Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “speciation”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 613 records · Page 34Linked to original sources

Oxidation-state speciation of

The analytical utility of chemically modified microelectrodes for oxidation-state speciation of redox couples by cyclic voltammetry has been explored. [Re(I)(DMPE)3]+/[Re(II)(DMPE)3]2+, where DMPE = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, was studied at carbon-fiber microelectrodes of approximately 5 microm in radius coated with Nafion-entrapped solgel-derived silica (Nafion-silica) composite. The results are compared with cyclic voltammetry of [Fe(CN)6]3-/[Fe(CN)6]4- at bare carbon-fiber microelectrodes. At both microelectrodes, the cathodic and anodic limiting currents are linearly proportional to the concentrations of the reducible and oxidizable species of a redox couple, respectively. The shape of the cyclic voltammogram and the magnitude of the steady-state limiting current are not affected by the potential at which the scan starts. Speciation of both forms of a redox couple could be achieved voltammetrically at the microelectrodes. However, a considerably slower scan rate was required to achieve steady state at the modified electrode because of the smaller diffusion coefficients of [Re(I)(DMPE)3]+ and [Re(II)(DMPE)3]2+ in the Nafion-silica composite. The detection limit at the modified electrode was considerably lower (5 x 10(-9) M for [Re(I)(DMPE)3]+) than at the bare electrode (6 x 10(-5) M for [Fe(CN)6]3- and [Fe(CN)6]4-) because of the substantial preconcentration of [Re(I)(DMPE)3]+ by the Nafion-silica composite.

Journal Article↗

Nickel speciation and complexation kinetics in freshwater by ligand exchange and DPCSV.

A technique of ligand exchange with DMG (dimethylglyoxime) and DPCSV was applied to determine Ni speciation in lake, river, and groundwater samples. The working conditions related to ligand-exchange equilibrium were optimized, and the ligand-exchange kinetics were examined. The observed pseudo-first-order rate, kobsd, was about 3 x 10(-5) (s-1) for Ni(DMG)2 complex formation with an excess of DMG (microM) over Ni (nM) at pH 7.1-7.7. The second-order exchange kinetic constants, kexch, were between 1.2 x 10(2) and 5.7 x 10(3) s-1 M-1 for ligand exchange of NiEDTA with DMG and between 5 x 10(2) and 7 x 10(3) s-1 M-1 for exchange of natural ligands with DMG in the freshwater samples under similar conditions. Ni ligand exchange between natural ligands and DMG occurred over days with half-lifes of 5-95 h. Total dissolved Ni concentrations in samples from various freshwater systems in Switzerland ranged from 4 nM in an oligotrophic lake to 30 nM in a small river affected by inputs from sewage effluents and agriculture. Free ionic Ni2+ concentrations were determined in the range of 10(-13)-10(-15) M (pNi = 12.2-14.7), indicating that more than 99.9% of dissolved Ni was bound by organic ligands with strong affinity (log K 12.1-14.9) and low concentrations (13-100 nM) at pH 7.2-8.2. Because of slow ligand-exchange kinetics, Ni speciation in natural waters may in many cases not reach equilibrium.

Kinetics↗

Determination of silver speciation in natural waters. 1. Laboratory tests of Chelex-100 chelating resin as a competing ligand.

Batch and column experiments were performed to investigate the suitability and chemical characteristics of Chelex-100 for use as a competing ligand in ionic silver (Ag(I)) speciation determinations in natural waters. A conditional stability constant (Kcond) for Ag+ chelation by iminodiacetate groups on the surface of Chelex resin was determined by fitting results of batch and column experiments with an equilibrium speciation model. Results of experiments in which Chelex competed with cyanide ion and thiosulfate ion for aqueous Ag+ were fitted well by a model in which log Kcond(Ag-Chelex) was set to 7.2. This value is similar to literature equilibrium constants for a 1:1 Ag(+)-EDTA chelate. In batch experiments with Chelex, equilibration times of 24 h were found to be sufficient to bring samples close to equilibrium. Effects of resin counterion and total Ag(I) concentration on extent of Ag(I) chelation were found to be minor. Effect of pH on Ag(I) chelation was minor over a range of 6-10. Column experiments (detention time = 6 s, empty-column basis) in which thiosulfate competed with Chelex for Ag(I) gave similar results to batch experiments with thiosulfate. This implies that batch and column experiments could be compared to explore ligands in natural water systems with different rates of dissociation.

