Cysteine as a green corrosion inhibitor for Cu37Zn brass in neutral and weakly alkaline sulphate solutions

The aim of this study was to investigate electrochemical properties of brass in neutral and weakly alkaline solutions in the presence of cysteine as a nontoxic and ecological corrosion inhibitor. Potentiodynamic measurements, open circuit potential measurements, as well as chronoamperometric measurements were the methods used during investigation of the inhibitory effect of cysteine on the corrosion behaviour of brass. Potentiodynamic measurements showed that cysteine behaves as a mixed-type inhibitor in the investigated media. Based on polarization curves for brass in a weakly alkaline solution of sodium sulphate at varying cysteine concentrations, an interaction occurs between Cu⁺ ions and the inhibitor, resulting in the formation of a protective complex on the electrode surface. The results of chronoamperometric measurements confirm the results obtained by potentiodynamic measurements. Optical microphotography of the brass surface also confirms the formation of a protective film in the presence of a 1?×?10^?4 mol/dm³ cysteine. Adsorption of cysteine on the brass surface proceeds according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.     

Element associations in ash from waste combustion in fluidized bed

The incineration of MSW in fluidized beds is a commonly applied waste management practice. The composition of the ashes produced in a fluidized bed boiler has important environmental implications as potentially toxic trace elements may be associated with ash particles and it is therefore essential to determine the mechanisms controlling the association of trace elements to ash particles, including the role of major element composition. The research presented here uses micro-analytical techniques to study the distribution of major and trace elements and determine the importance of affinity-based binding mechanisms in separate cyclone ash particles from MSW combustion. Particle size and the occurrence of Ca and Fe were found to be important factors for the binding of trace elements to ash particles, but the binding largely depends on random associations based on the presence of a particle when trace elements condensate in the flue gas.     

STREAM-CHANNEL INCISION FOLLOWING DRAINAGE-BASIN URBANIZATION1

ABSTRACT: Urbanization of a drainage basin results in pervasive hydrologic changes that in turn initiate long-term changes in stream channels. Increases in peak discharges and in durations of high flows result in either quasi-equilibrium channel expansion, where cross-section area increases in near-proportion to the discharge increase, or catastrophic channel incision, where changes occur far out of proportion to the discharge increases that initiated them. Field data and hydrologic modeling of rapidly urbanizing basins in King County, Washington, define conditions of flow, topography, geology, and channel roughness that identify streams susceptible to incision. Channel slope and geologic material are particularly critical; thus simple map overlays, nearly irrespective of contributing drainage area, provide a valuable planning tool for identification of susceptible terrain. Where such conditions exist, basal shear stress provides a quantifiable parameter for predicting likely problems, although knickpoints are typical in such settings and confound simple calculation of sediment-transport rates. Where urbanization proceeds in such areas, effective mitigation of the incision hazards requires a degree of stormwater control far in excess of standards typically applied to present development activity.     

EFFECTS OF CLIMATIC CHANGE ON THE THORNTHWAITE MOISTURE INDEX1

ABSTRACT: The Thornthwaite moisture index is a useful indicator of the supply of water (precipitation) in an area relative to the demand for water under prevailing climatic conditions (potential evapotranspiration). This study examines the effects of changes in climate (temperature and precipitation) on the Thornthwaite moisture index in the conterminous United States. Estimates of changes in mean annual temperature and precipitation for doubled-atmospheric CO₂ conditions derived from three general circulation models (GCMs) are used to study the response of the moisture index under steady-state doubled-CO₂ conditions. Results indicate that temperature and precipitation changes under doubled-CO₂ conditions generally will cause the Thornthwaite moisture index to decrease, implying a drier climate for most of the United States. The pattern of expected decrease is consistent among the three GCMs, although the amount of decrease depends on which GCM climatic-change scenario is used. Results also suggest that changes in the moisture index are related mainly to changes in the mean annual potential evapotranspiration as a result of changes in the mean annual temperature, rather than to changes in the mean annual precipitation.     

WATER USE REDUCTIONS FROM RETROFIHNG INDOOR WATER FIXTURES1

ABSTRACT: A water use model was developed to estimate water savings from installation of low-flow showerheads and toilet displacement devices in residential housing. The model measures household water use in per capita terms with adjustments for age of occupants, household income, if occupants responsible for direct payment of water bill, and type of water fixtures. Detailed data on 308 single family residences involved with a pilot retrofit program in the Seattle, Washington, area were analyzed. We estimated per capita indoor water use to decline by 6.4 and 2.1 percent from complete installation of low-flow showerheads and toilet displacement devices, respectively.     

Air borne particulate distributions and their accumulation in tree canopies,Nottingham, UK

Summary The deposition of particulates emanating from the south of Nottingham, UK, where the coal-fired power station of Ratcliffe- on-Soar is an important industry was assessed using snow samples, dry deposition gauges, and precipitation gauges.Effects of leaf characteristics in terms of shape, surface area, presentation, and cuticular texture on particulate accumulation were examined. Leaves possessing a large surface area, rough cuticular surface and with a horizontal presentation, were particularly effective in the accumulation of particulates. The penetration of particulates through the foliar canopy is discussed.The senior author is Section Leader and Principal Lecturer in Ecology in the Department of Life Sciences at Trent Polytechnic.     

Three years after Chernobyl: Some γ-radioactivity values from barra,Outer Hebrides,UK

Summary Plants and animals were investigated to ascertain their- radioactivity values on both dune sites (machair) and inter-tidal sites on the western coast of Barra, Outer Hebrides, UK. Material in both habitats was clearly contaminated. The accumulation of-radioactivity through food webs to organisms such asNucella lapillus (dog whelk) in the inter-tidal sites and in sheep and cattle in terrestrial sites is described.Dr F.B. Pyatt is the Section Leader and Principal Lecturer in Ecology in the Department of Life Sciences at Trent Polytechnic. Dr E.H. Beaumont was previously Lecturer in Zoology at St Hugh's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.     

HYDROLOGIC EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE DELAWARE RWER BASIN1

ABSTRACT: The Thornthwaite water balance and combinations of temperature and precipitation changes representing climate change were used to estimate changes in seasonal soil-moisture and runoff in the Delaware River basin. Winter warming may cause a greater proportion of precipitation in the northern part of the basin to fall as rain, which may increase winter runoff and decrease spring and summer runoff. Estimates of total annual runoff indicate that a 5 percent increase in precipitation would be needed to counteract runoff decreases resulting from a warming of 2°C; a 15 percent increase for a warming of 4°C. A warming of 2° to 4°C, without precipitation increases, may cause a 9 to 25 percent decrease in runoff. The general circulation model derived changes in annual runoff ranged from ?39 to +9 percent. Results generally agree with those obtained in studies elsewhere. The changes in runoff agree in direction but differ in magnitude. In this humid temperate climate, where precipitation is evenly distributed over the year, decreases in snow accumulation in the northern part of the basin and increases in evapotranspiration throughout the basin could change the timing of runoff and significantly reduce total annual water availability unless precipitation were to increase concurrently.