University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Matthias Ofner
(2013):
SORPTION AND LEACHING OF ARTEMISININ IN SOILS USING THE DAISY-MODEL.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Bodenforschung (IBF),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 103.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- Artemisinin, a bioactive compound produced and released by the plant Artemisia annua, is used worldwide for medical malaria treatment. Research exhibited that artemisinin can have toxic effects in the aquatic and terrestrial environment. In a field study, artemisinin was found in two-meter deep drainage pipes. Consequently, this master thesis observes experimentally the sorption properties and mechanism of artemisinin in soils. Additionally, simulations were carried out using the DAISY model to determine if artemisinin is able to leach to the groundwater and if it is capable to exceed the EC10 and EC50 for Lemna minor and Pseudokirchneriella sp. Finally, sensitivity analyses were performed. Sorption batch experiments were carried out with sandy and sandy loam top- and subsoil. The sorption data were used to parameterize DAISY and sensitivity analyses were carried out. The results showed weak sorption capacity of artemisinin in both soils and revealed partitioning into SOM as the main sorption mechanism. For the sandy soil, the Ap-horizon possessed a KF-value of 0.58 L kg-1 and the C-horizon 0.3 L kg-1. The sandy loam soil Ap-horizon had a KF of 0.61 L kg-1 and the Bt-horizon 0.31 Lkg-1.Surface complexation on clay particles take place as well. There was no leaching of artemisinin to the upper groundwater observed in the sandy soil with the DAISY simulation. As well, the sandy loam soil revealed no exceedance of the ecotoxicological threshold but, due to preferential flow, a substantial amount of artemisinin was bypassing, the degrading upper soil matrix after an intensive rain event. Thus, macropores, drainage pipes, the load and climatic conditions are considered to be important. Potentially important factors such as runoff, subsurface degradation, photolysis, and colloids were omitted and need to be incorporated when necessary. Finally, it is recommended to conduct field experiments to verify the modelled outcome in order to create reliable risk assessments.
- Beurteilende(r): Wenzel Walter