Chelating Agents↗

Determination of silver speciation in natural waters. 2. Binding strength of silver ligands in surface freshwaters.

Three competing ligand methods were compared to determine characteristics of Ag(I) complexation by dissolved and colloidal ligands present in three rivers and one sewage treatment plant effluent. Iminodiacetate groups on Chelex-100 resin (used in batch and column experiments) and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) were used as competing ligands. Results of batch Chelex and DDC competition experiments show good agreement with regard to relative extent of Ag binding by natural ligands among the three river systems. Results of both methods also show a possible correlation between extent of Ag(I) complexation and organic matter concentration and/or Fe concentration. Fraction of Ag(I) associated with Chelex in both batch and column Chelex experiments was similar in each of the four systems tested, indicating that lability of Ag complexes does not change significantly on time scales ranging from seconds to 24 h. Results of Chelex and DDC competition were compared using a model based on a hypothetical single natural ligand. Under the experimental conditions used, this model quantified Ag(I) complexes with log Kcond values from approximately 12 to 14. For the three rivers studied, ligands with silver-association characteristics similar to those of reduced sulfur groups (log K = 14-16) present at subnanomolar concentrations likely dominate Ag(I) speciation in these systems. A weaker ligand (e.g., log Kcond < 12) at concentrations > 0.7 nM dominated Ag(I) speciation in the treatment plant effluent. This may result from elevated concentration of metals that compete for reduced sulfur groups rather than from a lower total concentration of these groups.

Chelating Agents↗

Comparison of copper speciation in coastal marine waters measured using analytical voltammetry and diffusion gradient in thin-film techniques.

The diffusion gradient in thin-film hydrogel (DGT) probe is a promising tool for metal speciation work. Based on a passive sampling principle, it provides the potential for large data sets in complex regimes. DGT probes were deployed in waters characterized independently using competitive ligand exchange-adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-ACSV). The CLE-ACSV used benzoyl acetone as the competitive ligand in discrete water samples collected during the deployment of the DGT probes. The DGT probes used a 15% polyacrylamide/0.4% bis-acrylamide cross-linker hydrogel and a Na-form of Chelex-100 to complex metal that fluxed into the probe through the hydrogel. Probes were deployed in locations characterized by the degree of pollution impact: the relatively pristine Vineyard Sound, MA, [Cu]total approximately 6 nM, small seasonally active harbors on Cape Cod, MA, [Cu]total = 12-64 nM, as well as a large polluted estuary, the Elizabeth River, VA, [Cu]total = 44-58 nM, and a large polluted port, San Diego Harbor, CA, [Cu]total = 23-103 nM. This is the first study where DGT probes have been compared with an independent speciation technique in marine systems and used to establish the diffusion coefficient of Cu-complexing ligands in situ. Results showed that the probes produced highly precise data sets, with substantial differences in copper accumulation between contaminated and pristine waters. Comparison of DGT results with CLE-CSV indicate that at least 10-35% of the organically complexed copper derived by CLE-ACSV measurements was DGT-labile. Diffusion coefficients (corrected to 25 degrees C) of organically complexed DGT-labile Cu through the hydrogel ranged from 0.77 x 10(-6) cm2 s(-1) in Vineyard Sound to 2.16 x 10(-6) cm2 s(-1) in the Elizabeth River estuary. Accumulation rates of copper were substantially higher in contaminated waters than in pristine waters, suggesting that the probes in their current form may be useful as tracking tools to detect episodic sources of contamination.

