Soil contamination from petroleum spills is a frequent environmental problem in the world. It is obvious that petroleum exploration has contributed immensely to the economic growth of Nigeria, but over the last few decades, the Niger Delta of Nigeria has suffered grave human health risk and ecosystem degradation resulting from oil spillages, petroleum products leakages and other involuntary effluent discharges from oil exploration activities. This research seeks to develop and optimize GC-FID methods for the analysis of Petroleum hydrocarbons. Crude oil spillage contamination of soil from the Niger Delta was investigated 3 months after a crude oil-pipeline spillage. 47 Soil samples (300-500g) were collected at several points in the South-South Niger Delta. Control samples were taken from four unaffected sites within the vicinity of spillage with similar soil characteristics. Samples were collected at depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-60 cm. The soil samples were prepared for analysis using solvent extraction methods, passed through column of sodium sulphate and Florisil® to aid in column performance, remove moisture and gross impurities. Samples were analysed using gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector. Penetration and migration of C10-C26 and C26-C34 hydrocarbons through the soil layers were assessed by cluster analysis to determine the spatial distribution, penetration and chemical similarity of these compounds over the contaminated area. This information is a useful guide for bioremediation purpose. It was found that total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations varied from 9-289 mgkg-1 topsoil, 8-318 mgkg-1 subsoil and 7-163 mgkg-1 at the greatest depth measured.The results show elevated levels of total hydrocarbon contents when compared with the reference sites. Drastic steps should be taken to carefully monitor and remediate the environment. Bioremediation with plants and micro-organisms is endorsed.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo, determinar o rendimento dos extratos de folhas e cascas da espécie florestal Guazuma ulmifolia, identificar os principais componentes químicos dos extratos obtidos, e analisar a ação fungitóxica ao fitopatógeno Fusarium sp. Para a determinação da umidade, inseriu-se as amostras em formas de alumínio, posteriormente colocadas na estufa a 50ºC por 4 dias. Para avaliar o rendimento das amostras na extração com Soxhlet, utilizou-se os cones de filtros secos em estufa a 50ºC, e na maceração à frio avaliou-se o peso dos recipientes. Na representatividade das extrações, o álcool etílico apresentou maior rendimento para amostras de folhas e cascas. No bioensaio com o fitopatógeno, foram selecionados os extratos de folhas e cascas em hexano e acetato de etila, nas concentrações de 50.000μL/mL à 1.000μL/mL. As análises fitoquímicas foram realizadas em CG(M-S), utilizando o gás hélio (He), e os principais componentes detectados nos extratos em acetato de etila foram: Fitol, Esqualeno, Tetracontano, Lupeol e Tocoferol (Vitamina E) para as folhas, e Ácido Linolênico, Tocoferol, Esqualeno, Estigmasterol e o Fucosterol, para as cascas. / The objective of this work was to determine the yield of leaves and bark extracts of the Guazuma ulmifolia forest species, to identify the main chemical components of the extracts obtained, and to analyze the fungitoxic action of the phytopathogen Fusarium sp. For the determination of the humidity, the samples were inserted in aluminum forms, later placed in the oven at 50ºC for 4 days. In order to evaluate the yield of the samples in the Soxhlet extraction, the greenhouse filter cones were used at 50ºC, and in the cold maceration, the weight of the containers was evaluated. In the representativity of the extractions, ethyl alcohol presented higher yields for leaf and bark samples. In the phytopathogen bioassay, extracts of leaves and bark were selected in hexane and ethyl acetate at concentrations of 50,000 μL / mL at 1,000 μL / mL. The phytochemical analyzes were performed in CG (MS), using helium gas (He), and the main components detected in ethyl acetate extracts were: Fitol, Esqualeno, Tetracontano, Lupeol and Tocoferol (Vitamin E) for the leaves, and Linolenic Acid, Tocopherol, Squalene, Estigmasterol and Fucosterol, for bark

This diploma thesis deals with plant adaptogens (bioactive substances) in the plant Schisandra chinensis. The theoretical part is focused on characterization of the Schisandra genus, characterization of the Schisandra chinensis as a plant, its properties, occurrence and growing possibilities in the climate zone. Furthermore, The effects of these adaptogens on the organism and the prediction of possible use in food supplements are described. The experimental part deals with the extraction of fruits and leaves from plant Schisandra chinensis. Further, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b in the leaves extract was determined by UV – VIS spectrophotometry, whereby the optimal amount 3:1 of chlorophyll was confirmed for the plants growing in optimal conditions. Finally, the concentration of the adaptogen schisandrin A in the dried fruits was from different kind of extraction measured by HPLC. In all fruits, schisandrin A was confirmed, but the amount is different in each sample.

