Dechlorination of 2,2＇,4,4＇,5,5＇-hexachlorobiphenyl by thermal reaction with activated carbon-supported copper or zinc

Activated carbon （AC）-supported copper or zinc made from ion exchange resin （IRCu-C and IRZn-C） have an increased metal load of 557.3 mg·g^-1 and 502.8 mg·g^-1 compared to those prepared by the traditional method involving impregnation with AC and copper （II） citrate or zinc citrate solution （LaCu-C and LaZn-C） of 12.9 mg·g^-1 and 46.0 mg·g^-1 respectively. When applied to decompose 2,2＇,4,4＇,5,5＇-hexachlorobiphenyl at 250 ℃, IRCu-C achieved higher activity of 99.0% decomposition efficiency than LaCu-C of 84.7%, IRZn-C of 90.5% and LaZn-C of 62.7%. When the reaction temperature rose to 350 ℃, all the four kinds of reactants can decompose PCB- 153 with efficiency above 90%. Further, X-ray photoelec- tron spectroscopy characterization of IRCu-C before and after the reaction indicated transformation of 19.1% of Cu atoms into Cu^2＋, illustrating that Cu is the active ingredient or electron donor promoting the decomposition of PCB- 153. The mechanism underlying this process differs from a traditional H donor. However, there is no significant change on the surface of IRZn-C before and after the reaction, suggesting that Zn acts as catalyst during the process of PCB-153 decomposition.     

The effectiveness of incentives in protected area management: An empirical analysis

Incentive approaches are believed to be indispensable for effective conservation and successful management in protected areas. However, the actual effectiveness of these approaches is still debatable. We carried out a case study in Wolong Biosphere Reserve (WBR), the largest reserve for the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), to evaluate the effectiveness of incentives. We obtained data from government documents and statistics, interviews and surveys on the employment status of public sector and industries. Results indicated that government-paid community-based conservation projects provided the most widespread and direct economic incentives. The conservation sector and several industries including hotels, hydropower and tourism have directly raised the employment level of local communities. The hotel industry, driven by the development of tourism, has been the most effective means of increasing local employment. However, the problem of immigrants attracted by the improved economic situation in WBR should be considered in the management plans. Suggestions for WBR management include development of quality ecotourism, vocational education for local young adults and new policies encouraging employment of local labour, both in the reserve and outside. Lessons learned from this research are constructive for the management of other protected areas.     

Integrated effects of slope aspect and land use on soil nutrients in a small catchment in a hilly loess area,China

This study addressed the integrated effect of slope aspect and land use on soil nutrients in a loess hilly catchment in the western Loess Plateau of China. Soil samples were collected from five land-use types: wasteland, cropland, woodland, shrubland and abandoned cropland, at two depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm) in the middle slope position of both north-facing and south-facing slopes. Soil nutrient changes and the relationships between soil nutrients and slope aspect were investigated, based on statistical analysis and expert knowledge. Soil organic matter, total N, total P, nitrate nitrogen and available K of the 0–20 cm soil layer differed significantly between land uses and slope aspects. Soil nutrients in the north-facing slope were better than in the south-facing slope. Revegetation has an enrichment effect, especially on soil organic matter, total N, total P, nitrate nitrogen and available K. Planting of trees, shrubs and grasses could improve soil fertility and favours a policy of revegetation and sustainable land use in the hilly loess area of China. Conversion of slope farmlands into more sustainable land uses, such as shrubland or grassland is a cost-efficient way to achieve soil conservation and ecological restoration. Terracing and the use of agro-techniques for soil conservation, such as furrow-ridging tillage and leaving crop residues on fields, can increase the input of C to soils. Growing crops in rotation with alfalfa and beans could be a promising choice for the sustainability of agriculture and the environment.     

Rain forest dwellers' livelihoods: income generation,household wealth and NTFP sales,a case study from Xishuangbanna,SW China

Through annual in-depth household questionnaire interviews of 60% of households in Daka and Baka villages from 1998 to 2004, we explored wealth-related differences and similarities in the sale of NTFPs of tropical rain forest fringe dwellers in Xishuangbanna, SW China. Contribution of different NTFPs to cash income and different seasonal access to NTFPs between Baka and Daka were analysed. There were significant differences in income and role of NTFPs per household between Baka and Daka related to different access to: NTFPs in forests, labour and market sales in different seasons. In Baka, the ranking of NTFP income was: fungi, wild vegetables, bamboo shoot in 2000 and 2001. Differences in gender and generational involvement in NTFP sales was also examined. For example, households without a son, as well as those with a female householder depended more on income from NTFPs and less on income from rubber than other households. Resource use patterns between relatively wealthy and poor households were also analysed. Wealthy households sold 2.50 ± 0.50 types while poor households sold 2.08 ± 0.26 NTFPs. The Gini coefficient of gross income per household for Baka in recent years was 0.393, increasing to 0.414 without NTFPs. The Gini coefficient of gross income for Daka in recent years was 0.291, increasing to 0.292 without NTFPs, showing the different role of NTFPs in mitigating wealth inequality in the two villages.     

微生物燃料电池在污水处理中的研究进展

微生物燃料电池(microbial fuel cell,MFC)利用微生物催化剂将其代谢能直接转化为电能,具有原料广泛、反应条件温和、清洁高效等优点.简述了MFC的工作原理及分类,总结了用于污水处理的MFC的性能及其影响因素.探讨了MFC在实际应用中的瓶颈,并展望其在污水处理中的应用前景.     

ISO14000系列环境管理国际标准概述

概述了ISO14000系列环境管理国际标准的内容、分类、特点及其作用。介绍了企业实施该系列标准所应采取的步骤和措施。该系列标准由环境管理体系、环境行为评价、生命周期评估、环境管理、产品标准中的环境因素等系列组成,可指导企业表现正确的环境行为,提升企业的竞争力。     

Copper recovery from leach solution of waste printed circuit boards by pulse current electrodeposition

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - The copper recovery from waste printed circuit boards is of great significance to protect natural resource and environment. Direct current...     

The combined effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and cypermethrin on male reproductive toxicity in rats

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Titanium nanoparticles and pyrethroid pesticides are now being widely used in industrial, agriculture, and biomedical applications. In recent years,...     

Does underweight amplify the relationship between short-term particulate matter exposure and blood pressure in children and adolescents: a large cross-sectional study in a metropolis of China

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Overweight/obesity modified the effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure on blood pressure (BP). This study aims to assess whether...