Adsorption↗

Seasonal fluctuations in zinc speciation within a contaminated wetland.

The cycling of common sorbents such as metal (hydr)- oxides, carbonates, and sulfides in redox-active environments influences the partitioning of associated trace elements such as zinc. Consequently, fluctuations in redox status may in part determine the availability and mobility of Zn and other trace elements. This research examines changes in Zn speciation in a contaminated wetland soil that undergoes seasonal flooding. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was employed to identify and quantify Zn species from soil cores collected over a 1-year cycle as a function of water depth, location, and soil depth. Zinc associated with (hydr)oxide phases in dry, oxidized soils and with sulfides and carbonates in flooded systems. An increase in water level was accompanied by a reversible change in Zn fractionation toward ZnS and ZnC03. However, a small, recalcitrant fraction of Zn associated with (hydr)oxides remained even when the soils were exposed to highly reducing conditions. Water depth and redox potential were the most important factors in determining Zn speciation, although spatial variation was also important. These data indicate that zinc sorption is a dynamic process influenced by environmental changes.

Disasters↗

Photochemical changes in cyanide speciation in drainage from a precious metal ore heap.

In drainage from an inactive ore heap at a former gold mine, the speciation of cyanide and the concentrations of several metals were found to follow diurnal cycles. Concentrations of the hexacyanoferrate complex, iron, manganese, and ammonium were higher at night than during the day, whereas weak-acid-dissociable cyanide, silver, gold, copper, nitrite, and pH displayed the reverse behavior. The changes in cyanide speciation, iron, and trace metals can be explained by photodissociation of iron and cobalt cyanocomplexes as the solutions emerged from the heap into sunlight-exposed channels. At midday, environmentally significant concentrations of free cyanide were produced in a matter of minutes, causing trace copper, silver, and gold to be mobilized as cyanocomplexes from solids. Whether rapid photodissociation is a general phenomenon common to other sites will be important to determine in reaching a general understanding of the environmental risks posed by routine or accidental water discharges from precious metal mining facilities.

Cyanides↗

Speciation of gas-phase and fine particle emissions from burning of foliar fuels.

Fine particle matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 microm (PM2.5) and gas-phase emissions from open burning of six fine (foliar) fuels common to fire-prone U.S. ecosystems are investigated. PM2.5 distribution is unimodal within the 10-450 nm range, indicative of an accumulation mode. Smoldering relative to flaming combustion shows smaller particle number density per unit time and median size. Over 100 individual organic compounds in the primarily carbonaceous (>70% by mass) PM2.5 are chemically speciated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Expressed as a percent of PM2.5 mass, emission ranges by organic compound class are as follows: n-alkane (0.1-2%), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) (0.02-0.2%), n-alkanoic acid (1-3%), n-alkanedioic acid (0.06-0.3%), n-alkenoic acid (0.3-3%), resin acid (0.5-6%), triterpenoid (0.2-0.5%), methoxyphenol (0.5-3%), and phytosterol (0.2-0.6%). A molecular tracer of biomass combustion, the sugar levoglucosan is abundant and constitutes a remarkably narrow PM2.5 mass range (2.8-3.6%). Organic chemical signatures in PM2.5 from open combustion of fine fuels differ with those of residential wood combustion and other related sources, making them functional for source-receptor modeling of PM. Inorganic matter [PM2.5 - (organic compounds + elemental carbon)] on average is estimated to make up 8% of the PM2.5. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and ion chromatography identify 3% of PM2.5 as elements and water-soluble ions, respectively. Compared with residential wood burning, the PM2.5 of fine fuel combustion is nitrate enriched but shows lower potassium levels. Gas-phase C2-C13 hydrocarbon and C2-C9 carbonyl emissions are speciated by respective EPA Methods T0-15 and T0-11A. They comprise mainly low molecular weight C2-C3 compounds and hazardous air pollutants (48 wt % of total quantified volatile organic carbon).

Air Pollutants↗

Raman study of aluminum speciation in simulated alkaline nuclear waste.

