Plassmann, Merle M.; Fischer, Stellan; Benskin, Jonathan P. Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 5 (2018), 6, 335-340 Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs monitor exposure to a limited number of prioritized chemicals resulting in some important substances being overlooked. Nontarget analysis shows promise for capturing novel substances, yet the large quantity of data produced by these methods remains challenging to interrogate. Here, we apply a prioritization strategy for temporal nontarget HBM data, which shortlists features with increasing time trends, possibly representing substances which are bioaccumulating or to which humans are increasingly exposed. Human whole blood sampled in Germany between 1983 and 2015 was extracted using a modified QuEChERS method and analyzed by UHPLC-Oribtrap-mass spectrometry. Following alignment, peak detection, grouping, and gap filling, up to 14,460 features were obtained. This number was reduced to ≤716 using time trend ratios and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients to identify features which increased over the 32-year time series. Increasing features were investigated further using the KemI market list database (which prioritizes based on human hazard and/or exposure potential) as well as data-dependent product ion scans, followed by MetFrag and mzCloud database searches. Finally, seven prioritized substances, including one pharmaceutical, two pesticides, and four performance chemicals, were confirmed using standards, demonstrating the potential of time trend screening as a prioritization strategy for nontarget HBM data. doi:10.1021/acs.estlett.8b00196 Siehe auch: Biomonitoring of new contaminants: Sub-Project 2 – Screening of target and non-target contaminants in human blood and urine
Rüdel, Heinz; Fliedner, Annette; Kösters, Jan; Schröter-Kermani, Christa Environ Sci Pollut Res 17 (2010), 5, 1025-1034 As one component of the German ecological environment observation, the Environmental Specimen Bank program was initiated in the mid-1980s. Under the program, representative specimens of marine, fresh water, and terrestrial ecosystems are sampled regularly and archived under chemically stable conditions. An initial characterization of the samples provides data regarding the status quo of the respective ecosystems. The aim of the present publication is to give insight into these real-time monitoring data, which have been generated for the last 10 to 20 years. This is done exemplarily for the heavy metals cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in marine specimens of the Baltic and the North Sea. Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus), blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), eelpout (Zoarces viviparus), and eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) were sampled at one location in the Baltic Sea and at two sites in the North Sea (Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea and Lower Saxony Wadden Sea). Annual samples were pooled, homogenized, and analyzed for a set of elements. Cd and Pb were quantified after freeze-drying and microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Total Hg in freeze-dried samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using a direct mercury analyzer. Time series data covering up to two decades revealed comparable cadmium levels at all three locations. Concentrations in bladder wrack ranged between 0.10 and 0.37 µg/g on a wet weight basis (ww). Respective values for blue mussel and eelpout liver were 0.07–0.29 and 0.01–0.10 µg/g ww. Herring gull eggs were not included in cadmium analyses. Declining trends were observed in North Sea bladder wrack and mussels, eelpout from the Lower Saxony site, and mussels from the Baltic Sea. Upward trends were apparent in eelpout from the Schleswig-Holstein location. Mercury concentrations in Baltic Sea specimens ranged from 1.1–2.7 ng/g ww in bladder wrack to 2.6–5.1, 26–52, and 86–226 ng/g ww in blue mussel, eelpout muscle, and herring gull eggs, respectively. No temporal trends were observed. North Sea bladder wrack had accumulated 5.4–24 ng/g ww Hg. The respective Hg values for blue mussel and eelpout muscle were 19–64 and 73–187 ng/g ww. Highest Hg contents were detected in herring gull eggs (90–1,100 ng/g ww). Declining trends of Hg were observed in herring gull eggs at both North Sea locations and in blue mussels at the Lower Saxony site. Lead concentrations in Baltic Sea specimens were 48–222 ng/g ww in bladder wrack, 85–189 ng/g ww in blue mussel, 2.0–9.5 and 10–42 ng/g ww in eelpout muscle and liver, and 2.7–26 ng/g ww in herring gull eggs. In the North Sea, Pb concentrations were as follows: 68–397 ng/g ww in bladder wrack, 101–507 ng/g ww in blue mussels, 2.6–35 and 5.9–158 ng/g ww in eelpout muscle and liver, and 3.5–55 ng/g ww in herring gull eggs. Highest Pb-levels were found at the Lower Saxony site. Declining Pb-trends were observed in bladder wrack from the Baltic Sea; in bladder wrack and mussel at the Schleswig-Holstein location; and