Phase separation and regrowth of aerosol matter collected after size fractionation in an impactor

Aerosol matter in the size range <2 μm was collected in a Berner impactor and subsequently analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry. Owing to the low electron beam energy of 5 keV (occasionally 10 keV), analysis was restricted to elements with atomic numbers 20 (Ca). Sub-micrometer aerosol matter was found to contain mostly S, O, and C as well as some K and Ca. Nitrogen appeared to escape detection, probably due to bombardment-induced sublimation of NO₃ and NH₄. During sampling at low to moderate relative humidity (<60%) the sulphur-rich fraction of the aerosol matter (most likely sulphates) regrew in the form of microcrystals with sizes up to 10 times larger than the mean aerodynamic diameter of the respective impactor stage. By contrast, when sampling during periods in course of which the relative humidity exceeded 70%, the aerosol matter regrew in the form of extended amorphous agglomerates. The aerosol deposits also contained large numbers of carbon nanoparticles, well separated from the regrown sulphate-rich matter. The nanoparticles were similar in size (20–40 nm), much smaller than the equivalent aerodynamic diameter of the impacting particles (63 nm–2 μm). Presumably, the carbon nanoparticles constituted the core of larger air-borne particles covered with sulphates (as well as with nitrates and organic carbon). The regrown microcrystals disappeared rapidly under electron bombardment at high current density, an observation that indicates high volatility at elevated temperatures. Aerosol matter collected in the size range between 1 and 2 μm contained large fractions of particles made of O, Si, P, K, and Ca (oxides). These particles were highly resistant to electron bombardment (hard) and showed little or no evidence for agglomeration or regrowth. After removing the soluble (acidic) material from the collected aerosol matter, only carbon nanoparticles and hard coarse particles were left behind. The observation of agglomerated or crystallized “soft” aerosol matter in combination with phase separation of carbon nanoparticles lends further support to the assertion that it is not possible to collect useful quantities of fine and ultrafine aerosol particles with as-suspended morphology. Some implications for health-related research are discussed.     

Vertical aerosol data assimilation technology and application based on satellite and ground lidar: A review and outlook

Observations and numerical models are mainly used to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution and vertical structure characteristics of aerosols to understand aerosol pollution and its effects. However, the limitations of observations and the uncertainties of numerical models bias aerosol calculations and predictions. Data assimilation combines observations and numerical models to improve the accuracy of the initial, analytical fields of models and promote the development of atmospheric aerosol pollution research. Numerous studies have been conducted to integrate multi-source data, such as aerosol optical depth and aerosol extinction coefficient profile, into various chemical transport models using various data assimilation algorithms and have achieved good assimilation results. The definition of data assimilation and the main algorithms will be briefly presented, and the progress of aerosol assimilation according to two types of aerosol data, namely, aerosol optical depth and extinction coefficient, will be presented. The application of vertical aerosol data assimilation, as well as the future trends and challenges of aerosol data assimilation, will be further analysed.     

Review of technologies and their applications for the speciated detection of RO2 radicals

Peroxy radicals (RO₂), which are formed during the oxidation of volatile organic compounds, play an important role in atmospheric oxidation reactions. Therefore, the measurement of RO₂, especially distinct species of RO₂ radicals, is important and greatly helps the exploration of atmospheric chemistry mechanisms. Although the speciated detection of RO₂ radicals remains challenging, various methods have been developed to study them in detail. These methods can be divided into spectroscopy and mass spectrometry technologies. The spectroscopy methods contain laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), UV-absorption spectroscopy, cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) and matrix isolation and electron spin resonance (MIESR). The mass spectrometry methods contain chemical ionization atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CI-APi-TOF), chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS), CI-Orbitrap-MS and the third-generation proton transfer reaction–time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR3). This article reviews technologies for the speciated detection of RO₂ radicals and the applications of these methods. In addition, a comparison of these techniques and the reaction mechanisms of some key species are discussed. Finally, possible gaps are proposed that could be filled by future research into speciated RO₂ radicals.     

化学品泄漏致大气环境损害的量化评估初探

以某化学品泄漏造成大气污染为例,采用虚拟治理成本法,通过对污染物单位治理成本的调查,污染物危害系数的确定等步骤量化生态环境损害的数额。针对生态环境损害价值量化过程中主要污染物的选择、单位治理成本的确定、危害类别的判断等技术关键点,提出,应结合环境质量标准限值,污染物危害系数等综合因素选择主要污染物;采用成本函数法来确定某一地区单位治理成本更容易被采纳;利用标签制度（GHS）危险性类别的结论能够快速确定污染物危害系数,以期为大气环境损害鉴定评估技术方法的完善提供参考和借鉴。     

上海市大气颗粒物中金属元素特征

分析上海市５个采样点，１９８６年至１９８７年连续１２个月的大气颗粒物样品中的１１种金属元素含量。结果表明，市区各功能区之间，以及各个季节之间，元素分布特征差异；细粒子中的重金属元素主要受局部地区工业源和气象条件的影响；与其它城市相比，上海市大气颗粒物中的重金属元素含量高数倍；通过粒径－成份以及富集因子分析，探讨了这些元素的来源。     

火电行业环境空气预测评价的研究

以2003年～2011年辽宁省境内新、扩改建火力发电厂和供热机组建设为研究对象,采用案例分析,结合国家有关大气环境影响预测评价的有关规定,就环境影响预测评价中存在的问题进行讨论,提出只有在SO2、NOx、PM10环境现状监测值为标准值的90%、30%、5%以上情况下才进行预测,否则,环境空气预测可以减免。     

