end of the exposure period). MIRA clams were not oxidatively injured (low LPO levels remained unchanged after the depuration and CBZ decreased similar to 80% relative to the end of the exposure period).
An extraction of silica from natural sands of Bancar has been conducted by means of alkali fusion route using NaOH and mechanical alloying using planetary ball milling. The PANI/SiO2 Composite system has been coated in steel surfaces using spraying method. This study was designed to obtain PANI/SiO2 as an anti-corrosion coating material. The filler materials in the composite System consist of micro- and nano-SiO2. The structure of synthesized SiO2 be characterized using XRD and TEM. Corrosion of PANI/SiO2 composite has been tested using immersion method in synthetic geothermal atmosphere (Nord Deutsche Becken/NDB solution). The surface morphology after corrosion was observed by using SEM/EDX. XRD-Patterns and TEM show that the size of produced SiO2 is micro and nano. The size and composition of filler have influenced to surface degradation in geothermal atmosphere significantly. The addition of nano-SiO2 in the PANI matrix influenced corrosion resistance better than micro-SiO2 filler qualitatively. The nano-SiO2 has a high potential as an anti-corrosion material in geothermal atmosphere. The product of corrosion is mainly Fe2O3 and the corrosion process is identified as a pitting corrosion.
The lecture gives information about analytical methods for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and especially the equipment at BAM division 4.2. Examples are given for chamber test measurements and thermal extraction of materials. A special focus is put on chemical and particle emissions during 3-D-printing with thermoplastic filaments.
Im Beitrag wird über die mühevolle Sanierung von Objekten eines Kunstzweiges in Polen berichtet, der eine besondere diffizile Stellung in der langen Reihe von Werken der Kunst einnimmt. Es geht dabei um die bleiverglasten farbigen Fensterverschlüsse in Kirchen oder Profangebäuden. Das sind feingliedrige Gitterwerke aus zerbrechlichen und korrosionsanfälligen Materialien, die durch aggressive Umweltschadstoffe schweren Belastungen ausgesetzt sind. Wie bei keinem anderen Kunstzweig haben die einzelnen Bestandteile der Glasmalerei sowohl praktisch-technische als auch ästhetisch-künstlerische Aufgaben zu erfüllen. Bei der Restaurierung dieser Glasmalereifenster geht darum, neuentwickelte Methoden der Restaurierung oder Konservierung anzuwenden und letzte Erkenntnisse naturwissenschaftlicher Forschung zu nutzen. Diese Projekte sind ein Beispiel der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit zwischen Denkmalpflegern, Naturwissenschaftlern und Restauratoren aus Deutschland und Polen. An ausgewählten Restaurierungsobjekten wird von der fachgerechten, denkmalpflegerisch verantwortungsbewussten Arbeit berichtet.
Recycled plastic granules of high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene the size of microplastics were exposed to artificial aging conditions (2000 h; photooxidative and thermo-oxidative) to simulate their fate outdoors. Their potential to leach into water during the aging process was investigated using column percolation tests.
Aging-related changes on the surface of the material were characterised by IR measurements indicating oxidation reactions with the formation of new adsorption bands (C=O, C–O and OH), especially in the case of photooxidative aging.
These findings were confirmed by the identification of leachable organic compounds. Leaching of total organic carbon, Cl, Ca, Cu and Zn is clearly affected by changes due to aging, and their release is increased after photooxidative aging.
In general, exposure to photooxidative conditions shows a greater influence on aging and thus on leaching and seems to be the more important mechanism for the aging of microplastic in the environment. Comparison with the total content of inorganic species revealed that, for most elements, less than 3% of the total content is released after 2000 h of photooxidative aging.
Fluorescence based sensing is a versatile approach for the trace analysis outside of the laboratory, requiring suitable sensor materials and their integration into sensing devices. The versatility of fluorophores as probes, especially in terms of the possibility to tailor their optical as well as their recognition properties by synthetic modifications in a wide range, renders them a superior active component for the preparation of optical sensor devices. Recent works at BAM in this field include, for example, the detection of nerve gas agents, illustrating impressively the aforementioned benefits of fluorophores in optical sensing applications.
In the interdisciplinary approach presented here, we target hazardous gases such as ammonia, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide, next to others, which pose a major threat to human health and environmental safety and for which the availability of a sensitive and reliable detection method is highly desirable.
The dyes presented follow a “turn-on” fluorescence schematic which allows for the selective and sensitive detection of the respective gaseous analyte. The immobilization of the probe in polymeric matrices is then the next step toward the fabrication of a prototype device for molecular sensing.
In Germany, the direct material input (DMI) was 1727 million tons in the year 2014. This figure would be even higher by more than 14 % if no secondary materials were already used in industrial production. For example, production of secondary Cu is advantageous due to lower energy consumption and conservation of scarce natural resources. The presentation will discuss pathways to increase the use of secondary raw materials to foster a circular economy with a focus on waste treatment processes.
