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.     

The influence of sewage sludge properties on sludge-borne metal availability

With the advent of more stringent controls on wastewater treatment, sewage sludge production in Europe and many parts of the world is increasing. With this increase comes the problem of sludge disposal, and recycling to land arguably offers an economically and environmentally sustainable option. However, a major limitation of sewage sludge reuse is the potential release of heavy metals from the sludge and heavy metal accumulation to toxic levels in topsoils. The properties of the sludge play a crucial role in determining the initial release and subsequent availability of heavy metals in amended soils. Bioavailable forms of heavy metals in recently amended soils are most likely to be those that are bioavailable in the sewage sludge. In this paper, published research on the importance of sewage sludge characteristics on metal release and bioavailability will be reviewed and contrasted with original research. A selection of sludges from around Australia has been collected for this purpose. Through the use of incubation studies, isotope dilution techniques, ion-selective electrode measurements and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy, the importance of a range of sludge properties on heavy metal behaviour in sludges and sludge-amended soils is addressed.     

Trace element speciation in selected smelter-contaminated soils in Anaconda and Deer Lodge Valley, Montana, USA

Long-term copper smelting in the Anaconda and Deer Lodge Valley area of Montana has resulted in an extensive area of trace element contamination. Aerial extent of contamination is generally established, but total analysis of soils does not correlate to relative degree of impact on vegetation growth. Three pedons (Beaverell, Cetrack and Judco) were analyzed by routine soil characterization methods, aqua regia microwave digestion, sequential chemical extraction, and X-ray diffraction analysis with the objective of providing a better understanding of chemical forms and potential reactivity of selected trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb). Surface horizons of soils are more acidic than subsoils, with pH for all horizons ranging from 4.0 to 8.7. Beaverell is the most contaminated in the upper 20 cm with the sum of total extractable (SUM_TE) trace elements by microwave digestion ranging from 1836 to 3605 mg kg⁻¹, largest H₂O-soluble (WS) and exchangeable (EX) fractions (e.g. 1.6 and 9.3%, respectively), and smallest residual (RES) fraction (e.g. 14.3%). Cetrack has greater SUM_TE elements than Judco, though a lower WS+EX fraction due to the effects of alkaline pH, carbonates and high P. Oxide (OX), organic matter/sulfide (OM/S), and RES fractions predominate over WS, EX, and specially-sorbed/carbonate-bound fractions (SS/CAR) for all horizons. Copper, Zn, Pb and Cd are elevated in surface over subsurface horizons in these latter fractions, indicating these elements were anthropogenic additions. X-ray data indicate that Pb, Cu, Cr and Cd partially exists as both OX and sulfide mineral forms.     

Removal of heavy metals (Cr6+,Ni2+)from polluted water using decaying leaves of plane (Plantanus orientalis)

plane decaying leaves have been found capable of removing chromium and nickel ions from aqueous solutions. The removal efficiency depends upon the pH conditions, ions components and concentrations, and concentrations of leaves in media. The maximum removal for unique Cr⁶⁺ is about 7.5-8.0g/kg leaves at pH 4. 0, for unique Ni²⁺ about 2. 6g/kg at the region of PH5. 0-5.5. Under the described conditions nickel increases chromium uptake by plane decaying leaves from solution.     

南黄海表层海水重金属的变化特征及影响因素

根据1997～2004年每年1次的南黄海表层海水重金属(As、Cd、Cu、Hg、Pb、Zn)及有关环境因子的调查数据,重点研究了2003-10南黄海表层海水重金属的分布特征、控制其分布的生物地球化学机制以及8 a的年际变化趋势.结果表明,2003-10南黄海表层海水中As、Cd、Cu、Hg、Pb、Zn的平均浓度分别为2.33、0.078、1.41、0.0036、0.37、6.21μg/L.8 a中重金属除Zn有明显的上升趋势外,其它元素变化较小.重金属的分布模式与离岸距离有关,即除Pb外,在离岸较远的南黄海中部地区含量较低,而近岸海区则普遍较高,这种分布模式典型地体现了人类活动对近海的影响.对于重金属在局部海区的分布,亦存在其它控制因子,如Pb受大气沉降影响较大, Cd与海水盐度和pH密切相关, Hg受海水中有机碳浓度影响较大,沉积物再悬浮影响着As的浓度与分布, Cu、Zn则典型地受到了径流和排污的影响.8 a海水重金属浓度的均值皆符合国家一类海水水质标准,采用潜在生态危害指数法(ERI)分析2003年6种重金属的叠加生态效应,结果显示海水总的重金属生态危害指数较可发生重金属生态危害的ERI值小一个数量级,这从重金属的角度说明南黄海海水质量良好.     

