Effect of sediment properties on the sorption of C12-2-LAS in marine and estuarine sediments

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are anionic high production volume surfactants used in the manufacture of cleaning products. Here, we have studied the effect of the characteristics of marine and estuarine sediments on the sorption of LAS. Sorption experiments were performed with single sediment materials (pure clays and sea sand), with sediments treated to reduce their organic carbon content, and with field marine and estuarine sediments. C₁₂-2-LAS was used as a model compound. Sorption to the clays montmorillonite and kaolinite resulted in non-linear isotherms very similar for both clays. When reducing the organic content, sorption coefficients decreased proportionally to the fraction removed in fine grain sediments but this was not the case for the sandy sediment. The correlation of the sediment characteristics with the sorption coefficients at different surfactant concentrations showed that at concentrations below 10 μg C₁₂-2-LAS/L, the clay content correlated better with sorption, while the organic fraction became more significant at higher concentrations.     

Influence of the operation conditions on CO2 capture by CaO-derived sorbents prepared from synthetic CaCO3

In this work, a statistical experimental design is performed in order to prepare CaCO₃ materials for use as CaO-based CO₂ sorbent precursors. The influence of different operational parameters such as synthesis temperature (ST), stirring rate (SR) and surfactant percent (SP) on CO₂ capture is studied by applying Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The samples were characterized using different analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption isotherm analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy–X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). CO₂ capture capacity was determined by means of a thermogravimetric analyzer which recorded the mass uptake of the samples when these were exposed to a gas stream containing diluted (15%) CO₂. The statistical approach used in this work provides a rapid way of predicting and optimizing the main preparation variables of CaO-derived sorbents for CO₂ sorption. The results obtained clearly indicate that four parameters statistically influence CO₂ uptake: SR, the square of SR, its interaction with SP and the square of SP.     

Stable isotope signatures reflect competitiveness between trees under changed CO2/O3 regimes

Here we synthesize key findings from a series of experiments to gain new insight on inter-plant competition between juvenile beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) under the influence of increased O₃ and CO₂ concentrations. Competitiveness of plants was quantified and mechanistically interpreted as space-related resource investments and gains. Stable isotopes were addressed as temporal integrators of plant performance, such as photosynthesis and its relation to water use and nitrogen uptake. In the weaker competitor, beech, efficiency in space-related aboveground resource investment was decreased in competition with spruce and positively related to Δ¹³C, as well as stomatal conductance, but negatively related to δ¹⁸O. Likewise, our synthesis revealed that strong belowground competition for water in spruce was paralleled in this species by high N assimilation capacity. We suggest combining the time-integrative potential of stable isotopes with space-related investigations of competitiveness to accomplish mechanistic understanding of plant competition for resources.     

Toxicity of TiO2, ZrO2, Fe,Fe2O3, and Mn2O3 nanoparticles to the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The growing application of engineered nanomaterials is leading to an increased occurrence of nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment. Thus, there is a need to better understand their potential impact on the environment. This study evaluated the toxicity of nanosized TiO₂, ZrO₂, Fe⁰, Fe₂O₃, and Mn₂O₃ towards the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on O₂ consumption and cell membrane integrity. In addition, the state of dispersion of the nanoparticles in the bioassay medium was characterized.     

UV/H2O2/Fe-FeOxH2x-3和UV/H2O2工艺降解水中富里酸的研究

采用硼氢化钠还原法制备核-壳结构的Fe-FeO_xH_2x-3复合材料，研究了富里酸在UV/H₂O₂和UV/H₂O₂/Fe-FeO_xH_2x-3两种不同反应体系下的降解情况。结果表明，核-壳结构Fe-FeO_xH_2x-3的存在，提高了UV/H₂O₂降解富里酸的反应速率，TOC去除达到84%。采用XAD树脂吸附法对反应前后的富里酸进行化学分级表征，结果表明，富里酸经反应后憎水酸（HoA）、弱憎水酸（WHoA）和憎水中性物质（HoN）都有所减少，进而转化为亲水性物质（HiM）；用超滤膜法对富里酸进行物理分级表征，考察了富里酸在反应前后分子量分布的变化情况。同时，富里酸经过反应后生成的中间产物降低了三氯甲烷生成趋势。     

Gene expression responses of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) to elevated CO2 and O3 during leaf maturation and senescence

