Evaluation of Natural Zeolite as a Material for Permeable Reactive Barrier for Remediation of Zinc-Contaminated Groundwater Based on Column Study

The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) filled with natural zeolite plays the role of a reactive treatment zone for remediation of contaminated groundwater. Based on column lab experiments, the volume of remediated solution, the distribution (K_d) and retardation (R_d) coefficients were evaluated, confirming successful removal and retention of zinc from contaminated groundwater. The effect of hydrodynamic dispersion on zinc capturing by zeolite in PRB was evaluated by the hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (D_L) and retarded hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (D_LR) using the Brigham method. For different assumed distances of the barrier, the simulation of one-dimensional zinc concentration profile from the point source through the barrier has been modeled by a simple analytical pulse model. The results show that the flow rate has the most significant effect on the concentration profile, peaks, and broadening of curves. The residence contact time (τ) corresponding to higher K_d and R_d as well as lower D_L and D_LR values outcomes the optimal range of 6.2–9.4 min. This interval corresponds to the experimental performance at the bed length of 8 and 12 cm and flow rate in the range of 6.38–9.57 PV/h. The calculated minimum thickness and longevity confirm the successful application of zeolite as a material in PRB for remediation of zinc contaminated groundwater.     

Management influence on maize–wheat system performance,water productivity and soil biology

Cereal cropping productivity in the Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India is declining, which may be overcome by diversification, alternate crop establishment methods and mulching. This study was conducted to determine whether no‐till flat (NTF), permanent raised beds (PRB) and nontraditional ex situ mulching would improve crop and water productivity, economic profitability and soil biological properties in an irrigated maize (Zea mays)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system (MWS). NTF systems produced 10% higher economic net returns compared with PRBs. Non‐traditional mulching (Sesbania, Jatropha and Brassica) increased yields by >10% and net returns by >12% compared with no‐mulch. The water saving in PRBs compared with NTF systems was 79, 94 and 173 mm/ha in maize, wheat and MWS, respectively. PRBs saved 29.2% of irrigation water and improved the MWS irrigation water productivity (WP_I) by 24.5% over NTF. On average, mulching saved 23.8 mm/ha irrigation water over no‐mulch and improved WP_I by 12.0%. PRBs with ex situ mulching produced wheat and maize equivalent system yields lower than NTF but improved WP_I and soil biological properties. Jatropha and Sesbania mulching improved yield, water saving, WP_I and system profitability. In limited irrigation and no crop residue availability conditions, Sesbania, Jatropha and Brassica vegetation material have potential applications for ex situ mulching under PRBs for water saving and NTF for productivity.     

Effect of Groundwater Inorganics on the Reductive Dechlorination of TCE by Zero-Valent Iron

Although permeable reactive barriers (PRB) technology appears to be a very suitable and cost effective option, the extent to which remediation results will be realized, greatly depends on the long-term integrity of the system. The formation of mineral precipitates is possibly a major factor in the long-term performance of PRB. Precipitates may passivate reactive surfaces by blocking electron-transfer sites, and thereby reduce the long-term reactivity of the granular iron to degrade groundwater contaminants. To evaluate the potential passivation impacts of inorganic groundwater chemistry, column experiments containing zero-valent iron (Fe⁰) were performed under anoxic conditions to treat two contrasting Danish groundwater types spiked with trichloroethylene (TCE). For most of the experiments using Danish groundwater types, a soft low alkalinity groundwater produced slightly higher TCE dechlorination rate than did a hard high alkalinity groundwater. Compared to a soft low alkalinity baseline groundwater, it was also found the dechlorination of TCE in the column was enhanced in the presence of 1 mM CaCO₃ and 1 mM NaHCO₃. The dechlorination of TCE in the presence of 1 mM KNO₃ and 1 mM Na₂SiO₃ was found to decrease considerably compared with the baseline solution. The results suggest that the composition of field groundwater is likely to strongly affect the ability of Fe⁰ barriers to degrade TCE.     

