Characterization of organic matter in total suspended particles by thermodesorption and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The organic matter in tropospheric aerosol plays an important role in atmospheric physical and chemical processes. The bulk of organic matter, representing a significant proportion of the total suspended particulate （TSP） mass, is bound to polymeric material whose structure and properties are largely unknown. Here we used thermodesorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry （Td-GC/MS） to study organic compounds of low molecular mass and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry （Py-GC/MS） to characterize the chemical structure of macromolecules in TSP samples collected in different seasons from different sites in Guangzhou. n-Alkanes, fatty acids and nitriles were the predominant compounds in the thermodesorption products, whereas aromatics, fatty acids, nitriles and n-alkanes/alkenes were the major compounds in the pyrolysates. The results indicated that aromatics were main units in macromolecules. The fatty acids and nltriles formed from carboxylic ammonium salts were detected in both thermodesorption products and pyrolysates at a certain concentration, indicating the importance of these compounds in TSP formation. The TSP source mainly determined the occurrence of compounds in samples from urban, suburban and forest sites, whereas the TSP source and formation process maybe controlled the seasonal variation in compounds detected. High levels of nitriles in summer samples from suburban and forest sites coincide with the release of ammonium from the land and of fatty acids from vegetation at these sites.

Study on Optical Properties of Unpigmented Suspended Particles, Yellow Substance and Phytoplankton Algae in Taihu Lake

The optical properties of a waterbody are subjects of research on limnological hydrooptics. The optical properties of, and parameterization methods for, three impurities in Taihu Lake, namely unpigmented suspensions, yellow substance and phytoplankton algae, are analyzed in detail in this paper dealing with the optical types of Taihu Lake waters both in winter and in summer. The results showed that: 1) The optical parameters of suspended particles can be calculated by the application of Mie Theory; 2) The absorption of yellow substance decreases exponentially with increasing wavelength, with the mean value of decreasing rate being about 0.014 nm -1; 3) Taihu Lake waters appeared to be of type PY in winter, with suspended particles and yellow substance being the dominant light absorbers, and type CPY in summer, with suspended particles, yellow substance and phytoplankton algae being the dominant light absorbers; 4) In winter or summer, unpigmented suspension has the main effect on the scattering property of Taihu Lake waters.

Quantitative relationship between flagellate abundance and suspended particle density in Huanghai Sea and East China Sea in summer

An investigation was carried out in the Huanghai Sea and the East China Sea to study the quantitative relationship between the abundance of flagellates and the density of suspended particles in the summer of 2001. The results show that the abundance of flagellates varies from 44-12 600 cell/cm^3, and flagellates sometimes constitutes a significant part of suspended particles. The size-spectra of suspended particles can be divided into four categories： flat spectrum, humped spectrum, plankton spectrum and mixed spectrum. In general, the abundance of flagellates varies in proportion to the density of suspended particles. However, their quantitative relations reveal different characteristics in the seawater samples of different types of particle-size spectrum. This is only a preliminary study of the quantitative relationship between flagellates and suspended particles, which might lead to a potential convenient approach to the estimation of flagellate abundance in the sea.

Seasonal Suspended Particles Distribution Patterns in Western South Yellow Sea Based on Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Observation

An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler （ADCP） observation site was set up in the Western South Yellow Sea from 2012 to 2013 to study the local suspended particle matters （SPM） distribution pattern. The SPM concentration could be semi-quantitatively represented by backscatter intensity （Sv）, converted by the echo intensity （E/） of ADCP. Results show two types of SPM in the water column： the quasi-biological SPM and quasi-mineral SPM. The quasi-biological SPM mainly exists in summer half year and is con- centrated above the thermocline. It has periodically diurnal variations with high concentration at night and low concentration in the daytime. The quasi-mineral SPM is located in lower part of the water column, with similar relation to monthly tidal current variation all year round. However, the daily quasi-mineral SPM distribution patterns vary between summer and winter half year. The sunlight is thought to be the origin factor leading to the diurnally vertical motion of the biological features, which might cause the diurnal Sv variation. Unlike in winter half year when tidal current is relatively single driving force of the monthly SPM pattern, the high speed current near the thermocline is also responsible for the concentration of quasi-mineral SPM in summer half year. The sediment input difference between summer and winter half year contribute to the varied daily variation of quasi-mineral SPM with re-suspended SPM ir~ winter and sediments from Yellow Sea Mud Area （YSMA） in summer. The seasonal variations in hydrodynamics, water structure and heavy-wind incidents are the primary factors influencing the differential seasonal SPM distribution patterns.

