Environmental photochemical fate of pesticides ametryn and imidacloprid in surface water (Paranapanema River,São Paulo,Brazil)

In addition to direct photolysis studies, in this work the second-order reaction rate constants of pesticides imidacloprid (IMD) and ametryn (AMT) with hydroxyl radicals (HO^●), singlet oxygen (¹O₂), and triplet excited states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (³CDOM^*) were determined by kinetic competition under sunlight. IMD and AMT exhibited low photolysis quantum yields: (1.23?±?0.07)?×?10^–2 and (7.99?±?1.61)?×?10^–3 mol Einstein^?1, respectively. In contrast, reactions with HO^● radicals and ³CDOM* dominate their degradation, with ¹O₂ exhibiting rates three to five orders of magnitude lower. The values of k_IMD,HO● and k_AMT,HO● were (3.51?±?0.06)?×?10⁹ and (4.97?±?0.37)?×?10⁹ L mol^?1 s^?1, respectively, while different rate constants were obtained using anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQ2S) or 4-carboxybenzophenone (CBBP) as CDOM proxies. For IMD this difference was significant, with k_IMD,3AQ2S*?=?(1.02?±?0.08)?×?10⁹ L mol^?1 s^?1 and k_IMD,3CBBP*?=?(3.17?±?0.14)?×?10⁸ L mol^?1 s^?1; on the contrary, the values found for AMT are close, k_AMT,3AQ2S*?=?(8.13?±?0.35)?×?10⁸ L mol^?1 s^?1 and k_AMT,3CBBP*?=?(7.75?±?0.80)?×?10⁸ L mol^?1 s^?1. Based on these results, mathematical simulations performed with the APEX model for typical levels of water constituents (NO₃^?, NO₂^?, CO₃^2?, TOC, pH) indicate that the half-lives of these pesticides should vary between 24.1 and 18.8 days in the waters of the Paranapanema River (São Paulo, Brazil), which can therefore be impacted by intensive agricultural activity in the region.

     

Kinetics and equilibrium properties of the biosorption of Cu2+ by algae

The purpose of this study was to examine the kinetics and equilibrium properties of freshwater algae with Cu²⁺. This was a model system to explore using algae as biosensors for water quality. Methods included making luminescence measurements (fluorescence) and copper ion-selective electrode (CuISE) measurements vs. time to obtain kinetic data. Results were analyzed using a pseudo-first-order model to calculate the rate constants of Cu²⁺ uptake by algae: k _p(Cu?Calgae)?=?0.0025?±?0.0006?s^?1 by CuISE and k _p(Cu?Calgae)?=?0.0034?±?0.0011?s^?1 by luminescence. The binding constant of Cu?Calgae, K _Cu?Calgae, was 1.62?±?0.07?×?10⁷?M^?1. Fluorescence results analyzed using the Stern?CVolmer relationship indicate that algae have two types of binding sites of which only one appears to affect quenching. The fluorescence-based method was found to be able to detect the reaction of algae with Cu²⁺ quickly and at a detection limit of 0.1?mg?L^?1.     

Catalytic ozonation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid using alumina in the presence of a radical scavenger

Using a laboratory-scale mixed reactor, the performance of alumina in degrading 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid with ozone in the presence of tert-butyl alcohol radical scavenger was studied. The operating variables investigated were the dose of alumina catalyst and solution pH. Results showed that using ozone and alumina leads to a significant increase in 2,4-D removal in comparison to non-catalytic ozonation and adsorption processes. The observed reaction rate constants (k_obs ) for 2,4-D during ozonation were found to increase linearly with increasing catalyst dose. At pH 5, the k_obs value increased from 19.3 to 26 M^?1 s^?1 and 67 M^?1 s^?1 when varying the alumina dose from 1 to 2 and 4 g L^?1, respectively. As pH was increased, higher reaction rates were observed for both non-catalytic ozonation and catalytic ozonation processes. Thus, at pH 3 and using a catalyst dose of 8 g L^?1, the k_obs values for non-catalytic ozonation and catalytic ozonation processes were 3.4 and 58.9 M^?1 s^?1, respectively, whereas at pH 5 reaction rate constants of 6.5 and 128.5 M^?1 s^?1 were observed, respectively. Analysis of total organic carbon suggested that catalytic ozonation with alumina achieved a considerable level of mineralization of 2,4-D. Adsorption of 2,4-D on alumina was found to play an important role in the catalytic ozonation process.     