South Africa ratified the Stockholm Convention (SC), which became legally binding on 17 May 2004. This Convention targets 12 particularly toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for virtual elimination. The Convention also requires parties to reduce the release of organochlorine pesticides and the intentionally- and unintentionally-produced POPs such as dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (referred to as dioxin-like chemicals). Dioxins are a heterogeneous mixture of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) congeners. These substances were never intentionally produced but are produced as by-products of industrial processes (such as metallurgical processes and bleaching of paper pulp). They can also be formed during natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. The largest contributor to releases of PCDD/Fs in the environment is incomplete combustion from waste incinerators leading to the unintentional production of these compounds. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are used in transformers and capacitors, but can also be formed unintentionally during industrial and thermal processes. Dioxin-like chemicals (PCDD/Fs and/or PCBs) are classified as persistent because of the following characteristics: lipophilicity and hydrophobicity; resistance to photolytic, chemical and biological degradation and they are able to travel long distances. As South Africa is a semiarid region, POPs will be less prone to travel here because these substances favour colder regions with high soil organic matter. Fish, predatory birds, mammals (including humans) absorb high concentrations of POPs through the process of bio-concentration, leading to bio-accumulation of these substances in the fatty tissue. PCDD/Fs occur as unwanted trace contaminants in air, water, land, in residues and products (such as consumer goods e.g. paper and textiles). The distribution of these chemicals into various matrices is problematic since they cause damage to the environment and human health. These chemicals pose a threat to human health when found in high concentrations that may lead to acute hepatoxicity and dermal toxicity (chloracne). Long-term exposure to low concentrations of these substances might lead to chronic effects such as reproductive problems and carcinogenicity. Since ferrous and non-ferrous metal production is a source of dioxin-like chemicals, a platinum mine in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, was selected for this investigation. The aim of the study was to determine if there are dioxin-like chemicals associated with platinum mining and processing, and if the H4IIE reporter gene bio-assay could be used to semi-quantify and assess the potencies of the complex environmental and process samples by determining their Toxic Equivalency Quotients (TEQ). The implications of the sources to the formation of dioxin-like chemicals regarding the SC were investigated and recommendations were made to improve this study. Samples were collected from tailings dams, woodchips, a dumpsite and slag from the smelter at Union Section. Samples were extracted with the Soxhlet apparatus using hexane as solvent. The percentage total organic carbon (%TOC) was determined for each sample to normalise the data. The method used was the Walkley-Black method. In determining the TEQ of each sample, the H4IIE luc cell line was used. The cells of the H4IIE luc line are genetically modified rat hepatoma cells stably transfected with a luciferase firefly gene. The luciferase gene is activated by the presence of dioxin-like compounds and the concentration of the enzyme is measured as relative light units (RLUs). The amount of RLUs is directly proportional to the dioxin load in the extract. This method is rapid, cost and time-effective in determining the TEQ when compared to chemical analysis. The TEQ2o-valuesin the various samples, as determined with the H4IIE luc cell line, ranged from 0.007 ngTEQ/kg to 54.06 ngTEQ/kg. Thermal processes at the smelter, sorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) to soil and tailings, and external sources such as anthropogenic activities contributed to high TEQ2o-values. Climatic conditions, wind, precipitation, and solubility of HOCs into surfactants lead to low TEQ20. The smelter at Union Section had a very high TEQ20of 