海上船舶溢油事故模糊评估与决策分析

随着海洋运输业的高速发展,通航环境日趋复杂,船舶溢油事故风险不断加大,溢油事故对环境的破坏已经引起社会各界的高度关注。以青岛市附近海域为研究对象,采用层次分析法确定水文气象情况、清污情况、油污染情况和溢油地点情况评价指标各因子权重,并通过ArcGIS的Model Builder环境建立自动化数据处理流程对研究区域做出了模糊综合评估,得到了溢油区域的事故危害评估结果,为划定事故区域隔离带、规划清污船只航行路径以及降低海上溢油事故影响提供了指导性的依据。     

Multifunctional metal-organic frameworks in oil spills and associated organic pollutant remediation

The release of toxic organic compounds into the environment in an event of oil spillage is a global menace due to the potential impacts on the ecosystem. Several approaches have been employed for oil spills clean-up, with adsorption technique proven to be more promising for the total reclamation of a polluted site. Of the several adsorbents so far reported, adsorbent-based porous materials have gained attention for the reduction/total removal of different compounds in environmental remediation applications. The superior potential of mesoporous materials based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) against conventional adsorbents is due to their intriguing and enhanced properties. Therefore, this review presents recent development in MOF composites; methods of preparation; and their practical applications towards remediating oil spill, organic pollutants, and toxic gases in different environmental media, as well as potential materials in the possible deployment in reclaiming the polluted Niger Delta due to unabated oil spillage and gas flaring.

     

Impact of climate change and seasonal trends on the fate of Arctic oil spills

We investigated the effects of a warmer climate, and seasonal trends, on the fate of oil spilled in the Arctic. Three well blowout scenarios, two shipping accidents and a pipeline rupture were considered. We used ensembles of numerical simulations, using the OSCAR oil spill model, with environmental data for the periods 2009–2012 and 2050–2053 (representing a warmer future) as inputs to the model. Future atmospheric forcing was based on the IPCC’s A1B scenario, with the ocean data generated by the hydrodynamic model SINMOD. We found differences in “typical” outcome of a spill in a warmer future compared to the present, mainly due to a longer season of open water. We have demonstrated that ice cover is extremely important for predicting the fate of an Arctic oil spill, and find that oil spills in a warming climate will in some cases result in greater areal coverage and shoreline exposure.     

An empirically tractable model of optimal oil spills prevention in Russian sea harbours

Based on previous theoretical work by Gottinger (1997, 1998), we propose a simple model of optimal monitoring of oil-related activities in harbour areas that is suitable for empirical estimation within the Russian— Ukrainian context, in spite of the poor availability of data in these countries. Specifically, the model indicates how to best allocate at the steady state a given monitoring budget between different monitoring activities. An approximate analytical solution to the optimisation problem is derived, and a simple procedure for estimating the model on the basis of the actually available data is suggested. An application using data obtained for several harbours of the Black and Baltic Seas is given. It suggests that the current Russian monitoring practice could be much improved by better allocating the available monitoring resources.     

热解柚子皮吸油材料的制备及性能

热解处理柚子皮,制备吸油材料,当热解温度为400℃、热解时间为3 h时吸油倍率最高,达16.9 g/g,3 min内达到吸附饱和。对热解前后柚子皮的FTIR 和热重分析,热解损失的主要是纤维素和半纤维素。对热解前后柚子皮的比表面和电镜分析,热解之后的柚子皮呈三维网状结构,孔径增大明显,吸油倍率的提高主要是因为孔径的增大。     

An insight into the current oil spills and on-site bioremediation approaches to contaminated sites in Nigeria

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Land oil spills in Nigeria have a long history of contaminating the soil, groundwater, vegetation, and streams with spill extension being the primary...     

Compensation for natural resource damages from oil spills: a comparison of US law and international conventions

The basic measure of natural resource damages in USA environmental liability statutes is the cost of restoring the injured resources, plus compensation for the interim loss of resources from the time of injury until their full recovery. In contrast, until 1996, the international Convention Protocols addressing liability for accidental oil spills did not hold the responsible party liable for damages to natural resources, except to compensate for lost profits and earnings of commercial users of the resources. Recent developments, however, suggest that international and USA laws are converging. In the 1996 regulations implementing the natural resource liability provisions of the USA Oil Pollution Act (OPA), natural resource damages are quantified as the costs of a Restoration Plan designed to return resources to baseline and to compensate for interim losses. The 1992 international Convention Protocols, which entered into force in May 1996, include the costs of resource 'reinstatement' measures, though a clear definition of the scope of 'reinstatement', consistent with the restoration concepts in the OPA regulations, could provide an inclusive measure of damages for environmental harm. Furthermore, such a measure would not contravene the policy, previously articulated by the international organisation administering the compensation regime, that only losses quantifiable in financial terms may be claimed.     

