High-performance of activated biocarbon based on agricultural biomass waste applied for 2,4-D herbicide removing from water: adsorption, kinetic and thermodynamic assessments

Activated biocarbons were prepared using biomass wastes: sugarcane bagasse, coconut shell and endocarp of babassu coconut; as a renewable source of low-cost raw materials and without prior treatments. These activated biocarbons were characterized by textural analysis, solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy. Textural analysis results revealed that those activated biocarbons were microporous, with specific surface area values of 547, 991 and 1,068 m² g^-1 from sugarcane bagasse, coconut shell and endocarp of babassu coconut, respectively. The innovation of this work was to evaluate which biomass residue was able to offer the best performance in removing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide (2,4-D) from water by adsorption. Adsorption process of 2,4-D was investigated and the Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson models described best the adsorption process, with R² values within 0.96-0.99. The 2,4-D removal performance were 97% and 99% for the coconut and babassu biocarbons, respectively. q_M parameter values obtained from Langmuir model were 153.9, 233.0 and 235.5 mg g^-1 using sugarcane bagasse, coconut shell and endocarp of babassu, respectively. In addition, the adsorption kinetics were described nicely by the second-order model and the Gibbs free energy parameter values were negative, pointing to a spontaneous adsorption, as well.

Efficient Degradation of Phenoxyalkanoic Acid Herbicides by the Alkali-Tolerant Cupriavidus oxalaticus Strain X32

Phenoxyalkanoic acid (PAA) herbicides are mainly metabolized by microorganisms in soils, but the degraders that perform well under alkaline environments are rarely considered. Herein, we report Cupriavidus oxalaticus strain X32, which showed encouraging PAA-degradation abilities, PAA tolerance, and alkali tolerance. In liquid media, without the addition of exogenous carbon sources, X32 could completely remove 500 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid within 3 days, faster than that with the model degrader Cupriavidus necator JMP134. Particularly, X32 still functioned at pH 10.5. Of note, with X32 inoculation, we observed 2,4-D degradation in soils and diminished phytotoxicity to maize (Zea mays). Furthermore, potential mechanisms underlying PAA biodegradation and alkali tolerance were then analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. Three modules of tfd gene clusters involved in 2,4-D catabolism and genes encoding monovalent cation/proton antiporters involved in alkali tolerance were putatively identified. Thus, X32 could be a promising candidate for the bioremediation of PAA-contaminated sites, especially in alkaline surroundings.

Retention Modelling of Phenoxy Acid Herbicides in Reversed-Phase HPLC under Gradient Elution

Phenoxy acid herbicides are used worldwide and are potential contaminants of drinking water. Reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) is commonly used to monitor phenoxy acid herbicides in water samples. RP-HPLC retention of phenoxy acids is affected by both mobile phase composition and pH, but the synergic effect of these two factors, which is also dependent on the structure and pKa of solutes, cannot be easily predicted. In this paper, to support the setup of RP-HPLC analysis of phenoxy acids under application of linear mobile phase gradients we modelled the simultaneous effect of the molecular structure and the elution conditions (pH, initial acetonitrile content in the eluent and gradient slope) on the retention of the solutes. In particular, the chromatographic conditions and the molecular descriptors collected on the analyzed compounds were used to estimate the retention factor k by Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression. Eventually, a variable selection approach, Genetic Algorithms, was used to reduce the model complexity and allow an easier interpretation. The PLS model calibrated on the retention data of 15 solutes and successively tested on three external analytes provided satisfying and reliable results.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) micropollutant herbicide removing from water using granular and powdered activated carbons: a comparison applied for water treatment and health safety

Activated carbons are well-known porous materials as an effective adsorbent used for the removal of emerging contaminants, such as herbicides, which are increasingly present in water bodies. Most water treatment plants, specially in Brazil, are unable to completely remove such contaminants by the conventional process and advanced treatment using activated carbons is required. The aim of this paper was to verify the influence of the activated carbons granulometry and specific surface area on the 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide removal efficiency using distilled-deionized water and filtered water collected from a conventional Water Treatment Plant. Commercial activated carbons samples used in this work were obtained from two different manufacturers. Activated carbons were analyzed by the specific surface area, pore size and volume distribution, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and x-ray spectroscopy, moisture, volatile matter and ash contents. Batch adsorption isotherms experiments were used and performed by Langmuir and Freundlich models. Granular and powdered activated carbons removed over 99% of 2,4-D in distilled water and near to 99% using filtered water. The activated carbons evaluated in this work presented high performance and played a key role in water treatment by removing 2,4-D herbicide, ensuring the protection of human health and the ecosystem.

A response surface methodology for optimization of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid removal from synthetic and drainage water: a comparative study

The potential of a granular activated carbon (GAC), a rice husk biochar (BRH), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for removing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from simulated wastewater and drainage water has been evaluated. In this regard, a response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) (CCD-RSM design) was used to optimize the removal of 2,4-D from simulated wastewater under different operational parameters. The maximum adsorption capacities followed the order GAC > BRH > MWCNTs, whereas the equilibrium time increased in the order MWCNTs < GAC < BRH. In the case of GAC and BRH, the 2,4-D removal percentage increased significantly upon increasing the adsorbent dosage and temperature and decreased upon increasing the initial 2,4-D concentration and pH. The results showed that the contact time and temperature were not important as regards the adsorption efficiency of 2,4-D by MWCNTs, whereas rapid removal of 2,4-D from simulated wastewater was achieved within the first 5 min of contact with the MWCNTs. The results confirmed that the Freundlich isotherm model with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) and the lowest standard error of the estimate (SEE) satisfactorily fitted the 2,4-D experimental data. In addition, successful usage of the three adsorbents investigated was observed for removal of 2,4-D from drainage water from an agricultural drainage system. An economic analysis with a rate of return (ROR) method indicated that BRH could be used as an eco-friendly, low-cost, versatile, and high adsorption capacity alternative to GAC and MWCNTs for the removal of 2,4-D.