Effects of several amendments on rice growth and uptake of copper and cadmium from a contaminated soil

Heavy metals in variable charge soil are highly bioavailable and easy to transfer into plants. Since it is impossible to completely eliminate rice planting on contaminated soils, some remediation and mitigation techniques are necessary to reduce metal bioavailability and uptake by rice. This pot experiment investigated the e ects of seven amendments on the growth of rice and uptake of heavy metals from a paddy soil that was contaminated by copper and cadmium. The best results were from the application of limestone that increased grain yield by 12.5–16.5 fold, and decreased Cu and Cd concentrations in grain by 23.0%–50.4%. Application of calcium magnesium phosphate, calcium silicate, pig manure, and peat also increased the grain yield by 0.3–15.3 fold, and e ectively decreased the Cu and Cd concentrations in grain. Cd concentration in grain was slightly reduced in the treatments of Chinese milk vetch and zinc sulfate. Concentrations of Cu and Cd in grain and straw were dependent on the available Cu and Cd in the soils, and soil available Cu and Cd were significantly a ected by the soil pH.     

云南兰坪铅锌矿区优势植物重金属富集特性及应用潜力

为筛选适合云南高原地区重金属污染土壤修复治理以及矿区生态复垦的植物材料,通过实地野外调查,采集云南兰坪铅锌矿区18种优势植物样品及相应根系土壤,测定其Cd、 Cr、 Cu、 Ni、 Pb和Zn含量,计算植物对重金属的富集和转运系数,通过聚类分析方法,综合评估植物的应用潜力.结果表明, 18种优势植物分属18属13科,均为草本植物.植物体内多种重金属含量均高于植物正常含量,其中,延胡索(Corydalis yanhusuo)、旱芹菜(Carum bretschneideri)和毛连菜(Picris hieracioides)地上部Cd含量分别达到62.29、 76.49和85.09 mg·kg^-1,Cd富集系数分别为0.57、 0.58和0.66,转运系数分别为0.89、 0.45和1.48,有着较强的吸收和转移土壤重金属Cd能力,具有修复Cd污染土壤潜力.狼毒(Euphorbia fischeriana)和倒提壶(Cynoglossum amabile)地上部Cd含量分别为0.46 mg·kg^-1和0.23 mg·kg^-1     

机械力活化固硫灰固化处理生活垃圾焚烧飞灰

为实现城市生活垃圾焚烧飞灰的安全处理,通过机械力化学法活化循环流化床燃煤固硫灰,探讨了球磨样品制备固化体的参数。并采用X射线衍射仪（XRD）和傅里叶变换红外光谱仪（FTIR）手段对垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属的固化机制进行了研究。结果表明,当垃圾焚烧飞灰掺加比为60%,球磨转速为600 r·min-1,球磨时间为5 h,养护温度60 ℃时的固化体28 d和56 d抗压强度分别达到15.6 MPa和17.9 MPa,采用原子吸收光谱仪（AAS）测得固化体中Zn、Pb、Cu、Cd和Cr重金属浸出量均低于GB 5085.3-2007规定限值。XRD和FTIR表征结果表明,在水化过程中,该混合体系生成了水化硅酸钙（C—S—H）、斜方钙沸石和钙矾石（AFt）等水化产物,并且C—S—H凝胶可通过物理包裹的形式固化垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属;斜方钙沸石和钙矾石以化学吸附的方式使垃圾焚烧飞灰中的重金属离子达到固化/稳定化效果,实现了垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属的安全处理。     

双室微生物燃料电池重金属毒性传感器的研制

构建了双室微生物燃料电池（double microbial fuel cells,DMFC）型毒性传感器分别对Cr（Ⅵ）、Cd2+、Cu2+、Zn2+进行在线检测研究。通过对反应器进行优化,确定DMFC在外电阻为1 000 Ω时达到最大功率密度;外循环速率为0.933 4 mL·min-1时反应器运行较稳定。在最优条件下,通过监测铜离子来确定检测时间为60 min,清洗时间为10 min。在以上条件下进行重金属检测,结果表明4种重金属的检测范围分别为0.3~10、0.4~10、40~160、15~80 mg·L-1。抑制率可以用来验证反应器的可行性,检测范围内抑制率与重金属浓度呈现一定的线性关系,其相关系数分别为0.959 7、0.979 5、0.944 1、0.936 6。并可得到相应的线性方程,这些方程可用于验证DMFC-传感器的稳定性。选取检测范围内的浓度进行验证,结果表明4种重金属的相对误差均小于11%,传感器相对稳定并可长期运行。