A combination of straw incorporation and polymer-coated urea offsets soil ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions in winter wheat fields

The combined effects of straw incorporation(SI)and polymer-coated urea(PCU)application on soil ammonia(NH_(3))and nitrous oxide(N_(2)O)emissions from agricultural fields have not been comprehensively evaluated in Northwest China.We conducted a two-year field experiment to assess the effects of combining SI with either uncoated urea(U)or PCU on soil NH_(3)emissions,N_(2)O emissions,winter wheat yields,yield-scaled NH_(3)(/NH_(3)),and yield-scaled N_(2)O(/N_(2)O).Five treatments were investigated,no nitrogen(N)fertilizer(N_(0)),U application at 150 kg N ha-1 with and without SI(SI+U and S_(0)+U),and PCU application at 150 kg N ha^(-1) with and without SI(SI+PCU and S_(0)+PCU).The results showed that the NH_(3);emissions increased by 20.98-34.35%following Sl compared to straw removal,mainly due to increases in soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)-N)content and water-flled pore space(WFPS).SI resulted in higher N_(2)O emissions than under the So scenario by 13.31-49.23%due to increases in soil inorganic N(SIN)contents,WFPS,and soil microbial biomass.In contrast,the PCU application reduced the SIN contents compared to the U application,reducing the NH_(3)and N_(2)O emissions by 45.99-58.07 and 18.08-53.04%,respectively.Moreover,no significant positive effects of the SI or PCU applications on the winter wheat yield were observed.The lowest /NH_(3) and /N_(2)O values were observed under the S_(0)+PCU and SI+PCU treatments.Our results suggest that single PCU applications and their combination with straw are the optimal agricultural strategies for mitigating gaseous N emissions and maintaining optimal winter wheat yields in Northwest China.

Emission property of Y_2O_3-doped Mo secondary emitter

Y2O3-doped Mo secondary emitters were prepared by liquid-liquid doping and solid-solid doping,respectively.The back-scattered scanning observation result indicates that the emitter prepared by liquid-liquid doping has fine microstructure whereas that prepared by solid-solid doping has large grain size.Y2O3-doped Mo emitter with small grain size prepared by liquid-liquid doping exhibits high emission property,i.e.,the secondary electron yield can get to 5.24,about 1.7 times that prepared by solid-solid doping.Moreover,Y2O3-doped Mo emitter exhibits the best emission performance among La2O3-doped Mo,Y2O3-doped Mo, Gd2O3-doped Mo and Ce2O3-doped Mo emitters due to the largest penetration depth of primary electrons and escape depth of secondary electrons in this emitter.The secondary emission of the emitter with small grain size can be explained by reflection emission model and transmission emission model,whereas only transmission emission exists in the emitter with large grain size.

Estimation of vegetative mercury emissions in China

Vegetative mercury emissions were estimated within the framework of Biogenic Emission Inventory System (BEIS3 V3.11). In this estimation, the 19 categories of U.S. Geological Survey landcover data were incorporated to generate the vegetation-specific mercury emissions in a 81-km Lambert Conformal model grid covering the total Chinese continent. The surface temperature and cloud-corrected solar radiation from a Mesoscale Meteorological model (MM5) were retrieved and used for calculating the diurnal variation...

Photoluminescence Properties and Energy Transfer from Ce^(3+) to Tb^(3+) in Zn_2SiO-_4 Host

Zn2Si O4︰Tb^3＋, Zn2 Si O4︰Ce^3＋, Zn2 Si O4︰Tb^3＋, Ce^3＋ phosphors were prepared by solidstate reaction at 1 150 ℃ for 2h under a weak reducing atmosphere. Moreover, the XRD patterns and photoluminescence spectra were recorded and the effects of Tb3＋ and Ce3＋ concentration on the luminescent properties of as-synthesized phosphors were investigated. The emission spectra under ultraviolet light（333 nm） radiation showed a dominant peak at 542 nm attributed to the 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb^3＋, which was enhanced significantly（about 45 times） by the co-doping of Ce^3＋, indicating that there occurred an efficient energy transfer from Ce^3＋ to Tb^3＋. According to the Dexter＇s energy transfer formula of multipolar interaction, it was demonstrated that the energy transfer between Ce3＋ and Tb3＋ was due to the electric dipolar-dipolar interaction of the resonance transfer.

