Incorporation of neural network analysis into a technique for automatically sorting lightweight metal scrap generated by ELV shredder facilities

In an attempt to improve the technique of automatic sorting of lightweight metal scrap by sensing apparent density and three-dimensional shape, realized by the combination of a three-dimensional (3D) imaging camera and a meter to weigh a moving object on a conveyor belt, neural network analysis was integrated into the scrap identification algorithm, and its effect on the sorting accuracy of this technique was examined using approximately 1750 pieces of scrap sampled at three different end-of-life vehicle (ELV) shredder facilities. As a result, the newly developed algorithm, in which an unknown fragment is identified by passing through two discriminant analyses and one neural network analysis, was demonstrated to greatly decrease the time required for data analysis to prepare the identification algorithm without reducing the sorting accuracy. The average sorting accuracy for a mixture of three types of lightweight metal fragments was found to be 85%, based on the fact that the fist-sized fragments of cast aluminum, wrought aluminum, and magnesium sampled at the three ELV shredder facilities had similar apparent densities and 3D shapes. It was also suggested that still higher sorting performance is possible by repeating the procedure of modifying the database and re-learning of the neural network in the identification algorithm.     

Survey of trace metals in drinking water supplied to rural populations in the eastern Llanos of Venezuela

To ascertain the water quality for human consumption, chemical parameters such as pH, conductivity and total dissolved calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, zinc, copper and manganese were measured during four sampling periods (November 2002; March, May and July 2003) in drinking water wells which supply several forest camps and rural populations located in the eastern Llanos of Venezuela. Copper levels in drinking water in November 2002 were found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other assessed periods. Temporal variations of the other parameters considered were not statistically significant. Calcium and magnesium concentrations were found to be extremely low (mean concentration+/-S.D. of 0.27+/-0.25mg/l for Ca and 0.219+/-0.118 for Mg) during the four sampling periods, probably because of the carbonate bearing scarcity in the soils lithic component. The rest of the metals complied with the Venezuelan and International guidelines of quality criteria for drinking water.     

稠油废水及油性废渣处理技术

克拉玛依油田的稠油废水及油性废渣的有效治理,一直是困扰油田的技术难题。为了解决这一难题,利用专效化学药剂使废水内含的油性杂质产生中和、破乳、架桥、絮凝等反应形成絮凝胶体,通过机组的加压、加气、混匀、旋流、释放、气浮、分离、阻截等物理作用,加速药剂与杂质的反应过程,将其从水体中分离出来,达到净化水质的目的。对油性废渣,加入还原剂在室温以上进行充分搅拌,产生还原反应,分离成原油和铝（铁）离子水溶液。该项技术经过三年多的实践与探索,在机组性能、运行费用、作业条件等方面,取得了满意的效果,特别是油渣回收处理不仅消除了二次污染,填补了国内技术空白,而且具有明显的环境效益与经济效益。     

QUALITY OF RUNOFF FROM MINNESOTA PEATLANDS: I. A CHARACTERIZATION1

ABSTRACT The likelihood of expanded use of Minnesota's 3 million hectares of peatlands prompted the state to initiate a hydrologic study to characterize these groundwater-linked systems. Determining the quality of streamflow from these peatlands was an integral part of the study. Peatlands could be differentiated either on the basis of streamflow quality or on soil-vegetation characteristics. The quality of streamflow from 45 undisturbed peatlands was characterized by collecting samples five times in 1979-80 and analyzing them for 27 water quality characteristics. Runoff pH, specific conductance, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium were used to classify the peatlands as bog, transition, or fen. Bog runoff was lower (α= 0.05) in pH, calcium, sodium, manganese, and ammonia nitrogen than fen runoff, but was higher in acidity, color, aluminum, humic and fulvic acid, and chemical oxygen demand than fen runoff. Bogs had more fibric peat of a lower pH than fens; fens exhibited tall woody shrubs which were virtually absent on bogs.     

