Assessment of metal availability to vegetation (Betula pendula) in Pb-Zn ore concentrate residues with different features

In this work, characterisation of several ore concentrate remains from an abandoned Pb-Zn mining factory was performed determining chemical and physical properties such as pH, organic carbon content, particle size distribution, total heavy metal content (Pb, Zn, Cu, As and Cd) as well as mineralogical composition which showed, in most cases, the oxidization of the parent ore material (mostly galena: PbS and sphalerite: ZnS) to more mobile fractions as anglesite (PbSO(4)) and goslarite (ZnSO(4)). Moreover, two operational defined extraction procedures commonly used in soil and sediment studies (first and second steps of BCR procedure and DTPA extraction protocol) were applied in the different mining wastes in order to study Pb and Zn mobility and likely bioavailability to Betula pendula growing on the same mining spoils, which presents lead and zinc contents in leaves over ten times background values.     

Sustainability assessment of national rural water supply program in Tanzania

Sustainability of rural water supply programs in developing countries is still an elusive goal. It is widely accepted that, as a rule, they have failed to deliver benefits to society in the long run. Emphasis has frequently been placed on the short‐term activities. Fast production of new schemes is thus a common strategy, prioritizing the engineering component, while sidestepping social and participatory issues and community empowerment. In 2006, the Government of Tanzania launched a national program to meet water sector targets set out in the Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015. In this study we evaluate key features of the program on a sustained basis. There is evidence that the Government is promoting more sustained facilities, focusing on cost recovery and on ‘decentralization by devolution’. Nevertheless, there are several shortcomings which threaten the long‐term functionality of the infrastructure that has to be built. In light of the implementation of the program, and based on the outputs of its pilot phase, we review the factors that can determine its sustainability.     

Spatio-temporal geostatistical modelling of sulphate concentration in the area of the Reocín Mine (Spain) as an indicator of water quality

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Water stored in open-pit lakes can be a water resource when the mine is closed. This study aimed to develop a reliable model to evaluate the water...     

Minimising emissions and energy wastage by improved industrial processes and integration of renewable energy

This article provides an introduction to this Special Issue of Journal of Cleaner Production (JCLP), which contains thirteen, carefully selected articles from the 12th Conference, “Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction” – PRES'09. This issue builds upon the multi-year co-operation between the PRES conference planners and the JCLP. The articles cover important subjects of increased efficiency in energy generation and usage and in improvements in industrial process optimisation. The first group of five papers focuses upon recent advances in emissions reduction and the resulting energy penalties. The second group of four papers deals with improving the efficiency and reliability in the utilisation of renewable energy, where hydrogen and biodiesel are the key energy carriers. The final group of three papers focus on process integration challenges of sustainable energy systems and upon the challenges of industrial/societal integration of sustainable energy systems into regional sustainable development planning.     

The influence of artificial sealing on the capillary barrier’s function

Regulations for the sealing of landfill sites require two independent sealing components. To satisfy this requirement, the combined capillary barrier was developed using impermeable sheeting placed between the capillary layer and the capillary block of the traditional capillary barrier. In this study, a numerical model is introduced based on hydraulic characteristics obtained by means of measurements of samples of capillary barrier materials. To make a comparison possible, samples of a laboratory investigated barrier were measured. Two laboratory experiments with a simple and a combined capillary barrier were repeated using the developed numerical model and good agreement between computed and measured results was found. Subsequently, the model was used for investigating the effect of failure of the artificial sheeting on the capillary barrier’s efficiency. The obtained results are presented and discussed.     

Evaluation of oxidation stability of lignite humic substances by DSC induction period measurement

The stability of lignite humic acids and four regenerated humic acids was estimated by employing differential scanning calorimetry. Induction period for the oxidative decomposition of humic matter was calculated from non-isothermal measurements at six different rates of heating. To simulate the gradual evolution history of humic acids, different intensities of oxidation attack by nitric acid on the original lignite was used. Experimental data showed higher stability of natural humic acids in the temperature range where the decomposition step occurred. On the other hand, extrapolation to lower temperatures and calculated kinetic parameters did not correspond to the order observed at higher temperatures. An oscillating trend of calculated parameters of the two proposed parts of stability was observed, which agreed with data concerning regenerated humic acids production. The approach applied in this work represents a rapid and useful method for evaluation of organic matter stability.     

Monitoring of agriculture soils in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic a complex monitoring of agriculture soils has commenced. This paper describes the approach to establishing monitoring plots. Comparing the results of Systematic Soil Survey and those from the first period of agriculture monitoring demonstrates that a representative set of plots was achieved. Soil properties (physical, chemical, biological and agronomical), atmospheric deposition (some parameters being monthly and some only for the summer and winter season) and selected other influences (application of pesticides, irrigation, etc.) are all monitored. Results for atmospheric deposition in the Czech Republic from the first period and Bavaria [Bayerische Landesanstalt für Bodenkultur und Pflanzenbau, 1992) are also compared. Data are evaluated by a statistical package (Statgrafics) and prepared for future transfer into a suitable GIS.