44.62 ngTEQ/kg compared to Impala Platinum mine (5.15 ngTEQ/kg). This implies that workers at Union Section are possibly exposed to low and high concentrations of dioxin-like chemicals. Long-term exposure to these compounds could lead to bio-accumulation in the fatty tissue of the mine workers, leading to chronic effects such as reproductive problems and cancer. The air emission of the furnace at the smelter was 0.03 gTEQ/annum and the release of the PCDD/Fs into the slag was 0.60 gTEQ/annum. By effectively managing the smelter it is possible to reduce the TEQ. The TEQ of each sample increased due to normalising the data. The normalised TEQ20 ranged from 0.94 ng TEQ/kg to 42497.48 ngTEQ/kg. Dioxin-like chemicals are present on a platinum mine, but at varying quantities and the effects of these compounds might be detrimental to the environment and the workers at the platinum mine. Further analyses of the health impacts associated with the platinum mine are needed. The H4IIE reporter gene bio-assay could be used to effectively determine the TEQ of each sample. Although this investigation has identified the formation and presence of dioxin-like chemicals at certain stages of mining and processing, not all of the processes were investigated. Some of these processes have the potential to add, and even destroy, these chemicals, affecting potential human exposure and amounts released to the environment. This, however, requires further investigation. The financial assistance of the National Research Foundation (NRF) towards this research is hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at, are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the NRF. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

South Africa ratified the Stockholm Convention (SC), which became legally binding on 17 May 2004. This Convention targets 12 particularly toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for virtual elimination. The Convention also requires parties to reduce the release of organochlorine pesticides and the intentionally- and unintentionally-produced POPs such as dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (referred to as dioxin-like chemicals). Dioxins are a heterogeneous mixture of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) congeners. These substances were never intentionally produced but are produced as by-products of industrial processes (such as metallurgical processes and bleaching of paper pulp). They can also be formed during natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires. The largest contributor to releases of PCDD/Fs in the environment is incomplete combustion from waste incinerators leading to the unintentional production of these compounds. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are used in transformers and capacitors, but can also be formed unintentionally during industrial and thermal processes. Dioxin-like chemicals (PCDD/Fs and/or PCBs) are classified as persistent because of the following characteristics: lipophilicity and hydrophobicity; resistance to photolytic, chemical and biological degradation and they are able to travel long distances. As South Africa is a semiarid region, POPs will be less prone to travel here because these substances favour colder regions with high soil organic matter. Fish, predatory birds, mammals (including humans) absorb high concentrations of POPs through the process of bio-concentration, leading to bio-accumulation of these substances in the fatty tissue. PCDD/Fs occur as unwanted trace contaminants in air, water, land, in residues and products (such as consumer goods e.g. paper and textiles). The distribution of these chemicals into various matrices is problematic since they cause damage to the environment and human health. These chemicals pose a threat to human health when found in high concentrations that may lead to acute hepatoxicity and dermal toxicity (chloracne). Long-term exposure to low concentrations of these substances might lead to chronic effects such as reproductive problems and carcinogenicity. Since ferrous and non-ferrous metal production is a source of dioxin-like chemicals, a platinum mine in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, was selected for this investigation. The aim of the study was to determine if there are dioxin-like chemicals associated with platinum