Assessment of the spatial distribution of soil properties in a northern Everglades marsh

Florida Everglades restoration plans are aimed at maintaining and restoring characteristic landscape features such as soil, vegetation, and hydrologic patterns. This study presents the results from an exhaustive spatial sampling of key soil properties in Water Conservation Area 1 (WCA 1), which is part of the northern Everglades. Three soil strata were sampled: floc, upper 0- to 10-cm soil layer, and 10- to 20-cm soil layer. A variety of properties were measured including bulk density (BD), loss on ignition (LOI), total phosphorus (TP), total inorganic phosphorus (TIP), total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), total iron (TFe), total magnesium (TMg), total aluminum (TAl), and total calcium (TCa). Interpolated maps and model prediction uncertainties of properties were generated using geostatistical methods. We found that the uncertainty associated with spatial predictions of floc, particularly floc BD, was highest, whereas spatial predictions of soil chemical properties such as soil Ca were more accurate. The resultant spatial patterns for these soil properties identified three predominant features in WCA 1: (i) a north to south gradient in soil properties associated with the predominant hydrological gradient, (ii) areas of considerable soil nutrient enrichment along the western canal of WCA 1, and (iii) areas of considerable Fe enrichment along the eastern canal. By using geostatistical techniques we were able to describe the spatial dynamics of soil variables and express these predictions with an acceptable level of uncertainty.     

Comparative corrosion characteristics of automotive materials in Jatropha biodiesel

This study investigated the corrosion characteristics of widely used automotive materials: copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and stainless steel (SS) in Jatropha biodiesel. The corrosion rate of the materials was measured by the weight loss and changes in the surface morphology using immersion test in biodiesel. Before and after the immersion test, fuel samples were characterized by the change in chemical composition, viscosity, density, and water content. Experimental results revealed that Cu had the highest corrosion rate, while SS had the lowest. The main fatty acids observed in the tested biodiesel were oleic (44.6 wt %), linoelic (31.9 wt %), Palmitic (14.6 wt %), and Stearic (7.6 wt %). Apart from linoelic acid, the compositions of all other acids were increased after the immersion test of 1600 h. Also, the viscosity, density, and water content of the fuel samples were increased after the immersion test. However, these properties were within the maximum standard limit except water content.     

Visitor-induced changes in the chemical composition of soils in backcountry areas of Mt Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada

Balancing recreation and conservation is an important issue in Canada's parks and protected areas. Increased levels of visitation to parks, especially to backcountry areas, create undue pressure on natural resources, resulting in a variety of ecological impacts. This paper illustrates the issue of visitor-induced changes on the chemical composition of soils in Mt Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia. Soil samples were collected from dish wash stations and fire pits (disturbed sites) at seven campgrounds located along two popular backcountry trails, and were compared to samples obtained from adjacent undisturbed control sites. Analysis of soil samples suggest that the lower amounts of aluminum, potassium, magnesium and sodium in many of the 'disturbed' samples can be related to intense leaching in dish wash stations, and can be attributed to frequent disposal of waste water from washing and cooking activities. Soils in wash stations generally had higher phosphorus, copper and zinc contents as compared to controls. Soils in fire pits were elevated in copper, relative to controls. Results of this study support park regulations that waste water disposal and camp fires be restricted to designated areas. Informing the public of scientific studies helps them understand the consequences of their activities; this may help persuade them to observe park rules and regulations.     

HYDROLOGIC LANDSCAPES ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA PART 1: DRAINAGE BASIN TYPE AND BASE-FLOW CHEMISTRY1

ABSTRACT: The relation between landscape characteristics and water chemistry on the Delmarva Peninsula can be determined through a principal-component analysis of basin characteristics. Two basin types were defined by factor scores: (1) well-drained basins, characterized by combinations of a low percentage of forest cover, a low percentage of poorly drained soil, and elevated channel slope; and (2) poorly drained basins, characterized by a combinations of an elevated percentage of forest cover, an elevated percentage of poorly drained soil, and low channel slopes. Results from base-flow sampling of 29 basins during spring 1991 indicate that water chemistry of the two basin types differ significantly. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, alkalinity, chloride, and nitrate are elevated in well-drained basins, and specific conductance is elevated. Concentrations of aluminum, dissolved organic carbon, sodium, and silica are elevated in poorly drained basins whereas specific conductance is low. The chemical patterns found in well-drained basins can be attributed to the application of agricultural chemicals, and those in poorly drained basins can be attributed to ground-water flowpaths. These results indicate that basin types determined by a quantitative analysis of basin characteristics can be related statistically to differences in base-flow chemistry, and that the observed statistical differences can be related to major processes that affect water chemistry.     

Strategies for Emission Reduction of Air Pollutants Produced from a Chemical Plant

Various air pollution control (APC) techniques were employed in order to reduce emissions of air pollutants produced from chemical plants, which have many different chemical production facilities. For an emission reduction of acid gases, this study employed a method to improve solubility of pollutants by decreasing the operating temperature of the scrubbers, increasing the surface area for effective contact of gas and liquid, and modifying processes in the acid scrubbers. To reduce emission of both amines and acid gases, pollutant gas components were first separated, then condensation and/or acid scrubbing, depending on the chemical and physical properties of pollutant components, were used. To reduce emission of solvents, condensation and activated carbon adsorption were employed. To reduce emission of a mixture gases containing acid gases and solvents, the mixed gases were passed into the first condenser, the acid scrubber, the second condenser, and the activated carbon adsorption tower in sequence. As a strategy to reduce emission of pollutants at the source, this study also employed the simple pollution prevention concept of modification of the previously operating APC control device. Finally, air emissions of pollutants produced from the chemical plants were much more reduced by applying proper APC methods, depending upon the types (physical or chemical properties) and the specific emission situations of pollutants.     