in bladder wrack, mussels, eelpout liver, and herring gull eggs at the Lower Saxony site. During the 10 to 20 years of monitoring, reliable data were obtained which allow a good insight into metal contamination of marine biota. Assessment of the data according to OSPAR criteria (OSPAR 2005) revealed cadmium levels above the derived background concentrations in mussels of all three sites. Mercury levels above background concentrations were found at both North Sea locations, whereas only mussels at the Lower Saxony site had Pb concentrations above the reference value. Archived specimens are available for further analyses and questions which may arise in the future (speciation of elements, metallomics). Electronic supplementary material: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11356-009-0280-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Zur Veröffentlichung | doi:10.1007/s11356-009-0280-8
Das Projekt "UV-Reflexion von Fruechten" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Bonn, Institut für Obstbau und Gemüsebau durchgeführt. Durch den zunehmenden Abbau der Ozonschicht in der Stratosphaere u.a. durch FCKWs werden auch die Fruechte im Obst- und Gemuesebau UV- und verstaerkt UVB-Strahlen ausgesetzt. Ziel des Projektes ist, negative Auswirkungen auf die Fruchtqualitaet obst- und gemuesebaulicher Nahrungsmittel zu untersuchen. Seit 1997 ist in den USA ein tragbares Spektralphotometer auf dem Markt, mit dem u a die Lichtreflexion im Bereich 190-1000 nm gemessen werden kann. Eigene Messungen an Apfelfruechten zeigten, dass hellgruene Fruechte wie 'Golden Delicious' das meiste und dunkelrote wie 'Royal Gala' das wenigste sichtbare Licht reflektieren. Im Bereich der UV-Strahlen war die Reflektion jedoch bei allen untersuchten Sorten mit Werten unter 1 Prozent sehr gering, so dass die UV-Strahlen fast ungehindert in das Fruchtfleisch eindringen koennen.
Das Projekt "Geraet fuer die Feststellung von Quecksilber bei der kontinuierlichen Ueberwachung von Emissionen" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von VEREWA Mess- und Regeltechnik durchgeführt. Objective: The project is to develop, manufacture, and test a sampling and measuring device for the continuous determination of mercury and its compounds in the flue gas of incineration plants. In addition, the sampling device will be capable of collecting other heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, manganese, and nickel. Mercury will be determined photo metrically. The detection limit for Hg is approximately 2 mug/m3. The tests will take place in the industrial environment of a municipal waste incineration plant. The basic principle of the device has been patented. General Information: Mercury (Hg) and its compounds are highly toxic chemicals; emissions from plants, such as waste incinerators, should be prevented as far as possible. Typically, filters are used in order to remove the remaining emissions; for new municipal refuse incineration plants, the EC Directive 89/369 limits Hg emissions after the filters to 200 mug/m3. A device for the continuous control of Hg has been recently developed by the Essen-based VEREWA MESS- UND REGELTECHNIK GMBH. The EC Commission assisted the development and testing of an industrial-environment measuring device at 50 per cent of the project costs. The Hg measuring device consists of a sampling and the measuring part proper. The isokinetic sampling device is capable of sampling not only Hg but other heavy metals as well, such as Cu, Ni, Zn, Sn, Sb, Ba, Pb, Mn. The average Hg retrieval statistics is approximately 93 per cent. The measuring device proper determines the Hg concentration in the dried flue gas by UV AA photometry, the detection limit is approximately 2 mug/m3. The measuring device may be calibrated at any time, allowing for the check of the zero and reference points and of the linearity of the device. Idle time between each taking is in the range of ms; the measured values are shown on the monitor every 2 seconds; the measuring protocols may average the values to convenience. Overall standard deviations are approximately 5 per cent; thus, the device can be used for process control. Further extensions of the measuring device are possible to allow for the determination of heavy metals other than Hg as well. The device has been successfully tested and optimized for several months in the heavy-duty industrial environment of the flue gas stack of a municipal waste incineration plant. Working entirely automatically, the device meets the need for a reference device for the control of emissions from refuse incinerators, as stipulated by the EC Directive 89/369. Achievements: A device for the continuous control mercury has been recently developed. The measuring device consists of a sampling part and the measuring part proper. The isokinetic sampling device is capable of sampling not only mercury but other heavy metals as well, such as copper, nickel, zinc, tin, antimony, barium, lead and manganese. The average mercury retrieval is approximately 93 per cent...