Gene expression responses of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) leaves to elevated concentrations of CO₂ and O₃ were studied with microarray analyses from three time points during the summer of 2004 at Aspen FACE. Microarray data were analyzed with clustering techniques, self-organizing maps, K-means clustering and Sammon's mappings, to detect similar gene expression patterns within sampling times and treatments. Most of the alterations in gene expression were caused by O₃, alone or in combination with CO₂. O₃ induced defensive reactions to oxidative stress and earlier leaf senescence, seen as decreased expression of photosynthesis- and carbon fixation-related genes, and increased expression of senescence-associated genes. The effects of elevated CO₂ reflected surplus of carbon that was directed to synthesis of secondary compounds. The combined CO₂ + O₃ treatment resulted in differential gene expression than with individual gas treatments or in changes similar to O₃ treatment, indicating that CO₂ cannot totally alleviate the harmful effects of O₃.     

H4SiW12O40/TiO2/beads光催化降解亚甲基蓝的研究

以钛酸四丁酯为原料，空心微珠为载体，采用溶胶凝胶法制备TiO₂/beads光催化剂载体，然后浸渍法制备出H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂/beads表面负载修饰型复合光催化剂，并运用SEM、XRD、FT-IR和DRS对催化剂进行表征和分析。研究了H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂/beads对亚甲基蓝降解的光催化活性，考察了光强度、pH值、曝气量、底物浓度和催化剂用量等对催化效率的影响。实验结果表明，在中性条件下，H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂/beads催化剂的投加量为0.25 g/L，浓度为7.5 mg/L的亚甲基蓝溶液在250 W的紫外灯和600 W的可见光灯下光照60 min降解率分别可达到94.5%和55%。     

Toxicity of nanoparticulate and bulk ZnO, Al2O3 and TiO2 to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Limited information is available on the environmental behavior and associated potential risk of manufactured oxide nanoparticles (NPs). In this research, toxicity of nanoparticulate and bulk ZnO, Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ were examined to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans with Escherichia coli as a food source. Parallel experiments with dissolved metal ions from NPs were also conducted. The 24-h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) and sublethal endpoints were assessed. Both NPs and their bulk counterparts were toxic, inhibiting growth and especially the reproductive capability of the nematode. The 24-h LC₅₀ for ZnO NPs (2.3 mg L⁻¹) and bulk ZnO was not significantly different, but significantly different between Al₂O₃ NPs (82 mg L⁻¹) and bulk Al₂O₃ (153 mg L⁻¹), and between TiO₂ NPs (80 mg L⁻¹) and bulk TiO₂ (136 mg L⁻¹). Oxide solubility influenced the toxicity of ZnO and Al₂O₃ NPs, but nanoparticle-dependent toxicity was indeed observed for the investigated NPs.     

UV/H_2O_2/TiO_2联合水解酸化+MBR工艺处理亚砜废水

二甲基亚砜(DMSO)废水因其COD高、可生化性差的特性而较难处理。本实验以采用硫酸二甲酯法生产DMSO的某化工厂废水为研究对象,设计并建立了组合式光催化氧化装置联合水解酸化+MBR工艺的中试系统,探讨了组合式光催化氧化装置、氧化剂投加量、pH、反应时间和水力停留时间对系统处理效果的影响。结果表明,组合式光催化氧化装置可有效提高DMSO废水的可生化性。最优工艺参数为:按H2O2与原水COD质量浓度比为2∶1投加H2O2,在pH值为4、反应时间为6 h、水力停留时间为4 h的条件下,该系统对原水COD(5 000 mg/L)去除率大于98%,出水COD达到《污水综合排放标准》(GB 8978-1996)一级要求。     

V2O5-TiO2-AlF3/Al2O3催化臭氧化2,4-滴丙酸的氧化效能

为了提高有机物的臭氧化降解效率,工作中利用浸渍法制备了一种新型的三组分催化剂(记为V2O5-TiO2-AlF3/Al2O3)。催化臭氧化降解2,4-滴丙酸的实验结果表明,该催化剂能有效提高臭氧化的效率,体系可能遵循羟基自由基的作用机理。利用相对法计算结果表明,与单独臭氧化相比,V2O5-TiO2-AlF3/Al2O3催化臭氧化体系具有更大的Rct值。重复实验结果表明,该催化剂具有相对较好的稳定性。以上研究结果对推广催化臭氧化技术在实际废水处理中的应用具有重要的实际意义。     

