Continuous Measurement of Number Concentrations and Elemental Composition of Aerosol Particles for a Dust Storm Event in Beijing

A continuous measurement of number size distributions and chemical composition of aerosol particles was conducted in Beijing in a dust storm event during 21-26 March 2001. The number concentration of coarse particles （ 〉2μm） increased more significantly than fine particles （ 〈2μm） during the dust storm due to dust weather, while the anthropogenic aerosols collected during the non-dust-storm period tended to be associated with fine particles. Elemental compositions were analyzed by using proton-induced X-ray emission （PIXE）. The results show that 20 elements in the dust storm were much higher than in the non-dust-storm period. The calculated soil dust concentration during the dust storm was, on average, 251.8μg m^-3, while it was only 52.1μg m^-3 on non-dust-storm days. The enrichment factors for Mg, A1, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, C1, Cu, Pb, and Zn show small variations between the dust storm and the non-dust-storm period, while those for Ca, Ni and Cr in the dust storm were much lower than those in the non-dust-storm period due to significant local emission sources. A high concentration and enrichment factor for S were observed during the dust storm, which implies that the dust particles were contaminated by aerosol particles from anthropogenic emissions during the long-range transport. A statistical analysis shows that the elemental composition of particles collected during the dust storm in Beijing were better correlated with those of desert soil colleted from desert regions in Inner Mongolia. Air mass back-trajectory analysis further confirmed that this dust storm event could be identified as streaks of dust plumes originating from Inner Mongolia.

Experimental Study on the Chloride Ion Concentration of Cement Pastes Prepared with Limestone Powder

To investigate the impact of limestone powder on the chloride ion concentration coefficient of cement pastes,various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),and mercury-porosimetry(MIP)were employed in this paper.The findings demonstrate that the creation of Friedel's salt is inversely associated with the addition of limestone powder,that is,Friedel's salt production is lessened by adding more limestone powder,however,the coefficient of chloride ion concentration initially decreased and then increased again,as does the porosity,and most likely the pore size as well.The specific surface area of limestone powder has increased,and the content of Friedel’s salt increased first and then decreased.However,the shifting trend of Friedel's salt and chloride ion concentration coefficient is in direct opposition,and the pore structure was therefore significantly enhanced.The results of this study offer robust theoretical backing for the inclusion of limestone powder in concrete and provide a positive assessment of its potential applications.

Valuations of Elemental Concentrations of Particle Matter in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

This study focused on the contents of the air particulate matter pollution in two districts of Ulaanbaatar and determined the chemical composition of air borne samples and the source of those particles. Samples of fine and coarse fractions of PM were collected using a “Gent” stacked filter unit in two fractions of 0 - 2.2 μm and 2.2 - 10 μm sizes in two semi-residential areas from September 2012 to August 2013. This paper points out that fine and coarse concentration varied seasonally with meteorological changes. In sampling site 3, Zuun Ail (Figure 1) combustion generators generate the majority of pollution around 50.6% of household waste furnace to create high-temperature combustion of 21.6%. However, this net contributes to soil contamination near the lower value (5%) that arises around the vacuum environment in substantial amounts (14%), where is open around the buildings and residential areas, and the soil is considered to be due to the construction. But the data point to the highway in the distance, where is 9% of contamination of all vehicles’ smoke, and exhaust is similar to the data collected in Ulaanbaatar. According to analysis of samples of Nuclear Research Center (NRC) sampling site 2, it shows burning source of Particulate Matter 2.5 pollution in the air is around 25.5% of household waste furnace to create high-temperature product of combustion. But here the very high net contribution to the pollution of soil, is 31.6%. Today’s emerging dust is around 15.2%, showing that motor vehicle pollution causes 19.7%. Since the analysis was done on a sample-by-sample basis, it is possible to estimate the daily contributions of pollution sources and provide useful information based on a limited number of samples in order to address air quality management issues in Ulaanbaatar.

Separation and enrichment of elemental sulfur and mercury from hydrometallurgical zinc residue using sodium sulfide

The separation and enrichment of mercury and the recovery of elemental sulfur from flotation sulfur concentrate in zinc pressure leaching process were carried out by sodium sulfide leaching and carbon dioxide precipitating. The results show that the leaching rate of elemental sulfur is more than 98%, and 98.13% of mercury is enriched in the residue, under the optimized conditions of sodium sulfide concentration 1.5 mol/L, liquid/solid ratio 6：1 and leaching time 30 min at room temperature. In addition, the content of mercury is enriched 5.23 times that in the leaching residue. The elemental sulfur is precipitated from leaching solution under conditions of carbon dioxide flow rate 200 mL/min and blowing time 150 min, while solution is stirred adequately. The recovery efficiency of elemental sulfur reaches 97.67%, and the purity of elemental sulfur is 99.75%, meeting the requirements of industrial first-rate product standard according to the national standard of GB/T 2449-2006 （PRC）.

