Treatment of polychlorinated biphenyls in two surface soils using catalyzed H₂O₂ propagations

Two surface soils contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) collected from Superfund sites in the New England region of the United States, Fletcher Paints and Merrimack Industrial Metals, were evaluated for field treatment at the bench level using catalyzed H₂O₂ propagations (CHP—modified Fenton’s reagent). The two soils were first evaluated for the potential for in situ treatment based on two criteria: (1) temperature (<40 °C after CHP reagent addition), and (2) hydrogen peroxide longevity (>24 h). In situ CHP remediation was more applicable to the Fletcher soil, while the Merrimack soil was better suited to ex situ treatment based on temperature increases and hydrogen peroxide lifetimes. Using the highest hydrogen peroxide concentrations appropriate for in situ treatment in each soil, PCB destruction was 94% in the Fletcher soil but only 48% in the Merrimack soil. However, 98% PCB destruction was achieved in the Merrimack soil using conditions more applicable to ex situ treatment (higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations with temperatures >40 °C). Analysis of degradation products by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy showed no detectable chlorinated degradation products, suggesting that the products of PCB oxidation were rapidly dechlorinated and degraded. The results of this research document that the two PCB-contaminated soils studied can be effectively treated using aggressive CHP conditions, and that such a detailed bench study provides important information before implementing field treatment.     

聚硅基复合氯化铁絮凝剂的制备及其在采油废水处理中的应用

采用硅酸钠制备聚硅酸,探讨了活化pH、活化剂、硅酸钠浓度(以SiO_2质量分数计)及聚合温度等因素对聚硅酸稳定性的影响.利用聚硅酸及氯化铁制备聚硅基复合氯化铁(PSiF),并通过正交试验分析了活化pH、Si/Fe(摩尔比)、OH/Fe(摩尔比)、制备时间对PSiF絮凝性能的影响.综合考虑絮凝性能、稳定性以及经济性等因素,确定PSiF适宜的制备条件为SiO_2质量分数2%～3%;活化pH为2～3;Si/Fe为0.50～0.75;OH/Fe为0.50～0.75;制备时间为0.5 h;聚合温度低于25℃.对比PSiF、PAC、FeCl_3对采油废水的处理效果,PSiF除浊、除COD效果以及经济性最好,是一种应用前景广阔的新型絮凝剂.     

Low-temperature VOCs oxidation performance of Pt/zeolites catalysts with hierarchical pore structure

Different zeolites supported Pt catalysts with micro-mesoporous structure were prepared by organic base tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) treatment and their catalytic oxidation activity for various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were evaluated. The results reveal that the synergistic effect between Pt nanoparticles and surface acid sites plays an important role in VOCs low-temperature removal. The small size and high dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on the surface of the zeolites would promote the catalytic oxidation of aromatics and alkanes over the Pt/zeolite catalysts, while strong acidity and abundant acid sites of catalysts are in favour of the oxidation of the VOCs containing N and O heteroatoms. In addition, it was found that Pt/ZSM-5 catalyst exhibits the highest oxidation activity for various VOCs low-temperature removal amongst all the catalysts due to the balance of both Pt dispersion and abundant acid sites in the catalyst. This comprehensive consideration should be very helpful when designing and preparing novel catalysts for the low-temperature removal of VOCs.     

Agency–Community Partnership in Landcare: Lessons for State-Sponsored Citizen Resource Management

/ With over 2500 Australian Landcare groups, 65,000 volunteer members, and considerable evidence of program impact, Landcare is an important example of state-sponsored rural development in a developed nation. The agency-community partnership is a fundamental element of Landcare and getting the partnership right is vital to long-term program success. After reviewing the emergence of Landcare in the state of Victoria, the author reports research from a 1995 survey of Victorian Landcare groups. Survey information highlighted the extent of agency-group contact, the important roles agency staff played in many Landcare groups, and the positive impact of agency contact and government funding upon group activity. Large majorities of groups reported they were satisfied with their relationship with agency staff. However, a majority of groups reported money or materials provided to manage land and water degradation was inadequate. Recently proposed changes to the Landcare program will provide government funding of work on private property and may address this concern. A majority of groups also reported support for leadership and management training was inadequate and respondents emphasized the need to revise program guidelines that limit funding for group coordinators. This information highlighted the importance of articulating a practical model of community participation in Australia and adopting a systematic approach to providing agency support for Landcare groups. Reflecting upon the Landcare experience, the author suggests some of the key elements of a practical model of state-sponsored citizen resource management contributing to rural development.KEY WORDS: Landcare; Australia; Community participation; Rural development; Citizen resource management; Sustainable agriculture     

