Density functional theory (DFT) studies of vanadium-titanium based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts

Based on density functional theory (DFT) and basic structure models, the chemical reactions on the surface of vanadium-titanium based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) denitrification catalysts were summarized. Reasonable structural models (non-periodic and periodic structural models) are the basis of density functional calculations. A periodic structure model was more appropriate to represent the catalyst surface, and its theoretical calculation results were more comparable with the experimental results than a non-periodic model. It is generally believed that the SCR mechanism where NH₃ and NO react to produce N₂ and H₂O follows an Eley-Rideal type mechanism. NH₂NO was found to be an important intermediate in the SCR reaction, with multiple production routes. Simultaneously, the effects of H₂O, SO₂ and metal on SCR catalysts were also summarized.     

Synergistic effects of Cu species and acidity of Cu-ZSM-5 on catalytic performance for selective catalytic oxidation of n-butylamine

In this work, a series of Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts with different SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios (25, 50, 100 and 200) were synthesized and investigated in n-butylamine catalytic degradation. The n-butylamine can be completely catalytic degradation at 350°C over all Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts. Moreover, Cu-ZSM-5 (25) exhibited the highest selectivity to N₂, exceeding 90% at 350°C. These samples were investigated in detail by several characterizations to illuminate the dependence of the catalytic performance on redox properties, Cu species, and acidity. The characterization results proved that the redox properties and chemisorption oxygen primarily affect n-butylamine conversion. N₂ selectivity was impacted by the Brønsted acidity and the isolated Cu²⁺ species. Meanwhile, the surface acid sites over Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts could influence the formation of Cu species. Furthermore, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra was adopted to explore the reaction mechanism. The Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts are the most prospective catalysts for nitrogen-containing volatile organic compounds removal, and the results in this study could provide new insights into catalysts design for VOC catalytic oxidation.     

Metabolomic modulations in a freshwater microbial community exposed to the fungicide azoxystrobin

An effective broad-spectrum fungicide, azoxystrobin (AZ), has been widely detected in aquatic ecosystems, potentially affecting the growth of aquatic microorganisms. In the present study, the eukaryotic alga Monoraphidium sp. and the cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena sp. were exposed to AZ for 7 days. Our results showed that 0.2–0.5 mg/L concentrations of AZ slightly inhibited the growth of Monoraphidium sp. but stimulated Pseudanabaena sp. growth. Meanwhile, AZ treatment effectively increased the secretion of total organic carbon (TOC) in the culture media of the two species, and this phenomenon was also found in a freshwater microcosm experiment (containing the natural microbial community). We attempted to assess the effect of AZ on the function of aquatic microbial communities through metabolomic analysis and further explore the potential risks of this compound. The metabonomic profiles of the microcosm indicated that the most varied metabolites after AZ treatment were related to the citrate cycle (TCA), fatty acid biosynthesis and purine metabolism. We thereby inferred that the microbial community increased extracellular secretions by adjusting metabolic pathways, which might be a stress response to reduce AZ toxicity. Our results provide an important theoretical basis for further study of fungicide stress responses in aquatic microcosm microbial communities, as well as a good start for further explorations of AZ detoxification mechanisms, which will be valuable for the evaluation of AZ environmental risk.     

Analytical methods and environmental processes of nanoplastics

The degradation of plastic debris may result in the generation of nanoplastics (NPs). Their high specific surface area for the sorption of organic pollutions and toxic heavy metals and possible transfer between organisms at different nutrient levels make the study of NPs an urgent priority. However, there is very limited understanding on the occurrence, distribution, abundant, and fate of NPs in the environment, partially due to the lack of suitable techniques for the separation and identification of NPs from complex environmental matrices. In this review, we first overviewed the state-of-the-art methods for the extraction, separation, identification and quantification of NPs in the environment. Some of them have been successfully applied for the field determination of NPs, while some are borrowed from the detection of microplastics or engineered nanomaterials. Then the possible fate and transport of NPs in the environment are thoroughly described. Although great efforts have been made during the recent years, large knowledge gaps still exist, such as the relatively high detection limit of existing method failing to detect ultralow masses of NPs in the environment, and spherical polystyrene NP models failing to represent the various compositions of NPs with different irregular shapes, which needs further investigation.     

Reviews of emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in Asia

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in the atmosphere play important roles in the formation of ground-level ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in global scale and also in regional scale under some condition due to their large amount and relatively higher reactivity. In places with high plant cover in the tropics and in China where air pollution is serious, the effect of BVOCs on ozone and secondary organic aerosols is strong. The present research aims to provide a comprehensive review about the emission rate, emission inventory, research methods, the influencing factors of BVOCs emissions, as well as their impacts on atmospheric environment quality and human health in recent years in Asia based on the summary and analysis of literatures. It is suggested to use field direct measurement method to obtain the emission rate and model method to calculate the emission amount. Several recommendations are given for future investigation and policy development on BVOCs emission.     