mining and processing, and if the H4IIE reporter gene bio-assay could be used to semi-quantify and assess the potencies of the complex environmental and process samples by determining their Toxic Equivalency Quotients (TEQ). The implications of the sources to the formation of dioxin-like chemicals regarding the SC were investigated and recommendations were made to improve this study. Samples were collected from tailings dams, woodchips, a dumpsite and slag from the smelter at Union Section. Samples were extracted with the Soxhlet apparatus using hexane as solvent. The percentage total organic carbon (%TOC) was determined for each sample to normalise the data. The method used was the Walkley-Black method. In determining the TEQ of each sample, the H4IIE luc cell line was used. The cells of the H4IIE luc line are genetically modified rat hepatoma cells stably transfected with a luciferase firefly gene. The luciferase gene is activated by the presence of dioxin-like compounds and the concentration of the enzyme is measured as relative light units (RLUs). The amount of RLUs is directly proportional to the dioxin load in the extract. This method is rapid, cost and time-effective in determining the TEQ when compared to chemical analysis. The TEQ2o-valuesin the various samples, as determined with the H4IIE luc cell line, ranged from 0.007 ngTEQ/kg to 54.06 ngTEQ/kg. Thermal processes at the smelter, sorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) to soil and tailings, and external sources such as anthropogenic activities contributed to high TEQ2o-values. Climatic conditions, wind, precipitation, and solubility of HOCs into surfactants lead to low TEQ20. The smelter at Union Section had a very high TEQ20of 44.62 ngTEQ/kg compared to Impala Platinum mine (5.15 ngTEQ/kg). This implies that workers at Union Section are possibly exposed to low and high concentrations of dioxin-like chemicals. Long-term exposure to these compounds could lead to bio-accumulation in the fatty tissue of the mine workers, leading to chronic effects such as reproductive problems and cancer. The air emission of the furnace at the smelter was 0.03 gTEQ/annum and the release of the PCDD/Fs into the slag was 0.60 gTEQ/annum. By effectively managing the smelter it is possible to reduce the TEQ. The TEQ of each sample increased due to normalising the data. The normalised TEQ20 ranged from 0.94 ng TEQ/kg to 42497.48 ngTEQ/kg. Dioxin-like chemicals are present on a platinum mine, but at varying quantities and the effects of these compounds might be detrimental to the environment and the workers at the platinum mine. Further analyses of the health impacts associated with the platinum mine are needed. The H4IIE reporter gene bio-assay could be used to effectively determine the TEQ of each sample. Although this investigation has identified the formation and presence of dioxin-like chemicals at certain stages of mining and processing, not all of the processes were investigated. Some of these processes have the potential to add, and even destroy, these chemicals, affecting potential human exposure and amounts released to the environment. This, however, requires further investigation. The financial assistance of the National Research Foundation (NRF) towards this research is hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at, are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the NRF. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Flavonoids were identified and quantified in samples of dry leaves of plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Content of flavonols (kaempherol, quercetin, myricetin, rutin) and flavons (apigenin, luteolin) were compared in three samples (standard leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni origin from Ukraine and from Czech republic), that were extracted by three extraction methods (PSE, ultrasonic extraction, Soxhlet extraction) with two polar solvents, methanol and ethanol, in combination with non-polar hexane. Extracts were analyzed by HPLC with detection UV-VIS. Antioxidant activity and total content of flavonoids in extracts were measured by spectrometry. Stable free radical DPPH. was used for determination of scavenging effect in extracts. PSE was the most effective extraction method with this conditions – 120 °C, dynamic mode and with methanol like solvent.

