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Anhydrous non-isothermal heating experiments were conducted under controlled compressive stress on cylindrical plugs of six oil shales from Permian through Miocene age. The objectives of this study were to investigate molecular and compound class fractionation during petroleum generation and expulsion and to highlight causes of compositional variations due to primary migration from source rocks. Molecular compositions of n-alkanes, triterpanes, methylphenanthrenes and fatty acids of the original samples (initial bitumen), the samples after pyrolysis (residual bitumen) and the expelled products were compared. Acyclic alkanes were preferentially expelled with compositions depending on source kerogen and partial evaporative loss from the open experimental system expulsion. No substantial molecular fractionation within various compound classes or preferential primary migration of n-alkanes relative to acyclic isoprenoids occurred. Cyclic triterpanes and aromatic hydrocarbons were found only in small concentrations in the expelled bitumen indicating preferential retention relative to acyclic alkanes. Palmitic (C16) and stearic (C18) acids occurred as dominant compounds in the initial and residual bitumen. In the expelled bitumen they constitute virtually the only fatty acid species, indicating that expulsion efficiency is strongly dependent on concentration and generation intensity.

Subaquatic sediment samples derived form Elbe and Mulde Rivers, Germany, were analyzed for extractable and non-extractable anthropogenic organic compounds by a non-target screening approach. Applied methodologies were gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, dispersion extraction and degradation procedures, particularly alkaline and acidic hydrolysis, boron tribromide treatment, ruthenium tetroxide oxidation as well as pyrolysis and TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide)-thermochemolysis. Numerous compounds were identified, including halogenated benzenes, anisoles, styrenes, alkanes, diphenylmethane derivates, anilines, phenols and diphenyl ethers. The results were interpreted with respect to compound specific modes of incorporation as well as to potential sources (e.g. municipal, agricultural, industrial). Extractable and non-extractable fractions differed significantly with respect to their qualitative and quantitative composition. For example, quantities in the extractable and non-extractable fractions of chlorinated benzenes differed up to factor 50. Among other significant results, the investigation revealed hints for a dependence of the mode of incorporation of chlorinated benzenes on their substitution pattern.

Environmental compartments of riverine systems are polluted by organic contaminants in particular as a result of industrial activity. Sediments and soils of conjunct floodplains can act as archives for long-term anthropogenic pollution. While some chemicals are prevalent, several compounds show source specificity. Compounds closely related to industrial chemical processes comprise precursors, intermediates, and by- and side-products. To better understand the environmental fate of such contamination in aquatic systems, we examined historic sediments of the Mulde River, a riverine system adjacent to the former industrial area Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. This industrial complex produced a variety of chemical compounds between 1950 and the late 1980s. Comparison with related, more recent soil samples from floodplains revealed the presence of these organic indicators (e.g., halogenated naphthalenes, tetrachlorothiophene, dichlorodiphenylsulfone, 1,1,1,2,2-pentachloroethylbenzene, chlorinated diphenylethers) in the uppermost soil layers even over 20 years after the general shutdown of industrial production. Concentrations of numerous non-source-specific pollutants such as DDT metabolites, chlorinated benzenes, and dinaphthyl sulfones were also elevated in most recent wetland soil layers. Generally, concentration profiles showed the highest concentration of compounds in the uppermost soil layer. With increasing soil depth, concentrations decreased. Therefore, the results suggest a continuous input of source and non-source specific contaminations over secondary pollution pathways. This long-term pollution of the environment poses a threat to the quality of riverine systems.

Side and initial degradation products of the persistent organic pollutant hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were largely neglected in environmental analysis so far. However, these compounds can be indicative for biodegradation or emission sources. Thus, several samples from a contaminated riverine system in vicinity to a former HCH production site in Central Germany were analyzed. This area adjacent to the industrial megasite Bitterfeld-Wolfen is known for elevated concentrations of various organic industrial pollutants as legacy of decades of industrial activity and subsequent deposition of chemical waste and emission of waste effluents. In environmental compartments of this riverine system, several isomers of HCH related compounds were detected comprising the two lower chlorinated species tetrachlorocyclohexene (TeCCH) and pentachlorocyclohexene (PeCCH) and the higher chlorinated species heptachlorocyclohexane (HpCCH). Except for the uppermost soil of an analyzed riparian wetland, concentrations of these compounds were low. Detected isomers in sediment, water, and soil samples correlated and dominant isomers of PeCCH and HpCCH were observed in the alluvial deposits. Comparisons with industrial HCH waste revealed isomeric patterns similar to patterns found in soil samples. Therefore, the application of HpCCH as an indicator of industrial HCH pollution is suggested.

The Jakarta Bay Ecosystem is located in the vicinity of the megacity Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Surrounding rivers and canals, carrying solid and fluid waste from households and several industrial areas, flow into the bay. Therefore, the levels of selected trace hazardous elements in water, surface sediments and animal tissues were determined. Samples were collected from two different seasons. The spatial distribution pattern of trace elements in sediment and water as well as the seasonal variation of the contamination were assessed. Quality assessment of sediment using the effects range median (ERM) showed that the concentrations of Hg, Cu and Cr at some stations exceeded the recommended values. Moreover, the concentrations of several trace hazardous elements in the sediments exceeded previously reported toxicity thresholds for benthic species.

The paper industry is one of the most significant industrial branches that contributes to water pollution. Recent studies regarding the chemical composition of wastewaters from modern paper production sites are sparse, and organic contaminants originating from this source may remain undetected and uncontrolled. Therefore, for this study, non-target screening analyses of wastewaters from five different paper production sites were performed, including an extended analysis of one facility, for the identification of volatile non-polar to semi-polar organic contaminants. The identified contaminants were also traced in the adjacent river. Several specific agents related to paper production, including photoinitiators, ink and thermal paper constituents, were present in most wastewaters and were therefore considered to be characteristic paper industry contaminants. A couple of contaminants identified in this study are being reported for the first time and might be toxic, but have been neglected in previous studies. Bisphenol A and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol were found in untreated wastewaters, treated wastewater and in river water. Bisphenol A was present in river water downstream from where the paper industry discharges at a concentration that was reported to affect the reproduction of gastropods. Thus, our findings imply that paper industry discharges pose a risk to the populations of sensitive macroinvertebrates.

