Modeling of air sparging of VOC-contaminated soil columns

Air sparging is a remediation technology currently being applied for the restoration of sites contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Attempts have been made by various researchers to model the fate of VOCs in the gas and liquid phase during air sparging. In this study, a radial diffusion model with an air–water mass transfer boundary condition was developed and applied for the prediction of VOC volatilization from air sparging of contaminated soil columns. The approach taken was to use various parameters such as mass transfer coefficients and tortuosity factors determined previously in separate experiments using a single air channel apparatus and applying these parameters to a complex system with many air channels. Incorporated in the model, is the concept of mass transfer zone (MTZ) where diffusion of VOCs in this zone was impacted by the volatilization of VOCs at the air–water interface but with negligible impact outside the zone. The model predicted fairly well the change in the VOC concentrations in the exhaust air, the final average aqueous VOC concentration, and the total mass removed. The predicted mass removal was within 1% to 20% of the actual experimental mass removed. The results of the model seemed to suggest that air-sparged soil columns may be modeled as a composite of individual air channels surrounded by a MTZ. For a given air flow rate and air saturation, the VOC removal was found to be inversely proportional to the radius of the air channel. The approach taken provided conceptual insights on mass transfer processes during air sparging operations.     

Association of retreating monsoon and extreme air pollution in a megacity

The world's top ranked mega city Delhi is known for deteriorated air quality. However, the analysis of air pollution data of 5 years (2014–2018) reveals that years 2016 and 2017, which were marked by an unusual delayed withdrawal of monsoon, witnessed an unprecedented extreme levels of toxic PM_2.5 particles (≤2.5 µm in diameter) touching a peak level of $～$760 µg/m³ (24 hr average), immediately after the monsoon retreat, surpassing WHO standards by $～$30 time and Indian national standards by $～$12 times, jeopardising lives of its citizens. However, the normal monsoon withdrawal years do not show such extreme levels of pollution. The high resolution WRF-Chem model along with meteorological data are used in this work to understand that how the delayed monsoon withdrawal and associated vagarious anti-cyclonic circulation resulted in trapping externally generated pollutants ceaselessly under colder conditions, leading to historic air quality crisis in landlocked mega city in these selected years. The sensitivity analysis confirmed that when WRF-chem model forced the climatology of normal monsoon year (2015) to simulate the pollution scenario of 2016 and 2017 for the above time period, the crisis subsided. Present findings suggest that such unusual monsoon patterns are on the hook to spur extreme pollution events in recent time.     

A review of the technology and applications of methods for evaluating the transport of air pollutants

A variety of methods based on air quality models, including tracer methods, the brute-force method (BFM), decoupled direct method (DDM), high-order decoupled direct method (HDDM), response surface models (RSMs) and so on forth, have been widely used to study the transport of air pollutants. These methods have good applicability for the transport of air pollutants with simple formation mechanisms. However, differences in research conclusions on secondary pollutants with obvious nonlinear characteristics have been reported. For example, the tracer method is suitable for the study of simplified scenarios, while HDDM and RSMs are more suitable for the study for nonlinear pollutants. Multiple observation techniques, including conventional air pollutant observation, lidar observation, air sounding balloons, vehicle-mounted and ship-borne technology, aerial surveys, and remote sensing observations, have been utilized to investigate air pollutant transport characteristics with time resolution as high as 1 sec. In addition, based on a multi-regional input-output model combined with emission inventories, the transfer of air pollutant emissions can be evaluated and applied to study the air pollutant transport characteristics. Observational technologies have advantages in temporal resolution and accuracy, while modeling technologies are more flexible in spatial resolution and research plan setting. In order to accurately quantify the transport characteristics of pollutants, it is necessary to develop a research method for interactive verification of observation and simulation. Quantitative evaluation of the transport of air pollutants from different angles can provide a scientific basis for regional joint prevention and control.     

