Summer-time distribution of air pollutants in Sequoia National Park, California

Concentrations of air pollutants were monitored during the May November 1999 period on a network of forested sites in Sequoia National Park, California. Measurements were conducted with: (1) active monitors for nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3); (2) honeycomb denuder/filter pack systems for nitric acid vapor (HNO3), nitrous acid vapor (HNO2), ammonia (NH3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and sulfate (SO4(2-)); and (3) passive samplers for O3, HNO3 and NO2. Elevated concentrations of O3 (seasonal means 41-71 ppb), HNO3 (seasonal means 0.4-2.9 microg/m3), NH3 (seasonal means 1.6-4.5 microg/m3), NO3 (1.1-2.0 microg/m3) and NH4+ (1.0-1.9 microg/m3) were determined. Concentrations of other pollutants were low. With increasing elevation and distance from the pollution source area of O3, NH3 and HNO3 concentrations decreased. Ammonia and NH4+ were dominant N pollutants indicating strong influence of agricultural emissions on forests and other ecosystems of the Sequoia National Park.     

Effects of changes in sulfate,ammonia, and nitric acid on particulate nitrate concentrations in the southeastern United States

A thermodynamic equilibrium model, Simulating Composition of Atmospheric Particles at Equilibrium (SCAPE2), was used to investigate the response of fine particulate NO3(-) to changes in concentrations of HNO3, NH3, and SO4(2-) in the southeastern United States. The data consisted of daily, 24-hr time resolution measurements from the Aerosol Research Inhalation Epidemiology Study (ARIES) Jefferson Street (Atlanta) site and five other sites of the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Project (SEARCH). Reductions of total NH3 (gas-phase NH3 plus particulate NH4(+)), total NO3(-) (HNO3 plus particulate NO3(-)), SO4(2-), or combined total NO3(-) (HNO3 plus particulate NO3(-)) with SO4(2-) were used to estimate the effects of changing emission levels. The conversion of SO2 to SO4(2-) and NO2 to HNO3 involves additional nonlinear reactions not incorporated into the model. For all sites, fine particulate NO3(-) concentrations decreased in response to reductions of either NH3 or total NO3(-), but the particulate NO3(-) decreases were greater for the NH3 reductions than for the total NO3(-) reductions. Particulate NO3(-) concentrations increased in response to reductions of SO4(2-). For the combined reduction (total NO3(-) plus SO4(2-)), the resulting particulate NO3(-) concentrations were on average no different than the base-case NO3(-) levels. Measurements of fine particulate NO3(-) and HNO3 support the modeling conclusions and indicate that particulate NO3(-) formation is limited by the availability of NH3 at most times at all SEARCH sites.     

Reduction of serum thyroxine concentrations by methylsulfonyl metabolites of tetra-, penta- and hexachlorinated biphenyls in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received four consecutive intraperitoneal doses of nine methylsulfonyl (MeSO2) metabolites of tetra-, penta- and hexachlorinated biphenyls (tetra-, penta- and hexaCBs) to determine their effects on thyroid hormone levels. Nine MeSO2 metabolites, major MeSO2-PCBs detected in human milk, liver and adipose tissue, were 3-MeSO2-2,2',4',5-tetraCB (3-MeSO2-CB49), 3-MeSO2-2,3',4',5-tetraCB (3-MeSO2-CB70), 3-MeSO2-2,2',3',4',5-pentaCB (3-MeSO2-CB87), 3-MeSO2-2,2',4',5,5'-pentaCB (3-MeSO2-CB101), 4-MeSO2-2,2',4',5,5'-pentaCB (4-MeSO2-CB101), 3-MeSO2-2,2',3',4',5,6-hexaCB (3-MeSO2-CB132), 3-MeSO2-2,2',3',4',5,5'-hexaCB (3-MeSO2-CB141), 3-MeSO2-2,2',4',5,5',6-hexaCB (3-MeSO2-CB149) and 4-MeSO2-2,2',4',5,5',6-hexaCB (4-MeSO2-CB149). All nine MeSO2 metabolites (20 micromol/kg once daily for four days) reduced serum total thyroxine levels (16-44%) at a much lower dose than phenobarbital (431 micromol/kg once daily for four days) on days 2, 3, 4 and 7 after the last dosage. Total triiodothyronine level was reduced 37% by treatments with 3-MeSO2-CB49 and 3-MeSO2-CB149 at day 7, but increased 35% and 38% by 3-MeSO2-CB70 and 4-MeSO2-CB101 at days 3 and 4, respectively. The reductions in thyroxine levels led to an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone levels by 3-MeSO2-CB49, 3-MeSO2-CB87, 3-MeSO2-CB101, 3-MeSO2-CB132, 3-MeSO2-CB141, 3-MeSO2-CB149 and 4-MeSO2-CB149. A 30% increase in thyroid weight was produced by 3-MeSO2-CB101 and 3-MeSO2-CB141 treatments. Total cytochrome P450 content and the activity of 7-pentoxyrosorufin O-dealkylase were increased by all seven 3-MeSO2-PCBs. 3-MeSO2-CB49, 3-MeSO2-CB87, 3-MeSO2-CB101 and 3-MeSO2-CB132 also increased the activity of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase. Thus, it is likely that all nine tested MeSO2 metabolites could influence thyroid hormone metabolism. The results show that tested 3- and 4-MeSO2 metabolites of tetra-, penta- and hexaCBs reduce thyroid hormone levels in rats, suggesting that the metabolites may act as endocrine-disrupters.     

