Synthesis of NaY zeolite from a submolten depolymerized perlite:Alkalinity effect and crystallization kinetics

NaY zeolites are synthesized using submolten salt depolymerized natural perlite mineral as the main silica and alumina sources in a 0.94 L stirred crystallizer.Effects of alkalinity ranging from 0.38 to 0.55(n(Na_(2)O)/n(SiO_(2)))on the relative crystallinity,textural properties and crystallization kinetics were investigated.The results show that alkalinity exerts a nonmonotonic influence on the relative crystallinity and textural properties,which exhibit a maximum at the alkalinity of 0.43.The nucleation kinetics are studied by fitting the experimental data of relative crystallinity with the Gualtieri model.It is shown that the nucleation rate constant increases with increasing alkalinity,while the duration period of nucleation decreases with increasing alkalinity.For n(Na_(2)O)/n(SiO_(2))ratios ranging from 0.38 to 0.55,the as-synthesized NaY zeolites exhibit narrower crystal size distributions with the increase in alkalinity.The growth rates determined from the variations of average crystal size with time are 51.09,157.50,46.17 and 24.75 nm·h^(-1),respectively.It is found that the larger average crystal sizes at the alkalinity of 0.38 and 0.43 are attributed to the dominant role of crystal growth over nucleation.Furthermore,the combined action of prominent crystal growth and the longer duration periods of nucleation at the alkalinity of 0.38 and 0.43 results in broader crystal size distributions.The findings demonstrate that control of the properties of NaY zeolite and the crystallization kinetics can be achieved by conducting the crystallization process in an appropriate range of alkalinity of the reaction mixture.

Effect of Saline Water on Soil Acidity, Alkalinity and Nutrients Leaching in Sandy Loamy Soil in Rwamagana Bella Flower Farm, Rwanda

The necessity to saline and sodic waters is sometimes used for irrigating agricultural activities under certain circumstances, but it is important to note that the use of these waters comes with specific considerations and limitations. One way to decrease undesirable effects of sodic waters on the physical and chemical properties of soils is to apply organic and chemical amendments within the soil. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of saline water on soil acidity, alkalinity and nutrients leaching in sandy loamy soil at Bella flower farm, in Rwamagana District, Rwanda. The water used was from the Muhazi Lake which is classified as Class I (Saline water quality). Column leaching experiments using treated soils were then conducted under saturated conditions. The soil under experimental was first analyzed for its textural classification, soil properties and is classified as sandy loamy soil. The t-test was taken at 1%, 5% and 10% levels of statistical significance compared to control soil. The results indicated that the application of saline water to soils caused an increase in some soil nutrients like increase of Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Sulphur (S), CN ratio and Sodium (Na+) and decreased soil texture, physical and chemical properties and remained soil nutrients. Consequently, the intensive addition of saline water leachates to soil in PVC pipes led to decreased of soil EC through leaching and a raiser Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP). The rate of saline water application affected the increase accumulation of SAR and Na% in the top soil layers. The study indicated that saline water is an inefficient amendment for sandy soil with saline water irrigation. The study recommends further studies with similar topic with saline water irrigation, as it accentuated the alkalinity levels.

The coupling control of biological precursors and environmental factors onβ-carotane enrichment in alkaline lacustrine source rocks:A case study from the Fengcheng formation in the western Junggar Basin,NW China

The organic-rich mudstones and dolostones of the Permian Fengcheng Formation(Fm.)are typically alkaline lacustrine source rocks,which are typified by impressively abundantβ-carotane.Abundant β-carotane has been well acknowledged as an effective indicator of biological sources or depositional environments.However,the specific biological sources of β-carotane and the coupling control of biological sources and environmental factors on the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.remains obscure.Based on a comprehensive investigation of the bulk,molecular geochemistry,and organic petrology of sedimentary rocks and the biochemistry of phytoplankton in modern alkaline lakes,we proposed a new understanding of the biological precursors of β-carotane and elucidated the enrichment mechanism of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.The results show that the biological precursors crucially control the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.The haloalkaliphilic cyanobacteria are the primary biological sources of β-carotane,which is suggested by a good positive correlation between the 2-methylhopane index,7-+8-methyl heptadecanes/C_(max),C_(29%),and β-carotane/C_(max)in sedimentary rocks and the predominance of cyanobacteria with abundantβ-carotene in modern alkaline lakes.The enrichment of β-carotane requires the reducing condition,and the paleoredox state that affects the enrichment of β-carotane appears to have a threshold.The paleoclimate conditions do not considerably impact the enrichment of β-carotane,but they have some influence on the water's paleosalinity by affecting evaporation and precipitation.While it does not directly affect the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.,paleosalinity does have an impact on the cyanobacterial precursor supply and the preservation conditions.

