Temporal characteristics from continuous measurements of PM2.5 and speciation at the Taipei Aerosol Supersite from 2002 to 2008

This study uses monitoring data collected at the Taipei Aerosol Supersite from March 2002 to February 2008 to analyze characteristics such as seasonal fluctuations, diurnal variations, and photochemical-related variations of PM_2.5 chemical compositions. The results indicate that the average of PM_2.5 mass concentration in Taipei during this period is 30.3 ± 16.0 μg m^?3. The highest average concentration of PM_2.5 components is that of sulfate, which accounts for 21.1% of the PM_2.5 mass, followed by organic carbon (OC) at 15.9%, nitrate at 5.8%, and elemental carbon (EC) at 5.4%. Concentrations of EC, OC, and nitrate have distinctive but similar seasonal fluctuations, which is highest in spring and lowest in fall. Sulfate concentration has less seasonal fluctuations, and the highest value appears during the fall. Similarly, concentrations of EC, OC, and nitrate have notable diurnal variations; however, the diurnal variation of sulfate concentration is not very apparent. These observation data show that EC, OC, and nitrate in PM_2.5 in the Taipei metropolis come mainly from local emissions, while sulfate comes mainly from the regional transport of pollutants. This is likely because Taiwan is located on the lee zone of the Asian prevailing winds from fall to spring; its air quality is frequently affected by the transport of air pollutants from Mainland China. In addition, the extent of increase in aerosols is much higher than that of CO, indicating the formation of secondary aerosol when photochemical activity is strong. Based on six years of observation data, this study explores three potential scenarios to set up Taiwan's PM_2.5 air quality standard (AQS). The analysis indicates that the optimum standard for 24-h air quality of PM_2.5 should be around 50 μg m^?3.     

Simulation modeling for nitrogen removal and experimental estimation of mass fractions of microbial groups in single-sludge system

Nitrification-denitrification in a single-sludge nitrogen removal system (SSNRS; with a sufficient carbon source for denitrification) was performed. With an increase in the mixed liquor recycle ratio (R(m)) from 1 to 2, the total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency at a lower volumetric loading rate (VLR=0.21 NH(4)(+)-N m(-3) d(-1)) increased, but the TN removal efficiency at a higher VLR (0.35 kg NH(4)(+)-N m(-3) d(-1)) decreased. A kinetic model that accounts for the mass fractions of Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, nitrate reducer and nitrite reducer (f(n1), f(n2), f(dn1), and f(dn2)) in the SSNRS and an experimental approach for the estimation of the mass fractions of nitrogen-related microbial groups are also proposed. The estimated f(dn1) plus f(dn2) (0.65-0.83) was significantly larger than the f(n1) plus f(n2) (0.28-0.32); the f(n1) (0.21-0.26) was larger than the f(n2) (0.05-0.07); and the f(dn1) (0.32-0.45) varied slightly with the f(dn2) (0.33-0.38). At the lower VLR, the f(dn1) plus f(dn2) increased with increasing R(m); however at the higher VLR, the f(dn1) plus f(dn2) did not increase with increasing R(m). By using the kinetic model, the calculated residual NH(4)(+)-N and NO(2)(-)-N in the anoxic reactor and NO(2)(-)-N and NO(3)(-)-N in the aerobic reactor were in fairly good agreement with the experimental data; the calculated NO(3)(-)-N in the anoxic reactor was over-estimated and the calculated NH(4)(+)-N in the aerobic reactor was under-estimated.     

Health risk of aerosols and toxic metals from incense and joss paper burning

We report for the first time the distribution and hazard potential of aerosol and metals resulting from joss paper burning. Burning joss paper and incense is a traditional custom in many Oriental countries. Large amounts of air pollutants, including particles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, toxic metals and other gaseous pollutants, are released into the environment during the burning stage. Many investigations have reported on the emission of pollutants from the incense burning. However, no work has been reported until now on the analysis of the released pollutants apart from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, a micro-orifice uniform-deposit impactor and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were, respectively, used to collect aerosols and characterize the toxic metals from joss paper burning. We studied two types of particulate matter (PM): PM_2.5 that are particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 μm and PM₁₀ that are particles with a diameter smaller than 10 μm. PM_2.5 are the most potentially toxic particles. Our results showed that PM_2.5 are the major component of the pollutants and that the PM_2.5 to PM₁₀ ratio ranged from 62 to 99%. The metals Na, Ca, Mg, Al and K were the main species in the aerosol and in the bottom ash.     

Bioconversion of Dimethylformamide in Biofilters

ABSTRACT

Bioconversion of dimethylformamide (DMF) was studied using two sets of three-stages-in-series biofilters, one packed with inoculated pig manure and the other with coconut fiber compost-based media. The two media were different in carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and specific area. Tests were made to compare effects of different C/N ratio and specific area on the performance of the filter and on the variation of physicochemical properties of the media for treating DMF. DMF concentration in the influent air stream was in the range of 100 to 4,500 mg/m³. The gas retention time (GRT) in the first stages of both filters was 19 to 76 sec. The volumetric loading of DMF (L) to the first stages of both filters was 3 to 97 g DMF-N/m³.h (15.6 to 506 g DMF/m³.h). Results indicated that DMF was successively hydrolyzed to ammonia and nitrified to nitrite and nitrate or incorporated into microbial cell. Inlet portions of the media subjected to high DMF or ammonia loading varied greatly in pH due to insufficient buffering capacity. The middle portions of the media subjected to moderate ammonia loading were suitable for nitrification. The coconut fiber compost media with a higher initial C/ N ratio and porosity favored the elimination of DMF. For the media, DMF-N removal efficiencies of larger than 90% were obtained with L < 50 g DMF-N/m³.h and GRT > 23 sec. The pig manure compost media with a lower initial C/N ratio favored the nitrification reaction; its maximum capacity was 8.58 g NO₃ ^--N/m³.h.     