Phenoxy herbicide removal from aqueous solutions using fast pyrolysis switchgrass biochar

The release of herbicides is known to negatively impact humans and the environment. We report the use of a low cost biochar (prepared through fast pyrolysis) to successfully remove phenoxy herbicides from aqueous solutions. The biochar was characterized using: FT-IR, SEM, pH_pzc, elemental analysis, and surface area measurements. Sorption experiments were run at pH values from 2 to 10, adsorbate concentrations from 25 to 300 mg/L and temperatures from 25 to 45 °C. Adsorption isotherms were evaluated from 25 to 45 °C using both two parameter (Freundlich and Langmuir) and three parameter (Redlich-Peterson and Toth) adsorption isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacities for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) were Q⁰_SGB∼134 mg/g and Q⁰_SGB∼50 mg/g, respectively, at pH 2. This low surface area switchgrass biochar (1.1 m²/g) can adsorb far more MCPA per unit of measured surface area (45 mg/m²) than high surface area commercial activated carbons (1050-1150 m²/g) which absorb only 0.08-0.11 mg/m², and are also expensive. This indicates that biochar three dimensional swelling occurs in an aqueous environment and adsorbates are imbibed and adsorbed at additional sorption sites.

Ionic Liquid-Hybrid Molecularly Imprinted Material-Filter Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled with HPLC for Determination of 6-Benzyladenine and 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic Acid in Bean Sprouts

A new method involving ionic liquid-hybrid molecularly imprinted material-filter solid-phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography (IL-HIM-FSPE-HPLC) was developed for the simultaneous isolation and determination of 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) in bean sprouts. Sample preconcentration was performed using a modified filter, with the new IL-HIM as the adsorbent, which shows double adsorption. The first adsorption involves special recognition of molecular imprinting, and the second involves ion exchange and electrostatic attraction caused by the ionic liquid. This method combines the advantages of ionic liquids, hybrid materials, and molecularly imprinted polymers and was successfully applied to determine 6-BA and 4-CPA in bean sprouts. The adsorption of 6-BA to IL-HIM is based on selective imprinted recognition, whereas the adsorption of 4-CPA is mainly dependent on ion-exchange interactions.

Adsorption of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid from an Aqueous Solution on Fly Ash

The adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on fly ash was studied. The effects of adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, ionic strength, and temperature on the adsorption were investigated. Adsorption kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models, and results showed that adsorption kinetics were better represented by the pseudo-second order model. Adsorption isotherms of 2,4-D on fly ash were analyzed using the Freundlich and Langmuir models. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The negative values of ΔG° and the positive value of ΔH° indicate the spontaneous nature of 2,4-D adsorption on fly ash, and that the adsorption process was endothermic. Results showed that fly ash is an efficient, low-cost adsorbent for removal of 2,4-D from water.

2,4-D adsorption to biochars: effect of preparation conditions on equilibrium adsorption capacity and comparison with commercial activated carbon literature data

Batch isotherm experiments were conducted with chars to study adsorption of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Chars generated from corncobs, bamboo and wood chips in a laboratory pyrolyzer at 400-700 °C were compared with traditional kiln charcoals collected from villages in S/SE Asia and with activated carbons (ACs). 2,4-D uptake by laboratory chars obtained from bamboo and wood chips after 14 h of pyrolysis at 700 °C, from wood chips after 96 h of pyrolysis at 600 °C, and one of the field-collected chars (basudha) was comparable to ACs. H:C and O:C ratios declined with pyrolysis temperature and duration while surface area increased to >500 m(2)/g. Increasing pyrolysis intensity by increasing temperature and/or duration of heating was found to positively influence adsorption capacity yield (mg(2,4-D/g(feedstock))) over the range of conditions studied. Economic analysis showed that high temperature chars can be a cost-effective alternative to ACs for water treatment applications.

Fabrication of In2S3 nanoparticle decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique and their photocatalytic application

In2S3 nanoparticle (NP) decorated self-organized TiO2 nanotube array (In2S3/TiO2 NT) hybrids were fabricated via simple successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The In2S3 NPs in a size of about 15 nm were found to deposit on the top surface of the highly oriented TiO2 NT while without clogging the tube entrances. The loading amount of In2S3 NPs on the TiO2 NT was controlled by the cycle number of SILAR deposition. Compared with the bare TiO2 NT, the In2S3/TiO2 NT hybrids showed stronger absorption in the visible light region and significantly enhanced photocurrent density. The photocatalytic activity of the In2S3/TiO2 NT photocatalyst far exceeds that of bare TiO2 NT in the degradation of typical herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) under simulated solar light. After 160-min irradiation, almost 100% 2,4-D removal is obtained on the 7-In2S3/TiO2 NT prepared through seven SILAR deposition cycles, much higher than 26% on the bare TiO2 NT. After 10 successive cycles of photocatalytic process with total 1,600 min of irradiation, In2S3/TiO2 NT maintained as high 2,4-D removal efficiency as 95.1% with good stability and easy recovery, which justifies the potential of the photocatalytic system in application for the photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants such as herbicides or pesticides from water.

Photo-Fenton degradation of phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenol mixture in saline solution using a falling-film solar reactor

In this work, a saline aqueous solution of phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) was treated by the photo-Fenton process in a falling-film solar reactor. The influence of the parameters such as initial pH (5-7), initial concentration of Fe2+ (1-2.5mM) and rate of H202 addition (1.87-3.74mmol min-1) was investigated. The efficiency of photodegradation was determined from the removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), described by the species degradation of phenol, 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP. Response surface methodology was employed to assess the effects of the variables investigated, i.e. [Fe2+], [H202] and pH, in the photo-Fenton process with solar irradiation. The results reveal that the variables' initial concentration of Fe2+ and H202 presents predominant effect on pollutants' degradation in terms of DOC removal, while pH showed no influence. Under the most adequate experimental conditions, about 85% DOC removal was obtained in 180 min by using a reaction system employed here, and total removal of phenol, 2,4- and 2,4-DCP mixture in about 30min.

Efficient removal of herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from water using Ag/reduced graphene oxide co-decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays

A new photocatalyst, Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) co-decorated TiO(2) nanotube arrays (NTs) (Ag/RGO-TiO(2) NTs), was designed and facilely produced by combining electrodeposition and photoreduction processes. The structures and properties of the photocatalysts were characterized. The ternary catalyst exhibited almost 100% photocatalytic removal efficiency of typical herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from water under simulated solar light irradiation. The photodegradation rate toward 2,4-D over Ag/RGO-TiO(2) NTs is 11.3 times that over bare TiO(2) NTs. After 10 successive cycles with 1600 min of irradiation, Ag/RGO-TiO(2) NTs maintained as high 2,4-D removal efficiency as 97.3% with excellent stability and easy recovery, which justifies the photocatalytic system a promising application for herbicide removal from water.

Degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by a halotolerant strain of Penicillium chrysogenum: antibiotic production

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture has prompted intensive research on chemical and biological methods in order to protect contamination of water and soil resources. In this paper the degradation of the pesticide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by a Penicillium chrysogenum strain previously isolated from a salt mine was studied in batch cultures. Co-degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid with additives such as sugar and intermediates of pesticide metabolism was also investigated. Penicillium chrysogenum in solid medium was able to grow at concentrations up to 1000 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with sucrose. Meanwhile, supplementation of the solid medium with glucose and lactose led to fungal growth at concentrations up to 500 mg/L of herbicide. Batch cultures of 2,4-D at 100 mg/L were developed under aerobic conditions with the addition of glucose, lactose and sucrose, showing sucrose as the best additional carbon source. The 2,4-D removal was quantified by liquid chromatography. The fungus was able to use 2,4-D as the sole carbon and energy source under 0%, 2% and 5.9% NaCl. The greatest 2,4-D degradation efficiency was found using alpha-ketoglutarate and ascorbic acid as co-substrates under 2% NaCl at pH 7. Penicillin production was evaluated in submerged cultures by bioassay, and higher amounts of beta-lactam antibiotic were produced when the herbicide was alone. Taking into account the ability of P. chrysogenum CLONA2 to degrade aromatic compounds, this strain could be an interesting tool for 2,4-D herbicide remediation in saline environments.

Biogenic substrate benefits activated sludge in acclimation to a xenobiotic

Activated sludge that originated from a biogenic fed-batch reactor under steady-state was re-cultivated with the same biogenic substrates to test the changes in the sludge's performance in acclimation and degradation of a xenobiotic. Re-cultivations with varying biogenic concentrations were conducted at time points ranging from 16 d before to 4 d after the acclimation reactions. Biogenic re-cultivation energizes sludge cells thereby benefiting the re-cultivated biomass by shortening its acclimation lag time. Lag time increases on both sides of the re-cultivation time where lag has been shortened the most: (1) in short re-cultivation times before and after acclimation reactions, high concentrations of new or unfinished biogenic substrates cause diauxic growth that delays acclimation; (2) in long re-cultivation times, the re-cultivated biomass loses its energy-rich advantage. Both these lag lengthening situations have their worst cases in which acclimation lag times become longer than that of the original sludge, thus counterbalancing the benefits.

Effects of gene-augmentation on the formation, characteristics and microbial community of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid degrading aerobic microbial granules

Development of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degrading aerobic granular sludge was conducted in two sequencing batch reactors (SBR) with one bioaugmented with a plasmid pJP4 donor strain Pseudomonas putida SM1443 and the other as a control. Half-matured aerobic granules pre-grown on glucose were used as the starting seeds and a two-stage operation strategy was applied. Granules capable of utilizing 2,4-D (about 500 mg/L) as the sole carbon source was successfully cultivated in both reactors. Gene-augmentation resulted in the enhancement of 2,4-D degradation rates by the percentage of 65-135% for the granules on Day 18, and 6-24% for the granules on Day 105. Transconjugants receiving plasmid pJP4 were established in the granule microbial community after bioaugmentation and persisted till the end of operation. Compared with the control granules, the granules in the bioaugmented reactor demonstrated a better settling ability, larger size, more abundant microbial diversity and stronger tolerance to 2,4-D. The finally obtained granules in the bioaugmented and control reactor had a granule size of around 600 μm and 500 μm, a Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H) of 0.96 and 0.55, respectively. A shift in microbial community was found during the granulation process.

[Bioaugmentation of bioreactors with a pJP4 receiving transconjugant to enhance the removal of 2,4-D]

The paper first investigated horizontal transfer of a conjugative plasmid pJP4 to two pure strains of E. coli DH5alpha and Alcaligenes sp., and a mixed culture of aerobic granular sludge, respectively. With a pJP4 receiving transconjugant Alcaligenes sp. :: pJP4 as the bioaugmented bacteria, bioaugmentation experiments were conducted in an aerobic granular sludge reactor and a biofilm reactor, respectively, to enhance the removal of a recalcitrant compound 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(2,4-D). Results showed that pJP4 successfully transferred to E. coli DH5alpha, Alcaligenes sp. and the mixed culture of aerobic granules. For the aerobic granular sludge reactor operated in semi-continuous mode and fed with 2,4-D sole carbon source wastewater, bioaugmentation with Alcaligenes sp. : : pJP4 increased 2,4-D average removal rate significantly with an enhancement of 12% -1 498%. For the biofilm reactor operated in sequence batch mode and fed with mixed carbon sources wastewater, supplementation of the transconjugant reduced system start-up time greatly from 16 d to 5 d. It is a feasible strategy to obtain special degradative transconjugants through gene augmentation and put them into bioreactor as bioaugmentation agent to enhance the removal of some specific pollutants.

Effects of gene augmentation on the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in a biofilm reactor under different scales and substrate conditions

With a conjugative plasmid pJP4 carrying strain as the donor, two bioaugmentation experiments were conducted in a microcosm biofilm reactor with 2,4-D as the sole carbon source operated in fed-batch mode, and an enlarged lab-scale sequence batch biofilm reactor with mixed carbon sources of 2,4-D and other easily biodegradable compounds, respectively. In the microcosm study under sole carbon source condition, bioaugmentation led to a persistently increased 2,4-D degradation rate in the five operation cycles with enhancement of 13-64%. For the enlarged lab-scale bioaugmentation experiment under mixed carbon source conditions, no enhancement in 2,4-D removal could be observed during start-up period. After a period of operation, biofilm samples from the bioaugmented reactor demonstrated a stronger degradation capacity than the control and showed the presence of a large number of transconjugants. This study indicates that bioaugmentation based on plasmid horizontal transfer is a feasible strategy to establish functional microbial community in a biofilm reactor, and the strong selective pressure of 2,4-D existing alone and persistently was more favorable for the success of gene augmentation.

