Os retardantes de chama bromados são substâncias utilizadas em bens de consumo para aumentar sua resistência ao fogo e/ou altas temperaturas. Para este fim os Éteres Difenílicos Polibromados (PBDEs do inglês polybrominated diphenyl ether) representam a classe mais utilizada tendo em vista sua eficiência no controle da propagação da chama e baixo custo. Estes compostos são considerados persistentes, bioacumuláveis, podem ser transportados para longas distâncias e apresentam toxicidade podendo causar desregulação endócrina, entretanto os mecanismos de toxicidade ainda não foram bem estabelecidos. Desta forma, o presente projeto utilizou linhagens celulares de Hepatoblastoma Humano (HepG2), HeLa, Hepatócitos e linfócitos humanos a fim de elucidar seus mecanismos de toxicidade. Os resultados significativos demonstram a capacidade destes compostos em induzir dano primário no DNA (0,5 ?mol/L para o BDE-153 e 5 ?mol/L para o BDE-100) monitorado pelo teste do cometa, que não foi reparado após 24 horas de exposição. No entanto, não se observou um aumento de micronúcleos em HepG2 e linfócitos após exposição aos congêneres (0,1 - 25 ?mol/L) nem mesmo mutagenicidade no ensaio de Salmonella typhimurium. Contudo, os compostos apresentam capacidade de diminuir a redução do brometo de 3-(4,5 dimetiltiazol-2il)-2,5 difenil tetrazólio (MTT), proliferação e interferem no ciclo celular nos cultivos celulares avaliados. Estes efeitos de citotoxicidade estão relacionados com a disfunção mitocondrial, uma vez que ambos PBDEs geram dissipação do potencial de membrana mitocondrial, formação e acúmulo de espécies reativas, culminando em morte celular apoptótica, demonstrada pela manutenção da fosfatidil serina na face externa da membrana celular, pela condensação e fragmentação nuclear, presença de fatores pró-apoptóticos no citosol da célula, tais como citocromo C e AIF além da ativação de caspases 3 e 9. Estes dados corroboram com o fato de não ter liberação de lactato desidrogenase intracelular, excluindo a morte celular por necrose. E por fim, foi possível observar que a exposição aos compostos ativa o processo autofágico, a princípio como um mecanismo de citoproteção observado pela conversão de LC3I em LC3II e acúmulo de p62 (marcadores autofágicos) além de marcações imunicitoquímicas para LC3II e co-localização de lisossomos no padrão pontuado, indicanto acúmulos da proteína LC3 e lisossomos, formando os autofagossomos. Em conjunto nossos resultados apresentam a capacidade de induzir instabilidade genômica e citotoxicidade desta classe de compostos, reforçando a idéia de que os PBDEs representam risco à população exposta / The brominated flame retardants are substances used in consumer goods to increase its fire resistance and/or high temperatures. Due to, the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (Polybrominated diphenyl ether) are the most commonly used class in view of its efficiency in controlling the spread of flame and low cost. These compounds are considered persistent, bioaccumulative, can be transported over long distances and have toxicity. However the toxic mechanisms of action have not been well established. Thus, this project held cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic assays in HepG2, HeLa, hepatocytes and human lymphocytes cells in order to elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity. The results demonstrate the ability of these compounds to induce primary DNA damage (0.5 ?M for BDE-153 and 5 ?M for BDE-100) monitored by the comet assay, it was not repaired after 24 hours of exposure. However, there was not observed nether increase in micronuclei in HepG2 cells and lymphocytes after exposure to the congeners (0.1 - 25 ?M) even in the Salmonella typhimurium mutagenicity assay. However, the compounds show the ability to reduce MTT reduction, proliferation, and interfere with cell cycle evaluated in cell cultures. These cytotoxic effects are related to mitochondrial dysfunction, since both PBDE generate dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in apoptotic cell death, demonstrated by the maintenance of serine phosphatidyl on the external surface of the cell membrane, by condensation and nuclear fragmentation, the presence of pro-apoptotic factors in the cytosol of the cell, such as cytochrome c and AIF plus activating caspase 3 and 9. These data corroborate the fact of not having to intracellular lactate dehydrogenase release, excluding death cell necrosis. Finally, it was observed that exposure to the active compounds the autophagic process, at first as a cytoprotective mechanism observed by LC3I conversion in LC3II and accumulation of p62 (autophagic markers) plus imunicitoquímicas markings for LC3II and co-location lysosomes in dotted pattern, indicanto accumulations of LC3 protein and lysosomes, forming autophagosomes. Together our results show the ability to induce genomic instability and cytotoxicity of this class of compounds, reinforcing the idea that PBDEs pose a risk to the exposed population