Leaking methane (CH4) from infrastructures, such as pipelines and landfills, is critical for the environment but can also pose a safety risk. To enable a fast detection and localization of these kind of leaks, we developed a novel robotic platform for aerial remote gas sensing. Spectroscopic measurement methods for remote sensing of selected gases lend themselves for use on mini-copters, which offer a number of advantages for inspection and surveillance over traditional methods. No direct contact with the target gas is needed and thus the influence of the aerial platform on the measured gas plume can be kept to a minimum. This allows to overcome one of the major issues with gas-sensitive mini-copters. On the other hand, remote gas sensors, most prominently Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) sensors have been too bulky given the payload and energy restrictions of mini-copters. Here, we present the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Remote Gas Sensing (UAV-REGAS), which combines a novel lightweight TDLAS sensor with a 3-axis aerial stabilization gimbal for aiming on a versatile hexacopter. The proposed system can be deployed in scenarios that cannot be addressed by currently available robots and thus constitutes a significant step forward for the field of Mobile Robot Olfaction (MRO). It enables tomographic reconstruction of gas plumes and a localization of gas sources. We also present first results showing its performance under realistic conditions.
Ziel war die Entwicklung neuer Konzepte für die Herstellung sicherer, energieeffizienter und erschwinglicher Materialien für Gebäudehüllen und Innenwände für ein gesünderes Wohnklima.
Es werden Komposit-Fertigteile aus UHPC mit Wärmedämmung aus Porenbeton und aus Textilfaserbeton mit Wärmedämmung aus Schaumbeton vorgestellt.
Diskutiert werden die Strategien zum Erreichen einer erhöhten Dauerhaftigkeit und Ressourceneffizienz sowie zur Erzeugung multifunktionaler Oberflächen.
In the KonSens Project, sensor systems are developed, validated, and operated in form of functional models for the application areas Structure Integrated Sensors and Mobile Multi-gas Sensors. Key aspects are the detection and evaluation of corrosion processes in reinforced concrete structures as well as the detection and quantification of very low concentrations of toxic gases in air. The adaption of sensor principles from the lab into real-life application including appropriate communication techniques is a major task.
In recent years, Structural Health Monitoring have gained in importance, since growing age of buildings and infrastructure as well as increasing load requirements demand for reliable surveillance methods. In this regard, the project follows two strategies: First, the development and implementation of completely embedded sensor systems consisting of RFID-tag and in situ sensors, and their further application potential (e.g. for precast concrete elements, roadways, wind power plants, and maritime structures). Secondly, the development of a long-term stable, miniaturized, fiber optic sensor for a ratiometric and referenced measurement of the pH-value in concrete based on fluorescence detection as an indicator for carbonation and corrosion.
Environmental pollution through emission of toxic gases becomes an increasing problem not only in agriculture (e.g. biogas plants) and industry but also in urban areas. This leads to increasing demand to monitor environmental emissions as well as ambient air and industrial air components in many scenarios and in even lower concentrations than nowadays. The selectivity of luminescence-based sensors is enabled by the combination of the sensing dye and the material, which is used as accumulation medium for concentration of the analyte. This principle allows for developing gas sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity of defined substances. Additional benefits, particularly of fluorescence-based sensors, are their capability for miniaturization and potential multiplex mode. Objective is the development and implementation of sensors based on fluorescence detection for defined toxic gases (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, and benzene) with sensitivity in the low ppm or even ppb range. Additionally, the integration of such sensors in mobile sensor devices is addressed.
Der Vortrag stellt die Arbeit der BAM und des Fachbereichs 4.2 Materialien und Luftschadstoffe vor und erläutert die Vorgehensweise bei der Erfassung von Materialemissionen in die Luft. Es wird auf die Problematik der diskontinuierlichen Probenahme hingewiesen und die Vorzüge kontinuierlicher online-Messverfahren für solche Messungen erörtert.
Mandatory for the comparison of different emitter classes and the rational design of the next generation of molecular and nanoscale reporters are reliable and quantitative photoluminescence measurements. This is of special relevance for all fluorescence applications in the life and material sciences. In the following, proccedures for the determination of this spectroscopic key parameter are presented including material-specific effects related to certain emitters
Comparison of fluorescence measurements performed on different fluorescence instruments, analyte quantification from fluorescence intensities as well as the determination of fluorescence quantum yields require instrument calibration and consideration of the wavelength-dependent instrument-specific quantities spectral photon flux reaching the sample and spectral responsivity. Here, we present guidelines and recommendations for the qualification of fluorescence instruments and introduce suitable chromophore-based reference materials. Moreover, the design concepts of the different BAM fluorescence standards are discussed.
A number of environmental monitoring projects were performed on historic stained-glass windows in Germany. The quality of the protective glazing was assessed by recording environmental parameters in the interspace between the original and the protective glazing and on the inside of the original window. For this purpose, temperature, humidity and air velocity were measured. Particles were sampled with different methods and analysed by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to determine their chemical composition. The effect of particles on model glass samples was investigated in climate chambers under accelerated weathering conditions.
Ammonia and its reaction products can cause considerable damage of human health and ecosystems, increasing the necessity for reliable and reversible sensors to monitor traces of gaseous ammonia in ambient air directly on-site or in the field. Although various types of gas sensors are available, fluorescence sensors have gained importance due to advantages such as high sensitivity and facile miniaturization.
Here, we present the development of a sensor material for the detection of gaseous ammonia in the lower ppm to ppb range by incorporation of a fluorescent dye, which shows reversible fluorescence modulations as a function of analyte concentration, into a polymer matrix to ensure the accumulation of ammonia. A gas standard generator producing standard gas mixtures, which comply with the metrological traceability in the desired environmentally relevant measurement range, was used to calibrate the optical sensor system. To integrate the sensor material into a mobile device, a prototype of a hand-held instrument was developed, enabling straightforward data acquisition over a long period.
