A 3D aerosol and visibility information system for urban areas using remote sensing and GIS

Currently, the depiction of urban air quality at boundary layer scale uses modelled climatic and land cover data. However, such models are difficult to verify, and only low to moderate accuracy may be achieved due to the complexity of the input data required and the reliance on assumptions about dispersion patterns. The provision of comprehensive air quality data to urban residents in city districts, at a level of detail commensurate with other Location-Based Services (LBS) which are time- and place-sensitive, has therefore not been possible. A method for urban air quality monitoring over cities at boundary layer scale, other than by the use of air quality models is presented here. The system presented uses empirical Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) data in near-real time, combining AOT data from AERONET with aerosol vertical profiles computed from twice-daily MODIS satellite images at 500 m resolution, to give three dimensional (3D) air quality data over the urban landscape. There has been no previous attempt to project the horizontal spatial distribution of aerosols from satellite image pixels into a vertical dimension to give a spatially comprehensive three dimensional record of air quality. The paper describes the sources and accuracy of the AOT data input to the system as well as its storage and retrieval on a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, to provide air quality and visibility information according to user query at any 3D geographical location, including individual buildings or building floor.     

Assessing the importance of heterogeneous reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the urban atmosphere using the Multimedia Urban Model

The Multimedia Urban Model (MUM-Fate) of Diamond, M.L., Priemer, D.A., Law, N.L., 2001. Developing a multimedia model of chemical dynamics in an urban area. Chemosphere 44, 1655–1667 was used to evaluate the contribution of heterogeneous reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with gas-phase ozone to the total loss of these compounds in an illustrative urban environment. Recent laboratory studies by Kahan, T.F., Kwamena, N.-O.A., Donaldson, D.J., 2006. Heterogeneous ozonation kinetics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on organic films. Atmospheric Environment 40, 3448–3459 and Kwamena, N.-O.A., Thornton, J.A., Abbatt, J.P.D., 2004. Kinetics of surface-bound benzo[a] pyrene and ozone on solid organic and salt aerosols. Journal of Physical Chemistry A 108, 11626–11634 provided half-lives for these heterogeneous reactions on surface films and atmospheric particulate matter, respectively. Two model scenarios were studied, representing urban environments with varying amounts of impervious surface coverage. We investigated six PAHs spanning a wide range of physical and chemical properties; results for anthracene, pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene are presented here. Advection from air was the dominant loss process for all PAHs investigated. Heterogeneous reactions primarily on surface films but also on atmospheric particulate matter accounted for up to 75% of the reactive losses of lower volatility PAHs, which accumulate in condensed phases. The results suggest that surface films can be efficient reactive sinks for lower volatility PAHs.     

The Effects of Air Pollution On the Fading of Dyed Fabrics

This report details results for the first six months of a two-year study begun in February 1965 by The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists and the Public Health Service to evaluate the effects of air pollution upon dyed fabrics. Groups of 69 dye-fabric combinations representing widely used dyes were exposed in light-free cabinets to ambient environments at urban and rural sites in Chicago, Washington, D. C, Tacoma, and Los Angeles, and at urban sites in Cincinnati, Phoenix, and Sarasota. Preliminary results of consecutive three-month seasonal exposures and controlled-environment exposures to irradiated and nonirradiated automobile exhaust for short durations show extreme fading of one-fourth of the dyed-fabrics, a higher degree of fading of susceptible fabrics at urban sites compared with that at rural sites, and a marked effect of photochemical by-products of automobile exhaust upon dyed fabrics.     