Separation and recovery of carbon dioxide by a membrane flash process

A novel process for carbon dioxide (CO₂) separation, which was named a membrane flash process, was developed to realize an energy-saving technology and to substitute it for a conventional regenerator. The electric energy for CO₂ recovery in a membrane flash process using aluminum oxide and diethanolamine was lower than the thermal energy of the conventional chemical absorption process. Flashing at elevated temperature by the low temperature energy significantly reduced the electric energy and required much less membrane area. This process has potentiality of low cost capture of CO₂ when the low temperature energy, which is not available for other purposes, can be utilized to elevate flashing temperature.     

Soil and water characteristics of a young surface mine wetland

Coal companies are reluctant to include wetland development in reclamation plans partly due to a lack of information on the resulting characteristics of such sites. It is easier for coal companies to recreate terrestrial habitats than to attempt experimental methods and possibly face significant regulatory disapproval. Therefore, we studied a young (10 years) wetland on a reclaimed surface coal mine in southern Illinois so as to ascertain soil and water characteristics such that the site might serve as a model for wetland development on surface mines. Water pH was not measured because of equipment problems, but evidence (plant life, fish, herpetofauna) suggests suitable pH levels. Other water parameters (conductivity, salinity, alkalinity, chloride, copper, total hardness, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and sulfate) were measured, and only copper was seen in potentially high concentrations (but with no obvious toxic effects). Soil variables measured included pH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, aluminum, iron, sulfate, chloride, and percent organic matter. Soils were slightly alkaline and most parameters fell within levels reported for other studies on both natural and manmade wetlands. Aluminum was high, but this might be indicative more of large amounts complexed with soils and therefore unavailable, than amounts actually accessible to plants. Organic matter was moderate, somewhat surprising given the age of the system.     

Kinetics of carbon dioxide absorption into mixed aqueous solutions of MDEA and MEA using a laminar jet apparatus and a numerically solved 2D absorption rate/kinetics model

New comprehensive numerically solved 1D and 2D absorption rate/kinetics models have been developed, for the first time, to interpret the experimental kinetic data obtained with a laminar jet apparatus for the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in CO₂ loaded mixed solutions of mixed amine system of methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA). Three MDEA/MEA weight ratios ranging from 27/03 to 23/07, over a concentration range of 2.316–1.996 kmol/m³ for MDEA and of 0.490–1.147 kmol/m³ for MEA were studied. The models take into account the coupling between chemical equilibrium, mass transfer, and the chemical kinetics of all possible chemical reactions involved in the CO₂ reaction with MDEA/MEA solvent. The partial differential equations of the 1D model were solved by two numerical techniques; the finite difference method (FDM) based on in-house coded Barakat–Clark scheme and the finite element method (FEM) based on COMSOL software. The FEM comprehensive model was then used to solve the set of partial differential equations in the 2D cylindrical coordinate system setting. Both FDM and FEM produced very accurate results for both the 1D and 2D models, which were much better than our previously published simplified model. The reaction rate constant obtained for MEA blended into MDEA at 298–333 K was k_MEA = 5.127 × 10⁸ exp(−3373.8/T). In addition, the 2D model, for the first time, has provided the concentration profiles of all the species in both the radial and axial directions of the laminar jet, thereby enabling an understanding of the correct sequence in which the reaction steps involved in the reactive absorption of CO₂ in aqueous mixed amines occur.     