Interfacial effects of suspended particles on biodegradation of N (2,4 dimethyl phenyl) N' methylformamidine hydrochloride and dibutyl phthalate in waters

The occurrence of suspended particles and the organic chemicals biodegradation are the universal phenomenan in aquatic environment, therefore research of interfacial effects of suspended particles on biodegradation of organic compounds has became very important aspect of organic pollutants fate studies in multimedia environment. The biodegradation of N (2,4 dimethyl phenyl) N' methylformamidine hydrochloride and dibutyl phthalate, and the interfacial effects of suspended particles on biodegradation rate were studied. The interfacial effect factor was introduced to express the effect of suspended solids on biodegradation rate. The results of simulation experiment of two compounds and theoretical analysis of process show that biodegradation rate of pollutants increases linearly with interfacial effect factor.

Threshold friction velocity influenced by soil particle size within the Columbia Plateau, northwestern United States

Wind erosion is a geomorphic process in arid and semi-arid areas and has substantial implications for regional climate and desertification.In the Columbia Plateau of northwestern United States,the emissions from fine particles of loessial soils often contribute to the exceedance of inhalable particulate matter(PM)with an aerodynamic diameter of 10μm or less(PM10)according to the air quality standards.However,little is known about the threshold friction velocity(TFV)for particles of different sizes that comprise these soils.In this study,soil samples of two representative soil types(Warden sandy loam and Ritzville silt loam)collected from the Columbia Plateau were sieved to seven particle size fractions,and an experiment was then conducted to determine the relationship between TFV and particle size fraction.The results revealed that soil particle size significantly affected the initiation of soil movement and TFV;TFV ranged 0.304-0.844 and 0.249-0.739 m/s for different particle size fractions of Ritzville silt loam and Warden sandy loam,respectively.PM10 and total suspended particulates(TSP)emissions from a bed of 63-90μm soil particles were markedly higher for Warden sandy loam than for Ritzville silt loam.Together with the lower TFV of Warden sandy loam,dust emissions from fine particles(<100μm in diameter)of Warden sandy loam thus may be a main contributor to dust in the region's atmosphere,since the PM10 emissions from the soil erosion surfaces and its ensuing suspension within the atmosphere constitute an essential process of soil erosion in the Columbia Plateau.Developing and implementing strategic land management practices on sandy loam soils is therefore necessary to control dust emissions in the Columbia Plateau.

Dry deposition velocity of total suspended particles and meteorological influence in four locations in Guangzhou,China

Dry deposition velocity of total suspended particles （TSP） is an effective parameter that describes the speed of atmospheric particulate matter deposit to the natural surface. It is also an important indicator to the capacity of atmosphere self-depuration. However, the spatial and temporal variations in dry deposition velocity of TSP at different urban landscapes and the relationship between dry deposition velocity and the meteorological parameters are subject to large uncertainties. We concurrently investigated this relationship at four different landscapes of Guangzhou, from October to December of 2009. The result of the average dry deposition velocity is （1.49 ± 0.77）, （1.44 ± 0.77）, （1.13 ±0.53） and （1.82± 0.82） cm/sec for urban commercial landscape, urban forest landscape, urban residential landscape and country landscape, respectively. This spatial variation can be explained by the difference of both particle size composition of TSP and meteorological parameters of sampling sites. Dry deposition velocity of TSP has a positive correlation with wind speed, and a negative correlation with temperature and relative humidity. Wind speed is the strongest factor that affects the magnitude of TSP dry deposition velocity, and the temperature is another considerable strong meteorological factor. We also find out that the relative humidity brings less impact, especially during the dry season. It is thus implied that the current global warming and urban heat island effect may lead to correlative changes in TSP dry deposition velocity, especially in the urban areas.

