Regional trends in soil acidification and exchangeable metal concentrations in relation to acid deposition rates

The deposition of high levels of reactive nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S), or the legacy of that deposition, remain among the world's most important environmental problems. Although regional impacts of acid deposition in aquatic ecosystems have been well documented, quantitative evidence of wide-scale impacts on terrestrial ecosystems is not common. In this study we analysed surface and subsoil chemistry of 68 acid grassland sites across the UK along a gradient of acid deposition, and statistically related the concentrations of exchangeable soil metals (1 M KCl extraction) to a range of potential drivers. The deposition of N, S or acid deposition was the primary correlate for 8 of 13 exchangeable metals measured in the topsoil and 5 of 14 exchangeable metals in the subsoil. In particular, exchangeable aluminium and lead both show increased levels above a soil pH threshold of about 4.5, strongly related to the deposition flux of acid compounds.     

Radiolysis of aqueous 4-nitrophenol solution with Al2O3 or TiO2 nanoparticles

Aqueous 4-nitrophenol solutions containing TiO₂ or Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were irradiated with electron beam. 4-nitrophenol was decomposed by the ionizing radiation process in the absence of the nanoparticles. The addition of TiO₂ or Al₂O₃ (2 g l⁻¹) before irradiation improved the removal of 4-nitrophenol, total organic carbon (TOC) but also nitrogen (TN). To identify the origin of the loss (catalysis or simply adsorption), TiO₂ or Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were added after irradiation. Experiments show that the effect of the presence of TiO₂ or Al₂O₃ during irradiation is just due to adsorption.     

In vivo genotoxicity assessment of titanium,zirconium and aluminium nanoparticles,and their microparticulated forms,in Drosophila

As in vivo system, we propose Drosophila melanogaster as a useful model for study the genotoxic risks associated with nanoparticle exposure. In this study we have carried out a genotoxic evaluation of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles and their microparticulated forms in D. melanogaster by using the wing somatic mutation and recombination assay. This assay is based on the principle that loss of heterozygosis and the corresponding expression of the suitable recessive markers, multiple wing hairs and flare-3, can lead to the formation of mutant clones in treated larvae, which are expressed as mutant spots on the wings of adult flies. Third instar larvae were feed with TiO₂, ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, and their microparticulated forms, at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mM. Although a certain level of aggregation/agglomeration was observed in solution, it must be noted than the constant digging activity of larvae ensures that treated medium pass constantly through the digestive tract ensuring exposure. The results showed that no significant increases in the frequency of all spots (e.g. small single, large single, twin, total mwh and total spots) were observed, indicating that these nanoparticles were not able to induce genotoxic activity in the wing spot assay of D. melanogaster. Negative data were also obtained with the microparticulated forms. This indicates that the nanoparticulated form of the selected nanomaterials does not modify the potential genotoxicity of their microparticulated versions. These in vivo results contribute to increase the genotoxicity database on the TiO₂, ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles.     