微波辅助法合成纳米ReFeO3光催化剂

以稀土金属硝酸盐La（NO3）3、Sm（NO3）3、Eu（NO3）3、Gd（NO3）3和Fe（NO3）3.9H2O为原材料,以活性炭为模板剂,聚乙烯醇（PVA）和尿素分别用作阻聚剂和均相沉淀剂,在微波辐照下制得纳米钙钛矿型化合物ReFeO3（Re：La,Sm,Eu,Gd）。用X射线粉末衍射仪（XRD）、UV-vis漫反射仪（DRS）、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、透射电子显微镜（TEM）对产物组成、结构、颗粒大小、形貌等进行了表征,结果表明产物均为单一钙钛矿结构的纳米颗粒。以产物为光催化剂,在可见光照射下对罗丹明B水溶液进行光催化降解实验,发现该类化合物均具有较好的光催化活性,180 min内对罗丹明B的脱色率均达到85%以上。     

Effects of experimental parameters on NF(3) decomposition fraction in an oxygen-based RF plasma environment

Clean procedure is one of the major emitters of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in semiconductor manufacturing. Nitrogen trifluoride (NF(3)) is increasingly the process gas of choice for eliminating PFC emissions. However, its toxic to human and similar global warming potential compared to most other PFCs made NF(3) warranted much more investigation. This study demonstrated a radio-frequency plasma system for decomposing NF(3). The effects of experimental parameters: input power, O(2)/NF(3) ratio, operational pressure and NF(3) feeding concentration on NF(3) decomposition fraction (eta(NF3)) and energy efficiency E(NF3) were examined in detail. The analytical results demonstrated that the NF(3) was almost completely decomposed (>99%) at input power=30W, [NF(3)](in)=1.0% and eta(NF3) increased with input power. However, adding O(2) to the system inhibited NF(3) decomposition and decreased E(NF3). Moreover, eta(NF3) and E(NF3), decreased with gradually increasing operational pressure. Notably, increasing the NF(3) feeding concentration increased molecule density, reducing eta(NF3), but increasing E(NF3). Furthermore, the products detected in the NF(3)/O(2)/Ar plasma system were NO(2), NO, N(2)O, SiF(4), N(2) and F(2). Potential reaction pathways in the oxygen-based NF(3) plasma environment were built-up and elucidated.     

