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In the present thesis, analytical methods based on gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, both single (GC-MS) or tandem (GC-MS/MS), have been developed and optimized for the detection and quantification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated byphenils (PCBs) and emerging pollutants such as organophosphate esters (OPEs), which are currently used as flame retardants, additives and plasticizers. Another family of flame retardants, also classified as POPs, polybrominated diphenil ethers (PBDEs), was also studied and quantified using already optimized and validated methods. The presence of target POPs in environmentally protected areas of the Iberian Peninsula has been evaluated using seagull eggs as bioindicators. Two species, namely yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) and Audouin´s gull (Larus Audouinii), have been selected for this purpose. The former is an abundant and widely distributed species with scavenging and opportunistic behavior, while the later is more vulnerable, even though the population is growing during recent years and new colonies are emerging, and showed a strict fish-based diet. Pollution levels detected in gull eggs were dominated by PCBs, followed by various OCPs. Among OCPs, high levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were found, which is a metabolic and degradation product of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pesticide widely used during the last decades of the 20th century, which showed high toxicity for birds, being able to reduce the reproduction success because it may affect the eggshell thickness and prevent hatching when present at high enough levels. PBDEs were also widespread in the marine environments of the Iberian Peninsula but at lower levels. Audouin´s gull eggs showed higher pollution levels than yellow-legged gulls from the same colonies, suggesting differences in their feeding habits and their bioaccumulation capacity of POPs. In gen, En la presente tesis doctoral se ha estudiado la presencia y distribución de pesticidas organoclorados y retardantes de llama en áreas ambientalmente protegidas de España y China y en una zona afectada por residuos electrónicos en China. Para ello se han desarrollado y aplicado métodos multiresiduo basados en cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas, tanto simple como en tándem, para la detección y cuantificación de, por un lado, contaminantes cuyo uso ha sido restringido y prohibido bajo las directrices del Convenio de Estocolmo y conocidos por sus características fisicoquímicas como compuestos orgánicos persistentes (COPs), los cuales incluyen pesticidas organoclorados (OCPs por sus siglas en inglés), bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) y polibromodifenil éteres (PBDEs) y, por otro lado, una familia de contaminantes emergentes utilizados como plastificantes, aditivos y retardantes de llama como son los ésteres organofosforados (OPEs). En España, el estudio de COPs se ha llevado a cabo mediante el uso de huevos de gaviota como bioindicadores de la contaminación ambiental y se han evaluado los niveles de estos compuestos antropogénicos en las mayores colonias de gaviotas de la península Ibérica, constituidas en zonas con diferentes grados de protección ambiental. Los compuestos detectados a mayor nivel fueron los OCPs, y más en concreto el dicloro difenil tricloroetano (DDT) y sus productos de degradación, seguidos por los PCBs y a menores niveles los PBDEs. En China, se ha detectado la presencia tanto de COPs como de OPEs en suelos y sedimentos de zonas protegidas como parques nacionales y/o reservas naturales que, en principio, deberían ser prístinas. Los contaminantes detectados a mayores niveles fueron los OPEs, probablemente debido a su uso actual. Sin embargo, el isómero alfa del hexaclorociclohexano, así como el PBDE 209 demostraron ser ubicuos en el medio ambiente, lo cual concuerda con los grandes volúmenes de producción y consumo de los mismos e

Bio-based materials are showing great potential to be widely used in construction industry, while reducing fire risk and improving fire resistance of these alternatives also become a major concern due to their inherent flammability. Initially, this review introduces three common bio-based construction materials, including biopolymer-based materials, wood-based materials, and crop-based materials, and their fire behaviors in flaming and smoldering combustion scenarios, accompanied with some typical flame-retardant mechanisms. Sequentially, the recent achievements in improving fire resistance are mainly exhibited in detail for each kind of bio-based materials. There are numerous reports for biopolymer-based flame-retardant materials with mature flame-retardant methodology. With regard to wood-based flame-retardant materials, different criteria and methodologies are needed to evaluate the flame-retardant properties. Meanwhile, in the case of crop-based insulation materials is essential to carefully consider the fire behavior, both in flaming and smoldering combustions, and not only focus on their thermal performance. In the final section, based on the requirements of fire safety and practicality for construction materials, bio-based alternatives with excellent good fire resistance and practical performance are summarized to be a promising way to meet future challenges, Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

