Analysis of Heat Transfer Fouling by Dry‐Grind Maize Thin Stillage Using an Annular Fouling Apparatus

In dry‐grind processing to produce ethanol from corn, unfermented solids are removed from ethanol by distillation and dried to produce distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), an animal food. Fouling of thin stillage evaporators has been identified as an important energy consumption issue in dry‐grind facilities. Using an annular fouling apparatus, four batches of thin stillage were analyzed to determine repeatability of fouling rate and induction period measurements. Dry solids, protein and ash concentrations, and pH were correlated to fouling rate and induction period to determine how variation in thin stillage from the same dry‐grind facility affects these fouling parameters. Effects of increasing Reynolds number (Re) in the laminar region on fouling rate, induction period, and fouling deposit protein and ash concentrations were also determined. Repeatability of fouling rate measurements was similar to other studies (CV < 7.0%) but repeatability of induction period measurements was high relative to other studies (CV < 88.7%). Fouling rate increased with increasing dry solids concentration. Thin stillage at Re = 440 had shorter induction periods and greater fouling rates than at Re = 880. Fouling deposits collected from Re = 440 tests had similar protein concentrations and lower ash concentrations compared with deposits from Re = 880 tests.     

Field Measurements of Gaseous Nitrogen Losses from an Alfisol planted with Sugar-Beets

To provide improved data for modelling gaseous N losses, denitrification measurements by the acetylene inhibition technique were conducted in an Alfisol cropped with sugar beets. This investigation is integrated into a research program designed to model water and nutrient fluxes in an agricultural water catchment area. During the cropping season (April–October) the influence of soil temperature, water, nitrate and available carbon on the release of nitrous oxide (N₂O) from the soil surface as well as on the N₂O-concentrations along the soil profile was studied. Denitrification increased with increasing soil temperature and water content. During the time of intensive plant growth denitrification was small. Both, field and laboratory studies revealed that denitrification began at temperatures between 5 and 8 °C and soil water contents above 30% (v/v). Available carbon did not seem to be a factor that limited denitrification under the prevailing climatic conditions. Assuming that the N₂O surface fluxes were representative of the amount of N denitrified, about 12 kg N ha^?1 was evolved during the cropping season. Spatial variability of N₂O evolution was, however, high and N₂O concentration in the soil profile was still high at the end of each 48 h sampling period.     

涂膜法测定黄土结皮容重

容重是反映土壤结皮物理特性的重要指标，涂膜法非常适宜结皮容重的测定。介绍了改进后涂膜法测定结皮容重的胶液配置、涂膜方法与测定方法。实测25个样品，精度可满足研究要求。     

Synthesis of APTMS-Functionalized SiO2/TiO2 Transparent Film Using Peroxo Titanic Acid Refluxed Solution for Formaldehyde Removal

Amine-functionalized SiO₂/TiO₂ photocatalytic films have been synthesized using the peroxo titanic acid (PTA) approach coupled with the sol-gel dip-coating method. The 3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) were employed as the amine functional groups and silica precursor. The effects of the ratio of APTMS/MTMOS, PTA refluxed time, and pH of prepared sol on the characteristics and the formaldehyde degradation efficiency were investigated. Physicochemical properties of prepared photocatalysts were characterized with nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm measurement, SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectrophotometer, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The XRD and FTIR results indicated that the obtained photocatalysts consisted of –NH₂ groups, SiO₂, and anatase TiO₂. The photocatalytic films showed high transmittance of 80–90% in the visible light region. The obtained film prepared with the APTMS/MTMOS ratio of 0.03, pH of 1.8, and 10 h of refluxed time possessed high specific surface area (604.0 m² g^?1) and 85% formaldehyde degradation efficiency. The enhancement of formaldehyde degradation efficiency was observed when increasing the PTA refluxed time. The repeatability of photocatalytic film was also tested, and the degradation efficiency was 92.0% of initial efficiency after seven cycles.     

