Stability of a Coal Waste Artificial Reef

The feasibility of using U.K. coal-fired power station waste materials for artificial reef production is being examined. in June, 1989, an experimental artificial reef was constructed in Poole Bay, off the central south coast of the U.K., using three different mixtures of pulverised fuel ash (PFA), flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) gypsum and slurry, stabilized with cement and formed into blocks. Fifty tonnes of 40 × 20 × 20 cm blocks were formed into eight conical reef units replicating three different PFA/gypsum mixtures and one concrete control. the reef structure is 10m below chart datum on a flat sandy sea-bed.

Combustion of coal concentrates the heavy metal content in the resultant ash. the purpose of stabilization of the ash as blocks is twofold: to immobilize heavy metals (or other components) and to provide hard substratum for the attachment of organisms. to examine the effectiveness of this stabilization and hence the environmental compatibility of the block materials, heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn) content of the blocks has been monitored routinely over two years, to determine leaching rates. Sectional profiles indicate partial replacement of calcium content by magnesium. Associated with this there has also been some redistribution of heavy metals. Only in the case of cadmium has there been a detectable loss from the surface of blocks. Chromium and manganese concentrations appear to have increased. the metal content of the reef epibiota (including ascidians, Ascidia mentula; hydroids, Halecium spp.; bryozoans, Bugula spp. and red algae) growing on the ash blocks has been compared to that of epibiota attached to the concrete controls and surrounding sea-bed. to date no evidence of excess bioaccumulation of metals has been detected.

The physical integrity of the ash reef blocks has been maintained. There is evidence that the blocks are increasing in compressive strength.

An indication of the fishery enhancement potential of the experimental structure is given by the presence of eight commercially fished species (crustaceans and molluscs) including lobsters (Homarus gammarus).     

A Marine Pollution Study of Northeast Coastal Water Off Taiwan Island

The coastal water of northeast Taiwan island, called 'Yin-Yang Hai' for its distinct yellow colour compared with blue offshore water, was investigated from 1989 to 1990 by the authors. Biological study showed the dominant species of plankton to be Copepoda, Cladocera, planktonic eggs and Diatoma. Dominant species of benthos were young crabs, Amphipoda and Annelida, with Amphipoda usually occurring in heavily polluted areas. Heavy metal data showed that the concentration of copper was high. the copper and iron concentration in algae of the intertidal zone was also high. the concentrations of iron and copper in inshore water were also higher than in offshore water. By comparison of the pH and salinity distribution of this area, we conclude that this coastal water has been polluted by acid waste water from coastal industry. the suspended solids concentration in sea water is high. Flocculation occurring at the boundary of fresh and saline water might be a reason for the distinct yellow colour of the water of this area. Further study is required.     

Trace metal contents of the pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) purchased from markets in Hong Kong

Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and copper concentrations of the Pacific oyster,Crassostrea gigas, purchased from four different markets were determined in this project. In general, gill tissue had the highest proportion of metal contents (34%–67%) when compared with other tissue parts (mantle, viscera, and adductor muscle), except for arsenic, which showed the highest level in adductor muscle (44%). Smaller oysters (longitudinal length of soft body part less than 6 cm) had higher metal levels than larger ones (longitudinal length of soft body part more than 6 cm), except copper. None of the four metals examined showed an obvious seasonal trend, although cadmium levels seemed to be higher in autumn and winter months. Arsenic, cadmium, and copper levels in oysters purchased from different markets and different months obtained in the present study were higher when compared with past reports. Cadmium levels, as high as 10.98 mg/kg (dry weight basis) have been obtained. This approaches the safety limit that may be hazardous to human health. Continual monitoring of cadmium and other trace metals of toxicological significance to man in Hong Kong seafood is recommended.     

Cu^2＋、Zn^2＋对生物脱氮系统的影响

Cu^2＋和Zn^2＋是污水处理工艺中经常遇到的金属离子。在驯化好的活性污泥系统中,研究了金属离子Cu^2＋和Zn^2＋在0～100mg／L浓度下对活性污泥生物脱氮系统的影响。试验发现Cu^2＋＞5mg／L、Zn^2＋＞30mg／L时,对硝化过程具有明显的抑制作用,在同样浓度的试验条件下cu“对硝化过程的抑制作用比Zn^2＋大。Cu^2＋≤0．5mg／L时对反硝化过程具有一定的促进作用,有助于提高TN的去除效果;Cu^2＋＞0．5mg／L时,对反硝化产生抑制作用,随着浓度的增加,TN去除率逐渐下降。Zn^2＋不影响反硝化过程,仅在大于30mg／L时,对硝化过程产生抑制作用。重金属Cu^2＋对生物脱氮系统的影响明显强于Zn^2＋。     

Waste plastics recycling by an entrained-flow gasifier

We studied an entrained-flow gasification process which efficiently converts waste plastics to energy at a high energy recovery rate. Waste plastics, after being shredded to <8 mm or <14 mm, were fed into an entrained-flow gasifier with air and oxygen. In the gasifier, organic substances were pyrolyzed, partially combusted, and then converted into synthetic gas (CO, H₂) at a high temperature (over 1600 K). The clarified gasification characteristics were that the lower heat value (LHV) of the product gas was over 4.2 MJ/Nm³ and the cold gas efficiency was approximately 60%. Other inert substances in the wastes such as ashes and metals were melted into slag and condensed on bag filters. The bag filters and a water scrubber removed impurities such as dusts, heavy metals, and hydrogen halides from the product gases. Solid hydrocarbons, which include char and soot, were removed at a hot cyclone and on the bag filters. Received: July 19, 2000 / Accepted: October 3, 2000     