In the present thesis, analytical methods based on gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, both single (GC-MS) or tandem (GC-MS/MS), have been developed and optimized for the detection and quantification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated byphenils (PCBs) and emerging pollutants such as organophosphate esters (OPEs), which are currently used as flame retardants, additives and plasticizers. Another family of flame retardants, also classified as POPs, polybrominated diphenil ethers (PBDEs), was also studied and quantified using already optimized and validated methods. The presence of target POPs in environmentally protected areas of the Iberian Peninsula has been evaluated using seagull eggs as bioindicators. Two species, namely yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) and Audouin´s gull (Larus Audouinii), have been selected for this purpose. The former is an abundant and widely distributed species with scavenging and opportunistic behavior, while the later is more vulnerable, even though the population is growing during recent years and new colonies are emerging, and showed a strict fish-based diet. Pollution levels detected in gull eggs were dominated by PCBs, followed by various OCPs. Among OCPs, high levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were found, which is a metabolic and degradation product of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pesticide widely used during the last decades of the 20th century, which showed high toxicity for birds, being able to reduce the reproduction success because it may affect the eggshell thickness and prevent hatching when present at high enough levels. PBDEs were also widespread in the marine environments of the Iberian Peninsula but at lower levels. Audouin´s gull eggs showed higher pollution levels than yellow-legged gulls from the same colonies, suggesting differences in their feeding habits and their bioaccumulation capacity of POPs. In gen, En la presente tesis doctoral se ha estudiado la presencia y distribución de pesticidas organoclorados y retardantes de llama en áreas ambientalmente protegidas de España y China y en una zona afectada por residuos electrónicos en China. Para ello se han desarrollado y aplicado métodos multiresiduo basados en cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas, tanto simple como en tándem, para la detección y cuantificación de, por un lado, contaminantes cuyo uso ha sido restringido y prohibido bajo las directrices del Convenio de Estocolmo y conocidos por sus características fisicoquímicas como compuestos orgánicos persistentes (COPs), los cuales incluyen pesticidas organoclorados (OCPs por sus siglas en inglés), bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) y polibromodifenil éteres (PBDEs) y, por otro lado, una familia de contaminantes emergentes utilizados como plastificantes, aditivos y retardantes de llama como son los ésteres organofosforados (OPEs). En España, el estudio de COPs se ha llevado a cabo mediante el uso de huevos de gaviota como bioindicadores de la contaminación ambiental y se han evaluado los niveles de estos compuestos antropogénicos en las mayores colonias de gaviotas de la península Ibérica, constituidas en zonas con diferentes grados de protección ambiental. Los compuestos detectados a mayor nivel fueron los OCPs, y más en concreto el dicloro difenil tricloroetano (DDT) y sus productos de degradación, seguidos por los PCBs y a menores niveles los PBDEs. En China, se ha detectado la presencia tanto de COPs como de OPEs en suelos y sedimentos de zonas protegidas como parques nacionales y/o reservas naturales que, en principio, deberían ser prístinas. Los contaminantes detectados a mayores niveles fueron los OPEs, probablemente debido a su uso actual. Sin embargo, el isómero alfa del hexaclorociclohexano, así como el PBDE 209 demostraron ser ubicuos en el medio ambiente, lo cual concuerda con los grandes volúmenes de producción y consumo de los mismos e

The presentwork dealswith the study of phosphorus flame retardantmicrocellular acrylonitrile– butadiene–styrene (ABS) parts and the effects of weight reduction on the fire and mechanical performance. Phosphorus-based flame retardant additives (PFR), aluminum diethylphosphinate and ammonium polyphosphate, were used as a more environmentally friendly alternative to halogenated flame retardants. A 25 wt % of such PFR system was added to the polymer using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Subsequently, microcellular parts with 10, 15, and 20% of nominal weight reduction were prepared using a MuCell® injection-molding process. The results indicate that the presence of PFR particles increased the storage modulus and decreased the impact energy determined by means of dynamic-mechanical-thermal analysis and falling weight impact tests respectively. Nevertheless, the reduction of impact energy was found to be lower in ABS/PFR samples than in neat ABS with increasing weight reduction. This effect was attributed to the lower cell sizes and higher cell densities of the microcellular core of ABS/PFR parts. All ABS/PFR foams showed a self-extinguishing behavior under UL-94 burning vertical tests, independently of the weight reduction. Gradual decreases of the second peak of heat release rate and time of combustion with similar intumescent effect were observed with increasing weight reduction under cone calorimeter tests, Postprint (published version)