The curve of ion exchange ratio(%)-pH of the interaction between suspended particles with Cd(Ⅱ) in the Yellow River

The curve of ion exchange ratio(%) pH of the interaction between suspended particles with Cd(II) in the Yellow River was studied. The effects of lysine on this curve have been also investigated. The results showed that (1) Cadmium in Cd(OH) + form in the suspended particles exchanges with the cations. The exchange ratio of Cd 2+ is nearly at its greatest value in the range of pH (8.0—8.5) in natural aquatic system; (2) Ion exchange ratio decreases as the concentration of Cd 2+ raises from 8.9×10 -6 mol/L to 2×8.9×10 -6 mol/L; (3) At the lysine concentration of 6 8×10 -6 mol/L, it can promote the ion exchange ratio; (4) Adsorption of the suspended particles to cadmium is weaker in seawater and Jin Sha River than in the Yellow River.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF SOLID PARTICLES SUSPENDED IN A TURBULENT FLOW:A STOCHASTIC APPROACH

Basic fluid mechanics and stochastic theories are applied to show that the concentration distribution of suspended solid particles in a direction normal to the mean streamlines of a two-dimensional turbulent flow is greatly influenced by the lift force exerted on them in the vicinity of the wall.Analytic solution shows that,when the direction of the mean flow is horizontal,the probability density function p(y,t)for random displacements of the particles will have a maximum value at a point from the wall where the perpendicular component of the lift force precisely balances particle gravity.Interpretation of experimental observations is presented using this theory.

RESEARCH ON STABILITY OF MOVING JET CONTAINING DENSE SUSPENDED SOLID PARTICLES

The spatial stability equation of moving jet containing dense suspended solid particles was derived out by means of the continuum phase-coupled model. The stability curves of moving jet far different downstream distances, Reynolds number of flow-field, particle properties and velocities of jetting device are got by the finite difference method based on the asymptotic method and the Eulerian conservative difference scheme. Founded on the analysis of the obtained stability curves it is found that the positive velocity of jetting device widens the unstable frequency range of flow-field hut the effect of the negative one is contrary. In addition, particles existing in the flow-field curb the instability of flow-field and the effect enhances with the decrease of Reynolds number of flow-field. These conclusions benefit learning the development of moving two-phase jet.

EFFECT OF SUSPENDED SOLID PARTICLES ON UNSTABILITY OF TWO-DIMENSION MIXING LAYER

By considering the effect of suspended solid particles in the ordinary equations for two-dimension inviscid incompressible mixing layer, the Rayleigh equation and the modified Rayleigh equation are obtained. And then, by solving the corresponding eigen-value equations with numerical computational method, the relation curves between perturbation frequency and spacial growth rate of the mixing layer for the varying particle loading, ratio of particle velocity to fluid velocity and Stokes number are got. Sever al important conclusions on the effect of suspended solid particles on unstability of the mixing layer are presented in the end by analyzing all the relation curves.

RESEARCH ON STABILITY OF INTERFACE OF JET CONTAINING SUSPENDED SOLID PARTICLES

The stability equation of interface of two-phase jet and the corresponding particle-gas disturbance velocity ratio equation are derived by means of the phase-coupled model. The stability nares of interface of two-phase jet for different particle properties and the corresponding particle-gas disturbance velocity ratio curves are given out through numerical computation. Further, several important conclusions on effect of particle property on growth and propagation of disturbance of interface of two-phase jet and particle disturbance property me presented on the basis of analyses of the obtained stability curves and particle-gas disturbance velocity ratio curves. These important conclusions can play a guiding role in studying development of two-phase jet and executing artificial controls over it in project practice.

Measurements of suspended particulate matter with laser in-situ scattering and transmissometry in the Jiaozhou Bay in China