Validation of modeling approach to evaluate congener-specific concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in air and soil near a solid waste incinerator

A concise modeling approach using long-term averaged meteorological data was developed to estimate site-specific concentrations of congeners of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) near a solid waste incinerator. This approach consists of calculation of atmospheric dispersion, dry and wet deposition of gaseous and particle-bound congeners, and non-steady-state concentrations in soil. The predictability of this approach was evaluated by comparison of calculated concentrations of congeners in soil with those measured at eight locations near a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI). The variation of these concentrations due to variability of meteorological parameters is small. A considerable number of mean values show good agreement with measured concentrations within a factor of three. The reasonable agreement between calculated and measured concentrations indicates that algorithms for the calculation of vapor-phase deposition and non-steady-state concentrations in soil must be included in the modeling approach for an accurate estimation of the concentrations of congeners of PCDD/Fs emitted from MSWIs to the atmosphere. For a detailed estimation of site-specific concentrations, it is important to specify the bulk density of soil in the evaluated area, together with meteorological parameters.     

南太湖地区湖州市大气PM_(2.5)中多环芳烃的研究——污染现状和人体暴露健康风险评价

运用智能综合大气采样仪采集了南太湖地区湖州市大气PM 10和PM 2.5样品,采用高效液相色谱检测了该样品中16种多环芳烃化合物,通过苯并(a)芘(Ba P)致癌等效浓度、人群终身超额致癌风险和预期寿命损失等指标,评价湖州市大气PM2.5中多环芳烃的人群健康风险。结果表明:全市大气PM 2.5中多环芳烃全年总平均浓度为11.59 ng/m 3,季平均浓度范围在4.775~23.98 ng/m3之间,季节之间呈现一定的变化,冬季秋季春季夏季;全市大气PM 2.5中多环芳烃的苯并(a)芘总致癌等效浓度(TEQ)年均值为1.138 ng/m3,污染所致的成人和儿童的终身超额致癌风险分别为8.7×10-6和6.0×10-6,成人的预期寿命损失为44.5 min。     

The presence and partitioning behavior of flame retardants in waste, leachate, and air particles from Norwegian waste-handling facilities

Flame retardants in commercial products eventually make their way into the waste stream.Herein the presence of flame retardants in Norwegian landfills, incineration facilities and recycling sorting/defragmenting facilities is investigated. These facilities handled waste electrical and electronic equipment(WEEE), vehicles, digestate, glass, combustibles, bottom ash and fly ash. The flame retardants considered included polybrominated diphenyl ethers(∑BDE-10) as well as dechlorane plus, polybrominated biphenyls, hexabromobenzene,pentabromotoluene and pentabromoethylbenzene(collectively referred to as ∑FR-7). Plastic,WEEE and vehicles contained the largest amount of flame retardants(∑BDE-10: 45,000–210,000 μg/kg; ∑FR-7: 300–13,000 μg/kg). It was hypothesized leachate and air concentrations from facilities that sort/defragment WEEE and vehicles would be the highest. This was supported for total air phase concentrations(∑BDE-10: 9000–195,000 pg/m~3 WEEE/vehicle facilities, 80–900 pg/m~3 in incineration/sorting and landfill sites), but not for water leachate concentrations(e.g., ∑BDE-10: 15–3500 ng/L in WEEE/Vehicle facilities and 1–250 ng/L in landfill sites). Landfill leachate exhibited similar concentrations as WEEE/vehicle sorting and defragmenting facility leachate. To better account for concentrations in leachates at the different facilities, waste-water partitioning coefficients, Kwastewere measured(for the first time to our knowledge for flame retardants). WEEE and plastic waste had elevated Kwastecompared to other wastes, likely because flame retardants are directly added to these materials. The results of this study have implications for the development of strategies to reduce exposure and environmental emissions of flame retardants in waste and recycled products through improved waste management practices.     

Underwater LNG release test findings: Experimental data and model results

An underwater LNG release test was conducted to understand the phenomena that occur when LNG is released underwater and to determine the characteristic of the vapor emanating from the water surface. Another objective of the test was to determine if an LNG liquid pool formed on the water surface, spread and evaporated in a manner similar to that from an on-the-surface release of LNG.A pit of dimensions 10.06 m × 6.4 m and 1.22 m depth filled with water to 1.14 m depth was used. A vertically upward shooting LNG jet was released from a pipe of 2.54 cm diameter at a depth of 0.71 m below the water surface. LNG was released over 5.5-min duration, with a flow rate of 0.675 ± 0.223 L/s. The wind speed varied between 2 m/s and 4 m/s during the test.Data were collected as a function of time at a number of locations. These data included LNG flow rate, meteorological conditions, temperatures at a number of locations within the water column, and vapor temperatures and concentrations in air at different downwind locations and heights. Concentration measurements were made with instruments on poles located at 3.05 m, 6.1 m and 9.14 m from the downwind edge of the pit and at heights 0.46 m, 1.22 m, and 2.13 m. The phenomena occurring underwater were recorded with an underwater video camera. Water surface and in-air phenomena including the dispersion of the vapor emanating from the water surface were captured on three land-based video cameras.The lowest temperature recorded for the vapor emanating from the water surface was −1 °C indicating that the vapor emitted into air was buoyant. In general the maximum concentration observed at each instrument pole was progressively at higher and higher elevations as one traveled downwind, indicating that the vapor cloud was rising. These findings from the instrument recorded data were supported by the visual record showing the “white” cloud rising, more or less vertically, in air. No LNG pool was observed on the surface of water. Discussions are provided on the test findings and comparison with predictions from a previously published theoretical model.