Comprehensive GC/MS analysis was applied to both the mobile liquid phase (seepage water) and the immobile solid matter of discrete layers derived from a waste deposit landfill. The vertical distribution of organic compounds supports information on the transport, transfer and transformation processes with depth and, consequently, with time. Numerous low molecular weight organic contaminants of natural and xenobiotic origin were identified and partially quantified. Several were selected to act as molecular indicators for different processes. Interpretation of their occurrence and concentration profiles (considering possible waste sources) and their molecular properties allowed us to (i) differentiate immobile and mobile fractions, (ii) reveal restrictions in the vertical transport by transfer processes between particulate and water phase, (iii) identify dynamic accumulations of individual contaminants and (iv) estimate approximate residence times. In addition, intensive degradation processes were pointed out for the natural fraction of the organic matter by way of determination of specific transformation products. Besides the transformation of natural components, transformation of numerous xenobiotics was recognised. In particular, with respect to an important group of contaminants, the phthalate-based plasticisers, a detailed view of (i) the influence of transfer and transport phenomena on transformation processes as well as (ii) the consecutive appearance of different degradation steps in both seepage water and solid waste was pointed out. The information provides a valuable base for the prediction of the long term behaviour of organic contaminants in waste deposit landfills.

In this study the effect of anthropogenic discharges on the heavy metal content in the Potengi–Jundiai river system near the fast growing city of Natal, NE-Brazil, is investigated. Due to the multiple anthropogenic source character without any predominating anthropogenic heavy metal discharge the area of Natal may serve as a characteristic place for the study of the impact of the fast growing Brazilian cities on the environment. In general the sediments of the Rio Potengi–Jundiai river system in the studied area are not severely polluted. However, close to waste water drain pipes a characteristic anthropogenic heavy metal signature is visible in enhanced Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd values relative to reference elements such as Al and Fe. Sources are domestic and animal waste, combustion products and hydrocarbons. These heavy metals are probably mainly bound to organic matter. The elements Sn, Hg and Ag in part also belong to the anthropogenic heavy metal signature. The elements Cr, Ni and V are characteristic of weathering heavy minerals in crystalline rocks exposed in the catchment area of the river system and are not significantly added from anthropogenic sources. These heavy metals are most likely predominantly bound to oxides and represent the pristine geogenic background of the system. They can thus be used as reference elements to monitor incipient accumulation of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd due to anthropogenic input. The element characteristics found here match with those found in other fast growing urban areas such as the Sao Paulo metropolitan area.

This paper presents the results of a detailed study on the occurrence and distribution of alkylnaphthalenes and alkylphenanthrenes in 39 coal and sediment samples from the Late Palaeozoic containing predominantly terrestrial organic matter. Most of the samples represent the Euramerian flora realm and originate from locations beyond the Variscan front in Eastern, Northern and Central Europe, i.e. especially England and the Moscow Basin. The samples are of relatively low maturity (0.32 to 1.80% Rr) and consist mainly of mixtures of type III and II kerogen. Quantification of the C0- to C4-naphthalenes and the C0- to C4-phenanthrenes showed that these compound classes were highly abundant in all samples. Aromatic hydrocarbon maturity parameters in general are in good agreement with measured vitrinite reflectance values. 1,2,7-Trimethylnaphthalene, an assumed diagenetic product of oleanane type biomarkers was present in all investigated samples. This observation provides evidence that oleanane type lipids were biosynthesised by organisms predating the evolution of angiosperms or that assumed formation pathways for 1,2,7-trimethylnaphthalene are insecure. 1,2,8-Trimethylphenanthrene was significantly enriched in samples from the Permian and the one sample from the Devonian investigated in this study. The precursor(s) of 1,2,8-trimethylphenanthrene therefore may have been produced by organisms which were least abundant in the Carboniferous depositional environments represented by our samples.

Anhydrous non-isothermal heating experiments were conducted under controlled compressive stress on cylindrical plugs of six oil shales from Permian through Eocene age. The objective of this study was to compare the distribution of acyclic paraffins in initial, residual and expelled organic matter and to highlight causes of compositional differences resulting from expulsion. Pristane generation from kerogen is highest in the Eocene Messel shale and affects the pristane / phytane (pr / ph) ratio commonly used as a redox proxy. The isoprenoid to n-alkane ratios (pr / n-C17, ph / n-C18) decrease during generation and are lowest in the residual bitumen due to preferential generation and retention of n-alkanes. The n-alkane distribution shows that only lacustrine shales produce high wax oils. Evaporative fractionation leads to loss of n-alkanes up to n-C20 with boiling points below 350 °C. This demonstrates that lacustrine and marine shales may lead to accumulation of low wax oils due to evaporative fractionation after expulsion.

A subaquatic sediment core was taken from the Rhine River to determine substance specific concentration profiles in correlation to time and depth. Based on these data emission histories were related for selected contaminants. Significant emission sources and emission pathways were compiled. In correlation to investigations of national and international monitoring programmes a significant reduction of environmental emissions up to a tenth of previous values were found since 1998. Some selected compounds, discharged by municipal and industrial activities, for example disinfectants (methyltriclosan), flame retardants (tris(chloropropyl)phosphate), chlorinated benzenes, anilines and naphthalenes, can be classified as significant synthetic substances in the scope of the Water Framework Directive. Because of their chemical characters, their persistence, bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity, as well as their occurrence within the sediment core, these compounds create a significant potential risk for water quality, but a reduction of these synthetic compounds to zero cannot be expected for the next future. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive reconstruction of the pollution history of anthropogenic contaminants, their fate and behaviour in the fluvial system. In addition, an estimation of the time period required for environmental measurements and monitoring programmes to improve, achieve and save a good status of the river systems are given.

Background, Aims and Scope It is well known that the composition of petroleum or some of its processing products changes in the environment mostly under the influence of microorganisms. A series of experiments was conducted in order to define the optimum conditions for an efficient biodegradation of petroleum pollutant, or bioremediation of different segments of the environment. The aim of these investigations was to show to what extent the hydrocarbons of a petroleum pollutant are degraded by microbial cultures which were isolated as dominant microorganisms from a surface water of a wastewater canal of an oil refinery and a nitrogen plant. Biodegradation experiments were conducted on one paraffinic, and one naphthenic type of petroleum during a three month period under aerobic conditions, varying the following parameters: Inorganic (Kp) or an organic medium (Bh) with or without exposition to light.

Hydrocarbons extracted from the Tertiary age coals from the Lower Suban seam, South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia have been investigated using gas chromatography (GC) and combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Low rank (vitrinite–huminite reflectance ∼0.41–0.45%) coals from the Tambang Air Laya mine represent different maceral assemblages of an ideal succession of ombrogenous palaeo-peat development in a vertical section. High rank coals (vitrinite reflectance ∼1.42–5.18%) from the Suban mine have been thermally metamorphosed by an andesitic intrusion. Variations in the distributions of n -alkanes, isoprenoids and saturated and aromatic biomarkers in the low rank coals reflect variations in local source input and palaeomire conditions. Terpenoid biomarkers, such as cadinane- and eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids and oleanane- and ursane-type triterpenoids, indicate the predominance of angiosperm plants in the palaeomire, particularly Dipterocarpaceae . The distribution of hopanoids is affected by the organic facies of the coal and their maturity, and correlates with the palaeomire evolution as derived from petrological studies. Close to the igneous intrusion, rapid thermal stress has destroyed most of the biomarkers, but variations in n -alkane distributions, attributable to palaeomire conditions, remain. Reversals in the trends for molecular parameters based on aliphatic hydrocarbons ( n -alkane distribution and pristane/phytane ratio) and aromatic hydrocarbons (methyl phenanthrenes) with coal rank are observed.