Recent advances and future prospects on Ni_(3)S_(2)-Based electrocatalysts for efficient alkaline water electrolysis

Green hydrogen(H_(2))produced by renewable energy powered alkaline water electrolysis is a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its high energy density with zero-carbon emissions.However,efficient and economic H_(2) production by alkaline water electrolysis is hindered by the sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Therefore,it is imperative to design and fabricate high-active and low-cost non-precious metal catalysts to improve the HER and OER performance,which affects the energy efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis.Ni_(3)S_(2) with the heazlewoodite structure is a potential electrocatalyst with near-metal conductivity due to the Ni–Ni metal network.Here,the review comprehensively presents the recent progress of Ni_(3)S_(2)-based electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrocatalysis.Herein,the HER and OER mechanisms,performance evaluation criteria,preparation methods,and strategies for performance improvement of Ni_(3)S_(2)-based electrocatalysts are discussed.The challenges and perspectives are also analyzed.

An efficient and mild recycling of waste melamine formaldehyde foams by alkaline hydrolysis

Melamine formaldehyde foam(MFF)generates many poisonous chemicals through the traditional recycling methods for organic resin wastes.Herein,a high MFF degradation ratio of ca.97 wt.%was achieved under the mild conditions(160℃)in a NaOH–H2O system with ammelide and ammeline as the main degradation products.The alkaline solvent had an obvious corrosion effect for MFF,as indicated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The reaction process and products distribution were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and ^(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR).Besides,the MFF degradation products that have the similar chemical structures and bonding performances to those of melamine can be directly used as the raw material for synthesis of melamine urea-formaldehyde resins(MUFs).Moreover,the degradation system demonstrated here showed the high degradation efficiency after reusing for 7 times.The degradation process generated few harmful pollutants and no pre-or post-treatments were required,which proves its feasibility in the safe removal or recovery of waste MFF.

Maskless fabrication of quasi-omnidirectional V-groove solar cells using an alkaline solution-based method

Silicon passivated emitter and rear contact(PERC) solar cells with V-groove texture were fabricated using maskless alkaline solution etching with in-house developed additive. Compared with the traditional pyramid texture, the V-groove texture possesses superior effective minority carrier lifetime, enhanced p–n junction quality and better applied filling factor(FF). In addition, a V-groove texture can greatly reduce the shading area and edge damage of front Ag electrodes when the V-groove direction is parallel to the gridline electrodes. Due to these factors, the V-groove solar cells have a higher efficiency(21.78%) than pyramid solar cells(21.62%). Interestingly, external quantum efficiency(EQE) and reflectance of the V-groove solar cells exhibit a slight decrease when the incident light angle(θ) is increased from 0° to 75°, which confirms the excellent quasi omnidirectionality of the V-groove solar cells. The proposed V-groove solar cell design shows a 2.84% relative enhancement of energy output over traditional pyramid solar cells.

Surface Deposition of Ni(OH)_(2) and Lattice Distortion Induce the Electrochromic Performance Decay of NiO Films in Alkaline Electrolyte

NiO,an anodic electrochromic material,has applications in energy-saving windows,intelligent displays,and military camouflage.However,its electrochromic mechanism and reasons for its performance degradation in alkaline aqueous electrolytes are complex and poorly understood,making it challenging to improve NiO thin films.We studied the phases and electrochemical characteristics of NiO films in different states(initial,colored,bleached and after 8000 cycles)and identified three main reasons for performance degradation.First,Ni(OH)_(2)is generated during electrochromic cycling and deposited on the NiO film surface,gradually yielding a NiO@Ni(OH)_(2)core-shell structure,isolating the internal NiO film from the electrolyte,and preventing ion transfer.Second,the core-shell structure causes the mode of electrical conduction to change from first-to second-order conduction,reducing the efficiency of ion transfer to the surface Ni(OH)_(2)layer.Third,Ni(OH)_(2)and NiOOH,which have similar crystal structures but different b-axis lattice parameters,are formed during electrochromic cycling,and large volume changes in the unit cell reduce the structural stability of the thin film.Finally,we clarified the mechanism of electrochromic performance degradation of NiO films in alkaline aqueous electrolytes and provide a route to activation of NiO films,which will promote the development of electrochromic technology.