Performance evaluation of a continuous flow photocatalytic reactor for wastewater treatment

A novel photocatalytic reactor for wastewater treatment was designed and constructed. The main part of the reactor was an aluminum tube in which 12 stainless steel circular baffles and four quartz tube were placed inside of the reactor like shell and tube heat exchangers. Four UV–C lamps were housed within the space of the quartz tubes. Surface of the baffles was coated with TiO₂. A simple method was employed for TiO₂ immobilization, while the characterization of the supported photocatalyst was based on the results obtained through performing some common analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and BET. Phenol was selected as a model pollutant. A solution of a known initial concentration (20, 60, and 100 ppmv) was introduced to the reactor. The reactor also has a recycle flow to make turbulent flow inside of the reactor. The selected recycle flow rate was 7?×?10^?5 m³.s^?1, while the flow rate of feed was 2.53?×?10^?7, 7.56?×?10^?7, and 1.26?×?10^?6 m³.s^?1, respectively. To evaluate performance of the reactor, response surface methodology was employed. A four-factor three-level Box–Behnken design was developed to evaluate the reactor performance for degradation of phenol. Effects of phenol inlet concentration (20–100 ppmv), pH (3–9), liquid flow rate (2.53?×?10^?7?1.26?×?10^?6 m³.s^?1), and TiO₂ loading (8.8–17.6 g.m^?2) were analyzed with this method. The adjusted R ² value (0.9936) was in close agreement with that of corresponding R ² value (0.9961). The maximum predicted degradation of phenol was 75.50 % at the optimum processing conditions (initial phenol concentration of 20 ppmv, pH?～?6.41, and flow rate of 2.53?×?10^?7 m³.s^?1 and catalyst loading of 17.6 g.m^?2). Experimental degradation of phenol determined at the optimum conditions was 73.7 %. XRD patterns and SEM images at the optimum conditions revealed that crystal size is approximately 25 nm and TiO₂ nanoparticles with visible agglomerates distribute densely and uniformly over the surface of stainless steel substrate. BET specific surface area of immobilized TiO₂ was 47.2 and 45.8 m² g^?1 before and after the experiments, respectively. Reduction in TOC content, after steady state condition, showed that maximum phenol decomposition occurred at neutral condition (pH?～?6). Figure

The schematic view of the experimental set-up     

Rate Constants for the Reaction of OH with Halocarbons in the Presence of O2 + N2

Rates of CO₂ production in the reaction CO + OH and CO + OH + halocarbon have been used to determine rate constants for some OH + halocarbon reactions at 29.5°C relative to that of k(CO + OH) = 2.69 × 10^?13 cm³ molecule^?1 sec^?1. The following rate constants were obtained: k(OH + CH₃Cl) = 3.1 ± 0.8, k(OH + CH₂Cl₂) = 2.7 ± 1.0, k(OH + C₂H₅Cl) = 44.0 ± 25, k(OH + CICH₂CH₂CI) = 6.5, (<29) and k(OH + CH₃CCl₃) = 2.1 (<5.7) cm³ molecule^?1 sec^?1 × 10^?14. The k values, CH₂Cl₂ excepted, are in substantial agreement with determinations made in nonoxygen environments. The present results for CH₂Cl₂ are almost certainly in error due to difficulties with the competitive approach used.     