Comparative study of the oxidation of atrazine and acetone by H2O2/UV, Fe(III)/UV, Fe(iii)/H2O2/UV and Fe(II) or Fe(III)/H2O2

In this study, the rates of degradation of organic compounds by several AOPs (H₂O₂/UV, Fe(III)/UV, Fe(III)/H₂O₂/UV, Fe(II)/H₂O₂ and Fe(III)/H₂O₂) have been compared. Experiments were carried out at pH ≈ 3 (perchloric acid / sodium perchlorate solutions) and with UV reactors equipped with a low-pressure mercury vapour lamp (emission at 253.7 run). The data obtained with atrazine ([Atrazine]_o = 100 μg/L) showed that the rate of degradation of atrazine in very dilute aqueous solution is much more rapid with Fe(III)/UV than with H₂O₂/UV. Photo-Fenton process (Fe(III)/H₂O₂/UV) was found to be more efficient than H₂O₂/UV and Fe(II)/H₂O₂ for the mineralization of acetone ([Acetone]_o = 1 mM).     

The influence of engineered Fe2O3 nanoparticles and soluble (FeCl3) iron on the developmental toxicity caused by CO2-induced seawater acidification

An embryo development assay using a common test organism, the edible mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), exposed to both Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and soluble FeCl₃ at 3 acidic pHs, has provided evidence for the following: (1) CO₂ enriched seawater adjusted to pH projections for carbon capture leakage scenarios (CCS) significantly impaired embryo development; (2) under natural pH conditions, no significant effect was detected following exposure of embryos to Fe, no matter if in nano- or soluble form; (3) at pH of natural seawater nano-Fe particles aggregate into large, polydisperse and porous particles, with no biological impact detected; (4) at pH 6 and 7, such aggregates may moderate the damage associated with CO₂ enrichment as indicated by an increased prevalence of normal D-shell larvae when nano-Fe was present in the seawater at pH 7, while soluble iron benefited embryo development at pH 6, and (5) the observed effects of iron on pH-induced development toxicity were concentration dependent.     

Fe~(3+)掺杂TiO_2/凹凸棒复合材料的光催化性能

采用酸催化的溶胶-凝胶法制备了一系列Fe3+掺杂TiO2/凹凸棒(Fe3+-TiO2/ATP)复合光催化剂材料。在可见光条件下,以亚甲基蓝(MB)溶液的光催化降解反应,评价了样品的光催化性能,研究了TiO2负载量、Fe3+掺杂量和焙烧温度对复合材料光催化性能的影响。在单因素实验的基础上,采用正交实验设计(L25(53))优化了催化剂的制备条件。光催化实验结果表明,MB在复合材料上的光催化降解反应遵循Langmuir-Hinshelwood(L-H)动力学模型。正交实验结果表明,当TiO2负载量为15%、Fe3+掺杂量为0.5%和焙烧温度为550℃时,得到的复合材料对MB的光催化降解效率最佳,测得表观反应速率常数kapp为6.09×10-3min-1,反应4 h后MB的降解率(Dt)可达75.88%,相同实验条件下与P25(1.51×10-3min-1)相比较,反应速率提高了4.03倍,降解率提高了45.05%。另外,复合材料的沉降性能优于P25,易于分离,是一类有应用前景的复合光催化剂。     

Synthesis of polychlorinated [14C]alkanes (PCA) of high specific activity

The synthesis of certain ¹⁴C-labelled polychlorinated alkanes is described. The compounds used as starting material were [1-¹⁴C]lauric acid, [1-¹⁴C]hexadecane and [U-¹⁴C]palmitic acid. The carboxylic acids were reduced with lithium aluminium hydride. The alcohol obtained was treated with triphenylphosphine dichloride which gave the corresponding 1-chloroalkane. The chlorination of the alkanes was performed in tetrachloromethane by use of sulphuryl chloride with benzoyl peroxide or UV-light as initiators. Three mixtures of polychlorinated dodecanes (45.9%, 55.9% and 68.5% chlorine) and two polychlorinated hexadecanes (34.1% and 69% chlorine) were synthesized. The products of higher chlorine content prepared were only available via the photoinduced chlorination.     