SE—Structures and Environment: Optimal Control Strategies for Carbon Dioxide Enrichment in Greenhouse Tomato Crops,Part II: Using the Exhaust Gases of Natural Gas Fired Boilers

Optimized control strategies for carbon dioxide (CO₂) enrichment of greenhouse tomato crops using CO₂ from the exhaust gases of boilers burning natural gas are presented. In one group of strategies, the heat produced during CO₂ generation which exceeds the immediate heat requirement of the greenhouse is stored as hot water and used subsequently for heating. The simulations show that, use of optimal control can increase the financial margin of crop value over the combined expenditure on gas used for CO₂ and heating by £2·3 m⁻² (11%) when heat is not stored and by £4·9 m⁻² (24%) when heat is stored, compared with enriching with CO₂ only when heating is required. A 30% increase in gas price reduced the financial margin by 11%, whereas a 30% increase in tomato price increased the margin by 40%. The capacity of the heat store places a limit on the amount of heat that can be stored and consequently on the amount of natural gas that can be burnt and the associated amount of CO₂ produced during the day. The optimum size of heat store is 20×10⁻³ m³ per unit greenhouse area.     

Electrokinetic-enhanced remediation of actual arsenic-contaminated soils with approaching cathode and Fe0 permeable reactive barrier

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the remediation efficiency of actual arsenic-contaminated soils by electrokinetic (EK)-enhanced remediation with approaching cathode and Fe⁰ permeable reactive barrier (PRB).

Materials and methods

Experiments were conducted in a lab-made apparatus consisting of the anode reservoir, the soil specimen chamber, and the cathode reservoir.

Results and discussion

In this study, the enhanced combination methods (approaching cathode and Fe⁰-PRB) were assisted for EK remediation of actual arsenic-contaminated soils under a voltage gradient of 1 V/cm and a treatment period of 96 h. Experimental results showed that arsenic accumulated in the anode sections (I, II) of the soil by employing EK alone with an arsenic removal rate of less than 5%. In contrast, EK-enhanced remediation with either approaching cathode (EK/AC) or Fe⁰-PRB (EK/PRB) reduced the arsenic concentrations in both central and anode sections of the soil and afforded the removal rates of 20% in both cases. However, EK-enhanced remediation with the combination of approaching cathode and Fe⁰-PRB (EK/PRB/AC) reached the removal efficiency of 45% without arsenic accumulation in any soil sections. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the approaching cathode that creates an alkaline environment to promote the migration of arsenic, as well as PRB filled with Fe⁰ that achieves the adsorption and immobilization of arsenic.

Conclusions

The highest remediation efficiency was achieved in the EK/PRB/AC test, which was attributed to the fact that the combination of this two methods solved the problem of arsenic accumulation in treated soil and ensured a more thorough arsenic removal. Furthermore, enhanced remediation efficiency does not elevate the costs.

     

恒温下相对湿度对果蔬热风干燥特性和品质的影响及调控

相对湿度作为干燥介质的重要参数，对干燥热质传质过程和干燥品质具有显著影响。但由于相对湿度对干燥过程的影响机理及优化调控机制尚不明确，导致相对湿度的调控方式多依靠经验，造成干燥效率低、品质差、能耗高等问题。对于传质过程，降低相对湿度能够增大对流传质系数，加快物料表面水分蒸发；而对于传热过程，升高相对湿度能够增大对流传热系数，加快物料升温速率。相对湿度较高时，物料升温速率快，内部水分迁移量增大，但表面水分蒸发量较小；而当相对湿度较低时，物料升温速率较慢，内部水分迁移量较小，但表面水分蒸发量较大。相对传热和传质过程的影响此消彼长，互相耦合。高相对湿度主要体现为对传热过程的影响，低相对湿度主要体现为对传质过程的影响。高相对湿度能够抑制物料表面的结壳，并能够提高复水性，降低收缩率。阶段降湿及多阶段降湿干燥方式下物料表面形成和保持了蜂窝状多孔结构，能够提高干燥效率和品质。基于监测物料温度的相对湿度调控方式被验证为较忧的相对湿度控制方式。阶段降湿干燥方式适用性的实质为：干燥过程中所体现出的对流传热热阻和内部导热热阻的相对大小，及对流传质阻力和内部传质阻力的相对大小，不同干燥条件和物料种类、厚度会影响以上传热传质阻力的大小，从而呈现出不同适应性的结果。当阶段降湿干燥过程中传热毕渥数>1且传热毕渥数>0.1时，说明阶段降湿干燥过程适用于此物料的干燥。该文综合论述了相对湿度对果蔬热风干燥过程中热质传递及干燥品质的影响，优化调控策略及适用性范围4个方面内容，明确了果蔬热风干燥过程中相对湿度的影响机理，为相对湿度的优化调控提供理论依据和技术支持。     

