Optimization of HS-SPME analytical conditions using factorial design for trihalomethanes determination in swimming pool water samples

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are widely referred and studied as disinfection by-products (DBPs). The THMs that are most commonly detected are chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), chlorodibromomethane (CDBM), and bromoform (TBM). Several studies regarding the determination of THMs in swimming pool water and air samples have been published. This paper reviews the most recent work in this field, with a special focus on water and air sampling, sample preparation and analytical determination methods. An experimental study has been developed in order to optimize the headspace solid-phasemicroextraction (HS-SPME) conditions of TCM, BDCM, CDBM and TBM from water samples using a 23 factorial design. An extraction temperature of 45 °C, for 25min, and a desorption time of 5 min were found to be the best conditions. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The method was successfully applied to a set of 27 swimming pool water samples collected in the Oporto area (Portugal). TCM was the only THM detected with levels between 4.5 and 406.5 μg L−1. Four of the samples exceeded the guideline value for total THMs in swimming pool water (100 μgL−1) indicated by the Portuguese Health Authority

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Quality control of water and air in swimming pools

The water and air treatment circuits in public swimming pools are controlled by the technical staff, automatic systems and by official or accredited laboratories. The controls are based on appropriate legislation and make use of the specialized experience and accumulated knowledge of several entities. This paper presents a summary of the principles considered fundamental for the previously referred to contributions for the adequate control of swimming pools. The implementation of automatic control systems replacing manual monitoring is an interesting option, with economic benefits for operational costs. The analytical control programme proposed in this work, or any other that may serve the same purpose, should be followed by all public swimming pools. This is essential to provide a high quality public service and also to ensure healthy competition among the providers of such services.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Paranhos spring galleries catchworks from Porto urban area (NW Portugal) : a geoenvironmental approach

This multidisciplinary study presents the preliminary results of the structural geology and geotechnical studies of a granitic rock-mass block delimitation. In addition, hydrogeological and ecotoxicological methods were used to assess the nature and suitability for use of groundwater from spring horizontal galleries catchworks located in Porto urban area. These springs represented one of the main water supplies of Porto city, for more than five centuries. For the characterisation of the granitic rock-mass, the scanline sampling technique of discontinuities has been applied to the study of granitic free rock-mass faces from Paranhos tunnels (Porto urban area). For that purpose, the underground area (ca. 3km extension and a -25m of depth) was studied using the following tools: subsurface geological and geotechnical mapping (scale: 1/1.000), structural geology and geotechnics/geomechanics techniques. Water samples were collected from several sampling sites for hydrogeological and ecotoxicological analyses. A geoenvironmental approach probably offers the best potential for reliable surface water and groundwater studies and characterisation of the geospatial parameters variability, such as, lithological heterogeneity, structural geology features, geomorphology, hydrogeology and geotechnics of a specific site. This study contributes to a better water management of the urban geo-space, either in historical and heritage terms, or for several purposes of public use