Enhanced photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol by metal-modified titanium (IV) oxide

The effects of four metals (Ag, Au, Pt, and Cu) doped on TiO2 on the photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP) were investigated. The results of this study indicated that all four metals-doped TiO2 catalysts were able to enhance the efficiency of PCP photocatalysis with an optimum metallic content of 0.1 wt%. For the metal-doped TiO2 samples (Au, Pt, and Cu), the patterns of light absorption were significantly extended toward visible light spectra in the wavelengths between 400 and 800 nm. The photocatalysis of PCP was pH dependent with the maximum degradation rate achieved in the solution at pH 3. The formation of chloride ion corresponded with the concentration of PCP degraded which confirmed that dechlorination was the major pathway of PCP photocatalysis. The overall toxicities of PCP samples were reduced with the extension of light exposure using the microtox test. The results of PCP photocatalysis are also discussed based on the characteristics of metal/TiO2 including X-ray differential (XRD) patterns, Brunquer Emmett Teller (BET) specific area analysis, and Ultra Violet (UV)-Vis absorption spectra.     

Quantitation of Hydroxyl Radicals from Photolysis of Fe(III)-Citrate Complexes in Aerobic Water (5 pp)

Background For their high photoreactivity, Fe(III)-carboxylate complexes are important sources of H2O2 for some atmospheric and surface waters. Citrate is one kind of carboxylate, which can form complexes with Fe(III). In our previous study, we have applied Fe(III)-citrate complexes to degrade and decolorize dyes in aqueous solutions both under UV light and sunlight. Results have shown that carboxylic acids can promote the photodegradation efficiency. It is indicated that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes may cause the formation of some reactive species (e. g. H2O2 and ·OH). This work is attempted to quantify hydroxyl radicals generated in the aqueous solution containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes and to interpret the photoreactivity of Fe(III)-citrate complexes for degrading organic compounds. Methods By using benzene as the scavenger to produce phenol, the photogeneration of ·OH in the aqueous solution containing Fe (III)-citrate complexes was determined by HPLC. Results and Discussion In the aqueous solution containing 60.0/30.0 mM Fe(III)/citrate and 7.0 mM benzene at pH 3.0, 96.66 mM ·OH was produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light (l ≥ 313 nm) for 160 minutes. Effects of initial pH value and concentrations of Fe(III) and citrate on ·OH radical generation were all examined. The results show that the greatest photoproduction of ·OH in the aqueous solution (pH ranged from 3.0 to 7.0) was at pH 3.0. The photoproduction of ·OH increased with increasing Fe(III) or citrate concentrations. Conclusion In the aqueous solutions containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes, ·OH radicals were produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light. It can be concluded that Fe(III)-citrate complexes are important sources of ·OH radicals for some atmospheric and surface waters. Recommendations and Outlook It is believed that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes in the presence of oxygen play an important role in producing ·OH both in atmospheric waters and surface water where high concentrations of ferric ions and citrate ions exist. The photoproduction of ·OH has a high oxidizing potential for the degradation of a wide variety of natural and anthropogenic organic and inorganic substances. We can use this method for toxic organic pollutants such as organic dyes and pesticides.     

Determination and impact of volatile organics emitted during rush hours in the ambient air around gasoline stations

This study analyzes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the ambient air around gasoline stations during rush hours and assesses their impact on human health. Results from this study clearly indicate that methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), toluene, and isobutane are the major VOCs emitted from gasoline stations. Moreover, the concentrations of MTBE and toluene in the ambient air near gasoline stations are remarkably higher than those sampled on surrounding roads, revealing that these compounds are mainly released from gasoline stations. The concentration of VOCs near the gasoline stations without vapor recovery systems are approximately 7.3 times higher than those around the gasoline stations having the recovery systems. An impact on individual health and air quality because of gasoline station emissions was done using Integrated Risk Information System and Industrial Source Complex Short Term model.     