Application of 1D and 2D MFR reactor technology for the isolation of insecticidal and anti-microbial properties from pyrolysis bio-oils

Valuable chemicals can be separated from agricultural residues by chemical or thermochemical processes. The application of pyrolysis has already been demonstrated as an efficient means to produce a liquid with a high concentration of desired product. The objective of this study was to apply an insect and microorganism bioassay-guided approach to separate and isolate pesticidal compounds from bio-oil produced through biomass pyrolysis. Tobacco leaf (Nicotianata bacum), tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum), and spent coffee (Coffea arabica) grounds were pyrolyzed at 10°C/min from ambient to 565°C using the mechanically fluidized reactor (MFR). With one-dimensional (1D) MFR pyrolysis, the composition of the product vapors varied as the reactor temperature was raised allowing for the selection of the temperature range that corresponds to vapors with a high concentration of pesticidal properties. Further product separation was performed in a fractional condensation train, or 2D MFR pyrolysis, thus allowing for the separation of vapor components according to their condensation temperature. The 300–400°C tobacco and tomato bio-oil cuts from the 1D MFR showed the highest insecticidal and anti-microbial activity compared to the other bio-oil cuts. The 300–350 and 350–400°C bio-oil cuts produced by 2D MFR had the highest insecticidal activity when the bio-oil was collected from the 210°C condenser. The tobacco and tomato bio-oil had similar insecticidal activity (LC₅₀ of 2.1 and 2.2 mg/mL) when the bio-oil was collected in the 210°C condenser from the 300–350°C reactor temperature gases. The 2D MFR does concentrate the pesticidal products compared to the 1D MFR and thus can reduce the need for further separation steps such as solvent extraction.     

Choosing an Aerometric Data System

The air quality of an urban area depends to a great extent upon the quantity and type of fuel consumed. Thus, a marked change in energy demand from 1960 to 2000 A.D. will affect the air quality of all of our urban centers. Interwoven with this potential effect is the anticipated influence of the change in type and quality of fuels, e.g., nuclear fuels, high sulfur coals, and a major modification in energy derived motive power, i.e., fuel cells, and the subsequent depletion of natural gas as an energy raw material. The current trend is to greater urban population densities, and it is estimated that by the year 2000 A.D., 85 percent of America’s population will live on only 10 percent of the land mass. To assess the potential impact of the energy demands for the next half century on air quality, particularly of America’s urban centers, a review of current practices of combustion of coal, petroleum, and natural gas, and the potential effect on community air quality will be developed. To meet the impact of the interrelated changing patterns of population growth, urban developments, energy requirements and available sources, research needs on both a short and long term basis will be explored.     

Differential enhanced degradation of cis‐ and trans‐1,3‐D in soil with a history of repeated field applications of 1,3‐D

Abstract

The fumigant 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D) is considered to be a potential alternative to methyl bromide. The degradation rates of cis‐ and trans‐l,3‐D in soil from a treated site during three successive annual applications of 1,3‐D progressively increased with an increase in the number of annual applications. The enhancement was greater for trans‐l,3‐D degradation than cis‐l,3‐D. In untreated soil, the degradation rates of the two isomers were similar. The enhancement lasted slightly longer than 2 years after annual field application of 1,3‐D had ceased. A single field reapplication of 1,3‐D to the treated site that had not been treated for 2 years resulted in resumed differential enhanced degradation of cis‐ and trans‐l,3‐D. Microorganisms were responsible for the enhanced degradation.     

D/UL作为絮凝控制指标的研究

借助反应器分散模型,把絮凝池内水流状况和絮凝效果与D/UL联系在一起,提出D/UL可以作为絮凝控制指标。经过小试和中试,对比分析其他絮凝控制指标,结果表明,D/UL能反映絮凝池内部比如死角、短路等状况,可以作为衡量和比较絮凝工艺是否合理的指标;絮凝池适宜的D/UL值在0.06～0.08之间,最佳值在0.07左右,其混合阶段的值一般在0.20～0.30之间。D/UL具有准确、易操作的特点,为絮凝池的设计和运行提供了新的依据。     

Synthesis,characterization, and application of 2D/2D TiO2-GO-ZnFe2O4 obtained by the fluorine-free lyophilization method for solar light-driven photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In this study, we report the potential of 2D/2D TiO2-GO-ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst obtained using the fluorine-free lyophilization technique for the...     

