The effect of chlorine position of chlorinated phenols on their dechlorination kinetics by Fenton's reagent

Chlorine position of chlorophenol isomers has a significant effect on the dechlorination kinetics of monochlorophenols, dichlorophenols, and trichlorophenols during Fenton oxidation. The effects have been evaluated by the rate constants of the dechlorination kinetic model developed in this study. It is found that the dechlorination rate of 3-CP is faster than that of 4-CP, which is faster than that of 2-CP. Since OH and Cl groups on the aromatic ring are ortho and para directors, the directory effect of OH and Cl groups enhances the dechlorination kinetics of 2-CP due to acceleration of the hydroxylation of 2-CP. Therefore, the dechlorination kinetics increases accordingly. For trichlorophenols (TCP), steric hindrance plays an important role during their dechlorination process. Specifically, the closer the chlorine atoms locate with each other on the aromatic ring, the more difficult the dechlorination processes will be. The dechlorination kinetics of dichlorophenols seems to be affected by both directory effect of OH and Cl groups and the effect of steric hindrance of chlorine atoms. The directory effect of OH and Cl groups on trichlorophenols decreases since the chlorine atom occupied the positions which are the most favorable for hydroxyl radical attack.     

Fatal flaws in measuring landfill gas generation rates by empirical well testing

Well testing procedures, such as the Tier 3 methodology specified in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subtitle D, are commonly used for directly estimating landfill gas (LFG) emissions at municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. Similar procedures are also used to estimate LFG generation rates for the design of LFG-to-energy projects. These methodologies assume that the LFG generation rate equals the extraction rate of a test gas well within its radius of influence (ROI). The ROI is defined as the distance from the extraction well at which the induced pressure drop is immeasurable by some standard of precision. Based on fluid dynamic principles, Tier 3 and similar methodologies are demonstrated to be incapable of providing reliable estimates of the LFG generation rate. These tests may either over- or underestimate the LFG generation rate depending on the precision with which the ROI is determined, but they will only coincidentally produce an estimate that accurately represents the actual LFG generation rate. Fluid dynamic principles dictate that the actual LFG generation rate can only be estimated if the pneumatic properties of the refuse and cover materials as well as the excess pressure in the refuse caused by LFG generation are known or can be estimated.     

Progression of exencephaly to anencephaly in the human fetus—an ultrasound perspective

Exencephaly as a precursor of anencephaly is well delineated in animal studies. In humans, a similar though unproven embryologic sequence is postulated. In the case reported, serial ultrasound studies allowed us to identify a 16-week human exencephalic fetus and observe the cephalic changes during its progression to a classic anencephalic appearance.     

In situ fixation of metals in soils using bauxite residue: chemical assessment

Contamination of soils with heavy metals and metalloids is a widespread problem all over the world. Low cost, non-invasive, in situ technologies are required for remediation processes. We investigated the efficiency of a bauxite residue (red mud) to fix heavy metals in two soils, one contaminated by industrial activities (French soil), and one by sewage sludge applications (UK soil). This Fe-oxide rich material was compared with lime, or beringite, a modified aluminosilicate that has been used for in situ fixation processes. Four different crop species were successively grown in pots. Metal concentrations in the soil pore waters were analyzed during the growing cycles. At the end of the experiment fluxes of heavy metals were measured using a diffusive gradient in thin film technique (DGT). Furthermore, a sequential extraction procedure (SEP) and an acidification test were performed to investigate the mechanisms of metal fixation by different soil amendments. In both soils, the concentrations of metals in the soil pore water and metal fluxes were greatly decreased by the amendments. An application of 2% red mud performed as well as beringite applied at 5%. Increasing soil pH was a common mechanism of action for all the amendments. However, the red mud amendment shifted metals from the exchangeable to the Fe-oxide fraction, and decreased acid extractability of metals. The results suggest that specific chemisorption, and possibly metal diffusion into oxide particles could also be the mechanisms responsible for the fixation of metals by red mud.     

Aus der Literatur: Rezensionen

Ohne Zusammenfassung Siehe auch S. 407–408     

Analysis of snake tissue and snake eggs for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin via fused silica GC combined with atmospheric pressure ionization MS

Several snake tissue samples and one set of snake eggs were collected and analyzed for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-$\text{p}$-dioxin. The isomer-specific analysis was performed using fused silica GC combined with atmospheric pressure ionization MS. The results ranged from a low of 38 parts-per-trillion (ppt) to high levels over 500 ppt.     

Nomograph for Field Checking Meter Calibrations on EPA-Type Stack Sampling Trains

In a typical "EPA train" for stack sampling, there are two meters, the dry gas meter and the orifice meter, which require periodic calibration. The controversy which presently exists over the required frequency of calibration is the result of using meters which rarely need calibration, but which have the potential of changing calibration at any time.