纳米二氧化钛光催化修复二苯砷酸污染土壤的研究

利用纳米二氧化钛去除土壤中的二苯砷酸(diphenylarsinicacid,DPAA),研究了纳米二氧化钛对土壤吸附DPAA能力的影响,着重比较了原位直接光解法与异位泥浆处理法在去除DPAA效率上的差异,并对纳米二氧化钛催化降解的实验室条件进行了优化。结果表明:纳米二氧化钛添加可提高土壤对DPAA的吸附能力,但由于纳米颗粒的稳定性受到土壤中有机质影响,仅能提高红壤对DPAA的固定能力。直接施加纳米颗粒的原位光降解受纳米二氧化钛用量影响较小,主要受限于光在土层中的光照厚度及土壤含水量。汞灯照射10天后,DPAA的降解率最高仅为39.5%,但加水将土壤调制成泥浆、通过搅拌提高紫外照射下土壤与纳米颗粒的受辐射几率,可显著提高降解率,其中水土比变化较纳米二氧化钛用量更显著影响催化反应效率。将水土比从1︰1提升至10︰1,光照1.5 h后DPAA的降解率从34.3%上升至72.2%。泥浆搅拌下,二氧化钛光催化降解的方法在不同土壤中均表现出良好的降解效率,在有机质含量较低的红壤中DPAA的降解率最高达78.6%。     

Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in Water Using Photocatalysis with Fixed TiO2

Photocatalytic activity in titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been extensively studied because of its potential use in sterilization, sanitation, and remediation applications. The aim of the study reported here was to assess the feasibility of “fixed” TiO₂ as the photocatalyst for inactivating pathogenic bacteria selected, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, from a water stream. The investigation was undergone in a properly designed laboratory-scale evaluation. Using the system reported here, we obtained an effective bactericidal capability for E. coli and S. aureus with 90.0% and 98.0% after 30 and 10 min ultraviolet-A light irradiation with fixed TiO₂, respectively. Parameters such as the various initial bacteria concentration, TiO₂ concentrations, interruption of illumination, turbidity, and coexisted organic matters were examined to identify the removal efficiency in the photocatalytic reaction. Results indicated the negative effect by high bacteria concentration, coexisted organic matters, and turbidity on inactivation of bacteria, and positive effect on disinfection was associated with higher TiO₂ concentration. Furthermore, our results indicated that under the same experimental conditions, the removal efficiency of the system in synthetic water was performed better than that of crude water. This inferior removal capability in crude water is mainly caused by the negative effect from the unknown coexisted factors.     

农田不同肥力条件下玉米秸秆腐解效果

为了探讨农田不同肥力对玉米秸秆腐解转化和能态变化的影响,该文采用砂滤管法在陕西关中高、中等、低3种肥力塿土上进行了480 d的玉米秸秆腐解试验,研究了腐解进程中玉米秸秆的分解率以及有机碳组成和能态变化。结果显示,随着腐解进行,腐解产物中的苯–醇溶性、水溶性组分下降,半纤维素和纤维素含量先上升后下降,而木质素增加;腐解物的能态呈现上下起伏、下降和相对稳定3个阶段的变化,总体是一个放能过程。腐解产物的热值与其有机碳、苯–醇溶性组分、水溶性组分、半纤维素和纤维素呈显著正相关,但与其灰分、木质素、腐殖物质含量呈显著负相关。腐解480 d,3种肥力间比较发现,玉米秸秆在中等肥力田块上矿化率最高,低肥力田块上的最低;中等肥力土壤能够促进玉米秸秆中的水溶性有机组分和木质素的分解,而高肥力土壤能够促进苯–醇溶性组分和半纤维素、纤维素分解,并有利于腐殖物质的形成,而且腐解物的能态最高。     