Observed trends for CF3-containing compounds in background air at Cape Meares, Oregon, Point Barrow, Alaska, and Palmer Station, Antarctica

The concentrations of CF(3)-containing compounds in archived air samples collected at Cape Meares, Oregon, from 1978 to 1997, at Point Barrow, Alaska, from 1995 to 1998, and at Palmer Station, Antarctica, from 1991 to 1997, were determined by high resolution gas chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry. The CF(3)-containing compounds measured by this method and discussed here are: the perfluorinated compound, C(3)F(8) (FC 218); four perhalogenated compounds, CF(3)Cl (CFC 13), CF(3)CF(2)Cl (CFC 115), CF(3)CFCl(2) (CFC 114a), and CF(3)Br (Halon 1301); and three hydrofluorocompounds, CF(3)H (HFC 23), CF(3)CH(3) (HFC 143a), and CF(3)CH(2)F (HFC 134a). For four of these compounds, very few measurements have been previously reported. The atmospheric concentrations of all of the CF(3)-containing compounds continuously increased in time over the sample collection periods. From these data, the annual rates of emission into the atmosphere have been estimated. The emission rates fall into one of three distinct categories. The annual emission rates of C(3)F(8), CF(3)H, CF(3)CH(3), and CF(3)CH(2)F have continuously increased over the last two decades. That of CF(3)CFCl(2) has decreased continuously. Emission rates for CF(3)Cl, CF(3)CF(2)Cl, and CF(3)Br reached maximum levels in the late 1980s, and have been decreasing in the 1990s. The emission rates of C(3)F(8), CF(3)CH(3) and CF(3)CH(2)F were nearly zero 20 years ago but have increased rapidly during the last decade.     

微波辅助法合成纳米ReFeO3光催化剂

以稀土金属硝酸盐La(NO₃)₃、Sm(NO₃)₃、Eu(NO₃)₃、Gd(NO₃)₃和Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O为原材料, 以活性炭为模板剂,聚乙烯醇(PVA)和尿素分别用作阻聚剂和均相沉淀剂,在微波辐照下制得纳米钙钛矿型化合物ReFeO₃(Re:La,Sm,Eu,Gd)。用X射线粉末衍射仪(XRD)、UV-vis漫反射仪(DRS)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)对产物组成、结构、颗粒大小、形貌等进行了表征,结果表明产物均为单一钙钛矿结构的纳米颗粒。以产物为光催化剂,在可见光照射下对罗丹明B水溶液进行光催化降解实验,发现该类化合物均具有较好的光催化活性,180 min内对罗丹明B的脱色率均达到85%以上。     

Fe2O3-Cr2O3/TiO2系列催化剂的结构和脱硝性能

研究以纳米TiO2为载体,浸渍负载过渡金属氧化物,以CO为还原剂的脱硝催化剂的脱硝性能。实验中以计算量的Ni（NO3）2和Fe（NO3）3混合溶液浸渍纳米TiO2粉末,室温下搅拌30 min至混合均匀,放入旋转蒸发器中,70℃下至水分蒸干为止;所得粉末在550℃下、空气气氛中焙烧4 h即得所需催化剂。用以上方法分别制备2%Fe2O3-10%Cr2O3/TiO2、4%Fe2O3-8%Cr2O3/TiO2、6%Fe2O3-6%Cr2O3/TiO2、8%Fe2O3-4%Cr2O3/TiO2与10%Fe2O3-2%Cr2O3/TiO2等5种催化剂样品。实验结果表明,制备的催化剂具有较好的结构,分散较为均匀。对于CO＋NO反应,Fe2O3-Cr2O3/TiO2系列催化剂具有较好的催化活性,NO的转化率都达到了100%。其中,10%Fe2O3-2%Cr2O3/TiO2样品具有最好的低温活性,H2-TPR结果表明,这是由于10%Fe2O3-2%Cr2O3/TiO2催化剂更易于被CO预还原。     

Inorganic PM2.5 at a U.S. agricultural site

In this study, we present approximately two years (January 1999-December 2000) of atmospheric NH3, NH4+, HCl, Cl-, HNO3, NO3-, SO2, and SO4= concentrations measured by the annular denuder/filter pack method at an agricultural site in eastern North Carolina. This site is influenced by high NH3 emissions from animal production and fertilizer use in the surrounding area and neighboring counties. The two-year mean NH3 concentration is 5.6 (+/-5.13) microg m(-3). The mean concentration of total inorganic PM2.5, which includes SO4=, NO3-, NH4+, and Cl-, is 8.0 (+/-5.84) microg m(-3). SO4=, NO3-, NH4+, and Cl- represent, respectively, 53, 24, 22, and 1% of measured inorganic PM2.5. NH3 contributes 72% of total NH3 + NH4+, on an average. Equilibrium modeling of the gas+aerosol NH3/H2SO4/HNO3 system shows that inorganic PM2.5 is more sensitive to reductions in gas + aerosol concentrations of sulfate and nitrate relative to NH3.     