Phthalates, isopropylpalmitate and synthetic musks were studied in water samples from the Lippe and Rhine rivers, Germany, using compound-specific stable carbon isotope analysis. It is shown that various compounds are characterised by systematic trends of isotopic signatures. Significant shifts of isotopic ratios of the plasticiser DEHP in Rhine river samples, ranging from Δδ13C=1.9 to Δδ13C=3.2 have been correlated with contributions derived from discharging tributaries. Isotopic patterns of the synthetic musk HHCB correlated with the compounds’ load quantities. Such correlations are the first steps for a descriptive characterisation of isotopic fractionation processes in aquatic systems, which can provide a better understanding of the fate of organic xenobiotics in rivers.

Twenty-five crude oils originating from the Velebit oil field (SE Pannonian Basin), the most important oil field in Serbia, were investigated. Saturated biomarkers (n-alkanes, isoprenoids, steranes and triterpanes) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Based on the distribution and abundance of these compounds, a large number of source and maturation parameters were calculated, particularly those most often used in correlation studies of oils. The examined samples were classified according to their origin and level of thermal maturity using factor, cluster and discriminant analyses. According to the source and maturation parameters, combined factor and cluster analyses using the Ward method enabled the categorization of the investigated oils into three groups. The cluster Ward analysis was shown to be of greater susceptibility and reliability. However, in addition to the two aforementioned methods, K-Means cluster analysis and discriminant analysis were shown to be necessary for a more precise and detailed categorization in the case of a large number of samples in one group. Consequently, it was concluded that factor and cluster K-Means and Ward analyses can generally be used for the interpretation of saturated biomarkers in correlation studies of oils, but the observed results have to be checked, i.e., confirmed by discriminant analysis.

This study describes the application of a common analytical procedure adapted for compound-specific stable carbon isotope analyses of riverine contaminants. To evaluate the sensitivity of the analytical method and the precision of the isotopic data obtained, a set of numerous substances at different concentration levels were measured. For most of the anthropogenic contaminants investigated (including chlorinated aliphatics and aromatics, musk fragrances, phthalate-based plasticizers and tetrabutyl tin) acceptable carbon isotope analyses could be obtained down to amounts of approximately 5 ng absolutely applied to the gas chromatograph. These amounts correspond to concentrations in water samples at a natural abundance level of approximately 50–200 ng L−1 (low to medium contaminated river systems). However, it has to be considered that the precision and the sensitivity of the analytical method depend partially on the chemical properties of the substances measured. Five recovery experiments were conducted to...

The major goal of this study was to investigate the organic pollution of a river on a quantitative basis. To this end, 14 anthropogenic contaminants which were identified in Lippe River water samples as reported in part I (Dsikowitzky et al., submitted parallel to this manuscript) were surveyed. Dissolved organic loads of the specific compounds were calculated on the basis of their concentrations in water and river runoff on the day of sampling. The organic loads of each compound were compiled along the longitudinal section of the river in order to generate individual spatial pollution profiles. It was observed that distribution of organic loads along the river showed distinctive patterns, depending upon the input situation and physico-chemical properties of the compound. The compounds were classified into three types of which Type 1, due to their stability in the aqueous phase, are of special interest for potential application as anthropogenic markers.

GC/MS-screening analyses of water samples from the Lippe River, Germany, revealed the presence of a wide spectrum of low-molecular weight organic compounds ranging from non-polar constituents like aliphatic hydrocarbons to polar constituents like n-carboxylic acids and phenols. Most of the identified compounds could be attributed to anthropogenic input and are used as plasticizers, flame retardants, pharmaceutical drugs or fragrances. Some of them had rarely been noticed as organic pollutants of aquatic environments before. These are, among others, 9-methylacridine, the plasticizer 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentandioldiisobutyrate (TXIB), the surfactant 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (TMDD), triphenylphosphinoxide and the flame retardant tris(chloropropyl)phosphate. On the other hand, most of the identified trialkyl phosphates, pharmaceutical drugs and synthetic fragrances have been reported in surface waters by several authors so far. Input pathways of the detected compounds were traced back by sampling various input sources of organic matter such as discharges of wastewater and Lippe River tributaries. Several contaminants were ubiquitous in Lippe River water and also occurred in sewage effluent from a municipal sewage treatment plant and in samples from the tributaries. This observation suggests that they are typical sewage derived contaminants and have the potential to be used as anthropogenic molecular markers.

A large share of anthropogenic contamination of the coastal zone is a result of riverine contributions. Accordingly, the pollution of North Sea estuaries and coastal areas by organic xenobiotics is dominantly characterized by land-derived contamination. In a previous study, we identified a high number of organic contaminants in sediments of the German Bight emitted by industrial and municipal sources, primarily as a result of riverine contributions. Furthermore, a group of contaminants was identified representing Elbe-specific marker compounds. However, quantitative analyses are more adequate to describe the source specificity via the spatial distribution as compared to qualitative analyses. Hence, in the present investigation, the determination of various anthropogenic contaminants has been performed in order to evaluate the proposed Elbe-specific marker compounds. Numerous anthropogenic contaminants were quantified in seven surface sediment samples from the German Bight by means of gas chromatographic — mass spectrometric analyses. The analytical procedure includes extraction, reI moval of sulphur, fractionation, concentration and addition of internal standard. Two groups of Elbe-derived contaminants were differentiated. Substances of the first group appear only at sampling locations directly influenced by the Elbe river and include hexachlorobutadiene and alkylsulfonic acid phenyl esters. The second group consists of compounds, which occur additionally in minor concentrations at sites situated at a greater distance from the coastal area, which are therefore only influenced to a minor-degree by the Elbe river. However, their spatial and quantitative distribution characterizes them clearly as Elbe river-derived components. Compounds of the second group are tetra- to hexachlorinated benzenes, mono- and disubstituted chloronaphthalenes, tetrabutyltin, 4,4’-dichlorodiphenylsulfide and DDT related compounds In order to discern the discussed Elbe marker compounds from non-marker substances, several nonspecific contaminants were analyzed additionally. These contaminants include galaxolide, tonalide, tri-n-butylphosphate, 2,4,4-trimethylpentane-l,3-dioldi-iso-butyrate and 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane. No significant accumulation of these compounds was observed at sampling locations mainly influenced by either the Elbe river, or the Ems and Weser rivers. For the evaluation of the proposed Elbe marker compounds, the quantitative and spatial distribution was investigated and successfully discussed as the most important criterion to define their source specificity. Generally, these results illustrate how quantitative data on source-specific organic contaminants and the corresponding spatial distribution can be used to trace individual riverine contributions to the pollution of coastal areas. This approach might be especially useful to differentiate the contribution of several rivers discharging close together into the marine environment. Fingerprinting, the individual riverine contribution additionally allows one to quantify the individual, river-derived contamination. Subsequently, the level of coastal zone contaminations can be reduced more effectively. Further comprehensive analyses on numerous coastal and estuarine areas have to be done to support this approach.