Characteristics of Elemental Composition of PM_(2.5) in the Spring Period at Tongyu in the Semi-arid Region of Northeast China

Continuous observations of mass concentration and elemental composition of aerosol particles （PM2.5） were conducted at Tongyu, a semi-arid site in Northeast China in the spring of 2006. The average mass concentration of PM2.5 at Tongyu station was 260.9±274.4 μg m^-3 during the observation period. Nine dust events were monitored with a mean concentration of 528.0±302.7 μgm^-3. The PM2.5 level during non- dust storm （NDS） period was 111.65±63.37 μg m^-3. High mass concentration shows that fine-size particles pollution was very serious in the semi-arid area in Northeast China. The enrichment factor values for crust elements during the dust storm （DS） period are close to those in the NDS period, while the enrichment factor values for pollution elements during the NDS period are much higher than those in the DS period, showing these elements were from anthropogenic sources. The ratios of dust elements to Fe were relative constant during the DS period. The Ca/Fe ratio in dust aerosols at Tongyu is remarkably different from that observed in other source regions and downwind regions. Meteorological analysis shows that dust events at Tongyu are usually associated with dry, low pressure and high wind speed weather conditions. Air mass back-trajectory analysis identified three kinds of general pathways were associated with the aerosol particle transport to Tongyu, and the northwest direction pathway was the main transport route.

Impacting Factors of Elemental Mercury Re-emission across a Lab-scale Simulated Scrubber

Elemental mercury（Hg^0）re-emissions from slurries and solutions were evaluated in a lab-scale simulated scrubber.Oxidized mercury（Hg^2 ＋）standard solution was injected into the simulated scrubber at a desired rate to simulate absorbing and dissolving of Hg^2 ＋in the flue gas across wet flue gas desulfurization（WFGD）systems. PS analytical mercury analyzer was used to continuously determine Hg0re-emission concentrations in the carrier gas from the scrubber.Sulfite ion in the slurry of CaSO3 was validated to reduce Hg ^2＋to Hg^ 0,while no Hg ^0 re-emission occurred from slurries of CaSO4 and CaO.Transitional metal ions with low chemical valence such as Fe^2 ＋,Pb ^2＋,Ni ^2＋, AsO2^-and Cu ^＋were used to prepare solutions with concentration levels of mmol·L^-1.Reduction reaction of Hg^2 ＋to Hg 0was observed from these solutions.Reduction capabilities for the different transitional metal ions in the solutions were：Pb^2 ＋〉Cu ^＋〉Fe^ 2＋〉 AsO2^-〉Ni ^2＋.

Influence of chloride ion concentration on immersion corrosion behaviour of plasma sprayed alumina coatings on AZ31B magnesium alloy

Corrosion attack of aluminium and magnesium based alloys is a major issue worldwide.The corrosion degradation of an uncoated and atmospheric plasma sprayed alumina(APS)coatings on AZ31B magnesium alloy was investigated using immersion corrosion test in NaCl solutions of different chloride ion concentrations viz.,0.01 M,0.2 M,0.6 M and 1 M.The corroded surface was characterized by an optical microscope and X-ray diffraction.The results showed that the corrosion deterioration of uncoated and coated samples were significantly influenced by chloride ion concentration.The uncoated magnesium and alumina coatings were found to offer a superior corrosion resistance in lower chloride ion concentration NaCl solutions(0.01 M and 0.2 M NaCl).On the other hand the coatings and Mg alloy substrate were found to be highly susceptible to localized damage,and could not provide an effective corrosion protection in solutions containing higher chloride concentrations(0.6 M and 1 M).It was found that the corrosion resistance of the ceramic coatings and base metal gets deteriorated with the increase in the chloride concentrations.