2,4-D removal via denitrification using volatile fatty acids

Many countries have waters contaminated with both herbicides and nitrates; however, information is limited with respect to removal rates for combined nitrate and herbicide elimination. This research investigates the removal of 2,4-D via denitrification, with a particular emphasis on the effect of adding naturally generated volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The acids were produced from an acid-phase anaerobic digester with a mean VFA concentration of 3153±801 mg/L (as acetic acid). Initially, 2,4-D degrading bacteria were developed in an SBR fed with both sewage and 2,4-D (30-100 mg/L). Subsequent denitrification batch tests demonstrated that the specific denitrification rate increased from 0.0119±0.0039 using 2,4-D alone to 0.0192±0.0079 g NO₃-N/g VSS per day, when 2,4-D was combined with natural VFAs from the digester. Similarly, the specific 2,4-D consumption rate increased from 0.0016±0.0009 using 2,4-D alone to 0.0055±0.0021 g 2,4-D/g VSS per day, when using 2,4-D plus natural VFAs. Finally, a parallel increase in the percent 2,4-D removal was observed, rising from 28.33±11.88 using 2,4-D alone to 54.17±21.89 using 2,4-D plus natural VFAs.

Permeable reactive barrier of surface hydrophobic granular activated carbon coupled with elemental iron for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol in water

Granular activated carbon was modified with dimethyl dichlorosilane to improve its surface hydrophobicity, and therefore to improve the performance of permeable reactive barrier constructed with the modified granular activated carbon and elemental iron. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the surface silicon concentration of the modified granular activated carbon is higher than that of the original one, leading to the increased surface hydrophobicity. Although the specific surface area decreased from 895 to 835 m(2)g(-1), the modified granular activated carbon could adsorb 20% more 2,4-dichlorophenol than the original one did in water. It is also proven that the permeable reactive barrier with the modified granular activated carbon is more efficient at 2,4-dichlorophenol dechlorination, in which process 2,4-dichlorophenol is transformed to 2-chlorophenol or 4-chlorophenol then to phenol, or to phenol directly.

[Effects of carbon sources changes on the property and morphology of 2,4-D degraded aerobic sludge granules]

This study investigated the changes of the morphology, structure, and capability of removing the target contamination of the aerobic granules pre-cultured with mixed substrates of glucose and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in a long-time running sequence batch reactor (SBR), when the carbon source transformed into the sole carbon source of 2,4-D. Results showed that when the substrate turned to the sole carbon source of 2,4-D, the aerobic granules still maintained a strong degradation ability to the target contamination; a 2,4-D removal percentage of 99.2% -100% and an average COD removal rate of 85.6% were achieved at the initial 2,4-D concentration of 361-564 mg/L. Carbon source transformation caused certain damages to the original aerobic granule structure, made some parts of granules disintegrated, and led to granule size decline from 513 microm to 302 microm. However, those granules maintained the main body, re-aggregated and grew after a period of adaptation due to their strong resistance to toxicity. Aerobic granules capable of utilizing 2,4-D as the sole carbon source with a good settling ability (SYI 20-40 mL/g) and a mean diameter of 489 microm were finally obtained in this study. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that the diversity of granule microbial species was declined when turned to the sole carbon source.

[Dechlorination degradation of 2,4-D by nanoscale Fe3O4]

Reductive transformation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) by nanoscale Fe3O4 was studied, and the effects of 2,4-D initial concentration, the dosage of nanoscale Fe3O4, pH and temperature on degradation rate of 2,4-D were investigated. The results showed that 48% 2,4-D with initial concentration of 10 mg/L was transformed within 48 h in the presence of 300 mg/L nanoscale Fe3O4. The degradation of 2,4-D was a reductive dechlorination process, and the concentration of chloride ion increased sharply with the degration of the 2,4-D. Disappearance of parent species and formation of reaction intermediates and products were analyzed by LC/MS. The transformation of 2,4-D followed a primary pathway of its complete reduction to phenol and a secondary pathway of sequential reductive hydrogenolysis to 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) or 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and phenol. The degradation equations of 2,4-D by nanoscale Fe3O4 conformed to pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the reaction rate constant (K) of 4-CP, 2,4-DCP and phenol were 0.0043 h(-1), 0.0026 h(-1) and 0.0032 h(-1), respectively. The degradation rate increased with an increase in initial concentration of 2,4-D from 0 mg/L to 10 mg/L, and increasing the dosage of nanoscale Fe3O4 from 0 mg/L to 300 mg/L. The pH of reaction solution significantly influenced reductive degradation of 2,4-D, and the optimum pH value was 3.0. Besides, high temperature could improve dechlorination rate of 2,4-D.

[Effects of Has-Fe(III) complex on the photodegradation of 2, 4-D in aqueous environment]

To elucidate the roles of humic acids (HAs) and iron on the environmental fate and transport of organic pollutants in natural water, the interactions of HAs with Fe(III) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra and fluorescence spectra, indicating the formation of HAs-Fe(III) complex. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra show *OH radicals are generated and can participate in the photoreaction in solutions containing HAs, Fe(III) and HAs-Fe(III) complex. Under Xe lamp irradiation (lamda >290 nm), the photodegradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), as a kind of herbicide, followed the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. The pseudo-first-order rate constant of 2,4-D photodegradation with the presence of only 2,4-D (2 mg x L(-1)) was 0.007 h(-1). In the presence of HAs (5 mg x L(-1)), Fe(III) (0.2 mmol x L(-1)) and HAs-Fe(III) complex, the rate constants of 2,4-D degradation were 0.004, 0.034 and 0.046 h(-1), respectively. It was interesting to note that in the existence of HAs, 2,4-D photodegradation was inhibited. While in the presence of Fe(III), 2,4-D photodegradation was enhanced. Furthermore, in the coexistence of HAs and Fe(III), HAs-Fe(III) complex showed better increased effect on the photodegradation of 2,4-D than Fe(III) alone.