The proportions of elemental sulphur species in sediment from a contaminated area and a reference sediment sample were compared with the acute toxicity measured in short-term toxicity tests. Octameric elemental sulphur was separated into three operationally defined fractions. Here we show that octameric elemental sulphur contributes to the acute toxicity measured by bioluminescence inhibition. Our findings show that only a small part of extractable elemental sulphur was effective during exposure to the test organisms. A firmly bound fraction of sulphur was found in a contaminated sediment. This information has to be taken into account while interpreting the acute sediment toxicity.

Specific anthropogenic substances derived from seepage and leakage water from a waste deposit landfill were analysed in groundwater and drainage effluents using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Here, we demonstrate the application of an organic marker approach to study lateral and vertical distribution of contamination as well as the long-term emission behaviour. Source-specific and environmentally-stable pesticides, plasticisers and pharmaceuticals, such as N,N-diethyl toluamide, N-butyl benzene sulfonamide, clofibric acid, mecoprop and bisphenol A, were quantitatively analysed. A distinct lateral expansion was detected. Although temporal variations were high, no significant trend was observed.

Four highly contaminated sediment samples obtained from three sampling locations of the Teltow Canal, Berlin, were investigated by quantitation of extractable and nonextractable organic contaminants. The selection of the anthropogenic contaminants (including chlorinated and brominated naphthalenes, 2, 4, 6-tribromoaniline, phthalates, tri-n-butylphosphate, 2, 2, 4-trimethyl-1, 3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, bisphenol A, butylated nitrophenols, 4-nitrobenzoic acid, galaxolide, and tonalide) based on the results of extended GC-MS screening analyses applied to the extracts of the sediment samples as well as to the extracts derived from selective chemical degradation procedures. In detail, alkaline hydrolyses, BBr3-treatment and RuO4-oxidation were applied to the pre-extracted sediment samples in both a separate and a sequential mode. Quantitative Bestimmung nichtextrahierbarer anthropogener Kontaminanten, freigesetzt aus Sedimenten des Teltow-Kanals nach chemischer Degradation Extrahierbare und nichtextrahierbare Kontaminanten von vier hochkontaminierten Sedimenten aus drei Probenahmelokalitaten des Teltow-Kanals, Berlin, wurden quantitativ erfasst. Die Auswahl der untersuchten Substanzen (chlorierte und bromierte Naphthaline, 2, 4, 6-Tribromanilin, Phthalate, Tri-n-butylphosphat, 2, 4, 4-Trimethyl-1, 3-pentandiol-diisobutyrat, Bisphenol A, butylierte Nitrophenole, 4-Nitrobenzoesaure, Galaxolit und Tonalit) basierte auf den Ergebnissen von detaillierten GC-MS-Screening-Analysen sowohl der extrahierbaren als auch der gebundenen Verbindungen, die durch Methoden der chemischen Degradation freigesetzt worden sind. Diese Methoden umfassten die alkalische Hydrolyse, die Bortribromid-Behandlung und die Rutheniumtetroxid-Oxidation und wurden sowohl parallel als auch sequentiell auf die vorextrahierten Sedimentruckstande angewendet.

Organic-geochemical investigations were performed on layers of a dated sediment core taken from a riparian wetland of the Lippe river, Germany. The samples were collected from two distinct depth intervals representing sedimentation periods of 1944–1952 and 1972–1984, respectively. Comprehensive screening analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed a complex mixture of anthropogenic contaminants. Here, we report the quantitative distribution of selected persistent lipophilic organic substances characterizing municipal as well as industrial emissions. Considering both geochemical and geochronological data, we deduced time-dependent information about industrial production and domestic effluents for the region investigated. In addition, usage and subsequent emission of characteristic pollutants into the riverine system were interpreted for both time periods monitored.

Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis of particulate matter of the Elbe river and its tributaries Havel, Spree and Mulde revealed a group of three dinaphthylsulfone isomers as sedimentary and suspended particulate matter (SPM) contaminants. The mass spectra of dinaphthylsulfones are characterized by the molecular ion (m/z 318), and the naphthyl fragment ion m/z 127. Losses of HSO2 and C10H7O from the molecular ion lead to different mass spectra for each isomer. The gas phase infrared spectra exhibit isomer specific bands in the spectral region between 900 and 700 wave numbers. A synthetic mixture of dinaphthylsulfones was used for isomer identification and the assignment of the gas chromatographic retention behaviour of the dinaphthylsulfone isomers. Quantitative GC/MS analysis of dinaphthylsulfones in 44 sediment and SPM samples provided comprehensive information on the overall distribution and distinct sources of dinaphthylsulfones in the Elbe river drainage system. The results indicate emissions of these compounds over prolonged times and their environmental stability in anaerobic sediments.

Sedimentproben aus Berliner Oberflachengewassern wurden mittels GC/MS qualitativ und quantitativ auf ihre Kontamination mit organischen Substanzen untersucht. Als die wichtigsten anthropogenen Kontaminanten konnten neben PAH und zinnorganischen Verbindungen chlorierte, bromierte und gemischthalogenierte Verbindungen und einige zugeordnete Metaboliten nachgewiesen werden. In der Gruppe der halogenierten Pestizide dominierten in allen untersuchten Proben die DDT-Metaboliten DDD, DDE, DDCN, DDMU und DDMS in ihrem raumlichen und quantitativen Auftreten. Das p,p′-DDD wurde als Hauptmetabolit in Konzentrationen bis zu 1230 μg/kg TS nachgewiesen. DDT selbst konnte nur noch in wenigen Proben nachgewiesen werden. Die Untersuchung ausgewahlter DDT-Metaboliten auf ihre akute Cytotoxizitat mit der Zellinie RTG-2 aus der Gonade der Regenbogenforelle (Oncorhynchus mykiss) zeigte eine hohe cytotoxische Wirkung. Der Test auf endokrine Wirksamkeit im Dot-Blot/RNase-Protection-Assay ergab ein ostrogenes Potenzial in der Reihenfolge o,p′-DDT>p,p′-DDMS >p,p′-DDMU≥p,p′-DDCN. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse zeigen, dass ein chemisches Monitoring, das ausschlieslich DDT, DDD und DDE berucksichtigt, das okotoxikologische Schadigungspotenzial von DDT und seinen Metaboliten nicht ausreichend abzuschatzen vermag. Die Entwicklung einer Methode zur biotest-geleiteten Bewertung von DDX erscheint eine geeignete Strategie zur Losung dieses Problems zu sein. Die nicht erforschte Kombinationswirkung, Unterschiede in der toxischen Wirkung zwischen verschiedenen Trophiestufen und in der Bioverfugbarkeit, sowie geringe Erkenntnisse uber die Bildungsmechanismen von DDT-Metaboliten in situ und das enantioselektive Verhalten der meisten chiralen DDT-Metaboliten lassen weiteren Forschungsbedarf erkennen.