A novel multi-channel porous structure facilitating mass transport towards highly efficient alkaline water electrolysis

An advantageous porous architecture of electrodes is pivotal in significantly enhancing alkaline water electrolysis(AWE)efficiency by optimizing the mass transport mechanisms.This effect becomes even more pronounced when aiming to achieve elevated current densities.Herein,we employed a rapid and scalable laser texturing process to craft novel multi-channel porous electrodes.Particularly,the obtained electrodes exhibit the lowest Tafel slope of 79 mV dec^(-1)(HER)and 49 mV dec^(-1)(OER).As anticipated,the alkaline electrolyzer(AEL)cell incorporating multi-channel porous electrodes(NP-LT30)exhibited a remarkable improvement in cell efficiency,with voltage drops(from 2.28 to 1.97 V)exceeding 300 mV under 1 A cm^(-1),compared to conventional perforated Ni plate electrodes.This enhancement mainly stemmed from the employed multi-channel porous structure,facilitating mass transport and bubble dynamics through an innovative convection mode,surpassing the traditional convection mode.Furthermore,the NP-LT30-based AEL cell demonstrated exceptional durability for 300 h under 1.0 A cm^(-2).This study underscores the capability of the novel multi-channel porous electrodes to expedite mass transport in practical AWE applications.

Influences of different alkaline and acidic diagenetic environments on diagenetic evolution and reservoir quality of alkaline lake shales

Thin section and argon-ion polishing scanning electron microscope observations were used to analyze the sedimentary and diagenetic environments and main diagenesis of the Permian Fengcheng Formation shales in different depositional zones of Mahu Sag in the Junggar Basin,and to reconstruct their differential diagenetic evolutional processes.The diagenetic environment of shales in the lake-central zone kept alkaline,which mainly underwent the early stage(Ro<0.5%)dominated by the authigenesis of Na-carbonates and K-feldspar and the late stage(Ro>0.5%)dominated by the replacement of Na-carbonates by reedmergnerite.The shales from the marginal zone underwent a transition from weak alkaline to acidic diagenetic environments,with the early stage dominated by the authigenesis of Mg-bearing clay and silica and the late stage dominated by the dissolution of feldspar and carbonate minerals.The shales from the transitional zone also underwent a transition from an early alkaline diagenetic environment,evidenced by the formation of dolomite and zeolite,to a late acidic diagenetic environment,represented by the reedmergnerite replacement and silicification of feldspar and carbonate minerals.The differences in formation of authigenic minerals during early diagenetic stage determine the fracability of shales.The differences in dissolution of minerals during late diagenetic stage control the content of free shale oil.Dolomitic shale in the transitional zone and siltstone in the marginal zone have relatively high content of free shale oil and strong fracability,and are favorable“sweet spots”for shale oil exploitation and development.