[Plasmid pJP4 mediated gene-augmentation in different systems and its effect on 2,4-D biodegradation]

With pJP4 plasmid carrying genetic engineering bacteria Pseudomonas putida SM1443 :: gfp2x (pJP4 :: dsRed) as the donor, horizontal gene transfer of pJP4 plasmid in 4 isolated pure strains was investigated, and effects of the donor bacteria inoculation on the removal of the target pollutant 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was studied through conducting gene augmentation in activated sludge, biofilm, aerobic granular sludge and river sediment system, respectively. Results showed that plasmid pJP4 could transfer from Pseudomonas putida SM1443 to a broad spectrum of bacteria. Inoculation of pJP4 plasmid carrying donor bacterium apparently promoted the degradation of 2,4-D for all the above four systems. For the activated sludge system (2,4-D initial concentration at 450 mg/L), 66% and 54% removal of 2,4-D was achieved after 143.5 h reaction for the gene augmented and control system, respectively. For the biofilm system with 2,4-D initial concentration at 180 mg/L, 2,4-D removal percentage at 113 h was 99% and 61%, respectively. For aerobic granular sludge system (2,4-D initial concentration at 160 mg/L), 2,4-D was nearly completely removed by 62 h in the gene-augmented system, while the control system only degraded 26% at 66 h. For the system with sediment (2,4-D initial concentration at 2 mg/L), 93% and 69% removal of 2,4-D was obtained at 344 h reaction for the gene augmented and control system, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis revealed the formation and presence of transconjugants in different gene augmentation systems.

Preferential adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate from associated binary-solute aqueous systems by Mg/Al-NO3 layered double hydroxides with different nitrate orientations

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are potential scavengers for anionic contaminants. To apply these materials to water treatment, it is essential to understand how the structural properties of LDHs control their preferential binding affinity toward a specific target contaminant in the presence of other anions. In this study, Mg/Al-NO(3) LDHs with different nitrate orientations were investigated for their preferential adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D). LDH samples containing nitrate ions with parallel (LDH5) and perpendicular (LDH3) orientations exhibited different 2,4-D adsorption characteristics under competition with co-existing anions for surface binding sites. Because 2,4-D is inaccessible to the interlayer region of LDH5, the 2,4-D adsorption occurred mainly on the external surface of LDH5 and was easily subjected to negative effects from increasing concentrations of competing anions, including SO(4)(2-), HCO(3)(-), Cl(-), NO(3)(-) and Br(-). On the contrary, the interlayer nitrate in LDH3 is readily exchanged by 2,4-D. Thus, in conjunction with adsorption on the external surface, 2,4-D can also be adsorbed on the internal surface in the interlayer of LDH3. LDH3 exhibited a much higher 2,4-D adsorption capacity than LDH5, and the 2,4-D adsorption on LDH3 was less affected by the increasing concentration of competing anions. In summary, the selective removal of 2,4-D in solutions with a complex chemical composition may be maximized using Mg/Al-NO(3) LDHs containing perpendicularly oriented interlayer nitrate.

Enhanced removal of pentachlorophenol and 2,4-D from aqueous solution by an aminated biosorbent

The fungal biomasses of Penicillium chrysogenum were used as raw materials to prepare the aminated adsorbent through chemical grafting of polyethylenimine (PEI) on the biomass surface. Due to the protonation of amine groups, the PEI-modified biomass was found to possess the zero point of zeta potential at pH 10.2, higher than the pristine biomass at pH 3.8. The aminated biosorbent was effective in removing anionic pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from aqueous solution. The sorption was pH-dependent and the sorption kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-second-order model. The sorption isotherms on the aminated biosorbent conformed to the Langmuir equation, with the maximum sorption capacity of 1.23 mmol/g for PCP and 1.22 mmol/g for 2,4-D. In the presence of Cu(2+) or Pb(2+), the sorption capacities for both PCP and 2,4-D were further enhanced, attributed to the formation of surface complex. FTIR and zeta potential analysis before and after the sorption revealed that the amine groups on the biomass surface played an important role in the sorption of PCP and 2,4-D, due to the electrostatic interaction between the positive protonated amine groups and the negative PCP/2,4-D.

Determination of the phenoxyacid herbicides MCPA, mecoprop and 2,4-D in kidney tissue using liquid chromatography with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

An analytical method was developed to determine the phenoxyacid herbicides 2,4-D, MCPA and mecoprop in kidney tissue from animals where poisoning is suspected. Samples were Soxhlet extracted using diethyl ether and the extracts cleaned-up using anion exchange solid phase extraction cartridges. Analysis was performed using liquid chromatography with negative-ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was evaluated by analysing control kidney samples fortified at 1 and 5 mg/kg. Mean recoveries ranged from 82 to 93% with relative standard deviations from 3.2 to 19%. The limit of detection was estimated to be 0.02 mg/kg.

Heterogeneous photocatalytic ozonation of 2,4-D in dilute aqueous solution with TiO2 fiber

Photocatalytic ozonation (O(3)/UV/TiO2) is an emerging oxidation method for recalcitrant organic contaminants in water. However, immobilised TiO2 catalysts suffer from reduced photonic efficiency. Therefore, TiO2 catalysts with excellent mechanical and thermal properties and enhanced photonic efficiencies are sought. This paper aimed to elucidate the mineralisation of low concentration 2,4-D (45.0 microM) by O(3)/UV/TiO2 using the world's first high-strength TiO2 fibre in laboratory batch experiments. 2,4-D degradation and TOC removal followed pseudo first-order reaction kinetic. The removal rates for 2,4-D and TOC in O(3)/UV/TiO2 were 1.5 and 2.4-fold larger than the summation of the values for ozonation (O3)) and photocatalysis (UV/TiO2), respectively. O(3)/UV/TiO2 was characterised by few aromatic intermediates with low abundance, fast degradations of aliphatic intermediates and dechlorination as a major step. The significantly enhanced 2,4-D mineralisation in O(3)/UV/TiO2 was attributed to increased ozone dissolution and decomposition, and reduced electron-hole recombination resulting in large number of hydroxyl radical (*OH) formation from more than one parallel path. The discrepancies in the organic carbon mass budget were attributed to few apparently major unidentified intermediates, while chlorine mass balance was reasonably acceptable. The mineralisation efficiency of O(3)/UV/TiO2 with the TiO2 fibre can further be enhanced by optimisation of experimental design parameters. The new TiO2 fibre is very promising to overcome the problem of reduced efficiency of TiO2 catalyst in an immobilised state.