Effect of Sodium Ion Concentration on Hydrogen Production from Sucrose by Anaerobic Hydrogen-producing Granular Sludge

This work evaluated the effects of sodium ion concentration, ranging from 0 to 16000mg·L^-1（Na^＋）, on the conversion of sucrose to hydrogen by a high-activity anaerobic hydrogen-producing granular sludge. At the optimum sodium ion concentration [1000-2000mg·L^-1（Na^＋）] for hydrogen production at 37℃, the maximum sucrose degradation rate, the specific hydrogen production yield and the specific hydrogen production rate were 393.6-413.1mg·L^-1.h^-1, 28.04-28.97ml·g^-1, 7.52-7.83ml·g^-1.h^-1, respectively. The specific production yields of propionate, butyrate and valerate decreased with increasing sodium ion concentration, whereas the specific acetate production yield increased, meanwhile the specific production yields of ethanol and caproate were less than 55.3 and 12.6mg·g^-1, respectively. The hybrid fermentation composition gradually developed from acetate, propionate and butyrate to acetate with the increase in sodium ion concentration.

Elemental variations in glacier cryoconites of Indian Himalaya and Spitsbergen,Arctic

Cryoconite samples were collected from two different climatic domains i.e.,the Sutri Dhaka glacier,western Himalaya India and Svalbard glaciers,the Spitsbergen,Arctic,to understand the elemental source and elemental deposition patterns.The data of geochemical analysis suggest that the Himalayan cryoconite samples accumulate higher concentrations as compared to the cryoconite samples of the Arctic glaciers.The concentration of lithophile elements(Cs,Li,Rb and U)was recorded higher in the cryoconite holes of the Himalayas,especially,in the lower to the higher parts of the glacier,whereas,lower concentrations were recorded in the Arctic samples.Chalcophile elements in the Himalayan cryoconites are enriched in As and Bi while the Arctic cryoconite samples show a higher concentration of Bi,Pb and As.The higher concentrations are responsible for influencing the ecosystem and in human health related issues.Siderophile elements(Co,Fe,Mn and Ni)show high concentrations in the Himalayan samples,whereas,the Arctic samples show minor variations and low elemental concentration in these elements,respectively.In addition,a few elements,such as Ag,Mg,and Ca show higher concentration in the Himalayan glacier samples.Ca also occurs in high concentrations in Arctic glacier samples.R-mode factor analysis of the Himalayas(Arctic)samples indicate that the elements are distributed in four(three)factors,explaining 89%(90%)of the variance in their elemental distribution.The Factor 1 suggests statistically significant positive loadings for most of the lithophile,chalcophile and siderophile elements of the "Himalayan" and the Arctic cryoconite samples.The sample-wise factor score distribution shows a considerable variation in the sampling locations along the glaciers of both the regions.Factors 2 and 3,demonstrate insignificant loading for most of the elements,except statistically significant positive loading in some of the elements of the both,Himalayan and Arctic "cryoconites".The higher elemental concentration in the cryoconites of the Himalayan region may be an indicator of the natural processes and/or attributed to the rapid industrialization in the Asian countries.

Er^(3+) ion concentration effect on transient and steady-state behavior in Er^(3+):YAG crystal

The effect of Er3＋ ion concentration on transient and steady-state behavior in 45-nm Er3＋ ：YAG crystal is investigated. It is shown that by changing the signal field, the coherent field and the concentration of Er3＋ ions in the crystal, the absorption, dispersion, and group index of the weak probe field can be adjusted. Also, it is found that the probe absorption occurs in the presence of population inversion and probe amplification is obtained in the absence of population inversion.

A new approach to endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measures in mini pig models

Mini pig models are large mammals and their ears are more similar with human beings in structure and development than other animals.However,the study on porcine ears is still in the initial stage and there is no description of an ideal operation approach to endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements.In this article,we describe a pre-auricular surgical approach to access the middle and inner ear for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measures in mini pig models.Ten one-week old normal mini pigs were used in the study.The bulla of the temporal bone was accessed via a pre-auricular approach for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements.The condition of the animals during the first post—experiment 24 h was observed.One animal died during surgery.The preauricular approach improved protection and preservation of relevant nervous and vascular elements including the facial nerve and carotid artery.So,the pre-auricular approach can be used for endocochlear potential and potassium ion concentration measurements with improved nerve and artery preservation mini pigs.