Gd^(3+) ion induced UV upconversion emission and temperature sensing in Tm^(3+)/Yb^(3+):Y_(2)O_(3) phosphor

Cubic phase Tm^(3+)/Yb^(3+):Y_(2)O_(3) and Tm^(3+)/Yb^(3+)/Gd^(3+):Y_(2)O_(3) phosphors were prepared by low temperature combustion technique for upconversion emission in UV-visible range.The 980 nm excitation has generated UV emission at 314 nm in tridoped phosphor due to the energy transfer from Tm^(3+) to Gd^(3+)ion.Characteristic emission bands from Tm^(3+) are also observed in both the phosphors.Thermally coupled Stark sublevels ^(1)G_(4(a))(476 nm) and ^(1)G_(4(b))(488 nm) of Tm^(3+) ion were utilised for optical thermometry using fluorescent intensity ratio(FIR) method.The result shows that maximum absolute sensitivity in tridoped phosphor is observed to be 1.33 × 10^(-3) K^(-1) at 298 K.Moreover,temperature rise of phosphor at various pump power densities was also measured and it is estimated to achieve 407 K at the pump power density of 38.46 W/cm^(2).

Effects of biochar produced from distiller grains on agronomic performances of sorghum(Sorghum bicolor L.)and greenhouse gas emissions from soil

Aromatic liquor breweries produce massive distiller grains containing a high percentage of rice husks that necessitate harmless treatment and resource utilization.These husk-rich distiller grains can be pyrolyzed in the Ni-based catalyst system at a relatively low temperature(480?C)into combustible gas,which is used in liquor distillation,and biochar(BDG)with high mineral nutrients and good surface properties.A 3-year field experiment(2018-2020)was established to understand the effects of BDG on sorghum agronomic performances and greenhouse gas emissions from the soil.The results showed that BDG had higher mineral nutrient(N,P,K,and S)contents,larger cation exchange capacity,and better surface structure than those prepared using the traditional method at 400 and 600℃.Compared with sole chemical fertilizer(CF),the combination of CF and BDG(CF+BDG)increased sorghum nutrient(N,P,and K)uptake,yield,fertilizer use efficiency,and economic benefit.Cumulative CO_(2) emission from the soil changed little between with and without BDG,indicating the microbial stability of BDG.The effective adsorption of NH_(3) or NH_(4)+by BDG upon N application may reduce N loss through NH_(3) and N_(2)O emissions and increase the efficiency of fertilizer N use.Cumulative CH_(4) emission ranged from 32.45 to 44.86 g ha-1,which could be overlooked as a greenhouse gas in the sorghum field.Moreover,CF+BDG significantly decreased NH3 and N_(2)O emissions for the production of each unit of sorghum grains and the CO_(2) emission from the land for the production of a certain amount of sorghum grains.Therefore,CF+BDG exhibited better agronomic and environmental performances in sorghum cultivation.

Characterization and prediction of tailpipe ammonia emissions from in-use China 5/6 light-duty gasoline vehicles

On-road tailpipe ammonia (NH3) emissions contribute to urban secondary organic aerosol formation and have direct or indirect adverse impacts on the environment and human health. To understand the tailpipe NH3 emission characteristics, we performed comprehensive chassis dynamometer measurements of NH3 emission from two China 5 and two China 6 light-duty gasoline vehicles (LDGVs) equipped with three-way catalytic converters (TWCs). The results showed that the distance-based emission factors (EFs) were 12.72 ± 2.68 and 3.18 ± 1.37 mg/km for China 5 and China 6 LDGVs, respectively. Upgrades in emission standards were associated with a reduction in tailpipe NH3 emission. In addition, high NH3 EFs were observed during the engine warm-up period in cold-start cases owing to the intensive emissions of incomplete combustion products and suitable catalytic temperature in the TWCs. Notably, based on the instantaneous NH3 emission rate, distinct NH3–emitting events were detected under high/extra high velocity or rapid acceleration. Furthermore, NH3 emission rates correlated well with engine speed, vehicle specific power, and modified combustion efficiency, which were more easily accessible. These strong correlations were applied to reproduce NH3 emissions from China 5/6 LDGVs. The predicted NH3 EFs under different dynamometer and real-world cycles agreed well with existing measurement and prediction results, revealing that the NH3 EFs of LDGVs in urban routes were within 8.55–11.62 mg/km. The results presented here substantially contribute to improving the NH3 emission inventory for LDGVs and predicting on-road NH3 emissions in China.