采用厚壁离心铸坯旋压成形大直径高纯铝筒工艺研究

此文介绍采用壁厚达90mm的离心铸坯,旋压成形大直径高纯铝筒的工艺试验。讨论了旋压中出现的各种问题,从而确定了合理的工艺参数,旋出了符合技术要求的大直径筒形件。     

Effect of Al(III) speciation on coagulation of highly turbid water

In Taiwan, the turbidity of raw water for fresh water treatments can sometimes reach as high as 40 000 NTU due to intensive rainfall, especially in typhoon seasons. In response, water works often apply large quantities of coagulants such as polyaluminium chloride (PACl). In this study, simulated and natural highly turbid water was coagulated with two PACls, a commercial product (PACl-1) and a laboratory product (PACl-E). The Al species distributions of PACl-1 and PACl-E under various pH conditions were determined, and the corresponding coagulation efficiency was evaluated. The PACl-E has a wider range of operational pH, while the efficiency of PACl-1 peaks at around neutral pH. For simulated water up to 5000 NTU, the PACl-E was superior to PACl-1 at low dosage and in the pH range studied. Similar results were discovered with natural water, except that when the turbidity was extremely high, the coagulation efficiency of PACl-E decreased significantly due to the presence of large amounts of organic matter. The coagulation of PACl-E was closely related to the content of polycationic aluminium (Al₁₃) while that of PACl-1 was dictated by the amount of Al_c. The sludge from PACl-E coagulation had better dewaterability when the optimum dosage was applied. The experimental results suggest that for natural water up to 5000 NTU, PACl containing high Al₁₃ species is recommended for coagulation. In cases when the water contains high organic matter, efficient coagulation depends upon enmeshment by amorphous aluminium hydroxide.     

Base cation depletion, eutrophication and acidification of species-rich grasslands in response to long-term simulated nitrogen deposition

Pollutant nitrogen deposition effects on soil and foliar element concentrations were investigated in acidic and limestone grasslands, located in one of the most nitrogen and acid rain polluted regions of the UK, using plots treated for 8-10years with 35-140kg Nha(-2)y(-1) as NH(4)NO(3). Historic data suggests both grasslands have acidified over the past 50years. Nitrogen deposition treatments caused the grassland soils to lose 23-35% of their total available bases (Ca, Mg, K, and Na) and they became acidified by 0.2-0.4 pH units. Aluminium, iron and manganese were mobilised and taken up by limestone grassland forbs and were translocated down the acid grassland soil. Mineral nitrogen availability increased in both grasslands and many species showed foliar N enrichment. This study provides the first definitive evidence that nitrogen deposition depletes base cations from grassland soils. The resulting acidification, metal mobilisation and eutrophication are implicated in driving floristic changes.     

控制星湖内源性营养物质磷负荷的有效性研究

本文研究了天然沸石与石灰,铝盐,铁盐对湖水－沉积物系统中的湖水脱磷的可能性,以期在对星湖内源性营养物质磷负荷的控制方面提供科学依据。     

The copper and aluminum industries: A review of structural changes

In this article the evolution of the aluminium and copper industries is examined, with a view to deriving policy options open to Third World copper producers, which face a declining rate in the growth of consumption. Market structure, company behaviour and performance are analysed for both industries. The impact of energy and general economic crisis in copper and aluminium industries is assessed and market concentration trends are discussed. We conclude that Third World copper producers must change their basic orientation and become seriously involved in market development.     

Elemental composition of Sal forest soils around Chhotanagpur Plateau,India

In recent decades, the Sal-dominated tropical deciduous forests (TDFs) were experiencing loss of regeneration due to lack of seed germination of native species. To understand this ecological problem, the present study dealt with the spatial and temporal variations in biogeochemical parameters of Sal forest soils. Twenty soil samples were collected from four TDF sites in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, India. The inventories of tree species in three life-cycle stages (seedling, sapling and adult) were carried out in four sites. Site-I (290?stems?ha^?1) showed occurrence of only one species (Shorea robusta) without seedling and sapling. The pH of forest soils was acidic to slightly acidic in nature. Seasonal variations in C/N ratio showed rapid mineralization of organic matter in the rainy season. ANOVA revealed that the degree of seasonal variation caused significant difference in pH, soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total carbon, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Mn and P across four sites. The strong correlation of P with pH, Al, Fe, Mg and Mn indicated highly oxidised and exchangeable nature of dry forest soils. Factor analysis of soil parameters revealed that the different combinations of edaphic conditions in different seasons were important in the distribution of the dry tropical forests communities in Chota Nagpur Plateau.     

铝合金镀镍废水治理中存在问题及解决措施

本文针对铝合金镀镍废水处理中存在的主要问题进行了讨论,同时结合工作实践,从电镀废水水质特征、处理工艺及其可靠性进行了分析,并提出了一系列适用于国家新颁布的《电镀污染物排放标准》(GB21900-2008)的工艺措施。