Understanding the Removal and Fate of Selected Drugs of Abuse in Sludge and Biosolids from Australian Wastewater Treatment Operations

Illicit and pharmaceutical drugs are considered to be emerging contaminants of concern,and much research effort has gone into assessing their occurrence in wastewater.However,little information exists on their presence in treated sludge or biosolids.In this study,we examined sludge and biosolids from a large metropolitan wastewater treatment plant(WWTP)in Australia to determine the occurrence of five drugs of abuse,including benzoylecgonine as indicator of cocaine consumption,methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine(MDMA)as representative illicit stimulants,and codeine and morphine as pharmaceuticals with potential environmental risk.The samples were solid-phase extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry(LC–MS/MS).Benzoylecgonine and MDMA were present in raw sludge but were notably degraded during solids treatment processes,and were not detected in the dewatered sludge(after treatment)or in biosolids.Methamphetamine,codeine,and morphine were detected in all biosolids samples at mean concentrations of 20–50 lg kg^-1.The presence of these three drugs in biosolids shows that these compounds are relatively stable in the solids and in soil,and can persist in biosolids for at least several years.A simple environmental risk assessment based on estimated risk quotients(RQs)for these compounds indicated that the potential environmental risks associated with the land application of biosolids are very low at typical Australian biosolids application rates.

Harvesting,sensing and regulating light based on photo-thermal effect of Cu@CuO mesh

A system of light harvesting, sensing and regulating was designed based on the photo-thermal and Seebeck effect of flexible CuO nanostructures. Cu@CuO meshes were prepared via self-oxidation of Cu mesh and utilized as the photo-thermal material. Upon irradiation by visible light, the temperature of the Cu@CuO mesh dramatically increases. The temperature difference between the irradiated and non-irradiated parts of the Cu@CuO mesh produced a measurable voltage output due to the Seebeck effect. The generated voltage was then converted into a digital signal to control a rotary neutral-density disc to filter the received light. This enabled regulation of the intensity of the incident light at a selected region. This system is cost effective and has potential applications in greenhouses, factories and smart buildings to minimize energy consumption and improve wellbeing.

Distinct Element Modelling of Unreinforced Masonry Wall Under Seismic Loads with and without Cable Retrofitting

To retrofit and strengthen existing unreinforced masonry (URM) structures to resist the potential earthquake damages has become an important issue in Australia. In order to secure the performance of URM under seismic loading in the future, a research project was carried out aimed at developing a simple and high strength seismic retrofitting technique for masonry structures. A series of experimental testing on URM walls retrofitted with an innovative technique by cable system have been conducted. The results indicated that both the strength and ductility of the tested speci-mens were significantly enhanced with the technique. An analytical model which is based on Dis-tinct Element Method (DEM) has also been developed to simulate the behaviour of URM walls be-fore and after retrofitting. The model is then further developed by applying a seismic wave to the wall to simulate the wall behavior under earthquake loads before and after retrofitting.

Local buckling of thin plate on tensionless elastic foundations under interactive uniaxial compression and shear

This paper uses a mathematical method to develop an analytical solution to the local buckling behaviour of long rectangular plates resting on tensionless elastic Winkler foundations and under combined uniform longitudinal uniaxial compressive and uniform in-plane shear loads. Fitted formulas are derived for plates with clamped edges and simplified supported edges. Two examples are given to demonstrate the application of the current method： one is a plate on tensionless spring foundations and the other is the contact between the steel sheet and elastic solid foundation. Finite element （FE） analysis is also conducted to validate the analytical results. Good agreement is obtained between the current method and FE analysis.

Magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.45 Ga in the northern Gawler Craton: The Australian record of rifting within Nuna(Columbia)

U-Pb monazite and zircon geochronology and calculated metamorphic phase diagrams from drill holes in the northern Gawler Craton, southern Australia, reveal the presence of ca. 1.45 Ga magmatism and metamorphism. Magmatism and granulite facies metamorphism of this age has not previously been recognised in the Gawler Craton. The magmatic rocks have steep LREE-enriched patterns and high Ga/Al values, suggesting they are A-type granites. Calculated metamorphic forward models suggest that this event was associated with high apparent thermal gradients and reached pressures of 3.2 -5.4 kbar and temperatures of 775-815℃. The high apparent thermal gradients may reflect pluton-enhanced metamorphism, consistent with the presence of A-type granites. The recognition of ca. 1.45 Ga tectonism in the northern Gawler Craton is added to a compilation of ca. 1.50 -1.40 Ga magmatism, shear zone reactivation, rift basin development and isotope resetting throughout the South and North Australian Cratons that shows that this event was widespread in eastern Proterozoic Australia. This event is stylistically similar to ca. 1.45 Ga A-type magmatism and high thermal gradient metamorphism in Laurentia in this interval and provides further support for a connection between Australia and Laurentia during the Mesoproterozoic. The tectonic setting of the 1.50-1.40 Ga event is unclear but may record rifting within the Nuna(or Columbia) supercontinent, or a period of intracontinental extension within a long-lived convergent setting.

Cyclic liquefaction screening of sand with non-plastic fines:Critical state approach

There have been significant advances in the application of critical state,CS,in liquefaction potential assessment.This was done by comparing state parameter,j with estimated characteristic cyclic stress ratio,CSR due to an earthquake.A cyclic resistance ratio,CRR curve,which can be determined from cyclic liquefaction tests,separates historical liquefied and non-liquefied data points(j,CSR).On the other hand,the concepts of equivalent granular state parameter,j*,which was developed for sands with fines,can be used in lieu j to provide a unifying framework for characterizing the undrained response of sands with non/low plasticity fines,irrespective of fines content(fc).The present work combines these two propositions,and by merely substituting j*for j into the aforementioned CS approach to capture the influence of fc.A series of static and cyclic triaxial tests were conducted,separately and independently of the concept of j*,for sand with up to fc of 30%.The clean sand was collected from Sabarmati river belt at Ahmedabad city in India which was severely affected during the Bhuj earthquake,2001.The experimental data gave a single relation for CRR and j*which was then used to assess liquefaction potential for a SPT based case study,where fc varies along the depth.The prediction matched with the field observation.

Quantification of relationship between annual daily maximum temperature and annual daily maximum rainfall in South Australia

The empirical relationship between annual daily maximum temperature(ADMT)and annual daily maximum rainfall(ADMR)was investigated.The data were collected from four weather stations located in Adelaide,South Australia,from 1988 to 2017.Due to the influence of sea surface temperature on rainfall and temperature,the distance from the weather station to the sea was considered in the selection of weather stations.Two weather stations near the sea and two inland weather stations were selected.Three non-parametric statistical tests(Kruskal–Wallis,Mann–Whitney,and correlation)were applied to perform statistical analysis on the ADMT and ADMR data.It was revealed that the temperature and rainfall in South Australia varies according to weather station location.The distance from the sea to the weather station was found to have limited influence on temperature and rainfall.Meanwhile,with the 0.05 level of significance,the association between ADMT and ADMR near sea stations is not as significant as the association between the two inland weather stations.It is relatively unrealistic to use ADMR to predict ADMT,or vice versa,since their correlation is not statistically significant(Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient:−0.106).

Modelling of URM Walls Retrofitted with Cable: A Comparison Between a Basic Mechanical Model and Distinct Element Method

The Australian love of 'heritage' buildings (most of them are unreinforced masonry (URM)) means that greater attention is required to secure their performance under seismic or impact loading in the future. A research project has been carried out to develop a new, economic and high strength retrofitting technique for masonry structures. A series of experimental testing on URM walls retrofitted with an innovative technique by cable system have been conducted. In this paper, an analytical model which is based on distinct element method (DEM) is developed to simulate the behaviour of retrofitted walls. In DEM, a solid is represented as an assembly of discrete blocks. Joints are modelled as interface between distinct bodies. It is a dynamic process and specially designed to model the behaviour of discontinuities. In order to assist the practising engineers to design this new retrofitted wall system, a simple mechanical model was also developed to predict the strength of the retrofitted walls. The results obtained from this simple mechanical model are compared with those from both experiments and distinct element model.