Essential processes necessary for the establishment and maintenance of rock biofilms include photosynthesis, production of extracellular polymeric substances, substrate penetration and nutrient enrichment from the atmosphere. This natural functional diversity is supported by a complex biofilm community consisting of heterotrophic and phototrophic microorganisms. While heterotrophic rock biofilm-formers are dominated by stress-tolerant microcolonial ascomycetes, phototrophs might be represented by diverse algae and cyanobacteria. Reduction of model systems to the genetically tractable minimum, a proven successful experimental strategy in different symbiotic systems, is now applied to rock biofilms. These complex and important natural systems are simulated in the lab using genetic methods coupled with continuous microscopic and analytical (microscopic as well as geochemical and biochemical) observations. Our in vitro bipartite model includes free-living and symbiosis-competent, genetically tractable microorganisms – a rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola A95 and a cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme strain ATCC 29133. To accurately reflect the development of a rock biofilm, contacts of these two genetically tractable partners are studied under well-controlled laboratory conditions. This experimental strategy is strongly supported by the knockout mutants of Knufia petricola which have been recently created and will be compared in their action on mineral surfaces. An impact of Knufia petricola strain A95 with or without protective pigments on mineral adhesion and alteration will be presented.
Pharmacologically active compounds are often detected in wastewater and surface waters. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac was included in the watch list of substances in the EU that requires their environmental monitoring in the member states. DCF may harmfully influence the ecosystem and the natural organization already at concentrations of ≤1 μg/l. The fast and easy quantification of DCF is becoming a subject of global importance. Fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) is a homogeneous mix-and-read method, which does not require the immobilization of reagents, they can be performed in one phase, making it possible to analyze wastewater without any complicated pre-treatment, performed within 20–30 min.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common industrial chemical that is widely used as a monomer or additive in the production of polymer materials. This substance causes impairment of the childbearing function, acceleration of sexual aging, negatively impacts the brain, and also contributes to the development of certain oncological diseases, as well as increasing the risk of a fetus developing the Down syndrome. But the biggest downside of bisphenol is the fact that it accumulates in the system during its use, as well as after. Many methods have been proposed for the determination of BPA, in particular, gas and liquid chromatography. The main disadvantages of such approaches are the high cost of the equipment, the significant duration of an analysis, and difficulties in screening a large number of samples. Immunoanalytical techniques attributes are high throughput, high specificity and sensitivity, as well as low cost and simplicity. Particularly interesting as a quick test for screenings is the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), a format widely in use for the detection of pregnancy. LFIA for BPA have been described before, but lack sensitivity.
In this work, focuses on the conjugation (by passive adsorption) efficiency of the different monoclonal antibodies with 40 nm gold nanoparticles. The effect of factors such as pH value and concentration of antibody has been quantificationally discussed using spectra methods after adding 10% NaCl which induced gold nanoparticle aggregation. Consequently, 40 nm gold nanoparticles should be labeled with antibody under optimal pH value and optimal concentrations of antibody. It will be helpful for the application of antibody-labeled gold nanoparticles for the determination of bisphenol A in aqueous solutions (water from different sources, leachates and extracts).
Fungal melanins are distinctive markers of rock-inhabiting ascomycetes. These complex polyphenols play important roles in stress tolerance while being essential components of fungal cell walls and useful biomarkers. Here we report signatures of melanins and carotenoids in pigment mutant strains of the black yeast Knufia petricola A95 using Raman spectroscopy
Genetics for geomycology
(2017)
Black microcolonial fungi (MCF) are persistent inhabitants of rock surfaces. Biofilm establishment and more importantly, quantification of its geological input are so far only possible to be studied in simplified, well-controlled laboratory experiments. Therefore, the ability of MCF to cope with multiple, rapidly fluctuating stresses makes the group an interesting subject in the study of stress resistance but also in mineral weathering processes. We studied the role of protective pigments in stress resistance and mineral weathering of the rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola (Chaetothyriales) strain A95.
Mit dem BEMMA-Verfahren lassen sich flüchtige organische Verbindungen aus modernen Werkstoffen, die in mittel- oder unmittelbarem Kontakt mit historischen Materialien des Kunst- und Kulturgutes stehen, untersuchen und bewerten. Das Verfahren wurde im Rahmen eines AIF-Vorhabens und der Untersuchung von über 100 unterschiedlichen Materialien entwickelt. Weiterhin wurden mit den gewonnenen Ergebnissen und einigen zuvor bereits identifizierten Problemstoffen wie Essigsäure, Formaldehyd oder Oxime aus den Vorhabenerkenntnissen Bewertungskriterien erarbeitet. Die Vitrinenbaumaterialien, nicht die Vitrine, werden im Hinblick auf ihre Emissionen bewertet, wobei z. B. Holzwerkstoffe nicht bewertet werden, zumal diese meist mit Formaldehyd ein Emissionsproblem hätten. Der Einsatz von Materialien für Vitrinen, die gemäß BEMMA-Schema getestet wurden und die die Emissionswerte erfüllen, soll die Herstellung möglichst emissionsarmer Vitrinen ermöglichen. Kernstück des BEMMA-Schemas ist die Bewertung aller Messergebnisse gemäß dem im Folgenden dargestellten Untersuchungsablauf:
1. Beladen der µ-Kammer; 2. Probenahme der flüchtigen, kurzkettigen, organischen Säuren (ca. 0,5 bis 1 Stunde nach der Beladung für ca. 20 Stunden, 30 Liter Probenahmevolumen); 3. Probenahme der VOCs mit Tenax® (ca. 10 Minuten, 0,25 Liter Probenahmevolumen); 4. Probenahme Oxime und Piperidin-Derivate† mit Tenax® (ca. 40 Minuten, 1,0 Liter Probenahmevolumen); 5. Probenahme der Aldehyde und Ketone (für ca. 20 Stunden, 30 Liter Probenahmevolumen) Dabei werden 4 Sammlersysteme beladen und anschließend analysiert.