Decomposition of Organic Matter with Previous Cadmium Adsorption in Soils

Decomposition of organic matter with previous Cd adsorption (thereafter referred to as OMACd) in soils and in water was studied in order to clarify the mechanism of Cd-induced inhibition of organic matter decomposition in soil. Two types of organic materials (sludge, rice straw) with or without previous Cd adsorption were mixed with a Gley soil or a Light-colored Andosol in a proportion of 1%. In the soils amended with the Cd-free organic materials, a CdCl₂ solution was added to the soils. The decomposition of the organic matter was examined by measuring the CO₂ evolution for 4 weeks at 28°C. Although the same amount of Cd was added to the soils, the decomposition of OMACd was inhibited to a greater extent than that in the soils to which a CdCl₂ solution had been added.

Furthermore the decomposition of sludge with previous Cd adsorption (thereafter referred to as SACd) in water after inoculation of soil microorganisms was investigated. Although the control sludge without Cd was markedly decomposed at 30°C during 4 weeks, SACd was not appreciably decomposed. These results suggest that OMACd cannot be readily decomposed by microorganisms.     

Decomposition and soil biota after reclamation of coal mine spoils in an arid region

Summary We compared soil biota and buried wheat straw decomposition on sites subject to topsoiling plus straw mulch reclamation procedures 1–4 years prior to our study and on an unmined site. Rates of straw decomposition were highest on the unmined site. Decomposition rates were higher on the 1- and 2-year-old sites than on the 3- and 4-year-old reclaimed spoil. Microarthropod population densities and number of taxa were greater from decomposing straw on the unmined site and lowest from straw on the 1- and 2-year-old areas. Soil bacteria, fungi, and protozoan populations on buried straw on the oldest reclaimed sites were generally equal to those on the unmined area. Nematode populations on buried straw in the unmined site and 1- and 2-year-old reclaimed sites were similar. Populations of denitrifying bacteria were larger on recently reclaimed sites than on 3- and 4-year-old sites. Decomposition and nitrogen mineralization varied as a function of the diversity and abundance of soil microarthropods. Soil microfauna can serve as an index of soil development in a disturbed arid soil.     

TiO2-Assisted Photodegradation of Direct Blue 78 in Aqueous Solution in Sunlight

The photodegradation of azo dyes aqueous solution has been investigated using TiO₂ as catalyst in sunlight. The effect of amount of catalyst, concentration of dye, and pH value on the degradation of Direct Blue 78 was observed. A complete degradation of 100 mg/L Direct Blue 78 solution under solar irradiation was achieved in 6 h at pH?3.0, dosage of TiO₂ 1.0 g/L. A possible pathway for the photodegradation of Direct Blue 78 in sunlight was proposed.     

A Computational Approach Based on GIS Technology for the Development of an Anthropogenic Emission Inventory of Gaseous Pollutants in Greece

This paper describes a computational system developed for the compilation of an anthropogenic emission inventory of gaseous pollutants for Greece. The inventory was developed using a geographical information system integrated with SQL programming language to provide high temporal gridded emission fields for CO, NO₂, NO, SO₂, NH₃ and 23 non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) species for the reference year 2003. Activity and statistical data from national sources were used for the quantification of emissions from the road transport, the other mobile sources and machinery sectors and from range activities using top-down or bottom-up methodologies. Annual emission data from existing national and European emission databases were also used. The emission data were spatially and temporally disaggregated using source-specific spatiotemporal indicators. On national scale, the road transport sector produces about 60% of the annual CO and NMVOC total emissions, with gasoline vehicles being the main CO and NMVOC emissions source. The road transport is responsible for approximately half of the higher alkanes and for more than half of the ethene and toluene emissions. The maritime sector accounts for about 40% of the annual total NO_x emissions, most of which are emitted by the international shipping subsector, whilst SO₂ is emitted mainly by the energy sector. The evaluation of the emissions inventory suggests that it provides a good representation of the amounts of gaseous pollutants emitted on national scale and a good characterisation of the relative composition of CO and NO_x emission in the large urban centres.     