Information system with multiple data layer approach to select the C&D waste landfilling infrastructure

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Landfilling is a critical method in managing massive generated C&D waste, and the appropriate selection of C&D waste landfill sites...     

The effects of triclopyr on 2,4‐D mineralization in two soils

Abstract

The effects of the herbicide triclopyr (3,5,6‐trichloro‐2‐pyridinyloxyacetic acid) on the mineralization of 2,4‐D (2,4‐dichlorophenoyxacetic acid) in two soils which differed in their histories of prior exposure to the two herbicides were investigated. The relative effects of triclopyr on 2,4‐D mineralization and most probable numbers of 2,4‐D degraders were dependent upon the soil. Triclopyr was shown to increase 2,4‐D mineralization rates in a soil which had been exposed to both 2,4‐D and triclopyr, but decreased the mineralization rate of 2,4‐D and inhibited the increase of most probable numbers of 2,4‐D degraders in a soil that had not been directly exposed to either herbicide.     

Developing a multimedia model of chemical dynamics in an urban area.

A multimedia model has been developed to account for the movement of semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) in an urban environment. The model, based on a Level III fugacity model of D. Mackay (Multimedia Environmental Models: The Fugacity Approach, Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL, 1991), consists of six compartments: air, surface water, sediment, soil, vegetation, and an organic film that coats impervious surfaces. The latter is a newly identified compartment into which gas-phase SOCs partition and particle-phase SOCs are believed to be efficiently captured (M.L. Diamond, S.E. Gingrich, K. Fertuck, B.E. McCarry, G.A. Stern, B. Billeck, B. Grift, D. Brooker, T.D. Yager, Environ. Sci. Technol., 34 (2000a), 2900-2908). The model, parameterized for downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and run with an illustrative emission rate for selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and homologues of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, indicates that the film achieves the highest concentrations among media but that soils are the greatest sink for all but the least hydrophobic chemicals. The film "reflects" the more volatile chemicals into air, facilitates removal to surface waters by wash-off, and provides a surface on which photolytic degradation can occur. As such, the film is a transient sink that increases chemical mobility in urban areas by increasing air concentrations and the cycling of these compounds between air and urban surfaces and increasing water concentrations. Vegetation also accumulates SOCs, a portion of which is transferred to soil that reduces chemical mobility.     

Determination of levoglucosan and its isomers in size fractions of aerosol standard reference materials

The present study tested the extraction efficiency and quantification reproducibility of anhydrosugars in a series of NIST SRMs using two extraction protocols and isotopically-labeled (d₇-levoglucosan) vs. chemically analogous (sedoheptulosan) surrogates. In both instances, levoglucosan concentrations in the different versions of the Washington, D.C. urban dust standard (SRM 1649, 1649a, 1649b, and RM 8785) were similar. The present test also showed that levoglucosan concentrations were not affected by long-term shelf storage of dry material. Variability of analyses were similar for both surrogates and averaged <5%. Surrogate recoveries were shown to average 103 ± 7% and 97 ± 7% for d₇-levoglucosan and sedoheptulosan, respectively. The choice of solvent was shown to affect recoveries the most (but not variability). Levoglucosan concentrations were either seriously underestimated or overestimated with ethyl acetate extraction when d₇-levoglucosan or sedoheptulosan was used as surrogate, respectively. These results point to the need to use some fraction of polar solvent (i.e. methanol) in the solvent mixture. Anhydrosugar concentrations in the urban dust from the Czech Republic (candidate SRMs 2786 and 2787) were characterized by 3- to 7-fold higher anhydrosugar concentrations than those observed in the Washington, D.C. urban dust. The internal anhydrosugar signatures (i.e. levoglucosan/mannosan ratio: L/M) confirm the predominance of biomass combustion sources in both SRM series with mixed inputs from hardwood and softwood combustion in the Washington, D.C. urban dust and a predominantly softwood source in the Prague urban dust. The uniform distribution of anhydrosugars, across the particle size distribution of both SRM series, confirms earlier studies that low temperature charred materials contribute significant inputs to atmospheric ultrafine particles with long atmospheric residence time and transport ranges.     