Analysis of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltransferase after radiofrequency ablation of primary liver cancer: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Changes in alkaline phosphatase(ALP)andγ-glutamyltransferase(GGT)levels in patients with primary liver cancer(PLC)after radiofrequency ablation(RFA).Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor with high incidence worldwide.As a common local treatment,RFA has attracted much attention for its efficacy and influence on liver function.AIM To investigate the effect of serum ALP and GGT levels on the prognosis of patients with PLC treated by RFA.METHODS The preoperative clinical data of 165 patients who were pathologically or clinically diagnosed with PLC and who received RFA in our hospital between October 2018 and June 2023 were collected.The chi-square test was used to compare the data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to analyze the associ-ations between serum ALP and GGT levels and overall survival,progression-free survival(PFS)and clinical characteristics of patients before treatment.RESULTS The 1-year survival rates of patients with normal(≤135 U/L)and abnormal(>135 U/L)serum ALP before treatment were 91%and 79%,respectively;the 2-year survival rates were 90%and 68%,respectively;and the 5-year survival rates were 35%and 18%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.01).Before treatment,the 1-year survival rates of patients with normal serum GGT levels(≤45 U/L)and abnormal serum GGT levels(>45 U/L)were 95%and 87%,the 2-year survival rates were 85%and 71%,and the 5-year survival rates were 37%and 21%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statist-ically significant(P<0.001).Serum ALP[hazard ratio(HR)=1.766,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.068-2.921,P=0.027]and GGT(HR=2.312,95%CI:1.367-3.912,P=0.002)is closely related to the overall survival of PLC patients after RF ablation and is an independent prognostic factor.The 1-year PFS rates were 72%and 50%,the 2-year PFS rates were 52%and 21%,and the 5-year PFS rates were 14%and 3%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0001).The 1-year PFS rates were 81%and 56%in patients with normal and abnormal serum GGT levels before treatment,respectively;the 2-year PFS rates were 62%and 35%,respectively;and the 5-year PFS rates were 18%and 7%,respectively,with statistical significance between the two groups(P<0.001).The serum ALP concentration(HR=1.653,95%CI:1.001-2.729,P=0.049)and GGT(HR=1.949,95%CI:1.296-2.930,P=0.001)was closely associated with PFS after RFA in patients with PLC.The proportion of male patients with abnormal ALP levels is high,the Child-Pugh grade of liver function is poor,and the incidence of ascites is high.Among GGT-abnormal patients,the Child-Pugh grade of liver function was poor,the tumor stage was late,the proportion of patients with tumors≥5 cm was high,and the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was high.CONCLUSION Serum ALP and GGT levels before treatment can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with PLC after RFA,and they have certain guiding significance for the long-term survival of patients with PLC after radiofrequency therapy.

Alkaline sphingomyelinase deficiency impairs intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and reduces antioxidant capacity in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an unknown etiology.Alkaline sphingomyelinase(alk-SMase)is specifically expressed by intestinal epithelial cells,and has been reported to play an anti-inflammatory role.However,the underlying mechanism is still unclear.AIM To explore the mechanism of alk-SMase anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal barrier function and oxidative stress in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.METHODS Mice were administered 3%DSS drinking water,and disease activity index was determined to evaluate the status of colitis.Intestinal permeability was evaluated by gavage administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran,and bacterial translocation was evaluated by measuring serum lipopolysaccharide.Intestinal epithelial cell ultrastructure was observed by electron microscopy.Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of intestinal barrier proteins and mRNA,respectively.Serum oxidant and antioxidant marker levels were analyzed using commercial kits to assess oxidative stress levels.RESULTS Compared to wild-type(WT)mice,inflammation and intestinal permeability in alk-SMase knockout(KO)mice were more severe beginning 4 d after DSS induction.The mRNA and protein levels of intestinal barrier proteins,including zonula occludens-1,occludin,claudin-3,claudin-5,claudin-8,mucin 2,and secretory immunoglobulin A,were significantly reduced on 4 d after DSS treatment.Ultrastructural observations revealed progressive damage to the tight junctions of intestinal epithelial cells.Furthermore,by day 4,mitochondria appeared swollen and degenerated.Additionally,compared to WT mice,serum malondialdehyde levels in KO mice were higher,and the antioxidant capacity was significantly lower.The expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)in the colonic mucosal tissue of KO mice was significantly decreased after DSS treatment.mRNA levels of Nrf2-regulated downstream antioxidant enzymes were also decreased.Finally,colitis in KO mice could be effectively relieved by the injection of tertiary butylhydroquinone,which is an Nrf2 activator.CONCLUSION Alk-SMase regulates the stability of the intestinal mucosal barrier and enhances antioxidant activity through the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Experimental study on reactions between alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes: constraints on the evolution of lithospheric mantle in the North China Craton