Differences between weekday and weekend air pollutant levels in southern California

Ambient air quality data were analyzed to empirically evaluate the effects of reductions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions on weekday and weekend levels of ozone (O3; 1991-1998) and particulate NO3- (1980-1999) in southern California. Despite significantly lower O3 precursor levels on weekends, 20 of 28 South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) sites (28 of all 78 southern California sites) showed statistically significant higher mean O3 levels on Sundays than on weekdays (p < 0.01); 49 of the remaining 50 sites showed no significant differences between mean weekday and Sunday peak O3 levels. We also observed no statistically significant differences between mean weekday and weekend concentrations of particulate NO3- or nitric acid (HNO3, the precursor of particulate NO3-). Averaged over sites, the mean Sunday NOx and nonmethane hydrocarbon concentrations were 25-41% and 16-30% lower, respectively, than on weekdays. Site-to-site differences between weekend and weekday mean peak hourly O3 levels were related to whether O3 formation was limited by the availability of NOx. A thermodynamic equilibrium model predicts that particulate NO3- levels would decrease in response to a reduction of HNO3, and that particulate ammonium NO3- formation was not limited by the availability of ammonia. The similarity of mean weekday and weekend levels of NO3- therefore did not result from limitations on the formation of particulate NO3- from its precursor, HNO3.     

Origin of Bel-W3, Bel-C and Bel-B tobacco varieties and their use as indicators of ozone

Since 1962, the tobacco variety Bel-W3 (Nicotiana tabacum L.), has been used in many countries as an indicator of the presence of phytotoxic concentrations of O(3). It is super-sensitive to O(3) and may produce easily recognizable symptoms for several weeks on the new, fully expanded leaves. Bel-B and Bel-C, tolerant and sensitive to O(3), respectively, are sometimes used along with Bel-W3. Information is provided on the origin and nature of these varieties. This includes their use as indicators of elevated O(3) concentrations, strength and limitations, and the inheritance and nature of resistance to O(3) in Bel-B. The varieties were the product of research initiated in 1957 to determine the cause and to reduce losses from tobacco weather fleck. Bel-C and Bel-B display the classical upper leaf surface injury; whereas, Bel-W3 develops primarily bifacial lesions. Data are provided to show differences in the amounts of acute and chronic injury on each variety when exposed to different O(3) exposure doses in controlled environments and under field conditions. There is discussion of the influence of environmental factors on response to O(3) by the varieties and the possibility of synergistic action of O(3) and SO(3) when tobacco is exposed to mixtures of these gases. The methods and results obtained with Bel-W3 in the Dutch National Monitoring Network for Air Pollution are presented in detail. Use of Bel-W3 world-wide as an indicator of elevated O(3) concentrations has been a significant factor in increasing the awareness of O(3) as a pollutant.     

Measurement and analysis of the relationship between ammonia, acid gases, and fine particles in eastern North Carolina

An annular denuder system, which consisted of a cyclone separator; two diffusion denuders coated with sodium carbonate and citric acid, respectively; and a filter pack consisting of Teflon and nylon filters in series, was used to measure acid gases, ammonia (NH3), and fine particles in the atmosphere from April 1998 to March 1999 in eastern North Carolina (i.e., an NH3-rich environment). The sodium carbonate denuders yielded average acid gas concentrations of 0.23 microg/m3 hydrochloric acid (standard deviation [SD] +/- 0.2 microg/m3); 1.14 microg/m3 nitric acid (SD +/- 0.81 microg/m3), and 1.61 microg/m3 sulfuric acid (SD +/- 1.58 microg/m3). The citric acid denuders yielded an average concentration of 17.89 microg/m3 NH3 (SD +/- 15.03 microg/m3). The filters yielded average fine aerosol concentrations of 1.64 microg/m3 ammonium (NH4+; SD +/- 1.26 microg/m3); 0.26 microg/m3 chloride (SD +/- 0.69 microg/m3), 1.92 microg/m3 nitrate (SD +/- 1.09 microg/m3), and 3.18 microg/m3 sulfate (SO4(2-); SD +/- 3.12 microg/m3). From seasonal variation, the measured particulates (NH4+, SO4(2-), and nitrate) showed larger peak concentrations during summer, suggesting that the gas-to-particle conversion was efficient during summer. The aerosol fraction in this study area indicated the domination of ammonium sulfate particles because of the local abundance of NH3, and the long-range transport of SO4(2-) based on back trajectory analysis. Relative humidity effects on gas-to-particle conversion processes were analyzed by particulate NH4+ concentration originally formed from the neutralization processes with the secondary pollutants in the atmosphere.     

