Abstract  Written by prominent scholars from industry, academia, and research institutions, the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology presents a wide scope of articles on chemical substances—including their properties, manufacturing, and uses. It also focuses on industrial processes and unit operations in chemical engineering, as well as covering fundamentals and scientific subjects related to the field. Additionally, environmental and health issues concerning chemical technology are also addressed. Key features of the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology Online include: - Over 1,300 articles -- with content updated regularly - New and updated articles keep the online version on the cutting edge of chemical technology - Previous versions of articles are archived for posterity - An easy to use interface that allows one to Search or Browse through the articles for quick reference and convenience

Abstract  Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are raising concern because of their potential persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. In this study, we investigated the concentrations, diastereoisomer- and enantiomer-specific profiles, and mass inventories of HBCDs in 90 surface soils from two e-waste recycling areas (Qingyuan, Guiyu) and from industrial areas in South China. The mean concentrations of total HBCDs in the surface soils ranged from 0.22 to 0.79 and from 0.31 to 9.99 ng/g dw for two surrounding e-waste recycling sites and industrial areas, respectively. The highest total HBCD concentration (284 ng/g dw) was found at the e-waste recycling site in Qingyuan, while total HBCD levels fell dramatically with increasing distance from the recycling site, suggesting that the e-waste recycling activities were an important source of HBCDs. The diastereoisomer profiles in 75 of the 90 soil samples differed from those of the commercial products. The mean enantiomeric fraction values for α-, β-, and γ-HBCDs in soils ranged from 0.503(0.010) to 0.507(0.003), 0.494(0.003) to 0.506(0.009), and 0.502(0.003) to 0.511(0.006), respectively, suggesting that there was no stereoselective transformation of the three diastereoisomers. The mass inventories of HBCDs gave preliminarily estimates of 3.42 kg and 1.84 tonnes for the e-waste recycling areas and industrial areas, respectively. It is notable that the diasteroisomer and enantiomer profiles of this study failed to distinguish definitely that the isomeric transformation occurred during the product processing or in the environmental matrix. Further laboratory studies on abiotic and biotic transformation are needed to clarify this issue.

Abstract  Hexabromocyclododecanes (alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HBCDs) and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) were determined in indoor air from homes (n=33; median concentrations sigma HBCDs = 180 pg m(-3); TBBP-A = 15 pg m(-3)), offices (n=25; 170; 11), public microenvironments (n=4; 900; 27) and outdoor air (n=5; 37; 1). HBCDs and TBBP-A were also determined in dust from homes (n=45; median concentrations sigma HBCDs = 1300 ng g(-1); TBBP-A = 62 ng g(-1)), offices (n=28; 760; 36), cars (n=20; 13,000; 2), and public microenvironments (n=4; 2700; 230). While sigma HBCDs in car dust significantly exceeded (p < 0.05) those in homes and offices, TBBP-A in car dust was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in homes and offices. No significant differences were observed between sigma HBCDs and TBBP-A in air or dust from homes and offices. Compared to dietary and inhalation exposures, dust ingestion constitutes an important pathway of exposure to HBCDs and TBBP-A for the UK population. Specifically, using average dust ingestion rates and concentrations in dust, dust ingestion constitutes for adults 34% (TBBP-A) and 24% (HBCDs) of overall exposure, and for toddlers 90% (TBBP-A) and 63% (HBCDs). Inhalation appears a minor exposure pathway to both HBCDs and TBBP-A. On average, dust is 33% alpha-, 11% beta-, and 56% gamma-HBCD, while air is 22% alpha-, 11% beta-, and 65% gamma-HBCD.

Abstract  Brominated, and chlorinated organic flame retardants are widely used to reduce the flammability and ignitability of plastics; this use is growing because of increasingly strict flammability regulations. Brominated and chlorinated aliphatic and brominated aromatic compounds are used as additives in both thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. Brominated aliphatic, brominated aromatic and chlorinated aromatic compounds are used as reactive flame retardants in both thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. In many applications, antimony oxide is used as a synergist, interacting with halogenated flame retardants to produce a more effective system. The largest volume brominated flame retardants are the brominated aromatics, Tetrabromobisphenol-A and decabromodiphenyl oxide. The largest volume chlorinated flame retardants are the chlorinated paraffins.

Abstract  This work is part of the research included in the European project AQUATERRA, focused on the study of different persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in different risk zones along the Ebro River basin. Within monitoring programmes, a high contaminated area was detected, located along the Cinca River, a tributary of Ebro River, downstream a heavily industrialized town (Monzón). Data showed a high hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) contamination in this area. Our work included the analysis of sediments and biota, with special attention on aspects such as temporal trends, bioavailability and bioaccumulation of these contaminants. Moreover, an attempt of identification of source contamination was carried out, with the analysis of industrial effluents. The industry responsible of the contamination was identified.