Leave or Stay?Antecedents of High-level Talent Migration in the Pearl River Delta Megalopolis of China:from a Perspective of Regional Differentials in Housing Prices

Rapid urbanization and population growth have triggered an increase in urban housing demand and rising housing prices,which can influence the migration intention of high-level talents.Much work within the literature has focused more on the migration of the general public.However,antecedents of migration intention and the impact of housing prices on the migration of high-level talents remain unclear.Therefore,based on the push-pull theory,this study investigates the influencing factors of talent migration intention and explores the role of housing prices.This study reveals a complex mechanism underlying migration decisions by using logistic regression models and survey data of high-level talents in the Pearl River Delta(PRD)megalopolis of China.The results indicate that:1)in high house-price regions,social integration is the primary push factor,and the main factors for retaining talents are the expectation of future work and intimate family relationships;2)in medium house-price regions,the main factors that attract talents are the current salary level and close family ties;3)in low house-price regions,living convenience is a determining factor in retaining talents.This study provides a new perspective for talent mobility research and offers valuable inputs for retaining and attracting talents in different economic development regions.Findings are of great significance for formulating talent introduction policies and forming a new pattern of rational spatial docking and effective allocation of human resources.

Reusing oxide-based pulverised fly ash and medical waste particles to develop electroless nickel composite coatings(Ni–P/fly ash and Ni–P/SiO2–Al2O3)

Recycling and reusing materials from waste have become a nexus in the development of sustainable materials,leading to more balanced technologies.In this study,we developed a composite coating by co-depositing recycled ceramic particles,pulverised fly ash(PFA)and medical ceramics(MC),into a nickel–phosphorus matrix using a typical electroless plating process.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images indicated well-dispersed particles in the Ni–P matrix.However,compared with the MC particles,the PFA particles were distributed scantily with a lower content in the matrix,which could be due to the less impingement effect during the co-deposition.A modified microstructure with refined grains was obtained for the PFA-incorporated composite coating,as seen in the SEM micrograph.The X-ray diffraction result of the MC-incorporated composite coating showed the formation of Nix Siy phases in addition to the typical Ni3 P phases for the heattreated electroless Ni–P coatings.Upon heat treatment,the PFA-reinforced composite coating,due to a modified microstructure,exhibited a higher microhardness up to HK0.05818,which is comparable to that of the traditional SiC particle-embedded composite coating(HK0.05825).The findings can potentially open up a new strategy to further advance the green approach for industrial surface engineering.

An international physical activity and public health research agenda to inform coronavirus disease-2019 policies and practices

Physical activity(PA)has strong relevance for limiting the harms to human health and well-being due to the coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)pandemic.1 Active muscles produce chemicals that improve immune functioning,which in turn reduces the extent of infections,and decreases inflammation,and these are the main causes of the lung damage from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.PA is a powerful preventive and therapeutic intervention for the most common pre-existing chronic conditions that increase risk of severe COVID-19 infections and mortality.

A Fundamental DFT Study of Anatase(TiO2) Doped with 3d Transition Metals for High Photocatalytic Activities

Anatase（TiO_2） has been widely used in photocatalysis. However, it can only absorb near-ultraviolet light with a wavelength below approximately 388 nm due to a wide band gap. Therefore a modification should be made for anatase to increase its capability in utilizing more abundant visible light. We investigated the doped anatase with the most promising 3d transition metal elements, and the results showed that the visible light absorption intensity was increased significantly due to the reduced band gap and the cavitation effects. As compared to other 3d transition metals, Cu was found to be the most effective one in improving anatase photocatalytic effects. In addition, greater Cu concentration doped in the anatase increased the photocatalysis effects but reduced the anatase stability, therefore, an optimized Cu concentration should be considered to optimize the anatase photocatalysis activity.