Sediment samples of the Teltow Canal (Berlin, Germany) were analyzed with respect to extractable and nonextractable organic compounds. The study focused on the identification and quantitation of bound 2,2-bis(chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichlorethane (DDT) residues in order to obtain further information about the fate of DDT-derived compounds within the particulate matter of the aquatic environment. Various chemical degradation techniques and a complementary online pyrolysis-GC/MS method were applied to the pre-extracted sediment residues. Generally, the distribution of the bound DDT-related compounds was found to differ distinctly from the substances distribution within the extractable fraction. The main metabolite of the anaerobic degradation pathway (2,2-bis(chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichlorethane, DDD) is most abundant in the sediment extracts but occurred only in insignificant concentrations in the degradation products of all procedures applied. The most abundant DDT-metabolites released after the degradation procedures were 4,4'-DBP, 4,4'-DDA, and 4,4'-DDM. In addition, 4,4'-DDM was detected at rather high concentrations by pyrolytic analysis. The results imply a weak association to the nonextractable particulate matter based on noncovalent interactions for the observed DDT-related contaminants. The release of these compounds was initiated by the modification and degradation of the organic macromolecular matrix as well as of the inorganic material. Furthermore, numerous methoxychlor-related compounds were detected not only in the extracts but also in parts of the hydrolysis products.

Most of organic matter forms are either very complex mixtures, or are of the macromolecular nature and complex structure, and in most of them it is possible to distinguish, according to various criteria, between two or more types. The most important types of organic matter in geosphere, bitumen, kerogen, oil and gas, will be discussed in separate chapters.

To speak about the organic matter in the geosphere means, in fact, to speak about the organic matter in the Earth’s crust. This, together with the so-called upper mantle, builds up the lithosphere (Fig. 1.1). It has been estimated that the amount of organic carbon in the biosphere, which has accumulated so far and further transformed in the geosphere, is around 6.4 × 1018 kg. The average annual accumulation of organic carbon in the geosphere since the beginning of life on Earth to date has been estimated to 3.2 × 108 kg, which accounts for only about 0.01 % compared to the average annual organic carbon production only in marine environment. Nevertheless, as the organic matter in the geosphere has been accumulating since the appearance of photosynthesis, and then continued during a long geological time (about 2 billion years), its total amount in the geosphere is now about 2000 times larger than the amount of organic matter in the biosphere.

Three different synthetic polymers commonly used in drilling fluids (carboxymethyl cellulose – CMC, hydroxyethyl cellulose – HEC and polyacrylamide – PAA) were analysed by off-line-pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (off-line-Py–GC–MS). The aim of this study was to determine specific environmental marker compounds for the identification of contamination due to drilling activities. In a first step, reference materials of the main constituents of commonly applied water-based drilling fluids were purchased and analysed to identify potential indicator substances. For each polymer a set of two to three specific pyrolysis products was determined. Afterwards, four CMC, one HEC and two PAA based drilling fluids were pyrolysed in order to retrieve the previously identified compounds in drilling fluid mixtures. All indicator compounds were identified. In a third step, spiking experiments on drill cutting samples of various depths of one well proved the traceability of the applied polymers and verified the applicability of the indicator systems in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

The occurrence and distribution of polycyclic musks in the Lippe River system (a tributary of the Rhine River, Germany) was investigated in order to observe the dynamic transport and partitioning of these compounds between aqueous and particulate phases after their discharge into the river by sewage effluents. 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyrane (HHCB), 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN), 6-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,5-hexamethylindane (AHMI) and 4-acetyl-1,1-dimethyl-6-tert.-butylindane (ADBI) concentrations were determined in 19 water and surface sediment samples which were taken from a longitudinal section of the river. HHCB and AHTN were present in each of the water samples at concentrations ranging from < 10 to 180 ng 1 -1 and < 10 to 70 ng 1 -1 , respectively. The load of dissolved HHCB and AHTN was calculated on the basis of compound concentrations in water and the corresponding river runoff data and ranged from 3 to 293 g day -1 and from 1 to 108 g day -1 , respectively. Increasing loads of HHCB and AHTN along the river reflect a high input of sewage effluents to the densely populated areas along the central part of the river. Decreasing loads at the lower reaches indicate that in the corresponding river sections the rate of removal of musks was higher than the rate of input. Degradation and/or adsorption to particulate matter are processes that might explain this phenomenon. Consequently, high concentrations of HHCB and AHTN were detected in surface sediments from the Lippe River (from 5 to 191 μg kg -1 and from 2 to 1399 μg kg -1 , respectively). HHCB/AHTN ratios in sediment samples were lower (average 1.2) than in water samples (average 2.9), suggesting the preferential adsorption of AHTN to particulate matter.

Organic-geochemical analyses have been applied to seepage water and leakage water samples of a waste deposit landfill in order to give a comprehensive view on the composition of the organic contaminants. Based on intense GC/MS screening analyses a wide variety of organic substances were identified and attributed to natural or xenobiotic waste components. Apart from plant material-derived compounds and degradation products of peptides, carbohydrates and lignin, numerous xenobiotic substances were identified and attributed to the groups of pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, pesticides or chlorinated aromatics. Not all of the substances identified in the seepage water samples were recovered in the leakage water sample due to degradation processes or dilution by uncontaminated water. Quantitative analysis of selected contaminants was used to discriminate substances affected by degradation processes and persistent compounds.

Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι ο εντοπισμός τοξικών οργανικών ενώσεων στα υπόγεια ύδατα της υδρογεωλογικής λεκάνης Αμυνταίου και η έρευνα μιας πιθανής σύνδεσης αυτών των οργανικών ρυπαντών με τους λιγνίτες της περιοχής. Δέκα δείγματα υπόγειων υδάτων συλλέχθηκαν και υπέστησαν μία διαδοχική διαδικασία εκχύλισης υγρού-υγρού με διχλωρομεθάνιο. Όλα τα εκχυλίσματα αναλύθηκαν με αέρια χρωματογραφία-φασματομετρία μάζας (GC MS). Οι οργανικές ενώσεις που προσδιορίστηκαν είναι: 2,2,4-τριμεθυλο-1,3 πεντανοδιόλη διισοβουτυρική (TXIB), τριακετίνη, ισοπροπυλικά παλμινικά, μυριστικό ισοπροπύλιο, τριβουτυλ-, τριαιθυλ- και τριοκτυλ- φωσφορικά, Ν, Ν διβουτυλ- φορμαμίδιο, μεθυλο- διυδροϊασμονικό, εννεϋλοφαινόλες και μπουμετριζόλη. Ωστόσο, όλες αυτές οι ενώσεις μπορεί να έχουν ανθρωπογενή προέλευση (πλαστικοποιητές, βιομηχανικοί ρύποι, παρασιτοκτόνα κλπ.) 2156 ή να προέρχονται από επιμολύνσεις από τα δομικά μέρη της υδρογεώτρησης. Αξιοσημείωτο είναι ότι δεν προσδιορίστηκαν χαρακτηριστικές οργανικές ενώσεις που συνδέονται με γαιάνθρακες, όπως ανθρακένιο, φθορένιο, πυρένιο, φαινανθρένιο κλπ. Ως εκ τούτου, η επίδραση των λιγνιτικών κοιτασμάτων στην ποιότητα των υπόγειων υδάτων θεωρείται αμελητέα., The aim of this study is to identify potential toxic or environmentally relevant organic compounds in the aquifers of the Amynteo hydrogeological basin and to investigate a possible link of the identified organic contaminants with the Pliocene Amynteo lignites. For these purposes ten groundwater samples were collected from this area. A sequential liquid-liquid extraction procedure was applied to approximately 1000 mL aliquots of the groundwater samples using dichloromethane as extractant. All extracts were analysed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) by means of a non-target screening approach. The results of the GC-MS analyses of the extracts are presented and discussed in this work. The identified organic compounds with a potential environmental relevance are: 2, 2, 4 trimethyl-1, 3- pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB), triacetine, isopropyl palminate, isopropyl myristate, tributyl-, triethyl- and trioctylphosphates, N, N-dibutyl formamide, methyl dihydrojasmonate, nonylphenols and bumetrizole. However, all these organic micropollutants can derive either by anthropogenic emissions (plasticizers, industrial pollutants, pesticides etc.) or by contaminations from the pump and the borehole structure itself. Noteworthy, coal derived organic molecules (such as anthracene, fluorene, pyrene, phenanthrene etc.) have not been detected. Hence, an influence of coal deposits to the groundwater quality is considered negligible.

Due to the very limited number of studies dealing with the chemical composition of industrial wastewaters, many industrial organic contaminants still escape our view and consequently also our control. We present here the chemical characterization of wastewaters from different units of a chemical complex, thereby contributing to the characterization of industrial pollution sources. The chemicals produced in the investigated complex are widely and intensively used and the synthesis processes are common and applied worldwide. The chemical composition of untreated and treated wastewaters from the chemical complex was investigated by applying a non-target screening which allowed for the identification of 39 organic contaminants. According to their application most of them belonged to four groups: (i) unspecific educts or intermediates of industrial syntheses, (ii) chemicals for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, (iii) educts for the synthesis of polymers and resins, and (iv) compounds known as typical constituents of municipal sewage. A number of halogenated compounds with unknown toxicity and with very high molecular diversity belonged to the second group. Although these compounds were completely removed or degraded during wastewater treatment, they could be useful as "alarm indicators" for industrial accidents in pharmaceutical manufacturing units or for malfunctions of wastewater treatment plants. Three potential branch-specific indicators for polymer manufacturing were found in the outflow of the complex. Among all compounds, bisphenol A, which was present in the leachate water of the on-site waste deposit, occurred in the highest concentrations of up to 20 000 μg L(-1). The comparison of contaminant loads in the inflow and outflow of the on-site wastewater treatment facility showed that most contaminants were completely or at least significantly removed or degraded during the treatment, except two alkylthiols, which were enriched during the treatment process. The chemical composition of the inflow samples showed a very heterogenic composition and strongly varied, reflecting that large scale industrial synthesis is carried out in batches. The outflow contained mainly unspecific chlorinated educts or intermediates of industrial syntheses as well as compounds which are known as typical constituents of municipal wastewaters.

Investigations of the bioavailability and toxicity of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) have rarely considered the heterogeneity of coals and the impact of more polar PAC besides polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Earlier, we investigated the toxicity of eight heterogeneous coals and their extracts. In the present study, the hazard potential with respect to mechanism-specific toxicity of polar fractions of dichloromethane extracts from coals was studied. Polar extract fractions of all coal types except for anthracite induced EROD activity (determined in RTL-W1 cells), independent of coal type (Bio-TEQs between 23 ± 16 and 52 ± 22 ng/g). The polar fractions of all bituminous coal extracts revealed mutagenic activity (determined using the Ames Fluctuation test). No significant mutation induction was detected for the polar extract fractions from the lignite, sub-bituminous coal and anthracite samples, which indicates a higher dependency on coal type for polar PAC here. Additionally, information on bioavailability was derived from a bioaccumulation test using the deposit-feeding oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus which was exposed for 28 days to ground coal samples. Despite the high toxic potential of most coal extracts and a reduced biomass of Lumbriculus in bituminous coal samples, bioaccumulation of PAH and mortality after 28 days were found to be low. Limited bioaccumulation of PAH (up to 3.6 ± 3.8 mg/kg EPA-PAH) and polar PAC were observed for all coal samples. A significant reduction of Lumbriculus biomass was observed in the treatments containing bituminous coals (from 0.019 ± 0.004 g to 0.046 ± 0.011 g compared to 0.080 ± 0.025 g per replicate in control treatments). We conclude that bioavailability of native PAC from coals including polar PAC is low for all investigated coal types. In comparison to lignite, sub-bituminous coals and anthracite, the bioavailability of PAC from bituminous coals is slightly increased.

GC/MS analyses have been applied to sediment samples of the German Bight in order to document the state of organic contamination as well as to identify specific molecular markers that are appropriate to estimate the discharge of anthropogenic compounds derived from the Elbe river. Detailed screening analyses revealed a wide variety of organic lipophilic compounds of biogenic, petrogenic as well as anthropogenic origin. Potential marker compounds indicating the contribution of the Elbe river could be attributed mainly to the chlorinated aromatic contaminants. Specifically, these include tetra- to hexachlorobenzenes, mono- to dichloronaphthalenes, hexachlorobutadiene, tetrabutyl tin, alkylsulfonic acid phenylesters, 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexahydro-1,1,6,6-tetramethyl-4-isopropyl- as -indacene and 4,4′-dichlorodiphenylsulfide. These compounds are suitable to indicate the spatial distribution of Elbe river derived organic matter.

