Studies on the use of power ultrasound in solid–liquid myrobalan extraction process

Focus on eco-friendly processing techniques makes vegetable tanning a viable option in leather processing and establishes the subsequent need for the more efficient methods of extraction in tannin manufacture. Application of ultrasound has been tried in the extraction of tannins from myrobalan nuts in order to improve the extraction efficiency, to perform the extraction under milder process conditions and to reduce the process time. The influence of process parameters such as ultrasonic output power, time and temperature has been studied. Scale-up trials and the use of ultrasound in pulse mode have also been attempted. The results show that a three- to fivefold improvement is possible with ultrasonic output from 20 to 100 W. Extraction efficiency has been calculated from the maximum extractable materials from myrobalan nuts. Extraction efficiency is found to be 90% for ultrasound, 100 W without external heating as compared to 77% for control process at 70 °C for 4 h. Therefore, ultrasound could be employed even dispensing with provision for temperature controls. The use of ultrasound in pulse mode offered 70% extraction efficiency of continuous mode. Scale-up trials indicate that there exists an optimum ultrasonic output power depending on the amount of nuts used, to achieve better extraction efficiency. The effectiveness of ultrasonically extracted tannin solution has also been tested in the tanning process for its applicability. The degree of tanning efficacy has been assessed by shrinkage temperature measurement. The results indicate that ultrasonically extracted tannin solution is suitable for tanning process. Therefore, application of ultrasound in tannin extract manufacture is a viable option with added advantages.     

我国与南太平洋和加勒比海国家开展应对气候变化合作策略研究

南太平洋和加勒比海国家是我国开展应对气候变化南南合作的重点对象之一。目前我国已通过应对气候变化物资赠送、培训等方式与部分国家开展了气候变化合作,但总体来看尚处于探索阶段,对其合作需求了解得尚不够深入,且缺乏整体系统性的谋划和战略。通过调查问卷、面对面访谈和分析现有合作相结合的方式,发现南太平洋和加勒比海国家应对气候变化合作需求主要集中在资金支持、能力建设和基础设施建设等方面。未来,我国可通过在现有合作框架下与南太平洋和加勒比海国家展开气候合作,打造气候变化的战略共识;不断优化和深化目前开展的应对气候变化南南合作项目,提高合作的针对性;通过抓重点领域开展深度合作等方式不断加强合作,提升我国在全球气候治理方面的影响力;做好舆论宣传工作,加强在气候治理经验方面的交流;开展多方合作;鼓励私营部门交流,增强互信程度。     

论除尘新技术在不锈钢转炉上的应用

以宝钢不锈钢转炉(AOD)除尘新技术产生为背景,结合工程项目论述了除尘新技术在不锈钢转炉上应用的基本原理,并对其优点、实用性、实施效果以及产生的效益进行了客观评价,同时介绍了新技术在项目实际运行中取得的经验.     

Groundwater pollution due to discharge of tannery effluents in Upper Palar basin, Tamilnadu, India: an assessment through mass transport modeling

The groundwater regime in Upper Palar basin, Tamilnadu has been highly contaminated in several locations due to discharge of effluents from a large number of tanneries. At some places total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration in groundwater was found as high as 8000 mg/l. Transmissivity and storativity of the regional aquifer were estimated at a few locations. The porosity and dispersivity values were not determined in the field. These parameters were assumed based on data available for similar geological formations elsewhere. The aquifer conceptualization thus arrived at formed the basis of a numerical groundwater flow model which was constructed using the finite difference method. The flow model was calibrated for steady state and then for transient condition for the period of 1984-92. The computed heads and calibrated parameters of the flow model were used to compute groundwater velocities. The migration of contaminants for a 20 year period was computed using the hydraulic heads and effective porosity value in a pathline model using FLOWPATH software. Mass transport model was constructed using Method of Characteristics (MOC) computer code in a separate model. The seepage rate of effluent is assumed at a rate of 30% of that discharged on the surface. The mass concentration of solute in the effluent reaching the water table was assumed as 40%, the same as in the surface effluent. The mass transport model was calibrated for a 20 year period. Prediction of contaminant migration from different clusters in the basin was analyzed. The prediction results indicated elevated TDS concentration of more than 4000 mg/l from most clusters. Also the area of the contaminated zone is likely to double in 20 years from contaminated zone of 1992.     

Carbon mitigation potential and costs of forestry options in Brazil,China, India,Indonesia, Mexico,the Philippines and Tanzania

This paper summarizes studies of carbon (C) mitigation potential and costs of about 40 forestry options in seven developing countries. Each study uses the same methodological approach – Comprehensive Mitigation Assessment Process (COMAP) – to estimate the above parameters between 2000 and 2030. The approach requires the projection of baseline and mitigation land-use scenarios. Coupled with data on a per ha basis on C sequestration or avoidance, and costs and benefits, it allows the estimation of monetary benefit per Mg C, and the total costs and carbon potential. The results show that about half (3.0 Pg C) the cumulative mitigation potential of 6.2 Petagram (Pg) C between 2000 and 2030 in the seven countries (about 200× 10⁶ Mg C yr^-1) could be achieved at a negative cost and the remainder at costs ranging up to $100 Mg C^-1. About 5 Pg C could be achieved, at a cost less than $20 per Mg C. Negative cost potential indicates that non-carbon revenue is sufficient to offset direct costs of these options. The achievable potential is likely to be smaller, however, due to market, institutional, and sociocultural barriers that can delay or prevent the implementation of the analyzed options.     

美国"棕色区域"的治理法律介评

"棕色区域"问题是经济发展到一定阶段带来的环境问题.一些国家逐渐开始应对.棕色区域问题涉及到各种因素,如法律,税收,财产权,土地开发等多种因素,所以是一个复杂的,较难解决的问题.以起步较早的美国为例,以联邦立法为重心,论述了美国在"棕色区域"治理中的政策和法律制度,并对其进行了简要的评述.以期对这个问题有清醒的认识.棕色区域问题实质上是土壤污染的治理问题,这对中国缺位的土壤污染立法有重大的借鉴意义.