VX Fate on Common Matrices: Evaporation versus Degradation

Columbus, Ishay; Waysbort, Daniel; Marcovitch, Itzhak; Yehezkel, Lea; Mizrahi, Dana M.

doi:10.1021/es300404y

Cited by 25 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…From the second day, lower GB air concentrations were measured at the higher temperature, probably due to enhanced adsorption or degradation processes at this temperature. The conserving character of the asphalt surface was demonstrated in VX evaporation experiments . The organic bitumen phase dissolves organic materials such as GB or VX and releases them gradually to air.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…The evaporation data in all experiments was presented in the graphs as ln[GB] (ng L −1 ) versus time. The data was fitted to a bi‐exponential curve which gave appropriate results according to previous studies . Detailed results of all experiments (concentrations and mass balances) are summarized in the Supporting Information.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In recent years some data was published on the desorption characteristics of the persistent CWAs O ‐ethyl S ‐2‐( N , N ‐diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothiolate) (VX) and sulfur mustard (HD) from numerous surfaces using laboratory‐sized wind tunnel devices. The results showed that bitumen‐containing surfaces, such as asphalt blocks, conserve VX and slowly release it over a long period of weeks to months . On the other hand, the concentration profile for concrete blocks showed a fast decay along with a very low restoration of VX.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On the other hand, the concentration profile for concrete blocks showed a fast decay along with a very low restoration of VX. This may be a result of VX degradation by chemical active basic sites incorporated in this surface . Smooth tiles exhibited the characteristic behavior of inert surfaces, as they released VX quickly, while obtaining almost complete mass balance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, this information can support the choice of the decontamination technology for a specific scenario. In recent years some data was published on the desorption characteristics of the persistent CWAs O-ethyl S-2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothiolate) (VX) [2][3][4] and sulfur mustard (HD) [5][6][7][8][9] from numerous surfaces using laboratory-sized wind tunnel devices. The results showed that bitumencontaining surfaces, such as asphalt blocks, conserve VX and slowly release it over a long period of weeks to months.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Evaporation of the Nerve Agent GB From Common Matrices: A Model‐System Study

Columbus

Marcovitch

Elias

et al. 2018

CLEAN Soil Air Water

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The measurement of a temperature‐dependent volatilization rate of the nerve agent GB (sarin) from various common matrices, using a laboratory‐designed wind tunnel (model system), is described. Small GB droplets are dispersed on the matrices surfaces, and samples are collected from the model system and analyzed utilizing a solid phase extraction/gas chromatography analytical method. Profiles demonstrating the vapor concentrations as a function of time are calculated. The results indicate that asphalt blocks relatively conserve GB, exhibiting a slow‐release mode of action over at least 2 weeks. Nevertheless, using standard decontamination procedures such as super tropical bleach may prevent this secondary evaporation risk. The concentration profile of commercial sidewalk bricks show a moderate decay, probably due to the existence of basic sites in the cement‐containing bricks. Fast clearance of GB is measured from smooth surface tiles, as these porous tiles both adsorb and/or degrade GB droplets very quickly.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Evaporation of the Nerve Agent GB From Common Matrices: A Model‐System Study

Columbus

Marcovitch

Elias

et al. 2018

CLEAN Soil Air Water

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Structural elucidation of V‐type nerve agents by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

et al. 2020

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V-nerve agents present information-poor spectra, both in GC-EI-MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS, with dominant fragments/product ions corresponding to the amine-containing residue. Hence, derivatives/isomers with the same amine residue exhibit similar mass spectral patterns, leading to ambiguity in the phosphonate structure. We present a simple approach for their structural elucidation based on two complementary experiments: ESI-MS/MS of the original compound, which provides information about the amine moiety, and ESI-MS/MS of the phosphonic acid hydrolysis products generated by N-iodosuccinimide, which provides ions' characteristic of the phosphonate structure. This approach enables the structural elucidation of the original V-agents with a higher degree of certainty.

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Determining a threshold sub-acute dose leading to minimal physiological alterations following prolonged exposure to the nerve agent VX in rats

et al. 2017

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VX, a potent inhibitor of cholinesterase (ChE), is considered as one of the most toxic, persistent and least volatile nerve agents. VX is absorbed in various environmental surfaces and is gradually released long after its initial dispersal. Its toxicity is mainly caused by disrupting central and peripheral cholinergic nervous system activity, leading to potential long-term detrimental effects on health. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the threshold VX dose leading to minimal physiological alterations following prolonged VX exposure. Characterization of such a threshold is crucial for dealing with unresolved operative dilemmas such as when it is safe enough to resettle a population that has been evacuated from a VX-contaminated area. Rats, continuously exposed to various doses of VX (0.225-45 µg/kg/day) for 4 weeks via implanted mini-osmotic pumps, showed a dose-dependent and continuous decrease in ChE activity in whole blood, brain and muscles, ranging between 20 and 100%. Exposure to 13.5 µg/kg/day led to a stable low ChE activity level (~ 20%), accompanied by transient and negligible electrocorticogram spectral power transformations, especially in the theta and alpha brain wave frequencies, and a significant decrease in total brain M2 receptor density. These changes were neither accompanied by observable signs of intoxication nor by changes in motor function, circadian rhythm or TSPO level (a reliable marker of brain damage). Following exposure to lower doses of 2.25 and 0.225 µg/kg/day, the only change measured was a reduction in ChE activity of 60 and 20%, respectively. Based on these results, we delineate ChE inhibition as the physiological measure most susceptible to alterations following prolonged VX exposure, and determine for the first time the threshold sub-acute VX dose for minimal physiological effects (up to 20% reduction in ChE activity) in the rat as 0.225 µg/kg/day.

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VX Fate on Common Matrices: Evaporation versus Degradation

Cited by 25 publications

References 26 publications

Evaporation of the Nerve Agent GB From Common Matrices: A Model‐System Study

Evaporation of the Nerve Agent GB From Common Matrices: A Model‐System Study

Structural elucidation of V‐type nerve agents by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Determining a threshold sub-acute dose leading to minimal physiological alterations following prolonged exposure to the nerve agent VX in rats

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