Die mit dem BEMMA Schema entwickelten Summenwerte für flüchtige organische Stoffe sind im Wesentlichen vor dem Hintergrund der Emissionsminimierung aufgestellt worden. Es gibt für viele VOC keine eindeutige Wechselwirkung mit den Objekten in der Vitrine, zumal diese auch aus vielen verschiedenen Werkstoffen bestehen können und ein VOC nicht mit all diesen reagieren wird. Grundsätzlich „verdächtig“ sind natürlich alle reaktiven Stoffe, wie z. B. Isocyanate. Diese werden aber aus gut gelagerten oder ausreichend belüfteten Baumaterialien für Vitrinen nicht abgegeben. Anorganische Schadgase können zwar in der Umgebungsluft verstärkt auftreten - sind aber aus Baumaterialien nicht zu erwarten. Daher kann das BEMMA-Schema auch nur für einen Teil der luftgetragenen Schadstoffe eine sinnvolle Aussage treffen.
Eines der Probleme bei der Bewertung vieler Kleb-/Dichtstoffe ist die Emission cyclischer Siloxane. Deren Schädigungspotential einzu¬schätzen wäre eine wichtige Aufgabe, um an dieser Stelle mehr Klarheit bei der Bewertung zu bekommen.
In this review we present new concepts and recent progress in the application of semiconductur quantum dots (QD) as labels in two important areas of biology, bioimaging and biosensing. We analyze the biologically relevant properties of QDs focusing on the following topics: QD surface treatment and stability labeling of cellular structures and receptors with QDs, incorporation of QDs in living cells, cytotoxicity of QDs and influence of the biolocical environment on the biological and optical properties of QDs. Initially, we consider utilization of QDs as agants in high-resolution bioimaging techniques that can provide information at the molecular levels. The deverse range of modern live-cell QD-based imaging techniques with resolution far beyond the diffraction limit of light is examined. In each technique, we discuss the pros and cons of QD use and deliberate how QDs can be further engineered to facilitate their application in the respective imaging techniques and to produce significant improvements in resolution. Then we review QD-based point-of-care bioassays, bioprobes, and biosensors designed in different formats ranging from analytic biochemistry assays and ELISA, to novel point-of-care smartphone integrated QD-based biotests. Here, a wide range of QD-based fluorescence bioassays with optical transduction, electrochemiluminescence and photoelectrochemical assays are discussedc. Finally, this review provides an analysis of the prospects of application of QDs in selected important Areas of biology.
Methanogenic Archaea
(2017)
Different environmental samples reveal that methanogenic Archaea are part of a multi-species biofilm on corroding metallic structures. Studies on microbial influenced corrosion (MIC) focus mainly on sulphate reducing Bacteria (SRB), leading to the assumption that they are exclusively responsible for metal corrosion. In fact, methanogenic Archaea are known to be involved in metal corrosion as well (e.g. Methanococcus maripaludis DSM 2067). In some cases SRB and methanogenic Archaea have comparable high corrosion rates. However, the underlying mechanisms causing corrosion are still unknown.
The goal of this study is to develop suitable methods for analyzing two environmental isolates (M. maripaludis DSM 2067, M. maripaludis KA1) and two human-related isolates (Methanobrevibacter oralis and Methanobrevibacter smithii) for their ability to deteriorate/transform metals, which are relevant for technical and clinical applications. Moreover, the studies will provide essential information on the interaction mechanisms of human-related Archaea, which are frequently found in peri-implantitis, with dental material such as implants, crowns and bridges leading to their degradation and transformation.
Efficiency Evaluation of Extraction Methods for Analysis of OCPs and PCBs in Soils of Varying TOC
(2017)
Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls are toxic, carcinogenic, and have a high potential for bioaccumulation. Due to their stability, they are still considered an environmental problem even though the use of most of them has been phased out several decades ago. Soil is a matrix which can retain these contaminants to a great extent. This ability is often associated with the total organic carbon content (TOC). In order to judge the pollution status of soil and to make monitoring data more easily comparable a simple, yet robust extraction method is needed. Agitation solid-liquid-extraction is well suited for this purpose. However, the influence of TOC on the analyte recovery has to be known. For the presented study, 12 organochlorine pesticides and 7 polychlorinated biphenyls were spiked into four model soils with organic carbon contents between 1.6% - 13.3%. The matrices were extracted using solid-liquid extraction between 45 minutes and 16 hours. For comparison, all soils were also extracted using pressurised liquid extraction and Soxhlet extraction. After clean-up the extracts were measured using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. Statistical analysis of the results implied that the TOC content of the soils did not have significant influence on the extraction efficiency. A longer solid-liquid extraction time did not necessarily increase analyte recovery: Extraction for one hour resulted in 88% recovery while 16 hour extraction led to 89%. Thus, the efficiency of all the methods was comparable for all model soils. Additional investigations regarding GC liner performance highlighted the need for isotopically labelled standards during the analysis of thermolabile pesticides.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous because of the fact that they are released in appreciable quantities every year into the environment through the combustion of organic matters such as coal, fuel oils, petrol, wood, refuse and plant materials. Since some of these PAH compounds are carcinogenic or mutagenic, their presence in the environment (air, water, soil, sediment and waste) are regularly monitored and controlled. At present determination of PAH are carried out in these matrices in most of the routine laboratories following the preceding steps for sampling, pre-treatment, extraction, clean up by measurement of specific PAH by means of Gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometric detection(GC-MS) or by HPLC in combination with UV-DAD- or Fluorescence-detection(HPLC-UV-DAD/FLD).