Postbuckling of Marine Stifened Composite Plates with Initial Geometric Imperfections Using Progressive Failure Analysis

This work explores the postbuckling behavior of a marine stifened composite plate in the presence of initial imperfections.The imperfection shapes are derived from buckling mode shapes and their combinations.Thereafter,these imperfection shapes are applied to the model,and nonlinear large defection fnite element and progressive failure analyses are performed in ANSYS 18.2 software.The Hashin failure criterion is employed to model the progressive failure in the stifened composite plate.The efect of the initial geometric imperfection on the stifened composite plate is investigated by considering various imperfection patterns and magnitudes.Results show that when the magnitude of the imperfection is 20 mm,the ultimate strength of the stifened composite plate decreases by 31%.Moreover,global imperfection shapes are found to be fundamental in determining the ultimate strength of stifened composite plates and their postbuckling.

10,000 years of climate control over carbon accumulation in an Iberian bog(southwestern Europe)

The northwest region of the Iberian Peninsula is home to a unique ecosystem of bogs,which are particularly sensitive to projected climate cha nge.In this context,the rate of carbon(C)accumulation in Chao de Veiga Mol.an intact raised bog,was analysed.Changes in the accumulation rate over the past10 millennia were determined in a peat core of 847 cm in depth,with a high mean rate of peat growth(11 yr cm^-1,0.09 cm yr^-1).An age-depth model was generated from 22 14C dates and fallout radionuclides.Chronological,stratigraphical and physico-chemical data confirmed the existence of a single cycle of peat formation throughout the Holocene and the formation of ombrotrophic peat 9500 years ago.The total mean C content was 50.2%,and over 10 millennia 583 kg C m^-2 accumulated at a mean rate of 35.3 g C m^-2 yr^-1,with a long-term(apparent)rate of carbon accumulation in the catotelm of59.9 g C m^-2 yr^-1.These values are much higher than reported for other Iberian peatlands and are amongst the highest documented for peatlands in the northern hemisphere.The dynamics of C accumulation and other measured parameters reveals important variations throughout the Holocene.They could be associated with the main climatic events described in the northern hemisphere and are highly consistent with models established for northern latitudes.The Chao de Veiga Mol raised bog is unique and of great potential value for carrying out high resolution palaeoenvironmental studies,especially in relation to regional and Iocal modulations in southern Europe.

Timescales of geological processes: Preface

1.Introduction One of the major challenges in Geoscience is to understand how the formation and evolution of the Earth System are governed by timescales-that is,how the various geological processes that continue to contribute to its present-day structure and composition operated in the deep past.The traditional view of such processes refers to events that occur at immense spatial scales and over hundreds of millions of years,constrained in most cases by the ages of rocks determined using isotopic dating methods or the fossil record.However,the modern view of geological processes has increasingly acknowledged that their durations can be significantly shorter than previously thought possible,or indeed detectable without recent analytical innovations.Earthquakes are a prime example of rapid,high energy and episodic events that have a profound effect on subsequent processes such as metamorphism,fluid transport,and ore formation e the evidence of which is written in microstructures,compositional zoning,and P-T records.Experimental studies have also revealed that the reaction rates between fluids and rocks can be extremely rapid relative to geological timescales.This has led to the notion that geological processes are not necessarily continuous over millions of years but may,in fact,be sporadic,with long periods where essentially no reactions take place punctuated by periods of intense activity.

Inclusiveness in City Centre-A Case Study: 30-E-Tir Street in Tehran

City centres in today’s big cities,particularly in metropolises and megalopolises,play a crucial role in revival of human scale in an urban context.Nowadays,a city centre that corresponds to needs of various groups of users,contributes to creating a safe,healthy,vibrant,inclusive and sustainable city.Accordingly,identification of the major and minor groups of users of city centres as well as their likes,dislikes and preferences is a primary step.To this end,this paper investigates the city centre of Tehran and a recently pedestrianised street called 30-E-Tir.With a focus on the three indicators of age,gender and speed,this paper aims to elucidate the existing divergent groups of users of 30-E-Tir and their physical,mental,and spiritual expectations of this street.This 1.3-km street-as a linear path incorporating food&junk food kiosks and the associated small-scale canopies,and flagstone floorscaping-passes through many famous museums of Tehran.These specific features have converted 30-E-Tir Street into a convivial destination point for Tehranians.The existing problems,however,necessitate a detailed investigation of the current situation.The applied methodology for this qualitative-quantitative analysis of the present condition includes the literature review and the related analysis,direct appraisal,photography,and dot-based analysis.

