Organochlorine contaminants in complete clutches of Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) eggs from Belize

Seven complete clutches of Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) eggs were collected in northern Belize and examined for organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues. The primary OC detected, p,p-DDE, was found in every egg analyzed (n=175). Other OCs detected included p,p-DDT, p,p-DDD, methoxychlor, aldrin, and endosulfan I. Concentrations of individual OCs ranged from 4 ppb (ng chemical/g egg wet weight) to greater than 500 ppb. A statistical evaluation of p,p-DDE levels in three complete clutches was used to derive the minimum number of eggs needed from a clutch to precisely determine the mean p,p-DDE concentration representative of that clutch. Sample sizes of 8 (80% confidence level) and 11 (90% confidence level) were determined to yield an accurate estimate of contaminant levels in a full clutch of eggs. The statistically recommended sample size of 11 eggs (at 90% confidence level) was successfully tested on the four additional clutches.     

Enhanced photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol by metal-modified titanium (IV) oxide

The effects of four metals (Ag, Au, Pt, and Cu) doped on TiO2 on the photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP) were investigated. The results of this study indicated that all four metals-doped TiO2 catalysts were able to enhance the efficiency of PCP photocatalysis with an optimum metallic content of 0.1 wt%. For the metal-doped TiO2 samples (Au, Pt, and Cu), the patterns of light absorption were significantly extended toward visible light spectra in the wavelengths between 400 and 800 nm. The photocatalysis of PCP was pH dependent with the maximum degradation rate achieved in the solution at pH 3. The formation of chloride ion corresponded with the concentration of PCP degraded which confirmed that dechlorination was the major pathway of PCP photocatalysis. The overall toxicities of PCP samples were reduced with the extension of light exposure using the microtox test. The results of PCP photocatalysis are also discussed based on the characteristics of metal/TiO2 including X-ray differential (XRD) patterns, Brunquer Emmett Teller (BET) specific area analysis, and Ultra Violet (UV)-Vis absorption spectra.     

Quantitation of Hydroxyl Radicals from Photolysis of Fe(III)-Citrate Complexes in Aerobic Water (5 pp)

Background For their high photoreactivity, Fe(III)-carboxylate complexes are important sources of H2O2 for some atmospheric and surface waters. Citrate is one kind of carboxylate, which can form complexes with Fe(III). In our previous study, we have applied Fe(III)-citrate complexes to degrade and decolorize dyes in aqueous solutions both under UV light and sunlight. Results have shown that carboxylic acids can promote the photodegradation efficiency. It is indicated that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes may cause the formation of some reactive species (e. g. H2O2 and ·OH). This work is attempted to quantify hydroxyl radicals generated in the aqueous solution containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes and to interpret the photoreactivity of Fe(III)-citrate complexes for degrading organic compounds. Methods By using benzene as the scavenger to produce phenol, the photogeneration of ·OH in the aqueous solution containing Fe (III)-citrate complexes was determined by HPLC. Results and Discussion In the aqueous solution containing 60.0/30.0 mM Fe(III)/citrate and 7.0 mM benzene at pH 3.0, 96.66 mM ·OH was produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light (l ≥ 313 nm) for 160 minutes. Effects of initial pH value and concentrations of Fe(III) and citrate on ·OH radical generation were all examined. The results show that the greatest photoproduction of ·OH in the aqueous solution (pH ranged from 3.0 to 7.0) was at pH 3.0. The photoproduction of ·OH increased with increasing Fe(III) or citrate concentrations. Conclusion In the aqueous solutions containing Fe(III)-citrate complexes, ·OH radicals were produced after irradiation by a 250W metal halide light. It can be concluded that Fe(III)-citrate complexes are important sources of ·OH radicals for some atmospheric and surface waters. Recommendations and Outlook It is believed that the photolysis of Fe(III)-citrate complexes in the presence of oxygen play an important role in producing ·OH both in atmospheric waters and surface water where high concentrations of ferric ions and citrate ions exist. The photoproduction of ·OH has a high oxidizing potential for the degradation of a wide variety of natural and anthropogenic organic and inorganic substances. We can use this method for toxic organic pollutants such as organic dyes and pesticides.     

