EU Wide Monitoring Survey on Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluents

In the year 2010, effluents from 90 European waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) were collected and analysed in total for 160 organic chemicals and 20 inorganic trace elements. The analyses were complemented by applying also effect-based monitoring approaches aiming at estrogenicity and dioxin-like toxicity analysed by in vitro reporter gene bioassays, and yeast and diatom culture acute toxicity optical bioassays. The analytical work was performed in six European expert laboratories. This European-wide monitoring study on the occurrence of micropollutants in WWTP effluents represents the largest EU wide monitoring survey on WWTP effluents ever performed. It produced a comprehensive data set on many so far only locally investigated “emerging” compound classes including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), veterinary (antibiotic) drugs, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), organophosphate ester flame retardants, pesticides (and some metabolites) or industrial chemicals such as benzotriazoles (corrosion inhibitors), polycyclic musk fragrances, x-ray contrast agents, Gadolinium compounds, and siloxanes. The obtained results show the presence of 131 target organic compounds in European wastewater effluents, in concentrations ranging from low nanograms to milligrams per liter. These results obtained from 90 different European WWTPs allow the calculation of a European median level for the chemicals investigated. The most relevant compounds identified in the effluent water samples in terms of frecquency of detection, maximum, average and median concentration levels were Sucralose, Acesulfame K (artificial sweeteners), PFOA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOS (perfluoroalkyl substances), N,N’-Diethyltoluamide (DEET; insect repellent), Benzotriazoles (corrosion inhibitors), the pharmaceuticals Bisoprolol, Carbamazepine, Ciprofloxacine, Citaprolam, Clindamycine, Codeine, Diltiazem, Diphenhydramin, Eprosartan, Fexofenadine, Flecainide, Gemfibrozil, Fluconazole, Haloperidol, Ibersartan, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Oxazepam, Risperidone, Sulfamethoxazole, Telmisartan, Tramadol, Trimethoprim, Venlafaxin, the organo-phosphate ester flame retardants Tri-iso-butylphosphate (TIBP), Tributylphosphate (TBP), Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP), Tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCPP), Tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (TDCP), Tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBEP), Triphenyl-phosphate (TPP), 2-Ethylhexyldiphenyl-phosphate (EHDPP), the x-ray contrast media Amidotrizoic acid, Iohexol, Iopromid, Iomeprol, Iopamidol, the pesticides Terbutylazine, Terbutylazine-desethyl (metabolite), MCPA, Mecoprop, Diuron, Triclosan (antibacterial), and Gadolinium (from magnetic resonance imaging contrast media used in hospitals).JRC.H.1-Water Resource

Occurrence and levels of selected compounds in European compost and digestate samples

This report describes work conducted by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in the context of an Administrative Arrangement between DG Environment and the JRC. This work aimed at the generation, within a limited timeframe, of a large amount of analytical data, with high scientific and statistical value, for a number of compost and digestate types (afterwards referred to as COMDIG samples), to help provide a general overview and estimation of that possible variability within and between different COMDIG materials. The report includes the results of a targeted and independent screening of typical European situations of COMDIG materials with regard to the occurrence and levels of compounds of concern, many of which have never been assessed at a pan-European level. In total, 139 samples, mostly taken as grab samples and originating from 15 countries, were assessed for 22 minor and trace elements and 92 organic compounds including ingredients of personal care products and pharmaceuticals. The underlying analytical methods are carefully documented with regard to their performance characteristics. Where available, the so-called “horizontal” standards were followed. The results obtained are assessed statistically. Although the analysed single samples are insufficient to make any statement on the performance of the treatment processes leading to COMDIG samples, this collective of data provide a glimpse of the pan-European situation as regards the studied compounds.JRC.H.1-Water Resource

Feasibility of a Monitoring Mechanism Supporting a Watch List under the Water Framework Directive