Sulfide Production by Sulfate Reducing Bacteria with Lactate as Feed in an Upflow Anaerobic Fixed Film Reactor

The sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) have the capability of reducing sulfate (SO4-2) under anaerobic conditions into sulfide (S-2) which can precipitate metals as metal sulfides. The optimum conditions for sulfide production by SRB utilizing lactate, in an upflow anaerobic fixed film reactor (UAFFR) were not previously established. The main objective of this research was to investigate these conditions for the growth of SRB to ensure the highest sulfide production under consistent behaviour of the system. Substrate containing lactate as the organic carbon source along with sulfate, nitrogen and phosphorus as the required nutrients was used as a feed to the UAFER which was seeded with SRB. It was found that an optimum sulfide production occurred with an organic loading rate (OLR) of 6 kg d-1 m-3, while the theoretical oxygen demand to sulfate ratio (ThOD/SO4) ranged from 1.5 to 2.25. Also, the optimum total nitrogen and phosphorus demands were determined to be about 250 and 50 mg L-1 respectively. A total nitrogen concentration above 600 mg L-1 started showing toxicity and lowered the sulfide production. The optimum ThOD:N:P for sulfide production and growth of SRB in the UAFFR was 100:5:1 under optimum conditions.     

Seasonal Evolution of Levels of Gaseous Pollutants in an Urban Area (Ciudad Real) in Central-Southern Spain: A Doas Study

Long term continuous monitoring measurements of urban atmospheric concentrations of O₃, NO₂, NO, and SO₂ were performed for the first time in Ciudad Real, a city in central-southern Spain. The measurements were carried out using the differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) technique, with a commercial system (OPSIS, Lund-Sweden), covering the summer and winter seasons (from 21st July 2000 to 23rd March 2001). Mean levels of O₃, NO₂ and SO₂ monitored during this period were: 27 μg m^?3, 50 μg m^?3 and 7 μg m^?3 respectively. The highest hourly averaged value of O₃ (160 μg m^?3) was measured during the summer period, while NO₂ was enhanced in wintertime (highest values 90 μg m^?3). In the coldest period, when central heating installations were operating, SO₂ showed maximum levels of 20 μg m^?3. The daily, weekly and seasonal analysis of the data shows that photochemical air pollution dominates in this urban atmosphere and is strongly influenced by levels of motor traffic and domestic heating system emissions. These measurements were compared with other studies in Spain and Europe. Also, the long path averaged DOAS measurements were compared with in situ observations made in Ciudad Real, from 23rd August 2000 to 25th September 2000, using a mobile air pollution control station. All gas concentrations reported in this paper are below the WHO guidelines and the different thresholds introduced by the European Environmental Legislation.     

Decomposition of chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) leaves and nitrogen mineralization in an urban environment

We studied soil processes along an urban to rural gradient. To determine the ecosystem response to the urban soil environment, we measured (1) leaf litter decomposition rates using a reference leaf litter, and (2) net N-mineralization and net nitrification rates using paired in situ soil cores. A significant trend toward slower litter decomposition rates toward the urban end of the gradient was observed. In addition, percent ash-free dry mass remaining of the litter was significantly higher during the course of the study but was not statistically significant at the final sampling date. Litter C:N ratio had a complex response with respect to degree of urban land use, and litter % N did not differ between land-use types. Litter decomposition rates were not significantly correlated with observed soil physicochemical and biological characteristics but were influenced by soil moisture and soil organic matter. Net N-mineralization rates were higher in urban soils. Net nitrification rates did not differ with land-use type. Net N-mineralization rates were positively correlated with soil temperature, indicating a response to the urban heat island effect. Net N-mineralization rates were negatively correlated with the numbers of higher trophic level nematodes.     