A facile cross-linking strategy to construct flame retardant cellulose nanofibril (CNF)/sodium montmorillonite (MMT) aerogels with improved mechanical properties, by incorporating melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resins into precursor suspensions followed by a freeze-drying process, is reported in this work. Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that MF cross-linking does not significantly change the microstructures of CNF and CNF/MMT aerogels. However, the cross-linking improves the materials’ mechanical and flame properties. By incorporating 50 wt% of MF, the compression moduli and compressive stress of CNF aerogels increase by 316% and 114%, respectively. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of CNF aerogels also increases from 17.1% to 23.4%. Further addition of MMT increases the CNF aerogels’ LOI value to 57% and increases the maximum decomposition temperature by nearly 20 °C. This occurs because MMT and MF induce a synergistic effect which improves the flame retardant properties of the CNFs aerogels. In CNF/MMT composite aerogels, the introduction of 34 wt% of MF leads to a 54.6% reduction of the peak of heat release rate and a 53.2% decrease in total heat release. CNF aerogels made from sustainable feedstocks with excellent mechanical properties and high flame retardancy, like those discussed herein, show promise as fire resistant biofoams, Postprint (author's final draft)

The present work investigates the fire retardancy mechanisms of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminium diethyl phosphinate salt (AlPi) in an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) by analysing the pyrolysis, flammability and fire behaviour. Evidences of synergy in flammability by combining both flame retardants were discussed and related to the flame retardant mechanisms assessed by means of TGA and FT-IR analysis of the pyrolysis gases. Specifically, the ABS flame retardant formulation with a 12.5 wt% APP and 12.5 wt% AlPi (ABS-APP/AlPi) reached a UL-94 V-0 classification, unlike the ABS with 25 wt% APP (ABS-APP) and ABS with 25 wt% AlPi (ABS-AlPi) formulations, which completely burned. Under forced flame conditions, APP and AlPi showed, respectively, a main condensed and gas phase-based mode of action in the ABS matrix, whereas, a combined gas and condensed mode of action was identified when both additives were simultaneously incorporated. Also, the ABS-APP/AlPi formulation showed the higher reduction of the peak heat release rate (74%) and of the maximum average rate of heat emission (65%), obtained from cone calorimeter tests. As well as, a more protective fire residue with an improved microstructure assed by SEM, Postprint (author's final draft)

En esta investigación se presenta un comparativo entre las medidas de tratamiento para gestionar el riesgo de incendio, implementadas por tres empresas de Colombia del sector textil, se ofrece una percepción general del sector, se plantean recomendaciones y oportunidades de mejora que las empresas podrán implementar, según sus políticas y planes de inversión -- La importancia del sector textil, tanto a nivel mundial como en Colombia (campos, 2014), sugiere un estudio más profundo sobre los riesgos sobre los que están expuestas las empresas y de igual forma, de la gestión y tratamiento para dichos riesgos -- El incendio es uno de los riesgos más críticos que amenaza las empresas del sector textil, consecuencia de las operaciones que de manera rutinaria desarrolla esta industria; dado que en sus procesos intervienen materiales inflamables, almacenamiento de químicos y algodón, exposición a la borra, entre otros agentes generadores de este riesgo (Marsh, 2016), lo cual requiere establecer medidas que garanticen la continuidad del negocio, las cuales estén enfocadas en la prevención y protección de los activos de la compañía -- Compañías del sector textil e incluso de otros sectores en Colombia y en el mundo, han experimentado la materialización de este riesgo con incendios que se han generado en este tipo de industria (Eguiguren, 2007) -- Por lo anterior, en el presente trabajo establece si las medidas de tratamiento que hoy tienen implementadas las empresas del sector, son suficientes o insuficientes para mitigar los efectos de la materialización del riesgo de incendio en sus plantas de producción, analizados desde la preparación, prevención y protección -- De igual forma, se identifica si la alta gerencia de las compañías es consciente de los riesgos a los que están expuestos y si le brinda importancia a este asunto a través de la gestión y administración de dichos riesgos, que puede verse reflejado o no en inversiones para programas de prevención y protección -- Tam