达里诺尔湖水体DOM荧光特征及其来源解析

达里诺尔湖（简称“达里湖”）是内蒙古自治区高原地区重要的生态屏障,探究达里湖水质状况及污染来源,对加强流域水环境治理、改善水环境质量具有十分重要的意义.于2018年9月及2019年6月对湖水进行采样,并通过三维荧光光谱结合PARAFAC（平行因子分析）模型,探究达里湖水体DOM（溶解性有机质）来源及其与水质的关系.结果表明:①达里湖水体中pH较高,ρ（DOC）（DOC为溶解性有机碳）、ρ（NH₄+-N）、ρ（TP）相对较高,均超过GB 3838—2002《地表水环境质量标准》Ⅴ类水质标准限值.②水体中DOM含4种荧光组分.夏季水体DOM主要分布于河流入湖口附近,其中,类腐殖质荧光组分（紫外区类富里酸和可见区类富里酸）占总组分的62.93%,类蛋白类荧光组分（类色氨酸和类酪氨酸）占总组分的36.07%;秋季水体DOM主要分布于东南侧,其中,类腐殖质荧光组分占总组分的40.52%,类蛋白类荧光组分占总组分的59.48%.③达里湖采样点荧光参数表明,达里湖DOM自生源特征较强,腐殖化程度较低.类腐殖质荧光组分与ρ（DOC）、ρ（Chla）均呈正相关,类色氨酸荧光组分与pH呈正相关,类络氨酸与ρ（DTN）、ρ（NH4+-N）、ρ（DTP）均呈正相关.研究显示,达里湖DOM具有陆源与生物源双重特性,DOM的形成与微生物、细菌、浮游生物的生命活动密切相关.      

2-丁烯醛生产废水的臭氧脱毒预处理

CMW（crotonaldehyde manufacturing wastewater,2-丁烯醛生产废水）污染物浓度高、毒性强、直接采用生物法处理难度大.为了降低CMW的生物处理毒性,采用臭氧氧化法对CMW进行脱毒预处理,并通过考察不同臭氧氧化条件对废水COD_Cr、TOC（总有机碳）、UV_{254 nm}去除率及SMA（specific methanogenic activity,比产甲烷活性）抑制率的影响,获得了优化的臭氧氧化条件,进一步分析了废水脱毒机理.结果表明:①优化的臭氧氧化条件为接触反应时间180 min、初始pH 3.0、反应温度35℃、气相臭氧浓度30.3 mg/L,进气流量500 mL/min;并且在该条件下,CMW中COD_Cr、TOC和UV_{254 nm}的去除率分别为19.9%、9.9%和70.6%,主要特征有机污染物[包括2-丁烯醛、（E,E）-2,4-己二烯醛、3-（2-甲基-2-丙烯）-5-戊内酯、1,5-二甲基-1-烯-4-羰基-环氧己烷、山梨酸乙酯等]的去除率在74.4%以上.②厌氧产甲烷毒性试验结果显示,CMW的SMA抑制率由臭氧氧化前的82.0%降至臭氧氧化后的47.2%.③反应动力学研究显示,CMW中COD_Cr、TOC及UV_{254 nm}的去除过程均符合一级反应动力学方程,R2分别为0.82、0.97、0.94.研究显示,臭氧氧化预处理可以较好地去除CMW中的特征有机污染物,降低废水的厌氧生物处理毒性,是一种可行的脱毒预处理方法.      

生物炭复合青霉菌修复砷污染土壤对其微生物群落功能多样性的影响

真菌修复砷污染土壤是一种能够有效吸附固化环境中砷的重要措施.生物炭作为目前修复重金属的热点,其多空疏松的结构、较高的离子交换量、丰富的有机碳含量等都说明了其在土壤修复中的地位.为了探究生物炭与青霉菌在修复砷污染土壤的同时对土壤中微生物活性及其多样性的影响,在室内孵育条件下,运用Biolog法研究了3×3随机区组试验（3个生物炭梯度分别为0%、2%、4%,3个青霉菌梯度分别为0%、10%、20%）下土壤微生物对不同类型碳源的利用能力以及多种功能性指数的影响.结果表明:①添加青霉菌与生物炭后,土壤中有效砷含量较对照组显著下降,从而影响其微生物群落功能多样性.②砷污染土壤中微生物群落功能多样性、碳源利用丰富度随生物炭浓度梯度的升高呈先升后降的趋势.③高接菌量（20%）与低接菌量（10%）对砷污染土壤中微生物群落功能多样性的影响没有显著性差异.④2%生物炭与10%青霉菌处理土壤中微生物群落功能多样性、碳源利用丰度最高.⑤青霉菌对胺类及少部分酸类碳源的利用能力较弱（AWCD < 0.5,AWCD为Biolog微平板孔中溶液吸光值平均颜色变化率）,对氨基酸类中大部分碳源以及脂类碳源的代谢能力较强（AWCD>1.0）,对糖类、酚酸类的代谢能力稍弱（AWCD为0.3~1.0）,青霉菌对D-半乳糖醛酸、L-天冬酰胺酸、L-丝氨酸、L-精氨酸、r-羟基丁酸这5种碳源的利用率最高（AWCD>1.2）.研究显示,低浓度生物炭可增加砷污染土壤中微生物群落多样性,生物炭含量的继续增加会对微生物产生抑制作用;青霉菌添加到砷污染土壤后,会显著提升砷污染土壤中微生物的群落功能多样性,改善砷污染土壤中微生的物群落结构;青霉菌的优势碳源大多为植物根系分泌物,可为后续青霉菌与超积累植物复合修复砷污染土壤提供参考.      