Geochemical interactions between process-affected water from oil sands tailings ponds and North Alberta surficial sediments

In Northern Alberta, the placement of out-of-pit oil sands tailings ponds atop natural buried sand channels is becoming increasingly common. Preliminary modeling of such a site suggests that process-affected (PA) pond water will infiltrate through the underlying clay till aquitard, reaching the sand channel. However, the impact of seepage upon native sediments and groundwater resources is not known. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of adsorption and ion exchange reactions in the clay till and their effect on the attenuation or release of inorganic species. This was evaluated using batch sorption experiments (traditional and a recent modification using less disturbed sediment samples) and geochemical modeling with PHREEQC. The results show that clay till sediments have the capacity to mitigate the high concentrations of ingressing sodium (600 mg L(-1)), with linear sorption partitioning coefficients (K(d)) of 0.45 L kg(-1). Ion exchange theory was required to account for all other cation behaviour, precluding the calculation of such coefficients for other species. Qualitative evidence suggests that chloride will behave conservatively, with high concentrations remaining in solution (375 mg L(-1)). As a whole, system behaviour was found to be controlled by a combination of competitive ion exchange, dissolution and precipitation reactions. Observations, supported by PHREEQC simulations, suggest that the influx of PA water will induce the dissolution of pre-existing sulphate salts. Sodium present in the process-affected water will exchange with sediment-bound calcium and magnesium, increasing the divalent ions' pore fluid concentrations, and leading to the precipitation of a calcium-magnesium carbonate mineral phase. Thus, in similar tailings pond settings, particularly if the glacial till coverage is thin or altogether absent, it is reasonable to expect that high concentrations of sodium and chloride will remain in solution, while sulphate concentrations will exceed those of the ingressing plume (150 mg L(-1)).     

Removal by sorption and in situ biodegradation of oil spills limits damage to marine biota: a laboratory simulation

This study examined the efficiency of cotton grass fibers in removing diesel oil from the surface of water in conditions prevailing in the Baltic Sea. The effect of low temperature, salinity, and bacterial amendments were tested in laboratory-scale set-ups, whereas 600-L mesocosms filled with Baltic Sea water were used for testing the effects of diesel oil and rapid removal of the oil on microorganisms, phytoplankton, and mussels. Cotton grass proved to be an excellent sorbent for diesel oil from the water surface at a low temperature. Inoculation with diesel-enriched microorganisms enhanced degradation of oil significantly in laboratory-scale experiments. In mesocosm experiments, the addition of diesel oil (0.66 mg L(-1), 0.533 L m(-2)) to the basins resulted in higher microbial density than in all other basins, including inoculated ones, suggesting that the Baltic Sea contains indigenous hydrocarbon degraders. The removal of oil with cotton grass significantly improved the survival of mussels in the mesocosm tests: 100% mortality in diesel basins versus 0% mortality in basins with cotton grass, respectively. However, the surviving mussels suffered from histopathological changes such as inflammatory responses, degenerations, and cell death. The observed rescuing effect was observable even when the cotton grass-bound oil was left in the water. The results underline the importance of rapid action in limiting damage caused by oil spills.     

Measurement of fluorescence decay of crude oil: a potential technique to identify oil slicks

The single photon counting technique has been used to measure the decay time for several Kuwaiti crude and refined oils. Fluorescent characteristics of two different bunker oils from widely separate geographic areas have been studied. Laser induced fluorescent data for the crude oil samples are compared with the decay time results to evaluate the potential of these techniques for the identification of oil sticks in the marine environment. Response of the oil film thickness to various excitation wavelengths from a CW Ar ion laser and a pulsed xenon lamp has been investigated.     

Comparing sediment quality in Spanish littoral areas affected by acute (Prestige, 2002) and chronic (Bay of Algeciras) oil spills

The quality of sediments collected from two areas of the Spanish coast affected by different sources of contaminants has been compared in this study. The areas studied are the coast of Galicia affected by the oil spill from the tanker Prestige (November 2002) and the Gulf of Cádiz which suffers continuous inputs of contaminants from industries located in the area and from oil spills. Contamination by several chemicals (metals, PCBs and PAHs) that bind to sediments was analyzed, and two toxicity tests (Microtox) and amphipod 10-day bioassay) were conducted. PAHs were identified as the compounds responsible for the toxic effects. Results show differences between an acute impact related to the sinking of the tanker Prestige and the chronic impact associated with continuous oil spills associated with the maritime and industrial activities in the Bay of Algeciras, this being the most polluted part of the two coastal areas studied in this work.     