Broadband 1.5-um emission of erbium-doped TeO_2-WO_3-Nb_2O_5 glass for potential WDM amplifier

Erbium-doped glass showing the wider 1.5-um emission band is reported in a novel oxide system TeO2-WO3-Nb2O5 and their thermal stability and optical properties such as absorption, emission spectra, cross-sections and fluorescence lifetime were investigated. Compared with other glass hosts, the gain bandwidth properties of Er3+ in TWN glass is close to that of bismuth glasses, and larger than those of tellurite, germanate, silicate and phosphate glasses. The broad and flat 4I13/2-4I15/2 emission and the large stimulated emission cross-section of Er3+ ions around 1.5um can be used as host material for potential broadband optical amplifier in the wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) network system.

The Status of Ammonia(NH_3) Emissions and Achievements of Emissions Reduction Technology in Farmland Ecosystems

NH3 is one of the leading causes of grey haze, and one of the main causes of serious ecological imbalances that result in environmental problems such as acid rain and air quality deterioration. At present, excessive fertilizer application greatly intensifies NH3 emissions intensity on farmland. In order to understand status and achievements of research on farmland NH3 emissions, the literature of farmland NH3 emission-related studies was retrieved from SCl journals and the Chinese science citation database. These are summarized with respect to the research progress on NH3 emission factors and emission reduction technologies. The future research direction of field NH3 emission and emission reduction technology need to strengthen the field observation on different soil environment and crop types, and understand the effect of NH3 emission on fertilizer application period and the proportion, temperature and organic fertilizer management in farmland mainly. The research results can provide more information about the factors that influence NH3 emissions. This study offers theoretical guidance and support directed at mitigating farmland NH3 emissions in the future.

Enhanced 1.8 μm emission in Er^(3+)/Tm^(3+) co-doped lead silicate glasses under different excitations for near infrared laser

A detailed study of the fluorescence emission properties and energy transfer mechanism in Er^（3＋）/Tm^（3＋） co-doped lead silicate glasses was reported. Enhanced near infrared 1.8 μm and visible up-conversion emissions were investigated under 808 and 980 nm excitations, respectively. The energy transfer mechanism between Er^（3＋） and Tm^（3＋） was analyzed according to the absorption spectra, the emission spectra and the level structures of Er^（3＋） and Tm^（3＋）. The energy transfer efficiency between Er^（3＋） and Tm^（3＋） reached 68.1% in the Er^（3＋）/Tm^（3＋） co-doped lead silicate glasses when pumped by 808 nm laser diode. Based on the absorption spectra, the Judd-Ofelt parameters, spontaneous emission probability, absorption and emission cross sections, gain coefficients were calculated and analyzed. It was found that the calculated emission cross section and the maximum gain coefficient around 1.8 μm were 4.9×10^（–21）cm^2 and 1.12 cm^（–1）, respectively. These results indicated that the Er^（3＋）/Tm^（3＋） co-doped lead-silicate glasses had potential application in near infrared lasers.

Effects of charge compensation on red emission in CaYAl_3O_7:Eu^(3+) phosphor

Monovalent ions Li＋, Na＋, and K＋, as charge compensators, are introduced into CaYA1307： M （M = Eu3＋, Ce~＋） in this letter. Their crystal phases and photoluminescence properties of different alkali metal ions doped in CaYA1307 are investigated. In addition, the influence of charge compensation ion Li＋ which has a more obvious role in improving luminescence intensity on CaYA1307： Eu3＋ phosphor is intentionally discussed in detail and a possible mechanism of charge compensation is given. The enhancement of red emission centered at 618 nm belonging to Eu3＋ is achieved by adding alkali metal ion Li＋ under 393-nm excitation.