The chemistry of concentrated sodium aluminate solutions stored in many of the large, underground storage tanks containing high-level waste (HLW) at the Hanford and Savannah River Nuclear Reservations is an area of recent research interest. Not only is the presence of aluminate in solution important for continued safe storage of these wastes, the nature of both solid and solution aluminum oxyhydroxides is important for waste pretreatment. Moreover, for many tanks that have leaked high aluminum waste in the past, little is known about the speciation of Al in the soil. In this study, Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the speciation of the aqueous species in the Al2O3-Na2O-H2O system over a wide range of solution compositions and hydration. A ternary phase diagram has been used to correlate the observed changes in the spectra with the composition of the solution and with dimerization of aluminate that occurs at elevated aluminate concentrations (>1.5 M). Dimerization is evidenced by growth of new Al-O stretching bands at 535 and 695 cm(-1) at the expense of the aluminate monomer band at 620 cm(-1). The spectrum of water was strongly influenced by the high concentrations of Na+ and OH- (>17 M). Upon increasing the concentration of NaOH in solution, the delta-(H-O-H) bending band of water (v2 mode) increased in frequency to 1663 cm(-1), indicating that the water contained in the concentrated caustic solution was more strongly hydrogen bonded at the higher base content. In addition, the sharp, well-resolved band at 3610 cm(-1), assigned to the v(O-H) of free OH-, increased in intensity with increasing NaOH. Analysis of the v(O-H) bands in the 3800-2600 cm(-1) region supported the overall increase in hydrogen bonding as evidenced by the increase in relative intensity of a strongly hydrated water band at 3118 cm(-1). Taking into consideration the activity of water, the molar concentrations of the monomeric and dimeric aluminate species were estimated using the relative intensities of the Al-O stretching bands from the Raman spectra. A constant apparent log Kdimer value was obtained at aluminate concentrations >1.5 M with a value of 0.97+/-0.04 at approximately 25 degrees C. This study represents the first spectral-based estimation of a thermodynamic equilibrium constant for the Al2O3-Na2O-H2O system.

Aluminum↗

Organic nitrogen in geomacromolecules: insights on speciation and transformation with K-edge XANES spectroscopy.

Organic nitrogen incorporated into geomacromolecules (e.g., humic substances, kerogen) represents a major reservoir of nitrogen on the earth's surface, accounting for more than 90% of the total nitrogen in soils, sediments, and aquatic environments. Its primary source is biochemical nitrogen from dead plant and animal residues (predominantly proteinaceous substances), which undergo a complex series of transformations, mediated by microbes and abiotic processes, ultimately resulting in the incorporation of the nonmineralized fraction into geomacromolecules. Simultaneously,the biochemical N is thought to be extensively altered structurally, forming more stable structures (such as heterocyclic forms), although the type of changes in chemical speciation, their timing, and mechanisms are not clear. It is important to have this knowledge because the type of N formed influences not only its reactivity and fate (e.g., the release of bioavailable N in soils) but also the physical and chemical characteristics of the associated macromolecular organic matter. We used nitrogen K-edge XANES spectroscopy (a selective, sensitive, and nondestructive method) to gain new insights into the speciation of this macromolecular nitrogen. Our results verified amide N as being the dominant type in humic substances and sediments but revealed that pyridinic N also is a significant component of the total N (approximately 20-30%), with a subfraction consisting of its oxidized derivatives. An unidentified form of highly oxidized N was present mainly in sediments. While amide N represents residues of original biochemical molecules, pyridinic N probably is generated abiotically. Our results imply that the abiotic formation of pyridinic N sets in during the early stages of organic matter transformations thereby stabilizing organic N, although such processes generating heterocyclic structures may continue much longer.

Biotransformation↗

In situ trace metal speciation in lake surface waters using DGT, dialysis, and filtration.

