Chemical composition and physical properties of filter fly ashes from eight grate-fired biomass combustion plants

For the handling, treatment and utilization of fly ash from biomass combustion its chemical composition and physical properties are important. In this study eight filter fly ashes from different grate-fired biomass combustion plants were investigated. In fly ash from straw combustion high concentrations of(K) were found, whereas in the fly ash from wood combustion the concentrations of Ca and Mg were higher. The average concentration of PO3-4was similar in both types of fly ashes. In all wood fly ashes some measured heavy metal concentrations were above the limits for utilization. The straw fly ashes were much less contaminated and can be utilized. For wood fly ash most parameters showed little variation, except from one fly ash where the dust pre-separator is in poor condition. The average values were: mass median diameter 4.3 ± 0.8 μm, spread of particle size distribution19 ± 11, particle density 2620 ± 80 kg/m3 and angle of repose 50°± 1°. The density of the straw fly ashes is lower(2260 ± 80 kg/m3) and the spread of the size distribution is higher(72 ± 24).For one straw combustion fly ash the values of the mass median diameter and the angle of repose were similar to the values of wood combustion fly ash, for the other straw fly ash the values differed considerably. While the particle size of this fly ash was much smaller,surprisingly the angle of repose was also lower. This can be attributed to the formation of small agglomerates in this fly ash, which were not disintegrated without a certain stress.     

Vertical distribution of aerosol optical properties based on aircraft measurements over the Loess Plateau in China

Vertical distributions of aerosol optical properties based on aircraft measurements over the Loess Plateau were measured for the first time during a summertime aircraft campaign, 2013 in Shanxi, China. Data from four flights were analyzed. The vertical distributions of aerosol optical properties including aerosol scattering coefficients (σ_sc), absorption coefficients (σ_ab), Angström exponent (α), single scattering albedo (ω), backscattering ratio (β_sc), aerosol mass scattering proficiency (Q_sc) and aerosol surface scattering proficiency (Q_sc^′) were obtained. The mean statistical values of σ_sc were 77.45 Mm^− 1 (at 450 nm), 50.72 Mm^− 1 (at 550 nm), and 32.02 Mm^− 1 (at 700 nm). The mean value of σ_ab was 7.62 Mm^− 1 (at 550 nm). The mean values of α, β_sc and ω were 1.93, 0.15, and 0.91, respectively. Aerosol concentration decreased with altitude. Most effective diameters (ED) of aerosols were less than 0.8 μm. The vertical profiles of σ_sc,, α, β_sc, Q_sc and Q_sc^′ showed that the aerosol scattering properties at lower levels contributed the most to the total aerosol radiative forcing. Both α and β_sc had relatively large values, suggesting that most aerosols in the observational region were small particles. The mean values of σ_sc, α, β_sc, Q_sc, Q_sc^′, σ_ab and ω at different height ranges showed that most of the parameters decreased with altitude. The forty-eight hour backward trajectories of air masses during the observation days indicated that the majority of aerosols in the lower level contributed the most to the total aerosol loading, and most of these particles originated from local or regional pollution emissions.     

Determination and Evaluation of Cadmium, Copper, Nickel, and Zinc in Agricultural Soils of Western Macedonia, Greece

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of major phytotoxic metals―including cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)―in agricultural soils of Western Macedonia, Greece. We also wanted to determine the possible relationships among elements and between soil properties and elemental concentrations. Surface soil samples, n = 570, were collected and analyzed. The results of the elemental analysis showed that the mean metal concentrations were consistent with reported typical concentrations found in Greek agricultural soils in the cases of Zn and Cu. Cd exhibited lower and Ni higher mean concentrations than the typical levels reported in the literature. Metal concentrations in the majority of the examined samples (>69%) were found to be higher than the respective critical plant-deficiency levels. However, only 0.4% and 0.2% of the analyzed soil samples, respectively, exhibited Cd and Ni concentrations higher than the levels that cause plant toxicity, as referenced by other investigators. These results suggest that the soils studied can be considered as unpolluted with respect to the examined food-chain metal contaminants. However, the levels of the metal concentrations in some of the soil samples, and the low correlation of the metals with soil properties, suggest an anthropogenic rather that lithogenic origin.     

Do nanoparticles present ecotoxicological risks for the health of the aquatic environment?