Electrochemical incineration of indigo. A comparative study between 2D (plate) and 3D (mesh) BDD anodes fitted into a filter-press reactor

This paper compares the performance of 2D (plate) and 3D (mesh) boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes, fitted into a filter-press reactor, during the electrochemical incineration of indigo textile dye as a model organic compound in chloride medium. The electrolyses were carried out in the FM01-LC reactor at mean fluid velocities between 0.9?≤?u?≤?10.4 and 1.2?≤?u?≤?13.9 cm s^?1 for the 2D BDD and the 3D BDD electrodes, respectively, at current densities of 5.63 and 15 mA cm^?2. The oxidation of the organic matter was promoted, on the one hand, via the physisorbed hydroxyl radicals (BDD(^●OH)) formed from water oxidation at the BDD surface and, on the other hand, via active chlorine formed from the oxidation of chloride ions on BDD. The performance of 2D BDD and 3D BDD electrodes in terms of current efficiency, energy consumption, and charge passage during the treatments is discussed.     

Modeling and direct sensitivity analysis of biogenic emissions impacts on regional ozone formation in the Mexico-U.S. border area

A spatially and temporally resolved biogenic hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions inventory has been developed for a region along the Mexico-U.S. border area. Average daily biogenic non-methane organic gases (NMOG) emissions for the 1700 x 1000 km2 domain were estimated at 23,800 metric tons/day (62% from Mexico and 38% from the United States), and biogenic NOx was estimated at 1230 metric tons/day (54% from Mexico and 46% from the United States) for the July 18-20, 1993, ozone episode. The biogenic NMOG represented 74% of the total NMOG emissions, and biogenic NOx was 14% of the total NOx. The CIT photochemical airshed model was used to assess how biogenic emissions impact air quality. Predicted ground-level ozone increased by 5-10 ppb in most rural areas, 10-20 ppb near urban centers, and 20-30 ppb immediately downwind of the urban centers compared to simulations in which only anthropogenic emissions were used. A sensitivity analysis of predicted ozone concentration to emissions was performed using the decoupled direct method for three dimensional air quality models (DDM-3D). The highest positive sensitivity of ground-level ozone concentration to biogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions (i.e., increasing biogenic VOC emissions results in increasing ozone concentrations) was predicted to be in locations with high NOx levels, (i.e., the urban areas). One urban center--Houston--was predicted to have a slight negative sensitivity to biogenic NO emissions (i.e., increasing biogenic NO emissions results in decreasing local ozone concentrations). The highest sensitivities of ozone concentrations to on-road mobile source VOC emissions, all positive, were mainly in the urban areas. The highest sensitivities of ozone concentrations to on-road mobile source NOx emissions were predicted in both urban (either positive or negative sensitivities) and rural (positive sensitivities) locations.     

Partitioning of Arsenic Species in Fine&#x002D;Grained Soils

It has been theoretically and experimentally shown that rate&#x002D;limited sorption/desorption can have a profound effect upon the transport of sorbing contaminants. The advection/dis&#x002D;persion equation that has been traditionally used to model contaminant transport uses a retardation factor to account for sorption, thereby implicitly assuming local equilibrium between contaminant in the sorbed and aqueous phases. This assumption fails to consider the possibly large effects of rate&#x002D;limited sorption/desorption.