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de diferentes relações de fósforo (P) e potássio (K) nos aspectos morfológicos, fisiológicos, e nos parâmetros produtivos de plantas de soja tratadas com o retardador de crescimento TIBA, através da análise das variáveis altura, número de ramificações (primárias, secundárias e total), massa seca de raíz, valor SPAD (clorofilas), atividade enzimática da ascorbato peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), nitrato redutase (NR), fenilalanina amonia liase (PAL), concentração de proteína total solúvel (PTS), assim como do número de vagens e grãos, massa de grãos e massa média de 100 grãos (referentes a haste, ramificações e total). Foram conduzidos dois experimentos em casa de vegetação, em sistema hidropônico (vasos plásticos contendo areia lavada, com adição de soluções nutritivas modificadas de Hoagland). Utilizou-se o cultivar BRS 255RR, através do delineamento casualizado em blocos, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, constituído por 2 níveis de TIBA (0 e 30 mg L-1) e 4 relações dos nutrientes P e K (0,5, 1,0, 1,5 e 2,0 vezes o teor desses nutrientes na solução original de Hoagland). Para as variáveis altura, valor SPAD, atividade enzimática e concentração de PTS, considerou-se a adição do fator tempo em nível de sub-parcela. A unidade experimental foi constituída por um vaso de polietileno, com duas plantas de soja. A aplicação do TIBA foi realizada via pulverização foliar, no estádio V5, enquanto que o fornecimento das soluções nutritivas teve início a partir do 4º dia após a emergência. O TIBA promoveu a redução da altura final das plantas e da massa seca de raíz, além de promover o incremento do valor SPAD no período de transição entre as fases vegetativa e reprodutiva. Esse retardador não exerce efeito sobre os valores totais das variáveis número de vagens e grãos, massa de grãos e massa média de 100 grãos, porém, apresenta efeito sobre alguns de seus constituíntes (aumento no número de ramificações secundárias e diminuição no número de vagens e grãos e massa de grãos das ramificações). A relação de P e K igual a 2,0 afeta negativamente a maior parte das variáveis e alguns de seus constituíntes (altura, massa seca de raíz, número de ramificações primárias e total, número total de vagens e grãos, número de grãos da haste, massa de grãos da haste e total), enquanto que a relação de 1,5 afeta o número de vagens das ramificações e a massa média total de 100 grãos, respectivamente. / This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different ratios of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in morphological, physiological and productive performance of soybean plants treated with growth retardant TIBA, through the analysis of height, number of branches (primary, secondary and total), root dry weight, SPAD (chlorophyll) value, enzymatic activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), nitrate redutase (NR), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), concentration of total soluble protein (TSP), as well as the number of pods and grains, weight of grains and average weight of 100 grains (refer to stem, branches and total). Two experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions in a hydroponic system (plastic pots containing washed sand, with the addition of modified Hoagland nutrient solution). Were used the cultivar BRS 255RR, by randomized block design, in a factorial 2 x 4, consisting of two levels of TIBA (0 and 30 mg L-1) and 4 ratios of P and K (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times the content of these nutrients in the original Hoagland solution). For the variables height, SPAD value, activity and concentration of TSP, it was considered the addition of time as a factor for sub-plot. The experimental unit consisted of a polyethylene pot with two soybean plants. The application of TIBA was performed by foliar sprays at the developmental stage \"V5\", while supplying the nutrient solution started from the 4th day after emergence. TIBA caused a reduction of plant height and dry mass of roots, and promote increased SPAD values during the transition between vegetative and reproductive phases. This retardant did not affect the total values of number of pods and grains, grain weight and average weight of 100 grains, however, it showed effects on some of their constituents (increase in the number of secondary branches and a decrease in the number of pods and grains, and grain weight of the branches). The ratio of P and K equal to 2.0 adversely affects in most of the variables and some of their constituents (height, root dry weight, number of primary branches and total number of pods and grains, grain number from stem, grain weight from stem and total weight), while the ratio of 1.5 affects the number of pods from branches and total average weight of 100 grains, respectively.

Dissertation thesis is focused on study of liquid electrolytes for lithium ion batteries. The electrical and physical properties of aprotic electrolytes are observed. The main goal is to increase the fire safety of the batteries. An anhydrous solvents and there blends was investigated. The common used solvents mixtures and new low flammable solvents were used. The common used solvents were used propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate and others. The new solvents were sulfolane and dimethyl sulfone. In the second part of the work the phosphor base flame retardants as additive in electrolytes was investigated. The last part deals with ionic liquids and there possible use as electrolyte in lithium ion batteries.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers belong to group of brominated flame retardants. Important property of these substances is their ability to reduce flammability or to prevent ignition of many products of daily use, such us televisions, carpets, mattresses and many others. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers however are characterized by high persistence and lipophility, leading to their accumulation in the environment. In recent years, concerns about the effects of organic halogen compounds on human health, suggesting their inclusion in the list of persistent organic pollutants in 2009. These contaminants are capable of long-range transport and accumulation in the environment. Therefore, the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers is systematically observed in the abiotic and biotic components of the environment worldwide. Their presence has been demonstrated in areas that are clearly very distant from sources of contamination. This thesis is focused on the use of gas chromatography to assess the level of contamination of selected components of the environment, especially of soil. For these purposes was used method of gas chromatography with electron capture detection mass spectrometry.