Enantioseparation of 2-aryloxypropionic acids on chiral porous monolithic columns by capillary electrochromatography

The enantioseparation of 2-aryloxypropionic acids by capillary electrochromatography was tested on columns with a monolithic stationary phase prepared from silanized fused-silica capillaries (100 microm I.D.) by in situ copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and methyl methacrylate in the presence of formamide and 1-propanol as the porogen solvents. The porous chiral monolithic stationary phases were prepared by reaction of the epoxy-groups at the surface of the monolith with (+)-1-(4-aminobutyl)-(5R,8S,10R)-terguride. To attain the minimum HETP values for the enantiodiscrimination of 2-phenoxypropionic acid, the influence of the composition of polymerization solution on column total porosity and efficiency was investigated. Optimum mobile phase conditions were found for all analytes tested using acetonitrile-methanol mixtures containing triethylamine and acetic acid as the buffer components. Furthermore, the chemical and mechanical stabilities of the columns were satisfactory, allowing hundreds of analyses.

Adsorption of 2,4-D and carbofuran pesticides using fertilizer and steel industry wastes

The removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and carbofuran from aqueous solution was studied by using fertilizer industry waste (carbon slurry) and steel industry wastes (blast furnace slag, dust, and sludge) as adsorbents in batch. Adsorption was found to be in decreasing order: carbon slurry, blast furnace sludge, dust, and slag, respectively. Carbonaceous adsorbent prepared from carbon slurry exhibited the uptake capacity of 212 and 208 mg g(-1) for 2,4-D and carbofuran, respectively at 25 degrees C and pH 7.5. Adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics were investigated as a function of initial pH, temperature, and pesticide concentrations. Equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir equilibrium model in the studied concentration range of 2,4-D and carbofuran at all the temperatures studied. Two simplified models, including pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, were used to test the adsorption kinetics. Adsorption of 2,4-D and carbofuran on carbon slurry at 25, 35, and 45 degrees C could be best fitted in the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Pore diffusion was confirmed as the essential rate-controlling step with the help of Bangham's equation.

Effect of surface modification of an engineered activated carbon on the sorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and benazolin from water

The performance of a conventional (F400) and a surface modified activated carbon (F400AN) has been investigated for the sorption of benazolin and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) from water. It was observed that the modified carbon, F400AN, which was obtained by annealing the conventional sample had a higher BET surface area (960 m2 g(-1) compared to 790 m2 g(-1)) and it had a higher proportion of micropores. This was attributed to the loss of oxygen containing functional groups during the thermal treatment. Zeta potential and pH titration measurements also showed that acidic functionality had been lost on the F400AN sample. The adsorption data were analysed and were fitted well using the Langmuir isotherm. The modified carbon marginally out-performed the conventional activated carbon for sorption of these two herbicides. Thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG0, DeltaH0, and DeltaS0) were determined and their values indicated that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic for both herbicides. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model was employed for analysing the kinetic data. It was concluded that the herbicide sorption process was controlled by a film diffusion mechanism.

The evaluation of different sorbents for the preconcentration of phenoxyacetic acid herbicides and their metabolites from soils

A procedure using alkaline extraction, solid-phase extraction (SPE) and HPLC is developed to analyze the polar herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) together with their main metabolites in soils. An ion-pairing HPLC method is used for the determination as it permits the baseline separation of these highly polar herbicides and their main metabolites. The use of a highly cross-linked polystyrene-divinylbenzene sorbent (PS-DVB) gives the best results for the analysis of these compounds. This sorbent allows the direct preconcentration of the analytes at the high pH values obtained after quantitative alkaline extraction of the herbicides from soil samples. Different parameters are evaluated for the SPE preconcentration step. The high polarity of the main analytes of interest (2,4-D and MCPA) makes it necessary to work at low flow rates (< or =0.5 mL min(-1)) in order for these compounds to be retained by the PS-DVB sorbent. A two stage desorption from the SPE sorbent is required to obtain the analytes in solvents that are appropriate for HPLC determination. A first desorption with a 50:50 methanol:water mixture elutes the most polar analytes (2,4-D, MCPA and 2CP). The second elution step with methanol permits the analysis of the other phenol derivatives. The humic and fulvic substances present in the soil are not efficiently retained by PS-DVB sorbents at alkaline pH's and so do not interfere in the analysis. This method has been successfully applied in the analysis of soil samples from a golf course treated with a commercial product containing esters of 2,4-D and MCPA as the active components.

Removal of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate from water to zinc-aluminium-chloride layered double hydroxides

Batch sorption studies were conducted to investigate the potential of [Zn-Al-Cl] layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for the removal of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D) from contaminated aqueous solutions. Experiments were performed at different pH values, initial pesticide concentration, solid/pesticide ratio and anion exchange capacity of LDHs. The LDH samples evaluated had very high retention capacity for 2,4-D whose removal was a rapid process, as a quasi-equilibrium state was reached after 1-h reaction time. The adsorption can be described by Langmuir-type isotherms, with an average affinity constant of 12.5 L mmol(-1). At initial 2,4-D concentrations between 0.08 and 4 m molL(-1), the solids removed up to 98% of the pesticide. Physicochemical characterization of the LDH solids, both fresh and after removal of 2,4-D, by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry, indicates that the retention of 2,4-D is done by adsorption on the surface of the solid for low 2,4-D concentrations. However, a combination of surface adsorption and interlayer ion exchange takes place when the 2,4-D concentration is high.

Biophysical characterization of endotoxin inactivation by NK-2, an antimicrobial peptide derived from mammalian NK-lysin

NK-2, a membrane-acting antimicrobial peptide, was derived from the cationic core region of porcine NK-lysin and consists of 27 amino acid residues. It adopts an amphipathic, alpha-helical secondary structure and has been shown to interact specifically with membranes of negatively charged lipids. We therefore investigated the interaction of NK-2 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the main, highly anionic component of the outer leaflet of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, by means of biophysical and biological assays. As model organisms and a source of LPS, we used Salmonella enterica strains with various lengths of the LPS carbohydrate moiety, including smooth LPS, rough LPS, and deep rough LPS (LPS Re) mutant strains. NK-2 binds to LPS Re with a high affinity and induces a change in the endotoxin-lipid A aggregate structure from a cubic or unilamellar structure to a multilamellar one. This structural change, in concert with a significant overcompensation of the negative charges of LPS, is thought to result in the neutralization of the endotoxic LPS activity in a cell culture system. Neutralization of LPS activity by NK-2 as well as its antibacterial activity against the various Salmonella strains strongly depends on the length of the sugar chains of LPS, with LPS Re being the most sensitive. This suggests that a hydrophobic peptide-LPS interaction is necessary for efficient neutralization of the biological activity of LPS and that the long carbohydrate chains, besides their function as a barrier for hydrophobic drugs, also serve as a trap for polycationic substances.