The mass release characteristic of arsenic&#x002D;contaminated soils at the Crystal Chemical site in Houston, TX, was examined. Soils were collected from beneath two former waste&#x002D;water ponds that were the source of arsenic in the uppermost aquifer. Samples were typical of those found within the fine&#x002D;grained components of local alluvial overbank deposits that comprise the bulk of the site. The dynamic test applied a continuing head of water, operating in an upflow mode, through 4&#x002D;inch&#x002D;diameter by 12&#x002D;inch&#x002D;long soil columns repacked to in&#x002D;situ density. Three columns were constructed

The mass release characteristic of arsenic&#x002D;contaminated soils at the Crystal Chemical site in Houston, TX, was examined. Soils were collected from beneath two former waste&#x002D;water ponds that were the source of arsenic in the uppermost aquifer. Samples were typical of those found within the fine&#x002D;grained components of local alluvial overbank deposits that comprise the bulk of the site. The dynamic test applied a continuing head of water, operating in an upflow mode, through 4&#x002D;inch&#x002D;diameter by 12&#x002D;inch&#x002D;long soil columns repacked to in&#x002D;situ density. Three columns were constructed&#x2014;

two containing predominantly clay, and the other containing clayey silt. Leachate from the most permeable column was collected over 42 pore volumes (equivalent to 120 years of extraction). Sharp declines in arsenic concentrations in the leachate were measured after just four pore volumes. A biphasic response was evident, consistent with published research on kinetically limited mass transfer of retarding solutes. The most responsive column was pulsed to elucidate the effects of diffusion and pulsed pumpingtwo containing predominantly clay, and the other containing clayey silt. Leachate from the most permeable column was collected over 42 pore volumes (equivalent to 120 years of extraction). Sharp declines in arsenic concentrations in the leachate were measured after just four pore volumes. A biphasic response was evident, consistent with published research on kinetically limited mass transfer of retarding solutes. The most responsive column was pulsed to elucidate the effects of diffusion and pulsed pumping.

Arsenic concentrations returned to baseline levels in less than three pore volumes.

These studies ultimately led to a joint assessment between Southern Pacific Lines (SPL) and EPA Region VI, which concluded that extraction and treatment of the shallow aquifer beneath the site was not feasible, in light of the aggressive restoration goal.     

Toxic effects of 2,4‐D herbicide on fish

Abstract

Acute and subacute 2,4‐D toxicity to carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were investigated. Acute toxicity (LC‐ 50) was investigated in semi‐static test during a 24, 48, and 96‐ hours exposition. Subacute toxicity was investigated by exposing fish to different 2,4,‐D concentrations (150, 200, and 250 mg/L) for 14 days. Biochemical and morphological changes in certain organs and tissues were investigated.

LC‐ 50 values at 24 hours exposure was 310.0 mg/L, 295.0 mg/L for 48 hours, and 270.0 mg/L for 96 hours exposure.

Subacute toxicity tests show that 2,4‐D induce changes in the enzyme activities (AP, GOT, GPT) and morphological changes in the gills, liver and kidneys, but changes are of limited biological importance.     

Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) spiked sediment: Bioaccumulation and toxicity to the benthic invertebrate Hyalella azteca

Chronic toxicity and bioaccumulation of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) to Hyalella azteca was examined in a series of spiked sediment exposures. Juvenile H. azteca were exposed for 28 d (chronic) to a concentration series of D5 in two natural sediments of differing organic carbon content (O.C.) and particle size composition. The chronic, LC50s were 191 and 857 μg D5 g⁻¹ dry weight for Lakes Erie (0.5% O.C.) and Restoule (11% O.C.) respectively. Inhibition of growth only occurred with the L. Restoule spiked sediment with a resultant EC25 of 821 μg g⁻¹ dw. Lethality was a more sensitive endpoint than growth inhibition. Biota sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs, 28 d) were <1 indicating that D5 did not bioconcentrate based on lipid normalized tissue concentrations and organic carbon normalized sediment concentrations. Organic carbon (OC) in the sediment appeared to be protective, however normalization to OC did not normalize the toxicity. Normalization of D5 concentrations in the sediments to sand content did normalize the toxicity and LC50 values of 3180 and 3570 μg D5 g⁻¹ sand dw were determined to be statistically the same.     