纳米TiO2光半导体材料防治植物病害的初步研究

纳米TiO2光半导体材料是一种具有抗菌与环境净化功能的新型环境友好材料,试验首次探索了将其应用于植物病害防治的可能性.在黄瓜霜霉病防治研究的栽培试验中发现,喷施纳米TiO2光半导体溶胶材料可以显著地降低黄瓜霜霉病的发病率和病情指数,减少叶片病斑数量与病斑面积.试验研究结果初步证实了其对黄瓜霜霉病害具有一定的防治作用,为以纳米TiO2光半导体溶胶材料为主要有效成分的植物抗菌剂与保护剂的开发提供了参考依据.     

Removal of Trichloroethylene by Activated Carbon in the Presence and Absence of TiO2 Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as a new type of contaminant in water and wastewater. The fate of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) in a granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorber and their impact on the removal of trichloroethylene (TCE) was investigated. Key parameters governing the TiO₂NP?CGAC interaction such as specific surface area (SSA), zeta potential, and the TiO₂NP particle size distribution (PSD) were determined. The impact of TiO₂NPs on TCE adsorption on GAC was tested by conducting TCE adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and column breakthrough studies in the presence and absence of TiO₂NPs. SSA and pore size distribution of the virgin and spent GAC were obtained. The fate and transport of the TiO₂NPs in the GAC fixed bed and their impact on TCE adsorption were found to be a function of their zeta potential, concentration, PSD, and the nature of their aggregation. The TiO₂NPs under investigation are not stable in water and rapidly form larger aggregates. Due to the fast adsorption kinetics of TCE, the isotherm and kinetic studies found no effect from TiO₂NPs. However, TiO₂NPs attached to GAC and led to a reduction in the amount of TCE adsorbed during the breakthrough experiments suggesting a preloading pore blockage phenomenon. The analysis of the used GAC confirmed the pore blockage and SSA reduction.     

Decomposition rates of buried substrates increase with altitude in the forest-alpine tundra ecotone

Decomposition rates were measured across the forest-alpine tundra ecotone on two mountains in the Colorado Front Range. Cotton strips decomposed in the surface soils of forest, krummholz, and tundra plots for one year. We expected decomposition rates to decline with altitude or be most rapid in the krummholz. Surprisingly, decomposition rates increased from forest to tundra on Mt. Evans and remained constant across the ecotone on Niwot Ridge, highlighting differences in biogeochemical processes between two nearby mountains with otherwise similar alpine and subalphine ecosystems. Our results support the concept that decomposition rates exhibit a curvilinear relationship with soil temperature and moisture. However, soil moisture was found to be the primary factor controlling cellulose decomposition rates in soils in the forest-alpine tundra ecotone. Cellulose decomposition rates increased with soil depth indicating greater microbial activity in the mineral soil than in the organic horizon due to greater soil moisture. In addition to microbial activity, decomposition rates in the tundra may be enhanced by physical degradation from freeze-thaw events and vigorous root growth.     

膜孔直径对浑水膜孔灌土壤水氮运移特性的影响

通过对西安粉壤土进行4种膜孔直径(6,8,10,12cm)的浑水膜孔肥液自由入渗室内试验,观测并分析了湿润锋运移距离、累积入渗量、湿润体内水分分布以及NO_3~--N和NH_4~+-N运移特性的变化规律。结果表明:膜孔直径对浑水膜孔灌土壤水氮运移特性具有较为显著的影响。不同膜孔直径的浑水膜孔灌肥液自由入渗累积入渗量符合Philip入渗模型;湿润锋运移距离与入渗时间呈极显著的幂函数关系;在相同的入渗时间内,膜孔直径越大,湿润锋运移距离越大,单位膜孔面积累积入渗量越小,同一位置处土壤NO_3~--N和NH_4~+-N含量越大。入渗400min内,在膜孔中心附近区域NO_3~--N和NH_4~+-N含量较高,湿润体内土壤NO_3~--N主要集中分布在距膜孔中心15cm范围内,而NH_4~+-N主要集中分布在距膜孔中心8cm范围内。