Photooxidation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by ferrous oxalate-mediated system

The photodegradation of a herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) by ferrous oxalate/UV/H2O2 was studied. Ferrous oxalate, the more photoactive and reactive species, was found to react faster with hydrogen peroxide for hydroxyl radical production than ferrous ions under UV irradiation. About 2.9 times greater rate enhancement was found with the addition of 0.3 mM oxalate than that of a solution containing 0.1 mM Fe2+ and 1 mM H2O2 in the presence of UV light at 253.7 nm. The kinetics dependence of hydrogen peroxide concentration and initial solution pH were also investigated. A threefold increase in peroxide concentration could accelerate the removal of 2,4-D and nearly complete the reaction in 30 min of illumination. The initial decay rate of 2,4-D treated by ferrous oxalate/UV/H2O2 accelerated from 0.0029 to 0.0034 s(-1) and the overall removal of the starting material increased from 78% to 99.9%. The 2,4-D transformation at lower initial pH had higher reaction rates than that at higher pH and different reaction mechanisms were identified. The efficiency of the herbicide decomposition was retarded 2.6 times and 9.6 times as initial pH increased from 2.8 to 5.1 and 9.0, respectively.

Food as a source of dioxin exposure in the residents of Bien Hoa City, Vietnam

Recently, elevated dioxin levels, over 5 parts per trillion (ppt) 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), from Agent Orange was reported in 95% of 43 selected residents of Bien Hoa City, a city in southern Vietnam near a former air base used for Agent Orange-spraying missions. Agent Orange herbicide, contaminated with TCDD, was sprayed in Vietnam between 1962 and 1971 primarily for use as a defoliant. Typical blood TCCD levels are 2 ppt in Vietnamese, but levels are as high as 413 ppt in Bien Hoa City. Elevated TCDD was found in children born many years after Agent Orange spraying ended and in immigrants from non-Agent Orange-sprayed parts of Vietnam, which documented new exposures. Extremely elevated soil TCDD samples, over 1 million ppt, and elevated TCDD in sediment were found in some nearby areas such as Bien Hung Lake. The primary route of intake of almost all dioxins in humans is food. However, in our prior studies in Bien Hoa, food was unavailable for dioxin analysis so the route of intake was not confirmed. In the 1970s, while Agent Orange was still being sprayed, elevated human milk TCDD levels as high as 1850 were detected in milk from Vietnamese people living in Agent Orange-sprayed areas where consumption of fish was high. Furthermore, also in the 1970s, elevated TCDD levels (up to 810 ppt) were found in fish and shrimp from the same area as the milk donors. In the 1980s, we found elevated TCDD and also other organohalogen levels in human tissue, pork, fish, a turtle, and a snake in Southern Vietnam. For these reasons, we recently collected food from Bien Hoa and analyzed it for dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and its metabolites, and other organochlorines. We found marked elevation of TCDD, the dioxin characteristic of Agent Orange, in some of the food products, including ducks with 276 ppt and 331 ppt wet weight, chickens from 0.031-15 ppt wet weight, fish from 0.063-65 ppt wet weight, and a toad with 56 ppt wet weight. Usual TCDD levels in food are less than 0.1 ppt. Total TEQ for ducks was from 286-343 ppt wet weight or 536 ppt and 550 ppt lipid; for chickens from 0.35-48 ppt wet weight or 0.95-74 ppt lipid, for fish from 0.19-66 ppt wet weight or 3.2 ppt and 15,349 ppt lipid, and the toad was 80 ppt wet weight and 11,765 ppt lipid. Interestingly, this study did not find elevated levels of TCDD in the pork and beef samples. Clearly, food, including duck, chicken, some fish, and a toad, appears responsible for elevated TCDD in residents of Bien Hoa City, even though the original Agent Orange contamination occurred 30-40 years before sampling. Elevated levels of PCBs and DDT and its metabolites were found in some food samples. Furthermore, measurable levels of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were found in a wide range of measurable levels. All of the 11 dioxin-like PCBs measured and presented plus 6 dioxins in addition to TCDD and 10 dibenzofurans contributed to the total dioxin toxicity (TEQ). However, when elevated, TCDD frequently contributed most of the TEQ. Thirty-six congeners from 7 classes of chemicals were measured in each of the 16 specimens providing a total of 576 congener levels.

Influence of various reaction parameters on 2,4-D removal in photo/ferrioxalate/H(2)O(2) process

The influence of various reaction parameters on herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) removal were examined in the photo/ferrioxalate/H(2)O(2) system, with regard to: (1) sulfate, phosphate, and z.rad;OH scavenger, as solution constituent; and (2) light intensity, ferrioxalate, H(2)O(2), and oxalate concentration, as operating parameter. In terms of 2,4-D removal, the photo/ferrioxalate/H(2)O(2) system has always been superior to the photo/Ferric ion/H(2)O(2) system, despite the high presence of anions (sulfate 100 mM, phosphate 1 mM) or z.rad;OH scavenger. Not only the rate of 2,4-D removal, but also the decomposition rate of H(2)O(2) and oxalate proportionally increase with light intensity. The ferrioxalate concentration determines the light absorption fraction, and thus, controls the rates of 2,4-D removal, and the decomposition of H(2)O(2) and oxalate, are predicted from kinetic formulations. The optimal concentration of H(2)O(2) and oxalate, according to the extent of the z.rad;OH scavenging reaction with these reagents, has been demonstrated for 2,4-D removal. It was found that an increasing oxalate concentration, which bears the burden of increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC), does not occur. This is because its decomposition, as a result of the photochemical reduction of the ferric oxalate complex, results in a decrease of the equivalent DOC. The importance of the key reaction factors to be considered, when applying this system to real wastewater treatment, is also discussed.