废弃水基钻井液的利用──MTC固井技术

治理与利用废弃钻井液是油气田环境保护的主要研究课题之一。MTC固井技术是在废弃钻井液中加入固化剂和化学处理剂使之转变为固井液，研究结果表明：只要固化剂、化学处理剂及配方选择得当，可使废弃钻井液转化为MTC固井液，这样既可节的固井成本，又为解决废弃钻井液的环境污染问题提供了一条行之有效的途径。     

Jute bioblanket as a soil rehabilitation strategy in Sorocaba,Brazil: Soil chemistry and SWOT approaches

Soil erosion and the invasion of exotic plant species are major constraints to achieve sustainable development around the world. Currently, we find few products devoted concomitantly to combatting soil erosion as well as the establishment of unwanted exotic plants. In this paper, we introduce a new product, called herein a bioblanket, that protects the soil and impedes the establishment of exotic plant species. This product is of simple design, and to manufacture it, we use two biodegradable materials: jute tissue and grass wastes. We designed this product to combat soil erosion and the germination and establishment of new, unwanted, invasive plant species. In this paper, we describe our evaluation of how successful this product was in terms of improving the chemical attributes of soil. We also identified the product's potentialities and weaknesses by means of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. The bioblanket ameliorated the chemical attributes of the soil, as evidenced especially by the neutralization of acidity (8.5%) and aluminum toxicity (33%), and by an increment in nutrients concentration. We argue that after adequate treatment and management, the residues of plants that are normally considered unwanted materials can be transformed into a raw material to control the propagation of unwanted plant species, and concomitantly control soil erosion while improving the chemical conditions of the soil. The improvement of the soil chemical attributes was one of the main positive effects reported through the SWOT analysis. In addition, the SWOT analysis revealed some features that need improvement in future generations of the product, but we argue that these features do not impede the benefits for the use of the product in its present form.     

Prediction of the Fate and Transport Processes of Atrazine in a Reservoir

The fate and transport processes of a toxic chemical such as atrazine, an herbicide, in a reservoir are significantly influenced by hydrodynamic regimes of the reservoir. The two-dimensional (2D) laterally-integrated hydrodynamics and mass transport model, CE-QUAL-W2, was enhanced by incorporating a submodel for toxic contaminants and applied to Saylorville Reservoir, Iowa. The submodel describes the physical, chemical, and biological processes and predicts unsteady vertical and longitudinal distributions of a toxic chemical. The simulation results from the enhanced 2D reservoir model were validated by measured temperatures and atrazine concentrations in the reservoir. Although a strong thermal stratification was not identified from both observed and predicted water temperatures, the spatial variation of atrazine concentrations was largely affected by seasonal flow circulation patterns in the reservoir. In particular, the results showed the effect of flow circulation on spatial distribution of atrazine during summer months as the river flow formed an underflow within the reservoir and resulted in greater concentrations near the surface of the reservoir. Atrazine concentrations in the reservoir peaked around the end of May and early June. A good agreement between predicted and observed times and magnitudes of peak concentrations was obtained. The use of time-variable decay rates of atrazine led to more accurate prediction of atrazine concentrations, while the use of a constant half-life (60 days) over the entire period resulted in a 40% overestimation of peak concentrations. The results provide a better understanding of the fate and transport of atrazine in the reservoir and information useful in the development of reservoir operation strategies with respect to timing, amount, and depth of withdrawal.     

Variation of Nitrogen Concentrations in Stormpipe Discharge in a Residential Watershed1

Abstract: Use of lawn chemicals in residential areas may contribute nonpoint source (NPS) pollutants, such as nutrients, pesticides, and herbicides to streams. We conducted a 2‐year screening study of discharge in stormwater pipes in the Wissahickon Valley Watershed (suburban Philadelphia) using nitrogen as an indicator of lawn chemical use. Stormwater samples representing first flush and composite runoff were collected approximately twice a month using automatic samplers triggered by rise in water level during storms. The runoff collected by the stormpipes was from neighborhoods with 15‐100 residences, and from 2 to 18 ha (5‐45 acres). Several factors were examined to evaluate the effects on nitrate concentration. These factors included time of sampling (season), number of homes, total area, size of the storm, and time since last storm. Nitrate levels were generally less than 5 mg/l, but still above background in typical undeveloped areas. Concentrations were slightly higher in the first summer than during a drought in the second year, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between size of the neighborhood (capture area) and peak concentration of nitrate. Storm characteristics (size of storm and time since last storm) did not correlate with nitrate concentrations. The variation in both space and time suggests that a more local control may be a factor. Although individual lawn chemical applications were not monitored, they may influence the timing of increased loading. Furthermore, the variability indicates that quarterly monitoring will not capture discharge characteristics of storm basins.     

