We consider one and two-dimensional minimal models in plankton dynamics. The influence of oscillating boundary forcing functions as agents for triggering pattern formation is discussed. In particular it is found that in these conditions population waves arise for one dimensional models, while for two dimensional models, different amplitudes and frequencies in the boundary forcing generate definite patterns, mimicking the boundary term. This happens even though the model we investigate is very simple. The emergence of these features is an interesting metaphor for the fundamental biological problem of how pattern formation processes may be inevitable in natural heterogeneous ecosystems. 相似文献
Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Particulate matter with size less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) samples were collected from an urban site Pune, India, during April... 相似文献
The sources of submicrometer particulate matter (PM1) remain poorly characterized in the industrialized city of Houston, TX. A mobile sampling approach was used to characterize PM1 composition and concentration across Houston based on high-time-resolution measurements of nonrefractory PM1 and trace gases during the DISCOVER-AQ Texas 2013 campaign. Two pollution zones with marked differences in PM1 levels, character, and dynamics were established based on cluster analysis of organic aerosol mass loadings sampled at 16 sites. The highest PM1 mass concentrations (average 11.6 ± 5.7 µg/m3) were observed to the northwest of Houston (zone 1), dominated by secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass likely driven by nighttime biogenic organonitrate formation. Zone 2, an industrial/urban area south/east of Houston, exhibited lower concentrations of PM1 (average 4.4 ± 3.3 µg/m3), significant organic aerosol (OA) aging, and evidence of primary sulfate emissions. Diurnal patterns and backward-trajectory analyses enable the classification of airmass clusters characterized by distinct PM sources: biogenic SOA, photochemical aged SOA, and primary sulfate emissions from the Houston Ship Channel. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that secondary biogenic organonitrates primarily related with monoterpenes are predominant in zone 1 (accounting for 34% of the variability in the data set). The relevance of photochemical processes and industrial and traffic emission sources in zone 2 also is highlighted by PCA, which identifies three factors related with these processes/sources (~50% of the aerosol/trace gas concentration variability). PCA reveals a relatively minor contribution of isoprene to SOA formation in zone 1 and the absence of isoprene-derived aerosol in zone 2. The relevance of industrial amine emissions and the likely contribution of chloride-displaced sea salt aerosol to the observed variability in pollution levels in zone 2 also are captured by PCA.
Implications: This article describes an urban-scale mobile study to characterize spatial variations in submicrometer particulate matter (PM1) in greater Houston. The data set indicates substantial spatial variations in PM1 sources/chemistry and elucidates the importance of photochemistry and nighttime oxidant chemistry in producing secondary PM1. These results emphasize the potential benefits of effective control strategies throughout the region, not only to reduce primary emissions of PM1 from automobiles and industry but also to reduce the emissions of important secondary PM1 precursors, including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. Such efforts also could aid in efforts to reduce mixing ratios of ozone. 相似文献
The thermal decomposition of SF6 is known to be oxygen-independent. Nevertheless, because of its high stability, the use of SF6 as a "conservative" surrogate in incinerator performance evaluation has been advocated and researched. This paper shows that refractory decreases markedly the stability of SF6. The resulting increase in SF6 decomposition was from 0 percent to 95 percent at 900°C, and the temperatures at which 90-99 percent decomposition occurred were lowered by 300-150°C. Refractory also decreased the stability of CCl4 and C2Cl4, but to a lesser extent. The difference between the decompositions of C2Cl4 and SF6 was reduced from several orders of magnitude to a factor of 2-4. Such a drastic and adverse change in relative stability could render SF6 unsuitable as a "conservative" surrogate. The requirements for a "conservative" surrogate and the need for caution in its use are discussed, and further research areas are indicated. 相似文献
PURPOSE: 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) is a persistent groundwater pollutant and a suspected human carcinogen. It is also is an industrial chemical waste that has been formed in large amounts during epichlorohydrin manufacture. In view of the spread of TCP via groundwater and its toxicity, there is a need for cheap and efficient technologies for the cleanup of TCP-contaminated sites. In situ or on-site bioremediation of TCP is an option if biodegradation can be achieved and stimulated. This paper presents an overview of methods for the remediation of TCP-contaminated water with an emphasis on the possibilities of biodegradation. CONCLUSIONS: Although TCP is a xenobiotic chlorinated compound of high chemical stability, a number of abiotic and biotic conversions have been demonstrated, including abiotic oxidative conversion in the presence of a strong oxidant and reductive conversion by zero-valent zinc. Biotransformations that have been observed include reductive dechlorination, monooxygenase-mediated cometabolism, and enzymatic hydrolysis. No natural organisms are known that can use TCP as a carbon source for growth under aerobic conditions, but anaerobically TCP may serve as electron acceptor. The application of biodegradation is hindered by low degradation rates and incomplete mineralization. Protein engineering and genetic modification can be used to obtain microorganisms with enhanced TCP degradation potential. 相似文献
A phenolic resin that is used as syntan in leather manufacturing was degraded using Tremetes versicolor. On degradation of this resin for eight days, the reduction in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD)
and total organic carbon (TOC) were 65.11, 76.66 and 72.94% respectively. It was found from the infra red (IR) spectra of
the samples that up to seven days the aromaticity was not perturbed however there were reductions in BOD and COD. Addition
of co-substrate starch, brought about reduction in BOD, COD and TOC by 85.36, 91.93 and 89.98% respectively. After eight days,
there observed a disturbance in the aromatic ring. The enzyme was extracted and assayed for polyphenol oxidase and laccase.