Despite the growing popularity of geopolymer in various industrial applications, the literature showed gaps on understanding of factors influential on the properties of geopolymer binder (GB). The main objective of this research is to develop an eco-friendly rice husk ash (RHA)-based GB material suitable as fire resistant coating and panel materials for building construction. Four experiments were conducted; namely fire resistant, compression, flexural, and adhesion tests. Fractional factorial design (FrFD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to design the experiments incorporating five factors; namely ratio of activated alkaline (AA) solution, RHA to AA (RHA/AA) ratio, curing temperature, curing time, and sodium hydroxide concentration and analyze their interrelationship and effect on GB properties. The optimum range for GB composition was accordingly determined using superimposed contour plotting. Results showed that RHA/AA ratio was the most influential factor on all GB properties (thermal, mechanical, and physical properties). RHA provided effective fire resistant properties since its GB coating exhibited intumescent-like expansion. The newly developed formulation of GB which exhibited semi-brittle behavior was able to produce good fire resistance and compressive strength properties. In addition, good adhesion and flexural properties were important in providing coating with good fire resistant properties. Optimal GB panels were formulated at W/S and Si/Al ratios of 1.05 to 1.13 and 95 to 110, respectively while optimal GB coating formulated at W/S and Si/Al ratios of 110 to 130 and 1.20 to 1.33, respectively. RHA proved to be the best alternative aluminosilicate source and the RHA-based GB, when used as panel or coating materials, can potentially improve fire safety in building construction.

Despite the growing popularity of geopolymer in various industrial applications, the literature showed gaps on understanding of factors influential on the properties of geopolymer binder (GB). The main objective of this research is to develop an eco-friendly rice husk ash (RHA)-based GB material suitable as fire resistant coating and panel materials for building construction. Four experiments were conducted; namely fire resistant, compression, flexural, and adhesion tests. Fractional factorial design (FrFD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to design the experiments incorporating five factors; namely ratio of activated alkaline (AA) solution, RHA to AA (RHA/AA) ratio, curing temperature, curing time, and sodium hydroxide concentration and analyze their interrelationship and effect on GB properties. The optimum range for GB composition was accordingly determined using superimposed contour plotting. Results showed that RHA/AA ratio was the most influential factor on all GB properties (thermal, mechanical, and physical properties). RHA provided effective fire resistant properties since its GB coating exhibited intumescent-like expansion. The newly developed formulation of GB which exhibited semi-brittle behavior was able to produce good fire resistance and compressive strength properties. In addition, good adhesion and flexural properties were important in providing coating with good fire resistant properties. Optimal GB panels were formulated at W/S and Si/Al ratios of 1.05 to 1.13 and 95 to 110, respectively while optimal GB coating formulated at W/S and Si/Al ratios of 110 to 130 and 1.20 to 1.33, respectively. RHA proved to be the best alternative aluminosilicate source and the RHA-based GB, when used as panel or coating materials, can potentially improve fire safety in building construction.

จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย. คณะวิศวกรรมศาสตร์, เพื่อเพิ่มความสามารถในการทนการติดไฟของพอลิเบนซอกซาซีน สารประกอบที่ไม่มีธาตุฮาโลเจนประเภทที่มีฟอสฟอรัสเป็นองค์ประกอบจะถูกนำมาทดสอบประสิทธิภาพในการหน่วงการติดไฟ งานวิจัยนี้พอลิเบนซอกซาซีนที่มีสมบัติทนการติดไฟ ถูกเตรียมโดยการผสมสารหน่วงการติดไฟประเภทที่มีฟอสฟอรัสเป็นองค์ประกอบลงในเบนซอกซาซีนเรซินที่มีกลุ่มของแอริลเอมีนที่แตกต่างกันเป็นองค์ประกอบ สมบัติทางด้านการทนไฟความร้อนและทางกลถูกทำการทดสอบ อัตราส่วนโดยน้ำหนักของเบนซอกซาซีนจะถูกทำการปรับเปลี่ยนเพื่อมีองค์ประกอบของธาตุฟอสฟอรัสที่แตกต่างกัน จากผล DSC แสดงให้เห็นว่า TPP ทำให้อุณหภูมิเริ่มต้นและอุณหภูมิ ณ จุดสูงสุดของพีคการคายความร้อนของการเกิดการเชื่อมโยงของเบนซอกซาซีนเรซินลดลง จากผลของ TGA อุณหภูมิการสลายตัวทางความร้อนของมวลที่สูญเสียไป 5% ของพอลิเบนซอกซาซีนมีค่าลดลงพอลิเบนซอกซาซีนทุกชนิดมีปริมาณเถ้าสูงขึ้นเมื่อปริมาณของ TPP เพิ่มมากขึ้น ซึ่งนับเป็นอีกตัวแปรหนึ่งที่บ่งบอกได้ว่าพอลิเบนซอกซาซีนจะสามารถทนการติดไฟได้มากขึ้น การทนการติดไฟของเทอร์โมเซตเหล่านี้สามารถตรวจสอบได้โย limiting oxygen index (LOI) และมาตรฐานการทดสอบ UL-94 เผาในแนวตั้ง การเติม TPP 10% โดยน้ำหนัก ค่า LOI จะเพิ่มขึ้นจาก 23.5, 23, 22 เป็น 26, 25, 24 สำหรับ BA-a, BA-mt และ BA35x ตามลำดับ นอกจากนี้พบว่าความสามารถในการติดไฟเรียงตามลำดับ คือ BA-a

Department: Sustainable Interior Environments.

Department: Sustainable Interior Environments.

Debromination occurs when brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are decomposed by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). As the result, bromide is released to water and is potentially oxidized to bromate by the AOPs. As the by-product, bromate is classified as potentially carcinogenic and its formation in the degradation of BFRs was easily been ignored. Since the EPA regulation of bromate in the drinking water is as low as 10 μg/L, the assessment on the bromate formation in the degradation of BFRs by AOPs is necessary and important. In this study, 2,2-Bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-propanediol (BBMP), one kind of the BFRs, was tested as the target compound. The debromination and the bromate formation in the BBMP degradation by UV/Persulfate, UV/Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and UV/Titanium dioxide (TiO2) processes were monitored at different oxidant/photocatalyst dosages and pH. Under the test conditions, at low levels of the BBMP debromination (40 – 70%), the bromate formation in three processes were insignificantly low, while as the most time efficient process, the required contact time for the UV/Persulfate process to achieve the debromination was about 2.4 times shorter than that for the UV/TiO2 process, which was the most time consuming process. At the high level of BBMP debromination (80%), the required contact time for three processes became similar while the bromate formation in the UV/Persulfate process was significantly larger than that in the other two processes. As the result, the UV/PMS process was recommended to achieve the high level of BBMP debromination and the UV/Persulfate process was recommended to achieve low levels of the BBMP debromination. In the UV/Persulfate and UV/PMS processes, increasing the oxidant dosage enhanced both the BBMP debromination and the bromate formation, while in the UV/TiO2 process, introducing TiO2 into the UV reactor initially increased then decreased the BBMP debromination and the bromate formati

The curing time and the properties of urea formaldehyde (UF) resin mixed with fire retardants, BP (mixture of boric acid, guanylurea phosphate and phosphoric acid), monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) were studied. There were two amounts used, 8% w/w and 10% w/w. The curing time of the mixed resin was determined by using thermo oil at the temperature of 170ºC. Water absorption test and physical observations were done to evaluate the properties of the fire retardant-mixed resin. The non-fire retardant UF resin samples were used as controls. The solubility of MAP and DAP in the water at different weights also has been studied. The solubility test was done with and without the involvement of heat. The study showed that UF resin mixed with MAP and BP cured faster than DAP-mixed UF and control samples. The time taken for UF resin to mix with 10 % w/w and 8 % w/w MAP were 20 s and 28 s respectively. The time taken for UF resin mixed with 10 % and 8 % w/w DAP was slightly than the controls, which are 160 s and 150 s respectively. The time taken for UF resin mixed with 10 % w/w and 8 % w/w BP was 101 s and 92 s respectively.The curing time for control samples was 140 s respectively. MAP and DAP were shown to be highly soluble, as they took less than 1 minute to be dissolved in the water without heat, but BP took 30 minutes to be dissolved in the water without heat and less than 1 minute with heat. Water absorption test showed that the higher the amount of MAP, DAP and BP mixed into the resin, the higher would be the rate of water absorbed.

