Unexpected toxicity decrease during photoelectrochemical degradation of atrazine with NaCl

This report shows an unexpected toxicity decrease during atrazine photoelectrodegradation in the presence of NaCl. Atrazine is a pesticide classified as endocrine disruptor occurring in industrial effluents and agricultural wastewaters. We therefore studied the effects of the degradation method, electrochemical and electrochemical photo-assisted, and of the supporting electrolyte, NaCl and Na₂SO₄, on the residual toxicity of treated atrazine solutions. We also studied the toxicity of treated atrazine solutions using Artemia nauplii. Results show that at initial concentration of 20 mg L⁻¹, atrazine was completely removed in up to 30 min using 10 mA cm⁻² electrolysis in NaCl medium, regardless of the electrochemical method used. The total organic carbon removal by the photo-assisted method was 82% with NaCl and 95% with Na₂SO₄. The solution toxicity increased during sole electrochemical treatment in NaCl, as expected. However, the toxicity unexpectedly decreased using the photo-assisted method. This finding is a major discovery because electrochemical treatment with NaCl usually leads to the formation of toxic chlorine-containing organic degradation by-products.     

Efficient suspension freeze desalination of mine wastewaters to separate clean water and salts

Suspension freeze desalination is a promising technique for producing clean water from mine wastewaters. The principle is that growing ice crystals reject impurities during freezing. As a result, pure water is separated from mine wastewaters as clean ice. Actually, there is a need for improved techniques to increase water yield and purity. Here we tested ice formation in complex synthetic solutions during cooling and addition of seed. Solutions included: pure distilled water, 50, 33 g/L NaCl and 17, 50 g/L Na₂SO₄, 50 g/L NaCl and 50 g/L Na₂SO₄. Results show that heat of crystallization was the highest with pure distilled water at 8859 J, whereas the lowest heat of crystallization, of 4608 J, was for the solution of 50 g/L NaCl and 50 g/L Na₂SO₄, indicating that the presence of the salt enhances ice formation. As an application, we designed a new flow diagram, which, in addition to heat exchanger and ice filter, now includes a fluidized bed reactor for salt crystallization and recovery, and a separate heat exchanger for ice crystallization.     

Metal-free oxidation of aldehydes to acids using the 4Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>·NaCl adduct

Oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids is a major reaction. Conventionally, this reaction is carried out with oxidants and metal catalysts, thus producing unwanted metal waste. Recently, aqueous media have been used as an alternative for toxic organic solvents. Here, we tested the clathrate-structured, neutral hydrogen peroxide adduct 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl for the oxidation of aldehydes to acids in aqueous solution. We found that various aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic aldehydes were selectively oxidized to corresponding acids in 70–98% yields. This simple acid–base treatment allows to separate easily the acid product in high purity without any organic solvent. Moreover, the adduct is produced using 25% H₂O₂, with inexpensive sodium sulphate, Na₂SO₄, and sodium chloride, NaCl. The adduct is a non-toxic white crystalline solid, readily soluble in water, and easy to handle.     

Cationic dye adsorption onto natural and synthetic zeolites in the presence of Cs+ and Sr2+ ions

Adsorption of diazine dye safranine O (SO) in the presence of Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions was investigated onto natural and synthetic zeolites in order to predict competition of cationic organic species with their radionuclides, which are the main fission products released into the environment. Adsorption of SO was measured up to the 40th day and the surface-diffusion coefficients (D_s) were estimated by applying Nernst–Planck approximation based on a homogeneous-surface-diffusion model. The values of D_s were 10 times higher on natural zeolite than those of synthesized zeolite from fly ash (FA) under hydrothermal conditions. Similarly, distribution coefficients (K_D) were considerably higher on the clinoptilolite-type natural zeolite. The zeolitized product of FA is mainly composed of analcime and sodalite. SO adsorption on natural zeolite was not influenced by Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions, but it decreased at high concentrations on synthetic zeolite. The higher influence of the Sr²⁺ ions on SO⁺ adsorption showed that they compete with each other for the same adsorption sites. These results suggested that natural zeolite cannot be used for remediation of wastewater polluted with Cs and Sr radionuclides in the presence of organic cations, whilst FA zeolite has a potential for Sr removal.     