Polyphenol oxidase activity and laccase activity of the crude enzyme were found to be 31.4 and 1.67 U/mL. On ammonium sulfate
precipitation and dialysis, the polyphenol oxidase activity and laccase activity were enhanced by 1.5- and 3.2-folds respectively. 相似文献
Soy-polyol has been synthesized via a low energy two-step continuous route thus avoiding intermediate steps and chemicals.
The functional groups of soy-polyol thus produced were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy which
confirmed the cleavage of the double bonds, the formation of new epoxy linkages and the presence of hydroxyl groups. The change
in chemical structure and physical properties of the soy polyol was further characterized and the results indicated a successful
conversion with reduced unsaturation, increased hydroxyl number and increased viscosity. Polyurethane foam was prepared from
soy-polyol using isocyanate and thermogravimetric analysis was used to study its thermal decomposition behaviour. Multiple
transitions were identified in relation to depolymerization and bond dissociation. Density and compressive strength of the
soy-foam were found to be satisfactory. An investigation of microstructure of soy foam by scanning electron microscope and
X-ray computed tomography revealed the internal cell morphology and cell structure. 相似文献
The quantities of e-waste are expected to increase sharply in Chile. The purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative data basis on generated e-waste quantities. A material flow analysis was carried out assessing the generation of e-waste from computer equipment (desktop and laptop PCs as well as CRT and LCD-monitors). Import and sales data were collected from the Chilean Customs database as well as from publications by the International Data Corporation. A survey was conducted to determine consumers’ choices with respect to storage, re-use and disposal of computer equipment. The generation of e-waste was assessed in a baseline as well as upper and lower scenarios until 2020.The results for the baseline scenario show that about 10,000 and 20,000 tons of computer waste may be generated in the years 2010 and 2020, respectively. The cumulative e-waste generation will be four to five times higher in the upcoming decade (2010–2019) than during the current decade (2000–2009). By 2020, the shares of LCD-monitors and laptops will increase more rapidly replacing other e-waste including the CRT-monitors. The model also shows the principal flows of computer equipment from production and sale to recycling and disposal. The re-use of computer equipment plays an important role in Chile. An appropriate recycling scheme will have to be introduced to provide adequate solutions for the growing rate of e-waste generation. 相似文献
Recent publications by Pogge (Global ethics: seminal essays. St. Paul: Paragon House 2008) and by Singer (The life you can save: acting now to end world poverty. New York: Random House 2009) have resuscitated a debate over the justifiability of famine relief between Singer and ecologist Garrett Hardin in the 1970s.
Yet that debate concluded with a general recognition that (a) general considerations of development ethics presented more
compelling ethical problems than famine relief; and (b) some form of development would be essential to avoiding the problems
of growth noted by Hardin. Better than renewing the debate, we should recognize two points. First, food needs do indeed evoke
a moral response that is more direct and compelling than the philosophical positions often generated to rationalize a duty
to bring aid. As such the argument for feeding hungry people cannot be generalized into a paradigm for development ethics
without distortions that undercut the morally valid elements in Singer’s original argument. Second, contrary to prevailing
assumptions in present day development ethics, food aid and famine relief continue to be important priorities for international
agencies, notably the World Food Program. Emergency food assistance, the nominal topic of Singer’s original article, thus
is an important issue for agricultural as well as development ethics, though one that should indeed be seen as distinct from
more complex duties to address the conditions of chronic poverty and underdevelopment. 相似文献