Effect of algal flocculation on dissolved organic matters using cationic starch modified soils

Modified soils(MSs) are being increasingly used as geo-engineering materials for the sedimentation removal of cyanobacterial blooms. Cationic starch(CS) has been tested as an effective soil modifier, but little is known about its potential impacts on the treated water.This study investigated dissolved organic matters in the bloom water after algal removal using cationic starch modified soils(CS-MSs). Results showed that the dissolved organic carbon(DOC) could be decreased by CS-MS flocculation and the use of higher charge density CS yielded a greater DOC reduction. When CS with the charge density of 0.052, 0.102 and0.293 meq/g were used, DOC was decreased from 3.4 to 3.0, 2.3 and 1.7 mg/L, respectively.The excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and UV254 analysis indicated that CS-MS exhibits an ability to remove some soluble organics, which contributed to the DOC reduction. However, the use of low charge density CS posed a potential risk of DOC increase due to the high CS loading for effective algal removal. When CS with the charge density of 0.044 meq/g was used, DOC was increased from 3.4 to 3.9 mg/L. This study suggested, when CS-MS is used for cyanobacterial bloom removal, the content of dissolved organic matters in the treated water can be controlled by optimizing the charge density of CS. For the settled organic matters, other measures(e.g., capping treatments using oxygen loaded materials) should be jointly applied after algal flocculation.     

Inducing pollution prevention adoption: effectiveness of the 33/50 voluntary environmental program

The Environmental Protection Agency has encouraged voluntary efforts at pollution prevention by facilities through participation in voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) such as the 33/50 program to reduce toxic releases. This paper examines the effectiveness of the 33/50 program in the adoption of pollution prevention practices and disentangles the effect of adoption from that of program participation on releases of 33/50 chemicals. Using facility-specific panel data and controlling for the endogeneity of program participation and pollution prevention adoption, we find that program participants were 38% more likely to adopt pollution prevention practices than non-participants. Program participants who adopted pollution prevention practices reduced their 33/50 releases by 52% compared to facilities that neither participated nor adopted pollution prevention. This indicates that VEPs that emphasize pollution prevention can play a complementary role in reducing toxic releases.     

钛白石膏危险特性鉴别及处置对策研究

钛白石膏是硫酸法钛白粉厂在酸性废水中和处理过程中产生的固体废物,是一种有毒有害废物.对某钛白粉厂排放的该固废进行腐蚀性、浸出毒性、急性毒性以及毒性物质含量鉴别,结果表明,该固废不属于危险废物.根据现阶段资源化利用和无害化处置技术水平和该钛白粉厂排放实际情况,结合当地土地开发利用状况,提出用于已围滩涂填方的处置对策方案,既使钛白石膏得到无害化处置,又能满足围垦造地对塘渣的需求,一举两得.     

原子荧光光谱法测定环境水体中痕量锡研究

在对环境水进行检测时,一个非常重要的项目就是对锡含量进行检测,所以,运用准确、灵敏的测定方法对环境水体中痕量锡进行检测具有非常重要的意义。文章将结合实验,在对环境水体中的痕量锡进行测定时,运用原子荧光光谱法,对测定环境水体中痕量锡的方法进行了一定的研究。采用原子荧光光谱法测定环境水体中的痕量锡,方法检出限是0.10μg/L,相对标准偏差0.20%~0.90%,实际样品加标回收率为98%~102%,满足环境监测实验室分析测定要求,值得推广。     

Environmental contamination of heavy metals from zinc smelting areas in Hezhang County, western Guizhou, China

Total heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) concentrations were evaluated in smelting waste, soil, crop and moss samples collected from the Hezhang artisanal zinc smelting areas, Guizhou, China. Soil samples from the cornfield near the smelting sites contained extremely high Cd (5.8-74 mg kg(-1)), Pb (60-14,000 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (260-16,000 mg kg(-1)) concentrations. Elevated heavy metal concentrations were also found in corn plants and total Pb (0.80-1.5 mg kg(-1)) and Cd (0.05-0.76 mg kg(-1)) concentrations in corn grain have totally or partially exceeded the national guidance limits for foodstuff. Thus, the soil-to-crop transfer of heavy metals might pose a potential health risk to the local residents. Similar to the high heavy metal levels in soil and corn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in moss samples collected from the smelting sites ranged from 10 to 110, 10 to 55, 26 to 51, 400 to 1200 and 330 to 1100 mg kg(-1), respectively, exhibiting a local spatial pattern of metals deposition from the atmosphere. Based on examination of Zn/Cd and Pb/Cd ratios of the analyzed samples, we have distinguished between the flue gas dust derived and smelting waste derived metals in different environmental compartments.     

Eco-industrial parks: national pilot practices in China

China has rapidly developed a number of Eco-industrial parks (EIPs) in recent years. In order to promote and regulate their development, two government agencies, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the National Development and Reform Commission are currently engaged in promoting national pilot EIP programs. Both agencies have developed their own management systems, and 60 industrial parks have been approved for construction of national pilot EIPs, among which six parks appear in both lists of the two agencies. This article introduces the practice of the national pilot EIPs. It first describes the management systems and achievements within the two programs, and then summarizes the problems encountered thus far in program implementation. Finally it proposes brief suggestions for future development of EIPs.