太阳能辅助闭式热源塔热泵系统冬季制热性能

热源塔热泵系统以空气为冷热源,在冬季制热时其性能会随环境温度的降低而降低。为此研发了可应用陕南地区农村建筑的太阳能辅助闭式热源塔热泵系统,试验研究了冬季工况下系统的制热性能,初步分析了太阳热能与空气热能的互补机理。研究结果表明:系统制热量范围为12.1～15.2 k W,热泵机组性能系数范围为2.3～3.5,系统能效比范围为1.5～2.4,供热温度高于41℃;冷却水温度对压缩机耗电量的影响程度大于防冻溶液温度,冷却水平均温度每升高1℃,压缩要耗电量增加98.1 W,而防冻溶液平均温度每升高1℃,压缩机耗电量减小9.5 W;太阳能辅助热源塔热泵制热模式下,热泵机组通过改变防冻溶液与空气和集热工质换热温差的方法来改变防冻溶液从空气和集热水箱中的吸热量,以实现空气热能与太阳热能的互补。建议在实际应用中应避免供热温度过高以减小压缩机耗电;在集热水箱温度较高时通过降低风机频率减小风机耗电以提高系统综合能效,但应避免风机低频率工作可能给机组安全运行带来的隐患。     

零价铁渗透反应格栅原位修复地下水中氯代烃的应用及研究进展

零价铁(Fe0)渗透反应格栅是一种简单廉价而有效的新型技术,可用来修复地下水中的氯代烃污染。Fe0渗透反应格栅有广阔的应用前景,但也有自身的一些缺点,仍需进一步研究改善。本文介绍了目前渗透反应格栅的安装结构及特点,并对Fe0渗透反应格栅的现场应用及研究进展情况进行了系统论述。     

Role of Humic Substances on Cr(VI) Removal from Groundwater with Pyrite

Groundwater composition may have a pronounced impact on long-term performance of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). Here, batch and column experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of humic acid (HA) on Cr(VI) removal by pyrite in systems containing cations such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. HA was observed to have inhibitory effect on Cr(VI) uptake by pyrite under the experimental conditions studied (e.g., pH 3 to 8). HA sorbed onto pyrite surface and thus (1) competed against Cr(VI) for pyritic surface sites and/or (2) increased electrostatic repulsion between Cr(VI) and pyrite. In systems with HA and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺, the Cr(VI) uptake by pyrite decreased drastically relative to HA alone due to the aggregation of HA with Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺. The formation of such HA aggregates/precipitates blocked Cr(VI) ions to reach its binding sites, thereby resulting in a substantial decrease in Cr(VI) uptake. Overall, the results have major implications for proper design and operation of PRBs with pyrite as the reactive material.     

Biological activation of hydrous ferric oxide for reduction of hexavalent chromium in the presence of different anions

Shewanella alga BrY, a dissimilatory iron reducing bacterium (DIRB), transformed inert ferric oxides that are common in sediments, aquifer material and passivated permeable reactive iron barriers (PRBs), producing dissolved and sorbed Fe(II) capable of rapidly reducing and immobilizing Cr(VI). The effect of groundwater chemistry on the formation and reactivity of such microbial-produced, abiotic reductants was investigated. Batch reactors with high carbonate concentration (10 mM) were the most reactive, removing 66.0% ± 2.8 of Cr (VI) (76 mg/l) from liquid phase within 5 min. Treatments with high concentrations of sulfate (5.2 mM), chloride (10 mM), phosphate (1 mM) or silica (0.75 mM) were less reactive (about 40% removal). Loss of reactivity was observed possibly due to oxidation of Fe(II) (sorbed and dissolved) by Cr(VI). Normalization of Cr(VI) removal to the mass of biogenic solid present showed the following molar Cr/Fe ratios in solid phase: 0.185 ± 0.041 (carbonate), 0.146 ± 0.013 (sulfate), 0.092 ± 0.010 (silica), 0.075 ± 0.012 (phosphate) and 0.062 ± 0.012 (chloride). Overall, these results show that bacterial transformation of inert ferric oxides can contribute to the (abiotic) natural attenuation of Cr(VI) in and around PRBs, and that groundwater chemistry is an important determinant of biogenic solids reactivity.     