Uncertainty analysis using a fugacity-based multimedia mass-balance model: Application of the updated EQC model to decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)

The EQuilibrium Criterion (EQC) model developed and published in 1996 was recently revised to include improved treatment of input partitioning and reactivity data, temperature dependence and an easier sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. This New EQC model was used to evaluate the multimedia, fugacity-based fate of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5; CAS No. 541-02-6) in the environment over a temperature range of 1–25 °C. In addition, Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis was used to quantitatively determine the influence of temperature and input partitioning and reactivity data on the behavior of D5 under various emission scenarios. Results indicated that emission mode was the most influential factor determining the fate and distribution of D5 in the model environment. When emitted to air and soil, D5 partitioned to and remained in the air compartment where rates of removal from degradation and advection processes were relatively rapid. In contrast, D5 emitted to water resulted in a substantial mass fraction of D5 being accumulated in the sediment compartment, where rates of removal from degradation and advection processes were slow. The mass distributions and fate of D5 in the model environment were strongly influenced by multiple input parameters, including temperature, the mode of emission (especially emission rate to water), K_OC and half-life in air. As temperature decreased from 25 °C to 1 °C, K_OC and half-life in air became increasingly more influential such that the mass distribution of D5 increased in air and decreased in sediment, resulting in decreased overall persistence.     

Residues of 2,4‐D in air samples from Saskatchewan: 1966–1975

Abstract

Residues of 2,4‐D (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) in air samples from several sampling sites in central and southern Saskatchewan during the spraying seasons in the 1966–68 and 1970–75 periods were determined by gas‐liquid Chromatographic techniques. Initially, individual esters of 2,4‐D were characterized by retention times and confirmed further by co‐injection and dual column procedures. Since 1973, however, only total 2,4‐D acid levels in air samples have been determined after esterification to the methyl ester and confirmed by gc/ms techniques whenever possible.

Up to 50% of the daily samples collected during the spraying season at any of the locations and during any given year contained 2,4‐D, with butyl esters being found most frequently. The daily 24‐hr mean atmospheric concentrations of 2,4‐D ranged from 0.01 to 1.22 μg/m³, 0.01 to 13.50 μg/m³, and 0.05 to 0.59 μg/m for the iso‐propyl, mixed butyl and iso‐octyl esters, respectively. Even when the samples were analysed for the total 2,4‐D content, i.e. from 1973 onwards, the maximum level of the total acid reached only 23.14 μg/m. In any given year and at any of the sampling sites, about 30% of the samples contained less than 0.01 μg/m³ of 2,4‐D. In another 40% of the samples, the levels of 2,4‐D ranged from 0.01 to 0.099 yg/m. Only about 30% of the samples contained 2,4‐D concentrations higher than 0.1 μg/m³, with only 10% or less exceeding 1 μg/m³.

None of the samples, obtained with the high volume particu‐late sampler, showed any detectable levels of 2,4‐D, indicating little or no transport of 2,4‐D adsorbed on dust particles or as crystals of amine salts.     

Quantitative assessment of soil parameter (KD and TC) estimation using DGT measurements and the 2D DIFS model

Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) is a dynamic, in situ measuring technique that can be used to supply diverse information on concentrations and behaviour of solutes. When deployed in soils and sediments, quantitative interpretation of DGT measurements requires the use of a numerical model. An improved version of the DGT induced fluxes in soils and sediments model (DIFS), working in two dimensions (2D DIFS), was used to investigate the accuracy with which DGT measurements can be used to estimate the distribution coefficient for labile metal (KD) and the response time of the soil to depletion (TC). The 2D DIFS model was used to obtain values of KD and TC for Cd, Zn and Ni in three different soils, which were compared to values determined previously using 1D DIFS for these cases. While the 1D model was shown to provide reasonable estimates of KD, the 2D model refined the estimates of the kinetic parameters. Desorption rate constants were shown to be similar for all three metals and lower than previously thought. Calculation of an error function as KD and TC are systematically varied showed the spread of KD and TC values that fit the experimental data equally well. These automatically generated error maps reflected the quality of the data and provided an appraisal of the accuracy of parameter estimation. They showed that in some cases parameter accuracy could be improved by fitting the model to a sub-set of data.