At present there two standards for the determination of PAH in soil, sludge and biowaste and in waste valid. The goal is the development of only one standard for solid materials.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are two classes of organic synthetic substances which are globally used. The vast majority of OCP have been released directly in the environment as agricultural insecticides but they have been also used as byproducts for different applications e.g. wood preserver. PCB have been widely used as additives in industrial applications where chemical stability has been required. OCP and PCB are persistent, bioaccumulating and prone to long-range atmosheric transport and deposition. They are ubiquitous in the environment (water, soil, sediment and waste) and their presence is regularly monitored and controlled.
At present determination of OCP and PCB is carried out in these matrices in most of the routine laboratories following the preceding steps for sampling, pre-treatment, extraction, clean-up by measurement of specific OCP and PCB by means of gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS) or gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD).
Considered the different matrices and possible interfering compounds, this draft International Standard does not contain one single possible way of working. Several choices are possible, in particular relating to clean-up. Detection with both Mass Spectrometry and Electron Capture is possible. Three different extraction procedures and nine clean-up procedures are described. The use of internal and injection standards is described in order to have an internal check on choice of the extraction and clean-up procedure.
The model rock-inhabiting microcolonial fungus Knufia petricola fractionates stable Mg isotopes in a time and pH-dependent manner. During growth, the increase of 26Mg/24Mg in the fungal cells relative to the growth media amounted to 0.65 ± 0.14‰at pH 6 and 1.11 ± 0.35‰at pH 3. We suggest a constant equilibrium fractionation factor during incorporation of Mg into ribosomes and ATP as a cause of enrichment of 26Mg in the cells. We suggest too that the proton gradient across the cell wall and cytoplasmic Membrane controls Mg2+ transport into the fungal cell. As the strength of this gradient is a function of extracellular solution pH, the pHdependence on Mg isotope fractionation is thus due to differences in fungal cell mass fluxes. Through a mass balance model we show that Mg uptake into the fungal cell is not associated with a unique Mg isotope fractionation factor. This Mg isotope fractionation dependence on pH might also be observed in any organism with cells that follow similar Mg uptake and metabolic pathways and serves to reveal Mg cycling in ecosystems.
Im Beitrag wurden neue Entwicklungen in der Normung von Elutionsverfahren mit Relevanz für gesetzliche Verordnungen in Deutschland vorgestellt. Kritisch ist hier vor allem die Verabschiedung der EN 14405 (Säulenversuchsverfahren) im Bereich Abfalluntersuchungen (CEN TC 444) zu sehen, da die Validierung keine Daten zu organischen Schadstoffen aufweist sowie deutsche Interessen und die Harmonisierung mit dem Bauprodukte-Bereich unberücksichtigt blieben. Im CEN TC 352 (Bauprodukte) ist die Validierung der Trog- und Säulenversuchsverfahren angelaufen. Im ISO TC 190 (Bodenqualität) läuft die Überarbeitung alle Elutionsverfahren bis Ende 2017, wobei hier deutsche Interessen weitgehend eingebracht werden konnten. Beispielsweise wurden vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Art des Eluenten (demineralisiertes Wasser vs. 1 mMol CaCl2) im Rahmen des UFOPLAN Vorhaben „Monitoring zur Verwertung von Bodenmaterial“ (FKZ 3716 74 203 0) durchgeführt, deren Ergebnisse vorgestellt wurden. Der Stand der Probenbeschaffung und weiteren Arbeiten im Vorhaben wurde vorgestellt. Es kann für eine Reihe von Bodenmaterialien, die im Bereich des 2- bis 3-fachen Vorsorgewertes für PAK (BBodSchV) liegen Wiederverwertungspotenzial aufgezeigt werden. Es zeigen sich bisher kaum Unterschiede in der Bewertung bei Anwendung des Säulen und Schüttelverfahrens beim Wasser-Feststoff-Verhältnis von 2 l/kg.
The presentation will summarize German regulations on the reuse of contaminated soil-like materials (excavated soil, dredged sediments, mining residues, urban soils etc.). Leaching tests as available tools for the assessment of environmental compatibility are discussed. First results of a currently running project on the monitoring of such materials with a focus on PAH are presented.
A study on the leaching behavior of MSWI bottom ash fractions produced by an innovative wet processing technology using laboratory scale lysimeters will be presented in a second part.
The application of scrap tire granules as infill for synthetic turf and within elastic support layers of outdoor sports surfaces leads to the release of contaminants and transfer to soil and groundwater. The development of a special leaching procedure for synthetic sports surfaces and subsequent modelling of contaminant transfer to groundwater is presented in a third part of the presentation.
Leaching and ecotoxicity tests are used as tools for the assessment of environmental compatibility of granular waste materials with potential for reuse.
The contribution gives an overview on the development of test conditions of leaching tests as well as research results on their robustness and performance. Examples of research results include the investigation of MSWI bottom ash, steel slag, contaminated soil, mining waste and other waste materials reused as construction products.
The background of application of ecotoxicological tests in Germany is given comprising the selection of tests, advantages and limitations and available guidelines.