The effects of drying and re-wetting and increased temperature on sulphate release from upland and wetland material

In central Ontario, elevated SO₄ concentrations and export have been measured in both upland and wetland-draining catchments following summer droughts, although the source of excess SO₄ is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of drying and re-wetting and temperature, respectively, on the release of SO₄ from the primary S pools in wetlands (Sphagnum and peat) and uplands (forest floor and mineral soil), using material collected from the PC1 catchment in Haliburton County, and from catchment S50 in the Turkey Lakes Watershed. Peat exhibited the most marked response to drying of the four materials considered, and within 24 h of re-wetting dried peat from both catchments released 3-4 times more SO₄ (50-67 mg kg⁻¹ S-SO₄) than continuously moist peat (16 mg kg⁻¹ S-SO₄), although temperature had only a marginal effect on SO₄ concentrations. There was no immediate response of Sphagnum to either drying or temperature, although S-SO₄ concentrations in Sphagnum tended to increase over the 30-day (d) incubation. There was a small but immediate increase in S-SO₄ concentrations in forest floor material (LFH) from both catchments within the first 24 h of incubation, which was greatest in treatments that were dried and/or incubated at a higher temperature. In contrast, neither temperature nor drying appeared to affect SO₄ release from mineral soil collected from either site. Results of laboratory incubations suggest that increases in SO₄ concentration that have been reported in wetland-draining streams immediately following summer dry periods may be quantitatively explained by drying and re-wetting of peat rather than increased mineralization in Sphagnum. Similarly, the higher SO₄ concentrations that have been measured in upland streams following summer droughts may in part be due to enhanced SO₄ release from the forest floor following drying and re-wetting. In contrast, while the mineral soil constitutes a large pool of total S, it does not appear to be responsive to changes in moisture or temperature in the short-term (<30 d) and therefore likely does not contribute to reported climate-related temporal variations in stream SO₄.     

Effect of open-path gas analyzer wetness on eddy covariance flux measurements: A proposed solution

Open-path gas analyzers are popular in eddy covariance flux measurements of trace gasses (i.e. CO₂). The quality of the data, however, may be influenced by several factors. Exposure in an outdoor environment invariably causes the instrument to become colder or warmer than the air temperature. Instruments with internal temperature regulation and/or from heat generated by active electrical components can also influence the sensor temperature. In addition, sensors can have condensation problems on their optical windows thus affecting the quality of the measurement. Unreasonable measurements have been widely discussed, especially in moist, high-latitude regions. As this is a very important research problem facing flux studies, we examined how wetness (dew and raindrops) on the surface of the focus lens of the popular LI-COR LI-7500 infrared gas analyzer may affect flux measurements from the open-path eddy-covariance system. Field experiments showed that additional sensor heating may inhibit dew formation yet greatly improve the quality of flux measurements. A detailed energy balance approach was used to model the gas analyzer window temperature under environmental conditions and dew effect through a pair of LI-COR LI-7500, with and without heat treatment, in a grassland ecosystem in the Netherlands. With the proposed model, existing datasets can be filtered for dew events. Data from three different flux measurement sites were then used to assess the magnitude of dew effects on longer time-scales; 2 years from the Netherlands and 3 weeks of data from an arid coastal desert. About 30% of the measurements were affected by dew in the grassland area versus 4% in the arid region during the dry season. Sensor heating suppresses dew formation but might lead to errors in trace gas fluxes evaluated over long periods, thus we analyzed how sensor heating or cooling affects trace gas flux measurements. Additions to a recent (2006) correction and application to a horizontally and vertically oriented LI-COR LI-7500 are presented as they deal with sensor heating problems in eddy-covariance systems. The sensor energy balance model, together with the proposed modified sensor heating corrections, were used to estimate sensor temperature effects on long-term scale CO₂ flux measurements and showed that additional heating does affect the turbulent trace gas CO₂ fluxes but is very minor, especially for a horizontally mounted LI-COR LI-7500 gas analyzer. Further efforts are urgently needed to improve the data quality and quality of flux measurements.     