Das Projekt "Long Term Observations of Urban Atmospheric Radical Chemistry (Turban)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Heidelberg, Institut für Umweltphysik durchgeführt. The nitrate radical (NO3) is a key component of night time chemistry in the troposphere and is responsible for the non-photochemical production of peroxy radicals and the transformation of important species such as nitrogen oxides, VOCs, and ozone. It can be comparable to the OH radical as a sink for nitrogen oxides and VOCs. The only two studies to provide long term night time measurements of NO3 in the boundary layer were conducted in Germany at a rural coastal site and a rural suburban site. One short-term study has reported daytime measurements of NO3. More research is necessary to obtain a complete picture of seasonal variations in NO3 chemistry. Our objectives are to describe seasonal and spatial patterns in the chemistry of NO3 in an arid urban location, and to evaluate its contribution to the transformation and removal of atmospheric compounds. Two years of continuous Differential Optical Absorbance Spectrometry (DOAS) measurements in Jerusalem will provide concentrations of NO3, NO2, NO, O3, HONO, and HCHO, in addition to meteorology and other ancillary parameters. A month-long field project using high-end DOAS equipment will be conducted in parallel in order to assess spatial variations in NO3 chemistry in the region. The proposed research will be the first to conduct continuous long-term measurements of NO3 in an urban area, and the first in an arid region such as Israel. No long-term measurements of NO3 in the daytime have yet been reported. The resulting data will improve our understanding of NO3 chemistry in the urban boundary layer.
Das Projekt "Teilprojekt 6" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Leibniz-Institut für Photonische Technologien e.V. durchgeführt. Im Rahmen des Projektes soll ein vorläufiger Entwurf einer optischen Sensoranordnung zur in-situ Bestimmung von Desinfektionsmitteln entstehen. Ein weitere Zielstellung ist die erfolgreiche Anwendung der UV-Spektralphotometrie zur Online-Bestimmung von Einzelkomponenten in Desinfektionsmittelgemischen bei der Trinkwasseraufbereitung. Im Teilprojekt des IPHT sollen Untersuchungen zur Komponentenauswahl für einen optischen Sensor zur in-situ Bestimmung von Desinfektionsmitteln durchgeführt werden. Hierzu ist die chemisch-physikalische Umgebung mit den auftretenden Stoffen und deren Konzentrationsbereiche zu charakterisieren. Es sollen geeignete Materialen hinsichtlich ihrer optischen Eigenschaften, Widerstandsfähigkeit, Anreicherungsfähigkeit und Inertheit recherchiert und untersucht werden. Aus den Ergebnissen sind erste geeignete Küvettenkonfigurationen unter Einbeziehung der Fasertechnologie zu ermitteln und zu untersuchen. Des Weiteren ist der vom TZW zu entwickelnde Algorithmus zur Bestimmung von Desinfektionsmitteln für die Online-Anwendung anzupassen. Hierzu werden Kalibrierlösungen von Einzelkomponenten als auch von Substanzgemischen in verschiedenen Modellwässern angesetzt und mit einem am IPHT vorhandenen Spektralmodul für die Online-Charakterisierung von Wässern mittels UV-Spektralphotometrie vermessen. Die Eignung des entwickelten mathematischen Algorithmus ist in Laboruntersuchungen und an realen Proben zu untersuchen und nachzuweisen.
Das Projekt "Development and performence assessment of measurement systems for nuclear materials, 1992-1994" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC). Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU) durchgeführt. Objective: To develop methods for the destructive analysis of the samples taken from the open fuel cycle and, in particular, from reprocessing plants. General Information: Progress to end 1991. The analytical tools for safeguards analysis were further refined and progress was made in achieving the set goal of an overall error of less than 0.1 per cent . A set-up to accelerate plutonium dissolution by applying a high frequency field (microwave) was successfully tested. The titration program was modified and extended. The data transfer between the mass spectrometer and the PDP computer was improved. Progress was made in the development of an expert system for quality assurance and error detection. An expert system for the programming of robotized sample dissolution was developed. The results of this work were summarised in 5 conference papers. Detailed description of work foreseen in 1992 (expected results). Investigations will be made to reach the goal of 0.1 per cent accuracy in critical safeguards measurements and the application of these methods to an on-site laboratory. The processes of dissolution and titration of product samples of U and Pu will be robotized for the onsite laboratory. Investigations of the error sources of the measurement of U and Pu concentrations by isotope dilution will be carried out and the results incorporated in the quality assurance program. The measurement of Pu by isotope dilution gamma spectrometry for safeguards purposes will be investigated for potential application at reprocessing plants. A portable K-edge absorption device using an isotope source for uranium products samples will be tested for its application on- site at reprocessing plants. Short description of evolution of work in 1993. Further improvement of techniques for the destructive analysis of fissile materials.