Leaching tests are fundamental tools for the assessment of groundwater impact by contaminated soils concerning the soil-groundwater pathway. Such procedures are supposed to serve as the basis for a reliable leachate prognosis. They can be applied to determine the short and long term leaching behaviour as well as the source term of contaminated soils. For this purpose two types of leaching procedures have been validated in Germany for the examination of the leaching behaviour of frequently occurring organic substances (DIN 19528 - column test and DIN 19529 - batch test). A liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) of 2 L/kg and 10 L/kg) is the basis for the risk assessment which is implemented in different German regulations. The equivalence of test results for both tests for the same material under investigation has been investigated for a variety of pollutants in order to assess their reliability in compliance testing. However, for emerging pollutants there is hardly data available on this issue. Leaching tests on soils contaminated with emerging pollutants such as PFC (Perfluorinated Surfactants) are currently coming more into consideration due to the increasing detection of contaminated sites. Therefore, two soils were investigated in this study from different contamination source (paper sludge containing compost and fire distinguishing foam) using both leaching tests and both liquid-to-solid ratios. The leachability of the various perfluorinated compounds in relation to their content in solid matter was considered. Furthermore the eluate pre-treatment prior analysis (in particular liquid/solid separation step needed for batch tests) has been taken into account.
The comparability of the results from batch and column is dependent on the solubility of the various compounds, on the L/S and on the turbidity in the eluates.
Ziel war die Entwicklung neuer Konzepte für die Herstellung sicherer, energieeffizienter und erschwinglicher Materialien für Gebäudehüllen und Innenwände für ein gesünderes Wohnklima.
Es werden Komposit-Fertigteile aus UHPC mit Wärmedämmung aus Porenbeton und aus Textilfaserbeton mit Wärmedämmung aus Schaumbeton vorgestellt.
Diskutiert werden die Strategien zum Erreichen einer erhöhten Dauerhaftigkeit und Ressourceneffizienz sowie zur Erzeugung multifunktionaler Oberflächen.
The project has developed a variety of new multifunctional and flexible building components for a healthier indoor environment. [H] house solutions are durable, energy efficient, safe and affordable. They are suitable for use in new buildings and for renovation. [H] house solutions cover aspects of long service life, reduced maintenance and long-term improvement of energy efficiency.
Ziel eines laufenden UFOPLAN-Vorhabens ist es, Datendefizite für Bodenmaterialien, die unter die neuen Kriterien der Verwertungsmöglichkeiten außerhalb der durchwurzelbaren Bodenschicht nach den §§ 6 bis 8 der Novelle der BBodSchV fallen, zu schließen und potenzielle Verwertungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen.
Neben den Feststoffwerten wird dabei das Elutionsverhalten zur Bewertung herangezogen. Durch die Umstellung des Elutionsverfahrens von einem W/F von 10 l/kg (bisherige Regelung in der LAGA M 20) auf ein W/F von 2 l/kg bestehen erhebliche Unsicherheiten im Hinblick auf die Einstufung von Bodenmaterialien zur Verwertung.
Neben der Untersuchung relevanter Bodenmaterialien werden auch vorhandene Daten ausgewertet. Der Schwerpunkt der Untersuchungen wurde auf die Schadstoffgruppe der PAK gelegt. Dabei werden auch Probleme der Vergleichbarkeit verschiedener Verfahren der PAK-Analytik angesprochen.
Leaching tests are fundamental tools for the assessment of groundwater impact by contaminated soils concerning the soil-groundwater pathway. Such procedures are supposed to serve as the basis for a reliable leachate prognosis. They can be applied to determine the short and long term leaching behaviour as well as the source term of contaminated soils. For this purpose two types of leaching procedures have been validated in Germany for the examination of the leaching behaviour of frequently occurring organic substances (DIN 19528 - column test and DIN 19529 - batch test). A liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) of 2 L/kg and 10 L/kg) is the basis for the risk assessment which is implemented in different German regulations. The equivalence of test results for both tests for the same material under investigation has been investigated for a variety of pollutants in order to assess their reliability in compliance testing. However, for emerging pollutants there is hardly data available on this issue.
Leaching tests on soils contaminated with emerging pollutants such as PFC (Perfluorinated Surfactants) are currently coming more into consideration due to the increasing detection of contaminated sites.
Therefore, two soils were investigated in this study from different contamination source (paper sludge containing compost and fire distinguishing foam) using both leaching tests and both liquid-to-solid ratios. The leachability of the various perfluorinated compounds in relation to their content in solid matter was considered. Furthermore the eluate pre-treatment prior analysis (in particular liquid/solid separation step needed for batch tests) has been taken into account.
The comparability of the results from batch and column is dependent on the solubility of the various compounds, on the L/S and on the turbidity in the eluates.
Für Sportböden in Außenanlagen haben sich Kunststoffbeläge und Kunststoffrasenbeläge als extrem nutzungsoptimierte Bodenbeläge bewährt. Neben der Benutzungsqualität ist auch die Bewertung möglicher negativer Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt durch produktionsbedingt enthaltene Schadstoffe notwendig. Sportböden auf Kunststoffbasis sind durch mehrlagige Aufbauten gekennzeichnet. Schadstoffe können in den oberen Lagen in den dort als Füllstoff verwendeten Gummigranulaten vorhanden sein. Die Gesamthöhe dieser Schichten umfasst in der Regel maximal 10 cm. Inhaltsstoffe können durch Regenwasser mobilisiert und mit dem Sickerwasser in den Boden und in das Grundwasser eingetragen werden. Durch eine Kombination von Elutionstests und numerischer Modellierung kann das Mobilisierungs- und Transportpotential ermittelt werden, um eine Boden- und Grundwassergefährdungsabschätzung auf Basis einer Sickerwasserprognose vorzunehmen.