In situ measurements of Fe and Mn by dialysis and diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) in 5 lakes (pH 4.7-7.5, ionic strength 0.3-5 mmol l(-1)) and Cu and Zn in an acidic and circumneutral lake were compared to results from on site filtration. For the most acidic lake (pH 4.7) all measurements agreed, indicating an absence of colloids and negligible complexation by organic matter. There was little difference in the Mn concentrations measured by the three techniques for any lake, consistent with it being free from complexation. Zn measured by dialysis in circumneutral water was only slightly higher than DGT measurements, appropriate to only partial complexation. Substantial differences between dialysis and DGT for Cu were consistent with complexation by fulvic and humic substances, though not to the extent predicted by the speciation code WHAM. To achieve a good fit it was necessary to adjust the pK for Cu-fulvic binding from 0.8 to 1.3 and to assume that fulvic substances dominated. The presence of low molecular weight strong binding ligands would also be consistent with the data. Differences between the three measurement methods were greatest for Fe, attributable to the presence of large oxyhydroxide colloids, organic complexation and low molecular weight, reactive hydrolysis products. Fe and Mn concentrations measured by DGT on samples returned to the laboratory were much lower than in situ concentrations, illustrating the need for in situ measurements. While use of two in situ techniques provided useful information on the speciation of these natural waters, further refinements are required for unambiguous characterization of the solution. The use of DGT with a more restricted gel that excludes complexes with humic substances should provide complementary information to in situ dialysis.

Dialysis↗

Combining selective sequential extractions, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and principal component analysis for quantitative zinc speciation in soil.

Selective sequential extractions (SSE) and, more recently, X-ray absorption fine-structure IXAFS) spectroscopy have been used to characterize the speciation of metal contaminants in soils and sediments. However, both methods have specific limitations when multiple metal species coexist in soils and sediments. In this study, we tested a combined approach, in which XAFS spectra were collected after each of 6 SSE steps, and then analyzed by multishell fitting, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear combination fits (LCF), to determine the Zn speciation in a smelter-contaminated, strongly acidic soil. In the topsoil, Zn was predominately found in the smelter-emitted minerals franklinite (60%) and sphalerite (30%) and as aqueous or outer-sphere Zn2+ (10%). In the subsoil, aqueous or outer-sphere Zn2+ prevailed (55%), but 45% of Zn was incorporated by hydroxy-Al interlayers of phyllosilicates. Formation of such Zn-bearing hydroxy-interlayers, which has been observed here for the first time, may be an important mechanism to reduce the solubility of Zn in those soils, which are too acidic to retain Zn by formation of inner-sphere sorption complexes, layered double hydroxides or phyllosilicates. The stepwise removal of Zn fractions by SSE significantly improved the identification of species by XAFS and PCA and their subsequent quantification by LCF. While SSE alone provided excellent estimates of the amount of mobile Zn species, it failed to identify and quantify Zn associated with mineral phases because of nonspecific dissolution and the precipitation of Zn oxalate. The systematic combination of chemical extraction, spectroscopy, and advanced statistical analysis allowed us to identify and quantify both mobile and recalcitrant species with high reliability and precision.

Adsorption↗

Molecular-scale speciation of Zn and Ni in soil ferromanganese nodules from loess soils of the Mississippi Basin.

Determining how environmentally important trace metals are sequestered in soils at the molecular scale is critical to developing a solid scientific basis for maintaining soil quality and formulating effective remediation strategies. The speciation of Zn and Ni in ferromanganese nodules from loess soils of the Mississippi Basin was determined by a synergistic use of three noninvasive synchrotron-based techniques: X-ray microfluorescence (microXRF), X-ray microdiffraction (microXRD), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS). We show that Ni is distributed between goethite (alpha-FeOOH) and the manganese oxide lithiophorite, whereas Zn is bound to goethite, lithiophorite, phyllosilicates, and the manganese oxide birnessite. The selective association of Ni with only iron and manganese oxides is an explanation for its higher partitioning in nodules over the soil clay matrix reported from soils worldwide. This could also explain the observed enrichment of Ni in oceanic manganese nodules. The combination of these three techniques provides a new method for determining trace metal speciation in both natural and contaminated environmental materials.

