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The oxidation of a series of alkylphenols (alkyl is methyl and/or isobornyl) with chlorine dioxide using the VO(acac)2 as the catalyst was studied. In the presence of VO(acac)2, the selectivity to quinones increases and the yield of oxidative chlorination products decreases significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow and high-performance liquid chromatography-UV detector (HPLC-UV, detection at 225 nm) based method was developed for the selective determination of nine alkylphenols (APs) in milk. The functionalized mesoporous UiO-66 (4-meso-UiO-66) was utilized as the new coating material, which was synthesized by post-modification of pore-expanded UiO-66-NH2 by an esterification reaction with 4-pentylbenzoic acid. It was fully characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transformation infrared spectrometry, nitrogen sorption-desorption test, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometer. The characterization results showed the ester groups and benzene rings were introduced into the 4-meso-UiO-66, and the mesoporous structure was predominant in the 4-meso-UiO-66. The extraction mechanism of 4-meso-UiO-66 to APs is the synergistic effect of Zr-O electrostatic interaction and the size exclusion effect resulting from XPS, selectivity test, and nitrogen sorption-desorption test. The electrospinning technique was utilized to fabricate the 4-meso-UiO-66 coated SPME Arrow and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was used as the adhesive. The mass rate of 4-meso-UiO-66 to PAN and the electrospinning time were evaluated. The extraction and desorption parameters were also studied. The linear range of this method was 0.2–1000 μg L–1 with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.9989 under the optimal conditions. The detection limits were 0.05–1 μg L–1, the inter-day and intra-day precision (RSD) were 2.8–11.5%, and the recovery was 83.6%–112%. The reusability study showed that the extraction performance of this new SPME Arrow could be maintained after 80 adsorption-desorption cycles. This method showed excellent applicability for the selective determination of APs in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenols, which are industrial chemicals, are xenoestrogens; however, their sublethal effects on aquatic animals are poorly studied. The aim of this work is to study possible metabolic and reproductive disorders in amphipods using the example of Gmelinoides fasciatus from the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea) after experimental exposure to 4-tert-octylphenol (4t-OP) from the group of alkylphenols. The mortality of G. fasciatus amphipods in 4t-OP concentration ranges from 0.5 to 1000 μg/L after 96 h and 7 days increases with increasing concentration. At 4t-OP concentrations of 0.5 and 5 μg/L, the mortality of G. fasciatus has not been observed. At a concentration of 20 μg/L, after 7 days, the mortality of crustaceans is 20%; at a concentration of 100 μg/L, it is 60%. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of 4t-OP (0.5 μg/L) resulted in a decrease in sexual activity of these amphipods after 1 week: only 25% of amphipods retain precopulatory pairs versus 100% in control. Under chronic exposure (28 days) to the lowest concentration, males show signs of demasculinization (a decrease in the width of the gnatopods and an increase in the depth of the coxal plates); females show a decrease in the overall fecundity and irreversible disturbances in the state of embryos (a high proportion (>50%) of embryos stop their development at different stages of organogenesis). The study shows significant functional disorders of metabolic processes and reproduction in crustaceans even when exposed to nonlethal concentrations of octylphenol. These results confirm the high toxicity of this industrial pollutant, the presence of which in the aquatic environment can lead to irreversible changes in the biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results are presented from gravimetric anti-corrosion studies of pyridine salts 1-(4-isohexylphenoxy-)-3-propylpyridinium bromide (I) and 1-(4-isohexylphenoxy-2-diethylaminostil-)-3-pyridinium bromide (II) on St. 3 steel in 0.5 N Н2SO4. The effect the temperature (298, 303, 313, 323, 333 K) and concentrations of compounds (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 g/L) have on the rate of corrosion and protective effect is studied (duration of test, 3 h). It is established that compounds I and (especially) II are strong inhibitors: the degree of protection against corrosion for St.3 steel at concentrations of 0.1 g/L is 96% on average. The thermodynamic parameters of the process (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) are calculated, and the blocking mechanism for protecting the metal surface from corrosion is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources and distribution characteristics of three phenolic endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), e.g., alkylphenols (APs) (including nonylphenols (NPs) and 4-t-octylphenol (OP)) and Bisphenol A (BPA), were investigated in the rivers of the Pearl River Delta Region (PRDR) with complex land-use types. The mean concentrations of NPs, OP, and BPA in river water including wet and dry seasons were 87, 6, and 74 ng/L in the agricultural regions (n = 10), 135, 7, and 61 ng/L in the transitional regions (n = 8), and 249, 15, and 152 ng/L in the urban regions (n = 28). Contents of NPs and BPA were high in the river sediments (ranged from 7 to 3048 ng/g and 2 to 271 ng/g, respectively). Equilibrium analysis results suggested that sediment release was not the main source of the river EDCs. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that sewage was the major source of EDCs in the dry season, while the leaching effect of rainfall on the agricultural soils, urban roads, and commercial products was an important source in the wet season. Furthermore, the ratio of APs and total concentration of phenolic EDCs (ΣEDCs) was used to characterize the agricultural regions and urban regions in the PRDR. The ratio was less than 0.6 in the agricultural regions while the ratio was large than 0.6 in the dry season and less than 0.6 in the wet season in urban regions. BPA and NPs in transitional region and urban region had small/medium potential risk to aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the pyrolytic transformation of hydrolysis lignin in 1,4-dioxane at a temperature of 250°C and a pressure of 13.0 MPa and the subsequent Ru/C-catalyzed hydrogenation of the products at a temperature of 250°C and a pressure of 10.0 MPa in an autoclave. It has been found that the thermal pyrolysis of hydrolysis lignin with 1,4-dioxane and the catalytic hydrogenation of pyrolysis products are accompanied by C−O and C−C bond cleavage and formation of a products mixture consisting of soluble oligomer and monomer phenol derivatives, products of their hydrogenolysis and hydrogenation, and also mixtures of C1−C5 gas hydrocarbons and C2−C5 alcohols, and ethers formed mainly during the destruction of the solvent (1,4-dioxane) under the reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation of alkylphenols (2,6-dimethylphenol, 3,5-dimethylphenol, 2-iso-bornylphenol, 2-isobornyl-5-methylphenol, 2-isobornyl-6-methylphenol) with chlorine dioxide in water and dichloromethane was studied. The specific