Liquid-phase hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene driven by nascent H2 under an open system: Hydrogenation activity, solvent effect and sulfur poisoning

Hydrodechlorination is a promising technology for the remediation of water body contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). In this work, the liquid-phase hydrogenation of TCE by Raney Ni (R-Ni) and Pd/C under an open system have been studied, in which nascent H₂ (Nas-H₂) generated in situ from the cathode acted as a hydrogen source. Experimental results showed that TCE was completely eliminate from the solution through the synergistic effects of hydrodechlorination and air flotation due to the formation of continuous micro/nano-sized Nas-H₂ bubbles from the cathode. Furthermore, the effects of inorganic anions and organic solvents on R-Ni and Pd/C hydrogenation activity were investigated, respectively. The results showed that NO₃^? and acetonitrile can form a competitive reaction with TCE; Sulfur with lone-pair electrons will cause irreversible poisoning to these two catalysts, and have a stronger inhibitory effect on Pd/C. This work helps to realize the separation of volatile halogenated compounds from water environment and provides certain data support for the choice of catalyst in the actual liquid-phase hydrogenation system.     

The electrocoagulation/flotation study: The removal of heavy metals from the waste fountain solution

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of heavy metals (copper, zinc and nickel) removal from the waste fountain solution by the electrocoagulation/flotation (ECF) treatment. After the printing process, the fountain solution changes its composition due to direct contact with different printing materials (plates, inks, etc.) and becomes enriched with metals. The effect of operational parameters, such as electrode materials and combinations, current density, interelectrode distance and operating time, was studied. Also, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the effect of main operational variables and to get a balanced removal efficiency of metals from waste fountain solution by ECF treatment. The iron/iron electrode combination yields a higher percentage of copper and zinc removal efficiency (>95% and >80%, respectively), while for nickel the aluminum/iron and iron/aluminum electrode combinations (>95 and >85%, respectively) proved to be more successful. The optimum interelectrode distance was 1.0 cm (for copper) and 1.5 cm (for zinc and nickel) for all current densities. Heavy metal removal efficiency increases with the increase of electrolysis time for all electrode combinations. Also, the increase of current density improves the ECF removal efficiency. Based on the results obtained through RSM, the optimized parameters for the ECF waste fountain solution treatment for metal removal were identified as: Fe(−)/Al(+) electrode with interelectrode distance of 1.5 cm, operating time of 60 min and current density of 8 mA cm⁻². Overall, the ECF treatment was proven very efficient in the removal of heavy metals from the waste fountain solution under optimum conditions.     

The promise of Beijing: Evaluating the impact of the 2008 Olympic Games on air quality

To prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games, China adopted a number of radical measures to improve air quality. Using the officially reported air pollution index (API) from 2000 to 2009, we show that these measures improved the API of Beijing during and a little after the Games, but a significant proportion of the effect faded away by October 2009. For comparison, we also analyze an objective and indirect measure of air quality at a high spatial resolution – aerosol optimal depth (AOD), derived using the data from NASA satellites. The AOD analysis confirms the real but temporary improvement in air quality, it also shows a significant correlation between air quality improvement and the timing and location of plant closure and traffic control. These results suggest that it is possible to achieve real environmental improvement via stringent policy interventions, but for how long the effects of these interventions will last will largely depend on the continuation of the interventions.     

An assessment of air pollution episodes in the urban area of athensfor the period 1984–1994

Air pollution episodes in the greater Athens area for the period 1984–1994 were examined to assess the type, frequency and repetitivity of air pollution in the examined area. The assessment depends strongly on the definition of an air pollution episode (APE), namely if it is the narrow or broad one. Results from the statistical analysis of the data record‐on the basis of the broad definition of the APE‐show a declining trend in the number of APEs especially for non‐photochemical species, a sharp increase of APEs from 1987 to 1993 due to high ozone levels and a similarly sharp decrease thereafter, and a decreasing trend of nitrogen dioxide episodes from the year 1992 thereon. Interannual examination of APEs shows that they occur in higher numbers during the period November to January and in the period May to July. Finally an examination of the number of days for which urgent‐short term‐measures were taken to reduce high levels of atmospheric pollution, shows a decreasing trend from 1989, with the exception of 1994 where the sharp increase in the number of days is due to the application of the urgent measures at a precautionary mode, i.e. when pollution loads exceed the alert levels, air pollution increases in rapid rates and meteorological conditions are supportive for an enhanced APE.     