Electrochemical remediation of phenanthrene from contaminated kaolinite

In this work a two-stage process combining soil electrokinetic remediation and liquid electrochemical oxidation for the remediation of polluted soil with organic compounds has been developed and evaluated using phenanthrene-spiked kaolinite. Application of an unenhanced electrokinetic process resulted in negligible removal of phenanthrene from the kaolinite sample. Addition of co-solvents and electrolyte to the processing fluid used in the electrode chambers enhanced phenanthrene desorption from the kaolinite matrix and favoured electro-osmotic flow. Near-complete removal of phenanthrene was achieved using Na₂SO₄ and ethanol in the processing fluid. Phenanthrene was transported towards the cathode chamber where it was collected. The cathodic solution containing the pollutant was treated by electrochemical oxidation; complete degradation of phenanthrene occurred after 9 h using Na₂SO₄ as electrolyte.     

Effects of an iron-silicon material,a synthetic zeolite and an alkaline clay on vegetable uptake of As and Cd from a polluted agricultural soil and proposed remediation mechanisms

Economic and highly effective methods of in situ remediation of Cd and As polluted farmland in mining areas are urgently needed. Pot experiments with Brassica chinensis L. were carried out to determine the effects of three soil amendments [a novel iron-silicon material (ISM), a synthetic zeolite (SZ) and an alkaline clay (AC)] on vegetable uptake of As and Cd. SEM–EDS and XRD analyses were used to investigate the remediation mechanisms involved. Amendment with ISM significantly reduced the concentrations of As and Cd in edible parts of B. chinensis (by 84–94 % and 38–87 %, respectively), to levels that met food safety regulations and was much lower than those achieved by SZ and AC. ISM also significantly increased fresh biomass by 169–1412 % and 436–731 % in two consecutive growing seasons, while SZ and AC did not significantly affect vegetable growth. Correlation analysis suggested that it was the mitigating effects of ISM on soil acidity and on As and Cd toxicity, rather than nutrient amelioration, that contributed to the improvement in plant growth. SEM–EDS analysis showed that ISM contained far more Ca, Fe and Mn than did SZ or AC, and XRD analysis showed that in the ISM these elements were primarily in the form of silicates, oxides and phosphates that had high capacities for chemisorption of metal(loid)s. After incubation with solutions containing 800 mg L^?1 AsO₄ ^2? or Cd²⁺, ISM bound distinctly higher levels of As (6.18 % in relative mass percent by EDS analysis) and Cd (7.21 % in relative mass percent by EDS analysis) compared to SZ and AC. XRD analysis also showed that ISM facilitated the precipitation of Cd²⁺ as silicates, phosphates and hydroxides, and that arsenate combined with Fe, Al, Ca and Mg to form insoluble arsenate compounds. These precipitation mechanisms were much more active in ISM than in SZ or AC. Due to the greater pH elevation caused by the abundant calcium silicate, chemisorption and precipitation mechanisms in ISM treatments could be further enhanced. That heavy metal(loid)s fixation mechanisms of ISM ensure the remediation more irreversible and more resilient to environmental changes. With appropriate application rate and proper nutrients supplement, the readily available and economic ISM is a very promising amendment for safe crop production on multi-metal(loids) polluted soils.     

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of camphor on TiO2/RuO2 electrodes

The degradation of camphor using titanium/ruthenium dioxide (TiO₂/RuO₂; 70:30) electrodes was investigated in a photoelectrochemical thin-film reactor under near UV light irradiation. Two different electrolytes (Na₂SO₄ and NaCl) were used in this work. Camphor degradation was monitored by solvent extraction methods and gas chromatography (GC) analysis. Comparative studies between photoelectrochemical, electrochemical, photolytic, and heterogeneous photocatalytical process were carried out. When NaCl was used, the degradation efficiency of camphor was improved, probably on account of electrochemical generation of active chlorine species and their photochemical conversion to chlorine radicals. Under these conditions camphor was completely mineralized at reaction times of 30 min.     