Determination and impact of volatile organics emitted during rush hours in the ambient air around gasoline stations

This study analyzes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the ambient air around gasoline stations during rush hours and assesses their impact on human health. Results from this study clearly indicate that methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), toluene, and isobutane are the major VOCs emitted from gasoline stations. Moreover, the concentrations of MTBE and toluene in the ambient air near gasoline stations are remarkably higher than those sampled on surrounding roads, revealing that these compounds are mainly released from gasoline stations. The concentration of VOCs near the gasoline stations without vapor recovery systems are approximately 7.3 times higher than those around the gasoline stations having the recovery systems. An impact on individual health and air quality because of gasoline station emissions was done using Integrated Risk Information System and Industrial Source Complex Short Term model.     

Distribution and dissipation pathways of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in the Yellow River: Site investigation and lab-scale studies

Spatial distribution of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs) and nonylphenol (NP) was investigated in a field study in Lanzhou Reach of the Yellow River. NPEOs and their metabolites were found in the river, with the maximum dissolved concentrations of 6.38 nmol/L for NPEOs, 0.19 nmol/L for nonylphenol ethoxy acetic acids (NPECs) and 0.79 nmol/L for NP, respectively. The maximum concentrations in the sediment and suspended particle samples were 1.50 and 5.09 nmol/g for NPEOs and NP, respectively. The effects of particles, light and microorganism on the dissipation of NPEOs in the river water were investigated based on lab-scale experiments. When natural particles were removed, 72% and 22% degradation of NPEOs were achieved at 120 h in non-sterile and sterile conditions with light, respectively. Different concentrations of NPECs were also observed in these experiments. When suspended particle matters (SPMs) were present, about 38-50% of NPEOs were sorbed to the particulate phase in only 1 h. As a result, the degradation of NPEOs and production of NPECs were inhibited. However, the combined sorption and degradation in the presence of SPMs resulted in lower dissolved NPEO concentrations than those in the absence of SPMs. Biodegradation was the most important pathway for NPEOs degradation in the river water, while NPECs seemed to be produced through both biological and abiological pathways.     

浅谈质量/环境/职业健康安全一体化管理体系的建立与实施

介绍了运用管理的系统方法,策划、推进及实施质量/环境/职业健康安全一体化管理体系的做法,并对各阶段体系建立的方法与措施进行了阐述.     

五十年的辉煌--西部防震减灾学术研讨会暨兰州观象台建台50周年纪念大会侧记

繁忙中蕴含着秩序,开拓中孕育着希望。金风送爽之际,一个地震系统的盛会——西部防震减灾学术研讨会暨兰州观象台建台50周年纪念大会吸引了众多国内外地学界领导,著名专家学者,联合国禁核组织及媒体的关注。     

防护鞋靴有害物质限量值研究

本文对防护鞋靴有害物质限量值研究进行了阐述。参考国内外标准,设定防护鞋靴有害物质限制项目和限量值。在检测分析我国具有市场代表性的16个防护鞋靴产品中有害物质含量数据基础上,判断设定限制项目及限量值的可行性。检测结果表明我国防护鞋靴生产技术水平基本能够达到限量要求,设定的限量值可以作为制定国家标准的参考依据。     

循环流化床烟气悬浮脱硫技术中试及机理分析

设计了新的循环流化床烟气悬浮脱硫中试装置,其烟气处理量达3500m³/h.首先进行了进料钙硫比(Ca/S)、过饱和温度对装置脱硫效率影响实验,进一步研究了脱硫塔内固体颗粒物循环和烟气流速等因素对脱硫装置性能的影响.对比实验研究表明:在Ca/S=1.2时,固体颗粒物的循环使系统脱硫效率提高15% 左右;脱硫塔内烟气设计流速可以偏高一些.本文同时对系统脱硫过程进行了机理分析,指出了延长脱硫剂有效停留时间的途径.     

生态系统健康与环境管理

环境管理和生态系统健康是密不可分的,生态系统健康是环境管理的目的,生态系统健康为环境管理提供了新的思路、新的方法,健康的生态系统为实现区域可持续发展提供技术支撑和发展基础.生态系统健康的发展演替过程是优化环境管理的步骤.优化的环境管理为生态系统健康发展提供宏观决策和社会经济保障.本文从学科发展的角度论述了生态系统健康产生的背景、理论基础和应用途径;从学科交叉的角度论述了生态系统健康的评价和与环境管理的关系.提出了环境管理的目标:健康的生态系统→健康的环境→健康的食品→健康的人类生态系统→健康的社会发展.