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The occurrence of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) was investigated in 94 food-contact materials (FCMs). We detected 6:2 FTOH (<0.60--1110 ng/g), 8:2 FTOH (<0.40--8490 ng/g), and 10:2 FTOH (<0.02--9350 ng/g) in most FCM samples, and four longer-chain C14-20 FTOHs were, for the first time, identified in FCMs with relatively high concentrations (<0.02--8450 ng/g for 12:2 FTOH, <0.02--1640 ng/g for 14:2 FTOH, <0.02--372 ng/g for 16:2 FTOH, and <0.02--130 ng/g for 18:2 FTOH). There were three typical profiles of FTOHs that were dominated by 6:2 FTOH (95.6 ± 8.1% in 9 FCMs), 8:2 FTOH (50.9 ± 20.8% in 22 FCMs), and 10:2 FTOH (44.5 ± 20.9% in 30 FCMs), indicating the congener-specific usage of FTOHs for different commercial purposes. All nine detectable FCMs produced in the United States were dominated by 6:2 FTOH, which was significantly different from those produced in China. The median concentration of total FTOHs in eco-friendly paper tableware was 2990 ng/g, which was lower than in popcorn bags (18 200 ng/g) but much higher than other FCMs (<0.55--38.7 ng/g). FTOHs could migrate from paper bowls, with migration efficiencies of 0.004--0.24% into water, 0.004--0.24% into 10% ethanol, 0.009--2.79% into 30% ethanol, 0.06--13.0% into 50% ethanol (v/v) simulants, and 0.04--2.28% into oil. Migration efficiencies decreased with increasing carbon chain lengths of FTOHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low cost, microfluidic paper electrochemical device (μPED) was fabricated using screen printing of electrodes and heat transfer of patterned wax paper onto filter paper. The μPED features films of a light-emitting ruthenium metallopolymer, microsomal metabolic enzymes, and DNA to detect potential genotoxic pollutant activity in environmental samples. Unlike conventional analytical methods that detect specific pollutant compounds, the μPED was designed to rapidly measure the presence of genotoxic equivalents in environmental samples with the signal related to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) as a reference standard. The analytical end point is the detection of DNA damage from metabolites produced in the device using an electrochemiluminescence output measured with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Proof-of-concept of this measurement was established for smoke, water, and food samples. The μPED provides a rapid screening tool for on-site environmental monitoring that specifically monitors the genotoxic reactivity of metabolites of toxic compounds present in the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which demonstrates a pilot application of impulse dewatering of a primary paper mill sludge, conveyed by a metal belt through a heated nip. Information on the development of impluse drying; Where the primary sludge was obtained; How the peak nip pressure in the pilot impulse dryer was determined; Results of the study.

Reports on O.U. Heise and co-workers' investigation of industrial-scale, enzymatic de-inking. Pulp strength; Effluent oxygen demand.