Industry Response to the Challenge of Sustainability: The Case of the Canadian Nonferrous Mining Sector

/ The paper investigates how the Canadian nonferrous sector is tackling the challenge of sustainable development. Although there is no consensus as to what sustainable development means in practice for management in the sector, at least three dimensions must be taken into account: (1) metals are recyclable, the availability of this resource is not a concern for the foreseeable future; (2) the need to minimize environmental impacts of metals exploration, extraction, transformation, consumption, and recycling; and (3) production activities should not be socially or culturally disruptive. The nonferrous mining industry faces several environmental problems. Some of the most significant are acid mine drainage, sulfur emissions, recycling, and metals toxicity. The industry has developed a number of responses to address these specific concerns as well as other more general challenges. Six strategies are described and analyzed: (1) research and development, (2) an effort of consensus building among stakeholders known as the Whitehorse Mining Initiative, (3) international networking, (4) active involvement in the development of environmental management standards, (5) management reorganization and (6) voluntary agreements. The importance of external factors in the shaping of corporate environmental management practices is discussed, in particular the role of government. Progress has been achieved in three areas: (1) managerial practices and organization, (2) reducing the impacts of ongoing operations and (3) minimizing future liabilities, but two significant fields of conflict remain, namely mining in wilderness areas and projects on aboriginal lands.KEY WORDS: Canada; Environmental management; Minerals industry; Nonferrous metals; Sustainable development; Whitehorse Mining Initiative     

土壤重金属污染的植物修复技术

土壤重金属污染的植物修复技术是土壤重金属污染治理的重要方法.分析了土壤重金属污染植物修复的必要性、土壤重金属污染的植物修复技术(植物萃取技术、根际过滤技术、植物固化技术、植物挥发技术)、重金属超累积植物的筛选与植物修复技术的应用,以及云南省开展土壤重金属污染的植物修复工作的前景.     

单室MFC型生物毒性传感器对重金属离子的检测研究

构建了单室微生物燃料电池(air-cathode microbial fuel cell,ACMFC)型生物毒性传感器,以含重金属离子(Cd2+、Cu2+)人工配水为检测对象,分析了有毒物质对检测仪的抑制率与有毒物质浓度的线性关系.结果表明,①单室MFC型生物毒性传感器结构简单,操作方便,灵敏度较高,可用于水体重金属离子(Cd2+、Cu2+)生物毒性的快速检测;②在实验条件下,该生物毒性传感器检测时间4h,清洗时间2～10min,恢复时间4h;③检测结果显示,实验室自配Cd2+、Cu2+及其混合液IC20值分别为0.6、0.8和0.25mg/L,有毒物质浓度与MFC产电量的抑制率呈显著正相关,相关系数分别为0.9960、0.9744和0.9907.     

沙河流域重污染支流表层沉积物中氮、磷和重金属的空间分布特征及污染评价

为探明东江支流沙河流域重污染支流表层沉积物氮、磷及重金属风险分布规律,采用不同风险等级评价法进行分析。综合污染指数分析显示,TN风险等级分为重度污染、中度污染、轻度污染、清洁,占比分别为57.1%、14.3%、16.1%、12.5%,TP占比分别为62.5%、10.7%、21.4%、5.4%。重金属Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb、Hg平均浓度分别超对应广东省背景值的5.52,7.43,15.88,6.70,8.10,1.34,1.12倍,相关性分析与主成分分析法推测Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb主要来自造纸、电镀行业;Hg来自电池或金属制造业;As含量不超标,主要来自农药及化肥;地积累指数法显示Cu、Ni以及Cr污染严重,潜在生态危害指数法显示Cd与Cu是主要生态危害贡献因子。研究结果可为饮用水源型河流水质安全保障提供决策支持。     

重金属Zn和Cd对翅碱蓬生长及抗氧化酶系统的影响

通过测定翅碱蓬生长和生理指标,研究了不同含量Zn和Cd对翅碱蓬的发芽率、苗高、苗重、体内超氧阴离子自由基(O-2)、过氧化氢(H2O2)的产生及对抗氧化酶(超氧化物歧化酶SOD、过氧化氢酶CAT、过氧化物酶POD)活性的影响,以探讨盐生植物翅碱蓬对重金属胁迫的反应.结果表明,两种重金属均不同程度地加快了超氧阴离子自由基的产生速率;翅碱蓬对Zn胁迫的耐受阈值为100 mg·kg-1,Zn含量低于100 mg·kg-1时,发芽率和苗高、苗重保持良好;含量高于100 mg·kg-1实验组,翅碱蓬生长及体内酶活性机制受到不同程度抑制,SOD 、POD反应迅速,CAT相对缓慢.翅碱蓬对Cd污染抵御能力差,含量高于0.4 mg·kg-l即可造成严重伤害,阻碍翅碱蓬生长,降低抗氧化酶活性.Zn和Cd共同作用(200 mg·kg-1 +0.2 mg·kg-1)时,表现为协同作用,发芽率仅为对照组的50.5％、苗重仅为49.2％,实验50 d后,SOD、CAT均失活,影响极显著.