Das Projekt "Spektrale und integrale Messungen der UV-B-Strahlung im Vergleich zu Ozonmessungen" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Deutscher Wetterdienst, Geschäftsbereich Forschung und Entwicklung, Abteilung FE 3 Meteorologisches Observatorium Hohenpeißenberg durchgeführt. Die bodennahe UV-B-Strahlung (290 - 320 nm) aus dem Halbraum wird spektral aufgeloest mit einem Brewer-Spektrophotometer gemessen. Das Brewer-UV-B soll in erythemwirksames UV-B (UVer) umgerechnet und mit den integralen UVer-Messungen des sogenannten MOH3-Geraetes (Dr Dehne, Met Obs Hamburg) verglichen werden. Als Vorarbeit dazu werden Eichungen beider Geraete mit verschiedenen Methoden (Eichlampen mit diskreten bzw kontinuierlichen Spektrum) durchgefuehrt und moegliche Fehlerquellen (Abweichung vom Kosinusgesetz, Temperaturabhaengigkeit etc) bewertet. Die UV-B-Messung des Brewer wird mit Gesamtozon (Brewer, Dobson), Global- und diffuser Sonnenstrahlung (Solarimeter) verglichen. Der funktionale Zusammenhang zwischen diesen Groessen, ihre Variationen (jahreszeitlich, wetterlagenbedingt) und die Einfluesse anderer meteorologischer Parameter (Bewoelkung etc) werden untersucht. Anschliessend wird versucht, Aenderungen dieser Groessen im Hinblick auf moegliche Trends (zB Abnahme Gesamtozon = Zunahme UV-B-Strahlung) zu interpretieren.
Das Projekt "Ein Polychromator-Gestuetztes Spektralphotometer fuer die in-situ-Messung von Spektren der Truebung" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Meerestechnik-Elektronik durchgeführt. In Phase 1 wurde der Spektraltruebungsmesser entwickelt und in Tests seine Funktionsfaehigkeit nachgewiesen. Um jedoch die angestrebten Anforderungen an die Messgenauigkeit zu erreichen, muessen einige grundlegende Modifikationen vorgenommen werden. Dabei sollen gleichzeitig Aspekte der leichteren Handhabung des Geraets integriert werden. In Phase 2 sollen folgende Arbeiten durchgefuehrt werden. 1. Praezisere mechanische Fuehrung des Umlenkprismas mit Hilfe einer Schwalbenschwanzfuehrung 2. Trennung von mechanischer und optischer Einheit 3. Reduzierung der Abmessungen. Bei den anschliessenden Feldtests sollen eventuell auftretende Maengel durch Nachbesserungen beseitigt werden.
Das Projekt "Vorhaben: Entwicklung und Aufbau von Demonstratoren" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Kongsberg Maritime Contros GmbH durchgeführt. In PINBAL wird ein Konsortium aus dem Leibniz-Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde (IOW) dem KMU CONTROS Systems & Solutions GmbH, Kiel (CONTROS), der University of Gothenburg (UGOT) und dem Institute of Oceanology der Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot (IO PAN) die notwendigen grundlegenden chemischen Untersuchungen, die Konzeption sowie den Aufbau des Systems und der Software für sowie Feldtests mit einem Demonstrator zur spektrophotometrischen Bestimmung des pH-Wertes durchführen. Dieses System wird dazu geeignet sein sowohl 'underway' (z.B. auf Voluntary Observing Ships, VOS) kontinuierliche Messungen durchzuführen als auch im Labor diskrete Proben zu messen. Ausgehend vom aktuellen Stand der Forschung im Bereich der Farbstoff-basierten spektrophotometrischen pH-Wert Bestimmung wird im Wesentlichen durch CONTROS ein feldtaugliches Messsystem entwickelt und insbesondere für die Verwendung in der Ostsee stellvertretend für Brackwassersysteme oder Küstengewässer weltweit modifiziert. Bereits mit Projektstart wird mit der Realisierung eines Demonstrators begonnen. Zeitnah werden hierein gewonnene Erkenntnisse aus von den akademischen Partnern durchgeführten Untersuchungen und Simulationen integriert. Schon früh im Projekt können so wichtige Tests im Labor sowie im Feld durch alle beteiligten Projektpartner durchgeführt und somit wichtige praktische Erfahrungen gesammelt werden und in die technische Weiterentwicklung zurückfließen.