Investigation of interactions between surface water and petroleum-type pollutants

Background, Aims and Scope In oil spill investigations, one of the most important steps is a proper choice of approaches that imply an investigation of samples taken from different sedimentary environments, samples of oil contaminants taken in different periods of time and samples taken at different distances from the oil spill. In all these cases, conclusion on the influence of the environment, microorganisms or migration on the oil contaminants' composition can be drawn from the comparison of chemical compositions of the investigated contaminants. However, in case of water contaminants, it is very important to define which part of organic matter has been analyzed. Namely, previous investigations showed that there were some differences in chemical composition of the same oil contaminant depending on the intensity of its contact with ground water. The aim of this work is to define more precisely the interactions between oil contaminant and water, i.e. the influence of the intensity of interaction between the oil contaminant and water on its chemical composition. The study was based on a comparison of four fractionated extracts of an oil pollutant, after they had been analyzed in details. Methods Oil polluted surface water (wastewater canal, Pančevo, Serbia) was investigated. The study was based on a comparison of four extracts of an oil contaminant: extract 1 (decanted part), and extracts 2, 3 and 4 (extracted by shaking for 1 minute, 5 minutes and 24 hours, respectively). The fractionated extracts were saponified with a solution of KOH in methanol, and neutralized with 10% hydrochloric acid. The products were dissolved in a mixture of dichloromethane and hexane, and individually fractionated by column chromatography on alumina and silica gel (saturated hydrocarbon, aromatic, alcohol and fatty acid fractions). n-Alkanes and isoprenoid aliphatic alkanes, polycyclic alkanes of sterane and triterpane types, alcohols and fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). δ13CPDB values of individual n-alkanes in the aliphatic fractions were determined using gas chromatography-isotope ratio monitoring-mass spectrometry (GC-irmMS). Results and discussion. Extracts 1 and 2 are characterized by uniform distribution of n-alkanes, whereas extract 3 is characterized by an even-numbered members dominating the odd-ones, and extract 4 showed a bimodal distribution. Extract 1 is characterized by the least negative δ13CPDB values of C19-C26 n-alkanes. Sterane and triterpane analysis confirmed that all extracts originated from the same oil contaminant. n-Fatty acids, C19-C24, in all extracts are very low, being somewhat higher in extract 4. Even-numbered n-alcohols, C12–C16, were identified in the highest concentration in extract 3. It was assumed that algae were responsible for the composition of extract 3. Furthermore, a possible reason for higher concentrations of C19–C26 n-alkanes and C19–C24 fatty acids in extract 4 is the formation of inclusion compounds with colloidal micelles formed between the oil contaminant's NSO-compounds and water. Conclusion It was undoubtedly confirmed that there were specific differences in the compositions of the different extracts depending on the intensity of the interaction between the oil contaminant and the surface water. Recommendation and Outlook. When comparing the composition of oil contaminants from different water samples (regardless of the ultimate investigation goal) it is necessary to compare the extracts isolated under the same conditions, in other words, extracts that were in the same or very similar interaction with water.     

Forces dictating colloidal interactions between viruses and soil

The fate and transport of viruses in soil and aquatic environments were studied with respect to the different forces involved in the process of sorption of these viruses on soil particles. In accordance with the classical DLVO theory, we have calculated the repulsive electrostatic forces and the attractive van der Waals forces. Bacteriophages have been used as model sorbates, while different clays have been used as model sorbents. The equations used for the determination of the change in free energy for the process (deltaG) takes into consideration the roughness of the sorbent surfaces. Results indicate that attractive van der Waals forces predominate the process of sorption of the selected bacteriophages on clays.     

Salt-driven interactions between Pistacia lentiscus and Salsola inermis

Background, aim, and scope   

It can be learned from the Pistacia spp. germplasm collection () that the growth of Salsola inermis is inhibited in the vicinity of the evergreen Pistacia lentiscus, but not in the surroundings of the deciduous Pistacia atlantica and Pistacia chinensis. Irrigation of trees during the summer months increases soil salinity around the trees. It was therefore hypothesized that inhibition of S. inermis around P. lentiscus is related to depletion of salt in the vicinity of the latter species.     

Topiramate potential neurotoxicity and mitigating role of ginger oil in mice brain

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Topiramate has multiple pharmacological mechanisms that are efficient in treating epilepsy and migraine. Ginger has been established to have gingerols...     