Habitat evaluation using suitability index and habitat type diversity: a case study involving a shallow forest stream in central Taiwan

In recent years, the Taiwanese government has strongly promoted the concept of ecological engineering in the hope that doing so will encourage the maintenance of the ecosystem and its integrity. As a result, the riprap spur dike is one of the most commonly used measures for protecting stream banks. Traditionally, a spur dike is used at concave banks to prevent their scouring and/or to increase their stabilization. An additional benefit of deflector structures, like spur dikes, may be to increase the weighted usable area (WUA) for aquatic life survival during periods of increased flow (examples include typhoon, flood, etc.). A two-dimensional river habitat simulation program (River2D) coupled with a developed shallow water habitat type diversity module was used for the case study at a headwater stream in central Taiwan. The habitat suitability index for this study was established using substrate, depth, and velocity from field surveys for the fish family Cyprinidae by prepositioned area electrofisher. The ungauged flood conditions were calculated using digital elevation models within a watershed delineation and hydrological modeling system in accordance with local regulations. Simulated results indicate that the spur dikes currently in use on the stream in this study need be improved from a WUA point of view more effectively handle a flood event.     

Twenty-four Hour in situ Monitoring of Oxygen Production and Respiration of the Colonial Zoanthid Palythoa

The rates of oxygen production and respiration of the colonial zoanthid of the genus Palythoa were measured in situ at a depth of 3.4m (reef-edge) using an automated respirometer. The respirometer recorded changes in oxygen concentration of four samples of Palythoa enclosed in separate perspex chambers concurrently with light intensity (irradiance) readings every 20 seconds for 24 hours. Photosynthetic parameters (Pm(gross), Rd and Ik) were estimated from photosynthesis-irradiance (PI) curves generated for each of the four samples. Average instantaneous maximum gross photosynthetic (Pm(gross)) and respiration (Rd) rates obtained for Palythoa were 12.50µmo2l cm-2h-1 and - 4.24µmolO2cm-2h-1, giving a Pm(gross)/(-Rd) ratio of 2.92. The net 24 hour production (Pn24) at 3.4m, estimated by integrating the photokinetic parameters over 7 days of light data, was negative, resulting in a daily gross photosynthesis to respiration [Pg24/(-Rd24)] ratio of 0.77, while estimated 24 hour productivity at 1.4m gave a ratio of 1.13. This suggests that Palythoa would be able to sustain positive production at 1.4m but not at 3.4m.     

Pesticide storage and release in unsaturated soil in Illinois, USA.

The chemical fate and movement of pesticides may be subject to transient storage in unsaturated soils during periods of light rainfall, and subsequent release into shallow groundwater by increased rainfall. The objective of this study was to conduct field-scale experiments to determine the relative importance of transient storage and subsequent release of agrichemicals from the vadose zone into potential aquifers. Two field-scale experiments were conducted under a rain exclusion shelter. In the 1x experiment, atrazine and chlorpyrifos were applied at application-rate equivalents (1.6 kg ha(-1) and 1.3 kg ha(-1), respectively). In the 4x experiment, atrazine was applied in an amount that was four times greater than that usually applied to fields (6.7 kg ha(-1)). Water was either applied to simulate rain or withheld to simulate dry periods. In the 1x experiment, atrazine was detected in the water samples whereas chlorpyrifos was not detected in the majority of the samples. The dry period imposed on the treatment plot did not appear to result in storage of the chemicals, whereas the wet period resulted in greater leaching of atrazine, although the concentrations remained less than the Maximum Contaminant Level of 3 microg L(-1). Both chemicals were detected in soil samples collected from a 20- to 30-cm depth, but it appeared that both chemicals dissipated before the field experiment was concluded. It appeared that the one-time application of atrazine and chlorpyrifos at the label rates did not result in a sufficient mass to be stored and flushed in significant concentrations to the saturated zone. When atrazine was applied at 4x and a longer drought period was imposed on the treatment plot, the resulting concentrations of dissolved atrazine were still less than 3 microg L(-1) . Atrazine was detected in only the near-surface (0 to 15 cm) soil samples and the herbicide dissipated before the onset of the dry period in the treatment plot. The results of this field study demonstrated that atrazine and chlorpyrifos were not sufficiently persistent to be stored and then released in significantly large concentrations to the saturated zone. The dissipation half-life of atrazine in the 4x application was about 44 days. This study, in addition to others, suggested that atrazine may be less persistent in surface soil than has been generally reported.     

由硫酸亚铁（绿矾）制取还原铁粉的工艺研究

提出了一种新的绿矾综合利用的途径,即绿矾经碳酸盐转化,然后采用无烟煤作还原剂,CaCO3为添加剂,进行高温还原焙烧制取还原铁粉.先将绿矾用水溶解,用理论量1.2倍的（NH4）2CO3将FeSO4转化为FeCO3,FeCO3焙烧的最佳条件是FeCO3∶无烟煤∶CaCO3为100∶60∶8,焙烧温度为1000℃,焙烧时间为4.5 h.粗还原铁粉化学成分除C含量较高外,符合国家有关标准,900℃左右经氢气精还原1 h所得精还原铁粉化学成分的各项指标,均达到或优于国家有关标准的要求.