Novel Temperature Control Technique for a Medicinal Herb Dryer System Powered by a Photovoltaic Array

Each plant has its own optimal drying temperature, especially for the medicinal herbs, because they are sensitive to heat. If the drying temperature becomes more than the optimal value, some chemical reactions will occur and influence the quality of the dried herb, such as color, taste, and aroma. While if the drying temperature becomes lower than the optimal value, the drying process will slow down, and consequently an expected degradation in the quality of the herb may occur, due to insects and fungi infestation which increase in moist conditions. This paper presents a new temperature control technique for a medicinal herb dryer system. The technique fixes the drying temperature of the medicinal herbs at 40^°C, even in cases of rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. The control of the dryer temperature is achieved through using the proportional integral (PI) controller. The designed dryer contains two systems, which are the thermal and the electrical systems. The thermal system is designed to heat the drying air by using solar energy and bio-gas fuel. Whereas the electrical system, which contains a photovoltaic (PV) modules and a battery, is designed to supply the different electrical loads of the dryer system. The control technique is investigated through simulation work by using MATLAB-SIMULINK. The simulation results indicate the high capability of the proposed technique in controlling the drying temperature, even in cases of rapidly changing atmospheric conditions.     

Characteristics of slag, fly ash and deposited particles during melting of dewatered sewage sludge in a pilot plant

This study examines slag, fly ash, and deposited particles during melting of dewatered sewage sludge in a pilot plant. In addition, the chemical composition of particles in flue gas was simulated using a thermodynamics program, namely FACTSage 5.2. The results showed that the main components of slag were Al, Fe, Ca, P and Si; the minor components were Na, K, Mg, Cu, and Zn. The main chemical compound of slag was Ca4(Mg,Fe)5(PO4)6. For fly ash particles, heavy metals with the highest concentrations were in the order of Zn and As, Pb, Cu, and Cd, respectively. For non-heavy metals, Al, Fe and P were also found in significant amounts. The majority of deposited particles were composed of elements of Zn, P, S, Na, Fe, Al, Si, and Ca and such chemical compounds as Zn3(PO4)2, AlPO4, FePO4 and Fe(OH)3 while the minority consisted of elements of As, Cu, and Pb. Moreover, the compositions of deposited particles in each chamber differed due to different flue gas temperatures inside. In the secondary chamber at 760 degrees C, the amounts of Fe and Al were higher than Zn, whereas, in the other chambers (600-400 degrees C), the amount of Zn was higher. In other words, at the lower temperature the deposition of Zn was higher than the deposition of Fe and Al. In the water cooling section, volatile elements (i.e. Zn, As, Cu, Pb) were found in the highest concentrations due to a big difference in temperature between the wall surface and flue gas. From the simulation results, most of the elements in the gas phase were found to be chloride compounds, whereas those in the solid phase were in the form of oxide, sulfate, and phosphate compounds.     

我国南方某城市垃圾焚烧飞灰特性及固化/稳定化处置实验

我国南方某城市主要采用焚烧法处理生活垃圾,已建7个焚烧厂日产生飞灰量为101.62 t/d。文章分析了各个垃圾焚烧厂飞灰的化学组成和重金属浸出毒性,其主要成分为CaO、SiO2、MgO、Al2O3、Fe2O3、Na2O、SO3和Cl,所有焚烧飞灰都有至少一种重金属浸出浓度超标,属于危险废物。在飞灰处置出路亟待解决的背景下,实验探讨了飞灰稳定化工艺,结果表明10%的水泥添加量可以使飞灰中超标重金属(Cd、Pb和Zn)的浸出浓度满足危险废物鉴别浓度限值和安全填埋场入场浓度限值。同时,通过人体健康风险评价分析了飞灰豁免管理的可行性,并对近期和远期该城市焚烧厂飞灰的处理处置及管理提出建议。     

Sustainable use of water from a tropical aquifer

The objective of this work is to analyze and interpret the components or hydrogeological, physical, and chemical variables of the San Diego aquifer to describe it and explain its influence on the sustainable use of groundwater for the providing of this locality. The San Diego municipality covers most of the area of the aquifer and is an area of high urban development that currently needs the contribution of groundwater due to the deficit presented by the main supply from the Central Regional System. Said aquifer is a set of geological strata located within the limits of the San Diego River basin, in the state of Carabobo, which are capable of storing groundwater and transmitting it. Data on lithology, porosity, and pumping level were investigated, which allows calculating an estimate of the volume of water available in the aquifer. Regarding the quality of the water, the data on hardness, chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, conductivity, calcium, magnesium, and pH, show that the water towards the center and north of the aquifer is of good quality, being able to classify it as type 1A, while toward the southern end—this is of lower quality, where the mineral parameters are higher, which is related to the probable intrusion of brackish water from Lake Valencia. It is concluded by establishing that the volume of groundwater, its availability, extraction feasibility, and its quality, make it suitable for urban supply and that said extraction is sustainable. But a better-integrated type of management must be designed, considering the contribution of the Regional System of the Center and the adequacy of the distribution networks.