features of alkylphenol oxidation under different reaction conditions were revealed. The reaction of alkylated phenols with chlorine dioxide resulted in the formation of quinones and products of oxidative chlorination. The yields of quinones were found to depend on the position of substituents in the aromatic ring of the starting phenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenols and alkylphenol polyethoxylates are emerging hazardous contaminants due in particular to their endocrine-disrupting properties. These compounds originate from consumer products such as paints and latex paints, adhesives, inks, formulation of pesticides, paper industry, textile and leather industry, petroleum recovery chemicals, metal working fluids, personal care products, washing agents, cleaners, and detergents. Since classical wastewater treatments have not been designed to remove alkylphenols, these compounds end up polluting ecosystems. Here we review three advanced methods to remove alkylphenols and derivatives. First, innovative polymers, such as cyclodextrin polymers and molecularly imprinted polymers, allow to remove alkylphenols from effluents by adsorption. Second, biotechnologies such as microalgae, biodegradation in constructed wetlands and sequential anaerobic–aerobic digestion treatments. Third, advanced oxidation processes to degrade recalcitrant alkylphenols, e.g., ozone-carbon coupling, electrochemical degradation, photocatalysis, zero-valent iron-activated persulfate coupling, and catalytic ozonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employed two batch-type bioreactors for the treatment of twelve environmental contaminants with the potential to disrupt the normal function of the endocrine system. The contaminants included bisphenol A, two alkylphenols, two hormones, six organochlorine pesticides and one organophosphate pesticide. Synthetic domestic wastewater was prepared daily in the laboratory and fed to the bioreactors. The bioreactors were operated at two different sludge retention times and the parameters used to evaluate their performance were chemical oxygen demand, ammonium, orthophosphate, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and mixed liquor suspended solids. Upon reaching optimum operational conditions, the analytes were spiked into the bioreactors and the removal efficiencies were calculated with respect to the influent concentration. Satisfactory removal efficiencies (> 88%) were recorded for all twelve analytes as validated by the decline in ammonium, chemical oxygen demand and orthophosphate amounts. Sludge samples from the two bioreactors were analyzed at the end of the study, but none of the analytes was detected according to the detection limit of the method. The simple and efficient bioreactor system reported in this study was successfully used to remove twelve different endocrine disrupting compounds from wastewater, and this can be easily replicated with low financial cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenols are a type of endocrine disruptors, which are commonly found in personal care products, food, and water and are more harmful to the human body. To investigate the relationship between exposure of alkylphenols in serum of pregnant women during early pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, a total of 2035 healthy pregnant women and their neonates were recruited in the birth cohort of Zhuang nationality in Guangxi from 2015 to 2018. The peripheral venous blood samples were collected from pregnant women in early pregnancy; the concentrations of nonylphenol (NP), 4-nonylphenol (4-N-NP), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-T-OP), and 4-n-octylphenol (4-N-OP) in serum were detected by ultra-performance liquid performance chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Binary logistic regression showed that NP [OR = 1.40 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.94)] was positively associated with preterm birth. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed that logNP and log4-T-OP had non-linearity associations with preterm birth (logNP: Poverall = 0.006, Pnon-linear = 0.003; log4-T-OP: Poverall = 0.004, Pnon-linear = 0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that maternal serum concentration of NP was negatively associated with birth weight of perinatal infants (β = −14.68, 95% CI: −29.18, −0.19), which may be sensitive in male neonates (β = −26.18, 95% CI: −47.33, −5.02). The findings demonstrate that nonylphenol is a risk factor of preterm birth, and nonylphenol is negatively associated with the birth weight in male infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors impairing the performance of petroleum absorbents for phenolic hydrocarbons are analyzed. Antioxidant additives affecting sludge formation in the absorbent are tested. Various additives are found to significantly limit sludge formation. Prospective directions for future research are identified. The results indicate that adding Agidol-1 and DF-11 may limit sludge formation in the industrial capture of phenolic hydrocarbons by petroleum absorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenols belong to the group of synthetic specific substances and their effective removal requires non-traditional processes, novel approach and technologies. Advanced oxidation processes are effective for degradation of most organic substances, toxic and persistent pollutants. They produce highly reactive and nonselective radical intermediates, such as hydroxyl radical. The Fenton reaction is the most widely studied and used. In this paper, ozonation and selected ozone-based advanced oxidation processes including ozonation combined with granular activated carbon, Fe-modified zeolite and Mn-modified zeolite were studied for alkylphenols and their ethoxylates removal from a pre-treated industrial wastewater. Fenton reaction was also studied. Ozonation with subsequent adsorption on granulated activated carbon was used as reference processes. It was observed that the 4-octylphenol was completely removed by all ozone-based advanced oxidation processes during applied reaction time. The removal efficiencies of 4-nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates were gradually increased by the application of ozonation combined with the Fe-modified zeolite and Mn-modified zeolite. The highest removal efficiencies (87.7% for 4-nonylphenols, 100% for other alkylphenol derivatives) were achieved by ozonation combined with granular activated carbon. This process also showed the highest affinity for the removal of individual components as well as total pollution expressed in the chemical oxygen demand (66%) and total organic carbon (87%) terms in comparison with other studied processes. Ozonation combined with granulated activated carbon was the most efficient method with a high potential for the practical use based on the comparison of alkylphenol concentrations, chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenols are industrial pollutants commonly present in wastewater. They are difficult to eliminate by conventional treatment processes, ending up in the sludge of wastewater treatment plants. In this study, we propose to use cross-linked cyclodextrin-based polymers (ECP) as sorbents to treat three alkylphenols, namely, one nonylphenol (4-n-NP) and two octylphenols (4-n-OP and 4-tert-OP), present in aqueous solution by a batch method. The experiments were carried