Gladius and its derivatives as potential biosorbents for marine diesel oil

The demand for low cost and effective materials to remove contaminants such as residues of oil spills has encouraged studies on new biosorbents produced from wastes. Considering the overgeneration of fishing residues and the necessity to provide an alternative purpose for such materials, this study aimed to evaluate squid gladius and its derivatives (β-chitin and chitosan) as sorbents to remove marine diesel oil (MDO) from fresh and artificial seawater. It was also executed an attempted to improve their performances through a high-intensity ultrasound treatment (UT-gladius and UT-β-chitin). All sorbents removed MDO at both salinities. Contact surface area, salinity, and water retention seemed to play a key role in the outcomes. UT-β-chitin’s performance was significantly superior to β-chitin’s and chitosan’s in MDO removal at salinity 0, as well as at salinity 30, where gladius and UT-gladius also excelled. Ultrasound treatment improved the oil removal performance of UT-β-chitin by increasing its contact surface area. This is the first report on the efficiency of gladius and UT-β-chitin for such purpose, and brought up huge possibilities and new questions that can lead to the achievement of biosorbents of great efficiency.     

The potential near-source ozone impacts of upstream oil and gas industry emissions

Increased drilling in urban areas overlying shale formations and its potential impact on human health through decreased air quality make it important to estimate the contribution of oil and gas activities to photochemical smog. Flares and compressor engines used in natural gas operations, for example, are large sources not only of NOx but also offormaldehyde, a hazardous air pollutant and powerful ozone precursor We used a neighborhood scale (200 m horizontal resolution) three-dimensional (3D) air dispersion model with an appropriate chemical mechanism to simulate ozone formation in the vicinity ofa hypothetical natural gas processing facility, based on accepted estimates of both regular and nonroutine emissions. The model predicts that, under average midday conditions in June, regular emissions mostly associated with compressor engines may increase ambient ozone in the Barnett Shale by more than 3 ppb beginning at about 2 km downwind of the facility, assuming there are no other major sources of ozone precursors. Flare volumes of 100,000 cubic meters per hour ofnatural gas over a period of 2 hr can also add over 3 ppb to peak 1-hr ozone somewhatfurther (>8 km) downwind, once dilution overcomes ozone titration and inhibition by large flare emissions of NOx. The additional peak ozone from the hypothetical flare can briefly exceed 10 ppb about 16 km downwind. The enhancements of ambient ozone predicted by the model are significant, given that ozone control strategy widths are of the order of a few parts per billion. Degrading the horizontal resolution of the model to 1 km spuriously enhances the simulated ozone increases by reducing the effectiveness of ozone inhibition and titration due to artificial plume dilution.     

Air bubble and oil droplet interactions in centrifugal fields during air-sparged hydrocyclone flotation

The interactions of air bubbles and oil droplets in centrifugal flotation have been considered with respect to process conditions present during Air-sparged Hydrocyclone (ASH) flotation. Encounter efficiency of oil droplets with air bubbles has been found to be significantly smaller when compared to encounter efficiency of mineral particles. Collision and sliding contact times have been determined. Collision has been found to be insufficient for successful contact between oil droplets and air bubbles while sliding allows for film rupture depending on specific system conditions. Although the tenacity of oil droplet attachment to an air bubble is believed to be greater than the tenacity of a mineral particle, emulsification makes oil flotation in centrifugal devices with large dissipation of energy inefficient and hence requires the use of high molecular weight polymeric flocculants.     

Understanding biochemical defense and phytoremediation potential of Leucas aspera in crude oil polluted soil

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The phytoremediation potential and enzymatic defense of a medicinal herb Leucas aspera was studied in the crude oil contaminated soil. The...     

Allelopathic potential of oil seed crops in production of crops: a review

Agricultural production enhancement has been realized by more consumption of fossil energy such as fertilizer and agrochemicals. However, the production provides the present human with sufficient and diversified commodities, but at the same time, deprives in some extent the resources from the future human as well. In the other hand, it is known that synthetic herbicides face worldwide threats to human’s health and environment as well. Therefore, it is a great challenge for agricultural sustainable development. The current review has been focussed on various oilseed crop species which launch efficient allelopathic intervention, either with weeds or other crops. Crop allelopathic properties can make one species more persistent to a native species. Therefore, these crops are potentially harmful to both naturalized as well as agricultural settings. On the other side, allelopathic crops provide strong potential for the development of cultivars that are more highly weed suppressive in managed settings. It is possible to utilize companion plants that have no deleterious effect on neighbor crops and can be included in intercropping system, thus, a mean of contributing to agricultural sustainable development. In mixed culture, replacement method, wherein differing densities of a neighbor species are planted, has been used to study phytotoxic/competitive effects. So, to use alternative ways for weed suppression has become very crucial. Allelochemicals have the ability to create eco-friendly products for weed management, which is beneficial for agricultural sustainable development. Our present study assessed the potential of four oilseed crops for allelopathy on other crops and associated weeds.