Feasibility of storing CO2 in the Utsira formation as part of a long term Dutch CCS strategy: An evaluation based on a GIS/MARKAL toolbox

This study provides insight into the feasibility of a CO₂ trunkline from the Netherlands to the Utsira formation in the Norwegian part of the North Sea, which is a large geological storage reservoir for CO₂. The feasibility is investigated in competition with CO₂ storage in onshore and near-offshore sinks in the Netherlands. Least-cost modelling with a MARKAL model in combination with ArcGIS was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of the trunkline as part of a Dutch greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy for the Dutch electricity sector and CO₂ intensive industry. The results show that under the condition that a CO₂ permit price increases from €25 per tCO₂ in 2010 to €60 per tCO₂ in 2030, and remains at this level up to 2050, CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands could reduce with 67% in 2050 compared to 1990, and investment in the Utsira trunkline may be cost-effective from 2020–2030 provided that Belgian and German CO₂ is transported and stored via the Netherlands as well. In this case, by 2050 more than 2.1 GtCO₂ would have been transported from the Netherlands to the Utsira formation. However, if the Utsira trunkline is not used for transportation of CO₂ from Belgium and Germany, it may become cost-effective 10 years later, and less than 1.3 GtCO₂ from the Netherlands would have been stored in the Utsira formation by 2050. On the short term, CO₂ storage in Dutch fields appears more cost-effective than in the Utsira formation, but as yet there are major uncertainties related to the timing and effective exploitation of the Dutch offshore storage opportunities.     

An investigation of renewable resources and renewable technology applications in Bulgaria

A preliminary assessment of renewable energy resources in Bulgaria shows that these resources are significant on a national level. Terminology for total, accessible, and reserve resources is provided, and preliminary estimates for solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal resources are given. The process used to make a first-level selection of renewable energy technologies for further evaluation is described and an initial ranking of technologies for electricity generation, industry, and buildings is provided.     

Notes on the dynamics and decomposition of leaves in a Nothofagus pumilio forest

A research project was conducted in a native forest of Nothofagus pumilio in one of the southernmost Chilean Nation Parks, Torres del Paine, to check the amount and timing of leaf fall, their decomposition rate and the respiration rate of the soil on an annual cycle.This paper also provides the results of the decay of fallen leaves in time, the loss curve of leaf weights, the evolution of water content and records of the larger taxonomic groups of microarthropods associated with the decomposition of the material.Research supported by the United Nations Project FP(4101-8301) PP(2314).     

Comprehensive study on dioxin contents in binder and anti-caking agent feed additives

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were determined in some additives widely employed as binder and anti-caking agents in feedstuffs, such as kaolin, bentonite, zeolite, etc. with an special attention on sepiolite samples. Owing to their physico-chemical properties, the little information of these materials reported in the literature, the variability of PCDDs/PCDFs found in a preliminary evaluation and the absence of reference materials highlighted further research needed. Therefore, an extensive study on the analytical procedures based on the classical methods was performed with sepiolite samples. The study includes evaluation of reproducibility and repeatibility. To this end, a series of intra-day and nine inter-day analysis were made. The methodolgy was also assessed against the sample size and series of 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50 g were analyzed. In all cases, the results confirmed good correlation with the parameters evaluated.     

Light Availability Prevails Over Soil Fertility and Structure in the Performance of Asian Knotweeds on Riverbanks: New Management Perspectives

Asian knotweeds (Fallopia spp.) are considered one of the world’s most invasive species. Restoring habitats dominated by these exotic species requires a better understanding of the importance of abiotic factors controlling the invasive knotweeds performance. We used observational data obtained on the embankment of the Isère River (France) to study the performance of Fallopia spp. under different soil, light, and disturbance conditions. On the Isère riverbanks, light intensity assessed by light quantity transmitted through canopy was the most important factor explaining the variability observed on knotweed performance expressed as above-ground biomass per square meter. Asian knotweeds were more productive under intensive light conditions. Alternatively other factors such as mowing (twice a year), soil fertility, soil texture, position on the bank or exposure to the sun had no significant effect on knotweed biomass production. We conclude that decreasing light resources, for example, by increasing competitive pressure on sites dominated by Asian knotweeds could be included in management plans to control the populations of this invasive taxon.     

Hot steam transfer through heat protective clothing layers.

The aim of this study was to analyse the transfer of steam through different types of textile layers as a function of sample parameters such as thickness and permeability. In order to simulate the human body, a cylinder releasing defined amounts of moisture was also used. The influence of sweating on heat and mass transfer was assessed. The results show that in general impermeable materials offer better protection against hot steam than semi-permeable ones. The transfer of steam depended on the water vapour permeability of the samples, but also on their thermal insulation and their thickness. Increasing the thickness of the samples with a spacer gave a larger increase in protection with the impermeable samples compared to semi-permeable materials. Measurements with pre-wetted samples showed a reduction in steam protection in any case. On the other hand, the measurements with a sweating cylinder showed a beneficial effect of sweating.     

Functions of Straw for In Situ Remediation of Acidic Mining Lakes

The addition of straw in combination with Carbokalk, a by-product from the sugar-industry, was successfully used to stimulate microbial alkalinity generation in an acidic mining lake. To get detailed information about functions of straw, anenclosure experiment was carried out. Straw bundles were placedat the sediment surface of an acidic mining lake (ML 111) and thephysiochemical conditions and the microbiology of the sediment-water contact zone were studied. Straw was degraded by anaerobic microorganisms and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leached from straw bundles. Pigmented flagellates responded to the DOC supply in the water column anda considerable amount of algal carbon was transported to the sediment. Straw addition led to microbial reduction of iron andsulfate in the sediment. Sulfate reduction was observed at a pHof 5.5. The pH, however, was not high enough to precipitate H₂S completely. Thus, some H₂S diffused into the watercolumn, where it was reoxidized. Straw did not create orstabilize an anoxic water body above the sediment. Microbial sulfate reduction and pyrite formation only took place in the sediment,whereas iron reduction also took place in the straw. Straw, however, altered the flow conditions above the sediment surfaceand prevented complete mixing of the profundal water. Straw didnot serve as a substratum for a reactive biofilm. We conclude that the most important function of straw for mining lake remediation is to be a long-term nutrient source for microbialalkalinity generation in the sediment.     

Evaluation of commercial odor control agents for suppressing Escherichia coli in swine manure slurry

Ten commercially available manure odor control agents were evaluated in bench-scale laboratory microcosms for their ability to inhibit or kill Escherichia coli, a commonly used indicator of fecal pollution and a potential pathogen. At manufacturer recommended rates, none of the agents reduced viable populations of E. coli in pure cultures or in swine manure slurry. However, at rates 10-fold higher than those recommended by the manufacturer, EnviroPur rapidly reduced viable populations of E. coli. Accelerated death of E. coli was observed at temperatures as low as 4 degrees C. Chemical analysis of EnviroPur indicated that it contains alkylphenol polyethoxylates, common industrial surfactants. These results suggest that at manufacturer-recommended rates, the odor-controlling agents would not be effective at suppressing E. coli in stored swine manure slurry.