The experimental results of the reactions between an alkaline basaltic melt and mantle orthopyroxenes under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions of 1300–1400℃ and 2.0–3.0 GPa using a six-anvil apparatus are reported in this paper.The reactions are proposed to simulate the interactions between melts from the asthenospheric mantle and the lithospheric mantle.The starting melt in the experiments was made from the alkaline basalt occurring in Fuxin,Liaoning Province,and the orthopyroxenes were separated from the mantle xenoliths in Damaping,Hebei Province.The results show that clinopyroxenes were formed in all the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes under the studied P–T conditions.The formation of clinopyroxene in the reaction zone is mainly controlled by dissolution–crystallization,and the chemical compositions of the reacted melt are primarily infl uenced by the diff usion eff ect.Temperature is the most important parameter controlling the reactions between the melt and orthopyroxenes,which has a direct impact on the melting of orthopyroxenes and the diff usion of chemical components in the melt.Temperature also directly controls the chemical compositions of the newly formed clinopyroxenes in the reaction zone and the reacted melt.The formation of clinopyroxenes from the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes can result in an increase of CaO and Al_(2)O_(3) contents in the rocks containing this mineral.Therefore,the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt from the asthenospheric mantle and orthopyroxenes from the lithospheric mantle can lead to the evolution of lithospheric mantle in the North China Craton from refractory to fertile with relatively high CaO and Al 2 O 3 contents.In addition,the reacted melts in some runs were transformed from the starting alkaline basaltic into tholeiitic after reactions,indicating that tholeiitic magma could be generated from alkaline basaltic one via reactions between the latter and orthopyroxene.

Effects of Soil Salinity and Alkalinity on Grain Quality of Tolerant,Semi-Tolerant and Sensitive Rice Genotypes

Soil salinity and alkalinity adversely affects the productivity and grain quality of rice. The grain quality of 19 rice genotypes characterized as salt tolerant （T）, semi-tolerant （ST） and sensitive （S） was assessed in lysimeters containing saline and highly alkaline soils. Head rice recovery was reduced by salinity stress whereas it was not affected by alkalinity stress. The ratio of length to width （grain dimensions） was significantly reduced in the T genotype even at low electrical conductivity （EC, 4 mS/cm） and alkalinity （pH 9.5）, whereas in the ST genotype, it was significantly reduced at high salinity （EC 8 mS/cm）. There was no significant effect of any levels of salinity or alkalinity on grain dimensions in the S genotype. Amylose content was significantly reduced in T and ST groups even at low EC （4 mS/cm） and alkalinity （pH 9.5） and the effect in the S genotype was only at high salinity. Starch content showed significant reduction at high salinity and alkalinity （EC 8 mS/cm and pH 9.8） in the T and ST genotypes and no significant effect was observed in the S genotype. The effect of both levels of salinity （EC 4 and 8 mS/cm） and high alkalinity （pH 9.8） on gel consistency was observed only in the S genotype. The tolerant genotypes IR36 under high salinity, and CSIR10 and CSR11 under alkali stress showed less reduction in amylose content. The T genotype BR4-10, and ST genotypes CSR30, CSR29 and CSR13 showed better gel consistency under saline and alkali stress. Amylose content was affected even at low salinity stress and thus important to be considered in breeding rice for salt tolerance. Overall, the grain quality of T and ST genotypes was less affected by saline and alkali stress compared to S ones.

Industrial wastes applications for alkalinity regulation in bauxite residue: A comprehensive review

Bauxite residue is a highly alkaline material generated from the production of alumina in which bauxite is dissolved in caustic soda.Approximately 4.4 billion tons of bauxite residues are either stockpiled or landfilled,creating environmental risks either from the generation of dust or migration of filtrates.High alkalinity is the critical factor restricting complete utilization of bauxite residues,whilst the application of alkaline regulation agents is costly and difficult to apply widely.For now,current industrial wastes,such as waste acid,ammonia nitrogen wastewater,waste gypsum and biomass,have become major problems restricting the development of the social economy.Regulation of bauxite residues alkalinity by industrial waste was proposed to achieve‘waste control by waste’with good economic and ecological benefits.This review will focus on the origin and transformation of alkalinity in bauxite residues using typical industrial waste.It will propose key research directions with an emphasis on alkaline regulation by industrial waste,whilst also providing a scientific reference point for their potential use as amendments to enhance soil formation and establish vegetation on bauxite residue disposal areas(BRDAs)following large-scale disposal.