The curing time and the properties of urea formaldehyde (UF) resin mixed with fire retardants, BP (mixture of boric acid, guanylurea phosphate and phosphoric acid), monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) were studied. There were two amounts used, 8% w/w and 10% w/w. The curing time of the mixed resin was determined by using thermo oil at the temperature of 170ºC. Water absorption test and physical observations were done to evaluate the properties of the fire retardant-mixed resin. The non-fire retardant UF resin samples were used as controls. The solubility of MAP and DAP in the water at different weights also has been studied. The solubility test was done with and without the involvement of heat. The study showed that UF resin mixed with MAP and BP cured faster than DAP-mixed UF and control samples. The time taken for UF resin to mix with 10 % w/w and 8 % w/w MAP were 20 s and 28 s respectively. The time taken for UF resin mixed with 10 % and 8 % w/w DAP was slightly than the controls, which are 160 s and 150 s respectively. The time taken for UF resin mixed with 10 % w/w and 8 % w/w BP was 101 s and 92 s respectively.The curing time for control samples was 140 s respectively. MAP and DAP were shown to be highly soluble, as they took less than 1 minute to be dissolved in the water without heat, but BP took 30 minutes to be dissolved in the water without heat and less than 1 minute with heat. Water absorption test showed that the higher the amount of MAP, DAP and BP mixed into the resin, the higher would be the rate of water absorbed.

Peer Reviewed

This item contains notes from various meetings, email correspondence, a bill to be entitled, an qct by the Georgia General Assembly, the outcome of various effects on the Okefenokee NWR, data from various groups on the Okefenokee NWR, Project Learning Tree by the Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Forestry Commission's Forest Water Quality program, land management research and demonstration sites for the National Wildlife Refuge System, forestry's economic impact on Georgia, Forestry Facts, Forestry profiles, and additional notes.

This item contains notes from various meetings, email correspondence, a bill to be entitled, an qct by the Georgia General Assembly, the outcome of various effects on the Okefenokee NWR, data from various groups on the Okefenokee NWR, Project Learning Tree by the Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Forestry Commission's Forest Water Quality program, land management research and demonstration sites for the National Wildlife Refuge System, forestry's economic impact on Georgia, Forestry Facts, Forestry profiles, and additional notes.

This item contains notes from various meetings, email correspondence, a bill to be entitled, an qct by the Georgia General Assembly, the outcome of various effects on the Okefenokee NWR, data from various groups on the Okefenokee NWR, Project Learning Tree by the Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Forestry Commission's Forest Water Quality program, land management research and demonstration sites for the National Wildlife Refuge System, forestry's economic impact on Georgia, Forestry Facts, Forestry profiles, and additional notes.

Chemical fire suppressants arc used extensively throughout Australia's Southwest to contain and suppress wildfires. Despite several studies being conducted into their effects on terrestrial vegetation in North America and Eastern Australia, where a variety of significant effects were found, no such investigation has been carried out in Australia's Southwest. This study examined the short-term effects of a fire fighting foam and fire retardant on selected flora from Australia's Southwest. Various concentrations of fire fighting foam and fire retardant were applied to seeds and seedlings of several native species. Native species were chosen for their high abundance and widespread distribution throughout Australia's Southwest. Seed germination was assessed over 28 days for the number of germinants, whilst the seedlings were assessed on numerous growth characteristics over a ten-week period. Both the fire fighting foam and fire retardant treatments significantly reduced the germination of all seven species. Greater concentrations resulted in reduced seed germination. Both the 3.0% foam and 3.0% fire retardant treatments showed no sign of germination within the study period. The effect of the fire fighting foam on some native seedlings was significant, yet significant differences were inconsistent throughout the species examined and the variables applied. The fire retardant was far more influential on the growth characteristics measured and significantly affected all seven species. Significant responses included increases and decreases in biomass and improved and reduced plant health. From these results. it was determined that the use of fire retardants to control and suppress wildfires should be avoided where possible. The use of fire fighting foams between 0.1% and 0.4% foam concentrate is recommended as an ecologically sound and effective fire suppressant tool.

