Chemical characterization and surface properties of a new bioemulsifier produced by Pedobacter sp. strain MCC-Z.

A novel biopolymer was described in the form of an extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) by Pedobacter sp. strain MCC-Z, a member of a bacterial genus not previously described as an emulsifier producer. The new biomolecule was extracted, purified and characterized, and its surface and emulsifying properties were evaluated. The purified bioemulsifier, named Pdb-Z, showed high emulsifying activity (E24% = 64%) and reduced the surface tension of water up to 41 mN/m with a critical micelle concentration value of 2.6 mg/mL. The chemical characterization of Pdb-Z was performed using (1)H NMR, FT-IR, HPLC/MS/MS and GC/MS. Pdb-Z was found to contain 67% of carbohydrates, consisting mainly of galactose and minor quantities of talose, 30% of lipids, being pentadecanoic acid the major lipidic constituent, and 3% of proteins. The bioemulsifier was a glycolipids-protein complex with an estimated molecular mass of 10(6)Da. Furthermore, Pdb-Z emulsified pure aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons as well as diesel more efficiently than commercial synthetic surfactants, used for comparison. Our results suggest Pdb-Z has interesting properties for applications in remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments and bioremediation processes.

Butyltins concentration levels and imposex occurrence in snails from the Sicilian coasts (Italy).

Two sampling campaigns have been carried out along the Sicilian coasts within the frame of a European project (Hic-TBT) financed by the LIFE programme. Snails and sediments have been sampled at 5 stations, characterised by very low (Ustica natural sea reserve), low (Ustica harbour), intermediate (Castellamare and Termini Imerese) and high shipping densities (Palermo). Biological and chemical analyses were carried out in order to evaluate the incidence of imposex occurring in snails, and the concentration levels of organotins in sediment and snail samples. Despite the low organotin concentration levels in sediment and snail samples, the results show that imposex is widespread around Sicily. In four locations almost all female snails were affected by imposex at advanced development stages, even in areas with a fairly low shipping density. Only in the natural sea reserve of Ustica Island imposex was relatively less severe. Finally a logarithmic correlation between TBT and imposex stages was observed.

Determination of PAH in atmospheric particulates in the area of the Italian base in Antarctica: report on monitoring activities during the last three scientific expeditions.

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in atmospheric particulates have been determined in the frame of the control activities for environmental protection during the VI (1990-1991), VII (1991-1992) and VIII (1992-1993) Italian expeditions in Antarctica. Samples were collected at the four cardinal points at about 200 m from the central area of the Italian scientific base. Data show low levels of the individual PAH (95% in the range 1-50 pg m(-3)) confirming the absence, up to now, of significant contamination from the base. These results could be used as a reference for the assessment of the air pollution due to combustion sources present in the base. Any possible variation in the base's activities in the future should be analysed and evaluated with respect to these findings.

Determination of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol as contaminant in drinking water.

An analytical procedure for the determination of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2-EH) in drinking water is presented. The method is based on volatile-compound stripping, adsorption on activated-charcoal-filled tubes, solvent elution, identification by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and determination by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Bottled samples with undesirable organoleptic characteristics were analyzed to determine a possible correlation with the presence of 2-EH. The presence of 2-EH at 2-10 micrograms/L was confirmed in several samples. The presence of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (D2EHP) was also checked in all samples. This compound was always found at 2-30 micrograms/L. Hydrolysis of D2EHP was carried out for 2 weeks to evaluate its possible contribution to water contamination by 2-EH. Tests did not show measurable amounts of the alcohol. Nonetheless, the hydrolysis of phthalates in the weakly acidic conditions of the examined waters would not justify the presence of 2-EH at the observed levels, and so it is reasonable to hypothesize a direct contamination from packaging materials containing 2-EH as residue from D2EHP synthesis.

Anticholinesterase activity measurement by a choline biosensor: application in water analysis.

A choline amperometric biosensor was assembled and used to measure the anticholinesterase activity due to compounds (which have the property to inhibit cholinesterase enzymes) present in water samples. This parameter can be used as a 'toxicological index', defined as the amount of compound which causes a certain percentage of cholinesterase inhibition equivalent to a known amount of a reference compound causing the same percentage inhibition. The organophosphorus insecticide Paraoxon, which has proved to be a strong inhibitor of cholinesterase enzymes, was chosen as the reference compound. The analysis was carried out by monitoring the decrease of cholinesterase activity in the presence of a pesticide and a substrate specific for the enzyme whose reaction produces choline. The decrease in choline production was measured by the choline sensor and correlated to the concentration of anticholinesterase compound present in the solution. Parameters such as buffer, pH, temperature and incubation time were optimized. The rate constant Ki was calculated experimentally for Paraoxon and used in the anticholinesterase activity measurements at different fixed incubation times. The probe was calibrated with different standard solutions of Paraoxon. The effect of Paraoxon and heavy metals on the choline probe was evaluated. This probe was then used for the determination of anticholinesterase activity of some organophosphorus pesticides, and heavy metals in spiked waters. Samples were also analysed by liquid/liquid extraction and GC determination. Results seem to correlate with acute toxicity expressed as LD50 (oral, rat). Analysis of water samples from different sources in central Italy were analysed for total anticholinesterase activity (TAA) and compared with a reference procedure.