Remediation of PCB-contaminated sediments: Volatility and solubility considerations

Through volatilization and long distance atmospheric transport, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been redistributed throughout the global environment. Over the last 70 years, these compounds have permeated every known environmental niche including the remote polar regions of the globe. In this article, the solubility and volatility of the PCB congeners are reviewed relative to the remedial technologies that are currently in use or under consideration. The following discussion focuses primarily on the management options for PCB-contaminated, subaqueous solids that require removal, dewatering, drying, and other treatment to degrade the target contaminants and/or containment in engineered facilities including constructed islands, upland secure landfills and subaqueous pits. Environmental mobility resulting from natural and engineered processes is discussed in relation to the potential for contributing to the global loading and redistribution of PCBs. Additionally, select emerging technologies and management options are reviewed relative to their potential to produce secondary environmental impacts resulting from the soluble and/or volatile redistribution of PCBs. Based on a lack of long-term experience and the recognition that contaminants will remain unaltered for decades, technologies involving engineered containment structures should be considered temporary remedial measures until cost-competitive, destructive processing of contaminated sediments is feasible.     

快速城市化区域表层土壤中杀虫剂的空间分布及风险评估

为探讨快速城市化区域杀虫剂的分布特征,19种被忽视的杀虫剂,即苯基吡唑类(氟虫腈)、氯丹、硫丹、九氯、六氯苯、七氯、狄氏剂、艾氏剂、异狄氏剂、甲氧滴滴涕及其代谢产物被用来分析在珠江三角洲(珠三角)及其周边区域229个土壤样品中的浓度水平和空间分布.结果表明,高浓度的杀虫剂主要集中在珠三角中心地区,而低浓度的杀虫剂则分布在珠三角周边区域,这个分布模式与国民生产总值和人口密度的分布相似,表明社会经济因素对杀虫剂的分布有一定的影响.此外,在城市化发展进程中,土地使用类型的转变也可能会导致原城镇农耕地变成现城市居民区,从而使得禁用农药在珠三角中心区域浓度高.来源分析表明在珠三角及其周边区域土壤存在工业氯丹的新输入源.氟虫腈由于半衰期比较短,在很大部分的土壤样品中转化成了氟虫腈砜和氟虫腈硫醚.对土壤中19种杀虫剂进行人体风险评估发现,6个在高人口密度区域收集的样品对人体有潜在的致癌或非致癌风险.因此这些被忽视的杀虫剂在将来环境研究中需要引起关注.     

香港周边海域野生鱼体内DDTs和PCBs的含量分布和食用风险评估

为研究香港周边海域鱼体内持久性有机污染物的污染水平、分布特征及其对当地居民的健康风险评估,采集了香港周边海域中31种野生鱼,分析鱼体中两类典型持久性有机污染物,如滴滴涕（DDTs）和多氯联苯（PCBs）.结果表明,香港周边海域野生鱼类DDTs和PCBs的含量范围分别为0.44~17 ng·g^-1和0.028~6.3 ng·g^-1,与国内外其他地方相比处于中低水平.在空间分布上,大屿山西部的鱼体内DDTs含量最低,而吐露港鱼体中PCBs含量最低.鱼类的生活环境及食性影响其在鱼体内DDTs与PCBs的富集程度.来源分析显示野生鱼体内DDTs来源主要为历史残留,迁徙的鱼类可能受沿海岸河口DDTs污染影响.此外,健康风险评估结果表明,香港青少年和成年人长期食用香港周边海域的鱼类可能会存在潜在的终生致癌风险.因此,香港当地居民应尽量减少对其周边海岸野生鱼类的摄入.     

The recent 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death: a reminder of his contribution in the field of fluid mechanics

Environmental Fluid Mechanics - In this work, a summary of Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution in the field of fluid mechanics is reported. Some theoretical laws or fluid flows analyzed or drawn...     

Bench‐ and pilot‐scale applications of electrochemical peroxidation: A new remedial concept

Electrochemical peroxidation (ECP) is a proprietary process that utilizes sacrificial iron electrodes and stochiometrically balanced applications of hydrogen peroxide to efficiently destroy aqueous phase contaminants. In laboratory trials it has been successful in reducing, often to non‐detectable levels, BTEX, fuel additives, chlorinated solvents, and polychlorinated biphenyls in ground waters. The process has also been found effective in reducing the chemical and biological oxygen demand of industrial waste water. Agency‐approved pilot tests will be conducted at two gasoline spill sites during 2000 where traditional pump and treat methods have proven ineffectual because of ground water chemistry or subsurface hydrologic conditions. The ECP process utilizes a tripartite treatment strategy consisting of 1) ex situ chemical oxidation; 2) in situ oxidation by reinjection of treated water with residual oxidants at the head of the plume; and 3) reestablishment of aerobic biodegradation by alteration of subsurface redox conditions. In contrast to other in situ oxidation treatment methods, dissolved iron is derived electrochemically, negating the need for ferrous salt addition. Dilute hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) is incrementally added to maximize oxidation efficiency and eliminate safety and environmental concerns accompanying the use of highly concentrated solutions. Results of laboratory trials and the geological and geochemical considerations of upcoming pilot‐scale applications are presented. Other potential applications currently under investigation include combination with other remedial processes (e.g. permeable barriers and hydrogen release compounds) to insure complete and rapid contaminant mineralization.     

Competing feedback in an idealized tide-influenced delta network

Environmental Fluid Mechanics - The morphodynamic evolution of river deltas is intimately tied to flow and sediment partitioning at bifurcations. In this work, the long-term equilibrium...