Nitrogen oxides from waste incineration: control by selective non-catalytic reduction

An experimental study of the selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) process was carried out to determine the efficiency of NOx removal and NH3 mass balance, the NOx reducing reagent used. Experimental tests were conducted on a full-scale SNCR system installed in a hospital waste incineration plant. Anhydrous NH3 was injected at the boiler entrance for NOx removal. Ammonia was analyzed after each flue-gas treatment unit in order to establish its mass balance and NH3 slip in the stack gas was monitored as well. The effective fraction of NH3 for the thermal NOx reduction was calculated from measured values of injected and residual NH3. Results show that a NOx reduction efficiency in the range of 46.7-76.7% is possible at a NH3/NO molar ratio of 0.9-1.5. The fraction of NH3 used in NOx removal was found to decrease with rising NH3/NO molar ratio. The NH3 slip in the stack gas was very low, below permitted limits, even at the higher NH3 dosages used. No direct correlation was found between the NH3/NO molar ratio and the NH3 slip in the stack gas since the major part of the residual NH3 was converted into ammonium salts in the dry scrubbing reactor and subsequently collected in the fabric filter. Moreover, another fraction of NH3 was dissolved in the scrubbing liquor.     

Characterization of atmospheric particulate and metallic elements at Taichung Harbor near Taiwan Strait during 2004-2005

Air aerosol samples for TSP (total suspended particulate), coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM_2.5–10), fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM_2.5) and metallic elements were collected during March 2004 to January 2005 at TH (Taichung Harbor) in central Taiwan. The seasonal variation average concentration of TSP (total suspended particulate), coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM_2.5–10) and fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM_2.5) were in the range 132–171.1 μg m⁻³ and 43–49.5 μg m⁻³, respectively. Seasonal variation of metallic elements Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe in the TSP (total suspended particulate) shows that higher concentration was observed during spring. Seasonal variation of metallic elements Pb, Cr and Mg in the TSP (total suspended particulate) shows that higher concentration was observed during winter. The average metallic element TSP (total suspended particulate) concentration order was Fe > Zn > Mg > Cu > Cr > Mn > Pb in spring. In addition, at the TH sampling site, the average concentration variation of TSP (total suspended particulate) displayed the following order: spring > winter > autumn > summer. However, the average concentration variation of coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM_2.5–10) displayed the following order: spring > winter > summer > autumn. Finally, the average concentration variations of fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM_2.5) were in the following order: winter > spring > summer > autumn at the TH sample site.     

Isolation and characterization of 3-nitrophenol-degrading bacteria associated with rhizosphere of Spirodela polyrrhiza

Introduction

The accelerated biodegradation of 3-nitrophenol (3-NP) in the rhizosphere of giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrrhiza) was investigated.

Materials and methods

Biodegradation of 3-nitrophenol in the rhizosphere of a floating aquatic plant, S. polyrrhiza, was investigated by using three river water samples supplemented with 10?mg?l^?1 of 3-NP. Isolation and enrichment culture of 3-NP-degrading bacteria were performed in basal salts medium containing 3-NP (50?mg?l^?1). The isolated strains were physiologically and phylogenetically characterized by using an API20NE kit and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results and discussion