Promotion effects of salt-alkali on ammonia volatilization in a coastal soil

Coastal ecosystems are highly susceptible to salt-related problems due to their formation process and geographical location. As such ecosystems are the most accessible land resources on Earth, clarifying and quantifying the effects of salt-alkali conditions on N concentration and ammonia(NH_(3)) volatilization are pivotal for promoting coastal agricultural productivity. The challenge in establishing this effect is to determine how salt-alkali conditions impact NH_(3) volatilization through direct or indirect interactions. An incubation experiment using a coastal soil from a paddy farmland, combined with the structural equation modeling(SEM) method, was conducted to reveal the net effects of salt-alkali on NH_(3) volatilization and the role of environmental and microbial factors in mutual interaction networks. The specific experimental design consisted of four salt treatments(S1, S2, S3, and S4: 1‰, 3‰, 8‰, and 15‰ NaCl by mass of soil, respectively), four alkaline treatments(A1, A2, A3, and A4: 0.5‰, 1‰, 3‰, and 8‰ NaHCO_(3)by mass of soil, respectively) and a control without NaCl or NaHCO_(3) addition(CK), and each treatment had three urea concentrations(N1, N2, and N3: 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 g N kg^(-1) soil,respectively) and three replicates. At the N1, N2, and N3 levels, NH_(3)volatilization increased by 9.31%–34.98%, 3.07%–26.92%, and 2.99%–43.61% as the NaCl concentration increased from 1‰ to 15‰, respectively, compared with CK. With an increase in the NaHCO_(3)concentration from 0.5‰ to 8‰, NH_(3) volatilization increased by 8.36%–56.46%, 5.49%–30.10%, and 30.72%–73.18% at the N1, N2, and N3 levels, respectively, compared with CK. According to the SEM method, salinity and alkalinity had positive direct effects on NH_(3)volatilization, with standardized path coefficients of 0.40 and 0.19, respectively.Considering the total effects(net positive and negative effects) in the SEM results, alkalinity had a greater influence than salinity(total standardized coefficient0.104 > 0.086). Nitrogen concentrations in the incubation system showed a direct positive effect on NH_(3) volatilization(standardized path coefficient = 0.78),with an obvious decrease under elevated salinity and alkalinity levels. Additionally, gene abundances of nitrogen-transforming microbes indirectly increased NH_(3) volatilization(total indirect standardized coefficient = 0.31). Our results indicated that potential NH_(3) emissions from coastal saline areas could be enhanced more by soil alkalization than by salinization.

Effects of organic fertilizers produced using different techniques on rice grain yield and ammonia volatilization in double-cropping rice fields

Ammonia(NH_(3)) volatilization from rice fields contributes to poor air quality and indicates low nitrogen use efficiency. Although organic fertilizers can meet the nitrogen requirement for rice growth, the simultaneous effects of organic fertilizers on NH_(3) volatilization and rice yield in paddy fields are poorly understood and quantified. To address this gap in our knowledge, experimental field plots were established in a conventional double-cropping paddy field in the Pearl River Delta region, southern China. Five fertilizer treatments were used besides the control with no fertilizer: fresh organic fertilizer, successively composted organic fertilizer, chemically composted organic fertilizer, mixture of chemically composted organic fertilizer with inorganic fertilizer, and chemical fertilizer. Ammonia volatilization was measured using a batch-type airflow enclosure method. No significant differences in grain yield were observed among organic and chemical fertilizer treatments. However, compared with chemical fertilizer, chemically composted organic fertilizer and successively composted organic fertilizer significantly decreased total NH_(3) volatilization by 70% and 68%, respectively. The ammonium-nitrogen concentration in field surface water correlated strongly(P < 0.01) and positively with NH_(3) volatilization across fertilization treatments. Our findings demonstrate that chemically composted organic fertilizer can sustain rice yield while reducing NH_(3) volatilization. An important future step is to promote these field measurements to similar rice cultivation areas to quantify the regional-and national-scale impact on air quality and nitrogen deposition in sensitive areas, and to design and implement better fertilizer management practices.

