Furfural residues from straw become complex fertilizer by addition method

The additives such as phosphoric acid, calcium phosphate, calcium super phosphate, calcium over super phosphate, calcium carbonate, sodium hydrosulphite, etc. were used to produce furfural from the straw by hydrolysis with sulfuric acid. The effect of amount of the additives, the content of the added substance and the conditions of distillation on the acidity of the residues were studied. The experiment results showed that the all residues became neutral complex fertilizer, and the productivity of furfural increases under the following conditions: sulfuric acid concentration is 20% (by weight), the ratio of liquid to solid is 3∶1—4∶1 (by weight), the ratio of the additives to straw is suitable.

Treatment of manganese wastewater from titanium dioxide plant using complex phosphate

The acidic wastewater containing manganese and other heavy metal ions came from the plant which produce titanium dioxide in the method of the sulfuric acid digestion was disposed under the processes of the pre\|neutralization with the mineral containing phosphorus and calcium, alkaline precipitation and re\|regulating pH with the raw wastewater. The removal ratio of manganese and ferrous were higher than 99% and 98%, respectively, when the concentration of manganese and ferrous were 46 mg/L and 2000 mg/L. More than 5800 mg/L of SO\+\{2-\}\-4 were neutralized also. The effluent pH was the range between 6 and 9, the concentration of other pollution substances were all very lower even have not discoveried.

Decolorization and kinetics of photo oxidizing cationic blue X-GRL by UV/H_2O_2 system

Azo dye cationic blue X GRL, which is non biodegradable toxic organic compound, is decolorized and subsequently mineralized by UV/H 2O 2/N 2 or UV/H 2O 2/air (O 2) system. The effects of initial solution concentration, initial solution pH, and some ions produced during the degradation on the rate of decolorization of cationic blue X GRL were investigated. The photodegradation of cationic blue X GRL approximately follows first order kinetics. The regression curve of the natural logarithm of concentration verus reaction time becomes less linear with initial concentration increasing. Oxygen and appropriate OH\+· generator can accelerate reaction rate. The effect of reaction atmosphere, initial concentration, light intensity on the optimal dosage of H 2O 2 were studied. It was found that the optimal H 2O 2 dosage was determined by UV light intensity. These intermediates of cationic blue X GRL decolorization are biodegradable.

Solid phase extraction of methomyl and thiodicarb from environmental water with an activated carbon cartridge and their determination by HPLC

A solid phase extraction procedure of methomyl and thiodicarb from environmental water was presented. This method utilizes a 40—60 mesh activated carbon cartridge and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The 40—60 mesh activated carbon works faster and yield higher adsorption efficiency. Detection limits of methomyl and thiodicarb in environmental water are 0 1 μg/L and 0 2 μg/L, respectively. Average recoveries of fortified methomyl and thiodicarb in water are in the range of 90 7%—98 8% and 88 9%—103 6%, respectively. The relative standard deviations are lower than 7%. This method is simple, rapid, accurate and precise.

Variations in oxygen and some related pollution parameters in some streams in ITU Area of Nigeria

The analyses of water from four tributaries of Ikpa River: Afaha Nsai Stream (ANS), Ikot Ekpuk Stream (IES), Afaha Itam Stream(AIS) and Nduetong Stream (NDS) in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Local Government Area of Akawa Ibom State in Nigeria were carried out using standard analytical procedures. The parameters investigated were temperature(Temp.), hydrogen ion concentration(pH), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Correlation analysis carried out between pairs of variables showed that only the correlation coefficients between TDS and DO in ANS( p <0.05); Temp. and TDS in IES ( p <0.05) and between Temp. and TDS in AIS ( p <0.01) were significant. None of the pairs of the variables in NDS showed any significant correlation. The coefficients of variation for the parameters were also computed and used in determining their stability in the water. The possible effects of these variables on each other and on the aquatic ecosystem were discussed.

