Modified porosity approach and laminar flamelet modelling for advanced simulation of accidental explosions

The production of oil and gas is an inherently hazardous task. Therefore it is crucial to provide reliable estimates of the risks involved. The major contributors to the risk level of an offshore installation, for example, arise from accidents involving explosion and fire. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be a powerful tool to help with the calculation of accidental explosion scenarios. In this context, the present work suggests a novel implementation of a model based on a modified Porosity Distributed Resistance (MPDR) approach within an unstructured 3D Navier–Stokes solver. The model operates by representing parts of the filtered geometry from the original model through porosity values attributed to an unstructured tetrahedral mesh. Extra resistance terms are added in the momentum equation as well as extra sources of turbulence. Two extra sources of turbulence are modelled. The first of these is due to the shear layers of the non-resolved obstacles, whilst the second is due to the presence of wakes behind the non-resolved obstacles. Results for 2D and 3D test cases are compared against both experimental data and simulations with fully-resolved geometry and good agreement is observed.     

Fathers' work experiences effect children's behaviors via job-related affect and parenting behaviors

We suggest that fathers' work experiences (decision latitude, job demands, job insecurity and interrole conflict) indirectly influence children's behaviors (acting out, shyness and school competence) through their sequential effects on job-related affect (job satisfaction, negative job-related mood and job tension) and parenting behaviors (punishing, rejecting and authoritative behaviors). Data on work experiences, job-related affect and parenting behaviors were obtained from 189 fathers; teachers provided ratings of the children's behaviors. Path analysis provided support for the proposed model. Conceptual implications and suggestions for future research on fathers' employment and the links between work and family are discussed.     

A universal design approach for in situ bioremediation developed from multiple project sites

This article describes a design approach that has been developed for bioremediation of chlorinated volatile organic compound–impacted groundwater that is based upon experience gained during the past 17 years. The projects described in the article generally involve large‐scale enhanced anaerobic dechlorination (EAD) and combined aerobic/anaerobic bioremediation techniques. Our design approach is based on three primary objectives: (1) selecting and distributing the proper additives (including bioaugmentation) within the targeted treatment zone; (2) maintaining a neutral pH (and adding alkalinity when needed); and (3) sustaining the desired conditions for a sufficient period of time for the bioremediation process to be fully completed. This design approach can be applied to both anaerobic and aerobic bioremediation systems. Site‐specific conditions of hydraulic permeability, groundwater velocity, contaminant type and concentrations, and regulatory constraints will dictate the best remedial approach and design parameters for in situ bioremediation at each site. The biggest challenges to implementing anaerobic bioremediation processes are generally the selection and delivery of a suitable electron donor and the proper distribution of the donor throughout the targeted treatment zone. For aerobic bioremediation processes, complete distribution of adequate concentrations of a suitable electron acceptor, typically oxygen or oxygen‐yielding compounds such as hydrogen peroxide, is critical. These design approaches were developed based on understanding the biological processes involved and the mechanics of groundwater flow. They have evolved based on actual applications and results from numerous sites. An EAD treatment system, based on our current design approach, typically uses alcohol as a substrate, employs groundwater recirculation to distribute additives, and has an operational period of two to four years. An aerobic in situ treatment system based on our current design approach typically uses pure oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as an electron acceptor, may involve enhancements to groundwater flow for better distribution, and generally has an operational period of one to four years. These design concepts and specific project examples are presented for 17 sites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Assessing the social impacts of extensive resource use activities

Extensive forms of resource use are rarely subject to detailed environmental and social assessment. This paper outlines a potential methodology for assessment of the social impacts of extensive resource use activities based on the Pressure-State-Impact-Response (PSIR) model of integrated indicator development. It then tests this methodology through a case study of changed water flow regimes in Central Queensland's Fitzroy River catchment. While resource degradation associated with interruptions to flow was expected to force all resource users to face higher costs and greater uncertainty, negative social impacts were particularly concentrated among vulnerable groups and downstream industries. Extension of the PSIR framework and methodology proved useful in linking social and biophysical research and would thus appear to offer some potential as a model for incorporating social concerns within natural resource decision making.     

Validation of an Invertebrate Community Index for Urban Streams for an Alabama Coastal Plains Watershed1

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to validate the application of an invertebrate community index (ICI) to assess the biological integrity of urban streams. Validation involved comparing chemical and habitat data to ICI scores from 20 urban streams and four least‐impacted streams in the Choctawhatchee and Pea River watersheds located in Southeast Alabama. Chemical and habitat data were collected to support whether the ICI accurately predicts the health of the streams. A significant difference between urban and least‐impacted ICI scores, habitat evaluation scores, chemical variables, taxa richness, and Shannon‐Wiener diversity were observed when urban sites were compared with least‐impacted sites using Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Urban sites having low ICI scores, low species richness and diversity, and poor habitat showed greater impairment than least‐impacted sites. Cluster analysis of macroinvertebrate assemblages indicated two clusters. Significant differences between clusters in habitat evaluations, chemical parameters, and ICI scores showed that some urban sites were more degraded than other urban sites in the study. Differentiation between least‐impacted and urban sites indicated that the ICI provided valid biotic assessments. Therefore, this study validated that the ICI is capable of predicting the biological integrity of urban streams in the Choctawhatchee and Pea River watersheds.     