Shift of microbial diversity and function in high-efficiency performance biotrickling filter for gaseous xylene treatment

ABSTRACT

Xylene is the main component of many volatile industrial pollution sources, and the use of biotechnology to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has become a growing trend. In this study, a biotrickling filter for gaseous xylene treatment was developed using activated sludge as raw material to study the biodegradation process of xylene. Reaction conditions were optimized, and long-term operation was performed. The optimal pH was 7.0, gas-liquid ratio was 15:1 (v/v), and temperature was 25 °C. High-throughput sequencing technique was carried out to analyze microbial communities in the top, middle, and bottom layers of the reactor. Characteristics of microbial diversity were elucidated, and microbial functions were predicted. The result showed that the removal efficiency (RE) was stable at 86%–91%, the maximum elimination capacity (EC) was 303.61 g·m^?3·hr^?1, residence time was 33.75 sec, and the initial inlet xylene concentration was 3000 mg·m^?3, which was the highest known degradation concentration reported. Kinetic analysis of the xylene degradation indicated that it was a very high-efficiency-activity bioprocess. The r_max was 1059.8 g·m^?3·hr^?1, and K_s value was 4.78 g·m^?3 in stationary phase. In addition, microbial community structures in the bottom and top layers were significantly different: Pseudomonas was the dominant genus in the bottom layer, whereas Sphingobium was dominant in the top layer. The results showed that intermediate metabolites of xylene could affect the distribution of community structure. Pseudomonas sp. can adapt to high concentration xylene–contaminated environments.

Implications: We combined domesticated active sludge and reinforced microbial agent on biotrickling filter. This system performed continuously under a reduced residence time at 33.75 sec and high elimination capacity at 303.61 g·m^?3·hr^?1 in the biotrickling reactor for about 260 days. In this case, predomestication combined with reinforcing of microorganisms was very important to obtaining high-efficiency results. Analysis of microbial diversity and functional prediction indicated a gradient distribution along with the concentration of xylene. This implied a rational design of microbial reagent and optimizing the inoculation of different sites of reactor could reduce the preparation period of the technology.     

FTIR gas-phase kinetic study on the reactions of some acrylate esters with OH radicals and Cl atoms

Acrylate esters are α,β-unsaturated esters that contain vinyl groups directly attached to the carbonyl carbon. These compounds are widely used in the production of plastics and resins. Atmospheric degradation processes of these compounds are currently not well understood. The kinetics of the gas phase reactions of OH radicals with methyl 3-methylacrylate and methyl 3,3-dimethylacrylate were determined using the relative rate technique in a 50 L Pyrex photoreactor using in situ FTIR spectroscopy at room temperature (298?±?2 K) and atmospheric pressure (708?±?8 Torr) with air as the bath gas. Rate coefficients obtained were (in units cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1): (3.27?±?0.33)?×?10^?11 and (4.43?±?0.42)?×?10^?11, for CH₃CH═CHC(O)OCH₃ and (CH₃)₂CH═CHC(O)OCH_3, respectively. The same technique was used to study the gas phase reactions of hexyl acrylate and ethyl hexyl acrylate with OH radicals and Cl atoms. In the experiments with Cl, N₂ and air were used as the bath gases. The following rate coefficients were obtained (in cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1): k₃ (CH₂═CHC(O)O(CH₂)₅CH₃?+?Cl)?=?(3.31?±?0.31)?×?10^?10, k₄(CH₂═CHC(O)OCH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)(CH₂)₃CH₃?+?Cl)?=?(3.46?±?0.31)?×?10^?10, k₅(CH₂═CHC(O)O(CH₂)₅CH₃?+?OH)?=?(2.28?±?0.23)?×?10^?11, and k₆(CH₂═CHC(O)OCH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)(CH₂)₃CH₃?+?OH)?=?(2.74?±?0.26)?×?10^?11. The reactivity increased with the number of methyl substituents on the double bond and with the chain length of the alkyl group in –C(O)OR. Estimations of the atmospheric lifetimes clearly indicate that the dominant atmospheric loss process for these compounds is their daytime reaction with the hydroxyl radical. In coastal areas and in some polluted environments, Cl atom-initiated degradation of these compounds can be significant, if not dominant. Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) index and global warming potential (GWP) were also calculated, and it was concluded that these compounds have significant MIR values, but they do not influence global warming.     