Wasser ist nicht nur der Ursprung allen Lebens auf der Erde, sondern mit einem geschatzten Volumen von 1,4 Mrd. Kubikkilometern auch sein groster und wichtigster Rohstoff. Die Agenda 21 (1992) der Vereinten Nationen beschreibt fur alle wesentlichen Politikbereiche die Anforderungen an eine umweltgerechte und nachhaltige Entwicklung. Zwei Kapitel dieser Agenda sind dem Thema Wasser – dem Schutz der Meere und Kustengewasser sowie dem Schutz der Suswasserressourcen – gewidmet. Steigender Wasserverbrauch, nicht-nachhaltige Nutzungsformen der Wasserressourcen und zunehmende Wasserverschmutzung fuhren in vielen Regionen der Welt zu einer bedrohlichen Verknappung des Trinkwassers und gefahrden den Erhalt von Naturraumen und Okosystemen. Wasser ist deshalb eines der zentralen themen des globalen Wandels, zu dessen Bewaltigung auch die Wasserforschung substanziell beitragen muss. In dieser UWSF-Ausgabe beginnt eine Serie Wasser – elementare und strategische Ressource des 21. Jahrhunderts von Lehn und Parodi, mit der in drei Beitragen die hintergrunde einer konstatierten „globalen Wasserkrise“ aufgearbeitet und Vorschlage eines nachhaltigen Umgangs mit Wasserressourcen skizziert werden (Lehn und Parodi 2009). die anhaltende Belastung aquatischer Okosysteme mit vom Menschen hergestellten Fremdstoffen (Xenobiotika) bleibt trotz der unbestreitbaren grosen Fortschritte in der gewasserreinhaltung auch unter den Bedingungen der modernen westlichen Gesellschaften eine der grosten Herausforderungen. Die Grunde dafur sind vielschichtig. Abwasser aus diversen menschlichen Aktivitaten tragen jahrlich weltweit etwa 600 Mio. t Schadstoffe in Gewasser ein; von uber 100.000 registrierten chemischen Verbindungen befinden sich zwischen 30.000 und 70.000 in nennenswerten Mengen in taglichem Gebrauch (Schwarzenbach et al. 2006). die identifikation von umweltschadstoffen, die Auf10.1007/s12302-009-0068-y

Sediments from the Elbe River and from its major tributaries are shown to be contaminated with arylesters of alkylsulfonic acids. Here we report on the structure elucidation and quantification of aryl esters of alkylsulfonic acids. Chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric properties are discussed. Congener-specific analyses revealed a highly similar pattern throughout the area investigated. Alkylsulfonic acid phenylesters were present at almost all sampling locations. Amounts ranged from 33 000 μg/kg near the industrial region of Bitterfeld to 15 μg/kg in wadden sea sediments. Concentrations of alkylsulfonic acid cresylesters were between 10–40% of the phenylesters, and fell below the detection limit only in the Elbe estuary. The presence of aryl esters of alkylsulfonic acids in all sediment samples analyzed indicates a widespread distribution of these compounds in the environment. Previous literature described these compounds erroneously as phenoxyalkanes.

The Cochin Backwaters in India are part of the Vembanad-Kol system, which is a protected wetland and one of the largest estuarine ecosystems in South Asia. The backwaters are a major supplier of fisheries resources and are developed as tourist destination. Periyar River discharges into the northern arm of the system and receives effluents from chemical, petrochemical and metal processing industries which release huge amounts of wastewaters after little treatment. We investigated water and sediment contamination in the industrial vicinity and at one station further away including organic and inorganic contaminants. In total 83 organic contaminants were found, e.g. well known priority pollutants such as endosulfan, hexachlorobenzene, DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane and their metabolites, which likely stem from the industrial manufacturing of organochlorine pesticides. Furthermore, several benzothiazole, dibenzylamine and dicyclohexylamine derivatives were detected, which indicated inputs from rubber producing facilities. Several of these compounds have not been reported as environmental contaminants so far. A comparison of organic contaminant and trace hazardous element concentrations in sediments with reported sediment quality guidelines revealed that adverse effects on benthic species are likely at all stations. The chemical assessment was combined with an investigation of macrobenthic diversity and community composition. Benthic organisms were completely lacking at the site with the highest trace hazardous element concentrations. Highest species numbers, diversity indices and abundances were recorded at the station with the greatest distance to the industrial area. Filter feeders were nearly completely lacking, probably leading to an impairment of the filter function in this area. This study shows that a combination of chemical and biological methods is an innovative approach to achieve a comprehensive characterization of industrial contamination, to evaluate associated risks for bottom dwelling consumers regarding sediment quality guidelines, and to observe related adverse effects on the benthic community directly in the field.

Zahlreiche Umweltkontaminanten wechselwirken stark mit der Matrix von Flusssedimenten, so dass erhebliche Anteile dieser Stoffe nicht extrahierbar sind. Dieser Prozess der Immobilisierung ist reversibel - auch nach Jahren konnen gebundene Ruckstande wieder ins Wasser gelangen.

Extracellular, oxidative soil enzymes like monophenol oxidases and peroxidases play an important role in transformation of xenobiotics and the formation of organic matter in soil. Additionally, these enzymes may be involved in the formation of non-extractable residues (NERs) of xenobiotics during humification processes. To examine this correlation, the fate of the fungicide (14)C metalaxyl in soil samples from Ultuna (Sweden) was studied. Using different soil sterilization techniques, it was possible to differentiate between free, immobilized, and abiotic ("pseudoenzyme"-like) oxidative activities. A correlation between the formation of metalaxyl NER and soil organic matter content, biotic activities, as well as extracellular phenoloxidase and peroxidase activities in the bulk soil and its particle size fractions was determined. Extracellular soil-bound enzymes were involved in NER formation (up to 8% of applied radioactivity after 92 days) of the fungicide independently from the presence of living microbes and different distributions of the NER in the soil humic subfractions.

Industrialization and urbanization in the industrial nations and increasingly also in emerging and developing nations have led to an intensive and still increasing use of freshwater resources. Industries are one of the most important pollution sources and the discharged wastewaters may contain very diverse organic compound groups. Among those, lipophilic contaminants possessing functional groups which are not common in nature rank among the compounds which are most persistent. There have been strong efforts in environmental sciences for a comprehensive characterization of chemical contamination and the related impacts, in order to provide data as a basis for management measures. Here we review the current state of knowledge about organic contaminants from industrial sources. We present information about (i) the identification of organic contaminants in industrial wastewaters, (ii) how these compounds are traced in aquatic systems, and (iii) on their toxicity for aquatic organisms as observed in laboratory experiments and in the field.

