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Pharmaceutical substances are synthetic compounds with very widespread usage due to their therapeutic biological effects. These compounds and their bioactive metabolites are continually introduced into the aquatic environment as complex mixtures via sewage treatment plants (incomplete destruction), animal farms or leaching from landfills. In this study, an analytical procedure involving solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was developed to determine pharmaceutical compounds (caffeine, diclofenac, ketoprofen and ibuprofen) in aqueous samples (wastewater and surface water). The results demonstrated the suitability of the method at trace levels (ng·L −1) for multi-residue analysis of different types of water matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Surface sediments collected from 10 stations of Taranto Gulf influenced by industrial waste waters were analysed for metals (Hg, Cd, Sn, As, Cu, Pb, Ni, V, Cr, Zn, Mn, Al and Fe), priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Data were compared with the published results from other coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea and with Sediments Quality Guidelines (effect range low-effects range medium, threshold effects level-probable effects level indexes) for evaluation of probable toxic effects on marine organisms. Moreover, mean effects range medium (ERM) and mean probable effects level (PEL) quotients were used to evaluate the degree to which chemicals exceed guidelines. Results suggest an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms, mainly in sediments near ironed steel production plant of ILVA, where high concentrations of PAHs were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total metal concentrations (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and their distribution in different chemical forms (speciation) were determined in sediments from the Adriatic Sea in order to evaluate contamination and mobility of metals. The study was carried out on marine sediments collected in two areas of the Adriatic Sea differently influenced by Po river waters. Metal distribution in the study area depends prevalently on water circulation and on organic matter distribution. Among metal levels, significant correlations between copper and zinc and between lead and nickel were found, suggesting common and specific sources. As regards metal speciation, the distribution of different chemical forms changes with the metal. The prevailing zinc phases, for example mobile forms, and sulphide together are greater than 50% of total metal. Nickel is mainly present in sediments as sulphide, and the preferential association of copper with organic matter is evident. Lead and manganese are preferentially found as mobile forms (more of 30% for lead, 40% or more for manganese). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, V, and Sn were determined in marine sediments collected from Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). The aim of this article is to study the methodological approach in order to evaluate total metal levels determined in marine sediments of a contaminated area (Taranto Gulf, Southern Italy), to identify contaminated areas and to predict adverse biological effects based on Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). The results are discussed in relation to geological characteristics of sediments in order to define background levels and anthropogenic input. Experimental results were elaborated by multivariate statistical techniques and Geographical Information System (GIS) software. The geoaccumulation index Igeo and two sets of SQGs (in particular (a) the threshold effect level (TEL), the probable effect level (PEL) and (b) the effect range-low (ERL) and the effect range median (ERM)) have been used for environmental evaluation of metal concentrations. Results show that in Taranto coastal area, Mar Piccolo basin represents the most contaminated area. A comparison with results from other Mediterranean areas demonstrates that for some metals (such as Cd, Pb, and Hg) Taranto seas represent one of the most polluted areas in the Mediterranean Sea. A comparison of metal levels with SQGs also suggests an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms mainly in the first inlet of Mar Piccolo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of chromatographic methods for the determination of metal species require an understanding of the mechanisms involved. In this work, the separation of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe(II/III), Mn, Pb and Zn using a mixed bed column (IonPac CS5A) and a cation-exchange column (IonPac CS2) is studied as a function of mobile phase composition. The type and concentration of complexing agent and of ionic strength modificators were evaluated. The charge of analytes were calculated using the classical ion exchange approach to highlight the effect of eluent composition on retention. The comparative study enabled us to identify an optimal eluent composition for the separation of the nine metal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the determination of organotin compounds (monobutyl = MBT, dibutyl = DBT, and tributyltin = TBT) in marine sediments by headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) has been developed. The analytical procedure involved 1) extraction of TBT, DBT and MBT from sediments with HCl and methanol mixture, 2) in situ derivatization with sodium tetraethylborate and 3) headspace SPME extraction using a fiber coated with poly(dimethylsiloxane). The derivatized organotin compounds were desorbed into the splitless injector and simultaneously analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The analytical method was optimized with respect to derivatization reaction and extraction conditions. The detection limits obtained for MBT, DBT and TBT ranged from 730 to 969 pg/g as Sn dry weight. Linear calibration curves were obtained for all analytes in the range of 30–1000 ng/L as Sn. Analysis of a standard reference sediment (CRM 462) demonstrates the suitability of this method for the determination of butyltin compounds in marine sediments. The application to the determination of TBT, DBT and MBT in a coastal marine sediment is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography procedure with gradient elution and electrochemical detection is described for the determination of phenolic compounds, including several priority pollutant chlorophenols, in sea-water and sediments. In addition, a method for concentrating phenols from sea-water was examined. A solid-phase extraction using a derivatized poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) copolymer is discussed. The recovery, repeatability and detection limits are shown. Electrochemical detection provided selectivity as well as sensitivity. Phenols at the ng/l level were detected. The method was applied to the analysis of the most important phenolic compounds in sea-water and marine sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]