Master thesis deals with safety of aprotic electrolites used in lithium – ion accumulators. Beside conductivity and viscosity of electrolytes is work focused to flashpoint of electrolytes with flame retardants. In main part of work is shortly explained lithium ion accumulator used materials and fundamentals. Flame retardancy mechanisms and used materials are disscussed too. In practical part work deals with description of used measuring methods and evaluation of gauged data. At least optimal composition of electrolyte with flame retardant is proposed.

The thesis is devoted to the field of properties investigation of new types of electrolytes, and assess the appropriateness of electrolytes studied in this paper for use in Li -ion batteries. It focuses specifically on electrolytes based on aprotic solvents and their mixtures with the flame retardants. The goal of the thesis is to investigate the effects of FRAs on electrolyte mixtures via changes in specific conductivity and freezing point. These objectives were fulfilled by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in combination with a cryoscopic measurement method. There were overall 16 samples examined. The samples were prepared as a combination of chemicals, specifically Ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2), triethyl phosphate (TEP) Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), triphenyl phosphate (TPP). Based on the results of the experiments, the mixtures were sorted according to the observed properties in the tables listed in the last part of this paper. These values can be further used to supplement the continuing research of electrolytes and also as assistance in searching for the new electrolyte mixtures.

Reclaimed water has increased in popularity as a means to recycle water and thus decrease the amount of wasteful water use. This process is widely used in Tampa Bay for watering of lawns. This increase in popularity and use has raised questions as to what contaminants are in the reclaimed water. The purpose of this study was to analyze reclaimed water for contaminants believed to be detrimental to health and conduct interviews to ascertain perceptions of risk in the local population. As water reuse grows in popularity further research will need to be conducted to address potential human health concerns. This research shows that there are potential health concerns related to reclaimed water when we use dioxin as a surrogate compound. Additionally, the research shows that local governments aren't doing enough to communicate information to local communities. Any policy that moves forward in regards to supplementing drinking water with reclaimed water must incorporate local communities in the decision making process. Decisions made in the absence of information can be misguiding and the first feedback of these decisions is felt by local communities. With their input in the beginning, throughout the decision making process, and during the evaluation period, new information will be generated. The incorporation of the community in the decision making process will make the reclaimed for drinking water initiative, more successful.

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No description available.