A soja e seus produtos são ricos em isoflavonóides, estes possuem a concentração aumentada após a fermentação microbiana, devido à liberação de fenólicos, através da conversão das formas glicosídicas em agliconas. O processo fermentativo em estado sólido por fungos filamentosos tem sido amplamente empregado como uma estratégica biotecnológica na busca de agregar valores aos produtos e subprodutos agroindustriais, principalmente elevando os teores de compostos bioativos. No presente estudo, foram avaliados o aumento dessas propriedades, como antioxidante e anti-inflamatória em diferentes substratos utilizando linhagens fúngicas do gênero Rhizopus sp. As 17 linhagens testadas foram capazes de elevar o potencial antioxidante dos grãos de soja. A fermentação de soja e arroz utilizando o R. oligosporus NRRL 2710 resultou em um incremento de 26,5 vezes o potencial antioxidante e 9,33 vezes o teor de compostos fenólicos nos extratos etanólicos, em 72 horas de processo. Além disso, mostraram resposta positiva para a atividade antiinflamatória, apresentando capacidade de inibição máxima de 70,75% e concentração inibitória de 4,2 mg mL. Os produtos fermentados pelo R. oligosporus NRRL 2710 foram submetidos a diferentes processos de extração: Soxhlet com diferentes solventes e supercrítica de CO2 + etanol (scCO2 + EtOH), o que permitiu verificar a relação entre a polaridade e o rendimento de extração. As extrações de Soxhlet foram realizadas usando amostras fermentadas secas e úmidas, os maiores valores de rendimento obtidos foram 42,09% e 32,84%, respectivamente. Este tipo de extração permitiu obter valores de atividade antioxidante na concentração inibitória (IC50) de 0,55 e 0,67 g g-1 e compostos fenólicos de 1,30 e 1,05 mg EAG g-1. Diferentes condições foram testadas no processo de extração com fluido comprimido (scCO2 + EtOH), para estudar a influência da pressão e temperatura no rendimento da extração. Os resultados mostraram que ambas as variáveis influenciam o rendimento do processo. Os extratos deste processo apresentaram um valor de IC50 de 0,17 g g-1, inibindo 94,05% do radical DPPH. Quanto aos compostos fenólicos, estes extratos apresentaram 1,39 mg EAG g-1. / The soybean and its products are rich in isoflavonoids, these have the increased concentration after the microbial fermentation, due to the release of phenolics, through the conversion of the glycosidic forms into aglycones. The solid state fermentative process by filamentous fungi has been widely used as a biotechnological strategy in the search of aggregating values to agroindustrial products and byproducts, mainly raising the levels of bioactive compounds. In the present study, the increase of these antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in different substrates using fungal strains of the genus Rhizopus sp. The 17 lines tested were able to raise the antioxidant potential of the soybean grains. The fermentation of soybean and rice using R. oligosporus NRRL 2710 resulted in an increase of 26.5 times the antioxidant potential and 9.33 times the content of phenolic compounds in the ethanolic extracts, in 72 hours of process. In addition, they showed a positive response to anti-inflammatory activity, with a maximum inhibitory capacity of 70.75% and an inhibitory concentration of 4.2 mg mL. The products fermented by R. oligosporus NRRL 2710 were submitted to different extraction processes: Soxhlet with different solvents and supercritical CO2 + ethanol (scCO2 + EtOH), which allowed to verify the relationship between polarity and extraction yield. Soxhlet extractions were performed using dry and wet fermented samples, the highest values of yield obtained were 42.09% and 32.84%, respectively. This type of extraction allowed to obtain values of antioxidant activity at the inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.55 and 0.67 g g-1 and phenolic compounds of 1.30 and 1.05 mg GAE g-1. Different conditions were tested in the compressed fluid extraction process (scCO2 + EtOH) to study the influence of pressure and temperature on extraction yield. The results showed that both variables influence the yield of the process. The extracts from this procedure had an IC50 value of 0.17 g g-1, inhibiting 94.05% of the DPPH radical. As for phenolic compounds, these extracts presented 1.39 mg GAE g-1.