A novel BiVO4-GO-TiO2-PANI composite for upgraded photocatalytic performance under visible light and its non-toxicity

A novel non-toxic hybrid BiVO₄-GO-TiO₂-polyaniline (PANI) (BVGT-PANI) composite with superior photocatalysis was successfully prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal reaction. The structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized compounds were analyzed by a series of techniques. We found excellent photocatalytic efficiencies for methylene blue (MB) and phenol degradation under visible light irradiation after adhering the PANI to the photocatalyst. The degradation rates of MB and phenol reach up to approximately 85% and 80%, respectively, after 3 h of irradiation. For photodegradation MB, BVGTA exhibit the highest k_app rate constant of about 1.06?×?10^?2 min^?1, which is about 1.63-fold faster than BVG and 2.94-fold faster than BVGT. For photodegradation of phenol, BVGTA exhibits the highest k_app rate constant, of about 8.86?×?10^?3min^?1, which is about 1.2-fold faster than BVG and 1.96-fold faster than BVGT. Furthermore, vitro toxicity test against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated that the nanophotocatalyst is non-toxic.

     

Comparison of the Photodegradation of Imazethapyr in Aqueous Solution,on Epicuticular Waxes,and on Intact Corn (Zea Mays) and Soybean (Glycine Max) Leaves

A direct, controlled comparison of the photodegradation of imazethapyr has been made between imazethapyr in aqueous solutions, imazethapyr on the surface of epicuticular waxes of corn and soybean plants, and imazethapyr on the surface of intact corn and soybean plant leaves. In some experiments, the imazethapyr solutions were allowed to evaporate partially or fully after application to better model environmental conditions. The photodegradation of imazethapyr was fastest in aqueous solutions (k?=?0.16?±?0.02?h^?1) and slowest on the surface of corn and soybean plants (k_corn?=?0.00048?±?0.001?h^?1 and k_soy?=?0.00054?±?0.003?h^?1). Experiments allowing evaporation during irradiation have intermediate rate constants (e.g., k_corn?=?0.082?±?0.005?h^?1). Finally, identification of photoproducts was also examined on epicuticular waxes of corn and soybean plants for the first time.     

Do aerosols act as catalysts in the OH radical initiated atmospheric oxidation of volatile organic compounds?

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the relative reactivity of OH radicals with methanol, ethanol, phenol, C₂H₄, C₂H₂, and p-xylene in 750 Torr of air diluent at 296±2 K. Experiments were performed with, and without, 500–8000 μg m⁻³ (4000–50 000 μm² cm⁻³ surface area per volume) of NaCl, (NH₄)₂SO₄ or NH₄NO₃ aerosol. In contrast to the recent findings of Oh and Andino (Atmospheric Environment 34 (2000) 2901, 36 (2002) 149; International Journal of Chemical Kinetics 33 (2001) 422) there was no discernable effect of aerosol on the rate of loss of the organic compounds via reaction with OH radicals. Gas kinetic theory arguments cast doubt upon the findings of Oh and Andino. The available data suggest that the answer to the title question is “No”. As part of this work the rate constants for reactions of OH radicals with methanol, ethanol, and phenol in 750 Torr of air at 296 K were determined to be: k_OH+CH3OH=(8.12±0.54)×10⁻¹³, k_OH+C2H5OH=(3.47±0.32)×10⁻¹² and k_OH+phenol=(3.27±0.31)×10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹.     

Particulate matter in the indoor and outdoor air of a gymnasium and a fronton

An indoor/outdoor monitoring programme of PM₁₀ was carried out in two sports venues (a fronton and a gymnasium). Levels always below 50 μg m^?3 were obtained in the fronton and outdoor air. Due to the climbing chalk and the constant process of resuspension, concentrations above 150 μg m^?3 were registered in the gymnasium. The chalk dust contributed to CO₃ ^2? concentrations of 32?±?9.4 μg m^?3 in this sports facility, which represented, on average, 18 % of the PM₁₀ mass. Here, the carbonate levels were 128 times higher than those registered outdoors. Much lower concentrations, around 1 μg m^?3, were measured in the fronton. The chalk dust is also responsible for the high Mg²⁺ concentrations in the gym (4.7?±?0.89 μg m^?3), unfolding a PM₁₀ mass fraction of 2.7 %. Total carbon accounted for almost 30 % of PM₁₀ in both indoor spaces. Aerosol size distributions were bimodal and revealed a clear dependence on physical activities and characteristics of the sports facilities. The use of climbing chalk in the gymnasium contributed significantly to the coarse mode. The average geometric mean diameter, geometric standard deviation and total number of coarse particles were 0.77 μm, 2.79 cm^?3 and 28 cm^?3, respectively.     