山西工矿区土壤二氧化硫与多环芳烃复合污染对小麦种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

以小麦为供试植物,山西工矿区生黄土为供试土壤,进行了土壤中二氧化硫(SO2)与多环芳烃(PAHs)单一及复合污染对小麦种子萌发率及小麦幼苗株高、根伸长和地下生物量影响的研究,以期考察复合污染的生态毒性效应。结果表明,小麦种子萌发对SO2与PAHs单一及复合污染均不敏感;SO2和PAHs单一污染时,小麦幼苗的株高与根伸长均受到一定程度的影响,低浓度SO2或PAHs处理对小麦生长起促进作用,高浓度则为抑制作用;小麦幼苗株高与SO2浓度呈显著负相关(r=-0.954,P<0.05),但与PAHs浓度的相关性不显著;SO2与PAHs复合污染条件下,对小麦幼苗株高或根伸长的联合作用多体现为协同作用,在低浓度情况下(SO2<500mg·kg-1)表现为协同促进;当SO2达到500～1000mg·kg-1时,对小麦幼苗株高或根伸长的联合作用均体现为协同抑制。SO2和PAHs单一污染时,小麦幼苗地下生物量与SO2、PAHs浓度均为显著负相关(rPAHs=-0.953,rSO2=-0.916,P<0.05);复合污染条件下,在SO2浓度为10mg·kg-1时,对地下生物量的联合作用多体现协同促进作用;而在SO2浓度为1000mg·kg-1,PAHs为50～100mg·kg-1时,对地下生物量的联合作用均体现为协同抑制作用。多元逐步回归分析进一步表明,SO2与PAHs复合污染条件下,小麦幼苗株高、根伸长都受到了SO2及PAHs的共同影响,而SO2是影响小麦幼苗地下生物量的主要因素。     

Interaction between cadmium,lead and potassium fertilizer (K<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>) in a soil-plant system

A pot experiment was conducted to examine the influence of potassium (K) fertilizer (K₂SO₄) application on the phytoavailability and speciation distribution of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in soil. Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was selected as the test plant. There were seven treatments including single and combined contamination of Cd and Pb. CdCl₂·2.5 H₂O and Pb(NO₃)₂ were added to the soil at the following dosages: Cd + Pb = 0.00 + 0.00, 5.00 + 0.00, 25.0 + 0.00, 0.00 + 500, 0.00 + 1000, 5.00 + 500 and 25.0 + 1000 mg kg⁻¹, denoted by CK, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively. The K fertilizer had five levels: 0.00, 50.0, 100, 200 and 400 mg K₂O kg⁻¹ soil, denoted by K0, K1, K2, K3 and K4, respectively. The results showed that the K fertilizer promoted the dry weight (DW) of wheat in all treatments and alleviated the contamination by Cd and Pb. The application of K₂SO₄ reduced the uptake of Cd in different parts including roots, haulms and grains of wheat; the optimum dosage was the K2 level. K supply resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the soluble plus exchangeable (SE) fraction of Cd and there was a negative correlation (not significant, P > 0.05) between the levels of K and the SE fraction of Cd in soil. The application of the K fertilizer could obviously restrain the uptake of Pb by wheat and there were significant (P < 0.05) negative correlations between the concentrations of Pb in grains and the levels of K in soil. K supply resulted in a decrease in the SE fraction of Pb (except the K1 level) from the K0 to K4 levels. At the same time, the application of the K fertilizer induced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the weakly specifically adsorbed (WSA) fraction of Pb and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the bound to Fe–Mn oxides (OX) fraction of Pb. At different K levels, the concentration of Pb in the roots, haulms and grains had a positive correlation with the SE (not significant, P > 0.05) and WSA (significant, P < 0.05) fractions of Pb in the soil. All the K application levels in this experiment reduced the phytoavailability of Cd and Pb. Thus, it is feasible to apply K fertilizer (K₂SO₄) to alleviate contamination by Cd and/or Pb in soil. Moreover, the level of K application should be considered to obtain an optimal effect with the minimum dosage.     

Oxidative stress-mediated cardiac mast cell degranulation

Pulmonary mast cell degranulation is a well-characterized response to diesel exhaust exposure. A primary constituent of fossil fuel combustion is sulfur dioxide (SO₂). SO₂ was shown to induce mast cell degranulation in an immortalized cell line secondary to induction of intracellular oxidative stress; however, it is not known whether SO₂-induced oxidative stress directly triggers the activation of cardiac mast cells. Accordingly, this study sought to determine whether Na₂SO₃ induces degranulation of cardiac mast cells, and furthermore whether cardiac mast cell activation may be prevented by inhibition of oxidative stress. To this end, cardiac mast cells were isolated from epicardial surface of the heart and incubated with increasing concentrations of Na₂SO₃ (0, 0.5, or 5 mM). Antioxidant compounds targeting different mechanisms of free radical generation, including ebselen, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), or α-tocopherol, were incubated with 5 mM of Na₂SO₃ in order to determine their efficacy in preventing mast cell degranulation. Na₂SO₃ induced a significant concentration-dependent histamine release from cardiac mast cells ranging from 8.87% to 18.86%, which was prevented by ebselen. No effect was observed with DPI and α-tocopherol under these conditions. In conclusion, these findings indicate that SO₂ is capable of producing cardiac mast cell degranulation in vitro; however, the variable effectiveness of the three antioxidants evaluated is indicative of a multifactorial mechanism mediating SO₂-induced cardiac mast cell degranulation. The particular effectiveness of ebselen in preventing mast cell degranulation may be related to its multiple mechanisms of preventing oxidative stress.     