Mixed surfactant washing of petroleum contaminants from the soils and sediments in the unsaturated zone

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of a mixed surfactant for washing oil from soils in the unsaturated zone. The commercial surfactant used for making mixed surfactant were alcohol polyethoxylate (AEO\|9, nonionic) and sodium alcohol polyethoxylated ethers sulfate (AES, anionic). Based on the properties (critical micelle concentration, hydrophilic/ lipophilic balance and surface tension) of individual surfactants and the mixed surfactant, the preferred composition of an aqueous mixed surfactant solution was determined which consisted of 0 5% AEO\|9 and 0 1% AES. The batch washing experiments have shown that the removal efficiency of oil from soils with mixed surfactant was higher than that with individual surfactants. Soil column washing results have shown that the sequence of oil removal efficiency was mixed surfactant (0.5% AEO\|9 and 0.1% AES)>AEO\|9 (0.1%)>AES (0.2%)>water, and the ratio was 1∶0 84∶0 66∶0 06. Biodegradation experiments by growth cells and resting cells were carried out to evaluate the environmental acceptability of the test surfactants. The results have shown that the surfactants were able to serve as sole carbon source for strains Pseudomonos sp. 52 and Weeksella sp. 6 which were isolated from petroleum contaminated soil. More than 90% of the parent mixed surfactants disappeared in two weeks under growth cell conditions.

Levels of toxic metal in Achatina achatina from parts of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Tropical land snail (Achatina achatina) were collected from three areas viz.Nsit Ibom Local Government Area (NTB), Nsit Ubium Local Government Area (NTU) and Uyo Municipality (UYM), all in Akwa Ibom State to determine the levels of Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr in their shells and muscles. Generally, the levels of all the metals in the muscles were comparatively higher than that in the shells. Correspondingly, the metals appear to have been more stable in the muscles with comparatively lower coefficients of variation than in the shells. Moreover while there was no significant correlation between the levels of all the metals in shells and muscles of NTU samples, Pb and Zn in NTB correlated very significantly. The correlation between levels of Cr in NTB samples and of Zn in UYM samples in shells and muscles were equally significant. On the whole, the levels of these metals were found to be much lower in both shells and muscles of NTU samples obtained from the “enclosed and restricted” environment than in NTB and UYM samples collected randomly from “open and unrestricted” environments.

Theoretical derivation of risk-ratios for assessing wind damage in a coastal forest

Based on the discussion of relationships between thinning and wind damage, and published information, a method for estimating risk ratios of wind damage was developed. Estimations of risk-ratio for Pinus thunbergii trees and stands were de-duced from stem bending theory and coefficients characterizing wind profile, distribution of branches and optical stratification po-rosity. The results showed that if the value of constant b in the branch distribution-model equals the attenuation coefficient s in the wind profile model for a single tree crown, then the parameter H/D1.33 (height over stem diameter cubed) can be used to compare and evaluate the risk-ratio of wind damage for individual trees. The same method can be applied to stands using the coefficient of wind profile in a stand, i.e. attenuation coefficient , the coefficient from distributions of optical stratification porosity, i.e. extinction coefficient , and the parameter D1.33. The application of parameter H/D1.33 and the process of determining risk ra-tios of wind damage for stands were also given in the paper.

Purification of AS-CMP effluent by combined photosynthetic bacteria and coagulation treatment

The effluent from the pulping of E. urophylla by alkali sodium sulfite chemi mechanical process(AS-CMP) was characterized for its biodegradability by photosynthetic bacteria (PSB). Chemical coagulation post treatment of biotreated wastewater was also studied. One month continuous treatment in the laboratory indicated that the COD Cr , BOD 5 and SS removals in biotreatment stages reached 56%, 83% and 89% respectively, and the CH 2Cl 2 extractives decreased from 10.7 mg/L to 7.7 mg/L. In chemical coagulation post treatment stage, the effects of process conditions, such as coagulant dosage, pH value and the coordinated coagulation flocculation treatment of three kinds of coagulants on coagulation effectiveness were discussed. The optimum operating conditions were given.

Fouling and cleaning of membrane——a literature review

Membrane fouling curtails severely the economical and practical implementation of membrane process. The fundamental principles and mechanisms of membrane fouling as well as factors affecting fouling have been summarized in this paper. It also has covered three fouling resistance models and four kinds of approaches to improve membrane performance. Membrane cleaning methods are also discussed including physical, chemical, physico\|chemical and biological methods. In the four groups of basic cleaning methods, biological cleaning has considerable advantages and potentials. Extensive research work should be carried out further to explore and develop new ideas and techniques in the field of membrane cleaning and restoration.