Accelerated removal of 3-NP (100%) was observed in river water samples with S. polyrrhiza compared with their removal in plant-free river water. Also, 3-NP persisted in an autoclaved solution with aseptic plants, suggesting that the accelerated 3-NP removal resulted largely from degradation by bacteria inhabiting the plant rather than from adsorption and uptake by the plant. We successfully isolated six and four strains of 3-NP-degrading bacteria from the roots of S. polyrrhiza and plant-free river water, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene divided the 3-NP-degrading bacteria into two taxonomic groups: the genera Pseudomonas and Cupriavidus. The strains belonging to the genus Cupriavidus were only isolated from the roots of duckweed. All strains isolated from the roots utilized 3-NP (0.5?mM) as a sole carbon and energy source, indicating that they could have contributed to the accelerated degradation of 3-NP in the rhizosphere of S. polyrrhiza.

Conclusions

The rhizoremediation using S. polyrrhiza and its rhizosphere bacteria can be an effective strategy for cleaning up the 3-NP-contaminated surface waters.     

The use of ambient measurements to identify which precursor species limit aerosol nitrate formation

A thermodynamic equilibrium model was used to investigate the response of aerosol NO3 to changes in concentrations of HNO3, NH3, and H2SO4. Over a range of temperatures and relative humidities (RHs), two parameters provided sufficient information for indicating the qualitative response of aerosol NO3. The first was the excess of aerosol NH4+ plus gas-phase NH3 over the sum of HNO3, particulate NO3, and particulate SO4(2-) concentrations. The second was the ratio of particulate to total NO3 concentrations. Computation of these quantities from ambient measurements provides a means to rapidly analyze large numbers of samples and identify cases in which inorganic aerosol NO3 formation is limited by the availability of NH3. Example calculations are presented using data from three field studies. The predictions of the indicator variables and the equilibrium model are compared.     

Seasonal changes of metal accumulation and distribution in shining pondweed (Potamogeton lucens)

In this study, submerged aquatic plant Potamogeton lucens, corresponding sediment and water samples were seasonally collected from Lake Sapanca (Turkey) and analysed for their heavy metal contents (Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Cd). While heavy metals concentrations in the water samples were decreased as Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Mn > Cu > Cd, in sediment samples were Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd, respectively. Generally, heavy metals concentrations in the plant tissues were decreased in sequence of Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd. It was determined that Cu, Mn and Zn were actively transported to the root, where they were accumulated especially in autumn. Lower accumulation factor ratios were seen in spring than other seasons. Cd exhibited a relatively clear pattern of increasing accumulation in P. lucens with increasing sediment metal concentrations. Significant positive correlations were observed between Cr, Cu, Ni and Cd contents in sediment and Cd contents in root of P. lucens. The investigations suggested that Ni and Mn have a tendency to be accumulated in leaf especially in autumn and Cr and Cd to be accumulated in shoot especially in summer.     

Removal of methyl chloroform in a coastal salt marsh of eastern China

The atmospheric burden of methyl chloroform (CH(3)CCl(3)) is still considerable due to its long atmospheric lifetime, although CH(3)CCl(3) emissions have declined considerably since it was included into the Montreal Protocol. Moreover, CH(3)CCl(3) emissions are used to estimate hydroxyl radical (OH) levels, trends, and hemispheric distributions, and thus the mass balance of the trace gas in the atmosphere is critical for characterizing OH concentrations. Salt marshes may be a potential sink for CH(3)CCl(3) due to its anoxic environment and abundant organic matter in sediments. In this study, seasonal dynamics of CH(3)CCl(3) fluxes were measured using static flux chambers from April 2004 to January 2005, along an elevational gradient of a coastal salt marsh in eastern China. To estimate the contribution of higher plants to the gas flux, plant aboveground biomass was experimentally harvested and the flux difference between the treatment and the intact was examined. In addition, the flux was analyzed in relation to soil and weather conditions. Along the elevational gradient, the salt marsh generally acted as a net sink of CH(3)CCl(3) in the growing season (from April to October). The flux of CH(3)CCl(3) ranged between -3.38 and -32.03 nmol m(-2)d(-1) (positive for emission and negative for consumption), and the maximum negative rate occurred at the cordgrass marsh. However, the measurements made during inundation indicated that the mudflat was a net source of CH(3)CCl(3). In the non-growing season (from November to March), the vegetated marsh was a minor source of CH(3)CCl(3) when soil was frozen, the emission rate ranging from 3.43 to 7.77 nmol m(-2)d(-1). However, the mudflat was a minor sink of CH(3)CCl(3) whether it was frozen or not in the non-growing season. Overall, the coastal salt marsh in eastern China was a large sink for the gas, because the magnitude of consumption rate was lager than that of emission, and because the duration of the growing season was longer than that of the non-growing season. Plant aboveground biomass had a great effect on the flux. Comparative analysis showed that the direction and magnitude of the effect of higher plants on the flux of CH(3)CCl(3) depended on timing of sampling vegetation type. In the growing season the plant biomass decreased the gas flux and acted as a large sink of the gas, whereas it presented as a minor source in the non-growing season. However, the mechanism underlying plant uptake process is not clear. The CH(3)CCl(3) flux was positively related to the dissolved salt concentration and organic matter content in soil, as well as light intensity, but it was negatively related to soil temperature, sulfate concentrations, and initial ambient atmospheric concentrations of CH(3)CCl(3). Our observations have important implications for estimation of the tropospheric lifetime of CH(3)CCl(3) and global OH concentration from the global budget concentration of CH(3)CCl(3).     