基于实时控制的电絮凝-气浮处理重金属清淤尾水

针对重金属清淤尾水具有污染物浓度高、水质波动大、沉淀性能差等特点,选取pH值和浊度作为实时监测因子,并借助沉淀模拟和数据拟合等手段,建立了比电流与镉残留量之间的实时控制响应模型.结果表明:铝-电絮凝-气浮兼有中和pH值和改善泥水分离的优点,实现了重金属铅、镉和锌的达标排放;此外实时控制策略节省了35.8%的材料消耗和43.4%的电能消耗以及降低了47.9%的产泥量.     

2015年中国PM2.5相关超额死亡数集成评估

环境空气细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))污染是我国目前较为突出的环境问题,也对人群健康造成严重威胁。基于国内外5套不同来源的2015年中国PM_(2.5)年均暴露浓度数据和5种暴露-反应关系(exposure-response,E-R)模型,设置了不同PM_(2.5)暴露浓度与E-R模型的25种组合情景,评估了2015年中国归因于环境PM_(2.5)导致的超额死亡数。结果表明,2015年全国(覆盖2 826个区县) PM_(2.5)相关超额死亡数为75.0万～256.5万例,其中应用国内E-R模型评估得到的超额死亡数(186.0万～256.5万例)大于国外模型评估得到的超额死亡数(75.0万～133.2万例);空间分布上,京津冀、河南、山东等重污染地区及人口密度较大地区的PM_(2.5)相关疾病负担较重,这些地区需制定更严格的政策来改善空气质量及保护公众健康。指出,我国地面监测站获得的暴露数据通常会高估全国PM_(2.5)的实际浓度均值,运用多套PM_(2.5)暴露浓度数据和多种E-R模型评估疾病负担,有利于减少评估的不确定性。提出,应加强我国PM_(2.5)与人群健康的队列研究及数据积累,以获取更准确的E-R关系,提升PM_(2.5)相关疾病负担评估结果的准确性。     

化工企业废气BTEX排放及周边居民区空气暴露健康风险分析

采用气相色谱-质谱法,于2016年9月和12月对江苏省某化工企业与苯系物排放相关的废气排放口和周边居民区环境空气中苯、甲苯、邻二甲苯、间/对二甲苯、乙苯等5种典型苯系物（BTEX）的排放和区域污染特征进行分析,并开展BTEX来源分析及人体健康风险评估研究。结果表明,化工企业有机废气排放口苯质量浓度最高,超过《化学工业挥发性有机物排放标准》（DB32/3151—2016）限值,超标率达26.4%;环境空气中BTEX平均质量浓度为47.31μg/m³,BTEX检出率均超过80%,秋季和冬季BTEX质量浓度分别为72.5和22.2μg/m³,各组分质量浓度大小排序为：苯＞甲苯＞乙苯＞间/对-二甲苯＞邻-二甲苯,与废气排放口浓度大小顺序一致;与其他城市和地区进行比较,BTEX质量浓度处于中等水平。比值分析法研究BTEX来源结果表明,本地排放源是化工企业周边环境空气BTEX主要来源,一定程度上也受交通排放、化石燃料燃烧等污染源的影响。人体健康风险评估结果表明,BTEX单组分非致癌风险值（HQ）在安全范围之内,各监测点位 BTEX的HQ均＜１,非致癌风险可以忽略不计;苯的致癌风险值（R）为7.33×10^-6～7.49×10^-5,均超过10,有一定的致癌风险,且苯是I类致癌物质,应采取源头控制措施避免健康风险。