Environmental contamination with persistent cyclic mustard gas impurities and transformation products

Abstract

The battlefield of Verdun has seen some of the heaviest shelling in the history of mankind. This site as well as clean-up facilities in Germany may constitute contamination hot-spots and point-sources with leaking to groundwater. This study collected existing toxicological and ecotoxicological data on mustard gas degradation products, together with physicalchemical properties of listed compounds. It also provides quantities of these products measured in the groundwater of France, Germany and the pore water of the Baltic Sea. We indicate a deficiency of information on the toxicity of 1-oxa-4,5-dithiepane and 1,2,5trithiepane. In the groundwater of the German city of Munster 1-oxa-4,5-dithiepane was measured up to 250 µg/L, thus exceeding safe levels. Ecotoxicological studies classify this compound as toxic to aquatic organisms. 1,2,5-trithiepane is not a persistent compound. It was measured, however, in the groundwater at 1 µg/L level. This suggests that it could be formed from an active source of mustard gas. Considering the lack of toxicological data and the uncertainty about the amount of munition deposits, we suggest that research into the toxicity and exposure of, 1-oxa-4,5-dithiepane and 1,2,5trithiepane is needed for sites of concern.

Investigation of long-term hazards of chemical weapon agents in the environment of Sardasht area, Iran

“…As can be seen some of characteristics of the identi ed compounds in Table 3 The presence of nonbonded pairing electrons onto the Arsenic and Oxygen atoms along with unstable phenylic Π electron pairs could lead to a high a nity between this volunteer composition and most of biochemical metabolites via electrostatic and covalent bonding. Since Mustard gas (HD) was one of the major chemical weapons used in the study area, most emphasis was placed on its primary or multi stage degradation products like thiodiglycol (TDG), 1-oxa-4,5-dithiepane and 1,2,5-trithiepane (Chmielińska et al 2019). Herein, diglycolic acid, isobutyl octadecyl ester as its derivitized form in retention time of 18.11 min with content of 0.65% was found in sample P10 (See Fig.…”

Investigation of Long Term Hazards of Chemical Weapon Agents in the Environment of Sardasht Area, Iran

“…The presence of nonbonded pairing electrons onto the Arsenic and Oxygen atoms along with unstable phenylic Π electron pairs could lead to a high a nity between this volunteer composition and most of biochemical metabolites via electrostatic and covalent bonding. Since Mustard gas (HD) was one of the major chemical weapons used in the study area, most emphasis was placed on its primary or multi stage degradation products like thiodiglycol (TDG), 1-oxa-4,5-dithiepane and 1,2,5-trithiepane (Chmielińska et al 2019). Herein, diglycolic acid, isobutyl octadecyl ester as its derivitized form in retention time of 18.11 min with content of 0.65% was found in sample P10 (See Fig.…”

Toxicity of Military Chemical Sulfur Mustard on the Growth of Daphnia magna

“…The most common method to dispose the mustard agent is sea-dumping. Residues of these chemicals have been detected in groundwater in high exposure areas [5,6]. Furthermore, to increase lethality and improve the physical properties, sulfur mustard is often produced in mixtures (mixed with arsine oil or with Lewisite) which is now recognized as toxic for the aquatic ecological system [1,7].…”

“…Compared with other neurotoxins, sulfur mustard has lower toxicity but still has toxic potential to organisms and ecosystems [5,8,9]. The effects of sulfur mustard may be delayed by more than 4-6 h, but the toxic potential time may be up to 24 h. Initially, mustard agent acts as a cell stimulant and eventually poisons the tissues.…”

“…The effects of sulfur mustard may be delayed by more than 4-6 h, but the toxic potential time may be up to 24 h. Initially, mustard agent acts as a cell stimulant and eventually poisons the tissues. Initial symptoms include inflammation of the eyes, inflammation of the nose/throat, bronchi, trachea, lung tissue, skin redness, blistering or ulceration of the skin may be occurring when a person is exposed to this chemical [5,8]. The eyes are sensitive to mustard even at low concentrations, whereas skin lesions require higher concentrations.…”