Arsenate and Arsenite Sorption on Magnetite: Relations to Groundwater Arsenic Treatment Using Zerovalent Iron and Natural Attenuation

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) is a zerovalent iron corrosion product; it is also formed in natural soil and sediment. Sorption of arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) on magnetite is an important process of arsenic removal from groundwater using zerovalent iron-based permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology and natural attenuation. We tested eight magnetite samples (one from Phoenix Environmental Ltd, one from Cerac, Inc. and six from Connelly-GPM, Inc.) that contained from 79 to 100% magnetite. The magnetites were reacted in the absence of light with either As(V) or As(III) in 0.01 M NaCl at 23°C at equilibrium pH 2.5–11.5 for 24 h. As(V) sorption showed a continuous drop with increasing pH from 2.5 to 11.5; whereas, As(III) sorption exhibited maxima from pH 7 to 9. Equal amounts of As(V) and As(III) were sorbed at pH 5.6–6.8. Higher amounts of As(III) were sorbed by the magnetites than As(V) at pH values greater than 6.8. The solution speciation test did not show any chemical reduction of As(V) in any magnetite suspension, which is consistent with the X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) study of a Connelly-GPM magnetite (CC-1048) suspension. Conversely, XPS results show that the As(III) is partially oxidized in the magnetite (CC-1048) suspension. This is also consistent with the batch test results that also show more oxidation occurring at alkaline pH. Complete oxidation of As(III) occurred in a synthetic birnessite (δ-MnO₂) suspension after 24 h of reaction. The minute impurities of Mn (possibly as an oxide form) in the magnetite samples may have been responsible for As(III) oxidation. In addition, the structural Fe(III) in magnetite and hydroxyl radicals in solution could also serve as oxidants for As(III) oxidation. The conversion of As(III) to As(V) in the magnetite suspensions would be beneficial in a remediation scheme for As removal, since As(V) is considered less toxic than As(III). Information from the present study can help predict the sorption behavior and fate of arsenic species in engineered PRB systems and natural environments.     

Changes in soil organic compound composition associated with heat‐induced increases in soil water repellency

Soil heating, as for example experienced during vegetation fires, often increases soil water repellency; however, no detailed analysis of the soil chemical changes associated with this increase has been conducted to date. Here we characterize the changes in organic compound composition associated with heat‐induced increases in water repellency for three Australian eucalypt‐forest soils (one sandy loam, two sands). Laboratory heating (300°C) strongly increased water drop penetration times (WDPTs) in all soils. Soils were extracted by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) with an iso‐propanol/ammonia mixture (IPA/NH₃ 95:5) and pure iso‐propanol (IPA). Extracts were fractionated into less and more polar fractions and analysed by GC‐MS. Water repellency was eliminated in unheated and heated soils by IPA/NH₃, but not by pure IPA. Before heating, total solvent extracts were dominated by n‐alkanols, terpenoids, C₁₆ acid, C₂₉ alkane, β‐sitosterol and polar compounds. After heating, dominant compounds were aromatic acids, aldehydes, levoglucosan, simple sugars and glycosides. Heating resulted in a sharp absolute decrease of homologous aliphatic series of alkanols and alkanes, a shift of fatty acid signature to members <C₂₀ and an increase in total content of aromatic compounds. Heating also caused the formation of complex high‐molecular‐weight compounds detected in the more polar fractionated extracts and low‐molecular‐weight oxo‐ and hydroxyacids and aromatics in the IPA/NH₃ solvent. We speculate that these compounds in conjunction with fatty acids of <C₁₂ interact with organic and mineral soil surfaces and cause the observed strong increases in soil water repellency following heating.     

Are ecological gradients in seasonal Q10 of soil respiration explained by climate or by vegetation seasonality?

