Fixed-bed column sorption of borate onto pomegranate seed powder-PVA beads: a response surface methodology approach

Pomegranate seed powder (PS) was functionalized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and utilized for boron removal from the aqueous system. Results of Brunauer--Emmett--Teller (BET) surface area analysis and Boehm titration indicated notable decrease in total surface area and increase in acidic surface functional groups of PS after PVA modification. Enhanced sorption is indicative of complex formation between diol groups of the pomegranate seed powder--polyvinyl alcohol (PS–PVA) and borate ions. Under column test, the saturated sorption capacity of boron was noted to be dependent on flow rate and bed height. The developed central composite design (CCD) was adequate to elucidate the sorption mechanism. Mathematical modeling of the column data was conducted, and a modified-dose-response model was the most suitable to describe the breakthrough curve and observed to be consistent with CCD analysis. This is further supported by extensive error analyses conducted between the model predicted and experimental data.     

Chromosome damage in individuals exposed to heavy metals†

Testing the mutagenic activity of environmental pollutants has become an important area of modern environmental science and prophylactic medicine. The most suitable method for short‐term mutagenicity testing on man, at present, are chromosome studies on somatic cells of exposed individuals. Mutation types analyzed by such studies are of high practical relevance as indicator system of genetic damage induced in man under in vivo conditions. A rather large series of such studies has been dedicated to the action of heavy metals on individuals contacted with these metals under therapeutic, ecological or occupational conditions or by intoxication. Lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, mercury, zinc and other metals as well as their compounds have been under study. Analyses of that kind, of course, are hampered by difficulties with the distinct estimation of the actual load as well as unclear conditions of exposition, e.g. simultaneous exposition to different metals.

Results obtained till now arouse some suspicion of a direct or indirect mutagenic activity in man by certain chromium and platinum compounds, arsenic, mercury, and combinations of lead with other heavy metals (cadmium, zinc, arsenic, antimony, etc.). Life style, above all smoking habits, well may act comutagenic. In most cases, however, mutagenic activity of metals and metal compounds apparently is clearly superposed by their toxic activity. In specific cases, chromosome studies also may contribute to discover sources of ecological exposition and to monitor occupational load by heavy metals.     

Sensitivity of Ozone Production to the Nmhc Composition,Aerosol Back-Scattering and High Chimney Emission

Abstract

In this paper, three sensitivity studies are designed to analyze the effect of the NMHC (Non-Methane HydroCarbon) composition, the aerosol back-scattering and the high chimney NO _x emission to the photochemical prodution of ozone by using a one-dimensional photochemistry-diffusion model under a favourable meteorological condition. Measurements of the NMHC composition in Taipei indicated that the percentage of iso-butene, cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene and benzene in a unit volume was much higher than of those observed in other major cities. the high ratio of benzene was directly linked to its high percentage in gasoline. As to the unusually high amount of iso-butene, cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene, more researches are needed to identify their source. Concerns are raised as to how productive is NMHC composition is to the photochemical production of the surface ozone. A rough estimate shows that the total reactivity of the Taipei NMHC composition is about 1.21 × 10^?9 cm³ s^?1 which is 1.6 times that of the Los Angeles (LA) NMHC composition, while the simulated noon peak will be different by 28 ppbv, i.e. 18% more than that simulated with a LA composition.

Meanwhile, high aerosol loading is a serious problem in Taipei. the attenuation of the UV radiation by aerosols cannot be ignored. A numerical simulation shows that the noon ozone level will decrease from 178 to 141ppbv, i. e. about 21% reduction, with deterioration of the visual range from 85 to 5 km.

In the southern Taiwan, industry parks are mixed with the populated Kaohsiung city, hence the large emission of NO _x from high chimneys cannot be ignored. in this study, NO _x is assumed to be emitted in the layer between 235–460 m high with an emission rate of 0.05 or 0.145 ppbv/sec. the results show that the NO _x emitted from the elevated stack lead to a considerable reduction of surface ozone. Such conclusion is obtained due to the fact that a one-dimensional model is used in this paper. Whereas, if a three-dimensional regional model was used, then a higher productivity of ozone downstream would be simulated.     

Work-related road safety: A case study of Roche Australia

Fleet, work-related or occupational road safety has the potential to make a major contribution to reducing both human harm and asset damage. To date, however, there would appear to be a dearth of well researched and evaluated case studies in the public domain in this area.This paper provides an on-going, documented, real-world case study of work-related road safety within an Australian company that has sought to manage, monitor and improve its road safety performance over the last 5 years through a range of proactive, fleet manager, insurance and risk-led initiatives.Roche Australia has successfully implemented a Company Motor Vehicle Safety Program with support from its fleet insurers and risk management advisors. Four key initiatives are set out covering: (1) Driver risk assessment, monitoring and improvement. (2) Policy development and communications. (3) Process and outcomes evaluation. (4) Continuous review and refinement of policies, processes, programs and future developments.The program has led to a range of process and performance-based outcomes. Typical barriers to success in work-related road safety have been identified and overcome. Almost 100% risk assessment and improvement process compliance by drivers has been achieved. A predictive relationship between risk assessment outcomes and collision history has been identified. Reductions in insurance claims, collision costs and claims ratio have been sustained. A detailed project plan is in place to continue the program for the next 3 years.The paper concludes that with effective management, a well developed work-related road safety program can result in performance improvements within the initiating organisation. Several limitations in the case study methodology, as well as areas for further work and lessons for policy makers, researchers and practitioners are also identified.     