Environmental benefits and farmers' adoption of winter cover crops in the North China Plain

The introduction of cover crops into monoculture systems to improve soil health has been widely adopted worldwide. However, little is known about the environmental risks and application prospects of different cover crops in spring maize(Zea mays L.) monocultures proposed in the North China Plain. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different winter cover crops on subsequent maize yield, soil fertility, and environmental risks of nitrogen(N) loss, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to examine factors influencing farmers' willingness to adopt cover crops in the North China Plain. Based on the same fertilization regime during the maize growing period, four winter cover crop treatments were set up, including bare fallow, hairy vetch(Vicia villosa Roth.), February orchid(Orychophragmus violaceus), and winter oilseed rape(Brassica campestris L.). The results indicated that winter cover crops significantly increased subsequent maize yield and soil organic carbon, total N, and microbial biomass carbon and N compared with the bare fallow treatment.The incorporation of cover crops led to a negligible increase in nitrous oxide(N_(2)O) emissions and had a very limited effect on ammonia(NH_(3)) emissions.The incorporation of February orchid and winter oilseed rape decreased nitrate leaching compared with the hairy vetch treatment in the maize growing season.The N losses via N_(2)O and NH_(3) emissions and N leaching accounted for 71%–84% of the N surplus. However, yield increase and environmental benefits were not the main positive factors for farmers to accept cover crops. Financial incentive was rated by 83.9% of farmers as an “extremely important” factor, followed by other costs, when considering winter cover cropping. These results indicate that the environmental benefits depend on the type of cover crop. Maintaining high levels of soil fertility and maize yield, providing sufficient subsidies, and encouraging large-area cultivation of cover crops are critical measures to promote winter cover cropping in the North China Plain.

Gases emissions estimation and analysis by using carbon dioxide balance method in natural-ventilated dairy cow barns

Contaminated gases emissions from livestock industry are becoming one of the most significant contributors to the increasingly serious environmental pollution.To find a way to reduce gases emissions,it is essential to reveal the factors that can affect the gases emissions.In this study,the concentrations of typical gases(including ammonia(NH_(3)),carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S),and sulfur dioxide(SO_(2)))generated from naturally-ventilated dairy cow barns were detected through the sample-data method in Tianjin,northern China.Indoor environmental conditions,such as temperature(T)and relative humidity(RH),were measured simultaneously.After applying the carbon dioxide mass balance method,ammonia,hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide emissions were determined.The correlation analysis and regression analysis between the climate condition and gas emissions were conducted to assess the data collected in dairy cow barns during the whole study period.There was a significant relationship between environmental conditions and gas emissions.NH3,H2S and SO_(2) emissions from the building are in the range of 0.98-2.36 g/LU·h,0-0.034 g/LU·h,and 0-0.069 g/LU·h,respectively.The numerical analysis shows that the NH3 emission is highly correlated with the temperature and relative humidity.The ventilation rate shows a positive correlation with all the three gases.

Effect of light conversion agent on luminous properties of a new down-converting material SrAl_2O_4:Eu^(2+),Dy^(3+)/light conversion agent

A new luminous material SrAl2O4：Eu^2＋,Dy^3＋/light conversion agent that can emit red light in the darkness after being excited was fabricated by combining light conversion agent on to SrAl2O4：Eu^2＋,Dy^3＋ particles through YsiX3.The morphology of the luminous materials was analyzed by scan electron microscopy（SEM）.The emission behavior was evaluated by fluorescence spectrophotometric analysis and the results demonstrated that the emission spectra of samples had a redshift compared to SrAl2O4：Eu^2＋,Dy^3＋ and the emission intensity rose dramatically at first and then decreased when the ratio of light conversion agent doping was over 1.4 wt.%.And the emission color of SrAl2O4：Eu^2＋,Dy^3＋/light conversion agent was tuned from green（SrAl2O4：Eu^2＋,Dy^3＋）to orange-red.Furthermore,the afterglow property was also investigated,and the results indicated that the afterglow brightness reached 6.5 cd/m^2,and as the light conversion agent concentration increased the brightness intensity decreased.

