Sigrid Scharf - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sigrid Scharf

Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Analytik von kurzkettigen Chloralkanen (Chlorparaffinen) in Wasser... more Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Analytik von kurzkettigen Chloralkanen (Chlorparaffinen) in Wasserproben auf der Basis des Normentwurfs ISO/DIS 12010 am Umweltbundesamt zu entwickeln. Kurzkettige Chloralkane bestehen aus linearen Alkan-Ketten mit einer Länge von 10 bis 13 Kohlenstoff-Atomen bei denen einige Wasserstoff-Atome durch Chlor substituiert sind. Die Tatsache, dass in der Industrie ausschließlich technische Gemische, deren Zusammensetzung von unterschiedlichen Kettenlängen und Chlorierungsgraden schwanken, verwendet werden, macht die Analytik dieser Stoffgruppe mit ungefähr 6000 möglichen Kongeneren zu einer schwierigen Aufgabe. Die Analytik sollte mit einer geeigneten Probenaufbereitung, einer Messmethode mittels Gaschromatographie, gekoppelt mit einem Elektroneneinfangmassen-spektrometer mit negativer Ionisation (GC-ECNI-MS) und Auswertung mittels multipler linearer Regression ermöglicht werden. Die Adaption der Normentwurfsmethode konnte schließlich bedarfskonform adaptie...

Accreditation and Quality Assurance, 2011

A validation interlaboratory trial was carried out to prepare ISO 12010: Water quality-Determinat... more A validation interlaboratory trial was carried out to prepare ISO 12010: Water quality-Determination of short-chain polychlorinated alkanes (SCCP) in water-Method using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electron capture negative ionisation (ECNI).

Environmental science and pollution research international, 2018

This study forms the first report on analyzing fullerenes in the Austrian environment and cosmeti... more This study forms the first report on analyzing fullerenes in the Austrian environment and cosmetic products available on the Austrian market. We developed, optimized, and validated a novel method for the analysis of C and C fullerenes and N-methylfulleropyrrolidine C (NMFP) for measuring sensitivities in the low nanograms per liter range in order to prove their presence in the environment (12 wastewater- and 12 sewage sludge samples) and in 11 selected fullerene-containing cosmetic products from three different brands. The optimized method relies on a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and, for the first time, introduced the Carrez-clarification, followed by liquid chromatography (LC) and coupled to a hybrid triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) quantification. The total variability of the new established LC-MS/MS method based on all the tested matrices was below 10%. We found recoveries generally higher than 70% for both tap water and surface water. ...

Water Science and Technology, 2006

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are widely used as disinfectants, biocides, and detergents, a... more Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are widely used as disinfectants, biocides, and detergents, among a variety of other applications. The cationic surface-activity of QAC determines their potential to act as a biocide on both target and non-target organisms. This study aims to provide a broad-based environmental risk characterization and evaluation for selected QAC with particular focus on the situation in Austrian rivers. A modular study design was employed involving environmental exposure characterization, QAC fate and effect analysis in wastewater, ecotoxicological effect characterization, and environmental risk evaluation. A wide array of Austrian surface waters and wastewater effluents were screened for the selected key compounds, benzalkonium chlorides and dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides with different C-chain lengths. Ecotoxicological effect characterization was based on both microbiotests for a set of representative aquatic organisms and a literature review. For risk eval...

Biomonitoring, 2017

Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of ... more Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of processes and products due to their unique physicalchemical properties. Through intake of PFASs via food or several consumer products, humans can be exposed. Long-chain PFASs have been associated with adverse effects in laboratory animals, and there is also evidence for adverse health effects in humans. Although investigations of human exposure are mainly conducted in blood samples, some studies have shown that especially short-chain PFASs can be detected in human urine. In the present study, a sensitive analytical method was adapted for the measurement of 12 PFASs in human urine samples by HPLC-MS/MS. For verifying this method, concentrations in 11 male and female participants aged 25-46 years were analysed. In the study population, ranges of urinary PFASs concentrations were n.d.- 8.5 ng/l for perfluoropentanoic acid, <LOQ-3.0 ng/l for perfluorohexanoic acid, n.d.-1.8 ng/l for perfl...