Characterization of carbonaceous aerosols over Delhi in Ganga basin: seasonal variability and possible sources

The mass concentration of carbonaceous species, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) using a semicontinuous thermo-optical EC-OC analyzer, and black carbon (BC) using an Aethalometer were measured simultaneously at an urban mega city Delhi in Ganga basin from January 2011 to May 2012. The concentrations of OC, EC, and BC exhibit seasonal variability, and their concentrations were ～2 times higher during winter (OC 38.1?±?17.9 μg m^?3, EC 15.8?±?7.3 μg m^?3, and BC 10.1?±?5.3 μg m^?3) compared to those in summer (OC 14.1?±?4.3 μg m^?3, EC 7.5?±?1.5 μg m^?3, and BC 4.9?±?1.5 μg m^?3). A significant correlation between OC and EC (R?=?0.95, n?=?232) indicate their common emission sources with relatively lower OC/EC ratio (range 1.0–3.6, mean 2.2?±?0.5) suggests fossil fuel emission as a major source of carbonaceous aerosols over the station. On average, mass concentration of EC was found to be ～38 % higher than BC during the study period. The measured absorption coefficient (b_abs) was significantly correlated with EC, suggesting EC as a major absorbing species in ambient aerosols at Delhi. Furthermore, the estimated mass absorption efficiency (σ_abs) values are similar during winter (5.0?±?1.5 m² g^?1) and summer (4.8?±?2.8 m² g^?1). Significantly high aerosol loading of carbonaceous species emphasize an urgent need to focus on air quality management and proper impact assessment on health perspective in these regions.     

Biosorption and degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brevibacillus brevis</Emphasis> and the influence of decabromodiphenyl ether on cellular metabolic responses

There is global concern about the effects of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) on environmental and public health. The molecular properties, biosorption, degradation, accumulation, and cellular metabolic effects of BDE209 were investigated in this study to identify the mechanisms involved in the aerobic biodegradation of BDE209. BDE209 is initially absorbed by wall teichoic acid and N-acetylglucosamine side chains in peptidoglycan, and then, BDE209 is transported and debrominated through three pathways, giving tri-, hepta-, octa-, and nona-bromodiphenyl ethers. The C–C bond energies decrease as the number of bromine atoms on the diphenyl decreases. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) inhibit protein expression or accelerate protein degradation and increase membrane permeability and the release of Cl^?, Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺, arabinose, proteins, acetic acid, and oxalic acid. However, PBDEs increase the amounts of K⁺, Mg²⁺, PO₄ ^3?, SO₄ ^2?, and NO₃ ^? assimilated. The biosorption, degradation, accumulation, and removal efficiencies when Brevibacillus brevis (1 g L^?1) was exposed to BDE209 (0.5 mg L^?1) for 7 days were 7.4, 69.5, 16.3, and 94.6 %, respectively.     

1-Butanol Removal from a Contaminated Airstream under Continuous and Diurnal Loading Conditions