Environmental Monitoring↗

Role of speciation in organotin toxicity to the yeast Candida maltosa.

Assessment of organometal pollution requires an understanding of the various processes that influence the bioavailability and toxicity of the contaminant. Organotins may exist as both cationic species and neutral hydroxides in aqueous solution, with the formation of chloride species in the presence of Cl-. Although these species have different chemical properties, there is very little information on the influence of speciation on organotin and microbial cell interactions. Tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) interactions with the yeast Candida maltosa were investigated between pH 3.5 and 7.5 and in up to 0.5 M NaCl at pH 5.5. Toxicity increased with both pH and NaCl concentration and the mechanisms of interaction depended on the species present in solution. TBT and TPT interacted by different mechanisms, as evidenced by action on membrane fluidity. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between toxicity and overall octanol-water distribution ratio (D(OW)) of organotin compounds. Triorganotin cations are less toxic than triorganotin hydroxides, which are in turn less toxic than triorganotin chlorides. These findings underline the importance of speciation effects on organotin interactions in the environment.

Candida↗

Physical and kinetic speciation of copper and zinc in three geochemically contrasting marine estuaries.

The physical and kinetic speciation of Cu and Zn in three impacted marine estuaries was examined. Contrasts in sources of metal-binding ligands, solution chemistry, and hydrologic forcing between and withinthethree study systems (Cape Fear River Estuary, North Carolina; Norfolk-Hampton Roads-Elizabeth River, Virginia; San Diego Bay, California) were exploited to enhance our understanding of Cu and Zn speciation. Trace metal-optimized tangential-flow ultrafiltration at 1 kDa nominal molecular weight limit (NMWL) was used to fractionate <0.4 microm species into colloidal and "dissolved" pools. Colloidal species of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and copper were significant and often the dominant pools in each of the three study systems. Characteristic colloidal fractions of both DOM and Cu ranged from near 70% of <0.4 microm concentrations in Cape Fear to 50% in San Diego Bay. Colloidal Cu and DOM were strongly coupled, and variability in observed <0.4 microm Cu concentrations was closely related to the concentrations of colloidal-associated metal. Colloidal fractions were much smaller for Zn than that of Cu; ranging from 10-30% in Cape Fear to less than 5% in San Diego Bay, and no relationship to DOM was observed. Kinetic separations on Chelex resin revealed the presence of large nonlabile pools of Cu in each of the study systems, with the highest fractions (70-100%) in Cape Fear and Norfolk and lowest (30-50%) in San Diego Bay. A close relationship was observed between colloidal and nonlabile Cu species, implying slow reactivity of colloidal-bound Cu. The fraction of filterable Zn labile to Chelex averaged 97%, 85%, and 60% in San Diego, Norfolk, and Cape Fear, respectively. Anthropogenic Zn appeared almost exclusively in the <1 kDa fraction, while anthropogenic Cu was distributed between dissolved and colloidal pools. Copper particle-partition coefficients (Kd) followed the trend: San Diego >> Norfolk > Cape Fear and were inversely correlated with DOC concentrations. Colloid-based partition coefficients were significantly greater, in many cases an order of magnitude greater, than particle-based partition coefficients. The partitioning data suggest the presence of metal-enriched bacterial-derived exudates and/or discrete metal phases in colloidal-sized particles in impacted regions of these estuaries. The strong relationships observed between Cu and DOC indicate that Cu partitioning behavior over a range of estuarine environments may be modeled effectively with a limited set of coefficients. Our measurements of metal lability and size distribution imply that the fraction of <0.4 microm Zn that is likely to be bioavailable is greater than that for Cu, especially in impacted regions of the study systems.

California↗

Metal speciation dynamics and bioavailability: bulk depletion effects.