Chemosphere

Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS, CAS No. 80-07-9) is used as monomer for the production of seve... more Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS, CAS No. 80-07-9) is used as monomer for the production of several groups of polymers like polysulphones and polyethersulphones. Residual amounts of monomer remain in the polymer matrix and might migrate out from the polymer matrix. In the present study, freshwater fish and fish-eating birds were examined. Following fish species (top predators) were collected at two Austrian locations: Sander lucioperca, Silurus glanis, and Lota lota. Whole fish samples were analysed for BCPS. Levels in freshwater fish ranged between 1.3 and 9.3 ng/g fat. In addition, breast muscle and liver samples from six cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) were investigated. BCPS levels in cormorants breast muscle were in the range of 4.3-40 ng/g fat (mean: 16.3 ng/g fat, n = 6) and 28-86 ng/g fat (mean: 53.5 ng/g fat, n = 6) in the liver samples. BCPS concentration in liver was 3.3-fold higher than in muscle tissue. One of the cormorants had ingested fish with a BCPS level of 5.5 ng/g fat; BCPS levels in the cormorant were 23 ng/g fat (breast muscle) and 28 ng/g fat (liver), suggesting biomagnification values (BMF) of 4.2 (fish/breast muscle) and 5.1 (fish/liver), respectively. A BMF value higher than 1 can be considered as an indication for very high biomagnification. Comparing the BCPS concentrations of cormorants' breast muscle from 2019 (mean: 16 ng/g fat) to the concentrations from 2001 to 2005 (mean: 8.9 ng/g fat), indicates that BCPS levels might be increasing in Europe.

Umweltwissenschaften Und Schadstoff Forschung, 2002

The 1999 "State of the Environment in Austria" report is the second publication of the ... more The 1999 "State of the Environment in Austria" report is the second publication of the Federal Environment Agency since 1997 which gives an extensive account of the situation of the environment in Austria in English. The purpose of this publication is to provide up-to-date information on the Austrian environment at an international level. The publication comprises approximately 120 pages and is essentially a shortened translated version of the "Fifth State of the Environment Report". The present English summary of the fifth State of the Environment report gives once again a picture of the situation of the environment in Austria. It emphasises the areas of the Austrian environmental policy where significant improvements were achieved, such as the reduction of air pollutant emissions and the improvement of the quality of running waters. It also mentions those areas where there is need for action at the national and international levels such as transport, climate pr...

Chemosphere, 2000

Bisphenol A is widely used for the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. Special... more Bisphenol A is widely used for the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. Special in vitro test systems and animal experiments showed a weak estrogenic activity for Bisphenol A. Based on in vitro receptor interaction studies, the activity was estimated to be 2 x 10(-3) lower than that of estradiol. Especially aquatic wildlife could be endangered by waste water discharges. To manage possible risks arising from Bisphenol A contamination, the major fluxes need to be obtained and the contributors to the contamination of municipal treatment plants need to be determined. In this study, industrial emitters and communal waste waters were monitored simultaneously. Mixed samples were taken over periods of one week at nine sample sites. The results showed that the concentrations and fluxes were variable. The paper industry was the major Bisphenol A contributor to the influent of the waste water treatment plant. All the other fluxes measured, including two household areas, were considerably low. About 90% of the total load was removed during the waste water treatment.

Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 2012

The Children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#x27;s Envir... more The Children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#x27;s Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE) of WHO focuses (inter alia) on improving indoor environments where children spend most of their time. At present, only little is known about air pollution in schools and its effect on the lung function of school children. Our project was set up as an Austrian contribution to CEHAPE. In a cross-sectional approach, differences in indoor pollution in nine elementary all-day schools were assessed and 34 of these pollutants were analyzed for a relationship with respiratory health determined by spirometry using a linear regression model. Overall 596 children (aged 6-10 years) were eligible for the study. Spirometry was performed in 433 children. Socio-economic status, area of living (urban/rural), and smoking at home were included in the model as potential confounders with school-related average concentration of air pollutants as the variable of primary interest. A negative association with flow volumes (MEF(75)) was found for formaldehyde in air samples, benzylbutylphthalate and the sum of polybrominated diphenylethers in school dust. FVC and FEV(1) were negatively associated with ethylbenzene and xylenes in air samples and tris(1,3-dichlor-2-propyl)-phosphate on particulates. Although, in general, the quality of school indoor air was not worse than that reported for homes, effects on the respiratory health of children cannot be excluded. A multi-faceted strategy to improve the school environment is needed.

International journal of hygiene and environmental health, Jan 21, 2015

Phthalates are a class of chemicals widely used as plasticisers in a multitude of common consumer... more Phthalates are a class of chemicals widely used as plasticisers in a multitude of common consumer products. Through contact with such products, people are regularly exposed to phthalates, which are suspected to contribute to adverse health effects, particularly in the reproductive system. In the present study, 14 urinary phthalate metabolites of 10 parent phthalates were analysed by HPLC-MS/MS among the Austrian population aged 6-15 and 18-81 years in order to assess phthalate exposure. In the total study population, ranges of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations were n.d.-2,105μg/l (median 25μg/l) for monoethyl phthalate (MEP), n.d.-88μg/l (10μg/l) for mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), n.d.-248μg/l (28μg/l) for mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), n.d.-57μg/l (1.8μg/l) for mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), n.d.-20μg/l (n.d.) for mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), n.d.-80μg/l (2.6μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), n.d.-57μg/l (1.9μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-ox...