Characteristics and mechanisms of 4A zeolite supported nanoparticulate zero-valent iron as Fenton-like catalyst to degrade methylene blue

4A zeolite supported nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI/4A zeolite), synthesized through borohydride reduction method, was used as a catalyst with H₂O₂ to build Fenton-like reaction system to degrade methylene blue (MB) in model wastewater. The characteristics and primary mechanisms of the catalyst were investigated. The results show that nZVI/4A zeolite has the potential as a Fenton-like catalyst, and (about 30 mg/L) MB was degraded completely in 3 h with 10 mM H₂O₂, 0.2 g/L catalyst, and initial pH of 3.0. The MB degradation rates were obtained at least 70% in the tests with initial pH ranged from 2.0 to 9.0 and the catalyst dose rose from 0.2 to 5.0 g/L. Importantly, the catalyst also has a distinctive ability to increase the solution pH value from its initial acidic pH and then maintain the value at close to neutrality. This ability was controlled by both the initial pH and the catalyst dose. MB degradation clarified that hydroxyl radical was the dominated active oxidative specie in the tests with initial acidic pH and low catalyst dose (less 2.5 g/L); otherwise, Fe(VI) oxidation was the main mechanism for MB degradation; and the two processes shared synergistic effect in MB degradation in the present test. The catalyst has high operational stability in both of the composites with low iron leaching (less 2%) and catalyzing ability. Therefore, nZVI/4A zeolite has great potential as a Fenton-like catalyst and is used with H₂O₂ to build Fenton-like system which could be used to degrade MB efficiently.     

Geochemistry and quality of groundwater of the Yarmouk basin aquifer,north Jordan

Quality of groundwater in the Yarmouk basin, Jordan has been assessed through the study of hydrogeochemical characteristics and the water chemistry as it is considered the main source for drinking and agriculture activities in the region. The results of the relationship between Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus HCO₃^? + CO₃^2?, Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus total cations, Na⁺ + K⁺ versus total cations, Cl^? + SO₄^2? versus Na⁺ + K⁺, Na⁺ versus Cl^?, Na⁺ versus HCO₃^? + CO₃^2?, Na⁺ versus Ca²⁺, and Na⁺: Cl^? versus EC describe the mineral dissolution mechanism through the strong relationship between water with rocks in alkaline conditions with the release of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃^?, CO₃^2?, SO₄^2?, and F^? ions in the groundwater for enrichment. Furthermore, evaporation processes, groundwater depletion, and ion exchange contribute to the increased concentration of Na⁺ and Cl^? ions in groundwater. Anthropogenic sources are one of the main reasons for contamination of groundwater in the study area and for increasing the concentration of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄^2?, and NO₃^? ions. Results show the quality of groundwater in the study area is categorized as follows: HCO₃^? + CO₃^2? > Cl^? > SO₄^2? > NO₃^? > F^? and Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺. In conclusion, the results of TDS, TH, and chemical composition showed that 26% of the groundwater samples were unsuitable for drinking. About 28% of groundwater samples in the study area have a high concentration of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and NO₃^? above the acceptable limit. Also, based on high SAR, 10% of the groundwater samples were not suitable for irrigation purposes.     

Sulphamethazine in poultry manure changes carbon and nitrogen mineralisation in soils

Antibiotics are newly emerging organic pollutants in manure, soil, vegetables and water. Animal manure application might be leading to the accumulation of antibiotics in the farmland. However, the effect of sulphamethazine (SMZ) on the soil microbial community was scarcely investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of SMZ on poultry manure, on the structure and function of microbial community, carbon mineralisation, and changes in nitrogen forms in soil via an incubation experiment lasting 56?d. The treatments consisted of poultry manure at 1% wt (PM), PM containing 20?mg?kg^?1 SMZ (PM?+?20SMZ) and PM containing 100?mg?kg^?1 SMZ (PM?+?100SMZ), along with the untreated soil (control). Solid phase extraction was performed to measure the SMZ concentration in soils using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The cumulative CO₂-C was increased in all treated soils over the incubation period compared to the control. The PM?+?100SMZ had the highest increase in cumulative CO₂-C from the soil at 56?d of incubation. The treatment of PM?+?20SMZ showed a short-term decrease in nitrification rate in the soils at 1?d by altering the microbial community composition with 17% dissimilarity and decreasing the abundance of bacteria compared to PM-treated soil. The PM?+?100SMZ increased C mineralisation in the soil.     