Under conditions of bulk depletion, the speciation and bioavailability of trace metals must be considered at two different time scales: (i) the time scale of the biouptake flux, as determined by diffusion of the bioactive free metal, dissociation of the bioinactive complex species, and the internalization rate; and (ii) the time scale of depletion of the bulk medium. The implications of these two time scales for the speciation dynamics are discussed in terms of experimental conditions. The geometry of the system is taken into accountvia a spherical cellular model. It considers a spherical organism depleting a spherical volume in a nonstirred medium and assumes linear adsorption of the metal atthe biointerface and first-order internalization kinetics. In cases where the rate of biouptake is fully controlled by the internalization step, concentration gradients in the medium are insignificant. Then the biouptake becomes independent of the geometry of the system, and the model has a much simpler solution. Examples of trace metal uptake by microorganisms are analyzed: (i) cobalt uptake by Prochlorococcus in the presence of NTA, under conditions where bulk depletion is the controlling process due to the large number of organisms and high internalization rates, (ii) silver uptake by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with significant effects of bulk depletion, due to the high internalization rate; (iii) lead uptake by Chlorella vulgaris with pratically negligible bulk depletion due to the low internalization rate of the metal; and (iv) lead uptake by intestinal Caco-2 cells, illustrating the simplification of the bulk depletion model for a system with different geometry where internalization is the rate-controlling step.

Animals↗

Direct speciation of phosphorus in alum-amended poultry litter: solid-state 31P NMR investigation.

Amending poultry litter (PL) with aluminum sulfate (alum) has proven to be effective in reducing water-soluble phosphorus (P) in the litter and in runoff from fields that have received PL applications; it has therefore been suggested as a best management practice. Although its effectiveness has been demonstrated on a macroscopic scale in the field, little is known about P speciation in either alum-amended or unamended litter. This knowledge is important forthe evaluation of the long-term stability and bioavailability of P, which is a necessary prerequisite forthe assessment of the sustainability of intensive poultry operations. Both solid-state MAS and CP-MAS 31P NMR as well as 31P[27Al]-TRAPDOR were used to investigate P speciation in alum-amended and unamended PL. The results indicate the presence of a complex mixture of organic and inorganic orthophosphate phases. A calcium phosphate phase, probably a surface precipitate on calcium carbonate, could be identified in both unamended and alum-amended PL, as well as physically bound HPO4(2-). Phosphate associated with Al was found in the alum-amended PL, most probably a mixture of a poorly ordered wavellite and phosphate surface complexes on aluminum hydroxide that had been formed by the hydrolysis of alum. However, a complex mixture of organic and inorganic phosphate species could not be resolved. Phosphate associated with Al comprised on average 40 +/- 14% of the total P in alum-amended PL, whereas calcium phosphate phases comprised on average 7 +/- 4% in the alum-amended PL and 14 +/- 5% in the unamended PL.

Alum Compounds↗

Influence of metal speciation in natural freshwater on bioaccumulation of copper and zinc in periphyton: a microcosm study.

The free ion activity model (FIAM) has already been confirmed under laboratory conditions for many trace metals but has still to be validated under natural conditions where the presence of natural organic ligands influences metal speciation and bioavailability. The goal of this study was to test if the FIAM is followed under natural conditions by measuring copper and zinc speciation as well as metal accumulation in periphyton. Periphyton was exposed in microcosms to natural river water with different added concentrations of copper (25-258 nM) or zinc (18-501 nM) and additions of a synthetic ligand (NTA). Free Cu2+ was in the range of 10(-16.5)-10(-14.5) M and Zn(2+) was in the range of 0.7-8.7 nM, as measured by competitive ligand exchange coupled with cathodic/anodic stripping voltammetry. Other metal complexes were either measured or computed. Bioaccumulation of zinc in periphyton appeared to be controlled by the free zinc ion concentration, confirming the FIAM. In contrast, bioaccumulation of copper was controlled by weakly complexed copper (including Cu2+ plus inorganic and weak organic complexes), which is in disagreement with the FIAM, and appears to be caused by limitation of copper diffusion due to very low free Cu2+ occurring in natural environments.

Biofilms↗