Umweltwissenschaften und Schadstoff-Forschung, 2002

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2013

WHO&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s Children&am... more WHO&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s Children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE) focuses on improvements of indoor environments where children spend most of their time. To investigate the relationship between school indoor air pollutants and cognitive performance in elementary school children, a multidisciplinary study was planned in all-day schools in Austria. In a cross-sectional study (LuKi study: Air and Children) indoor air pollutants were monitored in nine elementary all-day schools in urban and rural regions of Austria. In addition, school dust and suspended particulates (PM10, PM2.5) were measured, focusing on semivolatile compounds (e.g. phthalates, phosphororganic compounds [POC]). Health status and environmental conditions were determined by parents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; questionnaire, cognitive function was measured by Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). Overall, 596 children (6-8 years of age) were eligible for the study. Cognitive tests were performed in 436 children. Analysis showed significant correlations of tris(2-chlorethyl)-phosphate (TCEP) in PM10 and PM2.5 and school dust samples with cognitive performance. Cognitive performance decreased with increasing concentrations of TCEP. Furthermore, cognitive function decreased significantly with increasing CO2 levels. POC are widely used as plasticizers, flame retardants and floor sealing. This is the first report of a correlation between TCEP in indoor air samples and impairment of cognitive performance in school children. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to prohibit the use of toxic chemicals and those suspected of a toxic potential in children&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s environments such as schools.

Water Science & Technology, 2006

Science of The Total Environment, 2004

In order to address the Austrian situation concerning endocrine disrupting substances (EDS), a co... more In order to address the Austrian situation concerning endocrine disrupting substances (EDS), a consortium called Austrian Research Cooperation on Endocrine Modulators (ARCEM) was established in 1999. Among several other issues that were investigated, ARCEM monitored more than 400 ground- and surface water samples for selected estrogenic hormones and industrial chemicals. Appropriate analytical methods were established using GC-HRMS for the detection of hormones and LC/MSMS for the detection of industrial chemicals. Since analytical results were forwarded for toxicological assessments within the programme, quantification limits below 0.1 ng/l (ethinyl estradiol) and 10 ng/l (industrial chemicals) were required depending on the NOEL of the individual compound. Results indicate that both hormones and industrial chemicals occur in the selected ground- and surface water sites in detectable concentrations. Three river sites were identified as being charged with noticeable concentrations of EDS. These results were verified by biological indications within the part of the ARCEM programme dealing with bio-indications.

Science of The Total Environment, 2001

Non-ionic surfactants are widely used for household and industrial purposes. For different reason... more Non-ionic surfactants are widely used for household and industrial purposes. For different reasons the metabolites, e.g. 4-nonylphenol, nonylphenol monoethoxylate, nonylphenol diethoxylate and 4-tert-octylphenol, are especially considered to be endocrine disruptive and thus potentially harmful for the environment. In this study, field samples of raw wastewater from different point sources, including industrial effluents, household effluents, the influent and secondary effluent of a wastewater treatment plant that treats this wastewater were monitored simultaneously. Composite samples were taken five times over periods of 1 week at nine sample sites. The results showed that the concentrations and fluxes were varying. In addition industrial, influent and effluent samples were investigated for nonylphenol (NP). The highest concentrations of bismuth active substances (BiAS) were obtained by wastewater samples from a chemical and a cloth washing company ranging from 10,200 to 65,600 microg/l and 14,600 to 33,900 microg/l BiAS, respectively. Although the concentration of BiAS in the wastewater of the paper production was only between 460 and 1200 microg/l BiAS, the NP/BiAS ratio of 0.51% was considerably higher than in other industrial effluents. The BiAS concentration in wastewater samples from households ranged from 2200 to 7900 microg/l BiAS, but the NP concentration was quite low, 0.01% of BiAS. This could be due to the effort within the EU to phase out nonylphenol polyethoxylates in household detergents. Influent concentrations between 700 and 2200 microg/l BiAS with removal rates in the WWTP ranging from 70.7 to 99.4% with an average of 92.2% could be measured.

Science of The Total Environment, 2007

Organophosphate esters are used in multitude of applications such as flame retardants, plasticize... more Organophosphate esters are used in multitude of applications such as flame retardants, plasticizers and lubricants. In recent years concerns have been raised in regards to the environmental impact of some of the more commonly used phosphoric acid triesters, because many of them are toxic and persistent. Liquid-liquid extraction and ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/MS) were used for the determination of nine priority organophosphate esters in waste and surface water, as well as in sediment samples for first time in Austria. Recoveries ranged from 63% to 94% in water and from 74 to 104% in sediment with estimated quantification limits between 2.6 and 7.9 ng/l in surface water, 4.1 and 13 ng/l in effluent waste water, and between 0.48 and 11 microg/kg in sediment. The validated method was applied to determine the occurrence of the selected organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) and plasticizers in the aquatic environment of Austria. The impact of the discharge of waste water treatment plants into the receiving water bodies was also studied.