Global consumption of organophosphate esters (OPs), which are used as flame retardants and plasticizers, is rapidly increasing. Their use as additives in diverse applications poses a risk as they may be emitted from the products they are added to and be further transported in the environment. Therefore, the levels, distribution, and possible sources of 15 OPs, some of which are reported to be toxic, were investigated in indoor and outdoor environments. An exposure assessment was performed, and the exposure to OPs via inhalation was examined for five occupational groups. In addition, based on the findings of the studies, the total flow of OPs in Sweden was estimated. In indoor environments, the OPs detected in air and dust varied between the sites, but generally reflected the building materials, furniture etc. used in the premises. A majority of the analysed OPs were detected in all samples, and public buildings tended to have higher levels than domestic buildings. The chlorinated OPs dominated in indoor air and wipe samples from vehicles. They were also abundant in the dust samples. Some occupational groups were significantly more exposed to OPs than others. Aircraft technicians, for example, were exposed to about 500 times more tributyl phosphate than day care centre personnel. Upon domestic and industrial cleaning, OPs are discharged with the wastewater via the sewage system to sewage treatment plants (STPs). Irrespective of the size of the STPs investigated, they had similar levels of OPs in their influents, indicating that products containing OPs are widely used by the communities they serve. In some cases, it was possible to trace elevated levels of individual OPs to specific sources. The OPs were poorly removed from the wastewater, and the chlorinated OPs especially tended to pass through the STPs without being removed or degraded. Thus, levels of OPs in their effluents were also similar, as were the levels in their sludge. Of the total amounts of OPs entering the STPs, 50% was emitted to the recipients via the effluent. Hence, there is room for significant improvement in the treatment processes. Carps living in a pond, receiving STP effluent were found to contain relatively high levels of OPs compared to perch collected in lakes from background locations. Air and road traffic were also identified as sources of OPs: the concentration of total OPs in snow samples decreased with increasing distance from a major road intersection, and OPs were detected in aircraft lubricants and hydraulic fluids and in waste oil from cars and lorries. OPs are emitted from both diffuse and direct sources to the environment and may then be spread by long-range air transport, rivers and streams. This probably explains why OPs were also detected in air and fish from background locations. Finally, OPs are ubiquitous substances in both indoor and outdoor environments. The possibility that prolonged exposure to OPs at the levels found may cause adverse effects, for instance in aqueous organisms, cannot be excluded. For example, the OP levels in snow were of the same magnitude as reported effect concentrations. Similarly, in some premises, indoor exposure to OPs was close to the suggested guideline value. However, since these studies include only a limited number of samples, and data regarding the health and environmental effects of OPs are sparse, no definitive conclusions regarding their possible environmental effects can be drawn. / Den globala konsumtionen av organiska fosfatestrar (OP) för användning som flamskyddsmedel och mjukgörare har ökat kraftigt på senare tid. Det breda användningsområdet för dessa additiv medför en risk att de kan avges från de produkter de är satta till och transporteras vidare ut i miljön. Följaktligen undersöktes källor till, halter av, och fördelning i inom- och utomhusmiljöer av 15 OP, varav en del har toxiska effekter. Vidare har exponering för OP i bl.a bostäder och offentliga byggnader beräknats. Utöver detta undersöktes exponeringen för OP via inandning hos 5 yrkesgrupper. Slutligen användes resultaten för att uppskatta det totala flödet av OP i Sverige. I de olika inomhusmiljöerna uppmättes ett flertal OP i varierande halter i damm och luft, men generellt speglade halterna byggnadsmaterial, möbler etc. som fanns i lokalerna. De offentliga lokalerna tenderade att uppvisa högre halter än privata hus, förmodligen beroende på högre brandskyddskrav. Klorerade OP dominerade i inomhusluft samt i avstrykningsprov från fordon och förekom även i höga halter i damm. Vissa yrkesgrupper var exponerade för betydligt högre halter OP än andra, t.ex. exponerades flygtekniker för upp till 500 ggr högre lufthalter av tributylfosfat jämfört med förskollärare. I samband med våtskurning i inomhusmiljöer (hushåll, industrilokaler, osv.) släpps avsevärda mängder OP ut i avloppet och når till sist reningsverk. Oberoende av storlek på reningsverken var halterna av OP relativt lika, i vardera ingående vatten och slam, vilket indikerar en bred användning av OP i samhället. I vissa fall kunde specifika källor till OP i avloppsvattnet spåras. Exempelvis hade två av reningsverken högre halter av en klorerad OP jämfört med övriga reningsverk. Dessa behandlade vatten från en skumplastfabrik, respektive en fabrik som tillverkar flamskyddad färg. Avskiljningsgraden av OP från avloppsvatten visade sig generellt vara dålig, i synnerhet klorerade OP tenderade att passera genom reningsverken utan att degraderas eller avskiljas från vattnet. Av den mängd OP som nådde reningsverken släpptes 50 % ut till miljön via utflödet. Som ett resultat av detta uppvisade karpar från en damm påverkad av utflödet från ett reningsverk höga halter OP jämfört med abborrar från referenssjöar. Det finns därför anledning att förbättra tekniken på reningsverken. Flyg- och vägtrafik kunde också identifieras som källor till OP i miljön. OP uppmättes i hydrauloljor och smörjmedel för flygplan samt i spillolja från bilar och lastbilar. Vidare minskade totalhalten OP i snöprov med ökat avstånd från en större vägkorsning. OP släpps således ut från både diffusa och direkta källor och kan sedan spridas vidare via luft och vattendrag. Därmed var det inte förvånande att OP även påträffades i luft och fisk från bakgrundslokaler. Avslutningsvis förekommer OP i varierande halter i såväl inom- som utomhusmiljöer. Det kan inte uteslutas att långvarig exponering för de halter av OP som uppmätts skulle kunna orsaka negativa effekter hos t.ex vatten- eller jordlevande organismer. I smälta snöprov från en flygplats uppmättes exempelvis halter av OP i samma storleksordning som rapporterade effektkoncentrationer. Dessutom visade sig den beräknade exponeringen av OP, i några av de provtagna inomhuslokalerna, uppgå till halter nära det föreslagna riktvärdet för OP i Tyskland. Dessa studier inkluderar dock ett begränsat antal prov och provtyper och kunskapen om dessa föreningars miljö- och hälsoeffekter är bristfällig. Därför bedöms underlaget som för litet för att några definitiva slutsatser ska kunna dras angående OPs eventuella effekter på miljön.