Die hier vorgestellte Studie „Umweltverträglichkeit von Kunststoffbelägen auf Sportfreianlagen- Modellierung der Stofffreisetzung aus Sportböden auf Kunststoffbasis zur Bewertung der Boden- und Grundwasserverträglichkeit“befasst sich ausschließlich mit der Stofffreisetzung und den Pfad Boden-Grundwasser (Boden- und Grundwasserschutz). Der Pfad Boden-Mensch und Belange des Gesundheitsschutzes sind nicht Gegenstand dieser Untersuchungen.
A simple batch test leaching procedure is used in many countries, as a compliance test, to evaluate the leaching of mainly inorganic substances from soil. However, agitating certain types of soil and then passing the solution through a membrane filter with 0.45-µm pores yields filtrates that have been colored by the colloidal particles. These colloids might affect the results of the inorganic substances obtained in the batch tests. In this study, we evaluated the effects of colloidal particles on the results and the reproducibility of batch tests on contaminated soil using different agitation methods and membrane filters with different pore sizes. The leaching behaviors of As, Pb, Se, F and Cl from three types of soil were studied. The As and Pb concentrations in the leachates of some types of soil were clearly affected by the amount of colloidal particles with a diameter of 0.10–0.45 µm and by the agitation method used. This was probably because As and Pb were present mainly in the particulate form in the leachate that had been passed through a membrane filter with 0.45-µm pores. This is not the case for every type of soil. The results of batch leaching tests showed that not only dissolved but also colloidal forms with a diameter of 0.10–0.45 µm might be included and that the existence of colloidal particles in the leachate decreases the batch leaching test reproducibility.
The occurrence and fate of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the environment are topics of increasing concern. In recent years, numerous studies about their global transport, UV degradation, bioaccumulation and toxicity were performed to assess their environmental fate. Thus, most of the first generation BFRs are banned or restricted, and replaced by new ones. However, based on similar properties these new compounds may also pose a serious risk by causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) the class of the “emerging” BFRs are defined as compounds that have been identified in any environmental compartments, but the potential for degradation or bioaccumulation of these emerging BFRs is partially unknown.
A representative of this class of compounds is the heterocyclic hexabrominated TDBP-TAZTO which was first detected in mollusks from Chinese bohai sea and in environmental matrices near a manufacturing plant in southern china. Furthermore, Wang et al. describe that the growth of the alga Nannochloropsis sp. is inhibited by TDBP-TAZTO in a concentration dependent manner but the photo-chemical behavior as well as the formation of possible photo-transformation products (PTPs) are still unknown. In order to clarify this complex issue photo-degradation experiments were by determining the rate constants and degradation half-life times of TDBP-TAZTO in different solvent compositions. In this study, the photodegradation of TDBP-TAZTO was performed for the first time to identify its photolysis products and to get a first understanding about the main degradation pathway in environmental matrices.
Mycotoxins cause a variety of mold-related health risks which makes it necessary to further examine their metabolic pathways in human and other mammals. Beside standard in vitro assays with liver cell microsomes an increasing interest in new and rapid simulation techniques are playing a growing role in mycotoxin research.
Herein, the coupling of electrochemistry with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (EC/LC/MS) is presented as fast and simple method to investigate the oxidative fate of mycotoxins. For this case study, two food relevant mycotoxins (zearalenone and citrinin) were selected. Experiments were performed by using an electrochemical flow through cell integrated in the flow path of the autosampler of the chromatographic system. The reaction mixture was separated by a RP-C18 column and analyzed by a single quadrupole MS (Figure 1). Oxidation products were generated by applying potentials of 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 mV vs Pd/H2 using a glassy carbon working electrode. Different oxidation reactions like hydroxylation, dehydrogenation and dimerization lead to a diverse product pattern of the investigated mycotoxins.
In a comparative study, electrochemical generated reaction products were compared with metabolites produced by human and rat liver microsomes in vitro. The obtained data show that EC/LC/MS is a versatile and promising tool in mycotoxin research to support metabolic investigations of known and unknown mycotoxins.
We investigated, the damped Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal, transmitted from the BLE-module embedded in building materials with changing moisture content, Fig. 1. The BLE-module communicates with a mobile Smart Device as tablet via 2.45 GHz-ISM-frequency band where water dipoles start to oscillate, Fig. 2. The damping model demonstrates this damping effect on RSSI by the abstraction of the reality observed in a real system. Through the reproduction of the active relationships, the system behavior is decomposed in such a way that a separate consideration of the required system parameters is possible.
Die inhalative Aufnahme (Wirkungspfad Boden – Mensch) von MKW bestimmt aus toxikologischer Sicht die Festlegung von Prüfwerten.
Somit müssen die leichtflüchtigen Fraktionen quantifiziert werden. Die durchgeführte Robustheitsstudie des genormten Verfahrens umfasst die Ermittlung der Kenndaten der Probenahme, der Probenaufarbeitung und der Instrumentalanalytik.