Chemical fire suppressants arc used extensively throughout Australia's Southwest to contain and suppress wildfires. Despite several studies being conducted into their effects on terrestrial vegetation in North America and Eastern Australia, where a variety of significant effects were found, no such investigation has been carried out in Australia's Southwest. This study examined the short-term effects of a fire fighting foam and fire retardant on selected flora from Australia's Southwest. Various concentrations of fire fighting foam and fire retardant were applied to seeds and seedlings of several native species. Native species were chosen for their high abundance and widespread distribution throughout Australia's Southwest. Seed germination was assessed over 28 days for the number of germinants, whilst the seedlings were assessed on numerous growth characteristics over a ten-week period. Both the fire fighting foam and fire retardant treatments significantly reduced the germination of all seven species. Greater concentrations resulted in reduced seed germination. Both the 3.0% foam and 3.0% fire retardant treatments showed no sign of germination within the study period. The effect of the fire fighting foam on some native seedlings was significant, yet significant differences were inconsistent throughout the species examined and the variables applied. The fire retardant was far more influential on the growth characteristics measured and significantly affected all seven species. Significant responses included increases and decreases in biomass and improved and reduced plant health. From these results. it was determined that the use of fire retardants to control and suppress wildfires should be avoided where possible. The use of fire fighting foams between 0.1% and 0.4% foam concentrate is recommended as an ecologically sound and effective fire suppressant tool.

Chemical fire suppressants arc used extensively throughout Australia's Southwest to contain and suppress wildfires. Despite several studies being conducted into their effects on terrestrial vegetation in North America and Eastern Australia, where a variety of significant effects were found, no such investigation has been carried out in Australia's Southwest. This study examined the short-term effects of a fire fighting foam and fire retardant on selected flora from Australia's Southwest. Various concentrations of fire fighting foam and fire retardant were applied to seeds and seedlings of several native species. Native species were chosen for their high abundance and widespread distribution throughout Australia's Southwest. Seed germination was assessed over 28 days for the number of germinants, whilst the seedlings were assessed on numerous growth characteristics over a ten-week period. Both the fire fighting foam and fire retardant treatments significantly reduced the germination of all seven species. Greater concentrations resulted in reduced seed germination. Both the 3.0% foam and 3.0% fire retardant treatments showed no sign of germination within the study period. The effect of the fire fighting foam on some native seedlings was significant, yet significant differences were inconsistent throughout the species examined and the variables applied. The fire retardant was far more influential on the growth characteristics measured and significantly affected all seven species. Significant responses included increases and decreases in biomass and improved and reduced plant health. From these results. it was determined that the use of fire retardants to control and suppress wildfires should be avoided where possible. The use of fire fighting foams between 0.1% and 0.4% foam concentrate is recommended as an ecologically sound and effective fire suppressant tool.

Chemical fire suppressants arc used extensively throughout Australia's Southwest to contain and suppress wildfires. Despite several studies being conducted into their effects on terrestrial vegetation in North America and Eastern Australia, where a variety of significant effects were found, no such investigation has been carried out in Australia's Southwest. This study examined the short-term effects of a fire fighting foam and fire retardant on selected flora from Australia's Southwest. Various concentrations of fire fighting foam and fire retardant were applied to seeds and seedlings of several native species. Native species were chosen for their high abundance and widespread distribution throughout Australia's Southwest. Seed germination was assessed over 28 days for the number of germinants, whilst the seedlings were assessed on numerous growth characteristics over a ten-week period. Both the fire fighting foam and fire retardant treatments significantly reduced the germination of all seven species. Greater concentrations resulted in reduced seed germination. Both the 3.0% foam and 3.0% fire retardant treatments showed no sign of germination within the study period. The effect of the fire fighting foam on some native seedlings was significant, yet significant differences were inconsistent throughout the species examined and the variables applied. The fire retardant was far more influential on the growth characteristics measured and significantly affected all seven species. Significant responses included increases and decreases in biomass and improved and reduced plant health. From these results. it was determined that the use of fire retardants to control and suppress wildfires should be avoided where possible. The use of fire fighting foams between 0.1% and 0.4% foam concentrate is recommended as an ecologically sound and effective fire suppressant tool.