Effects of High Temperature Oxidation on Mechanical Properties of Ti_3AlC_2

The oxidation tests of Ti_3AlC_2 were conducted at 1100 and 1200？C in air for 48 and 360 h, respectively,and the effects of high temperature oxidation on the flexural strength and hardness of Ti_3AlC_2 were investigated. The microstructure, grain size and phase compositions of Ti_3AlC_2 substrate didn＇t change after oxidation, hence the oxide removed Ti_3AlC_2 substrate maintained its initial flexural strength and hardness. However, the flexural strength of oxide retained Ti_3AlC_2 decreased by about 5%. Acoustic emission monitoring indicated that during the process of three-point bending test, the formed Al_2O_3 scale on Ti_3AlC_2 surface fractured firstly in a cleavage manner, then the substrate/oxide interface cracked,and finally the Ti_3AlC_2 substrate fractured. The mechanical degradation was caused by the preferential formation of cracks in brittle Al_2O_3 scale as well as at defective and lacunose grain boundaries of the substrate where stress concentration generated. The mechanical degradation was insensitive to oxidation temperature and time in the present conditions. In addition, the surface hardness increased significantly after oxidation due to the formed hard Al_2O_3 scale on the surface of Ti_3AlC_2 substrate.

Design of unidirectional emission silicon/llI-V laser for on-chip interconnects

We propose a unidirectional emission silicon/ III-V laser, which comprises an III-V quantum wells microdisk connected to an output waveguide and a siliconon-insulator （SOI） waveguide. Characteristics of the III-V microdisk with an output waveguide and mode coupling between the III-V output waveguide and the SO1 waveguide are investigated by three-dimensional （3D） finite-difference time-domain （FDTD） method. Simulation results show that the Q factor of a coupled mode for a 7.5 μm diameter microdisk connected to a 0.5 μm wide output waveguide is about 8.5×10^4. And the coupling efficiency between the III-V output waveguide and the SO1 waveguide is over 96% when the III-V waveguide width is 0.5 μm, the SO1 waveguide width is 0.565 μm and the vertical gap between those two waveguides is 0.1μm. The proposed hybrid laser would be of valuable applications for on-chip interconnects.

Extraction and characterization of bound extracellular polymeric substances from cultured pure cyanobacterium(Microcystis wesenbergii)

Preliminary characterization of bound extracellular polymeric substances（bEPS） of cyanobacteria is crucial to obtain a better understanding of the formation mechanism of cyanobacterial bloom. However,the characterization of bEPS can be affected by extraction methods. Five sets（including the control） of bEPS from Microcystis extracted by different methods were characterized using three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix（3DEEM） fluorescence spectroscopy combined chemical spectrophotometry; and the characterization results of bEPS samples were further compared. The agents used for extraction were NaOH,pure water and phosphate buffered saline（PBS） containing cationic exchange resins,and hot water. Extraction methods affected the fluorescence signals and intensities in the bEPS. Five fluorescence peaks were observed in the excitation and emission matrix fluorescence spectra of bEPS samples. Two peaks（peaks T1 and T2） present in all extractions were identified as protein-like fluorophores,two（peaks A and C） as humic-like fluorophores,and one（peak E） as a fulvic-like substance.Among these substances,the humic-like and fulvic-like fluorescences were only seen in the bEPS extracted with hot water. Also,NaOH solution extraction could result in strong fluorescence intensities compared to the other extraction methods. It was suggested that NaOH at pH 10.0 was the most appropriate method to extract bEPS from Microcystis. In addition,dialysis could affect the yields and characteristics of extracted bEPS during the determination process. These results will help us to explore the issues of cyanobacterial blooms.

Interactions between metal ions and the biopolymer in activated sludge： quantification and effects of system pH value

The quantification and effects of system pH value on the interactions between Pb（II） and the biopolymer in activated sludge were investigated. The biopolymer had two protein-like fluorescence peaks （Ex/Em = 280 nm1326-338 nm for peak A; Ex/Em = 220-230 nm/324-338 nm for peak B）. The fluorescence intensities of peak B were higher than those of peak A. The fluorophores of both peaks could be largely quenched by Pb（ll）, and the quencher dose for peak B was about half of that for peak A. The modified Stern-Volmer equation well depicted the fluorescence quenching titration. The quenching constant （Ka） values for both peaks decreased with rising system pH value, and then sharply decreased under alkaline conditions. It could be attributed to that the alkaline conditions caused the reduction of available Pb（II） due to the occurrence of Pb（OH）2 sediments. The Ka values of peak B were bigger than those for peak A at the same system pH values. Accordingly, the aromatic proteins （peak B） played a key role in the interactions between metal ions and the biopolymer.