贵州草海湿地溶解性有机物的光谱特征及其与PFASs的相关性分析

为描述草海湿地DOM（dissolved organic matter,溶解性有机物）荧光特征,探究其对PFASs（per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,全氟及多氟化合物）环境行为造成的影响,利用超高效液相色谱-质谱联用技术和三维荧光光谱技术,结合平行因子分析,开展DOM光谱学特性研究,分析ρ（DOM）与ρ（PFASs）的相关关系.结果表明:①草海湿地中共解析出3类4种荧光组分,分别为类腐殖酸[λ_Ex（360 nm）/λ_Em（450 nm）]、长波段腐殖质[λ_Ex（400 nm）/λ_Em（510 nm）]、类富里酸[λ_Ex（330 nm）/λ_Em（400 nm）]和类色氨酸[λ_Ex（280 nm）/λ_Em（350 nm）],贡献率分别为48.6%、23.6%、22.9%和4.9%,其中类腐殖质总贡献率高达72.2%.在农业生产和人类活动的影响下,总荧光强度大致呈现从入湖区向出湖区逐渐降低、湖心区略高的趋势.②在草海湿地表层水中共检出了12种PFASs,ρ（PFASs）为233.18 ng/L,每种平均值为19.43 ng/L,PFBA（perfluorobutanoic acid,全氟丁酸）是主要污染物;草海湿地入湖区点源影响特征明显,生活污水和农业生产用水是主要的潜在污染源.③相关性分析结果显示,各荧光组分含量均与ρ（PFBS）（potassium perfluorobutanesulfonate,全氟丁烷磺酸）负相关;类色氨酸含量与ρ（PFHpA）（perfluororoheptanoic acid,全氟庚酸）负相关,与ρ（PFTriDA）（perfluorotrideanoic acid,全氟十三酸）则显著正相关.研究显示,草海湿地水体腐殖化程度高,外源特征明显,共检出12种PFASs,初步揭示了草海湿地水环境中ρ（DOM）与ρ（PFASs）的相关关系,其受水体性质及化合物结构等差异的影响,有待进一步开展深入研究.      

不同居民燃煤炉具大气污染物排放差异性及减排分析

为探究不同类型炉具的大气污染物排放差异,本研究选择5种常见的新式居民燃煤炉具（方型煤炉具、折流换热炉具、炕暖炊一体化炉具、气化正烧及气化反烧炉具）在实验室内进行模拟燃烧和大气污染物排放水平监测,定量评估不同炉具的环境效果,识别污染排放水平差异的影响因素及原因,从而提出炉具研发设计等污染减排的改进建议.结果表明：①不同炉具大气污染物排放差异较大,炕暖炊一体的炉具污染排放强度最大,3种大气污染物（SO₂、NO_x和颗粒物）的排放强度为2.9 kg ·t^-1,是平均值的1.6倍;应用方型煤技术的炉具大气污染物排放强度最低,是平均值的65%.②不同炉具在不同燃烧阶段其气态污染物排放也呈现出明显的差异和特征.旺火阶段方型煤炉具NO_x排放浓度为0.49mg ·m^-3,相较于其他类型炉具降低了45%~72%;气化反烧炉具的SO₂排放浓度为1.38mg ·m^-3,相较于其他类型炉具最高降低了28%.③影响炉具大气污染物排放因素包括应用技术及燃烧类型,采用方型煤及气化反烧技术的炉具环境效益较好,但两类炉具的经济成本分别达到2.0万元和1.8万元,明显高于其他类型炉具.④考虑不同炉具污染排放差异,建议采取差异化的经济政策和严格的排放和产品标准,推广使用节能环保型炉具,降低燃煤炉具大气污染物排放.