out with five cyclodextrin polymers (α-ECP, β-ECP, γ-ECP, α,β,γ-ECP, and HP-β-ECP). Sorption results showed that all polymers, with the exception of α-ECP, had high sorption capacities between 60 and 100% of the alkylphenols in the concentration range studied (between 25 and 100 μg/L). In all cases, HP-β-ECP has shown the highest removals, regardless of the structure of the molecule. The order obtained was HP-β-ECP >> β-ECP ~ α,β,γ-ECP >> γ-ECP > α-ECP. The 4-tert-OP compound was the best adsorbed, regardless the material and the solution studied. Sorption results also indicated that (i) the sorption efficiency decreased with the increasing of alkylphenol concentration; (ii) sodium chloride had a strong negative effect on the sorption process; and (iii) the performance remained unchanged after five sorption-regeneration cycles. The main sorption mechanism of alkylphenols occurring in ECP was the inclusion within the cyclodextrin cavities. The obtained results proved that cyclodextrin polymers could serve as efficient sorbents for the removal of alkylphenols from real effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are innumerable reports revealing that endocrine disrupting compounds modulates hormonal pathways regulating reproduction in teleost and other vertebrates. Besides introducing major impact on endocrine system leading to reproductive impairment and decline in local population of various aquatic species including teleosts, the biological effects of exposure to various endocrine disruptors has been investigated. Among various model systems for the detailed study, teleosts are the best for the assessment of fish reproduction, which is an ecological indicator of endocrine disruption. In the present review, we intend to highlight various aspects of toxic impact of alkylphenols on the fish reproduction and endocrine disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depolymerisation of lignin produces concoction of aromatic compounds, such as, phenols, dihydroxybenzenes, alkylphenols, methoxyphenols, alkyl-methoxy substituted phenols, and diaryl ethers. This review presents an introduction on lignin, phenolic compounds and its value-added products, namely, cyclohexanols, cyclohexanones, and cyclohexanes obtained via hydrodeoxygenation/-hydrogenation reaction. The prior-art of catalytic interventions for selective preparation of cyclohexanols (a potential polymer and fuel intermediates) from lignin-based phenolic compounds are discussed. For this process, in-depth evaluation of nature of catalytic support, effect of reaction conditions (temperature and H2 pressure)/medium, active metallic sites, and mechanistic paths are performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The para-hydroxymethyl derivatives of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, 2,6-diisobornylphenol, 2-isobornyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2-isobornyl-6-methylphenol, and 2-isobornylphenol were synthesized. A comparative evaluation of the antioxidant properties of the synthesized compounds was carried out in in vitro models. The activity of derivatives is predetermined by the number and bulkiness of the substituents at the ortho positions relative to the phenolic OH group and is consistent with the relationships previously identified by us for other phenolic antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsetse flies are the transmitting vector of trypanosomes causing human sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis in sub-saharan Africa. 3-alkylphenols are used as attractants in tsetse fly traps to reduce the spread of the disease. Here we present an inexpensive production method for 3-ethylphenol (3-EP) and 3-propylphenol (3-PP) by microbial fermentation of sugars. Heterologous expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae of phosphopantetheinyltransferase-activated 6-methylsalicylic acid (6-MSA) synthase (MSAS) and 6-MSA decarboxylase converted acetyl-CoA as a priming unit via 6-MSA into 3-methylphenol (3-MP). We exploited the substrate promiscuity of MSAS to utilize propionyl-CoA and butyryl-CoA as alternative priming units and the substrate promiscuity of 6-MSA decarboxylase to produce 3-EP and 3-PP in yeast fermentations. Increasing the formation of propionyl-CoA by expression of a bacterial propionyl-CoA synthetase, feeding of propionate and blocking propionyl-CoA degradation led to the production of up to 12.5 mg/L 3-EP. Introduction of a heterologous 'reverse ß-oxidation' pathway provided enough butyryl-CoA for the production of 3-PP, reaching titers of up to 2.6 mg/L. As the concentrations of 3-alkylphenols are close to the range of the concentrations deployed in tsetse fly traps, the yeast broths might become promising and inexpensive sources for attractants, producible on site by rural communities in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenols (APs)—nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP)—are well-known environmental contaminants due to their widespread application and have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. A novel APs-tolerant fungus designated F6 was isolated from the bottom sediments of the coastal part of the Eastern Gulf of Finland (Neva Bay) and was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis F6 based on ITS sequencing and morphological analysis. The APs presence caused morphological and ultrastructural changes in fungal cells. Major differences were detected in mitochondria, vacuoles, and cell walls. Nonenzymatic antioxidants—pigments, reduced glutathione, exopolysaccharides—played important roles in A. tubingensis F6 resistance to APs toxicity. A low level of lipid peroxidation showed that the protective effects of the antioxidant system were sufficient despite the fact that antioxidant enzymes activity levels were low. Another defense response employed by A. tubingensis F6 against the tNP- and 4-tert-OP-induced stress was based on the ability of the strain to efficiently utilize xenobiotics. After 120 h of cultivation, < 10% of APs (initially added to the culture at 100 mg/l) remained in the culture medium of A. tubingensis F6. The APs degradation by A. tubingensis F6 led to the formation of nontoxic products. These data indicate the potential role for A. tubingensis F6 in APs degradation in natural environments, as well as its possible biotechnological application in wastewater treatment to remove xenobiotics with endocrine activity. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that marine-derived fungus A. tubingensis strain is capable of utilizing branched-chain NP and OP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic chitosan biopolymer, successfully grafted over graphene oxide (MCGO), employed for the efficient extraction of endocrine disrupting phenolic compounds (bisphenol A, 4-tertiary butylphenol and 4-tertiary octylphenol) in single analysis with high performance liquid chromatography. At optimum conditions the adsorption ability calculated for bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tertiary butylphenol (4-tertBP) and 4-tertiary octylphenol (4-tertOP) was 28.98 mgg−1, 33.22 mgg−1 and 24.31 mgg−1, respectively. The results found in the current study showed pseudo second order kinetic and Langmuir adsorption isotherm followed. Suitable extraction solvent was methanol and water in 1:1 ratio and the extraction recoveries calculated for BPA, 4-tertOP and 4-tertBP with relative standard deviations were 92.56% ± 3.10, 95.23% ± 4.02 and 95.81% ± 3.65, respectively. The method was also checked for green chemistry to calculate the eco scale environmental score. The promising adsorbent was also applied effectively to spiked wastewater samples including river water and industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgolic acids (GA) are alkylphenol constituents of the leaves and fruits of Ginkgo biloba. GA has shown pleiotropic effects in vitro, including: antitumor effects through inhibition of lipogenesis; decreased expression of invasion associated proteins through AMPK activation; and potential rescue of amyloid-β (Aβ) induced synaptic impairment. GA was also reported to have activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Several mechanisms for this activity have been suggested including: SUMOylation inhibition; blocking formation of the E1-SUMO intermediate; inhibition of fatty acid synthase; non-specific SIRT inhibition; and activation of protein phosphatase type-2C. Here we report that GA inhibits Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) by inhibition of both fusion and viral protein synthesis. Additionally, we report that GA inhibits human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome replication and Zika virus (ZIKV) infection of normal human astrocytes (NHA). We show a broad spectrum of fusion inhibition by GA of all three classes of fusion proteins including HIV, Ebola virus (EBOV), influenza A virus (IAV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). In addition, we show inhibition of a non-enveloped adenovirus. Our experiments suggest that GA inhibits virion entry by blocking the initial fusion event. Data showing inhibition of HSV-1 and CMV replication, when GA is administered post-infection, suggest a possible secondary mechanism targeting protein and DNA synthesis. Thus, in light of the strong effect of GA on viral infection, even after the infection begins, it may potentially be used to treat acute infections (e.g. Coronavirus, EBOV, ZIKV, IAV and measles), and also topically for the successful treatment of active lesions (e.g. HSV-1, HSV-2 and varicella-zoster virus (VZV)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous polyaromatic frameworks (PAF) based on tetraphenylmethane were synthesized. The PAF/AlCl3 and PAF/FeCl3 catalysts were prepared by impregnating the synthesized products with aluminum and iron chlorides, respectively. The resulting materials were characterized by low-temperature adsorption—desorption of nitrogen, IR spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic activity of PAF/AlCl3 and PAF/FeCl3 was tested in the phenol alkylation with oct-1-ene. The tests showed that the use of these catalysts gave both alkylphenols (C-alkylates) and alkyl phenyl ethers (O-alkylates) in the total yields up to 78 and 65% for PAF/AlCl3 and PAF/FeCl3, respectively. The fraction of alkylphenols depends on both the catalyst amount and reaction temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the products of alkylphenol (ortho-, meta-, and para-cresols and 4-isopropylphenol) oxidation by iron(III) chloride in aqueous solutions by HPLC with electrospray ionization and mass-spectrometric detection in the negative ion mode. It was found that the main products formed by the nucleophilic addition of the initial alkylphenols to reactive intermediates, quinone methides. The resulting adducts can be further oxidized, which, after several oxidation–addition cycles, leads to the appearance of a series of compounds with molecular weights belonging to sequences of values of 108, 214, 320, 426, 536, 638, ... for cresols and 136, 270, 404, 538, 672, ... for 4-isopropylphenol. Such processes are similar to the oxidation of alkylphenols by air oxygen in aqueous solutions and to their electrochemical oxidation yielding dimeric and oligomeric products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast methodology to quantify 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and their mono- and di-ethoxylates was developed, validated, and applied to real wastewater samples. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction was employed as a sample preparation step, leading to a pre-concentration factor of roughly 30. Analysis was carried out by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Average recoveries were generally between 80 and 120% for both the alkylphenols and their mono- and di-ethoxylates in influent and effluent wastewater. A minimum of 5 concentration levels per compound, ranging between 1 and 500 ng/mL, were prepared to construct calibration curves making use of isotopically labelled internal standards. The method presented good linearity and repeatability over the whole range of concentrations. Taking into account the concentration factor, and the recovery of the compounds, lower limits of quantification obtained in effluent wastewater were 0.04 ng/mL for 4-t-OP and 0.14 ng/mL for 4-NP, complying with European regulations, and between 0.03 ng/mL and 0.39 ng/mL for the ethoxylates. In influent wastewater, these limits were slightly higher. The total run time of 5 min for the alkylphenols and 8 min for the ethoxylates ensured high throughput. The developed method was applied to determine 4-t-OP and 4-NP and their mono- and di-ethoxylates in wastewater from several tank truck cleaning companies, which was subjected to ozonation and/or biological treatment. It was demonstrated that ozonation was best applied after the biological treatment, since in this case, the biological treatment could degrade most of the biodegradable organic matter, after which ozone could react directly with the recalcitrant organic pollutants. In this case, the concentrations of the target compounds in the wastewater of the investigated company decreased below the legally allowed concentration of the European water legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenol (AP) and bisphenol A (BPA) contamination of urban runoff has already been established. Potential sources of these contaminants in runoff are endogenous to the urban watershed and are mainly related to traffic and leaching from construction materials. This article summarizes the results of experimental work carried out on a selection of building materials, automotive materials, and consumables, which can be in contact with rain, to assess their potential emission of alkylphenols, alkylphenol ethoxylates, and bisphenol A into runoff. 36 samples of materials, new and used, across 7 major families of building materials (PVC, concrete, polycarbonate, SBS-modified bitumen, drainage materials) and automotive materials (body, tires) were subjected to leaching tests with methanol and then, for a selection of them, with water. Automotive fluids were also directly analyzed. The results demonstrate the ubiquitous presence of APs and BPA in urban materials and their extractable character with water. The compounds with the strongest emission rates were bisphenol A and nonylphenol. The most important BPA emissions into water (10 to 300 ng/g) were measured for polycarbonate, tires, some car bodies, and PVC. Nonylphenol was leached in large quantities (1 to 10 ng/g) from PVC, some concretes, SBS-modified bitumen, and body samples. The tires were the only materials having a strong emission in octylphenol (1 to 10 ng/g). The analysis of automotive fluids confirmed the presence of BPA (0.3 to 5.5 g/L) and nonylphenol (2.3 to 2.9 mg/L) in brake fluids, while APs and BPA were found at trace levels in coolants and windscreen washer.