Combined effects of temperature and copper ion concentration on the superoxide dismutase activity in Crassostrea ariakensis

Superoxide dismutase（SOD） is a crucial antioxidant enzyme playing the first defense line in antioxidant pathways against reactive oxygen species in various organisms including marine invertebrates. There exist mainly two specific forms, Cu/Zn-SOD（SOD1） and Mn-SOD（SOD2）, in eukaryotes. SODs are known to be concurrently modulated by a variety of environmental stressors. By using central composite experimental design and response surface method, the joint effects of water temperature（18–34°C） and copper ion concentration（0.1–1.5 mg/L） on the total SOD activity in the digestive gland of Crassostrea ariakensis were studied. The results showed that the linear effect of temperature was highly significant（P〈0.01）, the quadratic effect of temperature was significant（P〈0.05）; the linear effect of copper ion concentration was not significant（P〉0.05）, while the quadratic effect of copper ion concentration was highly significant（P〈0.01）; the interactive effect of temperature and copper ion concentration was not significant（P〉0.05）; the effect of temperature was greater than that of copper ion concentration. The model equation of digestive gland SOD enzyme activity towards the two factors of interest was established, with R2 and predictive R2 as high as 0.961 6 and 0.820 7, respectively, suggesting that the goodness-offit to experimental data be very satisfactory, and could be applied to prediction of digestive gland SOD activity in C. ariakensis under the conditions of the experiment. Our results would be conducive to addressing the health of aquatic animals and/or to detecting environmental problems by taking SOD as a potential bioindicator.

Elemental Composition of Atmospheric Particles in Winter at Datong City, Shanxi Province, China, and Its Impact on Beijing

Atmospheric particle samples were collected at an urban site of Datong, Shanxi Province, during December 2004 and their element concentrations at different sizes were analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Analysis of the observation data showed that particle pollution was heavy in winter at Datong and that concentrations of most elements were high in the coarse range. Factor analysis (FA) results indicated that the soil and dust, coal combustion dust, and industry dust are main sources for atmospheric particles in winter at Datong. The enrichment factors of element concentrations showed that particle pollution at Datong impacts the down-wind region-Beijing-in the dust season.

Comparison of Quartz filter and PTFE filter in monitoring anion ion concentration of PM10

PM10 samples of 62 Quartz filters and 75 PTFE filters from 28 Jul. 1999 to 10 Jan. 2000 in London were collected and analyzed. The difference between Quartz filter and PTFE filter in monitoring PM10 and anion ion concentration has been studied. The mean PM10, SO42- concentrations of Quartz filters were higher than those of PTFT filters, which had statistically significant （P〈0.05）. The mean PM 10 concentration of Quartz filter was almost 1.5 times of that of PTFE filter. However, there were no statistically significant among CI, NO3-, PO43 comparison of the two kinds filters （P〉0.05）. We should be careful when selecting filter to do research about PM10 and anion ion concentration.

Effect of Sodium Ion Concentration on Hydrogen Production from Sucrose by Anaerobic Hydrogen-producing Granular Sludge

This work evaluated the effects of sodium ion concentration, ranging from 0 to 16000mg·L-1(Na+), on the conversion of sucrose to hydrogen by a high-activity anaerobic hydrogen-producing granular sludge. At the opti- mum sodium ion concentration [1000—2000mg·L-1(Na+)] for hydrogen production at 37℃, the maximum sucrose degradation rate, the specific hydrogen production yield and the specific hydrogen production rate were 393.6— 413.1mg·L-1·h-1, 28.04—28.97ml·g-1, 7.52—7.83ml·g-1·h-1, respectively. The specific production yields of propionate, butyrate and valerate decreased with increasing sodium ion concentration, whereas the specific acetate production yield increased, meanwhile the specific production yields of ethanol and caproate were less than 55.3 and 12.6mg·g-1, respectively. The hybrid fermentation composition gradually developed from acetate, propionate and butyrate to acetate with the increase in sodium ion concentration.

Combined effects of water temperature and copper ion concentration on catalase activity in Crassostrea ariakensis

A central composite experimental design and response surface method were used to investigate the combined effects of water temperature(18–34℃) and copper ion concentration(0.1–1.5 mg/L) on the catalase(CAT) activity in the digestive gland of C rassostrea ariakensis. The results showed that the linear effects of temperature were significant(P <0.01), the quadratic effects of temperature were significant( P <0.05), the linear effects of copper ion concentration were not significant(P >0.05), and the quadratic effects of copper ion concentration were significant(P <0.05). Additionally, the synergistic effects of temperature and copper ion concentration were not significant(P >0.05), and the effect of temperature was greater than that of copper ion concentration. A model equation of CAT enzyme activity in the digestive gland of C. ariakensis toward the two factors of interest was established, with R 2, Adj. R 2 and Pred. R 2 values as high as 0.943 7, 0.887 3 and 0.838 5, respectively. These findings suggested that the goodness of fit to experimental data and predictive capability of the model were satisfactory, and could be practically applied for prediction under the conditions of the study. Overall, the results suggest that the simultaneous variation of temperature and copper ion concentration alters the activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT by modulating active oxygen species metabolism, which may be utilized as a biomarker to detect the effects of copper pollution.