A laser in-situ scattering and transmissemetry probe （LISST - 100） was used to estimate the spatial variations of suspended particle （aggregate） distribution, volume concentration and beam attenuation in the Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, China on 18 July 2003. One study site was located at the mouth （Sta. J1 ）, with the other being within the inner bay （Sta. J2）. Measurements of total suspended matter （TSM） and chlorophyll fluorescence and sampling of bottom sediments were carried out simultaneously. On the basis of the field data, the in-situ particle effective density, settling velocity and flux, and particle projected surface area （PSA） were estimated. The results demonstrate that both profiles have similar particle size distributions from surface to bottom within the water columns. Mean particle diameters for Stas J1 and J2 are 38 - 74 and 1 - 20 μm, respectively, particles within these ranges dominate over the particulate components. Suspended particle volume concentrations increase with water depth, with spikes near the bottom. At Sta. J1, the mean size of bottom sediments and those of suspended particles at 10.8 m below the water surface are almost the same, as well as their size distributions. This observation suggests that a special affinity exists between bottom sediment and suspended particles. In addition, the estimates show that the effective density, settling velocity and flux are higher in the innet bay. Beam attenuation coefficient correlates well with the volume concentration, positively. It is inferred that the optical scattering was mostly caused by 1 - 250 μm components, among which the particles finer than 20 μm dominate the beam attenuation. The PSA appears a proxy for the leaving reflectance estimation.

Heavy-organic particle deposition from petroleum fluid flow in oil wells and pipelines

Suspended asphaltenic heavy organic particles in petroleum fluids may stick to the inner walls of oil wells and pipelines. This is the major reason for fouling and arterial blockage in the petroleum industry. This report is devoted the study of the mechanism of migration of suspended heavy organic particles towards the walls in oil-producing wells and pipelines. In this report we present a detailed analytical model for the heavy organics suspended particle deposition coefficient corresponding to petroleum fluids flow production conditions in oil wells. We predict the rate of particle deposition during various turbulent flow regimes. The turbulent boundary layer theory and the concepts of mass transfer are utilized to model and calculate the particle deposition rates on the walls of flowing conduits. The developed model accounts for the eddy diffusivity, and Brownian diffusivity as well as for inertial effects. The analysis presented in this paper shows that rates of particle deposition （during petroleum fluid production） on the walls of the flowing channel due solely to diffusion effects are small. It is also shown that deposition rates decrease with increasing particle size. However, when the process is momentum controlled （large particle sizes） higher deposition rates are expected.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in the atmosphere of Taizhou,a major e-waste dismantling area in China

PM2.5, total suspended particles （TSP） and gas phase samples were collected at two sites of Talzhou, a major e-waste dismantling area in China. Concentrations, seasonal variations, congener profiles, gas-particle partitioning and size distribution of the atmospheric polychlorinated biphenyls （PCBs） were studied to assess the current state of atmospheric PCBs after the phase out of massive historical dismantling of PCBs containing e-wastes. The average ∑38PCBs concentration in the ambient air （TSP plus gas phase） near the e-waste dismantling area was （12,407 ± 9592） pg/m^3 in winter, which was substantially lower than that found one decade ago. However, the atmospheric PCBs level near the e-waste dismantling area was 54 times of the reference urban site, indicating that the impact of the historical dismantling of PCBs containing e-wastes was still significant. Tri-Penta-CBs were dominant homologues, consisting with their dominant global production. Size distribution of particle-bound PCBs showed that higher chlorinated CBs tended to partition more to the fine particles, facilitating its long range air transportation.

Relationship between biogeochemical features of biogenic elements and flocculation in the Changjiang Estuary

This paper reports the relationship between the biogeochemical characteristics of C. N. P and flocculation and settling of suspended materials in the Changjiang Estuary. Regional activities of bacteria and the plankton and biogeochemical processes at the water-particle interface under some environmental conditions are quite variable. This leads to the transition of material phase with speciation variation of elements C. N. P. in the transfer processes. Therefore, the composition and reactivity of particle surface and dissolved constituent are modified, affecting the stability of the particulate dispersion system. In summer, the concentration of NO3 and PO4 are positively correlated with turbidity, while the weight percentage of PON, POC and PP are negatively correlated with turbidity. When particles in the river move seaward, two zones can be distinguished: i) zone with maximum flocculation speed, in salinity 0. 1～2. 0 ;ii) zone with huge coagulating particles netting and high turbidity at the bottom, in salinity 2～11.The highest values of C/N in particles (or the low valley of C. E. C.of particle surface) appear in the two zones. These results demonstrate that the biogeochemical action is one of the major factors and mechanisms to dominate the flocculation of particles in the Changjiang Estuary.