苍山5.2级地震前电磁辐射异常

利用枣庄电磁信息台ＤＰＪ Ⅲ、ＵＬＦ Ⅲ及ＪＤ ０３型电磁辐射仪观测到的资料，分析了山东苍山５．２级地震前多数台站记录到的异常信息及其特征。     

Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies

Abstract

China's national sustainable development strategies were drafted under the guidance of Deng Xiaoplng's theory on socialist construction with Chinese distinguishing features and, the theory and practice of sustainable development has further enriched and perfected Deng Xiaoping's theory. An in-depth study of Deng Xiaoplng's theory is significant if we are to accurately understand our sustainable development program and how to best implement the strategies.     

A sceptical vision of the environmental Kuznets curve: The case of sulfur dioxide

The aim of this paper is to check the hypothesis for the environmental Kuznets curve for sulfur dioxide. This involved analysis of: 1. the theoretical basis of the model; 2. the technical problem of SO2 generation; 3 the kind of information used in the estimations; 4. changes in the structure of electric energy production; 5. improvements in energy efficiency; and 6. the recent introduction of cleaning mechanisms in a favourable political context. The conclusion is that, if it is possible to prove the existence of environmental Kuznets curve models, their utility as instruments of economic policy is debatable.     

Are parents ready to use autonomous vehicles to transport children? Concerns and safety features

Introduction: This study addressed a gap in the literature – the potential of using autonomous vehicles (AV) to enhance children’s mobility. Prior studies documented the perceived benefits and concerns about this prospect, but did not examine the features in AV and support mechanisms that are desired by potential users. Method: An on-line survey was used to collect public opinions within the United States. In the survey, willingness to use AVs for this use case was asked twice to assess if participants changed their mind after being asked about concerns related to this prospect and importance of car features. A combination of statistical and machine-learning methods were used to profile individuals with high versus low post-willingness and to identify variables that differentiated the two groups. Results: Results indicated that respondents who were lower on their post-willingness to use AVs to transport children were more concerned about how AVs would protect children, how someone could harm the children inside, and whether there would be someone at the destination. In addition, they were less in favor of technology, older in age, and rated car features such as having a designated adult waiting at destination, a camera, and a microphone as relatively required (as opposed to optional). These results highlight potential users’ needs and requirements as they think about AVs in the context of parent–children mobility practices. Practical Applications: Relevant stakeholders should develop deployment and implementation plans while taking into account ridership contexts and vulnerable road users who can benefit from enhanced mobility.     

N:P stoichiometry and transparent exopolymeric particles buffer ecological impacts of nutrients in the Ganga River: a mesocosm study

We investigated the possible drivers of the N:P stoichiometric shift and its relationship with micro-algal production of transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP) along a 35?km gradient of the Ganga River. The objective was to evaluate if the trade-off between N:P stoichiometry and production of TEP helps in maintaining water quality of the river. Mesocosm experiments were conducted to examine N:P-TEP linkages and its role in turbidity removal. In situ measurements did not show Si to be a limiting nutrient (N:Si?Aulacosira granulata and Fragilaria intermedia. Settling efficiency, turbidity removal and sedimentation of TEP, biogenic silica (BSi) and biomass all increased with decreasing N:P ratio proportionately to the amount of TEP produced in the mesocosm. The study demonstrates that trade-off between N:P stoichiometry and the production of TEP generates feedback to buffer the ecological impacts of nutrient pollution.