Spatial and temporal variations in pH and total alkalinity at the beginning of the rainy season in the Changjiang Estuary, China

The results of field observation carried out in May 2003 were used to examine pH and total alkalinity behaviors in the Changjiang Estuary. It was showed that pH and total alkalinity took on clear spatial variations in values with the minima in the low salinity region. Like salinity, transect distributions of pH and total alkalinity （TA） in a downriver direction had a sharp gradient each. These gradients appeared in such a sequence that the TA gradient was earlier than salinity and pH gradients, and the salinity gradient was earlier than the pH gradient. These distribution characteristics seemed to be strongly influenced by the mixing process of freshwater and seawater, for both pH and total alkalinity had significant linear relationships with salinity and temperature. For pH, phytoplankton activities also had a significant impact upon its spatial distribution. During a period of 48 h, pH and total alkalinity changed within wide ranges for every layer of the two anchor stations, namely, Stas 13 and 20, which were located at the mixed water mass and seawater mass, respectively. For both Stas 13 and 20, pH and TA fluctuation of every layer could be very wide during a 4 h period. As a whole, the data of the two anchor stations showed that neither variations in salinity and temperature nor phytoplankton activities were the main factors strongly influencing the total alkalinity temporal variability on a small time scale. The data of Sta. 20 implied that both salinity variation and phytoplankton activities had a significant influence on pH temporal variability, but the same conclusion could not be drawn from the data of Sta. 13.

Separation of sulfide lead-zinc-silver ore under low alkalinity condition

A complex lead-zinc-silver sulfide ore containing 2.98% Pb, 6.49% Zn and 116.32×10^-4 % Ag （mass fraction） from Yunnan Province, China, was subjected to this work. Research on mineral processing was conducted according to the properties of the lead-zinc-silver ore. Under low alkalinity condition, the lead minerals are successfully separated from the zinc minerals with new reagent YZN as zinc depressant, new reagent BPB as lead collector, CuSO4 as zinc activator and ethyl xanthate as zinc collector. The associated silver is mostly concentrated to the lead concentrate. With the process utilized in this work, a lead concentrate of 51.90% Pb with a recovery of 82.34% and a zinc concentrate of 56.96% Zn with a recovery of 81.98% are produced. The silver recovery in the lead concentrate is 80.61%. Interactions of flotation reagents with minerals were investigated, of which the results indicate that the presence of proper amount of Na2S can precipitate Pb^2＋ and has a sulfidation on oxidized lead minerals. The results also show that NazCO3 and YZN used together as combined depressants for sphalerite can signally improve the depressing effect of new reagent YZN on sphalerite.

Alkalinity stabilization behavior of bauxite residue:Ca-driving regulation characteristics of gypsum

Alkaline anions,include CO3^2–,HCO3^–,Al(OH)4^–,OH^–,continuously released from bauxite residue(BR),will cause a potential disastrous impact on surrounding environment.The composition variation of alkaline anions,alkaline phase transformation pathway,and micro-morphological transition characteristics during the gypsum addition were investigated in an attempt to understand alkalinity stabilization behavior.Results demonstrated that alkaline anions stabilization degree in leachates can reach approximately 96.29%,whilst pH and alkalinity were reduced from 10.47 to 8.15,47.39 mmol/L to 2 mmol/L,respectively.During the alkalinity stabilization,chemical regulation behavior plays significant role in driving the co-precipitation reaction among the critical alkaline anions(CO3^2–,HCO3^–,Al(OH)4^–,OH^–),with calcium carbonate(CaCO3))being the most prevalent among the transformed alkaline phases.In addition,XRD and SEM-EDX analyses of the solid phase revealed that physical immobilization behavior would also influence the stability of soluble alkali and chemical bonded alkali due to released Ca^2+from gypsum which aggregated the clay particles and stabilized them into coarse particles with a blocky structure.These findings will be beneficial for effectively regulating strong alkalinity of BR.