This report describes work conducted by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in the context of its support to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. The work aimed at the feasibility assessment of an experimental monitoring exercise in support to a so-called Watch List Mechanism in a collaborative design involving EU Member States laboratories and some 200 official monitoring station operated by the Member States. The report includes all details on sampling stations, performance of analytical methods as well as the results of the analyses of all samples with regard to the occurrence and levels of 20 compounds of concern. In total, 219 whole water samples originating from 25 EU Member States and 2 other European countries, were assessed for contents of acesulfame, glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA, 1H-Benzotriazole and tolyltriazoles, bisphenol A, triclosan and triclocarban, carbamazepine and its metabolite 10,11-dihydro-10,11-dihydroxycarbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, perfluoropropionic acid, tris-2-chloropropyl phosphate, methyl tert-butyl ether, silver, boron and chloride (Cl-) in water. Furthermore, 23 sediment samples were analysed for decabromodiphenylethane and decabromodiphenyl ether. The underlying analytical methods are carefully documented with regards to their performance characteristics. Obtained results are assessed statistically and where possible compared to other findings. Although the analysed single samples are insufficient to make any statement on the performance of the treatment processes leading to the compost, the collective of data allows having a glance at the pan-European situation as regards the studies compounds. Background information from literature describing the situation before the survey is included, too. The report is divided into a core part and two annexes. For practical reasons, the report is split into two volumes: Volume 1 contains the report and the single analytical results; volume 2 contains the documentation of the sampling stations.JRC.H.1-Water Resource

Association of kidney disease measures with risk of renal function worsening in patients with type 1 diabetes

Background: Albuminuria has been classically considered a marker of kidney damage progression in diabetic patients and it is routinely assessed to monitor kidney function. However, the role of a mild GFR reduction on the development of stage 653 CKD has been less explored in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of kidney disease measures, namely albuminuria and reduced GFR, on the development of stage 653 CKD in a large cohort of patients affected by T1DM. Methods: A total of 4284 patients affected by T1DM followed-up at 76 diabetes centers participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (Associazione Medici Diabetologi, AMD) initiative constitutes the study population. Urinary albumin excretion (ACR) and estimated GFR (eGFR) were retrieved and analyzed. The incidence of stage 653 CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or eGFR reduction > 30% from baseline was evaluated. Results: The mean estimated GFR was 98 \ub1 17 mL/min/1.73m2 and the proportion of patients with albuminuria was 15.3% (n = 654) at baseline. About 8% (n = 337) of patients developed one of the two renal endpoints during the 4-year follow-up period. Age, albuminuria (micro or macro) and baseline eGFR < 90 ml/min/m2 were independent risk factors for stage 653 CKD and renal function worsening. When compared to patients with eGFR > 90 ml/min/1.73m2 and normoalbuminuria, those with albuminuria at baseline had a 1.69 greater risk of reaching stage 3 CKD, while patients with mild eGFR reduction (i.e. eGFR between 90 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) show a 3.81 greater risk that rose to 8.24 for those patients with albuminuria and mild eGFR reduction at baseline. Conclusions: Albuminuria and eGFR reduction represent independent risk factors for incident stage 653 CKD in T1DM patients. The simultaneous occurrence of reduced eGFR and albuminuria have a synergistic effect on renal function worsening

Antibiotics and Antibiotic-Resistent Bacteria into Aquatic Environment. A Review.

Abstract not availableJRC.H-Institute for environment and sustainability (Ispra

Microbiology Dimension in EU Water Directives.

Abstract not availableJRC.H-Institute for environment and sustainability (Ispra

Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) over the Mediterranean Sea

The marine environment is subjected to contamination by a wide spectrum of chemicals mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Among these chemicals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have gained a lot of attention in the last decades due to their ubiquity in many environmental compartments, and their adverse health effects in biota and humans. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are a family of POPs formed by 209 congeners. Seventeen of these congener have been described as the most toxic ones (2,3,7,8-substituted congeners) being able to bioaccumulate and enter the foowebs. Although certain amount of information on environmental levels and processes of PCDD/Fs is available for coastal areas, very little is known about their levels and behaviour far from the shore line (open seas). In this work environmental air concentrations and spatial distribution on PCDD/Fs across the Mediterranean Sea are presented. Data were collected during a sampling cruise (from Barcelona to Istanbul on board of the B/O Garcia del Cid, CSIC) performed within the framework of the IP THRESHOLDS of Environmental Sustainability. A distance of 3850 nautical miles (~ 7100km) was covered and a total of 5 transects were sampled along the Mediterranean and Marmara and Black seas. Air samples (particulate + gas phase) were collected by using two high volume samplers installed on the upper deck of the boat (around 6-7 m above the sea level) close to the bow. The samplers, operating in parallel, were equipped with a wind direction interface that stopped the sampling when wind was blowing from the poop of the vessel in order to avoid possible contaminations from the ship exhausts. Quartz fibre filters (QFFs) were used for air particle phase collection whereas compounds in the gas phase were trapped by using polyurethane foam (PUF) plugs. Samples were Soxhlet extracted with n-hexane/acetone after being spiked with internal standards, cleaned-up and analysed by high resolution gas chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS). Isotopic dilution technique was used for quantification of target compounds according to 1613 U.S. EPA method. PCDD/F (∑17 toxic congeners) ambient air concentrations (particulate +gas phase) in the 4 transects along the Mediterranean Sea ranged from 114 to 813 fg m-3 (3-7 WHO98-TEQ fg m-3). The one sample transect collected at Marmara and Black Seas exhibited a higher PCDD/F concentration of 1555 fg m-3 (15 WHO98-TEQ fg m-3). Congener patters obtained were in general typical from distant sources with a predominance of the higher chlorinated dioxins (HpCDD and OCDD). The results from this campaign constitute a unique data set since no data on PCDD/Fs ambient air concentration across the Mediterranean Sea has been reported to date. Analyses of water samples, also collected during the campaign, are undergoing and will help to complete the picture and better understand the current status of contamination of this marine environment by PCDD/Fs.JRC.H.5-Rural, water and ecosystem resource