It is well known that during biodegradation of oil under natural geological conditions, or oil pollutants in the environment, degradation of hydrocarbons occurs according to a well-defined sequence. For example, the major changes during the degradation process of n-alkanes occur in the second, slight and third, moderate level (on the biodegradation scale from 1 to 10). According to previous research, in the fourth, heavy level, when intensive changes of phenanthrene and its methyl isomers begin, n-alkanes have already been completely removed. In this paper, the ex situ natural bioremediation (non-stimulated bioremediation, without addition of biomass, nutrient substances and biosurfactant) of soil contaminated with heavy residual fuel oil (mazut) was conducted during a period of 6 months. Low abundance of n-alkanes in the fraction of total saturated hydrocarbons in the initial sample (identification was possible only after concentration by the urea adduction technique) showed that the investigated oil pollutant was at the boundary between the third and the fourth biodegradation level. During the experiment, an intense degradation of phenanthrene and its methyl-, dimethyl- and tri-methyl-isomers was not accompanied by the removal of the remaining n-alkanes. The abundance of n-alkanes remained at the initial low level, even at end of the experiment when the pollutant reached one of the highest biodegradation levels. These results showed that the non-stimulated biodegradation of some hydrocarbons, despite their high biodegradability, had not proceeded completely to the end, even at final degradation stages. Under the condition of reduced availability of some hydrocarbons, microorganisms tend to opt for the less biodegradable but more accessible hydrocarbons. Dobro je poznato da se u toku biodegradacije nafte u prirodnim geološkim uslovima, ili naftnog zagađivača u životnoj sredini, degradacija ugljovodonika odigrava prema definisanom rasporedu. Na primer, glavne promene u procesu razgradnje normalnih alkana dešavaju se u toku drugog, "blagog", i trećeg, "umerenog", stupnja (na skali biodegradacije od 1 do 10). Prema dosadašnjim istraživanjima, u četvrtom stupnju, kada počinju intenzivne promene fenantrena i njegovih metil izomera, normalni alkani su već u potpunosti uklonjeni. U ovom radu u toku perioda od 6 meseci izvođena je ex situ prirodna bioremedijacija (nestimulisana bioremedijacija bez dodatka biomase, hranljivih sastojaka i biosurfaktanata) zemljišta zagađenog mazutom. Niska obilnost normalnih alkana u frakciji ukupnih zasićenih alkana u početnom uzorku (identifikacija je bila mogućna tek nakon koncentrovanja pomoću karbamida) pokazala je da je ispitivani naftni zagađivač na granici između trećeg i četvrtog stupnja biodegradacije. Tokom eksperimenta, intenzivnu razgradnju fenantrena i njegovih metil, dimetil i trimetil izomera nije pratilo uklanjanje ostatka normalnih alkana. Njihova obilnost je ostala na početnom, niskom nivou i na kraju eksperimenta kada je zagađivač dostigao jedan od najviših stepena biodegradacije. Dobijeni rezultati su pokazali da se razgradnja pojedinih ugljovodonika uprkos njihovoj visokoj biodegradabilnosti ne odigrava do potpunog kraja ni u završnim fazama degradacije. U uslovima njihove smanjene dostupnosti, mikroorganizmi se opredeljuju za teže degradabilne, ali dostupnije ugljovodonike.

The molecular composition of 58 Duckmantian Ruhr coals and adjacent sedimentary rocks has been analyzed using organic-geochemical investigations representing a maturity range from 0.74 to 0.98% vitrinite reflectance. In addition eight samples of higher maturity (1.46 to 3.55% vitrinite reflectance) were studied for comparison. The composition of coals depends primarily on plant input into the peat swamps, but also to a large extent on thermal maturity. Several maturity-related parameters have been applied in this study such as MPI, DMAI, and diverse hopanoid-based maturity ratios. Especially diamantane-based parameters proved to be excellent for characterizing high rank samples, whereas hopane- and phenanthrene-based parameters are well-suited for the lower maturity range. Various specific biomarkers reflect the composition of the Duckmantian coals concerning the floral differences and floral shift during the Westphalian. The dominating n-alkanes, hopanes, and bicyclic sesquiterpanes show only marginal differences and reveal a quite homogenous floral composition within the six coal seams. Tetracyclic diterpanes, as approved markers for modern as well as Paleozoic conifers and "pre-gymnosperms", have been identified in all six coal seams, but in low concentration (one order of magnitude lower than bicyclic sesquiterpanes). A slight increase of the tetracyclic diterpane ent-beyerane in the younger seams indicates an increase in abundance of "pre-gymnosperms" (cordaites) during the Duckmantian. Significantly increased proportions of diverse compounds like bicyclic sesquiterpanes (eudesmane) or tetracyclic terpanes clearly testify an origin from higher land plants. The major part of the Duckmantian coal swamps biomass with its vitrinite rich coals originated presumably from barks of arborescent lycopods. High concentrations of hopanes mirror the input of bacterial organic matter and a strong microbial reworking of the deposited terrestrial plant organic matter.

GC/MS non target screening has been applied to water samples taken during 1992–1994 from the Elbe river and its tributaries Mulde, Saale, Weise Elster, Schwarze Elster, and Havel. Based on full scan electron impact mass spectra and supplemented by extensive use of chemical ionisation and high resolution data as well as by synthetic reference compounds, several new classes of compounds, whose possible environmental effects are yet unknown at present, have been identified. Tetrachlorinated bis-(propyl)ethers are new among the most prominent contaminants throughout the Elbe river. The confluence with the Mulde river adds a variety of compounds, related to the chemistry of chloro- and nitroaromatics, azo dyes, benzanilides, carbamates, thiophosphates, and pesticides. The combined load of the Weise Elster and Saale rivers carries oligoformals, oxathiamacrocycles, and dichloro- and trichloro-bis-(propyl)ethers, whereas chloropropylphosphates are introduced via the Schwarze Elster. The majority of these compounds, originating from sources at the tributaries, are still present at the mouth of the Elbe river. In addition to specific industrial emissions, a variety of more generally observed organic compounds like long chain aliphatics, sterols, phenylalkanes, and plasticizers as well as ubiquitous environmental trace pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorobenzenes, and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers have been encountered throughout the Elbe river drainage system.

International audience; This article is both an essay to propose social chemistry as a new scientific discipline, and a preface of the book Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World. Environmental chemistry is a fast emerging discipline aiming at the understanding the fate of pollutants in ecosystems and at designing novel processes that are safe for ecosystems. Past pollution should be cleaned, future pollution should be predicted and avoided (Lichtfouse et al., 2005a). Such advices are still not applied by humans as demonstrated by the Fukushima nuclear event and global warming. Human errors are repeatable. We therefore suggest a possible solution, which involves bridging chemistry and society by integrating social sciences in chemical research. In particular citizen discourse analysis should be useful to design chemicals that are both innovative and accepted by society. Then we present the recent success of environmental chemistry through the foundation of the Association of Chemistry and the Environment; the increase of the impact factor of Environmental Chemistry Letters from 0.814 in 2006 to 2.109 in 2009; and over 35,000 chapter downloads of the book Environmental Chemistry volume 1. Lastly we highlight major topics of the book Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World (Lichtfouse et al. 2012a,b). The book presents 23 chapters sorted into two parts: 1. Nanotechnology and Health Risk, and 2. Remediation of Air and Water Pollution.