资源整合矿区水害探测及防治技术可行性研究

为了研究资源整合后矿区水害探测及防治技术,从山西省矿区设置问题入手,借鉴国内外同类研究进展情况,提出了本文研究对象—一个具有相对独立补给、径流、排泄条件的水文地质单元内所有矿区,提出了六项需要解决的关键技术问题即:引进煤层底板突水预测预报的新方法 -"脆弱性指数法";建立底板突水评价的脆弱性指数模型;煤层顶板突水灾害预测预报的新方法—三图双预测法;采掘前方断层小构造预测预报技术方法;矿井涌(突)水水源快速判别及预测预报;整合后矿区采空区探测问题,并针对以上问题论证了其可行性,提出新的研究思路和新的技术方法。     

PRECIPITATION DIFFERENCES AMONGST GCMs USED FOR THE U.S. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT1

ABSTRACT: Two general circulation models (GCMs) used in the U.S. national assessment of the potential consequences of climate variability and change (CGCM1 and HadCM2) show a large increase in precipitation in the future over the southwestern U.S., particularly during winter. This precipitation increase is an extension of a larger region of increased precipitation in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of North America that is associated with a deepened and southward-shifted Aleutian Low, a weaker subtropical high, and warmer sea surface temperatures (SSTs). The models differ in their simulation of precipitation anomalies over the southeastern U.S., with CGCM1 showing drier conditions and HadCM2 showing wetter conditions in the future. While both models show decreased frequency of Atlantic storms, consistent with decreased meridional and land/sea temperature gradients, the more coastal position of the storm track in CGCM1 results in less precipitation than modern along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. During summer, differences in land surface models within the two GCMs sometimes lead to differences in soil moisture that feed back to the precipitation over land due to available moisture.     

面向复杂设备的分布式故障诊断研究

基于复杂系统的设备故障诊断的要求 ,按故障信息流动的方向将诊断过程分为实时监测层、故障诊断层及综合决策层 ,并建造一种分布式多级黑板诊断结构模型。根据不同诊断层次的特点 ,赋予其不同的诊断方法。在实时监测层中各实时监测单元采用神经网络和知识基模块的混合结构完成该层任务 ;故障诊断层则基于广义知识表达模型 ,建立三库结构 ,即静态实例库、动态实例库和规则库 ,整个推理过程基于三级推理机制 ;综合决策层为一智能型的辅助决策支持系统 ,提供对整个系统生产与设备运行状态的综合诊断与决策。     

餐厨垃圾与剩余污泥协同发酵提升低C/N污水脱氮效能的中试研究

我国城镇污水处理厂进水碳源普遍偏低,严重影响生物脱氮效能。外加碳源会造成大量化学品消耗及碳排放,与双碳战略背道而驰。考察了餐厨垃圾和剩余污泥联合发酵中试装备 (规模10 t·d⁻¹) 制备挥发性脂肪酸 (VFA) 效能,并将生产的VFA发酵液投加至昆山市某城镇污水处理厂,以减少外源乙酸钠碳源投加量,以期探索城市污水与有机固废的协同、高效、低碳处理技术。结果表明：餐厨垃圾与剩余污泥体积比为7∶3时,VFA质量浓度最高,达到54.3 g·L⁻¹ (以COD计) ,乙酸和丙酸质量分数分别为36.5%和22.8%;在批次发酵中试实验中,VFA最高质量浓度达67.5 g·L⁻¹ (以COD计) ,最低质量浓度为42.4 g·L⁻¹ (以COD计) ,平均质量浓度为55.0 g·L⁻¹ (以COD计) ;对比3类碳源的反硝化实验结果,投加乙酸钠组1.5 h脱氮率为86.5%,投加发酵液组4.5 h脱氮率为81.0%,投加餐厨垃圾组仅为69.8%;根据出水总氮预警阈值 (>8 mg·L⁻¹) 补加发酵液,替代部分乙酸钠,通过实际污水厂运行数据,拟合得到发酵液投量X (m³) 与乙酸钠吨水节约量Y (g·m⁻³) 的线性关系式Y=4.9X+3.5,其中R²=0.91。该研究结果可为联合发酵制备优质碳源提升污水厂脱氮工程应用提供参考。     

工程案例研究在河湖库环保清淤决策中的重要性 (代序言)

环保清淤是清除河湖库淤积物、削减内源污染负荷、修复受损水生态系统的重要工程措施,从20世纪90年代引入我国以来,已经成为河湖库治理的主要技术手段之一。环保清淤工程技术要求高、投资总额大、涉及方面多,有必要基于已经实施工程案例的启示开展系统性总结分析,进一步提高我国环保清淤工程决策的前瞻性和科学性。本文通过对现有工程案例前期论证、实施过程监测、效果评价、底泥处理处置方法及资源化利用等方面系统总结,讨论了当今具有挑战性的环保清淤决策科技问题,提出了未来工程案例研究应包括的主要发展方向。     

加强监测科研为环境管理服务

简要阐述了对环境监测工作重要性的认识、监测分析工作在为环境管理服务方面存在的思想、观念上的误区，及监测站在分忻环境问题方面所占有的优势。强调指出，加强监测科研是全面提升监测工作能力和水平的重要途径。