Abstract

A polysulfone microporous membrane module was investigated for control of 1-butanol-contaminated gas streams. A diurnal loading condition, using two different butanol concentrations, was used to simulate startup and stop conditions associated with shift work. The membrane module was also used to remove 1-butanol from air under continuous loading conditions in a bioreactor. The reactors were seeded with a mixed bacterial consortium capable of butanol biodegradation. Biokinetic parameters for butanol utilization were determined for the culture to be a maximum specific utilization rate (k) equal to 4.3 d^?1 and a half saturation constant (K_s) equal to 8.9 mg L^?1. A biofilter running only with diurnal loading conditions giving a “40-hr workweek” had an average 1-butanol removal rate of 29% (111 ppm, 74 gm^?3 hr^?1) from a 350-ppm influent at the end of an 8-hr operational day. End-of-day removal varied between 4 and 67% during the operational period. With continuous steady-state operation followed by placement on a diurnal loading schedule and influent butanol concentrations increased to 700 ppm, butanol removal averaged 38% (269 ppm, 145 gm^?3 hr^?1). Under continuous loading, steady-state conditions, 1-butanol removal from the airstream was greater than 99% (200 ppm, 73 gm^?3 hr^?1). These results suggest that the bioreactor can be operated on a diurnal schedule or 40-hr week operational schedule without any decline in performance.     

Role of some organic inhibitors on the oxidation of dissolved sulfur dioxide by oxygen in rainwater medium

In August 2012, eight rainwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH and metal ions, viz., iron, copper, and manganese. The pH was within the range 6.84–7.65. The rate of oxidation of dissolved sulfur dioxide was determined using these rainwater samples as reaction medium. Kinetics was defined by the rate law: ?d[S(IV)]/dt = R _o = k _o[S(IV)]], where k _o is the first-order rate constant and R _o is the rate of the reaction. The effect of two volatile organic compounds—ethanol and 2-butanol—was examined and found to inhibit the oxidation as defined by the rate law: k _obs = k _o/(1 + B [Inh]), where k _obs is the first-order rate constant in the presence of the inhibitor, [Inh] is the concentration of the inhibitor, and B is the inhibitor parameter—an empirical constant. In the pH range of collected rainwater samples, the values of first-order rate constants ranged from 3.1?×?10^?5 to 1.5?×?10^?4 s^?1 at 25 °C. The values of inhibition parameter were found to be (5.99?±?3.91?×?10⁴) (ethanol) and (3.95?±?2.36)?×?10⁴ (2-butanol) at 25 °C.     

Kinetics of the gas-phase reactions of NO3 radicals with ethyl acrylate,n-butyl acrylate,methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate

The relative rate method has been used to determine the rate constants for the gas-phase reactions of NO₃ radicals with a series of acrylate esters: ethyl acrylate (k₁), n-butyl acrylate (k₂), methyl methacrylate (k₃) and ethyl methacrylate (k₄) at 298 ± 1 K and 760 Torr. The obtained rate constants are k₁ = (1.8 ± 0.25) × 10^?16 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k₂ = (2.1 ± 0.33) × 10^?16 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k₃ = (3.6 ± 1.2) × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, k₄ = (4.9 ± 1.7) × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. The experimental rate constants are in good agreement with theoretical rate constants calculated by an algorithm of the correlation between the rate constants and the orbital energies for the reactions of unsaturated VOCs with NO₃ radicals. In addition, the atmospheric lifetimes of the compound against NO₃ attack are estimated and the results show that NO₃ reactions contribute little to the atmospheric losses of acrylate esters except in polluted regions.     

Removal mechanisms and kinetics of trace tetracycline by two types of activated sludge treating freshwater sewage and saline sewage

Understanding the removal mechanisms and kinetics of trace tetracycline by activated sludge is critical to both evaluation of tetracycline elimination in sewage treatment plants and risk assessment/management of tetracycline released to soil environment due to the application of biosolids as fertilizer. Adsorption is found to be the primary removal mechanism while biodegradation, volatilization, and hydrolysis can be ignored in this study. Adsorption kinetics was well described by pseudo-second-order model. Faster adsorption rate (k ₂?=?2.04?×?10^?2?g?min^?1?μg^?1) and greater adsorption capacity (q _e?=?38.8 μg?g^?1) were found in activated sludge treating freshwater sewage. Different adsorption rate and adsorption capacity resulted from chemical properties of sewage matrix rather than activated sludge surface characteristics. The decrease of tetracycline adsorption in saline sewage was mainly due to Mg²⁺ which significantly reduced adsorption distribution coefficient (K _d) from 12,990?±?260 to 4,690?±?180 L?kg^?1. Species-specific adsorption distribution coefficients followed the order of $ K_{\mathrm{d}}^{{ + 00}} \gg K_{\mathrm{d}}^{{ + - 0}} > K_{\mathrm{d}}^{{ + - - }} $ . Contribution of zwitterionic tetracycline to the overall adsorption was >90 % in the actual pH range in aeration tank. Adsorption of tetracycline in a wide range of temperature (10 to 35 °C) followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm well.     