Regeneration of a compost biofilter degrading high loads of ammonia by addition of gaseous methanol

The long-term stability of a biofilter loaded with waste gases containing NH3 concentrations larger than 100 ppmv was studied in a laboratory-scale compost reactor. At an empty bed residence time (tau) of 21 sec, elimination capacities of more than 300 g NH3/m3/day were obtained at elimination efficiencies up to 87%. Because of absorption and nitrification, almost 80% of the NH3-N eliminated from the waste gas could be recovered in the compost as NH4(+)-N or NO2-/NO3(-)-N. The high elimination capacities could be maintained as long as the NH4+/ NOX- concentration in the carrier material was less than 4 g NH4+/NOx(-)-N/kg wet compost. Above this critical value, osmotic effects inhibited the nitrifying activity, and the elimination capacity for NH3 decreased. To restore the biofilter performance, a carbon source (methanol) was added to reduce NH4+/NOx- accumulated in the compost. Results indicate that methylotrophic microorganisms did convert NH4+/NOx- into biomass, as long as the NO3- content in the compost was larger than 0.1 g NO3(-)-N/kg compost. Removal efficiencies of CH3OH of more than 90% were obtained at volumetric loads up to 11,000 g CH3OH/ m3/day. It is shown that addition of CH3OH is a suitable technique for regenerating the compost material from osmotic inhibition as a result of high NH3 loading. The biofilter was operated for 4 months with alternating load ing of NH3 and CH3OH.     

Identification and interpretation of representative ozone distributions in association with the sea breeze from different synoptic winds over the coastal urban area in Korea

To aid the studies of long-term impact assessment of cumulative ozone (O3) exposures, the representative 8-hr O3 pollution patterns have been identified over the Greater Seoul Area (GSA) in Korea. Principal component analysis and two-stage clustering techniques were used to identify the representative O3 patterns, and numerical and observational analyses were also used to interpret the identified horizontal distribution patterns. The results yielded three major O3 distribution patterns, and each of the three patterns was found to have strong correlations with local and synoptic meteorological conditions over the GSA. For example, pattern 1, accounting for 46% of O3 concentration distributions, mostly occurred under relatively weak westerly synoptic winds. The predominant features of this pattern were infrequent high O3 levels but a distinct gradient of O3 concentration from the western coastal area to the eastern inland area that was mainly induced by the local sea breeze. Pattern 2, accounting for 31% of O3 concentration distributions, was found with higher O3 levels in the western coastal area but lower in the eastern inland area. This is due to the modified sea breeze under the relatively stronger easterly opposing synoptic wind, affecting the high O3 occurrence in the western coastal area only. However, pattern 3, accounting for 21% of O3 concentration distributions, showed significantly higher O3 concentrations over the whole GSA mainly due to the retarded and slow-moving sea-breeze front under the weak opposing synoptic flow. Modeling study also indicated that local and synoptic meteorological processes play a major role in determining the high O3 concentration distribution patterns over the GSA.