Cadmiumhaltige Pigmente werden in Künstlerfarben (z.B. Cadmiumgelb PY35) verwendet und können beim Reinigen gebrauchter Pinsel mit Wasser über das Abwasser in die Kläranlagen eingetragen werden, wo sie auf Grund ihrer geringen Wasserlöslichkeit im Klärschlamm verbleiben. Bei landwirtschaftlicher Nutzung des Klärschlamms, kann das Cadmium nach Aufnahme in Pflanzen in die menschliche Nahrungskette gelangen. Aufnahme von Cadmium erhöht die Wahrscheinlichkeit an Brustkrebs zu erkranken und führt durch eine Verringerung der Knochendichte zu einer erhöhten Anzahl an Knochenbrüchen. Daher wurde bei der europäischen Chemikalienbehörde ECHA ein Verbotsantrag nach Annex XV von einem Mitgliedsland gestellt.
Mengenmäßig ist der Betrag an Cadmium, der über diesen Expositionsweg auf Agrarflächen eingetragen werden klein: 120 kg im Vergleich zu 120 Tonnen aus anderen Quellen. Zur Abschätzung des Risikos ist allerdings nicht nur die Gesamtmenge entscheidend, sondern auch die Mobilität der Schadstoffe. Um diese zu untersuchen wurden mit Cadmiumpigmenten dotierte Klärschlämme mit Boden gemischt und das Auswaschverhalten mit Hilfe von Säulenperkolationstests untersucht. Das Cadmium liegt in den Pigmenten als Cadmiumsulfid vor, dessen Löslichkeit stark vom Redoxpotential abhängt und dem pH-Wert abhängt. Daher wurden die Versuche unter verschiedenen Redoxbedingungen und mit einem sauren Eluenten durchgeführt.
Eluate wurden über einen Zeitraum von 68 h gesammelt und der pH-Wert, die Leitfähigkeit, die Trübung, Konzentration an organischen Kohlenstoff (TOC) und Cd bestimmt. Das Redoxpotential sinkt nach Start der Elution schnell und hängt von dem Gehalt an Kohlenstoff im Boden ab: Je höher der Gehalt ist, um so langsamer sinkt das Redoxpotential. Einen eindeutigen Zusammenhang zwischen Cadmiumfreisetzung und Redoxpotential konnte aber nicht gefunden werden. Insgesamt wurden maximal 2 % des vorhandenen Cadmiums freigesetzt. Im Vergleich zu Versuchen mit nicht dotierten Böden, der selbst auch geringe Mengen an Cadmium enthielt, konnte keine erhöhte Freisetzung beobachtet werden. Daraus kann geschlossen werden, dass die Cadmiumpigmente im Boden nur in sehr geringen Maß verfügbar sind
Annually vast amounts of plastics are produced world-wide. However, recycling and waste management is still insufficient resulting in large quantities of plastics being released into the environment. Degradation by sunlight, mechanical and biological factors lead to the breakdown of this waste into little fragments. By convention particles smaller than 5 mm are referred to as microplastics (MP). The occurrence of MP has been reported by researchers virtually all around the globe. Gaining knowledge on MP is currently a time-consuming process because analysis mainly relies on micro-infrared and micro-Raman methods. Prior to that the particles need to undergo purification and enrichment. Thus, only small numbers and volumes of samples can be investigated. Here we tested NIR spectroscopy combined with a multivariate data analysis as a means of speeding up the process of MP analysis.
Experiments were performed using the most abundant polymers polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene. MP samples were obtained by adding the cryomilled and sieved (<125 µm) particles to approximately 1 g of standard soil at 0,5–10 mass%. Spectra were recorded with a fiber optic reflection probe connected to a FT-NIR spectrometer. 5–10 spectra recorded of each sample were used for the calibration of chemometric models (partial least squares regression, PLSR). “Unknown” test samples were then used to test the model’s capability to predict the type and amount of polymer.
In samples containing 1–5 % of the polymers the prediction yielded the highest degree of agreement with the gravimetric reference values. At low polymer loads some false positive results in the identification were observed. Large amounts of polymers limited the prediction capability by a nonlinear behaviour of the absorption. Further testing was done with real world samples such as compost and washing machine filters. Even though the calibration did not account for these highly complex sample compositions, satisfactory results could be achieved.
Most microorganisms live in environments where nutrients are limited and fluctuate over time. Cells respond to nutrient fluctuations by sensing and adapting their physiological state. Recent studies suggest phenotypic heterogeneity in isogenic populations as an alternative strategy in fluctuating environments, where a subpopulation of cells express a function that allows growth under conditions that might arise in the future. It is unknown how environmental factors such as nutrient limitation shape phenotypic heterogeneity in metabolism and whether this allows cells to respond to nutrient fluctuations. Here, we show that substrate limitation increases phenotypic heterogeneity in metabolism, and this heterogeneity allows cells to cope with substrate fluctuations. We subjected the N2-fixing bacterium Klebsiella oxytoca to different levels of substrate limitation and substrate shifts, and obtained time-resolved single-cell measurements of metabolic activities using nanometre-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). We found that the level of NH4+ limitation shapes phenotypic heterogeneity in N2 fixation. In turn, the N2 fixation rate of single cells during NH4+ limitation correlates positively with their growth rate after a shift to NH4+ depletion, experimentally demonstrating the benefit of heterogeneity. The results indicate that phenotypic heterogeneity is a general solution to two important ecological challenges - nutrient limitation and fluctuations - that many microorganisms face. Currently, we use NanoSIMS to develop a new approach that defines functionally-relevant, phenotypic biodiversity in microbial systems. In the last part of my presentation, I will highlight why the concept of phenotypic diversity is relevant for the understanding of antimicrobial resistance.