Summertime freshwater fractions in the surface water of the western Arctic Ocean evaluated from total alkalinity

As a quasi-conservative tracer, measures of total alkalinity （TA） can be utilized to trace the relative fractions of freshwater and seawater. In this study, based on the TA and related data collected during the third Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition （JulySeptember 2008, 3rd CHINARE-Arctic） and the fourth Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition （JulySeptember 2010, 4th CH1NARE-Arctic）, fractions of sea-ice meltwater, river runoff, and seawater within the surface water of the western Arctic Ocean were determined using salinil~~ and TA relationships. The largest fraction of seeL-ice meltwater was found around 75~N within the Canada Basin during both surveys, which is located at the ice edge. Generally, it was found that the frac- tion of river runoff was less than that of sea-ice meltwater. The river runoff, composed mainly of contributions from the Yukon River carried by Bering inflow water and the Mackenzie River, was influenced by the currents, leading to two peak areas of its fraction. Our results show that the dilution effect of freshwater carried by Bering inflow water during the 3rd CH1NARE-Arctic in 2008 expedition period may be stronger than that during the 4th CH1NARE-Arctic in 2010 expedition period. The peak area of sea-ice meltwater fraction during the 4th CH1NARE-Arctic was different from that of the 3rd CHINAR-E-Arctic, corresponding to their sea-ice condition.

Activity origin and alkalinity effect of electrocatalytic biomass oxidation on nickel nitride

Electro-oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMFOR)is a promising green approach to realize the conversion of biomass into value-added chemicals.However,considering the complexity of the molecular structure of HMF,an in-depth understanding of the electrocatalytic behavior of HMFOR has rarely been investigated.Herein,the electrocatalytic mechanism of HMFOR on nickel nitride(Ni3 N)is elucidated by operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS),in situ Raman,quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS),respectively.The activity origin is proved to be Ni^(2+δ)N(OH)ads generated by the adsorbed hydroxyl group.Moreover,HMFOR on Ni3 N relates to a two-step reaction:Initially,the applied potential drives Ni atoms to lose electrons and adsorb OH-after 1.35 VRHE,giving rise to Ni^(2+δ)N(OH)ads with the electrophilic oxygen;then Ni^(2+δ)N(OH)ads seizes protons and electrons from HMF and leaves as H_(2) O spontaneously.Furthermore,the high electrolyte alkalinity favors the HMFOR process due to the increased active species(Ni^(2+δ)N(OH)ads)and the enhanced adsorption of HMF on the Ni3 N surface.This work could provide an in-depth understanding of the electrocatalytic mechanism of HMFOR on Ni3 N and demonstrate the alkalinity effect of the electrolyte on the electrocatalytic performance of HMFOR.

Impacts of Alkalinity Drops on Shifting of Functional Sulfate-Reducers in a Sulfate-Reducing Bioreactor Characterized by FISH

Alkalinity is one of the most important parameters that influence microbial metabolism and activity during sulfate-laden wastewater biological treatment. To comprehensively understand the structure and dynamics of functional microbial community under alkalinity changes in sulfate-reducing continuous stirred tank reactor （CSTR）, fluorescent in situ hybridization （FISH） technique was selected for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of functional microbial compositions in activated sludge. During 93d of bioreactor operation, the influent alkalinity was adjusted by adding sodium bicarbonate from 4000mg·L^-1 down to 3000mg·L^-1, then to 1500mg·L^-1, whereas other parameters, such as the loading rates of chenucal oxygen demand （COD） and sulfate （SO4^2-）, hydraulic retention time （HRT）, and pH value, were continuously maintained at 24g·L^-1·d^-1 and 4.8g·L^-1·d^-1, 10h,and about 6.7, respectively. Sludge samples were collected during diflerent alkalinity levels, and total Bacteria, tlae sulfate-reducing bacteria （SRB）, and four SRB genera were demonstrated with 16S ribosomal .RNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes. The results indicated that bioreactor started-up successfully in 30d. The two instances ot drop in alkalinity resulted in the fluctuation of sulfate removal rate. The diversity of SRB community showed significant shift, and the alteration of microbial community directly resulted in the corresponding statuses of bioreactor. The dominant genera during the bioreactor start-up and alkalinity drops were Desulfovibrio, Desulfobacter, Desulfovibrio, Desulfobacter, and Desulfovibrio, respectively. In addition, the acetotrophic SRB sutterecl more trom me reduction of alkalinity than the non-acetotrophic SRB. This strategy can present the functional microbial community structure during start-up and alkalinity drop stages, and provides a powerful theoretical guideline for optimization and adjustment of bioreactor, as well.