Soil respiration (SR) is highly sensitive to future climate change, and particularly to global warming. However, considerable uncertainties remain associated with the temperature sensitivity of SR and its controlling processes. Using 384 field measurement data from 114 published papers and one book, this study quantifies the variation in the seasonal Q₁₀ values of soil respiration, the multiplier by which respiration rates increase for a 10 °C increase in temperature, and its drivers across different sites. No significant correlation between Q₁₀ and mean annual temperature or mean annual precipitation is found when statistically controlling seasonal changes in vegetation activity, deduced from satellite vegetation greenness index observations (normalized difference vegetation index, or NDVI). In contrast, the seasonal amplitude of NDVI is significantly and positively correlated with the apparent Q₁₀ of SR. This result indicates that the variations of seasonal vegetation activity exert dominant control over the variations of the apparent Q₁₀ of SR across different sites, highlighting the ecological linkage between plant physiological processes and soil processes. It further implies that the seasonal variation of vegetation activity may thus dominate the apparent seasonal temperature sensitivity. We conclude that the apparent Q₁₀ value of SR estimated from field measurements is generally larger than the intrinsic temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition, and thus cautions should be taken when applying apparent Q₁₀ values directly in ecosystem models. Our regression analysis further shows that when the amplitude of NDVI variation approximates 0 (and thus when the seasonality in vegetation activity is marginal), the residual Q₁₀ of SR for soil temperature measured at 5 cm depth is about 1.5.     

Thermoelectric module cooling for photosynthesis chambers in plant nutrition studies 1

The water cooled system for controlling air temperature in photosynthesis assimilation chamber is cumbersome and requires a water tight system consisting of a double‐jacketed chamber. Manipulation of temperature control from one air temperature to another requires the adjustment of water bath temperatures. A simplified system for the air temperature control of the assimilation chamber and heat removal under high photon flux density would be desirable. An effective thermoelectric module cooling and heating system for a photosynthesis chamber was developed and evaluated for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Air temperature variations within a chamber were maintained within 0.4°C, 0.9°C, and 0.3°C for the wheat, sorghum, and soybean chambers, respectively. The thermoelectric module system is simple and provides sufficient cooling and heating capacities to maintain chamber air temperature from 20°C to 30°C with 1100 μmol m^‐2 s^‐1 photon flux density for photosynthesis and dark respiration studies.

Air temperature within a photosynthesis chamber during photosynthesis in plant nutrition studies is one of the important environmental parameters that must be controlled. Due to excessive heat under the relatively high photon flux density used in photosynthesis measurements, air temperature has been traditionally cooled and controlled by passing chilled water through double walled water‐jacket chambers^{3,5,7,8,12,13}. Although the water cooled double‐jacket system has been successful in controlling temperature, maintaining water tight systems has been a problem. To alleviate some of the problems of a double‐jacketed system, air was cooled by passing over a water‐cooled radiator placed below the leaf^4,11 . Under conditions of relatively high photon flux densities (1100 ymol m^‐2 s^‐1), water‐cooled systems do not provide sufficient cooling capacity to maintain 25°C or less air temperature. Mauney, et al.⁶ reported photosynthetic data obtained from cuvettes that were electrically cooled by the Peltier device, but no details of the system were provided. In later studies^9,10,14, Peltier‐cooled systems appeared as a simple alternative to water‐cooled systems. This paper reports the details on an effective thermoelectric module cooling and heating system based on the Peltier principle for photosynthesis chambers.     

Temperature effects on plant response to sulfur dioxide in Zea mays,Liriodendron tulipifera,and Fraxinus pennsylyanica

The influence of a 7 °C range of air temperature (28 to 35 °C) on plant response to SO₂ (0.4 μL L^?1 for 7 hr) was investigated in herbaceous (Zea mays) and woody (Liriodendron tulipifera and Fraxinus pennsylvanica) species. The indices of plant response were SO₂-induced changes in photosynthesis and the transpiration ratio. The physiological basis of differences in response as a function of temperature was evaluated through determination of SO₂ flux to foliage. The most consistent influence of the higher temperature for all three species was an increase of 20 to 50% in the foliar S content. The transpiration ratio and photosynthesis were more responsive to SO₂ at the higher temperature in both woody species but less responsive in Z. mays. Thus, the pattern of SO₂-induced injury as a function of temperature was not consistent among all species. Several mechanisms are proposed to account for the increase in SO₂ flux at higher temperatures, including a change in stomatal conductance and direct temperature effects on the conductivity of the diffusive media (gas and liquid phase) and the kinetic energy of SO₂ molecules. Since the pattern of temperature-dependent plant responses to SO₂ was species-specific, generalizations about the modifying role of temperature on plant responses to SO₂ are limited.     