Petro-chemical wastewater treatment by biological process

In order to study the feasibility of treating petro chemical wastewater by the combination of anaerobic and aerobic biological process, a research of treating wastewater in UASB reactor and aeration basin has been conducted. The test results shows that under moderate temperature, with 5\^2 kgCOD/(m\+3·d) volumetric load of COD Cr in the UASB reactor and 24h of HRT, 85% removal rate of BOD 5 and 83% of COD \{Cr\} and 1\^34 m\+3/(m\+3·d) volumetric gas production rate can be obtained respectively. The aerobic bio degradability can be increased by 20%—30% after the petro chemical wastewater has been treated by anaerobic process. As Ns=0\^45 kgCOD/(kgMLSS·d), HRT=4h in the aeration tank, 94% removal rate of BOD 5, 93% of COD \{Cr\}, 98\^8% total removal rate of COD \{Cr\} and 99% removal rate of BOD 5 can be reached.

Catalyst assisted destruction of trichloro ethylene and toluene in corona discharges

Destruction of trichloro ethylene (C 2HCl 3) by pulsed corona discharge reactor packed with alumina pellets and in absence of packing was investigated. Higher conversion of C 2HCl 3 was observed in presence of alumina than in absence of packing. Furthermore CO/CO 2 ratio in the by products was found to shift in favor of CO 2 by alumina compared with absence of packing. Influence of catalyst porosity on C 2HCl 3 destruction and on by product ozone generation during the processing was also studied. Both alumina Ⅰ and alumina Ⅱ show similar improvement in C 2HCl 3 destruction. However, more important observation was that alumina Ⅰ produces higher by product ozone, while, alumina Ⅱ produces lower by product ozone, than in the case of no packing. The catalyst porosity effect was also investigated for destruction of toluene and was found to be similar. Intermediates of C 2HCl 3 destruction, as identified by GC MS, were COCl 2, CH 2Cl 2CHCl 3, CCl 4 and C 2HCl 5. In presence of alumina the amount of these intermediates was much reduced, indicating the catalytic function of alumina.

Effect of organophosphorus pesticide pollution on soil animals

This paper studied the change in soil animal community in contaminated and irrigated area by organophosphorus pesticide waste water and its mechanism was discussed. The results showed that the species and quantities of soil animals decreased with organophosphorus pesticide pollution degree increasing. The species of soil animals decreased with average and rare population mainly decreasing, while the amount change was associated with that of the dominant population of Acarina, Collembola and Nematoda. Toxicity experiment demonstrated that the respiration intensity of soil animal was restrained obviously by pesticide pollution. After observation of SEM, the effect of pesticide pollution on the earthworm (\%Pheretima robusta)\% stomach intestinal mucosa damage has been observed, which showed the pesticide contamination may damage the earthworms bodies. Ulcerous focus and perforation on stomach mucosa were usually seen. The stomach microvilli appeared atrophic and disordered especially in the bodies of these earthworms growing in seriously polluted soil, bad atrophic phenomena were seen not only on the stomach mucosa microvilli but also on the cilia of the intestinal mucosa which appeared swollen as a spheroid. Under TEM, RER and Golgi compound dilatation, chondrisome swell and ridge disappearance were observed on cells of stomach epithelium mucosa of \%P.robusta\% collected from heavy polluted area. By calculation, the safety concentration of earthworm in methamidophos pesticide is 0\^2517 ml/L.

On the study of ecosystem health:state of the art

Ecosystem health is a newly proposed concept that sets new goals for environmental management. Its definition, assessment indicators, and assessment methods are reviewed in this paper. Literature shows that the definitions and the assessment indicators cover a wide range of ecosystem health, and they differ in terms of researchers different scientific background. It is concluded that the concept of ecosystem health cannot be defined or understood simply in biological or ethical or aesthetic or historical terms and the assessment should be based on applying several indicators simultaneously to get overall picture of the health or integrity state of an ecosystem.

Bioaugmentation: a new strategy for removal of recalcitrant compounds in wastewater—a case study of quinoline

To demonstrate the feasibility of using bioaugmentation to enhance biodegradation of quinoline, four strains capable of using quinoline as sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy were isolated from different environmental samples by enrichment technique. Screening for quinoline degrader with the highest quinoline mineralizing rate was carried out in respirometer and one bacterium identified as \%Burkholderia pickettii W2\% was chosen as inoculum in bioaugmentation tests. Quinoline biodegradation experiment results showed that this bacterium degraded quinoline very quickly. 100, 200 and 500 mg/L quinoline can be transformed completely within 1, 2 and 7 hours respectively. A bioaugmentation procedure was proposed and laboratory experiments confirmed that bioaugmentation was an effective way to improve the performance of traditional wastewater treatment facilities for quinoline removal. The effect of inoculum size on bioaugmentation was also investigated in this paper.