Hydrology of Clay Settling Areas and Surrounding Landscapes in the Phosphate Mining District,Peninsular Florida1

Abstract: The objective of this study was to use applied and naturally occurring geochemical tracers to study the hydrology of clay settling areas (CSAs) and the hydrological connectivity between CSAs and surrounding hydrological landscapes. The study site is located on the Fort Meade Mine in Polk County, Florida. The CSA has a well‐developed, subangular‐blocky, clay‐rich surface layer with abundant desiccation cracks and other macropores, and a massive, clay‐rich sublayer that is saturated below ～1.0‐2.5 m. A bromide tracer was applied to study hydrological processes in the upper part of the CSA. Bromide infiltrated rapidly and perched on a massive, clay‐rich sublayer. Bromide concentrations decreased in the upper part of the profile without being transported vertically down through the lower part of the profile suggesting that bromide was lost to lateral rather than to vertical transport. Infiltration and lateral flow were rapid suggesting that preferential flow through desiccation cracks and other macropores likely dominates flow in the upper part of the CSA. Naturally occurring solute and stable isotope tracers were used to study the hydrological connectivity between the CSA and the surrounding hydrological landscape. Three‐end mass‐balance mixing model results indicate that shallow and/or deep CSA water can be found in all downgradient waters and must be as much as ～50% of some downgradient waters. Discharge from the CSA to the surrounding surface water‐bodies and surficial aquifer occurs laterally through the berms and/or vertically through the massive, clay‐rich sublayer. However, the precise flow paths from the CSA to the surrounding hydrological landscape are unclear and the fluxes remain unquantified, so the precise effects of CSAs on the hydrology of the surrounding hydrological landscape also remain unquantified.     

Air emissions of ammonia and methane from livestock operations: valuation and policy options

The animal husbandry industry is a major emitter of ammonia (NH3), which is a precursor of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)--arguably, the number-one environment-related public health threat facing the nation. The industry is also a major emitter of methane (CH4), which is an important greenhouse gas (GHG). We present an integrated process model of the engineering economics of technologies to reduce NH3 and CH4 emissions at dairy operations in California. Three policy options are explored: PM offset credits for NH3 control, GHG offset credits for CH4 control, and expanded net metering policies to provide revenue for the sale of electricity generated from captured methane (CH4) gas. Individually these policies vary substantially in the economic incentives they provide for farm operators to reduce emissions. We report on initial steps to fully develop the integrated process model that will provide guidance for policy-makers.     

Characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from periphyton using liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection–organic nitrogen detection (LC-OCD-OND)

A protocol was developed to extract, fractionate, and quantitatively analyze periphyton extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which obtains both information on the molecular weight (M _r) distribution and protein and polysaccharide content. The EPS were extracted from freshwater periphyton between July and December 2011. Organic carbon (OC) compounds from different EPS extracts were analyzed using liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection–organic nitrogen detection (LC-OCD-OND), and total protein and polysaccharide content were quantified. Four distinct OC fractions, on the basis of M _r, were identified in all extracts, corresponding to high M _r biopolymers (≥80–4 kDa), degradation products of humic substances (M _r not available), low M _r acids (10–0.7 kDa), and small amphiphilic/neutral compounds (3–0.5 kDa). Low C/N ratios (4.3?±?0.8) were calculated for the biopolymer fractions, which represented 16–38 % of the measured dissolved organic carbon (DOC), indicating a significant presence of high M _r proteins in the EPS. Protein and polysaccharide represented the two major components of EPS and, when combined, accounted for the measured DOC in extracts. Differences in specific OC fractions of EPS extracts over the course of the study could be quantified using this method. This study suggests that LC-OCD-OND is a new valuable tool in EPS characterization of periphyton.     

Coal mining and the resource community cycle: A longitudinal assessment of the social impacts of the Coppabella coal mine

Two social impact assessment (SIA) studies of Central Queensland's Coppabella coal mine were undertaken in 2002–2003 and 2006–2007. As ex post studies of actual change, these provide a reference point for predictive assessments of proposed resource extraction projects at other sites, while the longitudinal element added by the second study illustrates how impacts associated with one mine may vary over time due to changing economic and social conditions. It was found that the traditional coupling of local economic vitality and community development to the life cycle of resource projects—the resource community cycle—was mediated by labour recruitment and social infrastructure policies that reduced the emphasis on localised employment and investment strategies, and by the cumulative impacts of multiple mining projects within relative proximity to each other. The resource community cycle was accelerated and local communities forced to consider ways of attracting secondary investment and/or alternative industries early in the operational life of the Coppabella mine in order to secure significant economic benefits and to guard against the erosion of social capital and the ability to cope with future downturns in the mining sector.