Characterization and Performance of Granular Iron as Reactive Media for TCE degradation by Permeable Reactive Barriers

The application of Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs), an innovative clean-up technology for in-situ groundwater remediation, represents an effective alternative to traditional pump-and-treat systems and has raised strong interest during recent years. From recent statistics of the Italian Water Research Institute (IRSA), trichloroethylene (TCE) from industrial activities is the most widespread contaminant in groundwater. The goal of the research was to test the suitability and performance of a high purity granular iron reactive medium for TCE degradation by PRBs. The suitability was evaluated based on chemical and physical characteristics of the material and the performance of the granular iron, in terms of TCE removal efficiency, was evaluated by column tests.The experimental results showed that the characteristics of the granular iron are suitable for application as a reactive medium, since the hydraulic conductivity values were fully consistent with those reported in the literature, and the leaching tests indicated a reduced release of heavy metals. The overall removal efficiency of TCE was higher than 97% in all the tests performed at the flow rate of 0.25 cm³ min^-1 (corresponding to a groundwater flow velocity of 0.37 m d^-1) both for the 100% iron and the iron-sand columns. Moreover, TCE degradation around 60% was observed even in the first section of the columns fortypical groundwater flow velocity. The TCE reduction in the outlet stream was confirmed by the assessment of chlorine mass balance and by the absence of any reaction intermediate detected by GC-MS.Finally, the concentration profiles in the columns were not in agreement with those expected for a chemistry-controlled kinetic regime. This suggests that TCE degradation rate may have been limited by precipitation phenomena, hindering the contaminant transport to the iron surface.     

Influence of Loss‐on‐Ignition Temperature and Heating Time on Ash Content of Compost and Manure

Abstract

Loss‐on‐ignition (LOI) is a simple method for determining ash content, and by reciprocation, organic matter content of compost and manure. However, reported ignition temperatures and heating times for LOI measurements vary widely, and this brings into question the accuracy of one specific combination of ignition temperature and heating time over another. This study examined the effect of 42 temperature‐heating time combinations (six ignition temperatures from 400 to 650°C in 50°C increments by seven heating times of 1, 2, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24‐h) on the ash content of a finished compost and a fresh manure. The experiment included the 550°C for 2‐h method recommended in Test Methods for Evaluation of Compost and Composting. The magnitude of the decrease in ash content due to increase in temperature was not consistent across all heating times. For example, after a 1‐h heating time for compost, ash content was 75.7% at 400°C and 67.5% at 650°C, compared to 69.6% at 400°C and 66.8% at 650°C after 24‐h. Irrespective of heating time, an ignition temperature of 400°C overestimated ash content for both compost and manure compared to the TMECC method. The TMECC method with its moderate temperature and short heating time requirement could reduce energy costs without affecting ash content results.     

Matrix Based Fertilizers Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphorus Leaching in Greenhouse Column Studies

We tested the efficacy of matrix based fertilizer formulations (MBF) that reduce NH₄, total phosphorus (TP), total reactive phosphorus (TRP) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) in leachate. The MBF formulations cover a range of inorganic N and P in compounds that are relatively loosely bound (MBF1) to more moderately bound (MBF2) and more tightly bound compounds (MBF3) mixed with Al(SO₄)₃ H₂O and/or Fe₂(SO₄)₃ and with the high ionic exchange compounds starch, chitosan and lignin. Glomus interadicies, a species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores that will form mycorrhizae in high nutrient environments, was added to the MBF formulations to increase plant nutrient uptake. When N and P are released from the inorganic chemicals containing N and P the matrix based fertilizers likely bind these nutrients to the Al(SO₄)₃ H₂O and/or Fe₂(SO₄)₃ starch–chitosan–lignin matrix. We tested the efficacy of the MBFs to reduce N and P leaching compared to Osmocote^® 14-14-14, a slow release fertilizer (SRF) in sand filled columns in a greenhouse study. SRF with and without Al and Fe leached 78–84% more NH₄, 58–78% more TP, 20–30% more TRP and 61–77% more than MBF formulations 1, 2, and 3 in a total of 2.0 liters of leachate after 71 days. The concentration and amount of NO₃ leached among SRF and MBF formulations 1 and 2 did not differ. The SRF treatment leached 34% less NO₃, than MBF3. Total plant weight did not differ among fertilizer treatments. Arbuscular mycorrhizal infection did not differ among plants receiving SRF and MBF formulations 1, 2 and 3. Although further greenhouse and field testing are called for, results of this initial investigation warrant further investigation of MBFs.