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of changes in the composition of the reaction mixture during the reaction of Na2SeSO3 and bromopropyl-substituted phenol in 50% aqueous ethanol and under the conditions of decreasing EtOH concentration in the reaction medium was studied. Convenient methods for the synthesis of 3-(4-hydroxyaryl)propyl selenosulfates and the corresponding diselenides were proposed. Symmetrical and unsymmetrical selenides (derivatives of alkylated phenols and pyrocatechol) were synthesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrokinetic removal of hydrophobic organic compounds from soil systems of various compositions making it possible to avoid an ingress of toxicants into groundwater has been investigated. Solubilization of impurities was ensured by using aqueous solutions of nonionic surfactants belonging to the group of oxyethylated alkylphenols. The distribution curves of residual impurity content were obtained after the termination of electric treatment of soils following the passage of different volumes of electroosmotic solutions containing surfactants. The specified curves allow us to predict the possibility of achieving the required treatment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of the interaction between Sr(II) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution was investigated using xylenol orange (XO) as a probe by UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Binding ratios of n : n = 1:1 and n : n : n = 1:1:1 (pH 7.4) were confirmed. Static quenching occurred between Sr(II)-XO and BSA because of hydrophobic force. Based on the Förster theory of nonradioactive energy transfer, the reactive distance and energy transfer efficiency between Sr(II)-XO and BSA at room temperature were determined. The thermodynamic data obtained indicate that the formation of Sr(II)-XO-BSA complex is spontaneous and driven by entropy and enthalpy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve a 'Good Environmental Status by 2015,' as demanded by the water framework directive, monitoring programs are needed to furnish data on target compounds. In this study, a first evaluation of influents and main emissions of 3 local wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the Adour estuary (southwest of France) was performed for 23 pollutants (10 musk fragrances, 5 alkylphenols, and 8 organometallics), as well as receiving estuarine water from the same area. High frequency of occurrence of these compounds was found in influents samples (musks: 22-100%; alkylphenols 11-100%; organometallics 0-100%) and effluents (musks: 0-100%; alkylphenols 0-100%; organometallics 0-100%). The removal efficiencies were calculated and varied from negative values up to 98% with the lowest values for synthetic musk compounds. Temporal variability of the target compounds also was studied, and a few tendencies were observed. Estimation of the daily output of each WWTP into the estuary also showed that galaxolide, nonylphenol, monobuthyltin, and inorganic mercury were the compounds discharged into the environment at the highest concentrations. Finally, the occurrence of these compounds in estuarine waters was evaluated; most of them were present at concentrations below the limits of quantification (musks: 0.53-41.5 ng/L; alkylphenols 3.4-410 ng/L; organometallics 0.02-0.70 ng/L) suggesting a low impact in the resulting receiving waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to isolate a new bacterium and investigate its ability for degradation of various toxic organic compounds. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strain was identified as Bacillus sp. CYR2. Degradation of various toxic compounds and growth of CYR2 strain were evaluated with 2 and 4% inoculum sizes. All the experiments were conducted for 6 days, flasks were incubated at 30oC under 180 rpm. Among the 2 and 4% inoculum sizes, bacteria showed highest growth and toxic compounds degradation at 4% inoculum size. Especially, compared to 2% inoculum size, growth of the strain CYR2 at 4% inoculum size was increased by 15.1 folds with 4-secondarybutylphenol, 9.1 folds with phenol, and 5.4 folds with 4-tertiary-butylphenol. Strain CYR2 at 4% inoculum size showed highest removal of phenol (84 ± 5%), followed by 4-tertiary-butylphenol (66 ± 3%), 4-secondary-butylphenol (63 ± 5%) and 4-nonylphenol (57 ± 6%). Compared with 2% inoculum size, degradation ability of strain CYR2 with 4% inoculum size was enhanced by 3.45 times with 4-tertiary-octylphenol, and 2.53 times with 4-tertiarybutylphenol. Our results indicated that the newly isolated Bacillus sp. CYR2 can be used for in situ bioremediation of phenol and alkylphenols contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenol hydroxylases (PHs) play a primary role in the bacterial degradation of phenol and alkylphenols. They are divided into two main classes, single-component and multi-component PHs, having distinctive catalytic subunits designated as PheA1 and LmPH, respectively. The diversity of these enzymes is still largely unexplored. Here, both LmPH and pheA1 gene sequences were examined in activated sludge from oil refinery wastewaters. Phenol, p-cresol, or 3,4-dimethylphenol (3,4-DMP) supplied as extra carbon sources were rapidly mineralized by the microbial community. Analysis of LmPH genes revealed a wide range of sequences, most of which exhibited moderate similarity with homologs found in Proteobacteria. Moreover, the LmPH diversity profiles showed a dramatic shift upon sludge treatment with p-cresol or 3,4-DMP amendment. This resulted in an enrichment in sequences similar to LmPHs from Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. RT-PCR analysis of RNA extracted from wastewater sludge highlighted LmPH genes best expressed in situ. A PCR approach was implemented to analyze the pheA1 gene diversity in the same microbial community. Retrieved sequences fell into four clusters and appeared to be distantly related to pheA1 genes from Actinobacteria. Altogether, our results provide evidence that phenol degraders carrying LmPH are more diverse than PheA1 carrying bacteria and suggest that PHs with best adapted substrate specificity are recruited in response to (methyl)phenol availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of bisphenol A (BPA), 4- tert-octylphenol (OP), and 4-nonylphenol (NP), in human hair, the fur of Baltic grey seals and the feathers of herring gulls. Hair was collected from 42 volunteers, while grey seal fur ( n = 17) came from the seal centre in Hel (Marine Station of Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk) and gull covert feathers ( n = 26) were collected from dead herring gulls along the Southern Baltic coast. Assays of phenol derivatives were conducted using the high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection technique. In human hair, the mean BPA concentration amounted to 411.2 ng g dw, OP 131.2 ng g dw, NP 4478.4 ng g dw, in seal fur BPA 67.5 ng g dw, OP 62.8 ng g dw, NP 39.1 ng g dw, and in feathers BPA 145.1 ng g dw, OP 162.0 ng g dw, NP 37.7 ng g dw. The increase of the analysed EDCs in hair was significantly influenced by diet rich in products of marine origin, as well as hair colouring, heating up food in plastic containers, using home cleaning products without protective gloves and wearing