Nanotechnology is a major innovative scientific and economic growth area, which may present a variety of hazards for environmental and human health. The surface properties and very small size of nanoparticles and nanotubes provide surfaces that may bind and transport toxic chemical pollutants, as well as possibly being toxic in their own right by generating reactive radicals. There is a wealth of evidence for the harmful effects of nanoscale combustion-derived particulates (ultrafines), which when inhaled can cause a number of pulmonary pathologies in mammals and humans. However, release of manufactured nanoparticles into the aquatic environment is largely an unknown. This review addresses the possible hazards associated with nanomaterials and harmful effects that may result from exposure of aquatic animals to nanoparticles. Possible nanoparticle association with naturally occurring colloids and particles is considered together with how this could affect their bioavailability and uptake into cells and organisms. Uptake by endocytotic routes are identified as probable major mechanisms of entry into cells; potentially leading to various types of toxic cell injury. The higher level consequences for damage to animal health, ecological risk and possible food chain risks for humans are also considered based on known behaviours and toxicities for inhaled and ingested nanoparticles in the terrestrial environment. It is concluded that a precautionary approach is required with individual evaluation of new nanomaterials for risk to the health of the environment. Although current toxicity testing protocols should be generally applicable to identify harmful effects associated with nanoparticles, research into new methods is required to address the special properties of nanomaterials.     

聚丙烯腈基活性炭纤维对罗丹明B吸附性能研究

利用扫描电子显微镜（SEM）和比表面分析仪等对聚丙烯腈基活性炭纤维进行表征。考察了吸附动力学、pH值、吸附温度及罗丹明B初始浓度对吸附性能的影响。结果表明,最佳接触时间为140min;在中性条件下,罗丹明B的去除率最低,pH=2.0时达到最大;温度为55℃时,ACFs的吸附效果最好;罗丹明B的去除率随着罗丹明B初始浓度增大而减小。并对材料的吸附机制进行了简要的分析。     

长江三峡花岗岩坡面林地土管特性及其对管流的影响

相互连通具有一定通透性的土壤大空隙称为大孔隙,亦可称其为土管。根据土管成因不同将其分为四种类型,即土壤动物流动导致的土管、植物根系形成的土管、土壤裂隙形成的土管和土壤水分运动形成的土管。在长江三峡花岗岩地区至少存在两种成因的土管,即植物死亡根系形成的（生物性）土管和由土壤裂隙形成的（地质性0土管。由降雨导致水分在土壤大孔隙中的运动过程称为管流,管流是优先流的主要形式之一。管流的产生对于降雨而言具有一定的滞后性（管流开始出现一般较开始降雨时间推迟3－4小时）,管流的产生与降雨强度、降雨量和土壤水力特性等要素有关,相同条件下管流流量和降雨强度及降雨量呈正相关,管流特性不仅与土管的成因有关,而且与土管在土壤剖面的位置也有一定关系。由于土管内部粗糙程度和分枝合流情况不同,土壤前期降雨量、本次降雨强度影响也造成管流的水文过程产生差别。     

The basic properties of poly(lactic acid) produced by the direct condensation polymerization of lactic acid

Poly(lactic acids) with high molecular weights have been synthesized by direct condensation polymerization of lactic acid. These polymers have good mechanical properties and can be processed into products such as cups, film, and fiber, which can be used as compostable materials. This polymerization method can be applied to the synthesis of copolymers of lactic acid and other hydroxyacids. The properties of poly(lactic acid) and copolymers synthesized by the direct process are different from those of polymers obtained by the conventional lactide process.     

Environmental gradients in northwest freshwater wetlands

Wetland environmental characteristics are examined to determine their spatial and temporal relationships. Two very different Oregon freshwater wetlands provided a range of wetland types. Results are evaluated to determine the possible use of environmental characteristics in defining wetlands and their boundaries. Representative physical, hydrological, and edaphic properties were periodically measured in microplots along upland/wetland transects. A multivariate approach is stressed in the data analysis; correlation, cluster analysis, and principal components analyses were used. The results indicate the environmental characteristics change in a quantifiable manner both spatially and temporally. The controlling mechanism is moisture, spatially in terms of the upland/wetland transect and temporally with respect to seasonal response. These changes do not correlate well with vegetation. Several hypotheses are offered as an explanation. Correlation within environmental characteristics is variable but definite patterns are discernible. These data suggest both single and combinations of environmental characteristics that could serve as keys in wetland identification and boundary determination. However, before extensive use is made of this information additional long-term monitoring of wetland environmental characteristics will be required.