Distribution and dissipation pathways of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in the Yellow River: Site investigation and lab-scale studies

Spatial distribution of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs) and nonylphenol (NP) was investigated in a field study in Lanzhou Reach of the Yellow River. NPEOs and their metabolites were found in the river, with the maximum dissolved concentrations of 6.38 nmol/L for NPEOs, 0.19 nmol/L for nonylphenol ethoxy acetic acids (NPECs) and 0.79 nmol/L for NP, respectively. The maximum concentrations in the sediment and suspended particle samples were 1.50 and 5.09 nmol/g for NPEOs and NP, respectively. The effects of particles, light and microorganism on the dissipation of NPEOs in the river water were investigated based on lab-scale experiments. When natural particles were removed, 72% and 22% degradation of NPEOs were achieved at 120 h in non-sterile and sterile conditions with light, respectively. Different concentrations of NPECs were also observed in these experiments. When suspended particle matters (SPMs) were present, about 38-50% of NPEOs were sorbed to the particulate phase in only 1 h. As a result, the degradation of NPEOs and production of NPECs were inhibited. However, the combined sorption and degradation in the presence of SPMs resulted in lower dissolved NPEO concentrations than those in the absence of SPMs. Biodegradation was the most important pathway for NPEOs degradation in the river water, while NPECs seemed to be produced through both biological and abiological pathways.     

固井水泥作业场所粉尘治理及效果评价

对油田固井水泥生产和使用作业场所进行了劳动卫生学调查,对粉尘污染严重的立式散装水泥储存罐尾气口排放、水泥裸口装卸、水泥与外加剂干混工艺进行了技术改造和粉尘治理,使作业场所空气中粉尘浓度由平均49.94 mg/m3降至1.19 mg/m3,除尘效率达97.81%,效果明显。     

小谚语大道理--抬头一看月儿圆,初一十五有点悬

农历8月15日,是炎黄子孙的传统节日——中秋节。在这一天,亲人团聚,把酒赏月,共诉衷肠,即使千里之外,人们也手举金杯,眼望明月,将自己的思念、祝福遥寄远方的亲人。公元1999年9月20日晚,台湾艺术家们与来自北京的艺术家们欢聚在宝岛的一个幽静典雅的名叫西海岸的地方。此处远望灯火如海,近观彩光迷离,两岸的艺术家们沉浸在     

小谚语大道理--鲁班盖房,墙倒屋不塌

迄今为止,“小谚语,大道理”已在“科普园地”刊出了15篇,涉及的内容有宏观前兆、预测方法、抗震设防、震害防御等。当然,地震谚语远不止这些,刊登这一系列文章,是本刊在科普体裁通俗及深度上的一次尝试。我们想以此为引子,繁荣系统内外科普创作的园地,也期待着有更多的地震科学工作者以深切的责任感,关注科普园地,并赐予更多的心血精品。此栏目推出以来,得到了广大读者的支持和厚爱,这无疑是对我们最大的鼓舞,在此谨表示诚挚的谢意。我们将和大家一起努力,把地震科普搞得更活更好。     

小谚语大道理--鸡也飞,狗也叫,老鼠机灵先跑掉

小时候,听奶奶说．很久很久以前,在距今300-440万年前的非洲原始森林公民大会上,百兽之王狮子向大家宣布了一个惊天动地的消息——古猿想走出森林去变成一个叫做“人”的怪物!大家吓坏了：他走了,别的不说,能摇山动地的地震由谁来管呢?有的得了恐惧症,有的患了忧郁症。无奈古猿去意已决,已把身上的长毛留给了小     

五十年的辉煌--西部防震减灾学术研讨会暨兰州观象台建台50周年纪念大会侧记

繁忙中蕴含着秩序,开拓中孕育着希望。金风送爽之际,一个地震系统的盛会——西部防震减灾学术研讨会暨兰州观象台建台50周年纪念大会吸引了众多国内外地学界领导,著名专家学者,联合国禁核组织及媒体的关注。     

Theoretical equation of gas desorption of particle coal under the non-uniform pressure condition and its analytical solution

Based on the second Fick’s law, the theoretical equation of gas desorption of particle coal under the non-uniform pressure condition was developed in this paper. The analytical solution of the theoretical equation and the method of gas desorption quantity of particle coal under non-uniform pressure condition were obtained.