newly purchased clothes without washing them first. The concentration of phenol derivatives in seal fur was influenced solely by the uniform diet rich in fish. In birds, the feeding area during molting significantly influenced the concentration of BPA, OP and NP found in covert feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been found that process time and temperature affect the isomer ratio of alkylphenols depending on the catalyst type. Phenol alkylation with linear α-olefins leads a prevalence of ortho-alkylphenols over the para-isomers, unlike the case of branched olefins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous polyaromatic frameworks (PAFs) based on tetraphenylmethane were obtained and modified with sulfonic acid groups. The compounds were characterized by solid-state C NMR and IR spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and transmission electron microscopy. The acidities of the PAF-1-SOH and PAF-2-SOH samples determined by titration were 3.99 mmol g and 0.91 mmol g, respectively. The catalytic activity of PAF-SOH for alkylation of phenol with linear terminal olefins was investigated. The reaction products were isomeric monoalkylphenols ( C-alkylates), and alkyl phenyl ethers ( O-alkylates). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple online headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of trace amounts of nine estrogenic odorant alkylphenols and chlorophenols and their derivatives in water samples. The extraction conditions of HS-SPME were optimized including fiber selection, extraction temperature, extraction time, and salt concentration. Results showed that divinylbenzene/Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber was the most appropriate one among the three selected commercial fibers, and the optimal extraction temperature, time, and salt concentration were 70 °C, 30 min, and 0.25 g/mL, respectively. The developed method was validated and showed good linearity ( R > 0.989), low limit of detection (LOD, 0.002-0.5 μg/L), and excellent recoveries (76-126 %) with low relative standard deviation (RSD, 0.7-12.9 %). The developed method was finally applied to two surface water samples and some of these target compounds were detected. All these detected compounds were below their odor thresholds, except for 2,4,6-TCAS and 2,4,6-TBAS wherein their concentrations were near their odor thresholds. However, in the two surface water samples, these detected compounds contributed to a certain amount of estrogenicity, which seemed to suggest that more attention should be paid to the issue of estrogenicity rather than to the odor problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which describes the synthesis of 4,4'-[butylazanediylbis(methylene)]-bis(2,6-dialkylphenols) containing terpene fragments that are potential antioxidants. It suggests that the synthesis of unsymmetrical phenolic Mannich bases can be used to obtain their analogs based on other bromobenzyl derivatives and secondary amines.

This study describes a new method for the simultaneous extraction of several endocrine disrupting compounds, including alkylphenols (APs), estrogen, bisphenol-A (BPA) and one phthalate metabolite (mono-2-ethylhexyl ester, MEHP) in fish liver, brain, and muscle. Parameters affecting the extraction (extraction solvent and temperature) and the clean-up (dispersive phase nature and amount) steps were evaluated. The extraction was performed by means of focused ultrasound solid-liquid extraction (FUSLE) using 10 mL of n-hexane:acetone (50:50, v/v) for 5 min at ~0 °C, and the clean-up was done by means of dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) using 100 mg of ENVI-CARB and 100 mg of MgSO for the cleaning of brain and muscle extracts together with 100 mg of PSA in the case of liver extracts. Good apparent recoveries were obtained in the case of liver (62-132 %), brain (66-120 %), and muscle (74-129 %), relative standard deviation (RSD%) was always below 26 %, and the method detection limits (MDLs) were at low ng/g level. The developed method was applied to fish captured in Urdaibai estuary (Bay of Biscay) in December 2015, and the concentrations obtained were in the range MDL-1115 ng/g in brain, MDL-962 ng/g in muscle, and MDL-672 ng/g in liver. In general, the highest concentrations were measured in liver, followed by brain and muscle. In addition, diethylstilbestrol was only detected in fish brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the reconstruction of the pollution history of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) in the Baltic Sea. Alkylphenols are endocrine-disrupting compound and therefore toxic to aquatic organisms. Sediment cores were collected from regions with relatively stable sedimentation conditions. The cores were dated by the Pb method. The OP and NP were determined using HPLC-FL. The highest inventory of these compounds was observed in the Gotland Deep (610 μg m of NP and 47 μg m of OP) and the lowest-on the slope of the Gdansk Deep (24 μg m of NP and 16 μg m of OP). Such spatial distribution was probably, among other factors, the result of the uplift of the sea floor. The pollution trends of OP and NP in sediments coincided with the following: (1) the beginnings of eutrophication (1960s/1970s of the twentieth century) and (2) strong increase in the areal extent and volume of hypoxia and anoxia in the Baltic (present century). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different sorbents (i.e. endcapped octadecylsilane, octasilane and styrene- N-vinylpiperidinone co-polymer) were investigated in order to develop an on-line solid phase extraction-liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric method (on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous analysis of alkylphenols polyethoxylate (APEOs, n = 1-8) and corresponding monocarboxylate (APECs) and phenolic (APs) metabolites. The endcapped octadecylsilane was selected due to its full compatibility with a chromatographic approach, which allowed the elution of positively and negatively ionisable compounds in two distinct retention time windows, using a water-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran ternary gradient and a pellicular pentafluorophenyl column. On this SPE sorbent, the composition of the loading/clean-up solution was then optimized in order to achieve the best recoveries of target analytes. Under the best experimental conditions, the total analysis time per sample was 25 min and method detection limits (MDLs) were in the sub-nanograms per litre to nanograms per litre range (0.0081-1.0 ng L) for APEOs with n = 2-8, APECs and APs, whereas for APEOs, an MDL of about 50 ng L was found. Using the mass-labelled compound spiking technique, the method performance was tested on inlet and outlet wastewater samples from three activated sludge treatment plants managing domestic and industrial sewages of the urban areas and the textile district of Prato and Bisenzio valley (Tuscany, Italy); in most cases, apparent recovery percentages approximately in the ranges of 50-110 % and 80-120 % were found for inlet and outlet samples, respectively. The on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS analysis of wastewater samples highlighted the presence of target analytes at concentrations ranging from few nanograms per litre to thousands nanograms per litre, depending on the compound and matrix analysed. APECs were also tentatively identified in outlet samples. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mira River is a Portuguese water body widely known for its wilderness and is advertised as one of the less polluted European rivers. On this presumption, the levels of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in Mira waters were never measured. However, because environmentalists have claimed that the Mira could be moderately polluted, a range of 17 EDCs were measured not only at the estuary but also along the river. The targeted EDCs included natural and pharmaceutical oestrogens (17β-oestradiol, oestrone and 17α-ethynylestradiol), industrial/household pollutants (octylphenols, nonylphenols and their monoethoxylates and diethoxylates and bisphenol A), phytoestrogens (formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, genistein) and the phytosterol sitosterol (SITO). For this propose, waters from six sampling sites were taken every 2 months, over a 1-year period (2011), and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Unexpectedly high levels of oestrogens and of industrial/household pollutants were measured at all sampling sites, including those located inside natural protected areas. Indeed, the annual average sum of EDCs was ≈57 ng/L for oestrogens and ≈1.3 μg/L for industrial/household chemicals. In contrast, the global average levels of phytoestrogens (≈140 ng/L) and of SITO (≈295 ng/L) were lower than those reported worldwide. The EDC concentrations were normalised for ethynylestradiol equivalents (EE2eq). In view of these, the oestrogenic load of the Mira River attained ≈47 ng/L EE2eq. In addition, phosphates were above legal limits at both spring and summer (>1 mg/L). Overall, data show EDCs at toxicant relevant levels in the Mira and stress the need to monitor rivers that are allegedly less polluted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ria de Aveiro is a Portuguese lagoon renowned for its ecological and economic importance. Nonetheless, in literature, few data exist about its organic pollution. Accordingly, this study chemically monitored for the first time a series of 17 endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs). The target EDCs include natural (17β-oestradiol, oestrone) and pharmaceutical (17α-ethynylestradiol) oestrogens, industrial/household xenoestrogenic pollutants (octylphenols, nonylphenols and their mono and diethoxylates and bisphenol A), phytoestrogens (formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, genistein) and the phytosterol sitosterol (SITO). For the investigation of these EDCs, water samples were taken from eight sampling sites widely spread along the lagoon, at three different occasions in 2011, and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results not only proved the ubiquitous distribution of all analysed EDCs but revealed that their amounts were extremely high at all sampling sites. The annual average concentrations were ≈46 ng/L for oestrogens, ≈3962 ng/L for industrial/household chemicals, ≈1740 ng/L for phytoestrogens and ≈908 ng/L for SITO. Normalising these values in ethynylestradiol equivalents (EE2eq), the oestrogenic load in this lagoon attained ≈50 ng/L EE2eq, which is a value well above that known to produce oestrogenic-induced disorders in aquatic fauna. Additionally, phosphate concentrations were also above the legal limits (>1 mg/L). Overall, data show EDCs at toxic relevant levels in the Ria de Aveiro and stress the need to enforce depollution measures in this habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment samples from a salt marsh habitat in the vicinity of Linden Chemical Plant (LCP) Superfund site in Brunswick Georgia, USA, were analyzed for the composition of total solvent extracts and sources of lipid compounds. Stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis infer past multiple sources of organic matter (OM) from aquatic and terrestrial origin, e.g., phytoplankton, bacteria, and land plants, as well as anthropogenic contamination. The n-alkane and n-alkanol distributions in the sediment samples were dominated by long-chain homologues maximizing at C-C for alkanes (carbon preference index (CPI) ∼1) and C for n-alkanols indicating inputs from higher plants, but also microbial and petroleum-related sources. Fatty acid distribution was characterized by short-chain (< C) and branched homologues indicative of bacterial origin. The high abundance of dehydroabietic acid and anthropogenic contaminants, including alkylphenols, are indicative of the effects of past industrial activities in the LCP marsh area in Brunswick, Georgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for the 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane (methyl tert-butyl ether) + m-cresol + water ternary system were measured at 298.15 and 313.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The resulting distribution coefficients and selectivity show 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane is an efficient solvent for the extraction of m-cresol from waste water. The consistency of experimental tie-line data was assessed through the Othmer-Tobias, Hand and Bachman equations. The NRTL and UNIQUAC models were used to correlate the LLE data and to calculate binary interaction parameters for the ternary system. Both models describe the system's phase behavior accurately with very small average deviations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paris conurbation is a heavily urbanized but weakly industrialized catchment. Recently, it has been shown at the scale of Paris that alkylphenols (AP) and phthalates (PAE) are not rejected by the industry, but they originate from domestic wastewater at more than 95 %. However, the contribution of the different types of greywater to the pollution by alkylphenols and phthalates was not addressed. This work aims at providing new insights on this particular point. Hence, the concentration of four phthalates (diethyl phthalate (DEP), di- n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)) and two alkylphenols (octylphenols (OP) and isomers of nonylphenol (NP)) were followed in greywater. For each sample, analyses were carried out on both the dissolved and particulate phases. Moreover, water quality parameters were also monitored, in order to find out whether or not any correlation exists between the concentration of the investigated contaminants and the quality of water. Water quality parameters studied are pH, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved and particular organic carbon (DOC and POC), chemical and biochemical oxygen demands (COD and BOD5), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and anionic detergents (methylene blue active substance or MBAS). This paper presents the methodology used to monitor two greywater with the most important volumes: showers and washing machines. These greywater showed high variability with regard to water quality parameters. Moreover, AP and PAE concentrations are given for the first time for these two types of greywater. All compounds except OP were observed in almost all samples in at least one of the two monitored phases. The concentrations varied between limit of quantification for OP and 102 μg/l for DEHP. The levels measured in washing machines were higher than those for showers for all compounds. For instance, median NP concentration in washing machines was 3.59 μg/l against 1.09 μg/l in showers, DEHP was observed at 102 μg/l in