NOX fluxes from several typical agricultural fields during summer-autumn in the Yangtze Delta,China

NO_X fluxes from three kinds of vegetable lands and a rice field were measured during summer–autumn in the Yangtze Delta, China. The average NO fluxes from the rice fields (RF), celery field (CE), maize field (MA) and cowpea field (CP) were 4.1, 30.8, 54 and 32.2 ng N m^?2 s^?1, respectively; and the average NO₂ fluxes were ?2.12, 0.68, 1.33 and 0.5 ng N m^?2 s^?1, respectively. The liquid N fertilizer (the mixture of swine excrement and urine) which is widely applied to vegetable lands by Chinese farmers was found to quickly stimulate NO emission, and have significant contribution to NO emission from the investigated vegetable lands. Apparent linearity correlations were found between NO₂ fluxes and the ambient concentrations of the rice fields, with a compensation point of about 2.84 μg m^?3. Total emissions of NO during summer–autumn time from this area were roughly estimated to be 4.1 and 8.4 Gg N for rice field and vegetable lands, respectively.     

Sources of submicron aerosol during fog-dominated wintertime at Kanpur

The main objective of this atmospheric study was to determine the major sources of PM₁ (particles having aerodynamic diameter <1.0 μm) within and near the city of Kanpur, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Day and night, 10 h long each, filter-based aerosol samples were collected for 4 months (November 2009 to February 2010) throughout the winter season. These samples were subjected to gravimetric and quantitative chemical analyses for determining water-soluble ions (NH₄ ⁺, F^?, Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, and SO₄ ^2?) using an ion chromatograph and trace elements using an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer. The mean PM₁ mass concentrations were recorded as 114?±?71 μg/m³ (day) and 143?±?86 μg/m³ (night), respectively. A significantly higher diurnal contribution of ions (NH₄ ⁺, F^?, Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, and SO₄ ^2?) in PM₁ mass was observed during the fog-affected days and nights throughout the winter season, for which the average values were recorded as 38.09?±?13.39 % (day) and 34.98?±?12.59 % (night), respectively, of the total PM₁ mass. This chemical dataset was then used in a source-receptor model, UNMIX, and the model results are described in detail. UNMIX provided a maximum number of five source factors, including crustal material, composite vehicle, secondary aerosol, coal combustion, and iron/steel production and metallurgical industries, as the dominant air pollution sources for this study.     

Canopy leaching of nutrients and metals in a mountain spruce forest

Precipitation and throughfall fluxes of major ions, nutrients (C, N, P), and metals (Al, Fe, Mn), and the chemical composition of litter fall and living plant tissue in Norway spruce stands (the Bohemian Forest; Czech Republic), were used to evaluate how microbial processes and decay of plant tissue in canopies influence canopy leaching (CL) of elements. Proton exchange for Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and K⁺ in decaying biomass and co-transport of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ out of plant cells with organic acid anions were the most likely processes contributing to CL of base cations. The CL of total P and N (and also NO₃^?) was minor. Important proportions of the N and P mineral forms were transformed to organic forms by microbial processes (primary and bacterial production), with the respective CL of ?13.9 and 16.4 mmol m^?2 yr^?1 for NH₄⁺ and organic N, and ?0.33 and 0.22 mmol m^?2 yr^?1 for dissolved reactive P (DRP) and organic P. Most of particulate P and N in throughfall (～90%) originated from microbial DRP and NH₄⁺ transformations, but particulate C mostly came from the fragmentation of plant tissue (58%). Among metals, CL was not observed for Al, was small for Fe (0.3 mmol m^?2 yr^?1), and greatest for Mn (0.9 mmol m^?2 yr^?1) due to leaching from decaying tissue by acidic precipitation.