TS-1分子筛催化O3/H2O2氧化乙酸

研究了酸性条件下TS-1分子筛催化O3/H2O2体系(O3/H2O2/TS-1)对降解水中乙酸效率的影响,优化了相关工艺参数,并对其作用机理进行了分析。结果表明,在pH为2.8时,TS-1的加入能显著提高臭氧化的降解效率。优化工艺参数表明,当过氧化氢投加量为3 g/L,TS-1投加量为5 g/L时,O3/H2O2/TS-1体系对乙酸具有较高的降解率,60 min后O3/H2 O2/TS-1体系对乙酸(初始浓度为100 mg/L)的去除率达到了58.7%。当pH为0.8时,O3/H2 O2/TS-1体系对乙酸的去除率仅为19.8%,降解效果较差。定量化计算表明,O3/H2O2和O3/H2O2/TS-1的Rct分别为1.62×10-8和8.67×10-7。通过测定乙酸降解过程水样中过氧化氢和液相臭氧的浓度变化,推测了具体反应机理。由于此体系在酸性条件下对乙酸有较好的降解效果,拓宽了现有O3/H2O2体系的应用范围。     

Leaf size and surface characteristics of Betula papyrifera exposed to elevated CO2 and O3

Betula papyrifera trees were exposed to elevated concentrations of CO₂ (1.4 × ambient), O₃ (1.2 × ambient) or CO₂ + O₃ at the Aspen Free-air CO₂ Enrichment Experiment. The treatment effects on leaf surface characteristics were studied after nine years of tree exposure. CO₂ and O₃ increased epidermal cell size and reduced epidermal cell density but leaf size was not altered. Stomatal density remained unaffected, but stomatal index increased under elevated CO₂. Cuticular ridges and epicuticular wax crystallites were less evident under CO₂ and CO₂ + O₃. The increase in amorphous deposits, particularly under CO₂ + O_3, was associated with the appearance of elongated plate crystallites in stomatal chambers. Increased proportions of alkyl esters resulted from increased esterification of fatty acids and alcohols under elevated CO₂ + O₃. The combination of elevated CO₂ and O₃ resulted in different responses than expected under exposure to CO₂ or O₃ alone.     

微波辐射Bi2O3/沸石-H2O2体系降解废水中的硝基苯

研究了微波辐射下，以负载于沸石上的三氧化二铋为催化剂，以双氧水为氧化剂的催化氧化体系处理硝基苯工艺。通过单因素实验法，从反应催化剂负载量、pH、双氧水用量、微波功率、反应时间、催化剂用量等方面初步考察了硝基苯在该体系中的催化氧化效果。在氧化铋负载量3%（质量比），pH=2，2 mL 30%双氧水，火力为中火，催化剂投加量为0.7 g，反应2 min，对降解过程所得的中间产物和终产物进行了分析。结果表明，该体系对硝基苯的去除率能够达到99.2%，COD去除率为73.91%。     

A method of hazard assessment of a gaseous substance with respect to formation of toxic photodecomposition products. Application to CCl4, CCl3F and CCl2F2

CCl₄, CCl₃F and CCl₂F₂ decompose in ambient air forming highly toxic carbonyl halides etc. when exposed to sources of intense uv-emission, e.g. welding arcs. The resulting health hazard is assessed using a mathematical model.     

SO2-4/TiO2光催化降解苯酚

以工业硫酸氧钛为原料水解制得SO42-/TiO2光催化剂,并以苯酚为目标降解物,考察了SO24-/TiO2的光催化性能。结果表明:随着SO42-/TiO2制备过程中焙烧温度的升高,其光催化活性逐渐增加,650℃焙烧获得的SO24-/TiO2的光催化活性最好,此后再升高温度会因催化剂中硫的挥发而下降;在确定苯酚原液初始浓度为50 mg/L条件下,SO42-/TiO2的光催化降解苯酚的最佳工艺条件为反应时间2 h、苯酚pH为7、催化剂用量1 g/L。XRD、SEM和FTIR的分析结果显示实验温度下制得的SO42-/TiO2均为锐钛型TiO2;其间掺杂的SO24-在TiO2表面分散性较好,没有聚集成大的颗粒;红外分析的结果初步判定低温(<550℃)焙烧制得的催化剂SO42-在TiO2表面是螯合双配位吸附,高温焙烧时(>550℃)SO42-在TiO2表面是桥式配位吸附。