综合能源站内土壤源热泵运行效果研究

为了确定综合能源站内土壤源热泵的运行效果及调节措施，本文通过对天津某综合能源站内土壤源热泵用户侧供能量、地源侧换热量、地埋管供水温度进行连续三年的监测，分析机组直接供能和蓄能运行工况下的平均运行效率。研究结果表明，能源站集中供能可很好地调配各设备的供能量。三年来，土壤源热泵机组白天供能、晚上蓄能，平均运行效率为机组额定COP值的91．4％～112．7％，不仅保证各机组均能以高效率运行，且可节约运行费用，减少碳排放。研究成果可为土壤源热泵系统在能源站中的运行提供参考。

Influence of coagulation mechanisms and floc formation on filterability

Minimizing particles in water is a key goal for improving drinking water quality and safety.The media filtration process,as the last step of the solid–liquid separation process,is largely influenced by the characteristics of flocs,which are formed and controlled within the coagulation process.In a laboratory-based study,the impacts of the physical characteristics of flocs formed using aluminum sulfate on the filtration treatment of two comparative water samples were investigated using a photometric dispersion analyzer and a filterability apparatus.In general,the optimum dosage for maximizing filterability was higher than that for minimizing turbidity under neutral p H conditions.For a monomeric aluminum-based coagulant,the charge neutralization mechanism produced better floc characteristics,including floc growth speed and size,than the sweep flocculation mechanism.In addition,the charge neutralization mechanism showed better performance compared to sweep flocculation in terms of DOC removal and floc filterability improvement for both waters,and showed superiority in turbidity removal only when the raw water had high turbidity.For the different mechanisms,the ways that floc characteristics impacted on floc filterability also differed.The low variation in floc size distribution obtained under the charge neutralization mechanism resulted in the flocs being amenable to removal by filtration processes.For the sweep flocculation mechanism,increasing the floc size improved the settling ability of flocs,resulting in higher filter efficiency.

Characteristics and application of road absorbing solar energy

If the heat of road surface can be stored in summer, the road surface temperature will be decreased to prevent permanent deformation of pavement. Besides, if the heat stored is released, it can supply heat for buildings or raise the road surface temperature for snow melting in winter. A road-solar energy system was built in this study, and the heat transfer mechanism and effect of the system were analyzed according to the monitored solar radiant heat, the solar energy absorbed by road and the heat stored by soil. The results showed that the road surface temperature was mainly affected by solar radiation, but the effect is hysteretic in nature. The temperature of the solar road surface was 3~C-6~C lower than that of the ordinary road surface. The temperature of the solar road along the vertical direction was 2~C-5~C lower than that of the ordinary road. The temperature difference increased as the distance to the heat transfer tubes decreased. The average solar collector efficiency of the system was 14.4%, and the average solar absorptivity of road surface was 36%.

Developing a chloramine decay index to understand nitrification:A case study of two chloraminated drinking water distribution systems

The management of chloramine decay and the prevention of nitrification are some of the critical issues faced by water utilities that use chloramine as a disinfectant.In this study,potential association between high performance size exclusion chromatography（HPSEC）data obtained with multiple wavelength Ultraviolet（UV） detection from two drinking water distribution systems in Australia and nitrification occurrence was investigated.An increase in the absorbance signal of HPSEC profiles with UV detection at λ = 230 nm between apparent molecular weights of 200 to 1000 Da was observed at sampling sites that experienced rapid chloramine decay and nitrification while its absorbance signal at λ =254 nm decreased.A chloramine decay index（C.D.I） defined as the ratio of area beneath the HPSEC spectra at two different wavelengths of 230 and 254 nm,was used in assessing chloramine decay occurrences.The C.D.Is of waters at locations that experienced nitrification were consistently higher than locations not experiencing nitrification.A simulated laboratory study showed that the formation of nitrite/nitrate and/or soluble microbial products and/or the release of extracellular polymeric substances（EPS） during nitrification may contribute to the C.D.I.increase.These findings suggest that C.D.I derived from HPSEC with multiple wavelength UV detection could be an informative index to track the occurrence of rapid chloramine decay and nitrification.