The Combined Impact of Magnetic Field and Chloride Ion Concentration on Corrosion Behavior of Al-Mg Alloys

The impact of magnetic field on the corrosion behavior of Al-Mg-xR_(E)/Fe alloys in NaCl solutions with concentrations of 1.5wt%,3.5wt%,and 5.5wt%were studied by microstructure observation,immersion test,and electrochemical test.The combined impacts of magnetic field and chloride ion concentration on the corrosion behavior of Al-Mg alloys with various electrode potential phases were discussed.The results indicate that Al-3.0Mg-xR_(E)/Fe alloys corrode faster and have a higher pitting corrosion potential in the NaCl solution with a higher concentration.In addition,a magnetic field can lower the pitting sensitivity and corrosion rate of Al-3.0Mg and Al-3.0Mg-0.2R_(E)/Fe alloys in NaCl solution with different concentrations.However,at a higher concentration of NaCl solution,the magnetic field has a weaker inhibiting effect on corrosion rate and pitting sensitivity.In NaCl solutions with concentrations of 1.5wt%and 3.5wt%,the corrosion rate and pitting sensitivity of Al-3.0Mg-1.0R_(E)/Fe alloys can be reduced by a magnetic field.However,in NaCl solution with the concentration of 5.5wt%,the corrosion rate of the alloys is increased by a magnetic field.

Impact of Hydrogen Ion Concentration on Amino Acids Composition of Macadamia Protein: Approached Using Cation-Exchange Chromatography

In the present context, the objective of this study was to synthesize and analyze the content of AA of macadamia protein and the impact of hydrogen ion concentration (pH) on AA composition. The determination of AA mainly by cation-exchange chromatography was also investigated. Reproducible and reliable techniques for quantification and identification of AA usually require derivatization. However, techniques such as AA analyzer are composed of cation-exchange chromatography and other components can sideline the derivatization with significant accuracy. The present analysis revealed a higher concentration of essential amino acids especially acidic AA, Glu and Asp and basic AA, Arg than other AA in macadamia protein. The study constitutes first report of use of bubble chart for evaluation of AA and explaination of AAS. The results may elaborate that the degradation of AA of macadamia protein for extraction of pH 11 is caused by the impact of pH. Moreover, the nutritional values of AA present in macadamia protein could change for the better by adjusting pH of extraction.

Multi-Elemental Analysis and 2D Image Mapping within Roots, Leaves and Seeds from O. glaberrima Rice Plants Using Micro-PIXE Technique

Understanding metal accumulation at organ level in roots, leaves and seeds in O. glaberrima (OG) is crucial for improving physiological and metabolic aspects in growing Asian and African rice in salted areas. The micro-analytical imaging techniques are required to reveal its accumulation and distribution within plant tissues. PIXE studies have been performed to determine different elements in rice plants. The existing microbeam analytical technique at the iThemba LABS will be applied for the 2D image mapping of fresh rice tissues to perform a concentration of low atomic mass elements (such as Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Br, Zn and K) with detection limits of typically 1-10 μg/g. Comparison of the distribution of the elements between leaves, root and seed samples using uptake and distribution of elements in particular environmental conditions with potential amount of salt in water have been performed. We are also expecting to indicate metal exclusion as salt tolerance strategies from leaves, root, and seed compartments using matrix correlation between samples and between elements on rice species.

Effects of Trajectory Wind Direction on Ion Concentration of PM_(10)

Objective To study the characterization apportionment of main ion concentrations of PM10 under the influence of trajectory wind direction in London. Methods PM10 samples from 1 May 1995 to 30 October 1995 of Oxford Street of Central London were collected, the metals and anions of which were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry （AAS） and ion chromatography （IC）. Composite trajectories representative of the air mass arriving in London at the same period were calculated based on basic routine back trajectories from the British Atmospheric Data Centre （BADC）. Results Concentration apportionments of main ions were similar when the trajectory was plotted back at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, some were obviously different. Mg, Ba, Pb, and Cu had similar peak apportionments at the area 180°-320°, but Zn and Ni at the area of 90°-270°, NO3^- and SO4^2- at the area of 100°-220°. Cl^- concentration peak apportionment was at the area of 220°-300°, which showed that Cl^- mainly came from the North Sea. Conclusion Trajectory wind direction has important effect on ion concentration apportionment of PM10 in London. The ions have similar concentration peak apportionments or their correlation coefficients are statistically significant.