Screening bamboo species for salt tolerance using growth parameters,physiological response and osmolytes accumulation as effective indicators

Bamboos are potential species for reclamation of saline soils and water. In this study, the performances of three bamboo species, namely Dendrocalamus strictus (S1), Dendrocalamus longispathus (S2) and Bambusa bambos (S3), were investigated for salinity stress tolerance. After 14 days of treatment with 100?mM NaCl, reduction in shoot length was 66%, 100%, 77%, root length was 77%, 100%, 57%, number of leaves was 50%, 100%, 73% and fresh weight was 30%, 72%, 14% in S1, S2 and S3 species, respectively. Relative water content (RWC) in S1 and S3 species was 1.26 and 1.07 folds higher in 50?mM NaCl in comparison to control. In S2 species, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll_a and chlorophyll_b degradation were the highest (40.4%, 42.7%, 16.32%, respectively) in comparison to S3 (18.18%, 23%, 16.4%) and S1 (23.5%, 25%, 19.17%) species. In S3 and S1 species, the Chl_a/Chl_b ratio was maintained showing stabilisation of the net photosynthetic rate. Proline played a more important role than glycine betaine for salt tolerance of these bamboo species. On account of vegetative growth, proline accumulation and RWC, it is inferred that S1 and S3 species are salt tolerant while S2 is a sensitive species.

Abbreviations: SL: shoot length; RL: root length; NL: number of leaves; FW: fresh weight; RWC: relative water content; Chl_a: chlorophyll_a; Chl_b: chlorophyll_b; TC: total chlorophyll; GB: glycine betaine     

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of a mangrove forest affected by forest fire

Surface soils affected by forest fires from Igbanko mangrove forest in Nigeria were analyzed for 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total PAHs concentrations in the soils ranged from 63 to 188?µg?kg^?1 dry weight (average: 108?µg?kg^?1). The three predominant PAHs in the soils were naphthalene (Na), fluoranthene (Flu), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF). Compared to the control sample (19?µg?kg^?1), elevated PAHs concentrations were observed in the soils, an indication of some level of PAHs contamination. PAHs source diagnostic ratios of Flu/(Flu?+?Pyr) and Ant/(Ant?+?Phe) indicated that the PAHs have a pyrogenic origin which may have resulted from combustion of grass, wood, or coal. An assessment based on Canadian soil quality guidelines indicated that the studied locations do not pose any serious adverse risk on human health.     

Copper recovery from waste printed circuit boards concentrated metal scraps by electrolysis

Copper recovery is the core of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) treatment. In this study, we proposed a feasible and efficient way to recover copper from WPCBs concentrated metal scraps by direct electrolysis and factors that affect copper recovery rate and purity, mainly CuSO₄·5H₂O concentration, NaCl concentration, H₂SO₄ concentration and current density, were discussed in detail. The results indicated that copper recovery rate increased first with the increase of CuSO₄·5H₂O, NaCl, H₂SO₄ and current density and then decreased with further increasing these conditions. NaCl, H₂SO₄ and current density also showed a similar impact on copper purity, which also increased first and then decreased. Copper purity increased with the increase of CuSO₄·5H₂O. When the concentration of CuSO₄·5H₂O, NaCl and H₂SO₄ was respectively 90, 40 and 118 g/L and current density was 80 mA/cm², copper recovery rate and purity was up to 97.32% and 99.86%, respectively. Thus, electrolysis proposes a feasible and prospective approach for waste printed circuit boards recycle, even for e-waste, though more researches are needed for industrial application.