Determination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in human urine with mass selective detection

Method development and validation studies have been completed on an assay that will allow the determination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in human urine. The accurate determination of 2,4-D in urine is an important factor in monitoring worker and population exposure. These studies successfully validated a method for the detection of 2,4-D in urine at a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 5.00 ppb (parts per billion) using gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GC/MSD). The first study involved the determination of 2,4-D in control human urine and urine samples fortified with 2,4-D. Due to chromatographic interference, a second study was conducted using 14C-2,4-D to verify the recoverability of 2,4-D from human urine at low levels using the GC/MSD method. The second study supports the results of the original data. The 2,4-D was extracted from human urine using a procedure involving hydrolysis using potassium hydroxide, followed by a liquid-liquid extraction into methylene chloride. The extracted samples were derivatized with diazomethane. The methylated fraction was analyzed by GC/MSD. Quantitation was made by comparison to methylated reference standards of 2,4-D. Aliquots fortified at 5-, 50-, and 500-ppb levels were analyzed. The overall mean recovery for all fortified samples was 90.3% with a relative standard deviation of 14.31%.

Determination of bentazone, dichlorprop, and MCPA in different soils by sodium hydroxide extraction in combination with solid-phase preconcentration

A method for the extraction of bentazone, dichlorprop, and MCPA in three selected Norwegian soils of different textures is described. Initially three different extraction methods were tested on one soil type. All methods gave recoveries >80% for the pesticide mixture, but extraction with sodium hydroxide in combination with solid-phase preconcentration was used for further recovery tests with soils of different properties spiked at four herbicide concentration levels (0.001-10 microg/g of wet soil). The method was rapid and easy and required a minimum of organic solvents. The recoveries were in the range of 82-109, 80-123, and 45-91% for the soils containing 1.4 (Hole), 2.5 (Kroer), and 37.8% (Froland) organic carbon, respectively. Limits of quantification using GC-MS were 0.0003 microg/g of wet soil for bentazone and 0.0001 microg/g of wet soil for both dichlorprop and MCPA.

Separation of chlorophenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols by using capillary zone electrophoresis

In this study, the choice of electrolyte systems for the separation and detection of a range of chlorophenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols by means of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is discussed. A series of acetate buffers over the buffering capacity pH range 4.03-5.5 were initially chosen for the separation. It was found that chlorophenoxyacetic acids could be separated at pH 4.03 and 4.5 but the most satisfactory separation of chlorophenols was obtained at pH 5.5. The factors affecting separation selectivity, including the addition of organic modifiers, was also studied. The use of 25% 2-butanol, 5% ethylene glycol and 10% acetonitrile as organic solvents resulted in the total separation of both classes of these compounds but poor peak shape of chlorophenols resulted and a number of chlorophenoxyacetic acids were not well separated. A borate-phosphate buffer gave improved peak shape of chlorophenols. Further improved separation of the components of the mixture was obtained by the addition of 2 mM fully methylated-beta-cyclodextrin to the 35 mM borate- 60 mM phosphate buffer at pH 6.5, maintaining good peak shape. In this case, separation of the two compound classes, chlorophenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols, is achieved, with complete resolution of individual compounds in less than 5 min with high efficiency (of the order of 150,000 plates for the ca. 40 cm column). The method is applied to a commercial 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide mixture.

Quantitative and qualitative precision improvements by effective mobility-scale data transformation in capillary electrophoresis analysis

By transforming the time-based x-axis of electropherograms in capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) into the corresponding effective mobility-scale, we propose a simple and robust data representation for a better qualitative and quantitative capillary electrophoresis (CE) analysis. The time scale of the raw electrophoretic data (detection signal versus time) is transformed into an effective electrophoretic mobility scale (mu eff-scale) with account of the electroosmotic flow (EOF) peak or of an internal standard of known effective mobility. With the new scaling (detection signals versus effective mobility), the obtained electropherograms are more representative of the velocity-based electrophoretic separation and the comparison of complete electropherograms is directly possible. This is of importance when tracking peaks in real samples where alteration in EOF stability can occur or when comparing electrophoretic runs from different experimental setups (independence in column length and voltage). Beside the qualitative possibilities, a quantitative improvement is achieved in the mu eff-scale with significant better peak area reproducibility and equal to more precision in quantitative analysis than with the primary time-scale integration.

Probiotic removal of herbicides with endocrine disrupting potential from aqueous matrices

Water dosed with 50 mg/L of 2,4-D and atrazine was treated to remove the herbicides which both are reported to have endocrine disrupting potential. Both chemicals could be removed effectively with activated carbon. Yet, traces of endocrine disrupter remained in the water and are able to enter the food chain. The further biological elimination of these compounds was investigated. Milk alone did not decrease the amount of chemicals present in the aqueous supernatant. Yet, the probiotic products Bifidus yoghurt (GB), Actimel (Danone) and Yakult (Yakult Honsha) appeared to bind a substantial amount of the endocrine disrupting chemicals to the particulate fraction and thus render them potentially less bio-available in the aqueous phase.

Optimization of the cyclodextrin-assisted capillary electrophoresis separation of the enantiomers of phenoxyacid herbicides

An ethylcarbonate derivative of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) with three substituents per molecule, hydroxypropyl-beta-CD and native alpha-CD have been tested as resolving agents in the capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) separation of the four enantiomers of the herbicides mecoprop and dichlorprop. The performances of the three compounds have been quantified by means of two-levels full factorial design and the inclusion constants were calculated from CZE migration time data. Possible structure of inclusion complexes have been proposed, on the basis of molecular mechanics simulations.

[Simple immunoassays of pesticides based on the biotin-streptavidin system]

A simple method was developed for the preparation of a highly active streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate that enhances fourfold the sensitivity of bioassays. Using this conjugate, a quantitative assay of simazine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (competitive ELISA) and a noninstrumental express method for simultaneous detection of these pesticides (dot-immunofiltration assay) were developed. The detection limit of the pesticides is 3-4 and 2 ng/ml and the duration of the assays is 1.5 h and 5 min for ELISA and dot-immunofiltration, respectively. The express method is easy and straightforward and enables the assay to be performed outside the laboratory.

Solid phase extraction of 2,4-D from human urine

A method for determining urinary concentrations of 2,4-D in samples collected from non-occupationally, environmentally exposed individuals was developed. The 2,4-D was extracted from fortified human urine samples using octadecylsilane solid phase extraction cartridges. The average percent recovery for urine samples spiked at 2 and 20 ng/mL was 100% and 93%, respectively. The method detection limit was estimated to be 0.75 ng of 2,4-D per mL of urine based on a 10 mL sample size. The potential use of 2,4-dichlorophenylacetic acid as a surrogate standard was also investigated.