Urgency and emergency in developmental psychopathology: analysys of cases\u2019 report attending a Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service

Psychiatric emergencies have steadily increased in recent years, but they are still poorly defined and studied, especially in developmental age and outside the Emergency Department context. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to analyse characteristics of a clinical sample under the light of psychiatric urgency and emergency concepts. Both the \u201curgency\u201d and \u201cemergency\u201d concepts and the Rosenn & Gail\u2019s severity classification were applied to 399 first inspection forms to describe different conditions at the arrival. About half of the cases corresponded to urgency/ emergency conditions, with a male gender prevalence and an average age of 10 y. Emergency was associated to Behavioural Disorders mainly, while urgency conditions were associated to Somatic sphere Disorders, Selfinjured Behaviours, Anxious -Affective Disorders. This research, operating a differentiation between urgency and emergency, allows a clearer identification and a tailored therapeutic plan about cases that are similar on a symptomatic side but different by a psychopathological perspective

Levels and Patterns of Pcdd/Fs in Air, Soil and Biota from Krakow and the Malopolska Region (Poland)

In the new EU Member States domestic combustion of coal and wood in small heating appliances has been discussed as a potential source of PCDD/Fs into the atmosphere . The existing Dioxin emission inventories from the old Member States-EU 15 are lacking quantitative information about their actual contribution to total PCDD/F emissions, since these type of heating appliances do not play a big role in the EU 15. However, high PCDD/F levels in ambient air measured during winter time in Poland indicate an important contribution from domestic heating. The widespread use of hard coal in Krakow for domestic heating makes this area appropriate for studying the influence on ambient PCDD/Fs levels. In a first study in 2002 particulate matter in air from the city-centre (Aleje) and an industrial area (Nova Huta) in Krakow were compared to a rural region without industry (Zakopane approximately 100 km south of Krakow), in order to visualize urban and industrial impacts. The comparison of summer and winter data shall help to visualize the signal from domestic heating in terms of concentrations and the relative distribution of individual PCDD/Fs (congener pattern). The second part of this study (2005) contributed additional air samples (this time particulate matter and gas phase) during 2 weeks in winter 2005 from two sites in the city of Krakow. To study also the impact of emissions on the environmental pollution in the region, a transect of soil samples (the sink of atmospheric deposition) and biota (spruce needles as an indicator of the bio-availability) were taken between Krakow–Zakopane and from Krakow to the east. Conclusions: The 2002 campaign on ambient air demonstrated a major role of domestic heating on the PCDD/F levels present in the ambient air of urban and especially rural areas where coal is used, but also diffuse release from industrial processes at Nova Huta may have an impact on a local scale. However, the comparably high PCDD/F concentrations found in ambient air of Krakow/Malopolska region do not seem to result in enhanced PCDD/F deposition into the Malopolska ecosystem (the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in soil and spruce were comparable to data available from Western Europe). The comparison of human breast milk data supports the hypothesis that the overall PCDD/F exposure in Poland does not exceed the EU average: A recent breast milk study from Poland reports Dioxin levels of 12-13 pg TEQ /g fat, which is in the range found in other European countries with median TEQ-values between 6 and 18 pg/g fat. Obviously, this does not mean that there is no problem with PCDD/Fs in ambient air at the sites investigated in this study. However, reduction measures targeted towards particulate matter will reduce at the same time the levels of PCDD/Fs originating from combustion, which have been shown to be predominantly particle bound.JRC.H.5-Rural, water and ecosystem resource

In Vitro Assessment of Cytotoxicity and Carcinogenic Potential of Chemicals: Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity Induced by 58 Metal Compounds in the Balb/3T3 Cell Line.

Abstract not availableJRC.I-Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (Ispra