Ce travail de thèse a pour but de suivre le comportement du liant ionomère après vieillissement en condition réelle d'utilisation de la pile. Dans un premier temps, diverses techniques de caractérisation en phase solide ont été utilisées afin d'étudier le ionomère présent dans les électrodes. La majeure partie de ces techniques se sont avérées insatisfaisantes pour le suivi du vieillissement du ionomère. Seule l'analyse par diffraction rayon X (DRX) a mis en avant un changement d'organisation structurale du ionomère dans les électrodes. Par la suite, nous avons choisi de caractériser le ionomère en solution après extraction par l'eau. Préalablement, un protocole de quantification en 2 à 3 étapes, dans lequel intervient une quantification via le rapport signal-sur-bruit (S/N), a été mis en place afin de quantifier le Nafion® et autres petites molécules fluorés. L'extraction Soxhlet a ensuite été réalisée sur les électrodes permettant de révéler la présence d'un produit de dégradation hydrosoluble après fonctionnement en pile, à la fois en cathode et en anode. Enfin, la macération des électrodes dans le diméthylacétamide (DMAc) a permis d'extraire le polymère Nafion® ainsi que deux acides : l'acide trifluoroacétique (TFA) et l'acide triflique (TFI). En conclusion, la corrélation de l'ensemble des observations nous a permis de proposer un mécanisme de dégradation du liant ionomère présent dans les électrodes. / The purpose of this study was to follow the behavior of ionomer binder after fuel cell operation. First, a series of techniques were used to investigate to characterize ionomer in electrode at solid state. Most of them were inefficient to study ionomer degradation. Only X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pointed out a structural change of the binder in electrodes. Second, it has been decided to characterize ionomer in liquid state after water extraction. But first of all, a quantitative 19F NMR protocol composed of two to three steps, with a first step using a quantification through signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), was establish in order to quantify Nafion® and degradation products. Soxhlet extraction performed on electrodes allowed to detect a degradation product water-soluble. Finally, extraction with organic solvent (Dimethylacetamide) allowed to extract Nafion® and two acid: trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and triflic acid (TFI) from electrodes. In conclusion, correlation between observation and literature allowed us to propose a degradation mechanism of ionomer in electrodes.

The aim of the diploma thesis was to optimize the sequential fractionation method of organic matter to be used for physico-chemical characterization of extracted fractions. Humic acid isolated from oxidized brown coal of Leonardite was used as a source matrix of organic matter. An eluotropic series was assembled and sequential fractionation was performed by extraction on a Soxhlet apparatus. The original humic acid and fractions were characterized by elemental analysis (EA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), followed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), molecular absorption spectrometry (UV/VIS), fluorescence spectrometry and potentiometric titration. Atomic ratios were determined from the results of the elemental analysis. From the measured UV/Vis and fluorescence excitation and emission spectra, the absorption coefficients, resp. fluorescence coefficients. Used fractionation method proved to be a suitable method for studying HA structure. A total of 62 wt. % of initial materiál was extracted, indiivdual fraction amounted from 0.36–30.92 wt. %. From the results of the structural analysis, it is clear that with increasing polarity of the organic solvent, fractions with long aliphatic chains were first isolated and their aromaticity graddualy increased. Non-polar organic solvents were suitable for the extraction of lipid-like coumpounds, while the most polar organic fractions were rich in polar groups and their structual parameters were close to the original humic acid. The fraction extracted with acetonitrile was the most unique fraction. This fraction was rich on nitrogen and amine groups and was similar to protein-like structures. In the last two fractions, extracted with alcohols, a significant bathochromic shift typical of fluorophore type V was observed. Among other things, they were also characterized by a higher content of plant carbohydrate residues.

Spruce Bark contains several fundamental main substances; lignin, non-cellulose polysaccharides, cellulose and extractives. This undergraduate study focuses on developing a process to extract each of these components from spruce bark using a biorefinery concept, with a main focus on extracting lignin without degradation. The purpose of the Bark biorefinery concept is to contribute to a circular bioeconomy, by making use of natural resources. With extended research on the area, it will be possible to produce polymers, green chemicals and biofuel from the components in bark.  This report covers the extraction of the bark components with soxhlet extraction, Hot-water extraction, organosolv extraction and peracetic acid delignification. The extraction was made on two samples, matchstick-sized bark (MS) and 20 mesh-sized bark with a diameter of 0.8 mm (20M). The purpose was to be able to compare the efficiency of the extraction between the two samples. Afterwards, the characterisation of extracts and residue was executed with carbohydrate analysis, 2D HSQC-NMR and FTIR-analysis.  The results showed that a smaller particle size led to more efficient extractions of all components as well as more pure extract solutions. Lignin concentration determinations of samples at each step showed that a significant amount of lignin was lost prior to the organosolv extraction. Future research should look into ways to reduce this loss in order to increase the lignin yield. The findings in the FTIR and NMR analyses correlates with what could be seen in other reports, discussing similar subjects. For upscaling of this process, future research should go toward optimization of all extraction methods in order to make an upscaling of the process economically viable.