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Suitability for human consumption and agriculture purposes of Sminja aquifer groundwater in Zaghouan (north-east of Tunisia) using GIS and geochemistry techniques

In Tunisia, the water resources are limited, partially renewable and unequally distributed between the wet north and the dry south of the country. The Sminja aquifer in Zaghouan city is located in north-east of Tunisia, between latitudes 36°38′ and 36°47′ and longitudes 9°95′ and 10°12′. This aquifer is used to satisfy the population needs for their domestic purposes and agricultural activities. Water analyses results are expressed by many methods, among which are geochemical methods combined with the geographic information system (GIS) (all schematic presentations of the diagram software (Piper, Riverside, Wilcox…), which can be used to assess the suitability of the Sminja aquifer groundwater for human consumption and irrigation purposes. A total of 23 wells were sampled in January 2013, and the concentrations of major cations (Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺), major anions (Cl^?, SO₄ ^2? and HCO₃ ^?), electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were analysed. In the Sminja groundwater, the order of the cations dominance was Na > Ca > Mg > K and that of the anions was Cl > HCO₃ > SO₄. All of the analysed samples of the study area exceed chemical values recommended by the World Health Organisation guidelines and Tunisian Standards (NT.09.14) for potability but with different percentages. The aquifer spatial distribution of saturation indices reveals that all groundwater samples are under-saturated with gypsum, halite and anhydrite and are over-saturated with respect to calcite and dolomite based on water quality evaluation parameters for irrigation purposes; here, 87 % of samples in Sminja aquifer groundwater are suitable, whereas 13 % are unsuitable for irrigation uses.     

Native legume establishment on acidic coal mining overburden at Collie,Western Australia

Nitrogen is often provided to impoverished overburden dumps through the establishment of legumes. Low indigenous soil nutrient levels, summer drought conditions and an acidic mining overburden represent major obstacles to successful rehabilitation of open-cut coal mining at Collie in southwest Western Australia. In this study,Acacia pulchella, a native Western Australian species often used in rehabilitation of mined lands, was shown to nodulate and grow in coal mining overburden with pH values less than 4.0 under glasshouse conditions. Plant growth (both top and root dry weight), nodule fresh weight, and nodulation success was best at a pH near 5.0, a value only slightly lower than the typical soil pH of the native jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest. Acetylene reduction rates were reduced by acidity and ranged from 8.2 m C₂H₄g^–1hr^–1 at pH 6.77 to 3.0 m C₂H₄g^–1hr^–1 at a pH of 3.98. Four additional plant species were found to occur and to nodulate on acid overburden material at Collie.     

Inhibition of pyrite oxidation by surface coating: a long-term field study

Pyrite and other iron sulfides are readily oxidized by dissolved oxygen in aqueous phase, producing acidity and Fe²⁺, which causes significant environmental problems. Applications of surface coating agents (Na₂SiO₃ and KH₂PO₄) were conducted at Boeun (Chungbuk, South Korea) outcrop site, and their efficiencies to inhibit the oxidation of sulfide minerals were monitored for a long-term period (449 days). The rock sample showed positive Net Acid Production Potential (NAPP = 20.23) and low Net Acid Generation pH (NAGpH = 2.42) values, suggesting that the rock sample was categorized in the potential acid-forming group. For the monitored time period (449 days), field study results showed that the application of Na₂SiO₃ effectively inhibited the pyrite oxidation as compared to KH₂PO₄. Na₂SiO₃ as a surface coating agent maintained pH 5–6 and reduced oxidation of pyrite surface up to 99.95 and 97.70 % indicated by Fe²⁺ and SO₄ ^2? release, respectively. The scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis indicated that the morphology of rock surface was completely changed attributable to formation of iron silicate coating. The experimental results suggested that the treatment with Na₂SiO₃ was highly effective and it might be applicable on field for inhibition of iron sulfide oxidation.     

Efficient air pollution abatement for regions in China

This paper computes the efficient air pollution abatement ratios of 30 regions in China during the period 1996–2002. Three air emissions (SO₂, soot and dust) are considered. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) with a single output (real GDP) and five inputs (labour, real capital stock, SO₂, dust and soot emissions) is used to compute the target emissions of each region for each year. The efficient abatement ratios of each region in each year are then obtained by dividing the target emission by the actual emission of an air pollutant. Our major findings are: 1. The eastern area is the most efficient region with respect to SO₂, soot and dust emissions in every year during the research period. 2. The eastern, central and western areas have the lowest, medium and highest 1996–2002 average target abatement ratios of SO₂ (22.09%, 42.23% and 57.58%), soot (26.19%, 56.34% and 66.37%) and dust (15.20%, 29.09% and 40.59%), respectively. 3. These results are consistent with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory, whereby a more developed area will use environmental goods more efficiently than a less developed area. 4. Compared to dust emission, the average target abatement ratios for SO₂ and soot emissions (as direct outcomes of burning coal) are relatively much higher for all three areas.