Urban environmental problems transition and environmental education towards sustainable cities in China

With the rapid economic development and the speeding up of urbanization, the urban environmental problems in China are experiencing a progressive transition, which is characterized by steady transferring to the living (or consumption) oriented pollution pattern from the production oriented pollution pattern. Regarding this transition, the environmental education recognized as an important measure for approaching the objective of sustainable development, should transfer its focus correspondingly in urban area, which is to transfer to the habit cultivating pattern on the basis of the traditional knowledge inputting environmental education pattern. In practice, the urban environmental education should emphasize more on developing or cultivating the sustainable living mode of the urban residents, especially the students in elementary and primary schools and women. By this transform, the environmental education may be guided further towards sustainable development, and to serve the achievement of sustainable cities better in China.

Properties of polyferric-silicate-sulfate(PFSS) coagulant

Polyferric\|silicate\|sulfate(PFSS),as a new type of coagulant,was prepared by using sodium silicate, sulfuric acid and ferric sulfate as materials.The zeta potential of hydrolyzate of PFSS under different pH values was investigated.The effects of Fe/SiO\-2 molar ratio and dosage of PFSS on turbidity removal were studied. The relation between the optimum coagulation pH range and Fe/SiO\-2 molar ratio was found and the coagulation mechanism of PFSS was discussed.The experimental results showed that Fe/SiO\-2 molar ratio has an effect on the zeta potential of hydrolyzate, the coagulation performance and the optimum coagulation pH range of PFSS and that PFSS gives the best turbidity removal effect when its Fe/SiO\-2 molar ratio was 1.5.

Transfer kinetics of phenol between aqueous phase and N,N-di(1-methyl-heptyl) acetamide in kerosene

The transfer kinetics of phenol between aqueous phase and N,N di(methyl heptyl) acetaminde (N503) in kerosene has been studied using Lewis cell technique. The effects of the factors including the concentrations of phenol in aqueous phase and organic phase, the concentration of N503 in organic phase, the acidity of aqueous phase, the stirring speed and the temperature on the rates of forward and backward extraction of phenol have been examined. The regularity of extraction rate has been obtained. According to experimental results, the rates of both forward and backward extraction of phenol might be controlled by diffusion process. The diffusion step of phenol from aqueous phase to interface for forward extraction and from interface to aqueous phase for backward extraction might be the rate controlling steps.

Influence of chlorsulfuron herbicide on size of microbial biomass in the soil

A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to study the effect of chlorsulfuron herbicide on the size of the microbial in loamy sand soil. The herbicide was applied, at four levels that were control, field rate 0\^01 (FR), 0\^1 (10FR) and 1 (100FR) μg/g. Determinations of microbial biomass C content and microbial biomass N content were carried out 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 25 and 45 days after herbicide application. In comparison to untreated soil, the microbial biomass carbon and biomass nitrogen decreased significantly in soil treated with herbicide in levels 10FR and 100FR within the first 10 days incubation. A more considerable increase in the microbial biomass C∶N ratio was observed in the herbicide treated soil than the non treated control. This effect was transitory and only at the higher rates of chlorsulfuron was significant.

Pyrolysis Characteristics and Kinetics of the Preparation Process of Sludge-Based Activated Carbon by ZnCl_2 Activation Method

To obtain the pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of preparation process of sludge-based activated carbon by ZnCl2 activation method （i.e.the pyrolysis process of the sludge with ZnCl2 activation）,the characteristic of mass loss and gas products generated during pyrolysis of the sludge with ZnCl2 activation were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy （TG-FTIR）.The kinetic parameters were calculated by the Coats-Redfem method and the mechanism models were established.The role of ZnCl2 in the pyrolysis process of the sludge with ZnCl2 activation was also illustrated through the comparison of the pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of the sludge with and without ZnCl2 activation.The results showed that the pyrolysis process of the sludge with ZnCl2 activation can be divided into four stages including the dehydration of sludge and initial depolymerization of a small portion of organics matters,the decomposition of large molecular organic matters into small molecular intermediates,the further degradation of intermediates and volatilization of ZnCl2,and the decomposition of inorganic minerals and undecomposed organic matters.CO2,CO,CH4,H2O,some aldehydes and carboxylic acids are the major pyrolysis gaseous products.The activation energies and pre-exponential factors are in the range of 28.84-206.42 kJ/mol and 9885.16-8.08× 1011 min-1,respectively.During the pyrolysis of sludge,ZnC12 not only can function as a dehydration agent and inhibit the formation of tar,but also can peptize the organic matters in the sludge,making them easier to be decomposed.