washing machines against 16.6 μg/l in showers. Variability of the results was explained by habits of individuals (shower time, number of products used...) but also by differences in product composition. However, each type of water exhibited the same distribution. NP was the most abundant AP (about 85 % of the total amount) while DEHP represented the two thirds of the PAE compounds. The partition coefficients (Kd in l/kg) were evaluated. The results showed that log Kd ranged between 2.1 (DEP) and 4.8 (DEHP). Log Koc presented similar trends lying in the 2.4 (DEP)-5.0 (DEHP) range. Finally, with regard to greywater quality, the application for greywater reuse is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid extraction combined with ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection was developed to analyze alkylphenols in soil samples. Various parameters that affected the extraction recovery (such as ultrasonic time, pressure, temperature, modifier volume, and extraction time) were evaluated. The best results were achieved at ultrasonic time of 4 min, a pressure of 300 atm, a temperature of 60 °C, a dynamic extraction time of 30 min, and 100 µL methanol spiking. Under optimum conditions, good linearity was obtained in the range of 0.02-5.0 mg kg, and the limits of detection (LODs) were 0.010 mg kg for all of the analytes. The extraction recovery of four alkylphenols at a spiked level of 2.5 mg kg was in the range of 84.69-88.75 %. The performance of the present method was evaluated for the analysis of four alkylphenols in three real soil samples, and satisfactory results were obtained (RSDs < 6.75 %). Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certified reference materials (CRMs) are playing an increasingly important role in national and international standardizing activities. In Japan, primary standard solutions for analyses of endocrine disrupters are supplied under the national standards dissemination system named the Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS). For the traceability on reference materials used for preparation of the primary standard solutions based on the JCSS, the National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) has developed and certified high-purity reference materials of alkylphenols as NMIJ CRMs, such as 4- n-nonylphenol, 4- tert-octylphenol, 4- n-heptylphenol, 4- tert-butylphenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol. Thereafter, it is essential to determine the alkylphenols by using these solutions based on the JCSS for environmental monitoring and risk assessments because analytical values obtained by using the solutions can ensure the reliability and traceability of the chemical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the past and present impact of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in coastal and marine ecosystems, archived samples were analyzed for a broad suite of analytes, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), flame retardants (including PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and current-use pesticides. Surface sediment, mussels ( Mytilus spp.) and sediment core samples collected from the California (USA) coast were obtained from environmental specimen banks. Selected CECs were detected in recent surface sediments, with nonylphenol (4-NP), its mono- and di-ethoxylates (NP1EO and NP2EO), triclocarban, and pyrethroid insecticides in the greatest abundance. Alkylphenols, triclocarban, and triclosan were present in sediment core segments from the 1970s, as well as in Mytilus tissue collected during the 1990s. Increasing concentrations of some CECs (e.g., miconazole, triclosan) were observed in the surface layers (ca. 2007) of a sediment core, in contrast to peak concentrations of 4-NP and triclocarban corresponding to input during the 1970s, and an apparent peak input for PBDEs during the 1990s. These results suggest that chemicals sometimes referred to as 'emerging' (e.g., alkylphenols, triclocarban) have been present in the aquatic environment for several decades and are decreasing in concentration, whereas others (e.g., miconazole, triclosan) are increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonylphenol (NP) can accumulate in river sediment. Bioaugmentation is an attractive option to dissipate heavy NP pollution in river sediment. In this study, two NP degraders were isolated from crude oil-polluted soil and river sediment. Microcosms were constructed to test their ability to degrade NP in river sediment. The shift in the proportion of NP-degrading genes and bacterial community structure in sediment microcosms were characterized using quantitative PCR assay and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the soil isolate belonged to genus Stenotrophomonas, while the sediment isolate was a Sphingobium species. Both of them could almost completely clean up a high level of NP in river sediment (150 mg/kg NP) in 10 or 14 days after inoculation. An increase in the proportion of alkB and sMO genes was observed in sediment microcosms inoculated with Stenotrophomonas strain Y1 and Sphingobium strain Y2, respectively. Moreover, bioaugmentation using Sphingobium strain Y2 could have a strong impact on sediment bacterial community structure, while inoculation of Stenotrophomonas strain Y1 illustrated a weak impact. This study can provide some new insights towards NP biodegradation and bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic properties of Ti-containing porous solids were compared in the oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol (TMP) with HO to produce 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (TMBQ, vitamin E key intermediate). Mesoporous titanium-silicates with di(oligo)nuclear Ti centers, metal-organic framework MIL-125 and amorphous TiO demonstrated 100 % selectivity toward TMBQ. Titanium-silicates prepared by evaporation-induced self-assembly revealed superior performance in terms of product yield and catalyst reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic derivatives of phenol are classed as dangerous compounds, and their presence has been detected in surface water, bottom water, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and mussel as well as liver and muscle of fish from the Gulf of Gdańsk and in liver, muscle, and guano of gulls residing in the coastal zone of this basin. The greatest sources of bisphenol A (BPA), 4- tert-octylphenol (OP), and 4-nonylphenol (NP) were found to be the Vistula River and the water purification plant in Dębogórze. In living organisms, concentrations of BPA, OP, and NP ranged between the limit of quantification and several hundred ng g dry weight (dw), and the highest concentrations were found for BPA. Prolonged alimentary exposure to BPA, OP, and NP in fish and birds was indicated by liver/muscle concentration ratios generally >1. The most influential factors on BPA and alkylphenol concentrations in the tissues of fishes and gulls were mainly diet and habitat. The study confirmed possible bioaccumulation in the food web. High BPA and NP concentrations in guano (≤2,700 and ≤300 ng g dw, respectively) indicated the ability of birds to detoxify and signalled the reintroduction of these compounds to seawater. Herring, flounder, and cod from the Southern Baltic are a safe food source for human consumption because their BPA and alkylphenol contents are low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]