Characteristics of metal enrichment in Deep Bay,Hong Kong

Sediment cores, suspended particles and overlying water were collected in Deep Bay, Hong Kong. Enrichment of Zn in surface sediments in the landward direction and the decreasing of exchangeable Cd, Ni and Zn in sediment from the inner bay to the outer bay indicated the influence of anthropogenic pollutants discharged from the riparian runoffs.

Dynamic simulation and modeling of PCP transport between sediment and water

A model to calculate the concentration of organic pollutant in the water column is presented. The inflow, outflow, adsorption of pollutant to the suspended particles and settling of particles, diffusion across the sediment water interface, and volatilization to the atmosphere were considered in this model. Dynamic simulation experiment of pentachlorophenol(PCP) has been made in the laboratory. The model parameters were also estimated with experimental data(diffusion mass transfer coefficient, 0.00112m/d; net settling velocity of particles, 0.323 m.d -1 ; volatilization rate constant, 1.94×10 -4 d -1 ). There are little differences between calculated values and measured values. Adsorption of pollutant to the particles and settling of particles are very important mechanisms for removal of organic pollutant from the water. The principles and methods of this model are also applicable to the prediction of the concentration of other trace elements and organic constituents in aquatic systems.

Atmospheric particle-bound polycyclic aromatic compounds over two distinct sites in Pakistan:Characteristics,sources and health risk assessment

Much attention is drawn to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)as an air pollutant due to their toxic,mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.Therefore,to understand the levels,seasonality,sources and potential health risk of PAHs in two distinct geographical locations at Karachi and Mardan in Pakistan,total suspended particle(TSP)samples were collected for over one year period.The average total PAH concentrations were 31.5±24.4 and 199±229 ng/m^(3) in Karachi and Mardan,respectively.The significantly lower concentration in Karachi was attributed to diffusion and dilution of the PAHs by the influence of clean air mass from the Arabian sea and high temperature,enhancing the volatilization of the particle phase PAHs to the gas phase.Conversely,the higher concentration(^(-)6 times)in Mardan was due to large influence from local and regional emission sources.A clear seasonality was observed at both the sites,with the higher values in winter and post-monsoon due to higher emissions and less scavenging,and lower values during monsoon season due to the dilution effect.Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis indicated that PAHs in both sites originated from traffic and mixed combustion sources(fossil fuels and biomass).The average total Ba P equivalent concentrations(Ba P eq)in Karachi and Mardan were 3.26 and 34 ng/m^(3),respectively,which were much higher than the WHO guideline of 1 ng/m^(3).The average estimates of incremental lifetime cancer risk from exposure to airborne Ba P eq via inhalation indicated a risk to human health from atmospheric PAHs at both sites.

Characteristics of air pollution by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in the typical industrial areas of Tangshan City,China

The ambient air in vicinity of different industrial sources for PCDD/PCDFs was sampled by TSP/PM10 active samplers and passive PUF disk samplers in Tangshan City, a metropolis containing clusters of various industrial plants. The TEQ concentrations of PCDD/PCDFs ranged from 44.2 to 394.1 fg I-TEQ/m^3 with an average of 169.9 fg I-TEQ]m^3. 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF was the dominant contributor to ∑TEQ, contributing 41% （12% to 55%）, while 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDE OCDD and OCDF were the major congeners for the total concentrations. The ratios of ∑PCDF/∑PCDD reached 2.54 on average, suggesting that de novo synthesis in thermal processes played an important role to the airborne pollution of PCDD/PCDFs. The similarities congener profiles indicated that TSP and PM10 active sampling methods are comparable for the determination of the PCDD/PCDFs in ambient air, and the ratios of concentrations determined by the two methods suggested that the PCDD/PCDFs tended to stay in fine particles. It was found that 2,3,7,8-TCDF and OCDD were the dominating congeners in the passive PUF disks samples. Through principal components analysis, the coke industry was suggested to be a relatively high potential emission source for PCDD/PCDFs in the ambient air of Tangshan, which was possibly formed by de novo synthesis mechanism. In this study, the atmospheric impacts to the environment from different industrial sources could be ranked as follows （from high to low）： coking, iron sintering, steel making, power generation and chlorinate alkali chemical production industries.